WORDS OF WISDOM | "My home is not a place, it is people." | LOIS MCMASTER BUJOLD | | Good morning! Today we're covering President Joe Biden's praise for the takedown of the Hezbollah leader, the destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene, and the capture of more than 3,400 violent fugitives.
Reading for the first time? Sign up here. | TOP NEWS | | Biden Praises Hezbollah Takedown Israel dealt a massive blow to the Hezbollah terrorist group on Friday by killing its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. President Joe Biden praised the operation. "His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians," Biden said. Many in Washington hailed Nasrallah's death as a significant victory against terrorism, while concerns over potential escalations in the Middle East simmered beneath the surface. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) celebrated the Hezbollah leader's demise as the end of a "reign of bloodshed, oppression, and terror." Israel's military confirmed the strike, which it said was part of a broader effort to neutralize Hezbollah's leadership after the group joined the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which was sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023 deadly rampage by Hamas operatives through Israeli communities. Read the full story here› | Violent Fugitives U.S. law enforcement arrested more than 3,400 violent fugitives in a targeted nationwide operation which completed earlier this month. Among the fugitives arrested, 216 were wanted for homicide, 803 for assault, and 482 for weapons offenses. The 74-day operation took started in May 10 and wrapped up on Sept. 13. The latest phase of the operation led to the seizure of 534 firearms, over $508,000 in cash, and over 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics. This included a significant amount of fentanyl—more than 138 pound sand over 550,000 pills—a drug infamous for its deadly effects in communities. The enforcement efforts that were part of Operation North Star in fiscal year 2024 concentrated on fugitives involved in homicides, sexual offenses, robberies, aggravated assaults, and firearms violations. Key arrests included the apprehension of Hayden Bates-Vellmure and three other suspects in Fort Worth, Texas, who are accused of being involved in a drive-by shooting that injured multiple children. Read the full story here› How do you like our new sections? Tell us what you think here. | MORE TOP NEWS | | | | | | PREMIUM | | INSPIRING | | A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR | There is 1 "toxic" vegetable that you should remove from your diet IMMEDIATELY. This vegetable could be toxic to your health and may actually be causing weight gain, digestive issues, brain fog, and fatigue. This vegetable is one that most Americans consume on a daily basis. Click here to find out this "toxic" vegetable >> | CULTURE | | Dame Maggie Smith: An Appreciation | Dame Maggie Smith, the prolific British actress many know for her roles in ""Downton Abbey"" and the ""Harry Potter"" franchise, has died. She was 89.
Smith captured a 21st-century audience with her roles in modern films, but her acting prowess began in 1952, when she was just 17. After making it onto Broadway, she caught the eye of legendary British actor Laurence Olivier, who invited her to join his new theater company. The two became friendly rivals for the next eight years.
Her skill in theater soon expanded into TV, with an initial focus on Shakespeare. At 35, she won her first Academy Award. Ten years later, she won her second. In total, Smith won five BAFTA awards, 4 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes, and a Tony award. Britain's Queen Elizabeth made her a dame—the female equivalent of ""Sir""—in 1990.
Not only did this actress approach her fame with classic British pragmatism, but she also incorporated her natural aging into the roles she played: mothers, aunts, and grandmothers. In an industry dominated by eternal youth, Smith reminded watchers of the relevancy and wisdom of the mature woman.
Maggie Smith captivated audiences and critics alike over a 70-plus year career. A skillful character actor, she was a true mistress of the craft thanks to her dedication, skill, and ingenuity. She will be sorely missed. | | | EPOCH TV | | | OPINION | | | EPOCH FUN | | |
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