State Department names Nigeria country of concern | JQJO

The State Department updated Nigeria’s status to a Country of Particular Concern over severe violations of religious freedom. President Donald Trump accused the government of failing to protect Christians, ordered the Pentagon to prepare possible action, and threatened to cut U.S. aid. Republicans said they will investigate alleged persecution, though experts and a U.S. commission note extremist violence harms both Christians and Muslims and casualty figures are disputed. Despite aid cuts, Washington announced $32.5 million for food assistance. Rapper Nicki Minaj praised Trump’s stance, earning thanks from U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz.

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles arrested twenty‑eight green card holders on Monday, accusing them of fraudulently registering to vote and lying on naturalization applications. The defendants, including Ana Domínguez of Long Beach and Omar Muñoz of Commerce, claim no recollection of registering. The charges stem from a Trump administration crackdown on alleged non‑citizen voting. State officials argue the cases are isolated and may result from administrative errors. Election experts warn that proving willful violations requires strong evidence. The arrests have sparked confusion and anger among the defendants’ families.

The Tampa Bay Rays are going to the World Series for the third time in franchise history, staying true to themselves every step of the way.

In true "Housewives" fashion, drama has erupted on "The Real Housewives of New York City" as Daisy Toye and Erin Lichy target the marriages of fellow cast members. Sources say the pair spread false rumors about Jessel Taank, Pavit, Erika Hammond, and Ankur Jain, aiming to damage relationships and gain attention. Carole Radziwill attempts to mediate, while Sai De Silva confronts the duo. The conflict is set to unfold over the next episodes, with a reunion expected to address the tensions.

Friday Night Lights stars Connie Britton, Jesse Plemons and Adrianne Palicki appeared in a campaign spot for Democrat James Talarico, using the show’s battle cry “Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.” The ad aired over the weekend as Talarico’s tour heads toward Election Day on November third. Kacey Musgraves also greeted the candidate in the spot. Talarico, a four‑term Texas House member, faces GOP rival Ken Paxton, who has received backing from Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The race is the most expensive and star‑studded midterm contest in Texas.

Videos show a Long Beach resident, Ricardo Gonzalez, screaming that his arm is broken while ICE agents pin him to the ground and handcuff him. Gonzalez, a former city employee and U.S. citizen, was struck by a vehicle before the agents arrived. He was later taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson filed a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, demanding an independent investigation and removal of the agents from field enforcement. The family launched a GoFundMe to cover medical expenses.

CoreWeave’s bonds entered distressed territory last week, defined by investors demanding 1,000 basis points more in yield than government bonds. Shares fell more than 20 percent since Tuesday’s close. Investor Chamath Palihapitiya highlighted the distressed debt and questioned whether the AI buildout represents a private‑credit bubble. Co‑founder Brannin McBee told the Financial Times that the company seeks investment‑grade debt rather than junk to tap insurers’ capital, which has raised fears of further borrowing. As of the second‑quarter earnings, CoreWeave owed more than $35 billion, largely due to using GPUs as collateral for loans. The company’s high debt load could make future borrowing more expensive and challenge profitability.

Anthropic has not yet clarified whether the shares of its new public‑benefit fund will be distributed directly to Americans. Elon Musk has urged the company to give those shares to the public.

Federal authorities charged twenty‑eight people across California with illegally registering to vote or casting ballots in federal elections despite not being U.S. citizens. Eleven were arrested Monday, with seventeen others expected to be taken into custody soon. All defendants are lawful permanent residents, not undocumented immigrants. The charges come weeks before the November third midterm elections, escalating the Trump administration’s fight with state election officials. California officials argue the cases are isolated and not evidence of widespread fraud.

The Los Angeles Lakers waived former first‑round pick Dalton Knecht on Monday, two days before the 2026‑27 NBA season opens and the league’s roster deadline. Knecht, selected 17th overall in 2024 from Tennessee, had been on the roster since a failed trade to the Charlotte Hornets in 2025. His production fell to 4.2 points in about 10 minutes per game last season, prompting the team to cut him to make room for Bronny James and Jaden Hardy. Head coach JJ Redick said the team’s needs and fit had changed. Knecht’s contract had two years remaining on a four‑year, $18.4 million rookie deal. The Lakers will open the season Wednesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced new rules to protect motorists from harsh private parking charges. Drivers will receive a guaranteed five‑minute period to decide whether to park and a ten‑minute window to leave without penalty. Charges may be cancelled for vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, or honest mistakes such as wrong registration entry. Maximum appeal charges will be capped at twenty pounds, and operators risking non‑compliance may lose access to DVLA data. The changes aim to address the record seventeen million private parking tickets issued in 2025‑2026, which could cost drivers more than four point six million pounds daily.