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Ukrainian strikes knock out power and heat in 2 Russian cities near border

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Ukrainian strikes knock out power and heat in 2 Russian cities near border

Ukrainian drone and missile strikes have disrupted power and heating to two major Russian cities near the Ukrainian border, local officials reported Sunday, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing cross-border assaults targeting critical energy infrastructure.

Authorities in the Russian city of Voronezh said several drones struck overnight, sparking a fire at a local utility facility and causing temporary blackouts that left parts of the city without electricity and heat. Governor Alexander Gusev said some drones were intercepted by electronic defenses, while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Russian and Ukrainian media outlets on Telegram reported that the attack targeted a local thermal power plant.

In the nearby city of Belgorod, a missile strike late Saturday caused what local Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov described as “serious damage” to power and heating systems, affecting roughly 20,000 households. Belgorod, a regional administrative center with about 340,000 residents, has repeatedly been struck amid intensifying Ukrainian offensives aimed at disrupting Russian logistics and infrastructure close to the border.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that its air defenses intercepted or destroyed 44 Ukrainian drones overnight across southwestern Russia, though it did not specifically mention attacks in Voronezh or Belgorod or specify the total number of drones launched.

The strikes are part of a broader campaign by Ukraine to weaken Moscow’s energy production capacity by targeting refineries and utility plants deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv says the strategy is a direct response to Moscow’s relentless bombardment of Ukraine’s own energy grid — attacks that have left millions without power during freezing winters. Ukrainian officials accuse Russia of “weaponizing winter” in an attempt to break civilian morale.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia’s large-scale missile and drone assault on Friday deliberately endangered nuclear safety by hitting substations that supply the Khmelnytskyi and Rivne nuclear power plants. Sybiha called for an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board, saying Moscow was “deliberately endangering nuclear safety in Europe.”

The diplomatic strain between Washington and Moscow also resurfaced Sunday as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he was ready to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the war in Ukraine and bilateral relations. Lavrov reiterated that peace talks could only occur if “Russian interests are taken into account,” signaling no shift in Moscow’s hardline stance.

AP

Hundreds missing after migrant boat sinks near Malaysia-Thailand border

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Hundreds missing after migrant boat sinks near Malaysia-Thailand border

Hundreds of people are feared missing after a crowded migrant vessel sank near the Malaysia-Thailand maritime border, officials confirmed Sunday, as rescuers continued to search for survivors amid worsening weather conditions.

Malaysia’s Maritime Enforcement Agency said the wooden boat, carrying about 300 people, went down three days ago after departing from Buthidaung, Myanmar — a region long plagued by conflict and mass displacement of the Rohingya minority. First Admiral Romli Mustafa, who oversees maritime operations in Kedah and Perlis, said 10 survivors had been rescued and one body recovered so far.

According to Malaysian state media Bernama, the survivors included three Myanmar men, two Rohingya men, and one Bangladeshi man. The recovered body was identified as a Rohingya woman. Search-and-rescue teams are combing the waters off Langkawi, a frequent route for human smuggling and migrant crossings.

Authorities said passengers originally boarded a larger vessel in Myanmar but were instructed to transfer into three smaller boats, each carrying around 100 people, as they neared Malaysia to avoid detection by authorities. The fate of the other two boats remains unknown.

The Rohingya, a stateless Muslim minority, have long fled persecution and military crackdowns in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, often embarking on dangerous journeys by sea to seek refuge in Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand. Human rights groups have repeatedly warned of worsening conditions in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, forcing thousands to risk their lives on overcrowded boats.

Rescue operations remain underway, with Malaysian authorities coordinating with regional partners in hopes of finding more survivors.

Reuters

Car fleeing police crashes into Tampa bar, killing 4 and injuring 11 in Ybor City

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Car fleeing police crashes into Tampa bar, killing 4 and injuring 11 in Ybor City

A high-speed police chase ended in tragedy early Saturday when a car fleeing law enforcement plowed into a crowded bar in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district, Florida, killing four people and injuring eleven others. The deadly crash occurred shortly after midnight outside Bradley’s on 7th, a popular nightlife destination known for its mix of bars, restaurants, and clubs.

According to the Tampa Police Department, an air patrol unit first spotted a silver sedan speeding and driving recklessly on a freeway around 12:40 a.m. after it had been seen street racing in another part of the city. The Florida Highway Patrol attempted a PIT maneuver — a controlled tactic used to stop fleeing vehicles — but the attempt failed. Officers then disengaged as the car sped toward Ybor City, where the driver lost control and careened into a crowd of people standing outside the bar.

Three victims died at the scene, and a fourth succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital. Police said two people remained in critical condition Saturday afternoon, seven others were hospitalized in stable condition, and two victims were treated and released. Two more suffered minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

“This morning’s events were a senseless tragedy,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Our hearts are with the victims’ families and everyone affected by this horrific crash.”

Authorities identified the driver as 22-year-old Silas Sampson, who was taken into custody and booked at the Hillsborough County Jail. Court records show Sampson faces four counts of vehicular homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or eluding with serious bodily injury or death, all first-degree felonies. No attorney was listed for Sampson as of Saturday evening.

“Our entire city feels this loss,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said in a statement on social media. “We are heartbroken for the families and all who were impacted. The investigation remains ongoing.”

The crash reignited debate over high-speed police pursuits, which have come under scrutiny nationwide. A 2023 U.S. Department of Justice-funded study recommended restricting such chases, citing the high risk to bystanders and officers. Despite those concerns, Florida’s highway patrol has recently eased restrictions on both chases and PIT maneuvers — tactics the federal report described as “high-risk” and “controversial.”

Ybor City, one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods, is a major nightlife hub that draws hundreds of visitors each weekend. By mid-morning Saturday, police had cordoned off several blocks as investigators processed the scene of what officials described as one of the city’s deadliest traffic incidents in years.

Associated Press story

Messi sparks Inter Miami to Eastern Semifinals with 2 goals and 2 assists in 4-0 rout of Nashville

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Messi sparks Inter Miami to Eastern Semifinals with 2 goals and 2 assists in 4-0 rout of Nashville

Orlando, Fl. (BN24) – Lionel Messi once again proved unstoppable, scoring twice and assisting twice to lead Inter Miami past Nashville SC 4-0 on Saturday night in Game 3 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The dominant victory propelled Inter Miami into the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals, just three wins away from lifting the MLS Cup.

Messi scored both first-half goals before setting up Tadeo Allende for a rapid-fire brace in the second half that sealed the win. The Argentine star was involved in all eight of Inter Miami’s goals during the three-game series, netting five and assisting on three as the club outscored Nashville 8-3 overall.

The third-seeded Herons will now travel to face FC Cincinnati in the East semifinals on Nov. 22 or 23. The matchup will be a single-elimination contest, marking a shift from the best-of-three opening round format. Cincinnati, the top seed, went 1-0-1 against Inter Miami this season, including a 3-0 home win on July 16 when Messi was in the lineup and a scoreless draw on July 26.

Messi, the frontrunner to win his second consecutive MLS MVP award, continues to make history. If he repeats, he would become the league’s first back-to-back MVP. The 37-year-old also captured the MLS Golden Boot as top scorer this season and recently finalized a three-year contract extension that keeps him with Inter Miami through 2028. His current form suggests he is peaking at the ideal moment for Miami’s playoff push.

This marks Inter Miami’s deepest postseason run since joining Major League Soccer. The team’s predecessor, the Miami Fusion, reached the league semifinals in 2001 before folding. For Messi and Miami, this playoff campaign is both historic and redemptive — a year after being knocked out in Round 1 by Atlanta, the Herons are surging forward behind their captain’s brilliance.

Messi opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a precise strike from the top of the penalty area, despite being surrounded by four defenders. His second goal came in the 39th minute after Mateo Silvetti broke through the defense and set him up for an easy finish into an empty net.

Although Nashville briefly appeared to have reduced the deficit early in the second half, Sam Surridge’s goal was disallowed due to a foul in the buildup. Minutes later, Messi orchestrated two quick assists for Allende, whose double in the 68th and 71st minutes put the game out of reach.

Inter Miami is now 19-2-3 this season when scoring at least twice — a testament to the offensive power Messi has brought to the team. The Herons’ semifinal winner will advance to face either top-seeded Philadelphia Union or fifth-seeded New York City FC in the Eastern Conference final. The MLS Cup final is set for December 6, and if Inter Miami advances, it could host the championship match.

4 killed in Dagestan helicopter crash as investigation focuses on possible technical failure

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4 killed in Dagestan helicopter crash as investigation focuses on possible technical failure

Four people were killed and three others injured when a Russian Ka-226 helicopter crashed near the village of Achi-Su in the Republic of Dagestan, authorities said Friday. The aircraft, operated by the Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ), went down on Nov. 7 while flying between towns along the Caspian Sea coast.

According to Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry, the helicopter struck an unoccupied private home, which was destroyed in the resulting fire. Emergency crews quickly contained the blaze. Early reports from Russian state media suggested the aircraft was carrying tourists, but officials later confirmed it was a transport flight operated by KEMZ, a defense manufacturer involved in aviation systems.

Investigators have launched a criminal case on charges of violating aviation safety rules. Technical malfunction is being treated as the leading cause, though other explanations have not been ruled out, Russian news agency TASS reported.

KEMZ confirmed on Nov. 8 that four of its employees were among the dead, including the plant’s deputy general director for construction and transport support. The helicopter’s flight mechanic also died, while two other passengers sustained injuries.

The company, which has been sanctioned by the United States for its role in supplying systems used in Russia’s war against Ukraine, manufactures diagnostic and ground control equipment for Sukhoi and MiG aircraft — the same planes used in aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Russia’s federal aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, has classified the incident as a “disaster” and said it is participating in the official investigation. The Ka-226 helicopter is a twin-engine utility model capable of carrying up to seven passengers.

Footage allegedly showing the crash circulated on social media shortly after the incident. The cause of the crash remains under investigation amid ongoing scrutiny of Russia’s aviation sector, which continues to face shortages of key aircraft components due to Western sanctions.

Tanzania charges hundreds with treason after disputed election sparks deadly unrest

Simeon Bateren
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Tanzania charges hundreds with treason after disputed election sparks deadly unrest

NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — Tanzanian authorities have charged more than 200 people with treason following violent protests over last month’s disputed national election, deepening political tensions in the East African nation amid widespread reports of deadly unrest.

Court documents made public Saturday show that dozens of additional suspects face similar charges beyond those arraigned earlier in Dar es Salaam. The mass prosecutions mark one of Tanzania’s largest treason cases in decades.

Police have also issued arrest warrants for senior opposition figures, including Brenda Rupia, communications director for the opposition Chadema party, and John Mnyika, the party’s secretary-general. Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who had called for electoral reforms before the October 29 vote, has been in detention for months and also faces treason charges.

Authorities have come under growing scrutiny over the death toll from the clashes. The opposition claims that more than 1,000 people were killed when security forces opened fire on protesters before and after the election. Chadema alleges that authorities secretly disposed of bodies to hide the extent of the violence. At the same time, Tanzania’s Catholic Church has said that the number of dead likely reaches into the hundreds.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the October 29 election with more than 97% of the vote, according to the official tally. She had automatically assumed the presidency in 2021 following the death of her predecessor. Her main rivals, Lissu and Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, were barred from contesting the election, leaving only minor opposition candidates on the ballot.

Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused the government of carrying out enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings in the run-up to the election allegations that Tanzanian authorities have denied.

In a statement this week, the African Union announced that its observer mission had found the election “did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.” AU observers cited ballot stuffing, multiple ballot issuance, and an environment “not conducive to peaceful conduct and acceptance of electoral outcomes.”

Tanzania has been governed by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which maintains historical ties with China’s Communist Party, since independence from Britain in 1961. While previous leaders tolerated limited dissent, critics say Hassan’s leadership has become increasingly authoritarian, suppressing the youth-driven pro-democracy movements that have gained momentum elsewhere in Africa.

The unfolding treason prosecutions and growing international criticism highlight deepening unease over Tanzania’s political direction as the government seeks to consolidate power amid mounting allegations of human rights abuses.

Fire at perfume depot in Northwestern Turkey kills at least 6, officials say

Simeon Bateren
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Fire at perfume depot in Northwestern Turkey kills at least 6, officials say

ISTANBUL (BN24) — A fire that broke out early Saturday at a perfume storage depot in Turkey’s northwestern province of Kocaeli killed at least six people and left one person injured, authorities confirmed, marking one of the deadliest industrial incidents in the region this year.

The blaze erupted around 9 a.m. local time in the Dilovası district, an area known for its dense cluster of chemical plants and industrial warehouses. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud explosions before the fire quickly spread through the facility, which stored highly flammable perfume and cosmetic products.

Videos shared by local media showed thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the air as firefighters battled the flames. Nearby residents said the explosions shook windows and triggered panic across the surrounding neighborhood.

Governor Ilhami Aktaş of Kocaeli told reporters that six workers lost their lives and one person sustained injuries during the blaze. The injured individual was transferred to a local hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.

“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” Aktaş said during a press briefing. “Teams from the fire department, police, and disaster response units are on site conducting cooling operations and an investigation into what caused the explosions.”

Emergency responders from neighboring districts joined the firefighting effort. Officials said the flames were brought under control within an hour, though cooling operations continued well into the afternoon to prevent reignition.

Local media outlets, citing preliminary reports from firefighters, suggested that the initial explosion may have occurred in a section of the warehouse used to store aerosol containers and alcohol-based perfumes. However, officials have not yet confirmed the source of ignition.

Industrial safety experts noted that Kocaeli province, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Istanbul, is one of Turkey’s most heavily industrialized regions. The area hosts dozens of factories that produce and store chemicals, plastics, and flammable materials, raising recurring concerns about workplace safety and fire regulations.

Past incidents in the province have drawn criticism from labor unions and safety advocates, who have called for stricter inspections and better enforcement of industrial standards.

By Saturday evening, investigators from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) were on the scene to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Forensic teams were expected to identify the victims and determine whether negligence or safety violations contributed to the tragedy.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s office had not yet released a statement as of late Saturday, but Turkish media reported that government officials had been briefed on the situation. The Kocaeli fire adds to a string of recent industrial accidents in Turkey involving hazardous materials. Analysts say the growing number of such incidents underscores the need for improved fire preparedness and compliance with occupational safety protocols across the country’s manufacturing sector.

EPL: De Ligt rescues point for Manchester United with dramatic late equalizer against Tottenham

Simeon Bateren
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EPL: De Ligt rescues point for Manchester United with dramatic late equalizer against Tottenham

LONDON (BN24) — Matthijs de Ligt scored a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser as Manchester United snatched a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run against Spurs to eight matches in all competitions.

Separated by only goal difference at kick-off, just as they were by four points at the end of last season, the two sides delivered an intense but cagey contest that mirrored their tactical stalemate in the UEFA Europa League final in May. Early exchanges offered little goalmouth action as both sides probed cautiously without managing a shot on target for the opening half-hour.

United broke the deadlock through Bryan Mbeumo, who continued his fine run of form by heading home Amad Diallo’s cross from the right wing. Spurs struggled to clear their lines after a sustained United attack, allowing Diallo to recycle the ball and deliver a perfectly measured cross to the far post, where Mbeumo powered a header beyond the helpless goalkeeper.

The goal was Mbeumo’s fifth in nine Premier League appearances this season and his fifth career goal against Tottenham, underlining his effectiveness in key fixtures. For Tottenham, it was another frustrating example of their defensive vulnerability before halftime six of their eight league goals conceded this season had come in the opening 45 minutes.

After the break, Spurs responded with greater attacking intent. United’s goalkeeper Senne Lammens was forced into two fine saves, first denying Cristian Romero’s close-range effort before turning away a fierce João Palhinha volley. The home fans briefly thought they had their equaliser on the hour mark when Brennan Johnson slotted home, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

United nearly punished that reprieve when Bruno Fernandes blasted over the bar from a counterattack, but Spurs finally found their breakthrough thanks to substitute Mathys Tel. Just five minutes after coming off the bench, the young French forward collected Destiny Udogie’s cross, turned sharply past De Ligt, and fired home via a deflection to level the match at 1-1.

Momentum swung Tottenham’s way, and they looked set to complete the turnaround when Wilson Odobert’s shot from the edge of the box was deftly redirected into the bottom corner by Richarlison, putting the hosts ahead in stoppage time. The late goal seemed to have sealed victory for Ruben Amorim’s men.

However, in the game’s dying moments, United mounted one final attack. After winning a corner, Fernandes delivered an inch-perfect cross to the far post, where De Ligt rose highest to head home and rescue a point for the visitors. The 96th-minute equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the traveling supporters and ensured United extended their unbeaten run to five matches in the Premier League.

The result leaves both teams tightly grouped in the top half of the table, with United maintaining their historical dominance in recent head-to-head encounters.

6 dead as Russia strikes energy and residential targets across Ukraine

Simeon Bateren
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6 dead as Russia strikes energy and residential targets across Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — At least six people were killed and dozens wounded after Russia launched a massive overnight barrage of missiles and drones on energy infrastructure and residential buildings across Ukraine, officials said Saturday.

The strikes among the heaviest in recent weeks targeted 25 locations nationwide, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and other key urban centers. Large parts of the country were left without electricity and heating, deepening fears of another difficult winter as the war enters its fourth year.

In Dnipro, a strike on an apartment complex killed two people and injured 12, regional authorities said. In Zaporizhzhia, three people were confirmed dead. Officials also reported widespread damage to critical infrastructure in Poltava, Kharkiv, and Kyiv regions, with repair teams racing to restore power supplies.

Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram that several major energy facilities had been hit but that work was “underway around the clock” to reconnect the grid. “Critical infrastructure facilities have already been reconnected, and water supply is being maintained using generators,” she said.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched more than 450 bomber drones and 45 missiles during the overnight assault. Ukrainian defenders shot down nine missiles and 406 drones, though several projectiles breached air defenses and caused significant destruction.

The Ukrainian Energy Ministry said emergency power cuts were in effect across Dnipropetrovsk, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kirovohrad regions. Engineers were working to restore electricity amid frigid conditions.

In Moscow, the Russian Defense Ministry said its forces had intercepted 79 Ukrainian drones overnight, continuing a pattern of tit-for-tat strikes between the two nations’ militaries. Russia maintains that its attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid are intended to weaken the country’s military supply lines.

However, Kyiv officials accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians and seeking to cripple Ukraine’s economy by destroying its energy network ahead of winter. “These attacks are not just about destroying power stations they are about breaking the will of the Ukrainian people,” said one government source.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the overnight barrage, urging Western governments to tighten sanctions on Russian energy exports. “Pressure must be intensified,” Zelensky said in a Telegram post. “For every Moscow strike on energy infrastructure — aimed at harming ordinary people before winter there must be a sanctions response targeting all Russian energy, with no exceptions.”

The attacks came only hours after the United States granted Hungary a one-year exemption from restrictions on importing Russian oil and gas, a move that raised concerns in Kyiv. The exemption was announced during a Washington visit by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Analysts say the timing of Russia’s latest wave of strikes may have been calculated to coincide with diplomatic developments surrounding Western sanctions. “If Russia can continue selling its oil to Hungary and other countries, it can use that revenue to build more drones and missiles the same weapons being used against Ukraine,” said one European energy expert.

This winter marks a pivotal test of Ukraine’s ability to withstand sustained energy attacks and maintain civilian morale. With much of the country already enduring blackouts, officials fear that Russia’s campaign could intensify as temperatures drop.

White House supports proposal to name Washington Commanders stadium after Trump

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White House supports proposal to name Washington Commanders stadium after Trump

Washington (BN24) – The White House said Saturday that naming the new home of Washington’s NFL team after President Donald Trump would be “beautiful,” following reports that the president has expressed interest in having his name attached to the facility.

An ESPN report revealed that an intermediary had informed the Washington Commanders’ ownership group of Trump’s desire for the new stadium to bear his name. The president could make his pitch in person Sunday, when he is expected to attend the Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The game will feature a halftime ceremony honoring American veterans.

“That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in a statement.

The Commanders declined to comment on the report, and the office of Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser also had no response.

The $4 billion stadium project—part of a landmark redevelopment agreement between the team and the District of Columbia—will be constructed on the historic site of RFK Stadium, where the franchise played for more than 30 years and claimed three Super Bowl titles during the 1980s and 1990s.

Under the terms of the deal announced in April, the team will contribute approximately $2.7 billion, while the city will invest around $1.1 billion toward the stadium, nearby housing, green spaces, and a sports complex along the Anacostia River. The D.C. City Council approved the plan in September, and demolition of the old RFK site has already begun.

The agreement followed a significant federal move last year when President Joe Biden signed legislation transferring the RFK Stadium land from the federal government to the city, clearing the way for the massive redevelopment.

President Trump, however, briefly threatened to derail the project in July, saying he would withhold his support unless the Commanders reverted to their previous name, the Redskins—a moniker long criticized as offensive to Native Americans. Despite the controversy, Trump has remained a vocal advocate of the team returning to Washington proper.

Known for his branding ventures, Trump has a long history of placing his name on high-rise towers, hotels, golf resorts, and consumer products ranging from cologne to Bibles. The idea of “Trump Stadium,” as floated by the White House, would mark his latest effort to leave a literal imprint on American culture.

Whether the Commanders will consider naming their new stadium after the sitting president remains uncertain, but the comment from the White House signals that the administration sees such a move as both symbolic and fitting.

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