People protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are waiting much longer than before to get their renewal applications approved. These delays have caused some to lose their permission to work while waiting, and the number of active DACA participants has decreased.
Key Facts
The number of active DACA recipients dropped by 14% to 436,350 between September 2025 and June 30.
The backlog of pending renewal applications increased more than four times to over 125,000.
DACA holders must renew their status every two years.
Processing speed for renewals slowed sharply in November 2025, dropping from 4,500-6,000 to fewer than 1,900 applications processed weekly.
USCIS says 80% of cases were decided within seven months, but advises applications be submitted 4–5 months before expiration.
New USCIS rules require more background checks and review of applicants’ social media.
The backlog for other immigration work permits has grown 60% from December 2024 to August 2026.
DACA was created in 2012 and covers people who came to the U.S. before age 16 with no serious crimes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Israeli government is promoting a new online film that copies the style of the award-winning documentary "NAZA," which exposes Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza. The new film aims to challenge the original documentary’s findings and present the Israeli military as moral, while the real documentary has won international praise and reveals detailed investigations of the killings.
Key Facts
The original "NAZA" documentary is directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor and is produced by the Guardian.
"NAZA" documents Israel’s mass killing of civilians in Gaza and has shown in over 50 countries.
The Israeli government is promoting a rival film called "NAZA: The Real Story," which mimics the style of the original film.
This new film is hosted on a website that initially pretended to be the official page for the original "NAZA."
The Israeli government wants to strip the original filmmakers of their citizenship, accusing them of treason.
The new film claims the Israeli military is the "most moral army in the world."
Technical analysis suggests the new film’s viewer claims are exaggerated or possibly manipulated.
Since October 2023, the Israeli military has killed over 73,000 Palestinians in Gaza during its campaign following Hamas attacks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two lawmakers from both political parties are asking members of the House of Representatives to accept the results of the November elections, no matter which party wins. This call comes as President Trump and some Republicans claim, without proof, that the elections were unfairly influenced to help Democrats.
Key Facts
The lawmakers making the appeal come from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
They want their colleagues in the House of Representatives to respect the election results.
The November elections recently took place.
President Donald Trump and some Republican allies have said the elections were "rigged."
There is no evidence to support the claim that the elections were rigged.
A letter encouraging acceptance of the results is being circulated on Capitol Hill.
The letter reflects concerns about election legitimacy and political division.
This issue is part of the ongoing discussion about the fairness of U.S. elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Finance expert Martin Lewis has launched the Small Ideas Initiative to collect simple ideas from the public that could improve everyday life in the UK. A panel of politicians and experts will choose around 50 practical and low-cost ideas to share with government and local authorities for action.
Key Facts
Martin Lewis calls small daily problems “life-potholes of unintended consequences.”
The initiative seeks ideas that are easy to implement, non-controversial, and not linked to any political party.
Ideas can cover areas such as health, education, policing, technology, and money matters.
A panel with members from different political backgrounds will select about 50 ideas to present to policymakers.
The initiative is supported by the charities Nesta and Involve, focusing on public innovation and participation.
Previous campaigns by Lewis, like changing laws on fees for mental health forms, have led to real policy changes.
Examples of suggested ideas include improving rubbish collection during heatwaves and fixing housing repairs properly the first time.
The goal is to make life easier, save time, and build trust that government can solve everyday problems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Aminata Seck, a women’s basketball player from Kentucky State University, was released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after two months. A judge set a $2,500 bond and allowed her to continue her education, ruling she was not a danger or flight risk.
Key Facts
Aminata Seck is a 26-year-old basketball player from Senegal attending Kentucky State University.
She was detained by ICE on August 7 at the Louisville airport while traveling with her team.
Seck had legally entered the U.S. in 2019 but was ordered removed after missing an immigration hearing.
An immigration judge later found Seck did not receive proper notice of that hearing.
She was granted a $2,500 bond after a judge ruled she is not a danger to the community and is unlikely to flee.
ICE did not appeal the bond decision, so she was released.
Seck is a top basketball player, leading her team in points and rebounds last season.
She earned the SIAC Women’s Basketball Elite 16 award for strong performance in both sports and academics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on reports that Kimberly Guilfoyle, US ambassador to Greece and ally of President Donald Trump, asked a Trump donor to pay her $100,000 credit card bill in exchange for access to the administration. Top Democrats have called on Rubio to investigate these and previous allegations of improper conduct by Guilfoyle.
Key Facts
Kimberly Guilfoyle is the US ambassador to Greece and an ally of President Trump.
A Wall Street Journal report claims Guilfoyle asked a Trump donor to pay her $100,000 American Express bill for administration access.
Marco Rubio refused to respond to these allegations during a visit to Athens.
This is the second report accusing Guilfoyle of using her position for personal interests.
Democrats on House and Senate committees have requested an investigation into Guilfoyle’s actions.
Guilfoyle once was engaged to Donald Trump Jr. and was nominated ambassador soon after President Trump took office.
Guilfoyle’s lawyer said she was owed money for travel and speaking before her nomination.
The Trump donor involved denies owing Guilfoyle any money and says he never paid the debt.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senator Thom Tillis, who is retiring, said that Kimberly Guilfoyle, the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, and two consultants for President Donald Trump, Chris LaCivita and James Blair, have many questions to answer after recent news reports. These reports involve Guilfoyle asking a Trump donor to send money.
Key Facts
Senator Thom Tillis is retiring and represents North Carolina.
Kimberly Guilfoyle is currently the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
Chris LaCivita and James Blair work as consultants for President Donald Trump.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Guilfoyle asked Eric Deters, a former pizza business owner and Trump donor, to wire money.
Senator Tillis said Guilfoyle, LaCivita, and Blair need to explain these actions.
The news comes after recent unanswered questions about their conduct related to fundraising or donations.
The exact reasons for the money request and potential issues are still being investigated.
This situation is linked to activities around President Trump’s political circle.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A federal judge temporarily extended a pause on a White House ban that stopped three news outlets from covering President Trump. The judge is still deciding whether to make the pause longer while reviewing the case.
Key Facts
The White House banned three news outlets from covering President Trump last month.
President Trump said the ban was because those outlets spread “fake news” that harms national security.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by President Trump, extended the temporary pause on the ban.
The judge is still considering the case and has not made a final decision.
The extension allows the three news outlets to continue covering President Trump for now.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Microsoft has been suspended from applying for permanent residency (green cards) for workers on the H-1B visa, according to US officials. The move comes after accusations that Microsoft replaced American workers with foreign workers on lower wages through the H-1B program.
Key Facts
Microsoft is suspended from applying for green cards for workers hired on the H-1B visa, a program for high-skilled foreign workers.
The US labor department also suspended Adobe from the same process.
Microsoft applied for nearly 3,700 H-1B visas for 2026, making it a top user of the program.
Since 2009, Microsoft and Adobe have received about 230,000 H-1B visa approvals and 100,000 green card certifications.
US Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of firing American workers and replacing them with foreign workers paid less.
The H-1B program ties workers’ visas to their employers, limiting job mobility for those workers.
Immigration groups argue the H-1B program benefits the US economy by attracting specialized global talent, especially in science and technology.
President Trump’s administration is focused on reforming the H-1B visa program to prevent abuse and protect American jobs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Residents in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, won a legal case against their housing association, Curo, after their service charges increased from about £70 to over £300 per month. Following a tribunal, Curo agreed to limit the charges to just over £100 and will repay the excess fees residents have paid.
Key Facts
Nine families living in shared ownership flats at Coombe Lodge faced a service charge increase of more than 300%.
Monthly fees rose from around £70 to over £300 before the tribunal decision.
Curo housing association agreed to reduce charges to just over £100 per month.
The increase was mainly to grow the sinking fund, which is a savings account for future building costs.
Residents expressed difficulty affording the higher charges, with some needing extra work to pay.
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 aims to improve transparency of service charge bills but is not yet fully in effect.
Another resident from a different Curo-managed building reported an increase from £990 to over £6,000, planning to take the case to an ombudsman.
Curo stated it is working with residents to resolve remaining concerns and balance safety with costs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Barack Obama has officially supported Troy Jackson, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine. Jackson is trying to win the seat currently held by Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Obama endorsed Troy Jackson for U.S. Senate in Maine.
Jackson is a Democratic candidate.
He is competing for the seat held by Senator Susan Collins.
The endorsement comes as the midterm elections approach.
The race is seen as important for control of the Senate.
Susan Collins is a Republican senator.
The article focuses on political developments in the United States.
The endorsement is part of wider election campaign activities.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vice President Vance announced that Microsoft’s foreign workers cannot apply for permanent U.S. residency through an employer-based program anymore. This happened after the government said Microsoft misused the permanent labor certification program known as PERM.
Key Facts
Microsoft is banned from using the PERM program for a time.
PERM is a process that helps employers sponsor foreign workers for a green card.
Vice President Vance accused Microsoft of abusing the PERM system.
Foreign workers at Microsoft will no longer get permanent residency through this program.
The announcement was made on a Thursday.
The restriction affects the company’s ability to sponsor workers for U.S. permanent status.
No information was given about how long the suspension will last.
The decision is part of government efforts to enforce immigration rules strictly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump for making negative remarks about Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Schumer expressed strong disapproval of Trump's comments on the social media platform X.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Schumer reacted to President Trump's comments about Abdul El-Sayed, a Michigan Senate candidate.
Schumer called Trump's remarks “bigoted bulls‑‑‑” in his message.
The criticism was made publicly on the social media site X.
Schumer believes Abdul El-Sayed will become the next Senator from Michigan.
President Trump made the negative comments during his campaign efforts.
The dispute highlights tensions between Democratic leaders and President Trump in the 2024 election period.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amazon has introduced a new line of tablets called Alexa Tablets, replacing the Fire branding. These tablets run full Google-certified Android with access to the Google Play Store, unlike previous Fire tablets that used Amazon’s own system.
Key Facts
Amazon’s new tablets are named Alexa Tablets, not Fire tablets.
They run a full version of Android with Google Play Store and Google apps.
Previous Fire tablets used Fire OS, a customized version of Android without Google integration.
The lineup includes three models: Alexa Tablet 8 ($230), Tablet 11 ($330), and Tablet 12 Pro ($500).
The Tablet 12 Pro has a higher resolution screen, faster processor, and optional keyboard and stylus.
Alexa voice assistant remains central to the experience, providing AI-based help and shopping suggestions.
Amazon’s new tablets will ship on October 14 and are available to preorder now.
These tablets are positioned competitively against Apple’s iPads in price and features, but Android apps optimized for tablets are still limited.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Campaigners led by Chris Packham are asking Prime Minister Andy Burnham to stop planned changes to special educational needs (Send) support, saying the changes would take away important legal rights for children. The government plans to replace legally enforceable education plans with less formal individual support plans managed by schools, but campaigners want to keep the current system to protect children's rights.
Key Facts
Campaigners include disabled children, parents, experts, and broadcaster Chris Packham.
The government plans to replace Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) with Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
ISPs would be agreed between parents and schools but would not have legal backing or independent appeal options.
Current EHCPs offer legal rights and the ability to appeal decisions at independent tribunals.
The reforms aim to reduce costs and slow the growth in EHCPs, which have created a large financial deficit for councils.
Campaigners want to keep legal protections, parent appeal rights, and current assessment thresholds.
The new education secretary, Lucy Powell, and Prime Minister Burnham may make only small changes instead of fully reversing the reforms.
There has been a recent increase in applications for EHCPs as parents seek to secure protections before the new system begins.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kombucha is a fermented tea drink valued for its live bacteria that support gut health. While the U.S. kombucha market is growing fast, some products are pasteurized, which kills these live cultures, whereas others, like the Portuguese brand Sõsu, keep the drink unpasteurized and refrigerated to maintain the live cultures.
Key Facts
Kombucha is made by fermenting sweetened tea with bacteria and yeast, producing natural carbonation and live cultures.
The U.S. kombucha market was worth about $1.83 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to $3.46 billion by 2030.
Pasteurization is a heat process that kills the living microorganisms in kombucha, making it more stable but less "alive."
Unpasteurized kombucha continues to ferment after bottling, which can change its taste, carbonation, acidity, and alcohol level.
Sõsu Kombucha, founded in Portugal in 2025, produces unpasteurized kombucha and has grown from 50 liters to 3,000 liters per month.
To keep the live cultures intact, Sõsu uses refrigerated storage and clear handling instructions for distribution.
Consumers may not always know if kombucha they buy is pasteurized or unpasteurized because labels often do not make this clear.
Maintaining live kombucha during commercial distribution requires a cold supply chain to preserve its characteristics.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Fatai Miao, accused of helping a realtor allegedly spying on the Taiwanese president's son in the U.S., left for China two weeks ago. The FBI searched his empty home in California after arresting realtor Wanying Zhang, who is suspected of working for Chinese government officials.
Key Facts
Fatai Miao is a Chinese-born construction businessman living in California.
He allegedly accompanied Wanying Zhang to Seattle, where she reportedly filmed Taiwan's president's son.
Zhang was arrested for surveillance activities linked to the Chinese government.
Miao flew to China on a one-way ticket two weeks before the FBI raided his home.
FBI agents broke into Miao's empty Irvine house using a battering ram.
Miao’s son said his father went to China to care for his wife receiving medical treatment.
Miao and Zhang had been friends for over ten years.
The FBI considers Miao a person of interest but has not charged him with a crime.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Stephen Miller, an adviser to President Donald Trump, visited the FBI a few days before a man was charged with cyber-stalking his wife, according to multiple sources. The man allegedly made threatening calls and texts to his wife.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller is an adviser to President Donald Trump.
Miller visited the FBI shortly before a man was charged with cyber-stalking.
The man was accused of making disturbing phone calls and texts to his wife, Katie.
Multiple sources confirmed Miller’s visit to the FBI.
Cyber-stalking involves using electronic communication to harass or threaten someone.
The case is part of a larger investigation involving the FBI.
The exact reason for Miller’s visit to the FBI was not detailed in the article.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Arfat Sheikh, an award-winning filmmaker from Kashmir, was legally in the United States and asked for asylum. He was detained by federal immigration officials on September 24 at Washington Dulles International Airport after arriving from California.
Key Facts
Arfat Sheikh is a filmmaker from Kashmir.
He entered the U.S. legally.
He applied for asylum, a legal process that lets people stay in the U.S. if they face danger in their home country.
He was detained by immigration officials at Washington Dulles International Airport on September 24.
He arrived on a flight from California.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his arrest.
His family and supporters have spoken about his detention.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said there will be "big surprises" before the midterm elections on November 3, without giving details. This has led to guesses that he might announce new policies, economic measures, or election-related news soon.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned "big surprises" coming in the next few weeks before the November midterm elections.
He made the comment during a speech at a Maryland shipyard building submarines.
Trump named Russell Vought, head of the White House Office of Management and Budget, as an important figure linked to upcoming actions.
Possibilities include new tax changes or breaks aimed at helping voters.
Trump previously promised $5,000 payments to adults if Republicans kept control of Congress, a plan costing $1.2 trillion and needing approval.
The administration has sent $500 refunds to some Americans due to Affordable Care Act overcharges.
High gas prices remain a problem, with regular gas at about $4.36 per gallon, possibly leading to energy-related announcements.
Experts say there is limited room for big giveaways because of rising prices and the budget deficit.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
