Naresh Bhatt pleaded not guilty as jury selection began in Prince William County. About 300 prospective jurors were summoned for the trial, which is expected to last seven weeks.

Virginia Times' morning briefing for October 6, 2026: a federal judge blocks the Trump administration's $1.8 million migrant fines, the president campaigns in Nebraska as his approval hits a record low, Israeli strikes kill two in Gaza ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary, and Nepal ends the search-and-rescue phase of its flood response.

President Donald Trump ordered temporary federal penalty relief for highway use of dyed diesel. Tax deferral depends on Treasury's legal findings, while additional savings depend on state action. The order does not itself forgive deferred taxes.

The World Bank projects Nepal's growth will slow to 3.7% in fiscal 2027 after the Rasuwa flood disrupted industry and services. It expects reconstruction and rehabilitation to support a recovery to 5.2% in fiscal 2028.

President Donald Trump said South Korea agreed to launch $200 billion in new U.S. energy and power investments, including a $120 billion program to build eight nuclear reactors, the $50 billion Alaska LNG Project and a $22 billion gas-fired plant in Texas.

British sprinter Amy Hunt criticized Sydney Sweeney’s Novig campaign after finishing fourth in the 200-meter final in Budapest. Gracie Kramer and Skye Nicolson also questioned the advertisement’s portrayal of women in sports.

Taylor Swift collected three honors at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” Best Direction for “Opalite” and the inaugural Artist Director Honors. Her career total rose to 33.

Countries and health organizations called for sustained pandemic preparedness funding, stronger national health systems and wider access to medical supplies at a U.N. General Assembly panel.

Nepal Police reported that 734 bodies had been recovered after the Aug. 26 flash flood. This opinion examines Home Minister Sudhan Gurung’s presence in affected areas, his engagement with rescuers and victims, and why that commitment must continue through the search, relief and rehabilitation.