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- Cornell University faculty initiate no confidence vote over response to alleged gang rape
- Maya Gebala discharged from hospital 262 days after Tumbler Ridge shooting
- Defense Secretary Hegseth dismisses Pentagon’s top military planner over leaks claims
- Protester throws Molotov cocktail at hotel housing asylum seekers in Islington
- Eight-year-old girl injured in wolf attack at German wildlife park
- Israel’s election results ignite political turmoil amid deep divisions
- Israeli election vote counting continues amid uncertainty over majority outcome
- Okanagan Falls’ first municipal council undergoes training before inaugural meeting
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Cornell University faculty initiate no confidence vote over response to alleged gang rape
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Get you up to speed: Cornell begins no confidence vote over handling of alleged gang rape
Cornell University has initiated a no-confidence vote for its leadership following an alleged gang rape case involving a female student identified as Jane Doe and seven male students at a fraternity house in 2024. The vote, started by faculty members, will continue until November 6, amid concerns over the university’s handling of the situation.
The no-confidence vote began on 29 October and will continue until 6 November. Two of the accused have requested the removal of New York Attorney General Letitia James from the investigation, which is facing scrutiny over social media posts made prior to her appointment.
Cornell University’s no-confidence vote against its leadership will continue until November 6, reflecting faculty dissatisfaction with President Michael Kotlikoff’s handling of an alleged gang rape case. In response to calls for clearer leadership, a group of 20 female faculty members has urged Kotlikoff to resign, highlighting a perceived leadership vacuum in addressing sexual violence on campus.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how many faculty members are participating in the no-confidence vote or what its precise implications may be for President Michael Kotlikoff.
Cornell University faculty initiate no confidence vote over response to alleged gang rape
News|Sexual AssaultCornell begins no confidence vote over handling of alleged gang rape
Faculty vote will continue until next Friday and could send message that school’s president has lost their confidence.
Published On 29 Oct 202629 Oct 2026
Published On 29 Oct 202629 Oct 2026Cornell University has begun a no-confidence vote for the school’s leadership after an alleged gang rape prompted public outcry over sexual assault on college campuses and scrutiny over the university’s handling of the case.
Faculty members started the no-confidence vote on Thursday that is expected to continue until November 6. The initiative is non-binding, but could send a message that president Michael Kotlikoff has lost the confidence of the school’s faculty.
“Hundreds of students, staff, faculty and alumni approached the sponsors of this resolution to emphasize to us that the Jane Doe case is but a tip of the iceberg,” said Paul Ortiz, the lead faculty sponsor of the resolution.
A lawsuit filed last month alleges that a female student, identified as Jane Doe, was drugged and gang raped by seven male students at a fraternity house in 2024.
The case has raised questions about whether the university acted with sufficient urgency or downplayed the alleged abuse in order to protect its reputation. The university initially shut down the fraternity and suspended the male students, two of whom were later expelled.
Faculty considered on Wednesday whether to postpone a vote of no confidence, with some urging patience and others arguing that the vote was a necessary response to institutional reluctance to take the issue seriously.
The Associated Press news agency reported that the debate took place after a group of 20 female science and engineering faculty members called on Kotlikoff to resign in a letter to trustees.
“What our community needed was clear leadership; instead, it faced a leadership vacuum,” the letter stated.
Kotlikoff sought to address the fallout in a statement earlier this month in which he listed a number of preliminary responses.
“I am deeply sorry for the harm Jane Doe suffered in 2024, and appalled that this act of sexual violence occurred within our Cornell community,” he said.
Two of the men accused of taking part in the alleged rape of Jane Doe have asked for New York Attorney General Letitia James to be removed from her role overseeing the renewed criminal probe into the case over social media posts from the attorney general expressing support for the accuser prior to her appointment.
A judge on Thursday appeared sceptical of one of the challenges, which James’ office has said are “without merit”.
Maya Gebala discharged from hospital 262 days after Tumbler Ridge shooting
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What’s the Latest: Maya Gebala released from hospital 262 days after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Maya Gebala has been released from hospital 262 days after being shot inside Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, which resulted in eight fatalities, including the shooter. Her father, David Gebala, provided updates on her recovery via social media and chronicled her progress since the shooting on February 10.
Maya Gebala was airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital on February 10 following a shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Her father reported that she was released from the hospital after 262 days of recovery.
Maya Gebala has been released from hospital after 262 days of treatment following the Tumbler Ridge shooting. Her father, David Gebala, expressed gratitude to the medical staff and emphasized the need to continue moving forward, stating, “Now it’s time to leave these hospital walls behind and keep moving forward, Maya Bear.”
What remains unclear — The exact circumstances surrounding the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge that left eight people dead are not detailed.
Maya Gebala discharged from hospital 262 days after Tumbler Ridge shooting
Maya Gebala, a victim of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, has been released from hospital after 262 days of treatment. Her father, David Gebala, shared an update on social media, detailing the harrowing journey since the shooting, which occurred on February 10. “It’s been 262 days since you were airlifted to BC Children’s Hospital,” David wrote on X, noting the grim prognosis given by doctors shortly after the incident.
The mass shooting not only claimed eight lives, including that of the shooter, but also left numerous others injured. Maya and fellow victim Paige Hoekstra faced critical injuries and were both airlifted to B.C. Children’s Hospital. David documented Maya’s progress, including significant milestones such as when she opened her eyes and moved her legs, which occurred 251 days after the shooting.
In his account, David recalled emotional moments, such as the first time he was able to hold Maya again after the tragedy. He expressed relief and gratitude for the gradual recovery of his daughter, who celebrated significant moments, including her 13th birthday at a Foo Fighters concert 40 days ago.
David remarked on Maya’s tenacity, stating, “There was never a day I stopped believing we would get here. The road ahead is still long, but this is a milestone no one thought we would reach.” He expressed appreciation for the healthcare team that played a crucial role in her recovery.
Maya’s release marks a significant step forward, and David concluded with a hopeful message: “Now it’s time to leave these hospital walls behind and keep moving forward, Maya Bear. I love you forever and always.”
Defense Secretary Hegseth dismisses Pentagon’s top military planner over leaks claims
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Get you up to speed: Hegseth fires Pentagon’s top military planner over what official says were leaks to media
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon’s top military planner, following accusations of misconduct related to leaking classified information regarding the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars. The Department of Justice has been notified, and the situation stems from Sylvia’s failure of three polygraph tests regarding these allegations.
The Department of Justice is now involved in the investigation following the misconduct accusations against Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia. Pentagon officials indicated that no immediate replacement for Sylvia has been announced as the fallout from the leak investigation continues.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia following accusations of misconduct related to leaking classified information and failures in polygraph tests, with the matter referred to the Department of Justice for potential legal action. The Pentagon spokesperson stated that further comments would not be made to protect the integrity of the investigation, emphasising the seriousness of leaking classified information.
What remains unclear — The specifics of the allegations against Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia that led to his dismissal have not been disclosed.
Defense Secretary Hegseth dismisses Pentagon’s top military planner over leaks claims
Washington — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, several sources confirmed to WTX US News late Wednesday.
A Pentagon official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, said Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was accused of misconduct for allegedly leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Sylvia failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with the press, the official said, adding that the case has been referred to the Department of Justice.
Two other Pentagon sources confirmed to WTX US News that the firing was related to the polygraph tests, but said those accusations are not true.
Hegseth has made rooting out leakers at the Pentagon a priority, with sources telling WTX US News last month that high-ranking military officials were subject to polygraph tests. Three staffers from his office were escorted out last year amid a leak investigation, but the Pentagon never released the results of any investigation.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell did not name Sylvia by name in a statement on social media, but said that “following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information.”
Sgt. Timothy Jackson/U.S Army via AP 
“To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further comment will be made regarding the individual or the circumstances of this action,” Parnell continued. “This matter, along with others, have been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action. Classified information is not personal property. Leaking it for personal, political or professional gain is a betrayal of the trust placed in those responsible for keeping it. Our commitment was not an empty promise. We vowed to find you, and we meant it.”
Sylvia’s firing comes as President Trump weighs resuming strikes against Iran after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff, and was coordinating the Iran battle plan. Sylvia is the second general during Hegseth’s tenure to be removed from what is known as a “J5” post, which is the lead on how the Iran war affects long-term planning. Sylvia’s predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced to retire in October 2025.
No replacement for Sylvia has been named.
The firing was reported earlier by The Atlantic.
After initially issuing a statement extending “the deepest gratitude” for Slyvia’s 32 years of service, a spokesperson for the Joint Staff retracted the statement and issued a new one.
“Upon further review, we determined that the statement did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances,” the spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the servicemember and the ongoing personnel process we will not comment further.”
Sylvia is a former commander of the 101st Airborne Division with multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, earned a Bronze Star for Valor. He was a Purple Heart recipient after being wounded in battle in that gunfight with the Taliban, and he had a storied combat career that spanned 32 years.
Protester throws Molotov cocktail at hotel housing asylum seekers in Islington
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Get you up to speed: Anti-migrant protester ‘threw Molotov cocktail’ at a hotel housing asylum seekers | News UK
Mark Neville, 65, has been convicted of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, which housed asylum seekers, on 24 September 2025. The fire caused by the device was quickly extinguished, and Neville has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
Mark Neville, 65, has pleaded guilty to charges including attempted arson and possession of a prohibited weapon, with a sentencing date yet to be determined. The investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley included analyzing extensive CCTV footage, which captured Neville’s actions and aided in his swift identification and arrest.
Mark Neville, 65, has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to attempted arson with intent to endanger life and possession of weapons at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley stated, “We remain resolute in our determination to protect Londoners and relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause fear and harm,” as sentencing details are expected to be confirmed shortly.
What remains unclear — The exact date for Mark Neville’s sentencing has not been established.
Protester throws Molotov cocktail at hotel housing asylum seekers in Islington
CCTV footage captured the moment an anti-migrant protester hurled a Molotov cocktail at a hotel housing hundreds of asylum seekers.
Balaclava-clad Mark Neville, 65, was seen clutching a plastic bag close to his chest as he crouched down outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington on September 25 last year.
Neville lobbed the firebomb towards the hotel’s entrance, where it exploded near some bins but was quickly put out.
He was later caught with a lock knife five minutes from the hotel and a stun gun.
Gloves with DNA matching Neville’s recovered from a nearby bin revealed trace amounts of medium petroleum distillate (MPD), a flammable chemical used in the device.
Following his arrest, Neville admitted attending protests including an anti-migrant demo outside the hotel as well as events organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
He initially denied throwing the Molotov cocktail during his police interview, but said upon being shown the CCTV footage: ‘Go on then, f–k it, it was me.’
Tom Nicholson, prosecuting, said Neville had previously complained to a bartender at his local pub about asylum seekers, saying: ‘You know, these f—ing immigrants, they make me sick.’
He claimed they were taking jobs and mentioned the rape of a woman, the court heard.
The prosecutor said Neville’s feelings about migrants were relevant, adding: ‘We are suggesting it is the motivation behind the attack.’
Neville, of Pear Tree Street, Islington, admitted attempted arson being reckless as to endanger life, possession of the knife and possession of a prohibited weapon at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
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He was remanded in custody ahead of sentence on a date to be fixed. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, whose team led the investigation, said: ‘Neville fire-bombed a hotel in an attack that was designed to terrify residents and the local community. His actions could easily have caused horrific injuries.
‘Officers immediately moved to identify him, track him down and arrest him, examining hundreds of hours of CCTV and gathering crucial evidence.
‘After he was arrested, he tried to deny his guilt, as officers uncovered overwhelming proof that he was motivated by hate. We remain resolute in our determination to protect Londoners and relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause fear and harm, bringing serious offenders to justice.’
Eight-year-old girl injured in wolf attack at German wildlife park
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Get you up to speed: Girl, 8, seriously injured after being attacked by a wolf at a wildlife park in Germany | News World
An eight-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries after being attacked by a wolf at Johannismühle park in Brandenburg, Germany, on Wednesday. She was airlifted to hospital, and the park has temporarily closed while police investigate the incident.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the specific circumstances of the attack. Johannismühle Wildlife Park, which features various animal encounters, has been closed since the attack occurred before its 10am opening time on Wednesday, with plans to reopen on November 2.
German police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the wolf attack, with the wildlife park temporarily closed and scheduled to reopen on November 2. This incident follows a troubling trend of serious animal attacks at wildlife facilities across Europe, prompting increased scrutiny of safety measures in similar establishments.
What remains unclear — The investigation has not clarified the exact circumstances leading to the girl’s attack by the wolf.
Eight-year-old girl injured in wolf attack at German wildlife park
An eight-year-old girl has been seriously injured after being attacked by a wolf at a wildlife park in Germany.
The child was inside an enclosure at Johannismühle park in Brandenburg, south of Berlin, when the incident happened on Wednesday, police said.
She was with a member of staff and two other children at the time.
No one else was injured.
The girl suffered head injuries and was airlifted to hospital, according to German newspaper Bild.
Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the attack were still being investigated.
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The wildlife park, located in the town of Baruth/Mark, has temporarily closed following the incident. Its website says it is due to reopen on November 2.
The entrance to Johannesmuehle Wildlife Park has been cordoned off with barrier tape (Picture: Carsten Koall/DPA via AP)
It is home to grey and Arctic wolves, as well as brown bears, lynxes and other animals.
Bild reported that the attack happened before the park opened to the public at 10am local time, raising the possibility that the girl was taking part in a special animal encounter.
Johannismühle offers small-group tours that give visitors the chance to spend time around certain animals. Its website advertises activities including feeding wolves and petting llamas.
This comes after there have been a series of serious animal attacks at wildlife parks and zoos across Europe.
A keeper at a zoo in the Netherlands died this week after being mauled by a leopard, while a man was killed by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park earlier this month.
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Israel’s election results ignite political turmoil amid deep divisions
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Israel‘s election results ignite political turmoil amid deep divisions
Israel’s political landscape remains fraught as Benjamin Netanyahu‘s Likud party appears set to form a government amid growing tensions in the Knesset. Following a hard-fought election, Netanyahu has faced accusations of launching a delegitimisation campaign against Arab parties, intensifying the ongoing divisions within the Israeli electorate. As Israel grapples with these internal conflicts, the potential ramifications for its regional stance and diplomatic relationships are under scrutiny. Analysts are closely monitoring the implications of Netanyahu’s return to power and the dynamics within his coalition, especially regarding relations with minority parties and influences from external actors like the United States.
On the economic front, investor sentiment in Israel may be affected as political instability raises concerns about governance and policy continuity. Watch for any significant policy announcements from Netanyahu that could signal changes in fiscal strategy or international relations in the coming weeks, as investors assess the stability of the new government.
Key developments across the world
Israel’s election deadlock is a sign of the country’s deep divisions
WORLD POLITICS — Israel faces a political impasse as the recent elections failed to produce a clear winner. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is struggling to form a coalition amid accusations of electoral manipulation.
The elections revealed deep divisions within Israeli society, as Netanyahu’s tactics are viewed by some as fostering division rather than unity. This situation could lead to prolonged political instability in the country.
Trump wades back into Epstein scandal after Obama’s Cheescake Factory gag infuriates MAGA: Live updates
DIPLOMACY — Former President Donald Trump has reignited controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein during a campaign rally. His comments have drawn criticism and intensified discussions about political accountability.
Trump’s remarks highlight his ongoing attempts to connect with his base while navigat ing past scandals, suggesting a strategy to reclaim political relevance in the upcoming midterms. This move may polarise the Republican party further as it grapples with its identity.
Flavio Bolsonaro insists he is ‘leader of Brazil’ despite losing election run-off
WORLD POLITICS — Flavio Bolsonaro has declared himself the “leader of Brazil” after his significant loss in the recent presidential election run-off. This declaration comes amidst his family’s turbulent political history and ongoing investigations into corruption.
This audacious claim highlights the fractious nature of Brazilian politics, raising concerns about the potential for political instability and exacerbating divisions within the country. Flavio’s actions may also provoke further legal scrutiny against him and his family.
Girl, 8, mauled by wolf at German wildlife park
INTERNATIONAL LAW — An eight-year-old girl suffered severe injuries after being attacked by wolves during a zoo experience in Germany. The incident has raised questions about animal safety regulations in wildlife parks.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, which has sparked significant public outrage and calls for stricter safety measures in animal parks. This incident could lead to changes in policies regarding visitor interaction with wildlife.
Israel’s election deadlock is a sign of the country’s deep divisions
GLOBAL SECURITY — The ongoing electoral stalemate in Israel raises concerns about its implications on regional security. A fragmented government may jeopardise effective governance during a crucial time for the nation.
The failure to form a coalition could weaken Israel’s stance in global diplomacy and security efforts, particularly regarding ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
What to watch — Developments in the Israeli political landscape could significantly impact the broader Middle Eastern stability.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Israel’s election deadlock is a sign of the country’s deep divisions
The New York Times
How Netanyahu Used Fear, Again, to Win More Votes Than Anyone Else
Financial Times
Israel’s ‘Houdini’ and his latest escape
The Independent
Trump wades back into Epstein scandal after Obama’s Cheescake Factory gag infuriates MAGA: Live updates
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