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3 Canadian Armed Forces members among 7 charged in Toronto crypto-motivated kidnapping investigation
Three members of the Canadian Armed Forces are among seven individuals charged following a Toronto police investigation into the kidnapping of a man who was allegedly targeted because of his access to cryptocurrency assets. Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw announced Wednesday that investigators have laid a total of 82 criminal charges against seven accused after […]
Wednesday briefing: ​Why small boat crossings are here to stay ​
In today's newsletter: The ​collapse of the UK's 'one in, one out' asylum deal with France exposes the limits of border enforcement that did little to stop crossings, and only made them more dangerousGood morning. You'd be forgiven for missing it. Earlier this month, the government quietly scrapped its "one in, one out" deal with France. The partnership was supposed to eliminate small boat crossings by deterring asylum seekers from making the treacherous journey across the world's busiest shipping channel.The deal, which lasted just 423 days, was beset with problems, had a negligible impact, and now joins a long list of policies that have tried and failed to address highly visible, often tragic small boat crossings. This morning, the Home Office announced that it would be doubling the number of riot police along the French coast in lieu of the deal.UK news | Extremists holding anti-immigration opinions are becoming increasingly likely to consider carrying out terrorist attacks against immigration centres and asylum hotels, the head of MI5 has warned.UK politics | Nigel Farage has denied that a Reform UK government would authorise lethal force against small boat crossings in the Channel.Ukraine | Andy Burnham will host Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Downing Street on Wednesday as the UK seeks to further underline its support for the Ukrainian president, in contrast to his difficulties with Donald Trump.US politics | Kimberly Guilfoyle is stepping down as US ambassador to Greece after weeks of reports that she sought payment from a Trump donor in exchange for access to administration officials.Pope Leo XIV | Pope Leo has lung cancer, the Vatican said late on Tuesday. Leo, 71, underwent an operation and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed, with tests confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said. Continue reading...
Social Security COLA 2027: Here's how much more money retirees will get next year
The Social Security Administration announced the official annual cost-of-living-adjustment on Wednesday, increasing benefits by 3.6% in 2027.Tens of millions of retirees will see a modest increase in benefits in January when the new COLA is added to Social Security payments. The 3.6% rise is an additional $75 on average per month, intended to help older adults meet higher prices for food, fuel, and other goods and services.The agency’s commissioner, Frank Bisignano, said in a statement that the adjustment will give recipients "greater financial stability." However, some recipients say it’s not enough and won’t offset rising prices.The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ released September 2026 inflation data showing the consumer price index rose 3.7% last month, a sign that high prices remain an economic challenge for Americans. On a monthly basis, costs jumped 0.6% from August to September, up from 0.4% the previous month.  Lorrie Ufkin, a 71-year-old retiree who lives outside Rochester, Minnesota, said the COLA won’t even put a dent on her healthcare costs, which are set to increase in January after the Trump administration announced it was ending a temporary Medicare Part D subsidy program that has helped offset premiums. Ufkin told The Associated Press that her premiums and drug cost are expected to rise, although the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has projected a modest increase for most people.The COLA "doesn't even meet what they're going to do for changes to Medicare," she told the AP.She said one of the medications both she and her husband take will go from $11 per month for each prescription, to $200 per month, after the Republican administration made changes to older Americans’ healthcare programs. She said that was "catastrophic."Another change set to take effect next year is an increase in the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax. That is slated to increase to $192,300 from $184,500 in 2027, the agency announced.What is the Social Security COLA for 2027?Millions of Social Security recipients will get a 3.6% increase in their benefits in 2027. That’s about $75 per month for the average recipient, according to government estimates.The maximum benefit for a retired worker who claims at full retirement age will go up to $4,188 per month in 2027, up from $4,152 per month in 2026, according to the Social Security Administration. The average benefits for all retired workers will be $2,107 in 2027, up from $2,095 in 2026. A retired couple would see an increase of $147, going from $3,208 to $3,355.Estimated Average Monthly Social Security Benefits Payable in January 2027 Before 3.6% COLAAfter 3.6% COLAAll Retired Workers$2,095$2,170Aged Couple, Both Receiving Benefits$3,238$3,355Widowed Mother and Two Children$3,932$4,074Aged Widow(er) Alone$1,936$2,005Disabled Worker, Spouse and One or More Children$2,970$3,077All Disabled Workers$1,642$1,701The agency will begin notifying recipients about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December. Adjusted payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving Supplemental Security Income will begin on December 31.Those with my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notices online.Higher disability benefits thresholdIndividuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can work while maintaining their benefits, but their earnings must remain below the agency’s limits.Workers who are not blind may earn up to $1,770 a month in 2027, up from $1,690 in 2026, before their eligibility is affected. For blind workers, the limit will increase to $2,950 per month.The thresholds for a trial work period — when beneficiaries can test their ability to work while still being considered disabled — will also rise, from $1,210 per month to $1,270.Is the COLA enough? Some seniors call it ‘a pittance’For some older adults, the COLA increase in a drop in the bucket as inflation eats away at any gains. Jaime Jakubczak, a 68-year-old resident of Buffalo, New York, who retired early at 55, has recently gone back to work to make ends meet, specifically to afford rising property taxes. He said the COLA is insufficient because it is offset by high inflation and a proposed 3.9% property tax increase in his town.Jakubczak called the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment "a pittance,” given how high food, healthcare and gasoline prices have become across the country."We were getting ahead a little bit with the COLA based on inflation, but the inflation is so high that it doesn't offset what our COLA allowance is,” he said.Most older adults believe the COLA isn't adequately keeping up with inflation, according to an AARP poll from September. That poll found that about three-quarters of those 50 or older disagreed with the idea that a 3.5% COLA in 2027 would be enough to keep up with rising prices.Senior advocacy groups say the COLA is a strong reminder of the financial straits of many older people."There's a lot on the line financially right now for older Americans — one in five have no retirement savings, and more people feel financially insecure this year than last. That makes Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment critically important," said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan.How does Social Security work?The Social Security program pays roughly $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 71 million people each year, including including retirees and low-income individuals with disabilities.The short answer is that taxes fund Social Security. The government uses taxes from working people to pay benefits to people who have already retired, people who are disabled, the survivors of workers who have died and dependents of beneficiaries.Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. While the money is used to pay people currently receiving benefits, any unused money goes to the Social Security trust fund. Some of the money in the trust, together with the Social Security contributions of people in the workforce, pay for future benefits.To determine what amount of Social Security you’ll receive, the government calculates a percentage of your highest wages from your top 35 years of earning, factoring in when you choose to start receiving benefits.Why are Social Security benefits adjusted and how is COLA calculated?Policymakers say the COLA works to preserve the purchasing power of Social Security benefits, and shouldn't be seen as a pay hike for retirees.COLA is calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W. The consumer price index, which measures a basket of common products as well as various energy goods, increased 4.3% in August and 3.7% in September.At one time Congress had to approve inflation increases, but starting in the mid-1970s lawmakers turned that function over to nonpartisan experts within the government bureaucracy. The annual review is now tied to changes in an official measure of inflation and proceeds automatically and with no political brinksmanshipIs the Social Security trust running out of money?Future problems with the fund have long been predicted, largely because of demographic shifts. As birthrates decline, fewer people become workers, which results in fewer payments of payroll taxes. Meanwhile, more Baby Boomers are retiring and collecting Social Security.The annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report said the program's trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2034. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 81% of scheduled benefits, the report said. So while Social Security won’t go “bankrupt,” a 20% cut in payments would be devastating to recipients, said John Hishta, AARP’s senior vice president for campaigns."That's a car payment, that's utility costs, that’s monthly grocery bills," Hishta added.The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Ukrainian drones lose some speed after SpaceX imposes sudden restrictions on use of Starlink
Ukrainian drones lost some of their speed after restrictions were suddenly imposed on battlefield use of the country’s U.S.-made Starlink communication terminals, officials said Wednesday as the capital endured a second consecutive night of missile attacks.At the same time, Ukraine did not receive the usual advance warning from its Western partners about the devastating Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, triggering fears that Ukraine is being starved of vital intelligence, especially from the U.S.Zelenskyy did not specify which partners he was talking about when referring to the lack of warning. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the U.S. has not stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine.The developments frustrated the Ukrainian military and deepened fears that Kyiv's relationship with Washington is unraveling.Ukrainian officials fear U.S. support for the war effort is falling away after Trump struck a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel despite international efforts to sanction Russia for its invasion and isolate Putin.Trump has also leveled sharp criticism at Zelenskyy. He said Saturday that it was time for Ukraine to get a new president, suggesting Zelenskyy has not done enough to end the war with Russia and blaming him for high diesel prices in the U.S.Trump's efforts to stop the fighting have yielded no progress.Starlink is an essential tool for UkraineUkrainian officials are concerned that U.S. support, especially related to the sharing of military intelligence and the use of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite communications system, may be in jeopardy.The American tech titan’s SpaceX company overnight imposed a speed limit on Ukraine's Starlink terminals mounted on drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Zelenskyy, said on social media. The restriction disrupted operations, including making the slower-flying attack drones easier targets for Russian defenses.Starlink is a vital tool for the Ukrainian military, both in offensive and defensive operations. The network is used for long-range drone missions, interceptor air-defense systems and front-line logistics, Beskrestnov said."Obviously, this action cannot be a coincidence and is connected to the current political situation," Beskrestnov said, without elaborating.Neither SpaceX nor the White House offered any immediate comment. Russia-Ukraine War Oct 11 Trump claims Russia and Ukraine agree to energy ceasefire, but Zelenskyy says this is 'news for me' Donald Trump Oct 10 Trump says Ukraine should get a new president as he blames Zelenskyy for U.S. diesel prices Russia-Ukraine War Sep 15 How Ukraine's futuristic war could get 'much worse,' according to ex-Google CEO Kyiv got no warning about initial ballistic missile attack, official saysYurii Ihnat, Ukraine's air force spokesman, said there was no warning of an initial Russian ballistic missile attack on Tuesday night, although Kyiv was warned about three later waves of missiles.A lawmaker on Ukraine's parliamentary Defense Committee told The Associated Press that intelligence sharing with international partners has not stopped. The lawmaker spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to give statements to the press.Five people were killed and 36 wounded in a Russian attack on the Ukrainian capital that lasted from Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, Kyiv police said.Russia keeps bombing Ukraine’s power grid despite Trump’s truce demandZelenskyy voiced outrage Wednesday over Russia's continuing aerial bombardment of Ukraine's energy infrastructure in apparent defiance of Trump's demand for a ceasefire."We ask America and EVERYONE in the world who does not turn a blind eye to reality to respond — and to respond forcefully" to Russia's ongoing aerial barrages, Zelenskyy said in a social media post."Russia has squandered the opportunity for de-escalation and has clearly chosen to continue its insane war of annihilation," he said.Moscow's forces pounded the Ukrainian power grid, as well as oil and gas facilities, for the third straight night, Zelenskyy said, after Trump claimed that Russia and Ukraine had agreed not to strike energy infrastructure 4½ years after Moscow's forces invaded.Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has agreed to halt Ukraine’s monthslong campaign targeting Russian oil refineries that caused fuel shortages for Russians.Ukraine's last widely reported hit on an oil refinery was Friday. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak accused Ukraine of attacking more refineries Wednesday, something local officials and independent media did not report. Ukraine called it a false claim.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that details of the energy ceasefire are still being decided. "The work in that direction is continuing," he told reporters.The Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday that its forces attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure in Kyiv, the wider Kyiv region and the northeastern Kharkiv region overnight, striking a total of six power plants.Russian forces hit all three of Kyiv's combined heat and power plants overnight into Wednesday, Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said. At least 600,000 people were left without power, Zelenskyy said.Russia fired 39 ballistic missiles and more than 120 drones at energy and other infrastructure in Kyiv, the Kyiv region and Kharkiv overnight, Zelenskyy said.Zelenskyy visits London for talks on more help in the warZelenskyy arrived Wednesday in London for talks with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who announced the accelerated delivery of British-made air defenses for Ukraine.Ahead of their hourlong meeting at Downing Street, Burnham told Zelenskyy that Britain's support for Ukraine would not change as he acknowledged that recent days have been "dark and difficult" for Ukraine. Zelenskyy also met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.European leaders fear Moscow's wider ambitions on the continent and accuse Russia of sabotage as part of a hybrid war. They seek to keep Washington on Ukraine’s side.Ukraine claims it is pushing Russia back on the battlefieldUkrainian officials say they are pushing back Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, which Russia's bigger army has been trying to capture for years.Ukraine has liberated 107 square miles in the operation that started in the summer, Ukraine's Third Army Corps commander Brig. Gen. Andrii Biletskyi said Wednesday.It was not possible to independently verify the claim, and Russian officials did not comment.Russian air defenses overnight downed 902 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions, illegally annexed Crimea and the waters of the Azov Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday.Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said 493 drones flew toward the capital region. Most were downed far away, and 180 were intercepted as they approached the Russian capital, he said. He did not report any damage or casualties.Russia's state-backed Sberbank confirmed an attack on its Saratov data center, once slated to become Europe's biggest data center.Russian state news agency Tass quoted a member of the bank’s board as saying that Sberbank systems were operating normally.___Hatton reported from Lisbon, Portugal. Associated Press Writer Jill Lawless in London contributed.
Fact-checking the LA mayoral debate between Karen Bass and Nithya Raman
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman clashed in a contentious mayoral debate hosted by NBCLA and Telemundo 52 Tuesday night, discussing a number of topics, including homelessness and public safety. As the candidates touted their records and criticized their opponent’s, here are fact checks of some of their key claims and statements.“We have reduced homelessness by 11%”Bass claimed that Los Angeles has reduced homelessness by 11% since 2023 during the debate and in a July press release, without clearly identifying the data behind the figure.Data from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) show a smaller decline in the city’s overall homeless population over that period. LAHSA counted 46,260 people experiencing homelessness in the city in 2023, compared with 45,194 in 2026 — a 2.3% decrease.Critics, however, have long questioned LAHSA’s point-in-time homeless count. A RAND study found the agency likely undercounted homeless residents in parts of Skid Row, raising concerns about whether the annual count fully captures the size of the unhoused population.Bass’ 11% claim requires further clarification about the population, time frame and data used to calculate the reduction. Los Angeles 18 hours ago Karen Bass vs. Nithya Raman: 5 key takeaways from LA mayoral debate Elections 23 hours ago Recap: Karen Bass, Nithya Raman face off in final debate before election "We’ve seen a reduction in homelessness, nearly 50%“Raman cited a nearly 50% decline in unsheltered homelessness in her City Council District 4, which includes parts of Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood Hills, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Van Nuys and Reseda.According to LAHSA’s annual count, the number of unsheltered people in CD 4 fell from 181 in 2025 to 93 in 2026, a decline of approximately 49%.The decrease contrasts with the citywide trend: Los Angeles’ overall homeless population rose 3.4% in 2026, while unsheltered homelessness increased 7.9%.However, comparisons between districts require consistent figures for the same years and categories. For example, Council District 1, which includes the Westlake neighborhood and MacArthur Park, had nearly eight times as many unsheltered residents as Raman's Council District 4 in 2025, with 777 people in CD1 in 2025 and 989 in 2026.“We have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into an incredibly expensive program, Inside Safe” Bass’ signature Inside Safe program, launched in December 2022, has cost more than $300 million, according to the Los Angeles Times.For fiscal year 2025–26 alone, the city projected $131.9 million in Inside Safe expenditures.An NBCLA investigation published in December 2023 also found that the city had spent $67 million during the program’s first year and placed 255 people into permanent housing. That works out to roughly $263,000 per person permanently housed, though city officials argue the program’s purpose includes outreach, interim housing, services, and encampment resolution, not just permanent placement.“The LAPD has been reportedly sharing data with ICE”Raman's statement, made amid her criticism of the LAPD's handling of protests against federal immigration enforcement, suggests the police department played an active role in sharing information about undocumented people in Los Angeles.California law generally restricts law enforcement agencies from sharing automated license plate reader data with federal agencies for immigration enforcement. But concerns have emerged over whether private companies that operate the cameras, including Flock Safety, have allowed federal authorities to access the data.The ACLU has accused Flock, a surveillance company that provides automated license plate readers, of allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies to access sensitive data.Bass said she supported LAPD’s decision not to renew its contract with Flock, citing concerns about the company’s data-sharing practices."Flock has been completely uncooperative and refuses to curtail who they share their data with," Bass said.“We’ve expedited to eliminate the red tape” in Pacific PalisadesBass issued executive orders intended to speed rebuilding after the January 2025 Palisades Fire, relaxing or waiving certain procedural and approval requirements for eligible projects.However, rebuilding has remained slow. According to the Palisadian-Post’s rebuild tracker, as of Oct. 8, 2026, 50 homes had been completed and received certificates of occupancy.The tracker also recorded 1,862 building permit applications submitted, 1,317 permits issued and construction underway on 1,126 primary structures.These figures show that permitting and construction are progressing, but they also highlight the gap between approvals and completed homes. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Driver convicted in crash that killed SMU student awaits punishment as testimony continues
Testimony continued Wednesday in the punishment phase of the trial for a Dallas woman convicted in the 2023 crash that killed an SMU student and seriously injured another passenger.Earlier this week, a jury found Lynlee Pollis guilty of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault in the Sept. 24, 2023, crash that killed 19-year-old Southern Methodist University student Honor Wallace and injured her friend, Catherine Solberg.Jurors are now tasked with deciding Pollis’ punishment. She faces up to 20 years in prison on the intoxication manslaughter conviction and up to 10 years on the intoxication assault charge.The punishment phase began Tuesday with emotional testimony from relatives and friends of both Wallace and Pollis.Wallace’s mother testified that her daughter was fluent in French and Spanish and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Jurors also heard testimony from a Dallas police investigator about Pollis’ social media activity, including posts and references related to alcohol use. The investigator testified Pollis had created an Instagram account for her dog, named Tequila after what she described as the “best drink in the world.”Wednesday morning, Pollis’ father continued his testimony. At times emotional on the witness stand, he spoke about his daughter’s struggles since the crash and the impact of losing her mother to a sudden illness last year.Defense attorneys questioned him extensively about Pollis’ character, support system, and life after the crash. He told jurors his daughter is a good person who is supported by friends and members of her church community.During cross-examination, prosecutors emphasized the lasting loss experienced by Wallace’s family.“One day, sir, regardless of her sentence, she will get out,” a prosecutor told Pollis’ father. “But the Wallaces will never get to see their daughter again.”Pollis’ father acknowledged his daughter made poor decisions the day of the crash but maintained she did not intend to hit Wallace’s vehicle.He also testified that he was strict with Pollis growing up and did not allow her to drink alcohol while living at home, though she began drinking after entering college.Asked whether he knew of any prior instances in which she drove while intoxicated, he said he did not. He agreed she made bad choices but told jurors she is “not a bad person” and still has positive contributions to make.The defense then called several character witnesses on Wednesday.Jack Dovey, a family friend and Pollis’ former employer from the Seattle area, described Pollis as dependable and responsible.Another witness, Heidi Taylor, a friend from Park Cities Presbyterian Church, testified that Pollis is kind, active in church life, and especially good with children. Taylor showed jurors photos of Pollis spending time with young children and participating in Bible study.Taylor also testified that Pollis no longer drives and relies on friends for transportation to church and other activities. She said Pollis is subject to periodic alcohol testing and breathalyzer monitoring and no longer drinks alcohol.During the guilt-innocence phase of the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Pollis was driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone when she ran a red light on the North Central Expressway service road near Monticello Avenue and crashed into Wallace’s vehicle.Expert testimony showed Pollis had a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times the legal limit.Additional witnesses are expected to testify before the case is turned over to jurors for punishment deliberations.This is a developing story. NBC 5 will update this article when the jury reaches a sentencing decision.
Pope Leo spent 'a tranquil night' in the hospital after cancer surgery, Vatican says
Pope Leo XIV spent a tranquil night in Rome’s Gemelli hospital following an operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung and a confirmed cancer diagnosis, the Vatican said in a statement Wednesday.The Vatican said more information would be provided later in the day.Tests confirmed a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the Vatican said late Tuesday in a medical bulletin after the surgery. It said the diagnosis had been suspected by preoperative tests and was confirmed during surgery. Adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer which accounts for 80% of all cases, according to the American Lung Association.The medical bulletin made no mention of treatment going forward, and the Vatican said doctors were not currently speaking of chemotherapy or other therapies pending the results of other tests. The Vatican press office noted the medical statement spoke of the "radical" removal of the lobe as an indication that doctors removed all suspect tissue in hopes of removing any lingering traces of the cancer.Leo's lymph nodes also would have been removed and tested, to determine if the cancer had spread, and there was no word yet on those test results."Adenocarcinoma is the most common (type of lung cancer), also with the most favorable prognosis," said Dr. Stephen Liu, a lung cancer expert at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. "While we know the diagnosis we now need to know the stage." "We now need to know how big it is, how many spots in the lung are involved. Is it just one nodule, or more than one, and the lymph nodes, are they cancerous?" Liu said.If the cancer has spread, more tests will be needed to determine what kind of therapy to pursue, he said. Options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy or targeted therapy, which involves oral pills for specific cancers. Pope Leo XIV 19 hours ago Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery to remove part of right lung Pope Leo XIV Oct 12 What to know about lung nodules as Pope Leo announces surgery to remove lump The Vatican says the surgery was successfulThe 71-year-old was in the operating room for about three hours, the Vatican statement said. The surgery itself lasted approximately 90 minutes. "The surgery was successful, and there were no complications," the statement said, adding that the pope later returned to his room. The right lung has three sections or lobes while the left has two. After one lobe is removed, the remainder of the lung can gradually compensate, especially in otherwise healthy and physically active people.Leo walked into the Gemelli hospital through the main entrance earlier in the day and waved to dozens of well-wishers who had gathered to greet him. The Vatican said the surgery would be performed by a team led by Gemelli's chief thoracic surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora.The American pontiff has offered a rare level of transparency about the first publicly disclosed major health problem of his 17-month papacy. He revealed the discovery of the localized nodule during his Sunday noon prayer and said he would have it removed.Oncologists said prior to the operation that even if the nodule turned out to be cancerous, Leo's prognosis would be "excellent" since it would have been removed at an early stage.The Vatican on Monday canceled all Leo's audiences through Oct. 20.While Gemelli has a specific papal apartment that past popes have used, complete with a private chapel on the 10th floor, Leo will actually be staying in a nearby room since the papal apartment is undergoing renovations, according to the Vatican press office.Recovery could allow November travel to South AmericaThere was no word on whether Leo would be able to keep his planned trip to South America next month.Oncologists often advise patients not to fly for three weeks after surgery — which would give the pope just the interval needed to make his planned Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, depending on his recovery. The current itinerary for the trip is ambitious and the longest of his papacy to date, calling for Leo to clock just over 19,000 miles on a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, and a significant altitude change in Peru."If it is stage 1, he can complete these trips. If more treatment is needed, I would likely advise against the trips,” said Liu, who is not involved in the pope’s care. ___Barry reported from Milan. Associated Press writer Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report.
Joining Shakhtar as they make base in London: 'We're here to show the world that we are alive'
With no 'home' games in Ukraine, Arda Turan's side hit the road again, with Chelsea's Stamford Bridge hosting their Champions League campaignThe morning has thinned out into low, wispy cloud. Beneath it, Shakhtar Donetsk's players are going through their paces. It is a light session for those who did not start against Veres Rivne the previous day; that means Arda Turan observes from the side, watching with the director of football, Darijo Srna. A stray ball zips towards them and Srna, after juggling it up, bends it into the goal with a familiar right-footed arc. "Modric!" exclaims Turan. But the two men are football legends in their own right and, as they continue to joke before Srna dashes away to take another phone call, the thought occurs that this happy scene could be played out almost anywhere else. Nearby, just beyond the team's accommodation, a lake shimmers under the emerging sun.It masks the fact that, around dawn, air raid sirens disrupted the peace for everyone in view. Even here, in Shakhtar's bucolic spa hotel base 15 minutes outside Lviv, nobody is safe from the threat of Russian rockets and drones. In Rivne, three hours' drive to the north-east, another alarm had sent the players and staff down to the stadium's shelter. The second half was delayed by 20 minutes and that, no matter the corner of the country or the vividness of the autumn colours, is a weekly reality. Continue reading...
Pope Leo recovering from surgery after lung cancer diagnosis | First Thing
Vatican says operation on US-born head of Roman Catholic church was 'successful'. Plus, after six decades in the US, Joni Mitchell has become a citizenDon't already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning. Pope Leo XIV, the head of the 1.4 billion-strong Roman Catholic church, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The Vatican made the announcement after Leo, 71, the first US-born leader to assume the role, underwent an operation and had the lower lobe of his right lung removed. A statement said the surgery was "successful, on schedule and as planned".The Vatican said Leo had "now returned to his room" after the operation. All of his appointments have been cancelled until 20 October. The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, a practising Catholic who has met the pope, said he and his wife were "united in prayers" for Leo after the diagnosis.What is the latest in Trump's legal battle with the BBC? The BBC is asking a federal judge in Florida to force Donald Trump to sit for a deposition as part of the president's $10bn defamation lawsuit against the British broadcaster. The president has so far declined to set a date to appear. "Plaintiff chose to file this lawsuit and, in doing so, he accepted the obligations of civil litigation," the BBC's motion reads. "The BBC therefore asks the court to compel plaintiff to confirm a date." Continue reading...
Trump tries to rally support for Republican candidates as top Super Pac for Senate Democrats pours millions into key races – live
Trump in Arizona and Montana ahead of competitive elections; The Senate Majority Pac puts millions of dollars toward competitive races in Michigan and MaineSign up for the Breaking News US emailDonald Trump has yet to weigh in on the late night ruling from a federal judge that blocks him from barring CNN, MS Now and Politico access to the White House grounds.Previously, the president had blasted Judge Timothy Kelly – a Trump appointee – for issuing a temporary pause on his media ban. That expired on Tuesday, and Kelly handed down a preliminary injunction that stops the administration from blocking the outlets while the litigation plays out. Continue reading...
On TV
South Park — 29x3: "TBA" (Comedy Central)
Slow Horses — 6x5: "Sayonara" (Apple TV)
River goes after Sid. Lamb sets his sights on Cantor. Taverner carries on with a treacherous deal.
NOVA — 53x13: "Evolution: Brain Power" (PBS)
Abbott Elementary — 6x2: "Check-Ins" (ABC)
Gregory juggles the demands of his two roles, while Jacob and Melissa struggle to compromise. Meanwhile, Barbara manages a delicate situation with a student, and Janine checks in with Courtney.
New Music

No new drops today. Go rediscover something in your old playlists.

In theaters
Whalefall (106 minutes)
Following the death of his father, Jay Gardiner goes diving off the central Coast of California in search of his remains, but is swallowed by a massive sperm whale. While trapped inside its belly with only one hour of oxygen left, Jay comes to realize that the hard-earned lessons his father imparted may be the key to his escape.
Tom Clancy's Without Remorse (110 minutes)
An elite Navy SEAL uncovers an international conspiracy while seeking justice for the murder of his pregnant wife.
Launching today

Nothing launching today. Every rocket is staying grounded and behaving.

Useless Fact

Starfish haven`t got brains.

The loonie
CAD → USD
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CAD → EUR
0.6296
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Today In History
2012 — Endeavour's Final Journey to California Science Center
Two days after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, the space shuttle Endeavour reached its final destination, the California Space Center; its 12-mile journey through the city had required trees to be cut down and signs to be removed
2007 — Keeping Up with the Kardashians Premieres
The reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians premiered; the show's huge popularity helped make various family members major celebrities, notably Kim Kardashian. How much do you know about American reality TV?
1994 — Naguib Mahfouz Survives Assassination Attempt
Naguib Mahfouz, the 82-year-old Nobel Prize-winning novelist, was stabbed by Islamic militants in Cairo in 1994 but survived the attack.
1973 — Thai Prime Minister Forced to Resign After Protests
Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn of Thailand was forced to step down following huge public demonstrations against his authoritarian rule.
1964 — Martin Luther King Jr. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
Baptist minister and social activist Martin Luther King, Jr., was named the winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace, cited for his work involving civil rights and social justice.How much do you know about the Nobel Prize?Julian Wasser
1947 — Chuck Yeager Breaks the Sound Barrier
In 1947, American test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier while flying the experimental Bell X-1 rocket-powered aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
1944 — Erwin Rommel's Suicide After Hitler Assassination Plot
German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the "Desert Fox," ended his life by drinking poison following the discovery of his connection to a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler
1943 — Sobibor Uprising - 300 Jewish Laborers Revolt
Some 300 Jewish laborers at Sobibor extermination camp in Nazi-occupied Poland staged a revolt, killing several SS supervisors and Ukrainian guards; many inmates died, and the camp was subsequently dismantled. Witness the horrors of the Holocaust committed in Nazi concentration camps, as seen by Allied forces when they liberated survivors Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc
1936 — First International Brigades Trainees Arrive in Albacete
During the Spanish Civil War, the first group of 500 trainees for the International Brigadesarrived in Albacete, Spain
1926 — A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh" Published
English humorist A.A. Milne published the beloved children's book "Winnie-the-Pooh" in 1926, featuring the adventures of a honey-loving bear and his friends, including Eeyore and Piglet.
1908 — Chicago Cubs Win Second World Series Championship
The Chicago Cubs beat the Detroit Tigers to win the team's second World Series championship; they did not claim their third title until 2016
1806 — Napoleon's Decisive Victory at Jena in 1806
French troops under Napoleon smashed the outdated Prussian army led by Charles William Ferdinand at the Battle of Jena. How much do you know about Napoleon Bonaparte?
1644 — Birth of William Penn, Founder of Pennsylvania
English Quaker leader and advocate of religious freedom William Penn was born in 1644.
1066 — Battle of Hastings
At the Battle of Hastings, fought this day in 1066, King Harold II of England was defeated by the invading army of William, duke of Normandy, in the Norman Conquest, establishing Normans as rulers of England

This is today, boiled down to the essentials. The full stash lives at logicalchaos.ca. Go get lost in it.