JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1244

During a refueling stop at Qatar's Al-Udeid Air Base, Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani boarded Air Force One, saying he wouldn't let Donald Trump leave without a greeting. The two traded warm praise, with Trump calling the emir "one of the great rulers" and crediting Qatar for helping broker a temporary Gaza ceasefire focused on hostage-prisoner exchanges, eased blockades, and aid. Critics doubt the truce's durability. Trump's acceptance of a $400 million Qatari aircraft and a $1.2 trillion D.C.-Doha partnership stoked conflict-of-interest concerns, underscoring a sharp shift from his 2017 support for a regional blockade of Qatar.

Democratic New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill vowed to prevent voter intimidation after the Justice Department said it will send federal election watchers to New Jersey and California, following Republican requests. With Gov. Phil Murphy leaving office, Sherrill and her campaign said elections must be secure, transparent, and free from intimidation, and pledged swift prosecutions of violations. The DOJ said it will monitor six jurisdictions ahead of the Nov. 4, 2025 election; Attorney General Pamela Bondi called transparency essential as the Civil Rights Division deploys staff to ensure compliance.

Japan's HTV-X cargo spacecraft is set for its debut flight to the International Space Station, launching atop an H3 rocket from Tanegashima around 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT; 9 a.m. Japan time Oct. 26). JAXA's live coverage begins roughly an hour beforehand, viewable via Space.com or the agency. The 26.2-foot freighter succeeds the Kounotori series, matching its roughly 13,200-pound payload while adding new capabilities, including up to 1.5 years of on-orbit demonstrations after leaving the ISS. JAXA envisions missions beyond the ISS, potentially flying cargo to Gateway, the space station NASA may build in lunar orbit as part of Artemis.

A new AP-NORC poll shows Donald Trump’s standing with Hispanic adults has slid since he took office this year. Only 25% now view him favorably, down from 44% before his second term began; overall job approval fell from 41% in March to 27% in October. More Hispanics say the country is on the wrong track (73%), and confidence in his handling of the economy and immigration has waned. Support dropped among younger Hispanics, men, and Hispanic Republicans. About half oppose deporting all immigrants living in the US illegally, and many report rising stress over groceries, housing, healthcare, and wages.

Camila Mendes is engaged to her Música co-star Rudy Mancuso, People reports. The Riverdale alum, 31, said yes on Friday, then debuted a sparkling diamond ring at Glen Powell’s birthday party at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. An insider says Mendes believed she was headed to producing partner Rachel Matthews’ birthday before a surprise engagement party, where Mancuso proposed in front of family and friends. The couple, who first sparked dating buzz in November 2022 and went Instagram official on Valentine’s Day 2023, also collaborated on the semi‑autobiographical film Música.

Federal officials unveiled Operation Royal Flush, charging 34 people — including a dozen men with alleged ties to the Genovese, Gambino, Bonanno and Lucchese families — in a high-tech poker rigging enterprise that allegedly netted millions over six years. Prosecutors say the crew ran fixed games in Manhattan and elsewhere, extorted debtors, and even staged a gunpoint robbery to steal a rigged shuffling machine. Several defendants have prior felony convictions; some lawyers denied wrongdoing or declined comment. The FBI said the scheme exploited notoriety and victims’ wallets to finance Italian crime families.

North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick’s search for a major-conference win continued with a razor-thin loss. In a defensive game tied 10-10 after regulation, Virginia scored first in overtime for a 17-10 lead. The Tar Heels answered with a touchdown, and Belichick kept the offense out for a two-point try to end it, but the conversion came up inches short, sealing Virginia’s 17-16 escape. North Carolina falls to 2-5 overall and 0-5 against major-conference opponents; its two victories are over Charlotte and Richmond.

As New Yorkers vote for mayor, Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is under fierce attack, even from Donald Trump, over a platform centered on affordability: freezing rent for 1 million rent-stabilized units, free buses, and guaranteed child care. Policy experts told ABC News the ideas echo past city efforts, citing a free-bus pilot, universal pre-K, and prior rent freezes. Mamdani proposes funding via higher taxes on millionaires and corporations, requiring state approval. He’s courting moderates and business leaders, won Gov. Kathy Hochul’s backing, and faces skepticism from Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa as expectations mount.

U.S. Homeland Security says Jashanpreet Singh, 21, the semitruck driver accused of being under the influence in a fiery eight-vehicle crash that killed three and injured four on Interstate 10 in Ontario, California, is in the country illegally. Singh, of Yuba City, was arrested, faces vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges, and is set for arraignment Friday. Dashcam video shows a tractor-trailer plowing through traffic as flames erupt. The case prompted debate over commercial licenses: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy touted federal limits, while Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said federal authorizations enabled Singh’s license. UNITED SIKHS decried bias against immigrant drivers.

Rutgers University’s Alpha Sigma Phi chapter has been permanently closed after a hazing incident left a 19-year-old student critically injured. Police found him unconscious at the College Avenue house on Oct. 15; prosecutors are exploring criminal charges. The national fraternity confirmed hazing, vowed to expel anyone involved and urged a tough response. Officials said the episode happened in the basement and involved water; a prosecutor’s spokeswoman told Patch the victim was electrocuted by exposed wiring and is improving in the hospital. The house, long cited for safety violations, was deemed uninhabitable and shuttered.