New fossil rewrites our understanding of reptile evolution

Researchers at the University of Bristol have uncovered a Devonian fossil that provides new insights into the early evolution of lizards.

This remarkable discovery challenges previous assumptions about the development of lepidosaurs, the group that includes modern lizards and snakes. Unlike its modern relatives, the fossil lacks palatal teeth and skull hinges, features commonly found in today’s species.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of this ancient specimen is its unique open temporal bar, along with unusually large teeth. These traits offer valuable clues to how early lepidosaurs might have evolved differently than previously thought.

The findings not only shed light on the diversity of early reptiles but also open up new avenues for understanding the evolutionary history of lizards.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/new-fossil-rewrites-our-understanding-of-reptile-evolution–23597865

Trump’s Cankle Crisis: Prez’s Massive Ankles Steal The Spotlight During Meeting With Canadian Prime Minister… as Health Fears Ramp Up

**Donald Trump’s Swollen ‘Cankles’ Raise Health Concerns During Meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister**

*Published Oct. 8, 2025, 4:46 p.m. ET*

Donald Trump has sparked renewed health concerns due to his visibly swollen ankles—commonly referred to as “cankles”—during his meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday, October 7.

The 79-year-old president made efforts to keep his lower legs out of view behind a table during a lively session with reporters. However, a video shared by one of his own staff members revealed his noticeably enlarged ankles.

### Attempts to Hide Swollen Ankles

While Prime Minister Carney’s legs were fully visible to photographers as he sat beside Trump, most of the press present were positioned at an angle where a wooden coffee table obscured the president’s ankles.

Interestingly, Trump’s special assistant and communications advisor, Margo Martin, offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse via an Instagram Story, showing his swollen ankles beneath a pair of black socks and atop his black dress shoes.

### The Cause Behind Trump’s Cankles

Trump’s swollen ankles have been a persistent issue for the Commander-in-Chief. During an August 25 White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, his left ankle appeared significantly swollen and was impossible to hide.

This swelling is the result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition disclosed in a July White House memo from Dr. Sean P. Barbarella detailing the president’s health.

CVI occurs when the veins in the legs do not function efficiently, leading to decreased blood flow from the legs back to the heart. Common symptoms include swelling and heaviness in the legs, especially after extended periods of sitting or standing.

Dr. Barbarella described CVI as a “benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” emphasizing that there is no indication of more serious problems such as arterial disease or deep vein thrombosis.

### How Trump Attempts to Conceal His Swollen Ankles

Another method Trump uses to hide his swollen ankles is wearing pants with a looser fit at the bottom. This was visible when he greeted Carney upon his arrival at the White House.

An event planning insider familiar with the White House revealed that Trump prefers intimate settings like the Oval Office for events, where he can remain seated rather than standing for lengthy periods. The iconic Resolute Desk also helps conceal his lower body completely, preventing any photographs of his ankle swelling from circulating.

### Makeup Mishaps Highlight Additional Effects of CVI

In addition to swelling, CVI can cause bruising and skin discoloration. Trump has faced criticism for his attempts to cover black and blue marks on his hands with poorly matched foundation.

During his recent meeting with Carney, the president’s right hand displayed a yellowish hue of concealer that starkly contrasted with the more natural pink tone of his left hand.

Renowned makeup artist Brandi Boulet called out this apparent makeup fail in September, questioning, “How can you be in that position and not have somebody be able to cover a bruise?”

Boulet remarked that Trump’s foundation application looked like “somebody just mashed on some foundation.” She explained her makeup technique, saying, “Skin is not just one color. There are undertones. You can see blues from veins, reds from capillaries, and even beauty marks. It’s a matter of layering in a way that matches what you’ve just covered to what the rest of your skin looks like, instead of just doing a circle of one color.”

Donald Trump’s ongoing struggle with chronic venous insufficiency continues to be a visible health concern, with his swollen ankles and skin discoloration drawing public and media attention despite efforts to conceal these symptoms.
https://radaronline.com/p/donald-trump-cankles-meeting-canada-prime-minister-health-dementia-concerns/

Trump’s Cankle Crisis: Prez’s Massive Ankles Steal The Spotlight During Meeting With Canadian Prime Minister… as Health Fears Ramp Up

**Donald Trump’s Swollen Cankles Raise Health Concerns During Meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister**

*Published October 8, 2025, 4:46 p.m. ET*

Donald Trump has sparked renewed health concerns due to his visibly swollen cankles while meeting with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House. RadarOnline.com can reveal that during the October 7 meeting, the 79-year-old president made efforts to keep his lower legs out of view, but a video from one of his own staff showed his notably enlarged ankles.

### Attempts to Hide Swollen Ankles

While Mark Carney’s legs were clearly visible to photographers as he sat next to Trump, the majority of the press were positioned at an angle where a wooden coffee table obstructed the president’s ankles from view. However, Trump’s special assistant and communications advisor, Margo Martin, shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse via an Instagram Story, revealing his swollen cankles beneath a pair of black socks and black dress shoes.

### The Cause Behind Trump’s Cankles

Trump’s swollen ankles have been a recurring issue. He was unable to conceal them during an August 25 White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, where his left ankle appeared notably swollen.

Medical experts have linked the condition to Trump’s chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), as disclosed in a July White House health memo from Dr. Sean P. Barbarella. CVI occurs when leg veins fail to efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart, leading to symptoms such as swelling and heaviness in the legs, particularly after prolonged sitting or standing.

Dr. Barbarella described CVI as a “benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” adding that there is no evidence of more serious issues such as arterial disease or deep vein thrombosis.

### How Trump Attempts to Conceal His Swollen Ankles

Aside from strategically sitting behind furniture, Trump also uses clothing choices to hide his swollen ankles. During the meeting with Carney, a baggier fit at the bottom of his pant legs was noticeable, helping to obscure the enlarged area.

According to an insider familiar with event planning at the White House, Trump prefers more intimate settings like the Oval Office for official events, where he can sit rather than stand for long periods. This setting and the use of the Resolute Desk are effective in hiding his lower body and preventing photographs that would highlight the swelling.

### Makeup Mishaps Highlight Skin Discoloration

CVI can also cause bruising and skin discoloration. Trump’s attempts to cover the black and blue marks on his hands with foundation have drawn criticism for poor application.

During the recent meeting with Carney, the president’s right hand showed a distinct yellowish concealer contrasting sharply with the natural pink tone of his left hand.

Makeup artist Brandi Boulet publicly called out these “makeup fails” in September, questioning, “How can you be in that position and not have somebody be able to cover a bruise?” She described the coverage as looking like “somebody just mashed on some foundation.”

Boulet explained the complexity of covering bruises professionally, noting the importance of layering multiple shades to match skin undertones and discolorations rather than applying a single flat color. “Skin is not just one color. There’s undertones. You can see blues in there from veins. You can see red from the capillaries. You also have beauty marks. So it’s a matter of layering in a way that matches what you’ve just covered to what the rest of your skin looks like,” she said.

While no quick fixes exist for swollen ankles, Trump’s health challenges have once again come under scrutiny as he continues his public duties.
https://radaronline.com/p/donald-trump-cankles-meeting-canada-prime-minister-health-dementia-concerns/

Mumbai Accident: Porsche Crashes On Western Express Highway During Alleged High-Speed Race With BMW; Driver Injured | Video

Mumbai: A Porsche car, reportedly engaged in a high-speed race with a BMW, lost control and crashed into a divider on Mumbai’s Western Express Highway late Wednesday night. The luxury vehicle, a 718 Boxster, bearing the number plate DN 09Q 1777, sustained extensive damage on its right side due to the violent impact, while the driver suffered injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. High-speed Racing Turned Risky According to preliminary reports, the Porsche was allegedly being driven recklessly when the driver lost control near a busy stretch of the highway. The force of the crash caused parts of the car’s front and side panels to crumble, scattering debris across the road. Visuals shared by news agency ANI show the wrecked sports car lying by the divider, its airbags deployed and police personnel inspecting the site. While no casualties have been reported so far, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the accident. Officials are also probing whether the Porsche and the BMW were involved in illegal street racing and if there was any violation of speed limits or other traffic regulations. Car Crashes On Coastal Road, Plunges Into Arabian Sea This crash comes just two days after another major accident in Mumbai, where a speeding car plunged into the Arabian Sea off the Coastal Road. On Monday night, a 29-year-old driver, identified as Frashogar Darayush Battiwala, lost control of his Ertiga vehicle while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol. The car broke through the railing and fell nearly 30 feet into the water near Worli around 11 pm. Drunk Driver Saved By Authorities In a heroic rescue effort, Maharashtra Security Force (MSF) personnel Pandurang Kale and Vikas Rathod, along with a Byculla Police constable, jumped into the sea and pulled Battiwala to safety using a rope. He sustained minor injuries and was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Police later registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act. To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-accident-porsche-crashes-on-western-express-highway-during-alleged-high-speed-race-with-bmw-driver-injured-video

Trump’s Best Chance To Drain the Swamp

Federal Layoffs Loom as Trump Uses Shutdown to Push Workforce Reduction

Amid ongoing government shutdown discussions, former President Donald Trump is leveraging the deadlock to advocate for significant reductions in the federal workforce. This strategy comes as part of his broader agenda to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending.

Trump’s push for workforce cuts has raised concerns among federal employees and lawmakers, who worry about the potential impacts on government services and operations. The looming layoffs could affect thousands of workers across various agencies, intensifying the stakes of the shutdown negotiations.

Karoline Leavitt Defends Administration’s Fiscal Responsibility Goals

In response to criticisms, Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the current administration, has defended the efforts to promote fiscal responsibility. She emphasized that the workforce reduction plans are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars while maintaining essential government functions.

Leavitt highlighted that the administration is committed to balancing budgetary discipline with public service, aiming to achieve sustainable fiscal management without compromising critical agency missions.

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/2025/10/08/trumprsquos_best_chance_to_drain_the_swamp_654845.html

Dollar Gains as the Euro and Yen Retreat

The dollar index (DXY00) extended this week’s rally on Wednesday, rising +0.32% to reach a 1.75-month high. Political uncertainty in France and Japan has put downward pressure on the euro and yen, respectively, benefiting the dollar.

Wednesday afternoon saw additional gains for the dollar following the release of the hawkish minutes from the September 16-17 FOMC meeting. However, strength in the stock market reduced liquidity demand, limiting the extent of the dollar’s gains. Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which entered its second week on Monday, remains a bearish factor for the dollar. The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk of adverse effects on the U.S. economy, negatively impacting the dollar.

### FOMC Meeting Minutes and Interest Rate Outlook

The minutes from the September 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting displayed a slightly hawkish tone. While most policymakers indicated it would be appropriate to ease policy further over the remainder of the year, a majority emphasized upside risks to their inflation outlooks. Markets are currently pricing in a 93% probability of a -25 basis points rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on October 28-29.

### Eurozone Update: EUR/USD Falls to 6-Week Low

The EUR/USD (^EURUSD) pair extended its losses on Wednesday, declining by -0.29% to a six-week low. Weaker-than-expected economic data from the Eurozone weighed heavily on the euro. Specifically, German industrial production for August posted its largest monthly decline in nearly three and a half years, dropping -4.3% month-over-month versus expectations of -1.0%.

Adding to the euro’s woes, political turmoil in France intensified after Prime Minister Lecornu resigned following President Macron’s appointment of a new cabinet. This development raised uncertainty around the Eurozone’s second-largest economy.

ECB Governing Council Member Muller commented that the Eurozone economy is slowly picking up and inflation is aligned with the ECB’s 2% target. Still, swaps markets currently assign only a 1% chance of a -25 basis points rate cut by the ECB at the October 30 policy meeting.

### USD/JPY Moves Higher Amid Yen Weakness

The USD/JPY (^USDJPY) rose +0.55% on Wednesday as the yen extended its weekly selloff to a 7.75-month low against the dollar. The yen came under pressure due to weak wage growth in Japan — a dovish factor for Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy — with August labor cash earnings rising less than expected (+1.5% year-over-year versus +2.7% anticipated).

Higher U.S. Treasury note yields also contributed to yen weakness. However, losses were somewhat contained after the September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey in Japan improved more than expected, reaching a nine-month high.

Concerns have mounted over the election of Sanae Takaichi as leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, making her the likely next Prime Minister. Her victory has tempered expectations of imminent BOJ policy tightening and raised worries about increased debt issuance given her support for expanded fiscal stimulus.

**Key Data Points:**

– Japan September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey: +1.0 to 48.5 (9-month high), above expectations of 47.8
– Japan August Labor Cash Earnings: +1.5% y/y, below expected +2.7%

### Precious Metals Rally on Safe-Haven Demand

December gold (GCZ25) closed up +66.10 points (+1.65%) on Wednesday, while December silver (SIZ25) rose +1.479 points (+3.11%). Precious metals surged sharply, with December gold hitting a new contract high and nearest-futures gold (V25) reaching an all-time high of $4,049.20 per troy ounce. December silver also posted a contract high, and the nearest-futures silver logged a 14-year peak.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is driving safe-haven demand for precious metals. Political turmoil in France, following Prime Minister Lecornu’s resignation, is further boosting this demand. Additionally, metals are benefiting from safe-haven status amid uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs, geopolitical risks, and global trade tensions.

The election of Sanae Takaichi in Japan, a proponent of easy fiscal and monetary policy, supports demand as a store of value. Central bank buying is also underpinning gold prices. Notably, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) added 40,000 troy ounces of gold to its reserves in September, marking the 11th consecutive month of reserve increases.

Despite the dollar index rallying to a 1.75-month high on Wednesday — typically a negative factor for precious metals — safe-haven support remains strong. President Trump’s attacks on Fed independence have further bolstered gold demand. Weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data has strengthened the outlook for additional Fed rate cuts, which is bullish for precious metals. The swaps market currently indicates a 93% probability of a 25 basis point Fed rate cut at the October 28-29 FOMC meeting.

Meanwhile, fund buying of precious metal ETFs continues to support prices. Gold holdings in ETFs rose to a three-year high on Tuesday, with silver holdings reaching a three-year peak last Wednesday.

*On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.*

*All information and data in this article is for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.*

**More from Barchart:**
– What Should We Expect from the Commodity Complex This Week?
– 3 Reasons for Gold’s Record Rally
– As the Bank of England Warns on Inflation, Make This 1 Trade Now
– FAQ Friday

*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dollar-gains-euro-and-yen-retreat

ソフトバンクホークスの近藤、CS欠場へ 小久保監督「間に合わないと想定」

ソフトバンクホークスの近藤、CS欠場へ 小久保監督「間に合わないと想定」

リーグ2連覇中のソフトバンクホークスは8日、本拠地のみずほペイペイドームで全体練習を再開しました。54歳の誕生日を迎えた小久保裕紀監督は、クライマックスシリーズ(CS)を前に、近藤健介外野手の欠場見込みを明らかにしました。

近藤選手は現在、ケガのために状態が思わしくなく、小久保監督は「間に合わないと想定している」と述べています。チームは今後の試合に向けて準備を進めていますが、近藤選手の復帰はCS以降になる見込みです。


関連情報

野球日本代表にソフトバンクホークスから3選手が選出されました。11月15日、16日に韓国戦が予定されています。

https://www.nishinippon.co.jp/item/1409134/

Mumbai Metro 3 Blends Heritage And Modernity Along D N Road, Flora Fountain

Keeping its commitment to preserving the architectural character of South Mumbai’s heritage precinct, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has ensured that the new Metro 3 (Aqua Line) infrastructure along D N Road, Flora Fountain, and Hutatma Chowk complements the city’s historic streetscape.

The entry and exit points of the underground stations in this district have been designed using stone and glass, avoiding intrusive canopies or bulky surface structures that might disrupt the area’s heritage aesthetics.

### Metro Structure Mirrors the Commissariat Building’s Renaissance Design

A particularly striking example is the station entrance near the Commissariat Building, a century-old Renaissance Revival-style structure at the corner of D N Road. The new two-storey Metro structure replicates the façade of the Commissariat Building, with matching wall tiles and mouldings that echo its architectural rhythm.

This structure will serve as an entry and exit point for the Hutatma Chowk station and will also house a police chowky on the upper floor.

### Heritage Restoration Background

Built in 1925, the Commissariat Building was meticulously restored between 2018 and 2021 by a team led by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, structural engineer Girish Wadhwa, and architect Farhan Lokhandwala. The building’s covered pedestrian arcade, a hallmark of D N Road, was preserved, while critical structural reinforcements were added during restoration.

### Conservationist’s Perspective: “Mixed Feelings”

Dilawari expressed mixed feelings about the Metro structure beside the heritage building. He noted that one school of conservation thought advocates for unobtrusive, glass-based designs in heritage zones.

“This couldn’t be applied here as the new structure is two-storeyed,” he explained. “The Commissariat Building is a beautiful corner structure — that corner is now partially obscured. Still, the new building is not too alarming,” he added.

### MMRCL Followed Heritage Guidelines

During Metro construction, the MMRCL maintained that, except for lift shafts and ventilation systems, all station components would be built underground to preserve the precinct’s visual integrity.

Conservation architect Chetan Raikar, former member of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region–Heritage Conservation Society (MMR-HCS), said the MMRCL had adhered to the heritage guidelines set by the committee.

“We didn’t want the new structures to be drastically different. The designs were finalized after extensive deliberations,” Raikar said.

### Two Schools of Thought on Heritage Integration

Raikar further noted, “There are two schools of thought — one is to make new additions visibly distinct, as in central London, while the other is to blend new structures with the old through similar materials and design. The latter approach seems to have been taken here.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-metro-3-blends-heritage-and-modernity-along-d-n-road-flora-fountain

Tata Power Energises Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line With 40 MW Supply, Strengthening City’s Underground Transit Network

Tata Power has energised the newly inaugurated Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, the city’s first fully underground metro corridor, marking a major milestone in Mumbai’s sustainable transport journey.

The 33.5-kilometre corridor connects Aarey to Cuffe Parade and operates with a total connected electrical load of approximately 40 megawatts (MW).

### Robust Dual Power Supply Ensures Reliable Operations

According to a press statement, Tata Power has implemented a dual busbar system to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply. The system draws power from the company’s Saki, Dharavi, and Mahalaxmi receiving stations, creating a robust power backbone for Metro-3’s smooth and efficient functioning.

“This infrastructure plays a crucial role in supporting the seamless operation of the metro line, contributing to Mumbai’s focus on sustainable and efficient urban transport,” the company said.

### Powering Mumbai’s Expanding Metro Network

As per Tata Power’s Wednesday statement, the total connected load for Metro-3 is around 40 MW, while Metro-1 operates on about 8 MW, bringing the combined metro power supply to 48 MW.

This reflects Tata Power’s capacity to meet the growing energy demands of Mumbai’s expanding public transport network.

### A Historic Link in Mumbai’s Transit Evolution

“With the opening of the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line, Tata Power’s role in Mumbai’s transit story has come full circle. The company supplied electricity to the city’s suburban railways for decades,” the statement further read.

This milestone underscores Tata Power’s long-standing contribution to Mumbai’s mobility ecosystem, bridging the city’s traditional suburban rail network with its modern underground metro system.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/tata-power-energises-mumbai-metro-3-aqua-line-with-40-mw-supply-strengthening-citys-underground-transit-network

Hans Sy feted as MAP 2025 ‘Management Person of the Year’

Business Tycoon Hans Sy Wins MAP 2025 “Management Person of the Year” Award

MANILA, Philippines – Business tycoon Hans Sy has been honored with the prestigious Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) 2025 “Management Person of the Year” award. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Sy, who serves as the chair of China Banking Corporation and the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is the 49th recipient of this esteemed award. His leadership and commitment to sustainable and inclusive business practices have set a benchmark in the industry.

https://business.inquirer.net/551620/hans-sy-feted-as-map-2025-management-person-of-the-year