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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Wednesday (October 28) accused Arab political parties of stealing the vote in the country's election through widespread voter fraud after the preliminary results indicated no clear winner. In a statement, the Likud party alleged that Arab parties were involved in bribery, voter intimidation and forgery to influence election results. This comes as neither Netanyahu nor his primary challenger Gadi Eisenkot was expected to gain a parliamentary majority. "The elections in the State of Israel were stolen by Arab parties that support terrorism and the elimination of the Jewish state through serious criminal offences of bribery, threats, violence, forgeries, and the use of prohibited software to mobilise voters," Likud said. The party added that it was turning over hundreds of witness accounts and pieces of evidence to the Israeli police, the Shin Bet domestic security agency and the Central Elections Committee.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/batons-tear-gas-nazi-symbols-far-right-protesters-clash-with-riot-police-demand-minister-s-resignation-over-spain-train-collision-1793242045512">Batons, tear gas, Nazi symbols: Far-right protesters clash with riot police, demand minister’s resignation over Spain train collision</a><h3>Likud party alleges some voters cast multiple ballots</h3>Likud has claimed that thousands of envelopes stuffed with cash and ballots for Ra'am, an Arab political party, were handed out to voters. The party went further, alleging that some voters cast multiple ballots, used false identities, and relied on banned software to artificially inflate turnout. None of these allegations has been independently confirmed, and Likud has not made its purported evidence public. "We demand from the police and the Shin Bet a thorough investigation into the election theft by the Arab parties and the full prosecution of the criminals," the party said. The allegations surface at a precarious moment for Netanyahu, who, despite backing from President Trump, now confronts real uncertainty over his political survival. The election saw an opposition bloc under Gadi Eisenkot make unprecedented gains, positioning it to play a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s next government. With 85.6 per cent of votes tallied as of Wednesday, the outcome remains unsettled: Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition leads with 53 seats, the opposition bloc trails with 48, and Arab parties hold 19, leaving every bloc short of the 61 seats required for a majority in parliament.

With 85.6 per cent of votes tallied as of Wednesday, the outcome remains unsettled: Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition leads with 53 seats, the opposition bloc trails with 48, and Arab parties hold 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party on Wednesday (October 28) accused Arab political parties of stealing the vote in the country's election through widespread voter fraud after the preliminary results indicated no clear winner. In a statement, the Likud party alleged that Arab parties were involved in bribery, voter intimidation and forgery to influence election results. This comes as neither Netanyahu nor his primary challenger Gadi Eisenkot was expected to gain a parliamentary majority. "The elections in the State of Israel were stolen by Arab parties that support terrorism and the elimination of the Jewish state through serious criminal offences of bribery, threats, violence, forgeries, and the use of prohibited software to mobilise voters," Likud said. The party added that it was turning over hundreds of witness accounts and pieces of evidence to the Israeli police, the Shin Bet domestic security agency and the Central Elections Committee. Also read: Batons, tear gas, Nazi symbols: Far-right protesters clash with riot police, demand minister’s resignation over Spain train collision Likud party alleges some voters cast multiple ballots Likud has claimed that thousands of envelopes stuffed with cash and ballots for Ra'am, an Arab political party, were handed out to voters. The party went further, alleging that some voters cast multiple ballots, used false identities, and relied on banned software to artificially inflate turnout. None of these allegations has been independently confirmed, and Likud has not made its purported evidence public. "We demand from the police and the Shin Bet a thorough investigation into the election theft by the Arab parties and the full prosecution of the criminals," the party said. The allegations surface at a precarious moment for Netanyahu, who, despite backing from President Trump, now confronts real uncertainty over his political survival. The election saw an opposition bloc under Gadi Eisenkot make unprecedented gains, positioning it to play a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s next government. With 85.6 per cent of votes tallied as of Wednesday, the outcome remains unsettled: Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition leads with 53 seats, the opposition bloc trails with 48, and Arab parties hold 19, leaving every bloc short of the 61 seats required for a majority in parliament.

With 85.6 per cent of votes tallied as of Wednesday, the outcome remains unsettled: Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition leads with 53 seats, the opposition bloc trails with 48, and Arab parties hold 19.

Benjamin Netanyahu's party accuses Arab Parties of 'stealing' Israeli election, alleges widespread fraud

Former Knoxville police chief Phil Keith has revealed that Christa Pike was “ruthless, without any remorse, almost giddy” while recounting the brutal details of the murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in January 1995. Keith was asked in a new documentary on Pike’s crime and how she behaved during the interrogation. In January 1995, 18-year-old Christa Pike and her co-defendant, Tadaryl Shipp, tortured and killed their Job Corps classmate Colleen Slemmer in Knoxville.&nbsp;&nbsp;She was back in news in September when the state of Tennessee severely botched her execution procedure. They administered two full doses of the lethal drug pentobarbital but she did not die. She remained conscious, distressed, and breathing. Nearly a week later, she miraculously regained full consciousness.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murderer-christa-pike-unconscious-on-ventilator-after-botched-execution-lawyers-tell-court-punishment-greater-than-any-other-person-1790994126174">Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: ‘Punishment greater than any other person’</a><h2>What Former Knoxville police chief revealed?</h2>Keith revealed she didn't show remorse even while describing gory details of using of a box cutter and the carving of an inverted pentagram. He recalled that she seemed to be bragging about what had happened. Speaking to The Post, Keith said he was accustomed to witnessing gruesome crime scenes, but the brutality of Slemmer’s murder was different. He recalled being shocked by the scene and said he could see from the expressions of two seasoned homicide investigators, who had decades of experience between them, that they were disgusted by what they had witnessed.&nbsp;“I heard somebody that was ruthless, without any remorse, almost giddy,”&nbsp;Keith recalled. “You know, she was describing what took place, like, almost the sense that she was bragging about it.” Pike lured Slemmer to her death in a fit of jealousy because she suspected the victim wanted to steal her 17-year-old boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christa-pike-s-failed-execution-tennessee-team-struggled-to-insert-iv-lines-lawyer-says-1792712381943">Christa Pike's failed execution: Tennessee team struggled to insert IV lines, lawyer says</a>&nbsp;“I was accustomed to seeing that kind of gore, if you will, but the brutality was different,” he told The Post. “You know, the visual scene of it, it was so shocking, and I could tell, when I first walked up – there’s two seasoned guys there, they got 50 or 60 years of homicide investigations under their belt, and I could tell, looking at their eyes and just their expressions, that they were disgusted with what they saw.”

Former Knoxville police chief Phil Keith has recalled Christa Pike’s chilling demeanour during questioning over the 1995 torture and murder of her 19-year-old classmate, Colleen Slemmer. Keith said Pike appeared to show no remorse

Former Knoxville police chief Phil Keith has revealed that Christa Pike was “ruthless, without any remorse, almost giddy” while recounting the brutal details of the murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in January 1995. Keith was asked in a new documentary on Pike’s crime and how she behaved during the interrogation. In January 1995, 18-year-old Christa Pike and her co-defendant, Tadaryl Shipp, tortured and killed their Job Corps classmate Colleen Slemmer in Knoxville. She was back in news in September when the state of Tennessee severely botched her execution procedure. They administered two full doses of the lethal drug pentobarbital but she did not die. She remained conscious, distressed, and breathing. Nearly a week later, she miraculously regained full consciousness. Also Read: Murderer Christa Pike unconscious, on ventilator after botched execution, lawyers tell court: ‘Punishment greater than any other person’ What Former Knoxville police chief revealed? Keith revealed she didn't show remorse even while describing gory details of using of a box cutter and the carving of an inverted pentagram. He recalled that she seemed to be bragging about what had happened. Speaking to The Post, Keith said he was accustomed to witnessing gruesome crime scenes, but the brutality of Slemmer’s murder was different. He recalled being shocked by the scene and said he could see from the expressions of two seasoned homicide investigators, who had decades of experience between them, that they were disgusted by what they had witnessed. “I heard somebody that was ruthless, without any remorse, almost giddy,” Keith recalled. “You know, she was describing what took place, like, almost the sense that she was bragging about it.” Pike lured Slemmer to her death in a fit of jealousy because she suspected the victim wanted to steal her 17-year-old boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp. Also Read: Christa Pike's failed execution: Tennessee team struggled to insert IV lines, lawyer says “I was accustomed to seeing that kind of gore, if you will, but the brutality was different,” he told The Post. “You know, the visual scene of it, it was so shocking, and I could tell, when I first walked up – there’s two seasoned guys there, they got 50 or 60 years of homicide investigations under their belt, and I could tell, looking at their eyes and just their expressions, that they were disgusted with what they saw.”

Former Knoxville police chief Phil Keith has recalled Christa Pike’s chilling demeanour during questioning over the 1995 torture and murder of her 19-year-old classmate, Colleen Slemmer. Keith said Pike appeared to show no remorse&nbsp;

‘No remorse, almost giddy’: Ex-police chief recalls Christa Pike’s chilling reaction to classmate’s murder

North Korea on Thursday (Oct 29) &nbsp;test-fired around ​10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the ‌sea off its east coast, said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were ​launched at around 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) ​from an area around Wonsan on North ⁠Korea's eastern coast, the JCS said in ​a statement.&nbsp;The South Korean military said the tests were done to strengthen surveillance ​and maintain readiness in case of additional launches. It also said that information was being shared with the United States and ​Japan on the launch.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Japan's Defence Ministry said North ​Korea launched likely launched a ballistic ⁠missile which fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, reported Yonhap News Agency. However, it did not clarify on how many missiles Tokyo had detected.&nbsp;The last time Pyongyang had fired a ballistic missile was on Oct. 12. During the launch North Korea had said the test was done to confirm the success of a technical upgrade to “an important core element.”&nbsp;In fact, North Korea has conducted missile tests on ‌more ​than 10 occasions ‌this year despite being under UN sanctions since 2006, which aims at halting Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

The short-range ballistic missiles were ​fired at around 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) ​from an area around Wonsan on North ⁠Korea's eastern coast.

North Korea on Thursday (Oct 29) test-fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the ‌sea off its east coast, said South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missiles were launched at around 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) from an area around Wonsan on North ⁠Korea's eastern coast, the JCS said in a statement. The South Korean military said the tests were done to strengthen surveillance and maintain readiness in case of additional launches. It also said that information was being shared with the United States and Japan on the launch. Meanwhile, Japan's Defence Ministry said North Korea launched likely launched a ballistic ⁠missile which fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, reported Yonhap News Agency. However, it did not clarify on how many missiles Tokyo had detected. The last time Pyongyang had fired a ballistic missile was on Oct. 12. During the launch North Korea had said the test was done to confirm the success of a technical upgrade to “an important core element.” In fact, North Korea has conducted missile tests on ‌more than 10 occasions ‌this year despite being under UN sanctions since 2006, which aims at halting Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

The short-range ballistic missiles were ​fired at around 12:30 p.m. (0330 GMT) ​from an area around Wonsan on North ⁠Korea's eastern coast.

North Korea test-fires 10 short-range ballistic missiles

Bodycam footage shows a California officer grinning and kneeling on an elderly woman who lay passed out on the road before she died at a hospital. The incident is from November 17, 2024, and details have now been revealed in a lawsuit. Nyota Koya, 66, was pulled out of her car in a parking lot by Matthew Sterling, who later knelt on her. The disturbing footage shows him smiling as he does so. The lawsuit has been filed by her daughter, Nathifa Wright, against the city of Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department, Sterling and police chief Katherine Lester.&nbsp;Sterling was responding to a trespassing report and found Koya stranded in her car. He offered to take her to the shelter and have her car towed. A second officer who was with Sterling left the scene for some time. Koya was still in the car after two hours and Sterling asked her to hurry. Koya tells him, "I’m 66, baby. I’ve got to get this together. I can’t even hardly put on my shoes."&nbsp;She also tells him that her "ankles are swollen. My car ain’t working. My phone ain’t working. And you’re sitting up there, talking mess to me, and knocking on the side of the [car]. No, you know what? It’s not alright. It’s jacked."&nbsp;Sterling tells her she has five minutes; otherwise, she will be "going to jail. So, at 12:27, we’ll be going to jail." Koya gets angry and tells the officer, "This right here is straight bulls**t, and I'm sick of it. I've been through this s**t so god damn long, I'm tired of it."&nbsp;She then closes the door before Sterling grabs it open and pulls her out. She starts screaming and says, "You ain't no police! You b**ch a** motherf***er! Hell no! Let me f**king go! Let me go!" Bodycam footage shows her face down on the road with his knee on her. The lawsuit carries screenshots of this moment where Sterling can be seen sporting a big smile.&nbsp;Koya was moved to the top of the car and became unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital after paramedics failed to find a pulse. She died at the Mercy San Juan Medical Center a week later. Nathifa is seeking damages for 17 claims, including excessive force and wrongful death. &nbsp;

 Nathifa Wright has filed a lawsuit over her mother's death, who passed away after a police officer knelt on her after forcefully pulling her out of the car. A photo shows the officer grinning while pinning her down on the road. 

Bodycam footage shows a California officer grinning and kneeling on an elderly woman who lay passed out on the road before she died at a hospital. The incident is from November 17, 2024, and details have now been revealed in a lawsuit. Nyota Koya, 66, was pulled out of her car in a parking lot by Matthew Sterling, who later knelt on her. The disturbing footage shows him smiling as he does so. The lawsuit has been filed by her daughter, Nathifa Wright, against the city of Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department, Sterling and police chief Katherine Lester. Sterling was responding to a trespassing report and found Koya stranded in her car. He offered to take her to the shelter and have her car towed. A second officer who was with Sterling left the scene for some time. Koya was still in the car after two hours and Sterling asked her to hurry. Koya tells him, "I’m 66, baby. I’ve got to get this together. I can’t even hardly put on my shoes." She also tells him that her "ankles are swollen. My car ain’t working. My phone ain’t working. And you’re sitting up there, talking mess to me, and knocking on the side of the [car]. No, you know what? It’s not alright. It’s jacked." Sterling tells her she has five minutes; otherwise, she will be "going to jail. So, at 12:27, we’ll be going to jail." Koya gets angry and tells the officer, "This right here is straight bulls**t, and I'm sick of it. I've been through this s**t so god damn long, I'm tired of it." She then closes the door before Sterling grabs it open and pulls her out. She starts screaming and says, "You ain't no police! You b**ch a** motherf***er! Hell no! Let me f**king go! Let me go!" Bodycam footage shows her face down on the road with his knee on her. The lawsuit carries screenshots of this moment where Sterling can be seen sporting a big smile. Koya was moved to the top of the car and became unconscious. She was rushed to the hospital after paramedics failed to find a pulse. She died at the Mercy San Juan Medical Center a week later. Nathifa is seeking damages for 17 claims, including excessive force and wrongful death.

&nbsp;Nathifa Wright has filed a lawsuit over her mother's death, who passed away after a police officer knelt on her after forcefully pulling her out of the car. A photo shows the officer grinning while pinning her down on the road.&nbsp;

Disturbing photo shows California police officer smiling while kneeling on 66-year-old woman who died

Almost 12 hours after high-speed train collided in Spain killing 68 people and injuring more than 100, a maintenance and freight train derailed near the Padre Pío-Palmete Cercanías station in Seville on Wednesday (Oct 28-29). The incident forced the immediate suspension of Seville's C4 Cercanías commuter line, which connects the main Santa Justa station with several southern districts of the city. National rail infrastructure manager Adif and operator Renfe confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔴 A freight train derails at the Padre Pío station in Seville

🔗 https://t.co/ivHROgZvAJ https://t.co/hbfqggupU6&mdash; Mel Carmine (@MelCarmine234) <a href="https://x.com/MelCarmine234/status/2115571827019850059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-footage-shows-wreckage-after-deadly-spain-train-collision-as-death-toll-hits-64-1793190501772">Drone footage shows wreckage after deadly Spain train collision kills 64</a>&nbsp;According to Spain's Railway department, the convoy was carrying empty material wagons. Commuters faced severe delays and structural disruption during the evening rush hour. Renfe deployed alternative transport measures, including taxis, to move affected passengers. The derailment happened during a maneuvering phase. A formal investigation into the exact cause of the mechanical or operational failure is ongoing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/batons-tear-gas-nazi-symbols-far-right-protesters-clash-with-riot-police-demand-minister-s-resignation-over-spain-train-collision-1793242045512">Batons, tear gas, Nazi symbols: Far-right protesters clash with riot police, demand minister’s resignation over Spain train collision</a><h2>What we know about the train collision?</h2>The train collision in Spain killed 68 people and injured over 100. It happened on Oct 28 in Spain's Toledo and a total of 544 passengers were travelling on the two trains. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the regional government of Castile-La Mancha said that the Iryo 6076 was carrying 147 passengers, including a baby, and the Renfe AVE 2080 had 397 passengers on board. The incident is believed to have been caused by human error. Sources at Spain’s Ministry of Transport told ABC that repair work was being carried out on a fault in the main signalling system when the accident happened. However, a worker reportedly failed to warn the AVE high-speed train about the Iryo train that was stationary on the tracks. It smashed into the Iryo train from behind, causing three coaches to derail. The cause remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of mourning over the tragedy.&nbsp;

A maintenance and freight train derailed near Seville’s Padre Pío-Palmete station late on October 28, forcing the suspension of the C4 Cercanías commuter line. No injuries or fatalities were reported

Almost 12 hours after high-speed train collided in Spain killing 68 people and injuring more than 100, a maintenance and freight train derailed near the Padre Pío-Palmete Cercanías station in Seville on Wednesday (Oct 28-29). The incident forced the immediate suspension of Seville's C4 Cercanías commuter line, which connects the main Santa Justa station with several southern districts of the city. National rail infrastructure manager Adif and operator Renfe confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred.

A maintenance and freight train derailed near Seville’s Padre Pío-Palmete station late on October 28, forcing the suspension of the C4 Cercanías commuter line. No injuries or fatalities were reported

Freight train derails near Spain's Seville station a day after fatal train crash

Barack Obama on Wednesday (Oct 28) mocked US President Donald Trump over his and his administration's days-long meltdown over a Cheesecake Factory joke, as the two traded barbs at duelling campaign rallies ahead of Tuesday's (Nov 3) midterm elections.The clash began last week when Obama mocked Trump's redecoration of the White House at a rally, saying it looked like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory, just gold everywhere." Since then, Trump and those in his administration have gone over the top in praising the restaurant franchise while desperately trying to paint Obama as out of touch with everyday Americans for daring to evoke the chain to make a dig at Trump.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-dead-for-years-paedophile-jeffrey-epstein-finds-mention-in-over-500-campaign-ads-texas-alone-spent-10-million-1792839624663">US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million</a><h2>Obama's comeback</h2>Obama fired back at Trump during a campaign rally in Georgia supporting Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff for Senate and Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor. He clarified that his earlier comments targeted the sitting president, not the Cheesecake Factory and those who eat there."I am the father of two daughters. Do you think I could have survived their childhood without going to the Cheesecake Factory?" Obama said. "I lived at Chuck E. Cheese and the Cheesecake Factory. Of course, the real problem is prices have gotten so high a lot of folks can barely afford to go out to eat."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Man, oh man. Obama just roasted Trump and some of his cabinet members for minutes in Atlanta. Stop what you're doing and watch this. There is no way Trump is sleeping tonight. https://t.co/akqwRxIi4m&mdash; CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) <a href="https://x.com/CalltoActivism/status/2115612371943129513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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That remark, made in front of a packed arena in Atlanta, comes after Trump whined about Obama's initial dig."Obama, who doesn't understand cleanliness," Trump said at a rally in Ohio on Wednesday. “Who doesn't understand broken, cracked stone and sidewalk. Who doesn't understand that having asphalt going to your main entrance is not the right thing. We'd like to have granites and marbles.”<h2>'Not serious people'</h2>Obama has used his lasting influence in the Democratic Party to tour the country and endorse a slate of candidates in the last month. He has travelled across competitive Midwestern and Southern battleground states, including Michigan, Ohio and Georgia, to boost his Democratic candidates."This is what I mean when I say [the Trump administration] are not serious people," Obama said. "They do not have solutions to serious problems, so they'd rather have the media, and you, talking about the Cheesecake Factory."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-us-midterm-bribe-5-000-dividend-1-2-trillion-promise-fiscal-hawks-and-the-voters-who-want-the-cheque-but-don-t-expect-it-1792228505050">US Midterms: Trump doubles down on $5,000 dividend as economists call it a 'half-baked political scheme'. Can a Republican win guarantee it?</a><h2>Trump's response</h2>President Donald Trump downplayed concerns about Obama hitting the campaign trail, saying Obama supported both Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris and "he lost.""I took heat because Obama, who is, I mean, I always worry when he campaigns against me because he got involved with Hillary Clinton. He was really, oh, and then he lost," Trump said in Chillicothe at the same time Obama rallied in Georgia. He continued: "He then got involved with Kamala, and he lost. And he lost."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | “Always lost when he campaigned against me”, says US President Donald Trump, to Barack Obama at Ohio rally.

(Source: Jon Ossoff/YT)

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/nUMp753Yrn&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2115667753516585184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Trump said he was told Obama was coming out on the campaign trail. His reaction: "I said, 'That's good.'"The president alluded to recent comments from Obama attacking his aesthetic changes to the White House, defending his preoccupation with projects like his massive ballroom, among others. "The White House, I think, is the number one symbol of our country, and we can't have a White House with broken windows, with broken stone that hasn't been painted in 30 years," Trump said.

Barack Obama mocked Donald Trump over his administration's days-long meltdown over a Cheesecake Factory joke, as the two traded barbs at duelling rallies ahead of the midterms. Here's what they said.

Barack Obama on Wednesday (Oct 28) mocked US President Donald Trump over his and his administration's days-long meltdown over a Cheesecake Factory joke, as the two traded barbs at duelling campaign rallies ahead of Tuesday's (Nov 3) midterm elections. The clash began last week when Obama mocked Trump's redecoration of the White House at a rally, saying it looked like "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory, just gold everywhere." Since then, Trump and those in his administration have gone over the top in praising the restaurant franchise while desperately trying to paint Obama as out of touch with everyday Americans for daring to evoke the chain to make a dig at Trump. Also read | US Midterms 2026: Dead for years, paedophile Jeffrey Epstein finds mention in over 500 campaign ads; Texas alone spent $10 million Obama's comeback Obama fired back at Trump during a campaign rally in Georgia supporting Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff for Senate and Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor. He clarified that his earlier comments targeted the sitting president, not the Cheesecake Factory and those who eat there. "I am the father of two daughters. Do you think I could have survived their childhood without going to the Cheesecake Factory?" Obama said. "I lived at Chuck E. Cheese and the Cheesecake Factory. Of course, the real problem is prices have gotten so high a lot of folks can barely afford to go out to eat."

Barack Obama mocked Donald Trump over his administration's days-long meltdown over a Cheesecake Factory joke, as the two traded barbs at duelling rallies ahead of the midterms. Here's what they said.

'He lost' vs 'they aren't serious people': Obama mocks Trump's Cheesecake Factory meltdown as rivals trade barbs at duelling rallies

Details of more than 41,000 personnel working for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including thousands involved in immigration enforcement, have been leaked to the public. Wednesday's leak marks the third time in recent weeks that a government agency has been targeted by leaks or hacks. Last month, the FBI was hacked by a group called ShinyHunters, which took personal information about thousands of agents. In recent days, the Federal Election Commission, which makes public political campaign donation data, was taken offline because of a suspected hacking attempt.A DHS spokesperson said the agency is "aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation swiftly and effectively." "We take all security threats against our employees and officers seriously and will work to ensure all are properly protected," the spokesperson added. "We will update the public when more information is available."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-strikes-back-at-shinyhunters-after-alleged-hack-arrests-leader-in-netherlands-warns-members-your-anonymity-won-t-protect-you-1790748838819">FBI strikes back at ShinyHunters after alleged hack, arrests leader in Netherlands, warns members: 'Your anonymity won't protect you'</a><h2>Who was exposed</h2>The leak, as per reports, includes names, work addresses and phone numbers of DHS staff, including that of agents working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) blamed for more than two dozen shootings and killing at least nine people, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both of whom were shot and killed by ICE agents this year in Minnesota, despite not being the targets of arrests. Additionally, data of Customs and Border Protection agents is included in the leak. Details made public also include descriptions of the exact work the agents do for each agency.The seemingly unprecedented breach of employee information was made public online. A group called the Department of Peace accessed the information from DHS, while journalist and cybersecurity researcher maia crimew, alongside the website Distributed Denial of Secrets, put it online. The information was put in a database named Icepick.Most of the agents included, over 21,000 of them, work for CBP, according to the data. Nearly 6,600 work for ICE. Other records show agents with Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service and even people working for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.The leaked information also included dozens of previously unknown operation names, the agents that led and worked on those operations, and some of the technology they used in their work, including tech provided by Cellebrite and Palantir.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-s-operation-metro-surge-alex-pretti-s-killers-named-even-as-dhs-refuses-to-confirm-identities-to-avoid-doxxing-minneapolis-shooting-1769996227446">Identities of US federal officers who killed Alex Pretti REVEALED, even as DHS refuses to confirm identities to avoid 'doxing'</a><h2>Replacing 'anonymity with accountability'</h2>The groups wrote in an online statement that the leak was not meant to be a directory of every DHS agent. Rather, the aim was to replace "anonymity with accountability", according to Emma Best, a co-founder of DDoSecrets."The leak is extraordinary but deceptive in its simplicity as it identifies the officials responsible for overseeing covert and undercover operations, the government's hunt for leakers and the failed BlueLeaks investigation – along with key personnel in DHS's ever-escalating rendition and deportation programs," Best added.BlueLeaks refers to a massive leak of US police data in 2020, data from which DDoSecrets also hosted.A spokesperson for the so-called Department of Peace pointed directly at actions by ICE agents for the group's work to hack DHS records. "On July 17th, Markwayne Mullin said he was 'turning up the heat'. This is what happens to ICE when you do that," the spokesperson wrote on Wednesday. Mullin in March became Secretary of Homeland Security.<h2>How the data was accessed</h2>The Department of Peace said it accessed the DHS agent profiles through a single sign-on service called Okta.Okta is a popular online security tool that organisations use to ensure that only people with access to internal platforms are logging on to them. A spokeswoman for Okta said the company is aware of the claims being made, but said: "Okta is secure, and we have no evidence our data or systems were compromised."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-you-killed-my-fu-ing-neighbour-medic-begs-to-help-renee-good-ice-officers-tells-him-i-don-t-care-disturbing-video-emerges-1767857999720">'You killed my fu**ing neighbour': Medic begs to help Renee Good, ICE officers tells him 'I don't care'. Disturbing video emerges</a><h2>Backlash to immigration enforcement?</h2>In recent months, public backlash to US immigration enforcement has been building as the Trump Administration continues to push a huge increase in arrests and deportations of people suspected of being in the country illegally.Immigration operations this year have repeatedly turned violent, with ICE agents shooting at more than two dozen people and killing at least nine people. Often, ICE agents are seen carrying out enforcement actions while their faces are covered by masks and sunglasses. Immigration agents rarely identify themselves, despite being required by law to do so, and US politicians have publicly demanded DHS enforce the requirement.Since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, the US has enacted nearly 1 million deportations, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. More than 70 per cent of the deportations have been of people with no criminal record.

Details of more than 41,000 DHS personnel, including thousands of ICE and CBP agents, have been leaked online. The data, including names, addresses and phone numbers, was accessed by a group called the Department of Peace and published by DDoSecrets in a database named Icepick.

Details of more than 41,000 personnel working for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including thousands involved in immigration enforcement, have been leaked to the public. Wednesday's leak marks the third time in recent weeks that a government agency has been targeted by leaks or hacks. Last month, the FBI was hacked by a group called ShinyHunters, which took personal information about thousands of agents. In recent days, the Federal Election Commission, which makes public political campaign donation data, was taken offline because of a suspected hacking attempt. A DHS spokesperson said the agency is "aware of a potential breach and is actively working to address the situation swiftly and effectively." "We take all security threats against our employees and officers seriously and will work to ensure all are properly protected," the spokesperson added. "We will update the public when more information is available." Also read | FBI strikes back at ShinyHunters after alleged hack, arrests leader in Netherlands, warns members: 'Your anonymity won't protect you' Who was exposed The leak, as per reports, includes names, work addresses and phone numbers of DHS staff, including that of agents working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) blamed for more than two dozen shootings and killing at least nine people, including Alex Pretti and Renee Good, both of whom were shot and killed by ICE agents this year in Minnesota, despite not being the targets of arrests. Additionally, data of Customs and Border Protection agents is included in the leak. Details made public also include descriptions of the exact work the agents do for each agency. The seemingly unprecedented breach of employee information was made public online. A group called the Department of Peace accessed the information from DHS, while journalist and cybersecurity researcher maia crimew, alongside the website Distributed Denial of Secrets, put it online. The information was put in a database named Icepick. Most of the agents included, over 21,000 of them, work for CBP, according to the data. Nearly 6,600 work for ICE. Other records show agents with Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service and even people working for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The leaked information also included dozens of previously unknown operation names, the agents that led and worked on those operations, and some of the technology they used in their work, including tech provided by Cellebrite and Palantir. Also read | Identities of US federal officers who killed Alex Pretti REVEALED, even as DHS refuses to confirm identities to avoid 'doxing' Replacing 'anonymity with accountability' The groups wrote in an online statement that the leak was not meant to be a directory of every DHS agent. Rather, the aim was to replace "anonymity with accountability", according to Emma Best, a co-founder of DDoSecrets. "The leak is extraordinary but deceptive in its simplicity as it identifies the officials responsible for overseeing covert and undercover operations, the government's hunt for leakers and the failed BlueLeaks investigation – along with key personnel in DHS's ever-escalating rendition and deportation programs," Best added. BlueLeaks refers to a massive leak of US police data in 2020, data from which DDoSecrets also hosted. A spokesperson for the so-called Department of Peace pointed directly at actions by ICE agents for the group's work to hack DHS records. "On July 17th, Markwayne Mullin said he was 'turning up the heat'. This is what happens to ICE when you do that," the spokesperson wrote on Wednesday. Mullin in March became Secretary of Homeland Security. How the data was accessed The Department of Peace said it accessed the DHS agent profiles through a single sign-on service called Okta. Okta is a popular online security tool that organisations use to ensure that only people with access to internal platforms are logging on to them. A spokeswoman for Okta said the company is aware of the claims being made, but said: "Okta is secure, and we have no evidence our data or systems were compromised." Also read | 'You killed my fu**ing neighbour': Medic begs to help Renee Good, ICE officers tells him 'I don't care'. Disturbing video emerges Backlash to immigration enforcement? In recent months, public backlash to US immigration enforcement has been building as the Trump Administration continues to push a huge increase in arrests and deportations of people suspected of being in the country illegally. Immigration operations this year have repeatedly turned violent, with ICE agents shooting at more than two dozen people and killing at least nine people. Often, ICE agents are seen carrying out enforcement actions while their faces are covered by masks and sunglasses. Immigration agents rarely identify themselves, despite being required by law to do so, and US politicians have publicly demanded DHS enforce the requirement. Since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, the US has enacted nearly 1 million deportations, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute. More than 70 per cent of the deportations have been of people with no criminal record.

Details of more than 41,000 DHS personnel, including thousands of ICE and CBP agents, have been leaked online. The data, including names, addresses and phone numbers, was accessed by a group called the Department of Peace and published by DDoSecrets in a database named Icepick.

'Icepick': Private info of over 41,000 DHS personnel, including ICE agents, leaked by hackers

Spanish riot police was deployed in Madrid after the catastrophic high-speed train collision that killed 68 people and injured over 100. The incident sparked massive public outrage and people took to streets in Madrid demanding the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente. The Spanish government said that those taking to streets were far-right protesters. The crowd of about 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Transport Ministry, directing their anger at authorities. Madrid riots police charged forward with batons and used tear gas to disperse the crowd.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-train-crash-death-toll-climbs-to-64-human-error-suspected-1793194535752">Spain train crash: 68 dead, human error suspected, three days of mourning declared - What we know</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SPAIN TRAIN TRAGEDY: PROTESTERS DEMAND TRANSPORT MINISTER’S RESIGNATION

Hundreds protested outside Spain’s Transport Ministry after the deadly Urda train crash, reportedly killing 68 people. Demonstrators chanted “Óscar Puente, minister of death” as police moved against the protesters.&mdash; Subodh Kumar (@kumarsubodh_) <a href="https://x.com/kumarsubodh_/status/2115638089842634952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/spain-train-collision-wreckage-and-first-responders-at-crash-site-1793216159716">Spain train collision: Wreckage and first responders at crash site</a>&nbsp;The demonstration escalated into violence as groups within the crowd threw bottles and lit flares, generating heavy smoke. According to viral clips, individuals allegedly performed Nazi salutes and held banners reading "CRIMINALES ABAJO EL REGIMEN DEL 78" (Criminals Down with the Regime of '78), targeting Spain's current democratic system. The protest by far-right is a part of long-standing opposition to Pedro Sanchez left government and comes at the backdrop of him calling snap elections on November 29, 2026.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇪🇸Chaos in Madrid, Spain, as police attack thousands of protesters demanding justice for the 68 people killed in the train disaster.

Pedro Sánchez sent police against his own people protesting outside the Transport Ministry after the horrific crash!

Like Serbian students, Spaniards are demanding accountability, knowing that corruption led to this disaster.&mdash; Mario ZNA (@MarioBojic) <a href="https://x.com/MarioBojic/status/2115564240262009276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What we know about the train collision?</h2>The train collision happened on Oct 28 in Spain's Toledo and a total of 544 passengers were travelling on the two trains. Esther Padilla, spokesperson for the regional government of Castile-La Mancha said that the Iryo 6076 was carrying 147 passengers, including a baby, and the Renfe AVE 2080 had 397 passengers on board. The incident is believed to have been caused by human error. Sources at Spain’s Ministry of Transport told ABC that repair work was being carried out on a fault in the main signalling system when the accident happened. However, a worker reportedly failed to warn the AVE high-speed train about the Iryo train that was stationary on the tracks. It smashed into the Iryo train from behind, causing three coaches to derail. The cause remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced three days of mourning over the tragedy.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Protests erupted outside Spain’s Transport Ministry in Madrid following a deadly high-speed train collision that killed 68 people and injured more than 100. Around 500 demonstrators demanded Transport Minister Óscar Puente’s resignation

Spanish riot police was deployed in Madrid after the catastrophic high-speed train collision that killed 68 people and injured over 100. The incident sparked massive public outrage and people took to streets in Madrid demanding the resignation of Transport Minister Óscar Puente. The Spanish government said that those taking to streets were far-right protesters. The crowd of about 500 demonstrators gathered outside the Transport Ministry, directing their anger at authorities. Madrid riots police charged forward with batons and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Also Read: Spain train crash: 68 dead, human error suspected, three days of mourning declared - What we know

Protests erupted outside Spain’s Transport Ministry in Madrid following a deadly high-speed train collision that killed 68 people and injured more than 100. Around 500 demonstrators demanded Transport Minister Óscar Puente’s resignation

Batons, tear gas, Nazi symbols: Far-right protesters clash with riot police, demand minister’s resignation over Spain train collision

British Hindu advocacy group INSIGHT UK presented a report on Wednesday (October 28) to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, highlighting how Hindus have been systematically hounded, dispossessed and decimated in Pakistan. In the report, the organisation came up with historical records together with present-day testimonies to lay bare the systematic discrimination, attacks on religious freedom and threats to life and dignity experienced by Hindus across the border. The report opens with a single statistic that captures the scale of what the community has faced. According to the 1941 Census of India, Hindus made up 14.6 per cent of the population in what later became West Pakistan. After partition, that figure dropped sharply. Currently, Hindus account for less than 2 per cent of Pakistan's population.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teach-me-how-to-fight-uae-president-s-special-request-to-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-s-goes-viral-head-injuries-visible-for-first-time-1793238631302">'Teach me how to fight': UAE president's special request to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar goes viral, head injuries visible for first time</a> Such a steep, decades-long decline, the report notes, doesn’t square easily with Islamabad’s repeated assurances that it safeguards minority communities. Behind the statistics, it argues, lies a longer story of violence and economic squeeze. The report traces recurring waves of violence against the community dating back to the 1947 riots. It points out that thousands of Hindu families who fled or were uprooted lost their ancestral land and farms under Enemy Property laws, a move that, over time, left the entire community impoverished and permanently displaced. According to the report, this persecution isn’t confined to the streets; it’s embedded in Pakistan’s legal framework itself. Articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution bar anyone but a Muslim from holding the office of President or Prime Minister, a restriction that still stands after a 2019 reform bill aimed at changing it was blocked.<h3>Group demands minority protection non-negotiable</h3>The report noted that every Pakistani is compelled to disclose his religion on his passport, adding that there is no functioning Hindu mandir in Islamabad. The first planned construction of a temple for Hindus in the capital was halted in 2020 after violent protests by Islamist groups despite official permission. Since then, it has remained unbuilt in the city. It also added that nearly one thousand or more Hindu and Christian women and girls are kidnapped in the country. Later, they are forcibly converted to Islam and forcibly married to their kidnappers every year. Among these, most of the victims are minors from poor families with no access to justice.&nbsp;In the end, the report makes five immediate demands to the UK Government, demanding to make minority protection non-negotiable in every UK-Pakistan dialogue with time-bound action on temple protection and speedy trials, connecting British aid to Pakistan to develop on human rights and ring-fencing funds for minority rights groups, reserving two positions at the British High Commission in Islamabad for members of minority communities to make the violence and abuse get reported without a filter, publishing an official six-monthly report on the socio-economic condition of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other minorities, and creating safe asylum pathways for victims of forced conversion and religious persecution.&nbsp;

The INSIGHT UK group came up with historical records together with present-day testimonies to lay bare the systematic discrimination, attacks on religious freedom and threats to life and dignity experienced by Hindus across the border.

British Hindu advocacy group INSIGHT UK presented a report on Wednesday (October 28) to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, highlighting how Hindus have been systematically hounded, dispossessed and decimated in Pakistan. In the report, the organisation came up with historical records together with present-day testimonies to lay bare the systematic discrimination, attacks on religious freedom and threats to life and dignity experienced by Hindus across the border. The report opens with a single statistic that captures the scale of what the community has faced. According to the 1941 Census of India, Hindus made up 14.6 per cent of the population in what later became West Pakistan. After partition, that figure dropped sharply. Currently, Hindus account for less than 2 per cent of Pakistan's population. Also read: 'Teach me how to fight': UAE president's special request to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar goes viral, head injuries visible for first time Such a steep, decades-long decline, the report notes, doesn’t square easily with Islamabad’s repeated assurances that it safeguards minority communities. Behind the statistics, it argues, lies a longer story of violence and economic squeeze. The report traces recurring waves of violence against the community dating back to the 1947 riots. It points out that thousands of Hindu families who fled or were uprooted lost their ancestral land and farms under Enemy Property laws, a move that, over time, left the entire community impoverished and permanently displaced. According to the report, this persecution isn’t confined to the streets; it’s embedded in Pakistan’s legal framework itself. Articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution bar anyone but a Muslim from holding the office of President or Prime Minister, a restriction that still stands after a 2019 reform bill aimed at changing it was blocked. Group demands minority protection non-negotiable The report noted that every Pakistani is compelled to disclose his religion on his passport, adding that there is no functioning Hindu mandir in Islamabad. The first planned construction of a temple for Hindus in the capital was halted in 2020 after violent protests by Islamist groups despite official permission. Since then, it has remained unbuilt in the city. It also added that nearly one thousand or more Hindu and Christian women and girls are kidnapped in the country. Later, they are forcibly converted to Islam and forcibly married to their kidnappers every year. Among these, most of the victims are minors from poor families with no access to justice. In the end, the report makes five immediate demands to the UK Government, demanding to make minority protection non-negotiable in every UK-Pakistan dialogue with time-bound action on temple protection and speedy trials, connecting British aid to Pakistan to develop on human rights and ring-fencing funds for minority rights groups, reserving two positions at the British High Commission in Islamabad for members of minority communities to make the violence and abuse get reported without a filter, publishing an official six-monthly report on the socio-economic condition of Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and other minorities, and creating safe asylum pathways for victims of forced conversion and religious persecution.

The INSIGHT UK group came up with historical records together with present-day testimonies to lay bare the systematic discrimination, attacks on religious freedom and threats to life and dignity experienced by Hindus across the border.

Hindu population in Pakistan declines from 14.6% to less than 2%: Report

At least two students were taken to the hospital after being stabbed at Pleasant Grove High School in California's Elk Grove, according to police. The Elk Grove Police Department said that two people have been detained and one of them is believed to have stabbed both victims. It was not clear if they were also students. Police also said that &nbsp;a school resource officer and staff responded around 3:45 p.m. to a report of two students down. According to police, a fight between students led to the stabbing. A knife was recovered at the scene.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/homes-destroyed-by-fast-moving-san-clemente-wildfire-in-california-1792240543661">Homes destroyed by fast-moving San Clemente wildfire in California</a>&nbsp;The high school and the adjacent junior high were placed under precautionary lockdown as a safety measure following the stabbing. The lockdowns have since been lifted after the situation was brought under control. The Elk Grove Unified School District clarified that students had already been dismissed for the day when the incident occurred.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-indians-among-28-arrested-in-california-over-alleged-voter-registration-fraud-doj-says-1792452788856">Two Indians among 28 arrested in California over alleged voter registration fraud, DOJ says</a>&nbsp;In another incident earlier in the week, an Orange County man was charged in connection with a fatal stabbing rooted in a domestic dispute. On Saturday (Oct 24), 34-year-old Ismael Pinedalopez returned early from work to his home on North Pine Street. Prosecutors state Pinedalopez discovered 28-year-old Nicholas Garcia in underwear inside the bedroom shared with his wife. Pinedalopez allegedly attacked Garcia with a pocketknife, stabbing him multiple times. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. The Orange County District Attorney's Office formally charged Pinedalopez with one felony count of murder and a weapon enhancement. He faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.&nbsp;

Two students were taken to hospital after being stabbed during a fight at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. Police detained two people, one of whom is believed to have stabbed both victims, and recovered a knife at the scene.

At least two students were taken to the hospital after being stabbed at Pleasant Grove High School in California's Elk Grove, according to police. The Elk Grove Police Department said that two people have been detained and one of them is believed to have stabbed both victims. It was not clear if they were also students. Police also said that a school resource officer and staff responded around 3:45 p.m. to a report of two students down. According to police, a fight between students led to the stabbing. A knife was recovered at the scene. Also Read: Homes destroyed by fast-moving San Clemente wildfire in California The high school and the adjacent junior high were placed under precautionary lockdown as a safety measure following the stabbing. The lockdowns have since been lifted after the situation was brought under control. The Elk Grove Unified School District clarified that students had already been dismissed for the day when the incident occurred. Also Read: Two Indians among 28 arrested in California over alleged voter registration fraud, DOJ says In another incident earlier in the week, an Orange County man was charged in connection with a fatal stabbing rooted in a domestic dispute. On Saturday (Oct 24), 34-year-old Ismael Pinedalopez returned early from work to his home on North Pine Street. Prosecutors state Pinedalopez discovered 28-year-old Nicholas Garcia in underwear inside the bedroom shared with his wife. Pinedalopez allegedly attacked Garcia with a pocketknife, stabbing him multiple times. Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. The Orange County District Attorney's Office formally charged Pinedalopez with one felony count of murder and a weapon enhancement. He faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison.

Two students were taken to hospital after being stabbed during a fight at Pleasant Grove High School in Elk Grove, California. Police detained two people, one of whom is believed to have stabbed both victims, and recovered a knife at the scene.

Two students stabbed in California high school after a fight, two others detained

A moment from the event to honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has gone viral. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II to Machchhar and the crew members of flydubai for their courage during a cockpit attack on September 30. After honouring the Indian captain, the UAE President shared a warm embrace and lightheartedly offered to set up a jiu-jitsu session when he is completely healed. The light-hearted moment went viral online. The UAE holds prominent global status in the sport of jiu-jitsu.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the video, the UAE President asks when Captain Smit Machchhar would heal, he says: "Maybe in two months.” To this, Zayed Al Nahyan responded: “I have an idea… When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight.” Captain Smit Machchhar breaks into a chuckle at the light-hearted exchange before telling Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, “It’s my biggest honour.”&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">If you haven’t seen something heartwarming today, watch this 🥹❤️

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed shares a sweet moment with Captain Smit Machchhar of flydubai flight FZ1073, joking about a jiu-jitsu session once he recovers.

Such a beautiful display of kindness and humanity. 🤍🇦🇪&mdash; Mona Alhmoudi، منى الحمودي (@monaalhmoudi) <a href="https://x.com/monaalhmoudi/status/2115537989086720324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-do-i-personally-do-trump-says-iran-responsible-for-flydubai-attack-as-investigation-continues-1791231755491">'I do. I personally do': Trump says Iran responsible for Flydubai attack as investigation continues</a>&nbsp;During the interaction, Machchhar's head injuries from the axe wounds and stitches was also visible - for the first time. It offered the public its first look at the extent of Captain Machchhar's severe injuries. The axe attack had fractured Machchhar's skull, forcing bone fragments inward toward his brain tissue. Alongside the critical head wounds, he suffered stab wounds, severe trauma to his hands and limbs, and injuries across his chest and upper abdomen. Immediately after the emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was rushed into intensive, multi-hour surgery where teams meticulously reconstructed his fractured skull. Following his initial surgeries, he was transferred to a specialised facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for advanced neurological observation and post-trauma care.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793239844163.png"></figure>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-hamam-al-hammami-omani-co-pilot-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-was-already-flagged-over-security-concerns-smit-machchhar-1790992543064">Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns</a>&nbsp;Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and invited him to light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day celebrations alongside Indian pilot Machchhar. In a post on X, Netanyahu said Modi thanked him for the invitation and highlighted the close ties between the two countries. “Spoke with my friend, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and invited him to light the torch alongside a brave Indian pilot on Israel’s Independence Day,” Netanyahu wrote. He added that PM Modi had said India and Israel were fighting terrorism together “on land and in the air” and had praised their strong, decades-old relationship. &nbsp;

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew members and a video of the president offering Machchhar a jiu-jitsu training session after his recovery has gone viral

A moment from the event to honour Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has gone viral. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the First Class Order of Zayed II to Machchhar and the crew members of flydubai for their courage during a cockpit attack on September 30. After honouring the Indian captain, the UAE President shared a warm embrace and lightheartedly offered to set up a jiu-jitsu session when he is completely healed. The light-hearted moment went viral online. The UAE holds prominent global status in the sport of jiu-jitsu. In the video, the UAE President asks when Captain Smit Machchhar would heal, he says: "Maybe in two months.” To this, Zayed Al Nahyan responded: “I have an idea… When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight.” Captain Smit Machchhar breaks into a chuckle at the light-hearted exchange before telling Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, “It’s my biggest honour.” WATCH

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and flydubai crew members and a video of the president offering Machchhar a jiu-jitsu training session after his recovery has gone viral

'Teach me how to fight': UAE president's special request to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar goes viral, head injuries visible for first time

A fire at a US Department of Energy nuclear research facility in South Carolina triggered a "radiological release" scare on Wednesday (Oct 28) evening, shutting down rail, river and air traffic in the area. The blaze broke out inside a single room at the Savannah River National Laboratory just before 5:40 pm. The fire caused an "unfiltered ground-level radiological release", WRDW reported, citing the Savannah River Site (SRS).The blaze was extinguished less than two hours later, officials said, and at the time of this report, there were no reports of contamination outside the "affected" building.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Savannah River Site (SRS) officials have declared a Site Area Emergency at 5:39 p.m. on 10-28-26 at the Site located near Aiken, SC.&mdash; Savannah River Site (@SRSNews) <a href="https://x.com/SRSNews/status/2115588946843279681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-trump-endorsed-bibi-whole-tide-turned-potus-tries-to-hog-credit-for-netanyahu-s-israel-election-gains-netanyahu-bloc-ahead-after-50-counted-1793166960056">'When Trump endorsed Bibi, the whole tide turned': Trump hogs credit as Netanyahu bloc leads Israel vote after 50% counted</a><h2>Staff sheltered in place</h2>Employees in the Area A lab area had to hunker down in place behind barricades for about 30 minutes, sources told the local station. Workers who were not involved in the emergency response or shutdown operations were also sheltered as a precaution, SRS said in a press release.Rail, river and air traffic were restricted in the area, as well as site entrances to incoming traffic, the department said.<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261029/image-1793239358923.png"></figure>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-trump-bid-to-block-california-from-counting-20-000-mail-ballots-of-alleged-non-citizens-1793238238076">US judge rejects Trump bid to block California from counting 20,000 mail ballots of alleged non-citizens</a><h2>Nuclear site opened after 4 hours</h2>The emergency at the Savannah River Site Area, as per an official notification on X, was terminated at 9:45 pm, four hours after the fire prompted a shutdown. Protective actions have been lifted, and site barricades have reopened.<h2>About the site: Why it matters?</h2>The Savannah River Site is a 310-square-mile US Department of Energy complex spread across several counties in South Carolina, which includes the Savannah River National Laboratory, where the fire broke out.The lab conducts research on nuclear environmental cleanup and related technologies, making the site both a cleanup project and an active hub for national security and nuclear science.

A fire at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina triggered a "radiological release" scare Wednesday evening, shutting down rail, river and air traffic. All you need to know.

A fire at a US Department of Energy nuclear research facility in South Carolina triggered a "radiological release" scare on Wednesday (Oct 28) evening, shutting down rail, river and air traffic in the area. The blaze broke out inside a single room at the Savannah River National Laboratory just before 5:40 pm. The fire caused an "unfiltered ground-level radiological release", WRDW reported, citing the Savannah River Site (SRS). The blaze was extinguished less than two hours later, officials said, and at the time of this report, there were no reports of contamination outside the "affected" building.

A fire at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina triggered a "radiological release" scare Wednesday evening, shutting down rail, river and air traffic. All you need to know.

Savannah River Site: Fire at US nuclear lab triggers 'radiological release' scare, shuts down rail, river, air traffic. What happened?

Governments in Britain, the United States, Japan and across Europe are urging households to take emergency preparedness seriously, with many recommending that people keep essential supplies for at least 72 hours. Russia's war in Ukraine, concerns about cyberattacks and sabotage, and the risk of natural disasters are contributing to this shift. However, officials stress that preparing for emergencies does not mean predicting a third world war.<h2>Britain urges households to keep three days of supplies</h2>On October 22, the UK government relaunched its Be Ready campaign, encouraging households to maintain three days' worth of essential supplies in case normal services are disrupted. The recommended items include drinking water, non-perishable food, a torch, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, cash, a power bank and a wind-up radio. Ministers say emergency services may not be able to reach everyone immediately during a crisis, making it important for households to have enough supplies to manage independently for a short period. Britain's 2025 National Security Strategy identified Russian aggression, hostile cyber activity and sabotage as major security concerns.<h2>The Pentagon, Japan and the European Union step up preparedness</h2>In the United States, Fortune reports that the Pentagon is developing a plan known as FORTRESS, designed to enable major military bases to operate for 90 days without outside assistance. The plan is backed by stronger power systems and fuel reserves. Japan's approach is closely linked to its longstanding experience with earthquakes and other natural disasters. Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono said an emergency appeal will follow when the country's new Disaster Management Agency opens on 2 November. The appeal will encourage households to prepare to manage for at least three days and, ideally, a week. The European Union has also made emergency preparedness a priority. Its Preparedness Union Strategy, adopted in March 2025, recommends that people should be able to cope independently for at least 72 hours during an emergency.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/i-threw-jeffrey-epstein-the-hell-out-of-mar-a-lago-trump-explodes-at-heckler-at-ohio-rally-1793235120409">'I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago': Trump explodes at heckler at Ohio rally</a><h2>European countries strengthen civil defence amid Russian threats</h2>The shift towards emergency preparedness is particularly evident in countries close to Russia. According to Le Monde, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have expanded their civil-defence efforts since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Measures include renovating shelters, developing evacuation plans and training civilians.Finland has increased its grain reserves to cover nine months, Sweden has revived its total-defence approach, and Poland passed a civil-defence law in 2025. These countries are concerned about more than a possible military invasion. Attacks on electricity grids, transport networks and communications systems could disrupt essential services and affect a country's ability to function without troops crossing its borders.<h2>Why governments recommend 72 hours of emergency supplies</h2>The 72-hour recommendation is intended to help households manage during the initial stages of a crisis, while emergency services and government authorities respond. Major power outages, severe weather and cyberattacks can interrupt essential services. During the first hours of an emergency, responders may need to prioritise urgent tasks, including rescue operations and keeping hospitals running. As a result, households may have to rely on their own supplies temporarily.&nbsp;Authorities consider 72 hours a practical preparedness target. It provides a buffer during disruptions while remaining manageable for many families in terms of cost and storage space. The advice also reflects growing concerns about hostile states, cyberattacks and sabotage. British officials have warned that attacks on digital systems and critical infrastructure could disrupt everyday life without a conventional military assault. Japan, which has long prepared for earthquakes, considers three days the minimum and encourages households to aim for a week of supplies where possible.<h2>Is World War III coming?</h2>There is no evidence that World War III is coming. Governments have different reasons for strengthening emergency preparedness. In Washington, the focus includes military resilience. In Japan, disaster readiness remains a central concern, while countries on NATO's eastern flank are particularly attentive to the possibility of conflict with Russia.These measures do not represent a single, coordinated warning of an impending global war.&nbsp;Preparing for a potential emergency is not the same as predicting that it will happen. Waiting until a crisis begins would leave governments and households with fewer options to respond effectively. For most people, the advice is straightforward: keep several days' worth of water, food and medicines at home, know how to receive official emergency alerts, and understand local emergency procedures.

Britain, the US, Japan and Europe urge 72-hour emergency preparedness amid concerns about Russia, cyberattacks, sabotage and natural disasters

Governments in Britain, the United States, Japan and across Europe are urging households to take emergency preparedness seriously, with many recommending that people keep essential supplies for at least 72 hours. Russia's war in Ukraine, concerns about cyberattacks and sabotage, and the risk of natural disasters are contributing to this shift. However, officials stress that preparing for emergencies does not mean predicting a third world war. Britain urges households to keep three days of supplies On October 22, the UK government relaunched its Be Ready campaign, encouraging households to maintain three days' worth of essential supplies in case normal services are disrupted. The recommended items include drinking water, non-perishable food, a torch, spare batteries, a first-aid kit, cash, a power bank and a wind-up radio. Ministers say emergency services may not be able to reach everyone immediately during a crisis, making it important for households to have enough supplies to manage independently for a short period. Britain's 2025 National Security Strategy identified Russian aggression, hostile cyber activity and sabotage as major security concerns. The Pentagon, Japan and the European Union step up preparedness In the United States, Fortune reports that the Pentagon is developing a plan known as FORTRESS, designed to enable major military bases to operate for 90 days without outside assistance. The plan is backed by stronger power systems and fuel reserves. Japan's approach is closely linked to its longstanding experience with earthquakes and other natural disasters. Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono said an emergency appeal will follow when the country's new Disaster Management Agency opens on 2 November. The appeal will encourage households to prepare to manage for at least three days and, ideally, a week. The European Union has also made emergency preparedness a priority. Its Preparedness Union Strategy, adopted in March 2025, recommends that people should be able to cope independently for at least 72 hours during an emergency. Also Read: 'I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago': Trump explodes at heckler at Ohio rally European countries strengthen civil defence amid Russian threats The shift towards emergency preparedness is particularly evident in countries close to Russia. According to Le Monde, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have expanded their civil-defence efforts since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Measures include renovating shelters, developing evacuation plans and training civilians. Finland has increased its grain reserves to cover nine months, Sweden has revived its total-defence approach, and Poland passed a civil-defence law in 2025. These countries are concerned about more than a possible military invasion. Attacks on electricity grids, transport networks and communications systems could disrupt essential services and affect a country's ability to function without troops crossing its borders. Why governments recommend 72 hours of emergency supplies The 72-hour recommendation is intended to help households manage during the initial stages of a crisis, while emergency services and government authorities respond. Major power outages, severe weather and cyberattacks can interrupt essential services. During the first hours of an emergency, responders may need to prioritise urgent tasks, including rescue operations and keeping hospitals running. As a result, households may have to rely on their own supplies temporarily. Authorities consider 72 hours a practical preparedness target. It provides a buffer during disruptions while remaining manageable for many families in terms of cost and storage space. The advice also reflects growing concerns about hostile states, cyberattacks and sabotage. British officials have warned that attacks on digital systems and critical infrastructure could disrupt everyday life without a conventional military assault. Japan, which has long prepared for earthquakes, considers three days the minimum and encourages households to aim for a week of supplies where possible. Is World War III coming? There is no evidence that World War III is coming. Governments have different reasons for strengthening emergency preparedness. In Washington, the focus includes military resilience. In Japan, disaster readiness remains a central concern, while countries on NATO's eastern flank are particularly attentive to the possibility of conflict with Russia. These measures do not represent a single, coordinated warning of an impending global war. Preparing for a potential emergency is not the same as predicting that it will happen. Waiting until a crisis begins would leave governments and households with fewer options to respond effectively. For most people, the advice is straightforward: keep several days' worth of water, food and medicines at home, know how to receive official emergency alerts, and understand local emergency procedures.

Governments in Britain, the US, Japan and Europe urge households to prepare 72-hour emergency supplies amid rising security and disaster concerns.

A US judge on Wednesday (Oct 28) rejected a request by the Justice Department to temporarily block California from counting mail ballots for the November 3 midterm elections received from people on a list of more than 20,000 registered voters the Trump administration alleges are likely noncitizens.The decision marks the latest setback for President Donald Trump's effort to boost the federal government's role in elections ahead of the midterms, with his Republican Party locked in a tight battle to retain control of both houses of Congress.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delay-entirely-of-own-making-appeals-court-blocks-trump-bid-to-block-20-000-ballots-of-suspected-non-citizens-in-california-here-s-why-1793065901305">Appeals court blocks Trump bid to block 20,000 ballots of suspected non-citizens in California. Here's why</a><h2>California insists 'robust' safeguards in place</h2>US District Judge David Carter issued the decision after a hearing on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court over the Justice Department's request for a temporary restraining order barring officials from counting any ballots from the individuals it flagged.The Justice Department filed the lawsuit on October 15, a rare intervention in the voting process weeks before an election.California has said the state's safeguards against noncitizen voting are robust. It said the Justice Department's assertions relied on "suspect data" and that complying with its demands would risk disenfranchising eligible voters.California is the most populous US state and a Democratic stronghold. It has more seats in the House of Representatives, 52, than any other state.Trump has made California a focal point of his sweeping immigration crackdown since returning to the White House, accusing it of undermining public safety through its "sanctuary state" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.Trump has repeatedly insisted that states are not doing enough to stop voting by noncitizens, which he says is widespread despite multiple studies and state audits showing it is rare.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/savannah-river-site-fire-at-us-nuclear-lab-triggers-radiological-release-scare-shuts-down-rail-river-air-traffic-what-happened-1793239235421">Savannah River Site: Fire at US nuclear lab triggers 'radiological release' scare, shuts down rail, river, air traffic. What happened?</a><h2>Previously appeals court rejected emergency request</h2>The hearing comes after a federal appeals court on Monday rejected an unusual emergency request by the Justice Department asking the appeals court to temporarily block California from counting the ballots before Carter had the chance to rule.The Justice Department did not indicate how many of the more than 20,000 people it flagged in California had actually submitted a mail ballot.

A US judge rejected a Justice Department request to block California from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 voters the Trump administration alleges are likely noncitizens.

A US judge on Wednesday (Oct 28) rejected a request by the Justice Department to temporarily block California from counting mail ballots for the November 3 midterm elections received from people on a list of more than 20,000 registered voters the Trump administration alleges are likely noncitizens. The decision marks the latest setback for President Donald Trump's effort to boost the federal government's role in elections ahead of the midterms, with his Republican Party locked in a tight battle to retain control of both houses of Congress. Also read | Appeals court blocks Trump bid to block 20,000 ballots of suspected non-citizens in California. Here's why California insists 'robust' safeguards in place US District Judge David Carter issued the decision after a hearing on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court over the Justice Department's request for a temporary restraining order barring officials from counting any ballots from the individuals it flagged. The Justice Department filed the lawsuit on October 15, a rare intervention in the voting process weeks before an election. California has said the state's safeguards against noncitizen voting are robust. It said the Justice Department's assertions relied on "suspect data" and that complying with its demands would risk disenfranchising eligible voters. California is the most populous US state and a Democratic stronghold. It has more seats in the House of Representatives, 52, than any other state. Trump has made California a focal point of his sweeping immigration crackdown since returning to the White House, accusing it of undermining public safety through its "sanctuary state" policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Trump has repeatedly insisted that states are not doing enough to stop voting by noncitizens, which he says is widespread despite multiple studies and state audits showing it is rare. Also read | Savannah River Site: Fire at US nuclear lab triggers 'radiological release' scare, shuts down rail, river, air traffic. What happened? Previously appeals court rejected emergency request The hearing comes after a federal appeals court on Monday rejected an unusual emergency request by the Justice Department asking the appeals court to temporarily block California from counting the ballots before Carter had the chance to rule. The Justice Department did not indicate how many of the more than 20,000 people it flagged in California had actually submitted a mail ballot.

A US judge rejected a Justice Department request to block California from counting mail ballots from more than 20,000 voters the Trump administration alleges are likely noncitizens.

US judge rejects Trump bid to block California from counting 20,000 mail ballots of alleged non-citizens

President Donald Trump reacted angrily to hecklers who interrupted his rally in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Wednesday, departing from his usual tendency to laugh off protesters and instead defending his handling of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Minutes into the event at the Shoemaker Center in Chillicothe, a protester was removed from the venue. Trump then addressed the interruption, telling the crowd, “So that guy, he’s right out of the radical left playbook,” before adding, “This guy was very nondescript, but I will say this: you know, he mentioned Epstein.”&nbsp;Visibly irritated, Trump defended his past actions involving Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender, saying he had removed him from his Palm Beach club years earlier. “I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago,” Trump said, adding, “That was a great thing I did.” Trump also attempted to link Epstein to Democrats, declaring, “He was a Democrat,” while claiming that he had been “totally exonerated.” He further alleged that the protesters were “professional protestors. They get money.”<h2>See the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump:

I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago. https://t.co/E3AIgsQhXB&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2115589398200987674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The disruptions were particularly noticeable at the smaller venue, where interruptions were harder to overlook than at some of Trump's larger events. The president has faced a growing number of protesters at his midterm rallies in recent weeks. Trump typically responds to hecklers with humor, telling audiences that his rallies “are something” and that protesters will be “going back home to mom.” He has also sometimes commented on protesters' physiques.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-barack-obama-s-slow-motion-mic-toss-sends-internet-into-a-frenzy-that-man-s-got-swagger-1793230295305">WATCH | Barack Obama’s slow-motion mic toss sends internet into a frenzy: ‘That man’s got swagger’</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trump: Jeffrey Epstein was a Democrat. I threw him the hell out of Mar-a-Lago. I was totally exonerated. https://t.co/BoKx6cvufV&mdash; Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://x.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/2115592029992518006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Trump: Obama campaigning for Democrats is 'good'</h2>President Donald Trump dismissed concerns about former President Barack Obama campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s consequential midterm elections, pointing to Obama’s past support for Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris and saying, “he lost.” Speaking in Chillicothe, Ohio, Trump addressed Obama’s return to the campaign trail as the former president rallied in Georgia. “I took heat because Obama, who is, I mean, I always worry when he campaigns against me because he got involved with Hillary Clinton. He was really, oh, and then he lost,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump went on to reference Obama’s support for Kamala Harris, repeating his claim that the former president’s campaign efforts had not delivered a victory. “He then got involved with Kamala, and he lost. And he lost.” Trump also said he had been informed that Obama planned to campaign ahead of the midterm elections. Describing his reaction to the news, Trump said, “I said, ’That’s good.’”

Donald Trump confronts hecklers at his Chillicothe, Ohio, rally, defends his handling of Jeffrey Epstein, and accuses protesters of being paid

President Donald Trump reacted angrily to hecklers who interrupted his rally in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Wednesday, departing from his usual tendency to laugh off protesters and instead defending his handling of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Minutes into the event at the Shoemaker Center in Chillicothe, a protester was removed from the venue. Trump then addressed the interruption, telling the crowd, “So that guy, he’s right out of the radical left playbook,” before adding, “This guy was very nondescript, but I will say this: you know, he mentioned Epstein.” Visibly irritated, Trump defended his past actions involving Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender, saying he had removed him from his Palm Beach club years earlier. “I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago,” Trump said, adding, “That was a great thing I did.” Trump also attempted to link Epstein to Democrats, declaring, “He was a Democrat,” while claiming that he had been “totally exonerated.” He further alleged that the protesters were “professional protestors. They get money.” See the video here

Trump angrily confronts hecklers at an Ohio rally, defends his handling of Jeffrey Epstein, and claims protesters are linked to the radical left

'I threw Jeffrey Epstein the hell out of Mar-a-Lago': Trump explodes at heckler at Ohio rally

Barack Obama has given social media another moment to talk about, this time with a smooth microphone toss that has gone viral. A slow-motion video of the former US president handing off his microphone after a campaign rally in Detroit has attracted millions of views and sparked widespread reactions online.&nbsp;Obama appeared in Michigan on October 24 to support Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. While his speech criticized Donald Trump’s administration, it was his exit from the stage that captured the internet’s attention. A clip shared by El-Sayed’s campaign on October 27 has garnered around five million views on X. Social media users have praised Obama’s effortless move, with many describing it as a memorable ‘mic drop’ moment.<h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">OUR 44th president. Let's finish what he started and guarantee healthcare for every American. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/aWcolg9ziY&mdash; Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) <a href="https://x.com/AbdulElSayed/status/2115065692751872212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-is-an-idiot-michigan-candidate-abdul-el-sayed-tears-into-trump-calls-jd-vance-soulless-and-pete-hegseth-a-bully-1793228729373">'Donald Trump is an idiot': Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed tears into Trump, calls JD Vance 'soulless' and Pete Hegseth a ‘bully’</a><h2>Why did Obama’s mic toss go viral?</h2>The viral video shows Obama tossing his microphone to a waiting aide as he walks off the stage. The slow-motion footage quickly caught the attention of social media users, turning the brief exchange into a widely discussed moment.One user on X wrote, “That mic toss. Obama just aura farming at this point.”&nbsp;Another account, reacted to the clip by saying, “that mic throw was smooooth, Trump wishes he could look that cool.” One user described it as “That's impeccable aura,” while another user wrote, “That man's got swagger.” The reactions helped transform what would typically be a routine moment at the end of a political appearance into a widely shared social media clip.&nbsp;The El-Sayed campaign also highlighted Obama’s appearance at the rally with a post celebrating the former president’s support. However, it was the slow-motion microphone toss that became the standout moment online, drawing millions of views and praise from social media users.

Barack Obama’s viral mic toss after a Detroit rally draws around five million views on X, with social media users praising his smooth exit

Barack Obama has given social media another moment to talk about, this time with a smooth microphone toss that has gone viral. A slow-motion video of the former US president handing off his microphone after a campaign rally in Detroit has attracted millions of views and sparked widespread reactions online. Obama appeared in Michigan on October 24 to support Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. While his speech criticized Donald Trump’s administration, it was his exit from the stage that captured the internet’s attention. A clip shared by El-Sayed’s campaign on October 27 has garnered around five million views on X. Social media users have praised Obama’s effortless move, with many describing it as a memorable ‘mic drop’ moment. Watch the video here

Barack Obama’s slow-motion mic toss at a Detroit campaign rally goes viral, attracting around five million views and praise from social media users

WATCH | Barack Obama’s slow-motion mic toss sends internet into a frenzy: ‘That man’s got swagger’

Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has called President Donald Trump an ‘idiot’ and criticised Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing them of using bullying tactics and power to influence others. During a lengthy interview with comedian Hasan Minhaj on his podcast, El-Sayed said Americans are being actively bullied by the dumbest people in the room, referring to Trump, Vance and Hegseth.&nbsp;El-Sayed, who could become the first Muslim senator if he defeats Republican Mike Rogers next week, told Minhaj that he supports underdogs who are exploited by powerful people. “I don’t bully, but I bully bullies,” the Michigan Democrat said on the “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” episode released on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;“And maybe it’s just because I understood quickly what the consequences of allowing bullies to persist would look like. And none of us, when you think about our politics, like we are being actively bullied by the dumbest people in the room. And I mean Donald Trump is an idiot. Whatever you think about him, he has one genius, which is the genius of getting attention which is because you know his dad never gave him enough,” El-Sayed said.&nbsp;“And so because he was a nepo baby, because he had resources, realized quickly that he just craved for attention and then used the bullying tactics that he uses right now to get it. But the man is an idiot. I mean, just when it comes down to it, like just a fool,” he continued.<h2>Watch the video</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic Senate candidate, lashes out at Trump

“We are being actively bullied by the dumbest people in the room. And I mean, Donald Trump is an idiot.

Whatever you think about him, he has one genius, which is the genius of getting attention, because his dad never gave him enough.

Because he was a nepo baby, because he had resources, he realized quickly that he just craved attention and then used the bullying tactics that he uses right now to get it.

But the man is an idiot. I mean, just when it comes down to it, just a fool.”

Earlier, Trump called El-Sayed a “jihadist.”&mdash; NEXTA (@nexta_tv) <a href="https://x.com/nexta_tv/status/2115516448013738234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h2>El-Sayed criticises JD Vance and Pete Hegseth</h2>El-Sayed also targeted other members of the Trump administration, questioning Vance's conduct and criticizing Hegseth. “And then you’ve got other people like JD Vance, who do this thing of just becoming curs to the dumbest person in the room,” El-Sayed said. “JD Vance is a smart person, but he has no actual soul, and he has no actual charisma. And so, his think is just to suck up to the strongest person in in the room to do their bidding. And then you got people like Pete Hegseth who are like, you know, minifool bullies around him. But like this whole coterie of the dumbest people, or the most cowardly people, are running the country. So, part of the responsibility I think we have is not to allow them to use their power to bend the rest of us to their will.”&nbsp;The Michigan Democrat suggested he would take the same approach toward Trump if elected to the Senate, emphasising the importance of confronting people who use power to intimidate others. “And that means standing up. And the thing about it is if you ever stood up to a bully, you realize that they’re very fragile. Like, once you get past the immediate bullying and the fear that they strike in people, there’s no there there. And when you hit them back, they back off. So, you know, I’m not looking to bully anybody, but if you’re walking around bullying people and you are causing them harm as a function of it, I’m gonna show up and I’m going to do exactly to you what you do to everybody else,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flavio-bolsonaro-claims-he-is-brazil-s-elected-president-after-fleeing-to-us-trump-says-he-won-t-get-involved-1793224385997">Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved'</a><h2>El-Sayed questions Democrats' response to Trump</h2>During the interview, Minhaj asked El-Sayed why traditional Democrats were not taking the same confrontational approach toward Trump. “I think for a lot of folks, they’ve never been in a fight,” El-Sayed said. “And the thing about a fight is that a fight is not a pretty thing, right? And the logic of fighting is that once you get into a fight, like you’ve got to be willing to end the fight. And they have more power."&nbsp;“And so, for a lot of folks, they’ll look at what their resources and say, ‘Maybe it’s not worth it.’ But what they don’t realize is that for people who’ve set the culture of the debate around power, if you let them take what you have, you won’t have anything. And so that I think is part of it,” he said.&nbsp;El-Sayed also rejected the idea that Trumpism would disappear once Trump leaves office, arguing that confronting bullying was necessary to prevent the continued abuse of power. “I think the other part of it is people think that this will go away and the only way to beat a bully is to beat a bully and then you get to decide what happens next. We don’t want a world where people bully each other. We don’t want a world where might makes right. We don’t want a world where the most powerful in the room gets to take whatever they want from anybody else because of power. But when somebody violates that norm, you have a responsibility to stand up to them and take power back and then decide that we are not going to continue to live like this. And I think for a lot of the Democratic Party, it’s some combination of lack of courage and lack of understanding,” he said.

Abdul El-Sayed calls Donald Trump an 'idiot', criticises JD Vance and Pete Hegseth, and discusses bullying, political power and Democratic resistance

Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has called President Donald Trump an ‘idiot’ and criticised Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing them of using bullying tactics and power to influence others. During a lengthy interview with comedian Hasan Minhaj on his podcast, El-Sayed said Americans are being actively bullied by the dumbest people in the room, referring to Trump, Vance and Hegseth. El-Sayed, who could become the first Muslim senator if he defeats Republican Mike Rogers next week, told Minhaj that he supports underdogs who are exploited by powerful people. “I don’t bully, but I bully bullies,” the Michigan Democrat said on the “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” episode released on Wednesday. “And maybe it’s just because I understood quickly what the consequences of allowing bullies to persist would look like. And none of us, when you think about our politics, like we are being actively bullied by the dumbest people in the room. And I mean Donald Trump is an idiot. Whatever you think about him, he has one genius, which is the genius of getting attention which is because you know his dad never gave him enough,” El-Sayed said. “And so because he was a nepo baby, because he had resources, realized quickly that he just craved for attention and then used the bullying tactics that he uses right now to get it. But the man is an idiot. I mean, just when it comes down to it, like just a fool,” he continued. Watch the video

Abdul El-Sayed calls Trump an ‘idiot’, criticises JD Vance and Pete Hegseth, and urges Democrats to stand up to bullies and reclaim power

'Donald Trump is an idiot': Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed tears into Trump, calls JD Vance 'soulless' and Pete Hegseth a 'bully'

Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro insisted on Wednesday that he was the country's rightful leader after arriving in the United States to begin a self-imposed exile. His defiant remarks after leaving Brazil signalled continued political turmoil in the country, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won a dramatic runoff election on Sunday. "I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organization that has established a tyranny," Bolsonaro said in a statement published on his X account, alleging ‘electoral fraud’. "I will lead the opposition from here," he said. In a subsequent statement, he changed his claim, describing himself as the ‘leader’ rather than the ‘president’.&nbsp;Bolsonaro, 45, arrived in a private jet at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami early Wednesday. US President Donald Trump's hard-right administration has strong ties to Bolsonaro and his father, Jair Bolsonaro. The elder Bolsonaro is under house arrest in Brazil after attempting to overturn his electoral defeat to Lula in 2022. Trump reiterated his view that Brazil's election was ‘very strange’ but told reporters he 'won't get involved' in Flavio Bolsonaro's claim to the presidency. Details of how Bolsonaro travelled to the United States with his wife and daughters are still emerging.&nbsp;He is under investigation in Brazil over alleged corruption and money laundering. With his parliamentary immunity approaching its expiry, he had been ordered to surrender his passports but left the country anyway, travelling to the United States through Argentina and Ecuador. The US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that members of the Bolsonaro family had been inspected and cleared with applicable immigration laws and procedures.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-contacts-iran-hard-liner-mohsen-rezaei-to-revive-peace-talks-as-trump-threatens-to-resume-war-1793223759682">JD Vance contacts Iran hard-liner Mohsen Rezaei to revive peace talks as Trump threatens to resume war: Report</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">CARTA À NAÇÃO BRASILEIRA 🇧🇷
28.10.26 https://t.co/QqOGZuF8G0&mdash; Flávio Bolsonaro (@FlavioBolsonaro) <a href="https://x.com/FlavioBolsonaro/status/2115544562219315474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Lula calls Bolsonaro's departure 'shameful'</h2>Lula, who won Sunday's election with 51.8 percent of the vote, described Flavio Bolsonaro's departure as a 'shameful' act. "A person who sneaks out of their country must have something to hide," Lula said in Brasilia on Tuesday during celebrations for his 81st birthday. However, Brazilian police issued a statement on Wednesday saying Bolsonaro was not considered a fugitive.&nbsp;The senator's journey also sparked controversy in neighbouring Argentina, where opposition lawmakers demanded anexplanation for how he had been allowed to travel through the country. Argentine authorities said Bolsonaro was carrying valid travel documents. According to opposition lawmaker Agustin Rossi, officials have asked Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli to provide details to parliament.<h3>Fraud investigations</h3>One of the most prominent fraud investigations involving Flavio Bolsonaro centres on the unreleased biopic Dark Horse, which stars US actor Jim Caviezel as his father, Jair Bolsonaro. In May, Intercept Brasil reported audio recordings in which Flavio Bolsonaro negotiated approximately $24 million to finance the film with banker Daniel Vorcaro, who is jailed in connection with one of Brazil's largest-ever fraud cases.&nbsp;Before the recordings emerged, Flavio Bolsonaro had denied knowing Vorcaro or receiving financing for the film from him. In July, Brazil's Supreme Court ordered an investigation into the film's financing to determine whether it involved corruption, money laundering or the illegal movement of currency. Flavio Bolsonaro later acknowledged that Vorcaro had financed the film but maintained that the arrangement was a private business deal that was ‘completely legal’.&nbsp;In a separate investigation, police are examining allegations that Flavio Bolsonaro laundered money and transferred funds out of Brazil in collaboration with his close friend, lawyer Willer Tomaz. His father, Jair Bolsonaro, also refused to concede defeat after losing to Lula. He left Brazil on the eve of his rival's inauguration before returning three months later.

Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro arrives in Florida after leaving the country, claims election fraud and vows to lead the opposition. The senator faces corruption and money-laundering investigations as Lula condemns his departure

Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro insisted on Wednesday that he was the country's rightful leader after arriving in the United States to begin a self-imposed exile. His defiant remarks after leaving Brazil signalled continued political turmoil in the country, where leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won a dramatic runoff election on Sunday. "I am the elected president, and the criminals who stole Brazil's election are part of a criminal organization that has established a tyranny," Bolsonaro said in a statement published on his X account, alleging ‘electoral fraud’. "I will lead the opposition from here," he said. In a subsequent statement, he changed his claim, describing himself as the ‘leader’ rather than the ‘president’. Bolsonaro, 45, arrived in a private jet at Opa-Locka Executive Airport near Miami early Wednesday. US President Donald Trump's hard-right administration has strong ties to Bolsonaro and his father, Jair Bolsonaro. The elder Bolsonaro is under house arrest in Brazil after attempting to overturn his electoral defeat to Lula in 2022. Trump reiterated his view that Brazil's election was ‘very strange’ but told reporters he 'won't get involved' in Flavio Bolsonaro's claim to the presidency. Details of how Bolsonaro travelled to the United States with his wife and daughters are still emerging. He is under investigation in Brazil over alleged corruption and money laundering. With his parliamentary immunity approaching its expiry, he had been ordered to surrender his passports but left the country anyway, travelling to the United States through Argentina and Ecuador. The US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that members of the Bolsonaro family had been inspected and cleared with applicable immigration laws and procedures. Also Read: JD Vance contacts Iran hard-liner Mohsen Rezaei to revive peace talks as Trump threatens to resume war: Report

Flavio Bolsonaro arrives in the US, claims Brazil's election was stolen and vows to lead the opposition as corruption and money-laundering probes continue

Flavio Bolsonaro claims he is Brazil's 'elected president' after fleeing to US; Trump says he 'won't get involved'

US Vice President JD Vance is reaching out to one of Iran's most influential hard-liners in an effort to revive peace negotiations, even as President Donald Trump threatens to resume the war after next week's midterm elections, according to US officials and people familiar with the matter. Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who held the position for the longest period, according to people familiar with the outreach.&nbsp;One person said the letter was sent at Trump's direction and that the president was aware of the communication. Vance is exploring whether Washington and Tehran can find sufficient common ground to persuade Trump against authorising a final, short and intense attack on Iran in the coming weeks. Some US officials believe engaging Iranian hard-liners could produce a better diplomatic outcome. These figures have accumulated greater power in Tehran since the United States and Israel killed Iranian regime leaders at the beginning of the war.&nbsp;Last week, Trump said his administration was not negotiating with Iran and hinted at possible further military action.“We’re not negotiating with them, we are going to have something one way or another, it’ll happen soon,” he said. Vance's letter and subsequent discussions between US and Iranian officials have not included specific terms for a peace agreement. Instead, the exchanges have focused on establishing a possible framework for negotiations, a person familiar with the matter said.&nbsp;Rezaei said last week that Iran would not negotiate with Washington until its core demands were met. Although Vance has publicly supported the war against Iran, he has privately expressed reservations about allowing the conflict to continue for an extended period. Before Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” in February, Vance argued for more extensive diplomatic efforts. Trump subsequently appointed Vance as the lead negotiator. The vice president travelled abroad twice to meet Iranian counterparts in an effort to secure a final agreement to end the conflict.&nbsp;A ‘memorandum of understanding’ reached in June collapsed two weeks after being signed, following disagreements over how shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be restored. Vance's latest outreach comes as Republicans prepare for possible losses in the House and Senate during the midterm elections, potentially surrendering control of one or both chambers of Congress. Voters have cited the Iran conflict and rising fuel costs as sources of frustration with Trump and fellow Republicans. Vance is also the early leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-2026-netanyahu-leads-but-falls-short-of-majority-with-85-of-ballots-counted-arab-parties-could-hold-key-1793220123388">Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority with 85% of ballots counted; Arab parties could hold key</a>&nbsp;A spokesman for Vance declined to discuss the talks. The White House directed a request for comment to the vice president's team, while a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said he had no information about Vance's outreach. Rezaei and the Supreme National Security Council could not be reached for comment. On social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “While our Brave Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend the Homeland, Iran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed.” Rezaei's emergence as a key interlocutor could sideline other Iranian figures, including Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament.&nbsp;Rezaei, who led the Revolutionary Guard during Iran's war with Iraq in the 1980s, has become an influential but hawkish voice as US threats intensify. Earlier this month, he said Tehran could target the United Arab Emirates, which has largely avoided attacks since late spring, as well as data centres and internet cables across the region.&nbsp;On Sunday, Rezaei took the unusual step of meeting security chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in Tehran as the countries sought to reduce tensions. Previous visits of this kind had largely involved diplomats. Trump has made dismantling Iran's nuclear programme a national security priority during his second term, alternating between efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement and threats to bomb Tehran into submission.&nbsp;Repeated negotiations through mediators Qatar and Pakistan have failed to resolve the diplomatic deadlock. Washington is demanding nuclear concessions from Iran upfront, while Tehran is seeking immediate economic relief. The United States has maintained an economic blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil exports continue to flow through the disputed waterway, although not at levels sufficient to ease high energy prices.&nbsp;With no clear diplomatic path forward, Trump has said at campaign events in recent days that he expects the war with Iran to resume and that the conflict will end only when he decides. “They’ve wanted to make a deal, but they like tapping it along. Maybe they’re waiting for the election or something, but that’s not gonna help them,” Trump told reporters Tuesday night.

JD Vance reaches out to Iranian hard-liner Mohsen Rezaei to explore peace negotiations as Donald Trump threatens renewed strikes. US-Iran tensions remain high amid disputes over nuclear concessions, sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz

US Vice President JD Vance is reaching out to one of Iran's most influential hard-liners in an effort to revive peace negotiations, even as President Donald Trump threatens to resume the war after next week's midterm elections, according to US officials and people familiar with the matter. Vance sent a letter to Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who held the position for the longest period, according to people familiar with the outreach. One person said the letter was sent at Trump's direction and that the president was aware of the communication. Vance is exploring whether Washington and Tehran can find sufficient common ground to persuade Trump against authorising a final, short and intense attack on Iran in the coming weeks. Some US officials believe engaging Iranian hard-liners could produce a better diplomatic outcome. These figures have accumulated greater power in Tehran since the United States and Israel killed Iranian regime leaders at the beginning of the war. Last week, Trump said his administration was not negotiating with Iran and hinted at possible further military action. “We’re not negotiating with them, we are going to have something one way or another, it’ll happen soon,” he said. Vance's letter and subsequent discussions between US and Iranian officials have not included specific terms for a peace agreement. Instead, the exchanges have focused on establishing a possible framework for negotiations, a person familiar with the matter said. Rezaei said last week that Iran would not negotiate with Washington until its core demands were met. Although Vance has publicly supported the war against Iran, he has privately expressed reservations about allowing the conflict to continue for an extended period. Before Trump launched “Operation Epic Fury” in February, Vance argued for more extensive diplomatic efforts. Trump subsequently appointed Vance as the lead negotiator. The vice president travelled abroad twice to meet Iranian counterparts in an effort to secure a final agreement to end the conflict. A ‘memorandum of understanding’ reached in June collapsed two weeks after being signed, following disagreements over how shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be restored. Vance's latest outreach comes as Republicans prepare for possible losses in the House and Senate during the midterm elections, potentially surrendering control of one or both chambers of Congress. Voters have cited the Iran conflict and rising fuel costs as sources of frustration with Trump and fellow Republicans. Vance is also the early leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. Also Read: Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority with 85% of ballots counted; Arab parties could hold key A spokesman for Vance declined to discuss the talks. The White House directed a request for comment to the vice president's team, while a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry said he had no information about Vance's outreach. Rezaei and the Supreme National Security Council could not be reached for comment. On social media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “While our Brave Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend the Homeland, Iran continues to give diplomacy a chance to succeed.” Rezaei's emergence as a key interlocutor could sideline other Iranian figures, including Araghchi and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament. Rezaei, who led the Revolutionary Guard during Iran's war with Iraq in the 1980s, has become an influential but hawkish voice as US threats intensify. Earlier this month, he said Tehran could target the United Arab Emirates, which has largely avoided attacks since late spring, as well as data centres and internet cables across the region. On Sunday, Rezaei took the unusual step of meeting security chiefs from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey in Tehran as the countries sought to reduce tensions. Previous visits of this kind had largely involved diplomats. Trump has made dismantling Iran's nuclear programme a national security priority during his second term, alternating between efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement and threats to bomb Tehran into submission. Repeated negotiations through mediators Qatar and Pakistan have failed to resolve the diplomatic deadlock. Washington is demanding nuclear concessions from Iran upfront, while Tehran is seeking immediate economic relief. The United States has maintained an economic blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. Oil exports continue to flow through the disputed waterway, although not at levels sufficient to ease high energy prices. With no clear diplomatic path forward, Trump has said at campaign events in recent days that he expects the war with Iran to resume and that the conflict will end only when he decides. “They’ve wanted to make a deal, but they like tapping it along. Maybe they’re waiting for the election or something, but that’s not gonna help them,” Trump told reporters Tuesday night.

According to report, JD Vance contacts Iran hard-liner Mohsen Rezaei to revive peace talks as Trump threatens fresh strikes after the US midterm elections

JD Vance contacts Iran hard-liner Mohsen Rezaei to revive peace talks as Trump threatens to resume war: Report

Partial results from Israel's general election show veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading his rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, although his bloc remains short of a majority in parliament. With 85% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's Likud party and its far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies were projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot's Yashar party and three other Jewish opposition parties in his bloc were on course to secure 48 seats.&nbsp;Both leaders have said they will attempt to form a governing coalition. Arab-led parties, projected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, could emerge as kingmakers. However, all but one of the Jewish parties have pledged not to cooperate with them. Between 430,000 and 480,000 absentee ballots from groups including soldiers, diplomats and hospital patients remain to be counted. The final election results could therefore take another day or two to emerge.&nbsp;Once the results are confirmed, President Isaac Herzog will consult all political factions before inviting the leader he believes has the strongest chance of success to form a government. The process could take weeks. If the efforts to form a government fail, Israel would ultimately have to hold another election. Both Netanyahu and his main rival have maintained that they should be given the opportunity to form a governing coalition.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alaska-senate-race-trump-accuses-democrats-of-running-illegal-scheme-seeks-removal-of-mary-peltola-fake-dan-sullivan-1793218847426">Alaska Senate race: Trump accuses Democrats of running 'illegal scheme', seeks removal of Mary Peltola, ‘FAKE Dan Sullivan’</a><h2>Opposition could gain control of Parliament</h2>Although Israel's opposition may struggle to form a government, it could still gain control of parliament. Initial results released on Wednesday showed no outright winner, and it could take weeks to determine who will be able to form the next government. Even if no government is formed, the Knesset is scheduled to open on November 10. Netanyahu's opponents could be in a strong position to take control of the legislative process.&nbsp;The parliament will begin its work with the swearing-in of all 120 lawmakers. Both major blocs of Jewish parties appear to have fallen short of a parliamentary majority. They are also reluctant to form a government that depends on cooperation with the two predominantly Arab parties.

Israel election results show Benjamin Netanyahu leading with 53 projected seats, ahead of Gadi Eisenkot's opposition bloc with 48. Coalition talks remain uncertain as Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power and the opposition eyes control of parliament

Partial results from Israel's general election show veteran Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading his rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, although his bloc remains short of a majority in parliament. With 85% of ballots counted, Netanyahu's Likud party and its far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies were projected to win 53 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Eisenkot's Yashar party and three other Jewish opposition parties in his bloc were on course to secure 48 seats. Both leaders have said they will attempt to form a governing coalition. Arab-led parties, projected to win an unprecedented 19 seats, could emerge as kingmakers. However, all but one of the Jewish parties have pledged not to cooperate with them. Between 430,000 and 480,000 absentee ballots from groups including soldiers, diplomats and hospital patients remain to be counted. The final election results could therefore take another day or two to emerge. Once the results are confirmed, President Isaac Herzog will consult all political factions before inviting the leader he believes has the strongest chance of success to form a government. The process could take weeks. If the efforts to form a government fail, Israel would ultimately have to hold another election. Both Netanyahu and his main rival have maintained that they should be given the opportunity to form a governing coalition. Also Read: Alaska Senate race: Trump accuses Democrats of running 'illegal scheme', seeks removal of Mary Peltola, ‘FAKE Dan Sullivan’ Opposition could gain control of Parliament Although Israel's opposition may struggle to form a government, it could still gain control of parliament. Initial results released on Wednesday showed no outright winner, and it could take weeks to determine who will be able to form the next government. Even if no government is formed, the Knesset is scheduled to open on November 10. Netanyahu's opponents could be in a strong position to take control of the legislative process. The parliament will begin its work with the swearing-in of all 120 lawmakers. Both major blocs of Jewish parties appear to have fallen short of a parliamentary majority. They are also reluctant to form a government that depends on cooperation with the two predominantly Arab parties.

Netanyahu leads Israel's election with 53 projected seats, but no bloc has a majority, leaving coalition talks and possible Opposition control uncertain

Israel election 2026: Netanyahu leads but falls short of majority with 85% of ballots counted; Arab parties could hold key

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola and a rival sharing the name of Alaska's Republican incumbent be removed from next week's election ballot, accusing Democrats of running an illegal scheme to confuse voters. Trump's demand followed a New York Times investigation that reported Democratic operatives had secretly recruited so-called ‘spoiler’ candidates, including another Dan Sullivan, in an attempt to divert votes from Republican Senator Dan Sullivan.&nbsp;"It has just been determined that the Democrats in Alaska illegally searched for, and recruited, a man named Dan Sullivan," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He accused Democrats of perjury, alleging they had made false statements under oath in federal court. Trump also demanded that the incumbent be allowed to contest the election without either Peltola or the ‘FAKE Dan Sullivan’ appearing on the ballot.&nbsp;However, the Times noted that recruiting candidates to divide an opponent's vote, a practice known as ballot stacking, is generally legal and has been used by both political parties in Alaska. The investigation did not establish criminal wrongdoing or substantiate Trump's allegation of perjury. According to the newspaper, the effort involved senior aides and lawyers working for Peltola, along with officials from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-reserve-keeps-rates-unchanged-as-inflation-remains-high-warsh-says-politics-played-no-role-in-decision-1793214610244">US Federal Reserve keeps rates unchanged as inflation remains high; Warsh says politics 'played no role' in decision</a>&nbsp;The Times cited interviews, dozens of text messages and documents prepared for a potential lawsuit against the campaign. One of the individuals reportedly recruited was Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher from a remote Alaskan fishing community. He has maintained that he entered the race of his own accord. The newspaper identified Democratic operative Jerid Kurtz as a central figure in the effort, reporting that he travelled around Alaska under an assumed name to approach potential candidates.

The Times also reported that Kurtz encouraged a Democrat to withdraw from the race after the August primary, creating a place on the four-candidate ranked-choice ballot for Republican Gerald Heikes, who was also a recruit. Heikes told the newspaper that he had been recruited by a Midwesterner whom he did not believe resembled a photograph of Kurtz. Kurtz did not respond to the Times' requests for comment.

Peltola's former campaign manager, Elisa Rios, told the newspaper that the candidate was ‘definitely aware’ of the project but was not directly involved. She also said DSCC aides had introduced Kurtz to the campaign. Rios, who was fired in August and had been planning a wrongful termination lawsuit, later sought to retract her statements. The Times reported that her account was consistent with its other findings. Peltola's campaign and the DSCC have denied recruiting any candidates.&nbsp;The revelations emerged days after Trump directed the Justice Department to sue Alaska over the presence of the second Sullivan on the ballot. The lawsuit seeks to delay certification if Peltola narrowly defeats the incumbent and votes cast for his namesake could have changed the result. In June, Alaska's Supreme Court upheld the retired teacher's right to run, rejecting Republican efforts to remove him from the ballot. The state has asked a federal judge to dismiss the Justice Department's lawsuit, arguing that it has no legal basis.

Donald Trump demands the removal of Mary Peltola and a second Dan Sullivan from Alaska's Senate ballot, accusing Democrats of recruiting spoiler candidates. The New York Times investigation and a Justice Department lawsuit fuel the election controversy

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded that Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola and a rival sharing the name of Alaska's Republican incumbent be removed from next week's election ballot, accusing Democrats of running an illegal scheme to confuse voters. Trump's demand followed a New York Times investigation that reported Democratic operatives had secretly recruited so-called ‘spoiler’ candidates, including another Dan Sullivan, in an attempt to divert votes from Republican Senator Dan Sullivan. "It has just been determined that the Democrats in Alaska illegally searched for, and recruited, a man named Dan Sullivan," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He accused Democrats of perjury, alleging they had made false statements under oath in federal court. Trump also demanded that the incumbent be allowed to contest the election without either Peltola or the ‘FAKE Dan Sullivan’ appearing on the ballot. However, the Times noted that recruiting candidates to divide an opponent's vote, a practice known as ballot stacking, is generally legal and has been used by both political parties in Alaska. The investigation did not establish criminal wrongdoing or substantiate Trump's allegation of perjury. According to the newspaper, the effort involved senior aides and lawyers working for Peltola, along with officials from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). Also Read: US Federal Reserve keeps rates unchanged as inflation remains high; Warsh says politics 'played no role' in decision The Times cited interviews, dozens of text messages and documents prepared for a potential lawsuit against the campaign. One of the individuals reportedly recruited was Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher from a remote Alaskan fishing community. He has maintained that he entered the race of his own accord. The newspaper identified Democratic operative Jerid Kurtz as a central figure in the effort, reporting that he travelled around Alaska under an assumed name to approach potential candidates.

Trump demands removal of Mary Peltola and a second Dan Sullivan from Alaska's ballot, alleging a Democratic scheme to confuse voters

Alaska Senate race: Trump accuses Democrats of running 'illegal scheme', seeks removal of Mary Peltola, ‘FAKE Dan Sullivan’

India has joined 129 other countries in calling on the United States to lift its economic, trade and financial restrictions on Cuba. However, support for the resolution at the United Nations fell to its lowest level in three decades, as several countries that had backed it earlier chose to abstain.&nbsp;The UN General Assembly passed the resolution on Wednesday with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. The US and Israel voted against it, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;The resolution has been presented almost every year since 1992. This year’s text also highlighted the impact of US restrictions on fuel supplies to Cuba, which Washington has imposed since January.<h3>Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries</h3>Cuba has accused the US of trying to persuade other countries to withdraw their support for the resolution.&nbsp;“The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a post on X on Wednesday. He later accused Washington of using “gangster-like coercion”.&nbsp;Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also criticised the US, accusing it of trying to “determine the nation's destiny” and “seize” its wealth.&nbsp;US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz rejected Cuba’s claims, saying the country’s problems were caused by its own government.&nbsp;“The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime,” Waltz said.He also denied that the US had imposed a naval blockade around Cuba, saying its ports remained open and shipments from other countries continued to arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-in-talks-with-mediators-on-7-day-plan-araghchi-says-tehran-giving-diplomacy-a-chance-1793213071419">Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance</a><h3>Heated exchange between US and Cuban envoys</h3>The vote came a day after a heated argument between Rodriguez and Waltz at the UN General Assembly. Rodriguez approached the US ambassador and shouted, “You are a liar!” while Waltz told him to back away.&nbsp;The argument disrupted the session, forcing the chair to briefly suspend proceedings and ask both delegations to return to their seats.&nbsp;During his speech against the resolution, Waltz displayed pictures of Cuban leaders, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches. Members of the Cuban delegation repeatedly struck their desks in protest.&nbsp;Waltz also showed satellite images and described luxury homes, boats and holidays that he claimed were enjoyed by the Castro family and Cuban officials.

India backed a UN resolution calling for the US to lift its restrictions on Cuba, even as support for the measure fell to its lowest level in three decades and Cuban and US officials exchanged accusations.

India has joined 129 other countries in calling on the United States to lift its economic, trade and financial restrictions on Cuba. However, support for the resolution at the United Nations fell to its lowest level in three decades, as several countries that had backed it earlier chose to abstain. The UN General Assembly passed the resolution on Wednesday with 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. The US and Israel voted against it, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Morocco, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. The resolution has been presented almost every year since 1992. This year’s text also highlighted the impact of US restrictions on fuel supplies to Cuba, which Washington has imposed since January. Cuba accuses US of pressuring countries Cuba has accused the US of trying to persuade other countries to withdraw their support for the resolution. “The world has once again spoken out overwhelmingly against the blockade, even despite the most blatant pressure and blackmail from the US to change the course of this vote,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in a post on X on Wednesday. He later accused Washington of using “gangster-like coercion”. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also criticised the US, accusing it of trying to “determine the nation's destiny” and “seize” its wealth. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz rejected Cuba’s claims, saying the country’s problems were caused by its own government. “The plight of the Cuban people is exclusively the fault of this corrupt communist regime,” Waltz said. He also denied that the US had imposed a naval blockade around Cuba, saying its ports remained open and shipments from other countries continued to arrive. Also Read: Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance Heated exchange between US and Cuban envoys The vote came a day after a heated argument between Rodriguez and Waltz at the UN General Assembly. Rodriguez approached the US ambassador and shouted, “You are a liar!” while Waltz told him to back away. The argument disrupted the session, forcing the chair to briefly suspend proceedings and ask both delegations to return to their seats. During his speech against the resolution, Waltz displayed pictures of Cuban leaders, including Diaz-Canel, wearing luxury watches. Members of the Cuban delegation repeatedly struck their desks in protest. Waltz also showed satellite images and described luxury homes, boats and holidays that he claimed were enjoyed by the Castro family and Cuban officials.

India backed a UN resolution calling for the US to lift its restrictions on Cuba, even as support for the measure fell to its lowest level in three decades and Cuban and US officials exchanged accusations.

India among 130 countries calling for end to US embargo on Cuba at UN

As the US heads into the 2026 midterm elections, the importance of the Indian diaspora and the political rise of Indian-origin leaders has assumed significance. The contest in Ohia is in focus as Vivek Ramaswamy’s victory would have an impact well beyond the state, with questions of identity, representation and belonging likely to become the centre of the American political conversation.&nbsp;Ramaswamy’s win would be both a milestone and a reminder for the Indian-American diaspora, though an individual politician’s success does not automatically translate into political influence for an entire community.&nbsp;Ramaswamy, the former Republican presidential candidate, has built his political identity around conservative principles, including limited government, deregulation and a critique of the “ideological excess” in American institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;His political journey complicates the usual story of Indian Americans as a uniformly successful, largely Democratic-leaning minority.&nbsp;<h2>Representation beyond identity</h2>&nbsp;Ramaswamy's win would become another example of an American politician of Indian origin rising to a position of political authority and can challenge stereotypes.&nbsp;It could encourage young Indian Americans to see public office as an attainable ambition since representation matters, particularly in a country where immigrants and their descendants have to negotiate questions of identity, acceptance and national belonging.&nbsp;Indian Americans across the United States include Democrats, Republicans and independents, as well as voters whose political priorities range from immigration and education to healthcare, taxation, religious freedom and foreign policy.&nbsp;A candidate’s ancestry does not determine how every member of that community votes.&nbsp;<h2>A Hindu identity, an American campaign</h2>&nbsp;Ramaswamy’s public discussion of his Hindu background has also highlighted the distinction between religious identity and political ideology. His conservative positions may resonate with some voters, including some Indian Americans, while alienating others who disagree with his views on government, social policy or immigration.&nbsp;For Hindu Americans, his win could draw greater visibility for a religious tradition that is often poorly understood in mainstream debate.&nbsp;Electoral victories can expand the boundaries of representation, but they cannot resolve deeper social divisions by themselves. His success would also not end discrimination, anti-Asian prejudice or challenges faced by immigrants and religious minorities.&nbsp;<h2>What would his win mean for the diaspora</h2>&nbsp;The larger significance of Ramaswamy’s victory would lie in the growing normalisation of Indian-origin Americans and their place in American politics.&nbsp;Eventually, the strongest measure of progress is not simply whether an Indian American wins office, but whether the political system becomes more open to diverse voices.&nbsp;Ramaswamy’s victory would be his achievement first, and for the diaspora, it would be a moment of visibility and possibility.

Vivek Ramaswamy's win would become another example of an American politician of Indian origin rising to a position of political authority and challenging stereotypes. For Hindu Americans, his win could draw greater visibility for a religious tradition that is often poorly understood.

As the US heads into the 2026 midterm elections, the importance of the Indian diaspora and the political rise of Indian-origin leaders has assumed significance. The contest in Ohia is in focus as Vivek Ramaswamy’s victory would have an impact well beyond the state, with questions of identity, representation and belonging likely to become the centre of the American political conversation. Ramaswamy’s win would be both a milestone and a reminder for the Indian-American diaspora, though an individual politician’s success does not automatically translate into political influence for an entire community. Ramaswamy, the former Republican presidential candidate, has built his political identity around conservative principles, including limited government, deregulation and a critique of the “ideological excess” in American institutions. His political journey complicates the usual story of Indian Americans as a uniformly successful, largely Democratic-leaning minority. Representation beyond identity Ramaswamy's win would become another example of an American politician of Indian origin rising to a position of political authority and can challenge stereotypes. It could encourage young Indian Americans to see public office as an attainable ambition since representation matters, particularly in a country where immigrants and their descendants have to negotiate questions of identity, acceptance and national belonging. Indian Americans across the United States include Democrats, Republicans and independents, as well as voters whose political priorities range from immigration and education to healthcare, taxation, religious freedom and foreign policy. A candidate’s ancestry does not determine how every member of that community votes. A Hindu identity, an American campaign Ramaswamy’s public discussion of his Hindu background has also highlighted the distinction between religious identity and political ideology. His conservative positions may resonate with some voters, including some Indian Americans, while alienating others who disagree with his views on government, social policy or immigration. For Hindu Americans, his win could draw greater visibility for a religious tradition that is often poorly understood in mainstream debate. Electoral victories can expand the boundaries of representation, but they cannot resolve deeper social divisions by themselves. His success would also not end discrimination, anti-Asian prejudice or challenges faced by immigrants and religious minorities. What would his win mean for the diaspora The larger significance of Ramaswamy’s victory would lie in the growing normalisation of Indian-origin Americans and their place in American politics. Eventually, the strongest measure of progress is not simply whether an Indian American wins office, but whether the political system becomes more open to diverse voices. Ramaswamy’s victory would be his achievement first, and for the diaspora, it would be a moment of visibility and possibility.

Vivek Ramaswamy's win would become another example of an American politician of Indian origin rising to a position of political authority and challenging stereotypes. For Hindu Americans, his win could draw greater visibility for a religious tradition that is often poorly understood.

US Midterms 2026: What would Ramaswamy’s win mean for the Indian diaspora

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, in line with market expectations, just days before midterm elections in which rising inflation has emerged as a key issue. The 12-member Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 10-2 to maintain the target interest rate range at 3.75 to 4 per cent. The decision followed the central bank's first rate hike in three years at its previous meeting in September, with policymakers citing the need for more data to assess inflation.&nbsp;"The accumulation of more information will help the Committee determine the policy stance appropriate to ensure a timely return of inflation to the Committee's two percent goal," the Fed said in a statement announcing its decision. Two committee members, Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, dissented and called for an immediate rate increase of 0.25 percentage points. The central bank has remained above its long-term inflation target of two percent for more than five years, putting sustained pressure on households and businesses through continued price increases.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump's war on Iran, launched in late February, has sent energy prices soaring and added to domestic inflationary pressures, alongside his wide-ranging tariff policies. Prices have also been driven by an investment boom in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the construction of large data centres to support it. The Fed's decision came six days before the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats are seeking to wrest control of both chambers of Congress from Trump's Republicans.&nbsp;Trump's handling of the economy has been a central campaign issue, as working-class households across the country struggle to meet expenses despite largely stable overall economic growth. US consumer inflation rose more than expected in September, reaching 3.7 per cent and moving closer to a three-year high recorded in May. However, key Fed policymakers, including Warsh, have indicated that they do not see an urgent need for another immediate rate hike.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-in-talks-with-mediators-on-7-day-plan-araghchi-says-tehran-giving-diplomacy-a-chance-1793213071419">Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance</a><h3>Warsh says inflation remains too high</h3>US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh said that inflation remained too high as American households faced rising gasoline costs ahead of the midterm elections. "Inflation is too high," Warsh told reporters. He also said the Fed would reduce the number of its rate-setting meetings by one next year.<h3>Fed chair says politics played no role in decision</h3>Warsh stressed that political considerations were not discussed during the central bank's policy meeting, which took place just days before the crucial midterm elections. "Politics played no role in the decision," Warsh told a press conference after the independent Fed decided to hold interest rates steady. “I didn't hear a reference to politics, elections, what's happening in the next week or so.”

The US Federal Reserve keeps interest rates at 3.75%-4% ahead of midterm elections as inflation persists. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh says inflation is too high and politics played no role in the decision

The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, in line with market expectations, just days before midterm elections in which rising inflation has emerged as a key issue. The 12-member Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 10-2 to maintain the target interest rate range at 3.75 to 4 per cent. The decision followed the central bank's first rate hike in three years at its previous meeting in September, with policymakers citing the need for more data to assess inflation. "The accumulation of more information will help the Committee determine the policy stance appropriate to ensure a timely return of inflation to the Committee's two percent goal," the Fed said in a statement announcing its decision. Two committee members, Governor Lisa Cook and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, dissented and called for an immediate rate increase of 0.25 percentage points. The central bank has remained above its long-term inflation target of two percent for more than five years, putting sustained pressure on households and businesses through continued price increases. US President Donald Trump's war on Iran, launched in late February, has sent energy prices soaring and added to domestic inflationary pressures, alongside his wide-ranging tariff policies. Prices have also been driven by an investment boom in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the construction of large data centres to support it. The Fed's decision came six days before the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats are seeking to wrest control of both chambers of Congress from Trump's Republicans. Trump's handling of the economy has been a central campaign issue, as working-class households across the country struggle to meet expenses despite largely stable overall economic growth. US consumer inflation rose more than expected in September, reaching 3.7 per cent and moving closer to a three-year high recorded in May. However, key Fed policymakers, including Warsh, have indicated that they do not see an urgent need for another immediate rate hike. Also Read: Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance Warsh says inflation remains too high US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh said that inflation remained too high as American households faced rising gasoline costs ahead of the midterm elections. "Inflation is too high," Warsh told reporters. He also said the Fed would reduce the number of its rate-setting meetings by one next year. Fed chair says politics played no role in decision Warsh stressed that political considerations were not discussed during the central bank's policy meeting, which took place just days before the crucial midterm elections. "Politics played no role in the decision," Warsh told a press conference after the independent Fed decided to hold interest rates steady. “I didn't hear a reference to politics, elections, what's happening in the next week or so.”

The US Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 3.75%-4% as inflation remains high, with midterm elections approaching and political scrutiny intensifying

US Federal Reserve keeps rates unchanged as inflation remains high; Warsh says politics 'played no role' in decision

Even as Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir is trying to project himself as a peacemaker on the Iran front, trouble is brewing back home.&nbsp;Baloch rebels claimed to have killed at least 80 Pakistani military personnel. On the other hand, Afghanistan opened fire at Pakistan across the border. One civilian was killed and five others were wounded as Afghan forces fired mortars into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district.The shelling reportedly targeted civilian houses and damaged several shops in the Angoor Adda market. It is worth noting that this area was previously a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;Local authorities claimed that Pakistani forces were responding effectively and heavily. According to the Taliban, however, it was Pakistan that first carried out four strikes on the commissioner’s office and security installations in Afghanistan’s Paktika province.&nbsp;In retaliation, it launched strikes against a nearby Pakistani military base and outposts. It claimed that several Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded in these strikes and that their facilities sustained heavy damage.&nbsp;The fresh escalation comes days after governor’s rule was imposed in the province, which was earlier governed by a PTI-led government. The KP governor condemned what he described as “unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression” and stressed that Pakistan would not tolerate attacks on its people.He also said, and I quote, “We will never allow anyone to undermine our security.”&nbsp;Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused the Afghan government of sheltering the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, a charge that Kabul has consistently denied.&nbsp;Earlier this week, Pakistan claimed that attacks planned on Afghan soil had caused 3,500 casualties in 2026 alone. However, the UN has documented over 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan this year from cross-border violence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-in-talks-with-mediators-on-7-day-plan-araghchi-says-tehran-giving-diplomacy-a-chance-1793213071419">Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance</a>&nbsp;Now, things are heating up on the domestic front as well.&nbsp;For instance, the Balochistan Liberation Front claimed to have killed over 80 Pakistani military and intelligence personnel since October 22 as part of “Operation Almas”. It said its fighters destroyed 12 armoured vehicles and supply trucks and shot down two surveillance drones. Two police stations were also seized.&nbsp;Its fighters reportedly targeted a Frontier Works Organisation camp in the strategic port city of Gwadar, along with military positions in two other regions. According to the group, military vehicles and surveillance equipment were also destroyed as part of the operation.&nbsp;It also threatened to continue targeting military installations and economic projects, including those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.&nbsp;Now, Munir’s forces have been unable to curb the growing attacks by Baloch rebels, who have staged a number of attacks this year. In July, for instance, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan.&nbsp;The growing escalation points to mounting pressure on Islamabad. At a time when its forces are struggling to combat internal turmoil, can it even honour the terms of the Mecca Pact?

Pakistan faces mounting pressure as Baloch rebels claim to have killed over 80 military and intelligence personnel while fresh Afghan shelling along the border adds to tensions.

Even as Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir is trying to project himself as a peacemaker on the Iran front, trouble is brewing back home. Baloch rebels claimed to have killed at least 80 Pakistani military personnel. On the other hand, Afghanistan opened fire at Pakistan across the border. One civilian was killed and five others were wounded as Afghan forces fired mortars into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s South Waziristan district. The shelling reportedly targeted civilian houses and damaged several shops in the Angoor Adda market. It is worth noting that this area was previously a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban. Local authorities claimed that Pakistani forces were responding effectively and heavily. According to the Taliban, however, it was Pakistan that first carried out four strikes on the commissioner’s office and security installations in Afghanistan’s Paktika province. In retaliation, it launched strikes against a nearby Pakistani military base and outposts. It claimed that several Pakistani soldiers were killed or wounded in these strikes and that their facilities sustained heavy damage. The fresh escalation comes days after governor’s rule was imposed in the province, which was earlier governed by a PTI-led government. The KP governor condemned what he described as “unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression” and stressed that Pakistan would not tolerate attacks on its people. He also said, and I quote, “We will never allow anyone to undermine our security.” Now, although both nations agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, the truce ended in February this year after Pakistan conducted air strikes in Afghanistan. Islamabad has accused the Afghan government of sheltering the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, a charge that Kabul has consistently denied. Earlier this week, Pakistan claimed that attacks planned on Afghan soil had caused 3,500 casualties in 2026 alone. However, the UN has documented over 1,100 civilian deaths and injuries in Afghanistan this year from cross-border violence. Also Read: Iran in talks with mediators on 7-day plan; Araghchi says Tehran giving diplomacy a chance Now, things are heating up on the domestic front as well. For instance, the Balochistan Liberation Front claimed to have killed over 80 Pakistani military and intelligence personnel since October 22 as part of “Operation Almas”. It said its fighters destroyed 12 armoured vehicles and supply trucks and shot down two surveillance drones. Two police stations were also seized. Its fighters reportedly targeted a Frontier Works Organisation camp in the strategic port city of Gwadar, along with military positions in two other regions. According to the group, military vehicles and surveillance equipment were also destroyed as part of the operation. It also threatened to continue targeting military installations and economic projects, including those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Now, Munir’s forces have been unable to curb the growing attacks by Baloch rebels, who have staged a number of attacks this year. In July, for instance, gunmen killed nine police officers in an attack on a checkpost at the Mangi Dam project in Balochistan. The growing escalation points to mounting pressure on Islamabad. At a time when its forces are struggling to combat internal turmoil, can it even honour the terms of the Mecca Pact?

Pakistan faces mounting pressure as Baloch rebels claim to have killed over 80 military and intelligence personnel while fresh Afghan shelling along the border adds to tensions.

Baloch rebels kill over 80 Pak troops, Afghan shells blast Pak border in Munir nightmare | Gravitas

Days ahead of the US midterm polls, the Epstein files continue to cast a long shadow on the upper echelons of power. This convicted sex offender's ties with politicians, academics and scientists have taken the world by a storm. In connection with this, Democrats have now demanded a probe against US President Donald Trump. Democrats in the US House Judiciary Committee released a 53-page report, reviving allegations of sexual misconduct made against Trump, who was once a close friend of Epstein.&nbsp;In 2019, Epstein died in custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. The report cited available evidence and witness testimony to claim that five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein's presence. According to Democrats, these incidents happened in New York and Palm Beach, between 1992 and 1997. They also said that many of the victims were closely tied to the modeling industry alleging that Trump may have been a co-conspirator in Epstein's conspiracy to traffic and abuse young women.&nbsp;They accused the US Justice Department of a cover-up. But what is the basis of this allegation? According to the report, the US Justice Department has shut down investigations, even though some of these victims testified under oath. It also accused US Attorney General Todd Blanche of preventing Epstein's ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell from discussing a survivor account which implicated Trump.&nbsp;Now, Maxwell is the only person who has been convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. In wake of these allegations, Democrats called upon Todd Blanche to,appoint an independent special counsel to investigate and prosecute Epstein's co-conspirators. They also urged the US Congress to use its legislative and oversight powers to end this alleged cover-up.

While Trump's name appears repeatedly in the Epstein files, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing. It is also worth stressing that he hasn't been charged with any criminal offences connected to the convicted sex offender. However, this remains a key issue for the Democrats.&nbsp;According to reports, the party has spent more than 35 million US Dollars on Epstein-related advertisements ahead of the November 3 midterms. Thus, it is clear that the impact of the Epstein files cannot be understated.

Democrats urge an independent probe into Donald Trump’s alleged Epstein links, citing sexual misconduct allegations, Justice Department scrutiny, and calls for accountability ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections

Days ahead of the US midterm polls, the Epstein files continue to cast a long shadow on the upper echelons of power. This convicted sex offender's ties with politicians, academics and scientists have taken the world by a storm. In connection with this, Democrats have now demanded a probe against US President Donald Trump. Democrats in the US House Judiciary Committee released a 53-page report, reviving allegations of sexual misconduct made against Trump, who was once a close friend of Epstein. In 2019, Epstein died in custody while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors. The report cited available evidence and witness testimony to claim that five women have directly accused Trump of rape or sexual assault in Epstein's presence. According to Democrats, these incidents happened in New York and Palm Beach, between 1992 and 1997. They also said that many of the victims were closely tied to the modeling industry alleging that Trump may have been a co-conspirator in Epstein's conspiracy to traffic and abuse young women. They accused the US Justice Department of a cover-up. But what is the basis of this allegation? According to the report, the US Justice Department has shut down investigations, even though some of these victims testified under oath. It also accused US Attorney General Todd Blanche of preventing Epstein's ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell from discussing a survivor account which implicated Trump. Now, Maxwell is the only person who has been convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein. She is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. In wake of these allegations, Democrats called upon Todd Blanche to, appoint an independent special counsel to investigate and prosecute Epstein's co-conspirators. They also urged the US Congress to use its legislative and oversight powers to end this alleged cover-up.

Democrats demand a probe into Trump’s alleged Epstein links, citing sexual misconduct claims and calling for an independent investigation

Democrats release 53-page dossier on Trump's links with Epstein | Gravitas

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US Midterms 2026: What would Ramaswamy’s win mean for the Indian diaspora