Pope gets an earful from Belgian king over scandals and failures to respond

During a challenging visit to Belgium, Pope Francis faced strong criticism from the country’s king, prime minister, and a university rector regarding the Catholic Church’s handling of clergy sex abuse and its lack of progress on issues concerning women and the LGBTQ+ community. Before meeting with 17 abuse survivors, who shared their trauma and demanded reparations, Francis expressed remorse and pledged to ensure such abuses … Continue reading Pope gets an earful from Belgian king over scandals and failures to respond

Democrats up pressure on Supreme Court with bill adding six justices

Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), are pushing a bill to expand the Supreme Court from nine to 15 justices over 12 years and implement stricter requirements for overturning laws, including mandatory audits of justices’ tax returns. This initiative comes as Democrats seek to counter the current 6-3 Republican majority on the Court, which they attribute to former President Trump and former Senate … Continue reading Democrats up pressure on Supreme Court with bill adding six justices

Trump Meets Zelensky, Says ‘It’s Time’ for Ukraine War to End

Before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York City, former President Donald Trump stated that it is time for the Ukraine War to end, reiterating his commitment to resolving the conflict if he wins a second term. He expressed gratitude to Zelensky for defending him during the 2019 impeachment inquiry, noting that Zelensky’s assertion that Trump did nothing wrong during their phone call … Continue reading Trump Meets Zelensky, Says ‘It’s Time’ for Ukraine War to End

N.C. Gov. Republican Candidate Mark Robinson Hospitalized ‘For Burns’

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson was hospitalized on Friday evening for burns sustained during a campaign event in Mt. Airy, according to his campaign. Communications Director Michael Lonergan stated that Robinson is in good spirits. Reports indicated he left the Mayberry truck show event abruptly, leading to his hospitalization. This incident follows resignations among his campaign staff after a CNN report revealed Robinson’s association … Continue reading N.C. Gov. Republican Candidate Mark Robinson Hospitalized ‘For Burns’

Opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna charged with threatening her in 2022 primary

William Braddock, a former Republican congressional candidate in Florida, has been charged with threatening to send a hit squad to kill his opponent, Anna Paulina Luna, during the 2022 primary. In a recorded call, Braddock discussed using Russian and Ukrainian assassins against Luna, whom he referred to derogatorily. After moving to the Philippines, Braddock was extradited and appeared in a Los Angeles federal court. He … Continue reading Opponent of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna charged with threatening her in 2022 primary

Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast

Hurricane Helene devastated Florida and the southeastern U.S., killing at least 44 people and causing widespread destruction. The Category 4 storm, with winds of 140 mph, uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and left millions without power across several states. Rescue efforts were launched to save people trapped by floodwaters, including at a hospital in Tennessee. Significant damage was reported in Georgia and the Carolinas, where two … Continue reading Hurricane Helene kills at least 44 and cuts a swath of destruction across the Southeast

Justice Department charges 3 Iranians over alleged involvement in Trump campaign emails hack

The Justice Department has indicted three Iranians—Masoud Jalili, Seyyed Ali Aghamiri, and Yasar Balaghi—for allegedly hacking emails from Donald Trump’s campaign. The indictment claims they tried to send the stolen information to people they believed were connected to the Biden campaign, though no one responded. The three men, linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are charged with various crimes, including computer hacking and … Continue reading Justice Department charges 3 Iranians over alleged involvement in Trump campaign emails hack

Hundreds evacuated as dams at risk in North Carolina following Storm Helene flooding

Residents downstream of two North Carolina dams were evacuated due to concerns of catastrophic failures caused by Hurricane Helene’s flooding. Cocke County, Tennessee, initially reported the failure of Waterville Dam, but this was later deemed a false alarm, though evacuations remained. In Rutherford County, North Carolina, floodwaters overtopped the Lake Lure Dam, compromising its structure. Despite some erosion, the dam was holding, the Independent has … Continue reading Hundreds evacuated as dams at risk in North Carolina following Storm Helene flooding

Stranded patients, staff airlifted from Tennessee hospital roof amid flooding

Over 50 people were successfully airlifted from the roof of Unicoi County Hospital in eastern Tennessee on Friday after floodwaters from the remnants of Hurricane Helene engulfed the facility. The Tennessee National Guard, using three Blackhawk helicopters, and Virginia State Police conducted the rescue. Patients and staff were taken to a local high school. Earlier attempts to evacuate by ambulance and boat failed due to … Continue reading Stranded patients, staff airlifted from Tennessee hospital roof amid flooding

Helene triggers inland flooding, widespread power outages

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, caused life-threatening and damaging impacts in the Florida Panhandle and is continuing to affect the Southeast. Heavy rain and strong winds are spreading into the southern Appalachians and Tennessee Valley. AccuWeather warns of widespread flooding and damage in Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond. Helene, described as a “once-in-a-generation” storm, AccuWeather has reported. The storm has downed trees, caused power … Continue reading Helene triggers inland flooding, widespread power outages

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, US officials say

China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine, the first of its Zhou-class line, sank pierside in the spring, with the Chinese Navy attempting to conceal the incident, according to U.S. defense officials. The submarine, recognized by its X-shaped stern, disappeared from satellite images after March. The loss was first noticed due to unusual crane activity at the shipyard. China prioritizes the modernization of its navy, aiming to rival … Continue reading China’s newest nuclear-powered submarine sank earlier this year, US officials say

Wrapping up mission, US troops leaving longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

The U.S. announced an agreement with Iraq to end its military mission against ISIS by 2025, with American troops leaving some long-held bases. Although details on troop numbers were not provided, U.S. forces will relocate to Erbil in northern Iraq during a two-phase transition. The Biden administration emphasized the shift to a bilateral security relationship by 2026, though some troops may remain at the request … Continue reading Wrapping up mission, US troops leaving longstanding bases in Iraq under new deal

Coast Guard watching uptick in Russian, Chinese navy activity near Alaska

The U.S. Coast Guard has observed increased Chinese and Russian naval activity around Alaska and the northern Pacific, according to Vice Admiral Andrew J. Tiongson. While Russian and Chinese vessels sometimes enter the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, interactions have remained professional, with the Coast Guard monitoring and communicating with them. Tiongson noted the growing cooperation between the two navies in the region, NBC News has … Continue reading Coast Guard watching uptick in Russian, Chinese navy activity near Alaska

Saudi Arabia to expand controversial cloud seeding program

Saudi Arabia is expanding its cloud-seeding program to boost rainfall in its arid regions, according to Deputy Environment Minister Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha. Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Faqeeha said recent advances in AI, meteorology, and remote sensing have improved the program, which initially struggled in the early 2000s. The initiative aims to increase water supply and combat desertification, though cloud-seeding remains controversial due to … Continue reading Saudi Arabia to expand controversial cloud seeding program

Israel strike targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut

The IDF targeted Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on the group’s headquarters in Beirut. Multiple explosions were heard, and extensive damage was reported. Israeli officials believe it is unlikely Nasrallah survived the strike, though Hezbollah sources claim he is alive. Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the attack, consulting with senior defense officials beforehand. Following the strike, Israel emphasized its readiness for further operations. Hezbollah … Continue reading Israel strike targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in Beirut

Biden and Harris unveil measure to tackle gun violence amid Trump clash

On Thursday, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new executive order aimed at reducing gun violence, establishing an “emerging firearms threats task force” to address issues like machine-gun conversion devices and 3D-printed guns. The order includes guidelines for schools on active shooter drills to lessen their psychological impact on students. Biden emphasized the need for stricter gun regulations, including reinstating the … Continue reading Biden and Harris unveil measure to tackle gun violence amid Trump clash

Gov. Gavin Newsom deals blow to reparations effort in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1050, a key piece of legislation aimed at restoring property taken through racially motivated eminent domain. He cited the bill’s reliance on a non-existent state agency for implementation, as it was contingent on the passage of Senate Bill 1403, which also failed. Newsom acknowledged the intent behind the bill but emphasized the practical challenges it posed. While he … Continue reading Gov. Gavin Newsom deals blow to reparations effort in California

McConnell criticizes conservative ‘cult of personality’ around Viktor Orbán

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized members of his party for their growing admiration of Hungary’s authoritarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, calling it a “cult of personality.” On the Senate floor, McConnell highlighted Hungary’s troubling ties with adversaries like Russia and China, noting that while Hungary is a NATO member, it has not aided Ukraine and has obstructed Sweden’s NATO membership bid. He condemned Orbán … Continue reading McConnell criticizes conservative ‘cult of personality’ around Viktor Orbán

Special counsel Jack Smith files ‘oversized motion’ in Trump’s federal election prosecution

Special Counsel Jack Smith’s team submitted a 180-page brief in the revised criminal case against former President Donald Trump concerning the 2020 election results. While the brief remains sealed, it could be partially released ahead of the November 5 election. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan approved the oversized filing, which is intended to provide a detailed factual proffer following a Supreme Court ruling on presidential … Continue reading Special counsel Jack Smith files ‘oversized motion’ in Trump’s federal election prosecution

Mike Pence quietly lays the groundwork for a post-Trump future

Mike Pence has recently voiced his opposition to Trumpism, urging Republicans to reject “protectionist tariffs” and “isolationism” while reaffirming anti-abortion stances. This reflects his efforts to establish a post-Trump party, advocating for traditional conservative values amidst the rise of populism. Despite a failed presidential campaign, Pence is actively seeking allies within the GOP to promote his vision. However, his influence is uncertain, as he lacks … Continue reading Mike Pence quietly lays the groundwork for a post-Trump future

Kentucky governor tells sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge to resign

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s general counsel ordered Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines to resign by Friday or face removal proceedings. Stines, accused of first-degree murder for the Sept. 19 shooting of District Judge Kevin Mullins, has pleaded not guilty. Mullins, 54, was shot and killed in his chambers, and Stines, 43, surrendered without incident. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, though Stines was recently … Continue reading Kentucky governor tells sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge to resign

Local officer’s bullet stopped Trump shooter’s gunfire before Secret Service shot, witness testifies

A Pennsylvania police officer testified before a House task force on Thursday about the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Trump. Sgt. Edward Lenz of Adams Township Police explained how a local operator fired at shooter Thomas Crooks during the incident, causing him to recoil before a Secret Service sniper delivered the fatal shot. Crooks, who had positioned himself on a nearby rooftop, killed … Continue reading Local officer’s bullet stopped Trump shooter’s gunfire before Secret Service shot, witness testifies

Alabama executes inmate by nitrogen gas

Alan Eugene Miller, convicted of killing three men in separate workplace shootings in 1999, was executed in Alabama using nitrogen gas on Thursday. Miller, 59, was the second person in the U.S. to be executed by this method, which causes death by depriving the body of oxygen. He was pronounced dead at 6:38 p.m. after about six minutes of gasping breaths. Miller, a delivery truck … Continue reading Alabama executes inmate by nitrogen gas

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on charges of campaign finance violations, bribery, and accepting illegal foreign donations. The indictment, unsealed after an FBI raid on his residence, accuses Adams of receiving over $100,000 in illegal benefits, including luxury travel and campaign donations from Turkish officials, dating back to 2016. Adams allegedly pressured the NYC Fire Department to bypass inspections for a … Continue reading NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges

Hurricane Helene to roar ashore in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4

Hurricane Helene, now a Category 4 storm with winds up to 140 mph, is set to make landfall near St. Marks, Florida, late Thursday night. The storm threatens life-threatening conditions, with powerful winds, storm surges up to 20 feet, and heavy rainfall. Helene is expected to cause catastrophic flooding in northern Florida, with up to 36 inches of rain possible inland, especially in the southern … Continue reading Hurricane Helene to roar ashore in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4