JQJO — General news · Page 86

ABC’s This Week captured a stark split-screen: in Gaza, a Trump-announced ceasefire quieted the fighting, with 200 U.S. troops set to monitor and 48 hostages—20 believed alive—expected back within a day as Trump heads to Israel and Egypt. At home, DOJ indictments of Letitia James and James Comey fueled charges of retribution while courts blocked National Guard deployments to Chicago and Portland. Vice President J.D. Vance defended the moves and batted away questions about a recorded $50,000 payment to border czar Tom Homan. Meanwhile, a deepening shutdown sparked mass federal layoffs, and immigration raids rattled farm labor.

Global life expectancy has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, 76.3 years for women and 71.5 for men, part of a 20-year gain since 1950, according to IHME analyses in The Lancet. Covid-19 fell from the leading cause of death in 2021 to 20th in 2023, while heart disease and stroke again lead as noncommunicable diseases drive about two-thirds of mortality. Inequities persist: life expectancy spans 83 in high-income regions to 62 in sub-Saharan Africa, and deaths are rising among adolescents and young adults. Researchers urge action on preventable risks and warn aid cuts could widen gaps.

Diane Keaton, who died unexpectedly this week, remade romantic comedy on her own terms. After a first major film role in The Godfather, she ping‑ponged between drama and rom‑coms, winning a best actress Oscar for Annie Hall, whose nervy, independent heroine recalibrated the genre. Keaton’s wit and nuance echoed through later stars and roles, from Baby Boom to Something’s Gotta Give, which brought her a final Oscar nomination and sparked stories of older women’s agency. Though often cast as wives and mothers, she lent depth and warmth to every lead. Her absence shocks; her influence feels impossible to overlook.

Katy Perry and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared to confirm romance rumors after being photographed kissing and cuddling aboard Perry’s yacht, Caravelle, off Santa Barbara, according to the Daily Mail. Images show the singer in a black one-piece while Trudeau, 53, at one point rested his hands on her bottom. The pair first sparked speculation in July after an intimate dinner in Montreal. Neither has commented. Trudeau stepped down in January and separated from his wife in 2023; Perry was previously married, later engaged to Orlando Bloom, with whom she shares a daughter, before separating this year.

California’s energy transition is accelerating refinery shutdowns, leaving workers and communities on edge. Phillips 66 in Los Angeles begins winding down this month, ending fuel production in 2025, while Valero may idle or close its Benicia plant—together representing about 18% of the state’s refining capacity. Regulators are negotiating to keep Valero open as Democrats juggle climate goals, gas prices, and jobs. Funding to retrain displaced workers, nearly $30 million to date, expires in 2027 without extension. For pipe fitter Wilfredo Cruz, earning $118,000 yet showering off refinery residue nightly, the future feels uncertain despite new training.

Former L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner is preparing to challenge Mayor Karen Bass in 2026, arguing the city failed residents on crime, housing costs and the deadly Palisades fire. The blaze killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes, damaging Beutner’s house and leveling his mother‑in‑law’s. Citing an after‑action report that found communication gaps, thin resources and inexperienced leadership, he says the buck stops with the mayor. Bass’ campaign declined comment; she has announced changes. Beutner’s social accounts briefly displayed mayoral branding, and a political analyst said his entry could crack Bass’ aura of invincibility.

Calls to return astronauts to the moon are growing, but NASA’s plan hinges on SpaceX’s Starship, still unproven. Six of its 10 test flights saw dramatic failures; a prototype recently exploded. Flight 11 could launch Monday at 7:15 p.m. ET from South Texas. Orbital refueling—a first—remains unresolved, with estimates ranging from roughly 10 to more than 40 tanker flights, rendering Artemis III in 2027 extraordinarily complex. Critics warn timelines will slip as China advances, while NASA defends its choice and an advisory panel expects the vehicle to be years late.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged universities to protect Jewish students amid what she called an unacceptable rise in campus antisemitism, announcing government-funded training and letters to vice-chancellors. The Union of Jewish Students will deliver 600 sessions for university staff, alongside £4m for projects countering online misinformation and promoting interfaith understanding, and £2m for Holocaust education in England. Her appeal followed Gaza-related protests that continued despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s warnings, and a CST report citing a 117% rise in campus incidents. Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said the Labour government should be “gripping” antisemitism.

Saturday Night Live marked its 50th anniversary with host Amy Poehler, who portrayed Pam Bondi in a Senate spoof and delivered a monologue poking fun at AI. Tina Fey appeared as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, recruiting for ICE, while Aubrey Plaza cameoed in a sexually charged Hunting Wives parody. A Weekend Update reunion paired Seth Meyers, Fey and Poehler with Colin Jost and Michael Che. Role Model performed Sally, When The Wine Runs Out with Charli XCX. The show closed by honoring Diane Keaton, 79. Sabrina Carpenter will host and perform next week.

China defended its Oct. 9 rare earth export controls as lawful and limited, saying approvals will be granted for compliant applications and military-linked items denied. The rules extend to related IP and technology and require licenses for products containing over 0.1% domestically sourced rare earths or made with Chinese methods. The European Chamber cites a growing licensing backlog. In response, the U.S. announced 100% tariffs and new software export curbs from Nov. 1, triggering a $2 trillion market sell-off. Beijing also moved to charge U.S. ships, mirroring U.S. port fees.