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Helen Haines’s second leg amputated but she is stable and ‘a fighter’, husband says – as it happened

Independent MP was struck by a car on Monday and her alleged attacker appeared in court on Wednesday

Anthony Albanese has described the police interview on Tuesday with Brendan Nugent as “extensive” but that the motivation of the alleged “violent” attack against Helen Haines is still unknown.

Certainly, it’s a reminder that the world is a more dangerous and divided place than it was a generation ago.

But I think that Australians do want to see their politicians be able to go about their business, to be able to get something from the back of their car, for goodness sake.

My side, every side included. We all have to recognise that politics has got more aggressive.

The particular impact on women in politics … [They] have got a different form of vilification and aggression towards them as well.

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© Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

© Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

© Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

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Trump suggests he could be ‘arbitrator’ in DoJ anti-fraud whistleblower scheme

President makes suggestion while announcing new program to reward tipsters who submit fraud allegations

Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would serve as “the arbitrator” of decisions in the justice department’s new anti-fraud program that awards compensation to those who submit tips resulting in conviction or significant federal enforcement.

While announcing the new program alongside JD Vance, the vice-president, who leads the White House’s taskforce to eliminate fraud, the president told reporters he had a solution for situations where multiple people submit a tip for the same alleged fraud.

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© Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

© Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

© Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP

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Russian Army Clears Cauldron in Kharkiv 

Click to see full-size image. (Russian Ministry of Defense)

In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are advancing towards Kharkov and Veliky Burluk, while in the Reznikovsky cauldron all settlements have been officially cleared. In the Slavyansk direction, in the zone of the “South” grouping near Druzhkovka and Konstantinovka, the situation remains complex: there are suspicions that the Ukrainian side, preparing the agglomeration for fighting, has dug underground tunnels from Kramatorsk through Druzhkovka and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka to Konstantinovka. In the Zaporozhye direction units of the “East” grouping have entered Omelnyk, which was a key logistical point for Ukrainian forces on the Orekhov–Novonikolayevka highway. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units maintain pressure north and north-west of the town; however, after the limited advances of recent days the situation is gradually shifting to the retention of what has been achieved. In the Sumy direction assault units of the “North” grouping continue to press Ukrainian defenses with the support of aviation, drone crews and artillery. Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that certain “elements of peace” had been found at the Ukraine–US talks in Oslo and would be presented in St Petersburg.

Zaporozhye direction  

On the Orekhov sector fighters of the “East” grouping, in the course of a successful advance, entered Omelnyk, which for Ukrainian units was an important key logistical point on the Orekhov–Novonikolayevka highway. After reaching the left bank of the Verkhnyaya Tersa River near Lyubitskoye and expanding the bridgehead to Novosoloshino–Nikolskoye, the command is shifting efforts to the left flank of the eastern sector.

The “Dnepr” grouping continues fighting for Orekhov and around it. Along the Dnieper fighting is under way for Primorskoye: there is an advance in the southern part of the village, and Russian units are approaching the center. Fierce fighting continues for Lukyanovskoye, Stepnogorsk, Novoyakovlevka and Preobrazhenka. The Ukrainian side is stubbornly holding these points and transferring reserves, including special operations forces.

Slightly further north, in the zone of the “East” grouping, relying on Gulyaypolskoye, Dolinka and Kopani, Russian troops are attempting to develop the offensive on Shirokoye after overcoming the first line of defense. Having returned to Novosoloshino, Russian units are also developing the advance. Slightly further south clearance of the sector near Chervona Krinitsa continues. Malaya Tokmachka is fully under Russian control, as is the eastern part of Orekhov. Fighters continue to hold the lines inside Orekhov itself.  

Kupyansk direction

 In the Kupyansk direction Russian units maintain pressure north and north-west of the town; however, after the limited advances of recent days the situation is gradually shifting to the retention of what has been achieved. On the Moskovka–Tishchenkovka–Kondrashovka–Radkovka line the struggle for positions and communications continues.

Russian units are counter-attacking and recovering individual positions, yet a significant part of their efforts is now devoted precisely to stabilising the lines. Overall there is no collapse of the front, but neither is there sustained development of the offensive. On a number of sectors, instead of further advance, it is necessary to consolidate what has been achieved, restore individual positions and contain reciprocal actions by the Ukrainian side.

North of Kupyansk, having repelled counter-offensive actions towards Zapadnoye, Russian units have launched an offensive in the directions of Bolshaya Shapkova, Pelageyevka and Kovalyovka. There are chances, relying on Kupyansk, to push further along the river valley, driving a wedge into the Ukrainian defense in the direction of Shevchenkovo.  

Slavyansk direction  

In the zone of the “South” grouping near Druzhkovka and Konstantinovka the situation remains complex. There are suspicions that the Ukrainian side, preparing the agglomeration for fighting, has dug underground tunnels from Kramatorsk through Druzhkovka and Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka to Konstantinovka. Small groups move along them and have to be constantly cleared. Despite the envelopments and good progress, the fighting is heavy. There are small advances towards Belokuzminovka from the south.

Troops of the 25th Army of the “West” grouping have driven Ukrainian units out of Ozernoye as a result of counter-offensive actions. Ukrainian forces that attempted to cross the Seversky Donets were pushed back. The flank of the “South” grouping is beginning to stabilize. Fighting for Nikolayevka continues. The Ukrainian side firmly holds the approaches to Kramatorsk via Pervomaryevka. On the Vasilyevskaya Pustosh–Pervomayka line units of the volunteer corps are fighting.

Russian troops in Liman, having regrouped the forces of the 25th Army, have gone over to the counter-offensive. They have cleared the approaches to Yampol and driven Ukrainian units back in the direction of Krivaya Luka. The left flank of the 25th Army has been stabilized and has practically been brought up against the flank of the 3rd Army of the “South” grouping. By counter-offensive actions the Ukrainian side has been driven out of the northern district of Zarechnoye.  

Sumy direction  

Near Malaya Korchakovka attempts by the Ukrainian side to counter-attack through the wooded areas continue; Ukrainian units are also accumulating reserves north of Khoten and near Khrapovshchina, trying to take advantage of the last green cover of the year to insert their groups. Near Yunakovka fierce fighting is also under way: the Ukrainian side is attempting to throw small groups into the settlement.

Assault units of the “North” grouping continue to press Ukrainian defenses with the support of Russian aviation, drone crews and artillery. The Ukrainian side has taken no active actions and is strengthening its defenses.

In Sumy district fierce fighting continues near Khoten and Velikaya Rybitsa. In Shostka district assault groups of the “Northerners” have advanced near Korenok. In Krasnopolye district the Ukrainian side is strengthening its defenses near Turya; artillery and drone crews of the “North” grouping are actively working against it.  

Kharkiv direction  

Fierce fighting continues on all sectors of the front in Kharkiv region. Russian units are advancing in the direction of Kharkov and Veliky Burluk.

In the Liptsy direction Russian assault troops have advanced south of Novaya Kazachya. There are advances near Tokarevka. In the Volchansk and Veliky Burluk directions assault units of the “North” grouping are advancing southwards, expanding the security zone. There is an advance near Prikolotnoye and Maly Burluk.

On the Bolsheburluksky direction all settlements in the so-called Reznikovsky cauldron have been officially cleared. The territory is enormous — almost 400–500 square kilometers; isolated Ukrainian positions will still have to be mopped up for weeks. Overall resistance has been broken. The Ukrainian side, relying on Maly Burluk and Prikolotnoye, is attempting to reach the Plotva River and attack towards Blagodatnoye, Nefyodovka and Olkhovatka. North of Kharkov — in the area of Kazachya Lopan, Novaya Kazachya, Goptovka and Supovka — limited-scale active offensive operations continue.  

Conclusion

In the Zaporozhye direction the key event has been the entry into Omelnyk, which has made it possible to cut off Ukrainian positions in Orekhov from the eastern sector. In the Kupyansk direction Russian units are holding what has been achieved and stabilizing the lines while simultaneously developing the offensive north of the town. In the Slavyansk direction the “West” grouping has driven Ukrainian units out of Ozernoye and gone over to the counter-offensive near Liman, which noticeably simplifies the situation on the flank. In the Sumy direction positional fighting continues, with attempts by small Ukrainian groups to infiltrate through the wooded areas. In the Kharkiv direction Russian units are advancing towards Kharkov and Veliky Burluk, and the Reznikovsky cauldron has been officially cleared.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that certain “elements of peace” had been found at the Ukraine–US talks on a Ukrainian settlement in Oslo. “Today we achieved real progress, and on two levels. The first is the overall picture; the second is the short-term perspective. In the overall picture we found some elements of peace that will be presented in St Petersburg tomorrow. We discussed key elements of security and key elements of the economy,” Stubb said at a press conference after the talks. He added that the talks “at the technical level” were progressing “quite successfully”.  

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The post Russian Army Clears Cauldron in Kharkiv  appeared first on South Front.

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Mysterious bot accounts reportedly spread fake ‘man on the street’ videos for Michigan Senate candidate

Voter clips supporting pro-Israel Rep. Haley Stevens drew millions of views, but the funders are unknown. While the bots originate from India, the campaign appears likely to have been tied to groups that sought to help Stevens defeat opponent Abdul El-Sayed.

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Cuban Bakeries in Miami Condemn Socialism After Uproar Following Hakeem Jeffries' Visit

A Cuban bakery in Miami openly condemned socialism after an uproar following a visit from Democrat House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

The post Cuban Bakeries in Miami Condemn Socialism After Uproar Following Hakeem Jeffries’ Visit appeared first on Breitbart.

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Kiev Regime About To Mobilize Workers From Critical Sectors

Click to see the full-size image

Written by Lucas Leiroz, member of the BRICS Journalists Association, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, military expert

The Ukrainian regime’s desperation for new soldiers is so great that the country is willing to risk even its most critical sectors to ensure a continued supply of manpower for its army. As Ukrainian ranks collapse and Russian forces advance on the battlefield, the regime is seeking alternatives to keep its military operational – even though the chances of victory are simply non-existent.

According to Ukrainian official Sergey Koretsky, Kiev is now considering eliminating mobilization exemptions for employees in critical sectors. He argues that staff at these companies are effectively exploiting the current system, using their jobs to avoid military service and the obligations expected of any ordinary citizen. Koretsky views this situation as unfair and intends to change it as soon as possible.

Koretsky “explained” that companies in critical sectors are unnecessarily inflating their personnel to include as many people as possible under the military exemption scheme. Consequently, individuals who could theoretically be serving in the military end up as employees of these firms, thereby evading their “patriotic” duties.

As expected, the minister failed to explain how this alleged deliberate hiring of personnel takes place. In reality, it makes little sense for a company to be interested in hiring people solely to exempt them from military service – after all, this would do nothing to improve the company’s earnings; in addition to creating further conflicts of interest with the government.

Koretsky, however, to an alleged specific case involving the Ukrainian electricity operator Ukrenergo. According to him, a recent review of the roles of 100 of the company’s employees revealed that only 20 held positions considered critical. Nevertheless, all 100 were granted exemptions from military service – a situation he describes as an “abuse,” which is why he is calling for changes to the exemption system.

“Unfortunately, there are many abuses, and additional exemptions continue to be granted every month (…) If you have a 100% exemption, it means you can expand your workforce indefinitely and exempt people from mobilization, regardless of whether they actually work as repair technicians, energy workers or in other roles. Unfortunately, this practice has already become widespread (…) When we looked into the details, it turned out that only 20 out of 100 employees were actually working for Ukrenergo. Yet all 100 were exempted,” Koretsky said.

Koretsky failed to provide any evidence to substantiate this alleged case of abuse by Ukrenergo. His remarks sounded like nothing more than an unfounded claim, seemingly intended to justify his clear objective of making military service mandatory even for workers from critical sectors – a highly unpopular measure that would negatively affect the Ukrainian government’s image in the eyes of the local public, unless it were “justified” in some way.

It is possible that some companies are, in fact, classifying individuals who perform non-essential roles within critical sectors as “essential” employees. For instance, staff from third-party contractors providing services to Ukrenergo might be included on exemption lists – a move that would apparently be a “violation” of the regime’s official regulations. Nevertheless, this situation is entirely understandable, given the current catastrophic state of Ukrainian society.

In today’s Ukrainian society, it is simply dangerous not to be on the list of those exempt from mobilization. Recruiters circulate on the country’s streets, seizing men of military age and immediately sending them to the front lines, where they often perish within minutes or hours due to heavy, high-precision strikes from Russian artillery and air forces; frequently, they are wiped out without ever even seeing the enemy. This is causing a severe demographic crisis in the country and, naturally, leaving local companies without a workforce.

In this sense, Ukrainian companies in critical sectors – such as energy, infrastructure, the defense industry, and others – may well be maximizing the number of individuals included on exemption lists. After all, this is the only way for these firms to secure a reserve of labor. Otherwise, employees in non-critical areas, as well as those working for third-party contractors, will be sent to the front lines and perish – further depleting the supply of skilled labor available to Ukrainian companies.

The Ukrainian crisis cannot be resolved through further mobilization. Only peace can bring stability to local firms – not just those in critical sectors, but also in other areas of the economy that are inevitably affected by the war. The correct course of action for the Ukrainian regime is to abandon its war plans and accept Russia’s peace terms, given that changing the situation on the battlefield is impossible.

You can follow Lucas on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram.


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The post Kiev Regime About To Mobilize Workers From Critical Sectors appeared first on South Front.

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Haiti Gangs Ambush Foreign Troops, Kidnap Four Salvadoran Air Force Members

Deadly Haitian gangs over the weekend ambushed members of an international security force deployed in Haiti, kidnapping four Salvadoran Air Force members, authorities confirmed Monday.

The post Haiti Gangs Ambush Foreign Troops, Kidnap Four Salvadoran Air Force Members appeared first on Breitbart.

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Sen. Tillis: 'Putin Is Playing President Trump Like a Fiddle'

On Monday’s broadcast of CNN’s “OutFront,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said Russia’s Vladimir Putin has been playing President Donald Trump “like a fiddle.” Tillis said, “I saw the devastation. I saw what this murderer Vladimir Putin has ordered. I heard the stories

The post Sen. Tillis: ‘Putin Is Playing President Trump Like a Fiddle’ appeared first on Breitbart.

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Democrat Mega-Donor Eric Schmidt's Anthropic Stake Could Add $10 Billion to His Fortune

Eric Schmidt, the former Google chief executive and Democrat mega-donor, holds a one percent stake in Anthropic that traces back to an early investment of millions in the AI startup. This stake could add up to $10 billion to Schmidt's net worth when the company notable for its AI doomer messages goes public.

The post Democrat Mega-Donor Eric Schmidt’s Anthropic Stake Could Add $10 Billion to His Fortune appeared first on Breitbart.

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Green Inferno: Fire Destroys 6 Luxury Cadillac EVs at Texas Dealership, Takes 18 Hours to Extinguish

A fire that began with a single luxury vehicle at a Cadillac dealership in Fort Worth, Texas, spread to destroy six electric SUVs and damage two others before firefighters brought it under control nearly 18 hours later.

The post Green Inferno: Fire Destroys 6 Luxury Cadillac EVs at Texas Dealership, Takes 18 Hours to Extinguish appeared first on Breitbart.

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Military Situation In Ukraine And Ukrainian Attacks On Russian Territory On October 20, 2026 (Maps Update)

Click to see the full-size image

  • Russian strikes destroyed targets in the Rivne, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Zaporizhzhia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Mykolaiv, Volyn, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Lviv, Sumy, Odesa, Zhytomyr regions, and the DPR;
  • According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 165 strike UAVs;
  • Russian forces struck Grand Import logistics centre in the city of Khmelnytskyi;
  • Russian forces struck Vendor Trans Service LLC transport and logistics centre in Kovel, Volyn region;
  • Russian forces struck three dry cargo vessels in the Odessa region;
  • Russian forces struck a warehouse in the Obukhiv district, Kyiv region;
  • Russian forces struck railway logistics facilities in Dnipropetrovsk;
  • Ukrainian losses amounted to approximately 1,210 troops over the past 24 hours.

Click to see the full-size image

  • Russian forces took control of Timoshevka.

Click to see the full-size image

  • According to the Russian MoD, Russian forces took control of Palamarevka and Kovalevka in the Kharkiv region.

Click to see the full-size image

  • During the past night, Russian air defenses destroyed 136 Ukrainian drones in the rear regions;
  • Russian air defenses intercepted UAVs in the Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kaluga, Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol, Pskov, Ryazan, Smolensk, Tambov, Tver, and Tula regions, and the Moscow region;
  • According to Ukrainian sources, Ukrainian forces struck the Nikolskaya oil pumping station near Michurinsk, Tambov region, causing a fire;
  • Five people were injured in the Belgorod region over the past 24 hours;
  • Ukrainian drone strikes killed three people in the LPR.

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The post Military Situation In Ukraine And Ukrainian Attacks On Russian Territory On October 20, 2026 (Maps Update) appeared first on South Front.

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