The issue of taxpayer-funded abortion will soon become increasingly salient.
Life vs. Death, States Edition
Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama are suing New York, California, and Massachusetts over abortion-pill ‘shield laws.’
Top Shia Cleric Says US Should Compensate Iraqis As Last American Forces Leave
Top Shia Cleric Says US Should Compensate Iraqis As Last American Forces Leave
Via Middle East Eye
Influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has said the US should compensate Iraqis for the damage inflicted on the country, as the last American troops pull out of Iraq.
In a statement on Wednesday, which is the deadline for American forces to end their 12-year presence (since the start of ‘Inherent Resolve’ against ISIS) in the country, Sadr hailed the “independence of Iraq” and praised those who fought against the US.
Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr “We demand compensation from the American army for all the damages that occurred as a result of its occupation of Iraqi lands,” he said. “Everyone should file legal complaints regarding this.”
The US first occupied Iraq in 2003 following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, before pulling out its forces in 2011.
They returned at the request of the Iraqi government in 2014 to tackle the spread of the Islamic State group, which had seized around a third of the country.
The US-led invasion in 2003 was widely regarded as illegal, and American forces in Iraq were accused of committing frequent war crimes and human rights abuses.
Different accounts of the death toll from the invasion have been reported, with most ranging from hundreds of thousands of violent deaths to more than a million excess deaths.
Sadr said in his statement that the US, as well as “neighboring countries”, now needed to refrain from interfering in Iraqi affairs.
“This may lead to the severing of relations and reciprocal treatment, especially in political and ideological matters, and the dragging of Iraq into regional conflicts,” he said. “We hope that the United States will reciprocate diplomatically and not act arrogantly towards Iraq, its government, and its people.”
No foreign interference
During the original US-led occupation of Iraq, Sadr led the Mahdi Army (later revived as Saraya al-Salam or Peace Brigades), an armed group that fought against the coalition forces, Iraqi security forces and al-Qaeda in Iraq, among others.
Sadr and his supporters have long framed themselves as an Iraqi nationalist group, opposed to both US influence on the country and interference from its powerful neighbour Iran.
On Wednesday, Sadr said the remnants of the Mahdi Army would be retooled as the Supporters of Imam al-Mahdi Foundation, a reference to Muhammad al-Mahdi, whom Shia Muslims believe is in hiding and will return alongside Jesus to usher in the end times.
He also suggested that all current politicians in Iraq step down from their positions to usher in new blood – to “end corruption and work towards reform” – as well as reiterating a need for all weapons in Iraq to come under the control of the state.
The question of the integration of powerful armed groups in Iraq into the regular security forces has been linked to the US troop withdrawal.
Though the process was originally tied to the September 30 deadline, last week Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi extended the deadline to June 2027.
A number of the most powerful Iran-backed groups – including Kataeb Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataeb Sayyid al-Shuhada – have already indicated that they will not disarm, and the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran has made it unlikely the Islamic Republic will exert any pressure on them to do so.
“Disarmament needs a political agreement inside Iraq, a credible way of integrating fighters and command structures into the state, and some answer to the political, economic and ideological power these factions have built up over years,” said Hayder al-Shakeri, a research fellow with the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House, speaking to Middle East Eye.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell says the US and its coalition partners have formally ended “Operation Inherent Resolve” in Iraq with all forces and military equipment having left the airbase in Erbil.
The US has withdrawn its forces, but retains a more decisive form of leverage: controlling Iraq’s access to its own oil revenue, which is held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. https://t.co/Ufd1Ya2QZo
— Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate) September 30, 2026
“For the groups closest to Iran, it will also be extremely difficult without Iranian agreement or a broader regional de-escalation. Otherwise, you risk simply moving the weapons into another institution while leaving the same networks and chains of command intact.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 09/30/2026 – 15:20
Yankees bullpen catcher head butts Ben Rice’s grand slam on the fly in hilarious moment against Red Sox
New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice sent Yankee Stadium into an absolute frenzy on Tuesday night when he hit a grand slam over the wall to give his club a 9-0 lead in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox. Lost in the moment was where the actual baseball landed inside the stadium, or, in this case, what it hit before falling to the ground.It just so happened that Rice’s grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning was headed straight for New York’s bullpen in right-center field.Baseball fans routinely see pitchers hanging out in the bullpen get under home runs and catch them as if they’re pop-ups, which always makes for a cool moment, but what we witnessed on Tuesday night was one of a kind.WHY YANKEES ACE CAM SCHLITTLER IS IN THE AL MVP CONVERSATION AND COULD JOIN AN EXCLUSIVE CLUBAs soon as the roar inside the stadium grew in anticipation of the baseball clearing the wall, one of the Yankees’ bullpen catchers stood up, took a few steps to his right, and while it appeared he was going to throw his glove up and catch the baseball, he instead stood still and let the ball hit him directly on top of his helmet.No last-second flinch, no movement to soften the blow of the baseball hitting him in the mask, just pure commitment from the bullpen catcher.Aside from Rice launching a grand slam and going 4-for-5 at the dish to help deliver the Yanks a 9-0 victory, the story of Game 1 was the performance from New York starting pitcher Cam Schlittler.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!The Massachusetts native was dominant on the bump, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out 10 hitters in 6.1 innings of work. New York needed Schlittler, the heavy favorite to win AL Cy Young honors, to go out and put together a performance, and he undoubtedly answered that call.SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY OUTKICK NEWSLETTERThe Yankees snagged a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning before doubling the lead in the bottom of the fifth and adding two more runs in the seventh before Rice officially put the game away in what was a five-run eighth inning for the home club.The Red Sox will now be forced to figure out Max Fried on the mound on Wednesday night as they face elimination in the best-of-three series.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle blast ‘extraordinarily reckless’ paparazzi invasion at kids’ UK school
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are firing back after two photographers were spotted walking around the perimeter of the U.K. school attended by their children, with the couple accusing the photographers of an “extraordinarily reckless” intrusion.Two young men carrying backpacks were spotted by private security and school staff, stopping at various points and looking into the grounds, Fox News Digital has learned.The men were initially seen separately before later being spotted together. They then returned to a white van that police determined was a rental vehicle.PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE PLANNING TO MOVE BACK TO UK WITH CHILDREN 6 YEARS AFTER ROYAL EXIT: REPORTSThe men were subsequently identified as international photographers working for a European press agency.The incident is particularly sensitive given the school population. In addition to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the school is attended by American children whose families are connected to a nearby U.S. military installation at an RAF base.The incident also occurred approximately 48 hours after a separate incident involving three suspicious vehicles near RAF Fairford.A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex criticized the photographers’ conduct in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.”The decision by photographers to conduct themselves in this way around a school is extraordinarily reckless. There is a world of difference between legitimate media activity and photographers walking the perimeter of a school, stopping to look into the grounds and monitoring children as they go about their day.”PRINCE HARRY, MEGHAN MARKLE’S UK MOVE PUTS FRESH SPOTLIGHT ON THEIR EXPLOSIVE CLAIMS AGAINST ROYAL FAMILYThe statement continued, “It is concerning enough that certain European paparazzi appear unwilling to respect the privacy of children at school. But to behave in this manner in these particular circumstances, and so soon after the incident at RAF Fairford, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of judgment.”The spokesperson concluded, “Whatever photographs they may have been seeking, this was not only an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of all children; it was an irresponsible and ill-considered way to conduct themselves in the vicinity of a school.”The Sussexes’ spokesperson characterized the episode as “an unacceptable intrusion into the privacy of children.”GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HEREThe RAF Fairford incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 27, when police responded to reports of three suspicious vehicles near the Gloucestershire air base used by the U.S. Air Force.Five men were arrested in the Whelford area. According to a news release from the Metropolitan Police, the suspects were initially detained on suspicion of offenses under the Explosives Act before being further arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act under the Terrorism Act.The school incident comes as Harry and Meghan navigate a new chapter for their family in Britain.LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the U.K. last month after spending six years living in California.Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, recently started school in England. The Sussex children switched schools just two days into the term, with security and logistical concerns surrounding their daily commute prompting the change, according to People.PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCOREIn August, it was announced that the couple had decided to return to Britain for an extended stay beginning later that month.The move does not signal a return to royal duties. Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and have not resumed those roles.
WATCH LIVE: President Trump Makes an Announcement – 3:30 PM ET
President Trump announces most-favored-nation drug pricing agreement with all 50 states
President Trump is scheduled to announce plans for South Korea to invest over $50 billion in a new liquefied natural gas pipeline in Alaska this afternoon.
The announcement in the Oval Office with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will futher Trump’s American energy agenda and “accelerate America’s nuclear energy renaissance,” according to White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.
Per NBC:
Trump is expected to announce a plan this afternoon for South Korea to invest $54 billion to build a natural gas pipeline in Alaska, a White House official said.
It is part of a broader South Korean investment of $200 billion as part of the U.S.-Korea trade and investment agreement announced last year. The money will also go toward eight large-scale nuclear plants and a power facility in Texas, the official said. South Korea pledged a total of $350 billion in the trade and investment deal.
The Alaska gas pipeline would stretch more than 800 miles, connecting Alaska’s North Slope to natural gas export terminal in southern Alaska, the official said, adding that it would lower energy prices for Alaskans by providing a reliable supply of natural gas.
In a statement, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the energy infrastructure investments “deliver on [Trump’s] day one promises to unleash American energy, unlock Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential, and accelerate America’s nuclear energy renaissance.”
This comes after Trump announced on Monday additional plans for Minnesota-based Mesabi Metallics to build a $15 billion steel plant, the largest in US history, in Iowa.
WATCH LIVE: President Trump Makes an Announcement on Plans to Build Largest Steel Plant in US History – 2 PM ET
The event is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM Eastern time.
Watch live below:
The post WATCH LIVE: President Trump Makes an Announcement – 3:30 PM ET appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.
WATCH: JD Vance scorches James ‘Talafreako’ over description of the Virgin Mary
In a Wednesday campaign rally, Vice President JD Vance took to task James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Texas, for his woke wording surrounding biblical figures and concepts.
Vance begins by noting, “If your 6-year-old son comes home one day and says he’s a girl, ‘Talafreako’ says, and I quote, it is ‘abusive’ if you don’t let school officials put him on hormones and change his pronouns.”
The vice president, a Catholic, then mentioned the Democrat’s perferred description of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.
WATCH
JD Vance: “In the Gospel of James TalaFreako, Mary was not a woman because there is no such thing. She was a pregnant person.” pic.twitter.com/JtiWnQvX9I
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 30, 2026
Watch the entire speech:
Nvidia’s record buyback exposes strange Wall Street gap
Nvidia (NVDA) is recording some of the fastest growth in its history, yet investors are assigning each dollar of expected earnings an exceptionally lower valuation than the early days of the AI boom.
That valuation disconnect is landing as Nvidia pours an unprecedented amount of capital into share buybacks.
On September 28, the chip giant boosted its share-repurchase authorization by $150 billion, bringing the total to $235 billion. Nvidia said it plans to take advantage of the authorization through fiscal 2028, referring to the $150 billion increase as the largest share-repurchase authorization boost ever.
The timing matters. Nvidia’s second-quarter revenue jumped 106% year over year to $96.2 billion, while Data Center revenue jumped 117% to $89 billion. Yet its shares traded at roughly 16.5 times 12-month forward earnings, the lowest multiple since January 2015, according to Reuters.
That leaves Nvidia investors in a unique conundrum. Nvidia’s underlying business is still growing at healthy rates, but Wall Street is paying decidedly less for its expected profitability.
Nvidia’s earnings are growing faster than its valuation
Nvidia’s latest financial results don’t give the impression that we are looking at a company that is going through a slow-growth phase.
For its fiscal second quarter ended July 26, Nvidia reported revenue of $96.2 billion, up 106% from a year earlier. Data Center revenue reached $89 billion, an increase of 117%, while GAAP operating income climbed 124% to $63.7 billion.
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Those figures make the contraction notable. Nvidia’s forward multiple of roughly 16.5 sits well below its 15-year average of about 30. That said, the multiple can change quickly as earnings and Nvidia’s stock price move. However, the dip in the stock price reflects how dramatically investor expectations have reset even while reported growth is on the higher side.
The stock itself also hasn’t had a major impact on semiconductor peers this year. Through Sept. 25, Nvidia was up a little more than 20% in 2026, roughly matching the Nasdaq 100, while AMD had more than doubled and Intel had more than tripled.
Related: Michael Burry sends fresh warning on Nvidia stock
Nvidia’s board is now setting aside a large sum of capital for buybacks amid the backdrop. The company added $80 billion to its authorization in May, then announced a further $150 billion in September. Nvidia had already given back around $26 billion to stockholders through buybacks and dividends during the second quarter.
This isn’t merely theory, either. Nvidia latest SEC filing shows it repurchased $19.7 billion of shares in Q2 and $39.8 billion during the first half of fiscal 2027.
Ultimately, the lower valuation is the real head scratcher. It can reflect several things, including a rising earnings estimate rather than simply a falling share price. In Nvidia’s case, the stock was in the black for 2026 when compared to a 16.5 multiple.
That creates an enigma for shareholders about whether AI demand remains robust today.
Investors now need to decide whether they are willing to pay for that growth if the enormous AI infrastructure spending cycle eventually stabilizes.
Nvidia’s record buyback lands as valuation hits a decade low.Bloomberg / Getty Images
Nvidia has already been putting billions behind its shares
The new authorization is also more meaningful because Nvidia has shown, on multiple occasions, that it can put its cash war chest to good use.
In its latest quarterly filing, Nvidia said it bought back 94 million shares for $19.7 billion during the second quarter and 203 million shares for $39.8 billion during the first half of fiscal 2027. That compares with $24.2 billion of repurchases during the same six-month period in the year-ago period.
The company had $99.3 billion remaining under its authorization at the end of July before the latest $150 billion boost.
Nvidia also holds considerable financial power to finance capital returns.
It finished the July quarter with $22.44 billion in cash and cash equivalents and another $34.14 billion in marketable debt securities. When you take the two of those together, those assets total $56.59 billion.
More importantly, the business generated $74.42 billion in operating cash flow during the first six months of fiscal 2027, versus $42.78 billion in the year-ago period.
That cash generation allows Nvidia to allocate a large amount of capital on its business segments while giving back significant amounts to shareholders.
CEO Jensen Huang said the company’s cash generation gives it the capacity to invest in the technologies behind the AI transition while also returning capital.
The authorization itself, however, does not mean Nvidia is going to power through the $235 billion immediately. Its SEC filing says buybacks depend on market conditions, operating requirements, and other investment opportunities, and the company can suspend the program when it deems fit.
Nvidia’s next challenge is sustaining the earnings behind the multiple
The record buyback does not settle the issue of Nvidia’s valuation.
Instead, the debate stands sharpened as a result.
The company is producing far more revenue, profit and operating cash than it did when you look back at just a year ago.
At the same time, its forward earnings multiple is down to a level Nvidia has not seen since 2015.
Nvidia cannot ignore the competition as well. AMD has gained considerably more in 2026, while Intel has also blown past Nvidia through late September. At the same time, major technology companies continue to invest billions of dollars in AI infrastructure, while investors continue to discuss how long spending can continue at its current rate.
Related: Michael Burry sends fresh warning on Nvidia stock
That means the important number may ultimately be neither $150 billion nor $235 billion.
It may be 16.5.
If Nvidia keeps delivering strong earnings growth, a much lower forward multiple could make the company’s financial performance appear disconnected from its valuation. If AI spending growth weakens, however, the lower multiple might be for investors looking at a future in which the market will mature further.
Nvidia’s record buyback puts billions of dollars behind management’s confidence, an extraordinary bet on its track record. The company’s earnings will determine whether Wall Street’s growing caution is cause for concern.
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SNAP Benefits Are Increasing for Millions in October: Here’s How Much
The federal government has announced cost-of-living adjustments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, that will give millions of Americans a boost to their food stamps.
Every year, the announcement of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) grabs the attention of America’s retirees and people with disabilities. The SNAP COLA, set to take effect Thursday (Oct. 1), doesn’t receive as much fanfare.
Cost-of-living adjustments are supposed to prevent inflation from eroding the spending power that comes from benefit programs. The SNAP COLA adjustments are lower than the current inflation rate of 3.4%, but higher than “food at home” inflation (2.2%).
The maximum monthly “allotments,” or benefits, will increase by between 2.7% and 3.2%, according to an Aug. 21 memo from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That works out to increases of between $6.43 and $8 per person, depending on household size.
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Starting next month, a family of four can receive up to $1,023 a month in SNAP benefits, an increase of $29 — or $7.25 per person. The max benefit for an individual will rise to $306 per month, an $8 increase.
The COLA doesn’t help only SNAP recipients who receive the max benefits. Households receiving less than the maximum generally stand to see similar dollar increases from the adjustment.
The USDA bases the adjustments to maximum monthly SNAP benefits on consumer price index inflation data and the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), a government estimate of what it costs a four-person family to support a nutritious, budget-friendly diet.
Here are the changes taking effect in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C.:
“The calculation takes economies of scale into account,” a USDA webpage explains. “Smaller households get slightly more per person than the four-person household. Households larger than four people get slightly less per person.”
The average SNAP benefit was $188 per person in fiscal year 2025, according to the USDA, and there were 36.4 million SNAP participants in June 2026.
2027 income limits for SNAP
Every October, the USDA also updates SNAP’s income limits for inflation. This year’s increases range from 1.9% to 3.4%, depending on household size.
Here are the old and new gross monthly income limits to qualify for SNAP, which are set at 130% of the poverty line. Keep in mind that net income limits also apply, and state eligibility rules vary.
SNAP cuts in last year’s “Big, Beautiful” bill made it harder to qualify for benefits by expanding work requirements. Many SNAP participants under the age of 65 without young kids must now work or complete approved activities (such as volunteering or training) for at least 80 hours per month to keep receiving their benefits. The number of SNAP participants decreased by about 12.8% from June 2025 to June 2026.
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Buying Probate Property? Watch Out for Will Fraud
A probate home can seem like a good way to buy a home at a fair price. Yet a sale tied to an estate can have risks that do not show up at first glance. A fake will, a bad deed, or a conflict over who has the right to sell can put the deal at risk. If a buyer has a fear of fraud, will fraud solicitors can help check the facts and set out the next step. The key is to act with care. You should not send a large sum or sign a deal just on trust. A few smart checks can help you spot a risk, helping you make the right decisions.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how you can watch for potential risks when buying probate property.
Understanding Probate Property and Will Fraud
A probate home is one that forms part of a deceased person’s estate and is dealt with by a will or by the rules of no will. The key point for a buyer is simple. The sale must be done by a person who has the legal right to deal with the home. If a will is there, the named representative may need a grant of probate to show they have the right to act for the estate. If there is no valid will, a grant of letters of admin may be used in some cases.
Remember, will fraud can take many forms. It may mean a will was made with a fake signature. It may be a fake document. It may also mean a real will was changed in a way that was not valid. A buyer does not need to be a will law professional to spot a risk. The first step is to ask who has the right to sell. Moreover, ask for proof of death, will, grant, seller’s role, title for the home, and any key court act tied to the sale. If the sale is made by more than one person, check that all who need to act are part of the deal.
Major Red Flags to Avoid
Fraud does not always look like a fake document. Some signs may be small but still worth a pause. You should take care if the seller is keen to rush you. Keep in mind that it is a good sign to slow down and check the file. You must look out for:
A will that has no clear date
Odd or poor sign marks
A will that is hard to read or has key edits
A sale price far below the fair home value
A new will that cuts out a close family member
A title that does not fit the sale story
However, none of these facts alone proves fraud. A low price may have a sound reason, a late will may be valid, and a title may have a past issue that can be fixed. The point is to ask more questions when the facts do not line up.
Legal and Financial Consequences
The worst time to spot a will fraud is after you have paid a large sum. If a will is said to be fake or is under a court case, the sale may face a delay. In some cases, the right to sell may be in doubt until the case is dealt with. That can lead to extra costs, and you may face:
Extra legal fees
A late moving date
Loan cost
Survey cost
Rent on your old home
Loss of a good loan deal
How to Protect Yourself
A safe sale starts with good care. You should use your own legal representative and do not rely only on the seller who acts for the estate. Your legal team can check the title, sale terms, and proof of the right to sell. Moreover, ask for key proof early. It is far easier to deal with a red flag before you sign than once cash has moved.
Key Takeaways
Buying a probate home can work well, but the estate side needs as much care as the bricks and land. Do not let a low price push you past key checks. You must find out who can sell. Then, check the will and grant. Also, look at the title, and ask key questions when facts are not clear. Moreover, if a will is said to be fake, pause the deal and get legal help. A short delay at the start can be far less costly than a long fight after cash has been paid.
Legal Disclaimer:
Please be advised that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Probate, land sale, title, and will law can vary with the facts of each case. This guide does not give legal, tax, or home-buying advice. A buyer who is dealing with a will fraud or a fake will should seek advice from a qualified legal professional before taking any key step.
The post Buying Probate Property? Watch Out for Will Fraud appeared first on Addicted 2 Success.