GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Despite facing a U.S. indictment on multiple corruption charges, billionaire businessman Azruddin Mohamed is set to assume his role as Guyana’s legislative opposition leader, legal experts confirm. The 38-year-old, part of a prominent family dynasty with vast interests in gold trading, foreign currency, and oil, secured significant political influence after his newly-formed party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), won 16 of 65 parliamentary seats in September’s elections. However, a grand jury in Florida’s Southern District recently unsealed documents accusing Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, of money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, and wire and mail fraud, among other charges. The case highlights the pervasive corruption in Guyana’s oil-rich government. Despite the allegations, Sherlock Isaacs, Clerk of the Guyanese parliament, stated that Mohamed can legally serve in Parliament unless convicted. Mark Kirton, former Director of the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies, noted that the legal process could be lengthy, allowing Mohamed to retain his position until the case concludes. In his first public remarks since the indictment, Mohamed dismissed the charges as politically motivated. The U.S. Treasury Department previously sanctioned Mohamed and his family for allegedly smuggling gold and evading taxes, citing bribery schemes involving Guyanese officials. The indictment also accuses the Mohameds of reusing official revenue-sealed boxes to ship gold fraudulently. While extradition to the U.S. remains a possibility, Mohamed’s political trajectory appears undeterred for now.
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Ecuador arrests five for alleged presidential assassination attempt
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt as his vehicle was targeted by protesters, leaving visible damage. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions fueled by nationwide strikes and violent clashes. According to the country’s Energy and Environment Minister, approximately 500 individuals hurled rocks at the president’s car, with signs of bullet damage observed. Noboa, however, remained unharmed. A video shared by the president’s office, though unverified by the BBC, captured protesters attacking the vehicle and three small holes in one of its windows. The government has detained five individuals, accusing them of terrorism and attempted assassination. These arrests have sparked controversy, with Conaie, Ecuador’s largest indigenous organization, claiming the detentions were arbitrary. The unrest stems from the government’s decision to eliminate diesel subsidies, a move defended as a cost-saving measure to reallocate $1.1 billion annually to small-scale farmers and the transport sector. Conaie, which led the national strike, has organized marches and roadblocks, intensifying the crisis. Last week, Noboa’s convoy was ambushed while delivering aid during the strike, resulting in smashed vehicles and injuries among armed forces personnel. Conaie has accused the government of violent crackdowns, while the administration labels the group’s actions as criminal. This turmoil echoes Conaie’s historical role in toppling three presidents between 1997 and 2005, underscoring the deep-seated tensions in Ecuador.
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Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to fund US public broadcasting
In a heartfelt effort to support public television stations grappling with funding reductions under the Trump administration, approximately 30 artworks by the beloved art instructor Bob Ross will be auctioned by Bonhams starting November. These paintings, primarily created during his iconic TV show, *The Joy of Painting*, in the 1980s and 1990s, represent a significant part of Ross’s legacy. Bob Ross Inc. emphasized that the auction aims to sustain the medium that brought Ross’s creativity and joy into American households for decades. This initiative follows Congress’s approval of Trump’s proposal to cut public broadcast funding, leaving over 330 PBS and NPR stations in search of alternative financial resources. Ross’s show experienced a revival during the COVID-19 pandemic, as viewers found solace in his calming, step-by-step painting tutorials, where he famously referred to mistakes as ‘happy accidents.’ Ross passed away in 1995 at the age of 52. Bob Ross Inc. has donated the paintings to American Public Television, with all net proceeds directed to local public TV stations nationwide, supporting programs like *America’s Test Kitchen*, *Julia Child’s French Chef Classics*, and *This Old House*. Recent auctions of Ross’s works have set new records, with *Lake Below Snow-Capped Peaks and Cloudy Sky* selling for $114,800 and *Lake Below Snow-Covered Mountains and Clear Sky* fetching $95,750. Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc., shared with the *New York Post* that Ross would have been modest about the high prices, as he was more passionate about the painting process and inspiring others to create their own art.
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White House suggests some federal workers may not get back pay after shutdown
The Trump administration has ignited a heated debate by suggesting that some federal workers furloughed during the ongoing government shutdown may not receive back pay once the funding impasse is resolved. This stance, outlined in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), contradicts a 2019 law signed by President Trump that guarantees retroactive pay for employees affected by shutdowns. The memo argues that the law does not apply to workers temporarily asked not to report to work. Trump reinforced this position on Tuesday, stating that back pay ‘depends on who we’re talking about’ and implying that some employees ‘don’t deserve to be taken care of.’ Approximately 750,000 federal workers are currently without pay as the shutdown enters its first week. Democratic leaders, including House Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have vehemently opposed Trump’s interpretation, asserting that the law clearly entitles all furloughed employees to back pay. The OMB memo, prepared last week but reported on Tuesday, has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia called it ‘totally illegal,’ while some Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, labeled the approach a ‘strategic mistake.’ The shutdown, which began on October 1, stems from a deadlock between Senate Republicans and Democrats over resolutions to reopen the government, with Democrats pushing for healthcare provisions and Republicans advocating for a ‘clean’ budget bill. The controversy over back pay adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political standoff.
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Argentina to extradite to US a suspected drug trafficker with ties to President Milei’s ally
The administration of Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced on Tuesday its decision to extradite Argentine businessman Fred Machado to the United States, where he faces charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and wire fraud. This development marks a significant moment in a politically charged case that has implicated a key ally of the libertarian president. Machado, who was apprehended in Argentina in 2021 after fleeing charges in Texas, is accused of orchestrating a conspiracy to traffic narcotics by allegedly using shell companies to register planes, exporting them to criminal organizations in Latin America, and facilitating multi-ton cocaine shipments into the U.S. Machado has denied all allegations. The case gained national attention last week when documents revealed that José Luis Espert, a prominent member of Milei’s Libertad Avanza party, received a $200,000 payment from Machado in 2020. Espert admitted to accepting the funds, claiming it was for consulting work, but withdrew his candidacy for the upcoming midterm elections, asserting his innocence. The scandal has intensified political pressure on Milei, who has faced recent setbacks, including a significant loss in a provincial election, a bribery scandal involving his sister, and congressional votes that overturned his vetoes and increased social spending. Since assuming office in late 2023, Milei has implemented stringent austerity measures, successfully eliminating Argentina’s fiscal deficit but failing to deliver the promised economic recovery. With midterm elections approaching, Milei aims to expand his congressional minority to advance his economic reforms and stabilize investor confidence, which was shaken by his party’s defeat in the Buenos Aires provincial election, leading to a peso sell-off and bond market volatility. Milei’s government is seeking support from U.S. President Donald Trump, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledging financial assistance, though details remain unclear. Milei is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on October 14 to discuss further collaboration.
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Nigeria launches massive vaccination campaign for children
Nigeria has embarked on an unprecedented nationwide vaccination campaign, one of the largest in its history, aiming to safeguard approximately 106 million children against measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis. This integrated initiative combines multiple vaccines and essential child health services into a unified effort, ensuring efficient and comprehensive protection across the country. Children aged 14 and below will receive measles and rubella vaccines, while those under five will be immunized against polio. The campaign is being rolled out in two phases: the first, launched on October 7, 2025, targets 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo state in the southwest, while the second phase, scheduled for January 2026, will cover the remaining southern states. Gavi, a global health organization, is supporting the campaign with a $103 million investment, collaborating with federal and state governments to strengthen health systems, share expertise, and ensure long-term sustainability. The initiative leverages years of investment in Nigeria’s health infrastructure, including cold chain systems, workforce capacity, and digital tools, while also utilizing data and technology to enhance decision-making, track progress, and boost public engagement.
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Young boy dies in road traffic incident
A tragic road traffic accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Rathmintin, Jobstown, Dublin, resulting in the death of a young boy. The incident took place at approximately 14:00 local time outside a residential property. Emergency services swiftly transported the boy to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, where he was sadly pronounced dead upon arrival. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident. Forensic experts conducted a technical examination of the scene to gather crucial evidence. The community has been left in shock and mourning as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
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Threat assessment of China led to spy case collapse, says CPS
A high-profile espionage case in the UK involving two men accused of spying for China has been dropped due to insufficient evidence, according to the country’s top prosecutor. Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, both denied allegations of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the UK’s safety and interests between December 2021 and February 2023. The charges were dismissed in September 2024, sparking criticism from ministers and MPs. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, stated that the government could only rely on the previous Conservative administration’s assessment of China, which labeled the country as an ‘epoch-defining challenge’ rather than a direct national security threat. Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions, explained that while there was initially sufficient evidence to prosecute under the Official Secrets Act, a precedent set by another espionage case raised the threshold for conviction. Parkinson revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service had spent months attempting to obtain further evidence from the government, but the witness statements provided failed to meet the required standard. He emphasized that the evidence would have needed to portray China as a ‘threat to national security’ at the time of the alleged offenses. The government maintained that its description of China could not be retrospectively altered and had to align with the previous administration’s stance. The collapse of the trial has fueled frustration within the government, with Parkinson’s intervention following weeks of speculation. The case has also highlighted the Labour government’s efforts to recalibrate UK-China relations, including a cross-Whitehall audit of bilateral ties. In October 2024, Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited China, advocating for ‘pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.’ Additionally, Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, met with Chinese officials in July 2024, signaling Britain’s willingness to enhance dialogue with Beijing. The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting espionage under the Official Secrets Act, which requires proof that the information shared was useful to an enemy nation.
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Illegal US-Mexico border crossings hit lowest level in over 50 years
In a significant development for US border security, illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border have plummeted to their lowest levels in over half a century, according to federal data obtained by CBS News. During the 2025 fiscal year, which included four months under former President Joe Biden’s administration, US Border Patrol agents apprehended 238,000 migrants attempting to cross the southern border illegally. This marks the lowest number of apprehensions since 1970, when 202,000 unlawful crossings were recorded. Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, hailed the figures as evidence of progress in border security, urging bipartisan efforts to pass comprehensive immigration legislation. Preliminary data indicates that over half of these apprehensions occurred in the first three months of the fiscal year, spanning October 2024 to September 2025. The figures reflect the number of times border officials intercepted and processed migrants attempting illegal entry, including repeat offenders. During Biden’s four-year presidency, US Customs and Border Patrol recorded approximately 11 million border encounters. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson attributed the decline to President Trump’s policies, stating that his administration has successfully curbed unchecked illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Trump’s executive orders, including deploying additional troops to the border, ending asylum requests, and expanding ICE’s enforcement capabilities, have been pivotal in achieving these results. The president has also intensified immigration enforcement through raids in major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago and has vowed to deport millions of undocumented immigrants during his tenure.
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ICC convicts Janjaweed commander in ‘landmark’ Sudan case
In a historic verdict, the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, commonly known as Ali Kushayb, on 27 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Sudan’s Darfur region. The ruling, delivered on Monday, marks the first conviction of a Sudanese official for atrocities that have plagued the region for over two decades. Kushayb, a former leader of the Janjaweed militia, was found guilty of orchestrating mass killings, rapes, and persecution during the Darfur conflict, which began in 2003. His sentencing will follow a subsequent hearing. The case, referred to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council in 2005, has been hailed as a landmark in the pursuit of justice for victims, though many argue it comes too late. Darfur, a region in western Sudan, has endured decades of violence, with the Sudanese government under Omar al-Bashir accused of deploying the Janjaweed to suppress a rebellion by non-Arab populations. The conflict, labeled a genocide by the US and human rights groups, claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Kushayb, known as the ‘colonel of colonels,’ commanded thousands of Janjaweed fighters and was accused of implementing a government-backed counter-insurgency strategy. His surrender to the ICC in 2020 followed a 2007 arrest warrant. Despite his claims of mistaken identity, presiding judge Joanna Korner dismissed his defense, stating he had ‘encouraged and given instructions’ for the atrocities. Victims welcomed the verdict, though analysts caution that it offers little solace to those still suffering in Darfur amid ongoing conflict. The Janjaweed, later rebranded as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), continue to operate under new leadership, with accusations of genocide persisting. The ICC’s pursuit of justice remains incomplete, with outstanding warrants for figures like Bashir and former officials. The verdict, while significant, underscores the challenges of addressing systemic violence and political instability in Sudan.