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- Obama raises over £13 million for Democrats, emphasises voter action in November
- Suspect in murder of Ann Widdecombe linked to terrorist activities
- Teenager accused of school stabbing that left one pupil dead and eight injured in Istanbul
- Netherlands seeks safeguards for EU police data sharing with third countries
- Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport
- Maresca expresses confidence that Manchester City will win appeal against charges
- Montreal couple runs marathon together after ALS diagnosis
- El-Sayed and Rogers clash over Iran, Trump in Michigan Senate debate
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Obama raises over £13 million for Democrats, emphasises voter action in November
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Get you up to speed: Obama raises more than $13 million for Democrats, urges voters to “turn hope into action” at ballot box in November
Former President Barack Obama launched a new series of digital ads for the Democratic National Committee, promoting voter turnout and grassroots fundraising efforts. The six-figure ad campaign is part of Obama’s broader activities to support Democratic candidates leading up to the elections, including campaigning for Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan on October 24.
Barack Obama has endorsed several key Democratic candidates this election cycle, with campaign events scheduled in Michigan on October 24. The Democratic National Committee has engaged in a six-figure ad campaign aimed at enhancing voter turnout and grassroots fundraising efforts.
Former President Barack Obama is revitalising his “hope” campaign message in a series of digital ads for the Democratic National Committee, aimed at energising voter turnout ahead of the upcoming elections. DNC Chair Ken Martin stated, “President Obama’s support will motivate and mobilize voters in the home stretch,” while Obama himself is set to campaign in Michigan for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed on October 24.
What remains unclear — It is not specified what additional campaign activities Obama will participate in beyond the Michigan event on October 24.
Obama raises over £13 million for Democrats, emphasises voter action in November
Washington — He still calls himself the “hope guy.” Former President Barack Obama, who ran on “hope and change,” is resurrecting his signature campaign slogan in a new series of digital ads for the Democratic National Committee that were viewed exclusively by WTX US News.
“I’ll be honest with you: I never imagined some of the stuff that’s been going on in our country lately,” Obama said in a direct-to-camera message. “But I am energized by the millions of Americans who are taking a stand and demanding change, even when it’s hard. That’s what hope is all about.”
During one 52-second spot, the former president never mentions President Trump by name but opines about the difficulties of the last two years and urges Democrats to “win one of the most consequential elections in our country’s history.”
“The most powerful office in this country has always been ‘citizen,'” Obama stated. “And right now, every one of us can help turn hope into action.”
The six-figure ad buy across platforms is aimed at supporting the DNC’s mobilization efforts, driving voter turnout and boosting grassroots fundraising, according to a DNC official.
“Democrats are heading into November with the wind at our backs and momentum on our side, but we’re not taking anything for granted,” DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement to WTX US News. “President Obama’s support will motivate and mobilize voters in the home stretch and help Democrats across the country win in races up and down the ballot.”
As one of the party’s leading surrogates, WTX US News has learned the former president has raised more than $13.6 million for Democrats through roughly half a dozen finance events and direct mail campaigns for the DNC and party committees since last year. That includes raking in more than $3.6 million this week at a fundraiser he headlined for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Northern Virginia.
“There are states right now in play that I would not have imagined being in play,” Obama told donors during a fireside chat Wednesday night, according to excerpts provided to WTX US News. “If you had told me that the polling currently shows James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton — now, Paxton helps. And James is an outstanding candidate. But if had you told me that he was going to be up in the polls this late, I would have said, ‘eh, I don’t think so.'”
“The point is, the reason I’m saying this is I don’t want anyone to think this is a sure thing,” he continued. “But we have a chance.”
Over the past several days, Obama has made endorsements in key Senate races from Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff to Maine Democratic Senate nominee Troy Jackson. He also backed several gubernatorial candidates including Wisconsin’s David Crowley, Georgia’s Keisha Lance Bottoms, New Mexico’s Deb Haaland and Pennsylvania’s Josh Shapiro. The ads were among nearly two dozen he recently taped for Democratic candidates. In past cycles, the former president has also recorded robocalls for House candidates.
Obama is also expected to hit the campaign trail with additional activities likely to be announced in the coming days. One of those stops includes Michigan, where he will campaign with Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Oct. 24.
“I’m going to go to Michigan to campaign for Abdul El-Sayed,” Obama said at Wednesday’s fundraiser. “And people are like, ‘Well, he’s really left wing.’ But I don’t know — he’s for a higher minimum wage and healthcare for all, and it doesn’t seem crazy to me. You know, FDR was for that, too.”
Earlier this year, Obama appeared with other candidates, shooting hoops with Josh Turek in Iowa and getting tacos in Texas with Talarico and gubernatorial nominee Gina Hinojosa. His strategy this fall is centered around where he can “move the needle” with Democrats and persuadable voters, according to his office.
That approach is on full display in his latest ad.
“Use that hope to make a difference,” he said. “Get involved.”
Suspect in murder of Ann Widdecombe linked to terrorist activities
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Get you up to speed: Suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder and Nigel Farage plot is ‘left-wing terrorist’ | News UK
Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with preparation of terrorist acts and the murder of Ann Widdecombe at her home in Haytor, Devon. The court heard that Ms Widdecombe, a 78-year-old Reform UK spokeswoman, was attacked with a hammer on July 8, 2026, in an incident lasting approximately two minutes.
Investigators discovered evidence on Joshua Kerry’s phone indicating he researched the home and office addresses of several prominent figures, including Ann Widdecombe and Nigel Farage, over a period of two years. A trial has been scheduled for 8 June 2028, with a plea and case management hearing set for 29 January 2028.
The Crown alleges that Joshua Kerry held extreme left-wing views and was particularly hostile towards the Reform party, with prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC stating that the murder of Ann Widdecombe had a “terrorist connection.” A trial has been scheduled for June 8 with a plea and case management hearing set for January 29.
What remains unclear — It is not clear what specific evidence links Kerry’s alleged research to the planned attack on Mr Farage.
Suspect in murder of Ann Widdecombe linked to terrorist activities
The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe and targeting Nigel Farage’s home held extreme left-wing views and was ‘particularly hostile’ towards Reform, the Old Bailey heard today.
Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared charged with preparation of terrorist acts between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026, the day he allegedly killed Ms Widdecombe.
The Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister, 78, was hit over the head with a hammer 21 times in the kitchen of her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon.
The attack lasted just two minutes, the court heard.
Before that, Kerry is said to have spent nearly two years researching prominent people and institutions.
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He is alleged to have tried to gain entry to the south London home of Mr Farage as part of a suspected firebomb attack on April 19 last year.
Following his arrest investigators found a list including the names of Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform MPs Richard Tice, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick, it is said.
On Friday, Kerry, of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, appeared for a hearing before Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb.
The senior judge set a trial before a High Court judge on June 8 and a plea and case management hearing on January 29.
Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay KC said the Crown alleges Kerry held extreme left-wing and or anti-establishment views and was ‘particularly hostile’ towards the Reform party.
He told the court the murder of Ms Widdecombe had a ‘terrorist connection’ and was ‘inextricably linked’ to Kerry’s earlier activities.
Outlining the allegations, Mr Polnay said: ‘The prosecution case is that on July 8, 2026, the defendant drove 265 miles from his home in Rotherham to Ann Widdecombe’s home in Devon where he murdered her.
‘He drove there in a Vauxhall Corsa with a hammer and gloves then gained access to Ms Widdecombe’s home and went into the kitchen where Ms Widdecombe was having lunch and struck her 21 times, killing her.
‘He was in the address for approximately two minutes before leaving and driving away. He was arrested by police on July 11, 2026.’
Kerry was later linked by investigators to an earlier incident at the south London home of Reform leader Mr Farage on April 19 last year.
Mr Farage’s partner Laure Ferrari had returned home to find damage to a front door and a bottle of lighter fluid in the porch, the court was told.
A mark on the door was said to have been made by a 27mm blade edge which Mr Polnay suggested ‘clearly represented an attempt to get inside the house’.
Police also uncovered alleged evidence on a phone of research into the home and office addresses of a number of political and prominent figures between May 31, 2024 and July 8, including those of Ms Widdecombe and Mr Farage.
A note on the defendant’s phone allegedly contained the list of politicians and prominent figures, the court was told.
Mr Polnay said an analysis of Kerry’s phone suggested an ‘extreme left-wing and/or anti-establishment mindset’.
Nicholas Lumley KC, defending, told the court that Kerry was likely to contest all the charges against him.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, the bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his identity during the hearing.
Teenager accused of school stabbing that left one pupil dead and eight injured in Istanbul
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Get you up to speed: Girl, 15, ‘sneaks inside school wearing uniform before stabbing eight pupils’ | News World
A 15-year-old girl has been accused of stabbing eight pupils at Seyh Samil Imam Hatip Secondary School in Basaksehir, Istanbul, resulting in the death of 10-year-old Eslem Sare Bulut. The suspect was apprehended by school security and has been remanded in custody alongside her parents.
Investigators from the Education Ministry and the Interior Ministry have been assigned to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack. The suspect, who was apprehended by school security, and her parents have been remanded in custody by a court following their detention.
The Turkish authorities are taking measures to enhance school safety, with Istanbul Governor Davut Gul emphasising the need for parental responsibility in ensuring children’s security. The Education Ministry has appointed inspectors to investigate the incident, while both the suspect and her parents have been remanded in custody following their detention.
What remains unclear — It is not known what motivated the teenager to carry out the attack.
Teenager accused of school stabbing that left one pupil dead and eight injured in Istanbul
The funeral for Eslem Bulut was attended by hundreds (Picture: Harrisons)
A teenager has been accused of stabbing eight pupils at a school after sneaking inside by wearing the school uniform and killing a 10-year-old girl.
Eslem Sare Bulut, 10, died in the attack, which saw eight other students injured when the 15-year-old girl from another school allegedly a knife attack at Seyh Samil Imam Hatip Secondary School in Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey.
The attack happened at around 8.40am when the suspect, identified by the initials F.M., arrived at the school carrying a knife.
The 15-year-old, who attended a high school in Kucukcekmece, reportedly wore a school uniform when she went to the secondary school in the Kayabasi neighbourhood, where she lived.
She allegedly attacked pupils with a knife, injuring eight children aged between 10 and 13.
Eslem was rushed to Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, but died despite doctors’ efforts to save her.
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The little girl was in class when she was killed (Picture: Harrisons)
Her father and mother struggled to stand during the funeral (Picture: Harrisons)
Her body was handed over to her family after post-mortem procedures and taken to Konuklu village in the Ulus district of Bartin Province, in northern Turkey, for her funeral on 7 October.
As prayers were recited outside the village mosque, her father Feyzullah and mother Seyma struggled to remain on their feet.
Psychosocial support teams from the Education Ministry and the Family and Social Services Ministry were sent to comfort the grieving couple.
The funeral was attended by relatives, local residents and officials, including Deputy Education Minister Celile Eren Okten, Bartın Governor Nurtac Arslan and former Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc.
After prayers at Guvendik Neighbourhood Mosque at midday, Eslem was buried in the village cemetery amid tears.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said the suspect was a pupil at another school and had entered the premises wearing a school uniform.
He said: ‘She goes to a secondary school wearing a school uniform and carries out a knife attack on the children there.’
The governor also said that the authorities would continue working to improve school safety and called on families to take responsibility for their children.
The Education Ministry appointed inspectors to investigate the incident, while the Interior Ministry also assigned senior inspectors to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The suspect was apprehended by school security staff and handed over to police.
Her mother and father were also detained. All three were subsequently remanded in custody by a court, according to Turkish media.
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Netherlands seeks safeguards for EU police data sharing with third countries
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Netherlands seeks safeguards for EU police data sharing with third countries
Data Exchange Proposal
The European Commission proposes extending the Prüm framework, enabling automated police data exchanges, including with countries such as the UK, Canada, and Western Balkan candidates.
The European Commission proposes extending the Prüm framework, enabling automated police data exchanges, including with countries such as the UK, Canada, and Western Balkan candidates.
Data exchange framework
Implementing the Prüm framework for data exchange with trusted third countries could significantly enhance cross-border security cooperation while requiring strict adherence to EU values and data protection standards.
Implementing the Prüm framework for data exchange with trusted third countries could significantly enhance cross-border security cooperation while requiring strict adherence to EU values and data protection standards.
Dutch Government
“It is important that future agreements specify the grounds on which such an agreement could be terminated, for example in the event that a trusted third-country undergoes a radical change of regime.”
“It is important that future agreements specify the grounds on which such an agreement could be terminated, for example in the event that a trusted third-country undergoes a radical change of regime.”
The Hague wants a kill switch for EU police data-sharing with third countries
Published on
The EU is debating whether to extend the automated exchange of police and border management data to trusted third countries, including candidates for EU membership. The Netherlands wants a mechanism to shut it down if political circumstances change.
The Dutch push comes alongside a separate debate on institutional safeguards that could suspend the voting rights of new members for up to 15 years after accession over serious breaches of European values and rules.
“It is important that future agreements specify the grounds on which such an agreement could be terminated, for example in the event that a trusted third-country undergoes a radical change of regime,” reads the Dutch government’s comments, obtained by EU News.
They respond to a European Commission proposal to extend the Prüm framework, which allows automated exchange of police data such as DNA profiles, fingerprints and vehicle registration data, to trusted third countries.
The Commission explicitly suggests a list of trusted countries: the UK, Canada, Schengen associates such as Norway and Iceland, and candidate countries from the Western Balkans, plus Ukraine and Moldova.
“It is important to hold thorough discussions on the criteria that any prospective ‘trusted’ third country would be expected to meet. In addition, with a view to EU enlargement, it may be worthwhile to also consider EU candidate countries when identifying ‘trusted’ third countries, where adequate safeguards are in place,” the Dutch commentary reads.
The Netherlands has been spearheading the push for stronger safeguards for new member states to avoid a repeat of Viktor Orbán’s Hungary. The Commission picked up the idea in its flagship enlargement strategy presented earlier this week.
For The Hague, any agreement to exchange such sensitive information with trusted partners must uphold EU principles on data protection and fundamental rights, and must not go beyond what member states share among themselves.
“In addition, it is important that member states are able to continue to carefully assess whether, and under what conditions, data originating from member states in EU information systems are shared with third countries,” the comments continue.
In the same document, which collects comments from several EU countries, Slovakia also said priority should go to Schengen associates and EU candidates.
Bratislava argued that “trusted third countries should be limited to those that actively cooperate on returns and readmissions, provide reliable and verifiable information, and have a long-standing cooperation with member states and EU agencies.”
Germany and Belgium, meanwhile, warned against moving too fast on the international extension, as the current exchange system still falls short of optimal performance and faces significant bottlenecks.
Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport
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Three Saudi nationals killed in Houthi missile strike on Riyadh airport
Tensions escalated in the Middle East as Houthi forces claimed responsibility for an attack on Riyadh’s international airport, resulting in the tragic deaths of three Saudi nationals. The assault, which occurred on Thursday, has raised significant concerns regarding regional security. Saudi Arabia‘s government faces increasing pressure to enhance its defensive measures amidst ongoing threats from the Iran-aligned group. The international community is closely monitoring the situation for potential repercussions on diplomatic relations in the Gulf region.
On the economic front, analysts are wary of the implications this incident may have on global oil prices, which have already surged due to supply chain uncertainties. Investors will be particularly attentive to upcoming OPEC meetings for any shifts in production policies that might arise in response to the latest developments.
Key developments across the world
Pentagon plan to livestream execution of Fort Hood shooter prompts fierce political backlash
GLOBAL SECURITY — The Pentagon has stated that the execution of the Fort Hood shooter will be livestreamed, stirring significant political controversy. This decision has faced backlash from lawmakers and communities affected by the shooting, questioning the implications of such an execution on public perception and accountability.
Three Saudis killed in Riyadh airport attack claimed by Houthis
GLOBAL SECURITY — Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for attacks on Riyadh’s international airport, resulting in the deaths of three Saudi citizens. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the region and raises concerns over security measures at strategic infrastructure points in Saudi Arabia.
Horror as school bus plunges 650ft down hillside in Nepal killing at least five people
GLOBAL MIGRATION — A tragic school bus accident in Nepal has resulted in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of transport safety and regulation in the country, particularly for students during their daily commutes.
France promises 3,000 extra teachers in first step to calm student protests
DIPLOMACY — The French government has vowed to add 3,000 teachers as it seeks to address student unrest amid escalating educational protests. This move is seen as a significant response to widespread concerns regarding educational standards and student dissatisfaction in France.
US to publicly execute former soldier by firing squad
GLOBAL SECURITY — The US government plans to execute a former soldier by firing squad, marking a rare use of this method in modern times. This decision has prompted national conversations on the ethics of the death penalty and its implications for military justice.
What to watch — The potential political repercussions of the Pentagon’s execution livestream decision are likely to develop further.
Further reading from global news sources
BBC News
Fort Hood survivor supports gunman’s execution by firing squad but questions livestream
Financial Times
US to publicly execute former soldier by firing squad
Al Jazeera
Three Saudi citizens killed in Thursday’s attacks on Riyadh airport
Maresca expresses confidence that Manchester City will win appeal against charges
11:50 am
Get you up to speed: Manchester City charges: Maresca says Premier League club will win appeal
Manchester City has been found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules and is appealing the judgement. The independent commission reported that the club artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs by over £900 million between 2009 and 2018.
The independent commission found that Manchester City had inflated revenues and reduced costs by over 900 million pounds across nine seasons, from 2009 to 2018. The club is appealing the guilty verdict, facing potential sanctions including relegation or expulsion from the Premier League if the outcome is upheld.
Enzo Maresca expressed confidence that Manchester City will win their appeal against the ruling of over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules, stating, “I trust the club because I trust the people.” Following the guilty verdict, the club faces potential severe penalties, including relegation, if the verdict is not overturned.
What remains unclear — The exact potential consequences, including the severity of the points penalty or relegation, that Manchester City could face if their appeal fails are not specified.
Maresca expresses confidence that Manchester City will win appeal against charges
Sport|FootballManchester City charges: Maresca says Premier League club will win appeal
Enzo Maresca has absolute faith in Man City despite guilty verdict over breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Published On 9 Oct 20269 Oct 2026
Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca said Friday he has absolute faith the club will win its appeal after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
In his first news conference since the bombshell announcement last week, the Italian also rejected any suggestion that City’s haul of silverware over the past 15 years was now tainted.
“I completely trust the club,” said Maresca, who was appointed manager in June but also previously worked at City as part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.
“I trust the club because I trust the people and this is also the reason why I joined the club… There is not another club in the world where I would like to be.”
An independent commission said City had arranged “sham” contracts with a number of their commercial partners to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than 900 million pounds ($1.2bn) over nine seasons, between 2009 and 2018.
The 10-time English champions, who continue to deny any wrongdoing, are appealing against the judgement.
They likely face a severe points penalty that could lead to relegation or even expulsion from the Premier League if they fail to overturn the verdict.
“The reason why I joined this club is because I completely trust 100 percent the owner, the CEO, the sporting director, all the organisation. So I don’t have any doubt about that,” said Maresca.
“I spoke with the club for sure and we all (have) trust and the right moment to speak about that is when we win this appeal.”
Since an Abu Dhabi-backed takeover in 2008, City have become the dominant force in English football.
They have won eight Premier League titles, the Champions League and multiple other trophies over the past 15 years.
Maresca, whose side have won all five of their Premier League games this season, rejected the suggestion that those previous successes were now tainted.
“Absolutely not,” said the former Chelsea boss. “I know the effort from the players, from the club, from the manager in that time that was Pep.
“So I know exactly the effort that the club put to achieve that kind of target.”
Maresca to welcome Guardiola’s first return to Man City
Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after a trophy-laden decade at the Etihad Stadium.
City travel to Liverpool on Sunday for their first outing since the guilty verdict, but Guardiola is set to attend their next home game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
“After 10 years here, he can come at any time he wants,” said Maresca. “I think it would be nice for him. It would be nice for the fans, for everyone.”
Maresca had spoken to City’s in-house media on Thursday, when he said that the current players “don’t care too much about the noise” currently surrounding the club.
The new head coach and his players, however, are set for a hostile reception when they travel to Anfield, the home of their fierce rivals, but Maresca said his players would stay focused on the match.
“Probably (it) will be even more warm in terms of environment. But the reason why I decided to be manager is for this kind of game,” he said.
“I’m not worried at all. Again, the environment is from the players, it’s nice.
“In this moment, we are top of the league, so the players have all the reasons to be happy and excited.”
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