Tag Archives: investigators

Lee Chatfield’s chief of staff will testify against him in corruption probe plea deal

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**Rob Minard Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud and Embezzlement in Multi-Year Corruption Probe**

LANSING — Rob Minard, former chief of staff to ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield, has pleaded guilty to falsifying a tax return and stealing tens of thousands of dollars from fundraising accounts he oversaw. The charges stem from a wide-ranging, multi-year corruption investigation that has ensnared Minard, Chatfield, and their spouses.

Minard worked as Chatfield’s chief of staff in 2019 and 2020 and, along with his wife Anné Minard, is accused of misusing over $600,000 from Chatfield-linked accounts. Prosecutors allege the couple siphoned money to finance a lavish lifestyle that included tropical vacations and luxury items like Gucci handbags.

Ingham County Circuit Court heard Minard’s guilty plea on Thursday, where he admitted to filing a false tax return and stealing between $20,000 and $50,000 from political fundraising accounts connected to Chatfield. Minard acknowledged “overbilling” clients of his political consulting firm, Victor Strategies, which managed various candidates.

According to prosecutors, Minard has agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation and testify against Chatfield. In exchange, he will receive a six-month suspended jail sentence, three years of probation, and must pay approximately $37,000 in back taxes and penalties.

“He received payments that he was not entitled to receive,” Minard’s attorney, Robert Harrison, stated in court. Reflecting on the proceedings, Harrison said, “This is the conclusion of a terribly disruptive series of events for Mr. and Mrs. Minard, and it’s good to get it over.”

Minard’s wife, Anné, who served as Chatfield’s director of external affairs and oversaw his extensive fundraising efforts, pleaded guilty in late October. Like her husband, she agreed to cooperate with prosecutors for a reduced sentence. The Minards are scheduled for sentencing in December — Anné on the 3rd and Rob on the 17th.

The couple was charged in late 2023 with eight felony counts each, including “conducting a criminal enterprise,” a charge that carries up to 20 years in prison, and embezzlement of $100,000 or more. Anné Minard also faced additional counts related to embezzlement and false pretenses involving smaller amounts.

Investigators presented evidence at the Minards’ preliminary examination detailing five distinct methods the couple used to divert funds from the accounts under their control. This illicit activity allegedly funded personal expenses such as luxury handbags and cosmetic surgery services.

At the time the crimes were committed, Rob Minard was the highest-ranking staffer in Michigan’s House of Representatives, earning a salary surpassing that of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The Minards jointly managed Victor Strategies while also receiving legislative salaries and overseeing multiple Chatfield-linked fundraising accounts.

Court documents reveal that Chatfield’s brother and sister-in-law received checks from Anné Minard during trips to destinations like Detroit, Miami, Las Vegas, Aspen, and the Bahamas. More than $6 million flowed through Chatfield’s various accounts during his legislative tenure, with Victor Strategies earning over $1 million from political committees in the same period.

Meanwhile, Lee and Stephanie Chatfield have both pleaded not guilty to charges related to misusing money from these accounts and other corruption-related offenses. Their trials are scheduled for September 2026.

This case underscores ongoing concerns about corruption within Michigan’s political fundraising and the misuse of public trust for personal gain.

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**Related:**

– Plea deal: Lee Chatfield aide to testify against him in Michigan corruption case
– Corruption trial for ex-Michigan Speaker Lee Chatfield delayed to fall 2026
– Lee Chatfield raised millions, traveled often. Michigan law kept much secret
https://bridgemi.com/michigan-government/lee-chatfields-chief-of-staff-will-testify-against-him-in-corruption-probe-plea-deal/

Mother of missing 10-year-old girl arrested on child neglect charge in Margate; Child still missing

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**Mother of Missing 10-Year-Old Gabrielle Patricia Terrelonge Arrested on Child Neglect Charge**

MARGATE, FLA. (WSVN) — The mother of missing 10-year-old Gabrielle Patricia Terrelonge was arrested Tuesday in Margate on a child neglect charge, as authorities continue their search for the girl who has been missing for more than four months.

According to court records, 34-year-old Passha Davis appeared before a judge Wednesday morning. Her bond was set at $100,000, and she was ordered to wear an ankle monitor and undergo a mental health evaluation.

The FBI Miami Field Office, Margate Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that Gabrielle remains missing and is considered at risk.

Investigators said Gabrielle was last seen on June 21 in Broward County but was not reported missing until October 29, after authorities discovered her mother had been incarcerated in Florida. Her disappearance was upgraded to a Missing Child Alert earlier this week.

Gabrielle is described as a Black female, approximately 4 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 100 pounds, with shoulder-length black hair. She was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black long pants, and white Crocs.

Authorities added that Gabrielle is known to travel between Central and South Florida with family members and may have been with Davis before her arrest.

A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that she has been fighting to take Gabrielle into her home because the girl and her mother had been living on the streets.

“We don’t have any clue where she is. I mean, it would have been better if they even didn’t want to give her to me — they could have taken her and put her in foster care. There were more than enough family members willing to take her, but nobody was willing to help do the right thing,” the relative said.

“Her family loves her, and we are looking for her. We would like her to return safely and come to be with us, away from harm.”

Anyone with information about Gabrielle’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip online at [tips.fbi.gov](https://tips.fbi.gov), or call the Margate Police Department at 954-972-7111 or 911.
https://wsvn.com/uncategorized/mother-of-missing-10-year-old-girl-arrested-on-child-neglect-charge-in-margate-child-still-missing/

7 Gritty Dramas to Watch if You Enjoyed The Monster of Florence

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**The Monster of Florence** brings audiences into the intense world of one of Italy’s most infamous unsolved serial killer mysteries. The series explores the barbaric murders that terrorized Florence, following eight couples who were killed in their cars, leaving investigators puzzled for years.

Delving deeply into the investigation, the show analyzes suspects, controversies, and theories surrounding the case. It blends crime documentary elements with dramatic narrative, building tension as each episode reveals new details about the victims and their search for the killer. Fans of true crime will find themselves drawn into the suspense as the show captures the fear that engulfed Florence during those times.

For viewers who were left on the edge of their seats by *The Monster of Florence*, these seven gritty dramas offer the same depth and intrigue.

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### 1) Mindhunter

*Mindhunter* takes audiences inside the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit during the 1970s. Two officials interview imprisoned serial killers to analyze their psychology, using these conversations to resolve ongoing cases across America. The series features real-life criminals, including David Berkowitz and Ed Kemper. Each interview reveals disturbing insights into the criminal mind.

The agents face resistance from colleagues who doubt their methods, and their personal lives begin to crumble under the intense pressure of their work. The story builds gradually, focusing on character growth and psychological tension. Fans of *The Monster of Florence* will appreciate the strategic approach to analyzing violent crime.

*Mindhunter* is available on Netflix.

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### 2) The Fall

*The Fall* follows a detective hunting a serial killer in Belfast. The killer leads a double life as a counselor and family man, targeting professional women in their homes. The detective must race against time to stop him before he kills again.

The series alternates between the hunted and the hunter, giving audiences chilling insights into both perspectives. The killer’s stoic demeanor contrasts sharply with his violent actions, while the detective faces obstacles from her colleagues and the media. The tension remains intense throughout the seasons.

Like *The Monster of Florence*, the show explores the psychology behind serial murder and presents the investigation as a complex puzzle requiring skill and patience.

*The Fall* is available on Amazon Prime.

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### 3) True Detective

Spanning seventeen years, *True Detective* follows two detectives who chase a killer leaving ritualistic symbols at crime scenes. The case haunts them long after they leave the police force. Flashbacks reveal details of their investigation in the 1990s, while present-day interviews show the profound impact the case has on their lives.

Set in Louisiana, the dark and oppressive atmosphere is heightened by strange religious symbols hinting at occult involvement. The detective uncovers a conspiracy reaching powerful institutions. Every episode peels back layers of mystery.

Fans of *The Monster of Florence* will recognize themes of long-term investigation and obsession, showing how mysteries can consume those involved.

*True Detective* is available on Amazon Prime.

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### 4) The Killing

*The Killing* begins with the murder of a teenage girl in Seattle. Detectives face limited evidence and multiple suspects as the investigation uncovers secrets within the victim’s school and family. Political campaigns become entangled in the case, complicating matters further.

Set against rainy Seattle’s gloomy backdrop, the lead detective wrestles with personal conflicts while pursuing justice. The investigation is fraught with unreliable leads and dead ends. The series emphasizes the human cost of violent crime on communities and families.

Much like *The Monster of Florence*, *The Killing* showcases the painstaking efforts required for homicide investigations, avoiding quick resolutions and easy answers.

*The Killing* is available on Netflix.

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### 5) Broadchurch

*Broadchurch* centers on the murder of a young boy in a small town. Two detectives with contrasting investigative styles must work together as every resident becomes a potential suspect. The community fractures under suspicion, and family secrets come to light.

The media’s arrival adds chaos to the grieving town, while trust becomes difficult as neighbors turn against one another. The coastal setting provides a deceptively peaceful backdrop to the intense drama.

Fans of *The Monster of Florence* will appreciate the complex character dynamics and methodical investigation. Both shows reveal how murder can break apart entire communities, not just individual families.

*Broadchurch* is available on Amazon Prime.

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### 6) Top of the Lake

*Top of the Lake* follows a detective investigating a 12-year-old pregnant girl, leading her to a remote New Zealand town. Dark secrets lie beneath the surface, and the detective must confront her own traumatic childhood amid resistance from local authorities.

The girl’s pregnancy points to abuse within the community. Powerful men attempt to control the narrative and protect their interests. The natural landscape sharply contrasts with the human darkness unfolding.

Themes of abuse, power, and survival are explored, with determined investigators confronting personal demons and institutional obstacles—elements fans of *The Monster of Florence* will recognize.

*Top of the Lake* is available on Amazon Prime.

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### 7) The Sinner

*The Sinner* explores why ordinary people commit shocking acts of violence. Each season presents a new case with unpredictable twists. A detective specializing in psychological motivations leads investigations that delve deep into the characters’ past traumas.

The first season features a mother who murders in front of witnesses, with unclear reasons even to herself. The detective’s probing uncovers connections between present events and buried trauma, peeling back layers of character psychology episode by episode.

Fans of *The Monster of Florence* will value the focus on understanding criminal behavior.

*The Sinner* is available on Amazon Prime.

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These seven shows offer compelling storytelling, complex characters, and methodical investigations comparable to *The Monster of Florence*.

**Let us know in the comments section which one is your favorite!**
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/7-gritty-dramas-watch-you-enjoyed-the-monster-florence

Father charged after calling 911 to report killing his 4 children in North Carolina, sheriff says

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**Johnston County Father Charged with Murder After Allegedly Killing Four of His Children**

Johnston County, N.C. — A father from North Carolina has been charged with murder after allegedly killing all but one of his children.

On Monday at 10:09 p.m., Johnston County 911 received a call from Wellington Delano Dickens III, who resides in Zebulon, North Carolina. During the call, Dickens admitted to having killed his children.

Deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence on Springtooth Drive. Upon arrival, Dickens informed the deputies that his 3-year-old son was alive inside the house, but four of his other children were deceased inside the trunk of a car parked in the garage.

An investigation at the scene revealed multiple bodies inside the trunk. Authorities determined that the remains had been there for an extended period of time.

JCSO investigators believe Dickens killed three of his biological children, aged 6, 9, and 10, as well as his 18-year-old stepchild.

Wellington Delano Dickens III is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday afternoon. The investigation is ongoing.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/wellington-delano-dickens-iii-father-charged-murder-4-children-found-dead-trunk-car-north-carolina/18081474/

Paris Police Arrest Two Men in Connection With Jewel Heist From Louvre Museum

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Suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor said Sunday, a week after the heist at the world’s most visited museum that stunned the world.

The prosecutor revealed that investigators made the arrests on Saturday evening, adding that one of the men taken into custody was preparing to leave the country from Roissy Airport. Earlier, French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper reported that two suspects had been arrested and taken into custody.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests nor did she disclose whether the stolen jewels had been recovered.

The thieves carried out the robbery in less than eight minutes last Sunday morning, making off with jewels valued at roughly $102 million. French officials described how the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and fled the scene.

The museum’s director called the incident a “terrible failure.”

Ms. Beccuau said that investigators from a special police unit—tasked with armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts—were responsible for making the arrests. She also expressed regret over a premature leak of information, warning that it could hinder the work of over 100 investigators “mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators.”

Further details will be unveiled after the suspects’ custody period ends, Ms. Beccuau added.

France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, praised “the investigators who have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and who have always had my full confidence.”

The thieves made away with a total of eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. They also took an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, as well as a reliquary brooch.

Additionally, Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch—an imperial ensemble of rare craftsmanship—were part of the loot.

One piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown with more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum. Although damaged, it was recoverable.
https://www.nysun.com/article/paris-police-arrest-two-men-in-connection-with-jewel-heist-from-louvre-museum

Suspects arrested over the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre museum

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Suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor announced on Sunday, a week after the heist at the world’s most visited museum shocked the globe.

The prosecutor revealed that investigators made the arrests on Saturday evening. Notably, one of the men taken into custody was preparing to leave the country from Roissy Airport. Earlier, French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien newspaper reported that two suspects had been arrested and taken into custody. However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests or say whether the stolen jewels had been recovered.

The daring theft took less than eight minutes last Sunday morning, with thieves making off with jewels valued at 88 million euros (approximately $102 million). French officials described how the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and then fled the scene.

The museum’s director called the incident a “terrible failure.” Beccuau stated that investigators from a special police unit—responsible for armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts—were behind the arrests. She also regretted the premature leak of information, warning that it could hinder the efforts of more than 100 investigators “mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators.”

Further details will be revealed after the suspects’ custody period ends, Beccuau added.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the investigators, saying they “have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and have always had my full confidence.”

The Louvre reopened earlier this week following one of the highest-profile museum thefts of the century, an audacious crime that stunned the world with its scale and boldness. The thieves slipped in and out, making away with parts of France’s Crown Jewels—a cultural wound some have compared to the 2019 burning of Notre Dame Cathedral.

In total, the thieves stole eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. They also took an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, as well as a reliquary brooch.

Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her large corsage-bow brooch—an imperial ensemble of rare craftsmanship—were also part of the loot.

One piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown adorned with more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum. Although damaged, it was reported to be recoverable.
https://www.wptv.com/world/suspects-arrested-over-the-theft-of-crown-jewels-from-paris-louvre-museum

Police bust plot to sell fake artwork purportedly by Rembrandt, Picasso

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A major international plot involving the sale of suspected forged paintings by renowned artists has been uncovered, police announced on Friday. The scheme spanned three countries and involved fake works attributed to masters such as Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Frida Kahlo.

The main suspect, a 77-year-old German man, allegedly attempted to sell 20 counterfeit paintings. These included purported pieces by Flemish old master Peter Paul Rubens, Spanish artist Joan Miró, and Italian sculptor Amedeo Modigliani. Authorities in Bavaria revealed that he was assisted by 10 accomplices in the operation.

Investigators first grew suspicious when the suspect tried to sell two alleged original Picasso paintings on the art market. One of these artworks depicted Dora Maar, a French photographer, painter, and poet who was Picasso’s most famous muse, according to BBC News.

The police stated that the man subsequently sought to sell *De Staalmeesters*, a famous oil painting by Rembrandt, for 120 million Swiss francs (approximately $150 million). However, the original painting is permanently displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The copy, believed to have been made in the 20th century, was found in the possession of an 84-year-old Swiss woman who is now also under investigation.

“After examination by an art expert, it was confirmed that the painting was indeed a copy and not a lost masterpiece by Rembrandt van Rijn,” police reported, as cited by BBC.

The fake paintings were being offered at prices ranging from 400,000 euros to about 130 million euros (roughly $465,000 to $150 million), police said in a statement.

Last week, authorities conducted coordinated searches in multiple locations across southern Germany, Berlin, several areas in Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. During these raids, the main suspect and another German man, aged 74, were arrested. The second suspect is accused of preparing forged authenticity reports for the artworks. Both men have since been released on bail.

Police confirmed that all confiscated paintings will undergo detailed examination by experts and appraisers over the coming weeks to assess their authenticity.

This extensive investigation highlights the ongoing challenges art markets face with forged masterpieces, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and expert scrutiny.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/art-forgeries-plot-bust-germany-police-rembrandt-picasso-frida-kahlo/

Skin-crawling pics inside CT house of horrors where wicked stepmom is accused of locking up son for decades

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**Haunting Photos Reveal Interior of Connecticut “House of Horrors” Where Stepson Was Allegedly Imprisoned for Over Two Decades**

Skin-crawling photos have emerged showing the chilling interior of a Connecticut “house of horrors,” where a wicked stepmother allegedly imprisoned her stepson in appalling conditions for more than 20 years.

The images, obtained by The Post just weeks after a judge ruled Kimberly Sullivan, 57, could return to the Waterbury home, reveal a scene of devastation. The house was scorched by a fire set by her 32-year-old stepson in February, as he attempted to escape from her clutches, according to police.

Now standing empty after the blaze, most of the rooms have been reduced to bare beams and boards. Drywall and plaster have been torn from nearly all the walls, while loose wires, dirt, debris, and broken glass litter the dark, nearly uninhabitable halls.

One room, however, appears untouched by the fire, offering clues to the tastes of the lady of the house. In a hot pink den on the first floor, a large pair of women’s eyes with full red lips seductively peer across the room toward a poster of a kitten lounging in a lawn chair, with “Lazy Days” scrawled over it. Hanging in a ceiling corner, a doll with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes watches over the room.

In the remains of the kitchen, a half-melted poster of Marilyn Monroe hangs over the counter. But the rest of the house is barren. Upstairs, nearly all traces of the alcove where Sullivan’s stepson was allegedly held since age 11 have been burned away or knocked down after the fire tore through the room.

One relic remains: a stained lace angel’s wing pinned to the raw wood where the stepson spent years imprisoned, forced to use bottles as a bathroom and passing the endless hours by counting cars out the windows.

The stepson, known only as “S,” weighed just 68 pounds when responding firefighters discovered him covered in filth amidst the burning home on February 17. He quickly recounted a horrifying tale, claiming Sullivan had held him prisoner for more than two decades. According to authorities, she withdrew him from school as a child and locked him in an 8-by-9-foot storage space, providing only scraps of food and water for 22 hours a day or more.

Sullivan was seen at the home after the fire but was arrested within weeks. She now faces charges including unlawful restraint, kidnapping, and other abuse allegations. She has pleaded not guilty.

After posting $300,000 bail and being released, a judge issued a protection order for her stepson, who listed the Waterbury home as his address. This barred Sullivan from returning to the house. She subsequently petitioned a Connecticut court to amend the order, arguing that her stepson no longer lived there.

On October 3, a judge ruled in her favor, allowing Sullivan to return, according to NBC Connecticut. However, it remains unclear if she has gone back since. The home appears completely forgotten, with neighbors reporting no sign of her presence.

“It’s all open and it looks abandoned to me,” said next-door neighbor Zeffrey Guarnera, who has not seen Sullivan since she posted bail. “There was something I never really liked about her. There was something weird about her. I can never tell you what it was, but all our other neighbors are very friendly, wave and say hello.”

Guarnera also revealed he was unaware of the stepson’s existence until he was rescued from the home. “There was no him,” he said. “There were two daughters, that’s who I ever saw. When I found out there was a him, I was shocked.”

Sullivan has denied holding her stepson captive, instead blaming his father—who lived in the home until his death last year—for what happened. Her lawyer has also claimed the stepson could have walked away whenever he wanted.

“This is a woman who has never committed a crime in her life,” said Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, after a recent court hearing.

Sullivan is expected back in court on Halloween.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/us-news/inside-connecticut-house-of-horrors-where-stepmom-locked-up-son/

Junior High School Girl Dies After Fall From Building in Kabukicho

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The accident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on October 13th in Shinjuku Ward. A girl fell from a landing on a building staircase and collided with a man in his 20s who was on the ground below.

It is believed that the girl jumped intentionally. She was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead.

The man suffered head injuries; however, his life is not in danger.

Investigators have indicated that the girl may have consumed an excessive amount of over-the-counter medication. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147273.php

Osaka University Professor Sakaguchi Wins Nobel Prize

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As of 3 p.m. on October 6th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) was moving northwest over the ocean near the Ogasawara Islands. The typhoon has intensified to form a storm zone with sustained winds exceeding 25 meters per second. Depending on its course, the typhoon may bring strong winds and heavy rain to areas along the Pacific coast from western to eastern Japan. Particularly heavy rainfall is expected across the Tokai and Kanto coastal regions, as well as the Izu Islands. Authorities are urging residents to stay alert for further updates.

In other news, Osaka University’s specially appointed professor, Shimon Sakaguchi, has been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking work in immunology. Sakaguchi is best known for discovering regulatory T cells, a type of immune cell that suppresses excessive immune responses. His findings have had far-reaching implications in medical science.

On the night of October 5th, a collision occurred on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line in Kawasaki City. A local train attempting to arrive at Kajigaya Station struck a stationary out-of-service train, causing several cars of the latter to derail. Investigators from the Japan Transport Safety Board arrived at the scene on the morning of October 6th to begin examining the cause of the accident.

Meanwhile, a Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. This incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

In political news, Sanae Takaichi was elected as the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president on October 4th. After defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff, she became the party’s first female leader. On stage, Takaichi declared, “I ask everybody to work like a horse,” signaling her call for dedicated effort from party members.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147170.php