In Wise County, Virginia, a vibrant gathering of community members assembled at Bullitt Park to participate in the 50th annual Walkathon. This event, dedicated to generating funds, aims to assist elderly residents with heating expenses during the cold winter season.

Organized by the Mountain Empire Older Citizens (MEOC), the walkathon focuses on aiding seniors who face difficulties in affording heating costs. All the contributions collected are channeled directly into the organization’s Emergency Fuel Fund, ensuring that those in need receive help.

Marsha Craiger, who oversees Emergency Services at MEOC, emphasized the crucial and immediate effect of these donations.

“Every cent donated to the Emergency Fuel Fund is allocated to purchasing essential heating resources like wood, coal, propane, heating oil, and paying electric bills for those in need,” Craiger explained. “This support is extended to individuals aged 60 and above residing in Lee, Scott, and Norton, who earn at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.”

Participants engaged in a 5K walk along the Greenbelt Trail, united by a shared goal to achieve this year’s ambitious $200,000 fundraising target. For many, the cause hits close to home, providing a strong personal incentive to contribute.

“We know a lot of elderly people that are in need, and we want to try to help,” said participant Lola Shell.

“We’re very privileged to be able to do that. And we’re thankful for this every year so that we can participate in it. And it’s good for the community,” added her husband, Steve Shell.

Some of the people who benefit from the program were also at the event, including Patricia Flinders, a 61-year-old Wise County resident. Flinders told News Channel 11 she got involved in a car accident years ago, leaving her in need of assistance.

“MEAC, it seemed like I fit in there you know, with the seniors,” Flinders said. “And it’s made such a incredible difference in my life.”

Others say the assistance is critical when living on a fixed income.

“When you lived on a fixed income, you don’t realize what it is until you do live on that fixed income,” said Cheryl Robinson, 65. “You don’t have enough money to pay for your bills; food, medication–so I’m glad that I finally got the help that I need.”

So far, more than $138,000 has been raised as of Sunday afternoon. Donations are accepted year-round, with program services beginning November 1st.

Organizers say every dollar brings them closer to ensuring no senior in the community is left without heat this winter.

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, has been admitted to the hospital but remains in stable condition, according to a spokesperson’s statement to The Hill on Sunday.

“Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently hospitalized and is in a critical yet stable state. Known for his resilience, Mayor Giuliani has consistently faced life’s challenges with remarkable determination, and he continues to draw upon that strength now. We ask for your prayers for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani,” stated Ted Goodman, Giuliani’s spokesperson.

The specific reason for Giuliani’s hospitalization has not been disclosed.

On Sunday, former President Trump expressed his support for Giuliani, who was an adviser and personal attorney during Trump’s first presidential term.

“Our incredible Rudy Giuliani, a true fighter and hands down the greatest mayor New York City has ever seen, is hospitalized and in critical condition,” Trump shared. “It’s a tragedy that he was so mistreated by the Radical Left and Democrats. Rudy was right about everything! They manipulated the elections, concocted countless stories, did anything to damage our nation, and now, look at Rudy. It’s truly sad! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

Giuliani, 81, was disbarred from practicing law in Washington, D.C., and New York for making false claims about the 2020 presidential election. He was also forced to give up his assets to pay the election workers he defamed. 

Trump pardoned him last year.

Zach Schonfeld contributed

Updated at 8:01 p.m. EDT

On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would step in to help release ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for the global oil trade, which has been obstructed amid ongoing tensions with Iran.

In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump noted, “Nations worldwide, most of which are not embroiled in the evident and violent conflict in the Middle East, have approached the United States for assistance. These ships, caught in the Strait of Hormuz, have no stake in the dispute—they are simply neutral and innocent bystanders!”

Trump further elaborated on the U.S.’s role, stating, “For the benefit of all parties involved—Iran, the Middle East, and the United States—we have assured these countries that we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways, allowing them to resume their activities without hindrance.”

Dubbed “Project Freedom” by Trump, this initiative is set to commence on Monday morning, according to Middle Eastern time zones.

The Iranian military’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have stemmed from its conflict with the U.S. and Israel, leading to increased oil prices. Reports from AAA highlight that the average cost of gasoline in the U.S. has risen to approximately $4.45 per gallon, compared to about $3.17 a year ago.

The conflict against Iran just stretched into its second month, with polls showing widespread disapproval of the fighting among Americans. Trump’s disapproval rating recently reached a new high in a recent poll, with 62 percent of Americans disapproving of the president.

On Sunday, White House National Economic Council Director said that energy shocks from the conflict with Iran would affect airline profits for at least a quarter.

“Certainly, it’ll affect profits for the airlines for a quarter or so, but they’re very, very healthy right now,” Hassett said in the wake of Spirit Airlines’ decision to cease operations.

NEWARK, N.J. – A United Airlines jet experienced a close call at Newark Liberty International Airport on Sunday when it collided with a light pole situated on the nearby New Jersey Turnpike, prompting an investigation by federal authorities.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the incident occurred around 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The Boeing 767, operating as United Airlines Flight 169, had just completed its journey from Venice, Italy, and had landed safely.

In a statement from United Airlines, it was noted that Flight 169 made contact with a light pole during its final approach to Newark.

“Despite the contact, the aircraft landed without issues, taxied to the gate as usual, and thankfully, no passengers or crew members suffered any injuries,” the airline stated.

United Airlines also mentioned that their maintenance team is currently assessing the extent of the damage to the aircraft. Additionally, the flight crew has been placed on leave as the airline conducts a thorough investigation into the flight safety protocols.

The National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement posted on X that it had opened an investigation of the incident. It said an NTSB investigator would arrive in Newark on Monday and that it had directed United to provide the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder for the investigation. A preliminary report was expected within 30 days, it said.