Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been charged in New York with conspiracy to commit torture. These charges relate to allegations they tortured political opponents, adding to previous drug trafficking charges. They are currently held in detention, and their trial is scheduled for June 1.
Key Facts
Nicolas Maduro is the current President of Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face charges in a Manhattan federal court in New York.
They are charged with conspiring to commit torture against political opponents.
These charges are added to existing drug trafficking charges against them.
They pleaded not guilty to the drug charges.
Both are held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
Their trial is set to begin on June 1.
The drug trafficking case alleges Maduro worked with drug cartels to move cocaine from Venezuela to the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on a report that U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle asked a donor to pay her $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing. The report claims Guilfoyle promised the donor access to administration officials in return.
Key Facts
The report alleges Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle asked a donor to pay $100,000 of her credit card debt.
This request happened just before her Senate confirmation hearing.
Guilfoyle reportedly promised the donor access to officials in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio refused to discuss these allegations when asked by reporters.
Rubio made these remarks while in Athens, Greece, before delivering a speech about European values and U.S. alliances.
The source of the report is the Wall Street Journal.
The donor involved is a supporter of President Donald Trump.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Londoners are voting in a special election to fill the Holborn and St Pancras parliamentary seat after Keir Starmer resigned. The main competition is between the Labour Party and the Green Party, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski challenging Labour’s candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali.
Key Facts
The by-election is taking place because Keir Starmer resigned from the seat.
The Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, poses a strong challenge to Labour’s hold on this seat.
Labour has held this seat continuously since it was created in 1983.
The election tests Labour leader Andy Burnham’s ability to regain support after poor local election results.
Zack Polanski became the Green Party leader in September last year and has helped increase the party’s support in London.
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali is a local council leader and refugee from Somalia.
Polls close at 10 pm local time, with results expected early Friday morning.
Several other candidates from various smaller parties and independents are also running.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner, died shortly after being evicted from her home in Madrid. Her eviction sparked large protests across Spain over the country's housing crisis, leading to political tension and an upcoming general election.
Key Facts
María del Carmen Abascal was evicted after her apartment was bought by an investment firm that wanted to raise her rent by 230%.
She lived in the same flat in Madrid for 70 years before eviction.
Her eviction led to mass protests and the creation of a protest camp in Madrid’s city center.
The government proposed emergency rules to make renting fairer, but these were rejected by rightwing and far-right parties.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an early general election to be held on November 29.
After Abascal’s death, people gathered to honor her with flowers, candles, and messages.
Housing activists say her case highlights how investment interests often outweigh people’s rights.
The Madrid tenants’ union organized a march to her former home to remember her and raise awareness about housing problems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Researchers at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania are studying whether GLP-1 drugs, which help reduce appetite and addictive behaviors, can also improve people's financial decisions by lowering risky spending and gambling. The study will use brain scans to see how these drugs affect the brain's reward system linked to habits and decision-making.
Key Facts
GLP-1 drugs are known for helping with weight loss by reducing cravings and addictive behaviors.
Wharton researchers want to see if these drugs can also reduce risky financial behaviors like gambling and compulsive shopping.
The study focuses on the brain's reward system, which drives habits and decisions about spending and rewards.
About 180 participants will take part in the study at the University of Pennsylvania over several months.
Researchers will use MRI scans to observe brain activity while participants view images related to spending and make financial decisions.
The study will avoid showing brand logos to keep brain responses unbiased.
The ultimate goal is to find out if GLP-1 drugs can help people save money and resist impulsive spending.
The study is funded by Noom, a digital health company, and builds on earlier research about reward drive and decision-making.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scott Chilton, the former chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight police, was found guilty of serious misconduct for having sexual relationships with two officers under his command while on duty. The hearing revealed he lied about these relationships, abused his power, and pressured one officer to keep it secret. He retired in April 2025 after a 33-year career.
Key Facts
Scott Chilton had sexual relationships with two subordinate officers while holding senior police ranks.
He engaged in sexual activity with one officer during work hours and while leading major incidents.
Chilton repeatedly lied about these relationships when applying for and during his role as chief constable.
He abused his position by pressuring one officer to hide their relationship and delete messages.
He shared confidential information improperly in private messages with one officer.
The misconduct panel described Chilton's behaviour as showing entitlement, dishonesty, and lack of integrity.
Chilton retired in April 2025 after 33 years in policing, including work on national investigation standards.
A related case involved another Hampshire police officer accused of inappropriate relationships who resigned before dismissal.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declined to comment on reports about Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Trump’s ambassador to Greece. The Wall Street Journal said Guilfoyle asked for money in exchange for influence with the Trump administration to help pay her debts during her confirmation.
Key Facts
Marco Rubio is the Secretary of State.
Kimberly Guilfoyle is the ambassador to Greece, appointed by President Trump.
The Wall Street Journal reported allegations against Guilfoyle.
The report says Guilfoyle asked for money in exchange for influence.
These actions reportedly occurred during her confirmation process.
Rubio refused to discuss or comment on these allegations publicly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Missouri voters are confused and upset after Republican leaders attempted to redraw congressional voting districts to benefit their party. The redrawing process faced legal challenges, went through multiple changes, and will not be used for the upcoming general election. This has left some voters uncertain about which candidates will appear on their ballots.
Key Facts
Eric Leventhal and other voters in Missouri are unsure which congressional district they now belong to after redistricting changes.
Missouri Republicans tried to redraw districts to increase their seats, with approval from Governor Mike Kehoe in 2025.
The new map would have increased Republican control from six to seven out of eight districts by dividing Democratic voters in Kansas City.
A voter group called People Not Politicians collected over 300,000 signatures to challenge the map through a referendum.
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins refused to put the referendum on the ballot, saying the law doesn’t allow referendums on redistricting.
The Missouri Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Republican redistricting plan four times within a month.
During one week, the map for the general election changed three times due to ongoing legal battles.
Some voters express anger toward Republican leaders and fear the confusion could affect voter turnout or election results.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States has charged Venezuela's former leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, with conspiracy to commit torture. They have been held in US custody since January, facing earlier drug trafficking and weapons charges, and their trial is scheduled for June 2027.
Key Facts
Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores face new US charges for conspiracy to commit torture.
These charges add to existing accusations of drug trafficking and weapons offenses.
Maduro and Flores have been in US custody since January 2024 after a US raid in Caracas.
The torture allegations involve the mistreatment of US citizens held in Venezuelan prisons.
Human rights groups have reported that Venezuelan jails have systematic torture practices.
Maduro is 63 years old, and Flores is 69 years old.
Their trial in the United States will begin in June 2027.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is preparing the city in the Florida Panhandle for the arrival of Hurricane Isaias. The mayor shared information about the storm and local efforts to get ready as the hurricane approaches.
Key Facts
Hurricane Isaias is moving toward the Florida Panhandle.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves is involved in emergency preparations.
The mayor spoke with CBS News about the storm.
Local officials are working to prepare for potential impacts.
Residents in the area are being warned to brace for the hurricane.
The coverage includes updates and advice for those who may be affected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Global energy prices are staying high due to ongoing supply challenges, especially involving oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Countries are responding differently to secure their energy supplies, with some increasing local oil and gas production and others shifting away from fossil fuels.
Key Facts
High energy prices are pushing up inflation worldwide.
More crude oil is now moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Oil prices will stay high until oil flows from this region return to normal levels.
Damaged infrastructure and rising shipping costs are adding to supply problems.
Daily costs for oil tankers have jumped dramatically, increasing transportation expenses.
Governments are exploring different strategies for energy security based on local resources.
Some countries want to produce more oil and gas nearby, while others aim to reduce fossil fuel use.
This mixed global response reflects varying options and priorities among countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Arizona, said she was raped by two men in August while fixing a campaign sign. She kept the attack secret at first because she felt ashamed.
Key Facts
The attack happened in August while Greene-Placentia was repairing a campaign sign.
Two men allegedly raped her during the incident.
Greene-Placentia is running against Republican Representative Abraham Hamadeh.
She revealed the attack publicly on a Wednesday.
She initially did not share the information due to feelings of shame.
The event occurred in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
Greene-Placentia is part of the Democratic Party.
The incident is part of her campaign story as she seeks election.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two political advisers close to President Donald Trump were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to work for Milorad Dodik, a pro-Russian politician in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dodik’s party won big in recent elections despite his ban from office, and his connections to Russia and the US are causing concern about stability in the region.
Key Facts
James Blair and Chris LaCivita, advisers linked to President Trump, worked for Milorad Dodik in Bosnia.
They were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars, hired through a Washington law firm for Republika Srpska’s government.
Milorad Dodik is a Bosnian Serb politician who supports closer ties to Russia and wants Republika Srpska to separate from Bosnia.
Dodik was banned from running in elections and sentenced to prison for disobeying the international envoy overseeing Bosnia’s peace deal.
Despite the ban, Dodik’s party won over 55% of votes in recent elections in Republika Srpska.
The Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995 ended Bosnia’s war and created Republika Srpska as an autonomous region.
The US lifted sanctions on Dodik in 2025 to ease tensions, after years of sanctions due to his destabilizing actions.
Republika Srpska has paid over $4 million since 2025 to lobbyists connected to Trump for political lobbying.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Birmingham Airport has announced a £2 billion plan to expand over the next 15 years, aiming to more than double passenger numbers and create over 50,000 jobs. The expansion includes better passenger facilities, more aircraft stands, and improved access, starting as early as 2027.
Key Facts
The airport handled over 13 million passengers in 2025 and aims to increase this to 30 million annually.
The expansion plan could create more than 50,000 jobs, with 3,800 jobs at the airport itself.
Improvements will include enhanced baggage and terminal facilities and more aircraft stands.
The airport is asking the public for feedback during an eight-week consultation.
Local leaders support the plan for its economic benefits and opportunities for businesses.
The airport faces challenges like rising costs for wages, energy, and taxes that could affect the plan.
The government supports the expansion as a way to grow the aviation sector in the UK.
Development work may start in 2027, focusing first on passenger and baggage system improvements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
High school students across France have continued protests demanding better school conditions despite government promises to act. Tens of thousands marched peacefully while some clashes with police occurred, with students saying the government's actions are not enough.
Key Facts
Students blocked schools and marched in many French cities, including Paris, Lille, and Marseille.
The education minister announced plans to replace absent teachers and review school timetables and university applications.
The prime minister promised a quick and fully funded response by the end of the month.
Students want at least €10 billion invested to improve schools.
A poll showed 72% of French people support the students’ demands, but 55% want protests to stop.
Around 224 high schools were closed on Thursday, but 95% remained at least partly open.
Clashes with police happened, including the use of water cannons and teargas; some protesters set fires and damaged property.
Over 1,000 people, including teenagers, school staff, and police officers, have been injured since the protests began.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Senate Republicans tried once more to pass important laws before the midterm break but failed due to political disagreements. Only small administrative actions and one sports-related bipartisan bill moved forward.
Key Facts
Senate leaders wanted to pass meaningful laws before the midterm recess.
Several key bills did not pass because of partisan disagreements.
The Senate did make progress on small administrative measures.
One bipartisan sports act was successfully passed.
The failure shows continued political gridlock in the Senate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Gillio Lopes, accused in a sexual assault civil lawsuit related to Cornell University, asked a judge to remove New York Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor. Lopes’ lawyers say James showed bias through her public comments about the case before she was officially appointed. James was given the role by Governor Kathy Hochul to lead the criminal investigation and review of how authorities handled the incident.
Key Facts
Gillio Lopes is one of seven men named in a civil lawsuit over alleged sexual assaults at Cornell University.
Lopes denies the sexual assault allegations and has asked to remove Attorney General Letitia James from the related criminal investigation.
His lawyers filed an Article 78 petition arguing James’ earlier public comments show she is not neutral.
James posted a message on social media expressing support for the alleged victim before being appointed as special prosecutor.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed James on October 1 to oversee the criminal probe and review of the initial response.
James’ office confirmed they have opened an active criminal investigation into the case.
The lawsuit and criminal inquiry are separate but connected legal actions regarding the same alleged incident.
Cornell University is facing protests and has hired a former government official, Sally Yates, related to the incident’s handling.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Christa Pike's execution in Tennessee failed after two doses of the lethal drug pentobarbital. Although she became unconscious, she was still alive and was taken to a hospital where she is now recovering. The state is legally required to provide medical care after a failed execution.
Key Facts
Christa Pike was convicted for a 1995 murder and spent most of her adult life on death row.
Her execution took place at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville on September 30.
The first dose of pentobarbital did not kill her, so a second dose was given.
Pike was unconscious but breathing and snoring, indicating she was still alive after the procedure.
Tennessee law allows only two doses for lethal injection before it must stop.
After the failed execution, Pike was put on a ventilator in the hospital to keep her alive.
The U.S. Constitution requires that prisoners receive medical care, even after a failed execution to avoid "cruel and unusual punishment."
Lethal injection is considered more "humane" than older methods but has a history of failure in some cases.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new CNN poll shows former Senator Sherrod Brown is leading incumbent Senator Jon Husted by six points in the Ohio Senate race. About 49% of people surveyed support Brown, while 43% support Husted.
Key Facts
Former Senator Sherrod Brown is running for the Ohio Senate seat.
Jon Husted is the current Senator from Ohio and the Republican candidate.
A CNN poll shows Brown leads Husted by six points.
49% of people surveyed support Brown.
43% of people surveyed support Husted.
The poll reflects voter preference if the election were held today.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Life insurance can play a useful role in retirement planning by protecting a spouse's finances, providing access to cash through certain types of policies, and helping preserve an inheritance. While it should not replace traditional retirement savings like 401(k) or IRA accounts, life insurance can add flexibility and security to overall retirement strategies.
Key Facts
Only 52% of Americans feel confident their retirement savings will last their lifetime, down from 73% in 2025.
56% of people have updated their retirement plans, and 34% have delayed or plan to delay retirement.
Life insurance death benefits can help a surviving spouse cover living expenses and pay off debts.
Death benefits are usually not taxed as income by the IRS, with some exceptions.
Permanent life insurance policies (whole or universal) build cash value that can be borrowed or withdrawn during retirement.
Using cash value may help avoid selling investments in a bad market but can reduce the policy’s death benefit and have tax consequences.
Life insurance can support retirement goals by providing funds for heirs without sacrificing money needed for living expenses.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
