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Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6

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Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome 5-run deficit with help of errors to beat Yankees 7-6

The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series title on Wednesday night, defeating the New York Yankees 7-6 to win the series four games to one. Fans in Los Angeles celebrated as the Dodgers came back from a five-run deficit in one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent baseball history. Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts each hit sacrifice flies in the eighth inning to secure the Dodgers’ victory.

“This is what we set out to do in spring training,” Betts said, champagne in his eyes.

New York took an early lead with back-to-back home runs by Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the first inning. By the third, Giancarlo Stanton’s homer extended the Yankees’ lead to 5-0. But defensive errors by Judge and shortstop Anthony Volpe allowed Los Angeles to erase the deficit in the fifth inning.

The Yankees briefly regained the lead in the sixth inning, but the Dodgers loaded the bases in the eighth and pulled ahead with sacrifice flies from Lux and Betts. Blake Treinen pitched a critical eighth inning, retiring Stanton and striking out Anthony Rizzo, and Walker Buehler closed out the game, earning his first major league save.

In the Dodgers’ clubhouse, MVP Freddie Freeman, who tied the Series record with 12 RBIs, celebrated the team’s resilience. “When you’re given extra outs and you capitalize in that kind of game, that’s huge,” he said.

Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ $700 million signing, battled through the Series despite a shoulder injury and celebrated alongside his teammates. “The success of the postseason is very similar,” he said through a translator, referring to the team’s unity.

This victory marks the Dodgers’ eighth championship and their first in a full season since 1988. Manager Dave Roberts, now a two-time champion, praised the team’s journey through injuries and challenges. “We faced every adversity possible and overcame every single one,” Freeman added.

Los Angeles will hold a victory parade on Friday, coinciding with what would have been the 64th birthday of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away just before the Series began.

How Lisa Marie Presley’s legacy got tied to the alleged attempt to steal Graceland

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How Lisa Marie Presley’s legacy got tied to the alleged attempt to steal Graceland

Graceland, the iconic Memphis home of the late Elvis Presley, is one of America’s most recognized residences, second only to the White House. When news broke of its potential public auction in May, it shocked and confused fans of the legendary musician, bringing attention to a growing issue of alleged deed fraud.

The controversy began last spring when Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC filed a lawsuit and announced a foreclosure sale for Graceland, claiming that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s daughter, had borrowed $3.8 million, using the property as collateral before her death in 2023. Lisa Marie’s daughter, actor Riley Keough, responded with a countersuit alleging fraud, claiming Naussany Investments was a fabricated entity with no rights to the property. This alleged plot to seize Graceland outraged Elvis fans across the country.

Graceland, which has been a revered site for generations of Elvis fans, from the 1950s to today, holds significant cultural importance. “People have been trying to take from Elvis since Elvis was Elvis,” said Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, on ABC’s “GMA3.” He described Graceland as a cherished place where Elvis lived, loved, and is now buried, along with his parents and daughter.

Graceland was also home to Lisa Marie, who became the sole heir to Elvis’s estate after his death in 1977. Over the years, Lisa Marie defended her family’s legacy and ensured its continuation, including approving Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated 2022 film “Elvis,” which emphasized her father’s appreciation for Black culture.

After Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023, her daughter Riley took her role as trustee seriously. Riley’s countersuit claimed the loan documents were forgeries, sparking an investigation that led to the discovery of a questionable notary seal on the documents. Private investigator Bradley Russell tracked down the alleged notary, Kimberly Philbrick, who denied notarizing anything for Lisa Marie and claimed the seal was a forgery.

Based on Philbrick’s affidavit, Riley’s legal team sought an injunction to stop the auction. Just a day before the sale, a judge granted the injunction. In August, Missouri resident Lisa Findley was arrested on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, accused of exploiting the Presley family’s legacy for personal gain. Findley allegedly forged loan documents and published a false foreclosure notice, aiming to auction Graceland.

Riley has committed to preserving Graceland as both a museum and a home, honoring her mother’s wishes. “People going through the house feel this love that doesn’t stop,” Riley shared on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Graceland’s legacy endures as a beloved symbol of Elvis’s life and impact.

7 ways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain

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7 ways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol plans to change the coffee chain

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol outlined his plans to boost U.S. sales and improve customer experience in a call with investors on Wednesday, as the coffee chain faces its third consecutive quarter of declining sales. Niccol’s strategy centers on enhancing speed and service quality, with a goal of reducing wait times to under four minutes for custom orders.

Key Highlights:

  1. Improving Mobile Order Flow
    With mobile orders accounting for more than 30% of U.S. transactions, Starbucks plans to improve the app’s accuracy and designate clearer pickup areas for in-person and mobile orders. Niccol also aims to streamline customization options to reduce order complexity.
  2. Simplifying the Menu
    To speed up service, Starbucks will focus on a “fewer, better” menu strategy, eliminating lower-demand items that slow down baristas. “We need to bring back simplicity so that our team can provide faster, more consistent service,” Niccol said.
  3. Revitalizing Cafe Atmosphere
    Niccol aims to restore Starbucks’ reputation as a “third place” for community gathering, introducing design elements like more comfortable seating and serving drinks in ceramic mugs for in-store customers. Pickup-only locations in urban areas will also receive updates to feel more inviting.
  4. Restoring Condiment Bars
    In a return to pre-pandemic norms, Starbucks will reintroduce self-serve condiment bars, allowing customers to add milk and sugar to their drinks without waiting for barista assistance.
  5. Optimizing Staffing Levels
    To manage peak times better, Starbucks is increasing barista hours and ensuring sufficient staffing during busy periods. This adjustment aims to reduce turnover and maintain a consistent service level throughout the day.
  6. Revised Marketing Focus
    Niccol, with a background in marketing, plans to broaden Starbucks’ marketing approach beyond its loyalty program. Instead of offering frequent discounts, the company will focus on promoting the quality of its coffee to attract a wider audience.
  7. Eliminating Dairy Alternative Fees
    Starting Nov. 7, Starbucks will remove the extra charge for milk alternatives like almond and oat milk, responding to years of customer requests. Starbucks also plans to freeze North American prices for the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to improve its price perception among customers.

Starbucks shares remained steady on Thursday as Niccol’s turnaround plans were revealed. With a focus on simplified operations and enhanced customer experience, the coffee chain hopes to reverse its declining sales trend and reinforce its place as a beloved community destination.

At least 95 people die in devastating flash floods in Valencia, Spain

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At least 95 people die in devastating flash floods in Valencia, Spain

BARCELONA, Spain. — Flash floods in Spain turned village streets into rivers, ruined homes, disrupted transportation and killed at least 95 people in the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent memory.

Rainstorms that started Tuesday and continued Wednesday caused flooding across southern and eastern Spain, stretching from Malaga to Valencia. Muddy torrents tumbled vehicles down streets at high speeds while debris and household items swirled in the water. Police and rescue services used helicopters to lift people from their homes and rubber boats to reach drivers stranded atop cars.

Emergency services in the eastern region of Valencia confirmed a death toll of 92 people on Wednesday. Another two casualties were reported in the neighboring Castilla La Mancha region, while southern Andalusia reported one death.

“Yesterday was the worst day of my life,” Ricardo Gabaldón, the mayor of Utiel, a town in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE on Wednesday. He said six residents perished and more are missing.

“We were trapped like rats. Cars and trash containers were flowing down the streets. The water was rising to 3 meters (9.8 feet),” he said.

Spain’s government declared three days of mourning starting Thursday.

“For those who are looking for their loved ones, all of Spain feels your pain,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said in a televised address.

Rescue personnel and more than 1,100 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were deployed to affected areas. Spain’s central government set up a crisis committee to coordinate rescue efforts.

Javier Berenguer, 63, escaped his bakery in Utiel when crushing water threatened to overwhelm him. He said it rose to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) inside his business, and he fears his livelihood has been destroyed.

“I had to get out of a window as best I could because the water was already coming up to my shoulders. I took refuge on the first floor with the neighbors and I stayed there all night,” Berenguer told The Associated Press. “It has taken everything. I have to throw everything out of the bakery, the freezers, ovens, everything.”

María Carmen Martínez, another Utiel resident, witnessed a harrowing rescue.

“It was horrible, horrible. There was a man there clinging to a fence who was falling and calling people for help,” she said. “They couldn’t help him until the helicopters came and took him away.”

One Valencia town, Paiporta, suffered exceptional loss. Mayor Maribel Albalat told RTVE that over 30 people died in the town of some 25,000 people. Those included six residents of a senior residence. News media broadcast footage of seniors in chairs and wheelchairs at a Paiporta nursing home, some crying out in apparent terror as the water rose over their knees.

“We don’t know what happened, but in 10 minutes the village was overflowing with water,” Albalat said.

Spain’s national weather service said it rained more in eight hours in Valencia than it had in the preceding 20 months, calling the deluge “extraordinary.”

Located south of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast, Valencia is a tourist destination known for its beaches, citrus orchards, and as the origin of the rice dish, paella. The region has gorges and small riverbeds that spend much of the year completely dry but quickly fill with water when it rains. Many of them pass through populated areas.

As the floods receded, thick layers of mud mixed with refuse made some streets unrecognizable.

Menendez brothers to seek clemency from California Gov. Newsom

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Menendez brothers to seek clemency from California Gov. Newsom

LOS ANGELES — Erik and Lyle Menendez’s attorney, Mark Geragos, will seek clemency from Gov. Gavin Newsom in the hopes of getting the brothers’ release by Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday, ABC News reported that the paperwork for a clemency request was being filed.

“Pending clemency applications are confidential and we’re not able to discuss individual cases,” the governor’s office said in a statement. “More information on the process can be found here.”

The Menendez brothers are currently serving prison sentences of life without parole for the grisly murders of the parents, who were shot to death in 1989.

Clemency from Newsom would change the brothers’ individual sentences, but not their convictions for murder.

SEE ALSO: Menendez brothers’ attorney considers asking for murder conviction to be reduced

Last week, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón recommended a resentencing for the Menendez brothers after new evidence prompted him to reexamine the case. But Gascón seemed to support their convictions for murder.

In an interview with ABC News, the D.A. was asked what he tells people in his own office who say the two young men clearly premeditated the murders.

“We’re not letting them off,” Gascón replied. “First of all, I’ve been very clear: These were brutal murders; they were premeditated, and that’s why they got life without the possibility of parole.”

The case has now been moved to the Van Nuys courthouse, where the original double-murder trial was held. Each brother’s trial resulted in a hung jury.

The Menendez brothers never denied killing their parents, but insisted they acted in self-defense after claiming they suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of their father, fearing for their lives.

If a judge agrees to resentencing, the case would still require approval from the Board of Parole and Newsom — a process that could take a year. But, if a judge recommends that their murder convictions be reduced to voluntary manslaughter, they could be released immediately.

4 injured in crash between METRORail train and car in north Houston, HPD says

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4 injured in crash between METRORail train and car in north Houston, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities are investigating a MetroRail train crash that injured several people Wednesday morning.

The Houston Police Department said the train and a car collided at about 8:30 a.m. along Fulton and Crosstimbers.

According to HPD Lt. Wiggins, 15 people were on the MetroRail, three of whom went to the hospital with minor injuries.

Wiggins said the train operator wasn’t hurt.

A man told ABC13 he saw the incident happen.

“I was at the washateria. I was faced down Fulton,” he said. “He was face up Fulton – when I looked to his left and saw the car get smacked by the front of the train.”

Video from the scene shows the car involved heavily damaged. HPD said the driver of that car is hospitalized, though their condition is unknown.

Houston Housing Authority CEO placed on paid administrative leave amid federal investigation

ABC13 Houston
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Houston Housing Authority CEO placed on paid administrative leave amid federal investigation

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The president and CEO of the Houston Housing Authority was placed on paid leave amid an ongoing investigation.

This is not even the first time this month that David A. Northern Sr.’s position was in jeopardy.

There was a board meeting on Oct. 9 about Northern’s job, but no action was taken at that time.

PREVIOUS REPORT: 13 Investigates: HHA site under federal investigation purchased for 4x appraised value

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That was until Tuesday, when the board voted to place him on administrative leave to conduct an investigation into his performance.

Federal investigators raided one of the Houston Housing Authority’s properties last week.

The raid happened at The Pointe at Bayou Bend — a vacant, 400-unit affordable housing property in the Second Ward.

READ MORE: Houston Housing Authority under federal investigation after toxic ash found on Main Street complex

Toxic ash from a former trash incineration plant was found buried on a portion of the site last year, although the Housing A…Show more

There are questions about why it was built next to land that contains toxins, according to documents.

Northern had been with the Houston Housing Authority since 2022.

In that time, Mayor John Whitmire has accused the Houston Housing Authority of inefficient leadership and money mismanagement.

SEE ALSO: Federal probe continues amid questions about Houston Housing Authority: ‘Violated all the rules’

Federal investigators are collecting evidence at a Houston Housing Authority complex for a second day after toxic ash w…Show more

Northern, on the other hand, said in that statement that the move by the board and the investigation into his performance are “warrantless.”

The board has hired an outside consultant to review Northern’s performance. An interim president has yet to be named.

Read Northern’s full statement:

“I’m confident this warrantless investigation to try to remove me from my position will turn up nothing. The Board has taken this step to try and fabricate a reason to remove me because they do not have one. This decision stems from the coordinated opposition from anti-affordable housing and special interest groups who view affordable housing as a threat to their pocketbooks.

Regardless, I remain committed to the vital mission of providing affordable housing to Houston families, despite the attacks my team and I have faced. Since 2024 alone, we’ve secured over $60 million in federal funding that will lead to an anticipated $750 million dollar investment into some of Houston’s historically underserved communities. And we’ve launched innovative programs that make real differences in people’s lives including programs that help families access thriving neighborhoods, support seniors aging in place, and expand services for our most vulnerable residents. Furthermore, my administration has systematically resolved the HUD deficiencies identified before I took over as President & CEO, and caught the agency up on its 3-year audit backlog. And several weeks ago, I proposed an independent audit – unanimously approved by the Board – to ensure complete transparency of our contracts and procurement process.

I am deeply concerned about the weaponization of our housing authority and the negative impact that this has had on the morale of HHA staff and our ability to serve our constituents. Nevertheless, I will keep fighting to protect both our mission and the truth. At the heart of this issue, it is Houston’s most vulnerable residents who stand to lose the most.”

Tropical moisture surges in Wednesday to bring up the rain chance

ABC13 Houston
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Tropical moisture surges in Wednesday to bring up the rain chance

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A surge of tropical moisture blows into Houston on Wednesday, and this will bring up rain chances for the next several days.

Temperatures Wednesday morning will be mild, most starting in the mid 70s with widespread clouds developing ahead of sunrise. As temperatures warm back into the low 80s, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop ahead of the noon hour. These showers and thunderstorms will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, wind gusts over 40 mph, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. The highest rain chances will occur between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain chances drop off north and west of Houston, where high temperatures could again reach toward 90. Where it does storm, temperatures will peak in the low-to-mid 80s then cool off into the 70s when the rain begins.

How much rain could we get?

We expect totals of 1-3″ to be fairly common through the weekend. Any storm that develops could drop a quick inch of rain. The highest rain chances are Thursday and Saturday, both at 70%. That’s because a cool front will blow through on Thursday, which will momentarily push the tropical moisture into the Gulf of Mexico. Then on Saturday, that front will lift back northward with all the tropical moisture pushing back through Houston.

What kind of weather can we expect for trick or treat time on Halloween?

It will almost certainly be a humid Trick-or-Treat time this Halloween, but there is a fair chance the rain will occur earlier in the day and come to an end for most by the time the candy is filling up bags and buckets. The ground will likely be wet even if the sky is dry at that time. Temperatures will likely be rain-cooled in the 70s.

When can we expect temperatures to really cool off again?

Our confidence is growing that our next strong cold front will arrive on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. This front should bring temperatures down to seasonal levels with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. It’s even possible we catch a morning or two in the 40s.Skip Adding

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What are you tracking in the tropics?

There is now a region in the southwestern Caribbean that has 40% development odds over the next 7 days. While we’ll be keeping a close eye on this region for any storms, the general pattern over Texas and the Gulf should steer any potential storms away from us over the next two weeks. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for a complete look at what we’re covering in the tropics.

2 students at Lamar High School facing felony charges after allegedly bringing guns to campus

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2 students at Lamar High School facing felony charges after allegedly bringing guns to campus

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston ISD is boosting security at one of its high schools after two students allegedly brought weapons to campus.

Lamar High School sent out a message to parents on Monday saying a student attempting to bring a gun to school was detained after a short pursuit off campus.

HISD said police were able to locate the weapon and detain the student.

Administrators said they also suspected another student of having a weapon. That student was also detained, and the gun was confiscated. The district said everyone is safe.

“I’m definitely thankful to be here now and safe,” student Feben Degefa said. “The only thing to do now is thank God. Like, God is so good for keeping us safe the way that He has (Tuesday).”

“I’m shocked, and I hate that this is becoming normalized,” student Ealeynah Epps said. “It’s happening so much.”

13 investigates asked for the data from HISD to see how often guns are found on campuses. During the last school year, HISD said it found 17 guns district-wide and 10 BB guns.

So far this year, through mid-September, one BB gun and eight guns were found.

According to HISD, both students will face felony charges and “will be assigned disciplinary actions aligned with the Texas Education Code.”

Court records show charges of possession of a prohibited weapon were filed against 17-year-old Clifton Skillern.

Documents state Skillern “concealed handgun with an extended magazine while at Lamar High School on Oct. 28, 2024.”

Skillern appears to be in custody and is expected to appear in court Wednesday. His bond was set at $50,000.

District officials said heightened security would be added as a precaution.

A video obtained by ABC13 shows long lines outside the school Tuesday morning.

Students at the school were forced to go through a security checkpoint with metal detectors.

“I have mixed feelings about it because it wasn’t efficient (Tuesday) because so many students were late, and I don’t know how they intend on searching 3,000 students every day,” Epps said.

“I felt safer that they were taking the precautions necessary to make sure were safe in class,” Degefa said.

“HISD takes every threat to campus safety seriously and works closely with local law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and take necessary actions to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” the district said in a release.

US airlines required to automatically refund you for canceled flight

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US airlines required to automatically refund you for canceled flight

Airlines in the United States are now required to give passengers cash refunds if their flight is significantly delayed or canceled, even if that person does not explicitly ask for a refund.

The Department of Transportation says the final federal rule requiring that airlines dole out refunds – not vouchers – went into effect Monday. The major change is being implemented only a month before the start of what is likely to be a huge holiday travel season.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made the announcement on X after he first presented the proposed rule back in April. “Today, our automatic refund rule goes into full effect,” Buttigieg posted. “Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them-without headaches or haggling.”

The new rule mandates that refunds are automatically processed by an airline if a passenger’s flight is “canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept the significantly changed flight, rebooking on an alternative flight, or alternative compensation.”

The Department of Transportation says airlines must then refund a passenger within seven business days if they bought a ticket on a credit card and within 20 calendar days if they used another form of payment.

The move has faced pushback from the airline industry. In July, Buttigieg told airlines that they must make clear to passengers when they are entitled to a refund.

In a statement, industry lobby Airlines for America said, “we support the automatic refund rule and are happy to accommodate customers with a refund when they choose not to be rebooked.”

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