The Texas Rangers are celebrating their first World Series championship after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game 5. The Rangers clinched the title with a strong performance in Phoenix, taking the series 4 games to 1.
The game remained scoreless through six innings, with both pitchers dominating on the mound. Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks did not allow a hit, while Nathan Eovaldi of the Rangers kept the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard. However, in the seventh inning, Corey Seager broke up Gallen's no-hitter and Mitch Garver followed with a single to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead.
In the ninth inning, the Rangers added four more runs, with a highlight being Marcus Semien's two-run home run. Semien expressed his excitement, saying, "Just to run the bases knowing that we are that much closer felt great."
The Rangers' championship run was marked by an impressive road winning streak of 11 games, the longest in MLB postseason history. Seager was named the World Series MVP, becoming the fourth player in history to win the award twice.
This victory is a historic moment for the Texas Rangers franchise, which has been in existence for 63 seasons. Congratulations to the Rangers on their first World Series title.
Members of the U.S. Congress voted on Wednesday to block a resolution that aimed to censure Representative Rashida Tlaib for her criticisms of Israel following the recent conflicts with Hamas. The censure resolution, introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, accused Tlaib of "leading an insurrection" during an anti-war protest at the Capitol. However, the resolution was blocked after 23 Republicans joined with Democrats to vote in favor of a procedural motion. The final vote tally was 222 to 186. The unexpected support for Tlaib from some Republicans may have been due to concerns about inaccuracies in Greene's characterization of the protest and her use of the term "insurrection." Pro-Israel Democrats also criticized the resolution for its sensationalized portrayal of Tlaib's role. The vote highlights the divide among Democrats regarding Israel, with some taking a pro-Palestinian stance and others being staunch allies of Israel. Later this week, the House is expected to vote on a $14.3 billion Israel aid package, which is likely to further highlight these divisions.
Sources:
- Editorial: "Marjorie Taylor Greene is pushing censure of Rashida Tlaib. It crosses a line." (Detroit Free Press)
- Rep. Becca Balint: "Why I introduced a resolution to censure Marjorie Taylor Greene" (NBC News)
- Email: "House shoots down censure resolution targeting Tlaib" (The Hill)
Donald Trump Jr. testified in a $250 million fraud lawsuit against his family and the Trump Organization on Wednesday. The lawsuit, brought by the New York Attorney General Letitia James (D), accuses the Trump family and company executives of cheating in business deals and inflating financial statements to secure better terms. Trump Jr. testified that he was not directly involved in the production of financial statements and relied on Mazars USA, the company's accounting firm, for that responsibility. He is the first member of the family to be called as a witness in the case. The trial, which began on October 2, marks a high-profile phase in which multiple family members are expected to take the stand. Trump Jr. is expected to continue testifying on Thursday and may be summoned back later in the case by his own attorneys. His brother Eric Trump is also scheduled to testify on Thursday, and their father, former President Donald Trump, is set to testify on Monday. The Trump family and their lawyers deny any wrongdoing and maintain that no fraud was committed.
The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced its plan to remove all human names from the common names of birds in the US and Canada. The move comes as part of an effort to create a more inclusive environment for bird watchers and ornithologists. The AOS aims to reflect on the traits and habitats of birds rather than linking them to historical figures with racist or genocidal histories.
The AOS will engage in a public process to rename 70 to 80 bird species. The process will prioritize removing names linked to slavery, white supremacy, and the desecration of Indigenous graves. The committee responsible for recommendations will remove all honorific human names to avoid potential value judgments about the character and morality of individuals from the past.
The new bird names will be descriptive, focusing on the bird's appearance, song, or habitat. The goal is to make bird watching and ornithology more accessible and enjoyable for people from diverse backgrounds. The change is seen as a major shift in how bird names are perceived and an opportunity to create evocative and beautiful descriptions of the birds themselves.
While not all birders are expected to welcome the change, the AOS believes that the decision will help break down barriers to participation and engage more people in the study, enjoyment, and conservation of birds. The project is set to begin next year, and the scientific names of the birds will remain unchanged.
Overall, this move by the AOS represents a significant step towards inclusivity and a more thoughtful approach to naming the bird species in the US and Canada.
President Joe Biden's request for billions of dollars in aid for Israel and Ukraine is causing a divide in Congress. While both Democrats and Republicans in Congress want to provide military aid to Israel, there is disagreement when it comes to Ukraine. Hard-line conservative Republicans in the House are demanding an immediate end to funding for Ukraine. The situation is different in the Democrat-controlled Senate, where most Republicans support boosting aid to Ukraine.
President Biden has linked the aid request for Ukraine, amounting to over $61 billion, with the aid request for Israel, around $14 billion. He has also included billions of dollars for international humanitarian crises and for US border security and projects aimed at countering China. The total package amounts to $106 billion.
It remains unclear whether Congress will be able to pass the funding request for both Israel and Ukraine. Some Republicans argue that the aid packages should be considered separately. However, top US diplomat Liz Allen is confident that the aid packages will pass in a divided Congress.
The decision on whether Congress will approve aid for both Israel and Ukraine has significant implications for US foreign policy and security. The US's support to Ukraine is crucial in countering Russian aggression, and Israel is in need of support to defend itself against constant rocket and missile attacks. The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching consequences for the US and its allies.
In a case that tests the boundaries of the First Amendment, the Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday about whether a federal trademark statute that prevented a political activist from registering the phrase "Trump Too Small" as a slogan for t-shirts without former President Donald Trump's permission violates free speech rights. Steve Elster, the activist, argued that the mark criticizes Trump's approach to governing and references a comment he made about his anatomy during a 2016 Republican primary debate. The justices expressed skepticism about Elster's claim, noting that the government has historically set boundaries on what can be trademarked. They seemed inclined to side with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which denied Elster's application citing the law that prohibits trademarks involving a person's name. Elster's lawyer argued that his client's free speech rights were being burdened by the denial. The court is now faced with the opportunity to issue a sweeping ruling about the First Amendment's role in trademark law.
A Salem State University freshman basketball player, Carl-Hens Beliard, was fatally shot in a car parked near the campus early Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred just after Halloween festivities ended and does not appear to be random. Beliard, 18, was found with gunshot wounds inside the vehicle and was taken to the hospital where he later died. Authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the campus and are working to identify and apprehend the person responsible for the shooting. Beliard, originally from Worcester, played on the varsity basketball team at North High School and helped the team win the Division 1 state championship. He was also a member of the Salem State University basketball team. The shooting comes just days after another fatal shooting on a state university campus, where a 19-year-old man was killed in a parking lot at Worcester State University. As the investigation continues, the Salem State community mourns the loss of Beliard and hopes for justice to be served.
On the first day of Kaitlin Armstrong's murder trial, prosecutors painted a picture of a jealous yoga instructor who killed Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson, a talented cyclist who had been in a previous relationship with Armstrong's boyfriend, Colin Strickland. The prosecution alleges that Armstrong tracked Wilson's location and shot her multiple times, including a fatal shot to the heart. They claim Armstrong had access to Strickland's email and Instagram accounts, allowing her to monitor his communications with Wilson.
However, the defense argues that there is no solid evidence linking Armstrong to the murder. They claim that no camera footage shows Armstrong at the scene and argue that the prosecution's case is based on circumstantial evidence.
Wilson's friend, Caitlin Cash, who discovered her body and called 911, testified tearfully during the trial. She described finding Wilson covered in blood and said that she immediately called for help.
Armstrong, who has pleaded not guilty, also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution after fleeing to Costa Rica following the murder. She was eventually arrested and extradited to the United States.
The trial comes after Armstrong attempted to escape custody during a doctor's appointment, resulting in an additional felony charge.
The case has garnered significant attention, as Wilson was an accomplished cyclist and her murder shocked the cycling community. Strickland, who briefly dated Wilson while separated from Armstrong, expressed his remorse for the tragedy.
As the trial unfolds, the question remains: Did jealousy lead to the murder of Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson?
The resolution, introduced by Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed, would allow the promotions to be processed together. Schumer plans to bring it to the Senate floor as soon as it clears the Senate Rules Committee. However, it is important to note that Schumer's move does not address the underlying policy that Tuberville opposes.
Tuberville's office released a statement claiming that their actions forced Schumer's hand on the top three military nominees that were advanced on Tuesday evening. Tuberville has been holding up military promotions since February over the Department of Defense's policy on reimbursing travel costs for military members seeking reproductive care outside of their stationed state.
Despite the disagreement over the policy, Schumer's decision to move forward with the confirmations reflects the urgency of the current global crises, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, the war in Ukraine, and the hospitalization of a top military commander.
The judge overseeing Donald Trump's trial for alleged mishandling of national security secrets is considering pushing back the planned trial timeline due to the complexity of the case and the former president's multiple court dates. Judge Aileen M. Cannon expressed concerns about the compressed time frame and the looming deadlines for Trump's lawyers to file pre-trial motions. The debate largely revolved around a federal trial scheduled to begin in Washington on March 4, where Trump is accused of conspiring to obstruct the 2020 election results. Prosecutors argued that altering the trial date in Florida did not make sense, as the deadlines in other cases could change. However, Judge Cannon expressed skepticism about their position. Trump's lawyers emphasized the voluminous evidence in the case and the need for more time to review it. They also pointed out that the D.C. indictment came after the Florida trial date was set. The judge will rule on the schedule "as soon as possible." This case showcases the complexities of a trial involving highly classified documents and a defendant with multiple court dates while running for president.
A group of foreign nationals has reportedly started to leave Gaza, marking a breakthrough in efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave. The departures, which come in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, occurred at Rafah, Gaza's southern crossing point into Egypt. The nationalities of the foreign nationals have not been disclosed. This development comes as Gaza continues to face a communications blackout. Dozens of people entered the terminal at Rafah, providing hope for the thousands of people trapped in the war-torn region. The situation in Gaza has become dire, with reports of destroyed buildings and casualties, including women and children. The Israeli Defense Forces have claimed responsibility for a strike in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, stating that a senior Hamas commander was killed and accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields. However, Hamas denied the presence of the commander and condemned the strike as a "heinous crime." The international community has reacted with outrage, with calls for a ceasefire and investigations into potential war crimes. The departure of foreign nationals may offer some hope for the desperate situation in Gaza.
Conservative commentator Dana Loesch recently shared claims on social media about antisemitic protests outside UW Hillel at UW-Madison. However, university officials have stated that these claims were "significantly exaggerated." While protests did occur, officials maintain that they were peaceful and that no violence or direct threats occurred. Contrary to the allegations made by Loesch, no flag was cut during the protest. The university has urged caution regarding the veracity of these claims and emphasized that they condemn antisemitism. UW-Madison Police Department has provided support to the Madison Police Department at Hillel in recent weeks but has not observed the events described in Loesch's post. Although the protests may have caused distress for some, there is no evidence to support the alleged antisemitic abuse described by Loesch's source. The university remains committed to a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
The claims made by Loesch raise questions about the accuracy and reliability of information shared on social media. This incident highlights the importance of critically examining social media posts and news, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like conflicts in Israel and Gaza. Fake news and exaggerated accounts can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and fuel tensions. It is crucial to gather information from multiple sources and verify claims before drawing conclusions.
A surprising public confrontation made clear that some of Sen. Tommy Tuberville's colleagues have hit their limit as hundreds of senior military promotions remain stalled. Concerns about Gen. Eric Smith's health emergency and developments in the Middle East have brought the simmering frustration with Tuberville's hold on President Biden's military nominees to the surface. On Wednesday night, several Republicans confronted Tuberville on the Senate floor, urging him to lift his hold for the sake of national security and proposing votes on individual officers whose promotions have been delayed. However, Tuberville rejected their requests, blocking each proposed nominee. This showdown exposed the growing anger among Tuberville's Republican colleagues, but it is unclear if there is enough GOP support for a Democratic plan to change Senate rules temporarily to end the impasse. Sen. Dan Sullivan plans to challenge Tuberville's blockade by seeking swift confirmation of senior officers. Despite concerns about the impact of the backlog on the military amid various crises, Tuberville remains committed to his stance, forcing his colleagues to take a more confrontational approach.
A federal judge in Florida is weighing the possibility of delaying Donald Trump's upcoming trial on charges of hoarding classified documents and obstructing the government's attempts to retrieve them. The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 20, but Trump is seeking to have it postponed until after the 2024 presidential election. If Trump were to win the election, he could potentially shut down the case as president. Judge Aileen Cannon did not immediately rule on Trump's request for a postponement, but she expressed skepticism about the feasibility of keeping the case on schedule given the current circumstances. She noted that difficulties with sensitive documents related to the case have already been encountered. Cannon, who was appointed to the federal bench by Trump in 2020, stated that she would make "reasonable adjustments" to the schedule but did not explicitly indicate whether she plans to delay the trial date. Trump is facing multiple criminal and civil trials during the first half of 2024, and the potential delays in pretrial proceedings for this case could have a ripple effect on the trial itself.
The murder trial of Kaitlin Armstrong, a woman accused of gunning down pro cyclist Anna Moriah Wilson, began in Texas on Wednesday. Prosecutors claim that Armstrong tracked Wilson's movements on a fitness app before the shooting occurred. Armstrong has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, but prosecutors argue that Wilson's final screams and the shots that killed her were captured on nearby surveillance equipment. They also stated that Armstrong stood over Wilson and fired a third shot into her heart. Defense attorney Geoffrey Puryear countered by saying that there is no video evidence or witnesses placing Armstrong at the scene of the crime. The trial began three weeks after Armstrong attempted to escape from custody. Armstrong's relationship with Colin Strickland, Wilson's former boyfriend, was also discussed during the opening statements. Both were competitive gravel racers, and Strickland is expected to testify about his communication with Wilson in the month leading up to her death. The trial continues as the court hears more evidence in the case.
Atletico San Luis and Club America are set to face off in a highly-anticipated Liga MX match on Wednesday. With Club America currently on an unbeaten streak of 14 matches and sitting at the top of the league table, Atletico San Luis will have their work cut out for them.
Andre Jardine's men have been in impressive form this season, winning their last six games and sitting comfortably at the top of the standings with 33 points from 14 matches. They will be looking to extend their winning streak and secure their spot as league-phase champions.
On the other hand, Atletico San Luis have had a mixed season so far, with only one win in their last five matches. They currently sit in fifth place with 22 points from 14 games and will be aiming for a top-six finish to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The head-to-head record between the two teams heavily favors Club America, with 22 wins in their last 35 meetings. They have also won their last five away games against San Luis, scoring 10 goals and conceding three.
However, despite Club America's dominance, Atletico San Luis will be hopeful of causing an upset and ending their unbeaten streak. This clash promises to be an exciting showdown between two top teams in Liga MX.
The Samsung Galaxy A54, known for its budget-friendly price and decent camera capabilities, is now available at a discounted price ahead of Black Friday. The phone, which usually costs $449 / PS449, is currently priced at only PS284 on Amazon UK, offering customers a discount of almost 30%.
In a review of the Samsung Galaxy A54, it was highlighted that the phone offers a good overall package, with a large screen, great battery life, and a nice lineup of cameras. The main camera boasts a 50MP f/1.8 lens with PDAF and OIS, while the ultra-wide camera features a 12MP f/2.2 lens, and the macro camera has a 5MP f/2.4 lens. For selfies, the phone is equipped with a 32MP f/2.2 front-facing camera.
Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but early deals are already available, giving savvy shoppers the opportunity to snag this budget camera phone at a discounted price. With its affordable price tag and decent camera capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy A54 could be a great choice for anyone looking to capture high-quality photos without breaking the bank.
Atlas FC has been struggling in the 2023 Liga MX Apertura season, going winless in their last five games. Their upcoming match against CF Pachuca presents an opportunity for redemption. In their previous clash at Estadio Jalisco, Atlas FC secured a comfortable 4-1 victory. However, CF Pachuca has enjoyed a more favorable run, losing only one out of their last seven matches. The bookmakers have favored Atlas FC to win this encounter due to CF Pachuca's poor away form and underwhelming performance in recent seasons. This match will be crucial in determining the standings, as both teams are tied with 16 points. Can Atlas FC pull off a win and end their winless streak, or will CF Pachuca deny them the victory? Tune in to TUDN to find out.
Warriors forward Dario Saric has been cleared to play in Wednesday's game against the Kings, according to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area. Saric had been listed as probable for the game due to a bruised right hip, but he will suit up as expected.
Saric has been contributing well to the Warriors' lineup, averaging 5.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.0 block across 19.0 minutes per game. His return will provide the team with another talented player on the court.
With Saric's injury cleared up, the Warriors can continue their strong start to the season and aim for a victory against the Kings.
What sets this tournament apart is that it will run parallel to the standard NBA season, with all tournament match-ups counting as regular-season games. This means that the results of the tournament will factor into the standings used to determine which teams make the NBA Playoffs.
In addition to the financial incentives, the tournament will also feature unconventional court designs and new uniforms with alternative designs and unique fonts. The goal is to attract more viewership and interest to the early phase of the regular season, creating excitement months before the playoffs.
While a $500,000 prize might not make a significant difference for highly compensated players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, it could be a significant boost for bench players earning the minimum NBA salary of around $1 million.
The tournament is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, and the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets are among the favorites to come out on top. It remains to be seen which team will emerge victorious and claim the inaugural NBA Cup.
Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former President Donald Trump, took the witness stand in a $250 million civil trial that accuses him and his family business of years of financial fraud in New York. The trial will determine the penalties that Trump Jr., his father, his brother Eric, and their family business must pay after being found liable for the fraud. The New York Attorney General, Letitia James, contends that the Trump adult sons were aware of and knowingly participated in a scheme to inflate the value of assets to obtain favorable bank and insurance rates.
During his testimony, Trump Jr. stated that he had not been in charge of accounting details at the company and relied on professionals and CPAs. He also mentioned that accountant Donald Bender handled the accounting needs for the organization. However, earlier in the trial, Bender testified that the Trump family had provided him with faulty numbers to use on financial statements.
Trump Jr.'s testimony marked the beginning of a more high-profile phase in the trial, as other members of the Trump family are expected to take the witness stand in the coming days. Eric Trump is scheduled to testify on Thursday, followed by Donald Trump on November 6. Ivanka Trump, who is appealing an order to testify, is expected to appear in court on November 8.
The trial will shed light on the Trump family's dynamics and business practices as they face allegations of fraud and inflating net worth.
Five vulnerable New York Republican House members are pushing to expel their colleague, Republican Rep. George Santos, amidst his facing 23 charges including wire fraud and identity theft. In a letter to their colleagues, the lawmakers argued for Santos' expulsion on both moral and practical grounds, stating that it is a question of right and wrong and that removing him would set a positive precedent. They also addressed concerns about their slim majority, pointing out that expelling Santos would not jeopardize it.
However, the Republican-led resolution to expel Santos failed in the House. Despite allegations against him, Santos maintains his innocence and defended himself on the House floor, emphasizing the importance of the presumption of innocence and due process.
This push to expel Santos is not the only issue facing the New York GOP. It has been revealed that the campaign treasurer for several New York Republican freshmen, including Reps. Anthony D'Esposito and Nick LaLota, is the same person who worked for Santos' campaign. This connection is sparking concerns and further tarnishing the reputation of the New York GOP.
Expelling a member from the House requires a two-thirds majority vote, which was not achieved in this case. Santos' fate now depends on the ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation, with an update expected by November 17th.
The American Ornithological Society has made the decision to rename North American birds that currently bear human names. The society aims to replace these names with ones that better describe the birds' characteristics and plumage. The move comes as a response to concerns that some of the current names are offensive and exclusionary, particularly those associated with slavery, white supremacists, and the desecration of Indigenous graves. The society plans to appoint a committee next year to explore up to 80 new names for the birds.
The decision marks a significant change for the birding community, as many long-time birders have become accustomed to the existing names over several decades. While some opposition to the renaming is expected, the society hopes that the new names will create a more inclusive and engaging experience for people from all backgrounds interested in birding and ornithology. The society aims to break down barriers to participation and attract more people to the field, especially in light of recent reports indicating a significant decline in bird populations.
Overall, the goal of the renaming initiative is to foster a more inclusive environment and celebrate the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves. The society wants new birdwatchers to feel welcome and to enjoy nature for what it is, reinforcing the idea that birds and science are for everybody.
On the first day of Kaitlin Armstrong's murder trial, prosecutors presented their case against the yoga instructor, claiming that she killed Anna Moriah "Mo" Wilson out of jealousy. Armstrong is accused of shooting Wilson, an accomplished cyclist who had previously been in a relationship with Armstrong's on-and-off boyfriend, in May 2022. Prosecutors alleged that Armstrong, acting out of jealousy, tracked Wilson's whereabouts and shot her multiple times, including a final shot to the heart. While the defense argued that there was no hard evidence against Armstrong, prosecutors claimed that surveillance footage and cell phone evidence would prove her guilt. The trial, which could last until November 15th, will also feature testimony from Wilson's friend, who found her lying in a pool of blood, and Wilson's ex-boyfriend, who had remained friends with her. Armstrong had been on the run following the murder but was apprehended in Costa Rica after a 43-day manhunt.
Sources:
- "Prosecutors Claim Yoga Instructor Killed Boyfriend's Ex Out of Jealousy, Defense Calls Case 'Circumstantial'" by Spectrum News Staff
- "Kaitlin Armstrong's trial, deep voice video shows day-after headlines and updated news, a settlement for Mo Wilson, new trail threat on the Mass Pike" by Bob Ward, 105.7 WROR
- "Kaitlin Armstrong trial date set: Here's what happened" by Leslie Lopez, Fox 7 Austin
- "Kaitlin Armstrong's trial underway in Austin" by Andrew Buckman, KXAN.com
- "Kaitlin Armstrong remains behind bars" by KVUE News Staff, KVUE.com
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has proposed a bill to provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, but with a catch - the same amount of money would be cut from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) budget. This move by Republicans has drawn criticism, with experts arguing that cutting IRS funding would actually increase the national debt rather than reduce it. It is believed that the proposal is an attempt to appease high-income and corporate GOP donors while exploiting the hot-button issue of Israel.
The proposed cuts to the IRS budget would roll back the agency's expansion under the Inflation Reduction Act and affect increased enforcement and a new online tax filing portal. This would ultimately benefit wealthy tax evaders and corporations that profit from the current complex tax filing system.
President Joe Biden had called for international aid to both Israel and Ukraine, but Johnson's proposal focuses solely on Israel. The move has been criticized for undermining Biden's attempts to exert US leadership overseas and for creating partisan division that could hinder the country's global commitments.
It remains to be seen whether Johnson's bill will gain traction, as Democrats control the Senate and the White House. However, the proposal highlights the priorities and motives of the Republican Party.