## US attempted to capture Venezuela's Maduro by bribing his pilot, report claims

Authored by euronews.com

According to AP, the agent told the pilot in a secret meeting that he would be made a very rich man.

The conversation was tense, and the pilot left noncommittal, though he provided the agent, Edwin Lopez, with his cell number — a sign he might be interested in helping the US government.

FILE- Marco Rubio, right, listens to Edwin F. Lopez, the attaché for DHS Homeland Security Investigations, center, next to the Venezuelan government airplane.

There was even a final machination aimed at rattling the Venezuelan president about the pilot’s true loyalties, according to AP.

Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has taken an even harder line on getting Maduro.

The US military has killed at least 57 people in 13 strikes, including a few in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The report also said the outlet reviewed — and authenticated — text exchanges between Lopez and the pilot. »

### Flights delayed across US amid air traffic controller shortages as shutdown drags on

Authored by theguardian.com

The shutdown has forced 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers to work without pay.

On Thursday, air traffic control staffing shortages snarled flights at Orlando, Dallas/Fort Worth and Washington DC, with FlightAware data showing 7,300 flights delayed and 1,250 canceled across the US.

The shutdown has exacerbated existing staffing shortages, threatening to cause widespread disruptions similar to those that helped end a 35-day government shutdown in 2019. »

### Escaped monkeys 'destroyed' after Mississippi police are mistakenly told they're a danger

Authored by nbcnews.com

A number of monkeys were "destroyed" after they got loose Tuesday morning and Mississippi law enforcement officers were mistakenly told they were dangerous.

The rhesus monkeys were being transported when the truck carrying them crashed in Jasper County, Mississippi, about 75 miles east of Jackson, the Jasper County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

“The driver of the truck told local law enforcement that the monkeys were dangerous and posed a threat to humans,” it said. »

### Years after notorious zoo closed, the stranded animals are finally being rescued

Authored by abcnews.go.com

Florencia, a brown bear, lies in her cage at the former Lujan Zoo, which closed in 2020, where in recent days a global animal welfare organization has been treating animals, in Lujan, Argentina, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.

Argentine authorities in 2020 shut down the Lujan Zoo — famous for letting visitors handle and pose for pictures with tigers and lions — over mounting safety concerns.

On Thursday, veterinarians and experts from the organization were scrambling around the derelict zoo to assess the animals one by one. »

### SNAP benefits cut off during shutdown, driving long lines at food pantries

Authored by apnews.com

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — People across the country formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-through giveaways Saturday, after monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, were suddenly cut off because of the ongoing government shutdown.

Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also relies on it regularly for food to supplement her SNAP payments.

Must Ministries said it handed out food to about 1,000 people, more than a typical bimonthly food delivery. »

## In pictures

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