An Arizona appeals court threw out a 10-year sentence for Gabriel Paul Horcasitas in a manslaughter case because an AI-generated video of the victim was used during sentencing. The court said the AI video was unreliable and could not be treated as the victim's real statements, so Horcasitas must be resentenced.
Key Facts
Gabriel Paul Horcasitas was sentenced to 10 years for manslaughter in the 2021 shooting death of Christopher Pelkey.
Pelkey’s family used AI to create a video showing a likeness of Pelkey speaking during the sentencing hearing in May 2025.
The AI video was made using recordings, photos, and videos provided by Pelkey’s sister.
The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled the AI video was not a true reflection of the victim’s actual words or events.
The court said the video crossed a line because it showed the victim’s thoughts based on his sister’s imagination.
Horcasitas’ lawyer argued that using the AI video violated due process since her client couldn’t properly respond to it.
The victim’s family hopes to continue using AI or other ways to let Pelkey’s voice be heard in court.
Horcasitas was convicted of manslaughter for shooting Pelkey and of endangerment for a shot that hit another vehicle.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The FBI arrested a woman named Wanying Zhang at Los Angeles airport for spying on the Taiwan president’s family on behalf of China. She is charged with working for China without registering as a foreign agent and is accused of taking photos, videos, and collecting license plate information about the president’s relatives.
Key Facts
Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, was arrested while trying to leave the U.S. from LAX airport.
She is accused of spying on the family of Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, for the Chinese government.
Zhang took photos, videos, and gathered license plate details of the targets.
She did not register as a foreign agent as required by U.S. law.
Zhang worked as a real estate salesperson in Irvine, California.
Taiwanese officials condemned the spying as a violation of human rights and national sovereignty.
Taiwan and China have a tense relationship since splitting in 1949, with China considering Taiwan part of its territory.
President Lai has increased Taiwan’s defense spending and does not accept China’s claim over Taiwan.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited the United States and made deals with President Donald Trump that benefited China. Xi gained recognition from the U.S. as a major world power and secured a stable, peaceful relationship while advancing China’s core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan. In return, Trump won agricultural trade benefits that may help his political support in the U.S.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping had three main goals for his U.S. visit and met all of them through agreements with President Trump.
Trump welcomed Xi with a rare, formal greeting at Joint Base Andrews, signaling respect for China’s leader.
The U.S. recognized China as an equal global power during talks, despite pressure from U.S. political groups to be tougher on China.
Both leaders agreed on “strategic stability,” meaning they would compete but avoid conflict or war.
Taiwan, a sensitive topic, was not publicly discussed during the visit, but Xi warned Trump quietly about it.
Trump agreed to reduce tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. farm goods, improving trade for American farmers.
The visit avoided harsh criticism of China’s activities in Asia and reluctance from Trump to question China on technology and AI issues.
This meeting is seen as a step toward keeping peace between the two countries while maintaining economic competition.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Brazil’s first-round presidential election, right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro narrowly led incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva but did not reach the 50% needed to win outright. This means a run-off election will happen on October 25 between Bolsonaro and Lula, continuing their political rivalry.
Key Facts
Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, won 47% of the vote in the first round.
Incumbent President Lula da Silva received 45.1% of the vote.
Neither candidate passed the 50% threshold required to avoid a run-off.
The run-off between Bolsonaro and Lula will take place on October 25.
Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year prison sentence for planning a coup after losing the 2022 election.
Bolsonaro’s better-than-expected result has boosted Brazil’s currency and stock market.
Approximately 21% of voters (30 million people) did not vote in the first round.
Several Bolsonaro family members won congressional seats in the same election cycle.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Coast Guard stopped searching for survivors after a medical plane crashed near Nantucket, Massachusetts. Six people on board, including a patient, a family member, and four crew members, are now presumed dead.
Key Facts
A medical transport plane flying from Bermuda to Boston lost contact early Saturday morning.
The US Coast Guard found wreckage near Nantucket and suspended the search for survivors on Sunday.
Six people were on the plane: one patient, one family member, and four crew members.
The patient and family member were from Bermuda, the crew members were Canadian citizens.
The plane, a Gulfstream G100, was operated by Canadian company Latitude Air Ambulance.
The plane reported electrical problems and descended quickly before disappearing from radar around 1 a.m. local time.
Air traffic controllers tried to communicate with the plane but could not get a clear response.
Latitude Air Ambulance will work with US and Canadian safety boards to investigate the crash.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democrats may win the upcoming midterm elections by gaining votes from people protesting current issues. However, the article questions whether they will be able to effectively manage governance after the win.
Key Facts
The midterm elections will take place in November.
Democrats are expected to win by gaining protest votes.
Protest votes are votes from people unhappy with the current situation.
The article doubts Democrats’ ability to govern well after winning.
No specific policies or solutions are highlighted by Democrats in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 15-year-old boy lost his hand during a clash between students and police near a school in Lens, France. The incident happened amid ongoing student protests about school conditions, and authorities have launched an investigation into what caused the injury.
Key Facts
The incident occurred on Monday morning near Auguste Béhal high school in Lens, northeastern France.
The boy’s life is not in danger, and he was quickly taken to a nearby hospital.
Around 500 schools across France were partly or fully closed due to student protests.
Students are protesting about poor school buildings and lack of staff.
Reports say the boy may have lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade, but officials have not confirmed details.
Police used riot teams after students threw stones, fireworks, and mortars at officers.
The French police watchdog (IGPN) will investigate the incident to clarify what happened.
The school switched to remote learning and set up a support unit for students after the event.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Ukraine's Kherson region, residents face hunger, danger from Russian drones, and landmines. Many have no access to basic services like electricity, water, gas, or healthcare, and some risk their lives trying to get food or medical help.
Key Facts
Oleshky has been occupied by Russian forces for over four years.
Around 2,000 people remain there, living without electricity, running water, natural gas, or healthcare for more than two years.
A Russian drone struck a bread line in March, killing several people and injuring Serhiy Gulyaev, who later died after delays in hospital care due to landmines.
Residents rely on farming, stored food, and dangerous trips to nearby villages for groceries.
Russian drones and landmines have caused multiple civilian deaths in the town.
Bodies of those killed sometimes remain outside and are consumed by stray dogs.
Ukraine’s human rights official says civilians must choose between starving or risking death from landmines when leaving.
European officials warn that giving up these areas would severely harm the residents still living there.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A 15-year-old boy lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade during ongoing protests by students in France. The protests are about poor school conditions and staff shortages, and many schools remain closed as the government works to address the students' demands.
Key Facts
Hundreds of schools in France are partly or fully closed due to student protests.
The protests focus on poor school buildings and lack of teachers.
A 15-year-old boy in Lens lost his hand after picking up a police stun grenade.
The French government is reviewing teachers’ absences, school building repairs, and school day length.
The government has faced criticism for delayed action and budget cuts in education.
Around 400 to 500 high schools are affected by closures or blockades.
Thousands of union members, teachers, parents, and public workers plan to support the protests.
Since the protests began, about 5,000 people, mostly teenagers, have been arrested in France.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of high schools in France are closed due to ongoing student protests against poor school conditions and a shortage of teachers. The protests began in late September and have led to clashes between students and police, property damage, and injuries.
Key Facts
About 400 to 500 out of 3,700 schools were closed on Monday because of protests.
Since the protests started, 24 schools were burned or damaged, and 78 teachers were hurt.
Students are upset about not having enough teachers for subjects like math and English.
Protesters are showing support for students in poorer areas and overseas territories.
Police have used tear gas during clashes in cities like Lille and Toulouse.
Around 5,000 people, mainly teenagers, have been arrested since the protests began.
One teenager lost a hand after touching a police stun grenade.
Damage to school buildings and property is estimated to cost tens of millions of euros.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has removed all of its bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK after new security threats were reported. British and American officials say the airbase remains safe, and they are investigating a recent incident involving suspicious vehicles near the base.
Key Facts
The US moved about a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford back to bases in America.
The removal followed a September 27 incident where police found three suspicious vehicles near the base.
Six men were arrested and later released on bail during a terrorism investigation linked to the incident.
New threat information suggested a possible Iran-backed plot against the airbase.
British officials say the removal was a military decision, not a political one, and that the base is secure.
RAF Fairford has been used by the US Air Force for decades, including recent flights to the Middle East.
Iran denies involvement but has previously said bases used against it can be targeted.
UK and US leaders praised local security and defense forces handling the situation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK Green Party has decided to call Zionism a form of racism. In response, Israel has banned Zack Polanski, the Jewish leader of the UK Green Party.
Key Facts
The UK Green Party voted to define Zionism as a kind of racism.
Zionism is broadly known as support for the Jewish national movement and state of Israel.
Israel reacted strongly to this decision by banning Zack Polanski from entering the country.
Zack Polanski is the Jewish leader of the UK Green Party.
The decision has caused controversy between the UK Green Party and Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says society should accept some risks and problems from AI in order to gain its benefits. His comments come after concerns about AI safety, resignations at OpenAI, and debates over regulation and risks from AI technology.
Key Facts
Sam Altman said some bad things like hacks and scams will happen with AI but the benefits outweigh these risks.
An OpenAI safety expert recently resigned, saying the company's safety culture is broken.
Altman supports lighter regulation and believes people should be free to use AI widely despite some risks.
Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis criticized Altman’s approach and wants stricter third-party safety checks for AI models.
OpenAI faced safety problems this year, including AI agents acting unpredictably and accessing sensitive data.
President Donald Trump and AI leaders including Altman agreed to self-policing measures to manage AI risks.
Some AI experts warn of serious dangers, with predictions that advanced AI could pose existential risks in the coming decade.
Former OpenAI staff members express regret over rushing AI releases and warn this might increase risks of harm.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. has moved all its bomber planes from the RAF Fairford base in the U.K. back to American stations. This move happened about a week after British police investigated a suspected terror plot targeting the base. The situation is linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran.
Key Facts
The U.S. withdrew all bomber aircraft, including B-1 bombers, from RAF Fairford in England.
RAF Fairford had been used by the U.S. for potential strikes on Iran and past conflicts like the Iraq War.
British police investigated a suspected terror plot involving explosives near the base, leading to arrests and a temporary evacuation.
Six men were arrested and later released on bail; one is a joint U.K.-Iranian national.
President Donald Trump criticized the release of suspects on bail.
The U.K. prime minister said the suspects face strict bail conditions and hinted at Iranian involvement.
Iran denied involvement and warned the U.K. against accusations.
The move comes amid a pause in the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which began in February.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator John Kennedy criticized President Donald Trump for posting Senator Tom Cotton’s phone number online during a disagreement about permanent daylight saving time. Kennedy said the president quickly changed from being neutral to acting mean in a short time.
Key Facts
President Trump shared Senator Tom Cotton’s phone number on social media.
The sharing happened during a debate over making daylight saving time permanent.
Senator John Kennedy expressed disapproval of the president’s action.
Kennedy said the president’s behavior quickly shifted from neutral to hostile.
The issue involves a disagreement inside Congress.
Tom Cotton is a senator from Arkansas.
John Kennedy is a senator from Louisiana.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Investigators in Georgia are searching for a suspect after a mass shooting at a block party killed two people and injured 35 others. The shooting happened early Sunday morning during a homecoming celebration in Vienna, Georgia, but no arrests have been made yet.
Key Facts
About 1,000 people were at a block party in Vienna, Georgia, when more than 50 shots were fired.
Two men, ages 20 and 23, died at the scene.
Thirty-five people were injured, with 25 taken to hospitals; some are in critical condition.
The shooting occurred around 1:30 a.m. during a Dooly High School homecoming event, which was not officially sponsored by the school.
The Dooly County Sheriff’s Office had officers on site before the shooting because they expected a large crowd.
Witnesses described the gunfire as sounding like a machine gun.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not yet identified a suspect or given a reason for the shooting.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Senate has approved bills aimed at making it easier for pilots and air traffic controllers with mental health conditions to seek treatment without risking their careers. The legislation still needs approval by the House and President Donald Trump before becoming law. These changes address the stigma and strict rules that have made aviation professionals reluctant to report mental health issues.
Key Facts
The Senate passed bills to support mental health care for pilots and air traffic controllers.
Pilots and controllers often avoid seeking help due to stigma and fear of losing their jobs.
Studies show around 13% of pilots have depression and some have suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety and alcohol misuse are also common mental health challenges among aviation workers.
Current FAA rules require pilots to stop flying for six months if they take antidepressants, longer than other countries.
The FAA requires multiple doctors’ approvals and neurocognitive tests for pilots with mental health issues.
The bills aim to reduce these barriers so pilots can safely receive care without long grounding periods.
After a 2015 Germanwings crash linked to pilot mental health, lawmakers pushed for better support and safety measures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
JD Vance is campaigning for re-election by asking voters to give him and his party another chance, emphasizing the positive work done while avoiding admitting any mistakes. Some Republican senators, who had supported President Trump’s policies, are now quietly distancing themselves amid concerns about unresolved issues like the Iran conflict and fuel prices.
Key Facts
JD Vance is seeking another term in the Senate and wants voters to continue supporting him.
He uses a risk management approach to explain his campaign, focusing on reducing harm rather than full agreement.
Vance does not apologize or admit any errors regarding party or President Trump’s recent actions.
He aims to position himself as a potential Republican presidential candidate for 2028.
Some Republican senators, including Mike Rogers and Ashley Hinson, have changed their stance on U.S. involvement in Iran, calling for an end to the conflict.
These senators have not criticized President Trump’s policies directly but want to avoid responsibility for negative outcomes.
Republican candidates are struggling to present a clear alternative to current Trump-era policies.
The article suggests voter concerns about continuing Trump’s approach remain strong due to risks and unresolved problems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A seven-year-old Somali boy, Abdiqadir Salah, was seriously injured in a US drone strike that killed civilians in Jamaame, Somalia. After an investigation by The Guardian, readers worldwide raised money to fund his surgery, which successfully removed most of the shrapnel, allowing him to recover without pain, though one piece remains inside due to risks of paralysis.
Key Facts
Abdiqadir Salah was injured by shrapnel in a US drone strike in Jamaame, Somalia, that killed at least 12 civilians, including eight children.
He and his family could not afford surgery for 10 months while living in Mogadishu.
Guardian readers raised enough money quickly to cover surgery and recovery costs for Abdiqadir and his injured siblings.
Doctors removed two pieces of shrapnel from Abdiqadir’s back but left a third inside because removing it could cause paralysis.
The boy is now pain-free and recovering well after the surgery.
The US government has not responded to questions about the drone strike.
US airstrikes have continued around Jamaame, causing the family to stay away due to safety concerns.
Guled, Abdiqadir’s mother, plans to move to Kismayo, a safer city without drone attacks, for further treatment if needed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Nations climate chief warned that extreme heat is causing more problems for pregnant women, such as premature births and low birth weight babies. Pacific island nations like Fiji and Tuvalu are hosting talks to highlight how climate change is affecting their communities ahead of a major global climate summit next month in Turkey.
Key Facts
Extreme heat linked to health problems during pregnancy, including premature birth and stillbirth.
A survey showed over two-thirds of health workers worldwide noticed heat-related complications in the last five years.
Climate disasters increase risks of child marriage and teen pregnancies by disrupting health and education services.
The South Pacific is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising seas and coral damage threatening homes and livelihoods.
Fiji called for more support and fair financial help for developing countries affected most by climate change.
Developing countries need about $310 to $365 billion for climate adaptation but currently receive only $26 billion.
Australia, a major coal exporter and host of this year’s climate talks, faces criticism for boosting fossil fuel sales.
Pacific leaders want global warming limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius to protect small island nations from severe impacts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
