Nova Newsletter
November 3, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,608 words for you today - 8 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Explosion At Harvard Med School Appears Intentional
Photo by Harvard University police of a person of interest. Photograph: AP
Authorities say an early Saturday explosion at Harvard Medical School was deliberate, though no injuries were reported.
Takeaways:
The blast occurred inside the Goldenson Building around dawn, triggering a fire alarm.
Two masked individuals fled the scene before a campus police officer arrived.
The Boston Fire Department confirmed the explosion was intentional.
No additional devices were found after a full building sweep.
Police released security photos showing two people in face coverings and sweatshirts running from the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not disclosed a possible motive.
Federal authorities are assisting in the probe as campus security remains heightened. Read More
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2. Nine Injured in Shooting at Airbnb Party in Ohio
At least nine people, including several juveniles, were hurt early Sunday during a shooting at a house party in Bath Township, Ohio, police said.
Takeaways:
The shooting happened just after midnight at an Airbnb home on Top-O-Hill Drive.
A large group of teens attended a party advertised on social media.
The suspect fired multiple shots inside before fleeing; no arrests yet.
Short-term rentals are a zoning violation in that area, police said.
Officers arrived at a “chaotic scene,” administering life-saving aid before victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Their conditions remain unknown.
Police are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with Airbnb. Authorities urged residents to report any footage or tips that could help the case.
“This kind of violence is unacceptable,” said Police Chief Vito Sinopoli. Read More
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3. Trump Threatens Military Action Against Nigeria Over Christian Killings
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends an ECOWAS meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Olamikan Gbemiga, File)
U.S. President Donald Trump said he has directed the Pentagon to prepare for possible military strikes in Nigeria, accusing the government of failing to stop attacks on Christians.
Takeaways:
Trump warned he would halt all U.S. aid to Nigeria and may order a “fast, vicious” response.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the claims, calling them false and “unreflective of national reality.”
Nigeria, split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, has long battled extremist groups like Boko Haram.
Analysts note most victims of violence in northern Nigeria are Muslims, not Christians.
In a Saturday post, Trump accused “Islamic terrorists” of carrying out “mass slaughter” and said Nigeria’s government has “failed to act.” Tinubu responded that religious tolerance remains “a core tenet” of Nigeria’s identity.
The move heightens tensions between Washington and Africa’s most populous country, a key U.S. security partner. Read More
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Quick Headlines
Photo: Evan Vucci
The U.S. military launched another strike in the Caribbean, killing three suspected drug smugglers aboard a vessel linked to a terrorist group, officials said. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the action as part of President Trump’s campaign against “narco-terrorists,” though lawmakers continue to demand legal transparency. Read More
British police arrested two men after a stabbing rampage on a train bound for London left 11 people injured, including two in critical condition. Authorities say the attack does not appear linked to terrorism, though the motive remains under investigation. Read More
Five days after Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica with 185 mph winds, killing at least 28 people, many towns remain cut off with no food, water, or power. Officials warn the toll could rise as rescue crews reach isolated areas across Westmoreland and St Elizabeth. Read More
At least 23 people, including children, were killed and 12 injured after an explosion and fire tore through a Waldo’s convenience store in downtown Hermosillo, Sonora. Authorities suspect toxic gas inhalation as the cause of death and have launched a full investigation into the tragedy.. Read More
Five German mountaineers, including a father and daughter, were killed when an avalanche struck as they ascended Cima Vertana near Solda in South Tyrol. Two other climbers survived as rescuers recovered all victims over the weekend. Read More
Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan, was shot dead during a public Day of the Dead celebration. Two suspects were arrested, and one assailant was killed. Manzo, who often patrolled streets in a bulletproof vest, had urged the federal government to act against cartel violence. His death follows a string of assassinations targeting local officials in Mexico’s ongoing crime crisis. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Bessent Signals SNAP Aid Could Resume Within Days Amid Shutdown Pressure
ion energy breakthrough, aiming for a demonstration system milestone in 2027 and a
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks as he and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer hold a press conference on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Washington, D.C., U.S., Oct. 15, 2025. Ken Cedeno | Reuters
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said SNAP food benefits could restart by Wednesday, following court rulings that ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to feed 42 million Americans during the ongoing government shutdown.
Takeaways
Two federal judges ordered the administration to fund SNAP using emergency reserves.
The Treasury Department says it won’t appeal but must “figure out the process.”
The shutdown had halted payments set to end November 1.
Trump publicly supported restoring aid while attacking Democrats for the impasse.
The rulings from Judges Jack McConnell (Rhode Island) and Indira Talwani (Massachusetts) marked a rare judicial intervention in a funding dispute, compelling the administration to bypass stalled appropriations. Talwani gave officials until Monday to confirm whether partial November benefits would be approved.
Speaking on CNN, Bessent said restarting payments “could be done” by Wednesday, though he emphasized procedural hurdles. “There’s a process that has to be followed,” he noted, signaling internal coordination challenges between the Treasury and Agriculture departments.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, one of the nation’s largest anti-hunger efforts, supports about 1 in 8 Americans. A prolonged suspension risked food insecurity spikes, particularly among low-income families already squeezed by inflation and rent hikes.
Trump sought to frame the issue politically, posting that he “did not want Americans to go hungry,” while blaming Democrats for blocking a budget deal.
The court’s intervention effectively forces a short-term fix, but the deeper fiscal and political gridlock remains unresolved. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Sydney Sweeney Spotted Reuniting With Ex-Fiancé After Dinner
Photo: Backgrid
“Euphoria” star Sydney Sweeney reunited with her ex-fiancé Jonathan Davino in Los Angeles on Saturday night after dining with friends at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica.
Takeaways:
Sweeney and friends watched Game 7 of the World Series during dinner.
She left in an Uber, then switched to a car driven by Davino minutes later.
The pair were seen heading home together after the meetup.
Sweeney was recently linked to talent manager Scooter Braun.
Witnesses say Sweeney appeared to duck down when paparazzi caught her entering Davino’s vehicle. The outing marks the first public sighting of the former couple together since their reported split.
It’s unclear if the reunion was romantic or simply friendly. Read More
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6. Millie Bobby Brown Reportedly Files Harassment Claim Against Co-Star David Harbour
Millie Bobby Brown has reportedly accused her Stranger Things co-star David Harbour of harassment and bullying ahead of the show’s final season.
Takeaways:
Brown allegedly filed a claim before production began on Season 5.
The report says Harbour faced an internal investigation, but no sexual misconduct claims.
Netflix has declined to comment, and the inquiry’s outcome remains unknown.
The final season premieres in three parts between November 27 and January 1.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the complaint included “pages and pages of accusations” and led to a months-long investigation. Brown and Harbour play a father-daughter duo on the hit Netflix series.
Neither actor has publicly addressed the report. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day – November 3
Sputnik 2 Sends Laika to Space, 1957 – The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 2 carrying Laika, a part-Siberian Husky, making her the first animal to orbit Earth and a pioneer of space exploration.
Kobe Bryant Makes NBA Debut, 1996 – At just 18 years old, Kobe Bryant takes the court for the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the youngest player ever to debut in the NBA in a 91–85 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
One World Trade Center Opens, 2014 – Thirteen years after the 9/11 attacks, New York’s 104-story One World Trade Center officially opens, standing as a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
🕯️🤐 Candle Wax on Zippers
Got a stuck zipper? Rub a bit of candle wax along the teeth to help it glide smoothly again. The wax acts as a natural lubricant, reducing friction and preventing future snags. It’s an easy fix that works on bags, jackets, and boots alike.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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