California Voters to Decide on Congressional Map Changes California voters are nearing the end of a special election that could change how congressional districts are drawn. Proposition 50 would give state lawmakers the power to redraw the lines of California’s congressional districts temporarily. Some worry this change could hurt the voices of people in rural areas. Jenny Holtermann, a farmer in California's Central Valley, says the proposed map could divide Republican areas, making it harder for them to elect representatives who understand their way of life.

Kenyan Runners Dominate New York City Marathon NEW YORK – The New York City Marathon saw a display of athletic prowess as Kenyan runners secured the top spots in both the men's and women's races. Hellen Obiri emerged victorious in the women's division, setting a new course record, while Benson Kipruto narrowly claimed the men's title in a thrilling photo finish. Obiri, a previous champion in 2023, completed the race in an impressive 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 51 seconds. She ran alongside Sharon Lokedi, the 2022 winner, before pulling ahead in the final mile, surpassing the previous record of 2:22.31 set in 2003.

Hurricane Melissa Deals Blow to Caribbean Farmers, Fishers Jamaica and surrounding island nations are reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm that has devastated local agriculture and fishing industries. The storm, packing winds of up to 185 mph, has left a trail of destruction, impacting the livelihoods of countless families who depend on these sectors. In Jamaica, communities like White House in Westmoreland parish have been particularly hard hit.

U.S. Considers Strengthening Nuclear Deterrent Washington, D.C. – Recent statements from the White House suggest a renewed focus on bolstering America’s nuclear capabilities in a changing global landscape. Energy Secretary Chris Wright addressed concerns arising from President Trump’s announcement regarding potential nuclear weapons testing, clarifying that the focus is on the reliability and effectiveness of existing systems, not on explosive detonations.

Anthony Hopkins, the celebrated actor, has been reflecting on his journey with sobriety and his personal well-being. In a recent interview, the 87-year-old actor spoke candidly about his past struggles and the insights he's gained along the way. Hopkins shared that he considered the possibility that some of his own mental struggles might have been inherited from his father, who also battled with alcohol.

A Mississippi mother took action to protect her family after a monkey, one of several that escaped following a truck accident last week, appeared near her home. Jessica Bond Ferguson, a mother of five, shot and killed the monkey early Sunday morning near Heidelberg, Mississippi, after her son spotted it in their yard. Bond Ferguson stated that she and her neighbors had been warned about potential diseases the monkeys could carry.

Trump Confirms No Plans for China to Invade Taiwan During His Presidency In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump expressed confidence that China will not invade Taiwan while he remains in office. Trump shared insights from his Thursday meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that the topic of Taiwan was not discussed. He stated, "They understand what’s gonna happen," and emphasized that Xi JinPing has acknowledged the potential consequences of military action against Taiwan.

Bears Snatch Victory from Bengals in Thrilling High-Scoring Game In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious against the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 47-42. The game, held on Sunday afternoon, was a back-and-forth affair, filled with exciting plays and dramatic twists. Caleb Williams, the Bears' quarterback, led his team to a narrow win over Joe Flacco and the Bengals.

A Halloween party in California turned into a tragedy when a shooting occurred, leaving one person dead and another injured. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that deputies responded to a call about a shooting at a home in Santa Clarita, a neighborhood north of Los Angeles, around 11:15 p.m. on October 31. Upon arrival, they discovered two men with gunshot wounds. One man, in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim, a 27-year-old man, was rushed to the hospital and is currently in critical condition.

Cartoonist Scott Adams, known for "Dilbert," has turned to former President Trump for help with a medical issue. Adams shared on social media that he needs a new cancer drug treatment quickly. Adams, who recently revealed he has prostate cancer, said his healthcare provider has approved the new FDA-approved drug. However, he says there's a delay in scheduling the treatment, and his health is declining.

President Trump's Team Seeks Solution to Food Assistance During Shutdown Washington, D.C. – As a partial government shutdown continues, the Trump administration is working to find a way to ensure that Americans who rely on food assistance programs continue to receive support. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the administration is actively exploring options to resume Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as early as Wednesday.

Kenya Landslide Death Toll Climbs Amidst Ongoing Rains NAIROBI, Kenya – The number of people confirmed dead after a landslide in western Kenya has risen to 26. Rescue efforts faced setbacks due to additional flooding, highlighting the challenges of disaster response in the region. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen stated that 25 individuals remain missing. The government is working to locate them, deploying military aircraft to reach the affected area, which has been isolated due to damaged roads.

Sandra Vergara, cousin and adopted sister of actress Sofia Vergara, is stepping into the spotlight, navigating the pressures and perks that come with a famous last name. In a recent interview, Sandra, a luxury real estate agent now appearing on Netflix's "Selling Sunset," discussed how she balances her own identity with the inevitable comparisons to her well-known sister. Sandra acknowledges the comparisons are natural, but emphasizes that she's forging her own path. She credits Sofia with supporting her when she first moved to Los Angeles and expresses deep respect for her sister's accomplishments.

HARTFORD, Conn. – As winter approaches, some Americans who rely on government help to heat their homes are facing uncertainty. A program called the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps millions of families with their heating and cooling bills. However, some states are warning that the money for this program might be delayed. This is because Congress has not yet agreed on a full budget for the year.

Trump Calls for Action Against Violence Towards Christians in Nigeria In a bold statement, former President Donald Trump expressed strong concerns regarding the treatment of Christians in Nigeria. He took to social media, warning that if the Nigerian government does not take significant steps to protect its Christian population, the United States may halt all aid to the country and consider military action against the perpetrators of violence.

The Clemson Tigers faced a tough loss at home against the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, in a game filled with back-and-forth action. Duke started strong, gaining 199 yards in the first quarter and taking a 21-7 lead. However, Clemson fought back, scoring three touchdowns in a row to take the lead at 28-21. With only six minutes remaining, Clemson seemed to be in control, but Duke mounted a final drive that changed the game.

Susan Smith remains in prison, more than three decades after she confessed to killing her two young sons. In October 1994, Smith reported that a Black man had stolen her car with her children inside. However, nine days later, she admitted that she had let her car roll into a lake with her sons, 3-year-old Michael and 14-month-old Alexander, inside.

U.S. and China Aim for Better Communication The United States and China are working on creating direct lines of communication between their militaries. This is to help avoid misunderstandings and calm things down if problems come up, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. After talking with China’s Minister of National Defense, Admiral Dong Jun, Hegseth said on social media that he had a "positive meeting." This follows President Trump's discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

A serious stabbing incident on a train heading to London has left several people injured, with two in critical condition, according to British authorities. The police have two men in custody, both born in the UK, following the swift response to the emergency calls from passengers. While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement officials have stated that there is currently no indication that this was an act of terror.

Glen Powell, the actor known for "Top Gun: Maverick," recently shared a funny story from the set of his new movie, "The Running Man." He talked about a scene where he had to rappel down a building while wearing very little clothing – just a towel and a small pouch. Powell explained that he didn't realize people were working inside the building and could see him.

Nigeria Faces Scrutiny Over Religious Freedom Abuja, Nigeria – Concerns are growing in the United States regarding the protection of religious minorities in Nigeria, particularly Christians. Recent statements highlight the ongoing debate about the extent of religious freedom in the West African nation and what actions, if any, the U.S. should take. Nigeria's President Tinubu has defended his nation, asserting that religious freedom is a core value.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has raised concerns about the continuing government shutdown and its negative impact on the U.S. economy. He stated that this standoff is causing delays in important business deals, freezing initial public offerings (IPOs), and putting jobs at risk as necessary approvals stall. This ongoing shutdown has also pushed back the release of the Commerce Department's early estimate for the third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP).

The World Series concluded with a thrilling Game 7 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, a game filled with dramatic swings and nail-biting tension that ended with the Dodgers securing a 5-4 victory in extra innings. The win marks their second consecutive World Series title, a feat last achieved by the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000.

A sad event has shaken a small town in Georgia. A 73-year-old woman named Ollie Hamilton was found dead inside her church, Smith Chapel Holiness Church in Athens. The police were called to the church on Wednesday evening after someone reported the incident. When they arrived, they found Ms. Hamilton in an area near the church kitchen. Sadly, she was already gone.

As New Yorkers head to the polls, the upcoming mayoral election is drawing attention, with former President Barack Obama recently offering words of support to leading candidate Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, has been described as bringing a "new kind of politics" to the city. While Obama has stopped short of an official endorsement, sources say he offered to be a "sounding board" for Mamdani, signaling a potential shift in the Democratic Party.