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Tabitha Bundrick has been indicted on multiple counts of murder, robbery, burglary, and assault for allegedly drugging and robbing four men, three of whom died. According to prosecutors, Bundrick lured the men with the pretense of sex and then offered them fentanyl-laced drugs, leading to the deaths. Bundrick allegedly targeted her victims in various locations between 2023 and 2024, stealing cash, phones, and other belongings. Bundrick has pleaded not guilty to the new charges, despite previously pleading guilty to federal drug-related charges for the same incidents and receiving a 156-month prison sentence.
The Finance Ministry is implementing tax increases and expanding the tax base to finance defense and security, including lowering the revenue threshold for reporting for small and medium-sized businesses and introducing taxes on gambling. These measures come as the economy cools and revenue from oil and gas sales decline. Facing economic challenges and previously aiming to replenish the National Welfare Fund, the Ministry now plans to adjust oil-related tax flows. The Ministry’s proposals were made shortly before the formal 2026 budget proposal is to be presented.
Efforts are underway to prevent a floor vote on releasing government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, with key Republicans and White House allies working to thwart the initiative. Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna secured the necessary 218 signatures, compelling a vote upon the return of Congress. However, pressure is being applied to some Republican signatories to withdraw, preventing the vote from happening. House Speaker Mike Johnson opposes the vote, citing concerns over victim privacy and the ongoing Oversight Committee investigation, and is seeking a way to avoid it.
China has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 7 to 10 percent by 2035, becoming a global leader in climate action while the United States retreats from the Paris Agreement. President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of a green transition, highlighting the country’s shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower, aiming for over 30 percent of its power system to be run by these sources. Furthermore, China plans to make new energy vehicles the mainstream in vehicle sales. This commitment stands in stark contrast to the US stance on climate change.
Ukraine’s Air Force announced the downing of a Russian Su-34 fighter jet in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast during the early morning of September 25th. The warplane was reportedly launching guided aerial bombs at the city of Zaporizhzhia when it was shot down. This marks another instance of Ukrainian forces targeting the Soviet-era fighter-bomber. As Russian aerial attacks have increased, further intensification is anticipated as winter approaches.
During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Donald Trump’s speech was perceived as a blatant display of “Trump First” rhetoric, potentially damaging America’s reputation. The speech was marked by frivolous tangents, boasting about personal accomplishments, and undermining the credibility of the U.N. as an institution. Trump made misleading claims about ending wars and praised his own record, while also criticizing other countries and promoting his extreme right-wing views. This behavior included Orwellian boasts of defending personal liberties while his administration censored media figures.
Colombian President Petro stated that no deaths should occur when intercepting speedboats suspected of drug smuggling, emphasizing a history of collaboration with U.S. agencies. He believes the use of more force than a pistol would violate the principle of proportionality. This comes amidst U.S. strikes in international waters, mainly targeting Venezuela, with questions raised by Democratic lawmakers and UN experts regarding their legality. Petro accused the Trump administration of humiliation and suggested his nation would not be subjugated, indicating escalating tensions and friction between the two countries.
During the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino discussed the importance of sanctions against Russia, specifically addressing the nation’s shadow fleet. Zelenskyy commended Panama’s revocation of registration for over 200 Russian tankers. Additionally, they discussed collaborative efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the need for Panama’s support of a resolution condemning these actions. Zelenskyy also thanked Panama for their overall support.
Following Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television after a brief suspension, Vice President J.D. Vance criticized the monologue for failing to apologize to Charlie Kirk’s family for Kimmel’s previous comments. Kimmel’s initial remarks, which linked the murder of Kirk to the “MAGA gang,” drew significant backlash and led to the show’s temporary removal from the air. While Kimmel addressed the controversy on his return, emphasizing his intent was not to make light of the murder or blame any specific group, Vance and Nexstar Media Group, a parent company, have continued to evaluate the situation. Despite Kimmel’s expressions of understanding for those upset and his admiration for Kirk’s widow’s forgiveness, Nexstar continues to preempt the show on its ABC-affiliated local stations.
John Q. Hosedrinker