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 Libyan delegation in Beirut pushes for release of Muammar Gadhafi’s son held in Lebanon

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A Libyan delegation in Lebanon met Monday with senior judicial officials to advance discussions over the potential release of Hannibal Gadhafi, the son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi, who has been detained without trial in Lebanon since 2015.

The five-member delegation held meetings with three top Lebanese judicial figures, including prosecutor Jamal Hajar, according to four officials familiar with the talks who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The discussions focused on easing bail conditions and lifting a travel ban imposed on Gadhafi, who is accused of withholding information about the fate of Lebanese Shiite cleric Moussa al-Sadr — missing since 1978 — despite having been less than three years old at the time.

A Lebanese judge had ordered Gadhafi’s release last month on an $11 million bail, but his legal team said he could not afford the amount. The Libyan delegation requested a significant reduction in bail and the removal of the travel ban, proposing that Gadhafi be allowed to leave Lebanon for Qatar, where he is expected to settle.

The officials said the delegation also handed over a detailed report regarding the decades-old disappearance of al-Sadr, a prominent cleric who vanished during a visit to Libya with two companions, Abbas Badreddine and Mohammed Yacoub. The case remains one of Lebanon’s most contentious political mysteries.

Hostage Aid Worldwide, a Washington-based advocacy group, has been pressing for Gadhafi’s release, citing his deteriorating health and prolonged detention without due process. The organization has been in talks with senior Lebanese authorities in recent weeks to ensure compliance with international legal standards.

Gadhafi’s arrest has long strained ties between Tripoli and Beirut. In a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, the Libyan delegation said Tripoli was eager to restore bilateral relations and resolve outstanding disputes. Aoun’s office later confirmed that he supported efforts to strengthen cooperation between both nations.

Hannibal Gadhafi had been living in exile in Syria with his Lebanese wife, Aline Skaf, and their children until he was abducted in 2015 by Lebanese militants demanding information about al-Sadr’s fate. Lebanese police later announced that they had taken him into custody in the city of Baalbek. Since then, he has remained jailed in Beirut.

Al-Sadr, who founded a Shiite political and military group active during Lebanon’s 1975–1990 civil war, would be 96 years old if still alive. His family has maintained hope he might still be held in Libya, though most Lebanese believe he was killed decades ago.

Moammar Gadhafi, who ruled Libya for more than 40 years, was overthrown and killed during the country’s 2011 uprising. Hannibal fled with relatives to Algeria before settling in Syria, where he was granted political asylum until his abduction.

The late Libyan leader had eight children. Several played key roles in his government, with some killed during the 2011 conflict and others living in exile. His son Seif al-Islam, once considered his heir, remains in Libya following his release in 2017.

The latest diplomatic efforts suggest that a resolution for Hannibal Gadhafi’s long detention could soon be within reach, potentially closing a case that has lingered for nearly half a century at the intersection of Lebanese justice and Libyan politics.

 Trump vows he “Won’t Be Extorted” by Democrats, rejects talks as government shutdown deepens

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Washington (BN24) – President Donald Trump said he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats demanding an extension of health care subsidies, signaling that he has no intention of negotiating as the partial U.S. government shutdown nears its sixth week. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump accused Democrats of losing their way and insisted that the deadlock is their responsibility.

“I think they have to [vote],” Trump said. “And if they don’t, it’s their problem.”

The standoff has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay and raised uncertainty for millions of Americans reliant on federal aid programs such as SNAP. With Senate Democrats blocking repeated GOP efforts to reopen the government, both sides remain far apart on how to resolve the crisis, which has already become one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history.

Democrats insist that the government must remain closed until Republicans agree to negotiate an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at year’s end. Senate Democrats have now voted 13 times against measures to reopen the government, arguing that without a commitment to protect health care coverage, any deal is incomplete.

Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on his call to scrap the Senate filibuster—a procedural rule requiring 60 votes to pass major legislation—arguing that it prevents Republicans from advancing their agenda. “Republicans have to get tougher,” Trump said. “If we end the filibuster, we can do exactly what we want.”

Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota, have rejected Trump’s proposal, calling the rule essential to the Senate’s institutional balance. “We need five [Democrats] with a backbone to say we care more about the lives of the American people than about gaining some political leverage,” Thune said as the Senate adjourned for the weekend.

The shutdown’s effects are rippling nationwide. Air traffic controllers and other essential workers have missed multiple paychecks, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays. On Sunday, New York City’s emergency management department reported significant delays at Newark Airport due to “staffing shortages in the control tower,” warning of possible ground stops if conditions worsen.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the situation could deteriorate further. “Many workers are confronted with a decision: do I put food on my kids’ table, do I pay my rent, or do I go to work and not get paid?” he said on ABC’s This Week.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has faced scrutiny after planning to withhold $8 billion in SNAP food assistance until two federal judges ordered the administration to release the funds. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of attempting to “weaponize hunger,” arguing that the administration has prioritized political leverage over public welfare.

At the center of the shutdown is a disagreement over health care subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act. Trump criticized the law as “terrible,” telling CBS that Democrats should first vote to reopen the government before any reforms can be negotiated.

Democrats, however, maintain that extending the subsidies—originally expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic—is essential to prevent premium hikes for millions of Americans. “We want to sit down with [Senate Majority Leader John] Thune, [House Speaker Mike] Johnson, and Trump to negotiate a way to address this horrible health care crisis,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said.

The standoff echoes the 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019, which ended only after Trump backed down from his demand for border wall funding amid mounting public pressure and airport chaos.

With both sides entrenched, the political and economic costs continue to rise. Trump’s allies argue that Democrats are holding Americans “hostage” over a partisan issue, while Democrats say Trump’s refusal to compromise is causing real harm to millions.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner expressed cautious optimism that the shutdown could end soon, noting Trump’s return to Washington. “Republicans can’t move on anything without a Trump sign-off,” Warner said on CBS’s Face the Nation.

But for now, there is no clear path forward — and each day of the shutdown deepens the toll on workers, families, and the country’s fragile political balance.

Top 10 US billionaires’ collective wealth grew by $698bn in past year – report

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(theguardian) – The combined wealth of the top 10 U.S. billionaires soared by $698 billion in the past year, underscoring the deepening divide between America’s richest and the rest of its citizens, according to a new report from Oxfam America released Monday. The report warns that President Donald Trump’s economic policies risk driving U.S. inequality to unprecedented levels, even as decades of decisions from both major parties have helped widen the wealth gap.

Drawing from Federal Reserve data spanning 1989 to 2022, researchers found that the top 1% of American households gained 101 times more wealth than the median household during that period — and 987 times more than households in the bottom 20th percentile of income. In raw terms, that’s an average gain of $8.35 million per top 1% household, compared with $83,000 for the average household.

Oxfam’s findings paint a stark picture of an economy increasingly tilted toward the ultra-rich. While billionaires amass historic fortunes, over 40% of Americans — including nearly half of all children — live in low-income families, earning less than twice the national poverty line.

When compared to 38 high-income countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States ranks worst in relative poverty, second-highest in child poverty and infant mortality, and second-lowest in life expectancy.

“Inequality is a policy choice,” said Rebecca Riddell, senior policy lead for economic justice at Oxfam America. “These comparisons show us that we can make very different choices when it comes to poverty and inequality in our society.”

Oxfam: Decades of Policy Favor the Wealthy

The report argues that the U.S. tax code, social safety net, and labor protections have been gradually dismantled, transforming concentrated wealth into concentrated political power. Oxfam identified President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill,” passed by Congress in May, as one of the largest upward transfers of wealth in decades, reducing taxes for corporations and high-income earners.

But the charity emphasized that both Republican and Democratic administrations have contributed to rising inequality through decades of tax cuts, deregulation, and reductions in social support.

“Policymakers have been choosing inequality, and those choices have had bipartisan support,” Riddell said. “From cuts to taxes and the social safety net to weakening labor rights, these policy reforms have had backing from both parties.”

The Path Forward

Oxfam outlined a series of policy recommendations aimed at reversing the wealth gap, including reforms to campaign finance laws and antitrust regulations, progressive taxation on the wealthy and corporations, strengthening social safety nets, and protecting workers’ unions.

However, the report acknowledges that these reforms face significant political challenges due to long-standing stigmas attached to welfare and taxation — remnants of rhetoric popularized during the Reagan era, such as the “welfare queen” myth.

“What’s really needed is a different kind of politics,” Riddell said. “One that focuses on delivering for ordinary people by rapidly reducing inequality. There are sensible, proven reforms that could go a long way to reversing the troubling trends we see.”

A Grassroots Push for Change

Despite limited progress at the federal level, Oxfam highlights community leaders working on the front lines to reduce inequality. Representatives from United Workers Maryland, featured in the report, said that public frustration with economic disparity could provide a crucial moment for reform.

“I think it’s brilliant that they see this as an opportunity,” Riddell added. “This is a moment to look around and realize our broader power — that we can demand a system that works for everyone, not just for those at the very top.”

Mexican Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez assassinated during Day of the Dead celebrations in Michoacán

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In a shocking act of violence, Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán, was shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations on Saturday night. The brazen killing unfolded in the town’s historic center in front of dozens of residents and tourists gathered to honor the traditional holiday.

According to state prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña, Manzo Rodríguez was rushed to a hospital after being shot multiple times but later died from his injuries. A city council member and one of his bodyguards were also wounded in the attack.

Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said the mayor was shot seven times by an unidentified gunman, who was later killed at the scene. Authorities linked the weapon used in the assassination to recent armed clashes between rival criminal groups operating in the region.

“No line of investigation is being ruled out to clarify this cowardly act that took the life of the mayor,” García Harfuch said.

Michoacán remains one of Mexico’s most violent states, a contested stronghold for cartels fighting over territory, drug routes, and extortion rackets.

Grief and Outrage in Uruapan

On Sunday, hundreds of Uruapan residents filled the streets dressed in black, carrying photographs of the slain mayor and chanting “Justice! Justice! Out with Morena!”—a reference to the ruling party of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

At the head of the funeral procession, a man led Manzo Rodríguez’s black horse, adorned with one of his signature hats on the saddle. Behind him, a group of black-clad mariachi musicians played somber songs as police and military officers guarded the route.

The mayor, a former Morena legislator who had since formed an independent political movement, had become an outspoken critic of state authorities. In recent months, he publicly appealed to President Sheinbaum on social media for federal help to combat local cartels, accusing Michoacán’s pro-government governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla and the state police of corruption.

Captured on Camera

The assassination was caught on video and widely shared on social media. Footage shows families and visitors enjoying the vibrant festivities surrounded by marigolds, candles, and painted skulls before gunfire erupts. Panic quickly ensues as people run for cover.

Another video shows an official performing CPR on a person lying motionless on the ground as armed officers secure the area.

Manzo Rodríguez had been under police protection since December 2024, just three months after taking office. His security was later strengthened in May with municipal police and 14 National Guard officers, although officials have not disclosed what prompted the added measures.

Known by some as “the Mexican Bukele,” a nickname referencing El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and his tough anti-crime policies, Manzo Rodríguez had pledged to confront organized crime and restore order in Uruapan—a city long plagued by cartel violence.

A Pattern of Political Violence

His death marks the second killing of a Michoacán mayor in 2025. In June, Salvador Bastidas, mayor of Tacámbaro, was murdered alongside his bodyguard outside his home. Last October, journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was also shot dead in Uruapan shortly after interviewing Manzo Rodríguez.

The escalating wave of assassinations has underscored the growing risks faced by local politicians in Mexico, where criminal groups routinely target public officials who resist their influence or expose corruption.

As mourners in Uruapan continue to demand justice, Manzo Rodríguez’s death has once again drawn attention to the deepening crisis of political violence and impunity gripping Michoacán—and much of Mexico.

Top Labor groups break with federal union over Republican shutdown measure

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WASHINGTON (BN24)— A deep split has emerged among U.S. labor unions over how to respond to the ongoing government shutdown, after the largest federal workers’ union threw its support behind a Republican funding bill this week. The move, seen as a break from the broader Democratic-aligned labor movement, has intensified political pressure on lawmakers and highlighted divisions within organized labor.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have been furloughed or forced to work without pay during the shutdown, called for a “clean continuing resolution” to reopen the government. AFGE President Everett Kelley stated in a press release that both political parties had made their points, and it was time to act to end the shutdown immediately, even if that meant bypassing broader negotiations on healthcare and other policy issues.

Many of the nation’s top labor unions, however, expressed sharp disagreement with AFGE’s approach. They continue to back Democratic strategies that link reopening the government to protecting affordable healthcare and extending Obamacare subsidies, a stance labor analysts say reflects the movement’s broader commitment to social and worker protections.

Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of the 185,000-member Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, acknowledged the pressures facing federal employees but criticized AFGE’s strategy. “They have to do what they have to do for their members,” Contreras told ABC News. “But it’s a false choice to say we need to give up affordable healthcare for millions of Americans to bring federal workers back to work,” Contreras noted that SEIU 32BJ represents about 2,400 federal contractors, including security officers and food-service staff, many of whom face lost wages during the shutdown.

Other major labor organizations voiced similar positions. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, whose federation represents nearly 15 million workers nationwide, faulted President Donald Trump for attempting to divide federal workers from the larger labor movement. “As federal workers miss paychecks and line up at food banks, President Trump is more focused on pitting workers against each other than ending the shutdown,” Shuler said. “It’s time to fund the government, fix the healthcare crisis, and put working people first.”

United Steelworkers International President David McCall urged a balanced approach that prioritizes both essential government services and affordable healthcare, while the National Education Association, representing nearly 3 million educators, reaffirmed its support for linking funding to healthcare protections. Other unions, including the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and the United Food and Commercial Workers, have expressed similar positions in previous statements.

Experts say the broader labor movement’s insistence on maintaining pressure on Democrats has likely reduced some of the political fallout from AFGE’s decision. “The federal unions aren’t the biggest players in the labor movement,” said Nelson Lichtenstein, a labor historian at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “Large parts of the rest of the labor movement are crying out for the Democrats to fight against the Trump administration and not give up. Despite these cracks, which are understandable, the labor movement is fairly united in its position on the shutdown.”

The White House has criticized Democrats for the ongoing impasse. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that while many federal employees might weather a single missed paycheck, extended furloughs could create “huge problems.” President Trump has called on Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass a Republican funding bill, describing it as a “TRUMP CARD” solution to reopen the government.

The government shutdown, which entered its 30th day on Friday, shows no immediate signs of resolution. Senate Democrats have rejected the Republican funding bill 13 times, and the upper chamber is on recess until next week. Meanwhile, millions of federal employees, contractors, and their families remain without regular paychecks, as unions and lawmakers continue to navigate a tense standoff.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto named World Series MVP after historic Game 7 heroics for Dodgers

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TORONTO (BN24)— Yoshinobu Yamamoto cemented his status as one of baseball’s premier pitchers with a historic World Series performance, earning MVP honors after leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to their second consecutive championship. Yamamoto’s dominant postseason included two complete games, a clutch relief outing in Game 7, and a 3-0 series record against the Toronto Blue Jays that has drawn comparisons to MLB legends.

The 27-year-old Japanese ace entered Game 7 in a high-pressure situation, tasked with escaping a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning with the score tied at 4. Demonstrating poise beyond his years, Yamamoto retired the Blue Jays to end the inning and cruised through the 10th despite a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. leadoff double, preserving a 5-4 lead and securing the Dodgers’ championship. His relief appearance came just one day after throwing 96 pitches in a Game 6 win, highlighting his remarkable stamina and versatility.

Yamamoto’s postseason brilliance was on full display throughout the series. In Game 2, he threw a four-hit complete game, retiring the final 20 batters in a 5-1 victory. This marked the first complete game in a World Series since Kansas City’s Johnny Cueto accomplished the feat in 2015 and made Yamamoto the first Dodgers pitcher in nearly a decade to go the distance in the Fall Classic. His performance in Game 6, while less dominant, still yielded six innings of one-run ball, setting up the decisive Game 7.

Over the course of the series, Yamamoto posted a 3-0 record with a 1.09 ERA, striking out 15 and walking just two across 17 2/3 innings while allowing only 10 hits and two earned runs. Including last year’s World Series Game 2 win over the New York Yankees, Yamamoto is now 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA in four Fall Classic appearances.

Signed from Japan to a $325 million, 12-year contract before the 2024 season, Yamamoto has quickly validated the Dodgers’ investment. Prior to joining Major League Baseball, he pitched 12 complete games over three seasons with the Orix Buffaloes of Japan’s Pacific League, demonstrating the durability and command that have carried over to the big leagues.

Yamamoto’s consecutive complete games in the postseason place him among elite company. Arizona ace Curt Schilling last achieved back-to-back complete postseason games in 2001, and Dodgers legends Orel Hershiser and Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax previously threw multiple complete games in the Fall Classic, underscoring the rarity of Yamamoto’s accomplishment.

Manager Dave Roberts praised his ace effusively after the championship, calling Yamamoto “the GOAT” as the Dodgers hoisted the World Series trophy moments after the final out. “He’s shown incredible resilience, stamina, and skill throughout the playoffs. His pitching is nothing short of historic,” Roberts said.

Yamamoto’s postseason also reflects a combination of strategic brilliance and mental toughness. In high-leverage situations, he consistently outsmarted hitters, navigating jams and keeping opponents off balance with a mix of velocity, movement, and pinpoint control. His ability to perform at peak levels on short rest—particularly in Game 7 following a 96-pitch outing in Game 6—is a testament to both his physical conditioning and competitive mindset.

For the Dodgers, Yamamoto’s heroics were instrumental in overcoming the Blue Jays, who had matched Los Angeles blow for blow in several close games. The championship marks the Dodgers’ second straight title, further cementing the team’s status as a modern-era powerhouse.

Yamamoto’s World Series MVP honors also reflect his impact on the global stage. As a Japanese player excelling in MLB’s biggest spotlight, he has inspired fans worldwide and demonstrated that international talent can dominate at the highest levels. His postseason performance, blending durability, precision, and poise, will be remembered as one of the greatest in Fall Classic history.

Nigerian author James Emmanuel reflects on his journey, inspiration, and the creation of Echoes of Ambition

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In an exclusive conversation, fast-rising Nigerian author James Emmanuel opens up about his journey as a writer, the creative process behind his critically acclaimed debut novel Echoes of Ambition, and his aspirations to shape the future of African storytelling. Blending traditional themes with modern realism, Emmanuel has quickly established himself as one of the most promising voices in contemporary literature.

Emmanuel traces his passion for writing back to his childhood, deeply influenced by Nigerian literary icons Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Cyprian Ekwensi, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Their works, he says, instilled in him a lasting love for narrative and a belief in literature’s power to drive social change.

“Their novels were irresistible,” Emmanuel said. “I began to dream of a time when I could tell compelling stories that inspire change. My desire to make a positive impact on both the young and the old is at the core of my writing.”

Crafting Meaningful Narratives

Emmanuel explained that every story he writes begins with a message or a social issue he hopes to explore. “The central theme drives the plot,” he said. “As the story unfolds, I make adjustments to ensure that the idea remains the story’s backbone. I often use flashbacks to build suspense and keep readers engaged.”

Finding the right title for his debut novel was another challenge. After considering several options, including When the Gods Fall Silent and A Future Forged in Fire, Emmanuel settled on Echoes of Ambition. “It resonated more deeply with both students and adults,” he said. “It captures the essence of the story perfectly.”

Inspiration From Real Life

Much of Emmanuel’s writing draws from real-world experiences and social realities. “Experiences shared by people add authenticity and depth to my characters,” he said. “That’s why Echoes of Ambition explores religion, social vices, leadership, academic excellence, and resilience.”

Writing the book was not without challenges. Emmanuel recalled long nights balancing his creative work with other commitments. “There were times I didn’t know where to stop,” he said. “My reviewers even asked for more chapters, but I knew exactly where the story had to end.”

The novel’s success has already attracted interest from filmmakers seeking to adapt it for the screen — a milestone that Emmanuel views as both exciting and humbling.

A Vision for the Future

While he remains discreet about his next project, Emmanuel confirmed that several ideas are already taking shape. “I prefer not to rush my work,” he said. “I’m taking things one step at a time.”

When asked what distinguishes his style, Emmanuel said his work reflects a balance of emotion and intellect. “My novels explore the complexities of human experience with sensitivity and nuance,” he said. “The blend of tradition and contemporary reality creates a timeless bridge that connects generations.”

Dream Cast and Literary Outlook

If Echoes of Ambition were made into a film, Emmanuel said he would cast Hilda Dokubo as Obidiya and Pete Edochie as Mazi Ogbodo, with Lateef Adedimeji, Stan Nze, Frederick Leonard, and Ibrahim Chatta rounding out the cast. “I admire how Ibrahim Chatta interprets native roles with captivating depth,” he said.

Readers can find Emmanuel’s works through Commune Writers International and connect with him on Instagram (@IAMJEMEDIA), Facebook (James Emmanuel), or by email at jamesnwankwoemmanuel@gmail.com.

On Writing and Growth

For Emmanuel, great writing is built on creativity, clarity, precision, and structure. “Creativity gives originality, clarity ensures connection, and organization provides smooth flow,” he said.

He embraces criticism as a catalyst for improvement. “I separate my emotions from critiques,” he said. “Feedback is a tool for growth, not discouragement.”

With Echoes of Ambition, James Emmanuel has announced himself as one of the most authentic voices in Nigerian literature. His reflective storytelling, cultural depth, and social insight mark him as a writer poised to leave a lasting impact on African literature’s next generation.

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 Powerful earthquake strikes Northern Afghanistan, kills 20 and injures 500

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KABUL, Afghanistan (BN24) — A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan before dawn Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 500, officials said, as rescue teams raced to reach the hardest-hit areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was about 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm in Balkh province, striking around 12:59 a.m. local time at a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles).

Sharafat Zaman, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, said 534 injured people and 20 bodies were brought to hospitals in Balkh and neighboring Samangan provinces. “These numbers are expected to rise as rescuers reach remote areas,” Zaman said.

In nearby Badakhshan, officials said roughly 800 houses were partially or completely destroyed in a single village in the Shahr-e-Bozorg district. Limited internet access in the mountainous region has made it difficult to determine casualties.

Yousaf Hammad, a spokesman for Afghanistan’s disaster management agency, said most of the injured suffered minor wounds and were discharged after treatment. The Ministry of Defense announced that emergency teams had reached the affected zones in Balkh and Samangan, transporting the injured and assisting with rescue operations.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the quake caused “casualties and significant financial losses,” and that government agencies were mobilized to deliver aid.

Footage from Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, showed residents rushing into the streets as the ground shook. The city’s historic Blue Mosque, one of Afghanistan’s most revered religious landmarks, sustained visible damage as bricks and tiles fell from one of its minarets, though the main structure remained standing.

The tremor was also felt in Kabul and several other provinces. Authorities said a rockslide temporarily blocked the main highway between Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif but was cleared hours later, allowing trapped motorists to be rescued.

The United Nations in Afghanistan said on X that its emergency teams were assessing damage and delivering relief supplies. “We stand with the affected communities and will provide the necessary support,” the U.N. mission said.

Monday’s disaster comes just weeks after a 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, killing more than 2,200 people. In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude quake and its aftershocks killed about 4,000 people in western Herat province.

Afghanistan’s ability to respond to natural disasters remains limited, with poorly built homes and fragile infrastructure compounding the destruction. Most rural houses are made from mud bricks and timber, leaving them highly vulnerable to collapse.

Since the Taliban seized control in 2021, the country has faced repeated crises — from earthquakes and drought to economic collapse — as foreign aid, once the backbone of the Afghan economy, has sharply declined.

According to the World Bank, the August 2024 quake caused more than $183 million in damage. The U.N. and humanitarian agencies have warned that hunger and displacement continue to rise across Afghanistan, where millions are still struggling to recover from years of war and disaster.

 Israel receives 3 more hostages’ corpses from Gaza as fragile ceasefire endures

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Israel announced Sunday that it had received the remains of three hostages from Gaza, as forensic experts began examining them amid a fragile ceasefire that has largely held for a month.

Hamas earlier said the remains were discovered in a tunnel in southern Gaza. The handover marks the latest development in a tense and slow-moving exchange under a U.S.-brokered truce that began Oct. 10. Since then, Palestinian militants have released the remains of 17 hostages, with 11 believed to remain in Gaza before Sunday’s transfer.

Israel’s military said official identification of the remains would be made privately with the families. Later Sunday, President Donald Trump confirmed that among those returned was Omer Neutra, an American-Israeli citizen and tank platoon commander in the Israel Defense Forces.

Trump said he had spoken with Neutra’s family, calling the moment both “relieving and heartbreaking.” Israeli officials believe Neutra, a native of Long Island, New York, was killed during the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that triggered the devastating war.

“They were thrilled, in one sense, but in another sense, obviously, it’s not too great,” Trump said.

In recent weeks, militants have handed over one or two bodies at a time. Israeli officials have expressed frustration with the pace of returns, saying some remains provided have not belonged to hostages. Hamas has blamed the delays on Gaza’s massive destruction, which has complicated recovery efforts.

Families of hostages continue to hold weekly rallies urging restraint and renewed diplomacy. At a Saturday night vigil in Jerusalem, Moran Harari, a friend of slain hostage Carmel Gat, pleaded for peace. “This cursed war has taken so many lives of dear people on both sides. This time, we must not fall into it again,” Harari said.

Israel has, in turn, released the remains of 15 Palestinians in exchange for those of one Israeli hostage. Gaza’s Health Ministry said its ability to identify returned bodies has been hindered by a lack of DNA kits. Of the 225 Palestinian bodies handed over since the ceasefire began, only 75 have been positively identified.

The remains exchanges form a central part of the U.S.-mediated 20-point ceasefire plan, which includes an international stabilization force made up of Arab and allied nations. The proposed mission would coordinate with Egypt and Jordan to secure Gaza’s borders and uphold the truce.

Several nations have shown interest in participating but have called for a United Nations Security Council mandate before committing troops. Ongoing questions remain about Hamas’ disarmament, postwar governance of Gaza, and expanding humanitarian aid deliveries.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Hamas still maintains a presence in Rafah and Khan Younis, areas under Israeli military control. “They will be eliminated,” he told his Cabinet.

The 2023 Hamas-led assault killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage, sparking the bloodiest conflict in the region’s history. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has since killed more than 68,800 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

Israel denies allegations of genocide raised by U.N. investigators and other bodies, disputing the casualty figures but offering no alternative count.

LA LIGA: Marcus Rashford scores as Barcelona bounce back with victory over Elche

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Simeon Bateren
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BARCELONA, Spain (BN24)— Marcus Rashford scored the decisive goal as Barcelona bounced back from their El Clásico defeat with a 3-1 La Liga victory over Elche on Sunday. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres had put Hansi Flick’s side in command before Rafa Mir pulled one back for the visitors.

The England forward’s 61st-minute strike sealed the win, lifting Barcelona to second place in the standings, five points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Elche appeared to score first, but their effort was ruled out for offside, quelling early celebrations. From that moment, Barcelona asserted control. Yamal opened the scoring in the ninth minute, expertly finishing into the far corner after receiving a pass from Alejandro Balde and cutting onto his left foot.

Two minutes later, Barca doubled their advantage when Fermin Lopez capitalized on a slip by Adria Pedrosa, crossing for Torres to tap into an empty net. Elche responded just before halftime as Mir beat the offside trap and curled a shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1.

Rashford nearly scored early in the second half, but the linesman flagged Fermin for offside in the buildup. The England forward soon made amends, receiving a pass from Fermin and firing powerfully past Inaki Pena to restore Barcelona’s two-goal cushion.

Mir struck the post twice in the second half, but Elche was unable to mount a comeback. The victory extended Barcelona’s unbeaten home record against Elche in La Liga to 25 matches, including 18 wins.

The result allowed Barcelona to rebound confidently from their recent setback in El Clásico, maintaining pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the table as the La Liga season progresses.

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