Tag Archives: administration

Kansas SNAP funding accusations examined

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**Kansas SNAP Funding Controversy: Attorney General Kris Kobach’s Claims Debunked by Gov. Laura Kelly’s Administration**

Kansas SNAP funding was reportedly at risk of losing $10.4 million, according to claims made by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach in a lawsuit filed against Governor Laura Kelly’s administration on September 8. However, these assertions were officially refuted by the Kelly administration on September 30 through a series of press releases, which addressed the most significant claim regarding the potential loss of funding for families depending on the SNAP program.

The Kelly administration stated, “After the USDA rejected the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Corrective Action Proposal, DCF filed an appeal with the USDA. The filing of that appeal immediately prevented the USDA from withholding the $10.4 million. The State of Kansas has not lost any SNAP administrative funding, and the program continues to operate as usual.”

Moreover, the administration revealed that Kobach made these allegations without conducting prior research or consulting with the Governor’s office. These unsubstantiated claims caused unwarranted panic among Kansas SNAP recipients and raised questions about the continued availability of their benefits. Gov. Kelly was quickly and repeatedly blamed despite no substantial evidence supporting Kobach’s accusations.

In response, Governor Kelly remarked, “Had the Attorney General met with my office prior to filing his lawsuit, as my office had requested, we could have explained the issue without having to go through the time and expense of the court.”

The Kelly administration also clarified that its decision to withhold certain SNAP recipients’ information went beyond Kobach’s claim that Gov. Kelly was “making a show of resistance to the Trump administration,” a statement never issued by anyone in Kelly’s office. Both DCF Secretary Laura Howard and Governor Kelly have expressed distrust of President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring states to share more detailed information about SNAP recipients to prevent fraud.

Secretary Howard explained in an interview with the *Kansas Reflector*, “The release of information isn’t about detecting fraud because those procedures are already in place.” Since effective fraud detection measures were established, Governor Kelly concluded that complying with the federal request to provide additional personal information could potentially violate recipients’ privacy.

Despite this, Kobach characterized the refusal as a “political demonstration,” without providing impartial evidence to support his claim.

Concerns about the Trump administration’s intentions were echoed by multiple parties. U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney of California ruled against the federal agency’s effort to enforce this new policy after states raised worries that revealing such data could compromise sensitive applicant information—including income, family details, and immigration status—potentially facilitating mass deportations.

Although the Kelly administration did not participate in this lawsuit, its reasoning aligned with that of 21 states involved in the legal challenge.

Governor Kelly addressed the situation on social media, criticizing the “attacks” against her as “childish” and “idiotic.” She stated on X:

> “As public officials, we should be bigger than that and better than that. Kansans face serious challenges; many are just trying to make ends meet, and they expect us to be focused on their problems, not wasting time on idiotic memes. I’d like to invite the Republican officials who I know also disdain these types of silly attacks to join me in trying to restore a basic sense of civility to our politics.”

At the time of publication, Governor Laura Kelly could not be reached for further comment.
https://kstatecollegian.com/2025/10/16/kansas-snap-funding-accusations-examined/

US military kills six narcoterrorists in strike on vessel off Venezuela

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The United States military carried out another strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking off the coast of Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of six narcoterrorists on board, President Donald Trump announced Tuesday.

The president described the targeted vessel as being “affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization,” though he did not specify which group or provide supporting evidence for the claim. “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking narcotics, was associated with illicit narcoterrorist networks, and was transiting along a known DTO route,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

“The strike was conducted in International Waters, and six male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel were killed in the strike. No U.S. Forces were harmed.”

This marks at least the fifth such strike acknowledged by Washington, with the Pentagon having confirmed a similar operation earlier in October.

The recent incident is expected to heighten already strained relations between Washington and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has reportedly been preparing to declare a state of emergency to safeguard his nation against potential U.S. military action. It may also intensify ongoing debate over the legality of the operations.

According to CNN, the administration has defended the series of strikes. In a letter addressed to Congress, the Pentagon noted that Trump had determined the United States is engaged in an “armed conflict” with the drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations, classifying their smugglers as “unlawful combatants.”

However, as CNN previously reported, skepticism persists even among conservative circles. In at least one earlier case, a vessel struck by U.S. forces had already begun to turn away before being hit, raising questions about whether it posed an imminent threat to the United States or its personnel.

During a White House event alongside Argentinian President Javier Milei on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced the strikes while emphasizing the importance of international cooperation.

“We’re using our economic strength to create peace,” Bessent said. “It is much better to form an economic bridge with our allies, people who want to do the right thing, than have to shoot at Narco gun boats.”

Trump also released an unclassified video clip showing footage of the most recent strike.

*This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or the data of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-military-kills-six-narcoterrorists-in-strike-on-vessel-off-venezuela-23598774

Why Qualcomm is facing an antitrust probe in China

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**Why Qualcomm is Facing an Antitrust Probe in China**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 06:21 PM*

**What’s the story?**
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has launched an antitrust investigation into US-based semiconductor giant Qualcomm. The probe follows Qualcomm’s admission that it failed to notify Chinese authorities about its acquisition of Israeli connected-vehicle technology provider Autotalks, a deal completed in June 2025. This lack of notification came despite SAMR’s clear order that the transaction required approval from the Chinese market regulator.

**Regulatory oversight**
Earlier, in March 2024, SAMR informed Qualcomm that its deal with Autotalks needed regulatory approval. However, Qualcomm responded later that month stating it would not take further action to seek that approval. Despite this, Qualcomm proceeded with the acquisition in June without notifying Chinese regulators. As a result, SAMR initiated an antitrust investigation into Qualcomm for possible violations of China’s anti-monopoly law related to the transaction.

**Market position**
Qualcomm’s presence in China remains significant. The company supplies chips to major Chinese smartphone manufacturers, including Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and OnePlus. With a market capitalization of approximately $165.72 billion, Qualcomm continues to be a leading player in the global semiconductor industry. Although the ongoing antitrust probe and a recent dip in share prices pose short-term challenges, Qualcomm maintains a diverse client base spanning various technology sectors.

—

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/qualcomm-faces-antitrust-probe-in-china-over-israeli-firm-acquisition/story

How NVIDIA became a victim of US-China trade war

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**How NVIDIA Became a Victim of the US-China Trade War**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 12, 2025, 05:19 PM*

NVIDIA, a leading American chipmaker, has found itself caught in the crossfire of the ongoing trade war between the US and China. In April 2025, the company’s H20 chip was banned by the Donald Trump administration over national security concerns. Although the chip was designed to comply with previous Joe Biden-era restrictions, US officials fear that these chips could enable Chinese firms to develop military-grade AI technologies.

### Tech Dominance: The H20 Chip and US Strategy

The H20 chip, intentionally less powerful than NVIDIA’s top-tier H100, is part of a broader US strategy to curb China’s advancement in artificial intelligence technology. In July 2025, a partial lifting of the ban allowed NVIDIA to resume selling some chips to China. However, this came with a stipulation: NVIDIA agreed to pay 15% of its revenue from these sales to the US government.

### Retaliation: China Tightens Scrutiny on US Tech Imports

In response to the US’s tech restrictions, China has increased scrutiny on American technology imports, including NVIDIA’s chips. This development highlights the escalating tensions between the two global powers over technology and trade, and it illustrates how companies like NVIDIA are caught in the middle of this fierce competition for technological supremacy.

### Security Concerns: AI Technology at the Heart of US-China Tensions

Artificial intelligence technology remains a central issue in the ongoing US-China trade war. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has cautioned that restricting AI chip sales to China might backfire, potentially motivating Beijing to accelerate the development of its own AI technology. This situation underscores the delicate balance between addressing national security concerns and fostering healthy competition in the global AI landscape.

As the trade war continues, NVIDIA’s experience exemplifies the challenges faced by tech companies navigating the complex intersection of geopolitics, innovation, and market access.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/us-china-trade-war-nvidia-s-h20-chip-caught-in-crossfire/story

National District Mayor’s Office receives international recognition from World Urban Parks Association

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Santo Domingo.- The National District Mayor’s Office has been honored with the Outstanding New Park Project Award for the Latin American Region at the World Urban Parks International Awards. This prestigious recognition was awarded for the Fernández Environmental Project and Park, highlighting its innovative and sustainable design coupled with a strong community impact.

The project is a key element of Mayor Carolina Mejía’s vision to restore and enhance public spaces across the city. It involved transforming a 19,000-square-meter area in the Fernández Urbanization by rehabilitating its lagoon and constructing a new park. Notably, the development addressed a longstanding 25-year stormwater drainage issue, bringing significant environmental and social benefits to the community.

Fernández Park is one of more than 205 parks and plazas developed under Mayor Mejía’s administration. These efforts collectively promote a healthier, greener, and more organized Santo Domingo, improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The award ceremony took place in Istanbul, Turkey, where a Dominican delegation led by Elizabeth Mateo accepted the accolade on behalf of Mayor Mejía. Mateo expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, which was selected from over 100 international submissions.

Fernández Park distinguished itself through excellence, innovation, and strong environmental commitment. This achievement further reinforces Santo Domingo’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development in Latin America.
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2025/10/10/national-district-mayors-office-receives-international-recognition-from-world-urban-parks-association/

NASHVILLE GOES DARK

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The government shutdown has caused another major air traffic control tower to go dark, leaving no one available to direct planes due to staffing shortages. Nashville’s air traffic approach control is expected to remain dark until after midnight, resulting in significant flight delays and ground stops.

According to the FAA’s website, the ground delay has already backed up flights by more than two hours at Nashville International Airport (BNA). BNA officials noted that the FAA informed them this reduction in manpower “will remain in effect until further notice.” All airlines have been notified of the slowdown, and travelers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines before arriving at the airport.

On Monday, a dozen facilities experienced staffing shortages, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed some of these issues to many air traffic control workers calling out sick. “If we see there are issues in the tower that are affecting controllers’ ability to effectively control the airspace, we’ll reduce the rate, and you’ll see more delays or you might see a cancellation,” Duffy said.

Another major hub facing travel disruptions due to the government shutdown is Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The FAA announced a ground delay there starting at 7 p.m. ET and lasting until midnight. O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the US and the world, handles over 80 million passengers annually and thousands of flights daily.

According to Axios, O’Hare has been experiencing staffing shortages and is expected to remain understaffed in its air traffic control tower for most of the day. FlightAware’s “Misery Map” tracks delayed flights at US airports and highlights travel hubs particularly impacted by the shutdown. So far, O’Hare has seen the most delays Tuesday afternoon, postponing over 60 flights since 2 p.m. ET.

These new travel headaches come less than a day after air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California were left unmanned for hours due to the ongoing shutdown.

When The Daily Mail requested a comment from the White House on Monday, they received an automatic reply blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The message read: “Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays.”

Despite the widespread delays, flight cancellations have so far been kept to a minimum nationwide, with only 61 flights into and out of the US cancelled on Tuesday.

Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), called for an immediate end to the shutdown during Duffy’s news conference. NATCA represents over 20,000 air traffic controllers and reports that many members have been working 10-hour shifts, six days a week. The shutdown has further strained these vital workers by furloughing support staff and suspending support programs.

Some major airports were already dealing with staffing shortages before Congress failed to pass a new spending bill on October 1. Newark Liberty International Airport, for example, has been plagued by staffing issues and dangerous radar blackouts throughout the year.

As the shutdown continues, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible delays at several key US airports.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15171553

Air traffic staffing shortage causes delays at O’Hare amid government shutdown

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Flight Delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport Amid Government Shutdown

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Tuesday. Although the airport was not very busy on Tuesday evening, travelers still experienced delays.

Earlier Tuesday, the FAA reported, “Departures to Chicago O’Hare International are delayed an average of 41 minutes due to other delays assigned to departures within 1,200 nautical miles.” This alert has since been removed from the FAA website.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, so they must continue working during the shutdown; however, they are not receiving pay. This situation has left people taking off, coming home, or simply transiting through the airport feeling more than inconvenienced.

“We want to make sure we have air travel safe, and controllers focused not on their mortgages, not on the next paycheck, not on food on the table, but actually on making sure you and your family are safe,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

Despite these assurances, many passengers remain frustrated about being caught in the middle of a political standoff in Washington, D.C.

An FAA statement reads: “Due to a recent lapse in funding, we know there are many questions about flight delays and staffing shortages across the system. For real-time updates at U.S. airports, including staffing and weather, visit the FAA’s official website.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch.

https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-ohare-delays-possible-amid-air-traffic-controller-shortage-government-shutdown-continues/17959136/

N32,000 minimum pension: FEPPPAN urges Tinubu to include excluded DBS pensioners

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**Showers Encomium on Tinubu Over Efforts on Retirees’ Welfare**

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the recently approved N32,000 minimum pension to retirees of seven defunct parastatals who were omitted from the increase.

The association described such inclusion as a just and befitting Pensioners Day gift that would further demonstrate the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and justice for all retirees.

In its 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration message, jointly signed by the President General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and the General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, FEPPPAN appealed to President Tinubu to graciously direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to include pensioners from the seven defunct parastatals who were wrongly excluded from the N32,000 pension increase.

The affected entities, the statement noted, include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), NITEL/MTEL, Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigeria Insurance, and the Petroleum Institutes.

FEPPPAN expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, especially for ensuring regular and prompt payment of pensions across the country.

The association said the President’s compassion has brought renewed hope and dignity to many senior citizens who once suffered neglect, noting in particular his approval of palliatives for pensioners to ease the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal.

“That gesture speaks volumes of a listening and humane leader,” the statement read.

However, FEPPPAN urged the Federal Government to release the three-month N25,000 palliative already approved by the President to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on pensioners nationwide.

The Association also called on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to prioritize pensioners’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and by providing affordable healthcare and housing tailored to the needs of senior citizens.

“These are not privileges; they are rights earned through decades of loyal service to our beloved country,” FEPPPAN declared.

Celebrating Nigeria’s senior citizens as heroes of service, the Association saluted the strength, dignity, and legacy of pensioners who gave their best years to the growth and stability of the nation.

“You are the pillars upon which our nation stands tall,” it said. “You gave your youth, your strength, your skills, and your best years in service to Nigeria. Today, we say with pride: You are our pride, our inspiration, and our moral compass.”

The message, titled *A Salute to Our Heroes: Celebrating the Strength, Dignity, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens*, described October 5 as a special day in the heart of every pensioner—one proclaimed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Day, set aside to honour the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders to peace and progress.

FEPPPAN urged every pensioner to wear this day as a badge of honour, adding that their labour and sacrifices are written not only in national policy but also in the living memory of the nation they helped to build.

The Association praised pensioners as beacons of integrity, discipline, and service, whose legacy continues to inspire younger generations.

“Your story teaches that dedication and integrity are never in vain,” it stated, stressing that the Nigeria of today stands firmly on the foundation of their sacrifices.

Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of retirees, FEPPPAN pledged to continue engaging constructively with government to ensure that no pensioner is left behind.

Finally, the Association extended goodwill to all senior citizens, both in the public and private sectors, wishing them good health, long life, peace of mind, and the respect they truly deserve.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/n32000-minimum-pension-fepppan-urges-tinubu-to-include-excluded-dbs-pensioners/

Judge Won’t Immediately Block President Trump’s National Guard Troop Deployment to Illinois

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A federal judge has declined to immediately block President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois.

US District Judge April Perry, a Biden appointee, opted not to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) but scheduled a hearing on the case for Thursday.

On Sunday, President Trump ordered 400 Texas National Guard troops to be deployed to Illinois and Oregon to protect ICE agents amid concerns over violent Antifa protesters. Following this, Texas announced it would send a total of 2,000 National Guard troops to Chicago, despite opposition from Illinois Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker.

“I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,” Abbott added.

The activation of the National Guard came after violence erupted in Chicago over the weekend. Far-left protesters reportedly used vehicles to box in ICE agents, escalating tensions in the city.

On Monday, Illinois and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit seeking to block the troop deployment. However, the troops were already en route. “Defendants’ deployment of federalized troops to Illinois is patently unlawful,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul wrote, according to CBS News.

“Plaintiffs ask this court to halt the illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional federalization of members of the National Guard of the United States, including both the Illinois and Texas National Guard,” Raoul added.

Governor Pritzker expressed strong opposition to the troop deployment, saying, “Illinois will not let the Trump administration continue on their authoritarian march without resisting.”

“We will use every lever at our disposal to stop this power grab because military troops should not be used against American communities,” Pritzker emphasized.

Meanwhile, a federal judge on Sunday evening temporarily blocked President Trump’s National Guard troop deployment to Oregon, underscoring the ongoing legal battles surrounding these decisions.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/judge-wont-immediately-block-trumps-national-guard-troop/

No fire extinguishers or water: Witnesses expose Jaipur hospital lapses

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By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 06, 2025 | 11:16 AM

**Major Fire at Jaipur Hospital Raises Safety Concerns**

A devastating fire broke out late Sunday night at the Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, Rajasthan, raising serious questions about safety preparedness at the facility. The blaze ignited on the second floor of the hospital’s trauma center, tragically killing eight people.

Thick smoke quickly filled the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), forcing family members to carry patients outside onto the streets in a desperate attempt to save lives.

**Victim Details and Accusations of Negligence**

At the time of the fire, the hospital was treating 210 patients, with reportedly only one staff member present in each ICU, according to India Today. Family members have accused the hospital administration of negligence, alleging that smoke warnings were ignored and that staff fled the scene after the fire started.

They further claimed that fire extinguishers were non-functional and that there was not even water available to douse the flames. The fire was eventually contained within two hours.

**Families Speak Out**

One grieving man who lost his mother in the fire told ANI, “The ICU caught fire, but there was no equipment to extinguish it. There were no facilities at all. My mother didn’t survive.”

Another relative of a victim, named Pintu, said they informed doctors about the smoke at around 11:20 PM on Sunday. “But the smoke kept getting thicker. As it spread, the doctors and other staff working downstairs all ran out,” he recalled.

**Rescue Efforts Amid Chaos**

Despite the chaos, some hospital staff members attempted to rescue patients. Vikas, a ward boy present during the incident, told PTI that he and others managed to save three to four patients before the flames became too intense to continue.

**Investigation Launched**

In response to the tragedy, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered an investigation on Monday. “Every possible step is being taken for the safety of patients, their treatment, and the care of those affected, and the situation is being continuously monitored,” Sharma stated.

**Cause of the Fire**

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph confirmed that the forensic science laboratory will conduct an inquiry to determine the exact cause.

Additionally, the Rajasthan government has constituted a commission to investigate the incident. This investigation will focus on the hospital management’s response, the facility’s firefighting arrangements, and the preventive measures needed to avoid similar disasters in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/no-fire-extinguishers-or-water-witnesses-expose-jaipur-hospital-lapses/story