Home Blog Page 131

Trump says it would be ‘hard’ to fund New York if Zohran Mamdani wins mayoral election

By
admin
-
0

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump warned that it would be difficult for his administration to allocate federal funding to New York City if left-wing candidate Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor, suggesting that federal resources would be “wasted” under what he described as a “Communist” local government.

“It’s gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York, because if you have a Communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there,” Trump said during a televised interview aired Sunday.

The remarks come just days before New Yorkers head to the polls in a closely watched mayoral race between Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman, and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Polls show Mamdani holding a narrow lead heading into Tuesday’s election, positioning him as the potential first socialist-leaning mayor of the city in decades.

New York City currently receives roughly $7.4 billion in federal funding annually, supporting a wide range of infrastructure, housing, and public safety projects. Trump did not elaborate on whether his administration would move to reduce that funding if Mamdani wins but made clear his skepticism toward the progressive candidate’s agenda.

During a wide-ranging interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump compared Mamdani unfavorably to former Mayor Bill de Blasio, who served from 2014 to 2021. “I got to see de Blasio, how bad a mayor he was, and this man will do a worse job than de Blasio by far,” Trump said.

Trump, who grew up in the Queens borough of New York, appeared to tacitly endorse Mamdani’s rival, Andrew Cuomo, despite Cuomo’s affiliation with the Democratic Party. “I’m not a fan of Cuomo one way or the other,” Trump said. “But if it’s gonna be between a bad Democrat and a Communist, I’m gonna pick the bad Democrat all the time, to be honest with you.”

Mamdani, 34, a state assemblyman representing Queens, identifies as a democratic socialist but has rejected accusations of communism, dismissing Trump’s remarks with humor. “I’m kind of like a Scandinavian politician—only browner,” Mamdani joked during a recent television interview.

The candidate has framed his campaign as a progressive alternative to establishment politics, arguing that his vision for the city centers on economic fairness and human dignity. “The answer to a Donald Trump presidency is not to create its mirror image here in City Hall,” Mamdani said Monday. “It is to create an alternative that believes in the dignity of everyone who calls this place home.”

Cuomo, meanwhile, has positioned himself as the pragmatic choice, emphasizing his executive experience and his ability to navigate federal politics. “I fought Donald Trump,” Cuomo said during a recent debate. “When I’m fighting for New York, I am not going to stop.”

As governor during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuomo clashed repeatedly with the Trump administration over public health and funding issues, though his tenure later drew criticism after investigations revealed that the state had significantly underreported nursing home deaths.

The Trump administration has a history of targeting Democratic-led cities through federal funding cuts and increased security measures. Trump has previously deployed National Guard troops to major urban areas as part of a broader anti-crime initiative and moved to strip federal dollars from jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies.

With the New York City mayoral election imminent, Trump’s latest remarks underscore the sharp ideological divide shaping urban governance and federal policy — a rift that could deepen further depending on Tuesday’s outcome.

 Trump preparing to deploy U.S. troops and drones to Mexico in escalating war on narco-terrorists

By
admin
-
0

Washington (TheSun)- President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to deploy U.S. troops and drone units into Mexico as part of an intensifying campaign to combat drug cartels smuggling narcotics into the United States. The move marks a significant escalation in Trump’s self-declared “war on narco-terrorists,” extending military operations beyond U.S. borders.

According to NBC News, the Trump administration is currently in the early stages of planning a joint special operations mission targeting drug cartels operating inside Mexican territory. Two U.S. officials familiar with the discussions said preliminary planning has already taken place in Mexico, with American forces being trained for potential deployment.

While no immediate deployment has been ordered, senior administration and defense officials are said to be weighing the scope of the potential operation. The mission, if approved, would operate under the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and within the framework of Title 50 of U.S. legal code, which governs national security operations.

Under the proposed plan, drone strikes would serve as the main tactical tool, with limited ground forces positioned nearby to ensure operational safety. Unlike past administrations that provided covert intelligence and logistical support to Mexico’s anti-cartel efforts, Trump’s strategy would involve direct U.S. military engagement on foreign soil.

“The Trump administration is committed to utilizing an all-of-government approach to address the threats cartels pose to American citizens,” a senior official told NBC News, declining to confirm operational details.

The new plan follows a series of U.S. drone strikes in the Caribbean that destroyed vessels allegedly carrying narcotics bound for U.S. ports. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has shared several surveillance videos showing drone strikes on suspected smuggling freighters, vowing to treat “any foreign group bringing drugs into America exactly like Al-Qaeda.”

Trump has long identified the influx of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids as a national security crisis, calling the drug epidemic “the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45.”

Despite Trump’s assurances that he wishes to avoid a direct military confrontation with Mexico, the proposed plan has already drawn criticism from international leaders. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejected any form of U.S. intervention, saying her government would accept coordination but not subordination.

“We reject any form of intervention or interference,” Sheinbaum said at a press conference. “Mexico coordinates and collaborates, but does not subordinate itself.”

Critics have also raised legal concerns over Trump’s reported decision to bypass congressional authorization for military strikes against cartel targets. “I don’t think we’re going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war,” Trump told reporters earlier this year. “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. We’re going to kill them.”

Tensions have also flared with Venezuela, where the U.S. Navy deployed the world’s largest warship off the country’s coast as part of a wider anti-narcotics mission. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that his country is ready to retaliate, claiming to have Russian missiles prepared “in case of conflict.”

Meanwhile, the United Nations has condemned the ongoing U.S. strikes in the Caribbean, which have reportedly killed more than 60 people since September. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk described the actions as “unacceptable,” warning that no international law currently justifies such cross-border operations.

“These attacks and their mounting human cost are unacceptable,” Türk said Friday. “All parties must immediately step back from escalation and return to lawful, cooperative measures to address drug trafficking.”

4 injured in train derailment in Cumbria after suspected landslide

By
Simeon
-
0

CUMBRIA, UK (BN24) — A train traveling from Glasgow to London derailed in the early hours of Monday morning after being struck by a suspected landslide in the remote hills of northwest England, authorities said. The incident, which occurred around 6:10 AM near Shap, Cumbria, resulted in four passengers sustaining minor injuries, though no one required hospital treatment.

The train, an Avanti West Coast service traveling from Scotland to London Euston station, derailed in an area known for its challenging terrain and frequently unpredictable weather. The location, situated near the mountainous Lake District, has long been prone to heavy rainfall and landslides, factors that may have contributed to the derailment.

“We’re investigating a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria following a report from the train driver,” said a spokesperson from Network Rail, the organization responsible for Britain’s rail infrastructure. “The area has been experiencing significant adverse weather, including heavy rainfall, which may have been a contributing factor to the suspected landslip.”

According to British Transport Police, the incident occurred when the front carriage of the train came off the tracks but remained upright. Fortunately, the train did not overturn, preventing more serious injuries. Authorities confirmed that approximately 85 people were on board when the derailment happened.

Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene, and passengers were escorted off the train. The North West Ambulance Service stated that they assessed a total of 87 people at the scene, with only four passengers reported to have suffered minor injuries. These individuals were treated on-site and did not require further medical attention.

“Our priority is the well-being of everyone who was on board, and we are working closely with emergency services to ensure passengers are safely off the train,” an Avanti West Coast spokesperson said. “We are committed to assisting those affected by this incident and will continue to cooperate with authorities as they investigate the cause of the derailment.”

The train’s derailment disrupted rail services in the region, with all train traffic north of Preston, a major city in northwest England, coming to a halt. The line, which connects London to the northern parts of the UK, is a critical transportation route, and the incident has caused significant travel delays.

“We are doing everything we can to clear the line and restore normal services as soon as possible,” said a Network Rail spokesperson. “Safety is our top priority, and we are working hard to investigate the cause of the derailment.”

Shap, a village located in Cumbria, lies at the heart of the Lake District, an area renowned for its scenic beauty and also its challenging weather conditions. The region had been experiencing significant rainfall in the days leading up to the incident, which had already led to warnings about potential landslides.

The derailment is currently under investigation by Network Rail, and British Transport Police are also conducting inquiries. The incident follows a troubling series of events, including a mass stabbing on a train traveling between Doncaster and London just two days earlier. In that attack, 10 people were injured, and one victim remains in critical condition.

This latest derailment is a reminder of the challenges faced by the UK’s rail infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather conditions. An annual report from the UK’s Office of Rail and Road revealed that there were five derailments across the country in the 12 months leading to March, two of which involved passenger trains.

Authorities are urging the public to stay informed about further disruptions in rail services as the investigation continues.

2 men arrested in Michigan for alleged ISIS-inspired Halloween attack plot

By
Simeon
-
0

MICHIGAN, USA (BN24) — Two U.S. citizens were arrested Friday for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack on Halloween, authorities revealed Monday. The plot, which was intercepted by the FBI, involved the men purchasing firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun, and discussing the logistics of carrying out a terrorist attack, officials said.

According to court records, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, both from Michigan, had allegedly been conspiring to carry out a violent attack on or around Halloween. The men reportedly referred to their plan as “Pumpkin Day,” a coded term that suggested an attack during the Halloween period. The FBI had been monitoring their activities for several months before making the arrests.

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the FBI’s efforts in preventing the attack, stating, “Thanks to the diligent work of law enforcement, the plot was stopped before innocent lives were lost.”

The investigation revealed that the men had been preparing for their attack by purchasing various firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun, as well as a “forced reset trigger” to modify the semi-automatic weapons, increasing their rate of fire. The FBI also found multiple handguns, tactical vests, and over 1,600 rounds of ammunition during a search of the men’s homes on Friday.

According to the Justice Department, Ali and Mahmoud practiced shooting at firing ranges around Michigan and discussed their plans in encrypted online communications. They allegedly shared extremist and ISIS-related materials, encouraging attacks similar to those carried out by the terrorist group in the past.

The FBI investigation began when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer discovered disturbing materials on the phone of one of the unnamed co-conspirators during a routine check upon their return to the United States. The phone contained “Google searches related to ISIS and the Islamic State” as well as pictures of the co-conspirator in military-style clothing with weapons.

The investigation revealed that Ali and Mahmoud had discussed traveling overseas to join ISIS fighters, and while abroad, they allegedly plotted an attack in the U.S., discussing the possibility of carrying out a mass shooting similar to the 2015 Paris terror attacks and the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, which ISIS had claimed responsibility for.

On October 17, Ali allegedly told an unnamed individual, “We’ve got some new plan for real – for real,” and urged them to “learn how to shoot.” This conversation was followed by plans to hold a meeting to discuss how to proceed with the attack. Documents indicated that the men referred to their plot using the term “pumpkins,” potentially as a reference to Halloween, indicating the planned timing of their attack.

Despite some reluctance expressed by Ali on October 19, the conversations continued, with references to “pumpkin” signaling an impending attack. Ali reportedly told one individual, “If that happens, the thing is you won’t know once you see it on the news, the open news.” By October 24, discussions were continuing, with one co-conspirator confirming that “we are going to do pumpkin.”

Authorities have not disclosed the full details of the planned attack, but emphasized that their swift action prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy. The FBI’s ability to intercept the plot before it could unfold is a testament to the increasing vigilance of U.S. law enforcement in addressing domestic terrorism.

“The Justice Department remains committed to thwarting extremist threats and protecting the safety of our communities from those who would seek to harm,” said an FBI spokesperson. “We will continue to investigate and take action against those who attempt to carry out these dangerous plans.”

The arrests came just days before Halloween, one of the busiest holidays in the United States, prompting heightened concern over the potential for violent events. U.S. officials have warned that the threat from domestic extremist groups remains a significant concern.

The case marks another example of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S. It also highlights the growing trend of extremist ideologies being spread through encrypted messaging services and online platforms.

While Ali and Mahmoud have been arrested, the investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI continuing to probe the full extent of the conspiracy and potential links to other co-conspirators. Officials have not yet indicated whether additional arrests are expected.

The Justice Department’s National Security Division has vowed to continue its efforts to disrupt terrorist plots, emphasizing that “preventing acts of terrorism is of utmost importance to the safety of Americans.”

As authorities continue their investigations, experts are urging heightened vigilance and awareness of the ongoing threat posed by domestic terrorism and the radicalization of individuals through online platforms.

 Libyan delegation in Beirut pushes for release of Muammar Gadhafi’s son held in Lebanon

By
admin
-
0

A Libyan delegation in Lebanon met Monday with senior judicial officials to advance discussions over the potential release of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, who has been detained without trial in Lebanon since 2015.

The five-member delegation held meetings with three top Lebanese judicial figures, including prosecutor Jamal Hajar, according to four officials familiar with the talks who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The discussions focused on easing bail conditions and lifting a travel ban imposed on Gadhafi, who is accused of withholding information about the fate of Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr — missing since 1978 — despite having been less than three years old at the time.

A Lebanese judge had ordered Gadhafi’s release last month on an $11 million bail, but his legal team said he could not afford the amount. The Libyan delegation requested a significant reduction in bail and the removal of the travel ban, proposing that Gadhafi be allowed to leave Lebanon for Qatar, where he is expected to settle.

The officials said the delegation also handed over a detailed report regarding the decades-old disappearance of al-Sadr, a prominent cleric who vanished during a visit to Libya with two companions, Abbas Badreddine and Mohammed Yacoub. The case remains one of Lebanon’s most contentious political mysteries.

Hostage Aid Worldwide, a Washington-based advocacy group, has been pressing for Gadhafi’s release, citing his deteriorating health and prolonged detention without due process. The organization has been in talks with senior Lebanese authorities in recent weeks to ensure compliance with international legal standards.

Gadhafi’s arrest has long strained ties between Tripoli and Beirut. In a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Libyan delegation said Tripoli was eager to restore bilateral relations and resolve outstanding disputes. Aoun’s office later confirmed that he supported efforts to strengthen cooperation between both nations.

Hannibal Gadhafi had been living in exile in Syria with his Lebanese wife, Aline Skaf, and their children until he was abducted in 2015 by Lebanese militants demanding information about al-Sadr’s fate. Lebanese police later announced that they had taken him into custody in the city of Baalbek. Since then, he has remained jailed in Beirut.

Al-Sadr, who founded a Shiite political and military group active during Lebanon’s 1975–1990 civil war, would be 96 years old if still alive. His family has maintained hope he might still be held in Libya, though most Lebanese believe he was killed decades ago.

Moammar Gadhafi, who ruled Libya for more than 40 years, was overthrown and killed during the country’s 2011 uprising. Hannibal fled with relatives to Algeria before settling in Syria, where he was granted political asylum until his abduction.

The late Libyan leader had eight children. Several played key roles in his government, with some killed during the 2011 conflict and others living in exile. His son Seif al-Islam, once considered his heir, remains in Libya following his release in 2017.

The latest diplomatic efforts suggest that a resolution for Hannibal Gadhafi’s long detention could soon be within reach, potentially closing a case that has lingered for nearly half a century at the intersection of Lebanese justice and Libyan politics.

 Trump vows he “Won’t Be Extorted” by Democrats, rejects talks as government shutdown deepens

By
admin
-
0

Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump said he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats demanding an extension of health care subsidies, signaling that he has no intention of negotiating as the partial U.S. government shutdown nears its sixth week. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump accused Democrats of losing their way and insisted that the deadlock is their responsibility.

“I think they have to [vote],” Trump said. “And if they don’t, it’s their problem.”

The standoff has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and raised uncertainty for millions of Americans reliant on federal aid programs such as SNAP. With Senate Democrats blocking repeated GOP efforts to reopen the government, both sides remain far apart on how to resolve the crisis, which has already become one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history.

Democrats insist that the government must remain closed until Republicans agree to negotiate an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at year’s end. Senate Democrats have now voted 13 times against measures to reopen the government, arguing that without a commitment to protect health care coverage, any deal is incomplete.

Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on his call to scrap the Senate filibuster—a procedural rule requiring 60 votes to pass major legislation—arguing that it prevents Republicans from advancing their agenda. “Republicans have to get tougher,” Trump said. “If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want.”

Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, have rejected Trump’s proposal, calling the rule essential to the Senate’s institutional balance. “We need five [Democrats] with a backbone to say we care more about the lives of the American people than about gaining some political leverage,” Thune said as the Senate adjourned for the weekend.

The shutdown’s effects are rippling nationwide. Air traffic controllers and other essential workers have missed multiple paychecks, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays. On Sunday, New York City’s emergency management department reported significant delays at Newark Airport due to “staffing shortages in the control tower,” warning of possible ground stops if conditions worsen.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could deteriorate further. “Many workers are confronted with a decision: do I put food on my kids’ table, do I pay my rent, or do I go to work and not get paid?” he said on ABC’s This Week.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has faced scrutiny after planning to withhold $8 billion in SNAP food assistance until two federal judges ordered the administration to release the funds. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of attempting to “weaponize hunger,” arguing that the administration has prioritized political leverage over public welfare.

At the center of the shutdown is a disagreement over health care subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act. Trump criticized the law as “terrible,” telling CBS that Democrats should first vote to reopen the government before any reforms can be negotiated.

Democrats, however, maintain that extending the subsidies—originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic—is essential to prevent premium hikes for millions of Americans. “We want to sit down with [Senate Majority Leader John] Thune, [House Speaker Mike] Johnson, and Trump to negotiate a way to address this horrible health care crisis,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The standoff echoes the 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019, which ended only after Trump backed down from his demand for border wall funding amid mounting public pressure and airport chaos.

With both sides entrenched, the political and economic costs continue to rise. Trump’s allies argue that Democrats are holding Americans “hostage” over a partisan issue, while Democrats say Trump’s refusal to compromise is causing real harm to millions.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner expressed cautious optimism that the shutdown could end soon, noting Trump’s return to Washington. “Republicans can’t move on anything without a Trump sign-off,” Warner said on CBS’s Face the Nation.

But for now, there is no clear path forward — and each day of the shutdown deepens the toll on workers, families, and the country’s fragile political balance.

Top 10 US billionaires’ collective wealth grew by $698bn in past year – report

By
admin
-
0

(theguardian) – The combined wealth of the top 10 U.S. billionaires soared by $698 billion in the past year, underscoring the deepening divide between America’s richest and the rest of its citizens, according to a new report from Oxfam America released Monday. The report warns that President Donald Trump’s economic policies risk driving U.S. inequality to unprecedented levels, even as decades of decisions from both major parties have helped widen the wealth gap.

Drawing from Federal Reserve data spanning 1989 to 2022, researchers found that the top 1% of American households gained 101 times more wealth than the median household during that period — and 987 times more than households in the bottom 20th percentile of income. In raw terms, that’s an average gain of $8.35 million per top 1% household, compared with $83,000 for the average household.

Oxfam’s findings paint a stark picture of an economy increasingly tilted toward the ultra-rich. While billionaires amass historic fortunes, over 40% of Americans — including nearly half of all children — live in low-income families, earning less than twice the national poverty line.

When compared to 38 high-income countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States ranks worst in relative poverty, second-highest in child poverty and infant mortality, and second-lowest in life expectancy.

“Inequality is a policy choice,” said Rebecca Riddell, senior policy lead for economic justice at Oxfam America. “These comparisons show us that we can make very different choices when it comes to poverty and inequality in our society.”

Oxfam: Decades of Policy Favor the Wealthy

The report argues that the U.S. tax code, social safety net, and labor protections have been gradually dismantled, transforming concentrated wealth into concentrated political power. Oxfam identified President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” passed by Congress in May, as one of the largest upward transfers of wealth in decades, reducing taxes for corporations and high-income earners.

But the charity emphasized that both Republican and Democratic administrations have contributed to rising inequality through decades of tax cuts, deregulation, and reductions in social support.

“Policymakers have been choosing inequality, and those choices have had bipartisan support,” Riddell said. “From cuts to taxes and the social safety net to weakening labor rights, these policy reforms have had backing from both parties.”

The Path Forward

Oxfam outlined a series of policy recommendations aimed at reversing the wealth gap, including reforms to campaign finance laws and antitrust regulations, progressive taxation on the wealthy and corporations, strengthening social safety nets, and protecting workers’ unions.

However, the report acknowledges that these reforms face significant political challenges due to long-standing stigmas attached to welfare and taxation — remnants of rhetoric popularized during the Reagan era, such as the “welfare queen” myth.

“What’s really needed is a different kind of politics,” Riddell said. “One that focuses on delivering for ordinary people by rapidly reducing inequality. There are sensible, proven reforms that could go a long way to reversing the troubling trends we see.”

A Grassroots Push for Change

Despite limited progress at the federal level, Oxfam highlights community leaders working on the front lines to reduce inequality. Representatives from United Workers Maryland, featured in the report, said that public frustration with economic disparity could provide a crucial moment for reform.

“I think it’s brilliant that they see this as an opportunity,” Riddell added. “This is a moment to look around and realize our broader power — that we can demand a system that works for everyone, not just for those at the very top.”

Mexican Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez assassinated during Day of the Dead celebrations in Michoacán

By
admin
-
0

In a shocking act of violence, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán, was shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations on Saturday night. The brazen killing unfolded in the town’s historic center in front of dozens of residents and tourists gathered to honor the traditional holiday.

According to state prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña, Manzo Rodríguez was rushed to a hospital after being shot multiple times but later died from his injuries. A city council member and one of his bodyguards were also wounded in the attack.

Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said the mayor was shot seven times by an unidentified gunman, who was later killed at the scene. Authorities linked the weapon used in the assassination to recent armed clashes between rival criminal groups operating in the region.

“No line of investigation is being ruled out to clarify this cowardly act that took the life of the mayor,” García Harfuch said.

Michoacán remains one of Mexico’s most violent states, a contested stronghold for cartels fighting over territory, drug routes, and extortion rackets.

Grief and Outrage in Uruapan

On Sunday, hundreds of Uruapan residents filled the streets dressed in black, carrying photographs of the slain mayor and chanting “Justice! Justice! Out with Morena!”—a reference to the ruling party of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

At the head of the funeral procession, a man led Manzo Rodríguez’s black horse, adorned with one of his signature hats on the saddle. Behind him, a group of black-clad mariachi musicians played somber songs as police and military officers guarded the route.

The mayor, a former Morena legislator who had since formed an independent political movement, had become an outspoken critic of state authorities. In recent months, he publicly appealed to President Sheinbaum on social media for federal help to combat local cartels, accusing Michoacán’s pro-government governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla and the state police of corruption.

Captured on Camera

The assassination was caught on video and widely shared on social media. Footage shows families and visitors enjoying the vibrant festivities surrounded by marigolds, candles, and painted skulls before gunfire erupts. Panic quickly ensues as people run for cover.

Another video shows an official performing CPR on a person lying motionless on the ground as armed officers secure the area.

Manzo Rodríguez had been under police protection since December 2024, just three months after taking office. His security was later strengthened in May with municipal police and 14 National Guard officers, although officials have not disclosed what prompted the added measures.

Known by some as “the Mexican Bukele,” a nickname referencing El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and his tough anti-crime policies, Manzo Rodríguez had pledged to confront organized crime and restore order in Uruapan—a city long plagued by cartel violence.

A Pattern of Political Violence

His death marks the second killing of a Michoacán mayor in 2025. In June, Salvador Bastidas, mayor of Tacámbaro, was murdered alongside his bodyguard outside his home. Last October, journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was also shot dead in Uruapan shortly after interviewing Manzo Rodríguez.

The escalating wave of assassinations has underscored the growing risks faced by local politicians in Mexico, where criminal groups routinely target public officials who resist their influence or expose corruption.

As mourners in Uruapan continue to demand justice, Manzo Rodríguez’s death has once again drawn attention to the deepening crisis of political violence and impunity gripping Michoacán—and much of Mexico.

Top Labor groups break with federal union over Republican shutdown measure

By
Simeon
-
0

WASHINGTON (BN24)— A deep split has emerged among U.S. labor unions over how to respond to the ongoing government shutdown, after the largest federal workers’ union threw its support behind a Republican funding bill this week. The move, seen as a break from the broader Democratic-aligned labor movement, has intensified political pressure on lawmakers and highlighted divisions within organized labor.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have been furloughed or forced to work without pay during the shutdown, called for a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government. AFGE President Everett Kelley stated in a press release that both political parties had made their points, and it was time to act to end the shutdown immediately, even if that meant bypassing broader negotiations on healthcare and other policy issues.

Many of the nation’s top labor unions, however, expressed sharp disagreement with AFGE’s approach. They continue to back Democratic strategies that link reopening the government to protecting affordable healthcare and extending Obamacare subsidies, a stance labor analysts say reflects the movement’s broader commitment to social and worker protections.

Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of the 185,000-member Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, acknowledged the pressures facing federal employees but criticized AFGE’s strategy. “They have to do what they have to do for their members,” Contreras told ABC News. “But it’s a false choice to say we need to give up affordable healthcare for millions of Americans to bring federal workers back to work,” Contreras noted that SEIU 32BJ represents about 2,400 federal contractors, including security officers and food-service staff, many of whom face lost wages during the shutdown.

Other major labor organizations voiced similar positions. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, whose federation represents nearly 15 million workers nationwide, faulted President Donald Trump for attempting to divide federal workers from the larger labor movement. “As federal workers miss paychecks and line up at food banks, President Trump is more focused on pitting workers against each other than ending the shutdown,” Shuler said. “It’s time to fund the government, fix the healthcare crisis, and put working people first.”

United Steelworkers International President David McCall urged a balanced approach that prioritizes both essential government services and affordable healthcare, while the National Education Association, representing nearly 3 million educators, reaffirmed its support for linking funding to healthcare protections. Other unions, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and the United Food and Commercial Workers, have expressed similar positions in previous statements.

Experts say the broader labor movement’s insistence on maintaining pressure on Democrats has likely reduced some of the political fallout from AFGE’s decision. “The federal unions aren’t the biggest players in the labor movement,” said Nelson Lichtenstein, a labor historian at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “Large parts of the rest of the labor movement are crying out for the Democrats to fight against the Trump administration and not give up. Despite these cracks, which are understandable, the labor movement is fairly united in its position on the shutdown.”

The White House has criticized Democrats for the ongoing impasse. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that while many federal employees might weather a single missed paycheck, extended furloughs could create “huge problems.” President Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass a Republican funding bill, describing it as a “TRUMP CARD” solution to reopen the government.

The government shutdown, which entered its 30th day on Friday, shows no immediate signs of resolution. Senate Democrats have rejected the Republican funding bill 13 times, and the upper chamber is on recess until next week. Meanwhile, millions of federal employees, contractors, and their families remain without regular paychecks, as unions and lawmakers continue to navigate a tense standoff.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto named World Series MVP after historic Game 7 heroics for Dodgers

By
Simeon
-
0

TORONTO (BN24)— Yoshinobu Yamamoto cemented his status as one of baseball’s premier pitchers with a historic World Series performance, earning MVP honors after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to their second consecutive championship. Yamamoto’s dominant postseason included two complete games, a clutch relief outing in Game 7, and a 3-0 series record against the Toronto Blue Jays that has drawn comparisons to MLB legends.

The 27-year-old Japanese ace entered Game 7 in a high-pressure situation, tasked with escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning with the score tied at 4. Demonstrating poise beyond his years, Yamamoto retired the Blue Jays to end the inning and cruised through the 10th despite a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leadoff double, preserving a 5-4 lead and securing the Dodgers’ championship. His relief appearance came just one day after throwing 96 pitches in a Game 6 win, highlighting his remarkable stamina and versatility.

Yamamoto’s postseason brilliance was on full display throughout the series. In Game 2, he threw a four-hit complete game, retiring the final 20 batters in a 5-1 victory. This marked the first complete game in a World Series since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto accomplished the feat in 2015 and made Yamamoto the first Dodgers pitcher in nearly a decade to go the distance in the Fall Classic. His performance in Game 6, while less dominant, still yielded six innings of one-run ball, setting up the decisive Game 7.

Over the course of the series, Yamamoto posted a 3-0 record with a 1.09 ERA, striking out 15 and walking just two across 17 2/3 innings while allowing only 10 hits and two earned runs. Including last year’s World Series Game 2 win over the New York Yankees, Yamamoto is now 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA in four Fall Classic appearances.

Signed from Japan to a $325 million, 12-year contract before the 2024 season, Yamamoto has quickly validated the Dodgers’ investment. Prior to joining Major League Baseball, he pitched 12 complete games over three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League, demonstrating the durability and command that have carried over to the big leagues.

Yamamoto’s consecutive complete games in the postseason place him among elite company. Arizona ace Curt Schilling last achieved back-to-back complete postseason games in 2001, and Dodgers legends Orel Hershiser and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax previously threw multiple complete games in the Fall Classic, underscoring the rarity of Yamamoto’s accomplishment.

Manager Dave Roberts praised his ace effusively after the championship, calling Yamamoto “the GOAT” as the Dodgers hoisted the World Series trophy moments after the final out. “He’s shown incredible resilience, stamina, and skill throughout the playoffs. His pitching is nothing short of historic,” Roberts said.

Yamamoto’s postseason also reflects a combination of strategic brilliance and mental toughness. In high-leverage situations, he consistently outsmarted hitters, navigating jams and keeping opponents off balance with a mix of velocity, movement, and pinpoint control. His ability to perform at peak levels on short rest—particularly in Game 7 following a 96-pitch outing in Game 6—is a testament to both his physical conditioning and competitive mindset.

For the Dodgers, Yamamoto’s heroics were instrumental in overcoming the Blue Jays, who had matched Los Angeles blow for blow in several close games. The championship marks the Dodgers’ second straight title, further cementing the team’s status as a modern-era powerhouse.

Yamamoto’s World Series MVP honors also reflect his impact on the global stage. As a Japanese player excelling in MLB’s biggest spotlight, he has inspired fans worldwide and demonstrated that international talent can dominate at the highest levels. His postseason performance, blending durability, precision, and poise, will be remembered as one of the greatest in Fall Classic history.

1...130131132...962Page 131 of 962