Former President Barack Obama endorsed Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly and Senate candidate Angie Nixon less than two weeks before the midterm elections. Both candidates shared videos of Obama supporting their campaigns on X on Saturday morning.
Key Facts
Obama endorsed David Jolly, the Democratic nominee for Florida governor.
Obama endorsed Angie Nixon, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Florida.
The endorsements came less than two weeks before the midterm elections.
Jolly and Nixon shared videos of Obama on X on Saturday morning.
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Former President Barack Obama criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Iran conflict at a campaign rally in Cleveland. Obama said the administration had abandoned diplomacy and called its leaders “not serious people,” while citing reported U.S. deaths, injuries, attacks on bases and allies, and depleted missile supplies.
Key Facts
Obama spoke at a Cleveland rally alongside Ohio Democratic candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown.
Obama said the original rationale for the Iran conflict was to stop Iran’s nuclear program and argued diplomacy had done so during his presidency.
Obama criticized Trump for withdrawing from the Iran nuclear agreement and later starting the conflict.
Obama said Americans had been killed, hundreds of service members wounded, and U.S. missile stocks reduced.
Obama mocked Hegseth’s focus on service members’ testosterone levels and appearance.
Hegseth announced in July that active-duty service members aged 30 and older would receive annual screenings for testosterone deficiency.
Trump described the conflict as a “military exercise” at an October 16 rally and had previously called it “small potatoes.”
The Pentagon reported 21 U.S. service members killed and 865 wounded in connection with operations against Iran.
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President Donald Trump returned to Georgia for a rally supporting Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson. Recent polls cited in the article show Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff leading Collins, while Jackson and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms are in a close race for governor.
Key Facts
Trump’s rally in Perry was scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday.
The rally was Trump’s second Georgia appearance in eight days.
Mike Collins is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
Republican Rick Jackson is running against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.
A Quantus Insights poll conducted October 15–17 showed Ossoff leading Collins 52% to 45%.
An InsiderAdvantage poll conducted October 12–13 showed Jackson leading Bottoms 49% to 47%.
A later Quantus Insights poll showed Jackson leading Bottoms 48% to 47%.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and is leaving office.
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Thousands of people protested in cities across Europe on Saturday over issues including education, corruption, war, pensions and housing. In Italy, authorities deployed extra security after violence and looting the previous weekend; Milan’s march ended peacefully, while brief clashes occurred in Rome and Turin.
Key Facts
Demonstrations took place in Italian cities including Milan, Rome and Turin, as well as Madrid, Lisbon and Tirana.
Italy sent an additional 500 soldiers to Milan, adding to hundreds already stationed there and about 5,000 police and other security personnel.
Milan’s march ended peacefully outside the Milan Polytechnic, more than 3 kilometers from the city center.
Police detained several minors in Milan as a preventive measure, according to local media.
Authorities said they were investigating a 30-year-old freelance journalist described as a suspected organizer of the Oct. 17 movement.
Police said violence and looting the previous weekend involved about 2,000 young protesters; officers arrested 45 people, including 34 minors, over two days.
A group of about 30 far-right activists briefly appeared at the Milan protest and chanted anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim slogans, police said.
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Six Flags plans to add seatbelts to the Goliath rollercoaster at its Georgia park before it reopens. The move follows the death of 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, who fell from the ride; state authorities are investigating.
Key Facts
Kariem was thrown from his seat and struck the ride’s other cars as he fell.
The Goliath descends 165 feet, followed by a second drop of 180 feet.
Six Flags temporarily closed Goliath and eight rides at five other parks after the incident.
CEO John Reilly said seatbelts will also be added to coasters with similar restraints, but Six Flags has not listed which rides are affected.
Six Flags commissioned an independent review of safety procedures for all its attractions.
Six Flags faces a lawsuit over alleged injuries on its X2 ride at Magic Mountain.
Six Flags permanently closed X2 in September.
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Chinese officials urged the U.S. Treasury on Saturday to reconsider a proposed rule that would further limit U.S. investment in China’s technology industry. They said the proposed restrictions could disrupt trade relations between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Treasury Department proposed the rule on Thursday.
The proposal would expand existing restrictions under the Outbound Investment Security Program.
The existing program covers U.S. investments in certain technology areas, including hypersonic systems and quantum technology.
Chinese officials said the proposed rule could disrupt trade relations between China and the United States.
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Protests in France were largely peaceful during the day but turned violent in some areas after nightfall on Saturday. Police used tear gas and water cannons as protesters threw objects and fireworks.
Key Facts
The Interior Ministry estimated that about 400,000 people took part in Saturday’s demonstrations.
Nearly 1,000 arrests were made, according to the report.
Around 70,000 officers were deployed across France for a second consecutive weekend.
Police and protesters clashed in Paris.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
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Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, calling for an independent inquiry into the security failures that preceded the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. The protest took place three days before a general election, with polls indicating a close contest and neither major bloc projected to win a parliamentary majority.
Key Facts
The October Council, founded by families of captives taken to Gaza, organized the rally at Hostages Square.
The group called for an independent state commission of inquiry into the government’s handling of the security failures before the October 7 attack.
Opposition figures Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan attended demonstrations in Tel Aviv.
Polls cited in the article showed Netanyahu’s bloc and Eisenkot’s bloc neck and neck ahead of the election.
Neither bloc was projected to secure a majority in Israel’s parliament.
Netanyahu’s coalition has rejected calls for an independent inquiry and proposed a commission whose members would be appointed by government and opposition politicians.
Opposition leaders said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.
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Six Flags said it will add seat belts to the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia after a rider died when he was ejected on Oct. 12. The ride remains closed while the park and police investigate and inspect it; eight other similar coasters also remain closed as Six Flags reviews their safety measures.
Key Facts
Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died after being ejected from Goliath on Oct. 12, according to Cobb County police.
Police said Kariem struck other patrons before falling beneath the ride; the article reports that other people were injured.
A relative told ABC News that Kariem was at the park with family to celebrate his niece’s birthday and sat beside her on the ride.
Goliath had lap-bar restraints before the incident, and Six Flags plans to add seat belts.
Six Flags said it has hired independent engineers and ride inspectors to review safety procedures across its parks.
The park and police investigations are ongoing, and Goliath remains closed.
Six Flags initially closed nine similar coasters as a precaution; eight remained closed on Oct. 24, with seat belts or other restraints planned.
Goliath opened in 2006 and reaches a height of 200 feet and speeds of up to 70 mph, according to the park.
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Republican Georgia governor candidate Rick Jackson is using his foster-care childhood and business career to present himself as a more personal version of billionaire conservative politics, while also aligning himself with President Donald Trump. Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms challenges Jackson’s claim that he will help struggling residents, and the Nov. 3 election will test his appeal in the battleground state.
Key Facts
Jackson is a 72-year-old healthcare business owner and Republican candidate for Georgia governor.
Jackson says he spent time in foster homes, lived in public housing and attended 13 schools before starting a business at age 21.
His company, Jackson Healthcare, supplies contract workers to hospitals and health systems, including public entities.
Jackson has spent nearly $200 million of his own money on his campaign.
Jackson calls his wealth “God’s money” and says he wants to help Georgians who are struggling.
Jackson has sought to associate himself with Trump, despite Trump endorsing another candidate in the Republican primary.
Jackson planned to appear with Trump at a rally in Perry during the campaign’s closing stretch.
Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, disputes Jackson’s claim that he will act for struggling residents.
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Thousands of people protested in Paris for a second weekend. French authorities banned demonstrations in central parts of the city after violence the previous weekend, while about 70,000 police were deployed across France.
Key Facts
Thousands of protesters gathered in Paris.
The protests took place for a second weekend.
French authorities banned demonstrations in central areas of Paris.
The ban followed violence the previous weekend.
About 70,000 police were deployed across France.
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The article says Barack Obama and President Donald Trump are campaigning as early voting begins ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. It describes both parties as making use of presidential influence, but provides no further details about their campaign appearances.
Key Facts
The article is dated October 24, 2026.
Barack Obama and President Donald Trump are campaigning ahead of the midterm elections.
Early voting is underway.
The article says both the Democratic and Republican parties are leaning into presidential power.
The article excerpt gives no locations, schedules, or details about the campaign events.
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Australian footballer Cristian Volpato has licensed his AI-generated likeness to California-based Callandor, which plans to earn money from brand deals and help limit unapproved uses. The deal is part of an emerging market for athletes’ digital likenesses, as sports leagues’ contracts and government rules have yet to fully address AI-generated content.
Key Facts
Volpato is 22 and plays for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo.
He agreed to the Callandor deal in mid-September.
Callandor received exclusive rights to use Volpato’s digital likeness, voice, biometric profiles and performance data.
The company plans to seek brand deals using Volpato’s AI image and take a share of the revenue.
Callandor was founded in February and also represents Brazilian footballer Jorginho and American sailor Chris Poole.
The company says its athlete campaigns are still in the pilot phase.
Callandor is exploring AI-generated book voiceovers, fan apps and tools that could give users football instructions through an athlete’s digital clone.
Brazilian footballer Neymar licensed his AI likeness to a Chinese-owned entertainment platform in June.
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Bill Stepien, who managed Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, told CNN that Republicans face a difficult outlook ahead of the midterm elections. He cited recent allegations of government corruption as a key reason for his concern.
Key Facts
Bill Stepien managed Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign.
Stepien served as White House political director during Trump’s first term.
Stepien spoke with CNN’s Abby Phillip.
Stepien said the outlook for Republicans ahead of the midterms was “ugly.”
Stepien pointed to recent allegations of government corruption as a key concern.
The article describes Stepien as one of a growing number predicting trouble for Republicans in the midterms.
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Protests took place across France after riots the previous weekend and an alleged racist mass shooting near Paris. Police reported 110,000 demonstrators in Paris, while authorities made arrests, seized weapons and gas masks, and used tear gas in several cities.
Key Facts
French intelligence reports had forecast that up to 500,000 people might protest nationwide.
Police said 110,000 people demonstrated in Paris, matching the figure reported for the previous week.
Authorities changed the permitted protest route in Paris twice, keeping it away from the city centre.
Police said they seized weapons and gas masks during a morning crackdown.
Paris museums closed, and many businesses shut ahead of the protests.
Tear gas was fired in several cities amid confusion over last-minute changes to permitted protests.
The article reports that the French government later announced nearly 1,000 arrests connected to Saturday's protests.
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Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, called for U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to step down, according to the program title. The report also says Ukraine’s access to Starlink and Starshield returned to its prior speeds, while diplomatic efforts toward negotiations and a localized ceasefire continued.
Key Facts
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s Starlink and Starshield satellite links had returned to their pre-restriction speeds.
Zelenskyy said the restoration began overnight and was sufficient by Saturday morning.
The satellite-link disruption had affected front-line operations for more than a week, according to the article.
The article says Russia agreed to resume three-way negotiations with Washington and Kyiv next month.
Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a localized ceasefire around Oleshky in Ukraine’s Kherson region, brokered by first lady Melania Trump, the article says.
Oleksandr Merezhko is identified as a member of Ukraine’s parliament and chair of its Foreign Affairs Committee.
The program title quotes Merezhko calling for Steve Witkoff to step down.
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Thousands of people rallied in Tirana on Saturday against Albania’s government, and clashes with police left more than 300 protesters and officers injured, authorities said. The demonstrations reflect anger over school conditions, the cost of living, and corruption, with protesters calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Key Facts
Police used tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.
Authorities said more than 300 protesters and police officers were injured and dozens of demonstrators were arrested.
Some protesters threw stones and pushed burning bins toward the Ministry of Education building.
Organizers called on students and others from around Albania to attend the rally.
University professors, artists, and opposition parties announced support for or attendance at the demonstration.
The protests began in mid-October over poor school conditions and the cost of living.
Antigovernment demonstrations have occurred intermittently since May, after news emerged of a luxury hotel project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s family.
Rama called for dialogue and blamed foreign actors, including Russia and Iran, for online misinformation.
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Thousands of people marched in Tel Aviv on October 24, three days before Israel’s general election, to demand accountability for the failure to prevent Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack. The October Council organized the rally and called for an independent state commission of inquiry; Netanyahu’s government has rejected that proposal and offered a commission with members appointed by politicians.
Key Facts
The demonstration began with marchers heading from Rabin Square toward Hostages Square.
The October Council was founded by families of people killed or taken hostage in the October 7 attack.
The council said the rally marked three years of campaigning to uncover the truth and establish accountability.
Polls published before a Friday night campaign blackout showed Netanyahu’s bloc and its main rival’s bloc tied, with neither projected to win a parliamentary majority.
The article identified Gadi Eisenkot as Netanyahu’s main centre-right rival.
Netanyahu’s government proposed a commission whose members would be split between ruling-coalition and opposition appointees.
Opposition leaders said they would boycott a commission appointed by politicians.
The October Council warned police about possible attempts to disrupt the rally by pro-government agitators.
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Tens of thousands of supporters of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gathered on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach on Saturday, the day before the presidential runoff against Flávio Bolsonaro. Polls showed a close race after Bolsonaro led the first round, while recent scandals involving Bolsonaro appeared to help Lula regain ground.
Key Facts
Nearly 159 million Brazilians were expected to vote in the runoff on Sunday.
Flávio Bolsonaro won the 4 October first round with 47% of the vote, compared with Lula’s 45%.
Lula is seeking a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term.
Lula supporters held a large rally on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday.
The article said polls showed a close contest and described Bolsonaro as a slight favorite, though Lula had recently gained ground.
Brazilian magazine Piauí reported that Flávio Bolsonaro attended a boat party during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak with sex workers and vaccine lobbyists.
Flávio Bolsonaro’s father, Jair Bolsonaro, is serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.
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Police are searching for Anthony Lloyd, a prisoner who escaped from a medical facility in Lewisham, south-east London, shortly after 4 p.m. on Friday. Police say he may pose a risk to himself and the public and ask anyone who sees him not to approach, but to call 999.
Key Facts
Lloyd forced his way out of a health unit in Lewisham, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Police said he was last seen heading toward Catford at about 4:10 p.m. Friday.
Lloyd is 38, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build, with short dark hair.
When last seen, he wore a grey-blue T-shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers.
Police said he could be anywhere in London and has links to several areas, including Surrey, Sussex and Nottinghamshire.
Lloyd was convicted in 2025 of actual bodily harm over an incident involving three emergency services workers and received a 12-month custodial sentence.
He was transferred to the Lewisham medical facility in September.
Police ask anyone with information to call 999 and quote reference CAD4739/23Oct.
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