South Carolina health officials have confirmed a measles outbreak in the Upstate region, with eight cases reported as of Wednesday, five of which are part of a newly identified outbreak. The outbreak is defined as three or more linked cases, and the individuals involved are unvaccinated. Health officials are concerned about the rapid spread of the highly contagious disease in communities with low immunization rates, as the source of some cases is unknown, indicating unrecognized community spread. To prevent further spread, officials urge those feeling ill to stay home, notify healthcare providers, and cooperate with investigations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
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Greta Thunberg reported harsh treatment in Israeli custody after being detained with the Global Sumud Flotilla, including dehydration, bedbug infestations, and insufficient food. Detainees also reported Thunberg was forced to hold unknown flags for photographs. The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed these claims in an email detailing her experience and access to legal counsel, while also mentioning concerns about the treatment of other activists detained alongside her. Lawyers representing the flotilla have reported systematic rights violations and instances of verbal and physical abuse, including denial of water, sanitation, and medical attention.
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Ukraine dismantles Russian assault on Lyman before it even begins, new artillery brigade turns river crossings into kill zones.
It seems like a consistent theme throughout this conflict – Russia consistently struggles with river crossings. It’s almost as if Ukrainian forces, armed with ample ammunition, are able to effectively neutralize any Russian attempts the moment they reach the water. This isn’t a new development; it’s almost predictable at this point. The Russians are apparently facing a reality check across the board, and it’s a sight to behold. Slava Ukraine, indeed.
This whole scenario just highlights the inherent difficulty of wet gap crossings.… Continue reading
The Trump administration has frozen funding for $2.1 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Chicago, including the Red Line extension, citing concerns about “race-based contracting,” according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Illinois’s elected officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, have strongly condemned the move, accusing the White House of using its power to punish political opponents amid the federal government shutdown and questioning the prioritization of aid to Argentina over Chicago. Officials like Representative Mike Quigley have warned that this could be the beginning of a broader effort to cut federal funding to cities that disagree with the president and that the Red Line funding might be permanently blocked.
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A White House official inadvertently revealed plans to deploy the 82nd Airborne Division to Portland while using Signal in a public space. The official, a top deputy to Stephen Miller, discussed the deployment with other officials, including an advisor who stated that the deployment would likely generate significant headlines. Ultimately, the administration sent National Guard soldiers to Portland instead. This incident follows a previous breach of secure communication earlier in the year, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the administration’s communication practices.
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During his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned global leaders about the perilous implications of artificial intelligence, asserting that the world is currently experiencing the most destructive arms race in history. He emphasized the threat posed by the rapid advancement of weapons technology, including AI-powered autonomous systems, and the inadequacy of current global safeguards. Zelenskyy advocated for the establishment of international regulations governing the use of AI, highlighting the potential for AI-driven drones to autonomously target infrastructure and individuals. He further underscored the ease with which dangerous weapons can be accessed and deployed, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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Following Howard Lutnick’s account of his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, Senator Adam Schiff suggested Lutnick should appear before Congress. This call for testimony stems from the ongoing congressional investigation into Epstein’s activities. The senator’s statement was made during an interview with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC. The date of the senator’s statement was October 3, 2025.
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On Friday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison, who had been instrumental in the Trump administration’s efforts to restructure the Pentagon. Harrison, appointed in January, worked alongside Navy Secretary John Phelan to limit the influence of the navy under secretary. Harrison’s firing occurred shortly after Hung Cao was confirmed as navy under secretary, amidst reports of efforts to diminish Cao’s role. This dismissal continues months of personnel changes and policy shifts under Hegseth’s leadership, including cuts to top military personnel and a controversial speech criticizing diversity initiatives.
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In Chicago, Alderman Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed by federal agents at Humboldt Park Hospital while questioning their actions regarding a detained man. The agents, believed to be from ICE, released Fuentes after handcuffing her and threatened further arrest if she returned. This incident occurred amid increased ICE activity, including an instance where federal agents deployed tear gas on a street in Logan Square. Local officials have condemned the federal agents’ actions, with Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasizing the right of elected officials to document ICE activities and urging Chicagoans to challenge the government.
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Second US appeals court rejects Trump’s order curtailing birthright citizenship. Well, isn’t that something? The second court of appeals has now tossed out Trump’s attempt to chip away at birthright citizenship. You know, the one enshrined in the 14th Amendment? This isn’t just a legal issue; it strikes at the very heart of who we are as Americans. It’s about the promise of equal protection under the law, a promise that’s been a cornerstone of our nation since the Civil War.
This whole situation is like watching a slow-motion train wreck. You know where it’s headed: potentially all the way to the Supreme Court.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood