Mexican cartel leader’s son convicted of violent role in drug trafficking plot

AP News,

Rubén Oseguera, the son of Mexican drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, also known as “El Menchito,” was convicted on Friday for his role in violent drug trafficking operations. Rubén, second-in-command of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), was extradited to the U.S. in February 2020. The federal jury in Washington, D.C. found him guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for U.S. importation and using a firearm in a drug conspiracy.

Attorney General Merrick Garland lauded the conviction, adding that Rubén Oseguera joins a growing list of cartel leaders convicted by the Justice Department, in close cooperation with Mexican law enforcement partners.

Deadly bus accident claims lives of 3 Brazilian football players

AP News,
Three players from the Brazilian football team Coritiba Crocodiles lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on Saturday. The team was traveling to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the country’s American football championship when the bus flipped on a road, killing the players and injuring six others.

The game has been canceled following the accident, and the Coritiba Crocodiles issued a statement asking for prayers and support for the injured and their families. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and the injured are receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

Russia and China start naval exercises in Sea of Japan

Reuters,

Russia and China commenced joint naval exercises in the Sea of Japan on Saturday, as part of their ongoing cooperation to strengthen military ties. The exercise, named “Beibu/Interaction – 2024,” involves anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapons training. The Pacific Fleet of Russia and the Chinese Navy departed from Vladivostok to take part in the drills.

These exercises come on the heels of earlier military maneuvers, including missile and artillery practice, aimed at countering U.S. influence in the Pacific region. Russian President Vladimir Putin has described these exercises as a crucial step toward balancing power in the area.

Indonesia cracks down on unruly tourists to preserve Bali’s culture and charm

SCMP,

Indonesia is cracking down on disruptive tourists in Bali in an effort to protect the island’s culture and promote high-quality tourism. Over the first eight months of the year, 157 foreign tourists were deported for various offenses, including drug use and nudity, according to Bali’s Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan emphasized that the tough measures would not harm Bali’s tourism industry. Instead, he argued that the island would benefit from attracting more respectful tourists. This enforcement is part of a broader campaign that was initiated last year after several high-profile incidents involving tourists disrespecting local customs.

Foreign tourists asked to leave illegal luxury villas in Koh Samui

Khaosod English,

Authorities in Thailand have ordered the eviction of tourists staying in illegal luxury villas on Koh Samui. On September 18, officials inspected hilltop villas and found violations of the 2019 Samui Municipal Control Act. Tourists from Luxembourg and Russia were found occupying the properties, unaware of their illegal status. One tourist had rented a villa for 7,000 euros (approximately $7,500 USD) per month, while another villa had been rented for 200,000 baht ($5,500 USD) for two weeks.

Despite warnings and a lockdown of the villas, illegal rentals continue. Local authorities are gathering evidence to file lawsuits against the property owners.

Harris accepts invitation for second presidential debate; Trump says “it’s too late”

CBS News,

Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation from CNN for a second presidential debate and challenged Donald Trump to join her on the stage. Harris’ campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon confirmed that the debate would take place on October 23, offering voters another chance to see the candidates before Election Day.

At a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina, Trump dismissed the idea, stating that it was “too late” with voting already underway. He argued that another debate would be pointless, as Harris only agreed to it because she was losing ground.

Scientists horrified by findings under the Doomsday Glacier

Futurism,
A team of scientists monitoring Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier, often referred to as the “Doomsday Glacier,” has delivered alarming findings. After six years of research, the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration concluded that the glacier is melting faster than expected and could collapse within 200 years, raising global sea levels by over two feet.

The scientists noted that Thwaites has been retreating rapidly for decades, with an acceleration in the past 30 years. However, recent findings suggest that the collapse could happen sooner due to poorly understood processes that have not been fully incorporated into existing climate models.

Macron unveils new right-wing French government

BBC,

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a new government following the country’s snap general election three months ago, which resulted in a hung parliament. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, represents a shift to the right, despite left-wing parties winning the most seats in parliament.

The new government includes 10 conservative members from the Republicans, signaling a need for collaboration across party lines to pass legislation. Among the appointments is Bruno Retailleau, a prominent conservative, as the new interior minister in charge of immigration. The move comes as the European Union pressures France to address its soaring debt levels.