Death toll reaches 130 in Brazil’s raid against gangs
By Alex Piazza
On Oct. 28, Rio de Janeiro’s police force executed the “bloodiest raid in the city’s history,” targeting the “Red Command Gang,” known for drug trafficking and as the largest gang in the city. While the death toll was expected to reach around 60, the number is currently 132. The death toll is being tallied by counting the dead bodies laid in the favelas (low-income neighborhoods) where the raid took place. The goal of the raid, which was described as “war-like,” by residents, was to prevent the gang from expanding; however, many residents are upset with the violence that unfolded, especially those close to gang members who were killed.
Halloween
By Shaw Gordon
This year, we celebrate Halloween on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Halloween is a time to get together with friends, eat candy and dress up in silly costumes. In America, we celebrate by eating candy and dressing up, although Halloween actually started in Ireland. On Oct. 31, the night before their New Year centuries ago, they held a Celtic festival called Samhain. According to legends, there was a thin boundary between the living and the dead. People dressed up in costumes and held big bonfires to ward off the spirits. Celebrating Halloween is always fun, so have a great time this year!
Helicopter Crashes on Mt. Everest
By Sabenah Abudu-Abrams
On Wednesday, both the Nepali and Chinese sides of Mt. Everest were closed off for tourists due to a cyclone that caused a snow pile-up. As a result of the snowfall, trekkers were left stranded, and during a rescue attempt, a helicopter crashed into the snow. While it remains unclear if the trekkers have been rescued, the pilot, Captain Vivek Khadka, survived unharmed and was later rescued. He was the only person on board the helicopter. Dozens more trekkers have been hiking the mountain, but according to alert reports about the forecast in Nepal, authorities are advising hikers to take precautions and avoid higher altitudes.
Prince Andrew Removed From Titles and House
By Riley Jones
Last night, on Oct. 30, Buckingham Palace released a statement that King Charles has begun a “formal process to remove the style, titles and honours of Prince Andrew.” Prince Andrew, the King’s younger brother, has recently been scrutinized over his ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Those in the royal household have also faced anxiety over the allegations of sexual assault against Prince Andrew. In her posthumous memoir, one of Epstein’s victims, the late Virginia Giuffre, claimed the Prince sexually assaulted her at 17; claims which Andrew continues to deny. Just two weeks earlier, Prince Andrew had announced he would stop using some of his titles. King Charles’ recent decision will strip the prince of his titles and residency in the Royal Lodge. Reportedly, King Charles’ decision was met with agreement from Prince Andrew, who will move to a property on the royal family’s private Sandringham estate. The Prince will also receive a private provision from King Charles.
Red Ribbon Week
By Brett Schlossberg
This week, from Oct. 27 to Oct. 31, was Red Ribbon Week. The annual campaign is designed to spread awareness to schools about the dangers of drug use. Red Ribbon Week began in 1988 as a response to the death of Enrique Camarena, an officer of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), while on a mission in Mexico. People wore red ribbons in honor of him. The event was made official by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
States Sues Trump after SNAP funding cut
By Tatum Trammell
This past Tuesday, 25 states sued the Trump Administration for cutting the funding for SNAP benefits. The funding cut resulted from the recent government shutdown, which occurred on Oct. 1, due to a lack of proper federal government funding. Over 42 million people will be negatively impacted by this decision and lose access to support in providing food for themselves or their families. The cut will officially take place starting tomorrow, Nov. 1.
Texas Sues the Makers of Tylenol
By Akiva Bryant
On Oct. 28, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, both of which are the makers of Tylenol. Paxton accused them of hiding Tylenol’s alleged links to autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which would have violated the Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act if proven true. Paxton’s accusations are based on claims made by President Donald Trump and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who stated that Tylenol can cause autism in babies if taken by pregnant women. However, on Oct. 29, RFK Jr. retracted his claim, now saying that there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that Tylenol causes autism. The claims, still supported by Trump and Paxton, have not yet been proven, although the White House provides evidence to support its argument on its website.
U.S. strikes down alleged drug boats off the southern coast of America
By Kaden Bruton
On Oct. 14, the U.S. military performed its fifth strike, killing six people. Since Sept. of 2025, there have been many strikes on alleged “drug boats.” Starting on Sept. 2, the U.S. carried out its first strike on an alleged drug boat from Venezuela. More recently, on October 22, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, announced a 9th strike, this one being on the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing 3 people. Members of Congress have spoken out, claiming these strikes are illegal.
Volleyball State Championship
By Joy Ferguson
On Oct. 29, Woodward’s Varsity Volleyball Team went to the state championship. There was a pep rally during school on the day of the game, where students congratulated the team for making state and cheered them on. They played against McIntosh High School and won 15-4 in the last rally after five rallies, Woodward winning 3 out of the 5. The game was held at LakePoint Sports Champion Center in Cartersville, Georgia. There was a Fan Bus that took Woodward students, who were excited to rep Woodward, to the stadium. Go War Eagles!
