JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1231

A former Royal Navy commander has described hiding his sexuality during the military’s “gay ban” as a new memorial honours affected personnel. Roly Woods, 67, who served 46 years, said he invented girlfriends and kept separate “straight” and “gay” routes on nights out to avoid exposure. King Charles III is unveiling An Opened Letter, a bronze sculpture at the National Memorial Arboretum, from charity Fighting With Pride. The group promotes the Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT+ veterans once punished with interrogations, dismissals and loss of medals. Woods came out in 2003 and served until retiring last December.

Amid mounting scrutiny of Prince Andrew’s ‘peppercorn’ rent at Windsor’s Royal Lodge and focus on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, homes are being considered. Buckingham Palace has not commented, but BBC News understands Frogmore Cottage and Adelaide Cottage were suggested to Andrew and Sarah Ferguson months ago; the Sun says he has agreed to leave and wants Frogmore for himself and Adelaide for his ex-wife. Other prospects include Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, Balmoral options, and the Castle of Mey, while the Sun says a palace in Abu Dhabi was offered. The government declined MPs’ calls for debate.

John Dickerson will leave CBS News at year’s end, heightening uncertainty around the revamped CBS Evening News he co-anchors with Maurice DuBois and a streaming-only follow-up. In a social post, he thanked colleagues and viewers, saying he will miss them. CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said Dickerson decided to step away as the Paramount Skydance operation faces ratings woes and seeks new prospects. His exit comes as Bari Weiss arrives as editor in chief and cost-cutting looms, amid departures including standards head Claudia Milne.

Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan on Monday, President Donald Trump again refused to rule out a 2028 bid that would seek a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment’s two-election limit. He said he has his best poll numbers ever, hasn't considered a court fight, and praised potential Republican contenders including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump ruled out running as vice president as too cute. He touted recent Walter Reed tests, including an MRI he called perfect, and said poor results would keep him from running.

Nothing teased its upcoming Phone 3a Lite with a three-second X video and set an Oct. 29 launch at 9 a.m. ET/1 p.m. GMT, hinting at a lower-priced take on last year’s 3a line and showing a blinking LED in the corner. But fan anger is focused elsewhere: the latest Nothing OS 4.0 beta reveals a Lock Glimpse tool and preinstalled partner apps, prompting accusations of “bloatware.” Cofounder Akis Evangelis defended the move as a revenue necessity for non-flagships, while users on Reddit and a Change.org petition urge a reversal.

Democrats entered a fourth week of the government shutdown united behind a strategy to withhold votes unless health care demands are met, even as a cutoff of SNAP food aid for roughly 42 million looms on November 1. Party leaders criticized President Donald Trump for not negotiating and traveling abroad, while the USDA said it won’t use contingency funds to pay next month’s benefits, contradicting Trump’s assurances. Union leaders urged a “clean” stopgap funding bill; Republicans proposed a CR that Democrats blocked, as some GOP senators pressed to fund SNAP and others argued pressure should remain on Democrats.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled she will seek greater fiscal headroom in November’s Budget, implying last year’s £9.9bn buffer is insufficient and leaving tax rises and/or spending cuts on the table. Citing the need to meet fiscal rules and guard against shocks, she said growth will be central, as the IFS estimates a £22bn shortfall. On a visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar — first UK chancellor to the Gulf in six years — Reeves expects trade and investment deals, though a GCC pact would add only £1.6bn a year. The day‑one Employment Rights Bill faces pushback.

Finland’s falling birthrate is reshaping family life despite generous Nordic benefits. NPR’s Population Shift series spotlights Poa Pohjola, 38, and Wilhelm Blomberg, 35, who welcomed a baby as the nation’s total fertility rate hovers below 1.3, far from the 2.1 replacement level. Kela reports surplus baby boxes from 2024 and more parents opting for cash, while researchers cite later parenthood, strained relationships, technology, finances, and wider anxieties—from climate to the economy. Immigration softens the decline, but officials fear aging demographics. Policymakers see no single fix, urging closer listening to young adults.

The Supreme Court’s “major questions doctrine”—used to block parts of President Biden’s climate, Covid-19, and student-debt initiatives—faces a pivotal test next week as justices hear arguments over President Trump’s tariffs program. The doctrine demands clear, direct congressional authorization for sweeping economic actions. The 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act lacks words like “tariffs,” even as the levies carry trillion-dollar consequences, exceeding the roughly $500 billion at issue in Biden’s loan plan, which Chief Justice John Roberts called “staggering.” Critics, including Justice Elena Kagan, say the doctrine appears opportunistically, not consistently.

President Trump said he underwent an M.R.I. earlier this month, calling the results “perfect” but refusing to explain why it was ordered, and inaccurately claiming his doctor had released full results. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo from Kuala Lumpur during his Asia trip, he again said he’d “love” a third term, despite the Constitution’s two-term limit. At 79, he sought to project vigor amid scrutiny of bruised hands and swollen ankles; his press secretary said the Walter Reed visit was routine. He also, without evidence, mocked two Democrats’ ability to pass cognitive exams.