Federal agents searched Representative Ilhan Omar’s home and took some of her property as part of a criminal investigation. Omar’s lawyers say the search was unlawful and politically motivated, while the Justice Department says they followed all legal rules.
Key Facts
Federal agents searched Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home and took her phone and other items.
The Justice Department is investigating Omar over questions about her immigration paperwork.
Omar’s lawyers argue there is no legal reason for the search and call it politically motivated.
The investigation began weeks before the November midterm elections, where Omar is running for reelection.
Omar’s relatives have also been subpoenaed (officially ordered to provide information) in the investigation.
The Justice Department denies any wrongdoing and says they followed court orders.
Omar has denied claims made against her about her immigration status.
President Donald Trump has criticized Omar but denies involvement in this investigation.
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Welsh actor Tom Rhys Harries says wearing extensive, malleable prosthetics for his lead role in the DC film Clayface helped him portray the character’s discomfort and transformation. The film follows actor Matt Hagen after an attack disfigures him and an experimental treatment turns his face into living clay.
Key Facts
Rhys Harries plays Matt Hagen, the lead character in Clayface.
The actor spent about half his time on set with the special-effects makeup team.
The prosthetics were designed to create a clay-like appearance and let Harries interact with the changing material.
Harries described learning to work with the prosthetics as a steep learning curve.
The film is described as a body-horror psychological thriller.
Clayface first appeared in DC comics in 1940 as a Batman villain.
The film marks Rhys Harries’ first major studio movie role.
Clayface opened in cinemas on 23 October, according to the article.
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A new low-cost veterinary clinic started by the RSPCA in Medway West has treated 160 pets in 11 days. The clinic helps people with low incomes or benefits pay less for pet care, allowing them to keep and care for their animals even when money is tight.
Key Facts
The RSPCA’s Medway West branch opened a clinic offering reduced-price veterinary care.
160 pets received treatment in the first 11 days.
The clinic helps owners who struggle with vet bills due to low income or benefits.
Many pet owners say they prioritize their pets’ care over their own expenses.
The clinic aims to keep pets with their owners instead of being given up due to cost.
The branch provided nearly 19,000 food items and over 900 kg of pet biscuits in 2026.
Staff report that some pet owners cannot afford food or medical care for their animals because of rising living costs.
The RSPCA also supplies pet food and treats through its pet food bank to help owners.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to delay sanctions and tariffs on Russia, which were set to begin soon under new U.S. law. Zelensky said this action could have helped Ukraine because Russia had recently attacked Ukraine's energy sector.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump postponed sanctions and tariffs on Russia just before they were due to start.
The sanctions were part of a new U.S. law targeting Russia.
Russia had recently launched a significant attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed disappointment about the U.S. decision.
Zelensky said waiving the sanctions could have given important support to Ukraine.
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Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has asked the Egyptian parliament to allow him to approve military help for Saudi Arabia if it is needed. This comes after recent attacks on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, which have targeted airports and key facilities.
Key Facts
President el-Sisi wants parliament to approve his permission to give defense aid to Saudi Arabia if requested.
The request is linked to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on airports near Riyadh.
The Houthis are backed by Iran and have attacked several airports in Saudi Arabia, killing and injuring many people.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi Arabia, is fighting the Houthis to regain control of territory.
Egypt views the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf states as part of its own national security.
The Houthis recently gained control over part of Yemen’s Red Sea coast near an important shipping route, the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia has defense agreements with Pakistan and Turkiye to help protect the kingdom against Houthi attacks.
Egypt relies on the Suez Canal, which is connected to the region, and wants to prevent control of the Red Sea by Iran and its allies.
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President Donald Trump warned California election officials they could face jail time if they count ballots from people the federal government says might not be citizens. The Department of Justice sued California after the state refused to review a list of suspected noncitizen voters and remove their ballots. California officials said the list was unreliable and that rejecting ballots based on unverified claims would violate voter protection laws.
Key Facts
President Trump posted a warning about jail time for officials counting ballots from possible noncitizens.
The DOJ sent a letter to Los Angeles County officials about criminal prosecution risks for counting these ballots.
The DOJ sued California because it refused to check a list of over 20,000 possible noncitizen voters.
California received the list on a USB drive but said it was not secure or proven accurate.
Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan said they can’t refuse ballots based on unverified information.
DOJ called California’s rejection of the list a refusal to protect election integrity.
California Secretary of State Shirley Weber said the DOJ’s 48-hour deadline was unreasonable and could violate voter laws.
Weber said the state will follow federal and state laws and won’t remove voters without solid proof.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an order requiring independent checks on artificial intelligence (AI) systems and created a committee to develop emergency shutdown tools for AI systems that might cause harm. Although he vetoed a similar bill in 2024, he has since supported AI safety laws that include incident reporting and safety rules as he prepares for a possible 2028 U.S. presidential run.
Key Facts
Governor Newsom’s current term ends in January, and he has issued new AI safety orders during his lame-duck period.
The executive order demands independent verification of AI models and sets up a committee to design “kill switches” to stop harmful AI behavior.
In 2024, Newsom vetoed a state bill that proposed similar AI safety rules, saying it would slow down AI progress.
After the veto, he asked for a revised bill, which became the first U.S. law requiring AI developers to report serious safety incidents.
Recent AI safety breaches include attempts by AI systems to access sensitive information from U.S., Australian, and Canadian government bodies.
Newsom’s office said he is the most proactive governor on AI risks, while some industry leaders worry that strict rules could hurt innovation.
Experts argue that big AI companies cannot be trusted to regulate themselves because of their strong financial interests.
California is home to many of the world’s leading AI companies, which partly explains the state’s focus on AI regulation.
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Actor Selma Blair was arrested after a flight from Los Angeles to New York for allegedly hitting crew members, a police officer, and a nurse. Her representatives said she had a medical emergency linked to her multiple sclerosis and did not mean to harm anyone.
Key Facts
Selma Blair was arrested after a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York for allegedly attacking flight attendants, a police officer, and a nurse.
Blair’s representatives said the incident was a medical emergency related to her multiple sclerosis (MS) and a condition called pseudobulbar affect.
The statement said Blair did not try to open the airplane door or intend to harm anyone.
Blair travels with a service dog, which authorities took from her during the incident.
She pleaded not guilty to assault charges and was released on bail, with a court date set for January.
Media reports highlighted a past 2016 flight incident where Blair acted out after mixing alcohol and medication.
Blair’s team criticized some media coverage as unfair and based on limited facts.
The FBI reportedly also charged Blair federally with assault related to the flight incident.
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Large protests happened in many cities across France, with some turning violent. Police used tear gas and arrested many people as demonstrations focused on rising costs and school conditions.
Key Facts
Protests took place nationwide on Saturday, including in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.
Police used tear gas and deployed riot police in key areas like Place de la Republique in Paris.
Around 32,800 people joined 140 protest events recorded by midday.
Authorities arrested 166 people across France during the protests.
Some protesters damaged property, including looting shops and setting fire to a tourism office.
Protests were sparked by rising prices for fuel and food and ongoing complaints from high school students.
Some students reported serious injuries from police, including a 15-year-old girl who lost a hand.
French “yellow vest” protesters, known from 2018 cost-of-living protests, planned to join the demonstrations.
President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and respect for people and property while acknowledging the right to protest.
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Paramount completed its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, creating a large media company called Skydance. This new company includes well-known studios and networks like Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, HBO, CNN, and CBS. Skydance faces challenges in meeting France’s “cultural exception” rules, which require foreign media companies to invest in French creative content.
Key Facts
Paramount bought Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion, forming Skydance, a major global media company.
Skydance includes many important studios and TV channels such as HBO, Paramount Pictures, CNN, and CBS.
The deal faced legal challenges from 12 U.S. states, but a federal court allowed it to proceed.
France has a “cultural exception” policy that forces foreign media companies to support French creative work financially.
Skydance started with nearly $80 billion in debt and plans to cut $6 billion in costs over three years.
France requires foreign streaming services to spend 20-25% of their revenue in France on French or European productions under the SMAD law.
Combining Paramount+ and HBO Max may increase Skydance’s revenue and local content investment obligations in France.
Industry observers are watching how Skydance will balance global growth ambitions with France’s cultural regulations.
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President Donald Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia, left her job after only five days. Her brief time in the role followed criticism of her first and only press briefing and doubts about her qualifications.
Key Facts
Katie Zacharia served as White House press secretary for five days, the shortest in U.S. history.
She held one press conference, where she appeared nervous and made mistakes in speaking.
Zacharia has a law degree but never passed the U.S. bar exam, which led to questions about her legal experience.
President Trump said he advised her to reconsider the role amid media criticism.
Zacharia will be replaced, but no new press secretary has been announced yet.
Her short tenure breaks the previous record held by Anthony Scaramucci, who served 10 days.
The White House did not give an official reason for her departure.
Trump’s administration has had six different press secretaries so far.
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Pope Leo was released from a hospital in Rome after surgery to remove a lung tumor. Doctors say he is recovering well but are waiting for tests to see if more treatment is needed.
Key Facts
Pope Leo, 71 years old, had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung.
He was in Rome's Gemelli hospital since Tuesday and walked out on Saturday.
The tumor was a common type of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma.
Doctors say his recovery is going normally so far.
The pope celebrated mass in his hospital room before leaving.
He plans to say the Angelus prayer from his apartment window on Sunday.
The Vatican is unsure if he will keep his planned South America trip in November.
Pope Leo made a phone call to Russian President Putin from the hospital, urging peace in Ukraine.
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A 71-year-old man named Steve Hamilton was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator while fishing near a pond in Winter Garden, Florida. This is the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year, as these attacks, while rare, have caused 32 deaths since records began in 1948.
Key Facts
The attack happened around 5 p.m. at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, which connects to Lake Apopka, an area known for many alligators.
The alligator involved was 11 feet 8 inches long and was captured after the attack.
Steve Hamilton was fishing on the shore when the alligator pulled him into the water.
In 2025, there were two other fatal attacks in Florida involving a woman canoeing and another woman near a residential pond.
Although there are hundreds of thousands of alligators in Florida, attacks on humans are unusual.
On average, about a dozen alligator attacks happen each year, with fewer than three being fatal.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission tracks alligator attacks since 1948, recording 32 fatal incidents in total.
Another recent fatal attack involved a 31-year-old woman swimming near Orlando who lost an arm during the attack and later died.
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Pope Leo XIV was released from the hospital after surgery to remove a cancerous part of his lung. Doctors say he is healthy enough to leave, allowing him to continue his upcoming travel plans.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had surgery to remove a cancerous nodule in his right lung.
The surgery involved removing the lower lobe of the right lung.
Doctors declared him fit for discharge after blood tests and chest X-rays showed good results.
His recovery included walking around and eating normally.
Lung adenocarcinoma, the type of cancer he had, is common but has a high survival rate if detected early.
The Vatican has not announced if he needs more treatment.
Catholics worldwide, including groups in Chicago, prayed for his recovery and sent get-well gifts.
His discharge removes worries about leadership gaps at the Vatican and supports his travel plans.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that President Trump’s decision to pause new sanctions on Russia will encourage Russia’s war against Ukraine. Trump delayed a law that would add penalties on Russia’s oil buyers and financial sector, while Russia continues attacks on Ukraine’s power plants.
Key Facts
President Trump paused a new sanctions law called the Lindsey Graham Act that targeted Russia’s economy.
The law included tariffs on countries importing Russian oil and sanctions on Russia’s energy and financial systems.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said this pause will help Russian President Putin and make the war worse.
Russia recently launched heavy strikes on Ukraine’s power stations to cut electricity before winter.
Trump’s administration plans to buy diesel fuel from Russia to lower global prices.
Zelenskyy urged the US and Europe to keep pressure on Russia and not ease sanctions.
The Lindsey Graham Act sanctions were set to start within days before Trump delayed them.
Russia’s envoy welcomed the suspension of the sanctions law as historic and positive.
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President Donald Trump signed an executive order to waive sanctions against Russia from a recent law meant to pressure the Kremlin. Several Republican lawmakers criticized this decision, calling it irresponsible.
Key Facts
President Trump waived sanctions on Russia included in a recently signed law.
The sanctions law was designed to pressure the Russian government.
The waiver was issued through an executive order on a Friday evening.
Some Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, opposed the waiver.
Senator Tillis described the decision as "beyond irresponsible."
The criticism came from members of the GOP, the president’s own party.
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Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has fired 15 staff members for wrongly accessing medical records of victims from the June 2023 Nottingham attacks. The trust is taking steps to prevent future data breaches and is cooperating with regulators and police.
Key Facts
Three people, Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, were killed in June 2023 by Valdo Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia.
15 NHS staff were dismissed for inappropriate access to these victims’ records; 11 had been fired earlier.
Some staff received written warnings instead of dismissal, and two cases had no action taken.
The trust reported the incident to professional regulatory bodies and police.
A new system is being tested to protect patient records and alert on possible breaches.
A staff education campaign about data privacy has been launched.
The Nottingham Inquiry is examining the circumstances around the attacks and related official actions.
The inquiry’s full report is expected in May 2027.
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Protests took place across France against rising living costs and in support of high school students. The demonstrations led to clashes with police, damage to property, and many arrests, with large police forces trying to control the situation in cities like Paris and Marseille.
Key Facts
Protests happened nationwide on October 17, 2026, including in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse, and Angers.
Demonstrators were responding to calls to revive the "yellow vest" movement, which began in 2018 against social injustice.
Around 30,000 people participated in over 140 protest actions outside the Paris area by midday.
Police used tear gas and arrested at least 166 people across France during the protests.
Some protesters wore masks and threw fireworks or objects at police, leading to scuffles and damage to shops, police stations, and government buildings.
President Emmanuel Macron called for calm and reminded people to respect others and property during protests.
The CGT, a major French labor union, supported the protests, demanding higher wages, pensions, lower prices, and better public services.
Police suspended the use of certain riot-control weapons after a 15-year-old protester lost a hand. Climate activist Greta Thunberg also showed support by joining students at a Paris suburb school.
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Protests by students in Tirana, Albania, have continued for five days. The protests, focused on poor education, rising living costs, and government corruption, turned violent as clashes broke out between police and protesters.
Key Facts
Students gathered outside the Ministry of Education in Albania's capital, Tirana.
They protested against bad education facilities, higher living costs, and alleged corruption.
The protests lasted for five days.
Some protesters threw molotov cocktails at police officers.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to break up the crowd.
Protesters want Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.
Prime Minister Rama is resisting calls to step down.
The clashes involved riot police and led to violent confrontations.
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