Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Monday that his government thwarted a false flag operation allegedly orchestrated by local terrorists to plant explosives at the US embassy in Caracas. The alleged plot aimed to escalate tensions between Venezuela and the United States, already strained over drug trafficking disputes. Maduro revealed this during his weekly television program, citing unnamed sources who confirmed the terrorist group’s intentions. Jorge Rodriguez, Venezuela’s chief negotiator in talks with the US, stated that Caracas had alerted Washington about the ‘serious threat’ posed by extremists attempting to place lethal explosives at the embassy. Rodriguez emphasized that security measures at the diplomatic mission had been reinforced. The US embassy in Caracas has been largely vacant since diplomatic ties were severed in 2019, with only a few local staff remaining. Maduro noted that despite ongoing disputes, the embassy remains protected. The US has intensified its anti-drug trafficking efforts in Venezuela, deploying warships and aircraft to the Caribbean and targeting vessels allegedly carrying drugs. President Donald Trump has claimed these actions are significantly reducing drug flows. Maduro, however, accuses the US of seeking regime change. In response to perceived threats, Venezuela has mobilized thousands of troops and civilian militias along its borders. The US has not recognized Maduro’s 2024 re-election, which was widely criticized as illegitimate. During his first term, Trump attempted to oust Maduro by recognizing an opposition leader as interim president and imposing sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector. Despite these pressures, Maduro has maintained power with military backing.
作者: admin
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US interest rates well-placed to fight inflation – Fed official
In a recent address, Kansas City Federal Reserve President Jeff Schmid emphasized that current US interest rates are well-positioned to support the Federal Reserve’s ongoing battle against inflation. Speaking at a conference in Kansas City, Schmid countered President Donald Trump’s persistent calls for rate reductions, stating that the existing policy stance is only slightly restrictive and appropriate given the economic and financial landscape. Schmid, a voting member of the Fed’s influential rate-setting committee, highlighted that he supported last month’s rate cut as a prudent risk-management strategy, particularly in light of signs of a cooling labor market. The Federal Reserve operates under a dual mandate from Congress, tasked with independently addressing both inflation and unemployment through adjustments to its benchmark lending rate. Schmid’s comments sharply contrast with Trump’s frequent criticisms of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and the rate committee for their perceived reluctance to cut rates swiftly. While inflation remains stubbornly above the Fed’s long-term 2% target, Schmid underscored that the central bank must prioritize its credibility on inflation, even as it navigates the delicate balance between inflation and unemployment. Market analysts, citing data from CME Group, predict a 95% likelihood of a quarter-percentage-point rate cut at the Fed’s upcoming meeting, which would adjust the key lending rate to a range of 3.75% to 4.00%.
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US Supreme Court declines to hear Ghislaine Maxwell appeal
The US Supreme Court has declined to entertain an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted accomplice of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, effectively upholding her 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. The court’s decision, issued without explanation, marks a significant legal setback for Maxwell, who was found guilty in 2022 of recruiting underage girls for Epstein’s exploitation network. Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial, was officially ruled a suicide, though his death has sparked widespread conspiracy theories, particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump. Many Trump loyalists have long alleged that Epstein’s associates, including Maxwell, were shielded by a so-called ‘deep state’ involving Democratic Party elites and Hollywood figures. Trump, who once maintained a close friendship with Epstein, has dismissed the case as a ‘Democrat hoax’ and sought to distance himself from the controversy. Maxwell’s legal team argued that her prosecution violated a 2007 immunity agreement tied to Epstein’s earlier case, but the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal has left her with limited legal recourse. Her attorney, David Oscar Markus, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue pursuing justice. With the appeal rejected, Maxwell’s only potential path to freedom now lies in a pardon or clemency from Trump, who has remained noncommittal on the matter. Recently, Maxwell was moved from a Florida prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas following an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal lawyer.
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48-hour curfew imposed in sections of Linstead
In response to escalating security concerns, a 48-hour curfew has been implemented across three communities in the Linstead area of St. Catherine, Jamaica. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, October 6, is set to remain in effect until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 8. The affected areas include Commodore Linstead, Banbury Linstead, and Trinity Linstead, each delineated by specific geographical boundaries. Residents within these zones are mandated to remain indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. The curfew aims to restore order and ensure public safety in the region. Authorities have not disclosed specific details regarding the incidents prompting this measure but emphasized the necessity of the temporary restriction to address ongoing security challenges.
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WATCH: Mayor Swaby calls for stakeholder support to address concerns about the homeless in Justice Square
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mayor Andrew Swaby of Kingston has urged a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address the escalating issue of homelessness in Justice Square, a prominent area in Downtown Kingston. Swaby highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals in the area, emphasizing that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has established a dedicated homeless committee to tackle the problem. This committee, formed nearly a year ago, includes representatives from both public and private sectors, as well as voluntary organizations, working together to devise effective solutions.
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Greater Portmore High School achieves big improvement in CSEC English
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has made significant strides in academic performance, achieving an impressive 82% pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English examination, a substantial improvement from its previous rate of 56%. Principal Ricardo Ross credits this success to the unwavering dedication of students and the relentless support from the school’s academic and ancillary staff.
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Treasure Beach beat Arnett Gardens in JPL
In a historic match at Drewsland Stadium on Monday, Treasure Beach FC clinched their first-ever victory against former champions Arnett Gardens, securing a narrow 1-0 win in the first round of the Jamaica Premier League. This triumph marked a significant turnaround for Treasure Beach, who had previously suffered defeats in both encounters against Arnett Gardens two seasons ago. The win also ended a five-game winless streak, reigniting their momentum after their initial victory against Spanish Town Police FC earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Harbour View also celebrated a 1-0 victory over Dunbeholden FC, joining Treasure Beach at eight points in the league standings. Both teams secured their wins through penalty kicks, marking their second victories of the season.
In the second game of the double-header, Jahiem Harris, who entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored the decisive goal 20 minutes later, halting Arnett Gardens’ three-game winning streak. Earlier in the day, Trayvone Reid’s penalty in the eighth minute ensured Harbour View’s third consecutive win over St Catherine-based Dunbeholden FC, who currently sit in 10th place with seven points.
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WATCH: Two motorcyclists die in St Elizabeth crash
A tragic accident on the Mount Plymouth main road in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulted in the deaths of two motorcyclists on Saturday afternoon. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Rushane Smith from the Smoothland district and 17-year-old Omarion Roye of Seven Corners, were traveling in opposite directions when their motorcycles collided around 3 pm. Both individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. Preliminary reports indicate that neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, raising concerns about road safety and adherence to protective gear regulations. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.


