Author: Lester Holt

New York’s highest court has backed the expansion of treatment courts, aiming to help individuals struggling with mental health and substance-use issues. The court’s decision encourages programs that divert people from incarceration and guide them into treatment and support services. This move highlights a growing effort to address the root causes of criminal behavior through rehabilitation rather than punishment. Treatment courts, sometimes called problem-solving courts, focus on providing participants with access to therapy, counseling, and medical care. These specialized courts work closely with mental health professionals, social workers, and probation officers to create tailored plans for each participant. The goal…

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have launched a federal lawsuit aimed at preventing the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops within the state. This legal action follows a recent court decision in Oregon that temporarily stopped a similar deployment in Portland, highlighting ongoing disputes over federal authority versus state control. Alleged Violations of Federal Law Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Chicago officials argue that the federal plan to mobilize the National Guard for domestic purposes infringes upon the Tenth Amendment and violates the Posse Comitatus Act. Governor JB Pritzker described the deployment as an…

Governor Challenges Federal ActionGovernor Gavin Newsom announced that President Trump has ordered 300 California National Guard troops to deploy to Oregon. He condemned the decision as an overreach of federal authority and pledged to pursue legal action to block the deployment. Newsom argued that the administration is using California’s forces to bypass a court ruling that prevented Oregon’s Guard from being mobilized. Court Blocks Oregon TroopsThe deployment follows a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, which stopped 200 Oregon Guard soldiers from being sent to Portland. The ruling, in effect until at least October 18, raised…

Officials say no one injured in late-night blastChevron’s sprawling refinery in El Segundo was rattled by an explosion Thursday evening that ignited a major fire visible for miles along the coast. The incident, reported around 9:30 p.m., began in a processing unit tied to jet-fuel production. Company officials later said every worker was safe and no injuries had been reported. Firefighters work through night to contain flamesDozens of engines and emergency teams swarmed the scene, attacking the blaze into the early morning hours. By sunrise, authorities confirmed the fire had been contained, though crews stayed behind to cool equipment and…

Emergency responders swarm Mitchel Houses complex A section of a 20-story public housing tower in the Bronx came crashing down Wednesday after an explosion inside the building’s boiler and chimney shaft. The collapse took place at the Mitchel Houses on Alexander Avenue, scattering brick and concrete across the surrounding blocks as firefighters and inspectors moved quickly to contain the danger. No reported injuries, tenants displaced Authorities confirmed that despite the dramatic collapse, no residents were injured. Several apartments were cleared, and families were escorted to safety while engineers evaluated the building’s condition. Streets near the Mott Haven site were closed,…

White House Rolls Out Pricing Arrangement President Donald Trump, joined by Pfizer’s chief executive Albert Bourla, disclosed a new pricing initiative on Tuesday aimed at easing Medicaid’s drug expenditures. The agreement calls for Pfizer to extend “most-favored-nation” rates on upcoming medicines, aligning what U.S. state programs pay with the lowest amounts charged abroad. Alongside the pledge, the administration introduced TrumpRx, a federal website that will provide patients with access to discounted treatments. Company to Boost U.S. Spending, Tariff Relief in Return In connection with the pricing decision, Pfizer promised to direct nearly $70 billion into American research, production, and facilities…

Leaders Fail to Reach CompromiseEfforts to avert a federal shutdown faltered after President Donald Trump’s meeting with congressional leaders ended without progress. Republicans pushed for a temporary funding measure free of policy attachments, while Democrats refused to back any deal that did not include renewed healthcare subsidies and other protections. Standoff Deepens With Hours LeftAs the midnight deadline looms, positions remain hardened. Vice President JD Vance said the government would close unless Democrats shifted course, while Democratic leaders argued that safeguarding healthcare was essential to any agreement. The lack of movement leaves Congress with little time to find a path…

Agencies Prepare for Possible Work Interruptions Federal departments are taking proactive measures as a potential shutdown threatens to disrupt operations. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has advised agencies to draft contingency plans addressing both short-term furloughs and potential staff reductions in programs lacking funding. This guidance has raised concerns among public employees and labor unions nationwide. Deadlock in Congress Prevents Temporary Funding Attempts to pass a short-term budget solution have stalled in Congress. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have rejected proposed continuing resolutions, with party leaders blaming one another for the impasse. As the fiscal…

Verdict Announced in Florida Court A federal jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, on September 23, 2025, convicted 59-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh for plotting to kill former President Donald Trump. Acting as his own defense attorney, Routh was found guilty on every charge after a brief period of jury deliberation. As the outcome was read, he tried to injure himself with a pen, forcing security officers to step in and restrain him. Government Outlines Planned Shooting According to prosecutors, Routh prepared an ambush at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. He carried a loaded SKS-style rifle and remained concealed…

Afghan Authorities Reject U.S. Pressure The Taliban has declined former President Donald Trump’s request to return control of Bagram Air Base, affirming that Afghanistan will maintain authority over its territory. Chief of Staff Fasihuddin Fitrat declared that no part of the nation’s land will be relinquished, reinforcing the country’s stance on sovereignty. Trump Threatens, Taliban Responds Trump warned of potential repercussions if Afghanistan did not comply with his demand regarding the airbase, vacated by U.S. forces in 2021. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid responded by urging Washington to adopt a more realistic approach, highlighting Afghanistan’s focus on international diplomacy and referencing…