international 5 - The Latremie Post

Dr. Arlene Mitchell

Country List

United States of America
US Virgin Islands
United States Minor Outlying Islands
Canada
Mexico, United Mexican States
Bahamas, Commonwealth of the
Cuba, Republic of
Dominican Republic
Haiti, Republic of
Jamaica
Afghanistan
Albania, People’s Socialist Republic of
Algeria, People’s Democratic Republic of
American Samoa
Andorra, Principality of
Angola, Republic of
Anguilla
Antarctica (the territory South of 60° S)
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina, Argentine Republic
Armenia
Aruba
Australia, Commonwealth of
Austria, Republic of
Azerbaijan, Republic of
Bahrain, Kingdom of
Bangladesh, People’s Republic of
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium, Kingdom of
Belize
Benin, People’s Republic of
Bermuda
Bhutan, Kingdom of
Bolivia, Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana, Republic of
Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya)
Brazil, Federative Republic of
British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago)
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria, People’s Republic of
Burkina Faso
Burundi, Republic of
Cambodia, Kingdom of
Cameroon, United Republic of
Cape Verde, Republic of
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad, Republic of
Chile, Republic of
China, People’s Republic of
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia, Republic of
Comoros, Union of the
Congo, Democratic Republic of
Congo, People’s Republic of
Cook Islands
Costa Rica, Republic of
Cote D’Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the
Cyprus, Republic of
Czech Republic
Denmark, Kingdom of
Djibouti, Republic of
Dominica, Commonwealth of
Ecuador, Republic of
Egypt, Arab Republic of
El Salvador, Republic of
Equatorial Guinea, Republic of
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Faeroe Islands
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands
Finland, Republic of
France, French Republic
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon, Gabonese Republic
Gambia, Republic of the
Georgia
Germany
Ghana, Republic of
Gibraltar
Greece, Hellenic Republic
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala, Republic of
Guinea, Revolutionary People’s Republic of
Guinea-Bissau, Republic of
Guyana, Republic of
Heard and McDonald Islands
Holy See (Vatican City State)
Honduras, Republic of
Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
Hrvatska (Croatia)
Hungary, Hungarian People’s Republic of
Iceland, Republic of
India, Republic of
Indonesia, Republic of
Iran, Islamic Republic of
Iraq, Republic of
Ireland
Israel, State of
Italy, Italian Republic
Japan
Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of
Kazakhstan, Republic of
Kenya, Republic of
Kiribati, Republic of
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea, Republic of
Kuwait, State of
Kyrgyz Republic
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Latvia
Lebanon, Lebanese Republic
Lesotho, Kingdom of
Liberia, Republic of
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein, Principality of
Lithuania
Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of
Macao, Special Administrative Region of China
Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of
Madagascar, Republic of
Malawi, Republic of
Malaysia
Maldives, Republic of
Mali, Republic of
Malta, Republic of
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania, Islamic Republic of
Mauritius
Mayotte
Micronesia, Federated States of
Moldova, Republic of
Monaco, Principality of
Mongolia, Mongolian People’s Republic
Montserrat
Morocco, Kingdom of
Mozambique, People’s Republic of
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru, Republic of
Nepal, Kingdom of
Netherlands Antilles
Netherlands, Kingdom of the
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua, Republic of
Niger, Republic of the
Nigeria, Federal Republic of
Niue, Republic of
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway, Kingdom of
Oman, Sultanate of
Pakistan, Islamic Republic of
Palau
Palestinian Territory, Occupied
Panama, Republic of
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay, Republic of
Peru, Republic of
Philippines, Republic of the
Pitcairn Island
Poland, Polish People’s Republic
Portugal, Portuguese Republic
Puerto Rico
Qatar, State of
Reunion
Romania, Socialist Republic of
Russian Federation
Rwanda, Rwandese Republic
Samoa, Independent State of
San Marino, Republic of
Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Senegal, Republic of
Serbia and Montenegro
Seychelles, Republic of
Sierra Leone, Republic of
Singapore, Republic of
Slovakia (Slovak Republic)
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia, Somali Republic
South Africa, Republic of
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
Spain, Spanish State
Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of
St. Helena
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Pierre and Miquelon
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sudan, Democratic Republic of the
Suriname, Republic of
Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands
Swaziland, Kingdom of
Sweden, Kingdom of
Switzerland, Swiss Confederation
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan, Province of China
Tajikistan
Tanzania, United Republic of
Thailand, Kingdom of
Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of
Togo, Togolese Republic
Tokelau (Tokelau Islands)
Tonga, Kingdom of
Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of
Tunisia, Republic of
Turkey, Republic of
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda, Republic of
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
Uruguay, Eastern Republic of
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of
Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of
Wallis and Futuna Islands
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia, Republic of
Zimbabwe
https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/dr-arlene-mitchell/article_20508e7f-6a4d-4a75-9fb8-0ead59702794.html

Trump has ‘determined’ the U.S. is in ‘armed conflict’ with cartels, administration tells Congress

The Trump administration informed Congress in a confidential notice this week that President Donald Trump has “determined” that the United States is in an armed conflict with drug cartels. According to the notice, members of these organizations can be targeted as unlawful combatants.

The President classified these cartels as non-state armed groups, designated them as terrorist organizations, and determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States. The notice stated, “In response, based upon the cumulative effects of these hostile acts against the citizens and interests of the United States and friendly foreign nations, the President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations.”

This designation essentially places drug cartels in the same legal category as terrorist groups like Al Qaeda or the Islamic State.

In recent weeks, the U.S. military reportedly struck at least three boats from Venezuela allegedly carrying narco-traffickers and drugs that could threaten Americans, President Trump said on Truth Social.

The notice to Congress included examples of actions the President could take in targeting the cartels and cited an attack on September 15 that killed approximately three unlawful combatants. The White House has defended these strikes, emphasizing their legality.

“As we have said many times, the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement Thursday. “He is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans.”

NBC News reported last month that the administration is considering strikes on drug cartels operating inside Venezuela. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied any role in drug trafficking and has repeatedly alleged that the United States is trying to force him from power.

However, many critics of the strikes, including congressional Democrats and some Republicans, argue that the administration does not have the legal authority to target drug cartels using the U.S. military. They maintain that drug trafficking remains a law enforcement matter best addressed through interdiction.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as acting national security adviser, has declared interdiction efforts ineffective, underscoring the administration’s rationale for the military approach.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-determined-us-armed-conflict-cartels-congress-notice-rcna235294

Trump has ‘determined’ the U.S. is in ‘armed conflict’ with cartels, administration tells Congress

The Trump administration informed Congress in a confidential notice this week that President Donald Trump has “determined” that the United States is in an armed conflict with drug cartels and that members of these organizations can be targeted as unlawful combatants.

According to the notice, the President classified these cartels as non-state armed groups, designated them as terrorist organizations, and determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States.

“In response, based upon the cumulative effects of these hostile acts against the citizens and interests of the United States and friendly foreign nations, the President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” the notice added.

This designation effectively places drug cartels in the same legal category as terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.

In recent weeks, the U.S. military reportedly struck at least three boats originating from Venezuela that were allegedly carrying narco-traffickers and drugs posing a threat to Americans. President Trump mentioned these actions on Truth Social.

The notice to Congress outlined potential actions the President could take in targeting the cartels and cited an attack on September 15 that resulted in the deaths of approximately three unlawful combatants.

The White House has defended these strikes. “As we have said many times, the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores, and he is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated on Thursday.

NBC News reported last month that the administration is considering further strikes on drug cartels inside Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has denied any involvement in drug trafficking and has repeatedly accused the United States of attempting to force him from power.

However, many critics of the strikes—including congressional Democrats and some Republicans—argue that the administration does not yet have the legal authority to target drug cartels using the U.S. military. They maintain that this issue remains primarily a law enforcement matter, best addressed through interdiction efforts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as acting national security adviser, has declared that interdiction efforts have been ineffective in combating the cartels.
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-determined-us-armed-conflict-cartels-congress-notice-rcna235294

India and China decide to resume direct flights by late October

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the resumption of direct air services connecting designated points in India and China later this month, in accordance with the winter schedule. This agreement marks a significant step towards normalising air connectivity between the two countries.

The operations will depend on commercial decisions made by the designated carriers and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. The resumption of flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, strengthen business ties, and support the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges between the neighbouring nations. This development will particularly benefit students, tourists, and professionals travelling between India and China.

Flight services between the two countries had been suspended following the 2017 Doklam standoff and were further impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely restricted international travel. Relations between India and China deteriorated further after the Galwan standoff in May-June 2020.

The current agreement signals a thaw in ties and reflects renewed efforts to normalise relations after an extended period of disruption. In August, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India and held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar. Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity at the earliest and to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement during the meeting.

In addition to flight connectivity, discussions included facilitating visa processes for tourists, business travellers, media personnel, and other visitors travelling in both directions. During his visit, the Chinese Foreign Minister also co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the Boundary Question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China are crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the importance of strong people-to-people and economic exchanges for long-term bilateral stability.

(With ANI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-china-to-resume-direct-flights-by-late-october-in-a-bid-to-boost-bilateral-exchanges-amid-thaw-in-ties-23596916

US Govt Shutdown: Republicans, Democrats trade barbs as tourist places close

The first day of the federal government shutdown saw Republicans and Democrats trading blame, as iconic sites across the United States (US) — from the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii — were temporarily closed, news agency AP reported.

Vice-President JD Vance appeared at the White House briefing room to assert that Democrats had refused to keep the government funded because they were seeking to extend health coverage to people in the country illegally. This claim was disputed by top leaders of the Opposition, who argued that their sole aim was to renew funding for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to prevent insurance premiums from rising nationwide, AP reported.

Neither side showed signs of compromise, raising concerns that the economic impact of the shutdown could grow, putting hundreds of thousands of jobs and essential services at risk.

Callers to the White House comment line heard a recorded message from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blaming Democrats for shutting down the government to prioritise healthcare for illegal immigrants over American citizens, AP reported. Several federal agencies also posted messages on their websites echoing this claim.

In a controversial move, the White House additionally revived a deepfake video of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, edited with a moustache and sombrero, which Jeffries described as offensive. He responded with a meme mocking Vice-President Vance.

The Vice-President admitted that he could not predict the shutdown’s duration but hoped some moderate Senate Democrats would vote with Republicans to restore funding. “If this thing drags on for another few days, or God forbid weeks, we are going to have to lay people off,” said Vance.

Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused the Trump administration of using the American public as pawns. “Donald Trump says it loud and clear: He is threatening pain on the country as blackmail,” Schumer said.

An estimated 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially facing permanent job losses. Many offices have been shuttered as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats, though key policy priorities — including deportation measures — continue with minimal disruption.

The Trump administration has also withheld funds for projects in Democratic states, including nearly USD 18 billion for New York City transport projects and almost USD 8 billion in green energy initiatives across 16 states.

The US shutdown has partially disrupted public services, with national parks and memorials closed to tourists. At Acadia National Park in Maine, visitors found trail maps missing and rangers absent, leaving them uncertain about hiking.

“It’s frustrating that they’re playing politics in D.C.,” said visitor Jim Feather, adding, “Their job is to pass a budget. If they’re not doing their job, what are they doing down there?”

Federal courts and essential services like weather forecasting remain operational, but the US shutdown is beginning to affect everyday life and tourism nationwide.

(With AP inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/us-government-shutdown-2025-republicans-democrats-blame-each-other-as-iconic-tourist-sites-close-23596921

Iran’s Larijani pushes Hezbollah to rebuild, in warning to Israel and US – analysis

**Iran’s Larijani Pushes Hezbollah to Rebuild in Warning to Israel and the US**

In a clear message to Israel and the United States, Iran is signaling that the passing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah does not mean Iran’s support for the group will wane. Instead, Iran intends to back Hezbollah’s rebuilding and resurgence, suggesting that new leaders like Nasrallah will rise in the future.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, underscored this position following a meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 13, 2025. The meeting highlighted ongoing ties and Iran’s continued commitment to Hezbollah amid a shifting regional landscape.

This development serves as a warning to Israel and the US that Iran remains deeply invested in maintaining Hezbollah’s influence and operational capabilities in Lebanon and beyond.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER*
*By SETH J. FRANTZMAN*
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869255

PBA: Jericho Cruz welcomes baby, enters new season with confidence

It’s been an eventful past few months on the hardcourt for Jericho Cruz. He earned Finals Most Valuable Player honors during San Miguel Beer’s run to the PBA Philippine Cup crown. Additionally, he played a key role in helping Guam notch its first-ever victory in the Fiba Asia Cup.

Despite these impressive milestones, Cruz considers them insignificant compared to a far greater blessing off the court.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642704/pba-jericho-cruz-welcomes-baby-enters-new-season-with-confidence

Any aggression in Sir Creek will be met with historic response: Rajnath Singh

Highlighting the Indian Army’s achievements, the defence minister stated that the objectives of Operation Sindoor had been successfully met. He emphasized that the aim was not to escalate tensions into a full-scale war, according to PTI.

However, his comments on the Sir Creek area drew particular attention. “Any aggression by Pakistan in the Sir Creek area will be met with a resounding response that will change both history and geography,” Singh warned. He added, “In the 1965 war, the Indian Army had demonstrated the capability to reach Lahore. Today, in 2025, Pakistan should remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek.”

Sir Creek is a 96-km-long tidal estuary located between Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch and Pakistan. The area remains disputed due to differing interpretations of maritime boundaries. The defence minister pointed out, “Despite 78 years of independence, the border dispute continues in the Sir Creek area. India has repeatedly tried to resolve this issue through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions remain flawed and unclear.”

Singh also expressed concern over Pakistan’s recent expansion of military infrastructure near the creek, describing it as a worrying sign. He reiterated that the Indian Army and Border Security Force vigilantly guard the country’s borders to ensure national security.

Regarding Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7, Singh stated, “Pakistan made an unsuccessful attempt to penetrate India’s defence system from Leh to Sir Creek. However, in retaliatory action, Indian forces completely exposed the Pakistani air defence system and sent a message to the world that Indian forces can inflict heavy losses on Pakistan whenever and wherever they wish.”

Stressing India’s restraint during the operation, the Union Minister added, “Escalating it and starting a war was not the objective of Operation Sindoor. I am happy that Indian forces have successfully achieved all military objectives. But our fight against terrorism continues.”

He also praised the joint efforts of India’s armed forces, saying, “It was the jointness of our Army, Air Force, and Navy that executed Operation Sindoor in record time. Your strategy, courage, and capability have proven that India can defeat the enemy in every situation.”

Describing the three services as the “pillars” of India’s strength, Singh concluded, “When these services work together, we can effectively face every challenge.”

On the occasion of Dussehra, while performing the ‘shastra puja,’ Singh reflected, “For us, weapons are not just tools or displays of power. Weapons are a means to establish righteousness.”
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/rajnath-singh-celebrates-dussehra-2025-in-bhuj-warns-pakistan-against-aggression-in-sir-creek-23596895

Prince William pays tribute to Dame Jane Goodall

Prince William has paid tribute to Dame Jane Goodall and her “pioneering spirit.”

The Prince of Wales shared a personal message on his and wife Catherine, Princess of Wales’ Instagram account to honour the world-renowned primatologist after she died at the age of 91 on Wednesday (01.10.25) during a speaking tour in California.

William wrote:
“The world has lost an extraordinary voice with the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. Her boundless curiosity, compassion, and pioneering spirit transformed our understanding of the natural world. She challenged us all to make a difference and inspired me and countless others to work to protect our planet. Jane Goodall made a difference.”

The message was signed off with the letter “W,” indicating a personal message from the prince.

William’s tribute came shortly after his estranged brother, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, paid tribute to their “friend.”

A statement from Harry and Meghan, who have Prince Archie, six, and four-year-old Princess Lilibet together, shared with People magazine read:
“Dr. Jane Goodall DBE was a visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us. Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt. She held our son, Archie, when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed.”

Many stars have also paid tribute to the animal welfare advocate, including Leonardo DiCaprio. The “One Battle After Another” actor urged people to donate to conservation charities in honour of the zoologist.

He wrote on Instagram:
“Today we have lost a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend. For decades, Jane traveled the world with tireless energy, awakening generations to the wonder of the natural world. She spoke directly to the next generation, instilling hope, responsibility, and the belief that every individual can make a difference. She inspired millions to care, to act, and to hope. She never stopped.

My deepest condolences to her family. Please join me in honoring her legacy by supporting @janegoodallinst and other conservation groups which she cared about.

My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”

Actress Jane Fonda also expressed her sorrow, declaring her “heart breaks at the news” while celebrating the work of the activist. Jane Goodall was widely regarded as the world’s leading expert on chimpanzees, known for her 65-year study of the creatures in Tanzania.

She wrote on her Instagram account:
“My heart breaks at the news that the brave, heartful, history-making Jane Goodall has passed. Through her work with chimps, she did more than any human being has, to let us understand the richness of animal lives: their intelligence, skills, unique personalities, use of tools, empathy, suffering when one of theirs was killed.

I loved her very much. I think the best way we can honor her life is to treat the earth and all its beings like our family, with love and respect. ❤️”
https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-gossip/prince-william-pays-tribute-to-dame-jane-goodall-c-20218861

Philippines in talks to host first WTA 125 tennis event

The Philippines is aiming to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament, with discussions currently underway for the event to take place early next year.

The proposal was brought up during a meeting on September 29 between Navotas Mayor and Philippine Tennis Association secretary-general John Rey Tiangco, and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.

This potential event marks a significant step for the country’s tennis community, promising to showcase top-level women’s tennis and boost local sports development. Further updates are expected as plans progress.
https://sports.inquirer.net/642662/philippines-in-talks-to-host-first-wta-125-tennis-event