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4 killed in clashes as opposition leader Tchiroma challenges Cameroon election results

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Simeon Bateren
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YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon (BN24) — Four people were killed in violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters in Cameroon on Sunday, as tensions escalated ahead of the final election results. The unrest erupted following opposition leader Issa Tchiroma’s refusal to accept the preliminary election results and his call for protests.

Tchiroma, who contested President Paul Biya’s 43-year rule in the October 12 election, has claimed victory, alleging that he won 54.8% of the vote, compared to the 31.3% reported for Biya. However, many analysts expect Biya to be declared the winner in what critics argue is a flawed electoral process. The 92-year-old president has been in power since 1982.

Ahead of the final announcement of the results by the Constitutional Council on Monday, Tchiroma’s supporters took to the streets in cities across Cameroon to voice their opposition to the election outcome.

In Douala, the country’s largest city, security forces clashed with demonstrators after opposition supporters defied a nationwide ban on public gatherings. The regional governor reported that protesters attacked police stations and a gendarmerie brigade in two districts. In the aftermath, four people were confirmed dead, with several members of the security forces also injured.

At the scene, witnesses contradicted the official narrative, claiming that the violence began when security forces fired live ammunition after dispersing the crowd with tear gas. “The shooting started with live bullets,” one demonstrator said. “Three bodies fell in front of us.” These accounts of violence have raised questions about the government’s handling of the protests.

Earlier in the day, police in Garoua, Tchiroma’s northern stronghold, used tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators. Despite the government’s ban on protests, supporters gathered with national flags and banners reading “Tchiroma 2025,” chanting slogans like “Goodbye Paul Biya, Tchiroma is coming.” The protests were part of a broader effort to pressure the government over what many believe was a rigged election.

Tchiroma, who has claimed to be the true winner of the election, has spent several days in Douala surrounded by his supporters. On Sunday, he released a video claiming that military personnel had attempted to force him out of his residence. The opposition leader also said that two figures from the coalition backing him were arrested in Douala on Friday.

In the capital, Yaoundé, police maintained a heavy presence, but the protest call did not appear to gain significant traction. Some reports suggested that the protests in the capital were smaller and more limited in scope, possibly due to increased security measures.

The government has repeatedly warned that the protests are contributing to what it calls an “insurrectionist project,” and could further destabilize the country. On Saturday, the Minister of Territorial Administration described the protests as a security threat, saying they risked plunging Cameroon into a crisis.

Amid the unrest, several regions of the country have experienced internet disruptions, which analysts believe are aimed at curbing the spread of information. Monitors have suggested that these disruptions could limit the ability of both local and international outlets to report on the events as they unfold.

The Constitutional Council is set to announce the final election results on Monday. While many expect Biya to retain the presidency, the ongoing protests highlight the deep political divisions and growing unrest in Cameroon. The violence and accusations of electoral fraud have raised international concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process and the state of democracy in the country.

Honduran man, 24, fatally struck while fleeing ICE officers on Virginia highway

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Norfolk (BN24) – A 24-year-old Honduran man was struck and killed by a passing vehicle while attempting to flee U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during an operation in Norfolk, Virginia, authorities said.

The victim, identified as Josué Castro Rivera, was on his way to work at a gardening job Thursday when ICE agents stopped his vehicle and attempted to detain him and three other passengers, according to his brother, Henry Castro. Rivera ran from the scene on foot and tried to cross Interstate 264, where he was hit by a 2002 Ford pickup truck around 11 a.m., the Virginia State Police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE officers were conducting a “targeted, intelligence-based operation” at the time of the incident. The agency said the other passengers were detained for allegedly living in the United States without legal authorization.

“Castro Rivera resisted heavily and fled,” DHS said in a statement, adding that he died after being struck by a passing motorist.

Family members said Castro Rivera had been living in the U.S. for about four years and regularly sent money home to support his relatives in Honduras. His brother described him as hardworking and devoted to his family, calling his death an “injustice.” The family now plans to raise funds to return his body to Honduras for burial.

“He didn’t deserve everything that happened to him,” Henry Castro said.

The DHS statement described the young man’s death as “a direct result of every politician, activist, and reporter who continues to spread propaganda and misinformation about ICE’s mission and ways to avoid detention.”

Castro Rivera’s death is the latest in a string of fatal incidents involving immigration enforcement operations across the United States. In recent months, several encounters between ICE officers and undocumented immigrants have ended in tragedy.

In August, a man fleeing ICE agents in California was fatally struck by a vehicle on a freeway. The previous month, a farmworker died after falling from a 30-foot-high roof during an immigration raid at a marijuana farm in the same state. And in September, ICE officers fatally shot a Mexican national during a traffic stop in a Chicago suburb—a case that has prompted public outrage and calls for greater accountability after body camera footage contradicted early federal claims of a “serious injury” to an officer.

The Virginia State Police are leading the investigation into Castro Rivera’s death, while federal authorities continue to review the actions of the ICE agents involved.

Netanyahu says Israel will decide which foreign troops acceptable for Gaza ceasefire force, rules out Turkish armed forces

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JERUSALEM (BN24) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday Israel would determine which foreign forces it would allow as part of a planned international force in Gaza to help secure a fragile ceasefire under U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, explicitly ruling out Turkish armed forces.

It remains unclear whether Arab and other states will be ready to commit troops, in part given the refusal of Palestinian Hamas militants to disarm as called for by the plan, while Israel has voiced concerns about the makeup of the force.

While the Trump administration has ruled out sending U.S. soldiers into the Gaza Strip, it has been speaking to Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and Azerbaijan to contribute to the multinational force.

“We are in control of our security, and we have also made it clear regarding international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us, and this is how we operate and will continue to operate,” Netanyahu said. “This is, of course, acceptable to the United States as well, as its most senior representatives have expressed in recent days,” he told a session of his cabinet.

Israel, which besieged Gaza for two years to back up its air and ground war in the enclave against Hamas after the Palestinian militant group’s cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, continues to control all access to the territory.

Last week Netanyahu hinted that he would be opposed to any role for Turkish security forces in Gaza. Once-warm Turkish-Israeli relations soured drastically during the Gaza war, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan lambasting Israel’s devastating air and ground campaign in the small Palestinian enclave.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Monday that Israel will not accept the presence of Turkish armed forces in Gaza under the U.S. plan to end war in the Palestinian territory. “Countries that want or are ready to send armed forces should be at least fair to Israel,” Saar said at a news conference in Budapest.

“Turkey, led by Erdogan, led a hostile approach against Israel,” Saar said, speaking alongside his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto. “So it is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces enter the Gaza Strip and we will not agree to that and we said it to our American friends.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a visit to Israel aimed at shoring up the truce, said Friday the international force would have to be made up of “countries that Israel’s comfortable with.” He made no comment on Turkish involvement.

Rubio added that Gaza’s future governance still needed to be worked out among Israel and partner nations but could not include Hamas. Rubio later said U.S. officials were receiving input on a possible U.N. resolution or international agreement to authorize the multinational force in Gaza and would discuss the issue in Qatar, a key Gulf mediator on Gaza, on Sunday.

A major challenge to Trump’s plan is that Hamas has balked at disarming. Since the ceasefire took hold two weeks ago as the first stage of Trump’s twenty-point plan, Hamas has waged a violent crackdown on clans that have tested its grip on power.

At the same time, the remains of thirteen deceased hostages remain in Gaza with Hamas citing obstacles to locating them in the pervasive rubble left by the fighting.

An Israeli government spokesperson said Sunday Hamas, which released the remaining twenty living hostages it took in its October 2023 assault, knew where the bodies were. “Israel is aware that Hamas knows where our deceased hostages are, in fact, located. If Hamas made more of an effort, they would be able to retrieve the remains of our hostages,” the spokesperson said.

Israel had, however, allowed the entry of an Egyptian technical team to work with the Red Cross to locate the bodies. The spokesperson said the team would use excavator machines and trucks for the search beyond the so-called yellow line in Gaza behind which Israeli troops have initially pulled back under Trump’s plan.

Netanyahu began the cabinet session by stressing Israel was an independent country, rejecting the notion that “the American administration controls me and dictates Israel’s security policy.” Israel and the United States, he said, are a “partnership.”

Diplomats and analysts say Trump managed to push Netanyahu, who had long rejected global pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza, to accept his framework for a broader peace deal and also forced Netanyahu to call Qatar’s leader to apologize after a failed bombing raid targeting Hamas negotiators in that country.

Trump also persuaded Arab states to convince Hamas to return all the Israeli hostages, its key leverage in the war.

The formation of an international peacekeeping force for Gaza represents one of the most complex aspects of Trump’s ceasefire plan. The force would need to satisfy Israeli security concerns while also being acceptable to Palestinian factions and regional Arab states.

Turkey’s exclusion from consideration reflects the dramatic deterioration in Turkish-Israeli relations during the Gaza conflict. Erdogan has been one of Israel’s harshest critics, repeatedly condemning Israeli military operations and comparing Israeli actions to historical atrocities.

The international force concept aims to provide security in Gaza while allowing humanitarian reconstruction to proceed. However, fundamental questions remain about the force’s mandate, rules of engagement and relationship to both Israeli security forces and Palestinian authority structures.

Hamas’ refusal to disarm represents a fundamental obstacle to implementation of the peacekeeping plan. The militant group has maintained its grip on Gaza despite two years of Israeli military operations and shows no indication of surrendering weapons or control.

The ceasefire that began two weeks ago represents the first sustained pause in fighting since the war began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack that killed around twelve hundred people in Israel and saw two hundred fifty-one taken hostage.

More than sixty-seven thousand Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s subsequent assault on Gaza, according to Gaza health officials. The territory has been devastated, with vast areas reduced to rubble and most of the population displaced.

The recovery of deceased hostage remains has become a contentious issue. Israel insists Hamas knows the locations of bodies and could retrieve them with sufficient effort, while Hamas claims the extensive destruction makes location and recovery extremely difficult.

The deployment of an Egyptian technical team with heavy equipment to search for remains represents a practical step forward, though progress has been slow. The team’s work beyond Israeli-controlled zones demonstrates the complex logistics of implementing even basic aspects of the ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu’s assertion of Israeli independence in decision-making reflects tensions with the Trump administration over implementation details. While Trump successfully pressured Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire framework, Israel retains effective veto power over force composition given its control of Gaza access.

Paul Biya, 92, secures 8th term as Cameroon’s president amid low turnout and allegations of vote irregularities

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Cameroon’s long-serving leader, President Paul Biya, has won re-election for an unprecedented eighth term, the country’s Constitutional Council announced Monday, extending his decades-long rule until at least 2032.

Biya, 92, the world’s oldest serving head of state, captured 53.66% of the national vote, according to official results. His closest challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, received 35.19%. The outcome ensures Biya—who first came to power in 1982—will mark 50 years in office if he serves out his new seven-year term.

Despite growing public pressure to step down, Biya appeared at only one campaign rally during the election period, telling supporters that “the best is still to come.” Critics accused him of being increasingly absent from national affairs, while his supporters praised his leadership as a symbol of continuity in a country beset by security and economic challenges.

The vote, held amid sporadic violence and widespread voter apathy, saw significant regional variations and high abstention rates, particularly in the restive Anglophone regions. In the South region—Biya’s home base—he won by a commanding 90.86%, while in the South-West region, where around 53% of voters abstained, he still secured 68.7%.

Bakary performed strongly in several northern and coastal regions, winning 56% in Adamawa, 43.51% in the North, and 64.5% in the Littoral region, which includes the economic capital, Douala. He also drew substantial support from Cameroonians living abroad, capturing 68.21% of the diaspora vote in Asia and the Middle East and 54.99% among voters across Africa.

European-based voters, however, heavily favored Bakary, granting him 62.79% compared to Biya’s 22.63%.

Election observers reported low voter turnout and logistical challenges in several areas, with more than half of registered voters abstaining in some districts. Opposition parties and civil society groups have accused the ruling party of manipulating the vote count, though the government has denied any wrongdoing.

Biya’s re-election cements his position as one of the world’s longest-ruling leaders. His nearly 43-year tenure has been marked by economic stagnation, mounting separatist violence in the English-speaking regions, and periodic crackdowns on dissent.

The Constitutional Council in Yaoundé announced the final results following days of regional tallies. Under Cameroon’s electoral law, the winner is determined by the highest share of votes across the entire electorate.

If Biya completes this new term, he will be nearing 100 years old by 2032. Despite his advanced age and recurring questions about his health, the president has shown no sign of grooming a successor, leaving uncertainty over the country’s political future once his rule eventually ends.

Reuters

Trump rules out 2028 vice presidential run, dismisses speculation about circumventing term limits

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President Donald Trump said Monday he would not consider running for vice president in 2028, firmly rejecting suggestions from some of his allies that he could use the role as a legal loophole to return to the White House for a third term.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo for meetings with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump said the idea of joining a future ticket—possibly with Vice President JD Vance—was “too cute” and “wouldn’t be right.”

“I wouldn’t do that. I think it’s too cute,” Trump said. “I think the people wouldn’t like that. It wouldn’t be right.”

The president’s comments come amid renewed speculation about his political future, following remarks from his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, who recently told The Economist that there was “a plan” for Trump to serve a third term. Under the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, however, no one may be elected to the presidency more than twice.

Trump, 79, brushed off the idea of running as Vance’s vice president and then taking office if Vance were to resign, saying he believed Americans would reject such a strategy. He emphasized his popularity but said he preferred to win legitimately if he ever sought to return to the presidency.

“I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever—it’s very terrible,” Trump said, noting his approval rating of about 45%, according to RealClearPolitics. “But I wouldn’t do that. It’s too cute.”

The president also speculated about possible future Republican tickets, suggesting that Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio could make an “unstoppable” team in 2028. Still, Trump left open the possibility of running again, musing about a potential face-off with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

“Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump,” he said.

Trump has previously hinted at seeking another term despite constitutional limits. In March, he told NBC that he was “not joking” about a potential 2028 campaign, though he later told CNBC he would “probably not” run.

During the Air Force One exchange, Trump also confirmed he underwent an MRI scan during his annual physical earlier this month but said the results were “perfect.”

Trump will be 82 years old at the end of his current term and would be 86 at the conclusion of a hypothetical third term in 2033. While some legal scholars have debated whether a vice-presidential route could bypass the 22nd Amendment, most constitutional experts have dismissed the theory as legally dubious and politically implausible.

Reuters/nypost

U.S. Navy loses fighter jet and helicopter from USS Nimitz in separate crashes over South China Sea

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The U.S. Navy said Monday that two aircraft — an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet and an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter — operating from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz crashed into the South China Sea within a 30-minute span, marking the latest in a string of recent aviation mishaps involving U.S. naval forces.

According to the Navy’s Pacific Fleet, all five crew members aboard both aircraft survived. The two aviators aboard the Super Hornet ejected safely, while the three crew members on the Sea Hawk were recovered from the water shortly after the crash. All are reported to be in stable condition.

The twin incidents occurred Sunday afternoon during routine operations, the fleet said in a statement. The cause of the crashes remains under investigation.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo, said preliminary information suggests the crashes may have been caused by “bad fuel.” He ruled out any indication of sabotage or enemy involvement, saying, “There’s nothing to hide — this looks like a technical issue.”

The Nimitz is currently returning to its home port at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after a months-long deployment to the Middle East. The carrier had been supporting U.S. operations in response to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on international shipping lanes. The deployment was expected to be the Nimitz’s final one before its scheduled decommissioning.

The incidents add to a troubling pattern of aviation accidents among U.S. carriers in recent months. The USS Harry S. Truman, another U.S. aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East, has experienced several mishaps this year — including a December incident in which the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down a jet from the Truman.

In April, an F/A-18 slipped off the Truman’s hangar deck into the Red Sea, and in May, another fighter jet overshot the carrier’s landing cables and went overboard, forcing its two pilots to eject. None of those incidents resulted in fatalities, and investigations into them remain ongoing.

The Navy has not indicated whether the crashes from the Nimitz are related to mechanical issues affecting other carriers or their aircraft.

Credit: AP

Nigerian military kills 80 bandits in Kebbi border clash

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Simeon Bateren
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Kebbi State, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigerian military forces have killed at least 80 armed bandits who attempted to infiltrate Kebbi State from Zamfara, in what officials are calling a major security breakthrough. The clash took place in Ngaski Local Government Area, following a strategic operation aimed at curbing banditry in the region.

The operation, which occurred on Friday and Saturday nights, is regarded as one of the most successful in recent months. Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Special Adviser to Governor Nasir Idris, confirmed the military’s success in a statement issued on Sunday. Zuru described the operation as a key victory in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry, noting that it resulted from a targeted deployment of troops across Kebbi’s borders with Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states.

Governor Idris had previously requested additional military support to bolster security along these borders. The reinforcements came after credible intelligence reports suggested that armed bandits were attempting to cross into Kebbi. In response, troops were strategically positioned around Makurdi village, where the military engaged the bandits in intense gunfire exchanges. According to Abdulrahaman Usman, Director of Security in Kebbi, about 80 bandits were killed in the operation, with several others fleeing with gunshot wounds.

Usman also confirmed the recovery of several motorcycles used by the bandits, as well as two abducted civilians who were freed during the operation.

Governor Idris has been instrumental in securing resources to support the military’s efforts. He has donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to enhance troop mobility and operational effectiveness.

The Emir of Yauri, Zayyanu Muhammad, praised the military’s efforts and commended Governor Idris for his commitment to the safety and well-being of Kebbi’s citizens. “The people of Kebbi are proud of the sacrifices of our soldiers and the leadership of Governor Idris, whose efforts are restoring peace and hope to our communities,” Muhammad said.

Security sources also indicated that the recent successes have forced many bandit groups to retreat deeper into forests, signaling a weakening of their operations in the region.

The operation is part of a broader military initiative to strengthen security in northern Nigeria, which has seen ongoing clashes between the army and criminal groups. In a separate report, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno and Yobe States killed more than 50 terrorists in a series of coordinated attacks last week.

The latest military successes in Kebbi highlight the growing effectiveness of the Nigerian military’s strategy to counter banditry and terrorism, offering a glimmer of hope for the restoration of stability in northern Nigeria.

Super Lig: Victor Osimhen stars as Galatasaray come from behind to beat Göztepe 3–1

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Simeon Bateren
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ISTANBUL (BN24) — Victor Osimhen continued his remarkable run of form as Galatasaray came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3–1 at RAMS Park on Sunday, reinforcing their dominance atop the Turkish Super Lig.

The match began dramatically, with Efkan Bekiroğlu catching the home side off guard to give Göztepe an early lead after just six minutes. The opening goal appeared to set the tone for a tightly contested match, with Göztepe pressing aggressively and looking to exploit Galatasaray’s defensive gaps.

However, the reigning league leaders responded quickly. Osimhen capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 19th minute, slotting home his third league goal of the season to level the score. The Nigerian striker has now scored in consecutive matches, following a decisive brace against Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League last Wednesday, underlining his growing influence in both domestic and European competitions.

Galatasaray steadily took control of the game in the second half. Gabriel Sara put the hosts ahead with a composed finish, demonstrating precise positioning and clinical finishing that typify his playmaking style. Shortly afterward, veteran forward Mauro Icardi added a third goal, showcasing his trademark poaching instincts and ensuring the win was beyond doubt.

Despite Göztepe’s efforts to respond, their attacks lacked cohesion, and the visitors were ultimately unable to breach Galatasaray’s organized defense again. The match highlighted the contrast in squad depth and attacking options between the two sides, with Galatasaray’s experience and tactical discipline prevailing.

With this victory, Galatasaray extends its lead at the top of the Super Lig to 28 points, five clear of second-placed Trabzonspor, keeping momentum strong as the season progresses. Göztepe, meanwhile, remains fifth with 16 points, suffering only their second defeat of the campaign, and will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.

Osimhen’s performance, marked by pace, positional awareness, and finishing precision, underscores his role as the focal point of Galatasaray’s attack. Combined with contributions from Sara and Icardi, the team demonstrated a balanced approach, blending speed on the wings with clinical striking in the box.

As the Super Lig season continues, Galatasaray appears well-positioned to defend their lead, with Osimhen’s scoring form providing a vital boost for their championship ambitions. Meanwhile, Göztepe face the challenge of recovering defensively while trying to maintain their position in the league’s upper half.

La Liga: Bellingham, Mbappé on Target as Real Madrid Edge Barcelona 2–1

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Simeon Bateren
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MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid emerged victorious 2–1 over Barcelona in a thrilling El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, moving clear at the top of La Liga. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham proved crucial, as Madrid held off a spirited Barcelona comeback to secure the three points.

The match began with intensity, as both teams sought to assert control early. Madrid took the lead just before the half-hour mark when Mbappé, who has been in sensational form this season, threaded a low, long-range strike past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The strike, coming in the 28th minute, was a fine example of Mbappé’s ability to create space and finish with precision from outside the box.

However, Barcelona quickly responded. Just 10 minutes later, Fermín López capitalized on a defensive error by Madrid’s backline. A misplaced pass fell to López, who slotted past Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to make it 1–1 in the 38th minute. The equalizer gave Barcelona renewed hope as they looked to break Madrid’s dominance.

Just as it seemed the teams would go into the break level, Madrid dramatically regained the advantage. Bellingham, continuing his fine run of form, was in the right place at the right time. Following sustained pressure in the Barcelona box, Bellingham was on hand to tap in a simple close-range finish just before halftime, making it 2–1 in the 43rd minute. The goal was his sixth of the season, and he remains one of the most influential players for Madrid this year.

The second half saw further drama and controversy. In the 61st minute, Madrid were awarded a penalty for a challenge in the box, but Szczesny was equal to the task, diving to his right to deny Mbappé’s spot-kick. The save kept Barcelona within striking distance, and Madrid’s fans could be heard groaning as their team failed to extend their lead.

Shortly after, Madrid thought they had scored a third when Brahim Diaz and Bellingham combined for a well-worked goal. However, the celebration was short-lived as the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. The decision sparked frustration from Madrid’s players and fans, but the game carried on with the score still at 2–1.

Barcelona, increasingly desperate, found themselves reduced to 10 men in stoppage time. Pedri received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni, leaving Barcelona to finish the game a man down. Madrid, sensing the opportunity, pushed forward, with Rodrygo testing Szczesny with a free-kick in the final moments, but the goalkeeper was once again up to the task, making a key save to preserve his side’s chances.

The final whistle blew, and Madrid secured their first win over Barcelona in their last five meetings, halting a four-game losing streak to their Catalan rivals. The result sees Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga to 28 points, four points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who will have a chance to respond later in the weekend.

For Barcelona, the defeat was a bitter blow. Despite some positive moments, their defensive mistakes and missed opportunities cost them, and the red card to Pedri made any comeback impossible. Barcelona remains in third place, with 21 points, but will need to bounce back quickly to stay within reach of Madrid as the season progresses.

Trump administration announces halt to federal food aid payments amid prolonged shutdown

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Sunday that federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be issued on November 1, as the ongoing government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight.

The notice, posted on the USDA’s website, stated that contingency funds would not be used to continue the program, which provides essential food support to roughly one in eight Americans. “Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA message read. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”

The Trump administration’s decision not to use the roughly $5 billion in contingency funds marks a significant escalation of the shutdown’s impact, with millions of low-income families now facing uncertainty about how they will afford food next month. The shutdown, which began October 1, is now the second-longest in U.S. history.

Administration officials have blamed Senate Democrats for the ongoing impasse, arguing they have refused to reopen the government until Republicans agree to extend expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats have countered that President Donald Trump and his party must first agree to reopen the government before negotiations can begin.

Democratic lawmakers have written to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the use of contingency funds to cover next month’s SNAP payments. However, a USDA memo obtained Friday states that the funds are “not legally available to cover regular benefits,” explaining that they are reserved for emergency relief, such as in response to major disasters. The memo cited Hurricane Melissa as an example of why maintaining those funds for emergencies is critical.

The possibility that food assistance could be halted has alarmed state officials across the political spectrum. While some states, including California and New York, have pledged to continue SNAP payments temporarily, the USDA has warned that states will not be reimbursed for covering those costs independently.

Other states, such as Arkansas and Oklahoma, have begun warning SNAP recipients to prepare for an interruption in aid, advising families to locate food pantries and local charities that provide emergency food support.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., criticized the administration’s refusal to negotiate, saying on CNN’s “State of the Union” that the situation could have been avoided. “The reality is, if they sat down to try to negotiate, we could probably come up with something pretty quickly,” Murphy said. “We could open up the government on Tuesday or Wednesday, and there wouldn’t be any crisis in the food stamp program.”

The USDA’s notice underscores the growing pressure on Congress and the White House to end the standoff before November 1, when millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to feed their families.

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