JQJO — General news · Page 52

The first general-election mayoral debate framed a generational clash: Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, stressed his long record, while 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani leaned on integrity and progressive plans like rent freezes and free buses. Polls show Mamdani leading by double digits, with strong support from younger voters and upbeat, viral social media as Cuomo plays catch-up. Analysts say Cuomo’s controversies and traditional style contrast with Mamdani’s tone and ideas. Early voting is underway ahead of the Nov. 4 election.

Russia launched an early Wednesday air assault across much of Ukraine, cutting power in most regions and igniting homes. At least six people were killed — including a six‑month‑old — and 25 were injured in Kyiv alone, after drones, missiles and jets struck energy sites and residential towers. Fires tore through high‑rises in the capital; a kindergarten in Kharkiv was hit, though children were evacuated. The barrage came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said a shelved summit with Vladimir Putin might be a “waste of time.” Volodymyr Zelensky urged the EU and U.S. to tighten pressure on Russia.

At least 63 people were killed after two buses and two other vehicles crashed after midnight near Kiryandongo on Uganda’s highway to Gulu, police said, calling it one of the country’s worst recent road disasters. Police said the buses, traveling in opposite directions, collided head-on during overtaking maneuvers. Several others were injured; most are being treated at a nearby government hospital. A Red Cross spokeswoman described victims with broken limbs and scenes too gruesome to share. Police urged caution as fatalities rise, while a road safety advocate decried weak nighttime enforcement.

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, has ordered a fresh package of economic measures to ease the inflation strain on households and companies. Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female premier on Tuesday, provided no details on the package’s size and gave no indication on whether additional bond issuance will be needed. Her order calls for compiling a supplementary budget to finance the measures.

In a nationally televised season opener, Oklahoma City edged Houston 125-124 in double overtime after Jabari Smith Jr.'s contested corner jumper missed at the buzzer. Controversy erupted at the end of the first OT: with 2.2 seconds left and the score tied, Kevin Durant tried to call a timeout Houston didn't have, an action that should trigger a technical foul and possession per NBA rules. No whistle came. Crew chief Zach Zarba later said none of the officials saw the signal, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander called it a mistake to move on from.

A man was arrested late Tuesday after crashing his car into a security gate at a White House entrance at 10:37 p.m., the U.S. Secret Service said. Officers from the agency’s uniformed division took him into custody at the scene. Investigators searched the vehicle and determined it was safe. Authorities released no additional details, including the driver’s identity or a possible motive.

On NBC's first NBA telecast since 2002, Michael Jordan recalled feeling unusually nervous when an Airbnb host on Long Island asked him to shoot a free throw before the man's grandkids during last month's Ryder Cup. He told Mike Tirico he hadn't touched a basketball in years—then said the shot went in. The pre-recorded conversation ran in the "MJ: Insights to Excellence" segment, as NBC began airing games under the NBA's new 11-year, $27 billion media rights deal.

Chicago P.D. will be down an officer as original cast member Patrick John Flueger takes a leave of absence to address a personal matter, sources say. Flueger, who plays Adam Ruzek, is expected to return later this season, and scripts are being reworked to reflect his absence. The time off follows a difficult period personally, including an instance of alcohol use on set, according to sources. Onscreen, Ruzek and Detective Kim Burgess recently married and are focused on family as Season 13 follows the unit back to work after fallout involving Deputy Chief Charlie Reid.

On Tuesday, Jets owner Woody Johnson publicly criticized quarterback Justin Fields, quipping, “If we can just complete a pass, it would look good.” He also said he has no regrets about moving on from Aaron Rodgers — “I never look back” — and noted Rodgers is “playing great now” in a situation that works for him, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. The report says Rodgers didn’t seem interested in a third Jets season and that views diverged: G.M. Darren Mougey wanted to keep Rodgers, coach Aaron Glenn preferred to move on. Others may have influenced the QB pick, possibly including Johnson.

An ICE-led raid targeting counterfeit goods on Canal Street in Lower Manhattan descended into chaos Tuesday as crowds confronted federal agents, DHS said. The operation, involving ICE, FBI and ATF, saw military-style trucks roll through the area; at least one protester was arrested for allegedly assaulting a federal officer. Later, demonstrators rallied peacefully at 26 Federal Plaza. Street vendors and advocates decried the sweep as profiling and overreach, while city officials — including the comptroller and public advocate — condemned the show of force. NYPD said it was not involved; by night, vendors had vanished from the sidewalks.