James Blair, a Florida political strategist and White House deputy chief of staff, helped Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign regain the presidency. The article describes Blair’s political career and his close ties to Susie Wiles, and says he now faces the task of helping Republicans retain control of Congress in the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Blair is 37 and was born in Tampa, Florida.
He earned a finance degree from Florida State University and founded Rapid Loop Consulting in 2013.
Blair worked for Florida political leader Richard Corcoran and later served as a senior adviser to Ron DeSantis’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
He became deputy chief of staff in DeSantis’s administration and formed a close working relationship with Susie Wiles.
Wiles brought Blair into Trump’s political operation, including his 2024 presidential campaign, where Blair served as political director.
After Trump won the 2024 election, Blair became a White House deputy chief of staff and worked with Congress on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The article says Blair is now working to help Republicans hold the House and Senate in the midterm elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The writer describes starting to make Instagram Reels amid pressure to earn a living in a social-media-driven creative industry. The article says influencers increasingly use restaurants and hotels as filming backdrops, prompting some venues to restrict photography and raising concerns about disruption to paying customers.
Key Facts
The writer says he recently began posting videos on Instagram Reels.
He describes social-media video as a growing force in the creative industry and a possible source of income.
The writer says he has filmed content near other people who were also filming.
The article describes food influencing as an industry that can affect a restaurant’s success.
It says some diners avoid restaurants where they might appear in an influencer’s video.
The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes has banned photoshoots, according to the article.
The writer says Sunset Tower’s Tower Bar has tried to limit photography, but patrons continue taking and sharing photos.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The family of Andrew Frederick is urging the UK government to help advance an investigation into his death in Grenada, nearly 10 months after his body was found. A pathologist ruled his death a homicide, but Grenadian police closed the case; a UK request for Grenada to cooperate with an investigation remains unsigned, according to the family.
Key Facts
Frederick, 47, was found dead in a ransacked property in Grenada on 4 January.
An autopsy conducted in Grenada described blunt force trauma and torture, including the removal of a toenail, and ruled the death a homicide.
Grenadian police said there was no basis to find that a homicide had occurred and closed the case.
Frederick’s body was repatriated to the UK in August, where a second autopsy found that his organs and parts of his neck were missing.
The family says it has not been told where the missing organs are or what happened to them.
A UK coroner asked the Metropolitan police to investigate Frederick’s death last month.
UK authorities said the British high commissioner raised the case with senior Grenadian officials, who indicated they would cooperate with a formal UK request.
The family says Grenada has yet to approve the formal request for cooperation, which it says remains unsigned.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ali, a 26-year-old art student from Florida who lived in Paris, died suddenly on May 26, 2024. After reviewing her autopsy with doctors, her sister said the family believes Ali may have had vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited condition that can weaken blood vessels; the article does not report a confirmed diagnosis.
Key Facts
Ali’s sister said Ali appeared healthy before her death.
Ali’s sister and mother were visiting when Ali’s phone call abruptly went silent, prompting them to go to her apartment and call French emergency services.
Ali’s sister said an autopsy review with doctors in South Florida led the family to suspect vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
The family believes Ali may have died from an abdominal aortic rupture, but the article presents this as their belief.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited disorders affecting connective tissue.
The article says vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause fragile blood vessels and internal organs, severe bruising, and joint hypermobility.
Ali’s sister recalled that Ali was very flexible, bruised easily, and experienced aches, pains, and fatigue.
Ali did not undergo genetic testing, according to her sister.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said four bodies handed to Salvadoran forces in Haiti were not those of the four Salvadoran technicians who disappeared after an attack. El Salvador has deployed about 450 soldiers to help find the men, who were serving with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force.
Key Facts
A nongovernmental organisation delivered the four bodies to Salvadoran forces at an airport in Haiti, claiming they were the missing technicians.
Bukele said one body was that of a child and another wore part of a uniform from a different country’s army.
The four technicians disappeared after armed groups attacked their armoured vehicle in Croix-des-Bouquets, an area near Port-au-Prince controlled by armed groups.
No gang has claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the article.
The missing men served with the UN-backed Gang Suppression Force, which works to counter gang violence in Haiti.
The New York Times reported that the bodies might be those of the missing men, but said they were badly burned and needed medical examination for identification.
The UN said more than 5,700 people were killed or injured by gangs or operations against them in Haiti between January 1 and September 11 this year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Iranian authorities have expanded Janfada, a nationwide volunteer mobilisation campaign that offers civilians weapons training and presents itself as a way to defend the government against domestic and foreign threats. The campaign began in late March during the war with the United States and Israel, and officials have announced plans to set up training stations in public squares across the country.
Key Facts
Janfada means “those who sacrifice their life” and is open to men and women of all ages, with a stated focus on young people.
Basij militia representatives and other state bodies run street booths and stations where volunteers receive training on weapons and equipment.
State-organised events and armed exercises linked to the campaign have taken place in cities across many of Iran’s 31 provinces.
Basij training deputy Ali Kowsari said the IRGC aims to use at least 14 main squares in Tehran as Janfada training and equipment stations.
A Gilan province resident told Al Jazeera that some stations teach people how to load ammunition and aim and fire pistols and assault rifles.
Videos shared on social media showed a confrontation during a nighttime pro-government gathering in Rasht on October 15; authorities did not comment.
Authorities warned residents in Karaj to expect explosions and loud noises from a Janfada exercise.
Iranian human rights groups based abroad have described the armed mobilisation efforts as intimidation, while the government says January’s protests were a US- and Israel-orchestrated coup attempt.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Police in Tirana, Albania, were filmed beating a protester who was lying on the ground. Local media reported that the protester was left unconscious, and journalists and other protesters called for an ambulance.
Key Facts
The incident took place in Tirana, Albania’s capital.
Police were filmed beating a protester.
The protester was lying on the ground during the beating.
Local media reported that the protester was left unconscious.
Journalists and other protesters rushed to check on the protester.
People at the scene called for an ambulance.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A shooting near Florida A&M University in Tallahassee injured 12 people Saturday evening, including six children. Police said 11 people had gunshot wounds; three were seriously injured, including one in critical condition.
Key Facts
Six of the injured were adults and six were juveniles, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said.
The youngest injured person was 11 years old.
Eight victims were reported in stable condition.
A grandmother of one victim was injured while fleeing the scene, but did not have a gunshot wound.
Police said the shooting followed an altercation between individuals near Perry and Manatee streets, outside the university’s Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Florida A&M University said police were at the scene and investigating.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Saudi Arabia said it intercepted Houthi missiles and drones over Riyadh and southern parts of the country as fighting intensified in Yemen. The attacks came as Riyadh airport resumed international and domestic flights after a deadly strike earlier in the month, while the Houthis warned the airport remained a military target.
Key Facts
A Saudi-led coalition spokesman said forces intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh, a drone in the Riyadh region and a cruise missile aimed at Khamis Mushait.
The coalition later reported intercepting 10 ballistic missiles fired towards southern Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said 13 people died and more than 300 were wounded in a Houthi attack that halted operations at Riyadh airport on October 10.
Riyadh airport said international flights would resume from Terminal 2 on Sunday, while Terminal 1 would handle domestic flights.
The Houthis warned airlines, airport staff and travellers not to use King Khalid airport, calling it unsafe and a military target.
The Houthis advanced on Jabal Sabr near Taiz, where they have besieged the city and cut off its main road to Aden.
The United Nations said about 800,000 people trapped in Taiz need aid and warned that time to deliver it is running out.
Yemen’s government forces said they carried out more than 700 operations against Houthi targets on Saturday and claimed to have killed more than 300 fighters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French anti-terror prosecutors said a 39-year-old suspect in a shooting near Paris was transferred from police custody to a psychiatric unit for an observation period expected to last up to 48 hours. The shooting in Trappes and nearby La Verrière killed one person and wounded five; investigators have cited possible racist motives.
Key Facts
The suspect was arrested Friday with a submachine gun and tear-gas grenades in his car.
A psychiatric examination led prosecutors to suspend his police custody on Saturday.
The observation period is intended to assess whether the suspect can continue to be questioned.
Prosecutors said traces of cannabis and cocaine were found in the suspect’s blood.
The person killed was 26-year-old Pengo Bossio Wangi, who was of Congolese origin.
A 12-year-old girl was among the wounded and remained in critical condition.
Police searched the suspect’s home in Plaisir and, according to a source close to the investigation, found a Bible, a Quran and a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. President Donald Trump sarcastically answered a reporter who asked about possible renewed strikes on Iran. He said inflation could push Tehran toward a deal, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of disrupting talks to end the war.
Key Facts
Trump responded sarcastically to a reporter's question about possible renewed attacks on Iran.
The reporter asked about the prospect of the United States striking Iran again.
Trump suggested inflation could pressure Tehran to reach a deal.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of disrupting talks.
The talks were aimed at ending the war.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Storm Boelo brought winds of 60–70 mph across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, with an 82 mph gust recorded on Tiree. The storm disrupted travel, closed attractions and events, and brought flooding risks; power outages from the earlier Storm Austen remained in south-west England.
Key Facts
An amber wind warning covered mainland Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland and the far north of England.
The Met Office recorded an 82 mph gust on Tiree at about 4 a.m. Sunday.
The Met Office warned of danger from flying debris and crashing waves and advised people to secure loose items and stay indoors.
Events in Liverpool and London were cancelled, and Edinburgh Castle and the Fountains Abbey estate closed.
Flooding blocked the rail line between Preston and Blackpool North, while fallen trees disrupted tracks near Dumfries.
Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled at airports including Dublin, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The Environment Agency had issued 66 flood alerts and 10 flood warnings in England by 7 a.m. Sunday.
Hundreds of homes in south-west England remained without power after Storm Austen struck on Friday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Democratic and independent candidates in rural states are campaigning on economic populism and personal outreach as they seek support ahead of the midterm elections. They emphasize local concerns, including pressure on farmers and workers and the effects of data centers and artificial intelligence on rural communities.
Key Facts
Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn is visiting all 93 counties in Nebraska and had about a dozen left to visit, according to the article.
Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek describes his approach as “commonsense prairie populism” and says he prioritizes workers, rural communities, and small farms.
Montana Democrat Sam Forstag has highlighted economic support for people who grew up in poverty, including access to food assistance.
Kansas Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton’s campaign says he admires Republican Bob Dole and would work with politicians from either party.
Candidates are adding concerns about data centers and artificial intelligence to their rural economic messages.
Nebraska Democratic Party chair Jane Kleeb said candidates have increasingly addressed local issues that voters raise.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article marks 30 years of Tomb Raider and reviews controversies and setbacks in Lara Croft’s history. It describes the franchise’s commercial success, product endorsements, the effort to continue the series after Lara’s apparent death, and the troubled 2003 game Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness.
Key Facts
The article says Tomb Raider games have sold more than 100 million copies.
Lara Croft appeared in promotions for products including Lucozade and other consumer goods.
Core Design released a Tomb Raider game every year after publisher Eidos pushed to capitalize on the series’ success.
The Last Revelation ended with Lara buried under a collapsing pyramid.
Tomb Raider: Chronicles followed Lara’s apparent death with a memorial service and flashbacks.
Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness was released in 2003 as Lara’s first PlayStation 2 game.
The article says The Angel of Darkness had bugs, difficult controls, and a new strength mechanic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article previews seven contentious moments from the November midterm campaign season. It mentions a controversial campaign ad in Ohio and a candidate telling an opponent to “shut up” during a debate.
Key Facts
The article focuses on the November midterm elections.
It says the campaign season included fiery policy exchanges and personal attacks.
It describes seven moments that drew criticism.
One example involved a campaign ad in Ohio.
Another example involved a candidate telling an opponent to “shut up” during a debate.
The article says closely contested battleground races featured these moments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has built a small-dollar fundraising and organizing network backed by a large, growing list of potential supporters nationwide. The article says the network could give him a significant asset if he runs for president in 2028; it was already in place before last year’s Proposition 50 redistricting effort.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is governor of California.
Newsom has built a small-dollar fundraising network.
The network also supports organizing.
It draws on a large and growing contact list of potential supporters across the country.
The article says the network could support a 2028 presidential campaign.
The network existed before last year’s Proposition 50 redistricting effort.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
George Clarke is returning to Port Lockroy for a third season as postmaster, working there from late October to March with a team of six. The team will handle mail and maintain the historic site, including work to strengthen Bransfield House.
Key Facts
Port Lockroy is on Goudier Island in Antarctica and is home to about 1,000 gentoo penguins.
Clarke sorts postcards and letters, then arranges for northbound ships to carry the mail toward the Falkland Islands.
Clarke also serves as deputy base commander, helps maintain the site, and supports wildlife observations for the British Antarctic Survey.
The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust team is beginning the second year of a three-year plan to restore Bransfield House.
Planned work includes installing roof beams and 30 steel and timber supports in the floor.
Port Lockroy operated as a British research station until 1962, when research moved to larger, more modern Antarctic sites.
The trip from the United Kingdom to Port Lockroy takes about a week, including a four- to five-day sea journey from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs Ahmad bin Mohammed al-Sayed called for international cooperation, peace and security to support trade and investment. At the UN-led World Investment Forum in Doha, he said geopolitical instability and economic fragmentation threaten investment, and outlined Qatar’s plans to attract investment and strengthen supply chains.
Key Facts
Al-Sayed spoke at the World Investment Forum, organised by the UN Conference on Trade and Development in Doha.
He said trade and long-term investment need a safe and stable environment.
He called for stronger economic partnerships, predictable international rules and less isolation.
The article says shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, and that Iran effectively blocked the strait.
The article reports that Brent crude futures rose above $113.17 a barrel on Thursday, reaching a five-month high.
Al-Sayed said Qatar attracted 373 foreign direct investment projects in 2025, up 50 percent from the previous year, and that the projects generated more than 15,000 jobs.
Qatar has announced infrastructure projects worth $38.5bn over five years and expects $22.5bn in private investment in hospitality and real estate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Clashes broke out in several major French cities on Saturday as demonstrations ended. French authorities said police made nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide.
Key Facts
Clashes occurred mainly in major cities.
The clashes happened as demonstrations came to an end on Saturday.
French authorities reported nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide.
The report was issued on October 25, 2026.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Philippine authorities are examining digital materials and a laptop reportedly found at Thomas Markle Sr.’s former home in Cebu after his son reported allegedly finding child sexual abuse images. Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said investigators expect to analyze the forensic data within about a week; Markle denies the accusations, and the Metropolitan Police is reviewing how it handled a 2019 letter about alleged offending.
Key Facts
Thomas Markle Jr. reported to Philippine authorities that he had apparently found child sexual abuse images at his father’s former home.
Philippine Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla said forensic analysis was underway and that authorities would issue a statement after reviewing the findings.
Remulla said Philippine police found what he described as child pornography materials and a laptop at Markle Sr.’s former home in Cebu.
Philippine police said they would coordinate with other authorities and consider legal action if there is sufficient evidence to charge Markle Sr.
Markle Sr. denied possessing the images and said the accusations were lies.
Meghan said she was deeply distressed by the allegations and that she had ended contact with her father to protect her children.
The Metropolitan Police said it received a 2019 letter containing claims about alleged offending outside the UK and passed it to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s office, but not to other law enforcement agencies.
The Metropolitan Police is reviewing how it handled the letter and considering whether to refer the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
