State and city at the center of U.S. politics, culture, and finance
Volunteer observers accompanying Palestinian olive harvesters near Nahalin are detained by Israeli forces in a two-hour landmark incident. One candidate for U.S. Congress, Brad Lander, is released after a warning; dozens of other volunteers remain in custody as questions swirl over access, security and rights in the West Bank.
A round-up of recent fragrance coverage shows luxury perfume houses expanding seasonal lines while high-street brands offer credible alternatives. Reports highlight fall launches, budget-friendly dupes, and Prime Day deals shaping consumer choices in the perfume space.
The Adidas Originals x Molly-Mae Samba slate-toned trainer has launched, reviving the icon with a tweed-like grey fabric and suede details for autumn. Availability is limited with an app raffle and shop opening at 9am on Friday 23 October.
Lina Attalah has been summoned by Egypt’s Supreme State Security Prosecution and has been released on bail after questioning over a report on detainee complaints. The session has lasted about three hours and her defence team has attended. The summons does not specify formal allegations; it follows a wider crackdown that has seen the Matsadaash newsroom arrested and detained.
CNN has warned the Justice Department that it will return to court if the White House continues to exclude its reporters from Air Force One and TV pool duties. A federal judge has already granted a preliminary injunction restoring reporters' White House access after President Trump revoked passes for CNN, MS NOW and Politico; the Justice Department is separately probing whether the TV pool's temporary halt to coverage violated antitrust law.
In New York, reviewers have weighed top vacuums for small apartments, assessing versatility, runtime, and cleaning power. The Dyson V16 Piston Animal leads for hard-floor pickup and attachments, while other models balance price, weight, and dock design.
The Giants have announced J.J. McCarthy will start Sunday against the Texans, replacing Jameis Winston after a 34-27 loss to the Saints. McCarthy delivered 243 fourth-quarter yards and three scoring drives after entering the game, marking a significant change in New York's QB situation as the team seeks balance on offense.
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has asked the US Supreme Court to overturn a 3rd Circuit ruling, seeking immediate judicial review of immigration-detention decisions tied to his pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The government argues detention aligns with policy interests; Khalil remains free as the case advances toward next-year arguments.
A US district judge has dismissed Ann Altman’s civil lawsuit against her brother, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, after she failed to attend three independent medical examinations. The lawsuit, filed in January 2025 in Missouri, alleged years of sexual abuse starting when she was three; Sam Altman has denied the allegations. The family says Ann Altman has mental health challenges and has received financial support. The decision ends the case with prejudice.
The Guardian, New York Post and CNBC report that Michael Bloomberg has spent about $80 million to back Democratic candidates since September, aiming to broaden the House majority beyond the 218 seats and bolster allies like Everytown for Gun Safety and House Majority PAC. Trump counters with plans to spend $400 million to aid Republicans, while Bloomberg’s adviser says resources matter and he “expects a result.”
New Mexico’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit seeking to bar Epstein’s longtime attorney Darren Indyke and accountant Richard Kahn from taking payments from his estate. The suit accuses them of helping to conceal abuse tied to Epstein’s Zorro Ranch and to channel funds that survivors may claim. The legal action comes as a broader criminal probe remains unresolved.
The New York City Council has advanced a bill to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, in response to animal-wSafety concerns after a teen’s death. Mayor Mamdani backs the plan and promises a workforce transition, but drivers fear loss of livelihoods. The plan requires a full transition strategy and potential compensation for workers.