Singer Kelly Clarkson visited a Brooklyn store called Art of Play and wanted to buy a mechanical bird that sings and dances. The store said the bird on the wall is not for sale because it is fixed there, but offered Clarkson a similar bird for $15,000.
Key Facts
Kelly Clarkson visited Art of Play, a boutique store in Brooklyn.
She wanted to buy a mechanical bird that sings and dances, seen on the store's wall.
Clarkson said she felt the staff looked at her as if she could not afford the bird.
The bird on the wall has a price tag of $15,000 (about £11,000).
Art of Play said the bird on the wall is permanently attached and not for sale.
An employee told Clarkson she could buy an identical bird for $15,000.
Clarkson's visit to the store lasted about five minutes.
The story became popular on social media after Clarkson’s complaint.
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A 19-year-old man in a Chicago suburb was arrested after police found he planned a mass shooting potentially targeting a Hindu temple. The suspect expressed white supremacist views and had weapons and ammunition when police searched his home.
Key Facts
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, from Palatine, Illinois, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting.
Police recovered a rifle, multiple loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammo, and body armor at his home.
Paporakis shared a document with white supremacist ideas and threats against Indians and South Asians.
He reportedly told a coworker he identified as a white supremacist and wanted to kill Indian people.
Authorities believe the planned attack might have targeted a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
FBI is helping police investigate this case.
Paporakis faces felony charges including making a terrorist threat and illegal weapon possession.
His next court hearing is set for late October.
Hate crimes against South Asians have increased in the U.S. in recent years.
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A federal judge ordered the U.S. State Department to reopen the lottery for the 2027 Diversity Visa (green card) program after the department failed to start registration on time. The department must now open registration for at least 30 days and process entries until all 55,000 visas are given or the year ends.
Key Facts
A federal judge named Jinsook Ohta issued a preliminary injunction to reopen the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery.
The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, must open the registration by midnight Eastern time on Thursday.
Registration must remain open for at least 30 days.
The Diversity Visa program gives 55,000 green cards annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
The Trump administration, in its second term, delayed opening the lottery and has tightened many immigration programs.
The lawsuit was filed by Red Eagle Law against the State Department for not opening the registration on time.
The government argued that a late registration would break program rules, but the judge required reopening anyway.
The Diversity Visa winners still have to meet all immigration requirements to get a green card.
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Doctors wanted Elizabeth Struhs’ mother to have a forced mental health check because she believed her daughter’s diabetes could be cured by faith, not medicine. Despite this, child safety officers sent Elizabeth back to live with her mother in 2019; Elizabeth died in 2022 after her father stopped giving her insulin.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Struhs had type 1 diabetes and needed insulin to survive.
Her mother, Kerrie Struhs, believed prayer would heal Elizabeth instead of medicine.
Doctors urged child safety officers to stop Elizabeth returning to her mother, calling her beliefs “delusional.”
Child safety officers returned Elizabeth to live with her mother in 2019 against doctors’ advice.
Elizabeth nearly died in 2019 after a diabetic coma but was released home.
In 2021, her father Jason joined the mother’s religious group, which rejects medical treatment.
Jason stopped Elizabeth’s insulin in 2022, leading to her death at home.
Both parents were convicted for neglecting Elizabeth’s medical needs; Kerrie was jailed.
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In the 2026 midterm elections, politicians from both parties are using meat and food choices as a campaign issue. Republicans accuse Democrats of being anti-meat or vegan, while Democrats criticize Republicans on beef prices and other food-related topics.
Key Facts
Mississippi Democratic Senate candidate Scott Colom criticized Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith for suggesting consumers can simply choose other proteins instead of beef.
Republicans in Texas and Colorado attack Democratic candidates for supporting veganism, animal rights, or policies that could reduce meat consumption.
Democratic candidate Manny Rutinel in Colorado is targeted for his past activism against meat production and factory farming.
Rutinel publicly eats steak tacos on the campaign trail to counter claims he is anti-meat.
Republican candidates also target Democrats’ meat-related views in Iowa and Arizona.
In Iowa, a Republican Senate candidate criticized a Democrat for opposing a ban on lab-grown meat.
Both parties use meat-related issues to connect with voters in states with cattle, hog farms, and meat processing industries.
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Dr. Lesel Dawson from the University of Bristol advises that when supporting someone who is grieving, the most important thing is to stay present and let the grieving person share their feelings at their own pace. She highlights that avoiding grief or conversation about loss can cause long-term harm and that grief is a complex, non-linear process.
Key Facts
People often avoid reaching out to those grieving due to fear of saying the wrong thing.
Dr. Dawson says simply saying "I'm so sorry and I'm here" can be very helpful.
Grief should be expressed in each person’s own way and timing, without pressure.
Not dealing with grief can lead to ongoing emotional challenges.
Dawson’s understanding of grief was influenced by her sister’s stillbirth and her mother’s struggle with self-blame.
Many people feel uncomfortable talking about death despite wanting to discuss it.
Feelings of guilt and blame are common during bereavement and may cause harmful coping.
The Good Grief Festival, co-directed by Dawson, offers events to encourage open conversations about death and loss.
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Chloe Moffat, a 26-year-old personal assistant at the UK Treasury, died by suicide after a surprise disciplinary meeting where she faced anonymous allegations. A coroner found that the Treasury’s actions contributed to her death, and the department has since promised changes to protect employees in future meetings.
Key Facts
Chloe Moffat was called into an unexpected disciplinary meeting without notice or support allowed.
She was accused of leaking sensitive information, which she denied.
The Treasury’s handling of the meeting caused Chloe severe distress; she took her own life the next day.
A coroner ruled that the Treasury had “materially contributed” to her death.
The Treasury stopped informal disciplinary meetings for serious misconduct following the coroner’s report.
New rules now let staff bring a supporter to disciplinary meetings and require proper notice before such meetings.
Chloe’s family wants those responsible to be held accountable and for safer workplace practices to be enforced.
The Treasury is also hiring an occupational therapist to help staff wellbeing.
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Cornell University faculty are discussing a no-confidence resolution against the school's leadership because of how it has handled sexual assault cases. A professor criticized the administration for creating a "culture of fear" that stops many victims from reporting assaults, including a recent high-profile case involving a fraternity.
Key Facts
Professor Paul Ortiz introduced a no-confidence resolution against Cornell’s leadership over sexual assault handling.
Ortiz said the university treats rape like a public relations issue, not a serious crime.
Many students have said they are afraid to report sexual assaults at Cornell.
The resolution states the Faculty Senate has no confidence in the administration’s ability to handle sexual assault issues.
The debate follows a 2024 incident where a student, Jane Doe, alleged gang rape at the Chi Phi fraternity.
Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against the accused men and the university; no criminal charges have been filed yet.
An ongoing investigation by the New York attorney general is looking into the case.
Faculty debate was described as heated, with most speakers supporting the resolution.
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A 19-year-old in Illinois, Alexandros Paporakis, is charged for planning an attack on a Hindu temple. His rifle jammed during the alleged attempt, causing him to stop and say he would return after fixing the weapon. Police found weapons, body armor, and white supremacist materials in his home.
Key Facts
Alexandros Paporakis, a Taco Bell cashier, is accused of threatening a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
He tried to shoot during the attack, but his rifle jammed, and he stopped.
Paporakis communicated with a coworker about his weapon malfunction and plans to fix it.
The attack was planned over two years.
Coworkers reported his white supremacist beliefs and hatred toward Indian people.
Police found an AR-style rifle without a serial number, ammo, body armor, and extremist materials at his home.
Authorities also found a manifesto with racist language targeting South Asians, Jews, and Black people.
Paporakis was arrested as he left his home following the tip-off from coworkers.
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The social media company X has suspended over 13,000 accounts linked to suspected foreign influence operations from Iran, Russia, and China. These accounts aimed to influence political discussions in the U.S. ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Key Facts
X suspended more than 13,000 accounts tied to foreign influence efforts from Iran, Russia, and China.
The accounts used fake profiles to share and boost political content targeting U.S. candidates and public figures.
The suspensions were part of X’s efforts to keep political discussions online authentic and safe before the midterms.
X has rules against false information about voting, voter suppression, and intimidation near polling places.
Users can report election-related posts using a “civic integrity” option to get additional context or alert the platform.
In urgent cases, X may label posts that break election rules to warn users.
OpenAI recently shut down two foreign influence operations that used AI to spread false information about Ukraine.
X previously suspended accounts linked to Iran in similar actions in 2021.
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A new website called Disappeared in America, supported by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, shares stories of hundreds of immigrants and U.S. citizens affected by immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump. It documents cases of detentions, deportations, family separations, and deaths linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, aiming to create a public record and promote accountability.
Key Facts
The website is backed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's administration and the Illinois Accountability Commission.
Disappeared in America features around 500 stories of people impacted by ICE operations, including arrests, deportations, and deaths.
The site covers incidents like Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago and fatal shootings of immigrants and citizens by federal agents.
It includes detailed profiles with photos, videos, and audio for many cases.
The project’s goal is to prevent future abuses and hold officials accountable.
Governor Pritzker described ICE actions during the Trump administration as a “military-style assault” on communities.
More than 605,000 people were reportedly deported under President Trump’s second term, with 33 deaths linked to ICE operations.
The site aims to be a model for other states to document and respond to immigration enforcement impacts.
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President Donald Trump announced a new weapons-testing facility called the "Super Range" in Montana to develop advanced military technologies. At a rally in Kalispell, he also defended gun rights and supported his tariff policies, linking them to economic benefits and protection of American industries.
Key Facts
President Trump said the Department of War will build a "Super Range" in Montana for testing advanced weapons like autonomous systems, space and electronic warfare tech, supersonic and hypersonic weapons.
The announcement was made at a campaign rally in Kalispell, Montana, where Trump supported Republican candidate Aaron Flint.
Trump emphasized protecting the Second Amendment and warned that Democrats want to take away guns, joking that wild animals would benefit if they succeeded.
He noted that Republican candidates Flint and Kurt Alme had high ratings from the National Rifle Association (NRA), while their Democratic opponents scored poorly.
Trump discussed expanding hunting access on public lands in Montana, mentioning the Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge.
He defended tariffs, arguing they do not cause inflation but create wealth and help protect American industries such as sawmills.
The rally took place while inflation was reported at 3.7% over the past year, but Trump claimed he had reduced it to 1.7%.
This event was part of Trump’s campaign efforts to support Republican candidates before the November 3 midterm elections.
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A new Fox News poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, the lowest for either term. The decline comes as many Americans worry about the economy, inflation, and the cost of living ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump’s approval rating is at 36 percent, while disapproval is 64 percent.
Approval is especially low among voters under 45, people without a college degree, non-white voters, and those earning less than $50,000 a year.
Only 22 percent of independents approve of Trump, while 78 percent disapprove.
Trump’s approval on handling inflation is 22 percent, a new low.
Seventy-four percent of Americans view the economy negatively; 53 percent think it will get worse next year.
Nearly 60 percent of people say the cost of living is their main economic worry.
Seven in 10 voters say they plan to vote to send a message to President Trump in the midterms.
Democrats currently lead Republicans 54 percent to 45 percent in preferred House candidates.
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President Donald Trump said at a rally that he does not know who U.S. officials are negotiating with to end the Iran war. He described Iran’s military as very weak and questioned the leadership's condition.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at a rally in Montana on Wednesday night.
He expressed doubt about the identity of the Iranian negotiators.
He said Iran does not have a navy or an air force.
He described Iran’s army as badly damaged.
He claimed that many Iranian leaders are no longer in power.
The comments were related to efforts to end conflict involving Iran.
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James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, answered questions on hot topics like abortion, foreign aid, and his faith during a CNN town hall. He faces a close race against Republican Ken Paxton, who has avoided the town hall and is dealing with scandals and a divorce.
Key Facts
James Talarico is the Texas Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
At a CNN town hall, voters questioned Talarico on Israel, abortion, and foreign aid.
Talarico said his comment about God being nonbinary was meant to be thought-provoking and is a common theological idea.
He described abortion as a public health issue and said the Bible does not take a clear stance on it.
Talarico and Paxton are in a tight race for the Texas Senate seat.
Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas legislature in 2023, but later acquitted, and is currently facing personal and political controversies.
Paxton declined to appear at the CNN town hall.
False rumors targeted Talarico’s health while he was sick with the flu; both Paxton and President Donald Trump helped spread these rumors.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton for the Senate race over another Republican incumbent.
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Federal authorities are investigating U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar’s immigration paperwork and financial disclosures. Agents seized her phone and issued subpoenas as part of a criminal investigation, while President Donald Trump has publicly questioned her citizenship.
Key Facts
Federal agents searched Ilhan Omar’s home in the Washington, D.C. area on October 12.
Omar’s phone was seized and more than a dozen subpoenas were issued, including to some of her relatives.
The investigation focuses on possible fraud related to her immigration paperwork.
A separate inquiry examines her financial disclosures, confirmed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
No charges have been filed against Omar at this time.
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Omar’s background and questioned her citizenship.
Omar came to the U.S. as a refugee and became a citizen in 2000.
Accusations of a sham marriage involving Omar and her brother remain unproven and she denies them.
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The White House is defending Katie Zacharia, the new press secretary, after questions arose about her legal qualifications. Zacharia has a law degree but is not licensed to practice law in any U.S. state, and a complaint was filed seeking investigation into whether she falsely presented herself as a licensed attorney.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump announced Katie Zacharia as the new White House press secretary and referred to her as an attorney.
Zacharia said she practiced international transaction law but cannot show a U.S. state bar license.
When asked where she passed the bar exam, she said "when I moved to China," but she is not registered in any U.S. state.
Zacharia graduated from Pepperdine University law school in California in 2011 but did not pass the California bar exam.
A watchdog group filed a complaint with the California State Bar to investigate if she falsely claimed to practice law without a license.
In China, where she moved after law school, only Chinese citizens can be licensed lawyers; foreign workers have other roles at law firms.
Zacharia worked at a Beijing law firm and said she was outside counsel for the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.
She has also served as general counsel for a conservative non-profit linked to a Trump ally.
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The Trump administration is investigating Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to see if she should lose her US citizenship because of questions about how she became a citizen after coming to the US as a refugee. Federal agents searched her home recently as part of this investigation, which looks at possible changes in her age on immigration papers that could affect her citizenship status.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s administration is investigating Ilhan Omar to possibly revoke her US citizenship.
The inquiry focuses on how Omar, originally from Somalia, became a US citizen after arriving as a refugee.
Authorities are checking if Omar or her late father changed her age to help her gain citizenship through her father.
Omar’s home was searched by federal agents who took items like her passport and electronic devices.
Omar’s office says the investigation has no basis and denies any wrongdoing.
The investigation involves subpoenas and testimony before a grand jury in Minnesota.
Omar has been a US citizen since 2000 after arriving in 1995 from a Kenyan refugee camp.
The Department of Homeland Security said the raid was part of an ongoing federal investigation.
No lawsuit has been filed yet to revoke Omar’s citizenship; investigation alone does not remove citizenship or deport someone.
Omar has faced attacks from Trump and his supporters over her background and immigration status.
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President Donald Trump’s approval rating reached a record low during his time in office, according to a new Fox News poll. The survey shows that only 36% of people approve of how he handles the presidency, while 64% disapprove.
Key Facts
The Fox News poll measured President Trump’s overall approval rating.
36% of respondents approved of President Trump’s performance.
64% of respondents disapproved of his performance.
This approval rating is the lowest for either of President Trump’s terms so far.
The poll reflects increasing voter dissatisfaction with how he manages important issues.
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President Donald Trump accused Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, a group listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. El-Sayed denies having any connection to the group.
Key Facts
President Trump made the accusation against Abdul El-Sayed during the Michigan Senate race.
The Muslim Brotherhood is an organization with support in the Middle East for charity work.
The U.S. government officially labels the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization.
Abdul El-Sayed strongly denies any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
The claim was part of the campaign discourse in the Michigan Senate contest.
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