Former Florida Congressman David Rivera was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for secretly working on a large lobbying campaign for the Venezuelan government during President Trump's first term. Rivera, who was once close to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been held in custody without bond.
Key Facts
David Rivera is a former Republican Congressman from Florida.
He received a 10-year federal prison sentence.
The sentence relates to his hidden role in a multimillion-dollar lobbying effort for Venezuela.
This took place during President Donald Trump’s first administration.
Rivera was a longtime friend and former roommate of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rivera has been in federal custody without the chance to be released on bond.
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A federal judge stopped the Department of Homeland Security from building a border wall in the Big Bend area of Texas inside a national park. The judge's decision halts all construction and ground work for the wall in this protected area.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked border wall construction in the Big Bend region of Texas.
The construction was planned inside a national park, raising environmental concerns.
The judge’s order stops any building or ground-disturbing activities in that area.
The Department of Homeland Security aimed to continue expanding the Southwestern border wall.
Construction was paused in August after local complaints.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott planned to meet with local community members to discuss the project.
The ruling represents a temporary setback for the administration’s border wall plans.
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Voter registration deadlines for the midterm elections on November 3 vary by state in the U.S. Some states allow registration up to Election Day, while others have deadlines weeks in advance. The article lists voter registration deadlines and links for each state.
Key Facts
The midterm elections are on November 3, 2024.
Voter registration deadlines differ widely by state—some states have deadlines in early October, others allow registration until November 3.
Some states require in-person registration if done close to Election Day.
Many states allow online voter registration until a certain date before the election.
States run their own elections and set their own voter registration rules and deadlines.
Same-Day Voter Registration is available in some states, allowing voters to register on Election Day.
The article provides specific registration deadlines and official websites for each state.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led a large rally in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the country’s upcoming election. He said only he can stop far-right forces connected to the Bolsonaro family from returning to power and threatening Brazil’s democracy.
Key Facts
Lula is running for a historic fourth term as president of Brazil.
He warned that if he does not win, Brazil risks a return to far-right rule and loss of democracy.
The Bolsonaro family, including former president Jair Bolsonaro and his son Flávio, are Lula’s main rivals.
Jair Bolsonaro is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence for plotting a failed coup after losing the 2022 election.
The rally marched between two important sites linked to Brazil’s fight for democracy during a past military dictatorship.
Polls show Lula has only a small lead over the Bolsonaro family in the upcoming October 4, 2026 vote.
Supporters fear a Bolsonaro win would lead to the release of coup plotters and dismantling of democratic institutions.
Lula criticized foreign interference, indirectly referencing claims that the Trump administration may try to influence the election in Bolsonaro’s favor.
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A federal judge stopped the construction of a border barrier in the Big Bend area of Texas. The judge ruled that the government cannot build or disturb the land there while the case is ongoing.
Key Facts
The judge is Kathleen Cardone, appointed by President George W. Bush.
The halted construction was part of border wall plans from the Trump administration.
The order stops all building and ground disturbance in the Big Bend region of Texas.
The case involves plaintiffs who challenged the construction.
The judge stated the plaintiffs are likely to win their case.
The Big Bend region includes a national park area.
The decision temporarily protects the environment and land near the border.
This ruling affects current border security construction efforts in that area.
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King Charles will visit several Caribbean countries in late October, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, and Guyana. During the trip, he is expected to address the history of the transatlantic slave trade but is not expected to apologise or offer reparations, according to the UK government.
Key Facts
The King's Caribbean tour starts on October 27 and lasts eight days.
The visit includes the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, are asking for an apology and reparations for slavery.
The UK government has not advised King Charles to apologise or offer compensation.
King Charles has previously expressed "personal sorrow" for the UK's role in slavery.
Jamaica plans to present a petition asking the King to refer legal questions about slavery to a UK court.
The palace says the tour will focus mostly on the present and future of the Caribbean nations.
The UK describes the transatlantic slave trade as "abhorrent" but opposes paying reparations.
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David Rivera, a former Florida congressman, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for money laundering and secretly working as an agent for the Venezuelan government. He and his associate received $50 million to lobby U.S. lawmakers without declaring their foreign ties.
Key Facts
David Rivera served in Congress from 2011 to 2013 as a Florida Republican.
Rivera was found guilty of money laundering and being an undeclared foreign agent representing Venezuela’s state oil company.
Rivera’s consulting firm was paid $50 million for three months of lobbying work connected to PDVSA, Venezuela’s state oil firm.
Prosecutors said Rivera and his associate, Esther Nuhfer, ran a secret political influence campaign on behalf of Venezuela’s government.
The scheme aimed to influence U.S. politicians, including attempts to lobby Senator Marco Rubio and former White House adviser Kellyanne Conway.
Rubio testified he was friends with Rivera but unaware of his lobbying activities.
Defense lawyers argued the work was for a U.S.-based subsidiary, not directly for the Venezuelan government, but the judge said the money came from Venezuela’s Maduro regime.
Rivera must forfeit his Florida properties as part of his sentence.
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Jane Doe’s lawyer says she was unable to give permission because she was very drunk and pressured to take a drug called ketamine when she was allegedly raped at a Cornell fraternity house in October 2024. He claims the university did not properly investigate and focused more on protecting its reputation, leading Jane Doe to file a lawsuit against Cornell and seven fraternity members.
Key Facts
Jane Doe was a 20-year-old sophomore at Cornell University at the time of the alleged assault.
Her lawyer says she was "grossly intoxicated" and pressured to take ketamine, which made her feel unable to control the situation.
Jane Doe reported the incident to Cornell University Police three weeks after it happened.
The lawyer claims investigators did not interview key witnesses or secure evidence quickly.
Cornell University says it conducted a thorough Title IX investigation and supports reopening the case.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the handling of the case and appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor.
Jane Doe’s lawyer says messages in a fraternity group chat show disturbing behavior and a cover-up by many involved.
The lawsuit was filed after Jane Doe completed the university’s Title IX process and felt ready to proceed.
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Larry Nassar, a former doctor convicted of sexually abusing gymnasts, has been removed from Michigan’s sex offender registry due to a recent court ruling. The Michigan Supreme Court said the sex offender registration law cannot apply to crimes committed before July 1, 2011, leading to the removal of over 20,000 offenders, including Nassar.
Key Facts
Larry Nassar was a doctor at Michigan State University and for USA Gymnastics.
He was convicted of sexually abusing over 150 girls and women, including Olympic gymnasts.
Nassar was sentenced in 2018 to up to 175 years in prison.
The Michigan Supreme Court ruled on September 9 that the sex offender registry law cannot be applied to crimes before July 1, 2011.
More than 20,000 offenders, including Nassar, were removed from Michigan’s sex offender registry.
The Eaton County prosecutor’s office expressed concern about the ruling but will follow the court’s decision.
Michigan lawmakers cannot reverse the ruling but could pass new laws to change the registry.
Nassar is currently serving a federal prison sentence and is not expected to be released until 2068.
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President Donald Trump said he did not act too quickly in announcing that South Korea would invest in a natural gas pipeline project in Alaska. South Korean officials, however, said the investment is still being discussed and not finalized.
Key Facts
President Trump announced that South Korea would fund a natural gas pipeline in Alaska.
South Korean officials responded that the investment is still under discussion and not yet decided.
Trump said South Korea representatives were present during the announcement.
The pipeline project involves natural gas, a fuel source that can be used for energy.
The investment is valued at $54 billion.
The comments came during a press event before President Trump left the location.
There is some uncertainty between the U.S. and South Korea about the pipeline deal’s status.
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Hawaii’s 550-year-old Hōlei Sea Arch, a large natural rock formation, collapsed into the ocean sometime between September 23 and 27. The arch had been showing signs of weakness for years due to natural erosion, earthquakes, and storms.
Key Facts
The Hōlei Sea Arch was about 90 feet (27.4 meters) tall.
It formed around 550 years ago from lava rock.
The arch was located in Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Signs of instability were noticed for years, with warnings issued in 2021 about its eventual collapse.
A tropical storm and past earthquakes near Kīlauea volcano contributed to the damage.
The park had closed the original viewing area in 2020 and opened a safer spot some distance away.
The exact time of collapse is unknown but happened while the park was closed during Tropical Storm Nolo.
The National Park Service said the collapse is part of natural changes along the coastline, and similar formations will form over time.
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A new CBS News poll shows Maine’s Senate race is very close between Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Troy Jackson. Many voters in Maine focus more on state issues than national politics, which helps Collins even though the state usually leans Democratic.
Key Facts
Susan Collins and Troy Jackson are tied in the Maine Senate race.
Collins is winning some Democratic voters who prioritize state issues over national ones.
Collins leads among voters who believe she would bring more federal money to Maine.
About 20% of voters who dislike President Trump still support Collins.
Jackson’s support comes from voters against Trump’s policies, tariffs, and those wanting national Democrats to control the Senate.
Ten percent of voters say they might still change their vote.
Jackson is less popular than Maine’s Democratic governor candidate, Hannah Pingree, and some Democrats and independents wish there was a different Democratic Senate nominee.
The poll surveyed 1,114 registered Maine voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 points.
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A Flydubai pilot was attacked and stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight to Israel. The pilot managed to open the cockpit door and help save the passengers. India’s prime minister praised him for his bravery.
Key Facts
The captain of a Flydubai flight was stabbed by his co-pilot while flying to Israel.
Despite being injured, the pilot fought to open the cockpit door.
He acted to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.
The incident took place on a commercial flight operated by Flydubai.
India’s prime minister publicly praised the captain for his heroic actions.
The pilot is being called a ‘national hero’ for his quick thinking and courage.
The attack took place inside the cockpit during the flight.
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President Donald Trump expressed concern about Michael Whatley’s chances of winning the Republican Senate nomination in North Carolina. This came as a Senate Republican super PAC started canceling reservations in the state.
Key Facts
President Trump said he is worried about Michael Whatley’s election chances.
Michael Whatley is the GOP nominee for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina.
A Senate Republican super PAC began canceling reservations in North Carolina.
The comments were made by President Trump on the South Lawn before a campaign rally.
The situation highlights challenges in the North Carolina Republican Senate race.
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Christa Pike survived two rounds of lethal injection drugs during her execution in Tennessee, raising questions about how states carry out executions. Different states use various execution methods, including lethal injection, electrocution, lethal gas, and firing squads.
Key Facts
Christa Pike survived an attempted lethal injection, remaining unconscious on a ventilator afterward.
Lethal injection is the most common execution method in the U.S., used in about 89% of executions since 1976.
Other authorized methods include electrocution, lethal gas, and firing squads, depending on the state.
Some states allow prisoners to choose the method of execution.
The Supreme Court requires that the death penalty be reserved for the most serious murders.
New Hampshire no longer uses the death penalty but still has one person on death row.
Idaho uses firing squads as its main execution method.
Christa Pike was convicted of killing a classmate about 30 years ago and this was Tennessee’s first planned execution of a woman in 200 years.
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A recent survey shows that more people in Latin America see China as a positive global influence than the United States for the first time since 1995. While 65% view China positively, 57% feel the same about the US, although the US is still generally more popular overall.
Key Facts
The 2026 Latinobarometro survey covered 17 Latin American countries with about 19,200 face-to-face interviews.
65% of respondents viewed China as a positive influence, up from 48% in 2020.
57% viewed the US positively, down from 60% in 2020.
Only Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic saw the US more positively than China.
Despite this, 63% had a favorable opinion of the US overall, compared to 58% for China.
The survey showed most countries except Argentina approved of the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by military forces.
Opinion was split on whether Maduro’s capture helped or harmed Venezuela.
Venezuelans were among the most positive about US influence.
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The co-pilot of a FlyDubai plane tried to crash the flight headed to Israel by attacking the captain. The suspect, an Omani national, was previously suspended from Oman Air for having extremist materials but was later allowed to fly for FlyDubai. The plane landed safely after passengers and crew stopped the attack.
Key Facts
The suspect was a co-pilot for FlyDubai and an Omani national.
He was suspended by Oman Air in 2024 after being found with extremist materials.
After suspension, he worked in an office but eventually flew again for FlyDubai.
The suspect attacked the captain and tried to crash the plane into Israel.
Passengers and the third pilot stopped the suspect, preventing a crash.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The suspect is cooperating with investigators and was transferred to the UAE.
Israeli officials are involved in the investigation, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone Islamist radicalization.
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The Ethiopian army is advancing toward the capital of the Tigray region as fighting with Tigrayan rebels increases. Ethiopia and Eritrea have cut diplomatic ties, and the African Union is calling for calm to prevent the conflict from spreading in the region.
Key Facts
The Ethiopian army is pushing back against the Tigrayan rebels by moving closer to the Tigray capital.
Fighting is growing stronger, with explosions reported in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea have ended diplomatic relations amid rising tensions.
The African Union urges all parties involved to act with restraint to avoid further violence.
Regional instability is increasing due to the conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The situation has sparked concerns about a wider conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The conflict has led to political and humanitarian challenges within Ethiopia and nearby countries.
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Thousands of refugees and other legal immigrants lost their Medicaid health coverage on October 1 due to new cuts in a GOP bill called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes removed Medicaid benefits for some immigrants who were previously eligible.
Key Facts
The Medicaid losses started on October 1.
Legal immigrants, including refugees, were affected.
The changes come from the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
States and immigrant advocacy groups tried to warn people about the coverage loss.
The bill cuts Medicaid benefits for certain immigrants.
Those who lost coverage had previously qualified for Medicaid under older rules.
This is part of a larger effort to reduce Medicaid spending.
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Environmental groups sued President Trump's administration for lowering fuel efficiency rules for cars. They say this change will cause more gasoline use, higher costs at gas stations, and more pollution.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration reduced the fuel efficiency requirement from 50.4 miles per gallon to 34.9 mpg by 2031.
The rollback changes the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that automakers must follow.
The Department of Transportation said the new rules will lower car prices by about $1,300 and reduce oil use.
Environmental groups argue the rollback will increase fuel costs and boost greenhouse gas emissions.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the rollback stops a rule requiring more expensive electric cars.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals against officials including Sean Duffy and Jonathan Morrison.
The transportation sector caused 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, according to the EPA.
Gasoline prices have risen from about $3.16 a year ago to $4.40 per gallon recently.
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