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Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure killed 14 over two days, while a tropical storm damaged Southern California beachfront communities and a 13-year-old was charged with murder in Sydney.
Top stories · Monday, October 12
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Taxpayer-Funded Ad Campaign With Restraining Order
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to immediately cancel any remaining taxpayer-funded TV ads promoting President Trump's political message, issuing a temporary restraining order that bars the use of Homeland Security funds for the spots for at least 14 days. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Rochon in New York sided with a coalition including nonpartisan watchdog Common Cause, finding the ads are likely an illegal misuse of public funds. The ruling came Sunday night even as the administration argued the court need not intervene because the ad campaign was already set to end that day — a claim backed by a Saturday court filing. The $20 million Homeland Security-funded campaign, which aired across high-profile broadcast slots since late September, drew bipartisan backlash and multiple lawsuits alleging the spots were political propaganda designed to benefit Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump had previously announced MAGA Inc. would take over future funding, but the court order now formally prohibits any resumption using federal appropriations. Common Cause President Virginia Kase Solomón vowed continued accountability, saying no president from any party should be able to use taxpayer funds for propaganda.
Pope Leo XIV Announces Lung Surgery After Nodule Discovered During Routine Checks
Pope Leo XIV disclosed during his Sunday Angelus address at St. Peter's Square that doctors found a small nodule in his lung during recent medical examinations. The 71-year-old pontiff, elected in May 2025, said the growth was caught at a very early stage and is well-localized, and that his medical team recommended surgical removal. The Vatican confirmed the procedure is scheduled for early this week, with a recovery period of approximately one week. This marks the first significant health development of Leo's papacy.
Flash Floods Strike Nepal's Gorkha District Again, Weeks After Deadly Disaster
A landslide-triggered flash flood along the Budhi Gandaki River in Nepal's Gorkha district swept away at least 45 homes and four bridges on Sunday, forcing mass evacuations just two months after catastrophic flooding killed thousands across the country. Three hydropower projects were damaged, along with roads in the area. At least five people remain missing following the disaster. Authorities rescued 82 people in total — including nine foreign nationals — with some evacuated by helicopter as floodwaters made ground access difficult. No fatalities have been confirmed so far. Authorities urged residents to move to higher ground as the river surged to dangerous levels.
Trump Declares 'Energy Ceasefire' Between Russia and Ukraine, but Zelensky Says It Was 'News to Me' and Moscow Has Not Confirmed
President Trump announced on Truth Social Sunday that an 'energy ceasefire' between Russia and Ukraine is 'effective immediately,' claiming both parties have agreed and urging them not to break it. Ukrainian President Zelensky said the announcement caught him completely off guard, telling Axios it was 'news for me,' but added that Ukraine would accept such a truce if Russia genuinely agreed — calling it 'good news' that must 'become a reality.' Moscow had not commented as of Sunday afternoon, and analysts described the ceasefire as fragile at best, with Russia continuing strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the hours after Trump's post. The announcement came amid a rapidly widening political backlash: a bipartisan group of six senators — four Republicans including Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis, and John Curtis, plus two Democrats — formally called on the administration to 'immediately reverse course' on the diesel deal, with Tillis warning it may be illegal and could put American lives at risk. Former Vice President Mike Pence called the sanctions lift 'a betrayal,' accused Trump of 'fueling Putin's war machine,' and demanded the deal be rescinded immediately. The Miami peace talks remain collapsed, the Kremlin has not endorsed the ceasefire, and experts say the diesel deal is still unlikely to meaningfully lower U.S. fuel prices.
Man City Win 3-0 at Hostile Anfield in First Match Since Guilty Verdict on 114 Charges
Manchester City delivered a commanding 3-0 victory at Anfield in their first competitive match since being found guilty of 114 Premier League financial rule breaches. The pre-match atmosphere was incendiary, with Liverpool supporters lining the streets bearing 'cheats' banners, releasing 114 balloons, and chanting throughout — though City's team bus avoided the worst of it by entering through an alternate entrance. Once the match began, Liverpool started the brighter, but the game turned when midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was sent off after a foul on substitute Jeremy Doku. Erling Haaland, Doku and Rayan Cherki all scored second-half goals to seal a comfortable win. The result moves City three points clear at the top of the Premier League, extending their perfect start to six matches. Commentators were divided between admiring City's defiant mentality and condemning what they described as cheats prospering, with one columnist writing that 'no one knows whether their emphatic win matters.' City maintain their innocence and have appealed the verdict, while the sanctions process remains ongoing.
Trump Names Truth Social Adviser Katie Zacharia as White House Press Secretary
President Trump has selected Katie Zacharia, a conservative commentator and communications adviser at Trump Media and Technology Group, to serve as his next White House press secretary. She replaces Karoline Leavitt, who departed the role in late August following the birth of her second child. Zacharia brings a background that includes a brief stint as spokesperson and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem, along with frequent appearances on Fox News and Newsmax. Trump praised her as a 'devoted fan' with an 'unblemished record of support,' while Zacharia called the appointment 'the honor of a lifetime.' The selection came together rapidly — sources say she was not even under consideration as recently as last week — and arrives less than a month before the 2026 midterm elections.
At Least 139 Dead, 84 Missing After Migrant Vessel Capsizes Between Djibouti and Yemen
A catastrophic shipwreck off the coast of Djibouti has killed at least 139 migrants, including 15 children, with 84 others still unaccounted for. The vessel, carrying around 305 people, capsized near Guhere — north of the port town of Obock — during the night of October 8–9 while making the crossing from Djibouti toward Yemen. The International Organization for Migration has described it as the deadliest shipwreck ever recorded off Djibouti's coast. More than 80 survivors, all Ethiopian nationals, have been confirmed. IOM chief of mission in Djibouti Alexandre Coissac said teams were on the ground providing emergency aid, calling the tragedy a stark reminder of the dangers migrants face along this corridor. IOM figures show more than 900 migrants died or went missing on this same route in 2025 alone, with the number attempting the journey up 18 percent.
Tarantino Takes the Stage: Sacha Baron Cohen to Lead West End Debut
Quentin Tarantino is making his theatrical debut with a swashbuckling stage comedy called The Popinjay Cavalier, set to open at London's Phoenix Theatre on the West End. Sacha Baron Cohen has been confirmed as the lead, with the Borat and Brüno star describing himself as 'beyond delighted' to collaborate with the Pulp Fiction director. Tarantino, best known for his film work, wrote the play himself and will also direct it — marking a significant creative pivot for one of Hollywood's most distinctive voices. Previews are scheduled to begin in late February 2027, with the official opening to follow in March.
49ers Linebacker Greenlaw Ejected After Headbutting Helmetless Seahawks Player in Sideline Brawl
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw was ejected in the second quarter of a critical NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday after a sideline altercation escalated into a headbutt. The incident began when Greenlaw hit quarterback Sam Darnold out of bounds near the Seattle bench, sparking a confrontation with Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. Greenlaw then headbutted Jones, who was not wearing a helmet at the time, drawing an immediate ejection and leaving San Francisco short-handed in a high-stakes divisional game. Further NFL discipline beyond the ejection is expected.
Graham and Andrews Clash in Sole South Carolina Senate Debate as Race Stays Tight
President Trump used an anti-transgender slur against Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Annie Andrews on Truth Social, dubbing the pediatrician 'Annie Trannie Andrews' in a post endorsing Republican Sen. Darline Graham — and the attack drew significant backlash. Andrews responded by releasing a campaign ad stating 'No men in women's sports,' distancing herself from the transgender policy positions Trump tried to pin on her. The race has grown so unexpectedly competitive that Republican operatives rushed $5 million into South Carolina as an 'insurance policy.' On Sunday night, Graham and Andrews met in their one and only scheduled debate in Columbia, South Carolina, where the contest quickly turned contentious. Andrews attacked Graham as unserious and unqualified, pointedly referencing Graham's earlier statement that 'national security is not my thing,' while Graham repeatedly sought to tie Andrews to the Democratic Socialists of America. Andrews accused Graham of simply taking her cues from Trump, while Graham warned voters that Andrews wouldn't stand up to socialists. Multiple polls — including surveys from Trafalgar Group and InsiderAdvantage — show the two candidates essentially tied, a remarkable situation in a state where Democrats haven't won a statewide election in two decades.
Verstappen Wins Singapore Grand Prix for First Time, Antonelli Closes in on F1 Title
Max Verstappen completed a perfect weekend at the Singapore Grand Prix, converting his pole position into a commanding victory at Marina Bay for the first time in ten attempts — his second consecutive win of the season. The Red Bull driver led from the first corner and was never seriously threatened, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finishing second after being unable to close the gap. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli took third, a result that moves the championship leader to within one race of clinching the F1 title, with Austin, Texas, next on the calendar. Lewis Hamilton struggled with strategy and tyre management, dropping to sixth by the end of the race. Oscar Piastri, starting seventh after a difficult weekend, battled to fifth for McLaren despite suffering a tyre puncture, salvaging some useful championship points. Gabriel Bortoleto's race ended early with a gearbox failure. Verstappen's dominant display — sprint win, pole and Grand Prix victory — underlines Red Bull's resurgent form, even as the title race has moved beyond the Dutchman's reach.
Burnham Breaks with Predecessors, Confirms Russian Meddling in Brexit Vote
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has become the first British prime minister to publicly confirm that Russia interfered in the 2016 Brexit referendum, stating he received a definitive answer upon entering Downing Street this past summer. Speaking on a podcast, Burnham said he deliberately wanted this on the record to warn voters in France and Germany about Kremlin-backed efforts to manipulate democratic politics, particularly amid the rise of far-right movements. He offered no specifics about the nature of the interference or the source of his briefing, and Russia has not yet responded. The disclosure marks a sharp break from Boris Johnson, who in 2020 claimed no evidence of Russian meddling existed.
Mike Evans' 'Who Are You?' Jersey Check Steals the Show in 49ers' Win
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans delivered both a standout on-field performance and an instant viral moment during the team's 32-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, improving their record to 5-0. During the first half, Seahawks defensive back Trevon Diggs was talking trash to Evans, who responded by spinning Diggs around to read the name on the back of his jersey — a wordless declaration that he had no idea who was chirping at him. Evans later confirmed the moment, saying 'I was like, who are you?' before recognizing it was Diggs. The exchange prompted Diggs to shove Evans in the face, and the clip quickly spread across social media, cementing Evans as a fan favorite in San Francisco.
Man Killed After Jumping Into Tiger Enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A man in his 20s died after jumping into the tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday afternoon, in front of horrified visitors including families with children. South Yorkshire Police confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene after being mauled by a 30-stone Siberian tiger named Altai. Yorkshire Wildlife Park has since issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim's family and confirming that Altai is safe, well, and will not be euthanised. The park remains closed while staff — described as deeply affected by the events — receive specialist support. Video footage and witness accounts indicate the man, who was in his 20s, deliberately entered the enclosure, having asked a bystander to photograph him with the tiger moments before climbing in. Staff discharged gas canisters and reportedly fired shots into the air in an attempt to drive the tiger away. Emergency services, including two land ambulances, a critical care team, a doctor, and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, responded to the scene at around 1:33–1:35pm. The park was fully evacuated and a serious incident declared.
Mental Health Facility Claim Roils Talarico's Return to Trail as Campaign Calls It a Lie
James Talarico returned to the campaign trail at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday after a roughly two-week absence he attributed to the flu, but his reappearance was immediately overshadowed by a viral, unverified allegation that he had been treated at an Ohio mental health facility. Conservative influencer Nick Sortor posted a recorded call purportedly featuring an unnamed facility employee claiming Talarico was a patient there — a claim the campaign flatly denied as 'a lie designed to promote a pathetic conspiracy theory.' The controversy escalated further when Elon Musk weighed in on X, amplifying the audio and declaring that the campaign is 'hiding something big.' On Sunday, Talarico went on offense, publicly dismissing the allegations: 'I had the flu. This is the craziest thing I've ever heard. It's wild that someone can just post something on the internet.' Talarico also mocked Ken Paxton for refusing to debate him — a post that drew 2.6 million views — while Trump had separately rallied in San Antonio and warned he would 'never forgive' Texas if Paxton loses. The recording raises potential HIPAA legal questions, and no named source or the facility itself has confirmed the claim. The race remains a genuine toss-up heading into the final weeks.
Trump and Rubio Weigh Firing Guilfoyle as Both Are Said to Be 'Extremely Pissed Off' by Conduct
The Guilfoyle scandal has escalated sharply, with a senior US official revealing Sunday that President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are 'extremely pissed off' by her reported conduct and are actively considering firing her as ambassador to Greece, with a decision expected after Monday's federal holiday. The Wall Street Journal audio recording from Davos in January captures Guilfoyle boasting that two named Greek businessmen — shipping tycoon Nikolas Tsakos and Alexandros Exarchou, CEO of construction firm Aktor Group — were bankrolling her luxury travel while she used her diplomatic position to lobby their business interests. On the same tape she promised an American businessman 'the world' and 'a lot of f---ing money' in exchange for help getting her into an Eric Trump dinner from which she had been excluded, fuming that the organizer 'should be kissing my f---ing ass.' The State Department Inspector General investigation, confirmed by multiple officials, covers alleged substance abuse, private plane and helicopter use, improper gifts, and ties to an energy and construction company. GOP Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso called the reports 'very troubling' and said he expects an investigation, marking a significant break from Republican silence. Donor Eric Deters has publicly called the arrangement 'absolutely a quid pro quo,' while Guilfoyle's attorney disputes the authenticity of related text messages without offering specifics. Democratic lawmakers are pressing for criminal prosecution, and allies of both Trump and Donald Trump Jr. have privately described the episode as 'embarrassing.'
GOP Rebellion Grows as House Republican Moves to Block Trump's Russia Diesel Deal
President Trump's deal with Vladimir Putin to supply over 1.8 million tonnes of Russian diesel to global markets is facing a rapidly expanding bipartisan revolt in Congress. Seven senators — four Republicans and three Democrats — have formally called on Trump to immediately reverse course, arguing the administration broke the law by failing to consult Congress or submit the explanation required by statute, and by circumventing a 2022 congressional ban on Russian energy imports. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, is pressing ahead with the 'Ronald Reagan Peace Through Strength Act' and a discharge petition to force a House floor vote bypassing Speaker Mike Johnson, predicting it 'will pass overwhelmingly.' Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has already agreed to sign the petition, which needs 218 signatures. In a rare break from the opposition, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) backed the deal and pushed the administration for even more sanctions relief, citing his 2022 vote against Russia sanctions and arguing that lifting them benefits American consumers. Hours after the U.S. eased sanctions, Ukrainian drones struck and set fire to a major oil export terminal in Rostov-on-Don, casting doubt on whether the arrangement can deliver promised relief. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the deal 'not fair and not honest,' and analysts warn the sanctions relief would do little to actually lower U.S. fuel prices.
Fort Hood Shooter's Planned Public Execution Sparks Debate Over Martyrdom, American Values
The Trump administration is pressing ahead with plans to publicly execute Nidal Hasan — the Army officer who killed 13 service members at Fort Hood in 2009 — by firing squad in December, with the event to be livestreamed. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin appeared on CBS News' Face the Nation Sunday to defend the decision, dismissing concerns that broadcasting the execution could elevate Hasan's status among extremists by saying 'no one has to watch.' Retired Admiral William McRaven, who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, sharply criticized the plan, arguing that public executions place the U.S. in company with Iran and Afghanistan and risk inspiring rather than deterring future attacks. The execution would be the first by firing squad since 1936, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed it is scheduled for December.
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