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8-Year-Old Runs Through School Seeking Help While Choking; Parents Release CCTV Before Her Death

Divya Danu — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 21:32:08 +0530

The parents of an eight-year-old girl who died after choking during lunch at her elementary school in Texas have released surveillance footage showing her attempts to seek help before she was taken to hospital. The video has raised questions about how school staff responded to the emergency, with her family calling for an independent investigation.

Trigger Warning: Videos below contain disturbing visuals. Viewers' discretion is advised.

An 8-year-old girl choked at lunch and ran through her school looking for someone to save her. Her parents just released the video, and they want answers.

Adrian Thompson was eating in the cafeteria at Velma Penny Elementary in Lindale, Texas, back in April when she started choking. Surveillance video shows her going to an adult for help, then running down the hallway toward the nurse’s office. Someone eventually called 911, but by the time she reached the hospital, it was too late. She died the next morning. The Texas Rangers investigated and called it an accident with no crime committed. But her parents say the video raises serious questions about how long it took for anyone to act, and they’re calling for a new, independent investigation. Every adult in a school building should know how to save a choking child, period.

Should every teacher and school staff member be required to train in the Heimlich maneuver?

— Tony Lane (@TonyLaneNV) October 30, 2026

Justice for Adrian Thompson.. https://t.co/6GeGdCLyqM

— charlotte (@itsJoanLu) October 30, 2026

I have seen far too many people in the comments saying they will NOT pray for justice for 8-year-old Adrian Thompson because they believe no one should be held accountable for the mistakes and apparent negligence surrounding her death at Lindale ISD.

JUSTICE DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN CRIMINAL CHARGES.

Justice can mean accountability. Justice can mean mandatory training. Justice can mean changing policies and procedures so that another child NEVER experiences what Adrian did.

And yes, justice can also mean removing employees who failed to respond appropriately to a child experiencing an obvious medical emergency.

Statements are circulating that several employees present during the early stages of Adrian’s choking emergency were allegedly CPR certified.

I am actively working to determine which employees had current CPR, first-aid, or choking-response training, and whether any of them recognized the signs of distress and failed to intervene.

Because watching a child struggle to breathe and failing to recognize what’s happening raises serious questions about training, preparedness, and responsibility.

And to the people in my comments, including some claiming to be medical professionals, who insist Adrian NEVER displayed signs of choking:

You are wrong.

I have slowed down three separate moments in the footage where I observed what appear to be signs of a choking emergency.

Adrian repeatedly placed her hands around her throat.

She appeared to struggle to speak. (Witness statements confirm that she attempted to speak and could not)

She appeared to struggle to breathe.

She appeared to attempt to cough without effectively clearing her airway.

She appeared frightened and increasingly distressed.

PLACING ONE OR BOTH HANDS AROUND THE THROAT IS A WELL-RECOGNIZED UNIVERSAL SIGN OF CHOKING.

And from what I can observe, Adrian appeared to demonstrate that warning sign MORE THAN ONCE.

Other viewers have identified additional moments they believe show distress. These are simply three that I personally selected and slowed down for closer examination.

Eventually, Adrian’s condition deteriorated, and she became unresponsive.

Early recognition and appropriate choking intervention can be lifesaving. We cannot know whether immediate intervention would have saved Adrian, but we absolutely CAN question whether opportunities to recognize her distress were missed.

SHE WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD.

She was surrounded by adults in a place where her parents trusted that she would be safe.

Nobody has to intentionally hurt a child for a serious failure to deserve accountability.

If this tragedy reveals gaps in training, those gaps need to be corrected. If employees ignored recognizable warning signs despite appropriate training, their actions deserve a thorough and independent review.

THAT IS WHAT JUSTICE CAN LOOK LIKE.

I slowed down the footage and paused it at certain points so you can examine these three moments for yourselves.

— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) October 24, 2026

This was beyond negligence. You can clearly see she was in distress. The teacher should never have sent her to the trash can, then the bathroom, and then the nurse. They should have immediately started back blows or the Heimlich maneuver. This infuriates me. I hope the parents sue the district. Justice for Adrian.

Adrian Sue Thompson

December 20, 2017 – April 16, 2026

On April 15, 2026, 8-year-old Adrian Sue Thompson began choking while eating lunch in the cafeteria at Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, Texas.

Surveillance footage reviewed during the subsequent investigation shows her standing from her table around 11:40 a.m., displaying clear signs of distress—holding her throat, gagging, and trying to clear her mouth.

An adult staff member initially directed her toward a trash can, believing she might be about to vomit.

She then left the cafeteria and made her way to the school nurse’s office.

The nurse performed the Heimlich maneuver after Adrian began turning blue, then used a LifeVac airway-clearance device fitted with an adult-sized mask (rather than the pediatric mask recommended for her age) before starting CPR.

Emergency responders arrived, continued care, and transported her to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. She died in the early morning hours of April 16.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as choking and the manner accidental; autopsy findings included a large piece of food lodged in her esophagus.

The Texas Rangers investigated at the request of Adrian’s mother, Anna Thompson. Their report, closed in July 2026, concluded that no criminal offense had occurred under Texas law.

It documented the sequence of events from video and written statements provided by the school, along with the use of the adult-sized LifeVac mask.

Adrian’s parents have said the investigation relied on those materials without the Rangers conducting their own interviews of the staff members involved, and that the case was closed without being presented to the District Attorney.

They continue to have questions about the speed of recognition, the equipment used, and whether the response met the standards of care expected in a school setting.

The family is not calling for criminal charges. They are asking for a thorough, independent review outside Smith County so the full circumstances can be examined and so any lessons can help protect other children.

They have requested that members of the public contact Texas Department of Public Safety leadership in Austin and respectfully ask for such a review:

• Texas Rangers Headquarters: 512-424-2160

• DPS Inspector General: 512-424-5017

• [email protected]

Adrian was eight years old. She is remembered by those who knew her as expressive, energetic, and full of life.

Her parents want her death to be met with transparency and with concrete improvements in how schools recognize and respond to choking emergencies.

Sharing her story and supporting a careful, independent look at the record is the request they have made.

— Trump Girl (@TrumpGirlLove) October 29, 2026

Adrian Thompson was eating in the cafeteria at Velma Penny Elementary School in Lindale, East Texas, when she began showing signs of distress in April. Her parents, Anna and the girl's father, recently shared the footage with CBS affiliate KYTX.

CCTV shows girl trying to get help

According to an investigative report and as also seen in the footage, Adrian approached an adult in the cafeteria and gestured towards her mouth, apparently indicating that she was choking. The woman directed her towards a dustbin and then asked whether she needed to use the bathroom.

Adrian left the cafeteria but returned shortly afterwards, still appearing distressed. The footage later shows her running along a corridor towards the school nurse's office.

The video does not show what happened inside the office. However, an investigative report said the nurse told authorities that she performed the Heimlich manoeuvre, used an anti-choking device and began CPR.

A 911 call was eventually made from the nurse's office, reporting that a child was choking. When the surveillance footage resumes, emergency responders are seen taking Adrian to an ambulance as chest compressions continue.

She was first taken to a hospital and later transferred to a children's hospital in Fort Worth. However, she died the following morning.

Parents question school's response

Adrian's mother, Anna Thompson, said the footage raised serious questions about the time taken to respond after her daughter first showed signs of choking.

She said she would still have been devastated by the loss even if staff had immediately tried to help, but the footage did not show the prompt response she had hoped to see.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ABC News (@abcnews)

The family is seeking a fresh, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adrian's death.

The Texas Rangers investigated the incident and classified it as an accident, concluding that no criminal offence had been committed, according to the report. The findings have not ended the family's concerns about the school's response.

Social media users call for first-aid training

The footage has prompted strong reactions online, with several users questioning whether school employees were adequately trained to handle choking emergencies.

Some called for mandatory first-aid, CPR and choking-response training for teachers and other school staff. Others said schools should review their emergency procedures and ensure that appropriate equipment is available.

@TonyLaneNV Absolutely. Anyone responsible for children should know basic choking first aid and CPR. It can be the difference between a child getting help in time and a tragedy like this. No parent should have to wonder whether someone at school knew what to do.

— Miss Marlin (@callmemarlin) October 30, 2026

@TonyLaneNV Everyone should know how to perform the Hiemlich, even young adults. I’d throw CPR in there too, but to a lesser degree.

— Rebel (@Rebel_Net) October 30, 2026

@TonyLaneNV I have a real issue with the creature in black who literally shoved a choking child's head into a trashcan. She seemed so unconcerned about the whole situation. My blood boils watching her casually stroll around while basically ignoring Adrian's obvious distress signal.

— Sonja V ... That's Me! (@FireWoman9) October 31, 2026

One user shared a personal account of a child choking at school and said another student had stepped in to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre when adults did not respond.

Several commenters also urged the family to seek accountability, while others expressed sympathy for Adrian's parents. The online reactions have renewed debate over whether basic emergency training should be compulsory for everyone responsible for children's safety at school.

Mother Enters California School Bus via Window After Students Kept On Board For 1 Hour | WATCH Viral Video

Divya Danu — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:20:52 +0530

A California school bus descended into chaos after students were kept on board for about an hour following serious behaviour concerns. Children called parents, some climbed through windows, and one mother entered bus via window to reach her child.

A chaotic scene on a school bus in California has gone viral after a mother allegedly climbed through a window to reach her child while students were kept on board for about an hour.

ALERT: Mother smashed the window of a school bus and crawled through the window after the driver wouldn't let the kids out in California.Students on a Calaveras Unified school bus were stuck for about an hour after rowdy kids forced the bus driver to stop and call law… pic.twitter.com/vT4nVHe1it

— E X X ➠A L E R T S (@ExxAlerts) August 26, 2026

The incident happened on Monday along Highway 49 in Calaveras County after a school bus driver pulled over because of escalating student behaviour, as reported by KCRA 3. Videos from the scene show children climbing through bus windows and worried parents gathering outside.

According to local reports, the situation began when student behaviour on the bus became difficult to control. One child reportedly climbed out through a window, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle.

The driver then told students to remain seated and close the windows while law enforcement was called. Students were kept on the bus as deputies travelled to the scene, with some children reportedly calling their parents to say they had been waiting for a long time.

A 12-year-old student who was on the bus said children became increasingly restless and started screaming and shouting because they wanted to get off.

The situation escalated after several parents arrived at the roadside.

One mother, Nichole Wellington, said her son was frightened and that she wanted to take him home. She claimed she asked the driver to open the door and allow her to collect her child, but the request was refused.

Trapped Child, Smashed Glass, Furious Mom: School Bus Drama Explodes In CaliforniaChaos erupted after a California school bus pulled over during a disturbance, with students reportedly climbing out through windows before the mother forced her way inside and confronted the… pic.twitter.com/qvSAkxYBUx

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 27, 2026

According to reports, she then told her son to climb out through a window.

Another parent allegedly went further, striking the bus door and breaking its glass before climbing through a window and confronting the driver. The parent was later taken into custody for alleged vandalism at the request of the school district.

The dramatic moment was captured on video and has since triggered a fierce debate online.

Social media users were sharply divided. Some backed the parents, arguing that they would also panic if their child was stuck on a bus for nearly an hour without being allowed to leave.

If you try holding my kids hostage for an hour I will be entering to get my kid too. If anybody else did that it would be kid napping. 10 minutes? Sure, but an hour is way overboard.Also, there’s no way it took an hour for the police to get there. It so, she should be freed of…

— Jonathon Mock (@JonathonMock) August 27, 2026

Several people accused the driver of unnecessarily keeping the children inside. Others questioned why parents who had arrived at the scene could not simply collect their own children.

However, many others defended the driver and said the situation involved the safety of every child on board, particularly after a student had climbed through a window.

One parent who arrived at the scene said she had two children on the bus but told them to remain seated because the situation involved more than just her own children.

Calaveras Unified School District Superintendent Kassie Meeks said the driver followed district procedures and remained calm and appropriate throughout the incident.

The district said the bus was stopped because of serious student behaviour concerns that required law enforcement assistance. Officials reviewed footage and said action would be taken regarding the students involved.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office also warned that school bus windows should only be used as emergency exits.

The viral footage has now sparked a wider argument over school safety, parental rights and whether the driver should have allowed waiting parents to collect their children while deputies were on their way.

Open Bus Door Saves Biker in Bizarre Crash Caught on Camera in Colombia | WATCH Viral Video

Divya Danu — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:47:45 +0530

A bizarre crash in Colombia, has gone viral after an open bus door appeared to save a motorcyclist from a far worse impact. The rider crashed into the bus at an intersection and was thrown through the open doorway instead of hitting its solid side.

A bizarre road accident in Buga, Colombia, has gone viral after an open bus door appeared to save a motorcyclist from potentially far more serious injuries.

The extraordinary moment was captured on camera and has left social media users stunned. In the footage, a motorcyclist is seen approaching an intersection at speed before crashing into a bus crossing his path.

#IMPACTANTE Impresionantes imágenes captadas por una cam/seguridad en Buga (V. Cauca) revelan el violento choque entre un bus de servicio público y un motociclista que milagrosamente sobrevivió al fuerte impacto. El hombre finalmente salió del automotor por sus propios medios. pic.twitter.com/wKvPTad1we

— Colombia Oscura (@ColombiaOscura) August 30, 2026

But what happened next looked almost like a scene from an action film.

The bus's passenger door was open at the time of the collision. Instead of slamming directly into the side of the vehicle, the impact sent the motorcyclist flying through the open doorway and into the bus.

نسي سائق الباص الكلومبي باب الباص مفتوح ولم يعلم انه هذا سيكون اغرب سبب في انقاذ حياة هذا الشخصعند التقاطع كان قائد الدراجة النارية يقود بسرعة عندما تفاجئ بباص امامه وحدث كل هذا pic.twitter.com/msw2Bo50RW

— Saif (@diol2n) August 31, 2026

Remarkably, the rider was later seen standing up and walking out of the vehicle on his own.

According to details circulating with the viral video, the bus driver had allegedly failed to close the passenger door before continuing the journey.

That apparent mistake may have turned into an unexpected stroke of luck for the motorcyclist.

Had the door been shut, the rider could have collided directly with the solid side of the bus. Instead, the open entrance created a gap through which he was thrown by the force of the crash.

The rider landed inside the bus, where seats and the vehicle's interior may have absorbed part of the impact.

The footage shows the bizarre aftermath as passengers struggle to understand what has just happened. One moment, the bus appears to be moving normally; the next, a motorcyclist has suddenly entered through the open door.

Authorities are reportedly examining the circumstances of the accident and the condition of the motorcyclist.

The clip has sparked thousands of reactions online, with many viewers calling the incident a miracle.

"This is straight out of a movie," one user wrote, while another joked that the motorcyclist "didn't want to miss the bus".

Several people pointed to the incredible timing of the open door, with one commenting that it was "the kindest mistake ever made".

Others said the crash was a reminder of how quickly road accidents can turn deadly, particularly when riders travel at high speed through busy intersections.

Some viewers also noted that the motorcyclist appeared not to be wearing a helmet in the footage, adding another layer of concern to the incident.

While the rider's ability to stand and walk away made the crash appear miraculous, the full extent of any injuries has not been publicly confirmed.

The viral video has nevertheless fascinated viewers because of one extraordinary detail: an open bus door, which normally would be considered a serious safety lapse, may have changed the outcome of a high-impact collision.

In a matter of seconds, a mistake that could have put passengers at risk appeared to become an unlikely escape route for a motorcyclist.

'He Turned Rex Upside Down, Chocked And Slammed Him': Florida Man Accused Of Brutal Dog Abuse

Divya Danu — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:58:52 +0530

A 52-year-old Florida man has been arrested after allegedly abusing a black Labrador named Rex during two separate incidents in Boynton Beach, with surveillance footage showing the dog being lifted and slammed onto the pavement. According to the Boynton Beach Police Department, officers first responded on September 9 after a witness reported seeing a man lift a black Labrador above his head and slam the animal to the ground near a bus stop outside a Taco Bell on South Federal Highway.

The dog, later identified as Rex, was wearing a red 'service dog' vest and weighed about 50 pounds (around 23 kgs).

Florida Man Charged After Black Lab Is Slammed to Ground and Hoisted by NeckBOYNTON BEACH, FL - September 9, 2026, officers responded to the 2300 block of South Federal Highway after a witness reported seeing a man lift a black Lab above his head and slam it to the ground near… pic.twitter.com/aLXEzNIUm1

— Police Incidents (@PoliceIncident) September 18, 2026

Second alleged attack reported next day

The following morning, September 10, another witness reported a similar incident a few blocks away. Police said the woman saw a man allegedly choking the same black Labrador with its leash, lifting him off the ground and swinging him through the air. She also reported that the dog was struck with a water bottle.

The witness told officers that Rex appeared terrified, was shaking and repeatedly cowering.

An animal control officer investigated the area and obtained surveillance footage that reportedly captured both incidents.

CCTV allegedly captures abuse

In the first video, the suspect is allegedly seen lifting Rex completely off the ground before turning the dog upside down and slamming him onto the pavement.

The second video reportedly shows the man yanking Rex by his leash, striking him with a bottle and lifting him several feet into the air by his neck before dropping him.

NEW: South Florida man accused of choking and slamming a service dog to the ground during two separate incidents last weekJuan Latrez Poole, 52, was arrested after allegedly abusing a 50-pound black Lab named RexVideo shows Poole holding the dog upside down before slamming… pic.twitter.com/0gEyiXZotx

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) September 17, 2026

Police later identified the suspect as 52-year-old Juan Latrez Poole after a witness picked him from a photo lineup.

Rex now looking for a home

Poole was arrested on September 14 and charged with felony animal cruelty. Police said he was later released after posting a $30,000 bond.

Rex was taken to Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control following the investigation. The Labrador is now looking for a permanent home.

The case remains based on allegations, and the charges against Poole have yet to be proven in court.

He Survived Cancer Twice: Who Was Hassan Kariem, Killed In Six Flags Rollercoaster Fall In Georgia?

Divya Danu — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:52:19 +0530

A 42-year-old man died after being ejected from a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia in the United States, with police saying he struck other riders before falling beneath the attraction. The incident occurred shortly before 4 pm local time on Monday, October 12, and an investigation is under way. The victim, identified as Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, was found dead beneath the ride, according to the Cobb County Police Department. Authorities have not yet released full details about how he came to be ejected or confirmed the specific rollercoaster involved. The amusement park operator has temporarily closed nine rides across the United States and Canada as a precaution following the incident.

What Happened At Six Flags Over Georgia?

Police said preliminary information gathered through interviews with witnesses and park employees indicated that Kariem was thrown from the ride and struck other passengers before falling to the ground.

Although officials have not formally identified the attraction, aerial footage showed the Goliath rollercoaster stopped midway through its track. Several witnesses also identified Goliath as the ride involved.

The ride's safety systems and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined. Georgia's insurance and fire safety commissioner is also reviewing the case to establish what happened, according to BBC report.

Yesterday, around 4 p.m. at Six Flags Over Georgia, 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem was riding the Goliath roller coaster with his son while his wife and daughter watched from the ground. He was ejected from his seat, struck other riders, hit the train multiple times, and fell beneath the attraction. He was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead. Several other people were injured. Police have said preliminary interviews indicate he was ejected from the ride. The investigation is active and ongoing, involving local police, state safety officials, Six Flags, and the manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard. Similar hypercoasters at other Six Flags parks were temporarily closed out of caution. Goliath is a 200-foot, roughly 70 mph B&M hypercoaster that uses individual lap-bar restraints without secondary seatbelts or over-the-shoulder harnesses. It opened in 2006.

This is not an isolated moment of scrutiny for theme park rides. Separate and still-active lawsuits concern the X2 coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain. Attorneys have filed suits alleging catastrophic brain injuries—subdural hematomas and related trauma—linked to the ride’s forces and independently rotating seats. They say they represent more than a hundred additional people who claim brain injuries of varying severity after riding it in recent years. The park permanently retired X2 in late September after it had already been closed following incidents in July, stating that while the ride had passed safety tests, the decision was the right one given the effect on guest confidence. There have also been lawsuits involving Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe alleging brain bleeds, strokes, and other serious injuries tied to restraint design and head movement under extreme forces, following a 2025 death on that ride as well.

I keep coming back to the same question after reading about these cases: is the risk really worth it? The industry numbers are clear and reassuring on the surface. Fixed-site amusement rides in North America have a serious injury rate on the order of one in roughly 15.5 million rides. Millions of people ride every year without incident. The engineering, inspections, and daily checks are real. At the same time, staff can become complacent after years of uneventful operations. Normalization of deviance is a documented pattern in high-reliability settings—small deviations from procedure slowly become accepted until something goes wrong. Mechanical systems, no matter how well designed and redundantly checked, can fail. Restraints can come undone or fail to hold under forces they were never meant to see in a particular failure mode. Human bodies are not identical; vascular conditions, prior injuries, or simply the physics of a head moving relative to a headrest under high G can produce intracranial bleeding in rare cases. When the rare event happens, the statistical safety of the industry does not comfort the people who were on that particular train.

So what is actually happening in the heads of the people who choose these rides?

Sensation-seeking is a well-studied personality dimension, first systematically described by Marvin Zuckerman. High sensation-seekers have a lower baseline of physiological arousal and stronger responses to novel, intense, or complex stimuli. They tend to score higher on measures of openness to experience and, often, extraversion. Dopamine pathways, particularly in the ventral striatum and mesolimbic system, are more reactive to reward-predicting cues in these individuals. Brain imaging studies have shown differences in resting-state connectivity and in responses to risky or novel stimuli in regions such as the amygdala, insula, and prefrontal cortex. Some research has linked higher sensation-seeking to reduced gray-matter volume in certain prefrontal areas involved in behavioral inhibition, though findings are not uniform and environment clearly matters.

There is a meaningful distinction between people who genuinely enjoy the sensation and people who are primarily there because of social pressure. The first group often describes the experience in terms of presence, flow, or a temporary quieting of ordinary mental chatter. Their heart rates and cortisol responses can show the classic pattern of high arousal that is interpreted as positive rather than aversive. They tend to seek the ride again. The second group more often reports anxiety beforehand, relief afterward, and a social narrative (“everyone was doing it,” “I didn’t want to be the one who backed out”). Their physiological response is more likely to be dominated by threat-related circuits; the amygdala and associated stress pathways are more active, and the reward prediction error is smaller or absent. Conformity research (from Asch onward) shows that people will override private judgment under peer observation, especially when the group is cohesive and the cost of dissent feels immediate. In the moment at the loading platform, the social cost of saying no can feel higher than the residual risk of the ride.

The people who love it and the people who are mainly yielding to the group are not always easy to tell apart from the outside. Both can be laughing in line. Both can post the photo. But the internal accounting is different. One is seeking a specific state of arousal and mastery over that arousal. The other is managing a social identity cost. Over repeated exposures, the first group usually shows increasing comfort and positive anticipation; the second group often continues to experience the ride as something to get through. Personality inventories, behavioral measures of risk-taking under different social conditions, and even simple questions about whether the person seeks similar experiences alone or only in groups tend to separate them reasonably well.

None of this makes the rare mechanical or operational failure less tragic when it occurs. It does suggest that the decision to get on is not a single, uniform calculation. Some people are trading a small probability of severe harm for a reliable, intense positive state that their nervous systems appear built to value. Others are trading the same small probability for temporary social ease. Both calculations can be coherent on their own terms. Both can also be revised with better information about specific rides, specific restraint designs, and specific histories of incidents.

I keep wondering whether the industry’s overall safety record is the right frame, or whether the more relevant frame is the residual risk on any particular high-intensity machine operated by particular people on a particular day, combined with the particular nervous system of the person who decides to board. The numbers say the first frame is usually the right one. The lawsuits and the occasional fatality keep reminding us that the second frame is not imaginary.

What do you actually weigh when you decide whether a ride like that is worth it for you?

— R J (@rahuljaitley) October 13, 2026

How do people enjoy this rollercoaster?

The height alone is so scary for me

The man that fell off has been identified as a 42 year old Hassan Kariem, his wife and daughter reportedly watched from the ground

May his soul rest in peace ️ https://t.co/hFZVQ2p9OD

— Janny (@FablosJanny) October 14, 2026

DESTIN TRAGIQUE — Hassan Kariem avait survécu à presque tout :

Un incendie de voiture avec sa fille

️ Deux CANCERS

Une forme sévère du COVID-19

Mais alors qu’il profitait d’un parc d’attractions, il est MORT après être tombé de MONTAGNES RUSSES. ️ https://t.co/rmZKtXEFjC

— KRONIK Insights (@KRONIKInsights) October 14, 2026

Six Flags over Georgia's Goliath launched a passenger into the air

This woman witnessed it live and could not believe her eyes, clearly she was shocked by it all

The horror that all who saw it must have felt seeing someone go flying from the ride like that

On Monday, October 12, 2026, around 4 p.m., 42-year-old Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem of Atlanta was ejected from the Goliath

Six Flags temporarily closed the Goliath and eight similar roller coasters across its other locations.

— Dangerous Thoughts (@DangerousThinkg) October 13, 2026

John King, the state's insurance and fire safety commissioner, said inspectors had examined the park's rides before the season began. He added that investigators were inspecting the attraction and conducting interviews as part of a detailed review.

Officials have not yet held a news conference to provide a full account of the incident.

Witnesses Describe Shock And Distress

Visitors waiting in line for the ride described confusion and panic after the rollercoaster returned.

Connor Thompson told CBS News that people began shouting for someone to call emergency services after reports that a passenger had fallen from the ride. He said he later noticed that a seat restraint appeared to be unlatched.

Another witness, CiCi Nelson, told CNN that she saw an empty seat and a loose safety bar when the ride returned. She also described seeing a woman covered in blood.

Nick Mendenhall, who witnessed the incident, told the Associated Press that he saw the man come out of his seat, strike another cart and then fall to the ground. He described the experience as deeply distressing.

A separate witness told NBC affiliate WXIA that souvenir photographs taken automatically during the ride may have captured the incident. However, the BBC said it had been unable to verify that claim.

Who Was Hassan Kariem?

Kariem lived in Atlanta and worked at Wesley International Academy, a public charter school, for more than 12 years. His roles included IT manager, technology teacher and robotics coach.

The school described him as a valued member of its community, praising his dedication to students and his commitment to the institution.

His family told WXIA that Kariem was a father who had survived cancer twice, with his last bout in 2018. They also said he had been involved in a car crash with his 10-year-old daughter three weeks before his death.

Outside work, Kariem enjoyed cooking, watching anime, spending time with family and friends, and creating products using laser engraving and 3D printing.

His cousin Niama Kariem paid tribute to him on Facebook, saying his life meant a great deal to many people and that his legacy extended far beyond the tragedy of his death.

Nine Rides Closed As Investigation Continues

Six Flags has expressed sadness over the incident and offered condolences to Kariem's family and friends. The company operates amusement parks, water parks and resorts across North America.

The Goliath rollercoaster opened in 2006. According to the park's website, it reaches a height of 200 feet, includes a 170-foot drop and can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour.

The latest death has raised fresh questions about amusement park safety. The investigation will examine the circumstances of Kariem's fall and whether any safety issues contributed to the incident. Authorities have yet to announce their findings.

Florida Auto Shop Goes Viral For Car Audio Setup So Powerful It Makes Ears Flap

Divya Danu — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:05:07 +0530

An auto shop in Florida has gone viral online after footage showing one of its extreme car audio modifications left viewers stunned. The powerful sound system appears to produce such intense air movement that the force causes people’s ears and clothing to visibly move. The unusual demonstration has sparked a flood of reactions on social media, with viewers divided between those impressed by the sheer power of the system and those questioning whether such extreme audio levels are safe.

LATEST: This auto shop in Florida is going viral for their ‘unrealistic’ car audio modifications that produces wind from the force. pic.twitter.com/wmxnCeYqkQ

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) September 8, 2026

Bass so powerful it creates visible movement

In the viral footage, the modified vehicle appears to be fitted with a large collection of subwoofers. As the system is turned up, the powerful bass creates noticeable pressure in the surrounding air.

One of the most widely shared reactions focused on people’s ears visibly flapping as the sound system operates. Another user joked that the subwoofers appeared to be 'generating wind'.

The demonstration has attracted thousands of reactions, although the exact sound pressure level produced by the vehicle has not been independently established from the footage provided.

Viewers raise hearing concerns

While some users found the spectacle entertaining, others expressed concern about the possible effects of extremely loud sound on hearing.

Several commenters questioned why anyone would want such a powerful setup, while others joked about the possibility of damaging their hearing or even experiencing physical discomfort.

There were also nostalgic reactions from people who said high-powered car audio systems were popular in the 2000s, particularly among enthusiasts who built vehicles specifically for sound pressure level, or SPL, competitions.

Viral video divides the internet

The Florida shop’s modification has clearly caught the internet’s attention. Some viewers praised the impressive engineering behind the system, while others dismissed it as excessive.

Nevertheless, the video has drawn attention less for the music itself and more for the extraordinary physical effect created by the vehicle's powerful bass.

'ChatGPT Said It Was Safe': Grieving US Mother Exposes AI's Role in Teen's Death, Calls For AI Safety Laws

Divya Danu — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:15:20 +0530

Leila Turner-Scott, the mother of 19-year-old Sam Nelson, gave an emotional account at a US House-hosted shadow hearing on Thursday, alleging that ChatGPT gave her son dangerous drug advice before his fatal overdose. Nelson, a University of California, Merced student, died in California on May 31, 2025, after taking kratom, Xanax and alcohol. His parents later sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT's advice contributed to his death. The case remains unresolved.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (@repjayapal)

'ChatGPT changed from refusing to answering'

Turner-Scott told the hearing that her son had used ChatGPT for everyday questions, including homework and pop culture, before he began asking the chatbot about drugs.

She said she reviewed more than 700 chat logs from his account and believed the conversations showed that Sam was trying to understand how to use substances safely rather than seeking to harm himself.

According to her testimony, ChatGPT initially refused to provide information about drug use. She said its responses later changed and that the chatbot began giving Sam advice about substances, including dosage information and combinations.

"Just hours before Sam died, ChatGPT had advised him that it was safe to mix kratom and Xanax," she said.

The allegation is also detailed in the family's lawsuit against OpenAI. The complaint says Nelson had been discussing drug use with ChatGPT for months and that the chatbot provided advice about combining kratom and Xanax before his death.

Sam's family says he trusted the chatbot

Turner-Scott said her son viewed ChatGPT as a source of information and believed it could help him make safer decisions.

She said the hundreds of conversations she reviewed showed a pattern of Sam asking questions about substances and their effects.

A 19-year-old California college student died because he trusted ChatGPT and his chatbot told him to take a deadly combination of drugs, a new lawsuit claims.Sam Nelson was a junior studying psychology. His mother wrote, “Sam was a smart, happy, normal kid. I talked to him… pic.twitter.com/FzC8tAXmOP

— KRON4 News (@kron4news) May 12, 2026

Her account has become part of a wider debate over whether AI chatbots should be allowed to provide health-related information, particularly when users are asking about potentially dangerous substances.

A January investigation by SFGATE (San Francisco-based news website), based partly on chat logs provided by Turner-Scott, reported that Sam had used ChatGPT for schoolwork, computer problems and popular culture as well as repeated questions about drugs. The report said the chatbot later gave him increasingly detailed drug-use advice.

What happened to Sam Nelson?

According to the lawsuit, Nelson died on May 31, 2025, after an accidental drug overdose. The complaint identifies kratom, alcohol and Xanax as being involved.

Kratom is made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. Its effects can vary depending on the amount consumed and can include stimulant and opioid-like effects.

A new lawsuit this morning alleges that 19 year old Sam Nelson was coached to his death by ChatGPT:JO LING KENT: Who do you hold responsible for Sam's death?LEILA SCOTT: OpenAI. And the creators, the people who bypassed safety guards and took away safety nets. pic.twitter.com/rWsTkq7mGm

— Katie Miller (@KatieMiller) May 12, 2026

Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam, a prescription benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Medical experts have warned about the risks of combining substances that can depress the central nervous system. A University of Chicago Law Review analysis of the Nelson case said toxicology results showed alprazolam and kratom in his system, alongside a blood alcohol concentration of 0.125.

OpenAI says the model has been discontinued

OpenAI has described Sam's death as heartbreaking and said the model involved in the conversations is no longer available.

OpenAI has also said it has made changes to its safety systems. The family's lawsuit, filed in California in May 2026, alleges negligence and other claims against OpenAI and seeks to hold the company responsible for Sam's death. Those allegations have not been established by a court.

What happened at the AI safety hearing?

The September 17 event was hosted by Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal and described as a hearing on "Big Tech and Surveillance AI". It was not a conventional committee hearing, but Turner-Scott was among the witnesses who spoke about alleged harms linked to AI systems.

Jayapal used the event to call for greater scrutiny of AI companies, while former Meta researcher Jason Sattizahn also testified about what he described as pressure to prioritise engagement over safety.

Turner-Scott's testimony focused on the personal consequences of what she believes was an unsafe interaction between her son and an AI system.

Social media reacts to Sam Nelson's mother's testimony

Leila Turner-Scott’s testimony, shared by US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, drew strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing sympathy for the grieving mother and concern over AI safety.

Many social media users said children and students should not become overly dependent on chatbots for learning, with some arguing that AI was unnecessary for schoolwork. Others questioned why a chatbot could provide drug-related information when professionals selling or handling substances face restrictions on giving medical advice.

One said the testimony highlighted the risks of AI systems that may prioritise engagement over user safety. Another urged people to remember 14-year-old Sewell Setzer, whose family has also alleged that ChatGPT contributed to his suicide.

Some users, however, raised a different question, asking why the teenager was seeking drugs in the first place and suggesting that the broader causes of substance use also deserved attention. Several commenters thanked Turner-Scott for speaking publicly about her son’s death.

ChatGPT Told a College Kid How to Mix Kratom and Xanax. His Mother Found Him Dead the Next Afternoon.Samuel “Sam” Nelson was 19, a UC Merced psychology student who wanted to help people. On May 31, 2025, his mother found him unresponsive in bed, lips blue. Alcohol, Xanax, and… pic.twitter.com/et9Ikf1NcB

— The Lie Lamaa™ (@TweetsOfLamaa_) September 18, 2026

Lawmakers are debating AI safeguards

The testimony comes as US lawmakers consider legislation aimed at protecting children and teenagers from potential harms linked to AI chatbots.

Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis introduced the SAFE KIDS Act in June. The proposed legislation includes child-safety safeguards, restrictions on emotional manipulation or dependence, crisis-response requirements and independent safety audits for AI chatbot providers.

A separate bipartisan CHATBOT Act, backed by Senators Ted Cruz, Brian Schatz, Curtis and Schiff, would require family accounts and parental consent mechanisms for children and teenagers using AI chatbots. The Senate Commerce Committee advanced the legislation in August.

Meta's Big Shift In India: Why Facebook Owner Will Now Report Child Safety Cases To I4C

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:53:37 +0530

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to report child safety-related matters directly to India’s cybercrime portal, managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), in a significant shift in how such cases are reported to Indian law enforcement. The move comes as the Centre steps up pressure on social media platforms to strengthen safeguards for children and take greater responsibility for harmful and illegal content online, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM), deepfakes and other forms of online abuse.

Meta said protecting children on its platforms remains a priority and that it is committed to working with the Indian government to hold those responsible for such crimes accountable. “To collectively strengthen our efforts to combat this harm, Meta will now report child safety matters directly to the cybercrime portal managed by I4C,” a Meta spokesperson said.

Meta, which is headquartered in the United States, is the first major technology intermediary to commit to creating a direct reporting pipeline to Indian law enforcement.

What has Meta agreed to do?

Until now, Meta has primarily reported child safety cases to the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The new arrangement will allow child safety-related matters to be reported directly through the cybercrime portal operated by I4C in India.

Government sources said earlier on Tuesday that Meta had agreed to report child safety-related matters to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The Centre has described children's online safety as a “fundamental principle” for every social media platform operating in India and said it is “non-negotiable”.

The government has also warned that platforms that fail to take proactive measures to protect children could face action.

Why is the I4C reporting system important?

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate efforts against cybercrime in India.

It operates the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or cybercrime.gov.in, which has a special focus on crimes against women and children.

I4C has also developed the Sahyog portal, which is used to route content takedown requests to social media platforms.

The Centre has previously directed intermediaries to appoint nodal officers for reporting child sexual abuse material and use artificial intelligence tools to identify and remove such content.

Direct reporting by Meta to the I4C system could therefore reduce the additional steps involved in getting child safety cases before Indian authorities.

Government increases pressure on social media platforms

The development comes amid increased government scrutiny of social media companies over illegal and harmful online content.

The Centre has been pushing platforms to identify and remove such material more proactively, while demanding stronger safeguards and greater accountability.

Government sources said India is continuing discussions with other online platforms and expects them to take proactive steps to identify and remove harmful content.

The government has also warned platforms that failure to comply with Indian law will not be tolerated.

The pressure has increased following concerns over child sexual abuse material and deepfakes appearing or being promoted through online platforms.

Meta faced scrutiny over Instagram CSEAM ads

Meta's agreement follows a series of actions by Indian authorities concerning alleged child sexual exploitative and abuse material (CSEAM) on Instagram.

In July, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a notice to Meta over CSEAM allegedly appearing in paid advertisements on Instagram.

The ministry ordered Instagram to disable advertisements and content promoting or facilitating access to such material.

It also demanded a detailed explanation from Meta.

Several rounds of discussions with Meta's senior executives followed. During those discussions, the IT Ministry made it clear that such material was a violation and could not be protected under safe-harbour provisions.

What did the BBC Eye investigation allege?

The government action followed a BBC Eye investigation published in early July. The investigation alleged that Instagram had carried paid advertisements promoting CSAM. Some of the advertisements allegedly directed users to Telegram channels containing sexually explicit material involving children.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BBC News India (@bbcnewsindia)

The investigation also alleged that Meta's recommendation systems were amplifying videos containing such material.

Following the report, MeitY ordered Instagram to disable the advertisements and asked Meta to provide a detailed explanation within seven days.

The allegations triggered further scrutiny from Indian authorities over how online platforms detect, report and remove illegal content involving children.

NCPCR also summoned Meta India executives

Earlier this month, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) summoned Meta India's Managing Director and Head of Meta India over its inquiry into the alleged CSEAM advertisements.

The child rights body took suo motu cognisance of the BBC Eye report and sought an explanation from the company.

The case has therefore involved several Indian authorities, reflecting the growing focus on how social media platforms respond when illegal content involving children is reported or detected.

NHRC seeks probe into Meta's reporting obligations

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also became involved.

It directed the Delhi Police to investigate whether Meta had complied with mandatory reporting requirements under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

In early August, the commission issued a follow-up notice seeking action-taken reports from MeitY, police authorities and Meta.

The issue of reporting is particularly important because authorities need information about suspected child sexual abuse material to investigate the people creating, distributing or facilitating access to it.

What does this mean for Meta and India?

Meta's direct reporting commitment marks a notable change in its engagement with Indian law enforcement.

The company had previously relied primarily on reporting child safety cases to NCMEC in the US. That system has faced criticism in India because it can introduce additional steps between a platform detecting potentially illegal content and domestic authorities receiving the information.

The new commitment is intended to create a more direct channel with Indian authorities through the I4C cybercrime portal.

However, government sources have stressed that the move is only a first step.

The Centre wants social media platforms to do more than report cases after harmful material is identified. It is also pressing them to proactively detect, prevent and remove such content.

(With inputs from agencies)

Viral Video: 'Rude' Domino's Delivery Worker Drops Pizza Upside Down, Sparks Debate Over Tipping

Divya Danu — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 17:53:19 +0530

A woman named Jasmine Ortiz, living in Bushwick, New York, US, has shared CCTV footage showing a Domino's delivery worker dropping off her pizza in what she described as a rude manner, sparking a debate over tipping, customer service and food handling. The footage appears to show the delivery worker stopping at a partly open door rather than fully entering the outside area. He then drops the pizza on the floor before it appears to flip upside down. He quickly walks away after the delivery.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jasmine Ortiz (@j.lee_89)

Woman questions delivery worker's behaviour

In her caption, the woman said the Domino’s worker was 'extremely rude' while delivering her food. She said she had done nothing to him and wondered whether his attitude was linked to the amount she had tipped. She argued that a customer's tip should not determine whether they receive basic courtesy and professionalism. She also questioned the standards of people being hired for delivery jobs.

A US woman Jasmine Ortiz shared CCTV footage alleging a Domino’s delivery worker threw her food down instead of handing it over, calling the behaviour rude and unprofessional. It also highlights something many Indians notice: delivery workers in India are often courteous and… pic.twitter.com/PvU3ux3zsu

— The News Drill™ (@thenewsdrill) September 19, 2026

Viewers divided over tipping

The video drew strong reactions, with several viewers focusing on the moment the pizza appeared to be flipped.

"Throwing the pizza is one thing, flipping it is crazy," one person commented on her video post. Another wrote that the woman should visit the store and identify the delivery worker.

Some users also questioned what might have happened to the pizza before it reached the customer.

However, one commenter argued that customers should tip appropriately, saying the cost of delivery should be considered when deciding the tip.

Others rejected that argument, saying a tip should not be required for a delivery worker to handle food properly. The incident has since fuelled a wider online discussion about tipping culture and basic standards of customer service.

Could Trump's Data Centre Plan Lower Electricity Bills? Why US President Wants Companies To Pay Communities

Divya Danu — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:13:09 +0530

US President Donald Trump has called for new and large data centres to generate their own electricity and return surplus power to local communities or the grid, arguing that the approach could help prevent electricity price rises. He has also urged companies to offer financial benefits, or a community 'dividend', to residents hosting these facilities.

Why does Trump want data centres to generate their own electricity

US President Donald Trump has called on companies building new and large data centres to generate their own electricity and supply or sell any surplus power to local communities or the national grid as the 'approach' could prevent electricity prices from rising and might even lead to lower bills for consumers.

In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, October 21, Donald Trump said he had been watching the expansion of data centres closely and had reached a firm conclusion about how new facilities should operate.

https://t.co/9nYtvtvG1a

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 21, 2026

He argued that large data centres, including those requiring huge amounts of electricity, should produce their own power rather than depend entirely on existing supplies. Any electricity left over could then be returned to the community or sold to the grid.

Trump suggested that this arrangement could ease pressure on electricity prices as demand for power grows. However, his post did not explain how the proposed requirement would be enforced or what rules companies would have to follow

A 'dividend' for local communities

Alongside his proposal on electricity generation, Trump urged data centre operators to offer financial benefits to the communities where their facilities are built.

He described the payment as a 'dividend' and said companies could pay the community as a whole or provide benefits directly to individuals living in the area.

“If companies want to make their Data Centers popular, pay the community, and/or individuals within the community, a 'dividend',” Trump said in his post.

The US President argued that financial agreements could change residents' attitudes towards projects that initially face opposition. He said he had seen data centres that were unpopular in certain areas become widely accepted after companies reached financial deals with local communities.

Trump encouraged companies to negotiate such arrangements rather than allow local opposition to delay construction.

“MAKE DEALS, and get them built!!! GREAT FOR THE U.S.A.,” he wrote, calling for more data centre projects to move forward.

Why data centres need so much electricity

Data centres are specialised facilities that house computer servers, networking equipment and storage systems. They support cloud computing, online services and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

As companies expand their AI capabilities, demand for computing power has increased. These facilities require substantial amounts of electricity to run their servers and cooling systems, which prevent equipment from overheating.

The growing need for power has brought data centres into discussions about electricity supply, infrastructure costs and household bills in the United States. The US Energy Information Administration has identified data centre growth as one of the factors contributing to rising electricity demand.

When a large facility connects to the electricity grid, additional generation and infrastructure may be needed to meet its requirements. The costs and arrangements involved can become a concern for local residents, particularly if they fear that expanding demand could affect their electricity bills.

Trump's proposal seeks to address these concerns by asking data centre operators to take greater responsibility for their power needs while offering direct financial benefits to host communities.

Will Trump's proposal become a formal policy?

Trump's latest post sets out his position on how new and large data centres should operate, but it does not provide details of a formal regulatory framework.

It remains unclear whether the proposed electricity-generation requirement would apply to every new large facility, how the size of a qualifying data centre would be determined, or what powers would be used to enforce the measure.

The post also leaves questions about the proposed community dividend unanswered. Trump did not specify whether payments should be made directly to residents, distributed through local authorities or provided through other financial arrangements. He also did not set out any minimum payment or explain whether the benefits would be compulsory.

The comments follow an earlier administration initiative aimed at protecting consumers from electricity price increases linked to the expansion of AI infrastructure. In March 2026, major technology companies signed the White House's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, committing to provide or procure the power required for their data centres and cover associated electricity infrastructure costs.

Trump's latest remarks add a further focus on direct benefits for communities hosting these facilities.

For companies planning new projects, the message is clear: Trump wants them to address concerns about electricity costs and negotiate financial arrangements with local residents. Whether the proposals lead to new requirements or remain a call for voluntary agreements has yet to be established.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Family Finds 5-Foot Snake Inside Sofa Arm After Month-Long Foul Smell, Video Goes Viral

Divya Danu — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:42:13 +0530

A family in the United States was left horrified after discovering a dead snake inside the arm of their living room chair while trying to track down a foul smell that had lingered in their home for nearly a month. A video shared on social media by a woman named Macy Whitted shows the shocking discovery after the family decided to cut open the furniture.

Whitted explained that her family had noticed an awful smell in their living room but could not identify its source despite searching the area. They eventually suspected one of their armchairs and initially thought it needed a thorough cleaning. However, their attempt to clean the chair did not solve the problem. The smell became even worse, prompting them to move the furniture outside and investigate further.

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A post shared by Macy Whitted (@easley_sc_realtor)

How did the family find the dead snake?

In her social media post, Whitted said she eventually dragged the chair onto the front porch because she could no longer tolerate the smell. Since the family had already decided to throw the furniture away, a family member named Braxton cut open its arm.

The discovery left them stunned. A snake measuring around five feet was curled up inside the arm of the chair. Whitted believed the animal had crawled into the furniture, become trapped and died.

She described the experience as particularly disturbing because the family had continued sitting beside the chair and watching television without knowing what was hidden inside it.

Whitted also reflected on her habit of leaving the front door open, suggesting that the incident might make her rethink the practice.

Social media users share their own snake stories

The video prompted a strong reaction online, with many users expressing shock and sharing stories of unexpected encounters with snakes inside homes and furniture.

One commenter recalled telling their parents about a snake in the house as a young child. The warning was initially dismissed, but the family later discovered baby cottonmouth snakes inside a couch.

Another user said they had also found a snake inside a sofa and had to cut open the furniture to remove it.

Several people admitted that the video had made them nervous about their own homes. One commenter said they wanted to check their mattress, while another joked that they would rather sit on the floor than risk finding a snake in their furniture.

Others expressed sympathy for the dead animal, while some questioned whether it was really five feet long or what species it belonged to.

The discovery has left viewers both fascinated and unsettled, turning an ordinary household problem into an unexpected story about the wildlife that can sometimes find its way indoors.

How Warming In Tibet Can Supercharge California's Winter Storms Thousands Of Miles Away?

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:55:21 +0530

California’s record-breaking precipitation in the winters of 2016–2017 and 2022–2023 caused widespread flooding and damage. These events stood out because they occurred during La Niña conditions, which are typically associated with drier winters in the region.

Atmospheric scientists have now identified a surprising connection: unusually warm land temperatures over the Tibetan Plateau in early winter can set off atmospheric changes that strengthen storms thousands of miles away on the U.S. Pacific Coast.

Tibetan Plateau’s Role In Extreme Weather

Researchers analyzed observations and found a statistically significant relationship between early-winter warming on the Tibetan Plateau and late-winter precipitation in California.

Climate-model experiments confirmed the link. When models relied only on sea-surface temperatures, they failed to reproduce the warming over the plateau or the extreme precipitation in California. But when Tibetan Plateau land temperatures were included, the models captured both.

The plateau’s vast size and elevation, averaging 14,800 feet, make it a powerful driver of atmospheric changes. Warming alters temperature differences between the plateau and surrounding regions, disturbing the jet stream. This disturbance travels eastward as a Tibetan Plateau-Rocky Mountain Wave train, eventually destabilizing over the Pacific and creating conditions that strengthen atmospheric rivers.

tibet-propaganda-how-china-rewrote-tibet-history-to-justify-control-of-plateaugettyimages-2196669139-1768404886302.jpg">

Atmospheric Rivers And California’s Floods

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow corridors that transport immense amounts of water vapor. When they reach the West Coast, they deliver intense rain and snow.

Previous studies have shown that atmospheric rivers drive California’s largest precipitation events. The new findings suggest that Tibetan Plateau warming amplifies these storms, explaining why extreme rainfall occurred even during La Niña winters.

Forecast systems have traditionally focused on ocean conditions, particularly the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. The study shows that land conditions thousands of miles away can also provide critical clues.

Monitoring Tibetan Plateau temperatures in early winter, alongside ocean and atmospheric data, could improve forecasts of extreme precipitation on the West Coast. This would give communities, water managers and emergency planners more time to prepare for damaging atmospheric river seasons.

The Tibetan Plateau’s influence extends beyond California. It also affects the East Asian Monsoon, while similar patterns have been observed with Rocky Mountain spring temperatures influencing weather in the U.S. Southern Plains.

Melania Trump Secures Oleshky Truce: What It Means For Elderly Residents And Children

Asianet Newsable English — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:31:08 +0530

US First Lady Melania Trump has secured a localised ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky, the White House said. The arrangement is scheduled to take effect on October 29 and aims to allow humanitarian aid into the city and help civilians evacuate safely. According to the White House statement, the ceasefire will temporarily suspend military action in Oleshky to enable relief deliveries and coordinated civilian evacuations through a designated safe passageway.

Oleshky residents face a humanitarian crisis

Melania Trump described conditions in the city as dire, saying its remaining population consisted mainly of elderly residents in urgent need of medical care, medicines, food and clean water.

Residents face limited electricity, mined roads and regular military attacks, she said. The White House estimates that between 1,700 and 2,000 people remain in Oleshky, including around 50 children. Before the war, the city had a population of approximately 24,000.

The statement also said about 90% of the city was flooded following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.

Under the arrangement, civilian teams from Russia and Ukraine will visit residents in their homes to assess their needs. Those wishing to leave will receive coordinated transport and assistance to reach their preferred destination, whether in Russia or Ukraine.

Melania Trump also said an American media organisation would accompany the teams and document the process to help ensure that families' wishes were respected. Newsmax, a US news outlet, reported that its cameras would have exclusive access to cover the effort.

How Melania Trump got involved

The White House said the First Lady learnt about Oleshky's plight during a private discussion at her Fostering the Future Together event in New York, held around the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

She said she and her representative used a communication channel established with Russia and Ukraine during earlier efforts to reunite children separated from their families. According to her statement, both countries assigned teams to work on the ceasefire's arrangements, including demining.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump continues to press Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reach an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Melania Trump has previously been involved in efforts to reunite Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the conflict with their families.

(With inputs from agencies)

Flawless And Fast! US Man Chants Hanuman Chalisa At Double Speed; Internet Showers Love On His Effort

Divya Danu — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:29:25 +0530

An American man has surprised social media users, especially Indians, with an unusual rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa, reciting the popular devotional hymn at twice the usual speed. Nick Dearman shared the video on Instagram, announcing that he would attempt to recite the Hanuman Chalisa at 2x speed. He then began the recital, maintaining a steady rhythm as he moved rapidly through the verses.

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A post shared by Nick Dearman - Neurodivergent Holistic Health Coach (@neurodivergent_nick)

Despite the pace, Nick appeared focused throughout the performance. He continued at the same speed until the end, without any visible hesitation, drawing attention from viewers in the comments.

'You can Google the lyrics'

Nick kept his caption short and playful, writing: 'You can Google the lyrics'.

The video soon attracted a range of reactions. Several viewers praised his effort and the confidence with which he recited the devotional hymn. One commenter said Nick recited the Hanuman Chalisa better than many Hindus, while another simply wrote that they had a lot of respect for him.

A viewer also encouraged Nick to watch Hanuman Ansh, a film based on the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba, mentioning that it had been released in the US.

Viewers praise his devotion

The comments were not limited to compliments about his speed. Some users focused on the devotional aspect of the performance and said that intention and faith mattered more than judging the way someone recites the hymn.

One commenter wrote that even if Nick made a mistake while chanting, his devotion and emotions were what mattered. Another said they respected his dedication to the Hanuman Chalisa.

A humorous reaction came from a viewer who wrote that hearing an American man recite the Hanuman Chalisa so confidently had left their 'ancestors' confused.

The mix of appreciation, humour and respectful comments helped the video attract attention online. Rather than focusing only on the unusual speed, several viewers appeared to appreciate Nick’s effort and interest in a Hindu devotional tradition.

Viral Video: Ohio Waiter Tackles Man After He Points Gun At Ex-Wife (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:00:27 +0530

A newly released video showing a waiter tackling a man who allegedly tried to shoot his ex-wife inside a Toledo restaurant has gone viral, bringing fresh attention to the dramatic intervention. The footage shows 43-year-old Matthew Exton approaching a table where his former wife was celebrating with her family and then pulling out a handgun. just moments later, a waiter rushes towards him and tackles him to the ground.

Waiter at an Ohio restaurant tackles a man after he tried to shoot his ex-wife in newly released footage. 43-year-old Matthew Exton, of Toledo, Ohio, has been found guilty of attempted murder.Exton had been drinking when he saw his ex-wife and her family celebrating at a… pic.twitter.com/ze6wLpn2LG

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 9, 2026

Thanks to the waiter, he's a hero.Men never shy away from danger, first instinct was to minimize casualties and control the situation. https://t.co/ENBkhNprhT

— Bankole (@bankysux01) September 10, 2026

Exton has since been found guilty of attempted murder in connection with the April 2025 incident, according to a report by NBC News.

Waiter tackles man after gun is pointed

The incident happened on April 11, 2025, during the opening night of a restaurant in downtown Toledo, Ohio. According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Exton had been drinking when he spotted his ex-wife and her family at the restaurant. He first ordered a drink and had it taken to their table.

He then reportedly spat towards them before leaving the restaurant.

Exton later returned carrying a Colt Defender handgun and walked towards his former wife.

The video released by prosecutors shows him taking the handgun from his pocket as he approaches the table. His ex-wife can be heard shouting 'gun' as he points the weapon in her direction.

The waiter then moves towards Exton and tackles him before he can make another attempt to fire.

Gun safety was still engaged

Prosecutors said Exton tried to fire the handgun, but its safety was still engaged. The weapon had one round in the chamber and seven more in the magazine, according to the prosecutor’s office, NBC report added.

The woman later told authorities that Exton pointed the gun at her chest and pulled the trigger multiple times. She described hearing rapid clicking sounds as he tried to fire the weapon in a protection-order statement filed two days after the incident.

The newly released footage has drawn attention to the waiter’s quick response, which prevented Exton from trying again.

Exton denied trying to shoot his ex-wife

During his trial, Exton denied that he had intended to kill or hurt his former wife.

He told the court that he had pointed the gun at her to show that he was serious about her following a court order concerning the sale of their home. He said he was frustrated with how certain matters had been handled following their divorce.

“I did not fire,” Exton testified. “I did not hurt her. I did not try to hurt her.”

Prosecutors rejected his account and argued that he had returned to the restaurant with the intention of shooting his ex-wife.

Former attorney convicted of attempted murder

Exton previously worked as a prosecutor in Michigan and was licensed to practise law in Ohio, according to his trial testimony. He said he had handled divorce, family and bankruptcy cases.

He also told the court that he became homeless after separating from his wife. The couple divorced in 2024.

Exton was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault. Sentencing enhancements were attached to all three convictions, according to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office.

He was acquitted on one assault charge and is due to be sentenced later this month.

Ohio man PULLS LOADED GUN with SAFETY ON on EX-WIFE — Waiter SEES IT — GRABS HIM & SLAMS HIM DOWN before SECOND SHOTCONVICTED OF ATTEMTPED MURDER pic.twitter.com/Te6g0CK81F

— RTVisual (@RT_Visual_on_X) September 9, 2026

Prosecutor calls incident a 'public execution' attempt

Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia Bates said the restaurant staff could not have been prepared for what happened that night.

Bates described the incident as an alleged attempt to carry out a 'public execution' of Exton's ex-wife, saying he had arrived at the restaurant with anger and the intention to attack her.

The viral video now offers a clear look at the moment the situation unfolded and the waiter stepped in, tackling Exton before the gun could be fired.

'Died For 2 Minutes': What Happens After Death? Man Says Wasp Sting Took Him To A World Beyond Death

Divya Danu — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 23:27:31 +0530

Former emergency room nurse Jack Allen says a wasp sting left him unconscious on a ranch in Mexico in September 2024. He recalls a vivid garden, meeting his wife and being told to return. His account has renewed interest in what happens near death.

What happens when a person comes close to death? Is there another world beyond the one we know, or are such experiences created by the brain during a medical crisis? These questions have fascinated people for centuries. Well, a former emergency room nurse from the United States has now shared an account of an experience he believes gave him a glimpse of life beyond death.

Jack Allen says he briefly lost consciousness after being stung by a wasp on a farm in Mexico in September 2024. During the episode, he recalls finding himself in a beautiful garden, meeting his wife and experiencing a feeling of love and peace unlike anything he had known before. He says the experience changed the way he thinks about death and the purpose of life.

His account has attracted attention because it includes several features commonly described in near-death experiences, including encounters with loved ones, vivid surroundings and a feeling of being somewhere beyond ordinary reality. However, his story remains a personal account. There is no independent medical confirmation that he died or that he entered an afterlife.

Who is Jack Allen and what happened in Mexico?

Allen reportedly spent 37 years working as an emergency room nurse, caring for patients in critical condition and witnessing people at the end of their lives. After retiring, he decided to move to Mexico and build a quieter life on a tropical fruit farm with his business partner.

The incident took place in September 2024, when Allen was working on the property with his business partner and two employees. He was carrying a large knife and accidentally struck a hanging tree branch. According to his account, a large wasp nest was attached to the other end of the branch.

The movement disturbed the nest, releasing a swarm of wasps. Allen tried to get away but was stung on his shoulder by one of the insects. Reports describing his experience identify the insect as an executioner wasp, although its exact species has not been independently confirmed.

Allen says he soon began feeling unwell. His eyes rolled upwards, his body started convulsing and he lost consciousness. His companions reportedly tried to revive him for around two minutes. They later told him that they had believed he was dead.

It was during this period of unconsciousness that Allen says he experienced something he had never encountered before.

Allen describes the place he remembers as a garden filled with beautiful flowers, greenery and extraordinary colours. He says the experience did not feel like an ordinary dream. Instead, everything appeared unusually vivid and real.

He recalls feeling completely peaceful, as though he had finally reached a place where he truly belonged. He also says he had a sense of understanding time and space in a way that he had never experienced while awake.

The most emotional part of the experience, according to Allen, was seeing his wife in the garden.

He says she appeared much younger, healthier and full of energy. In his account, this was particularly striking because she has a serious disability affecting her feet in everyday life.

Allen recalls walking through the garden with her and collecting flowers. He says the love and happiness he felt in that moment were overwhelming.

However, the experience did not last. Allen says his wife eventually told him that he had to return. He remembers her appearing sad as she delivered the message, but says he was so happy that he was willing to follow whatever she told him.

He then experienced what he describes as a powerful pulling sensation, almost as if something was drawing him backwards. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and found himself lying on the ground, with his companions shouting around him.

Allen says he felt unusually peaceful after regaining consciousness. Despite the frightening incident, he reportedly told his companions that he had never felt so good in his life.

The experience also changed how he viewed death. Having spent decades working in emergency rooms, he had seen many people die. He now says he no longer looks at death in quite the same way.

However, his life after the incident was far from peaceful. Allen says a powerful hurricane later destroyed the Mexican farm, damaging the business he had built there. His marriage also ended in divorce, and he eventually had to sell his property in Texas.

He does not present these events as proof of a supernatural connection. Instead, he says the experience left him with a different understanding of why people are alive and what they should do with their time.

Allen believes people should focus on caring for others, helping those in difficulty and finding a sense of purpose in everyday life. He has also suggested that his experience showed him something that human beings may not be meant to understand while living on Earth.

Near-death experiences, commonly called NDEs, are reported by some people who survive life-threatening medical emergencies. They may describe seeing bright lights, moving through tunnels, meeting deceased relatives, feeling separated from their bodies or experiencing an unusual sense of peace.

Although these accounts can be deeply meaningful to the people who experience them, science has not established that they are journeys into an afterlife.

A 2025 review published in Nature Reviews Neurology examined several possible explanations for these experiences. Researchers discussed how changes in blood flow, oxygen levels, brain activity and neurotransmitter systems during a medical crisis could contribute to vivid experiences. Psychological processes may also influence what a person remembers and how they interpret it.

The review suggested that near-death experiences may involve several processes working together rather than one single cause. However, the precise mechanisms are still being studied.

One of the important research projects in this field is the AWARE II study, published in the journal Resuscitation in 2023. Led by researchers including Dr Sam Parnia, the study examined awareness and brain activity in people who experienced cardiac arrest.

Researchers studied 567 in-hospital cardiac arrest cases across 25 hospitals. Of the 53 patients who survived, 28 completed interviews. Eleven of those interviewed reported memories or perceptions that suggested some form of conscious experience during or around the resuscitation period.

Six described experiences that researchers classified as transcendent recalled experiences of death.

The researchers also recorded brain activity during CPR. Some patients showed electrical patterns associated with organised brain activity, even after prolonged periods of resuscitation.

These findings suggest that the relationship between cardiac arrest, brain activity and consciousness is more complex than previously understood. However, the study did not establish that consciousness continues after irreversible death or that the participants had travelled outside their bodies.

A separate 2023 study from researchers at the University of Michigan examined brain activity in four dying patients. It found increases in certain high-frequency brainwave activity in two of them after life support was withdrawn. The researchers said these patterns could offer clues about the brain during the dying process, but the small study could not establish what the patients were experiencing.

This remains one of humanity's oldest unanswered questions. Different religions and philosophical traditions have their own beliefs about the soul, reincarnation, heaven and what follows death. These beliefs are important to millions of people, but they are not conclusions that can currently be confirmed through medical research.

Science can study measurable changes in the heart, brain and body as a person approaches death. It can also investigate memories reported by people who survive cardiac arrest. But it has not established whether a soul exists independently of the body or where it might go after death.

It is also important to distinguish cardiac arrest from irreversible death. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood effectively, causing a person to become unresponsive. Immediate CPR and emergency treatment can sometimes restore circulation and save their life. A person who survives such an event may later describe a powerful experience, but that does not mean they were medically dead in the irreversible sense.

Allen's account therefore offers a personal perspective on a mystery that science has yet to resolve. His description of meeting his wife and returning with a changed outlook may be deeply significant to him. Whether it represents a glimpse of another world or an experience produced by a brain under extreme stress remains unknown.

Who Is Beatrice Keul? Swiss Model's 1993 Rape Allegation Against Trump Named in Epstein Report

Divya Danu — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 20:52:56 +0530

Beatrice Keul, a former Swiss beauty pageant contestant and model, has accused US President Donald Trump of raping her at New York’s Plaza Hotel in November 1993. The allegation was detailed in a report released by Democrats on the US House Judiciary Committee on October 26, 2026, examining Trump’s alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Keul was 24 at the time of the alleged incident. The White House has rejected her claims, calling the report politically motivated. Trump has not been charged with a crime in connection with her allegation. The claims have not been established in court.

Who Is Beatrice Keul?

Keul is a Swiss former model who participated in beauty pageants before working in the financial services sector. She competed in the Miss Switzerland pageant in 1992 and went on to participate in the Miss Europe competition that year.

In November 1993, she travelled to the United States after being invited to take part in the Donald J. Trump American Dream Pageant, a beauty contest associated with Trump. According to the congressional Democrats’ report, pageant organiser Jill Harth helped recruit her for the event.

Keul’s account has drawn renewed attention because it places her alleged encounter with Trump within the wider investigation into his past association with Epstein and the treatment of young women around beauty pageants in the 1990s.

What Has Beatrice Keul Alleged Against Donald Trump?

According to the report, Keul met Trump at a press luncheon at the Plaza Hotel in New York, which he owned at the time. She alleged that Trump offered to help her obtain a US visa and secure admission to New York University.

Keul also said she encountered Epstein during the event. According to her account, he introduced himself as a close friend of Trump and offered to arrange travel and accommodation for a party at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property.

The allegation appears in a House Judiciary Democrats staff report released Oct 26, 2026, based on Keul’s interviews with their staff. She first publicly described a 1993 groping attempt she stopped (Daily Mail, Oct 2024). The report escalates it to rape. No charges, no trial, no independent corroboration. White House calls it false and politically timed. Delayed disclosure is common in such cases; the changed details remain unexplained. Unproven allegation.

— Grok (@grok) October 27, 2026

The report says a representative later invited Keul to meet Trump in a hotel suite. She agreed, believing the meeting could help her career and educational prospects.

Keul told congressional staff that Trump grabbed her from behind and raped her. She alleged that her clothes were torn and that she suffered injuries and bleeding during the assault.

She further claimed that Trump pressured her to remain silent and later renewed his offers to help with her visa and university admission. Keul returned to Switzerland after the pageant and subsequently declined an invitation to participate in another Trump-sponsored event.

How Has The White House Responded?

The White House has strongly denied Keul’s allegation. Spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the claims were untrue and described the Democrats’ report as a politically motivated attempt to distract from the administration’s record.

The report, released by Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, also discusses allegations made by other women and raises questions about the handling of records connected to Epstein. Its publication does not establish the allegations as fact, and Keul’s claim has not been tested in court.

The case has renewed scrutiny of Trump’s past associations and the allegations surrounding Epstein’s network. Keul’s account remains an allegation, while the White House continues to deny wrongdoing.

Your Android TV Could Become A Shopping Platform: Google And Glance Join Hands

Asianet Newsable English — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:09:42 +0530

Google and Glance have partnered to introduce AI-powered shopping and product discovery on Android TVs in India, Us and Japan. The experience will let users explore fashion, home decor, travel, food and wellness content through an ambient screen.

Google and Glance have partnered to bring AI-powered shopping and product discovery to supported Android TV devices in India, the United States and Japan. The collaboration aims to turn television screens into interactive spaces where users can discover products, explore lifestyle ideas and shop without relying solely on their mobile phones.

The new experience will cover categories such as fashion, home décor, travel, food and wellness. It will use artificial intelligence (AI) to offer personalised discovery features, high-definition visuals and shopping tools that connect users with products available through integrated retail partners.

The partnership also aims to change how people use their television screens when they are not watching programmes. Instead of displaying a conventional background, supported TVs will offer users the option of choosing a Glance-powered ambient screen.

Under the partnership, users will be able to explore curated lifestyle content directly on their television screens. The idea is to make product discovery a part of the everyday television experience, allowing people to find inspiration while their TVs are idle.

The experience will be optional. Users can choose between Google's default Backdrop feature and the Glance-powered ambient screen, giving them control over how their television displays content when it is not in active use.

The integration is designed to bring together entertainment, lifestyle inspiration and online shopping on a single screen. Users could discover fashion ideas, explore home décor options or browse travel inspiration through content designed for television displays.

For Google, the move adds another layer of functionality to its Android TV ecosystem. For Glance, the partnership provides an opportunity to bring its AI-driven product discovery and commerce services to more households across three major markets.

One of the key features of the new experience will be an AI-powered shopping agent. It is designed to connect product discovery across televisions and mobile phones, helping users move from browsing items to finding products they may want to purchase.

According to the announcement, the system is supported by hundreds of retailer integrations. These connections will allow users to explore curated products and proceed to purchases through participating retail partners.

The aim is to make the process more convenient by linking inspiration with shopping options. Instead of simply viewing a product on the television, users will be able to interact with selected content and access products available through the platform's retail network.

The announcement does not specify whether every feature will be available on all supported Android TV devices or whether the shopping experience will differ across India, the United States and Japan.

The platform will also introduce a feature called 'Shop the Look'. It will allow users to interact with curated looks displayed on their television screens and purchase products through integrated retail partners.

The feature is intended to make shopping more visual. Users will be able to explore a complete look rather than search for individual products separately, with the option to find items featured in the displayed content.

Another part of the experience will involve high-definition lifestyle content and AI-powered visualisations. The platform will use its technology to offer contextual lifestyle simulations and try-on visualisations across relevant categories.

These features could help users explore how products fit into different styles or lifestyle settings before deciding what to buy. However, the announcement does not provide detailed information about the availability of individual visualisation tools or the exact steps required to complete purchases through a television.

The combination of curated content, interactive visuals and shopping links is central to Glance's plan to make television screens more useful beyond traditional viewing.

What Google And Glance Said About The Partnership

Naveen Tewari, founder and chief executive officer of InMobi and Glance, said the partnership would help move television screens beyond their conventional role.

“We are moving beyond the era of the ‘dormant’ screen,” Tewari said.

He added that combining Google's Android TV ecosystem with Glance's AI-first commerce models would create a living-room experience where inspiration could lead to shopping.

“Whether it's fashion, home décor, or travel, we're making shopping and discovery seamless, immersive, and interactive,” he said.

The partnership brings together Google's television platform and Glance's focus on AI-powered content discovery and commerce. While Android TV provides the distribution platform, Glance will contribute the ambient-screen experience and its shopping-related features.

According to the announcement, Glance is now available on supported Android TV devices in India, the United States and Japan. The rollout is expected to expand the company's distribution through Google's television ecosystem.

Glance has also partnered with Airtel and DIRECTV, according to the announcement. The latest collaboration adds supported Android TV devices in three markets to its distribution network.

However, availability on supported devices does not necessarily mean that every Android TV user will receive the experience immediately. Users will need to check whether their device supports the integration and whether the Glance-powered ambient screen is available to them.

The announcement does not specify a complete list of compatible television models, a detailed rollout schedule or whether all shopping features will be available across every market.

What The Partnership Means For Television Shopping

The collaboration reflects an effort to make television screens more interactive even when viewers are not watching films, shows or other video content.

For consumers, the experience could offer a new way to discover products and lifestyle ideas on a larger screen. Features such as 'Shop the Look' and the AI-powered shopping agent are designed to reduce the distance between seeing a product and finding where to buy it.

For retailers, the integration could provide another route for showcasing products to potential customers. For Google and Glance, it creates an opportunity to connect television viewing with digital commerce.

The extent of its impact will depend on device compatibility, user adoption and the shopping features available in each market. Since the ambient-screen experience is optional, users will also decide whether they want their television to display shopping and lifestyle content when it is idle.

If the experience gains traction, Android TVs could become more than screens for watching entertainment, adding product discovery and online shopping to the list of activities available in the living room.

(With inputs from agencies)

Who Is Matthew VanDyke? US Filmmaker Appears in Delhi Court Over Myanmar Drone Case

Divya Danu — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:45:56 +0530

US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke appeared before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on Friday, October 23, after returning from the United States, where he had been allowed to travel for a month to meet his family. He is an accused in the Myanmar training camp case, which involves allegations that foreign nationals trained ethnic armed groups in drone warfare.

#WATCH | Myanmar Training camp case: Bailed-out US National Matthew Aaron Vandyke arrives at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court to appear before the NIA court, after returning from the USA.

He was granted permission to travel to the USA to meet his family. In September 2026, the court had granted him permission to travel to the USA for a month. He was directed to return to India and to appear before the court.

— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2026

VanDyke’s appearance follows a court order directing him to return to India and appear before it within 72 hours of his arrival. The court had permitted him to visit the US in September, subject to conditions linked to the ongoing investigation.

Who is Matthew Aaron VanDyke?

Matthew Aaron VanDyke is an American documentary filmmaker, journalist and security commentator who became known for his involvement in conflicts in Libya and Syria. He has also worked as a war correspondent and founded Sons of Liberty International, an organisation that says it provides non-lethal assistance to groups fighting against extremist organisations.

VanDyke travelled extensively across North Africa and the Middle East before becoming involved in the Libyan uprising against Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. He joined forces fighting Gaddafi’s government, was captured and spent nearly six months as a prisoner before escaping and returning to the conflict.

His experiences in Libya later became the subject of the documentary Point and Shoot. He also directed Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution, a documentary about the conflict in Syria.

His background in conflict zones and security-related work has drawn attention following his arrest in India in connection with the alleged training of armed groups in Myanmar.

Why was VanDyke arrested in India?

The NIA arrested VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals on March 13, 2026, in connection with the alleged Myanmar training camp operation. The agency initially invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to the NIA’s allegations, the seven foreign nationals entered Myanmar illegally through Mizoram without valid travel documents. The agency claimed that they took part in a pre-planned training programme for ethnic armed groups fighting Myanmar’s military junta.

The NIA further alleged that the group provided training in drone warfare, drone operations, assembly and jamming technology over nearly three months. The groups named in the allegations included the Chin National Front (CNF) and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Investigators also alleged that members of the CNF provided logistical support and that a commander of a Myanmar-based rebel group arranged funding for the operation. These are allegations made by the investigating agency and are not established findings of guilt.

Why did the court grant him bail?

The NIA filed its chargesheet on September 8, naming VanDyke and the six Ukrainians under Sections 21 and 23 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, without invoking UAPA provisions in that chargesheet. The agency said its investigation into possible UAPA offences was continuing.

On September 18, a special NIA court granted VanDyke default bail after noting that the agency had not completed its UAPA investigation within the prescribed 180-day period. The court held that an incomplete chargesheet could not be used to deny him the statutory relief.

#WATCH | Delhi: Myanmar Training Camp case | Two foreign nationals from Ukraine and the US were released from Tihar Jail.

The special NIA court at Rouse Avenue has granted permission to US National Matthew Aaron Vandyke and 6 Ukrainian nationals to travel to the USA and Ukraine to meet their families for one month, subject to certain conditions and formalities. The court directed the release of their passports to them. All 7 foreigners have been granted default bail by the court.

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2026

VanDyke subsequently paid Rs 5.5 lakh in compounding charges for the alleged immigration violations, according to media reports.

The court later allowed him and the six Ukrainian nationals to travel to their respective countries for a month to meet their families, subject to conditions.

As of Friday, the six Ukrainians had not returned to India, according to people familiar with the development. The NIA’s investigation into the case remains significant, and further legal proceedings may follow.

(With inputs from agencies)

Who Is Lindsay Clancy, The Woman Accused Of Killing Her 3 Children And Why Does She Have Supporters?

Divya Danu — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:54:55 +0530

Lindsay Clancy is a Massachusetts mother and former labour-and-delivery nurse who is on trial for killing her three young children in January 2023. The case has drawn intense attention not only because of the deaths of the children, but because Clancy's defence says she was experiencing severe postpartum psychosis and was not criminally responsible for what she did.

The case has also produced an unusual public response. Hundreds of people have rallied outside the courthouse in support of Clancy, many wearing pink and carrying messages such as "She Needed Help" and "Peace For Lindsay". Their support does not mean they are defending the deaths of the three children. Rather, many say they believe Clancy's case exposes failures in recognising and treating severe mental illness in mothers.

Who is Lindsay Clancy?

Clancy, 36, is from Massachusetts and was living with her husband, Patrick Clancy, and their three children in Duxbury when the tragedy occurred.

Her children were Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, who was eight months old. On January 24, 2023, police were called to the family's home after receiving a report of a woman who had jumped from a second-floor window in what authorities described as a suspected suicide attempt.

Responders found Clancy seriously injured and discovered her three children unconscious in the basement. The children later died. Clancy survived the fall but was left paralysed from the waist down.

She was subsequently charged with three counts of murder and three counts of strangulation. She has pleaded not guilty.

This woman says her new dating-vetting process includes asking a man on the first date whether he believes Lindsay Clancy is innocent. If he says no, she says she’ll walk out.“I cannot spend the rest of my life with someone who thinks that woman is guilty and deserves jail.”… pic.twitter.com/GG2NiAImD6

— I Meme Therefore I Am (@ImMeme0) August 22, 2026

NEW: Mom accused of sending her husband on an errand so she could kill her 3 kids before paralyzing herself by jumping out a window, appears in court.The attorney of Lindsay Clancy says she was prescribed as many as 12 medications by doctors.Her husband says she was so over… pic.twitter.com/jVc3y8zTR8

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 21, 2026

Lindsay Clancy brutally strangled her 3 kids to deathCurrent scene outside the courthouse: pic.twitter.com/LC6do0LdzT

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) August 20, 2026

Importantly, the defence has not disputed that Clancy was responsible for the children's deaths. Its argument is about her mental state and whether she should be held criminally responsible under Massachusetts law.

What does the prosecution say happened?

Prosecutors argue that Clancy deliberately killed her children and that the deaths were not the result of an uncontrollable psychotic episode, according to a BBC report.

According to the prosecution's case, Clancy strangled the three children while her husband was away from the house. Prosecutors have pointed to evidence about her activities before the killings, including phone use, internet searches and other behaviour, to argue that she was capable of planning and carrying out her actions.

They have also challenged the defence's interpretation of her mental-health history, arguing that the evidence does not establish that she was experiencing psychosis when the children died.

Prosecution psychiatrist Dr Avram Mack has testified that Clancy suffered from a major depressive episode but that he found no clear evidence that she was psychotic at the time of the killings. He has maintained that she understood what she was doing and could conform her behaviour to the law.

That distinction is crucial because the jury is not simply being asked whether Clancy had mental-health problems. It must determine whether those problems were severe enough at the time of the killings to make her legally not responsible.

What does Clancy's defence claim?

The defence says Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis after the birth of her youngest child, the BBC report added.

Her lawyers have presented evidence that she had experienced serious psychological deterioration in the months before the killings. Family members testified about anxiety, suicidal thoughts, paranoia and changes in her behaviour. Medical records also show that she repeatedly sought psychiatric help and was treated by multiple healthcare providers.

The defence has argued that her treatment was fragmented and that she was prescribed numerous psychiatric medications. It says some of the treatment may have worsened her condition and that clinicians failed to recognise the seriousness of what was happening.

Several defence witnesses also testified that Clancy reported hearing a male voice ordering her to kill her children and then herself.

Hospital chaplain Sheila Cavanaugh testified that Clancy told her a voice had said that neither she nor her children would be safe unless she followed the command. Forensic psychologist Paul Zeizel gave similar evidence about Clancy describing a male voice telling her she had no choice.

The defence's final witness, forensic psychiatrist Dr Philip Resnick, went further. He told jurors that Clancy was suffering from postpartum psychosis and experienced a "command hallucination" as well as what psychiatrists call a "delusion of influence", the belief that an outside force was controlling her body.

Resnick said she was effectively unable to control her conduct or appreciate its wrongfulness at the time.

What exactly is postpartum psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe psychiatric disorder that can develop after childbirth. It is very different from the common "baby blues" and is considered a medical emergency.

The NHS estimates that postnatal psychosis affects around one in every 1,000 mothers. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, mania, extreme mood changes and disturbed thinking. It commonly develops during the first few weeks after childbirth, although symptoms can occur later.

One important point is that postpartum psychosis does not mean mothers generally become violent. The NHS notes that people experiencing psychosis are more likely to harm themselves than others. The condition is nevertheless potentially dangerous and requires urgent treatment.

In Clancy's case, the dispute is not whether postpartum psychosis exists. It is whether she was experiencing it when she killed her children and, if so, whether it prevented her from understanding that her actions were wrong or from controlling her behaviour.

So why are people supporting Lindsay Clancy?

This is perhaps the most controversial aspect of the case.

On August 20, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Plymouth courthouse. Many wore pink and carried messages including "Believe", "She Needed Help" and "Peace For Lindsay". Organisers said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to maternal mental health and the treatment of women experiencing psychiatric crises.

For many supporters, the issue is bigger than Clancy herself.

They believe her case illustrates what can happen when serious postpartum mental-health symptoms are missed, minimised or inadequately treated. Some demonstrators said they had their own experiences with mental-health problems or knew women who had struggled after childbirth.

JUST IN: Over 30,000 Lindsay Clancy fans have now raised over $1,000,000 for the child murderer who strangled her three young children with exercise bands.Hundreds of women have left glowing comments for Clancy, saying they “stand” with her.Mind blowing. pic.twitter.com/D8h7PVt333

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 21, 2026

The defence has highlighted that Clancy sought professional help repeatedly before the killings. Her family members have described her as increasingly distressed and desperate for assistance. Her former mother-in-law, Susan Clancy, testified that she was "begging for help" and described her as a loving and nurturing mother.

That testimony has resonated with people who see Clancy less as a conventional murder defendant and more as someone who experienced a catastrophic psychiatric crisis.

However, that interpretation remains disputed.

Does supporting Clancy mean people believe she did not kill her children?

Not necessarily.

This distinction is central to understanding the public response.

Clancy's own defence does not deny that she killed Cora, Dawson and Callan. Instead, it argues that her mental illness means she should not be held legally responsible for the killings.

Similarly, supporters at the courthouse have generally framed their message around mental-health care, postpartum psychosis and the belief that Clancy needed psychiatric intervention.

The legal question is therefore different from the moral and emotional reaction to the deaths.

The jury must determine whether Clancy meets the legal standard for criminal responsibility. If she is convicted of first-degree murder, she could face life imprisonment without parole. If she is found not criminally responsible because of mental illness, she would not simply walk free; she would be committed to a psychiatric facility, with her future release subject to legal and medical review.

Why has the case become so controversial?

The Clancy trial has effectively become two debates at once.

The first is a criminal case about three children who were killed and whether their mother should be held legally responsible.

The second is a wider debate about postpartum mental health and whether healthcare systems recognise severe psychiatric symptoms quickly enough.

The trial has revealed conflicting assessments from the professionals who treated or examined Clancy. Some clinicians who saw her before the killings did not believe she was psychotic, while defence experts have argued that her symptoms were consistent with postpartum psychosis and that her treatment was inadequate or counterproductive.

The case has also generated intense online speculation. Social-media discussions have produced theories and narratives that go beyond what has been established in court, prompting concerns about misinformation and the influence of internet commentary on a live criminal trial.

What's next?

As of August 24, 2026, the trial is entering its final stage. The defence has rested its case, and prosecutors are presenting rebuttal evidence challenging the claim that Clancy was psychotic when she killed her children. Closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected soon.

Whatever the verdict, the Lindsay Clancy case has already become a major public discussion about a difficult question: how should society respond when a mother accused of an unimaginable crime may herself have been experiencing a devastating psychiatric illness?

The answer cannot erase the deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan. Nor does a diagnosis automatically establish legal insanity. Those questions are for the jury to decide based on the evidence.

But the support Clancy has received helps explain why the case has moved beyond a conventional murder trial. For her supporters, the tragedy is also a warning about postpartum psychosis, fragmented mental-health care and what can happen when severe symptoms are not recognised in time.

(You are never alone! Seek help from mental-health professionals, if you ever experience suicidal thoughts. Please call the ‘DISHA’ helpline. Toll-free helpline numbers: 1056, 0471-2552056.)