US & World News

Photos show Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa strengthened into a Category 4 storm on Saturday. It unleashed torrential rain and threatened to cause catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean, including Haiti and Jamaica, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. Photos show residents dealing with the storm. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

Federal food benefits and preschool aid to run dry starting Saturday if shutdown continues

Federal funds could begin running dry on Saturday that help tens of millions of Americans buy food for their families and send their toddlers to preschool if the government shutdown persists. If Congress doesn’t reach a deal by Saturday to resolve the shutdown, benefits could also run out for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries. Starting Nov. 1, a total of 140 Head Start preschool programs also could miss their federal funding payments under the shutdown. States could also run out of money as early as Nov. 8 for another food aid program supporting millions of low-income mothers and young kids called WIC.

Vikings’ Carson Wentz to IR with shoulder injury that requires season-ending surgery, AP source says

The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback Carson Wentz on injured reserve. Wentz will have season-ending surgery on his left, non-throwing shoulder, according to a person with knowledge of the plans. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Vikings had not yet announced those details. Wentz played through the injury for 2 1/2 games. He made five starts in place of J.J. McCarthy, who’s recovering from a high ankle sprain. McCarthy was already on track to return this week.

NBA starts review of policies after gambling-related arrests of Rozier, Billups

The NBA has started a review to protect the integrity of the game, players, and coaches following the arrests of Miami guard Terry Rozier and Portland coach Chauncey Billups. They were allegedly involved in gambling schemes. The league sent a memo to all teams, highlighting the need to reassess sports betting regulations. Nearly three dozen people, including Rozier and Billups, were arrested last week. The NBA is focusing on injury reports, which can be exploited by bettors. The league seeks to ensure players and coaches understand the risks of gambling and is seeking input from teams on how to proceed.

Trump will meet Japan’s new prime minister and address US troops in next stop on Asia trip

President Donald Trump begins a busy day in Asia on Tuesday, meeting Japan’s new prime minister and speaking to U.S. troops. Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister just days ago and aims to strengthen ties with Trump while defending Japan’s economic interests. Trump seeks $550 billion in Japanese investment to reduce U.S. tariffs. He arrived in Tokyo on Monday after attending a summit in Malaysia. There, he celebrated a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. Meanwhile, tensions between the U.S. and China appear to be cooling, with a trade deal possibly in the works. Trump plans to leave for South Korea on Wednesday.

Former NFL star Adrian Peterson arrested in Houston suburb on DWI and gun charges

Authorities say that former NFL running back Adrian Peterson remains jailed after being arrested in a Houston suburb on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon. Sugar Land Police Department spokeswoman Alicia Alaniz says Peterson was taken into custody Sunday morning. He remained in the Fort Bend County Jail on Monday. It’s the second DWI arrest in seven months for the 2012 NFL MVP and three-time league rushing champion. The 40-year-old Peterson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Minneapolis in April. The Texas native spent the first 10 years of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.

Timberwolves will be without Anthony Edwards for at least a week due to a hamstring strain

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss at least a week due to a strained right hamstring. He was sidelined in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game against Indiana. An MRI on Monday confirmed the strain. Edwards will be re-evaluated in a week. That suggests a mild strain. The three-time All-Star will miss at least three games including the start of a road trip at Charlotte on Saturday. The Timberwolves announced backup point guard Rob Dillingham is available to play against Denver after missing the Indiana game with a broken nose.

Gambling probe tests the resilience that helped Chauncey Billups soar to the Basketball Hall of Fame

Chauncey Billups earned a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame a year ago, recognizing his resilience and clutch play in a championship-winning NBA career. His ability to bounce back and make all the right moves is being put to a different test by a gambling scandal. Billups was one of more than 30 people arrested last week for what federal law enforcement officials described as their involvement in various illicit gambling activities. The coach was alleged to have participated in a conspiracy to fix high-stakes poker games with ties to three Mafia families. His attorney denied the allegations.

Wisconsin Planned Parenthood resumes offering abortions after a nearly monthlong pause

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has resumed offering abortions after a nearly monthlong pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s tax and spending bill that took effect at the beginning of October. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it was able to resume offering abortions as of noon on Monday because it relinquished its status as an “essential community provider.” The organization says by doing that, it no longer fits the definition of a “prohibited entity” under the federal law and can receive Medicaid funds. Abortion funding has been under attack across the U.S., particularly for Planned Parenthood affiliates, which are the biggest provider.

Big win in midterm vote for Argentina’s President Milei boosts markets and vindicates Trump

Argentine President Javier Milei has hailed his party’s resounding victory in midterm congressional elections as a mandate to press forward with radical free-market reforms. Markets in Argentina rallied, the peso surged and the country’s sovereign bonds jumped on Monday in response. The chronically depreciating Argentine peso — which international investors and Argentine depositors were dumping in droves just last week to hedge against a Milei defeat — soared more than 10% to trade at over 1,300 per dollar on Monday. The price movements — signaling that investors were recovering confidence after Milei’s win — appeared to validate the Trump administration’s bet on its close ideological ally in South America.

Orioles hire Cleveland assistant Craig Albernaz as manager after finishing last in AL East

The Baltimore Orioles have hired Craig Albernaz as their manager. Albernaz, who turns 43 on Thursday, was previously an associate manager with the Cleveland Guardians. He was promoted to that role after serving as bench coach in 2024. Albernaz takes over a Baltimore team that still has plenty of potential despite sliding to 75 wins this year and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Orioles fired manager Brandon Hyde in May, and Tony Mansolino ran the team on an interim basis the rest of the way. Baltimore announced the move Monday.

British political commentator Sami Hamdi detained by federal authorities at California airport

Officials say the British political commentator Sami Hamdi has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at San Francisco International Airport. Hamdi was on a speaking tour in the U.S. On Saturday he had addressed the annual gala for the Sacramento, California, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR. CAIR is the nation’s largest Muslim advocacy organization. It called for Hamdi’s immediate release, saying the commentator has not been deported and remains in U.S. custody. U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin indicated on social media that Hamdi’s visa was revoked and that he is in ICE custody pending removal. A U.S. official said the detention was related to statements Hamdi has made about the Middle East.

When a hurricane threatens, these tips can help you prepare

Hurricane season can be stressful for anyone near the potential path of a storm, as powerful winds and heavy rain can cause widespread damage, cut power for days or weeks and otherwise upend people’s lives. Smart preparation ahead of time can reduce that stress and keep you safer. Emergency management officials say good practices include looking around your home for potential hazards, considering how you might handle evacuation, and putting together a kit of essential supplies. Experts say every family should have an emergency kit with supplies to meet its basic needs.

Trump’s visit to Japan and Malaysia in photos

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is in Japan as part of his trip to Asia, which is focused on trade. He arrived from Malaysia, where he participated in a regional summit. He’s set to visit South Korea next. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. Categories: US & World News

As the Atlantic Ocean warms, climate change is fueling Hurricane Melissa’s ferocity

Hurricane Melissa has rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm due to warming oceans linked to climate change. Scientists say its wind speed doubled in less than 24 hours over the weekend. The hurricane is set to hit Jamaica on Tuesday and then move across Cuba and the Bahamas. Experts note this is the fourth Atlantic storm this year to undergo rapid intensification. Warmer ocean temperatures, driven by climate change, are making such explosive storm developments more common. The storm has already caused fatalities and damage in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.

Kremlin says its test of a nuclear-powered missile reflects security concerns

A Kremlin official says Russia’s test of a nuclear-powered missile that it claims can’t be stopped by air defenses reflects Moscow’s determination to look out for its security interests. The news came after a week that saw tough new U.S. sanctions announced on Russia’s key oil and gas sector and new European commitments of military aid to Ukraine. The United States and European countries are pressing Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the invasion of Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Putin should focus on making a peace deal, not testing missiles.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calls a special session to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries

Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun has called a special session and directed state lawmakers to redraw the state’s congressional districts. The move on Monday expands a national fight over midcycle redistricting that was prompted by President Donald Trump’s focus on giving Republicans an easier path to maintaining control of the House. Indiana lawmakers have the sole power to draw new maps, and Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Indiana Legislature. They are expected to target the state’s only two Democrats in its nine-member congressional delegation.

Republicans grapple with voter frustration over rising health care premiums

Notices of rising health insurance premiums are landing in voters’ mailboxes and sending some to town halls to vent their frustration. Republicans have offered few answers, saying they won’t negotiate until Democrats end the shutdown. The moment revives a familiar dynamic in a the Republican Party that is united in opposing the Affordable Care Act but still without a clear plan to replace it. The lack of a plan to address to rising costs risks political backlash for Republicans in next year’s midterms. Democrats have said tax credits that kept the costs lower should be extended and refused to reopen the government until they are.

Immigration crackdown stokes fear and solidarity at a Catholic church in DC

The Shrine of the Sacred Heart, a Catholic church a short drive from the White House, was intended to be a sanctuary for worshippers. Now, its mostly immigrant congregation is steeped in fear.  Church leaders say more than 40 parishioners have been detained or deported since federal law enforcement stepped up their deployment in August. Many parishioners are too scared to leave home to attend Mass, buy food or seek medical care as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown targets their communities. The parish was established a century ago by Irish, Italian and German immigrants. Today, most of its 5,600 members came from El Salvador.

Hurricane Melissa roars toward Jamaica as a Category 4 storm as island prepares for landfall

Hurricane Melissa is roaring toward Jamaica with destructive Category 4 winds and was expected to strengthen further before making landfall on the Caribbean nation with up to 30 inches of rain and a life-threatening storm surge. U.S. forecasters say some areas could get 40 inches of rain. Melissa’s center was forecast to move over Jamaica on Tuesday, across southeast Cuba on Tuesday night and across the southeast Bahamas on Wednesday. The slow-moving storm has caused four deaths in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Melissa had 145 mph winds and could become a Category 5 storm Monday. A storm surge up to 13 feet could affect coastal areas near where Melissa makes landfall.

Aaron Rodgers wasn’t seeking ‘revenge’ against the Packers, who gave him a reality check instead

Aaron Rodgers was solid but not spectacular in his first-ever game against the Green Bay Packers. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback passed for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-25 loss to the team he won four MVPs and a Super Bowl with earlier in his career. Rodgers says he was happy to see some old friends from Green Bay before the game but once the ball was kicked off, it was all business. Rodgers completed 24 of 36 passes but was outplayed by his former pupil Jordan Love, who threw for 360 yards and three scores.

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers fall short in QB’s reunion with Packers as Love leads 35-25 win

Jordan Love passed for 360 yards and three touchdowns and the Green Bay Packers beat Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-25. Love, who took over for Aaron Rodgers as the Packers’ quarterback in 2023, was nearly flawless in the second half. Love completed his first 16 passes after the break, including two for touchdowns as Green Bay erased a nine-point deficit. Rodgers, who won four MVPs and a Super Bowl in 18 years with the Packers, threw for 219 yards and two scores in his first game against his former club. Green Bay improved to 5-1-1. Pittsburgh is now 4-3.

Yes, those really are the Steelers out there against the Packers. Even if it doesn’t look like it

The Pittsburgh Steelers have donned throwback uniforms for their Sunday night game against the Green Bay Packers. The uniforms honor their inaugural 1933 season. The Steelers swapped their usual black-and-gold uniform for gold jerseys with black vertical stripes and khaki pants. A matte gold helmet replaced their regular black one, but the logo stayed on one side. The team has used various throwback uniforms over the years, including the 1934 “bumblebee” look. The Packers also changed their look, opting for nearly all-white uniforms. The Steelers have had success wearing throwbacks, entering the game 16-5 under coach Mike Tomlin.

For Japan’s new leader, the key to connecting with Trump could be a Ford F-150 truck

President Donald Trump is heading to Japan where he’ll meet new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for the first time. She’s a protege of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who Trump bonded with over their shared love of golf. It’s a critical meeting for Takaichi, who wants to calm trade tensions. Trump has long complained American cars were shut out Japanese markets. So Japan’s government has floated the idea of buying a fleet of Ford F-150 trucks to use to inspect roads and infrastructure. Some worry the trucks could clog narrow Japanese streets. But Trump told reporters he likes the idea.

Big 12 lands season-high 5 teams in the AP Top 25, No. 9 Vandy’s ranking highest since 1937, LSU out

The Big 12 has five teams in the latest Associated Press Top 25 college football poll. That’s the most since September 2024. No. 9 Vanderbilt earned its highest ranking in 88 years. LSU dropped out after its third loss in four games. The top six teams remain unchanged with Ohio State holding the No. 1 spot for a ninth straight week. The Big 12’s ranked teams are co-No. 10 BYU, No. 13 Texas Tech, No. 17 Cincinnati, No. 22 Houston and No. 24 Utah. Vanderbilt is 7-1 for its best start since 1941.

Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1 as the government shutdown drags on. The cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to some of the Americans most in need unless a resolution is found in just a few days. The notice comes after the Trump administration said it will not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep the benefits flowing into November. The Trump administration blames Democrats, who say they won’t agree to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate with them on extending expiring subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

Flights to Los Angeles International Airport halted due to air traffic controller shortage

The Federal Aviation Administration says flights departing for Los Angeles International Airport are being held due to a staffing shortage at a Southern California air traffic facility. The FAA issued a temporary ground stop at one of the world’s busiest airports on Sunday morning soon after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that travelers would see more flights delayed and canceled in the coming days as the nation’s air traffic controllers work without pay during the federal government shutdown. The FAA says it expects to lift the ground stop soon but might continue to restrict traffic into LAX. Staffing shortages also caused disruptions Sunday at New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport and Teteboro Airport.

Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than 2 weeks after announcing he had kidney disease

The New York Jets have announced the death of former center Nick Mangold at age 41. Mangold died Saturday night from complications of kidney disease. Less than two weeks ago, he revealed on social media that he needed a kidney transplant and was seeking a donor. Diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006, Mangold had been on dialysis. Jets owner Woody Johnson described him as a legendary player and beloved teammate. Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, was enshrined in the Jets’ ring of honor in 2022. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Kamala Harris leaves door open for 2028 presidential run

Kamala Harris isn’t ruling out another run for the White House. Harris was asked about the possibility in an interview with the BBC posted online Saturday. She said she expects a woman will be president in the coming years, and it could possibly be her. The former vice president said she’s “not done” but hasn’t decided whether to run in 2028. She dismissed the suggestion that she’d face long odds. Harris replaced then-President Joe Biden as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee after he dropped out of the race. She ultimately lost to Republican President Donald Trump.

Hamas expands search for the remains of hostages in Gaza

Hamas says it is expanding its search for the remains of hostages still left in Gaza. Sunday’s announcement came a day after Egypt sent a team with heavy equipment to assist in the work. Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hamas is expected to return all Israeli hostage remains as soon as possible. Israel has agreed to return 15 bodies of Palestinians for each one. U.S. President Donald Trump warned Saturday he was “watching very closely” to ensure Hamas returns more bodies within the next 48 hours. The fragile ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10.

The East Wing of the White House is gone. Here’s a look at some of the history made there

Betty Ford reportedly said that if the White House West Wing is the “mind” of the nation, then the East Wing is the “heart.” That “heart” beat for more than 100 years until this past week, when President Donald Trump had the East Wing torn down to build a ballroom. First ladies and their teams have worked from their East Wing offices on everything from anti-drug and literacy campaigns to beautification and preservation programs. The Trump White House says it will rebuild a more modern East Wing. Some of those who worked there have mixed opinions about the demolition.

Shooting at a historically Black university’s homecoming fest in Pennsylvania kills 1 and wounds 6

Authorities say gunfire erupted during outdoor festivities at Pennsylvania’s Lincoln University, killing one person and wounding six others. The shooting took place late Saturday as students and alumni celebrated homecoming at the historically Black university, about an hour’s drive southwest of Philadelphia. Authorities say it was a chaotic scene as people fled in all directions. The Chester County district attorney says one person who had a firearm was detained. He says officials are investigating the possibility that there was more than one shooter but don’t believe there’s any active threat to the campus. Authorities aren’t sharing details about the victims.

Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre museum

Paris prosecutors have announced the arrest of suspects in connection with the theft of crown jewels from the Louvre museum. The arrests took place on Saturday evening. One suspect was reportedly preparing to leave the country from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. French media had earlier reported two arrests, but the exact number remains unconfirmed. Thieves stole jewels valued at 102 million dollars in less than eight minutes during a weekend heist. Officials described how the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade and smash display cases. The museum’s director called it a “terrible failure.”

Trump’s redistricting push hits roadblocks in Indiana and Kansas as Republican lawmakers resist

Republicans in Indiana and Kansas are resisting pressure from President Donald Trump to redraw congressional districts. Despite the White House push, Republicans in those Midwestern states say they lack the votes to pass new GOP-friendly maps. This resistance is a rare setback for the Republican president as he aims to cement control of the House in the 2026 elections. Indiana’s state Senate leader says the chamber doesn’t have enough support to redistrict. In Kansas, Republican leaders are struggling to overcome the Democratic governor’s opposition to mid-decade redistricting. The pushback reflects a broader debate over fairness and political strategy.

Velocity rules in October when adrenaline, pressure, crowds push players to throw their hardest

Velocity rules in October. There have been a record 255 pitches of 100 mph or faster this postseason, up from 105 last year and the previous high of 169 in 2022. Right-handed relievers averaged 96.2 mph with their four-seam fastballs through the World Series opener, an increase from 95.8 mph last postseason and 93.3 mph when Major League Baseball started tracking in 2008. A study released by MLB last offseason concluded rising velocities and emphasis on maximum effort are likely causing more pitcher injuries. MLB decided last month to prohibit scouting of many high school and college prospects during the offseason to mandate recovery time.

Former LAPD officer charged with murder in 2015 shooting of unarmed homeless man

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office says a grand jury indictment was unsealed charging a former Los Angeles police officer in the 2015 shooting death of an unarmed homeless man. Clifford Proctor pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder on Friday. Brendan Glenn was killed during a struggle with officers outside a bar. His name became a rallying cry against police shootings in Los Angeles. The indictment comes after the previous district attorney reexamined four use-of-force cases involving police. Current District Attorney Nathan Hochman will decide whether to continue with the case. A previous district attorney in 2018 had declined to charge Proctor.

Argentina votes in midterm elections set to test President Milei’s mandate and US support

Argentines will be heading to the polls in high-stakes midterm elections that could help shape libertarian President Javier Milei’s political path — and the future of U.S. financial support for his government. Nearly half the lower house and a third of the Senate are up for grabs in a vote Sunday seen as a referendum on Milei’s past two years in power. While his wealthier supporters credit him with opening up the economy and scrapping red tape, others in working-class neighborhoods have grown frustrated with falling wages and sluggish growth. Polls show a tight race between Milei’s party and the left-leaning populist opposition. The result will move markets and test Milei’s fragile mandate.

Rubio says mediators of Gaza ceasefire shared information to uncover a recent threat

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Israel, the U.S. and the other mediators of the Gaza ceasefire deal are sharing information to disrupt any threats and that allowed them to identify a possible impending attack last weekend. Speaking to reporters Saturday en route from Israel to Qatar, Rubio says the State Department put out a message, sent the warning to other mediators and the attack didn’t happen. He says the goal is to find threats before anything happens. Rubio also noted that next week the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, is expected in Israel. He says the U.S. is looking for international agreement on a stabilization force in Gaza so more nations can take part.

Virginia gubernatorial candidates debate trans youth rights as LGBTQ+ voters weigh a fraught moment

The rights of trans youth could be a factor Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election and legislative control in Richmond. Republican Winsome Earle-Sears opposes the rights of trans kids at school. Democrat Abigail Spanberger has largely avoided the subject. Each candidate is trying to cast the other as the extremist on the issue. LGBTQ+ Virginians have been grappling with what it means to be queer and trans in a moment where their identities are thrust into statewide and national politics. Other Virginians, meanwhile, worry about its impact on their children.

Trump aims to start his Asia trip with dealmaking in Malaysia

President Donald Trump plans to try to boost his image as an international dealmaker by finalizing a trade agreement with Malaysia and overseeing an expanded ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand. These accords could be completed during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump arrives in Malaysia on Sunday, the first stop on a three-country tour that includes Japan and South Korea. The ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand follows a five-day conflict in July that left dozens dead. Trump used economic leverage to encourage negotiations, threatening to withhold trade agreements unless the fighting stopped.

Venezuela’s Maduro says the US is fabricating a war, seeks to revoke citizenship of opponent López

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro says the U.S. is forging a war against him as the world’s biggest warship approaches the South American country, while moving to revoke the citizenship of an opponent who he accuses of egging on an invasion. Maduro said in a national broadcast Friday the administration of President Donald Trump is “fabricating a new eternal war” as aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford moves closer to Venezuela. On Saturday, the Venezuelan president also referred to the pressure he has felt from the U.S. government as he started legal proceedings seeking to revoke the nationality and cancel the passport of opposition politician Leopoldo López.

Left-leaning independent Connolly wins Irish presidential election

Left-wing independent Catherine Connolly, who secured the backing of Ireland’s left-leaning parties including Sinn Féin, has won the country’s presidential election in a landslide victory against her center-right rival. Official results showed strong voter support for Connolly as president, a largely ceremonial role in Ireland. She won 63% of first-preference votes once spoiled votes were excluded, compared to 29% of her rival Heather Humphreys, of the center-right party Fine Gael. Connolly will be Ireland’s 10th president and the third woman to hold the post.

June Lockhart, beloved mother figure from ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost In Space,’ dies at 100

June Lockhart, beloved for her roles in “Lassie” and “Lost In Space,” has died at 100. She died Thursday of natural causes at her Santa Monica home. Lockhart became a TV star as Ruth Martin in “Lassie” from 1958 to 1964 and as Maureen Robinson in “Lost in Space” from 1965 to 1968. Her warm portrayals endeared her to viewers, though she insisted her real-life persona was different. Lockhart’s career spanned films, TV dramas, and soap operas.

Early voting begins in New York City mayor’s race and contest to pick New Jersey’s next governor

Polling places open Saturday for in-person voting in two of the year’s most closely watched elections: The New York City mayor’s race and the contest to pick New Jersey’s next governor. New Yorkers are choosing between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is on the ballot as an independent. The New Jersey governor’s race features Republican state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli against Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill. Experts say the races have spotlighted affordability and cost of living issues as well as ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party. Election Day is Nov. 4.

Why the time difference between the US and Europe will be one hour shorter this week

Every October, there’s a week when Europe and the U.S. are out of sync with daylight saving time, potentially confusing people organizing international meetings. Most countries don’t observe daylight saving time, but those that do, like Europe and North America, change clocks on different dates. In the U.K. and Europe, clocks go back on the last Sunday in October. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s the first Sunday in November. This creates a temporary one-hour change in the time difference between London and New York, for example. The idea of daylight saving time dates back centuries but became law in many countries in the early 20th century.

Blue Jays’ Addison Barger hits the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Addison Barger launched the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history during Game 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Batting for Davis Schneider against left-hander Anthony Banda, Barger drilled a 2-1 slider 413 feet to right-center — his third home run this postseason. Barger’s drive was the first postseason grand slam in Blue Jays history, and the big blow in a nine-run sixth inning that gave Toronto an 11-2 lead over the defending World Series champions.

By the Numbers: Why trick-or-treaters may bag more gummy candy than chocolate this Halloween

Trick-or-treaters may find more fruity candy than chocolate among their Halloween handouts this year. Younger consumers have also been gravitating toward non-chocolate candies like gummies, drawn by their bright colors and innovative flavors.. Global cocoa prices more than quadrupled between January 2023 and January 2025 due to poor harvests in West Africa, where 70% of cocoa is produced. Chocolate candy is lot more expensive as a result.  In the 12 weeks ending Oct. 5, chocolate Halloween candy cost an average of $8.02 per pound in the U.S. while non-chocolate candy cost an average of $5.77 per pound, according to the market research company Circana. Younger consumers have also been gravitating toward non-chocolate candies like gummies, drawn by their bright colors and innovative flavors.

Shutdowns began as a way to enforce federal law. Now Trump is using it to take more power

The government shutdown is quickly becoming a way for President Donald Trump to exercise new command over the government. Yet it wasn’t always this way. Shutdowns started as an attempt to tighten Washington’s observance of federal law. The modern phenomena of the U.S. government closing down services was set in motion in 1980 by a series of legal opinions from then-Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti. In the current shutdown, Trump has used the funding lapse to punish Democrats, lay off thousands of federal workers and reconfigure the federal budget for his priorities.

Your latest prescription is to get outside

Health care providers are trying a new tactic to promote the healing effects of nature: They’re actually writing prescriptions for it. Time in nature can lower blood pressure and reduce at least the perception of stress. Doctors recommending time outdoors isn’t new, but hundreds of them over the last decade have taken to issuing formal prescriptions in hopes of getting people to follow through. Park Rx America helps providers set up nature prescriptions. They say nearly 2,000 health care providers are registered with them and have issued more than 7,000 nature prescriptions since 2019.

Historic libraries bring modern comfort to book lovers and history buffs in New England

Centuries-old private libraries are bringing modern comfort and awe to book lovers and history buffs in New England. About 20 athenaeums dating back to the 18th- and 19th centuries remain in the region. Back then, athenaeums were exclusive spaces that only people with education and money could access. Today, they are member-supported private libraries where people can explore a seemingly endless maze of books, biographies, town genealogies and more. One athenaeum executive director says some people visit every day to work remotely, read or socialize. Some of the libraries are free while others offer membership for a monthly fee. Most offer day passes and tours, too.