Venezuela Escalation, Shutdown Layoffs Paused, Military Pay

President Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela, authorizing covert CIA operations and striking suspected drug boats. A federal judge pauses the Trump administration’s shutdown layoffs, at least for now. And active-duty troops get paid after a last-minute fix, but military families still feel the strain as the shutdown drags on.

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These Chic Leggings Actually Have a Warm, Cozy Fleece Lining Inside — Just $9

We love fall and winter dresses, but there’s nothing worse than feeling the blustery cold wind hitting your bare legs. If you want to comfortably rock all your favorite fall clothes in your wardrobe, these fleece-lined tights are an absolute game changer. At just $9, it’s no wonder they’re selling out.

Whether you’re dressing for the pumpkin patch, office or grocery store, you’ll want to wear these cozy tights for every outing. They’re designed to keep you warm while giving you a supportive, comfortable feel. Trust Us, you’ll wish you had these tights your whole life.

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Made with a spandex-blend material, the thermal tights are stretchy and smoothing. They fit like leggings, keeping everything tucked with a tummy-control waistband and comfy fit. You can say they flatter and provide sculpting where it matters most. And while they have a sheer-like look, shoppers confirm that they’re thick enough to prevent snagging.

Shoppers Give These 19 Classy Fall Dresses Thousands of Five-Star Reviews

The best part? Unlike classic tights, these have a soft lining that seriously feels like luxurious cashmere. This way, you can stay warm, even in “the dead of winter,” as one reviewer put it.

These tights only hit the shelves a few months ago, but they already have a loyal fanbase. Shoppers highlight the durable anti-pilling material, flattering fit and cozy feel you’ll want to sleep in.

“These are nice and thick and oh-so soft,” one wrote. “They fit nice, are true to size and pull and lift in all the right places.”

Another called them “brilliant” and shared, “They look like sheer pantyhose, but have a super soft fuzzy insulated lining! But it gets even better, the feet part doesn’t have the lining! I love this because my feet won’t over heat and will still fit into my shoes perfectly.”

Reviewers wear them with everything, including dresses, skirts and tunic tops. Plus, some people layer them under trousers for added warmth. We’re wearing them with all of our favorite sweater dresses and boots this season.

With multiple colors and thicknesses to choose from, we won’t be surprised if you load up your entire cart. Don’t forget to check the coupon boxes for a buck off!

Get the Icerose Fleece-Lined Tights for $9 (originally $10) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other fall pants on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

Today Only! The Number-One Bestselling Sweater on Amazon Is Under $28

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Shark Tank’s Lori Greiner Calls Tim Allen a ‘Daddy’ on ‘Shifting Gears’

Shark Tank‘s Lori Greiner used her Shifting Gears cameo as a chance to flirt with Tim Allen.

During the Wednesday, October 15, episode of the hit ABC series, Georgia (Barrett Margolis) found a way to contact Greiner, 55, to promote mom Riley’s (Kat Dennings) new coffee cart. Greiner showed up to support, which is where she met Matt (Allen).

“Now that is a daddy I might like to scrub,” she quipped while shaking Matt’s hand. Eve (Jenna Elfman), meanwhile, jumped in to introduce herself as Matt’s girlfriend.

Greiner is one of several new faces who made appearances on season 2 of Shifting Gears. Lilly Singh, Gabriel Iglesias, Mookie Betts and Home Improvement alums Patricia Richardson, Debbe Dunning and Richard Karn appeared on the sitcom earlier this month.

Which ‘Shifting Gears’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for Season 2?

Shifting Gears follows Matt and his estranged daughter, Riley, as they find themselves living together and working to repair their relationship after the loss of their matriarch.

“From the very beginning, [the creative team has said] that we’ve never seen Tim Allen in a sitcom with a romantic interest. And I said, ‘Well, I’ve just lost my wife, so I don’t see it.’ So I love where we are,” Allen exclusively told Us Weekly in January. “I said, ‘If it happens over time and happens organically with two people that do not get along, then it is OK.’ I just am really cautious about this. I just want it to happen where it’s organic and proper.”

Tim Allen Mourns Major Loss in 'Shifting Gears' Season 2 Premiere Photos
Disney/Raymond Liu

In addition to Allen, 72, and Dennings, 39, Shifting Gears also stars Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins and Margolis.

“[Matt’s] more like me. I’m more of an artist. I was a design student and a philosopher and my standup comedy is really about messing with people in a good way,” Allen shared with Us. “I came from a huge family run by women. So my perspective is very different about men. I don’t think we run things. So I want this to be that guy. He’s not a ‘man’s man’ in that term, and he wasn’t trying to be anything but what he does.”

A Guide to the Most Iconic Guest Stars on Tim Allen’s ‘Shifting Gears’

The actor noted that Matt is “not like the other guys” he’s played before.

“This is a new character and it’s much closer to [who I am]. I’ve been through grief in my life with losing my father,” he added. “I’ve been blessed to be a comedian and so that’s who this [character] is. If I did it again, I wanted to get as much closer to the [man] that I am.”

Dennings, meanwhile, praised her and Allen’s “instant” connection as costars.

“For some reason it worked pretty immediately — maybe because I’ve grown up watching him for so much of my life, but it just worked. It felt very organic,” she recalled to Us that same month. “And as [filming has] progressed, our scenes are so funny, if I do say so myself. The arguments are my favorite scenes to play because I have no fear. There’s no fear for either of us. We just absolutely go for it, and it’s so much fun.”

At the time, Dennings couldn’t help but praise the “magical situation,” adding, “I was having a talk with a friend and I wasn’t sure what to do next. She was like, ‘Well, if you could just describe your dream project, what would it be?’ I was like, ‘I’d love to do a sitcom again.’ I just described this exact scenario. Then the next day, I got the call about this.”

Dennings concluded: “It was shocking. I’m still weirded out about it because I feel like I wished for it and there it was. So that is how it happened. And I grew up watching [Tim’s show] Home Improvement, so I was very excited about the idea of being his daughter. It’s just been so fantastic and I feel very lucky.”

Shifting Gears airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET before streaming the next day on Hulu.

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Lionel Messi launches the MESSI CUP, an international U-16 tournament

Football legend Lionel Messi has officially announced the creation of the MESSI CUP, an international Under-16 football tournament that will take place in Miami, USA from December 9th to 14th, 2025.

The inaugural edition of the tournament will bring together some of the world’s most prestigious football academies including Inter Miami, FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, River Plate and Newell’s Old Boys the Argentine club where Messi began his football journey.

Speaking during the announcement, Messi said the tournament aims to promote youth development, sportsmanship and global unity through football.

“This tournament is about giving young players the opportunity to compete, learn and dream big. I started playing at a young age with the same passion they have now and I want to give them a platform to showcase their talent,” said Messi.

The MESSI CUP will be hosted at DRV PNK Stadium, home of Inter Miami CF and will feature six days of exciting matches, skill challenges and mentoring sessions led by professional players and coaches.

According to organizers, the event will not only focus on competition but also on education, discipline and community engagement. Players will attend workshops on leadership, teamwork and personal development.

Inter Miami’s academy director welcomed the initiative, describing it as “a milestone event that will inspire the next generation of stars.”

The MESSI CUP is expected to become an annual event, rotating between different host cities in future editions with plans to expand participation to include more clubs from Africa and Asia in the coming years.

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Raila Odinga to be laid to rest on Sunday at Bondo Home

….Kenya’s veteran opposition leader will lie in state in Kisumu before a final burial at his ancestral home following a State funeral

NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Kenya’s veteran political leader Raila Odinga is set to be buried on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at his Bondo home, in accordance with his personal wishes.

The decision for the burial location underscores Odinga’s deep connection to his ancestral roots and his lifelong bond with the Bondo community.

Prior to the burial, his body will depart for Kisumu on Saturday, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their final respects.

A viewing in Kisumu will allow citizens from across the region and beyond to honor the legacy of a leader whose influence spanned over four decades.

The arrangements follow a State funeral service scheduled for Friday, during which top government officials, dignitaries, and international guests will attend.

The burial committee confirmed that the funeral program has been meticulously planned to balance both official protocol and the personal wishes of Odinga and his family.

This sequence of events provides Kenyans and well-wishers the chance to mourn collectively, while also respecting the veteran leader’s desire for a private final resting place at Bondo.

Raila Odinga’s burial marks the culmination of a national period of mourning and reflection on his monumental contributions to Kenya’s democratic journey.

The funeral committee, overseeing all arrangements, is co-chaired by DP Moses Kindiki and Oburu Odinga, ensuring coordination between government officials and the family.

Officials emphasized that all necessary security and logistical measures will be in place to facilitate smooth attendance and public participation during both the State funeral and the burial ceremonies.

The passing of Raila Odinga has left a profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape, and these final rites serve as a moment for the nation to honor his lifelong dedication to public service, social justice, and democracy.

As Kenya prepares for the final farewell, emotions run high among citizens who regard Odinga not only as a political figure but also as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring struggle for fairness and inclusion in governance.

Background:

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, with a career spanning over four decades.

He first emerged on the national stage in the 1980s, advocating for democratic reforms during Kenya’s single-party era, often at great personal risk.

Odinga served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the post-election violence of 2007–2008, playing a crucial role in national reconciliation and governance reforms.

He was also a multiple-time presidential candidate, contesting elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, consistently championing electoral transparency, accountability, and social justice.

Throughout his career, he was a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, devolution of power, and the promotion of human rights and civil liberties.

Raila inspired generations of Kenyans to actively engage in democratic processes, and his leadership earned him respect across party lines, even among his fiercest rivals.

His passing marks the loss of a national icon whose vision and ideals shaped Kenya’s journey toward democracy, equity, and social cohesion.

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Raila Odinga’s final walk: The morning before his sudden death at Indian Eye Hospital

……Kenya’s veteran opposition leader was seen taking a peaceful morning stroll at Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital just hours before his unexpected passing

On the morning of Wednesday, 15 October 2025, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was seen taking a gentle walk within the serene surroundings of the Sreedhareeyam Ayurvedic Eye Hospital and Research Centre in India.

The hospital, located in the tranquil state of Kerala, had been his place of treatment for the past five days, where he was undergoing specialized care for an eye-related condition.

Witnesses and hospital staff described Raila as calm, cheerful, and in stable condition as he took his morning stroll accompanied by medical attendants.

He reportedly exchanged pleasantries with a few Kenyan well-wishers and members of the hospital staff, expressing optimism about his recovery and even hinting that he looked forward to returning home soon.

However, only a few hours later, the news of his sudden demise sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond, plunging the nation into deep mourning.

Doctors at Sreedhareeyam were said to have acted swiftly when Odinga collapsed in his private suite, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to revive him.

The hospital management later confirmed that all medical protocols were followed, and an official medical report would be shared with the family and the Kenyan government.

Raila Odinga’s passing marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — the loss of a towering figure whose influence spanned over four decades of national leadership and democratic struggle.

For many Kenyans, it is difficult to reconcile the image of Raila taking his final walk that morning — looking healthy and full of life — with the sudden announcement of his death only hours later.

The Sreedhareeyam Eye Hospital, known globally for its traditional Ayurvedic treatments and holistic approach to healing, had become a temporary home for Odinga during his recovery.

Sources close to the family revealed that the veteran leader had responded positively to treatment and had even planned to return to Nairobi by the weekend.

His presence in India had been kept low-profile, with only close associates and family members aware of his stay at the facility, to allow him privacy and rest.

News of his death broke around midday, quickly dominating media headlines across Africa and prompting an outpouring of grief from leaders, citizens, and supporters around the world.

In Nairobi, flags were lowered to half-mast as President William Ruto announced a national period of mourning, describing Raila Odinga as “a hero of democracy and a father of the nation.”

Condolence messages have since poured in from across the political divide, reflecting the deep respect and admiration Raila commanded even among his rivals.

Indian officials also expressed their condolences, noting that Raila Odinga had become a “friend of India” through his engagements with the country’s medical and political institutions over the years.

As arrangements begin for the repatriation of his remains to Kenya, emotions remain high both at home and abroad, as Kenyans come to terms with the loss of a man who dedicated his life to the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity.

Raila Odinga’s final moments, marked by a peaceful walk in the healing gardens of Sreedhareeyam, stand as a poignant reminder of his enduring spirit and calm resilience — a legacy that will live on in the hearts of millions who believed in his vision for Kenya.

Background:

Raila Odinga was one of Kenya’s most prominent and enduring political figures, with a career spanning over four decades.

He first emerged on the national stage in the 1980s, advocating for democratic reforms during Kenya’s single-party era, often at great personal risk.

He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, following the post-election violence of 2007–2008, playing a crucial role in national reconciliation and governance reforms.

Odinga was also a multiple-time presidential candidate, contesting elections in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, often championing electoral transparency, accountability, and social justice.

Throughout his career, he was known as a vocal advocate for constitutional reform, devolution of power, and the promotion of human rights and civil liberties.

Raila’s leadership inspired a generation of Kenyans to actively participate in democratic processes, and his commitment to political inclusivity earned him respect across party lines, even among his fiercest rivals.

His passing marks not only the loss of a seasoned politician but also a national icon whose vision and ideals shaped Kenya’s journey toward democracy, equity, and social cohesion.

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Mutharika delegates JB to lead SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika has appointed former Malawi leader Joyce Banda (JB) to lead a SADC fact-finding mission to Madagascar amid political and security unrest following reports of an attempted coup in the Island nation.

Mutharika is Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The mission aims to engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders to reduce tensions and promote inclusive dialogue.

Banda, a member of the SADC Panel of Elders, will be joined by Mediation Reference Group members Helen Lwegasila Brahim and Ambassador Joey M. Bimha, along with SADC Secretariat representatives.

In a statement, President Mutharika says the mission will engage Madagascar’s government and stakeholders in easing tensions and promoting inclusive dialogue.

The mission also will investigate the root causes of the current political and security crisis.

Mutharika has urged law enforcement agencies to act with professionalism, impartiality, and restraint, in accordance with international human rights standards.

“SADC reiterates its call for all parties involved in the current crisis to choose the path of restraint, peace, and dialogue. No further Malagasy lives should be lost due to the unrest,” says Mutharika.

For her part, Banda has expressed hope that the mission will help restore peace and stability through inclusive and lasting solutions.

There is political unrest in Madagascar.

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