Aryatara Shakya, a 2-year-old girl, has been chosen as Nepal’s new living goddess, Kumari. She was carried through the streets of Kathmandu to the Kumari Ghar temple palace, where she will reside for several years. Chosen from the Shakya clan, Kumaris are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. The new Kumari will bless devotees, and her family will receive elevated status. Though Kumaris lead a secluded life, changes have occurred in recent years allowing them an education and a small pension upon retirement.
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Over two decades after Hunter S. Thompson’s death was ruled a suicide, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is set to review the case at the request of his widow, Anita Thompson. The author, known for his “gonzo” journalism and works like “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” was found dead at his Woody Creek, Colorado home on February 20, 2005, by his son. While no new evidence has surfaced, the review, involving an independent perspective, aims to provide a transparent analysis and offer closure to Thompson’s family and the public. The investigation will examine details surrounding the circumstances of Thompson’s death, including the alleged suicide note published in Rolling Stone.
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The Supreme Court has allowed Lisa Cook to remain as a Federal Reserve governor for now, declining to act on the Trump administration’s effort to immediately remove her from the central bank. The court will hear arguments in January regarding Trump’s attempt to force Cook off the Fed board and will consider whether to block a lower-court ruling in Cook’s favor. This case stems from Trump’s unprecedented bid to reshape the Fed board and stems from accusations of mortgage fraud against Cook, while a related case involving Trump’s firings of other federal officials is also being heard. Cook, who denies any wrongdoing, will be able to participate in the remaining two Fed meetings in 2025.
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Walmart announced a plan to remove synthetic food dyes and 30 other ingredients, including preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and fat substitutes, from its store brands in the U.S. by January 2027. This initiative, affecting approximately 1,000 products under brands like Great Value, Marketside, and Freshness Guaranteed, aims to respond to consumer demand for fewer additives. While some targeted ingredients are already banned or rarely used, others have raised health concerns, with the company citing the availability of viable alternatives for maintaining product quality and affordability as the primary motivator for the change. Walmart’s Sam’s Club division is also removing more than 40 ingredients from its Member’s Mark products, signaling a broader industry shift toward cleaner ingredient labels.
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The September ADP report revealed a concerning downturn in the US private sector, with a loss of 32,000 jobs and a significant downward revision of August’s figures. This decline, driven primarily by small businesses and widespread across various industries, contrasts sharply with economists’ expectations. The revision was, in part, due to a preliminary benchmarking of data, which adjusted the picture of hiring trends. These findings, coupled with other indicators like the BLS report, point toward a slowing labor market, heightening concerns amidst government uncertainties.
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The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced ten additional sunscreens are being pulled from shelves or paused from supply due to concerns about their sun protection claims, bringing the total to 18 affected products. This action follows a recall of Ultra Violette’s SPF 50+ Lean Screen, with preliminary testing indicating its base formulation may have an SPF as low as 21, and possibly even lower for other products using the same base. The TGA has also raised concerns about the reliability of SPF testing by Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp), a UK-based testing lab, which many companies relied upon for SPF claims. Consumers are advised to consider using alternative sunscreen products until the TGA completes its review.
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Due to a bomb threat linked to events in northern Munich, the Oktoberfest remains closed until at least 5 p.m. Authorities are taking the threat seriously as it is connected to a letter from the same perpetrator. Earlier this morning, explosive devices were found in a burning house in the Lerchenau district, leading to a large-scale police and fire brigade operation. Investigations now suggest the deceased individual from the fire is also the suspect behind the bomb threat, with authorities believing the incident stems from a family dispute, ruling out a political motive at this stage.
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The government shutdown’s immediate impact will be felt by federal workers and contractors, who will face missed wages. As the shutdown continues, the lack of funds will affect social security payments, impacting families. Furthermore, crucial services like national parks could face funding shortages. Finally, there is concern the shutdown might lead to federal job cuts, which have historically been reversed.
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The US Department of State released the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, detailing human trafficking conditions in the US and over 185 countries, after delays and congressional pressure. The report, published without the customary introduction from the Secretary of State, includes the designation of Cambodia as a “state sponsor” of trafficking. The document also criticizes countries like Brazil, South Africa, and Israel, while omitting a section on LGBTQ+ victims that was terminated. This quiet release coincides with broader concerns about the Trump administration’s commitment to anti-trafficking efforts and related funding.
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Over the weekend, youth-led demonstrations erupted in numerous Moroccan cities, marking some of the largest anti-government protests in years. Protesters voiced strong disapproval of government priorities, specifically criticizing investments in international sporting events while neglecting healthcare and education. Security forces responded with arrests in several cities, with the Moroccan Association for Human Rights reporting over 120 arrests. The protests, largely organized via social media by a leaderless movement, were fueled by anger over declining public services, and inspired by similar youth-led movements.
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John Q. Hosedrinker