In a controversial move, hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas have been stationed at an Army Reserve Training Center near Chicago, as part of President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration enforcement efforts. Trump has labeled Chicago a ‘war zone’ following recent protests against federal immigration officials in the city, which ranks as the third-largest in the U.S. The deployment has sparked significant opposition from local leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who criticized the Trump administration for what he called an ‘authoritarian march’ and vowed to use all available resources to halt the initiative. Sources from CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. partner, indicate that some troops could begin their duties as early as Wednesday. Temporary living quarters have been established at the training center, located approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago, with fencing erected around the facility late Tuesday. Local officials have expressed frustration over the lack of detailed information regarding the troops’ assignments. Trump has defended the deployment as necessary to address violence in Democratic-controlled cities, combat crime, and support his deportation policies. However, National Guard troops have limited authority and are primarily tasked with protecting federal officers and property, rather than enforcing laws or making arrests. This deployment follows similar actions in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Memphis, and Portland, though a federal judge temporarily blocked the Portland deployment. Chicago has witnessed a surge in protests against immigration enforcement, particularly outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Last weekend, a woman was injured when U.S. Border Patrol personnel fired shots after a group rammed cars into immigration enforcement vehicles, though her lawyer disputes the government’s account. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in a lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago, seeking to prevent the federalization of National Guard troops from Texas and Illinois. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the deployment as ‘illegal, unconstitutional, and dangerous,’ and signed an executive order banning ICE agents from operating on city-owned properties. The situation raises significant legal and constitutional questions, as National Guard troops are typically deployed by state governors, and century-old laws restrict the federal government’s use of the military for domestic matters. Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows the president to use active-duty military personnel for law enforcement within the country, if federal courts obstruct his plans. In the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump emphasized his determination to act if state governors fail to maintain order.
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Nigerian minister accused of forging qualifications resigns
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has stepped down from his position following allegations of academic credential forgery. The controversy arose after a newspaper investigation revealed that Nnaji had allegedly submitted falsified certificates to President Bola Tinubu during his ministerial appointment in 2023. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the resignation in a post on X, quoting Nnaji as stating he had become ‘a target of blackmail by political opponents.’ Nnaji has vehemently denied the accusations, maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry. However, UNN reportedly informed the publication that it had no records confirming his graduation in 1985, as claimed. Additionally, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stated that the mandatory national service certificate Nnaji presented in April 2023 could not be verified. This resignation marks a rare occurrence in Nigerian politics, as Nnaji is only the second minister to leave office since President Tinubu assumed power in May 2023. The scandal has sparked public outrage, highlighting ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in the nation’s political landscape.
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EU chief says Russia is waging a ‘gray zone campaign’ and Europe must meet the challenge
BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s top official, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, issued a stark warning on Wednesday, asserting that Russia is orchestrating a “targeted gray zone campaign” against Europe. This campaign includes airspace violations, sabotage, and cyberattacks, which are expected to intensify if the Kremlin is not confronted. Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must respond decisively to these threats to safeguard its territory and security. In just two weeks, incidents such as fighter jets breaching Estonia’s airspace and drones overflying military bases and critical infrastructure sites in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Poland, and Romania have been reported. Von der Leyen urged EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, France, to investigate every incident and attribute responsibility without hesitation. She stressed that every square centimeter of European territory must be protected and safe, warning that inaction would only allow the gray zone to expand. Under von der Leyen’s leadership, the EU’s executive branch is developing a comprehensive plan to address these challenges by 2030. This plan includes the creation of a “drone wall,” a high-tech system designed to detect, track, and neutralize drones, as well as disrupt their operating systems or ground-based pilots. EU officials believe Russia could potentially launch an attack on another European country within three to five years. Von der Leyen also highlighted the need for an affordable and effective anti-drone system, pointing to lessons from Ukraine. She argued that European countries must invest more in defense, ensuring that such investments create jobs and benefit the continent’s economy. The commission insists that at least 65% of any EU-funded defense project should be based in Europe, countering the current trend where most defense investments go to U.S. companies. At a recent summit in Copenhagen, EU leaders appeared to adopt a tougher stance on drone incidents, sabotage, cyberattacks, and sanction-busting. French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a more aggressive approach, including shooting down drones entering European airspace and intercepting shadow fleet ships illicitly transporting oil to deprive Moscow of war revenue.
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Chinese lion dance wins hearts in Africa
The vibrant art of Chinese lion dance has found a new home in Kenya, captivating audiences and fostering cultural exchange. Spearheaded by Anthony Kahuro, a kung fu teacher at the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, the initiative began in 2022 when Kahuro proposed the idea of a lion dance club. Despite the lack of professional trainers, Kahuro’s determination led him to master the basics through online tutorials, paving the way for the club’s establishment. Today, the club boasts 30 members, with performances becoming a staple at local events, including the Spring Festival celebrations. The lion dance, traditionally performed during auspicious occasions to bring good fortune, has resonated deeply with Kenyans, partly due to the lion’s iconic status in African culture. The club’s success has also attracted interest from local acrobatic teams and cultural groups, further enriching the performances with African drumming and percussion. Beyond entertainment, the lion dance has become a symbol of cultural unity, with plans to expand its reach and introduce the art form to younger generations. The initiative highlights the growing cultural ties between China and Africa, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation that continues to win hearts across the continent.
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‘Being gay in men’s football is a very toxic place’
Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay male professional footballer in top-flight football, continues to face relentless homophobic abuse and death threats since publicly revealing his sexuality in 2021. Despite the challenges, Cavallo remains steadfast in his mission to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sport. Speaking to BBC Sport, Cavallo shared the emotional toll of daily harassment, stating, ‘It broke my heart to read those messages. I’m here to play football and be the best I can be, yet I’m targeted for who I am as a person.’
Cavallo’s journey began in Adelaide United, where he made history by coming out with the support of his teammates. Now playing for Peterborough Sports in England’s National League North, he uses his platform to advocate for equality. With over one million Instagram followers, Cavallo amplifies his message, emphasizing that football still has ‘mountains to do’ in addressing homophobia. ‘I don’t go a week without hearing about an issue,’ he reveals.
The 25-year-old has faced physical attacks and verbal abuse, including a chilling incident at an Australian petrol station. Despite these hardships, Cavallo’s courage has inspired others, such as Blackpool’s Jake Daniels, who came out in 2022. However, the Premier League still lacks openly gay or bisexual players, a milestone Cavallo believes would ‘move mountains’ but remains fraught with challenges.
Cavallo also criticizes FIFA for hosting World Cups in countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where LGBTQ+ rights are criminalized. ‘It’s scary that people like me could be imprisoned just for existing,’ he says. Yet, Cavallo remains committed to fostering change within football, using his voice to educate and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes. ‘My purpose is to create change. That’s what I’m here for,’ he affirms.
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Telecoms company sent emails to wrong addresses during deadly outage
Optus, one of Australia’s largest telecommunications providers, is facing intense scrutiny following revelations of its mishandling of a severe outage on 18 September, which has been linked to four deaths, including that of an eight-week-old baby. During a parliamentary hearing, it was disclosed that Optus sent emails about the outage to an incorrect email address at the Department of Communications, where they remained unread for over a day. The emails significantly downplayed the severity of the incident, claiming only 10 emergency calls were affected, while in reality, more than 600 calls failed over 13 hours. Authorities were only informed of the outage more than 36 hours after it began, via the industry regulator. Australia’s Deputy Secretary for Communications, James Chisholm, criticized Optus for not adhering to protocols, including redirecting triple-0 calls to other providers during outages. The outage occurred during a routine firewall upgrade, deviating from standard procedures. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, currently on an official visit to Australia, expressed condolences and emphasized the need for accountability. Optus, owned by Singapore’s Singtel, is under investigation by Australia’s media regulator for potential legal breaches. This incident adds to Optus’ troubled history, including a 2022 cyberattack and a 2023 nationwide outage. Calls for the resignation of current CEO Stephen Rue and the revocation of Optus’ operating license are growing among lawmakers.
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No decision on Cummins as fitness fears grow
Australia’s cricket captain, Pat Cummins, faces uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Ashes series as ongoing back issues threaten to sideline him. Recent scans revealed that Cummins’ lumbar bone stress, sustained during Australia’s Test tour to the West Indies in July, has not yet healed. While the Australian camp has not officially ruled him out, reports suggest he may miss the first Test in Perth on 21 November and potentially the entire series. Cummins, 32, has been undergoing rehabilitation and remains optimistic about his recovery. Former Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed Cummins’ determination to play, stating that the captain’s mindset remains unchanged since his initial diagnosis. Meanwhile, former England cricketer Stuart Broad expressed hope for Cummins’ fitness, emphasizing the importance of facing the best in Ashes cricket. Cummins’ absence would be a significant blow to Australia, with Scott Boland likely to step in as his replacement and Steve Smith potentially taking over the captaincy. Cummins’ injury history, including recurring back problems earlier in his career, adds to the concern. His potential unavailability could tilt the balance in England’s favor, especially as they prepare with a formidable pace attack. Both teams face fitness uncertainties, with England’s Ben Stokes also recovering from a shoulder injury. The outcome of the Ashes may hinge on which captain can stay fit and lead their team effectively.
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The Indian messaging app that wants to take on WhatsApp
India, WhatsApp’s largest market, has long been dominated by the messaging giant, which has become an integral part of daily life. However, a new contender, Arattai, developed by Indian tech company Zoho, is making waves. Over the past few weeks, Arattai has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, with seven million downloads in just seven days, according to Zoho. This surge is largely attributed to the Indian government’s push for self-reliance, a message echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers, who have encouraged the use of homegrown apps. Federal minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently urged citizens to use Arattai on social media, further boosting its visibility. Zoho CEO Mani Vembu reported that daily sign-ups skyrocketed from 3,000 to 350,000 in just three days, with active users increasing 100-fold. Despite this growth, Arattai still lags behind WhatsApp, which boasts 500 million monthly active users in India. Arattai offers features similar to WhatsApp, including messaging, voice, and video calls, and is designed to function smoothly on low-end devices and slow internet connections. Users have praised its interface and design, with many expressing pride in supporting an Indian-made app. However, experts remain skeptical about Arattai’s ability to dethrone WhatsApp, citing the latter’s entrenched user base and extensive integration with businesses and government services. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Arattai’s data privacy policies. While the app offers end-to-end encryption for calls, it does not yet extend this feature to messages, raising questions about user privacy. Zoho has stated that it is working to implement full end-to-end encryption for text messages. The company has also emphasized its commitment to complying with India’s IT regulations while ensuring user control over data. Historically, Indian apps like Koo and Moj have struggled to sustain initial success against global giants. Whether Arattai can overcome these challenges and carve out a lasting presence in India’s competitive tech landscape remains uncertain.
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Japan football official sentenced for viewing child abuse images on plane
Masanaga Kageyama, a senior official of the Japan Football Association (JFA), has been sentenced to an 18-month suspended jail term and banned from France for 10 years after being caught viewing child sexual abuse images on a plane. The incident occurred during a stopover at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, as reported by French newspaper Le Parisien. Kageyama, who was traveling to the Under-20 World Cup in Chile, admitted to viewing the images but claimed he was unaware of their illegality in France. The flight crew alerted authorities after noticing the explicit content on his laptop in the business class cabin of an Air France flight. Kageyama initially defended the images as ‘art’ and AI-generated. The court also imposed a €5,000 fine and barred him from working with minors. The JFA terminated his contract immediately, labeling the incident ‘unacceptable to the football world.’ JFA Chairman Tsuneyasu Miyamoto apologized for the incident and pledged to strengthen governance and compliance systems. Kageyama, a former professional footballer, has managed teams in Japan, Macau, and Singapore.
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Prosecutors say Libyan freely confessed to Lockerbie bombing
A legal dispute has emerged over the alleged confession of Abu Agila Mas’ud Kheir al-Marimi, a Libyan man accused of involvement in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing and other attacks targeting Americans. Mas’ud, a 74-year-old former Libyan intelligence colonel, reportedly admitted his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which killed 270 people, during a 2012 interrogation in a Libyan detention facility. However, Mas’ud claims his confession was coerced by three masked men who threatened him and his family. His lawyers are now seeking to suppress the statement from being used as evidence in his upcoming trial in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April next year.
U.S. prosecutors argue that the confession was voluntary and reliable, emphasizing its significance in proving Mas’ud’s guilt in ‘two major terrorist attacks against Americans.’ They contend that independent evidence corroborates the details of his statement. Mas’ud’s defense team, however, asserts that the confession was obtained under duress during the chaotic aftermath of the 2011 Libyan revolution, when former members of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime faced widespread violence and persecution.
According to Mas’ud, he was abducted from his home in 2012 and taken to an unofficial prison where he was handed a handwritten confession to memorize and repeat during questioning. Fearing for his safety and that of his family, he complied. U.S. prosecutors counter that Mas’ud’s account is implausible, citing the testimony of the Libyan police officer who conducted the interrogation. The officer described the facility as well-run and denied any signs of torture or coercion.
Mas’ud is also accused of involvement in a 1986 bombing in West Berlin that killed three people, including two U.S. servicemen, and an attempted assassination of a U.S. Secretary of State in Pakistan. He allegedly chose not to detonate a booby-trapped overcoat after learning the wearer was unaware of the suicide mission. U.S. prosecutors argue this decision demonstrates his autonomy and resistance to coercion.
The legal battle over the admissibility of Mas’ud’s confession continues, with a hearing scheduled to determine whether it will be presented to the jury. The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting historical terrorism cases and the challenges of verifying confessions obtained in volatile political contexts.