U.S., other nations laud Bolivian election and embrace of capitalism
Centrist Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira won Bolivia’s first presidential runoff election on Sunday, which prompted the United States and eight other nations to welcome his win on Tuesday. Photo by Luis Gandarillas/EPA
Oct. 21 (UPI) — Bolivian President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira’s win heralds a time of change in the South American nation that was a leading socialist state, the leaders of nine nations said on Tuesday.
Paz, 58, prevailed over challenger and former President Jorge Quiroga on Sunday in Bolivia’s first runoff election to determine its next president, and the U.S. State Department released the joint statement.
“The undersigned countries congratulate President-electRodrigo Paz Pereira on his election as president of Bolivia,” the joint statement said.
“We also commend the Bolivian people for their unwavering commitment to democracy, as demonstrated through their active participation in this electoral process.”
The statement said the “Bolivian people made their voices heard in a decisive manner.”
The outcome “reflects the will of the Bolivian people to embrace change and chart a new course for their nation and our region, signaling departure from the economic mismanagement of the past two decades.”
Paz is a centrist, while Quiroga is more conservative, and both campaigned on the platform of ending the 20-year reign of socialist presidents and government and returning Bolivia to a market-based capitalist economy.
He secured 54.6% of the 6.5 million votes cast to Quiroga’s 45.4% in the first Bolivian presidential election that did not involve a socialist candidate for the first time in two decades, according to The Guardian.
Paz was the Christian Democratic Party’s candidate, while Quiroga, 67, ran on the Free Alliance ticket. Both ran on a pro-capitalism platform.
The Movimiento al Socialismo (Movement Towards Socialism) Party candidate Eduardo del Castillo obtained 3% of the vote during an initial election and did not qualify for Sunday’s runoff election.
The MAS Party has controlled both houses of the Bolivian Legislature and the presidential office for the past 20 years.
Paz said he intends to end the nation’s gas shortages and wants to encourage international investment to boost growth of the Bolivia’s private sector, the BBC reported.
His win effectively ends the MAS Party’s rule in Bolivia.
“The undersigned countries stand ready to support the incoming administration’s efforts to stabilize Bolivia’s economy and open it to the world, reinforce its democratic institutions, boost international trade and investment, and deepen its engagement with regional and global partners on a wide range of issues,” the nine nations said in the joint statement.
“We are committed to working closely with President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira and his government to advance shared goals of regional and global security, economic prosperity and growth that benefit all of our nations,” they added.
“We encourage Bolivia’s renewed proactive participation in addressing regional and global challenges.”
In addition to the United States, the governments undersigning the statement are Argentina, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Paz is a Bolivian senator and the son of former Bolivian President Jaime Pax Zamora, who served in that role from 1989 to 1993.
Rare tornado kills at least one person after toppling cranes near Paris | Climate Crisis
A tornado ripped through about 10 districts north of Paris, killing at least one person when several cranes toppled at a construction site.
Published On 21 Oct 2025
Netflix partners with Hasbro and Mattel on ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ toys
Netflix is looking to capitalize on the popularity of its animated movie “KPop Demon Hunters” — and continue its foray into the retail space.
Netflix on Tuesday announced a licensing deal with toy makers Mattel Inc. and Hasbro Inc. to make dolls, action figures, plushies, youth electronics and other items based on “KPop Demon Hunters,” a movie about a trio of powerful singers and demon hunters who protect the world from dangerous demons.
“KPop Demon Hunters” has been a worldwide hit since its release in June, becoming Netflix’s most-watched film with more than 325 million views in its first 91 days on the streaming service.
The licensing deals come as Netflix has been aggressively partnering with brands to expand the fandom of its shows and movies.
Next month, Netflix will open the first of several planned physical locations called Netflix House where it will host experiences based on its programs and sell food and merchandise.
“KPop Demon Hunters unleashed a global fan frenzy,” said Marian Lee, Netflix’s chief marketing officer, in a statement. “Netflix, Mattel and Hasbro joining forces on this first-of-its-kind collaboration means fans can finally get their hands on the best dolls, games, and merchandise they’ve been not-so-subtly demanding on every social platform known to humanity.”
Under the partnership, Hasbro and Mattel will both become global co-master toy licensee to “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Netflix has had other partnerships with other toy makers, including Squishmallows for shows like sci-fi series “Stranger Things” and Lego sets based on pirates tale “One Piece.”
The Los Gatos, Calif., company has also launched in-person experiences such as balls based on the Regency era romance series “Bridgerton.”
“KPop Demon Hunters is a powerful pop culture phenomenon with global resonance—one that aligns seamlessly with our portfolio of iconic brands and our commitment to innovation,” said Tim Kilpin, Hasbro’s president of toy, licensing, and entertainment, in a statement.
What did we learn from Danny Rohl’s first Rangers press conference?
There were plenty of questions from the media pack for Thelwell.
Much has been made of the appointment of his son Robbie as head of recruitment, with fans unconvinced he is qualified for the role.
However, he defended and explained the decision to bring Thelwell Jnr to Ibrox.
“It’s always uncomfortable to hear and optically I think we all agreed when we made this step to appoint Robbie that he was going to be seen in a particular way,” Thelwell said.
“The reality of the situation is that we want to bring the very best talent here to Rangers.
“My view on Robbie’s career and situation is he didn’t need my help in football.
“He’s worked at Aston Villa as a senior scout, he then moved to Norwich City as head of scouting and then got promoted to player pathways manager.
“Before we recruited him, two Premier League clubs wanted to take him. What we did right at the start of the process was talk to Patrick, Andrew and [vice-chairman] Paraag Marathe about this situation.
“I was extremely transparent and I think Robbie probably went through a more rigorous process than anybody else who’s employed by this football club.
“What I do know is that he will work 25/8 to be successful in this football club and I’m looking forward to him proving that he’s going to be an excellent employee for Rangers.”
Thelwell also defended the signing of striker Youssef Chermiti, who arrived at Rangers for a reported initial fee of £8m, having failed to score in 24 appearances for Everton.
It was Thelwell who brought the Portuguese youth international to Merseyside from Sporting – again for big money in a £15m deal.
He was asked if he stands by his multi-million pound signing, who is yet to score in seven outings for the club.
“Yes, very much so,” Thelwell said. “I think Youssef Chermiti is a player who’s got huge potential.
“I’ve never doubted him in any way, shape or form. Again, I think Danny will help to get the best out of Youssef.
“It’s very early days for him, he’s a young talent and of course with young talents they sometimes take a little bit of time.
“But I’m certain over the course of his career here he’s going to prove that he’s a very, very good player.”
‘We’ll keep fighting’: Mahmoud Khalil appealing deportation | Israel-Palestine conflict
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and US resident, appeared before a federal appeals court in Philadelphia as Trump administration lawyers push to deport him. His case, tied to campus activism at Columbia University, has become a test of free speech and political dissent rights.
Published On 21 Oct 2025
Israel’s Netanyahu fires national security chief Tzachi Hanegbi | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Netanyahu’s office says he will appoint the deputy head of the National Security Council, Gil Reich, as acting head.
Published On 21 Oct 2025
Israel’s national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi says he has been fired by Benjamin Netanyahu, as the Israeli prime minister’s office said Gil Reich would be appointed as acting head of the National Security Council (NSC).
“Prime Minister Netanyahu informed me today of his intention to appoint a new head of the National Security Council,” Hanegbi said in a statement on Tuesday evening. “In light of this, my term as national security adviser and head of the National Security Council ends today.”
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Shortly afterwards, the prime minister’s office said in a statement that Netanyahu will appoint deputy head of the National Security Council, Gil Reich, as acting head of the council.
“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanks Tzachi Hanegbi for his service as head of the National Security Council for the past 3 years, and wishes him great success in his future endeavors and good health,” it added.
Hanegbi’s departure had been widely anticipated amid weeks of speculation in Israel over growing divisions between the two officials over Israel’s war on Gaza.
Israeli media reported there were long-running tensions over Hanegbi’s opposition to a full military takeover of Gaza City and his support for pursuing a partial deal with Hamas.
In his statement, Hanegbi also called for a “thorough investigation” of the failures leading to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, admitting he shares responsibility.
“The terrible failure … must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that the appropriate lessons are learned and to help restore the trust that has been shattered,” he wrote.
Netanyahu’s government has yet to set up a commission to investigate the matter, with Israel’s opposition accusing him of stalling the process.
Former Israeli army chief turned opposition politician Gadi Eisenkot criticised the firing, writing on X that it “is an expression of the continued evasion of responsibility by all Cabinet members and the Prime Minister of the October 7 debacle – in order to replace them with yes-men.”
A veteran Likud politician and longtime Netanyahu ally, Hanegbi was appointed national security adviser in 2023. He has held multiple ministerial roles, including in public security, intelligence, and regional cooperation.
Strictly Come Dancing star admits ‘my heart sank’ as she issues message to Craig Revel Horwood
Balvinder Sopal has opened up about ending up in the bottom two on Strictly Come Dancing two weeks in a row
EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal has spoken candidly about landing in the dance off on Strictly Come Dancing for two consecutive weeks, confessing she felt “crushed” following the most recent results programme.
The soap star joined her dancing partner Julian Callion on Tuesday’s (21 October) edition of It Takes Two, where they discussed the tense dance off with presenter Fleur East.
“My heart just sank. I felt quite disappointed. I thought we’d done enough to come back after the week previous, where we were were again, bottom two,” Balvinder admitted. “Yeah, I was crushed.”
Fleur, a former Strictly contestant from 2022, expressed empathy with Balvinder’s situation, remarking: “Yeah, it is such a crushing feeling.”
Julian, making his debut as a professional on the programme, explained how he comforted Balvinder when the results were announced, reports Wales Online.
“To be honest, I didn’t really say much because we’d actually just been in there seven days ago. I think in those situations where it’s high pressure, it’s high stress, sometimes the more you say and the more you try to think, the worse it is,” Julian said.
He added: “I definitely don’t think we were there based on dance ability or anything.”
The pair went head to head with rugby star Chris Robshaw and his partner Nadiya Bychkova in the elimination showdown, with both couples having garnered the fewest public votes.
The judges voted to save Balvinder, with Craig Revel Horwood having the deciding vote on the night, following a new rule which stops head judge Shirley Ballas having the deciding vote every single week.
“The new rules meant that Craig saved you. How did that feel?” Fleur asked Balvinder, who plays Suki Panesar in BBC One’s EastEnders.
The actress issued a heartfelt message to Craig, who is known for his harsh criticism and low scores on the BBC show, after he saved her due to her “quality” and “technical ability”.
“Oh, I mean, I am so grateful to Craig, actually,” Balvinder said. “And, he’s one of the scariest judges, I think. But, Sunday night, he saved us and I can’t thank him enough.”
It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two at 6.30pm. Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday on BBC One and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Angels set to hire Kurt Suzuki as team’s next manager, reports say
Kurt Suzuki wrapped up his 16-year playing career with the Angels in 2022.
Now, three years later, he is starting his professional coaching career with the same team, as multiple media outlets are reporting that the Angels are set to hire Suzuki as their next manager.
The Angels have yet to finalize or announce the deal.
Suzuki, a World Series champion with the Washington Nationals in 2019, played for the Angels in 2021 and 2022. After retiring as a player, he has served as a special assistant to Angels general manager Perry Minasian.
Suzuki will be the Angels’ fifth manager since 2018, when the organization parted ways after 18 seasons with Mike Scioscia — who led the team to its only World Series title in 2002.
He will replace Ron Washington, who was manager the past two seasons but missed roughly half of the 2025 season after undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery. Ray Montgomery was interim coach in Washington’s absence but wasn’t considered for the job on a permanent basis.
The Angels went a franchise-worst 63-99 in 2024 after losing Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers in free agency. They were 72-90 in 2025, their 10th consecutive losing season.
Born in Wailuku, Hawaii, Suzuki hit the game-winning single that clinched the College World Series title for Cal State Fullerton in 2004. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2004 draft and spent his first five-plus MLB seasons with the organization. He also played for the Minnesota Twins.
The Angels are said to have considered fellow former team members Albert Pujols and Torii Hunter for the manager job as well.
Staff writer Steve Henson contributed to this report.
Tropical Storm Melissa forms in Caribbean, heads toward Haiti
Oct. 21 (UPI) — Tropical Storm Melissa has begun churning in the Caribbean and is moving toward Haiti, to possibly become a hurricane.
In its 2 p.m. EDT update, the National Hurricane Center said Melissa was about 300 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is moving west at 14 mph.
A hurricane watch is in effect for the southern coast of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-Au-Prince, and for Jamaica. Those elsewhere in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Cuba should monitor the progress of Melissa, the NHC said.
A decrease in speed and a gradual turn to the northwest and north is expected in the next few days, the NHC said. Melissa is expected to approach southwestern Haiti and Jamaica later this week, bringing heavy rains.
Haiti and the Dominican Republic can expect 5 to 10 inches through Friday, NHC said. More heavy rainfall is possible after Friday, but forecasters aren’t confident of predictions because of the uncertainty of Melissa’s speed and direction. Areas of significant flash flooding and mudslides are possible.
Over Aruba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected through Friday. Flash and urban flooding will be possible across Puerto Rico through at least Friday.
Melissa is the 13th named storm of the season, and it’s the first in the Caribbean. This season has seen few storms, which has warmed the Caribbean Sea. Now, the warm water is fuel for stronger, more dangerous storms.
Hospital neglect contributed to vulnerable woman’s death, coroner says
Alison HoltSocial affairs editor and
James MelleySenior social affairs producer
Family handoutWarning: The following article contains details about suicide which some may find distressing
Cerys Lupton-Jones pauses between two doorways.
One door leads into a side room in the Manchester mental health unit where she’s a patient. The other leads into a toilet.
The 22-year-old had tried to end her life just 20 minutes earlier – but no staff are seen on the CCTV footage from inside the unit.
She hesitates for about 30 seconds, walking backwards and forwards. Then she enters the toilet and shuts the door.
The next time she is seen on the footage, doctors and nurses are fighting to resuscitate her.
Cerys dies five days later, on 18 May 2022.
A coroner has concluded that some of the care Cerys was given at Park House, which was run by the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, was a “shambles”.
Staff were meant to be checking on her every 15 minutes.
But the last recorded observation – at 15:00 – had been falsified, saying she had been seen in a corridor. CCTV shows at that point, Cerys was already in the toilet where she would fatally harm herself.
A staff member who was supposed to be looking after her has now admitted to falsifying these records.
Zak Golombeck, coroner for Manchester, said that if someone had stayed with her after the earlier attempt to take her life, what followed may never have happened. He said neglect was likely to have contributed to her death.
Campaigners are calling for an inquiry into the number of deaths at the mental health trust and believe the services are in crisis.
Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust said it “failed her that day, and we are so very sorry that we did not do more”.
Family handoutCerys’s parents, Rebecca Lupton and Dave Jones, describe their daughter as a loving young woman who would do anything for her friends. She was studying to be a nurse and was months away from completing her degree, with a job lined up.
She was autistic and had also struggled with her mental health since her teens.
Her family, who lived miles away in Sussex, say the pandemic and the reduction in community mental health support exacerbated Cerys’s problems.
The inquest was told Cerys had tried to take her life in the days running up to her death, spending time in A&E.
She was then readmitted to Park House and put on one-to-one observations for a short time. Later, she was supposed to be checked by staff every 15 minutes.
The inquest heard how, at about 14:35 on 13 May 2022, Cerys was found in a toilet by Mohammed Rafiq, a health support worker who had been assigned to check on her. Cerys had tried to hang herself.
Mr Rafiq and the duty nurse, Thaiba Talib, intervened.
However, the inquest heard the 15-minute observations were not then increased and staff had no proper conversation with her.
The nurse told the inquest she did not believe Cerys meant to seriously harm herself.
She told the coroner she chose not to increase observations on Cerys because she did not want her to feel punished, as she did not like being under observation.
When asked by the coroner if she should have gone with Cerys to her room after the incident and check she was safe, Ms Talib answered: “In hindsight, yes.”
Damning CCTV from inside the unit was described minute by minute in court.
It showed Cerys going into the ward garden at 14:42. The observation record, which says at 14:45 she was in her bedspace, was described by the coroner as “not accurate”.
At 14:54, Cerys walked into another toilet on the ward and closed the door.
Yet Mr Rafiq told the coroner he remembered seeing Cerys at 14:57. He wrote in the observation notes that he had seen her at 15:00 “along the corridor, looking flat-faced”. He then went on a break. In reality, Cerys was still in the toilet.
The coroner told Mr Rafiq that his recollections were wrong, and that he had “falsified” the observation records. Mr Rafiq responded: “I’m afraid so”.
Mr Rafiq said other staff had shown him how to record observations every 15 minutes, even if he hadn’t done them at that time. “That’s how they did it and that’s how I did it”, he told the court.
A new support worker took over the observations at 15:00. There was no verbal handover and, according to Mr Rafiq’s notes, Cerys had just been seen.
The CCTV shows the new support worker checking on other patients. At 15:15 she looked for Cerys.
She could be seen becoming increasingly desperate as she searched the communal areas and ran along the corridor.
At 15:19, she tried the door to the toilet, using a master key to unlock it. She found Cerys inside and immediately raised the alarm.
By that point, 25 minutes had passed since Cerys went into the toilet. She died in hospital on 18 May, five days later.
The coroner said there was a gross failure by Ms Talib to provide “basic medical attention to a person in a dependent position”.
He also found there was a culture of falsifying records on the ward.
The coroner said it was not clear what Cerys’s intention had been. In a narrative conclusion, he recorded that neglect had contributed to her death.
“I knew it was bad,” Cerys’s mother Rebecca told the BBC, “but listening to the evidence highlighted quite how poor the care was.”
Her father, Dave, says when Cerys was sectioned and taken to the hospital at the start of 2022, they believed it would keep her safe and help her get better. “In fact, it just made everything worse,” he says. “It was the wrong environment.”
“Cerys was a wonderful, wonderful young person. We feel that she would be here today if she’d been given better care by Manchester Mental Health Trust,” Rebecca said outside court, after the coroner gave his conclusion.
Dave described the disbelief and anger as difficult to put into words. “We need more funding for mental health services, more staff, better training and much better oversight.”
Immy Swithern was a patient at the same time as Cerys. They became close friends. She says they tried to make the best out of a bad situation and would talk all day.
She also claims some staff regularly failed to carry out 15-minute safety checks, so they tried to look out for each other.
“I was there to get better, and I was there to have help with that,” she says. “Instead, I was constantly checking on people. On that ward, I think that is the most scared I’ve ever felt in my life.”
Park House mental health unit has since closed. It was replaced by a new £105.9m hospital in November 2024.
The NHS trust said it had “significantly improved” its provision of care and it was grateful to the coroner for “acknowledging the work that has been done to prevent something of this nature from happening again”.
But campaigners claim mental health services in Manchester are in crisis.
Responding to Tuesday’s inquest verdict, the Communities for Holistic, Accessible and Rights-based Mental Health (CHARM) group, says: “It is devastating to hear of yet another young person losing their life as a result of neglect and poor care.”
The group says it is due to meet Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham this week to call for a statutory inquiry into the deaths and the financial crisis in the city’s mental health services.
In October 2022, five months after Cerys death, an undercover BBC panorama programme exposed bullying and the mistreatment of patients at the medium secure Edenfield centre, which was also run by GMMH.
As a result, an independent review was commissioned by the NHS and published in 2024.
It found a “closed culture” at GMMH. It also raised concerns about the number of deaths by ligature.
In 2022, 19 people took their own lives by hanging on mental health units in the UK, five were GMMH patients, the trust itself said that meant it had 26% of all such deaths in the whole country.
If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support in the UK are available at BBC Action Line.
Massive band in talks for shock reunion for 50th anniversary of classic album despite death of singer in 2022
THIS the stuff of Dreams for millions of fans across the globe and now there’s fresh hope for a Fleetwood Mac reunion.
The group have not performed together since 2019 and they were left devastated when Christine McVie died in 2022.
But I’ve been told that there are serious discussions behind the scenes about a series of projects involving all of the remaining members to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their album Rumours, which is among the best-selling and most critically acclaimed records of all time.
At the centre of the plans is said to be Mick Fleetwood, who is leading peace talks between former couple Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, as well as John McVie.
A one-off show, a TV special and a documentary about the making of Rumours are among options being discussed for the 2027 milestone.
And Warner Records is also preparing a special re-release of the album featuring unheard material from the original studio sessions.
A source close to Mick in the US said: “Fleetwood Mac are discussing new projects and how to mark Rumours’ big 5-0. For certain there is a special edition version of the album coming, which the band and label have been secretly looking at.
“But also there is a significant hope that it is time for the definitive documentary on all the chaos in the studio that created the magic on record.
“John and Christine were divorcing and she was dating their lighting guy. Stevie and Lindsey were over just before she and Mick enjoyed a brief fling. And drugs and booze were everywhere.
“The desire is for everyone to sit down and present their side of events on screen.
“And then of course comes the potential for a stage reunion and concert. That is the goal from Mick.
“Stevie has said it would not feel right being on stage without Christine, but also she and Lindsey are on a healing journey right now, which could be the path to a new show.
“However there is a desire to pay tribute to Christine in some way and a live show around Rumours seems a very fitting way.
“The gig would fill a stadium dozens of times because of the love they command.
“But unless some major shift happens, a tour is unlikely at this stage.”
Aaron Bay-Schuck, co-chairman and CEO of Warner Records confirmed at LA’s City of Hope gala that “some very special” music leftover from the making of Rumours had been found.
He said: “We will do everything in our power to respect that anniversary as long as they’ll let us.”
Last month, Stevie and Lindsey suggested relations had thawed when they reissued their 1973 Buckingham Nicks album.
And in March, Mick admitted: “I always have a fantasy that [Stevie] and Lindsey would pal up a bit more and just say everything’s OK for them both.”
They are beloved by an entirely new generation now thanks to social media, so there will be millions around the globe hoping they can patch things up for one last hurrah.
Aaron Bay-Schuck was at City of Hope’s Spirit of Life gala to celebrate co-chairman and Warner Records COO Tom Corson, who was honoured at the event.
It is the centrepiece of the music, film and entertainment industry’s annual philanthropic campaign and raised nearly $6million.
Funds from the campaign are fueling leading research and survivorship programs for young adults, including music therapy.
Michael Buble, Cher and members of Linkin Park were among other guests who were there in LA last week.
Why Crown Holdings Stock Was Climbing Today
The packaging maker delivered a strong third-quarter report.
Shares of Crown Holdings (CCK +0.04%), the maker of aluminum cans and other packaging supplies, reported better-than-expected results in its third-quarter earnings report, sporting solid growth on the top and bottom lines. It also raised its guidance for the full year.
As of 11:48 a.m. ET, the stock was up 3.7% on the news.
Image source: Getty Images.
Crown Holdings raises the bar
In a fluid environment where tariffs have roiled global manufacturers like Crown Holdings, the company is still managing to deliver growth. In the third quarter, revenue rose 4.2% to $3.2 billion, topping estimates at $3.14 billion.
The company experienced strong growth in Europe, with volume growth up 12% in the European beverage segment, which drove a 27% increase in segment income. Other regions were mixed.
Overall, segment income, which adjusts operating income for one-time charges and intangibles amortization, was up 4% to $490 million, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 13% to $2.24, which beat the consensus at $1.99.
Today’s Change
(0.04%) $3.93
Current Price
$98.34
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$11B
Day’s Range
$97.47 – $102.85
52wk Range
$75.98 – $109.48
Volume
1.4M
Avg Vol
1.3M
Gross Margin
18.55%
Dividend Yield
0.01%
Crown lifts its guidance
Management said it was raising its full-year forecast based on its performance through the first three quarters of the year. The company now expects adjusted earnings per share of $7.70 to $7.80, up from a previous forecast of $7.10 to $7.50. For the fourth quarter, it sees adjusted EPS of $1.65 to $1.75, which compares to the consensus at $1.58.
Following the report, Jefferies reiterated a buy rating on the stock, calling it “undervalued.”
At a price-to-earnings ratio of less than 13, Crown looks well priced for a category leader that’s growing in a challenging environment.
Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
I stayed at the trendy new airport hotel just 15 minutes from the terminal
TRIBE at Manchester Airport is the hotspot of both convenience and comfort for those travelling early or late.
Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.
Where is the hotel?
Less than a 15 minute walk from all 3 of Manchester’s airport terminals, it is an attractive spot for holidaymakers flying very early or very late, making the start to your journey as relaxing as possible.
What is the hotel like?
This 412-room hotel boasts the title of Manchester’s largest, and is packed with a mixture of both football fans off to Old Trafford and vacationers when I visited last week.
The relaxing, contemporary and carefully curated vibe attests to the design-led comfort.
What are the rooms like?
The rooms are both comfortable and functional, following the same bright and trendy theme of the interiors throughout the hotel, it feels very metropolitan and classy.
Read more on hotel reviews
Each one has a TV, coffee machine, kettle, plentiful supplies of Kevin Murphy toiletries, a hairdryer and a steamer instead of an iron.
With room sizes ranging from the TRIBE Essential to the TRIBE Extra, there is something for everyone.
Rooms available starting from £115 a night.
What is there to eat or drink there?
The restaurant is a bright, open space which offers an Italian-inspired menu.
The kitchen has a real pizza oven, while pasta dishes also feature heavily on the menu.
Other mains include sea bass, bavette steak, roast chicken and cheeseburgers.
If the menu doesn’t do it for you, The Ship is a lovely pub in Styal village ten minutes away, while tapas restaurant El Bosc next door also gets great reviews.
What else is there to do at the hotel?
Tribe is only a few minutes’ walk to the Metrolink network, which takes visitors to Old Trafford, the Etihad stadium and Manchester city centre.
Nearby Styal is home to the beautiful Quarry Bank Mill National Trust park. While Hale – home to dozens of Premier League footballers – is 15 minutes away.
Is the hotel family friendly?
Yes, the TRIBE is ideal for keeping the bigger families in order before a big holiday to avoid all the last minute panic.
Is the hotel accessible?
Yes, the hotel offers two different types of accessible rooms, the TRIBE Essential Accessible, and the TRIBE Atrium Accessible.
Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.
Belize signs ‘safe third country’ agreement as part of Trump’s immigration crackdown
MEXICO CITY — The small Central American nation of Belize has signed a “safe third country” agreement with the United States, the two sides said on Monday, as the Trump administration seeks to ramp up deportations and dissuade migration north.
What the agreement entails wasn’t immediately clear, but it comes as President Trump has increasingly pressured countries in Latin America and Africa to help him carry out his immigration agenda.
The deal appears to be similar to one with Paraguay announced by the U.S. State Department in August that included a “safe third country” agreement in which asylum seekers currently in the U.S. could pursue protections in the South American nation.
In Trump’s first term, the U.S. signed several such agreements that would instead have asylum seekers request protections in other nations, like Guatemala, before proceeding north. The policy was criticized as a roundabout way to make it harder for migrants to seek asylum in the U.S. and was later rolled back by the Biden administration.
Earlier this year, Panama and Costa Rica also accepted U.S. flights of hundreds of deportees from Asian countries – without calling the deals “safe third country” agreements – and thrusting the migrants into a sort of international limbo. The U.S. has also signed agreements, such as deportation agreements, with war-torn South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda.
The Belize government said in a statement on Monday that it “retains an absolute veto over transfers, with restrictions on nationalities, a cap on transferees, and comprehensive security screenings.”
The government of the largely rural nation wedged between Mexico and Guatemala reiterated its “commitment to international law and humanitarian principles while ensuring strong national safeguards.” No one deemed to be a public safety threat would be allowed to enter the country, it said.
On Monday, the State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs thanked Belize in a post on X, calling the agreement “an important milestone in ending illegal immigration, shutting down abuse of our nation’s asylum system, and reinforcing our shared commitment to tackling challenges in our hemisphere together.”
The decision prompted fierce criticism from politicians in Belize, who railed against the agreement, calling it a “decision of profound national consequence” announced with little government transparency. The agreement must be ratified by Belize’s Senate to take effect.
“This agreement, by its very nature, could reshape Belize’s immigration and asylum systems, impose new financial burdens on taxpayers, and raise serious questions about national sovereignty and security,” Tracy Taegar Panton, an opposition leader in Belize’s parliament, wrote on social media.
She noted fierce criticisms of human rights violations resulting from similar policies carried out by both the U.S. and Europe.
“Belize is a compassionate and law-abiding nation. We believe in humanitarian principles. But compassion must never be confused with compliance at any cost. Belize cannot and must not be used as a dumping ground for individuals other countries refuse to accept,” she wrote.
Janetsky writes for the Associated Press.
Nottingham Forest: Sean Dyche says players must reconnect with disillusioned fans
Dyche said the team are “still a work in progress” as Forest look to get back to the level on the pitch they were at during his time in the academy.
“When I was here 1987-90, that team was finishing regularly in the top six of the old First Division and winning the Littlewoods Trophy [the EFL Cup] as it was then,” he said.
“We’re not quite there yet, the fans know that and the club knows that, but it’s about building that momentum and obviously it’s just lost its way a little bit.”
Dyche left Forest for Chesterfield in 1990, spending seven years in defence with the Spirerites, before playing for Bristol City, Millwall, Watford and Northampton.
He has been out of work since a two-year spell at Everton ended in January, having previously spent 10 years as Burnley boss until 2022.
Speaking about his Forest past, Dyche said: “Everyone knows down the years I’ve spoken about my affection and the beginning of my career which was under the great Brian Clough.
“I didn’t quite force my way into the first team, I had three years as an apprentice and a young pro and learnt so much.
“I have fond memories of wandering down the Trent with Del Boy [Clough’s dog] running past your feet and hearing the boss’ voice in the distance. It’s a strange thing to be back, but it’s a good thing and a very pleasing thing.
“It’s one of those things, you imagine one day could it be? Not in the early days of my managerial career, but as things started changing in my career and changing at Nottingham Forest, new ownership comes in and the growth, they have made you wonder.
“It’s come round my way, I’m very pleased and proud.”
Vance in Israel says ‘great optimism’ ceasefire will hold | Donald Trump
US Vice President JD Vance says, one week into the Gaza ceasefire, he has “great optimism” the peace deal will hold. He declined to set a deadline for Hamas to disarm. Vance was speaking at a newly established centre in Israel for civilian and military cooperation.
Published On 21 Oct 2025
Singapore Launches Its Biggest And Most Capable Warship Ever
Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Victory is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will replace the existing Victory class missile corvettes, which entered service in 1989, and they will form the cornerstone of the navy’s fleet modernization effort.
The Victory was launched at ST Engineering’s Benoi shipyard in Singapore, where it was formally christened by Mrs Chan, the wife of the country’s minister for defense, Chan Chun Sing.
Unusually, and somewhat confusingly, as well as the same name, the new warship carries the same pennant number, 88, as the lead ship of the Victory class MCVs.
Now that the vessel is in the water, it will move to the Gul Yard for further outfitting, integration, and sea trials. It will then be formally commissioned. The six MRCVs are planned to be delivered progressively from 2028 onward.
As a drone mothership, the MRCV is designed to support operations by uncrewed aerial, surface, and underwater systems.
At the same time, the MRCV is built according to a modular principle, so it can be more easily adapted in the future to accommodate other missions.
The vessel was also built remarkably quickly, with just 12 months between keel laying and launch. This was aided by 3D modelling and digital twinning in the design phase. This meant that the MRCV could be ‘tested’ in a virtual environment and refined before actual construction began, without the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototypes. Additional design input was also provided by Denmark and Sweden, both of which submitted proposals that were fed into the program at an early stage.
The MRCV has a fully loaded displacement of around 8,300 tons and is 492 feet long. In comparison, the Formidable class frigates displace 3,150 tons and are 376 feet 8 inches long, while the previous Victory class missile corvettes, which the MRCVs will replace, displace just 586 tons and are 203 feet 5 inches long.
Using integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP), which combines diesel engines with electric motors, the MRCV has a top speed in excess of 22 knots. In this IFEP arrangement, the diesel engines generate electricity, which is then used for both propulsion and to power other services and subsystems.
Missile armament includes MBDA Aster B1 NT long-range and VL MICA NG short-/medium-range surface-to-air missiles, which provide very significant air defense coverage, including the ability to engage certain ballistic missile targets. For anti-surface warfare, the boats will be armed with ST Engineering/IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles.
The MRCV is also fitted with a Leonardo Strales 76mm main gun and a pair of Rafael Typhoon Mk 30-C remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS).
Electronics include the Thales SeaFire multifunction active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Safran PASEO XLR electro-optical/infrared system, and Safran NGDS decoy launchers.
As launched, the Victory notably lacks its mast, this being an integrated item that will be provided by Saab Kockums. Mounting the four AESA antennas for the SeaFire radar and other sensors, the mast will be made from carbon-fiber composite material.
The center section of the hull and superstructure includes the mission bay, with space for eight modular containers. This allows the ship to be quickly configured for a wide range of missions within short periods of time. While the Singaporean Ministry of Defense specifically mentions a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) module, various other combat-related configurations would be possible.
In terms of drone operations, the flight deck at the rear can accommodate multiple uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) or a single medium-lift helicopter, like the Super Puma. Uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vessels (USVs) are handled by a launch and recovery system that includes a side-mounted crane and a ramp at the stern. The stern ramp can also be used to launch and recover (crewed) rigid-hulled inflatable boats.
The exact types of drones to be fielded on the vessels are unclear. Singapore already operates the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (MARSEC USV), but is also investing in new systems to supplement or replace these.
A video shows Singaporean MARSEC USVs during an exercise:
Renderings of the MRCV also appear to show it operating Veloce 60 (V60) UAVs, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone manufactured by ST Engineering and already used by the Republic of Singapore Navy for surveillance. Again, additional and more capable UAVs are eventually likely to be fielded aboard the MRCVs.
We spoke to Roy Choo, a defense journalist and TWZ contributor, for his take on the MRCVs:
“The MRCVs highlight Singapore’s drive to develop unmanned systems across all domains as a force multiplier. In the maritime domain alone, the RSN has already operationalized its Maritime Security USVs, which began patrolling the city-state’s busy waterways earlier this year. The RSN is also progressing towards developing a new fleet of USVs and AUVs for mine countermeasure operations from 2027. To complement the four P-8A Poseidon aircraft it recently acquired, Singapore may also consider procuring a long-range maritime surveillance UAS. In the longer term, its S-70B Seahawks — the majority of which are now 20 years old — could potentially be partially or fully replaced by VTOL rotary-wing UAS.”
Using drones of different types, the MRCV will be able to conduct a wider variety of missions over a larger area than a more traditional warship, something that would otherwise require multiple crewed vessels to achieve. The drones will expand the vessel’s reach both in terms of surveillance and potentially also launch strikes.
Even without the force-multiplying effects of the drones, the MRCV is a more capable ship than anything previously operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy. Its operational range of more than 7,000 nautical miles is double that of the service’s Formidable class frigates, currently its main surface combatants. The MRCV also has an endurance of more than 21 days before needing to be refueled or resupplied.
This performance is enabled by a very small crew, something that is standard for the Republic of Singapore, bearing in mind the country’s small population — at six million, this is smaller than that of the state of Missouri.
High levels of automation mean that each MRCV can be operated by fewer than 100 sailors. Whereas the bridge of a typical Republic of Singapore warship might otherwise be operated by five crew members, in the MRCV, this is reduced to two, with one rather than four crew members required to man the engineering control center.
The most important mission for the new MRCVs will be to safeguard the country’s sea lines of communication (SLOC). Singapore is almost uniquely reliant on the maritime trade that crisscrosses these major maritime routes.
“In the past, the role of the navy was perhaps only to defend our near shores,” Minister for Defense Chan said at today’s launch. “But Singapore’s strategic lines of communications extend much further today, and new capabilities are needed to work together as an integrated Singaporean Armed Force to secure and defend these.”
Singapore’s two vital SLOCs comprise one that passes through the heavily disputed South China Sea, and the other through the Strait of Malacca.
China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its national territory and is meanwhile busily expanding its efforts to bolster that position, including the construction of a constellation of man-made island military outposts in the region.
Singapore doesn’t make any claim itself to any portion of the South China Sea, has generally good relations with Beijing, and has repeatedly called for a resolution to the current disputes through regional and international organizations.
However, it is acutely aware of its economic vulnerability in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea as China makes increasingly forceful moves to assert its claims in the region.
China is preparing for potential contingencies in the South China Sea through the continued expansion of its anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities in the region, with the construction of man-made islets being one of the most notable expressions of this. Many of these islets already equipped with, or are suitable to accommodate, long-range surface-to-air missiles, shore-based anti-ship defenses, and even H-6 bombers that would present a significant challenge to any potential opponent in a crisis.
At the same time, the People’s Liberation Army Navy is in the midst of unprecedented growth and modernization and is introducing increasingly capable surface ships and submarines, which are now ranging further afield.
Singapore’s MRCVs, with their long endurance extended further by their organic drone capabilities, will be highly relevant in the context.
The capabilities of the new vessels will also come into play in littoral areas closer to home, in particular the Malacca Strait, which could easily become a chokepoint in any wider regional crisis.
More broadly, six new MRCVs are part of a process of overhauling Singapore’s maritime capabilities.
The ongoing upgrade of Singapore’s naval capabilities also includes an upgrade of the Formidable class frigates and two additional Type 218SG submarines in addition to the previous four. Earlier this year, Singapore confirmed its selection of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon as its next maritime patrol aircraft, which will also provide a significant capability boost.
Chan also described the future challenges in securing these SLOCs as being more multifaceted, more difficult, and more dangerous, while rapidly evolving threats mean that it’s vital that the MRCVs can be updated accordingly, via their modular design.
“No ship will be able to anticipate … the operational needs for the next 30 years,” Chan said. “What we need is a ship that can keep evolving with our operational requirements.”
The speed with which Singapore is pursuing its Multi-Role Combat Vessel program underlines the high priority assigned to it. While navies around the world are increasingly looking at harnessing the capabilities offered by drones, Singapore’s drone motherships are very much a signal of intent as it continues to upgrade its navy to better meet potential new threats.
Contact the author: [email protected]
Warner Bros. Discovery officially hangs a ‘for sale’ sign around company
Warner Bros. Discovery has officially acknowledged the company is up for sale, marking the third time in a decade that its storied assets have been on the auction block.
The company’s board announced Tuesday that it has initiated “a review of strategic alternatives … in light of unsolicited interest the Company has received from multiple parties for both the entire company and Warner Bros.”
The Ellison family, which owns Paramount, started the bidding late last month. With financial backing from his father, Larry Ellison, David Ellison is looking to build an entertainment juggernaut. The family and RedBird Capital Partners finalized their takeover of Paramount in August, and has since made at least one offer for its rival. Paramount wants to buy the entire company, including its basic cable channels that include CNN, TNT, Food Network and HGTV.
Warner Bros. Discovery stock soared 11% Tuesday to more than $20 a share, valuing the company at $50 billion. That’s the highest level since Discovery swallowed the larger WarnerMedia in April 2022.
The company did not disclose the other entities that have expressed interest in buying the company as a whole, or its stable of assets, including premium cable channel HBO, the HBO Max streaming service and the legendary Warner Bros. film and television studio and its campus in Burbank.
“It’s no surprise that the significant value of our portfolio is receiving increased recognition by others in the market,” Chief Executive David Zaslav said in a statement announcing the strategic review.
“After receiving interest from multiple parties, we have initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to identify the best path forward to unlock the full value of our assets,” he said.
The company last summer unveiled its intention to split into two separate publicly traded entities — an arrangement that most observers saw as the unofficial kickoff of the company’s sale.
That separation process will continue, Warner Bros. Discovery said Tuesday.
The company intended to create two stand-alone entities. One would include the Warner Bros. studio and its expansive library of shows and movies, as well as the HBO Max streaming service. Zaslav was planning to run that enterprise.
The second company, Discovery Global, would comprise the basic cable channels and international operations. Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels would lead that operation.
“We view this as a move to initiate the entire bidding process now, for all bidders, even though not every bidder may be interested in all of WBD,” Raymond James analysts Ric Prentiss and Brent Penter wrote in a Tuesday note to investors.
“WBD is telling other bidders they can bid now instead of waiting for the split, or perhaps they even need to bid now since waiting may prove to be too late,” the analysts said.
Warner Bros. Discovery board intends to “evaluate a broad range of strategic options,” including “an alternative separation structure that would enable a merger of Warner Bros. and spin-off of Discovery Global to our shareholders,” it said in a statement.
“Our decision to initiate this review underscores the Board’s commitment to considering all opportunities to determine the best value for our shareholders,” Warner Bros. Discovery Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., said in the statement. “We continue to believe that our planned separation to create two distinct, leading media companies will create compelling value. That said, we determined taking these actions to broaden our scope is in the best interest of shareholders.”
The company did not set a deadline or timetable for the strategic alternatives review, although it had previously said the separation into two distinct companies — Warner Bros. and Discovery Global — would be complete by April.
TD Cowen media analyst Doug Creutz indicated Tuesday’s announcement was simply a formality because investors were well aware the company was in play.
“We continue to think a transaction with [Paramount] … is reasonably likely; we are more skeptical that other, more attractive bidders will emerge,” Creutz wrote.
The announcement hit as Warner Bros. Discovery employees already are nervous about the process and the proposed Ellison takeover, which observers believe would spark a massive consolidation and the elimination of hundreds more jobs.
Some already were suffering from deal fatigue as many are veterans of the company’s two previous sales.
In October 2016, the company, then known as Time Warner Inc., announced its sale to phone giant AT&T. President Trump, who was first elected the following month, strenuously objected to the merger. The government challenged the union, and it took nearly two years to win federal approval. The AT&T years were turbulent. The company restructured, then spent billions to build the HBO Max streaming service.
After three years, AT&T threw in the towel after lining up Zaslav, who had long managed the much smaller Discovery. The April 2022 sale to Discovery burdened the company with more than $50 billion in debt.
Since then, Zaslav and his team have tried to streamline the operations, leading to thousands of layoffs. The company’s debt now hovers around $35 billion.
Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore have been retained as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery. Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.
Why Balchem Stock Jumped Today
This behind-the-scenes nutrition company is capitalizing on “better for you” trends.
Many people may not know Balchem (BCPC +0.04%). The company works to find solutions to problems facing the nutrition, health, and food markets. The human and animal nutrition product company just reported record third-quarter sales, and the stock is jumping today.
Balchem shares rose over 5% this morning and remained higher by 3.8% as of 12:20 p.m. ET.
Image source: Getty Images.
The health trend isn’t going away
Balchem specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of specialty performance ingredients supporting both human and animal nutrition and health. Its dietary supplements and nutrition-strengthening solutions are gaining users. Balchem also has encapsulation technologies for better nutrient delivery.
Record third-quarter sales grew 11.5% year over year. CEO Ted Harris stated:
In the third quarter, our company continued to deliver strong growth, fueled by the ongoing market penetration of our unique portfolio of specialty nutrients and delivery systems, and the favorable ‘better for you’ trends within the food and nutrition markets that are well aligned with our food ingredient formulation systems and capabilities.
Investors may have especially liked the generation of $51 million in free cash flow. That helped Balchem pay down a meaningful portion of its debt.
Today’s Change
(0.04%) $6.42
Current Price
$157.19
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$5B
Day’s Range
$146.21 – $158.41
52wk Range
$139.17 – $185.96
Volume
189K
Avg Vol
170K
Gross Margin
35.80%
Dividend Yield
0.01%
What Balchem is up to
Despite a recent surge, Balchem stock hasn’t done much this year. Investors may be waiting for more results from the company’s studies surrounding choline intake and human health. Balchem is also investing to double its domestic capacity of its fast-growing nutrient delivery technologies. It believes that investment will deliver strong returns. Some investors jumped into Balchem stock today, expecting to soon see further growth in sales and profits.
Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Trump-Putin summit planned for Budapest is on hold, U.S. official says
WASHINGTON — Plans are on hold for President Trump to sit down with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to talk about resolving the war in Ukraine, according to a U.S. official.
The meeting had been announced last week. It was supposed to take place in Budapest, although a date had not been set.
The decision was made following a call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The official requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.
The back-and-forth over Trump’s plans are the latest bout of whiplash caused by his stutter-step efforts to resolve a conflict that has persisted for nearly four years.
Lee writes for the Associated Press. This is a developing story that will update.