Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies in India at the Age of 80
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies in India
Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, has passed away at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India. Reports state that Odinga collapsed during his morning walk in Koothattukulam and was rushed to Devamatha Hospital at the Sreedhareeyam facility, where medical staff were unable to revive him.
He had arrived in Koothattukulam six days earlier for medical care and was accompanied by his daughter and close relatives during his final days. Kenya and India embassies are coordinating the repatriation of his remains.
A towering figure in Kenyan politics, Odinga served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013. He long held the post of Leader of the Opposition, and between 1992 and 2013, he was a member of Parliament representing the Lang’ata constituency. Over his career, he contested Kenya’s presidency five times but never succeeded.
President Trump Bold Diplomacy Brings Peace to Gaza
President Trump Bold Diplomacy Brings Peace to Gaza
President Donald Trump orchestrated a historic peace breakthrough on October 13, 2025, when he presided over the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.At the summit, President Trump unveiled a bold diplomatic initiative and secured the first phase of a ceasefire: Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages, Israel freed 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and hostilities ceased immediately while Israeli forces stepped back from key positions. The U.S. pledged support for reconstruction in Gaza.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly lauded Trump’s leadership and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, calling him “the most wonderful candidate.” Trump himself declared, “This is not only the end of a war, it is the end of an age of terror and death, and the beginning of the age of faith, hope, and of God.”
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance celebrated the moment as a landmark achievement: “Today marks a truly historic achievement in President Trump’s mission for peace. It was incredible to see those hostages returned safely after two long years of unspeakable horrors.”
Today marks a truly historic achievement in President Trump's mission for peace. It was incredible to see those hostages returned safely after two long years of unspeakable horrors. May God continue to guide our president and may this finally be a lasting peace in the region. https://t.co/QEcxg37BQE
International reactions have ranged from high praise to cautious scrutiny, but many observers agree the summit marks a new chapter in Middle East diplomacy.
Professor Tom Hayes of Ohio University arrives in Columbus after being detained by Israel during a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza.
Ohio University Professor Tom Hayes Returns to Columbus After Israeli Detention in Gaza
Columbus, Ohio — An Ohio University professor, who was detained by Israeli authorities while participating in a humanitarian mission to deliver food and medicine to Gaza, has safely returned to Columbus, according to local activist groups.
Tom Hayes, an associate professor at Ohio University’s School of Film, arrived at John Glenn Columbus International Airport on October 12, 2025. Hayes was among several journalists and medical professionals aboard the aid vessel “The Conscience,” which was intercepted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on October 8 around 6 p.m. UTC, according to the Freedom Flotilla Tracker, an open-source tool monitoring humanitarian ships attempting to reach Gaza.
Following the interception, the vessel was escorted to the Israeli port city of Ashdod, where passengers were detained and questioned. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, of which Hayes is a member, is a grassroots organization that has repeatedly sought to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza, aiming to deliver food and medical assistance to Palestinians.
The Ohio University Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine confirmed that Hayes was acting as a media volunteer during the mission. The Conscience reportedly carried international journalists and medical personnel representing over 25 countries.
International organizations, including the World Health Organization, have highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies have left many civilians suffering.
Hayes has yet to release a public statement about his experience but was welcomed home by local supporters and advocacy groups who commended his commitment to humanitarian efforts and justice for Palestinians.
Delaware City Attorney Natalia Harris announces resignation citing workplace bullying and discrimination.
Delaware City Attorney Natalia Harris Resigns, Citing Workplace Bullying and Discrimination
Delaware, Ohio – Delaware City Attorney Natalia Harris has officially resigned from her position, citing “workplace bullying and discriminatory conduct” in a resignation letter submitted on September 24, 2025. Harris, who made history as Delaware’s first African American and first female city attorney, announced that she would use her accrued compensatory time before her final day on October 3, 2025.
In her letter, Harris expressed pride in her contributions over five years leading the city’s legal department but stated she could no longer tolerate what she described as a hostile work environment. However, she did not provide specific examples of the alleged incidents.
A city spokesperson, Lee Yoakum, stated that the city’s human resources department has not received any formal complaints or documentation supporting Harris’ allegations. Attempts to reach Harris for further comment as of October 13 were unsuccessful.
The city attorney in Delaware is an appointed position reporting to the city manager rather than an elected office. Following Harris’ resignation, the City of Delaware listed an opening for a new chief legal counsel on October 6, with a salary range between $141,668.80 and $160,160.00 per year, according to official records.
Harris, who previously served as Delaware’s chief prosecutor starting in July 2019, was appointed city attorney in 2020. Earlier this year, she ran in the 2024 Democratic primary for Franklin County Prosecutor, losing to Shayla Favor, who later won the general election.
With more than 25 years of legal experience, Harris has served in several Ohio jurisdictions, including as assistant city attorney for Columbus for 11 years, focusing on civil and administrative law. She also worked in the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office in Dayton and served as lead prosecutor for the city of Cincinnati.
Harris earned her law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Central State University, where she currently serves as vice chair of the board of trustees.
Ohio health officials report an increase in La Crosse virus cases, urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Ohio Leads the Nation in La Crosse Virus Cases, Health Officials Warn
Ohio is currently leading the nation in La Crosse virus cases, a mosquito-borne illness that primarily affects children under the age of 16, according to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).
“This has been a particularly active year,” said Dr. Chris Ouellette, an Infectious Disease Physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “While we are seeing more cases than usual, this trend is consistent with historical patterns when looking over a longer period.”
So far, 40 human cases of the La Crosse virus have been reported in Ohio this year, twice the average annual number typically recorded in the state. Most of the cases have been concentrated in central and southeastern Ohio, as well as in Appalachian regions, where the mosquito species that spreads the virus thrives.
Dr. Ouellette said Nationwide Children’s Hospital has treated over 20 cases in the past year. “That’s within the range of what we’ve seen before,” he noted.
The La Crosse virus is spread by a specific type of mosquito found in wooded or shaded areas and is known to bite during the daytime. Because the illness is not transmitted from person to person, doctors stress that prevention through mosquito protection is the most effective defense.
“The best protection starts with mosquito repellent,” Dr. Ouellette advised. “Use repellents on exposed skin and wear long-sleeved clothing to minimize bites.”
Most people infected with the virus do not show symptoms, but when symptoms appear, they usually develop within five to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“The virus can cause inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding it,” Ouellette said. “Typical symptoms include fever, headache, and nausea.”
Despite sounding alarming, most children recover fully without lasting health effects. There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the La Crosse virus, so mosquito bite prevention remains the best protection.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely as Ohio remains the leading state for La Crosse virus infections this year.
Police investigate the scene where a man was fatally shot by Columbus officers near North High Street and 9th Avenue early Saturday morning.
Columbus Police Shot and Killed Man During Robbery Response in University District
Columbus Police shot and killed a man during a robbery response in the University District early Saturday morning, October 12, officials confirmed.
According to Sgt. James Fuqua of the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to reports of a possible robbery around 3:30 a.m. near North High Street and 9th Avenue. A patrol officer was flagged down by individuals who reported that a man in the area was possibly armed.
The officer later saw a person matching the description and attempted to stop him. When the suspect ran away, the officer pursued on foot. According to a police press release, the officer radioed that the man being chased had a gun.
“A brief foot pursuit followed, and the officer fired shots at the suspect,” Fuqua said.
Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9, said witnesses told officers that the suspect was armed and allegedly brandished a gun while fleeing. “As we always say, officers react to a suspect’s actions,” Steel stated. “They discharged their weapon, shot him, and killed him.”
However, Fuqua noted that investigators have not yet confirmed whether the man actually pointed the gun at officers. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has taken over the case to ensure transparency and an independent review.
A firearm was recovered at the scene, believed to be connected to the suspect, but further details about the weapon are still unclear. The man was transported to Grant Medical Center in critical condition and later died from his injuries. No officers were injured, police confirmed.
Authorities have not yet released the names of either the officer involved or the deceased man. Several individuals were detained at the scene for questioning, but no arrests have been made as of now.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to Columbus Police.
Lancaster police say a 9-year-old boy has died after an accidental shooting at a home on Summitview Drive.
9 Year Old Boy Dies After Lancaster Shooting
LANCASTER, Ohio — Authorities in Lancaster have confirmed the death of a 9-year-old boy after an accidental shooting that took place Monday evening on Summitview Drive.
According to the Lancaster Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 5:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting involving two juveniles. Investigators say the children were playing with a gun when one of them reportedly tried to imitate “how a drunk person acted.” Moments later, the firearm discharged, striking the 9-year-old.
The second child who witnessed the shooting reportedly moved the weapon before alerting an adult in the home. Paramedics quickly arrived and airlifted the injured child to a Columbus hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Police confirmed on Saturday that the boy later died from his injuries.
The Lancaster Police Department has launched an active investigation into the incident, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Officials have not yet released the identities of those involved.
Authorities continue to urge residents to secure firearms safely and ensure children are educated about gun safety, emphasizing the importance of preventing similar tragedies.
Columbus residents gathered at Hilliard Station Park to honor over 20,000 Palestinian children lost in the Israel-Hamas war.
Over 20 000 Palestinian Children Killed Remembered in Hilliard
Columbus, Ohio — At Hilliard Station Park, thousands of names echoed through the air as local residents gathered in a solemn ceremony to honor over 20,000 Palestinian children who lost their lives since October 7, 2023, in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on October 11, community members took turns reading each child’s name every 15 minutes — a symbolic gesture to humanize the devastating loss. “Each name represents a child who had dreams, hopes, and a future,” said event organizer Nesha Usmani, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and empathy.
Fellow organizer Sharay Syed spoke on the emotional weight of the event, noting the painful imagery shared online by families in Gaza. “There’s no political explanation for a child’s life being taken by war,” she said.
The vigil followed a ceasefire declaration by the Israel Defense Forces on October 8, marking a significant pause in the two-year conflict. However, despite the ceasefire, community leaders acknowledged that thousands more victims remain unaccounted for under rubble and destruction, bringing the total death toll to over 67,000.
This was not the first remembrance of its kind. The organizers first held a public name-reading event on September 20 at Bridge Park in Dublin, Ohio. After 11 hours, only a quarter of the names had been read, reflecting the magnitude of the tragedy.
The October 11 vigil concluded with an interfaith prayer organized by Baladna: Palestine Society of Columbus, where approximately 100 participants gathered to express solidarity and call for global awareness.
Board member Noura Dabdoub shared her personal connection to Palestine and urged continued attention: “Even if the ceasefire holds, families will still be recovering — pulling remains from the rubble for years.”
Dr. Luma Ghalib, a physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, reminded attendees of the broader human lesson: “We must not forget. History has shown us too many tragedies. This should be the moment we choose compassion over conflict.”
The event closed with a shared vow among attendees that while the world may move on, Columbus will never forget the children lost to war.
Gov. Mike DeWine grants reprieves to death row inmates Antonio Franklin and James Trimble, delaying their executions until 2029.
Governor Mike DeWine Reprieves Execution Dates for Two Death Row Inmates
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has granted reprieves to two death row inmates, postponing their scheduled executions by three years.
Antonio Franklin and James Trimble, both convicted of aggravated murder, were originally slated for execution in early 2026. Under the new orders, Franklin’s execution has been rescheduled from February 11, 2026, to February 15, 2029, while Trimble’s date has been moved from March 12, 2026, to March 14, 2029.
This marks the second reprieve granted to Franklin, who received a death sentence in Montgomery County in 1998. Trimble, imprisoned at the Ross County Correctional Institution since 2005, was sentenced to death for three counts of aggravated murder, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC).
As of August 2025, Ohio houses 113 inmates on death row, with no executions carried out so far this year. Meanwhile, state lawmakers have renewed discussions on abolishing the death penalty, reflecting a growing movement within the Ohio Statehouse to reconsider capital punishment.
Three Ohio-based companies sue Gov. Mike DeWine over a new hemp product ban.
Gov Mike DeWine Sued by Ohio Companies for removing intoxicating hemp products from Ohio stores
Court records from Franklin County show that three Ohio-based companies, Fumee Smoke and Vape, Invicta Nutraceuticals, and Titan Logistics Group have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The suit challenges DeWine’s recent executive order banning certain hemp products from store shelves across Ohio. Retailers were instructed to remove the products by Tuesday. The order will remain in place for 90 days, giving the Ohio General Assembly time to decide whether to extend it.
The companies involved argue that the governor’s action is unlawful and will hurt their businesses, stating there is no evidence that these hemp products pose a threat to public health. They have also asked the court for a temporary restraining order to prevent the ban from taking effect, warning that it could cause major financial losses and even force them to close.
Governor DeWine defended the move, explaining that Ohio’s marijuana law, approved by voters, created a regulated and tested market with strict packaging standards — safeguards not currently applied to hemp products.
Currently, hemp-derived items can be sold to any age group and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), leading to ongoing debates about how the state should manage the growing hemp industry.
