Reporting from Washington — President Trump could contain his anger for only so long — about 14 hours — before lashing out on Twitter on Thursday to protest “the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!”
But in attacking Wednesday’s appointment of former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III as a special counsel to head the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and any role that Trump’s associates may have played, the president risks alienating potential supporters in his own party.
He could create an enemy out of a prosecutor who commands both a vast army of investigators and bipartisan respect.
And, yet again, he has undercut advice from top Republicans inside and outside the White House who say that an independent investigation could help Trump. If only he could control his evident anxiety about the case, the secrecy of a special counsel investigation could keep the story out of the daily headlines, they say. And Mueller’s credibility could provide exoneration for the president and his aides if the investigation finds that they have done nothing wrong.
The mix of grievance, hyperbole and defiance in Trump’s response, however, was hardly surprising at this point in his public life. His statements fit a pattern he long ago established of fighting back against enemies real or perceived and of seldom letting go of a grudge.
In a second tweet, Trump complained that President Obama and Hillary Clinton had not been subjected to the same treatment.
“With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!” he wrote. He initially misspelled counsel as “councel” before sending a corrected tweet.
Trump did not specify what he meant by illegal acts.
During a lunch with television anchors ahead of a nine-day foreign trip that is scheduled to begin Friday, Trump continued to criticize the special counsel appointment.
He called the investigation “a pure excuse for the Democrats” for losing the election. “It hurts our country terribly,” he said. “It shows we’re a divided, mixed-up, not unified country.”
At a joint news conference later in the day with the visiting president of Colombia, Trump took a slightly more muted tone.
“I respect the decision” to appoint Mueller, he said, before adding that he believed the “entire thing” was “a witch hunt.”
“There’s no collusion between, certainly, myself and my campaign — but I can always speak for myself — and the Russians — zero,” he said. He appeared to mean that he could “only” speak for himself.
“There is no collusion,” he repeated several times.
He also emphatically said, “No, no,” when asked whether he had urged then-FBI Director James B. Comey to back off an investigation of Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor. Comey, in a memo reportedly written for his files, said that Trump had made such a request at a meeting in the Oval Office on Feb. 14.
Trump’s lashing out is not unique. President Clinton, for example, was known to rage about what he saw as the unfairness of the long-running special prosecutor investigations his administration faced. Clinton, however, kept his red-faced fury to private conversations, and, of course, Twitter didn’t exist.
But neither is Trump’s very public display of anger a completely irrational move. Trump and some of his advisors clearly see anger over the investigation as a way to unite his core supporters against a common enemy at a time when at least some of his voters have begun showing signs, in polls, of wavering.
In fundraising emails Thursday, Trump boasted that he had set a new postelection high for his campaign in online money raising despite “unrelenting and unprecedented political attacks against a sitting president” by the media and political establishment.
“The American people sent President Trump to Washington not to get along with the establishment but to repair the damage done to our economy and our prestige around the world by their policies and practices,” he wrote.
Trump’s instinct to battle, however, and the political desire to use the fight to unite his supporters is at odds with the strategy that many of his advisors would prefer — one closer to the approach other administrations have used of trying to insulate the White House’s daily functions from scandal.
Clinton’s press office hired an outside agency to handle questions about the investigation that eventually led to his impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair. Although it did not end the saga for him, it did take some of the pressure off his White House staff, allowing them to speak more about policy during public briefings.
Wednesday night, the White House seemed to be inching toward a similar goal, issuing a statement that offered muted approval of the investigation and urged a speedy conclusion.
Congressional Republican leaders appeared to be following that playbook Thursday.
After Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein briefed senators on the investigation, several Republican lawmakers suggested that with Mueller in place, the time had come for congressional committees to scale back their investigations, which involve highly public hearings, and allow the special counsel to carry out his probe, which can be expected to offer fewer headlines until it reaches a conclusion.
The appointment of Mueller “has really limited what Congress can do,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “This was a counter-intelligence investigation. It is now a criminal investigation.”
Trump’s advisors have been frustrated that he has so often failed to stick to such strategies.
“Clearly they’re not on the same page, but I don’t know why,” said Barry Bennett, a former advisor to Trump’s campaign who has friends serving in the White House.
Bennett said Trump continues to rely mostly on advice from “his New York buddies” — friends closer to his age and wealth whom he respects more, but who lack experience in politics and communications. Like others, Bennett expects Trump to shake up his staff, dispensing with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, upon his return from the foreign trip.
Anxiety over a potential staff shakeup, Bennett said, has left those inside with even less clout to advise the president.
“It’s a combination of his frustration and people’s exhaustion,” he said.
But another person in close contact with White House staff, who requested anonymity to discuss the issue, said many of Trump’s aides remain devoted and united behind the task of defending him. The stress staffers are feeling is endemic to any White House, the person said.
“Anybody that’s surprised by” Trump’s disdain for listening to his press team and political advisors “should have been paying attention to the campaign,” the person said. “To think it would be any different in the White House makes you dumb.”
With the rush of events at home, Trump’s overseas trip now promises to be even more fraught for the new president.
Trump would like the trip to be shorter, a White House official said. His son-in-law and close advisor, Jared Kushner, orchestrated the stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, which lengthened a trip that originally was designed to go only to Italy and NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Trump liked the broader mission, but being away from a familiar bed for more than a week is difficult for him. He is often teased by his children as being a “homebody,” the official said.
One person who will be staying behind is Trump’s strategic advisor Stephen K. Bannon. He has stepped back from foreign policy in the last two months as Kushner showed he had more influence with the president in that arena.
The last several days offered a preview of how the current distractions, combined with Trump’s disdain for scripted protocols, could leave the president ill-prepared for his debut abroad.
On Tuesday, Trump repeatedly mispronounced the name of Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the Turkish president stood beside him. He also appeared bored or distracted when Erdogan spoke, coming to life when the Turkish president injected some fulsome praise for Trump and his election victory.
On Thursday, he appeared to struggle to keep focus while Colombia’s president, Juan Manuel Santos, was speaking.
Over the last two weeks, Trump’s official schedule was relatively light as aides made time for him to cram on geopolitics for a trip that will take him from the complexities of the Middle East to summit meetings with skeptical-to-hostile leaders in Europe.
Presidents usually sit through “pre-trip briefings galore” before foreign visits, said Michael Allen, who was an advisor to President George W. Bush.
Before Bush traveled, his White House chief of staff would carve out extensive time for senior directors on the National Security Council and other experts to brief the president. Allen said the briefings could get quite precise: “This is what you will see, what they will say, what you might discuss, what you need to know.”
But with Trump, said a Republican who formerly worked in the White House, “the trouble will be if he goes off script. Trump can’t control himself.”
At the same time, the official said, everywhere “he will be treated to respect and pageantry. Trump will eat of lot of that up.”
[email protected]
Twitter: @noahbierman
Times staff writer Michael Memoli contributed to this article
ALSO:
Arrests on civil immigration charges go up 38% in the first 100 days since Trump’s executive order
Meet Robert Mueller, the former San Francisco lawyer chosen to lead the Trump-Russia investigation
Rod Rosenstein heads to Capitol Hill after appointing special counsel
UPDATES:
2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with quotes from President Trump’s news conference and other additional details.
This article was first published at 7:30 a.m.
Commentary: Sanctuary policies and activists aren’t endangering lives during ICE raids — ICE is
Like with cigarettes, la migra should come with a warning label: Proximity to ICE could be hazardous for your health.
From Los Angeles to Chicago, Portlandand New York, the evidence is ample enough that wherever Trump sends in the immigration agency, people get hurt. And not just protesters and immigrants.
That includes 13 police officers tear-gassed in Chicago earlier this month. And, now, a U.S. marshal.
Which brings us to what happened in South L.A. on Tuesday.
Federal agents boxed in the Toyota Camry of local TikToker Carlitos Ricardo Parias — better known to his hundreds of thousands of followers as Richard LA. As Parias allegedly tried to rev his way out of the trap, an ICE agent opened fire. One bullet hit the 44-year-old Mexican immigrant — and another ricocheted into the hand of a deputy U.S. marshal.
Neither suffered life-threatening injuries, but it’s easy to imagine that things could have easily turned out worse. Such is the chaos that Trump has caused by unleashing shock troops into U.S. cities.
Rather than take responsibility and apologize for an incident that could’ve easily been lethal, Team Trump went into their default spin mode of blaming everyone but themselves.
Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the shooting was “the consequences of conduct and rhetoric by sanctuary politicians and activists who urge illegal aliens to resist arrest.”
Acting U.S. Atty. Bill Essayli chimed in on social media soon after: “I urge California public officials to moderate their rhetoric toward federal law enforcement. Encouraging resistance to federal agents can lead to deadly consequences.” Hours later, he called Times reporter James Queally “an absolute joke, not a journalist” because my colleague noted it’s standard practice by most American law enforcement agencies to not shoot at moving vehicles. One reason is that it increases the chance of so-called friendly fire.
Federal authorities accuse Parias of ramming his car into agents’ vehicles after they boxed him in. He is being charged with assault on a federal officer.
Time, and hopefully, evidence, will show what happened — and very important, what led to what happened.
The Trump administration keeps claiming that the public anger against its immigration actions is making the job more dangerous for la migra and their sister agencies. McLaughlin and her boss, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, keep saying there’s been a 1,000% increase in assaults on immigration agents this year like an incantation. Instead of offering concrete figures, they use the supposed stat as a shield against allegations ICE tactics are going too far and as a weapon to excuse the very brutality ICE claims it doesn’t practice.
Well, even if what they say is true, there’s only one side that’s making the job more dangerous for la migra and others during raids:
La migra.
It turns out that if you send in phalanxes of largely masked federal agents to bully and intimidate people in American cities, Americans tend not to take kindly to it.
Who knew?
Gregory Bovino, center, of U.S. Border Patrol, marches with federal agents to the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles on Aug. 14.
(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)
We’re about to enter the sixth month of Trump’s plan to rid the country of undocumented immigrants. Sycophants are bragging that he’s doing the job, but they’re not caring to look at the mess left in its wake that’s becoming more and more perilous for everyone involved. They insist that those who are executing and planning raids are professionals, but professionals don’t make constant pendejos out of themselves.
Professionals don’t bring squadrons to chase after tamale ladies or day laborers, or stage flashy raids of apartments and parks that accomplish little else than footage for propaganda videos. They don’t go into neighborhoods with intimidation on their mind and ready to rough up anyone who gets in their way.
A ProPublica investigation showed that ICE has detained at least 170 U.S. citizens this year, many whom offered proof that they were in this country legally as la migra cuffed them and hauled them off to detention centers.
Professionals don’t lie like there’s a bonus attached to it — but that’s what Trump’s deportation Leviathan keeps doing. In September, McLaughlin put out a news release arguing that the shooting death of 38-year-old Silverio Villegas González in Chicago by an ICE agent was justified because he was dragged a “significant distance” and suffered serious injuries. Yet body cam footage of local police who showed up to the scene captured the two ICE agents involved in the incident describing their injuries as “nothing major.”
Closer to home, a federal jury in Los Angeles last month acquitted an activist of striking a Border Patrol agent after federal public defender Cuauhtémoc Ortega screened footage that contradicted the government’s case and poked holes in the testimony of Border Patrol staff and supervisors. Last week, ICE agents detained Oxnard activist Leonardo Martinez after a collision between their Jeep and his truck. McLaughlin initially blamed the incident on an “agitator group … engaged in recording and verbal harassment,” but footage first published by L.A. Taco showed that la migra trailed Martinez and then crashed into him twice — not the other way around.
Professionals don’t host social media accounts that regularly spew memes that paint the picture of an American homeland where white makes right and everyone else must be eliminated, like the Department of Homeland Security does. A recent post featured medieval knights wearing chain mail and helmets and wielding longswords as they encircle the slogan “The Enemies are at the Gates” above ICE’s job listing website.
The Trump administration has normalized racism and has turned cruelty into a virtue — then its mouthpieces gasp in mock horror when people resist its officially sanctioned jackbootery.
This evil buffoonery comes straight from a president who reacted to the millions of Americans who protested this weekend at No Kings rallies by posting on social media an AI-generated video of him wearing a crown and dropping feces on his critics from a jet fighter. And yet McLaughlin, Noem and other Trump bobbleheads have the gall to question why politicians decry la migra while regular people follow and film them during raids when not shouting obscenities and taunts at them?
As I’ve written before, there’s never a nice way to conduct an immigration raid but there’s always a better way. Or at least a way that’s not dripping with malevolence.
Meanwhile, ICE is currently on a hiring spree thanks to Trump’s Bloated Beastly Bill and and has cut its training program from six months to 48 days, according to The Atlantic. It’s a desperate and potentially reckless recruitment drive.
And if you think rapidly piling more people into a clown car is going to produce less clown-like behavior by ICE on the streets of American cities, boy do I have news for you.
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Alex Robertson: Midfielder ‘could play big part’ for Cardiff – Brian Barry-Murphy
Robertson’s absence has been a big talking point for Cardiff fans, who have been perplexed as to why a player who cost the club a seven-figure fee when he joined from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 has not been used.
He was in Australia’s squad for their friendly matches in the United States and Canada earlier this month, but did not feature in either game.
“I think it’s fine for the supporters to talk about him in whatever way they want,” said Barry-Murphy.
“Alex is somebody who I know really well from long before he was at this club [when Barry-Murphy coached Manchester City Under-21s], so all I want for all the players is to be at their best.
“My duty is then to get them into that condition where they can compete against each other. But I have to be very fair and consistent in the way that I judge all the squad once they reach that level.
“That’s the same for Alex as it is for everybody else. If he was in the shoes of the other players, he’d want the exact same thing.”
Meanwhile, centre-back Dylan Lawlor could be back for Saturday’s League One trip to Bolton Wanderers having missed last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Reading with a groin injury.
Fellow centre-back Will Fish is also managing a knee issue, which limited him to 45 minutes against the Royals last weekend.
“Will Fish has an ongoing knee issue which is getting better, particularly when he hits longer passes,” said Barry-Murphy.
“He’s had some discomfort in his knee. But the amount of discomfort is getting less and less, so he’s making good progress.
“Dylan has had a good week of training so far. I think it’s important that he can do certain things that we want from later on this afternoon [Thursday] when we train, and then hopefully he can be available for Saturday.”
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South Africa thump Pakistan by eight wickets to draw Test series | Cricket News
Maharaj, Harmer star with the ball as hosts are bowled out for 138, setting South Africa 68 to win the second Test.
Published On 23 Oct 202523 Oct 2025
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South Africa have romped to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second cricket Test in Rawalpindi, claiming victory before lunch to level the two-match series.
The home side were dismissed cheaply in the opening hour, collapsing from 94-4 overnight to be all out for 138 on Thursday.
South Africa then took 12.3 overs to reach the 68-run target with captain Aiden Markram scoring 42 before being trapped leg before wicket by Noman Ali, four runs from victory.
Tristan Stubbs was caught in the slips in the same over without scoring, leaving Ryan Rickelton (25 not out) and Tony de Zorzi, who did not face a ball, to complete the job.
It was the 11th win in 12 Tests for South Africa, with the only blemish their 93-run loss to Pakistan in last week’s first match of the series in Lahore.
“There were moments where guys had to put their hands up and stand up for the team and they really did that and excelled in that. It took a lot of confidence and a lot of belief from wins, but when your character’s tested and you managed to come out on the right side, I think that means quite a bit more,” said Markram.
Simon Harmer took 6-50 as Pakistan collapsed with fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj adding two more wickets to the seven he took in the first innings.
Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 44 runs to continue their trend of lower-order slumps despite starting the day with high hopes.
They needed a major contribution from star batsman Babar Azam, whose appearance at the stumps throughout the series saw a sudden spike in spectators and a noticeable increase in excited noise from the stands.
Babar, however, has not scored a century in his last 15 Tests since 161 against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
He was on 49 overnight, sharing a 34-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan that held out promise of getting Pakistan back into the contest with six wickets in hand and a 23-run lead.
But after going to his 50 with a single off the second ball of the morning, the 31-year-old Babar was trapped leg before wicket by Harmer in the first over.
After that, the home innings came tumbling down like a pack of cards as the 36-year-old Harmer, who has had a long career in county cricket in England but only 12 test appearances, bagged his first five-wicket haul in test cricket.
He had Rizwan caught at short leg for 18 and then Noman Ali nicked behind without scoring to mark a 1,000th first-class wicket.
“We have a lot to work on,” said home captain Shan Masood, “when it comes to lower order batting, when it comes to finishing the innings off, when it comes to the third innings of batting, also when it comes to the first innings where we could have posted something north of 400 but we didn’t.”
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Submarine Partnership Pitched By Germany And Norway To Canada
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Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Germany is offering for Canada to join its Type 212CD submarine program, alongside Norway, as part of a broader defense cooperation that would more closely align Berlin and Ottawa. Canada badly needs a replacement for its aging and troublesome Victoria class diesel-electric submarines, and, in turn, Germany is looking to procure potentially significant numbers of special-mission aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier, among other defense systems.
The German Minister of Defense, Boris Pistorius, and his Norwegian counterpart, Tore Sandvik, were in Ottawa this week, where they presented the Type 212CD to the Minister of National Defense of Canada, David McGuinty, for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
Canada’s requirement is for up to 12 new submarines to replace the four Victoria class boats. The new submarines should offer significant new capabilities, including operating for extended periods under ice, an important factor to bear in mind given the growing military importance of the Arctic region.
The German-Norwegian offer is for the Type 212CD (Common Design), which is a further improved version of the Type 212A, which you can read about in more detail here. The Type 212CD features an improved air-independent propulsion (AIP) system including new-generation batteries (most likely of the Lithium-Ion type), improved diesel generators, increased speed and range, improved self-defense capabilities, and improved signatures and target echo strength thanks to a specially designed hull shape.
Germany has ordered six Type 212CD hulls, with the first of these set to enter service in 2031 and ultimately plans to field as many as nine. Meanwhile, Norway has ordered four, with at least another two planned. Oslo expects to commission the first of these boats in 2029.
The manufacturer of the Type 212CD, TKMS, says it will be able to build around three to four boats per year from 2027.
The Canadian government wants to see the delivery of the first new submarine no later than 2035.
The Victoria class submarines currently in use with the Royal Canadian Navy were purchased secondhand from the United Kingdom in 1998, having previously served with the Royal Navy as the Upholder class, and have been anything but trouble-free since their transfer. The first three Victoria class submarines entered service with the Royal Canadian Navy between 2000 and 2003. The fourth submarine caught fire while in transit to Canada in 2004, which meant it wasn’t accepted into Royal Canadian Navy service until 2015.
In an effort to boost the Type 212CD’s chances in Canada, Germany is offering Ottawa the opportunity to manufacture components, or even undertake construction of complete submarines, in local shipyards.
While in Canada, Pistorius outlined the possibility of a long-term submarine cooperation between the three countries, which could extend for 40 to 50 years. This would see them jointly build and maintain the submarines, as well as providing logistics and working on projects to develop the boats further. Pistorius also raised the possibility of crew exchanges and even joint operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Having Canada join the initiative would also bring down the unit cost of each submarine as the overall production increases significantly.
In turn, the German minister of defense raised the possibility of Berlin buying Canadian defense systems, as part of planned offsets on a submarine deal.
Items mentioned include a new combat management system (CMS) for the German Navy. This would likely be the CMS 330 from Lockheed Martin Canada, which was originally developed for the Royal Canadian Navy.
More intriguingly, Pistorius said that the German Armed Forces are likely to buy at least 18 Bombardier Global bizjets in the coming years. These would be for special missions tasks and likely also VIP transport, although the large number of jets remains somewhat puzzling. The German minister of defense also suggested that more bizjets could be acquired from Bombardier if Germany chooses to buy the GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from Saab. This is installed on a Global 6000/6500 platform. Saab has also actively pitched the GlobalEye to Canada.
Other military areas in which the German government might ‘buy Canadian’ include space systems, as part of a growing investment on behalf of the German Ministry of Defense.
On a non-military level, Pistorius also said that Germany is seeking to enhance its cooperation with Canada on raw materials, hydro energy, and liquefied natural gas. This is all the more important now that Canada-U.S. relations are at an unprecedented low.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States and Canada have “natural conflict” on trade. This is all part of the fallout from events this summer, when Trump increased tariffs on many Canadian goods to 35 percent, with Canada then retaliating with its own tariffs on U.S. exports.
Meanwhile, as part of the submarine proposal, Norway’s Sandvik also pitched offsets to Canada, including buying its AI solutions. The Norwegian minister of defense also offered to help Canada establish a submarine maintenance center, the same as that now under construction in Bergen, Norway.
In August of this year, the Canadian submarine competition was whittled down to the Type 212CD and the South Korean KSS-III, from the Hanwha Group. Seoul is also offering offsets to Canada, as well as promising fast delivery of the submarines.
“The Koreans build excellent submarines, but we build better ones,” Pistorius said, noting that the Type 212CD project is on schedule and within budget.
South Korea is an increasingly major player on the global arms market, and its defense industry is winning ever more high-profile orders, notably to NATO nations.
On the other hand, with Germany and Norway comes the opportunity for cooperation on a military level as well as on an industrial level.
Already, it’s expected that Germany and Norway will work closely together as they introduced their Type 212CD submarines. This is especially relevant now that Germany is looking to expand its area of naval operations from its traditional stronghold in the Baltic Sea and out into the Atlantic.
This will include protecting the North Atlantic against potential Russian aggression and tracking Russian submarine activity there, which has been a growing area of concern for some time now. This marks a significant turnaround since the early post-Cold War years, when Russian submarine activity dipped and the overall strategic importance of the North Atlantic region seemed to have decreased.
Reflecting the changing reality, in 2024, Canada signed a trilateral letter of intent with Germany and Norway to establish a strategic partnership in support of NATO’s deterrence and defense in the North Atlantic region, specifically.
However, when the letter of intent was announced, Ottawa underscored the fact that it does not include any discussion of submarines. “The emphasis of this agreement is on defense industry, supply chains, training, and operations. It complements other initiatives that Canada is exploring with Germany and European allies,” the Canadian government said.
It is worth noting the parallels between the trilateral letter of intent and the Australia–United Kingdom–United States defense cooperation agreement, or AUKUS, which was first announced in 2021. While this covers a variety of areas of collaboration, the attention it has received has focused primarily on the matter of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.
Meanwhile, other NATO nations are now more closely aligning their anti-submarine warfare activities in the North Atlantic region. For example, the United Kingdom and Norway have discussed plans to cooperate on P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operations, and, more recently, the United Kingdom and Germany have signed a related agreement related to their P-8s. Canada has also selected the P-8, providing yet another opportunity for close maritime cooperation with Germany and Norway.
A submarine partnership between Canada, Germany, and Norway would further enhance NATO’s ability to effectively patrol the North Atlantic, including the strategically vital Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom Gap, better known as the GIUK Gap. This is a critical bottleneck that is closely monitored. If Russian submarines can sneak through undetected, they have a much higher chance of disappearing into the Atlantic without being traced. During a full-blown conflict, this would likely include wreaking havoc on NATO shipping and naval flotillas and executing pinpoint attacks on key land targets.
As well as hostile submarines, NATO also faces a growing threat from other kinds of underwater activities, specifically attacks on critical undersea infrastructure. The vulnerability of undersea cables and offshore wind farms, for example, to potential Russian attack is very much on NATO’s mind, after a series of incidents, especially in the Baltic.
At the same time, NATO is increasingly looking toward the Arctic as an area of future competition with both Russia and China. This is especially relevant for Canada and Norway and the option to operate common submarines, and share something of the logistics burden, as well as optimize operations in this challenging environment, which could do much to help strengthen NATO’s presence in the High North. At the very least, operating the same submarines would provide more opportunities to align training and exercises. At the same time, Germany is now looking to expand its naval presence in the waters around the Arctic Circle, including expanding its footprint in Iceland.
Whether Canada chooses the Type 212CD or the rival KSS-III, the competition is about more than just providing an economic boost to the winning company. Canada’s future submarine fleet also looks set to play an important role in detecting a resurgent Russian submarine force, protecting undersea infrastructure, and patrolling an increasingly strategic Arctic region, among others.
Contact the author: [email protected]
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Who will replace Tess and Claudia? X Factor legend to ex contestant
On Thursday morning, fans of Strictly were shocked after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they had quit their presenting roles ends – but who could be set to fill their shoes?
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High school flag football: Wednesday's playoff scores
High school girls’ flag football playoffs results for Wednesday.
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North Korea claims ‘cutting-edge’ hypersonic missile test ahead of APEC summit
North Korea successfully tested a “new cutting-edge weapons system” involving hypersonic missiles, state-run media reported Thursday. The launch, which took place on Wednesday, was detected by the South’s military. Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA
SEOUL, Oct. 23 (UPI) — North Korea successfully tested a “new cutting-edge weapons system” involving hypersonic missiles, state-run media reported Thursday, amid heightened regional tensions ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.
Two hypersonic projectiles were launched in a northeast direction from the Pyongyang area and hit targets on a plateau of Kwesang Peak in Orang County, North Kamgyong Province, the official Korean Central News Agency reported.
“The new weapon system was tested as part of the defense capability development program to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence against potential enemies,” KCNA said.
The test, held Wednesday, was overseen by a delegation of officials led by Pak Jong Chon, secretary of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was not present at the test.
“The new cutting-edge weapon system is a clear proof of steadily upgrading self-defensive technical capabilities of the DPRK,” Pak said, according to KCNA.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
Seoul’s military on Wednesday said that it detected the launch of several short-range ballistic missiles, which flew for roughly 217 miles before falling on land.
U.S. Forces Korea denounced the North’s launches and its “relentless pursuit of long-range missile capabilities,” acts that are prohibited by U.N. Security Council resolutions.
“The United States condemns these unlawful and destabilizing actions, and we call on the DPRK to refrain from further acts in violation of the UNSCR,” USFK said in a statement.
The launch was North Korea’s fifth of the year, and the first since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung took office in June. Lee has made efforts to improve relations between the two Koreas, with conciliatory gestures such as removing propaganda loudspeakers from border areas.
The missile test comes ahead of South Korea’s hosting of the APEC summit in Gyeongju on Oct. 30-Nov. 1. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Gyeongju before the official summit for bilateral meetings with leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Korea’s Lee.
Analysts had speculated that the North may conduct a provocation ahead of the event as Pyongyang continues its push to be recognized as a nuclear-armed state.
The regime unveiled its latest intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, at a massive military parade earlier this month. The ICBM, which North Korean state media called the regime’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon,” is a solid-fuel missile believed capable of reaching the continental United States.
Hypersonic weapons, meanwhile, travel at least five times the speed of sound and are maneuverable mid-flight, making them a challenge for missile detection and interception systems.
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China, U.S. to Hold Trade Talks in Malaysia Amid Rising Tensions
China and the United States are set to resume high-level trade talks in Malaysia from Friday as both sides work to contain a sudden surge in tensions ahead of a crucial leaders’ summit in South Korea. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during his visit to attend an ASEAN summit from October 24 to 27.
The renewed strain in ties comes after Beijing expanded curbs on rare earth exports critical materials used in electronics and defense in retaliation for Washington’s decision to blacklist more Chinese companies from purchasing U.S. technology. The move has reignited fears of another trade war just as the two powers had shown tentative signs of improvement in recent months.
Why It Matters
These talks carry significant global implications. The world’s two largest economies are deeply interlinked, and renewed hostilities threaten to disrupt global supply chains, technological cooperation, and regional stability. Both Washington and Beijing are under pressure to prevent economic confrontation from spilling into diplomatic isolation ahead of the scheduled Trump-Xi summit.
The flare-up also underscores the fragility of U.S.-China relations. Despite earlier progress including a successful TikTok-related deal at a Madrid summit and a constructive Trump-Xi call in September the latest export and sanctions measures have quickly derailed the momentum toward reconciliation.
The main negotiators, He Lifeng, Scott Bessent, and Jamieson Greer, are expected to focus on two issues: China’s rare earth export restrictions and U.S. curbs on technology access. These topics strike at the heart of both countries’ strategic priorities industrial self-sufficiency for China and tech security for the U.S.
Southeast Asian nations, particularly Malaysia as the host, are watching closely. They stand to benefit economically if tensions ease but risk becoming collateral in any escalation, as both superpowers compete for influence in the region. Meanwhile, global markets are bracing for volatility, with tech and manufacturing sectors especially vulnerable to disruptions.
What’s Next
The Malaysia talks are being seen as a last attempt to restore calm before the Trump-Xi summit next week in South Korea. Both sides are expected to seek at least a symbolic agreement to keep communication channels open, though a comprehensive deal is unlikely given the current mistrust.
If the talks fail, trade and diplomatic friction could deepen, potentially leading to expanded sanctions or retaliatory measures that reverberate across Asia. For now, the focus is on whether Washington and Beijing can manage their rivalry without derailing global economic stability.
With information from Reuters.
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Kate Moss, Isla Fisher, FKA Twigs and Sarah Paulson spotted leaving Kim Kardashian’s surprise 45th birthday in London
A HOST a A-listers were spotted leaving Kim Kardashian’s surprise 45th birthday party in London last night.
Model Kate Moss, Wedding Crashers actress Isla Fisher and singer FKA Twigs looked all partied out as they left the chic soiree.
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The party was held at Kim’s close friend and photographer Mert Alas’ swanky London home.
Kim put on a showstopping look in not one but TWO sexy mini dresses.
She was seen rocking a cut-out frock with her chest barely covered by a some loose material, while her black underwear was on show.
The KUWTK star was surrounded by her entourage and a member of her team who shielded her with an umbrella as she braved rainy London on Wednesday.
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The outfit featured silver tassels at the bottom of the dress, while she accessorised with a black choker and some thin tights.
She then swapped to another skimpy outfit, this time a cream sheer panel corset-style frock with satin and lace detail around the bottom.
Kim looked like a lady on a mission as she celebrated her birthday with a group of very famous faces.
The private party guestlist included the likes of fashion designer John Galliano, as did models Stella Maxwell and Kate Moss, and Naomi Watts.
Kate looked incredible in a black shift mini dress and satin longline coat with faux fur rim.
She was seen linking arms with a friend and was then snapped in the back of a taxi, looking ready for her bed.
The rest of the attendees also followed the all-black and satin theme look.
Sarah Paulson looked elegant in a black blazer and black satin trousers, while FKA Twigs wore a faux jacket and black satin trousers.
Kim’s entrepreneur mum Kris Jenner, who has recently wowed fans with her incredible new face, also made an appearance.
The momager opted for a black mini frock with tights and a matching coat.
While Isla Fisher was spotted wearing blue denim jeans, an orange t-shirt and a white blazer.
Earlier that day, Kim stunned on the red carpet at the All’s Fair premiere in London in a surprise trip to the UK.
The huge U.S. star just celebrated her 45th birthday at a strip club in Paris.
But she surprised fans as she jetted into the capital for last night’s Disney+ event at the Odeon in Leicester Square, joining a host of celebrities.
Joined by momager Kris, the Hollywood stars looked gorgeous in all-black, glamorous ensembles.
Vogue Williams and Fleur East were amongst the first stars to pose for snappers at the event.
Before her French birthday bash, the SKIMS founder attended the first All’s Fair premiere, also held in Paris.
Posting up a storm at the Maison de La Chimie on Tuesday, Kim looked amazing as she donned a form-fitting blue-hued silver number.
She had a plunging neckline and her black locks in a sleek updo.
Kris supported her daughter as she attended the premiere too, wearing a black and white gown, with her hair scooped up in a bun atop her head.
She also showed off her amazing facelift in the process while standing beside her daughter.
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All’s Fair, which premieres on Hulu on November 4, follows a team of successful female divorce attorneys who start their own practice in Los Angeles, California.
Kim leads the cast in her second scripted series ever, following her acting debut in American Horror Story: Delicate in 2023.
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Cosy autumn walks with golden woodlands and cosy cafes you can get to by train
From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to woodland viewpoints glowing with autumn colour, these spots are some of the best for a seasonal escape
09:39, 23 Oct 2025Updated 09:39, 23 Oct 2025
As autumn arrives, foliage in every hue from crimson to bronze drifts from branches, whilst pumpkins await harvesting.
From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to woodland viewpoints ablaze with autumnal colour, these locations offer some of the finest seasonal getaways.
A countryside stroll provides the perfect remedy.
All that’s required is planning your journey – and every one of these destinations can be reached by rail.
Simply pack some cosy clothing and a warming beverage and you’re prepared for the day, reports the Express.
Hewitts Farm – Knockholt, Kent
Pumpkins become the star attraction at Hewitts from early October, when the fields welcome visitors for pick-your-own and families descend to collect the ideal gourds for carving and adorning.
However, there’s far more to gather here: the 78-acre farm also boasts orchards laden with dessert apples, plus Bramleys for culinary use.
Visitors can also harvest pears and late plums to introduce another burst of autumnal sweetness.
At the farm shop, guests can load up on marrows, squashes and root vegetables, making Hewitts the ideal destination to fill a hamper with everything required for seasonal crumbles, pies and warming roasts.
How to get there: Train to Knockholt, then a 17-minute walk via the public footpath across Chelsfield Lakes Golf Course.
Swallow Falls – Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
Frequently dubbed the “Gateway to Snowdonia,” Betws-y-Coed ranks among Wales’ most stunning locations, and it truly sparkles in autumn.
From the station, there’s a leisurely riverside stroll to Swallow Falls, where the River Llugwy plunges spectacularly through the trees. The beech and birch trees that line the path turn vivid shades of amber and gold in October, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
The village itself also offers cosy cafés and shops, making it an easy, full day out by train.
How to get there: Train to Betws-y-Coed, then follow waymarked woodland paths to the falls in around 30 minutes.
Lymefield Garden Centre – Broadbottom, Greater Manchester
Tucked in the countryside near Manchester, this family-run garden centre goes all out for autumn.
Alongside its annual pumpkin patch, visitors can browse a farm shop brimming with local produce, enjoy homemade cakes in the café, or take a short riverside stroll before heading home.
A wholesome escape that makes for a perfect half-day trip from the city. The pumpkin patch opens 18th October and you can book tickets here online.
How to get there: Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Broadbottom, then an 11-minute walk.
Castle Farm – Eynsford, Kent
Best known for its lavender fields in summer, Castle Farm is equally inviting in September when its apple orchards open for PYO weekends.
Families can fill baskets with crisp Kentish apples and enjoy the rural scenery of the Darent Valley.
With refreshments on site and countryside footpaths leading through the farm, it’s a slice of rustic autumn just under an hour from London.
How to get there: Train to Eynsford, then a 27-minute countryside walk via the Darent Valley Footpath.
Orrest Head – Windermere, Lake District
There are few finer introductions to the Lake District than Orrest Head.
The journey begins right next to Windermere station, meandering through golden woodland before revealing a summit with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells.
Alfred Wainwright once described this walk as the moment he fell head over heels for the Lakes – and in autumn, with the hillsides ablaze in hues of red and amber, it’s not hard to understand why.
Getting there: Take a train to Windermere, then start your walk from the station. Follow the signposted Orrest Head path (20-30 minute climb).
Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh, Scotland
Towering above the city, Arthur’s Seat serves as a reminder that Edinburgh is as much about untamed landscapes as it is about cobbled streets.
From Waverley station, it’s merely a short stroll to Holyrood Park, where lochs and crags are framed by trees transitioning into shades of gold.
The ascent to the summit takes 30-45 minutes, rewarding hikers with a sweeping view of the city and beyond. For a more leisurely outing, the lower paths around St Margaret’s Loch and Salisbury Crags are equally rich in autumnal colour.
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FPL gameweek eight tips: Justin Kuivert, Bruno Fernandes and Nick Woltemade make the team
Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth, £8.1m – Nottingham Forest (h)
Like Arsenal defence and Erling Haaland, Semenyo is essential at the moment.
For some reason he wasn’t given a second assist at Crystal Palace last week, which would probably have given him some bonus points too.
This match-up against Forest, a team in turmoil who have conceded 15 times in eight games, is not one where you’d want to go against Semenyo.
Justin Kluivert, Bournemouth, £7m – Nottingham Forest (h)
Every team needs a punt or two and Kluivert is one.
The Dutchman started his first game of the season last week and you’d expect him to be a first-choice player moving forward.
I’m backing his form from last season here, where he was FPL gold with 12 goals and six assists – as well as the juicy match-up
He should still be Bournemouth’s penalty taker too.
Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, £8.9m – Brighton (h)
It’s interesting to see that Fernandes has dropped in price and it’s probably because FPL managers lost faith when he missed his second penalty of the season at Brentford.
But Fernandes doesn’t normally miss those and, had he scored both, he’d be the clear second-highest midfield points scorer this season behind Semenyo.
Ifs and buts, of course, but every weekend he has so many paths to points.
Fernandes has made 22 key passes – five more than any other player – has taken 18 shots, four big chances and missed out on defcon twice by just a point.
Cody Gakpo, Liverpool, £7.5m – Brentford (a)
With Mohamed Salah underperforming, Gakpo is much cheaper and just as effective as a route into the Liverpool attack.
He could have had a hat-trick on Sunday against Manchester United and, if you are a fan of underlying data like me, look at these stats.
Gakpo is top or joint-top among Liverpool players for:
Shots (21)
Shots in the box (15)
Goals (3)
xG (2.86)
Assists (2)
Key passes (17)
Expected assists (1.43)
At some point Liverpool will click, and Gakpo is likely to play a part when they do.
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Map of Gaza shows where Israeli forces are positioned under ceasefire deal | Israel-Palestine conflict News
EXPLAINER
Satellite imagery shows Israel holds about 40 active military positions beyond the yellow line.
Satellite imagery analysis by Al Jazeera’s fact-checking agency Sanad shows that the Israeli army holds about 40 active military positions in the part of the Gaza Strip outside the yellow line, the invisible boundary established under the first phase of the ceasefire to which its troops had to move, according to the deal.
The images also show that Israel is upgrading several of these facilities, which help it maintain its occupation of 58 percent of Gaza even after the pullback by troops to the yellow line.
While the majority of sites are concentrated in southern Gaza, every governorate hosts at least one military position. Some sites are built on bases established during the war, while others are newly constructed. The total number of sites in each governorate is:
One of the most prominent military points in Gaza City is located on top of al-Muntar Hill in the Shujayea neighbourhood of Gaza City. A comparison of images between September 21 and October 14 shows the base being paved and asphalted.
Where is the invisible yellow line?
Since the ceasefire took effect about two weeks ago, nearly 100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across the Strip, with some attacks occurring near the yellow line.
On October 18, Israeli forces killed 11 members of the Abu Shaaban family in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence. Seven children and three women were among those killed when the Israeli military fired on the vehicle as the family attempted to return home to inspect it.
The Israeli military said soldiers had fired at a “suspicious vehicle” that had crossed the so-called yellow line. With no physical markers for the line, however, many Palestinians cannot determine the location of this invisible boundary. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has since said the army will install visual signs to indicate the line’s location.
In the first ceasefire phase, Israel retains control of more than half of the Gaza Strip, with areas beyond the yellow line still under its military presence. This has blocked residents of Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoon, the neighbourhoods of Shujayea, Tuffah, Zeitoun, most of Khan Younis, and all of Rafah City from returning home.
What are the next phases of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan?
According to the 20-point plan announced by United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29 – developed without any Palestinian input – Israel is to withdraw its forces in three phases, as shown on an accompanying crude map, with each phase marked in a different colour:
Even after the third withdrawal phase, Palestinians will be confined to an area which is smaller than before the war, continuing a pattern of Israel’s control over Gaza and its people.
Many questions remain about how the plan will be implemented, the exact boundaries of Palestinian territory, the timing and scope of Israeli withdrawals, the role of the ISF, and the long-term implications for Palestinians across Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The plan is also silent on whether Israel gets to continue its aerial and sea blockade of Gaza, which has been in place for the past 18 years.
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Female footballers in north Nigeria defy cultural barriers with resilience | Football
In Kwara, a Muslim-majority state in north-central Nigeria where religious traditions govern daily life, some young women are defying cultural expectations through football.
They have discovered the camaraderie, competitive spirit, and emotional journey of the sport, while facing disapproval from those who question its appropriateness for modestly dressed women.
When 17-year-old Maryam Muhammed heads to practise at the Model Queens Football Academy in Ilorin, she endures the intense heat — made more challenging by her hijab and leggings — and community criticism.
“They tell me I will not achieve anything. But I believe I will achieve something big,” she says, despite regularly encountering taunts on her way to training.
Though sometimes uncomfortable, maintaining modest dress while playing is non-negotiable for her.
“Sometimes it feels like I want to open the hijab, but I must not expose my hair,” she explained. “I have to put it on as a good Muslim.”
FIFA initially banned hijabs in 2007 on safety grounds, resulting in Iran’s women’s team being excluded from a 2012 Olympic qualifier. The restriction was eased in 2012 and fully lifted in 2014. Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina made history as the first hijab-wearing player at a senior women’s World Cup in 2023.
Kehinde Muhammed, Maryam’s mother, has weathered criticism for supporting her daughter’s passion. “So many people discouraged me,” she admitted. “But I respect my children’s decisions. I support her and keep praying for her.”
She creates custom hijabs matching team jerseys, emphasising: “I counsel her that this is the normal way you are supposed to be dressed as a Muslim.”
Model Queens coach Muyhideen Abdulwahab works to change community perceptions. “We go out to meet parents, to tell them there are laws in place for modest dressing,” he said. “Despite that, some still say no.”
Nineteen-year-old team member Bashirat Omotosho balances her love for football with family responsibilities. She often misses training to help her mother sell puff puff, a fried dough snack, at their roadside stall to support the family.
“Training is often in the morning, but I have to be here,” she explained while serving customers, watching her teammates sometimes jog past during practice. “I cannot leave my mum — this is how I earn money.”
Titilayo Omotosho, Bashirat’s mother, initially opposed her daughter’s athletic ambitions.
“Why would a lady choose football?” she questioned.
Omotosho’s stance softened after her husband’s approval and seeing successful Muslim players like Nigeria star Asisat Oshoala. “Seeing other Muslim girls succeed, like Asisat, encouraged us to let her play,” she said, referencing the record six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year. Oshoala, who plays without a hijab, comes from Lagos in southwest Nigeria, where Islamic practices are less conservative.
According to local football administrator Ambali Abdulrazak, despite growing interest, female participation remains limited in Ilorin.
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) ranks among Africa’s strongest, dominated by southern clubs from Lagos and Port Harcourt, where infrastructure and social support are more established. Northern and central regions face cultural and religious barriers, though grassroots initiatives are expanding.
Nationwide, women’s football is gaining popularity, driven by the national team’s success, increased sponsorships, and development programmes. Since 2020, NWFL viewership has increased by 40 percent, with match attendance rising 35 percent in 2024, according to Nigerian media company iTelemedia, which monitors audience trends across local leagues.
During a recent training session, Muhammed and her teammates practised on a sandy school pitch as the sun set, their voices mingling with the muezzin’s call to prayer from a nearby mosque.
On August 29, Muhammed captained the Model Queens in a youth tournament final, which they lost. She high-fived teammates and celebrated as they received runners-up medals, but later cried alone in her room over the defeat.
Her family’s support and faith sustain her determination. “I really love this sport. I have a passion for it,” she said. “Since my parents support me, there is nothing stopping me. Football is my dream.”
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54 Ultra is bringing his time-traveling Latin soul to Los Angeles
If you watched 54 Ultra’s music video for “Upside Down” and came away thinking it was a relic from 1980s music programs like “Solid Gold” or “Night Tracks” — you’d be forgiven for making the assumption.
Aside from the 25-year-old’s vintage wardrobe, hairstyle, and ‘stache that harks to that decade, the song itself — a silky, boppy ballad that channels the energy of groups like the Chi-Lites or solo acts like Johnnie Taylor — sounds and feels ripped from the era in a manner that’s hard to faithfully re-create these days.
That old-school vibe isn’t exactly how 54 Ultra started off when he began putting out solo music three years ago, but it’s what he’s settled into nowadays. The artist, whose real name is JohnAnthony Rodríguez (and yes, his name is supposed to be written together), hails from New Jersey and is of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent.
The name he settled on, 54 Ultra, came by way of uniting Frank Ocean’s 2011 album “Nostalgia, Ultra” and the historic nightclub Studio 54. It was sometime between 2019 and 2020 that he interned at a few different recording studios, songwriting in his spare time with the intention of writing and producing music for others.
“I remember I was trying to find a way to make a living out of music and introduce myself to other artists,” he says over the phone, recalling all the demos he had recorded and presented to artists he’d cross paths with.
“People would be like ‘Who’s singing this? Who demo’ed this?’ And I’d say ‘It was me.’ And then they’d say, ‘You keep it.’ After that [happened] a couple of times I realized that I might as well put it out by myself.”
His first solo singles, like the high-energy “What Do I Know (Call Me Baby)” and “Sierra,” were firmly rooted in the indie rock family tree. It wasn’t until more recently, first with “Where Are You” and later “Heaven Knows,” that Rodríguez began to explore a more retro and soulful approach.
The latter track made an appearance in a 2024 “rhythm and soul” playlist curated by Mistah Cee, an Australian DJ and music selector, who included the song between Bobby Caldwell’s “My Flame” and Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Devotion.” The segues between tracks are seamless, in no small part due to Rodríguez’s immaculate production and fealty to the tempo of the times. His was the only contemporary track on the playlist, but it fooled many who eventually caught on to the rest of his work.
“On YouTube, I remember that was a nice boost, because people would comment, ‘Who came from Mistah Cee?’ Or, ‘Who thought this was an oldie?’ or whatnot,” he says.
To date, it’s not only Mistah Cee’s most viewed playlist by a wide margin (5.6 million and counting) but also 54 Ultra’s most-streamed song on Spotify with 27 million. “That was a very organic wave of things happening, and I’m very grateful for that also because I didn’t expect [it] at all,” says Rodríguez.
Latin soul, of the kind that recalls the doo-wop and boogaloo era of the 1950s and ‘60s, has seen a resurgence in the past few years. Artists like Chicano Batman, Thee Sinseers, Los Yesterdays and the Altons, as well as solo acts like Jason Joshua and Adrian Quesada, have made inroads with listeners and on the radio. Rodríguez is enthusiastic about this opportunity to show different facets of Latin culture and music through this genre.
“I just feel like I’m grateful to be a part of that family, or that idea that people relate all the music together and being a part of that scene is pretty nice,” he says.
Despite his Gen Z status, he notably lacks the “smartphone face” that’s rampant among pop artists and celebrities — and is partial to dressing in an anachronistic way, which he pulls off with gusto. It might be easy to assume his regular getup is a result of wanting to match the music, but Rodriguez insists he was already dressing that way much before he ever considered dabbling in soul. There is a kind of freedom he associates with the wardrobe of that time.
“[The clothes] were never a costume or a gimmick,” he says. “Whether I did music or not, I enjoyed how it fits because that [period] just has the best clothes. I think that was peak menswear. No one cared about any type of gender assignment with clothing; everybody wore what they wanted, and all the measurements were the same … it seemed like everybody had fun back then. They weren’t worried so much about what people thought.”
“[The clothes] were never a costume or a gimmick,” says 54 Ultra of his vintage style.
(Max Tardio)
He shouts out Blood Orange, a.k.a. artist-composer Dev Hynes, as a major inspiration for him. “That’s my favorite guy,” he says. But at the same time, he offers an eclectic list of artists whose music lights fires for his own output; Brazilian musicians like Jorge Ben Jor, Lô Borges and Evinha have made his rotation, along with some moody ‘80s bands like the Smiths, the Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
“And Prefab Sprout,” he adds excitedly. “That’s my jam. That stuff’s crazy.”
His reputation has grown this past year, putting him in rooms he never expected to be invited to. Earlier this year he found himself producing the song “All I Can Say” for Kali Uchis, off her 2025 album, “Sincerely,” and recently opened for her during a concert stop in San José.
Earlier this month, he kicked off a world tour promoting his latest EP, “First Works,” that will take him from D.C. and Brooklyn to London and Paris. The schedule includes multiple stops in California, including two in Los Angeles: Oct. 26 at the Roxy Theatre and Oct. 28 at the Echoplex.
For Rodríguez, a tour like this is the culmination of everything he’s worked toward in his admittedly still nascent but steadily growing career. He confirms that he’s been chipping away at a debut LP, which will brandish a more “fast and punchy” rock sound that recall his days playing basement shows.
“Anytime anybody asked me what I wanted to do, I would say: ‘I want to perform anywhere I can and for anybody, wherever that may be.’ I’ve always wanted things to resonate, and I’ve always wanted it to make sense.”
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High school girls volleyball: Wednesday’s Southern Section playoff results
Oct. 22, 2025 10:35 PM PT
SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
First Round
DIVISION 1
Sierra Canyon, bye
Temecula Valley d. Oaks Christian, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-23
Mira Costa d. Newport Harbor, 25-15, 25-23, 25-22
Marymount, bye
Mater Dei, bye
Harvard-Westlake d. Crean Lutheran, 25-16, 25-20, 25-14
San Juan Hills d. Los Alamitos, 25-20. 25-27, 25-11, 30-28
Redondo Union, bye
DIVISION 3
Lakewood St. Joseph d. South Torrance, 25-21, 25-22, 25-23
Crescenta Valley d. Glendora, 3-2
North Torrance d. Agoura, 25-15, 24-26, 25-16, 25-18
Flintridge Prep d. Newbury Park, 3-0
Burbank Burroughs d. Claremont, 3-0
South Pasadena d. Campbell Hall, 25-22, 19-25, 26-24, 15-25, 17-15
Foothill d. Aliso Niguel, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20
Saugus d. Santa Monica Pacifica Christian, 26-24, 28-26, 25-13
Pasadena Poly d. Santa Monica, 23-25, 27-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-5
St. Margaret’s d. Hesperia, 3-0
El Dorado d, La Salle, 3-1
Long Beach Wilson d. Trabuco Hills, 25-17, 25-20, 25-15
Cypress d. Riverside Poly, 3-0
Village Christian d. Hemet, 3-1
Millikan d. Summit, 25-18, 25-22, 25-13
DIVISION 5
Downey d. Granite Hills, 3-2
Ontario Christian d. Warren, 25-18, 25-15, 26-24
Culver City d. Villa Park, 3-0
San Marino d. Camarillo, 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 23-25, 15-8
Gahr d. Canyon Country Canyon, 27-25, 27-25, 25-16
Pacifica Christian d. Highland, 25-15, 25-20, 25-18
Santa Barbara d. Paraclete, 23-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-18, 15-12
Sacred Heart LA d. Grand Terrace, 25-13, 24-26, 25-13, 26-24
Alta Loma d. Lancaster Desert Christian, 3-0
Placentia Valencia d. Jurupa Valley, 3-0
Valencia d. St. Bonaventure, 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23
Royal d. Irvine University, 25-22, 25-17, 25-17
San Gabriel d. Whitney, 3-2
El Toro d. Palm Springs, 3-1
Chadwick d. La Palma Kennedy, 3-0
Corona d. Buckley, 3-1
DIVISION 7
Ontario d. Pomona Catholic, 3-1
Elsinore d. Santa Clarita Christian, 3-1
San Jacinto Leadership d. Beverly Hills, 25-14, 25-15, 21-25, 25-16
Esperanza d. Century, 3-0
Faith Baptist d. San Jacinto Valley, 27-29, 25-20, 25-18, 25-14
West Valley d. Calvary Baptist, 3-2
Eisenhower d. Rowland, 3-2
Cate d. Laguna Blanca, 3-0
Castaic d. San Gabriel Academy, 3-0
Santa Fe d. Samueli Academy, 3-1
Tustin d. Temecula Prep, 19-25, 17-25, 25-17, 25-13, 15-11
Coastal Christian d. Chino, 3-0
Pasadena d. San Gorgonio, 25-16, 22-25, 25-17, 25-10
Geffen Academy d. Lancaster, 3-0
CAMS d. Azusa, 3-0
DIVISION 9
Beacon Hill d. Cathedral City, 3-0
Westminster La Quinta d. Redlands Adventist, 3-2
Tarbut V’ Torah d. Crossroads Christian, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23
Avalon d. Los Amigos, 3-0
Santa Ana Valley d. Anza Hamilton, 26-24, 25-23, 17-25, 20-25, 15-12
United Christian Academy d. Ganesha, 3-1
Lawndale d. California School for the Deaf Riverside, 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, 25-20
Nogales d. Acaciawood Academy, 25-18, 25-23, 25-16
Nordhoff d. Cobalt, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12, 25-15
Estancia d. Santa Paula, 25-16, 19-25, 25-23, 25-19
Fairmont Prep d. Legacy Prep, 3-0
Buena Park d. Montclair, 3-0
Riverside North d. Cal Lutheran, 3-0
South El Monte d. Sierra Vista, 25-20, 25-18, 28-26
Loara d. Ambassador Christian, 3-0
THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE
(All matches at 6 p.m. unless noted)
Second Round
DIVISION 2
Rancho Christian at San Marcos
Long Beach Poly at Corona Centennial
San Clemente at Redlands
Santa Margarita at Chaminade, 5:30 p.m.
JSerra at Thousand Oaks
Murrieta Mesa at Bishop Montgomery
Eastvale Roosevelt at West Ranch
Orange Lutheran at Marina
DIVISION 4
Diamond Bar at Marlborough
Portola at La Canada
Quartz Hill at Dana Hills
Corona Santiago at Crossroads
San Jacinto at Linfield Christian
Ridgecrest Burroughs at Oak Park, 5 p.m.
Ventura at Yucaipa
Paloma Valley at Cerritos
DIVISION 6
Oakwood at Garden Grove Pacifica
Pasadena Marshall at Norwalk
Arrowhead Christian at South Hills
St. Paul at Cantwell-Sacred Heart
Wiseburn Da Vinci at Bishop Diego
Burbank Providence at Lakewood
Norte Vista at Capistrano Valley Christian
Valley View at Barstow
DIVISION 7
Bell Gardens at Wildomar Cornerstone Christian, 5 p.m.
DIVISION 8
Foothill Tech at Rancho Alamitos
Wildwood at Malibu
Victor Valley at Arroyo Valley
Schurr at Whittier
Paramount at Canoga Park AGBU
Loma Linda Academy at Katella
Vistamar at Lighthouse Christian
de Toledo at Artesia
DIVISION 9
Miller at Victor Valley Christian
DIVISION 10
Colton at River Springs Magnolia
Thacher at Edgewood
Anaheim at Hueneme
Indian Springs at Rosemead
Desert Hot Springs at San Luis Obispo Classical
Mesa Grande at Lakeside
Bassett at Moreno Valley
Pacific Lutheran at Glendale Adventist
Note: Divisions 3, 5, 7, 9 second round Oct. 25; Division 1 quarterfinals Oct. 28; Divisions 2-10 quarterfinals Oct. 29; semifinals Nov. 1; finals Nov. 8.
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American ranchers demand Trump abandon plan to buy Argentine beef
Oct. 22 (UPI) — American cattle ranchers are calling on the Trump administration to abandon plans to buy Argentine beef, as the rift between the two sides deepens.
President Donald Trump has been arguing to buy beef from the South American country as an effort to lower beef prices at U.S. grocery stores, while U.S. cattle ranchers are criticizing his plan as misguided and harmful, stating it will have little effect on grocery bills.
“The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and its members cannot stand behind the President while he undercuts the future of family farmers and ranchers by importing Argentinian beef in an attempt to influence prices,” NCBA CEO Colin Woodall said in a statement.
“It is imperative that President Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins let the cattle markets work.”
The cost of beef in the United States has hit records this year, steadily rising since December. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, the cost has increased 13.9% higher in August compared to a year earlier and is predicted to increase 11.6% percent this year.
The rift between Trump and cattle ranchers opened earlier this week when Trump told reporters on Air Force One that they are considering importing beef from Argentina to get those prices down.
Argentina, led by vocal Trump ally President Javier Milei, earlier this month entered a $20 billion financial bailout agreement with the United States.
The bailout has attracted criticism from American farmers, already hurting under the weight of Trump’s tariffs. In particular, soybean growers were upset with the bailout as the United States and Argentina directly compete in the crop for the Chinese market.
The comment about buying beef from Buenos Aires prompted swift criticism from American ranchers, already frustrated that Argentina sold more than $801 million worth of beef into the U.S. market, compared to the roughly $7 million worth of American beef sold in its market.
Trump on Wednesday said U.S. cattle ranchers “don’t understand that the only reason they are doing so well” is because of his tariffs.
“If it weren’t for me, they would be doing just as they’ve done for the past 20 years — Terrible!” Trump said on his Truth Social media platform.
“It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down, because the consumer is a very big factor in my thinking, also!”
Amid the controversy, the USDA on Wednesday announced a series of actions, including those to promote and protect American beef through the voluntary Country of Origin Labeling program.
However, ranchers are saying it’s not good enough.
Farm Action, a nonpartisan agricultural sector watchdog, is urging the Trump administration to make country of origin labeling mandatory and to launch investigations into the so-called Big Four meatpackers, saying they control the price of beef, not U.S. ranchers.
“Ranchers need support to rebuild their herds — that’s how we truly increase beef supply and lower prices long-term,” the watchdog said in a statement Wednesday.
“After years of drought, high input costs and selling into a rigged market, we deserve policies that strengthen rural America, not ones that reward foreign competitors and corporate monopolies.”
Wyoming’s Meriwether Farms called on Trump to immediately use his executive powers to institute mandatory country of origin labeling.
“This is not good enough,” it said of the USDA’s initiatives announced Wednesday.
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Tropical Storm Melissa takes aim at Caribbean, islands on alert | Climate Crisis News
The storm could grow into a hurricane by Friday and a major one by the late weekend.
Published On 23 Oct 202523 Oct 2025
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Tropical Storm Melissa is threatening the Caribbean Sea islands with dangerous landslides and life-threatening flooding, as officials urge residents of flood-prone areas to seek higher ground and shelter.
Jamaica’s eastern region could see up to 12 inches (300mm) of rain. “Now that is significant rainfall, and that is the main thing that we should be mindful of at this time,” Evan Thompson, director of Jamaica’s Meteorological Service, said.
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Similar rainfall amounts were expected for southern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic through Saturday, with even more rain possible locally, depending on Melissa’s path later in the week.
Heavy rain was also forecast for western Jamaica, southern Hispaniola, Aruba and Puerto Rico.
Melissa had maximum sustained winds of 50mph (85km/h) and was moving west at 2mph (4km/h) late on Wednesday night, according to the US National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The slow-moving storm was centred about 335 miles (535km) south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and some 295 miles (475km) south-southeast of Kingston, Jamaica.
The NHC said the storm could strengthen gradually in the coming days and grow into a hurricane by Friday and a major hurricane by the late weekend.
Heavy rains in the Dominican Republic have already disrupted traffic and led to the cancellation of sports events.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the first named storm to form in the Caribbean this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season – which runs from June 1 to November 30 – with 13 to 18 named storms.
Of those, five to nine were forecast to become hurricanes, including two to five major hurricanes, which pack winds of 111mph or greater.
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BBC Strictly Come Dancing star ‘arch-enemy’ co-star and he ‘hated him’
Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has opened up about his long-running feud with a BBC co-star, explaining how their rivalry came to be from the very beginning
Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood has spilled the beans on his long-standing feud with Brendan Cole, describing them as “archenemies”. The pair, who were both part of the BBC show, had a history of clashing.
In an interview with Radio Times, Craig said: “In my screen test I had to judge footage of two contestants rehearsing. I said, ‘She can hardly walk down the stairs, and the professional has the bowest legs I’ve ever seen’.
“That couple was Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole, and they went on to win it. By the end of that series, it was nail-bitingly exciting.”
He added: “It won the hearts and minds of a nation. As for Brendan, we really were archenemies. He was very mouthy and he’d say, ‘Oh, what would you know?’ So I secretly studied ballroom with Len’s wife Sue, because knowledge is power.”
Brendan was a regular feature on Strictly from its inception in 2004 until 2018, when he was told his contract wouldn’t be renewed, according to the Express, reports Wales Online.
Reflecting on Brendan’s departure, Craig said: “I think it was a good time for Brendan to go. He’s got a fantastic platform and can now build his career. You can’t dance forever.”
However, Brendan seemed hesitant to hang up his dancing shoes completely. Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, he confessed: “It’s quite, actually, hard to talk about. The BBC haven’t renewed my contract. We get contracted year upon year.
“They’ve made an editorial decision to not have me back on the show. I’m a little bit in shock.
“I’m quite emotional, a bit raw about it. It’s done via a process of a phone call and stuff.
“I have had 15 incredible series on the show. I’m very proud of the whole show. It’s a great team.”
Craig has since confessed that he reached out to Brendan following their falling out, though for a rather particular motive.
He admits his reasons behind the peace offering weren’t entirely unselfish.
Speaking on Kate Thornton’s podcast White Wine Question Time, Craig said: “I invited him around two years ago to my house. I hadn’t spoken to him for years. I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to see Brendan,’ just to see if he’s working..”
Kate erupted with laughter: “What a b***h!”.
Craig added: “Oh god this is going out to people, isn’t it? Anyway, he had an electric car. He was showing off. We hated each other.”
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‘I visited Primark 10 mins from Disneyland and was amazed by what I found’
Most people know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
08:03, 23 Oct 2025Updated 09:39, 23 Oct 2025
Quite a few parents may be planning to take their kids to Disneyland Paris now that’s it’s half term in the UK. With many children getting a two-week half term break from school, it’s the perfect time for a holiday to the magical destination in Paris to celebrate Halloween and have some Autumn fun.
However, most parents know that a trip to Disneyland doesn’t come cheap – especially when you’re spending out on accessorises in the park. However, one couple have shared a money-saving hack to anyone who is visiting Disneyland – head to the Primark that is just 10 minutes away from it.
Sofia and Arran, known as @sofia.and.arran on TikTok, shared the tip with their 119,000 followers on the app.
The video began with Sofia seen outside the Primark as she said: “The Disneyland Primark is unreal, it’s huge… let’s go see what they’ve got.”
Sofia then told her followers that she “really wanted some Mickey ears”, which will set you back around €25 (£22) inside Disneyland.
Arran then said the Primark had “so much Disney stock” due to the fact that it’s so near to Disneyland. “We always come a day before a visit,” he said.
The first Disney product Sofia spied was some Stitch character slippers, as Aran said he’d ‘never seen them in the UK’. Sofia exclaimed: “I need them.”
However, they later revealed that there was a “whole wall” of Stitch products, what with the Lilo & Stitch film recently being released.
Sofia also saw some cute pyjamas based on the film ‘Up’, as the pair said they “loved” the movie.
The next product was some Halloween-themed Mickey ears and pyjamas.
Some Mini Mouse slippers were also available in the shop, as were some Flinstones pyjamas.
The pair then grabbed some Mini Mouse ears as well as some more Halloween-themed Mickey ears.
The couple didn’t reveal the prices that the products were, however, they did say the ears were only €5 (£4.35).
Many people were excited about the products, as one person wrote: “I love the Halloween ears.”
While another added: “Wait, I never knew this, I just left Disneyland.”
A third chimed in: “Yes love the Primark! I got a bag when I went in October.”
However, not everyone was as enthralled, as one person moaned: ” I was there in March and they had nothing good.”
While another added: “The majority of this stuff (excluding the ears) can be bought at UK Primarks.”
The Primark the couple are referring to is located in the Val d’Europe shopping centre, which is a short 7-minute walk from the park.
The Val d’Europe centre is located directly next to Disneyland Paris and is accessible from the resort.
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Trump lashes out, calls Russia investigation a ‘witch hunt’
Reporting from Washington — President Trump could contain his anger for only so long — about 14 hours — before lashing out on Twitter on Thursday to protest “the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!”
But in attacking Wednesday’s appointment of former FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III as a special counsel to head the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and any role that Trump’s associates may have played, the president risks alienating potential supporters in his own party.
He could create an enemy out of a prosecutor who commands both a vast army of investigators and bipartisan respect.
And, yet again, he has undercut advice from top Republicans inside and outside the White House who say that an independent investigation could help Trump. If only he could control his evident anxiety about the case, the secrecy of a special counsel investigation could keep the story out of the daily headlines, they say. And Mueller’s credibility could provide exoneration for the president and his aides if the investigation finds that they have done nothing wrong.
The mix of grievance, hyperbole and defiance in Trump’s response, however, was hardly surprising at this point in his public life. His statements fit a pattern he long ago established of fighting back against enemies real or perceived and of seldom letting go of a grudge.
In a second tweet, Trump complained that President Obama and Hillary Clinton had not been subjected to the same treatment.
“With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special counsel appointed!” he wrote. He initially misspelled counsel as “councel” before sending a corrected tweet.
Trump did not specify what he meant by illegal acts.
During a lunch with television anchors ahead of a nine-day foreign trip that is scheduled to begin Friday, Trump continued to criticize the special counsel appointment.
He called the investigation “a pure excuse for the Democrats” for losing the election. “It hurts our country terribly,” he said. “It shows we’re a divided, mixed-up, not unified country.”
At a joint news conference later in the day with the visiting president of Colombia, Trump took a slightly more muted tone.
“I respect the decision” to appoint Mueller, he said, before adding that he believed the “entire thing” was “a witch hunt.”
“There’s no collusion between, certainly, myself and my campaign — but I can always speak for myself — and the Russians — zero,” he said. He appeared to mean that he could “only” speak for himself.
“There is no collusion,” he repeated several times.
He also emphatically said, “No, no,” when asked whether he had urged then-FBI Director James B. Comey to back off an investigation of Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor. Comey, in a memo reportedly written for his files, said that Trump had made such a request at a meeting in the Oval Office on Feb. 14.
Trump’s lashing out is not unique. President Clinton, for example, was known to rage about what he saw as the unfairness of the long-running special prosecutor investigations his administration faced. Clinton, however, kept his red-faced fury to private conversations, and, of course, Twitter didn’t exist.
But neither is Trump’s very public display of anger a completely irrational move. Trump and some of his advisors clearly see anger over the investigation as a way to unite his core supporters against a common enemy at a time when at least some of his voters have begun showing signs, in polls, of wavering.
In fundraising emails Thursday, Trump boasted that he had set a new postelection high for his campaign in online money raising despite “unrelenting and unprecedented political attacks against a sitting president” by the media and political establishment.
“The American people sent President Trump to Washington not to get along with the establishment but to repair the damage done to our economy and our prestige around the world by their policies and practices,” he wrote.
Trump’s instinct to battle, however, and the political desire to use the fight to unite his supporters is at odds with the strategy that many of his advisors would prefer — one closer to the approach other administrations have used of trying to insulate the White House’s daily functions from scandal.
Clinton’s press office hired an outside agency to handle questions about the investigation that eventually led to his impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky affair. Although it did not end the saga for him, it did take some of the pressure off his White House staff, allowing them to speak more about policy during public briefings.
Wednesday night, the White House seemed to be inching toward a similar goal, issuing a statement that offered muted approval of the investigation and urged a speedy conclusion.
Congressional Republican leaders appeared to be following that playbook Thursday.
After Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein briefed senators on the investigation, several Republican lawmakers suggested that with Mueller in place, the time had come for congressional committees to scale back their investigations, which involve highly public hearings, and allow the special counsel to carry out his probe, which can be expected to offer fewer headlines until it reaches a conclusion.
The appointment of Mueller “has really limited what Congress can do,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “This was a counter-intelligence investigation. It is now a criminal investigation.”
Trump’s advisors have been frustrated that he has so often failed to stick to such strategies.
“Clearly they’re not on the same page, but I don’t know why,” said Barry Bennett, a former advisor to Trump’s campaign who has friends serving in the White House.
Bennett said Trump continues to rely mostly on advice from “his New York buddies” — friends closer to his age and wealth whom he respects more, but who lack experience in politics and communications. Like others, Bennett expects Trump to shake up his staff, dispensing with Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, upon his return from the foreign trip.
Anxiety over a potential staff shakeup, Bennett said, has left those inside with even less clout to advise the president.
“It’s a combination of his frustration and people’s exhaustion,” he said.
But another person in close contact with White House staff, who requested anonymity to discuss the issue, said many of Trump’s aides remain devoted and united behind the task of defending him. The stress staffers are feeling is endemic to any White House, the person said.
“Anybody that’s surprised by” Trump’s disdain for listening to his press team and political advisors “should have been paying attention to the campaign,” the person said. “To think it would be any different in the White House makes you dumb.”
With the rush of events at home, Trump’s overseas trip now promises to be even more fraught for the new president.
Trump would like the trip to be shorter, a White House official said. His son-in-law and close advisor, Jared Kushner, orchestrated the stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, which lengthened a trip that originally was designed to go only to Italy and NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Trump liked the broader mission, but being away from a familiar bed for more than a week is difficult for him. He is often teased by his children as being a “homebody,” the official said.
One person who will be staying behind is Trump’s strategic advisor Stephen K. Bannon. He has stepped back from foreign policy in the last two months as Kushner showed he had more influence with the president in that arena.
The last several days offered a preview of how the current distractions, combined with Trump’s disdain for scripted protocols, could leave the president ill-prepared for his debut abroad.
On Tuesday, Trump repeatedly mispronounced the name of Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the Turkish president stood beside him. He also appeared bored or distracted when Erdogan spoke, coming to life when the Turkish president injected some fulsome praise for Trump and his election victory.
On Thursday, he appeared to struggle to keep focus while Colombia’s president, Juan Manuel Santos, was speaking.
Over the last two weeks, Trump’s official schedule was relatively light as aides made time for him to cram on geopolitics for a trip that will take him from the complexities of the Middle East to summit meetings with skeptical-to-hostile leaders in Europe.
Presidents usually sit through “pre-trip briefings galore” before foreign visits, said Michael Allen, who was an advisor to President George W. Bush.
Before Bush traveled, his White House chief of staff would carve out extensive time for senior directors on the National Security Council and other experts to brief the president. Allen said the briefings could get quite precise: “This is what you will see, what they will say, what you might discuss, what you need to know.”
But with Trump, said a Republican who formerly worked in the White House, “the trouble will be if he goes off script. Trump can’t control himself.”
At the same time, the official said, everywhere “he will be treated to respect and pageantry. Trump will eat of lot of that up.”
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Twitter: @noahbierman
Times staff writer Michael Memoli contributed to this article
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UPDATES:
2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with quotes from President Trump’s news conference and other additional details.
This article was first published at 7:30 a.m.
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