Good Morning! Today’s edition is 861 words, a 3-minute read.

Here’s what we’re covering:

• China Foreign Agent Bust

• Congo Jailbreak

• New Zealand Tourist Tax

• Fall Foliage Predictions

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Big Story

China Foreign Agent Arrested

Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, was arrested on charges of secretly working & laundering money for China.

• Sun is charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, and money laundering. Her husband, Chris Hu, was also arrested for money-related crimes. The couple was taken into custody by the FBI at their Long Island home.

• Prosecutors claim Sun acted as an undisclosed agent for China while working in the New York governor's office and other state agencies. She allegedly helped China by blocking Taiwan's access to the governor's office, changing political messaging to favor China, and arranging meetings between Chinese officials and New York state officials. In return, Sun received financial benefits, gifts, and help with business deals for her husband.

• Sun was fired from her job in March 2023 after evidence of misconduct was found. Governor Hochul's office reported her actions to law enforcement and has cooperated with the investigation. Sun had worked in the New York state government since 2012, including as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff for a year starting in September 2021.

Big Story

Venezuela President Flexes Control

Venezuela's attorney general announced that a court has issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez.

• The court is accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes. This comes after a disputed July election, where President Nicolas Maduro was declared the winner by an election board that supports his party. However, the opposition claims Gonzalez won by a large margin.

• The election results have been contested, with opposition leaders and some international bodies questioning the transparency of the vote. Maduro criticized Gonzalez for not recognizing the election results, calling his actions unacceptable. Meanwhile, the opposition has published what they claim are accurate vote tallies, showing Gonzalez as the winner.

• As tensions rise, the U.S. has considered sanctions against Venezuelan officials in response to the disputed election. It is unclear how Gonzalez, who is 75 years old, will be sentenced. Venezuelan law requires those over 70 to serve sentences under house arrest rather than in jail.

Big Story

Congo Jailbreak

An attempted jailbreak at Makala Central Prison in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, resulted in 129 deaths.

• Rising tensions over unfair treatment inspired the prisoners to attempt an escape. The fatalities included inmates who were shot by guards and soldiers, as well as others who died in a stampede. Some reports suggest the death toll could be higher, with over 200 deaths claimed by a prison rights activist.

• Makala Prison is known for its horrible conditions. Inmates, including women and children, endure harsh treatment and lack necessities like food, water, and medical care. The prison is also severely overcrowded with over 12,000 inmates in a space meant for 1,500.

• The government has promised to address the overcrowding and improve prison conditions. Plans for a new prison were mentioned to help reduce overcrowding. Meanwhile, opposition leaders condemned the high death toll, likening it to "summary executions," and demanded accountability.

Little Stories

• The Justice Department filed criminal charges against Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other militants for their role in the Oct. 7 attack in Israel. It is the first time American Law enforcement has formally accused the masterminds of the attacks. However, the charges are mostly symbolic as Sinwar is hiding in tunnels in Gaza and three of the six defendants are believed to be dead. (More)

• New Zealand is raising tourist entry fees from NZ$35 to NZ$100 ($62.20) starting Oct. 1. The government says the increase will help cover the costs of public services for visitors and environmental protection. However, some in the tourism industry worry that the higher fee will discourage visitors. (More)

• A fake ad in Philadelphia showed Vice President Kamala Harris in an Eagles football uniform with the tagline "Official candidate of the Philadelphia Eagles." The Eagles confirmed the ads were fake and worked to remove them. NBC Philadelphia reported spotting at least 6 ads before they were taken down on Monday. (More)

• Two Russian ballistic missiles hit a military academy and a nearby hospital in Ukraine, killing over 50 people and injuring more than 200. The attack ripped into the Poltava Military Institute’s main building, causing multiple stories to collapse. It is the deadliest Russian strike since the war began. (More)

• Florida State dropped out of the AP college football poll after starting the season 0-2, becoming one of only three teams to go from the preseason top 10 to unranked in the first regular-season poll since 1989. Georgia stayed at No. 1 after a big win, followed by Ohio State at No. 2. Texas and Alabama moved up to No. 3 and No. 4. Notre Dame rose to No. 5 after beating Texas A&M. (More)

Extra Credit

🧸 How the teddy bear got its name.

🍁 Mapping U.S. fall foliage predictions. 

💊 Why grapefruit can mess with your medications. 

🥣 Ranking the 50 best breakfast cereals of all time.