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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

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October 7, 2025
Corruption
News

Biden Blocked CIA Report on Hunter’s Ukraine Ties in 2016.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Newly declassified memos reveal that Joe Biden’s team intervened in 2016 to prevent the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from disseminating an intelligence report regarding Ukrainian officials’ perceptions of Hunter Biden’s business dealings.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Then-Vice President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, the CIA, and senior Ukrainian officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: February 2016, concerning Biden’s December 2015 visit to Kiev, Ukraine.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I just spoke with VP/NSA and he would strongly prefer the report not/not be disseminated.” – Vice President’s Presidential Daily Brief briefer.

🎯IMPACT: The intervention was described as “extremely rare and unusual” and raises concerns about politicization within the intelligence community.

IN FULL

Newly declassified intelligence documents reveal that then–Vice President Joe Biden’s office took extraordinary steps in February 2016 to prevent the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from distributing a report detailing the reactions of senior Ukrainian officials to his son Hunter Biden’s business dealings. According to the documents, Biden’s national security advisor made a direct request to the intelligence community to withhold the report from other U.S. policymakers. A senior CIA official described the request as “extremely rare and unusual.” The CIA briefer who handled the Vice President’s Presidential Daily Brief stated, “I just spoke with VP/NSA and he would strongly prefer the report not/not be disseminated.”

The report, compiled after Biden’s December 2015 visit to Kiev, described how Ukrainian government leaders were frustrated by Biden’s lack of substantive discussions with then-President Petro Poroshenko and expressed concerns over U.S. media scrutiny of Hunter Biden’s role on the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma. The CIA summary noted, “These officials viewed the alleged ties of the U.S. Vice President’s family to corruption in Ukraine as evidence of a double-standard within the United States Government towards matters of corruption and political power.”

The same trip coincided with Biden pressuring the Ukrainian government to fire Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, who was investigating Burisma at the time. Biden threatened to withhold a $1 billion U.S. loan guarantee unless Shokin was removed, a move that, according to the documents, ran counter to then-current assessments by the State Department and European Union (EU), which viewed Shokin’s anti-corruption reforms as adequate.

CIA officials asserted that the intelligence report met the threshold for distribution to U.S. officials and that political intervention of this nature was highly atypical. Former CIA Director John Ratcliffe, under the Trump administration, later released the document as part of a broader effort to address politicization within the intelligence community. “The CIA is being restructured at your direction to focus on our core mission and to eliminate the… well-documented politicization that has taken place in the intelligence community from bad actors in the past,” Ratcliffe said in a 2020 statement.

Additional developments have added to questions about the Biden family’s international business ties. Recently unsealed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records show that Hunter Biden received payments from Ukrainian firm Burisma, Chinese energy conglomerate CEFC, and a Romanian businessman between 2014 and 2018.

In early 2024, Burisma also retroactively filed as a foreign agent for its 2016 activities, raising compliance concerns. More recently, newly released FBI files have alleged further instances of bribery involving the Biden family, though no formal charges have yet been filed.

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1 minute ago
Lawfare

Clinton Judge Blocks Trump Admin From Firing Govt Workers During Shutdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge issued an indefinite block on the Trump administration’s plan to fire federal employees during the shutdown.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston, the Trump administration, and labor unions.

📍WHEN & WHERE: October 28, 2025, San Francisco.

🎯IMPACT: The injunction halts job cuts in government sectors and prevents the firing of federal employees amidst the ongoing shutdown.

IN FULL

A San Francisco federal judge—appointed to the bench by former President Bill Clinton—has indefinitely barred the Trump administration from proceeding with the firing of federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown. U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston‘s preliminary injunction replaces a temporary restraining order she issued last week that was set to expire on Wednesday.

The ruling comes as part of a lawsuit challenging the legality of the administration’s firings. In justifying the injunction, Judge Illston stated her belief that it is likely that the plaintiffs will prevail in their legal challenge, demonstrating that the job cuts were illegal and exceeded the administration’s authority.

On October 10, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought announced that the layoff of federal workers had begun after Senate Democrats forced federal government funding to lapse nine days earlier. “The RIFs have begun,” Vought posted to X (formerly Twitter), referring to reductions-in-force. An OMB spokesman described the job cuts as “substantial.”

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), along with other labor unions, filed a lawsuit against the layoffs. They argue these measures are an abuse of power intended to pressure Congress and punish federal workers.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats defeated a 13th attempt to pass temporary government funding and end the impasse. As this shutdown becomes the second-longest in history, Democratic lawmakers are demanding that any agreement to reopen the government should address expiring health care subsidies—an issue Republicans want to take up separately—and reverse a number of provisions enacted under President Donald J. Trump‘s Once Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Republican lawmakers in the House—which passed a clean, temporary funding extension in September—insist Senate Democrats must reopen the government before any negotiations can take place.

Image by Ted Eytan.

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23 minutes ago
News
Sports

UFC Fighter Flips on Trump, Brands Him ‘Antichrist’ in Bizarre Tirade.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell publicly denounced President Donald J. Trump, calling him the “Antichrist” and withdrawing his previous support.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Bryce Mitchell, President Trump.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Mitchell shared his views on Instagram on Friday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I do think that Donald Trump is that beast of Revelation 13:3.” – Bryce Mitchell

🎯IMPACT: Mitchell’s comments mark a stark reversal from his prior vocal support of Trump and raise concerns about the professional fighter’s mental health and cognitive state.

IN FULL

UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell, previously a staunch supporter of President Donald J. Trump, has publicly withdrawn his endorsement, labeling the America First leader the “Antichrist.” Mitchell shared his strange rant in a video posted to Instagram on Friday.

In his statement, Mitchell explained his reasons for the shift, citing Trump’s failure to release the Epstein files, the allocation of tax dollars to Israel and Ukraine, and recent remarks about beef farmers. “I do not like the guy at all,” Mitchell said. “He talked a good game, he tricked me. I was fooled. I admit it.”

Mitchell also referred to a passage from the Bible, Revelation 13:3, to support his claim, saying, “I want y’all, if you’re a Christian, I want you to get into Revelation 13:3… I do think that Donald Trump is that beast of Revelation 13:3.”

This marks a significant reversal for Mitchell, who had previously expressed unwavering loyalty to Trump. Following Trump’s 2024 election win, Mitchell once stated during a UFC press conference that he would “take a bullet and die” for the President.

The bizarre rant is raising concerns about Mitchell’s cognitive state and mental health. Earlier this year, the professional fighter drew controversy after referring to Adolf Hitler as a “good guy.” Numerous neurological studies have found that athletes participating in sports—like mixed martial arts and boxing—are at a higher risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which can manifest in the form of neurobehavioural disturbances.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Lawfare

Trump Challenges NY Conviction in ‘Hush Money’ Case.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump’s legal team filed an appeal against his Manhattan criminal conviction stemming from a so-called “hush money” case.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, his attorneys, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Stormy Daniels.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The appeal was filed on Monday, October 28, 2025, in New York.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This case should have never seen the inside of a courtroom, let alone resulted in a jury conviction.” – Robert Giuffra Jr., Trump’s attorney.

🎯IMPACT: The appeal is a critical step in President Trump’s efforts to overturn his felony conviction and challenge what his team describes as politically motivated charges.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump‘s lawyers on Monday finally filed their appeal of the Manhattan “hush money” criminal case that resulted in his felony conviction. In the appeal, the America First leader’s legal team reiterated their arguments that the case should not have been brought, citing the judge’s prior donations to Democratic causes as a conflict of interest and referencing a Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity from July 2024, which rendered part of the prosecution’s evidence inadmissible.

The appeal also challenges the jury’s decision, arguing that the conviction should be overturned. “This case should have never seen the inside of a courtroom, let alone resulted in a jury conviction,” wrote Robert Giuffra Jr., one of Trump’s attorneys, in the 96-page filing.

The case centers on allegations that President Trump authorized payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election campaign to prevent her from publicizing claims of an alleged affair. Prosecutors argued that Trump falsified business records to cover up reimbursements to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, for the $130,000 payment.

The trial, which lasted seven weeks in the spring of 2024, coincided with Trump’s third—and ultimately victorious—presidential campaign. His legal team has accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of pursuing the charges for political purposes. “The DA, a Democrat, brought those charges in the middle of a contentious presidential election in which President Trump was the leading Republican candidate,” Trump’s attorneys stated in their filing.

While President Trump received a no-jail sentence days before returning to the White House in January, the conviction remains unless overturned. His legal team continues to fight the charges, with a spokesman calling the appeal a “powerhouse” and asserting that “President Trump will keep defeating Democrat weaponization at every turn as he focuses on his singular mission to Make America Great Again.”

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By Popular Demand.
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2 hours ago
Politics

House Oversight Report: Some Biden Autopen Actions ‘Illegitimate,’ DOJ Must Investigate.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Republican-led House Oversight Committee released a report questioning the legitimacy of some executive actions signed by autopen during Joe Biden’s presidency, citing concerns about his mental fitness.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The House Oversight Committee, chaired by Rep. James Comer (R-KY), former President Joe Biden, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Hunter Biden.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The report was issued on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., as part of ongoing investigations into Biden’s presidency.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Let me be clear: I made the decisions during my presidency,” Biden claimed in a prior statement, rejecting claims of impropriety.

🎯IMPACT: The findings could lead to Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations or legal challenges regarding Biden’s executive actions, including pardons.

IN FULL

The House Oversight Committee has asserted that some executive actions signed by autopen during Joe Biden’s presidency may be invalid. The committee cited concerns about Biden’s cognitive abilities and claimed that actions signed without direct written approval from the president should be considered void.

In a letter accompanying the report, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) called on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to review and investigate Biden’s executive actions, suggesting the authorities should “void all executive actions signed by the autopen without proper, corresponding, contemporaneous, written approval traceable to the president’s own consent.”

The report specifically highlighted pardons issued by Biden, including those for family members, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and people involved in the January 6 investigation. Biden also pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, on federal charges, which he previously promised he would not do.

The report comes amid Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations into several individuals who either oversaw or executed lawfare operations against President Donald J. Trump. Trump has also urged Bondi to investigate Biden’s mental fitness and his use of the autopen.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, addressing the Oversight Committee’s findings, called the report “unprecedented.” He stated that while there is no legal precedent for overturning a presidential pardon, the current situation is “uncharted territory,” and a number of Biden’s pardons are likely “invalid.”

Democrats on the committee have dismissed the report as a partisan effort, with Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) calling it a “sham investigation.” A spokesman for Biden claims that the investigation had confirmed no wrongdoing and accused Republicans of pursuing political retribution.

The report also accuses Biden’s aides of shielding his alleged cognitive decline from the public. However, Biden has consistently denied these claims, stating, “I made the decisions during my presidency.”

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3 hours ago
Crime
Immigration
UK

Afghan Arrested After Deadly Triple Stabbing.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A man was fatally stabbed and two others were injured in a triple stabbing in London, England.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: A 22-year-old Afghan national suspect, a 49-year-old deceased victim, a 45-year-old man with “life-threatening” injuries, and a wounded 14-year-old boy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The stabbings took place at Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, at 17:00 GMT on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This was a shocking and senseless act of violence that has left one man dead and two others injured.” – Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall

🎯IMPACT: The police presence in West London has been increased to provide reassurance.

IN FULL

A 22-year-old Afghan national has been Tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after a triple stabbing in West London. The attack occurred at Midhurst Gardens, Uxbridge, at 17:00 GMT on Monday, resulting in the death of a 49-year-old man and “life-threatening” injury to a 45-year-old man. A 14-year-old boy was also wounded.

The suspect was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is now in police custody. The Metropolitan Police have stated that the attack is not being treated as terrorism, and they are working to determine any connections between the suspect and the victims.

Footage shared online shows the suspect walking along a residential street before being pursued by police officers. After being ordered to drop his weapon, the suspect is subdued with a Taser.

Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Jill Horsfall described the incident as a “shocking and senseless act of violence” and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. Flowers have been placed near the police cordon in memory of the deceased, with local residents expressing their shock and fear.

Image by Alison Benbow.

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3 hours ago
War
World

Netanyahu Orders IDF to Break Trump Ceasefire Over Hostage Remains.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Israeli authorities have accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement by returning partial remains of a hostage previously identified, rather than the body of another deceased hostage, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to carry out “powerful strikes” within Gaza.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Israeli government, Hamas, the Red Cross, and international mediators, including the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The incident occurred on Monday, with remains delivered to the National Institute for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This constitutes a clear violation of the agreement by the Hamas terrorist organization,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

🎯IMPACT: Netanyahu has ordered “powerful strikes” against Gaza. Israeli officials are considering further punitive measures against Hamas, including limiting cooperation on recovery operations and expanding IDF-controlled areas in Gaza.

IN FULL

Israeli authorities claim that a coffin handed over by Hamas on Monday did not contain the remains of a deceased hostage but instead the partial remains of another person whose body had been—in part—recovered in late 2023. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office accused Hamas of a “clear violation” of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and Netanyahu has now ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch “powerful strikes” within Gaza.

Hamas had claimed it was committed to the ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald J. Trump—with support from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—but stated that difficulties in locating remains were due to the destruction caused by Israeli strikes. Israeli media reported that Hamas operatives were filmed burying and later exhuming remains, which were handed over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel.

Israeli officials are reportedly considering further punitive measures such as expanding IDF-controlled areas in Gaza. Public broadcaster Kan News reported that visits by Hamas and Red Cross representatives to assist with recovery efforts may also be suspended.

Hamas has denied claims that it knows the locations of all hostages, citing challenges caused by Israeli military operations. Meanwhile, negotiations continue as Israeli officials press for the return of all deceased hostages’ bodies. The ceasefire agreement had previously facilitated the release of 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
Economy
Immigration

Whistleblower: Illegal Immigrants Are Destroying U.S. Trucking Industry.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A trucking industry leader has raised concerns about the impact of illegal alien truck drivers using sanctuary state licenses, following deadly crashes and significant disruptions in the industry.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Mike Kucharski, co-owner of JKC Trucking, alongside federal regulators, the Trump Department of Transportation, and Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The issue has been ongoing for years, with regulatory actions being taken in 2025. California and other sanctuary states are at the center of the controversy.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s eye-opening, disturbing, and jaw-dropping,” said Kucharski, as he described the crisis facing the trucking industry.

🎯IMPACT: The trucking industry faces increased competition from illegal drivers, which is driving small businesses to close and raising safety concerns on American roads.

IN FULL

U.S. trucking industry insiders are raising the alarm about the negative economic impact illegal alien truck drivers are having. This follows several deadly vehicle crashes caused by illegal alien truck drivers.

Mike Kucharski, co-owner and vice president of JKC Trucking, contends that illegal drivers are “killing the trucking business” by exploiting loopholes in non-domiciled licensing systems in states like California and New York. In a recent interview, Kucharski described how illegal drivers undercut legitimate businesses by charging lower prices, often because they avoid taxes and other regulatory costs: “It’s eye-opening, disturbing, and jaw-dropping.”

“If you’re not going to pay all your bills, of course, you can do it cheaper,” he explained, adding that small trucking businesses are being forced to close as a result.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), led by Secretary Sean Duffy, accused California of violating federal law by issuing a commercial driver’s license to an asylum seeker involved in a fatal crash. The report revealed systemic flaws in California’s CDL system, including the issuance of licenses to non-domiciled drivers with expired federal work authorizations.

In response, the USDOT issued an emergency interim final rule to tighten standards for non-domiciled CDLs. The new rule requires states to verify applicants’ legal status and limits CDL validity to the end of the driver’s federal immigration record or one year, whichever comes first.

Democrat California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s spokesman defended the state’s practices, claiming they comply with federal law and that California CDL holders are involved in fatal crashes at rates lower than the national average. However, Kucharski emphasized the need for reform, stating, “The trucking industry depends on trust. That means ensuring every driver on the road is properly licensed, well-trained, and mentally and physically fit to operate heavy equipment.”

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4 hours ago
Economy
World

Trump Secures Billions in Japanese Investments for U.S. Economy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced significant agreements with Japan, including a $550 billion investment commitment, a critical minerals deal, and expanded U.S.-Japan energy and defense cooperation.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and various U.S. and Japanese companies.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced during President Trump’s visit to Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today’s announcements reflect the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and Japan, while advancing the economic and national security interests of the American people.” — Trump White House

🎯IMPACT: The agreements strengthen U.S. manufacturing, energy exports, and defense capabilities while enhancing supply chain resilience and economic security.

IN FULL

During his visit to Tokyo, Japan, on the second leg of his Asia tour, President Donald J. Trump met with Emperor Naruhito and newly installed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and announced a series of groundbreaking agreements aimed at revitalizing the U.S. industrial base and securing critical supply chains. These agreements include a $550 billion Japanese investment commitment to the United States, a landmark critical minerals agreement, and expanded energy and defense partnerships.

The U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement, signed by President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi, outlines a range of investments. These include up to $332 billion for critical energy infrastructure, $30 billion for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and $15 billion for electronics and supply chain development. Additionally, Japan committed to purchasing U.S. energy, with companies like Tokyo Gas and JERA signing letters of intent for LNG offtake and making substantial investments in U.S. energy projects.

The agreements also address critical mineral and chemical exports, with Japan committing $3 billion for a fertilizer facility and $2 billion for a copper smelting plant in the U.S. Furthermore, Japan will expand opportunities for U.S. exports, including facilitating the sale of U.S.-made vehicles and implementing fair competition measures for mobile software.

Defense and security cooperation were also highlighted. The U.S. and Japan agreed to accelerate missile deliveries for Japan’s F-35 fighter jets and enhance intelligence-sharing to combat illegal drug trafficking, especially fentanyl. Both nations also signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to expand shipbuilding capacity and strengthen supply chain resilience.

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5 hours ago
Science
TECH

Israeli Scientist Secures $60 Million for ‘Geoengineering’ Tech to Dim the Sun.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A geoengineering startup, Stardust Solutions, has raised $60 million to develop technology capable of dimming the Sun.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Stardust Solutions, CEO Yanai Yedvab, Silicon Valley investors, and an Italian industrial dynasty.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The company plans to begin controlled outdoor experiments next April, releasing particles at an altitude of eleven miles.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We will only participate in deployment, which will be done under adequate governance led by governments.” – Yanai Yedvab

🎯IMPACT: The project faces skepticism over governance, unknown risks, and criticism from climate scientists and economists.

IN FULL

Stardust Solutions, a geoengineering startup, has raised $60 million to develop technology that aims to dim the Sun by spraying aerosol particles into the atmosphere. The funding round is the largest-ever for a company in this sector and includes investments from Silicon Valley figures and an Italian industrial dynasty.

The company’s CEO, Yanai Yedvab, a former Israeli government physicist, explained that their approach involves “solar radiation management” to redirect the Sun’s rays. However, he acknowledged that this would not entirely eliminate climate risks. “There will still be extreme weather events,” he said in a recent interview.

Unlike previous geoengineering efforts led by universities and nonprofits, Stardust Solutions is a private entity. The company claims it is working on a proprietary particle that is scalable, cost-effective, and safe. Yedvab stated that they aim to develop a particle “as safe as, say, flour” and are seeking a patent for it.

The startup plans to begin “controlled outdoor experiments” in April, releasing particles from a modified plane at an altitude of eleven miles. However, the concept has drawn criticism, with concerns over governance and unknown risks. Some scientists, including University of Chicago professor David Keith, have expressed doubts about the feasibility of creating a particle superior to sulfates, a common option in geoengineering research.

Critics also question the startup’s long-term viability and the role of private entities in addressing global climate challenges. “They have convinced Silicon Valley [venture capitalists] to give them a lot of money, and I would say that they shouldn’t have,” climate economist Gernot Wagner cautions. Yedvab, however, emphasized that deployment would only occur under clear governance led by governments.

Image by William M. Connolley.

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5 hours ago
News

A Category 5 Storm More Powerful Than Katrina Is Set to Slam Into Jamaica Today.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Jamaica looks set to be struck directly by Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm on record for the island.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jamaicans and tourists in the country.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica today, after intensifying to a Category 5 storm, even more powerful than Hurricane Katrina. Airports are closed, and the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is on standby in the region.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’ve set up the crisis centre here in the Foreign Office to provide 24-hour consular assistance to British nationals, but also to monitor Hurricane Melissa and to make sure we are ready and stand ready to provide UK support to Jamaica,” said British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

🎯IMPACT: Catastrophic flash floods, landslides, and severe weather conditions are anticipated, with up to 700mm (over two feet) of rain, four-metre waves (13 feet), and 135mph winds expected.

IN FULL

Jamaica is bracing for Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm expected to make landfall on Tuesday. Popular with Western tourists, Western governments are racing to respond to the crisis, with Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) having established a crisis centre to aid Britons on the island, while the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is on standby in the region.

The storm, which has sustained winds exceeding 157mph, is even more powerful than Hurricane Katrina, and the strongest on record for Jamaica in 174 years. Airports across the island have been closed, and the Jamaican government has issued a list of available hurricane shelters. Catastrophic conditions, including flash floods, landslides, and waves up to four metres high, are anticipated.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the seriousness of the storm, saying: “I’ve spoken to the Jamaican foreign minister to offer our support and solidarity to the Jamaican people as they face the storm.” She encouraged everyone to adhere to the advice of both the British Foreign Office and the Jamaican government.

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