In other news

Alec Baldwin was involved in a car crash in the Hamptons on Monday afternoon while driving his wife Hilaria's white Range Rover with his brother Stephen. Baldwin blamed a large garbage truck for cutting him off, causing him to crash into a tree. He posted a video on Instagram explaining the incident and assuring that he and his brother were fine. The garbage truck was from National Waste Services and was still at the scene after the crash. Baldwin thanked the responding law enforcement, particularly Officer Gerken from the East Hampton Police Department.

Alec Baldwin crashed his Range Rover into a tree in the Hamptons on Monday afternoon. The actor, 67, was with his brother Stephen Baldwin at the time of the accident. Baldwin claimed that a 'garbage truck the size of a whale' cut him off, causing him to crash into the tree. He was unharmed and praised the responding authorities, including Officer Gerken of the East Hampton PD. Baldwin addressed the incident in a video on Instagram, stating that the Range Rover was his wife Hilaria's car. The actor has a history of controversy in the Hamptons, having previously tried to sell his East Hampton home after the 'Rust' shooting incident.

The article criticizes Jon Stewart's 'faux rage' against Donald Trump's supporters, arguing that Democrats have lost touch with patriotic and faithful Americans. It highlights past instances where Democrats, including Barack Obama, have been perceived as dismissive or hostile towards certain values and groups, such as law enforcement and Christians. The author suggests that this has led to a decline in Democratic fortunes and a rise in anti-American sentiment within the party.

The sister-in-law of former US presidential candidate Mitt Romney, Carrie Elizabeth Romney, was found dead on a street in Valencia, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. She was 64 years old. The cause and manner of her death are being investigated, with no foul play suspected. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear if she jumped or fell from a nearby parking garage or building.

New York City FC (NYCFC) has announced that it will host home matches at Yankee Stadium during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This will be the first time in four years that NYCFC has hosted playoff matches in the Bronx. The team splits its home games between Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. NYCFC is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference and is guaranteed at least one home playoff date in the first round. The team's final standing will be determined on Saturday when they face Seattle in the last game of the regular season. NYCFC is expected to move into a brand new soccer-specific stadium next door to Citi Field in 2027.

A 10-year-old western lowland gorilla named Denny at the San Diego Zoo's gorilla forest habitat smashed a portion of a thick glass panel in front of horrified onlookers on Saturday. The incident was captured on video, showing Denny charging at the glass wall, causing several people to gasp and scream. The zoo confirmed that Denny was not injured and that he and the other gorillas in the enclosure would be cared for while the panel is replaced. Experts speculate that Denny's behavior may have been triggered by grief over the recent death of his brother, Maka, or possibly by being stared at directly in the eyes by visitors.

A 23-year-old woman named Ava Ahlander died after being struck by a falling plank from a nearby construction site while attending the Redwest Music Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. The incident occurred when powerful gusts of wind ripped the plank from a scaffold as Ahlander and her friends were evacuating the festival grounds due to intense weather. Ahlander was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries and later died. Her family revealed that she was a country music fan who had returned to Utah to see Post Malone perform. The incident was described as a 'freak accident' by her uncle.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which backs New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, denounced the Israel-Gaza cease-fire deal and called for continued resistance against Israel. The DSA released a statement titled 'Until Palestinian Liberation,' asserting that the truce 'will not end Israel's assault on the Palestinian people or the theft and occupation of Palestinian lands.' The group supports 'the end of Israel's colonization and occupation of all Arab lands,' 'equality,' and 'the right of all refugees to return to their homes and properties.' Mamdani's campaign has been closely tied to the DSA, which endorsed him before his official mayoral launch. The DSA's national leadership has drawn attention for its internal policies on Israel, including a resolution threatening to expel members who reject the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign or cooperate with pro-Israel organizations.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has gone into hiding in a 'safe place' amid a coup attempt and weeks of protests calling for his resignation. Rajoelina claimed in a Facebook live broadcast that a group of military personnel and politicians planned to assassinate him. The protests, led by young demonstrators known as 'Gen Z Mada', began over issues like water and power cuts but escalated into wider dissatisfaction with the government over unemployment, corruption, and cost-of-living crisis. The situation has resulted in at least 22 deaths and over 100 injuries according to the UN. A powerful army unit, CAPSAT, which helped Rajoelina come to power in 2009, has declared itself in command of the armed forces and some of its officers joined the protests. The opposition party, TIM, plans to bring impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina for 'abandonment of post'.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has postponed a decision on whether Israel can participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 due to 'recent developments in the Middle East'. The vote, initially scheduled for November, will now be discussed at an in-person meeting in December. Israel's participation has been met with opposition from some countries due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Some countries, including Spain, Ireland, and the Netherlands, have considered boycotting the contest if Israel is allowed to participate. The EBU's decision comes after a ceasefire was reached between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Indonesian lawmakers have received a significant increase in their recess allowance, sparking widespread public anger just weeks after protests over their excessive pays. The allowance has been doubled to 702 million rupiah ($42,400; £31,800) to support lawmakers in carrying out their official duties during parliamentary recesses. The move has been criticized by the public and watchdog groups, who view it as another example of the country's political elite's impunity and disconnect from the general population. The protests earlier in August were triggered by a $3,000 monthly housing allowance given to lawmakers, which was later cut. However, the latest allowance hike has renewed controversy around the issue, with many Indonesians feeling that their concerns are being ignored.

A bus carrying Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals veered off the N1 highway in South Africa's Limpopo province and plunged down an embankment, resulting in the deaths of 42 people, including seven children, and injuring 49 others. The bus was traveling from Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences, describing the incident as a tragedy for South Africa and the affected countries. An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched, with government officials, including Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, set to visit the crash site and the injured.

The Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia, a Chinese-owned chipmaker based in the Netherlands, citing 'serious governance shortcomings' and the need to protect Europe's economic security and semiconductor supply. The move has raised tensions between the EU and China, with the China Semiconductor Industry Association expressing 'serious concern' and describing the measures as 'selective and discriminatory'. Nexperia's owner, Wingtech, has stated it will take actions to protect its rights and seek government support. The decision follows the US government's placement of Wingtech on its 'entity list' in December 2024 due to national security concerns.

The US government shutdown is affecting the town of Martinsburg, West Virginia, where over 3,300 people are employed by federal agencies, including a veterans' hospital, an IRS processing facility, and an agricultural assistance office. Residents, including veterans and small business owners, are worried about the impact of the shutdown on their community, with concerns about job losses, reduced services, and economic damage. The shutdown has already led to the closure of a USDA service centre and the furlough of 34,000 IRS workers. Local leaders, including Senator Shelley Moore Capito, are divided along party lines, with Republicans voting to provide government funding without healthcare subsidies that Democrats want.

The US government shutdown has caused the cancellation of US citizenship ceremonies, leaving many would-be citizens in limbo. The author, Leyla Khodabakhshi, shares her personal experience of being at a Virginia immigration office when the ceremony was cancelled due to the shutdown. Many people had traveled from afar and were left disappointed, confused, and anxious about the delay. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website was temporarily down, and when it came back online, it showed that appointments had been cancelled 'due to unforeseen circumstances.' The shutdown has been ongoing since October 1, with Republicans and Democrats deadlocked over government funding, affecting over 700,000 federal workers. The USCIS is largely funded by application fees, but its director warned that public-facing services like naturalization ceremonies could be delayed. The article highlights the uncertainty and anxiety faced by those waiting to become US citizens.

Twenty members of the Barrio 18 gang, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States, have escaped from a prison in Guatemala. The escape occurred at the Fraijanes II facility, southeast of Guatemala City, prompting an investigation into possible corruption. The U.S. embassy condemned the escape, calling it 'utterly unacceptable' and urging the Guatemalan government to recapture the fugitives. Barrio 18 is known for its violence and extortion, and its designation as a terrorist organization is part of the U.S. crackdown on drug trafficking. Guatemala is home to around 12,000 gang members and collaborators, with 3,000 in prison, and has seen a rise in homicides.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have clashed along their shared border, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Afghanistan claims to have killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in overnight border operations, while Pakistan reports 23 troops killed. The clashes are a response to alleged repeated violations of Afghan territory and airspace by Pakistan. The Taliban government has captured 25 Pakistani army posts and left 30 soldiers wounded. The situation has led to the closure of key border crossings, including the Torkham and Chaman crossings, disrupting trade and causing Afghan refugees to be turned away. Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have called for calm and restraint. The Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has stated that Afghanistan wants a peaceful resolution but reserves the right to protect itself. The clashes have raised concerns about regional instability, particularly given the historical tensions between Pakistan and India.

A British army horse named Quaker, who was involved in a chaotic incident in London last year where five horses broke free and galloped through the streets, has been retired to a sanctuary in Buckinghamshire due to injuries sustained during the incident. The horses were spooked by construction noise and caused significant disruption, resulting in injuries to five soldiers and four members of the public. Quaker, a 15-year-old black horse, suffered a broken bone and serious bleeding and was deemed unfit to return to duty.

The former lead singer of the Welsh rock band Lostprophets, Ian Watkins, was stabbed to death in a UK prison on Saturday. Watkins, 48, was serving a 29-year sentence for child sex offenses. Two men, Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and appeared in court. Watkins had been convicted in 2013 of multiple charges related to child abuse and was described by the judge as a 'manipulative and dangerous sexual predator.' The band had disbanded after his arrest and released a statement condemning his actions.

A German woman has returned an ancient relic, the capital of a column, to Greece after stealing it over 50 years ago from the archaeological site of Olympia. The relic, made of limestone, was taken from the Leonidaion, a 4th-century BC guesthouse. The woman's actions were praised by the Greek culture ministry, which hailed her 'sensitivity and courage.' The return is the third artifact returned by the University of Muenster in recent years, following a twin-handled wine cup and a Roman-era marble male head. Greek officials emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual respect in the repatriation of cultural artifacts, with the return of the Parthenon Marbles remaining a key goal for Greece.

Senator Chris Murphy discusses the recent ceasefire agreement and the ongoing budget negotiations on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan'. Murphy praises the ceasefire but criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for delaying the agreement. He also expresses concerns about the upcoming budget, stating that Democrats should not support a budget that raises healthcare premiums by 75% to finance a tax cut for the wealthy. Murphy defends his stance on not supporting a short-term funding deal without addressing the larger issues, citing the need to prevent disaster for families and address the destruction of democracy and the rule of law.

Vice President JD Vance was interviewed on 'Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan' about the upcoming hostage release between Hamas and Israel, the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts, and the potential for a sustainable peace in the Middle East. Vance expressed confidence in the deal, citing the President's non-traditional diplomacy and the involvement of Muslim-majority countries in providing ground troops. He also discussed the US role in mediating the peace and the commitment to keeping pressure on the parties involved. The conversation also touched on the government shutdown and layoffs, with Vance attributing the shutdown to the Democrats and emphasizing the administration's focus on essential services.

The article discusses New York City's ongoing battle against rat infestation, highlighting the city's efforts to combat the issue and the insights gained from data analysis. Experts and officials, including Kaylee Byers and Joshua Goodman, share their perspectives on the problem. A study by MMPC suggests that the rat population has grown from 2 million to 3 million over the past decade. The article frames New York's approach as a model for other cities in the United States.

The article discusses the challenges faced by American farmers, particularly in the Midwest, due to changing policies, global events, and trade tensions. Brady Holst, a 32-year-old farmer from Augusta, Illinois, shares his concerns about the impact of tariffs, higher costs, and Chinese retaliation on his farm. The article highlights the struggles of the agricultural sector and the uncertainty faced by farmers in the face of shifting global dynamics and political decisions.

US President Donald Trump is attempting to broker a peace deal in Gaza as he visits the Middle East. Despite his claim that 'the war is over', fighting has continued between Hamas and other armed groups, threatening the success of his peace plan. Hamas has expressed 'a spirit of optimism' about the talks, but it remains unclear if they will accept a partial Israeli withdrawal.

The article discusses the recent optimism surrounding peace talks between Hamas and Israel, with Hamas expressing a 'spirit of optimism' about the negotiations. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas will accept a partial Israeli withdrawal. The peace talks are taking place in the context of a broader push for peace in the region, with the Egyptian government hosting diplomatic efforts in Sharm el-Sheikh. The article notes that previous agreements signed in the city have not been implemented, casting doubt on the prospects for success. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of various regional actors and the ongoing conflict between Hamas and armed gangs in Gaza. Despite these challenges, there are efforts to revive the peace process, with US involvement being a key factor. The article highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the peace talks, including the potential for Hamas to accept a partial Israeli withdrawal and the implications for the region.

The article discusses the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Western Tigray, Ethiopia, three years after the end of the country's civil war. The region has been subject to abuses, including massacres and deportations of Tigrayans by militiamen. Many have fled, but some remain trapped, facing persecution and violence. The article highlights the story of a woman named Mehret, who was forced to flee her home and is now trapped with her five children.

The article discusses the prevalence of ageing autocrats in Africa, highlighting leaders such as Paul Biya of Cameroon and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda who have been in power for decades. It notes that Africa is home to seven of the world's top ten longest-serving leaders, excluding monarchs. The article suggests that these leaders are not relics of the past but rather a template for the future, with many seeking re-election despite their advanced age.

TotalEnergies is leading the development of new oil and gas projects in Africa, with significant investments in Uganda, Namibia, and Mozambique. The company's projects include building the world's longest heated pipeline in Uganda, drilling in deep waters off Namibia, and restarting a $20bn gas project in Mozambique that was paused due to jihadist attacks. The Mozambique project is one of the largest foreign investments in Africa and is expected to have a significant impact on the continent's energy landscape.

Anat Moshe Shoshany reacts emotionally to the release of remaining living hostages held captive in Gaza, sharing her personal experience of losing her grandfather and having her grandmother taken hostage during the events of October 7th.

Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal, leading to emotional reunions between families and their loved ones in the West Bank and Gaza. CNN's Nada Bashir reported on the reunions and an ominous warning from Israeli forces. The release is part of a broader effort to ease tensions in the region, with various international actors involved in negotiations and discussions about the ceasefire and its implications.

The Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has introduced new press access rules that many news organizations, including CNN, Reuters, and Newsmax, are refusing to sign. The rules are seen as restrictive and potentially violating the First Amendment. The Pentagon Press Association has criticized the rules, stating they 'gag Pentagon employees and threaten retaliation against reporters who seek out information that has not been pre-approved for release.' Some news outlets are considering legal action, while others have stated they will continue to cover the US military thoroughly, with or without press credentials.

Hundreds of Palestinian detainees were released from Israeli prisons and reunited with their families. The release included 250 men serving long sentences for serious crimes. The article highlights the emotional reunions between the detainees and their families, showcasing the joy and relief on both sides. The release is a significant event in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with potential implications for the peace process.

Scientists at InventWood, a US-based company, have developed a new type of wood called 'Superwood' that is up to 10 times stronger than steel while being six times lighter. The material is created by chemically treating and compressing real wood, altering its molecular structure. Superwood has various potential applications in construction, including decking, cladding, wall paneling, flooring, and furniture. It is also more resistant to dents, fungi, and insects, and has a higher fire resistance rating. Although currently more expensive than regular wood, Superwood's carbon emissions are 90% lower than steel manufacturing. The company plans to scale up production and make it competitive with steel.

US President Donald Trump expressed doubts about his ability to enter heaven while speaking on Air Force One. Trump was responding to a question about his previous statements that brokering a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia could help him get into heaven. The article also includes various other news snippets and video links unrelated to Trump's statement.

Chinese scientists have used artificial intelligence to restore a 1,600-year-old love writing, 'Rhapsody on the Luo River Goddess', by calligrapher Wang Xianzhi. The original work was partially destroyed, with only a quarter of its verses surviving. A team from Peking University's China Typography Design and Research Centre used AI character creation technology to recreate the calligraphy work based on the surviving characters and their stylistic traits. The result is a complete rendition of 919 characters presented in full scroll form, showcasing the fusion potential of 'AI plus culture'.

Hong Kong authorities are reviewing their search strategy for two missing Filipino domestic helpers, Imee Mahilum Pabuaya and Aleli Perez Tibay, who went missing on October 4 while hiking near Tsuen Wan. The search along the Lung Mun Country Trail was called off on Tuesday at around 10:15 am, but the operation remains ongoing. The Philippine consulate in Hong Kong has contacted the city's authorities to help with the search and has been in touch with the missing women's next of kin to provide support.

Hong Kong employees received an average pay rise of 2.7% this year, the lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a study by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management. The study analyzed data from 167 companies between January and September and found that the average salary growth decreased by 0.5 percentage points compared to last year. The low pay rise is attributed to companies balancing staff retention with an uncertain operating environment influenced by geopolitics. The study also forecast that salaries could increase by an average of 3.5% next year.

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has stated that the Executive Council (Exco) will not be reshuffled despite several veteran lawmakers announcing they will not seek re-election in the upcoming Legislative Council elections. The Exco's term aligns with the government's five-year tenure, ending June 30, 2027, and no member has indicated plans to resign before then. Four Exco members, including Martin Liao, Jeffrey Lam, Tommy Cheung, and Chan Kin-por, have announced they will not run again, with Regina Ip yet to confirm her candidacy.

The mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have urged US President Donald Trump to visit their cities during his upcoming trip to Japan to witness the devastating effects of nuclear war. The mayors expressed concern over the erosion of the nuclear taboo and the dwindling number of hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, warning that time is running out to hear their voices. The appeal highlights growing concern over rising global tensions and the risk of another nuclear weapon being used. The mayors' letter to the US embassy in Tokyo cited the deepening confrontation and divisions among the international community, and the need to uphold the humanitarian norm that 'nuclear weapons must never be used'.

China's upcoming 15th five-year plan is expected to promote cross-strait economic integration, particularly in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles and artificial intelligence. Taiwanese firms are positioning themselves to take advantage of opportunities presented by the plan, which will run from 2026 to 2030. The plan is likely to deepen economic ties between mainland China and Taiwan, with a focus on innovation and the mainland's domestic market.

Goldman Sachs is set to report its third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, with Wall Street analysts expecting earnings per share of $11 on revenue of $14.1 billion. The company's trading desks are expected to benefit from market volatility caused by President Donald Trump's tariff policies. Investment banking activity has also increased, with revenue climbing 22% in the third quarter from a year earlier. Additionally, the firm's asset and wealth management division is likely to perform well due to stocks being at or near record highs. Goldman Sachs has recently acquired Industry Ventures, a venture capital firm, to bolster its asset management division. The company's shares have climbed 37% this year.

Google plans to invest $15 billion in a new artificial intelligence hub in southern India over the next five years, making it the company's largest AI hub outside of the US. The investment is part of a growing trend of tech companies pouring money into data centers to meet the computational needs of the AI boom. India is increasingly attracting multinational players to invest in its cloud and AI infrastructure, with other major companies like Microsoft and AWS also making significant investments.

Luxury fashion brands like Coach and Prada are opening cafes and restaurants in Asia to attract new customers and drive sales. Coach's CEO, Todd Kahn, says that stores with coffee shops sell more merchandise and are profitable on their own. The trend is driven by Gen Zs' preference for experiences over material goods. Coach plans to open over 100 coffee shops globally in the next four years. Despite a 2% dip in luxury sales in 2024, Coach remains optimistic, focusing on affordable products and experiential retail.

JPMorgan Chase is set to report its third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, with Wall Street analysts expecting earnings per share of $4.84 on revenue of $45.4 billion. The bank's performance is expected to be driven by robust trading revenue, momentum in mergers and IPOs, and a resilient consumer. The results will provide insight into the health of U.S. consumers and corporations. The earnings report comes as big banks have outperformed regional lenders this year, benefiting from the administration of President Donald Trump and a strong stock market.

LG Electronics India's shares surged over 45% on its market debut after a bumper initial public offering (IPO) that was oversubscribed more than 54 times, fetching $1.3 billion. The company's market capitalization surpassed that of its parent company, LG Electronics, valuing it at $12.83 billion. The IPO was led by institutional investors and was the most heavily subscribed major Indian IPO since Reliance Power's listing in 2008. LG Electronics India is a leading player in India's consumer electronics and home appliances market, which is projected to grow to $130-150 billion by 2029.

The article reports on allegations against Véron Mosengo-Omba, the general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), of creating a toxic culture of fear within the organization. Multiple former and current employees have accused Mosengo-Omba of running Caf as his 'proprietorship', sidelining colleagues, silencing whistleblowers, and making decisions that benefit himself and his associates. The allegations include claims of favouritism, abuse of office, and misuse of Fifa Forward funds. Despite Caf announcing profits, sources claim the organization's finances are fragile. Mosengo-Omba has denied wrongdoing, but the allegations have damaged morale and credibility within Caf.

The New Zealand government has slashed the number of guaranteed Māori seats on local councils by more than half following a law change that forced councils to put the fate of Māori wards to a public vote. Of 42 councils, 25 voted to disestablish their Māori wards, while 17 voted to retain them. The move has been criticized by opposition parties as 'racist' and 'anti-Māori', while the government claims it is reinstating 'local democratic control'. The results were split along urban-rural lines, with cities supporting Māori wards and rural regions opposing them.

The South Korean government has urged efforts to protect its citizens in Cambodia after a university student was allegedly tortured to death by scam ring operators. The number of kidnappings of South Koreans in Cambodia has soared in recent months, with 330 cases recorded by August this year. The victim's family is seeking a joint autopsy, and three Chinese nationals have been charged with murder and online fraud in connection with the death. The incident has sparked diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Cambodia, with South Korea seeking to establish a 'Korean desk' in Cambodia to work directly with local police.

A US Congress committee is investigating Elon Musk's Starlink satellite business for providing internet access to scam centres in Myanmar, which have been swindling billions from victims worldwide. Starlink has become Myanmar's largest internet provider in just three months, with its service being used by scam centres along the Thai-Myanmar border. Senator Maggie Hassan has called on Musk to block Starlink's service to these centres, citing human trafficking and forced labour concerns.

Drone footage has revealed the extensive devastation in Gaza City following a conflict, with entire city blocks reduced to rubble and infrastructure destroyed. Residents returning to their homes have found nothing but rubble and debris, with many expressing anxiety and shock at the scale of destruction. The article highlights the stories of individuals who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and the challenges of rebuilding and providing humanitarian aid in the face of catastrophic destruction.

The article discusses the significance of rare earth elements, which are crucial for various modern technologies, including electronics, electric vehicles, and military equipment. China dominates the global rare earth market, accounting for 70% of the world's production and 90% of the finished products. Recently, China announced that it would require licenses for the use of Chinese rare earths, which has been perceived as a declaration of economic war by the US. This move has led to a potential global trade war, with the US imposing tariffs on China. The article highlights the importance of rare earth elements, China's dominance in the market, and the potential consequences of the escalating trade tensions.

North Carolina Republicans plan to redraw the state's congressional map to add a seat, likely targeting the First Congressional District held by Democrat Don Davis. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen Republican control in the U.S. House ahead of the midterm elections. The plan, announced by State Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall, is expected to be voted on next week. Governor Josh Stein, a Democrat, criticized the move as an abuse of power to favor Republicans.

Several major news outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and CNN, have rejected new Pentagon restrictions on news gathering, citing violations of their First Amendment rights. The restrictions, introduced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, require journalists to sign a 21-page document that could deem them a 'security risk' for disclosing unauthorized information. The policy is set to take effect soon, with journalists having until Tuesday to decide whether to sign. Those who refuse will have to return their credentials. The backlash is expected to impact coverage of the military, with over 100 members of the Pentagon Press Association potentially handing back their badges.

The release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel has brought anguish to some Israeli families who have lost loved ones to attacks by the released prisoners. The article focuses on the story of Mr. Abraham Moses, a 75-year-old Israeli man whose wife and son were killed by a Palestinian prisoner who is now being released. Moses is struggling to come to terms with the release, and the article explores the emotional impact on Israeli families affected by the prisoners' past actions.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service and the high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS). The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including the scenic routes, reliability, and convenience, as well as the importance of the service for rural communities. The ETS is set to be extended to Johor Bahru by end-2025, and other developments such as the East Coast Rail Link and Penang Light Rail Transit are also underway.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina has gone into hiding due to escalating anti-government protests led by Gen Z. In a 26-minute online video, Rajoelina resisted calls for his resignation and sought talks to find a way out of the situation. The protests have been ongoing for weeks, with no clear resolution in sight. Rajoelina's announcement came after days of growing unrest and demands for his resignation.