Informing, engaging & connecting the people of the world. OCTOBER 29, 2019

To view this newsletter online, please click here .

Californians coped Monday with fire, smoke, wind and power outages as firefighters continued to battle flames around the state. Meteorologists report that another “wind event” was expected Tuesday in Northern California. Rain doesn’t appear to be in the forecast anytime soon.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On October 29, 1998, astronaut and then Senator John Glenn returns to space, nearly 40 years after his historic flight which made him the first American to orbit Earth. Glenn was 77 when he was launched into space on Space Shuttle mission STS-95. During his nine days aboard the shuttle, Glenn conducted experiments on health problems associated with aging. Glenn, a decorated combat pilot, was among the first seven American astronauts.

Senior Islamic State leaders in Syria are coming under fire, part of what appears to be an urgent campaign to gut the terror group’s brain trust. The U.S.-allied Syrian Democratic Forces said Monday it had carried out a series of raids aimed at getting the terror group’s key players dead or alive.

Pakistan has reassured the United States of its “steadfast” support to the peace and reconciliation process in war-shattered Afghanistan, stressing the importance for all parties to take “practical” steps to reduce hostilities.

VIDEO: In Santa Fe, New Mexico, a unique college has been immersing students in Native American contemporary arts and culture for more than 55 years. The one-of-a-kind school draws both native and non-native Americans from across the country who wish to explore their artistic abilities while learning more about the diverse range of native cultures in their homeland.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of seeking means to launch missiles at Israel from Yemen, where Tehran supports Houthi rebels. Netanyahu made the remark during a visit by a U.S. delegation, including presidential adviser Jared Kushner and U.S. secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin. He also called for tougher sanctions against Iran.