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Nicki Minaj to Address UN on Alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria Tomorrow

By
Simeon Bateren
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NEW YORK (BN24)— American rapper Nicki Minaj is expected to take the podium at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday, November 18, to speak at an event centered on allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria. The appearance marks one of Minaj’s most high-profile public engagements outside the entertainment world, positioning her alongside senior U.S. officials as the issue draws heightened international attention.

Minaj will join U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz and Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to President Donald Trump and the event’s convener. Organizers say the gathering will focus on claims of widespread violence and discrimination against Christian communities in Nigeria, an issue that has been described as genocide by both the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

According to publicly shared event details, the speakers will address the scale of the alleged persecution, discuss testimonies collected from affected regions, and outline the Trump administration’s stated efforts to respond. Those efforts, according to officials, are aimed at pressuring international bodies and strengthening diplomatic engagement to spotlight the claims of targeted violence. Minaj’s participation has drawn widespread reaction, with supporters praising her decision to use her global platform for a humanitarian cause.

Ambassador Waltz publicly commended the rapper ahead of the event, calling her “arguably the greatest female recording artist” and praising her willingness to speak on an issue he described as urgent. Waltz said he was “grateful she’s leveraging her massive platform to spotlight the atrocities against Christians in Nigeria,” adding that he looked forward to discussing the administration’s position alongside her.

Minaj responded with a message of appreciation, emphasizing the personal importance of being entrusted with the opportunity to speak at the UN. She described the invitation as something she does not take for granted, expressing that the responsibility “means more than you know.” The rapper also said she and her fan base, known as the Barbz, “will never stand down in the face of injustice,” adding that she believes their influence “has been given by God” and carries a deeper purpose.

Her appearance has amplified global discussions surrounding the situation in Nigeria, with observers noting that a celebrity of Minaj’s global reach may bring additional attention to the claims. The event is expected to draw significant media coverage as U.S. officials, activists and Minaj outline their concerns and call for international action.

Minaj is scheduled to speak on Tuesday as the United Nations continues to receive reports from advocacy groups detailing alleged attacks on Christian populations across parts of Nigeria. The event will serve as one of the most prominently covered discussions on the issue in recent months.

Bangladesh Sentences Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina to Death for Students Crackdown

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Simeon Bateren
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DHAKA, Bangladesh (BN24) — Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia Monday after a special tribunal ruled she ordered a violent suppression of student-led protests last year, a crackdown that left hundreds dead and ultimately brought down her 15-year rule.

The International Crimes Tribunal in Dhaka found the 78-year-old ex-leader guilty of multiple counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, torture, and other inhumane acts. The court concluded she directed security forces and party activists to unleash lethal fire on protesters who had begun demonstrating over civil service quotas before the movement exploded into a nationwide revolt demanding her resignation.

Prosecutors said the demonstrations spiraled into one of the deadliest periods in Bangladesh’s recent political history. The tribunal heard that more than 800 people were killed in July and August 2024, according to the interim government’s health adviser, while a United Nations report earlier estimated the toll could reach as high as 1,400. Thousands more were wounded, with some 25,000 injured in violence that swept the country and paralyzed public life.

The judges said it was “crystal clear” from evidence and testimony that Hasina had “expressed her incitement” to supporters and “ordered to kill and eliminate the protesting students,” accusing her of failing to halt abuses committed by security forces acting under her authority. The verdict, delivered in a live broadcast, sentenced Hasina not only to death but also to imprisonment until her natural death for additional crimes related to her directives to use helicopters, drones, and live ammunition against demonstrators.

Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh from 2009 until her removal on Aug. 5, 2024, has lived in self-imposed exile in New Delhi since fleeing across the border as protesters overran parts of Dhaka and forced the Awami League government from power. She and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, who received the same sentence, were both tried in absentia. A former police chief who cooperated with prosecutors and testified against her was given a five-year prison term.

Hasina sharply rejected the charges in a statement released Monday, calling the judgment “biased and politically motivated.” She argued that she and her government “acted in good faith” in a chaotic environment and claimed they were attempting to limit casualties rather than provoke them. “To characterize what happened as a premeditated assault on citizens is simply to misread the facts,” she said.

Her lawyers have criticized the proceedings, saying they lacked due process and violated fair-trial standards. They appealed to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions last week, warning of serious irregularities. Hasina cannot formally appeal the ruling unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days, an unlikely scenario given India’s refusal so far to extradite her despite requests from Bangladesh’s interim government.

The tribunal’s judgment triggered immediate political fallout. Her Awami League party called for a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday, while supporters and detractors clashed in parts of Dhaka. In several neighborhoods, police used batons and stun grenades to disperse crowds as authorities deployed soldiers, paramilitary forces, and border guards around sensitive sites, including the Supreme Court and the tribunal building.

Interim government leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus welcomed the ruling, saying it affirmed that “no one, regardless of power, is above the law.” He condemned Hasina’s use of lethal force against students and minors, saying their only weapons had been “their voices.” Her longtime political rival, Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, also hailed the verdict, describing it as the symbolic end of “all forms of dictatorship on this country’s soil.”

The tensions have strained relations with India. Bangladesh’s Foreign and Home Affairs ministries publicly urged New Delhi to extradite Hasina and Khan, calling it a treaty obligation and warning that granting them asylum would be “demeaning to justice.” India acknowledged the verdict but did not respond to the extradition demand, saying only that it remained committed to supporting peace and stability for the Bangladeshi people.

As the courtroom erupted with cheers when the death sentence was read, Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder admonished spectators to maintain decorum. Outside, families of those killed and injured in last year’s uprising waited for hours, seeking closure in a country still reeling from political upheaval, Islamist mobilization, and human rights concerns.

Crowds later gathered near the Dhanmondi home of Hasina’s father, independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, now a museum. Some brought excavators to continue demolition work begun during earlier unrest, lighting fires as police struggled to disperse them well into the night.

The student protests that sparked Hasina’s downfall began with anger over a quota system for government jobs that critics said unfairly favored Awami League loyalists. The government’s attempt to crush the demonstrations instead intensified the movement, transforming what started as a youth-driven grievance into a national revolt that ended one of the longest uninterrupted political reigns in Bangladesh’s history.

The tribunal’s ruling now sets the stage for renewed political turmoil ahead of elections planned for February, leaving the country at a critical crossroads as it confronts the legacy of a deadly crackdown that reshaped its future.

Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson Resigns Amid Hurricane Season Controversy

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Simeon Bateren
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WASHINGTON (BN24)— Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator David Richardson resigned Monday, multiple sources familiar with the matter confirmed, ending a brief and turbulent tenure at the nation’s primary disaster response agency.

Richardson had been temporarily appointed in May after former Acting Administrator Cam Hamilton was effectively removed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In addition to leading FEMA, Richardson also managed the department’s office for countering Weapons of Mass Destruction, though it is unclear whether he will continue in that position. FEMA officials have not yet announced who will replace him.

Richardson’s leadership came under scrutiny following an internal all-hands meeting in June, in which he reportedly told staff he was unaware that hurricane season had begun. The remark was widely criticized and raised questions about FEMA’s preparedness. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Richardson was joking and emphasized that the agency remained focused on hurricane season readiness.

During a White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether President Donald Trump was still confident in Richardson. Leavitt said the administration took hurricane season preparations seriously and dismissed concerns over Richardson’s comments as “jokes that were made and leaks from meetings.”

The controversy followed an internal FEMA review conducted in mid-May, which concluded that the agency was not fully ready for the 2025 hurricane season. DHS officials denied claims of unpreparedness, saying the agency’s plans and resources remain in place. “Despite meanspirited attempts to falsely frame a joke as policy, there is no uncertainty about what FEMA will be doing this hurricane season,” a DHS spokesperson said.

Richardson’s resignation drew immediate criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., questioned why Richardson had not already been dismissed, while Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts labeled him “incompetent” and warned that the public could be at risk.

FEMA has faced ongoing challenges under Richardson’s short tenure, including questions about staffing, disaster readiness, and communication with state and local emergency agencies. The agency is entering the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, a period that historically brings severe storms and flooding to the U.S. coastline.

Officials have not indicated whether Richardson will continue in any capacity at DHS, and the agency has not released a timeline for naming a permanent FEMA administrator. The resignation adds uncertainty as communities brace for potential disasters in the months ahead.

Two Siblings Burnt to Death as Fire Destroys Makeshift Homes in Rivers State, Nigeria

By
Simeon Bateren
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RUMUOLA, Rivers State (BN24)— Tragedy struck the Rumuola axis of Obio/Akpor local government area on Sunday night as a fire tore through makeshift buildings, killing two young siblings and leaving more than 27 families homeless. The victims, aged nine and five, were burnt beyond recognition in the inferno that destroyed properties worth millions of naira.

Eyewitnesses said the fire began around 10 p.m. in one of the rooms of a makeshift structure where a mother had temporarily locked her four children before leaving to buy ingredients for cooking. Two of the children were asleep, while the older siblings remained awake when the blaze started.

Contrary to viral social media claims, which suggested the fire occurred inside the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, witnesses confirmed the fire originated in makeshift homes located behind the school. The structures, described as poorly constructed and densely occupied, were destroyed, leaving many families homeless.

“It is a makeshift building behind the school. It is a gory site. I am standing beside two children who have lost their lives in this fire. Their bodies have been covered,” one eyewitness said, expressing grief over the loss.

Another witness, who gave his name only as Meg, provided additional details. “The fire started in the room of the woman who lost her two children. She was cooking at around 10 p.m. and had locked the door before going out to buy some items. When she returned, the fire had spread rapidly. The older children tried to save their younger siblings but were forced to escape because of the intense heat. Unfortunately, the younger ones could not be rescued.”

Eyewitnesses described harrowing scenes of the elder children banging on doors and screaming for help before eventually finding a way to escape, while their younger siblings, aged six and eight, were trapped inside and burnt beyond recognition.

Neighbors and passers-by said they alerted the fire service after seeing thick black smoke rising into the night sky. Firefighters arrived, though reportedly delayed, and succeeded in extinguishing the flames, preventing the blaze from spreading further.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the fire outbreak and the deaths of the children. “From the situation report I received, the children were aged nine and five years. We have started an investigation to ascertain the cause of the fire. The woman, the mother of the children, has been invited for questioning as part of our investigation,” she said.

The disaster has rendered dozens of families homeless, with many losing their possessions, furniture, and household items in the fire. Local authorities have appealed to the public for support to assist the displaced families and urged residents of informal settlements to exercise caution, particularly around open flames and cooking equipment.

Residents expressed outrage at the vulnerability of families living in makeshift buildings. One neighbor lamented, “These structures are crowded and unsafe. We need government intervention to prevent further tragedies like this.”

The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved fire safety measures and emergency response preparedness in informal settlements across Rivers State. Investigators are working to determine whether negligence, faulty cooking equipment, or other factors led to the deadly blaze.

Champions League Streaker Kinsey Wolanski Reinvents Herself as a Qualified Pilot and Extreme Sports Enthusiast

By
Simeon Bateren
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LOS ANGELES (BN24)— Kinsey Wolanski, the American influencer who became a global sensation after streaking onto the pitch during the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final, has charted a remarkable new path as a professional pilot and extreme sports enthusiast.

At 29, Wolanski has left behind the chaos of her viral moment at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, where she ran across the field in a revealing outfit during Liverpool’s victory over Tottenham. The stunt, orchestrated to promote a website associated with her then-partner, YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, earned her a brief stint in a Spanish holding cell but also dramatically increased her online following from several hundred thousand to over two million.

Now, Wolanski channels her thrill-seeking energy into aviation and extreme sports. She has earned dual ratings as both a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft pilot, logging more than 100 hours of flight training and passing multiple examinations to achieve certification. She frequently shares videos of her aerial adventures on Instagram, where 3.7 million followers watch her navigate skies, perform maneuvers, and explore remote locations from above.

Her commitment to adventure extends to skydiving, though it has come with dangers. In 2020, she suffered a broken ankle after a hard landing during a jump in windy conditions. Wolanski embraces such risks as part of her pursuit of adrenaline and personal growth, describing both aviation and skydiving as disciplines that demand intense focus, resilience, and preparation.

While her viral pitch invasion was initially encouraged by Zdorovetskiy, tensions developed as Wolanski’s fame eclipsed that of her partner. She has described the imbalance in recognition and opportunities as a strain on their relationship, which eventually ended. Zdorovetskiy has since encountered legal issues abroad connected to a livestream incident.

Today, Wolanski is in a relationship with fitness influencer Vince Sant, who frequently appears in her aviation posts. Together, they share a life centered on adventure, fitness, and public engagement with fans.

In addition to aviation, Wolanski has established herself as a sports presenter, covering NFL content and collaborating with personalities across baseball, MMA, and professional wrestling. She has appeared alongside Buffalo Bills running back James Cook and co-hosts the sports show Arena Gridiron with former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, demonstrating her ability to leverage her platform beyond social media.

Before her viral moment, Wolanski had already modeled for prestigious publications, including Sports Illustrated and Maxim. Reflecting on her streaking incident, she maintains a sense of humor and perspective, noting that despite the controversy, it opened unexpected career doors, creating opportunities in media, sports, and aviation that may not have existed otherwise. She insists her intentions were never harmful, and she views the episode as a stepping stone rather than a defining scandal.

Wolanski’s journey illustrates how a single viral event can transform into a long-term platform for personal reinvention. From a brief moment on a football pitch to commanding aircraft in the sky and reporting on professional sports, she has leveraged her notoriety to pursue challenges that test her limits, inspire followers, and redefine her public image.

Benin National Assembly Approves Seven-Year Presidential Term and Bicameral Parliament

By
Simeon Bateren
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PORTO-NOVO, Benin (BN24)—The National Assembly of Benin has approved a landmark constitutional reform extending the presidential term from five to seven years and establishing a bicameral legislature, a move seen as a significant shift in the West African nation’s political framework.

The reform was passed during a plenary session at the Palace of the Governors in Porto-Novo, where 90 deputies voted in favor and 19 opposed. The measure amends the Constitution of December 11, 1990, which was previously revised in 2019.

“The Deputies of the 9th Legislature… adopted by 90 votes for and 19 against, the law modifying the Constitution of the Republic of Bénin,” the Assembly said in a statement shared on Facebook. The post, originally published in French, was translated into English for reporting purposes.

Before the final secret ballot, deputies had secured a three-quarters majority in a preliminary vote, with 87 votes in favor and 22 against. According to the Assembly, the constitutional reform introduces 15 new articles and amends 18 existing ones, reflecting broad structural changes to the nation’s governance system.

A central feature of the reform is the amended Article 42, which now stipulates that “The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once. No one may, in his or her lifetime, serve more than two terms as President of the Republic.” This change effectively extends the maximum tenure of a president from ten to 14 years, altering the rhythm of national elections and potentially reshaping political competition in the country.

In addition, the reform establishes a Senate as outlined in the updated Article 79, creating a bicameral parliament alongside the existing National Assembly. Both chambers will exercise legislative authority and hold oversight powers over government actions, providing an additional layer of checks and balances. The Senate is formally defined under Article 113.1 as a body responsible for regulating political life and safeguarding national unity, development, territorial defense, public security, democracy, and peace.

Article 80 also revises the tenure of deputies, setting their terms at seven years, renewable, and adding a clause that any deputy who resigns from the political party that sponsored them during elections will automatically lose their mandate. This provision aims to strengthen party cohesion and prevent political defection.

Local governance structures are affected as well. The reform extends the tenure of mayors and municipal councilors to seven years, renewable, aligning local electoral cycles with national legislative and presidential terms.

The constitutional overhaul has sparked debate within Benin and across the region. Supporters argue that the changes provide political stability and continuity, while critics warn that longer terms for elected officials could concentrate power and weaken democratic accountability. Observers note that the introduction of a bicameral legislature could create both opportunities for more rigorous legislative scrutiny and challenges in political coordination.

The reform marks one of the most significant adjustments to Benin’s political structure in decades, underscoring the evolving nature of governance in the country and its efforts to balance executive authority with legislative oversight.

Credit: PUNCH.COM

Storm Claudia Kills Three in Portugal, Sparks Flooding Across Britain

By
Simeon Bateren
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0

LISBON, Portugal (BN24)— Storm Claudia has left a trail of destruction across Portugal and parts of Britain, killing three people, injuring dozens, and triggering severe flooding, authorities said Saturday.

In Portugal, rescue teams discovered the bodies of an elderly couple inside their flooded home in Fernao Ferro, located across the River Tagus from Lisbon. Authorities said the couple had apparently been asleep when rising waters engulfed their home, leaving them unable to escape.

Later on Thursday, a tornado struck Albufeira in southern Portugal. Emergency services reported that the tornado destroyed caravans at a local camping site, killing an 85-year-old British woman. Twenty-eight people were injured at a nearby hotel, two of whom remained hospitalized with serious injuries. Regional civil protection commander Vitor Vaz Pinto confirmed the casualties.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issued a statement expressing “his solidarity with the family of the victim who died” in Albufeira and wished a swift recovery for those injured. Meanwhile, the Portuguese weather service IPMA placed the Algarve region, as well as the districts of Beja and Setubal, on amber alert, its second-highest warning level.

Storm Claudia has also affected neighboring Spain, with authorities reporting days of extreme weather conditions. By Saturday, the storm had reached Britain and Ireland, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

In Britain, severe flooding hit Monmouth and the surrounding areas in southeastern Wales. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported ongoing rescues, evacuations, and welfare checks as water levels continued to rise. A Welsh government spokesperson noted that “Storm Claudia has caused significant flooding in parts of Wales overnight, which continues to affect homes, businesses, transport, and energy infrastructure.”

Aerial footage from Monmouth showed streets and residential areas submerged after a nearby river burst its banks. Natural Resources Wales has issued 11 flood warnings, including four severe warnings, and 17 flood alerts to mitigate risks to residents.

Across England, the Environment Agency reported 49 active flood warnings and 134 flood alerts, signaling widespread disruption in communities and public services. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and follow local safety instructions.

As Storm Claudia continues to move across Europe, emergency services in affected regions remain on high alert, coordinating relief efforts and monitoring rivers and coastal areas for further flooding risks. The storm underscores the growing challenges extreme weather events pose to communities across the continent.

Credit: REUTERS

Nine Killed in Accidental Blast at Police Station in Indian-Administered Kashmir, Officials Say

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Simeon Bateren
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SRINAGAR, India (BN24)— A late-night explosion caused by the accidental detonation of seized explosives ripped through a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir on Friday, killing nine people and injuring 32 others, authorities said, in one of the region’s deadliest non-combat blasts in recent years.

The explosion occurred at 11:20 p.m. at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, where officers had been handling a stockpile of explosives seized earlier in the week from Faridabad in the northern Indian state of Haryana. Police officials said the materials were being prepared for transfer to forensic experts when a mishap triggered the blast.

Nalin Prabhat, the region’s director general of police, described the event as “very unfortunate,” stressing that it occurred during routine procedures. He said the explosion unfolded abruptly, leaving officers with no opportunity to intervene. Authorities emphasized that the detonation was accidental and unrelated to terrorism. “Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary,” Prabhat told journalists.

The blast sent a shockwave through the police compound, leveling parts of the station and inflicting heavy damage on adjoining structures. According to police, the force of the explosion engulfed several vehicles, leaving them charred and mangled. Debris was scattered widely, and fragments from the detonation reached residential areas surrounding the complex.

A source speaking to Reuters said the blast was so powerful that body parts were found in homes located 100 to 200 meters from the station. Most of the victims were police personnel who had been working inside or around the structure at the time. Among the dead were forensic specialists and two crime-scene photographers tasked with processing the seized material. A tailor accompanying the forensic team also died in the explosion.

Medical teams and emergency responders arrived quickly, moving the injured to hospitals across Srinagar as officers cordoned off the site and began preliminary assessments. The police station was left with extensive structural damage that officials said will require a full technical evaluation.

Manoj Sinha, the region’s lieutenant governor appointed by the federal government, expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities and injuries. In a statement posted on social media, he extended condolences to grieving families. He announced that a formal probe had been ordered to determine the precise circumstances leading to the accidental detonation. “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to an extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station in Srinagar,” he wrote. “I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The incident occurred days after a car explosion in Delhi killed several people, an event the government labeled a terrorist attack. Officials in Kashmir, however, underscored that Friday’s blast bore no connection to terrorism and resulted solely from a mishandling of confiscated explosives.

UEFA hit Marseille with partial stadium closure over fan trouble

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Simeon Bateren
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PARIS, (BN24) — UEFA has imposed a partial stadium closure on Marseille for their next Champions League home match, issuing the punishment after a series of disruptive incidents involving supporters during the club’s 1-0 defeat to Atalanta earlier this month.

The governing body announced on Saturday that the sanctions resulted from crowd trouble at the November 5 match at the Stade Vélodrome, where home fans set off flares, threw projectiles onto the pitch, and directed laser pointers at players. UEFA said the actions constituted clear violations of its safety and disciplinary regulations, prompting immediate review and enforcement measures.

In addition to the restrictions on attendance, UEFA fined Marseille 71,000 euros. The penalty requires the club to close a section of the south stand for their Champions League fixture against Newcastle on November 25. The affected area typically houses some of the most vocal supporters in the stadium, and its closure is expected to significantly reduce the atmosphere that Marseille relies on in high-pressure European matches. The decision comes at a critical point in the group stage, with the club already navigating a challenging campaign and now facing a diminished home advantage.

UEFA also disciplined Marseille’s goalkeeping coach, Alexandre Salvat, issuing a two-match ban after he was found to have insulted a match official during the Atalanta game. The suspension removes him from the touchline for the next two European matches, limiting his involvement in preparations and in-game management during a crucial period of the competition. The ruling adds to the club’s disciplinary burden at a time when their conduct, both on the field and in the stands, has drawn repeated scrutiny.

The latest sanctions heighten pressure on Marseille as they work to contain supporter behavior that has contributed to multiple disciplinary issues this season. The club now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing performance in European competition while addressing concerns within its fan base to prevent further penalties that could impact both sporting results and the club’s reputation.

Nearly 70 schools in Australia closed over asbestos risk in play sand

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Simeon Bateren
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CANBERRA, Australia (BN24)— Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after authorities discovered that coloured play sand used in classrooms may contain asbestos. The closures follow a voluntary recall of the product by major retailers Kmart and Target and a government audit that found the sand is widely used across ACT public schools.

The ACT government identified 69 schools that stock the affected sand. These schools will remain closed to allow authorities to conduct safety assessments, clean-up, and remediation. An additional 23 schools will stay open. Of those, three have small amounts of the sand, which officials said are isolated and not affecting classroom activities, while the remaining 20 do not use any craft sand products.

“In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff, and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product,” the government said in a statement.

The announcement comes after similar closures on Friday and national guidance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding Kadink Decorative Sand, another product used in schools that was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.

Authorities emphasized that the recall is precautionary, based on preliminary results. More comprehensive scientific testing is underway to determine the full extent of contamination. Regulatory authorities have advised schools to stop using any identified sand products and follow recall and disposal instructions.

“Regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimize any potential risk,” the government said. Officials added that the risk to human health from exposure to the sand is currently assessed as low and that clinical assessments are not required for those who may have been in contact with the products.

Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry, a Labor member for Ginninderra, north of Canberra, said authorities continue to monitor the situation and update families and staff.

“I know that this has been worrying for our families and staff,” Berry wrote on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. “Based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low. Thank you to our community, we appreciate your patience and your understanding.”

Authorities stated that the audit will continue throughout the week to ensure that all affected products are identified and removed from schools. Parents and staff are being urged to follow official guidance and not attempt to handle any suspected sand themselves.

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