Controversial vaccine trial touted by RFK Jr gets go-ahead in Guinea-Bissau Recommended dose of hepatitis B vaccine will be withheld from thousands of newborns by Danish researchersA controversial research trial that will withhold hepatitis B vaccines from some African newborns was given approval to move forward this week.It is a central part of the vaccine vision for Robert F Kennedy Jr, the secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and a longtime vaccine opponent. Continue reading...
ICJ judge Navi Pillay wins Nobel peace prize for promoting international law Committee recognises work of South African who chaired UN commission that concluded Israel was guilty of genocide in GazaThe Nobel peace prize has been awarded to Navi Pillay, the South African former UN human rights chief who chaired the UN commission that concluded Israel was guilty of genocide in Gaza.The Norwegian Nobel committee said Pillay, who is serving as a judge at the international court of justice (ICJ), has "shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence". Continue reading...
Isaias strengthens to become first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 season Storm expected to make landfall on US's northern Gulf coast with risk of flash floods and isolated river floodingIsaias has become the first Atlantic hurricane of the 2026 season, with wind speeds of 80mph and a minimum pressure of 975mb. It is expected to strengthen to a category 2 hurricane as it approaches the US's northern Gulf coast on Friday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).As a result of the strong El Niño, it has been a notably quiet Atlantic hurricane season. The first hurricane of the season has not formed this late since 8 October 1905, which pre-dates the satellite era (1960s) for tracking hurricanes that has allowed for more non-landfall hurricanes to be discovered. Continue reading...
Egyptian journalists plan weekend protest over detention of six colleagues Matsadaash staff allege torture and forced confessions after being held on charges of working for Muslim BrotherhoodEgyptian journalists are planning a new protest in Cairo this weekend after six colleagues were charged with terrorism offences amid allegations they had been tortured in police detention.Last week, Egyptian authorities arrested the journalists, from the independent factchecking and investigative platform Matsadaash, accusing them in a statement of being unlicensed and producing false news on behalf of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Continue reading...
Scientists discover 180,000 giant tortoises on one Seychelles island Free-roaming Aldabra population far exceeds human population of Seychelles after decades-long recovery programmeA survey of the world's largest free-roaming giant tortoise population has discovered that the once endangered species is thriving.A population of Aldabra giant tortoises lives on an island in Seychelles called Aldabra Atoll. Continue reading...
Bolivia investigates ex-president Evo Morales over alleged ties to 2009 killings Leftist former leader accused of involvement in shooting of three Europeans in Santa Cruz and torture of two othersBolivia's attorney general has announced an investigation into leftist former president Evo Morales, alleging his involvement in the murder and torture of European citizens in 2009.Seventeen years ago, police raided a hotel in the city of Santa Cruz, shooting dead Eduardo Rózsa Flores, a Bolivian-Croatian, Michael Dwyer, an Irishman, and Árpád Magyarosi, a Hungarian-Romanian. Continue reading...
Victims and suspected shooter ID'd in Erie mass shooting as officials search for motive Victims and suspected shooter ID'd in Erie mass shooting as officials search for motiveERIE, PA - Authorities identified the adult victims and the suspected gunman who were found dead after what police described as a "horrific" mass shooting at a home near Lake Erie.Police say on Oct. 9, a gunman fatally shot eight people, most of them relatives, including two young children and a pregnant woman. Authorities say the suspected shooter took his own life before police arrived. The victims included the suspect's wife, children and grandchildren, according to officials.Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook on Oct. 12 identified the adult victims as Twila Tanner, 51; Angelina Stone, 24, who was eight months pregnant; Jonathan Stone, 19; Matthew Stone Jr., 21; Michelle Stone, 44; and Lora Roberts, 37, reported the Erie Times-News, part of the USA TODAY Network.Cook identified the suspect as Matthew Stone Sr., 45.Cook told the Erie Times-News he is not permitted to release the names of the other two shooting victims, a 5-year-old boy and a girl who was 22 months old, because they are under 18. Erie police also did not release the names of the children.Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the suspect shot and killed six people inside the house on the evening of Oct. 9. The gunman then allegedly met two other women, including a family friend, outside the home after they arrived in a "state of distress," Lorah said, citing surveillance video. The gunman allegedly shot the two women before he reentered the home and shot himself, according to the police chief.Authorities have not determined a motive for the incident, which police are treating as a domestic situation because many of the victims are related and lived in the same home.Cook ruled the death of Matthew Stone Sr. as a suicide and the deaths of the others as homicides. All but Lora Roberts were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cook.All members of the Stone family, as well as the two young children, lived at the home where the shooting occurred.Police said the suspect was married to Michelle Stone. Matthew Stone Jr., Jonathan Stone and Angelina Stone were their children, according to Erie police. The 5-year-old boy and the 22-month-old girl were Angelina Stone's children, police said.No autopsies were performed on any of the victims or the suspect.Lorah said officers recovered a handgun that was legally registered to the suspect. He said the suspected shooter last interacted with police in 2022 but did not provide any further information."I think mental health is at play here, but I think it is too soon to really go into a motive," Lorah said.He said the crime scene was the "worst" he had ever seen in his many years working in law enforcement."It was horrific," he said.Contributing: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY; Ed Palattella, Erie Times-NewsSuicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 any time, day or night, or chat online.Crisis Text Lineprovides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they text "HOME" to 741741.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Adult victims, suspected shooter ID'd in Erie mass shootingThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY at https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/10/12/erie-mass-shooting-victims-identified/92217171007/
Judge calls DOJ's defense of abrupt tree removal at D.C. golf course 'inexcusable' Judge calls DOJ's defense of abrupt tree removal at D.C. golf course 'inexcusable'By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A US judge said on Monday that she was "furious" with Justice Department lawyers for their conduct in a lawsuit seeking to halt the Trump administration's takeover of a historic golf course in Washington, saying it was "inexcusable" that hundreds of trees were removed from the course over the weekend. "More than being upset and furious right now, I am just deeply disappointed in the government," US District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington told government lawyers during a court hearing. "On what universe did anyone in your office think this was acceptable?" Reyes, who was appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, said the abrupt removal of about 500 trees at East Potomac Golf Links, which began on Friday afternoon, was unacceptable because in May she had demanded that the government provide advance notice of any substantive construction work at the golf course. The judge issued a temporary order blocking further tree removal and said any defiance of that order would result in proceedings to determine if government officials should be held in contempt of court. The Justice Department's failure to notify the preservationist group that filed the lawsuit over the tree removal work "has cost the government all of its credibility" in the case, the judge said. Reyes said she regretted that she had not put in writing her remarks in May that notice be given of any substantive construction work on the golf course. The judge said the lack of a prior written order was why she had not yet moved forward with contempt proceedings, which begin with a ruling known as a show cause order. "The only reason I have not yet entered a show cause on contempt is because I never put this in a formal order, which, believe me, now I am regretting," the judge said. 'YOU DID YOUR ABSOLUTE WORST' Justice Department lawyer Marissa Piropato said during the hearing that government attorneys had done their best to gather details on tree removal so they could share them in a court filing. "You did not do your best," Reyes replied. "You did your absolute worst." Since taking office in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has targeted US cultural and historical institutions - from museums and monuments to national parks and arts centers - in an attempt to reshape them. The president announced plans last year to overhaul East Potomac Golf Links, a century-old public golf course owned by the federal government and managed by the National Park Service, part of the Interior Department. Trump, a frequent golfer who owns several courses, has said he hopes the renovation will allow the course to host major tournaments. The DC Preservation League said in a February 2026 lawsuit that Trump was flouting environmental laws to "irreparably destroy a priceless piece of American history" so he could "convert a public recreation space into an exclusive, high-end golf course." Reyes told Trump administration lawyers at a May hearing that there would be "serious consequences" if major construction work began without prior court notification. In an October 9 court filing, the Trump administration asked Reyes to dismiss the litigation, saying it was premature because the "proposed project remains at an early and conceptual stage." Lawyers for the DC Preservation League asked Reyes on Sunday to issue an emergency order blocking further tree removal at the course and requiring notice of any other irreparable modifications, saying that despite her May remarks more than 500 trees were removed on Saturday. Reyes issued a temporary order on Sunday that paused any tree removal until Tuesday morning, and indicated during Monday's hearing that she intended to extend the block until she can hear testimony from Gregory Wischer, a deputy chief of staff at the US Interior Department. Kevin Griess, a National Park Service official, said at Monday's hearing that tree removal was intended to improve safety at the park and restore its original design, and was part of a 2019 plan that predates Trump's ambitions for the course. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Bill Berkrot) This article originally appeared on Reuters at https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/judge-blasts-trumps-doj-over-160408594.html
Trump says he's weighing whether to fire Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece Trump says he's weighing whether to fire Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to GreeceWashington - President Trump said he and his administration are "looking at" firing Kimberly Guilfoyle from her position as U.S. ambassador to Greece, after an associate of Guilfoyle's alleged she asked him to wire $100,000 to pay her American Express bill in exchange for her help with the Trump administration ahead of her Senate confirmation hearing. "Well, we're looking at it," the president told reporters on his way to Ohio when asked if he's considering firing Guilfoyle. "We're not happy."Guilfoyle is aware that Mr. Trump is debating firing her, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. She has been talking to her lawyer and asking Trump administration aides for advice, the sources said.Businessman Eric Deters told CBS News last week he has "no doubt it was pay-to-play" when Guilfoyle asked for funds. Deters also provided CBS News with screenshots of his texts with Guilfoyle, including one message in which she appeared to ask him to wire money. Deters said he never gave her the money."Unfortunately for Kimberly Guilfoyle, at that time, at that moment in time, I didn't have $100,000 to spare to give to Kimberly Guilfoyle, or I actually would have been a dumbass enough to do it."White House officials were told that the text messages between Guilfoyle and Deters were authentic, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News last week. Some Trump aides expressed displeasure about Guilfoyle's actions, they said.Guilfoyle's lawyer disputed the authenticity of the texts to The Wall Street Journal, which was first to report on them.The Journal also reported this weekend that Guilfoyle boasted in audio recordings about Greek businessmen who paid for her travel, and reportedly encouraged foreign governments to do business with one of the tycoons.Guilfoyle, nominated by Mr. Trump to serve as his top envoy to Greece, is the ex-fiancée of Donald Trump Jr. Her confirmation hearing was held in July 2025, and she was confirmed in September of that year.She was highly visible during Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Greece last week. At the time, Rubio did not respond to questions about Deter's allegations, telling reporters: "I'm not going to comment on a story that literally posted a few hours ago."This article originally appeared on CBS News at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-says-hes-looking-at-firing-kimberly-guilfoyle/
Fed officials are warning of more economic pain. Many Americans already feel it. Fed officials are warning of more economic pain. Many Americans already feel it.The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building is seen under construction in Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2026. - Mehmet Eser/Anadolu/Getty ImagesFour years ago, with inflation at multi-decade highs, then-Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a blunt message to Americans: Getting inflation under control would come at a cost.The Fed needed to act "forcefully," Powell told attendees at a key central banker conference that August. Doing so, he cautioned, would bring "some pain" for consumers.Now, with the Fed back to raising interest rates for the first time in three years, a familiar warning about the economic fallout is resurfacing.Inflation across the country is being driven primarily by fuel prices, which have skyrocketed since the war with Iran broke out in February. The Fed has little control over oil production, but by raising interest rates, it is seeking to prevent higher energy costs from spilling over into other parts of the economy and fueling broader inflation.A sign displays the prices of unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel as a driver refuels a vehicle at a gas station in Torrance, California, on September 28, 2026. - Caroline Brehman/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesWhile this type of supply-driven inflation may be easier to bring under control than the post-pandemic demand-driven inflation, "it won't be painless either," Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said last month.For central bankers, the challenge is balancing two competing priorities: keeping inflation in check and preserving a healthy labor market. When price increases become too rapid, the Fed typically raises interest rates, making borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses. That, in turn, can curb spending and cool demand, easing pressure on prices.But that slowdown can come at a cost to workers, often leading to weaker hiring, fewer job openings, and, in some cases, job losses, as businesses struggle with higher borrowing costs."Inflation is the disease. And now the Fed comes with a cure: higher interest rates," Beth Ann Bovino, chief economist at US Bank, said. "I don't know which is more painful because they both hurt."A customer shops in a supermarket in New York on September 28, 2026. - Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty ImagesConsumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of US economic activity, making it a key driver of growth. If Americans pull back - either because prices are eating up more of their budgets or because higher borrowing costs force them to set aside more money for expenses such as a home purchase - the economy could slow. In a worst-case scenario, that pullback could help tip the economy into a recession, Bovino told CNN.For now, though, economic pain isn't being felt equally. Americans with substantial investments in the stock market, which is hovering near record highs, may be doing just fine. Those who rely more heavily on their paychecks to cover everyday expenses have less of a cushion against rising prices."Those are the people being hurt," she said.
Patience is a virtue - until it isn't
With the risks of higher interest rates in mind, a growing chorus of Fed officials have recently been advocating for a more patient approach as they tackle the issue of inflation. Rather than trying to get a head start at fighting the potential for more or broader-based inflation, several central bankers have said they'd like more time to observe how economic conditions evolve to get a better idea of how many more rate hikes, if any, are needed."There is no need for urgency," New York Fed President John Williams said last month.Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson echoed that sentiment. "Any future adjustments in policy should be determined by carefully examining trends in the data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks," he said earlier this month.But waiting to act carries risks of its own. With the Fed's preferred inflation gauge more than a percentage point above its 2% annual target, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack warned that delaying action could make the fight against inflation even more painful."The longer inflation stays above our objective, the harder it will be for us to bring it back down, and the more pain that individuals and businesses are going to be experiencing," Hammack said in an August CNBC interview.For the Fed, the challenge is figuring out how much pain the economy can withstand - and which risk is worse: acting too soon or waiting too long. Either way, consumers are likely to pay the price.The September Consumer Price Index report due Wednesday may give officials some valuable clues.For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.comThis article originally appeared on CNN Business at https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/12/economy/federal-reserve-inflation-pain
Consumer sentiment fell to 46.3 in October, down 1.8 points from September's reading of 48.1, according to the latest from the University of Michigan. The result represented a five-month low.
Pressured household finances have appeared in the crop of third quarter earnings reports from packaged food companies. Food and beverage giant PepsiCo (PEP) slashed its full-year profit outlook last week. That came on the heels of spice-maker McCormick (MKC) reporting sluggish demand in its most recent quarter.
"We don't expect the consumer to suddenly become in a much better place in the next 12 to 18 months," PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said on the company's earnings call.
Here are several charts from the Goldman Sachs team that shed light on the realities facing many US households, and why a lot of consumer companies are struggling.
Household debt is on the rise
With the cost of living remaining high, households are taking on more debt to get by. Household debt now tops $18 trillion.Debt moving higher.
Goldman Sachs
Personal savings are dwindling
In addition to taking on more debt, households have dipped into their savings to spend on what they need to spend on. Personal savings rates are below the long-term average.
Inflation has eaten up worker wages. In September, average hourly earnings rose just 0.1% month over month and 3% year over year, according to Labor Department data. Government data found that, in August, inflation increased 3.4% year over year.Wages under pressure too.
Elon Musk pours $276 million into the GOP ahead of midterms Elon Musk pours $276 million into the GOP ahead of midtermsAaron Schwartz - CNP / MEGAElon Musk has given millions to the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.Since July, the world's richest man, 55, has given more than $276 million to Republican groups and his own super PAC, making him the largest donor in the midterm elections, according toThe New York Times.Representatives for Musk shared the figure with the outlet ahead of a federal filing deadline on Thursday, October 15.Musk's giving this summer included $158 million to the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, the Senate Leadership Fund, his team told the publication.ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA"In sum, that is one of the largest political donations in American history, and more than the group's Democratic rival raised from all of its donors that quarter," according to The New York Times.Additionally, the SpaceX founder donated over $76 million to his super PAC, America PAC. America PAC spent that amount on canvassing to boost Republican voter turnout.ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGAThe remaining $42 million Musk spent on the midterm elections included $20 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for House Republicans, $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC, which supports Ken Paxton's bid for senator, $10 million to the Republican Governors Association, and $2 million to the Republican Attorneys General Association.In total, during the 2025 to 2026 election cycle, Musk has given about $366 million, up from $290 million he spent in the 2024 election to reelect PresidentDonald Trump and the Republican Party. Ahead of July, the Tesla CEO had given $90 million. The outlet noted Musk "has given even more in undisclosed donations during both elections," citing "people briefed on the giving."
Cook told the Erie Times-News he is not permitted to release the names of the other two shooting victims, a 5-year-old boy and a girl who was 22 months old, because they are under 18. Erie police also did not release the names of the children.Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the suspect shot and killed six people inside the house on the evening of Oct. 9. The gunman then allegedly met two other women, including a family friend, outside the home after they arrived in a "state of distress," Lorah said, citing surveillance video. The gunman allegedly shot the two women before he reentered the home and shot himself, according to the police chief.Authorities have not determined a motive for the incident, which police are treating as a domestic situation because many of the victims are related and lived in the same home.Cook ruled the death of Matthew Stone Sr. as a suicide and the deaths of the others as homicides. All but Lora Roberts were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cook.All members of the Stone family, as well as the two young children, lived at the home where the shooting occurred.
Police said the suspect was married to Michelle Stone. Matthew Stone Jr., Jonathan Stone and Angelina Stone were their children, according to Erie police. The 5-year-old boy and the 22-month-old girl were Angelina Stone's children, police said.No autopsies were performed on any of the victims or the suspect.Lorah said officers recovered a handgun that was legally registered to the suspect. He said the suspected shooter last interacted with police in 2022 but did not provide any further information."I think mental health is at play here, but I think it is too soon to really go into a motive," Lorah said.He said the crime scene was the "worst" he had ever seen in his many years working in law enforcement."It was horrific," he said.Contributing: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY; Ed Palattella, Erie Times-NewsSuicide Lifeline: If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the 
The Journal 
