Dodgers Reliever Alex Vesia Steps Away From Team on Eve of World Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers may be without one of their best bullpen pieces for the World Series … because Alex Vesia is taking a step back from the team to deal with what the team is calling a “deeply personal family matter.” The organization…

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Malawi secures $45 million food aid from World bank, additional support from ADB

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Joseph Mwanamvekha, has announced that Malawi has secured substantial international support to address the country’s economic challenges.

Speaking during a media briefing on Food Crisis Support, Mwanamvekha revealed that the World Bank has provided $45 million for emergency food assistance targeting four million Malawians.

The funding is part of a broader package of support secured during recent discussions in Washington, D.C., which aimed at stabilizing the economy and addressing challenges related to food, foreign exchange, fuel, and fertilizer supply.

The African Development Bank has also pledged additional support, further bolstering the country’s efforts to address its economic woes.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will visit Malawi in the first week of November to assist in efforts to stabilize the economy.

This development comes on the back of China’s debt forgiveness and grant to Malawi, with the Chinese government forgiving $20 million of Malawi’s debt and granting an additional $3 million to support the country.

According to Mwanamvekha, the government is taking steps to ensure fiscal sustainability, including cutting expenditures, reforming policies, and restructuring debt.

He assured the public that the government is confident there will be no devaluation of the local currency.

With this support, Malawi is expected to make significant strides in addressing its economic challenges and improving the lives of its citizens.

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Missed Paychecks, NBA Gambling Scandal, Russia Reacts

More than a million federal workers are missing their first full paycheck as the shutdown stretches into week four, with pressure building on Washington to end the standoff. A wild NBA gambling scandal involving secret gadgets lands an active player and a Hall of Fame coach in legal trouble. And Russia’s president shrugs off new U.S. sanctions after President Trump cancels his summit with Vladimir Putin.

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Kelly Kay, Eli Njuchi, others to spice NBM plc family day gig in Lilongwe

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Music, laughter, and splendour will fill Peak Gardens in Lilongwe on Sunday as top local artists Kelly Kay, Eli Njuchi, Praise Umali, Fada Moti, and Temwa take the stage for a day packed with entertainment, fun, and relaxation.

The performances will headline National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc’s Family Day, a celebration designed to appreciate employees, customers, and stakeholders while promoting work-life balance and community engagement.

The event, to be hosted by renowned MBC Radio 2 DJ, Joy Nathu, is scheduled to run from 6 am to 5 pm and promises a vibrant mix of live music, cultural showcases, and wellness activities for all ages.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, said the Family Day underscores the Bank’s appreciation of its people and its commitment to shared growth.

“We are taking time to celebrate the people behind our success, our employees, their families, and our customers. This event reflects our dedication to work-life balance and the importance of building lasting relationships.

“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate Mo626, which has transformed digital banking in Malawi by offering secure and convenient financial solutions,” said Hiwa.

Apart from the music performances, the event will also feature yoga sessions, financial literacy games for children, and a relaxation lounge for families to unwind.

“NBM plc has always valued its people and the communities it serves. This Family Day is about deepening that connection and celebrating success together,” said Hiwa.

Excitement has already spread among customers following the Bank’s announcement on its social media pages.

One enthusiastic follower, Theressa Mwamande, said she is eager to attend and praised NBM plc for going beyond banking.

“I am really excited about this Family Day. It’s a wonderful idea that shows NBM plc cares about its customers beyond banking. It will be a great chance to relax, meet others, and enjoy quality time with family,” said Mwamande.

Adding to the excitement, Umali confirmed his performance through his page, writing: “Live with my band this coming Sunday, 16 pa Mo Family Day at Peak with National Bank of Malawi plc.”

The event will also feature raffle draws, three-legged and sack races, karaoke sessions, and fun categories such as Best Dressed Family and Most Enthusiastic Team.

Children will enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, and arts and crafts, ensuring fun for everyone.

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Malawi dry pumps persist as motorists struggle to access fuel

.…Hiking fuels prices was meant to stablise supply chain

Citizens hope newly elected government will swiftly resolve ongoing fuel supply challenges amid foreign exchange crisis.

Motorists in some parts of the country including Salima, Zomba, Lilongwe, Mzuzu, Mzimba continue to queue for fuel, even though recent reports suggest some improvements in availability.

The country has been grappling with acute fuel shortages, largely attributed to an ongoing foreign exchange crisis.

The scarcity has led to long lines at fuel stations, with drivers often waiting for hours to fill their vehicles.

One local, who requested to remain anonymous, expressed hope that the newly elected government will take swift action to resolve the issue, as promised during their campaign.

Many citizens view the fuel shortages as a major disruption to daily life, affecting transport, business operations, and the delivery of essential goods and services.

The government has been urged to implement measures that stabilize foreign exchange reserves and ensure consistent fuel imports.

Observers note that resolving the fuel crisis will be crucial for restoring public confidence and supporting economic activities across the country.

As the situation unfolds, residents remain cautious but hopeful that policy interventions will bring lasting relief to Salima and other affected areas.

The ongoing fuel challenges highlight the interconnectedness of energy supply, currency stability, and overall economic wellbeing in Malawi.

Citizens continue to monitor developments closely, eager to see tangible action from authorities that aligns with campaign promises and addresses the pressing energy needs of the population.

However, despite hopes in the new leadership, hiking fuel prices with MK1,000 per litre of petrol was expected to stabilize the supply chain.

But nothing is working out almost a month after the fuel hike was implemented.

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Robert Buckley Teases Opposites Attract Love Story in Holiday Hallmark Film

Robert Buckley and Kimberley Sustad bring the laughs, love and a touch of cynicism to their new Hallmark holiday movie — and fans will enjoy it all.

“I think excessive positivity matched with chronic misfortune is a really funny equation,” Buckley, 44, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, October 23, of the inspiration behind Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! “That was sort of the through line that I wanted to see. A guy who is just Mr. Bright Side, having things never go his way, and what that looks like.”

Buckley plays chronically optimistic weatherman Ted Cooper in the new rom-com premiering on Saturday, October 25. Ted is known for his hilarious mishaps at Christmastime, which continue to plague him once he’s home with his sister and helping her promote a fundraiser at the local hospital.

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His upbeat demeanor never wavers — even when things like getting poked in the eye by a Christmas tree lands him in the hospital. That personality trait is balanced out by Dr. Hope Newberry (Sustad), who is “a little jaded” when she reunites with Ted after knowing each other in high school.

“I think sometimes people … that wear their heart on their sleeves are just that nice, but they are [also] hard to trust. So it’s almost the opposite,” Sustad, 38, explained of her character’s hesitation to embrace Ted’s bubbly personality. “You go this, ‘This can’t be real, right?’”

Robert Buckley Teases Excessive Positivity Weatherman and Jaded Doctor Love Story in New Hallmark Movie Kimberley Sustad
Allister Foster/Hallmark Media

She noted, “When somebody sort of meets all the things you [think you want you] go, ‘When’s the other shoe going to drop? How am I going to get hurt in this?’”

While Hope is more aware of the darker sides of life, Ted is sunshine and rainbows, which is something Buckley told Us is refreshing to see in a character.

“It’s infinitely more interesting,” he said of seeing a vulnerable male lead in a movie. “It’s something that we don’t see a lot of, and in my opinion, enough of.”

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Buckley revealed that his mission playing the weatherman was to “sort of just skip the tropes of a guy not understanding his feelings or not feeling comfortable expressing a feeling.”

Unlike many leading men, Ted is the “total opposite.” Buckley joked, “This guy has no filter, you know, [his] heart is right on his sleeve.”

The actor added that “to a large extent” that is how he “operates in life,” so that made it easier to play.

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Although Buckley was excited to highlight Ted’s enthusiasm for life — and his ability to bounce back no matter what the holiday mishap — he teased that Hope’s perspective isn’t a bad one either.

“The fact that she’s asking questions and kind of probing is a good sign,” Buckley said of Hope’s story arc, which shines a light on parts of Ted he hasn’t looked at in years. “Because it’s an indicator that she actually sees some potential in him, and she’s just being smart. She’s like, ‘All right, there might actually be a future here. So I’m going to do my due diligence, and not just hope.’”

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! premieres on Hallmark Channel Saturday, October 25, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Steps Away for ‘Deeply Personal Family Matter’

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that pitcher Alex Vesia will be stepping away from the team ahead of the World Series due to personal reasons.

Posting via its official Instagram account on Thursday, October 23, the baseball team shared the news with sports fans.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we share that Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife Kayla navigate a deeply personal family matter,” the post read. “The entire Dodgers organization is sending our thoughts to the Vesia family and we will provide an update at a later date.”

Alex has pitched for the team since 2021 and is considered one of their most valuable left-hander relievers.

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According to USA Today on Thursday, no firm decisions have been made regarding the roster, but Tanner Scott is one player in consideration to replace Alex.

“I think right now, we’re in the mode of trying to understand the process, the rules, a way that we could sort of try to navigate the roster,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, per multiple outlets. “So I think we have a little bit of time to finalize our roster. But, yeah, we’re going through the process of trying to backfill his spot on the roster.”

He added, “Honestly, I think we’re just going day-to-day with really no expectations.’’

The World Series is set to kick off on Friday, October 24, with the Dodgers preparing to go head to head with the Toronto Blue Jays in Canada.

GettyImages-1500754752Los-Angeles-Dodgers-Pitcher-Steps-Away-for-Deeply-Personal-Family-Matter.jpg
Kayla and Alex Vesia. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/WireImage)

 

Alex, 29, and his wife Kayla have been romantically linked since April 2019 and earlier this year announced they were expecting their first child.

“Baby Vesia coming soon, we are beyond excited for this next chapter! 🐣🍼🤍” the couple wrote via Instagram at the time.

After falling in love, Alex proposed to Kayla in November 2022 at Marine Street Beach in La Jolla.

The couple married at Ethereal Gardens on January 5, 2024 and shared photos of the nuptials via Instagram at the time.

“•01-05-24• THE BEST DAY OF OUR LIVES! We couldn’t have planned for a better day it was everything we dreamed of and more,” the couple captioned the joint Instagram post. “Very thankful for everyone who traveled and made time to celebrate us! LOVE YA’LL -The Vesias ❤️‍🔥”

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While the details of the personal matter that Alex and Kayla are grappling with were not announced publicly, fans flooded the comments section of the Dodgers’ Instagram account with well wishes for the couple.

“Somethings are bigger than baseball. Family first and prayers for the Vesia family,” wrote one follower.

Another echoed the sentiment, writing, “Keeping the Vesia family in my thoughts. So many things more important than baseball.”

“Hoping for the best for him and the family 💙” another follower added.

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Doug Martin Reportedly Leapt From Second Story of Rehab Center Months Before Death

Doug Martin apparently suffered from a pretty serious mental health episode months before his death … with a new report claiming he jumped out of a 2nd story window and got into a physical altercation with some police officers. The San Francisco…

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Ex-Mobster Blames NBA’s Growing Partnerships W/ Gambling Platforms For Arrests

Former Mafia captain Michael Franzese — who once ran his own crew with the Colombo crime family — says the NBA should blame itself for Thursday’s shocking Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier and Damon Jones arrests. The ex-mobster explained to Harvey…

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US’ Maine Police department ends ICE agreement following public backlash

….Community opposition prompts a local police department in Maine to terminate its partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A police department in Maine has officially ended its agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The decision comes after growing public opposition to the partnership between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

Reports indicate that approximately 900 residents signed a petition urging the police department to terminate the ICE agreement.

The petition cited concerns over civil liberties, community trust, and the potential targeting of immigrant residents.

Officials within the police department acknowledged the petition and indicated that community sentiment played a significant role in the decision-making process.

This move aligns with broader national debates regarding the role of local police in federal immigration enforcement.

Several other police departments across the United States have recently reconsidered or ended similar agreements amid public scrutiny and activism.

The termination of the ICE agreement is expected to impact how local law enforcement interacts with immigration authorities going forward.

Community leaders have praised the decision as a victory for civic engagement and a step toward strengthening trust between residents and the police.

Observers note that the action highlights the power of grassroots activism in influencing public policy and law enforcement practices.

The Maine police department’s decision may also serve as a precedent for other municipalities weighing the benefits and drawbacks of cooperating with ICE.

As discussions continue nationwide, the debate over local-federal partnerships in immigration enforcement remains a contentious and highly visible issue.

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