1Politicsheraldsun.com
ATF to stop enforcing registration rules on gun silencers and short-barreled rifles. What to know
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has announced it will stop enforcing registration rules on gun silencers and short-barreled rifles. This follows a victory in a lawsuit filed by Idaho and 14 other states against the bureau. Previously, buyers had to pay a $200 tax on silencers, short-bars, and undergo a background check before buying them. However, in 2025, Congress eliminated this tax, and a federal judge in Texas ruled that without this, these measures were unconstitutional. The new ATF guidance extends the change to gun owners nationwide. The decision could be overturned by Congress, which Labrador and other attorneys general have urged to permanently repeal the ATF requirements.
2Businessnewsable.asianetnews.com
US Tech Layoffs: Indian Professionals Return Home Amid Job Losses And Visa Uncertainty
Indian professionals are returning home from the US due to job losses and visa uncertainty, as IT companies are firing thousands of Indian employees without a break. The government is making immigration rules stricter and is changing H-1B visa rules and rejecting I-140 petitions in large numbers. Locals are showing anger towards foreigners, and the government is increasing H-B visa requirements. Legal options are closing fast for Indian professionals.
3Politicsibtimes.sg
Trump Calls Ukraine's Russian Oil Refinery Strikes a 'Disgrace' as Zelenskyy Praises EU Leaders
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised Ukraine's renewed strikes on Russian oil infrastructure as a "disgrace", calling it a "diabolical" move. He argued that the strikes were increasing global oil prices and suggested that Ukraine could target other facilities rather than refineries producing diesel fuel. Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, defended his country's actions and sought financial and military support from European leaders. Zelensskyy also suggested that the United States provided additional Patriot air defence interceptors as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its defenses against Russian missile and drone attacks. The dispute has exacerbated tensions over attacks on energy infrastructure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas have called on European countries to cover Ukraine's financial andmilitary support.
4Financetimesofindia.indiatimes.com
Oil firms drop sugar-based ethanol from 2026-27 tender, cut maize price
The Indian government is changing the way oil companies can source ethanol for blending with petrol, removing sugar-based raw materials from the latest procurement tender for 2026-27. State-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) will no longer buy ethanol made from sugarcane juice, sugar syrup and B-heavy molasses. This move is aimed at keeping more sugar available for domestic consumption while maintaining the petrol-blending programme. The tender was issued by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), on behalf of OMCs, inviting bids for around 11 billion litres of ethanol for the period from November 2026 to October 2027. The requirement is linked to India's programme of blending 20% ethanol with petrol. With sugar-related ethanol excluded, oil companies may source ethanol made using maize, broken rice, surplus rice procured by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and C-heavy Molasses. However, maize-based ethanol producers will also receive a lower procurement price and incentive for maize-bids. The procurement price has also been cut from Rs 71.86 to Rs 68.86 per litre. The decision comes amid concerns over sugar supplies and rising prices.
5Sportsalbanyadvertiser.com.au
Secret’s out: Marchesani captures stunning WA Open win
Victorian golfer James Marchesani won his professional win at the WA Open, with an equal-course record seven-under-par score and finishing 17-under. Marchesan entered the final round in a three-way tie for the lead alongside reigning champion Oliver Bekker and Jasper Stubbs, with the trio remaining neck and neck throughout the final day. Despite a bogey on the 14th and Marchesana's third birdie for the day, he managed to secure the win by one shot. This win marks Marchesano's first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia win.
6Environmentbyteseu.com
Climate Change Has It In for the World’s Best Surfing - Bytes Europe
The climate crisis is threatening some of the world's greatest surf breaks, with some submerging them as sea level rises and others being crushed against coastal developments. An analysis of dozens of famous waves in World Surfing Reserves (WSR), found that over three-quarters were at high risk due to changing tide levels, hardened shorelines, and shifting sands. The waves rated most likely include those at Croyde Beach in North Devon, UK, Noosa in Australia, Oriente Salvaje, El Salvador, and Santa Cruz reefs in California. The researchers believe that the expert local knowledge of surfers could be used to protect the waves. The study concludes that climate change and coastal management both have significant negative implications for the future viability of multiple surf breaks of global significance.
7Worldmalaysia.news.yahoo.com
Iran's parliament approves Mehrdad Akhlaqi as minister of defence
Iran's parliament has approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as its new defence minister, ending months of interim leadership at the ministry. Akhalaqi, a former defence sector veteran, replaces Majid Ebn al-Reza who took over after Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed by US-Israeli strikes in February. He has previously served in senior roles in Iran's aerospace and missile sectors and is subject to US and EU sanctions for his work in the defence sector. Akklaqi pledged to rebuild the country's military-industrial infrastructure, develop defence technologies and expand cooperation with private-sector companies. He also warned against the potential use of the US's "mother of all bombs" against Iran.
8Politicstallahassee.com
Hundreds join 'No Kings' rallies to target Trump, urge voting Nov. 3
Hundreds of people attended "No Kings" protests across Palm Beach County on Oct. 17, aimed at President Donald Trump's policies and the rising cost of living. Demonstrators, including some former Trump voters, voiced concerns over his policies and urged people to vote in the upcoming Nov. 3 elections. Demonprotests took place in several locations, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens. The demonstrations were held on a hot day that saw temperatures rise into the high 80s and brought moments of rain to the West Palm beach gathering. Protests were held 17 days before the Nov.3 elections, which could potentially deny the Republican party's majorities in Congress.
9Politicskansas.com
Trump's policies raised costs for all but the top 1%, report says
The Trump administration's economic policies have increased taxes and costs for all but the wealthiest 1% of Americans, according to an analysis from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP). The report found that a typical American consumer, someone in the middle 20% by income, will pay about $1,700 more in taxes and other costs in 2026 due to these policies. Only the top 1% earners will pay less: $12,560 less. The report focuses on three major policy changes under the second Trump administration: new tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits from the COVID-19 era, and price increases triggered by tariffs, the Iran war and immigration actions. The White House responded by saying its aggressive economic agenda had stopped inflation and created private-sector jobs.
10Worldthestate.com
Congo confirms Ebola outbreak spreads to eighth province
The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to an eighth province, North Ubangi, bordering Central African Republic. The public health institute confirmed that two cases were confirmed in North Ubengi. There has been no official statement from Congolese authorities regarding these cases.
11Sportseasternriverinachronicle.com.au
'Anxiety' the biggest hurdle after head blow: Smith
Steve Smith has revealed that the anxiety of suffering another concussion was the biggest concern after being hit on the helmet in the first Test against South Africa. Smith batted on after being struck by Anrich Norje, before remaining off the field on day four once Australia declared. The 37-year-old then passed checks for delayed concussions the evening and the next morning before returning to the match on day five. Smith has previously experienced concussions, most notably when he was hit by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes and missed the next Test. His performance in the match was a highlight of Australia's 214-run win in Durban.
12Politicseuropesays.com
US military aid to Israel must be conditioned: California governor - Iran
California Governor Gavin Newsom has stated that US military aid to Israel must be conditioned, stating that this position is increasingly becoming the Democratic Party's consensus. This comes as Newsom campaigns in New Hampshire ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. He cited illegal settler violence in the West Bank and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies as reasons for this, which he said undermines prospects for a two-state solution. Newsom called Israel's war in Gaza a "moral catastrophe" and recommended that US aid should advance human rights principles such as the Leahy framework, which prevents the US government from funding foreign military units linked to severe human rights violations.
