Louisiana’s governor asks for National Guard deployment to New Orleans and other cities [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
Day: September 30, 2025
The lowest inflation nationally for house prices is in Dublin, where prices are up 4.5 per cent since last year
Rescue workers, police and soldiers digging through the night pulled out eight weak and injured survivors.
Governor Pritzker Condemns Authoritarianism Following Federal Actions
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has condemned a surge of authoritarianism in U.S. cities, criticizing federal agents for allegedly “firing upon journalists without provocation” and “marching down streets demanding papers,” actions he attributes to abuse of power by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs. Pritzker’s remarks come amidst growing concerns over federal intervention in urban areas, reports 24brussels.
During a press conference on September 30, 2025, Pritzker expressed alarm over the tactics employed by federal forces in cities like Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., asserting that these actions do not enhance public safety but rather endanger citizens. He stated, “For Donald Trump, this is not about fighting crime; this is about sowing fear, intimidation, and division among Americans. This is about consolidating power in Donald Trump’s hands.”
Highlighting the implications of federal actions, Pritzker specifically addressed the potential deployment of 100 military troops to Illinois, asserting, “One thing is clear — none of this is making Illinois safer.” His strong response is a part of a broader critique of the current administration’s approach to law enforcement and public safety, as he warned of the dangers posed by an overreaching government.
Pritzker’s comments are underscored by a tweet in which he questioned the narrative surrounding such federal actions, asking, “In any other country, if federal agents fired upon journalists when unprovoked — what would we call it? If federal agents marched down streets demanding papers — what would we say? Authoritarianism — let’s not pretend it’s something else when it happens in our American cities.”
In reaction to reported abuses by federal agents over the weekend, he released a flyer earlier this month to educate the public on exercising constitutional rights, irrespective of immigration status. The governor’s focus on civil liberties reflects an ongoing tension between state governance and federal authority, particularly in tumultuous political times.
Heavy rains and flooding after Typhoon Bualoi raise death toll to 19 in Vietnam [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
Gas derived from farm waste can meet only 18% of current gas demand by 2050, despite claims of fossil fuel lobbyists, study finds
Gas derived from farm waste will never be an alternative to the widespread adoption of heat pumps, research shows, despite the claims of fossil fuel lobbyists.
Biomethane, which comes mainly from “digesting” manure, sewage and other organic waste, has been touted as a low-carbon substitute for fossil fuel gas, for use in home heating. Proponents say it would be less disruptive than ripping out the UK’s current gas infrastructure and installing heat pumps.
Annette Riedl/picture alliance via Getty Images
- A Pop Mart executive wants Labubu and other characters to have Mickey Mouse’s staying power.
- The Chinese toy company is working hard to ensure that Labubu remains relevant for years to come.
- Labubu has been a big money maker for Pop Mart, snagging brand deals and celebrity endorsements.
Pop Mart has Disney-sized ambitions for Labubu, and one of its top executives has outlined a road map to ensure that the furry dolls don’t become a one-hit wonder.
The Chinese toy giant is trying to keep its viral Labubu doll and other intellectual property characters relevant in the long term, much like Disney had managed to do with Mickey Mouse.
Si De, Pop Mart’s COO and executive director, told Reuters in an interview, released Monday, that Pop Mart had “learned from Disney for a long time.”
“In fact, Disney’s great value lies in its ability to operate IP over the long-term, even up to 100 years,” Si said to the outlet.
Si said that in the near future, Pop Mart wanted to invest in “better products, finding better collaborations, developing content, theme parks, store displays” first for Labubu, followed by its other popular IP characters.
The company has launched numerous retail collaborations with brands like Uniqlo, Crocs, Lego, and tea brand Chagee, among others. Its first theme park, Popland in Beijing, opened in 2023.
Labubu has had its own pop culture moment, with big-name celebrities like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Joshua Hong from K-pop group Seventeen, buying into the trend and showing off the dolls on their socials.
Labubu has shaped up to be a big money-maker for Pop Mart. “The Monsters” IP, which includes Labubu, contributed 4.81 billion Chinese yuan, or about $674 million, to the company’s total sales in the first half of this year, per its earnings report released on August 19.
The company reported a 204% increase in revenue in the first half of the year, compared to the same period in 2024, with global sales of 13.87 billion Chinese yuan. Its stock is up about 400% in the past year.
Representatives for Pop Mart declined a request for comment from Business Insider.
Read the original article on Business Insider
A skull, hip bone and leg bone were found at 134-01 20th Avenue in College Point, near a sprawling parking lot lined with popular stores like ShopRite, Target, HomeGoods and TJ Maxx.
Craig Vogt delivered a letter to his neighbor to “prove a point that he will continue to kill his pet peacocks if she continues to feed them,” the affidavit said.
OKX Launches Stablecoin Payment Service for Grab in Singapore
Cryptocurrency exchange OKX announced the launch of a new service on Tuesday, enabling customers to make payments in stablecoins to merchants on Grab’s payment platform in Singapore, reports 24brussels.
This integration marks a significant step in the collaboration between OKX and Grab, facilitating a seamless payment experience for users. Stablecoins, designed to maintain a stable value, bring an added layer of security and reliability for transactions.
The partnership aims to enhance the digital payment landscape in Singapore, capitalizing on the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies among consumers and merchants alike. With this service, users can leverage cryptocurrency in everyday transactions, potentially broadening the user base for both platforms.
In recent months, Grab has expanded its offerings to include various digital financial services, illustrating its commitment to being at the forefront of the fintech revolution in Southeast Asia. OKX’s move aligns with its strategy to drive adoption of digital currencies and increase their utility in real-world applications.
As the regulatory environment evolves, both companies are positioning themselves to benefit from a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in the region. The launch of the stablecoin payment service indicates a strategic foresight into consumer trends, aiming to attract both traditional users and crypto enthusiasts.