Lower mortgage rates push home sales up in September

Sales of previously owned homes rose 1.5% in September to an annualized rate of 4.06 million units, marking the highest pace in seven months but slightly below forecasts. Compared with last year, sales were up 4.1%, with the South and Northeast seeing the strongest annual growth. Monthly gains were led by the West, while the Midwest experienced a slight decline, CNBC has reported. Falling mortgage … Continue reading Lower mortgage rates push home sales up in September

Families describe deaths, violence in Alabama prisons as they push for change

Chase Mathis, 31, died on June 4, 2024, after being placed in general population at an Alabama prison despite telling guards he feared for his life, raising concerns from his family that he may have been deliberately given a lethal drug dose. His father and other family members joined a rally at the Alabama Capitol, highlighting widespread violence, overdoses, assaults, and neglect in state prisons. … Continue reading Families describe deaths, violence in Alabama prisons as they push for change

Man arrested in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son in California floodwaters

Authorities arrested 26-year-old Brandon Padilla-Aguilera of Barstow, California, in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son, Xavier, who was swept away by floodwaters during a September storm. He pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and child abuse or endangerment likely to result in great bodily injury, along with a special allegation of willful harm resulting in death. The father and son … Continue reading Man arrested in connection with the death of his 2-year-old son in California floodwaters

Fight over new US House districts in California could turn on advertising edge in closing days

Less than two weeks before Election Day, California’s battle over new U.S. House maps under Proposition 50 is shaping up heavily in Democrats’ favor, with Republican opponents running low on ads and resources. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s map aims to strengthen his party’s chances of retaking the House in 2026 and counter GOP efforts in Texas and elsewhere. Voting is underway, with over 1.5 million … Continue reading Fight over new US House districts in California could turn on advertising edge in closing days

North Carolina Republicans pass new US House map

North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a new congressional map to secure an additional U.S. House seat, following President Trump’s push for redistricting before next year’s midterms. The previous map, drawn just two years ago, already favored Republicans, giving them 10 of 14 seats despite the state being a swing state. Democratic Governor Josh Stein cannot veto the plan due to state law. North Carolina joins … Continue reading North Carolina Republicans pass new US House map

Government shutdown continues as Senate fails to advance GOP bill

The Senate failed to advance the House-passed funding bill to end the government shutdown for the 12th time on Wednesday. Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon spoke for 22 hours and 37 minutes, beginning Tuesday evening, in protest of what he called President Trump’s “authoritarianism.” The Senate vote was 54-46, short of the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward, News has reported. At … Continue reading Government shutdown continues as Senate fails to advance GOP bill

4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash

Four members of former Illinois state Senator Darren Bailey’s family were killed in a helicopter crash in eastern Montana on Wednesday, the campaign confirmed Thursday. Those who died include Bailey’s son Zachary, his daughter-in-law Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, 7. Their third child was not on the helicopter, the AP has reported. The crash occurred near Ekalaka, Montana, and is … Continue reading 4 family members of Illinois governor candidate killed in Montana helicopter crash

Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

A 21-year-old illegal immigrant from India, Jashanpreet Singh, who entered the U.S. in 2022 and was released under the Biden administration’s “alternatives to detention” policy, is accused of causing a fatal semi-truck crash in Southern California. Singh allegedly drove into slow-moving traffic on the I-10 Freeway in San Bernardino County without braking, killing three people and injuring several others. Toxicology tests confirmed he was impaired … Continue reading Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Beef producers hit back after Trump rips high prices

Beef producers criticized President Trump on Wednesday after he suggested lowering meat prices amid plans to increase beef imports from Argentina. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association said the move undermines U.S. farmers and “undercuts the future of family farmers,” emphasizing that American cattle producers already operate in a highly competitive market. The group urged the administration to focus on completing a $750 million New World … Continue reading Beef producers hit back after Trump rips high prices

46 Dead After 2 Buses Crash in ‘Head-On’ Collision in Uganda

A head-on collision between two buses on Uganda’s Kampala-Gulu Highway left 46 people dead and multiple others injured, authorities reported. The crash occurred early Wednesday near Kitaleba Village when both buses were attempting to overtake other vehicles, resulting in a head-on impact and a chain reaction that overturned additional cars. Earlier reports had mistakenly listed 63 fatalities, as some unconscious victims were initially counted as … Continue reading 46 Dead After 2 Buses Crash in ‘Head-On’ Collision in Uganda

Surfer in distress and rescuer both die in stormy weather in Australia

A surfer and a friend who tried to rescue him both died off Frankston Pier near Melbourne during stormy conditions, police reported. The incident occurred Wednesday as wind gusts reached 130 kph (81 mph), breaking the surfer’s board and leaving him struggling in the water. A 43-year-old local attempted a rescue, but despite a police helicopter recovery, neither man survived. One emergency responder was briefly … Continue reading Surfer in distress and rescuer both die in stormy weather in Australia

British officers sent to Israel to help monitor Gaza ceasefire

The UK has deployed a small team of planning officers, including a senior commander, to Israel to help monitor the Gaza ceasefire at the request of the US. Defence Secretary John Healey said the UK will play an “anchor role” within the American-led Civil Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) alongside troops from Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE, but will not lead operations or enter Gaza. … Continue reading British officers sent to Israel to help monitor Gaza ceasefire

Explosions and Drone Strikes Hit Russian Regions, Killing 12

A series of explosions and suspected drone attacks across multiple Russian regions overnight killed at least 12 people and injured several others. In Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk region, a factory producing artillery ammunition for the Russian military exploded, killing 10 and leaving five in critical condition, while 12 employees remained missing. Separate incidents included a bomb-packed stroller near a bus stop in Stavropol, injuring a woman and … Continue reading Explosions and Drone Strikes Hit Russian Regions, Killing 12

Youth anger in Ivory Coast as the 83-year-old president seeks a fourth term

Placide Konan, a slam poet in Abidjan, has been using his performances to criticize Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term amid widespread frustration over poverty and inequality. Despite being a major economic hub and the world’s largest cocoa producer, the country faces a 37.5% poverty rate, with over three-quarters of the population under 35. Ouattara, 83, is expected to win after … Continue reading Youth anger in Ivory Coast as the 83-year-old president seeks a fourth term

Japan says it plans to tell Trump it will build up military and upgrade security strategy

Japan’s new foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said the country plans to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening defense and adapting to emerging threats during President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo next week. The talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, are expected to focus on deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance, regional security cooperation with South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, and maintaining stable relations … Continue reading Japan says it plans to tell Trump it will build up military and upgrade security strategy

Ukraine could get 150 advanced Swedish fighter jets

Sweden has offered to supply Ukraine with up to 150 of its advanced Saab Gripen-E fighter jets, marking the first major jet deal from a NATO member to Kyiv. The agreement, signed as a letter of understanding by President Zelensky and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, leaves details such as costs, delivery schedules, and exact numbers (100–150 jets) to be determined. The Gripen-E is considered … Continue reading Ukraine could get 150 advanced Swedish fighter jets

Taiwan reports its first case of African swine fever and culls scores of pigs

Taiwan reported its first cases of African swine fever on a farm in Taichung, prompting the culling of 195 pigs and a five-day ban on pig movement and slaughter across the island. Authorities established a 3-kilometer control zone around the farm and carried out disinfection measures, while Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih said the virus strain will be isolated before reporting to the World Organization of … Continue reading Taiwan reports its first case of African swine fever and culls scores of pigs

Irish police arrest 23 people in second night of anti-immigration unrest

Twenty-three people were arrested in Dublin following a second night of violent protests outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, Irish police reported. The unrest began after a 26-year-old man, a foreign national who had been issued a deportation order, was arrested over the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. Demonstrators threw missiles and fireworks at officers, resulting in two injuries, with police describing the … Continue reading Irish police arrest 23 people in second night of anti-immigration unrest

At least 25 states plan to cut off food aid benefits in November

Millions of low-income Americans face losing food aid on Nov. 1 as half of U.S. states plan to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. Twenty-five states, including California, Alabama, Indiana, and New Jersey, are notifying participants that checks will not be issued next month, with the USDA instructing states to halt distributions until further notice. States are struggling … Continue reading At least 25 states plan to cut off food aid benefits in November

Pelosi Says Police May Arrest Federal Agents Who Violate California Law

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Kevin Mullin warned that local authorities in California could arrest federal agents if they violate state law during upcoming immigration raids in the San Francisco Bay Area. The warning comes as Border Patrol agents are expected in the city, following President Trump’s repeated calls to deploy federal forces. The strategy was proposed by San Francisco District Attorney Brooke … Continue reading Pelosi Says Police May Arrest Federal Agents Who Violate California Law

Rubio warns against West Bank annexation after Israel’s parliament advances move

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Israel against annexing the West Bank, calling the Knesset’s preliminary vote to extend Israeli sovereignty there and the rise in settler violence a “threat to peace.” The bill, which would apply Israeli law to occupied Palestinian territory, passed an initial vote despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging a delay to preserve the Gaza ceasefire, embarrassing him politically. Annexation … Continue reading Rubio warns against West Bank annexation after Israel’s parliament advances move

White House releases list of donors for Trump’s multi-million-dollar ballroom

Major companies and prominent individuals are donating to fund President Donald Trump’s proposed 90,000-square-foot ballroom, according to the White House. Contributors include Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Google, Coinbase, Comcast, Meta, the Winklevoss twins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and his family, and the Adelson family. Trump has emphasized that the project is privately funded and will not cost taxpayers. He stated Wednesday that the ballroom’s … Continue reading White House releases list of donors for Trump’s multi-million-dollar ballroom

Cuomo and Sliwa force Mamdani on defense in final debate

In the final New York City mayoral debate, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa aggressively targeted frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, criticizing his lack of experience, policy positions, and past comments on Israel. Cuomo attacked Mamdani’s record, pandemic book deal, and handling of city issues, while Mamdani fired back by highlighting Cuomo’s scandals and portraying him as aligned with Donald Trump. The debate touched on handling Trump, affordability, … Continue reading Cuomo and Sliwa force Mamdani on defense in final debate

Police probe new video showing Louvre jewel thieves escaping

Investigators in Paris have recovered DNA traces from a helmet and gloves linked to the gang behind the Louvre jewel heist, and new video shows the thieves escaping the museum, prosecutors confirmed. The daylight robbery on Sunday lasted just four minutes, during which the group used power tools to break display cases, threatened guards, and fled on scooters, dropping Empress Eugénie’s crown along the way. … Continue reading Police probe new video showing Louvre jewel thieves escaping

Tropical Storm Melissa lumbers through the Caribbean as islands take cover

Tropical Storm Melissa moved slowly through the Caribbean, threatening Jamaica and southern Hispaniola with life-threatening flooding and landslides. Authorities in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica opened shelters, closed schools and courts, and warned residents in flood-prone areas to seek higher ground. The storm was producing up to 12 inches of rain in eastern Jamaica, with similar amounts expected in southern Haiti and the Dominican Republic, … Continue reading Tropical Storm Melissa lumbers through the Caribbean as islands take cover