Senate Democrats break ranks to join Republicans in backing a deal to reopen the government after 41 days, a move that could finally end the longest shutdown in U.S. history. SNAP benefits remain tangled in court battles, as a late ruling orders the Trump administration to fully restore payments while states face threats of federal penalties. And world leaders gather in Brazil for a major climate conference, but the Trump administration says the U.S. won’t be at the table. Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
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p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Kevin Drew, Neela Banerjee, Mohamad ElBardicy and Martha Ann Overland.
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p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Lindsay Totty
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p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Salvation for All Ministries International has extended a lifeline to over 4,000 people in Traditional Authority Chiwaura (T.A), Lilongwe District, through the donation of 6,000 bags of maize, as part of its ongoing mission to empower vulnerable communities across Malawi.
The food donation was made during a spirit-filled crusade held at Chiwaura CDSS, led by Apostle Clifford Kawinga, the founder of the ministry.
The outreach comes barely a month after the ministry distributed irrigation farming equipment to farmers in Malawi’s Southern Region, reaffirming its commitment to combining spiritual nourishment with practical humanitarian support.
Speaking during the event in Malembo, Apostle Kawinga emphasized that addressing hunger is essential to effective ministry.
“This is one area that has been affected by hunger due to the dry spells. We thought it wise to come here and spread the good news while donating food because we can’t preach to people who are hungry,” Kawinga said.
He further called on other stakeholders and faith-based organizations to complement government efforts in assisting those affected by the ongoing food crisis. It is not the responsibility of the government alone. We can all join hands to help families affected by hunger,” he added.
Kawinga also expressed concern that hunger has forced some families to cross into Mozambique and Zambia in search of food, describing the situation as alarming.
Representing TA Chiwaura and all Sub-T/As, Bleston Caleb commended the ministry for the timely support.
“Our area has been hit hard by hunger. We are grateful to Apostle Kawinga and his ministry for this generous gesture,” Caleb said.
One of the beneficiaries, Lucia Chipozi, shared her gratitude, revealing that her family had been going to bed on empty stomachs.
“This maize will surely bail us out. We had nothing to eat for days,” Chipozi said.
Beyond his ministry work, Apostle Kawinga is also a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist the proprietor of Creck Hardware and General Suppliers, CK Storage, Creck Sporting Club, and several other enterprises that contribute to community development and economic empowerment.
Through such initiatives, Salvation for All Ministries International continues to demonstrate that faith in action can bring hope and transformation to struggling communities across Malawi.
When history recalls Malawi’s boldest reforms in trade and industry, Vitumbiko Mumba’s name will shine brightly.
The former Minister of Trade, Mumba dared to do what many before him only whispered about—he took on the powerful sugar cartels.
Social media influencer Idris Ali Nassah has hailed Mumba for his fearless stance against Illovo’s long-standing one-distributor system, which for years allowed a few hands to control the nation’s sugar supply—and, with it, the prices.
“Minister Mumba played his part,” wrote Nassah. “In helping to break the sugar barons’ destructive dominance, he made history.”
Illovo’s decision to open sugar distribution to multiple players across the country is being seen as a direct result of Mumba’s relentless push for fairness and market freedom.
Observers say the move could finally end years of artificial shortages, hoarding, and price manipulation.
“The barons aren’t happy,” Nassah added, “but who cares?”
Indeed, with Mumba’s bold reforms, Malawians may finally taste the sweetness of true competition, marking a historic turning point in the country’s trade and industry.
…..The Zambian media community mourns the loss of a respected journalist who passed away just weeks after being honoured by his wife with a Matebeto celebration
LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Zambian media fraternity is mourning the untimely passing of veteran journalist Chishaba Masengu, who has died at a time when he had just marked a major personal milestone — his 25th marriage anniversary.
Mr. Masengu passed away on November 9, 2025, nearly two weeks after being honoured with a Matebeto celebration organized by his wife to commemorate their quarter-century journey of love and companionship.
The cause of his death has not yet been officially disclosed, but his passing has sent shockwaves across Zambia’s journalism community, where he was widely respected as a mentor, writer, and editor.
Throughout his career, Chishaba Masengu distinguished himself as one of Zambia’s most influential voices in journalism, known for his professionalism, integrity, and passion for truth-telling.
Colleagues describe him as a humble yet firm journalist who believed deeply in ethical reporting and the power of the media to bring positive change to society.
Media trainer Henry Kabwe paid tribute to Mr. Masengu, describing him as a man whose dedication to the profession and impact on the media landscape will be remembered for generations.
“Chishaba Masengu’s dedication to journalism and his impact on society will be remembered and greatly missed,” Kabwe said in his condolence message.
Friends and fellow journalists have taken to social media to share their grief and fond memories of working alongside him, highlighting his mentorship and commitment to nurturing young journalists.
Many have also praised his ability to balance his professional life with family, noting that the Matebeto celebration held just weeks earlier was a reflection of his deep appreciation for love, family, and partnership.
The symbolic Matebeto event, a traditional Zambian celebration in which a wife honours her husband for their years of marriage, now stands as a bittersweet memory for the Masengu family.
Those close to the family describe Mr. Masengu as a loving husband and father who valued humility, faith, and service — qualities that defined both his personal and professional life.
As tributes continue to pour in, the media industry is remembering him not only for his journalistic excellence but also for his role in shaping a more ethical and responsible media culture in Zambia.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but the journalism community across the region is expected to gather in large numbers to honour and celebrate his life and legacy.
Mr. Masengu’s passing marks the end of an era for many who saw him as a pillar of Zambia’s media industry — a man whose pen spoke truth, and whose heart inspired others to serve with integrity.
MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc says the newly launched Mo626 Varsity Games will become one of the country’s biggest talent-identification platforms, creating opportunities for young athletes and strengthening Malawi’s sports pipeline from universities to national and international levels.
Speaking during the launch of the games at Mzuzu University on Saturday, NBM Plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the Bank’s K1.58 billion investment in sports is designed to broaden the talent pool and unlock opportunities for student athletes.
“We have officially launched the Mo626 Varsity Games as part of our wider sports programme. Previously, we only had the Mo626 Basketball Tournament, but now we have expanded to include basketball, football, and netball. With this structure, we will reach up to 51 institutions, allowing more young people to showcase their abilities,” said Hiwa.
She added that the games will not only produce athletic talent but also cultivate disciplined, strategic young leaders.
“When students participate in tournaments like these, they elevate themselves academically and personally. They develop teamwork, leadership, and time-management skills. These are essential traits for the nation’s future workforce,” said Hiwa.
TESSAM Vice President Geoffrey Biya said the games will be crucial for identifying high-potential athletes who can represent Malawi at international competitions.
“We have grouped the 21 universities into four regions, and the regional games will determine who advances to the Top 8 and Top 4 stages. This structure will help us identify outstanding talent that can represent Malawi at events such as the CUCSA Games next year,” said Biya.
BASMAL President, Oscar Kanjala, said the Mo626 platform has already proved its success in producing talent that is now competing at elite levels.
“The support from National Bank keeps growing every year, and as a result, the number of competing teams has increased. We have players who have progressed from Mo626 competitions to the national team and even become eligible for international tournaments. Some have earned scholarships because of the exposure gained through this programme,’’ said Kanjala.
Mzuzu University Vice Chancellor, Professor Wales Singini, who was the guest of honour at the event, said the games are a major boost for student growth and national sports development.
“We appreciate what National Bank has done. It is not easy for universities to raise the kind of resources needed to host competitions. This support gives our students a rare opportunity to display talent that often goes unnoticed. The impact will be felt not only by our institutions but by the nation as well,’’ said Singini.
The Mo626 Varsity Games officially kicked off with inaugural matches between Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and the University of Livingstonia (UNILIA).
Competitions were held in football, basketball for both men and women, and netball for women only.
MZUNI dominated the opening fixtures, winning over UNILIA in all categories, setting the tone for a competitive and high-stakes tournament.
The Mo626 Varsity Games will now proceed to regional fixtures across the country as universities battle for places in the national stages scheduled later in the season.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-United General Insurance (UGI) has donated MK15 million to the Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) Malawi towards the improvement of its technical college in Mzimba.
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Blantyre on Thursday, UGI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grant Mwenechanya, said the donation forms part of the company’s commitment to uplifting communities through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“DAPP came up with a proposal, which was aligning with our strategic pillars. So, we decided to assist them because they were talking about training ladies that were a bit unfortunate to proceed with their education,” said Mwenechanya.
He added that UGI remains open to strengthening its partnership with DAPP in future projects aimed at empowering young Malawians through skills development.
“They have indicated that they have a number of projects that are coming up. Our doors are open,” said Mwenechanya.
DAPP Country Director, Moses Chibwana hailed UGI for the timely support, noting that the funds will go a long way in enhancing operations at the Mzimba-based technical college.
“We are proud and grateful, now 60 girls aged 15-19 will be trained and will graduate. This is a project that we are training the vulnerable girls and young women in imparting them vocational skills in fashion and designing. During the training we have organised them to be working in smaller groups,” said Chibwana.
DAPP operates several development programs across Malawi, focusing on education, health, agriculture, and community development.
….Brian Banda, Leah Malekano, Cathy Maulidi, Joab Chakhaza, Victor Dafrece, and Nya-Uyu compete for the coveted honour celebrating excellence in both digital and traditional media
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The excitement is building as the Maso Awards 2025 announce the nominees for the highly anticipated category of Best Media Personality (Digital & Traditional).
This category, one of the most followed in the annual awards, recognizes exceptional media professionals who have demonstrated outstanding impact, creativity, and influence across both traditional and digital platforms.
The nominees for this year’s award are Brian Banda, Leah Malekano, Cathy Maulidi, Joab Chakhaza, Victor Dafrece, and Nya-Uyu.
Cathy Maulidi, now Press Secretary
Each of these individuals has made a significant contribution to the Malawian media landscape through their unique styles, strong communication skills, and commitment to informing and entertaining the public.
Brian Banda, a seasoned broadcaster and political talk show host, is celebrated for his commanding interviews and fearless approach to national issues.
Leah Malekano, one of Malawi’s rising media stars, has gained a strong following for her engaging presentation and insightful commentary, particularly on women’s empowerment and youth-related topics.
Malekano with Times
Cathy Maulidi, a respected journalist and television personality, is recognized for her professionalism, versatility, and consistency in delivering quality content to viewers across platforms.
Joab Chakhaza, known for his analytical depth and balanced reporting, continues to set high standards in both radio and television journalism, making him a favourite among news audiences.
Chakhaza with Zodiak
Victor Dafrece, a creative content producer and online influencer, has built a loyal digital following through his innovative storytelling and social awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, Nya-Uyu, a vibrant and humorous digital creator, has carved out a unique niche in the entertainment space, blending comedy and commentary in ways that connect with both local and international audiences.
The competition in this category is expected to be fierce, as all six nominees have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in shaping the evolving face of Malawian media.
The Maso Awards, now one of the country’s most prestigious entertainment and media recognition platforms, continue to honour excellence across arts, music, broadcasting, and digital innovation.
As anticipation grows, fans and media enthusiasts are already debating who will ultimately “atinamule” (take home) the award for Best Media Personality this year.
The official winners are expected to be announced during the Maso Awards ceremony, which promises to be a star-studded event celebrating Malawi’s creative and communication talents.
Observers say this year’s competition reflects the transformation of Malawi’s media industry, where digital innovation now stands side by side with traditional broadcasting excellence.
Regardless of who wins, one thing remains clear — the nominees represent the best of Malawi’s media talent, inspiring the next generation of communicators in an ever-changing digital era.
Fans of the hit series Friends know there is one question about the show that is more important — and more polarizing — than the rest: Were Ross and Rachel on a break?
Jennifer Aniston, who starred on the hit NBA series all 10 seasons as Rachel Green, shared a meme referencing the all-important query on Saturday, November 8, and it seems that she (just like her character in the show) still hasn’t been able to let it go.
“Deliveries: were Ross and Rachel on a break?” the meme shared via the @insta.single account read, alongside arrows that point toward the bottom left or right corner for “yes” and “no,” respectively. In the meme, the package is sitting on the “no” side.
“I feel that I need to have a conversation with my delivery guy,” the caption read.
During the 15th episode in the show’s third season, titled “The One Where Ross and Rachel Take a Break,” embattled couple Rachel Green and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) decide to, according to some, pause their relationship after Ross mistakenly believes Rachel has been unfaithful. They both later imply that the “break” felt like the relationship had ended.
Ross spends the evening at a bar and ultimately has a one-night stand with a woman named Chloe. The next morning he realizes that Rachel left him a voice message saying she wanted to work things out, but ultimately the fact that he had a one-night stand ends the relationship
Whether or not Ross cheated became a running gag throughout the rest of the series, with one character or another referencing Rachel’ s oft-quoted, “We were on a break!” (According to Rachel, the pair were still together but taking a moment to sort out their issue, making Ross unfaithful. To Ross, the pair had called it quits so him sleeping with another woman didn’t count.)
Jennifer Aniston Friends memeCourtesy of Jennifer Aniston/Instagram
Though Rachel was the first to say the couple was on a break, in later episodes Ross uses the phrase to defend himself and Rachel often insists they were, in fact, not on a break at all.
The relationship between Aniston and Schwimmer’s characters was one of the central themes of the popular series, which ran on NBC for 10 seasons from September 1994 to May 2004. The pair didn’t properly begin dating until the show’s second season, and their relationship was often dogged by third parties, their own insecurities and the so-called break. The pair became parents to their daughter, Emma, after a one night stand.
Friends was also responsible for other key moments that have remained embedded in pop culture. Aniston’s haircut in the early seasons was so popular it became known as “The Rachel” — despite the fact that the actress later admitted celebrity hairstyle Chris McMillan wasn’t exactly in the best frame of mind when he chopped her locks.
After noting that she only had the haircut for “about a year,” Aniston said on The Graham Norton Show in 2014 of McMillan, “He was loaded when he gave me the haircut. Stoned out of his mind.”
Two Cleveland Guardian pitchers have been indicted by prosecutors on various charges related to a sports gambling scheme.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz have both been accused of rigging bets related to their pitches thrown during MLB games.
Ortiz was arrested in Boston on Sunday, November 9, and will appear in court on Monday, November 10, and Clase is reportedly not in custody, according to federal prosecutors.
“MLB contacted federal law enforcement at the outset of its investigation and has fully cooperated throughout the process,” the league said in a statement to ESPN on Sunday. “We are aware of the indictment and today’s arrest, and our investigation is ongoing.”
Prosecutors claimed in the indictment that gamblers won at least $450,000 wagering on the pair’s pitches between 2023 and 2025. Clase allegedly arranged with a bettor in May 2023, while prosecutors claim Ortiz joined the scheme in June 2025. Both pitchers were allegedly given a cut of the profits.
“The defendants deprived the Cleveland Guardians and Major League Baseball of their honest services,” Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, said in a statement on Sunday. “They defrauded the online betting platforms where the bets were placed. And they betrayed America’s pastime. Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us.”
Ortiz has denied all charges via his attorney, Chris Georgalis, in a statement to ESPN.
The pitchers could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted.
Emmanuel Clase,Getty Images
Clase and Ortiz have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July, after betting-integrity firms flagged irregular wagering on a pair of pitches thrown by Ortiz in June.
The accusations against the two pitchers include regularly and intentionally throwing balls instead of strikes on the first pitch of at-bats, according to prosecutors (Bettors would wager on the individual pitches).
The charges come in the wake of an NBA sports gambling scandal that saw nearly three dozen people arrested, including Miami Heat star Terry Rozier and Portland Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups.
Before Game 2 of the World Series, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfredresponded to the NBA scandal, saying the MLB was staying “really vigilant.”
“We didn’t ask to have legalized sports betting,” Manfred, 67, told reporters before the game. “It kind of came, and that’s the environment in which we operate. Now we don’t have a lot of choice about that, and if it’s going to change — broadly change — probably the only way it would happen is the federal government.”
He went on to say he supports business partnerships with gambling companies, arguing that deals with those companies help sports league police gambling.
“Once you’re in that environment where sports betting is happening, the crucial issue is access to data,” Manfred said. “That means you have to have a relationship with the sportsbooks. Like most relationships, if you want something from them, you need to give something back to them. And that’s where those relationships come from.”
He continued: “The most important thing that we can do is make sure that we have systems in place that give us access to data, which puts you in a position to determine if there’s something aberrational going on. I think then when you get that, you need to conduct a thorough investigation, make sure that you understand exactly what caused that aberration. And then you need to discipline.”
In February, MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league’s gambling rules.
In June 2024, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was caught in the wake of a gambling scandal, after his former interpreter pleaded guilty to bank fraud, tax fraud and admitted to stealing more than $16 million from Ohtani in order to place illegal sports bets.
Ohtani denied any knowledge or involvement and was cleared of any wrongdoing after an MLB investigation. He subsequently fired his interpreter.
Vacay baes! Solange Knowles was spotted soaking up the Miami sun over the weekend with boyfriend Gio Escobar. Check out the pics … Solange smoldered in a teeny tiny black bikini, sipping drinks from a pineapple while Gio reclined with a book in…
