News briefs

Tribune News Service on Oct 10, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

Philadelphia to open one of the country's first LGBTQ+ visitor centers

PHILADELPHIA — When preparing to share Philadelphia's rich LGBTQ+ history with the hundreds of thousands of visitors expected to come to town next year for America's 250th anniversary, planners did not suffer from any shortage of stories.

"Philly does not take a backseat to any other city when it comes to national LGBTQ+ equality," said Mark Segal, founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News. But with so much LGBTQ+ history and culture to highlight, officials soon faced a natural question: Where would visitors even start?

That's a predicament planners say they have now solved. On Friday, city tourism and marketing leaders along with LGBTQ+ advocates, like Segal, announced plans to open one of the nation's first dedicated LGBTQ+ visitor centers.

Scheduled to open in January 2026, right in the heart of the Gayborhood, and billed as a legacy project of the Semiquincentennial, as the national milestone is known, the new Philly Pride Visitor Center is envisioned as a starting point for travelers.

—The Philadelphia Inquirer

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs historic housing bill to bring density to transit hubs

LOS ANGELES — On the campaign trail eight years ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom famously promised to support the construction of 3.5 million new homes in California by the end of this year. He'll likely fall short by millions, but his latest move reaffirms the effort.

Newsom signed Senate Bill 79 into law on Friday. The historic bill, which looks to add density to transit hubs across California, is one of the most ambitious state-imposed housing efforts in recent memory.

"All Californians deserve an affordable place to live — close to jobs, schools, and opportunity. Housing near transit means shorter commutes, lower costs, and more time with family. When we invest in housing, we're investing in people — their chance to build a future, raise a family, and be part of a community," Newsom said in a statement.

The sweeping bill — which takes effect July 1, 2026 — upzones areas across California, overriding local zoning laws to allow taller, denser projects near transit hubs such as subway stops, light rail stops and bus stops with dedicated lanes.

—Los Angeles Times

White House trashes Nobel Peace Prize committee for snubbing Trump

The White House trashed the Nobel Peace Prize committee on Friday after it snubbed President Donald Trump for the coveted award.

As Trump works to finalize a major diplomatic victory with the Gaza ceasefire deal, communications director Steven Cheung accused the prize panel of proving “they place politics over peace” by failing to honor the president.

“He has the heart of a humanitarian, and there will never be anyone like him who can move mountains with the sheer force of his will,” Cheung tweeted.

The peace prize instead went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for what the committee called “her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.” Machado dedicated the prize to the Venezuelan people and Trump, who reposted her statement hailing him.

—New York Daily News

Peru’s Boluarte ousted and Jerí sworn in as president

Peru’s top lawmaker José Jerí was surprisingly sworn in as president early on Friday, following the ouster of his predecessor Dina Boluarte, who was one of the world’s most unpopular leaders.

Boluarte was ditched by former allies in congress who swiftly backed a motion to oust her over criticism that she was not doing enough to handle soaring crime. Lawmakers voted unanimously to approve an impeachment motion to remove her, far exceeding the two-thirds majority required.

She was replaced by Jerí, the head of congress, as the constitution dictates when there is no vice president. He is a conservative who would complete the term that ends in July 2026. A bill to remove Jerí from the top congressional position failed early on Friday, paving the way for his swearing-in.

Boluarte gave an address to the nation, acknowledging her removal and listing what she said were the achievements of her administration.

—Bloomberg News