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Lionel Messi reaches historic 400 career assists, extending his legacy in football

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MIAMI (BN24) — Lionel Messi has achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious football career, reaching an unprecedented 400 career assists a record unmatched in the modern era.

The Argentine forward, who continues to redefine excellence at 38, registered the landmark assist during Inter Miami’s 4-0 victory over Nashville SC on Sunday. According to a post by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner set up two goals for teammate Allende Tadeo in the 73rd and 76th minutes, securing his place in football history once more.

The moment underlined Messi’s enduring influence and creativity on the pitch, even as he enters the twilight years of a career spanning nearly two decades across three continents.

Messi’s 400 assists have come through his tenures at FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and now Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The figure highlights not only his goal-scoring prowess with more than 800 career goals, but also his extraordinary vision and playmaking ability.

Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest all-around players, Messi’s style of play has long been defined by his precision passing, awareness of space, and remarkable unselfishness. His ability to elevate those around him has been as influential as his finishing, making him a dual threat as both scorer and creator.

Across his career, Messi has collected an array of accolades that few can rival: eight Ballon d’Or titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies, and a long-awaited FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina in 2022.

News of the milestone quickly spread across social media, where fans, pundits, and fellow players celebrated yet another record in Messi’s storybook career. Many hailed the achievement as evidence of his longevity, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Even as he transitions from Europe’s top leagues to the United States, Messi continues to inspire awe. His contributions in MLS have boosted both Inter Miami’s success and the league’s global visibility, proving that his impact extends beyond trophies and statistics.

For a player whose career has redefined what is possible in the sport, the 400-assist mark is more than a number it is a testament to decades of consistency, creativity, and a footballing mind that continues to shape the game.

As Messi continues his journey with Inter Miami, few doubt that more milestones await. Whether creating chances or scoring goals, he remains the benchmark for footballing greatness a standard that may not be matched for generations to come.

2 children killed in early-morning house fire in Indiana county, Pennsylvania

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DILLTOWN, Pa. (BN24) — Two children were killed in a devastating house fire early Sunday morning in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, authorities confirmed. The blaze broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m. in Dilltown, a small community in Buffington Township, leaving the home reduced to rubble and the local community in mourning.

Indiana County Coroner Jerry L. Overman Jr. identified the victims as a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy. Three other residents managed to escape the burning home, officials said. The coroner confirmed both children died at the scene.

Family friend Kara Baird, who has known the victims for years, told KDKA-TV that the two children were girlfriend and boyfriend. “Sad, your heart just breaks. There are two people lost. There are no words,” Baird said. “It’s terrible because I drive a school van, and I’ve driven these kids for years now, this family.”

The boy was identified as Justin Haase, whose online obituary described him as a “jokester who always made sure everyone was smiling.” Baird remembered the 12-year-old girl fondly, saying, “She was full of life. She was a nice little girl.”

Firefighters said the blaze was extremely difficult to contain, with flames reigniting repeatedly despite their efforts. “Every time they seemed to knock down one area, it would strengthen somewhere else,” one crew member told KDKA-TV. Hours after the fire was thought to be under control, smoke and flames were still visible rising from the debris.

Neighbors said the family had been struggling to heat their home as temperatures dropped. “It’s just sad, trying to heat a home, and this happens,” Baird said. “They lost everything — there are no pictures, there’s nothing.”

Baird added that the family had limited financial resources but “did everything they could for their kids.” She is now organizing a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and provide support for the surviving family members, who are currently staying with relatives. “They’re going to need help — for the funerals, for a place to live. There’s so much they need right now,” she said.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

Car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort kills 8, sparks fire and panic in Indian capital

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NEW DELHI (AP) — A powerful car explosion near the historic Red Fort in India’s capital Monday killed at least eight people and injured several others, authorities said, triggering a fire that damaged multiple nearby vehicles and sent shockwaves through one of New Delhi’s busiest areas.

Police said the blast occurred near one of the gates of the Red Fort metro station, close to the centuries-old Mughal-era monument that draws thousands of tourists daily. Emergency services were immediately dispatched as thick plumes of smoke rose over the old city district.

Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesperson for the New Delhi Police, confirmed that “at least eight people were killed, and several others injured,” adding that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation. “We are probing all possible angles, including whether an explosive device was planted inside the vehicle,” Tyagi told The Associated Press.

Witnesses reported hearing a deafening blast that shattered nearby windows and caused chaos in the densely populated neighborhood. “I heard a window-shattering sound, and then flames engulfed multiple vehicles,” a resident told NDTV, describing scenes of panic as people fled from the area.

The city’s fire department said several engines were deployed to contain the blaze that followed the explosion. Footage broadcast by Indian media showed firefighters battling flames as police cordoned off the area, restricting access to the Red Fort and adjacent metro station.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Mughal emperors, has long been a symbol of India’s independence and a focal point for national events. The explosion near its gates raised immediate security concerns in the capital, which has been on alert following recent intelligence warnings about possible terror threats during the festive season.

Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and a forensic team has been dispatched to examine the blast site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who traditionally delivers India’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort, was briefed on the incident by senior security officials.

The explosion comes amid heightened tensions and security crackdowns across India’s major cities ahead of upcoming national celebrations, prompting fears of renewed urban terror threats.

Senate advances bill to end government shutdown despite Democratic divisions over health care subsidies

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The Senate on Sunday took its first major step toward ending the federal government shutdown after weeks of political gridlock, advancing compromise legislation that funds federal agencies but leaves unresolved a key Democratic demand to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits.

In a 60–40 procedural vote, senators agreed to move forward on a bipartisan plan to reopen the government and ensure federal workers receive back pay. The vote followed a breakthrough deal spearheaded by a group of moderate Democrats and independents who agreed to proceed without a guaranteed extension of health care subsidies. The decision sparked internal party anger, with several Democrats warning the compromise falls short of what Americans were promised.

The measure, which could take several days to finalize, funds much of the government through late January while scheduling a December vote on extending health care tax credits that expire Jan. 1. The package also reverses recent mass firings of federal employees ordered by the Trump administration since the shutdown began on Oct. 1.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, along with Independent Sen. Angus King of Maine, helped broker the deal following a six-week stalemate. They were joined by Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, home to thousands of furloughed federal workers, and a handful of others who crossed party lines to deliver the decisive votes.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised the compromise, saying it would bring much-needed relief to federal workers and the American public as the shutdown continued to cripple essential services. “The time to act is now,” Thune said before the vote.

Returning from a football game Sunday evening, President Donald Trump told reporters the agreement was a positive sign. “It looks like we’re getting close to the shutdown ending,” he said, though he stopped short of endorsing the deal outright.

Democratic leaders, however, were divided. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voted against the motion, arguing that the legislation failed to protect critical health care subsidies. “We will not give up the fight,” he said after a tense two-hour caucus meeting. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont called the decision to proceed without guarantees for the tax credits a “horrific mistake.”

The tentative agreement includes three bipartisan appropriations bills funding veterans’ programs, food assistance, and the legislative branch, with all other federal funding extended until January’s end. It also reimburses states that fronted funds to keep federal programs running and protects federal employees from further layoffs.

But House Democrats reacted with sharp criticism. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said accepting the deal amounted to “capitulation.” “Accepting nothing but a pinky promise from Republicans isn’t a compromise — it’s betrayal,” Casar wrote on X. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries blamed Republicans and President Trump for the continuing shutdown, saying, “The American people know who created this toxic mess.”

The shutdown, now stretching into its fourth week, has left millions of Americans struggling. Airlines canceled more than 2,000 flights Sunday and delayed over 7,000 more, while food assistance programs faced significant disruptions. Treasury Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air travel ahead of Thanksgiving could be “reduced to a trickle” if the government fails to reopen soon.

The standoff has also deepened economic uncertainty for federal workers, many of whom have missed multiple paychecks. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., reported a 20% increase in demand, preparing an additional 8 million meals ahead of the holidays.

While the Senate’s procedural vote marks a turning point, the battle over health care subsidies is far from over. Lawmakers from both parties are expected to revisit the issue in December, testing whether Congress can achieve consensus on a measure that affects millions of Americans.

Kenyan gospel star Betty Bayo dies after long battle with cancer

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NAIROBI (BN24) — Beloved Kenyan gospel artist Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, widely known by her stage name Betty Bayo, has died after a long battle with cancer, her family confirmed Monday, November 10. She was celebrated for her uplifting music and unwavering faith that inspired millions across Kenya and beyond.

Bayo’s former partner, Pastor Victor Mwangi Kanyari, with whom she shared two children, announced her passing as his team arrived at Kenyatta National Hospital, where the gospel star had been receiving treatment. In an emotional message shared on social media, Kanyari wrote, “It hurts in ways I can’t explain. You left before I could say everything I needed to. I still see you in every laugh our children give, in every little habit that reminds me of you. We had our moments, but through it all, you were family. I’ll carry your memory, your love, and your spirit forever. Rest easy… you’ll always be missed.”

Prominent figures in Kenya’s gospel and media industries have since flooded social media with heartfelt tributes. Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau confirmed that Bayo had been battling advanced-stage leukaemia, describing her as a woman of faith who touched countless lives through her music and ministry. “She leaves behind a legacy of great contribution to the gospel industry, friendship, and a soul that maximised its full potential,” he said. “Cancer will also die one day.”

Inooro TV news anchor Wakarura Wa Nyutu, a close friend of the singer, shared that she had recently spent time with Bayo just a week before her death. “Last Monday I was at your place. We stayed until almost midnight; we laughed, we talked, and I truly hoped you would be well. And now you’re no more,” she wrote, reflecting the shock and sadness felt by many of Bayo’s loved ones.

Bayo first rose to fame with her chart-topping gospel hit “Eleventh Hour,” a song that resonated deeply with fans for its powerful message of faith, resilience, and divine timing. Her music, often inspired by personal experiences and challenges, earned her a devoted following across East Africa.

Signs that her health was deteriorating appeared in August 2025, when she posted a photo on social media wearing an oxygen mask from her hospital bed. She hinted at struggling with illness but did not disclose the severity of her condition.

As tributes pour in from fans, colleagues, and church leaders, many remember Betty Bayo not only as a gifted vocalist but as a beacon of hope who used her platform to glorify God even amid personal trials. She is survived by her two children, family, and a legacy that continues to inspire Kenya’s gospel community.

Lionel Messi secretly visits former home Camp Nou, home of Barcelona

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BARCELONA (BN24) — Lionel Messi made an unannounced visit to his former home, Spotify Camp Nou, sparking an emotional reaction from FC Barcelona supporters who have long awaited his return. The Argentine star’s surprise visit on Sunday marked the first time he had stepped inside the renovated stadium since his 2021 departure from the club.

Messi, 38, shared photos from inside the iconic venue on social media, expressing his longing for a proper farewell that he never received when he left for Paris Saint-Germain amid Barcelona’s financial crisis. “Last night, I returned to a place that I miss with all my heart,” Messi wrote. “It’s a place where I was immensely happy, where you made me feel like the happiest person in the world a thousand times over. I hope that one day I can return, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to do.”

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner spent 17 years at Barcelona, becoming the club’s record appearance holder and all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 matches. His sudden exit in 2021, compounded by COVID-19 restrictions, meant he never had a farewell match before joining PSG.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has repeatedly voiced his desire to bring Messi back for a tribute game once the stadium’s renovation is completed. “It would be a great way to open the stadium when it’s completely finished—with 105,000 packed in and paying tribute to Leo,” Laporta said recently. He added that the final decision would depend on Messi and the timing of the next presidential elections.

Messi’s relationship with Laporta cooled after his departure, and the Argentine had not publicly addressed the possibility of a tribute match until now. His latest message, however, appeared to soften that stance, giving hope to fans eager to see him honored in front of a full Camp Nou crowd.

Work on the stadium, closed for redevelopment since 2023, continues. Barcelona currently has permission to host 25,991 fans at games, with plans to expand to 45,401 later this month. The project, expected to finish by 2027, will increase total capacity to 105,000.

Messi, now playing for Inter Miami, returned to Europe after leading his MLS team to victory in the first round of the playoffs against Nashville SC. He scored twice and assisted two goals in the decisive Game 3 to advance Miami to the Eastern Conference semifinals against FC Cincinnati.

Messi is currently in Spain before joining Argentina’s national team in Alicante for a friendly against Angola, as the reigning world champions prepare for next summer’s World Cup.

For Barcelona fans, his quiet visit rekindled memories of his glory years and revived hope for the grand farewell he never received.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy released from prison under judicial supervision

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PARIS (AP) — Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy will be released from prison and placed under judicial supervision after a Paris appeals court ruled Monday to grant his early release, less than three weeks after he began serving a five-year sentence for allegedly financing his 2007 presidential campaign with funds from Libya.

Sarkozy, 70, who has denied any wrongdoing, was expected to leave La Santé prison in Paris later in the afternoon. Under the terms of the court’s decision, he is prohibited from leaving French territory and from contacting key individuals involved in the case, including witnesses and co-defendants. An appeals trial is expected to take place later, potentially in the spring.

The former president, who led France from 2007 to 2012, became the first French head of state in modern history to be imprisoned following his conviction on September 25. He was taken into custody on October 21 pending appeal but promptly filed for early release.

Speaking via video link from prison during Monday’s hearing, Sarkozy told the court he had complied with all judicial obligations and described his imprisonment as a personal ordeal. “I had never imagined I would experience prison at 70. This ordeal was imposed on me, and I lived through it. It’s hard, very hard,” he said.

Sarkozy expressed gratitude toward prison staff, calling them “extraordinary people who helped me through this nightmare.” His wife, singer and former supermodel Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and two of his sons attended the hearing at the Paris courthouse.

Though Monday’s session did not revisit the motives behind his sentence, Sarkozy reiterated his denial of any financial connection to Libya’s former ruler, Moammar Gadhafi. “I will never admit something I didn’t do,” he declared.

Under French law, defendants are typically granted release pending appeal, with detention being the exception. Sarkozy’s legal troubles, however, are far from over. He faces a November 26 ruling by France’s highest court in a separate case involving illegal financing of his failed 2012 reelection campaign, as well as an ongoing probe into alleged witness tampering in the Libya affair.

In 2023, Sarkozy was found guilty of corruption and influence peddling for attempting to bribe a magistrate in exchange for confidential information about a legal matter. The Court of Cassation later upheld that verdict, further complicating the former president’s legal challenges.

Trump pardons Rudy Giuliani and others involved in bid to overturn 2020 election

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Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump has granted sweeping pardons to Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and dozens of other allies accused of backing his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, according to a proclamation released late Sunday by the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.

The “full, complete, and unconditional” pardon, signed by Trump on Nov. 7, was posted online by Ed Martin, the government’s pardon attorney, who described it as an act of “national reconciliation.” The document extends clemency to 77 individuals, including former Trump advisers Sidney Powell, John Eastman, and Jeffrey Clark — all central figures in efforts to contest the 2020 results. The proclamation explicitly states the pardon does not apply to Trump himself.

The broad proclamation absolves “all United States citizens” involved in “conduct relating to the advice, creation, organization, execution, submission, support, or advocacy” of alternate slates of electors or any activity tied to alleged election interference. It also includes those who sought to “expose voting fraud and vulnerabilities” in the 2020 election.

Giuliani, Trump’s former personal lawyer and former New York City mayor, was among the most vocal promoters of the baseless claims of widespread voter fraud that followed Trump’s loss to Joe Biden. Giuliani was later disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., and lost a $148 million defamation case filed by two Georgia election workers who said they were targeted by conspiracy theories he spread.

Mark Meadows, Trump’s chief of staff in 2020, along with Powell and Eastman, had been named in various state-level cases tied to election interference. Eastman, a former Chapman University law school dean, authored a controversial memo outlining how Vice President Mike Pence could stop certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

While none of the individuals named in the proclamation were convicted of federal crimes — the only offenses covered by presidential pardons — the move underscores Trump’s continued campaign to recast investigations into the 2020 election as politically motivated. The Justice Department and the White House declined to comment on the announcement.

Trump’s proclamation denounced the prosecutions of his allies as “a grave national injustice perpetrated on the American people” and said the pardons were part of restoring “unity and reconciliation.” It follows Trump’s earlier pardons of more than 1,500 individuals connected to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, including members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy.

The new round of pardons also includes Republicans who acted as fake electors in several battleground states. These individuals had submitted false certifications declaring Trump the winner despite Biden’s official victories.

Trump himself had been indicted on federal charges alleging a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, but the case — brought by special counsel Jack Smith — was abandoned after Trump’s return to the presidency due to the Justice Department’s policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

Since returning to office, Trump has worked to reshape the narrative surrounding his post-election actions and the Jan. 6 investigation, portraying his allies as political targets and himself as the victim of partisan persecution.

Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who served as House speaker during the Capitol riot, criticized Trump’s latest pardons, calling his earlier clemency for Jan. 6 offenders “an outrageous insult to our justice system.”

Despite the largely symbolic nature of these new pardons, the action reaffirms Trump’s effort to rewrite the history of the 2020 election — portraying those who sought to keep him in power as patriots rather than perpetrators.

Madrid stumbles again with 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano in Spanish league

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Simeon
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MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid’s attacking woes continued Sunday as the Spanish league leaders were held to a 0-0 draw by Rayo Vallecano, marking a second consecutive setback following a Champions League defeat at Liverpool.

Madrid, who had scored in every match this season until last Tuesday’s 1-0 loss in England, struggled to find the net against Rayo, failing to break through a well-organized defense. Despite the stalemate, Madrid remains atop the La Liga standings, holding a five-point advantage over second-placed Villarreal. However, Barcelona could narrow the gap to three points later Sunday if they defeat Celta Vigo.

The Spanish giants had won 13 of 15 matches across all competitions this season, with their only prior setbacks coming against Liverpool and in a 5-2 league loss at Atletico Madrid in September.

Rayo Vallecano, sitting in 12th place before the match, had suffered a 4-0 defeat at Villarreal in their previous league outing. The team had enjoyed consecutive victories in the Europa League and Copa del Rey, but was unable to capitalize at home against Madrid.

Earlier Sunday, Athletic Bilbao ended a three-game losing streak across all competitions, edging Oviedo 1-0. The decisive goal came in the 25th minute from Nico Williams, who raced past three defenders along the left flank before striking from a difficult angle. For Oviedo, now last in the standings, the result extended their winless streak to six consecutive matches across all competitions.

Madrid’s draw reflects ongoing challenges as the season progresses. While still leading La Liga, the team must regain consistency in attack to maintain its position at the top and respond to challenges from Villarreal and Barcelona.

Lewandowski hat-trick fires Barcelona to 4-2 win at Celta Vigo

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Simeon
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LA LIGA, Spain (BN24) — Robert Lewandowski marked his return to Barcelona’s starting lineup with a hat-trick that propelled the Catalan giants to a 4-2 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, tightening the race at the top of the table.

The Polish striker, making his first start since recovering from a thigh injury that kept him out for more than a month, delivered a commanding performance at Balaídos. His three goals restored Barcelona’s momentum in their title defense under new head coach Hansi Flick.

Barcelona started brightly and took the lead early when Lewandowski calmly converted from the penalty spot after Celta conceded a foul inside the box. The home side responded swiftly, as Sergio Carreira found space to slot past goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and bring Celta level.

The visitors regained control midway through the first half when Lewandowski struck again. The forward latched onto a precise pass in open play and placed his finish beyond Vicente Guaita to make it 2-1. But Celta Vigo refused to fold. Borja Iglesias equalized shortly before halftime, capitalizing on a loose ball inside the area to make it 2-2 and send the home fans into celebration.

Just when it seemed the sides would enter the break level, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal restored Barcelona’s advantage in first-half stoppage time. The 17-year-old showed composure and skill to slot home, giving the visitors a 3-2 lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, Barcelona maintained their attacking rhythm and eventually sealed the result. With less than 20 minutes remaining, Lewandowski completed his hat-trick, rising above his marker to head home from a corner. The powerful finish secured his first treble of the season and effectively ended Celta’s hopes of a comeback.

Lewandowski’s return proved crucial for Hansi Flick’s side, who had missed the veteran striker’s presence in recent matches. His movement, precision, and clinical finishing gave Barcelona the edge in an intense contest where both teams pushed forward relentlessly.

Celta pressed late in search of a response, but Barcelona’s defense held firm under pressure. In the final moments, Yamal nearly added a fifth goal for the visitors when his curling effort struck the post, drawing gasps from both sets of supporters.

The victory lifts Barcelona to 28 points, narrowing the gap to just three points behind league leaders Real Madrid. The result also serves as a confidence boost as the Catalans continue to recover from a string of uneven performances earlier in the season.

Hansi Flick praised Lewandowski’s impact after the match, emphasizing his leadership and sharpness in front of goal. For Barcelona, the result was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent in their quest to reclaim the La Liga title.

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