# Breaking: U.S. Military Strike in Caribbean, Inflation Rises, and Hurricane Melissa Strengthens
**By:** Website Desk
**Published:** October 26, 2025
**Summary:** A night of major developments — the U.S. military conducted its 10th strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean, the government shutdown reaches day 24, inflation accelerates, and Tropical Storm Melissa rapidly intensifies toward the Caribbean.
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A string of dramatic events unfolded tonight, ranging from a major U.S. military escalation in the Caribbean to rising inflation and a powerful storm threatening the Caribbean islands.
### U.S. Conducts 10th Strike on Suspected Drug Vessel
The U.S. military carried out what officials described as the **10th strike** on an alleged drug-running vessel in the Caribbean, a move that marked a sharp escalation in the administration’s campaign against narcotics trafficking. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released footage showing the vessel ablaze after an overnight attack. U.S. officials say the strike occurred off the coast of Venezuela and that at least six people were killed.
In a parallel show of force, the White House ordered the **USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group** to the waters of Central and South America. The carrier, accompanied by multiple warships and submarines, will add thousands of U.S. personnel to operations already under way in the region.
The administration has defended the strikes as necessary to halt the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. Critics, including legal and foreign-policy experts, warn that such operations — particularly if targets are not verified — risk violating international law and could further destabilize an already fragile region.
### Government Shutdown Enters Day 24
Domestically, the federal government shutdown stretched into its **24th day**, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay. Workers from agencies including the Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the VA reported missed paychecks and growing financial strain.
Food banks in multiple states reported increased demand as furloughed workers sought emergency assistance. Many employees expressed frustration that members of Congress continue to receive pay during the shutdown, while rank-and-file staff go unpaid.
Lawmakers remained deeply divided, and negotiations showed little sign of progress as the shutdown persisted.
### Inflation Accelerates — Consumers Feeling the Squeeze
A new government report released tonight showed **inflation climbing at its fastest pace since January**, with prices up roughly **3% year-over-year** for the most recent month. Analysts pointed to tariffs and ongoing supply-chain disruptions as major contributors to rising consumer costs.
Grocery bills were notably affected: coffee prices spiked nearly 41% in the past year, lettuce rose by about 21%, and sirloin steak costs climbed approximately 20%. Consumers at local supermarkets reported significant increases in everyday items; one shopper told reporters that a gallon of milk cost nearly $2 more than it did the prior month.
The inflationary pressures coincided with a surprisingly strong performance on Wall Street, where major indexes closed at record highs — a mixed economic signal that has economists and policymakers watching closely.
### Trade Talks with Canada Suspended
Tensions on trade surged as the president announced a suspension of trade negotiations with Canada following controversy over an Ontario-produced advertisement that used former President Ronald Reagan’s words to criticize U.S. tariffs. The move further strained relations with Canada amid already elevated concerns over cross-border trade and retaliatory measures that could feed into rising domestic prices.
### Hurricane Melissa Rapidly Intensifies
Meteorologists issued urgent warnings as **Tropical Storm Melissa** strengthened rapidly over the Atlantic and was forecast to reach **major hurricane** status within days. Current models showed the storm likely to become a Category 4 system by Sunday night, with a potential path taking it near or over Jamaica and then toward Cuba and the Bahamas.
Officials in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic prepared for heavy rainfall, flooding and mudslides. Emergency managers urged residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to finalize preparations and heed evacuation orders where issued.
### Clashes Outside Coast Guard Base; Vehicle Ramming Incident
In California, federal agents opened fire after a U-Haul truck backed toward the gate of a Coast Guard facility near San Francisco, according to Homeland Security sources. The driver was reportedly wounded and later taken into custody. Officials said the incident followed earlier clashes between protesters and agents at the base, during which flashbang devices were deployed and at least one demonstrator was struck.
Authorities described an increase in vehicle-ramming incidents targeting federal facilities and said investigations into the episode are ongoing.
### Legal and Political Headlines
In New York, Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to newly filed federal charges. James, a frequent critic of the president and the official behind major civil actions against his business interests, described the prosecution as politically motivated and said the justice system was being used as a tool of retribution.
Meanwhile, the New York City mayoral race grew more heated after controversial remarks from a former state governor. Candidate Zoron Mandani delivered an emotional statement defending his faith and urging unity as the city approaches election day.
### Accidents and Airline Disruptions
Several transportation incidents were reported tonight: a National Guard training plane went down near a highway in Oklahoma City, causing minor fires but no serious injuries; a Delta jet aborted takeoff in Minneapolis after flames erupted from an engine; and Alaska Airlines experienced a systemwide IT outage that led to the cancellation of more than 400 flights and left thousands of passengers stranded.
### Local Hero: Mother Saves 22 Children
On a brighter note amid the evening’s grim headlines, a mother in East Bethel, Minnesota, helped rescue 22 children from a school bus that erupted in flames minutes after she assisted them to safety. The video captured by a home security camera showed the woman alerting the driver and shepherding children to a nearby house moments before the bus exploded. Her actions have been lauded by community leaders and national media.
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**What to Watch Next:** Officials say more details are expected regarding the Caribbean strike and the legality of U.S. operations overseas. Emergency updates about Hurricane Melissa will continue through the weekend as the storm’s track and intensity become clearer. Meanwhile, Congress faces mounting pressure to resolve the shutdown as furloughed workers and families cope with growing financial strain.
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