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US warship docks in Trinidad and Tobago, escalating military pressure on Venezuela as aircraft carrier approaches

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A U.S. warship docked in Trinidad and Tobago’s capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its President Nicolas Maduro.

The arrival of the USS Gravely, a guided missile destroyer, in the capital of the Caribbean nation is in addition to the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which is moving closer to Venezuela. Maduro criticized the movement of the carrier as an attempt by the U.S. government to fabricate “a new eternal war” against his country.

U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Maduro, without providing evidence, of being the leader of the organized crime gang Tren de Aragua.

Government officials from the twin-island nation and the United States said the massive warship will remain in Trinidad until Thursday so both countries can carry out training exercises.

A senior military official in Trinidad and Tobago told The Associated Press that the move was only recently scheduled. The official spoke under condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has been a vocal supporter of the U.S. military presence and the deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in waters off Venezuela.

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said in a statement that the exercises seek to “address shared threats like transnational crime and build resilience through training, humanitarian missions, and security efforts.”

The visit comes one week after the U.S. Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago warned Americans to stay away from U.S. government facilities there. Local authorities said a reported threat against Americans prompted the warning.

Many people in Trinidad and Tobago criticize the warship’s docking in town. At a recent demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy, David Abdulah, leader of the Movement for Social Justice political party, said Trinidad and Tobago should not have allowed the warship into its waters.

“This is a warship in Trinidad, which will be anchored here for several days just miles off Venezuela when there’s a threat of war,” said Abdulah. “That’s an abomination.”

Caricom, a regional trade bloc made up of fifteen Caribbean countries, has called for dialogue. Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the group, but Persad-Bissessar has said the region is not a zone of peace, citing the number of murders and other violent crimes.

The deployment of the USS Gravely adds to the growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean as the Trump administration pursues an aggressive counter-narcotics campaign that has included strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels. The U.S. military has conducted ten strikes on suspected drug-running boats, killing at least forty-three people since September.

The Pentagon announced Friday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group to deploy to U.S. Southern Command to “bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States.”

The Ford is the Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, having been commissioned into service in 2017. At more than eleven hundred feet long with a displacement of one hundred thousand long tons, the carrier is the largest in the world.

The carrier group will join eight U.S. vessels already in the region, including three destroyers, one cruiser, a littoral combat ship, an amphibious assault ship and two transport ships. The deployment represents a major escalation of military power in waters that have already seen an unusually large U.S. military buildup.

Trump disclosed Wednesday that he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela, adding to speculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to oust Maduro. The Venezuelan leader has denied any connection to drug smuggling and denounced the U.S. boat strikes as a pretext for regime change.

The arrival of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago places a significant U.S. military asset within close proximity to Venezuelan waters. Trinidad and Tobago sits just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela at the closest point, making it a strategic location for monitoring activities in the region.

The training exercises planned between U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago forces represent an expansion of military cooperation between the two nations. The partnership has grown as the Trump administration seeks regional allies in its campaign against what it describes as narcoterrorist threats emanating from Venezuela.

Critics of the U.S. military presence argue that the deployment of warships near Venezuela increases the risk of military confrontation in a region that has traditionally avoided such tensions. The opposition from some Caribbean leaders reflects concerns about being drawn into potential conflict between the United States and Venezuela.

The regional trade bloc Caricom’s call for dialogue highlights divisions within the Caribbean over how to respond to U.S. military activities near Venezuela. While some leaders like Persad-Bissessar support the American presence, others prefer diplomatic solutions to regional challenges.

The U.S. Embassy warning about threats against Americans in Trinidad and Tobago adds another layer of complexity to the military deployment. The nature of the reported threat was not disclosed, but it underscores security concerns in the region.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads U.S. Southern Command, announced Thursday he would step down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, in a surprise move amid escalating Venezuela tensions. Sources indicated there had been tension between Holsey and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Caribbean operations.

The docking of the USS Gravely and the approaching aircraft carrier represent the most significant U.S. military presence in the Caribbean in decades, signaling the Trump administration’s determination to pressure the Maduro government through shows of force.

AP

UK police rearrest wrongly released Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu after nationwide manhunt

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London (BN24) – British police have rearrested Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian asylum seeker and convicted sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison instead of being deported, following a three-day manhunt that reignited debate over the UK’s immigration and justice systems.

The 38-year-old was detained early Sunday in north London’s Finsbury Park area after what police described as a “diligent and fast-paced investigation.” Commander James Conway of the Metropolitan Police said public tips were instrumental in tracking Kebatu down. “Following a search, officers located Mr. Kebatu. He was detained by police and will be returned to the custody of the Prison Service,” Conway said in a statement.

Kebatu’s mistaken release from Chelmsford Prison on Friday triggered outrage across the country. He had been serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and another woman in Epping, northeast of London, in July. The attacks occurred shortly after his arrival in England by small boat. During his sentencing, the court heard that it was his “firm wish” to be deported to Ethiopia after completing his prison term.

British officials said Kebatu should have been transferred to an immigration detention center to await deportation but was mistakenly freed instead. Media reports suggested that Kebatu himself appeared confused by his release, with one eyewitness telling Sky News that he had even attempted to return to prison but was turned away.

Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed the arrest on Sunday, saying, “Kebatu has been arrested, is now in custody and will be deported.” He added that he had ordered “the immediate strengthening of release checks and a full investigation into what went wrong.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the error, calling it “completely unacceptable” and vowing to ensure “this doesn’t happen again.”

Kebatu’s case first drew national attention earlier this year when news of his offenses sparked a series of anti-migrant protests in Epping and other British cities. Demonstrators gathered outside the Bell Hotel—where Kebatu had been staying along with other asylum seekers—demanding stricter immigration controls. Some protests turned disorderly as far-right groups joined the rallies, while counterprotests organized by groups such as Stand Up to Racism called for calm and condemned xenophobia.

The rearrest comes amid renewed scrutiny of the UK’s immigration system, particularly the handling of asylum seekers and criminal deportations. The Ministry of Justice has launched an internal investigation to determine how the administrative failure occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Prime Minister Starmer said the episode underscored the need for “systemic reform” in how the prison and immigration systems communicate. “We will make sure nothing like this happens again,” he said.

Russian drone strike kills 3 in Ukraine capital Kyiv, wounds 27 including 6 children, Mayor reports

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An overnight Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed three people and wounded dozens, the mayor of the Ukrainian capital said Sunday.

The head of Kyiv’s military administration said early Sunday that “several” Russian drones were operating over the city and warned people to “remain in shelters.”

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said later that “according to preliminary information, three people died and 27 were wounded” in the attack. The wounded included six children, Klitschko wrote on Telegram.

He said drone fragments fell onto a nine-story residential building in the northeastern Desnyansky district, sparking fires in apartments on several floors. Fragments damaged another nine-floor block in the same district, where five people were rescued, he said.

More drone fragments fell on a sixteen-story residential block in the northern Obolonsky district, damaging an apartment, Klitschko said.

The strikes came a day after other Russian drone and missile strikes killed four and wounded around twenty others in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian authorities.

On Saturday, Russian overnight drone and missile strikes killed four people and wounded some twenty others in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and several other regions, authorities said. The attack comes as Kyiv’s Western allies ratchet up pressure on Russia as the war enters its fourth winter.

“One rescuer was killed and another wounded as a result of a repeated missile strike on the Petropavlivska community in the Dnipropetrovsk region,” the Internal Affairs Ministry said on social media. A woman was also killed and seven people were injured in the eastern region, the ministry added, reporting damage to fire trucks, residential buildings and shops.

Moscow also targeted Kyiv in Saturday’s attack, killing two people and wounding twelve others, Klitschko said. AFP journalists heard the distinctive whirring of missiles and powerful blasts at around four in the morning.

Emergency services shared photos of firefighters battling flames as major fires broke out in the Desnyansky and Darnytsky districts.

Russia fired nine Iskander-M ballistic missiles and sixty-two attack drones during Saturday’s attack, the Ukrainian air force said, adding it had downed four ballistic missiles and fifty drones.

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump played down prospects of a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, saying he was “not going to be wasting my time.”

The remarks came as Kremlin negotiator Kirill Dmitriev met with Trump administration officials including special envoy Steve Witkoff, a Russian source familiar with the talks told AFP. The discussions were expected to continue Sunday.

The United States and the European Union announced new sanctions this week on Russian energy aimed at crippling Moscow’s war economy.

The consecutive days of deadly strikes on Kyiv represent an intensification of Russian attacks on the Ukrainian capital as the conflict continues into its fourth winter. The targeting of residential buildings has drawn international condemnation and renewed calls for additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians.

The attacks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate an end to the war, though prospects for immediate breakthrough appear limited. Trump’s dismissal of near-term summit possibilities with Putin suggests significant gaps remain between the positions of the United States, Ukraine and Russia.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for more advanced air defense systems from Western allies to counter the drone and missile threats. While Ukraine’s air defenses have improved significantly since the war began, the latest attacks demonstrate Russia’s continued ability to strike the capital with deadly effect.

The inclusion of children among the wounded in Sunday’s attack underscores the civilian toll of Russia’s continued aerial bombardment campaign. International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilian populations, though Russia has maintained its strikes target military infrastructure.

The war has now stretched beyond one thousand days since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Both sides have suffered significant casualties, though exact figures remain disputed and difficult to verify independently.

Western sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector aim to reduce Moscow’s ability to fund its military operations in Ukraine. However, the effectiveness of sanctions in changing Russian behavior remains a subject of debate among policymakers and analysts.

Emergency services in Kyiv have developed extensive experience responding to drone and missile attacks, with protocols for rapid evacuation and firefighting operations. The city’s population has adapted to life under regular air raid alerts, though the psychological toll of constant threat remains significant.

Source: themoscowtimes

Suspects arrested in daring Louvre crown jewels heist

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French authorities have arrested multiple suspects in connection with the audacious theft of France’s Crown Jewels from the Louvre museum, a heist that stunned the art world and exposed security lapses at one of the world’s most visited cultural institutions.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed Sunday that the arrests were made Saturday evening, one week after the jewels — valued at €88 million ($102 million) — were stolen in a lightning-fast operation that lasted less than eight minutes. One suspect was detained while preparing to leave the country from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, Beccuau said in a statement.

While French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien reported that two men were in custody, Beccuau did not confirm the number of arrests and declined to say whether any of the stolen treasures had been recovered. She emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and warned that premature leaks of information could jeopardize the work of the more than 100 officers assigned to the case.

The arrests were carried out by France’s elite police unit specializing in armed robberies, major burglaries, and art thefts. “These investigators have been mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators,” Beccuau said.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the operation, commending “the investigators who have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and who have always had my full confidence.”

The Louvre, which reopened earlier this week, remains at the center of what experts are calling one of the most significant museum thefts in decades. Officials said the thieves used a basket lift to scale the museum’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and escaped within minutes before guards could respond. “It was a terrible failure,” the museum’s director admitted after the theft.

Among the stolen pieces were eight priceless objects from France’s royal and imperial heritage, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and an earring set once belonging to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. The thieves also made off with an emerald necklace and earrings tied to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, and a reliquary brooch.

The most valuable missing items included Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and a large corsage-bow brooch, both described as masterpieces of imperial jewelry. One significant piece — Eugénie’s emerald-studded imperial crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds — was later discovered damaged but recoverable outside the museum.

The theft has been described by cultural observers as a symbolic blow to France’s national identity, with some comparing it to the 2019 fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral. The investigation continues as authorities work to track down the remaining culprits and recover the missing jewels.

Kamala Harris hints at possible 2028 presidential run in BBC interview

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Simeon Bateren
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LONDON (BN24) — Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has raised the possibility of running for president again in 2028, suggesting she may make another bid for the White House after her defeat to Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

In her first UK interview, broadcast on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Harris responded to questions about her political future, affirming that a woman would one day occupy the White House, and she may be the one to do it. When asked directly about a potential 2028 presidential run, Harris replied, “Possibly,” confirming she is considering a second attempt at the top job.

“I am not done,” Harris said, emphasizing that her career has always been about public service, and that this commitment runs deep in her bones. The former vice-president expressed confidence that future generations, including her grandnieces, will see a female president during their lifetime, hinting that she could be the one to break that barrier.

Although Harris has refrained from making any concrete promises, her comments represent the clearest indication yet that she might run again, following the devastating loss to Trump last year. Despite some political analysts and polls positioning her as an outsider for the next Democratic nomination, she dismissed these predictions, claiming that if she had listened to the polls in the past, she never would have achieved her political success.

“If I listened to polls, I wouldn’t have run for my first office, or my second office, and I certainly wouldn’t be sitting here,” Harris remarked. Her defiance came in the context of a broader conversation about her political resilience and determination to push forward.

During the interview, Harris also revisited her intense criticism of Trump, calling him a “tyrant” and stating that many of the warnings she issued about his authoritarian tendencies had, unfortunately, come to fruition. She referenced Trump’s weaponization of the Department of Justice, describing his efforts to control federal agencies and silence political critics as evidence of his fascist leanings.

Harris also slammed those business leaders and institutions that, in her view, have kowtowed to Trump’s demands, accusing them of aligning with a “tyrant” to protect their interests. “There are many who have capitulated since day one… bending the knee at the foot of a tyrant,” she stated, speaking to the broader climate of compromise and fear that she believes Trump has created in America.

The interview also touched on the tumultuous aftermath of her 2024 presidential campaign, a race in which Harris and President Joe Biden faced significant challenges, particularly with economic messaging and voter outreach. Some in the Democratic Party have questioned whether Harris could have done more to set a clearer message, especially regarding critical issues like the economy.

When asked about the possibility that Biden should have stepped aside earlier to allow her a more prominent role in the campaign, Harris responded cautiously. “I needed more time to connect with working people,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of mounting a late-stage campaign with limited resources and a fragmented message. However, she admitted that even with more time, it’s uncertain if her message would have resonated enough to overtake Trump’s electoral momentum.

While Harris did not shy away from discussing her regrets about the 2024 election, she suggested that her late start made it impossible to compete effectively. “We started so late, it was almost impossible to win,” she said, pointing to the narrowing gap in the popular vote, although acknowledging her substantial loss in the Electoral College.

Despite the bruising nature of her defeat, Harris remained upbeat about her political future. Her remarks to the BBC indicate that her political ambitions remain alive, even if there is still uncertainty surrounding the path forward for the Democratic Party. Asked if she still viewed herself as a contender for the presidency, she didn’t rule out another campaign. However, her final message was clear: she is committed to continuing her political journey.

Harris’s upcoming book, 107 Days, offers a candid account of the rapid shift in the 2024 race after Biden withdrew from the field, allowing Harris to jump in with little time to mount a full-fledged campaign. During the interview, she was pressed on whether she should have urged Biden to step down sooner. Harris was also asked if she might have been president now, instead of Trump, had Biden done so earlier. The answer to that question, as Harris acknowledged, remains one of the great “ifs” in recent American history.

Although she is currently focused on a book tour and not a presidential campaign, Harris’s words seem to indicate that she is leaving the door open for a potential second run. The political landscape, after all, is never static, and as Harris herself put it, “I am not done.”

2 dead, 7 critically injured in North Carolina mass shooting at large house party, officials say

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MAXTON, N.C. (BN24) — Two people were killed and seven others were critically injured early Saturday in a mass shooting at a large house party in southeastern North Carolina, authorities said.

The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to a home just outside Maxton at around 1:15 a.m. after receiving complaints of loud music. While en route, multiple 911 calls came in reporting that several individuals had been shot at the location.

When deputies arrived, they found a chaotic scene with more than 150 people fleeing the area. Thirteen people were ultimately confirmed to have been shot, according to Sheriff Burnis Wilkins.

Two victims, identified as 49-year-old Jessie Locklear Jr. and 16-year-old Nehemiah Locklear, were pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office said several other victims were transported to Scotland Health Care in Laurinburg and UNC Health Southeastern Medical Center in Lumberton. One person with life-threatening injuries was later transferred to another medical facility for advanced treatment.

Officials said some of the victims suffered non-life-threatening wounds and were treated and released, while others remain hospitalized in critical condition. The surviving victims range in age from 17 to 43.

Sheriff Wilkins described the incident as “a senseless act of gun violence” and said investigators are working to identify everyone involved. “What makes this even more disturbing is the involvement of teenagers, alcohol, and guns at a large house party,” Wilkins said in a statement. “Those responsible for this reckless and heartless act must be held accountable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic event.”

Authorities said the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the community. The sheriff’s office urged anyone with information to contact investigators at 910-671-3100 or email sheriff.wilkins@robesoncountysonc.gov.

The investigation remains active as detectives interview witnesses and review evidence collected from the scene.

Melissa strengthens to Category 3 hurricane, threatens catastrophic flooding in Caribbean

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MIAMI (BN24) — Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a major Category 3 storm late Saturday, threatening to unleash catastrophic flooding, landslides, and widespread damage as it churns slowly toward Jamaica and the northern Caribbean.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami said Melissa’s maximum sustained winds reached 185 kilometers per hour (115 mph) Saturday night, officially classifying it as a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The storm was moving west at just six kilometers per hour, a pace forecasters warned could prolong its destructive impacts across the region.

As of 11 p.m. ET Saturday, the storm’s center was located roughly 200 kilometers southeast of Kingston, Jamaica, and 455 kilometers southwest of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Hurricane warnings were issued for Jamaica, with watches in effect for parts of eastern Cuba, southern Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

Meteorologists expect Melissa to intensify further on Sunday, potentially reaching Category 4 strength before making landfall in Jamaica early next week. The NHC warned that the slow-moving system could dump up to 1,000 millimeters of rain, nearly 40 inches, across parts of Jamaica by Wednesday, triggering “life-threatening flash flooding, catastrophic landslides, and long-duration power outages.”

Similar rainfall totals are forecast for southwestern Haiti and the southern Dominican Republic, where flash floods and landslides are already occurring. Eastern Cuba could receive up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of rain as the storm’s outer bands sweep over the island midweek.

“Unfortunately for places along the projected path of this storm, the situation is increasingly dire,” said Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the NHC. “Melissa’s slow motion will cause a multi-day event of damaging winds, torrential rainfall, and flooding across the Caribbean.”

At least three people have died in Haiti, according to local civil protection officials, after flooding and collapsed structures in the northern regions. A fourth fatality was reported in the Dominican Republic, where one person remains missing after rivers overflowed in the Santiago and San Cristóbal provinces. Five others were injured when a wall collapsed during heavy rains in Haiti.

Floodwaters have destroyed dozens of homes in Haiti’s northeastern town of Sainte-Suzanne, where a bridge was washed away after the Rivière du Nord breached its banks. Authorities said rising river levels had cut off several communities, hampering rescue efforts and the delivery of emergency supplies.

In the Dominican Republic, officials reported that nearly 200 homes were damaged, and water supply systems were knocked out, affecting more than 500,000 residents. Downed trees, power lines, and damaged roads have left more than two dozen communities isolated by floodwaters.

In Jamaica, authorities are bracing for a direct hit. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the government had activated more than 650 emergency shelters across the island, stocked warehouses with food and medical supplies, and prepared thousands of relief packages for rapid deployment.

“I urge Jamaicans to take this weather threat seriously,” Holness said in a televised address. “Take all measures to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property. Do not wait until it’s too late.”

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority announced that all airports would close within 24 hours once hurricane conditions are imminent. Coastal evacuations are underway in low-lying communities, and residents have been advised to secure their homes and prepare for extended power outages.

The NHC reinforced those warnings Saturday evening in its key message, cautioning residents that “Jamaica preparations should be completed today. Melissa’s slow motion brings multi-day damaging winds plus heavy rainfall, catastrophic flash flooding, landslides, damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation.”

Forecasters said the storm’s outer rainbands will reach the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands by early next week, possibly bringing tropical storm or hurricane conditions to the region.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average season with 13 to 18 named storms, driven by warmer ocean temperatures and persistent atmospheric instability.

As Jamaica and neighboring nations brace for impact, emergency teams are racing to position relief supplies and restore communications in affected areas. “We’re preparing for the worst and hoping for the best,” said Ronald Delice, Haiti’s director of civil protection for the Nord-Est department. “People are scared, but we must stay vigilant.”

Multiple people shot at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, officials say

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LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (BN24)— Law enforcement officials are investigating a Saturday night shooting at Lincoln University in southeastern Pennsylvania that left multiple people injured during the school’s homecoming weekend, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.

The shooting unfolded on the campus of Lincoln University, a historically Black university about 50 miles southwest of Philadelphia, as students and alumni gathered for homecoming festivities. Authorities confirmed several people were hurt, though the exact number of victims and the severity of their injuries were not immediately released.

In a statement posted on social media, the Chester County District Attorney’s Office said it was “aware of a shooting with multiple victims that occurred at Lincoln University this evening” and that “law enforcement has responded to the scene and is actively investigating.”

Police units from multiple agencies swarmed the area shortly after reports of gunfire. Emergency medical personnel treated the wounded at the scene before transporting them to nearby hospitals. The university campus was temporarily placed on lockdown while officers secured the area and began gathering evidence.

As of late Saturday, no information had been released regarding a suspect or possible motive. Officials said they were interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage from around the campus in an effort to piece together what led to the shooting.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had been briefed on the developing situation and offered his support to Lincoln University officials and the surrounding community. “Our administration stands ready to assist law enforcement and the university as they respond to this tragic event,” Shapiro said in a statement.

The incident has cast a shadow over the university’s annual Homecoming Weekend, typically a celebration that draws current students, alumni, and their families to campus. University officials have not yet announced whether remaining homecoming events will proceed as scheduled.

Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is one of the nation’s oldest historically Black universities, known for its distinguished alumni and contributions to African American higher education.

Officials urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact local authorities as the investigation continues.

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona—Prediction, team news, and lineups ahead of El Clásico

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MADRID (BN24) — Real Madrid will be looking to move five points clear at the top of the La Liga table when they welcome Barcelona to Bernabeu on Sunday afternoon for the latest installment of El Clasico.

Los Blancos are currently two points clear of second-placed Blaugrana at the summit, but both have already lost in Spain’s top flight this term, and it is shaping up to be another fascinating battle between the bitter rivals.

Real Madrid have almost been note-perfect this season, posting eleven wins from their twelve matches in all competitions, with their only defeat coming away to Atletico Madrid at the end of September. Xabi Alonso’s side have won eight of their nine league matches, with twenty-four points seeing them top of the table, two points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, and they recorded a 1-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga last time out.

Los Blancos were also 1-0 winners in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Jude Bellingham on the scoresheet against Juventus to keep the capital outfit perfect in the league phase of the tournament.

Real Madrid have not been at their best this season, already conceding nine times in their nine matches, but they are the second-highest goalscorers in Spain’s top flight this term on twenty goals, four fewer than Barcelona have managed.

Los Blancos have four more games before the November international break kicks in, welcoming Valencia to Bernabeu on November 1 before the small matter of a trip to Liverpool in the Champions League three days later. Alonso’s side will then head to Rayo Vallecano in the league on November 9.

Real Madrid will have revenge on their minds in this match, as Barcelona won all four matches between the two sides last season across three competitions, including a stunning 4-0 victory at Bernabeu last October.

Barcelona were in Champions League action during the week, recording a 6-1 victory over Olympiacos to return to winning ways in the competition, making it six points from their first three matches.

The Catalan outfit were stunned by Sevilla before the October international break, suffering a 4-1 defeat, but they managed to bounce back against Girona last weekend, securing a 2-1 win, before finding the back of the net on six occasions in the Champions League last time out.

Barcelona’s other dropped points in La Liga this season came away to Rayo Vallecano at the end of August, and injury problems have caused the champions issues early in the campaign. Their defense has also been far from watertight, and that will be a cause for concern ahead of this match.

Hansi Flick’s side will play four more matches before the campaign is again halted in November, taking on Elche and Celta Vigo either side of a Champions League game away to Club Brugge.

Barcelona will again be looking to Lamine Yamal for inspiration on Sunday, but he will need help from those around him, with the Catalan outfit set to be missing some key attackers at Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have welcomed Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen back into their squad for Sunday’s match, but Antonio Rudiger is still out with a serious muscular injury. David Alaba will also again miss out due to a groin complaint, but Dani Ceballos has returned, while Los Blancos have not suffered any fresh issues in the build-up to the much-anticipated contest.

Due to the uncertainty at the back, Federico Valverde is likely to continue at right-back, with Raul Asencio in the middle. The latter was forced off late against Juventus but was only suffering from cramp.

Bellingham scored his first goal of the campaign against Juventus, and the England international will be looking to join an attack which is set to include Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

As for Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong is back in training after an illness and will start, but Jules Kounde is a major doubt, having missed training on Thursday and Friday due to a knock.

Raphinha was also absent from training Friday, with the Brazilian losing his battle to recover from a hamstring injury in time, which is a major blow for Barcelona, as he was expected to be available.

Joan Garcia, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo are definitely out of the match, so Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez and Marcus Rashford could form the attacking three behind Ferran Torres.

Ronald Araujo is likely to feature in the middle of the defense alongside Pau Cubarsi if Kounde is ruled out, with Eric Garcia potentially being required at right-back.

Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup features Courtois in goal, Valverde, Militao, Asencio and Carreras in defense, Guler, Tchouameni and Bellingham in midfield, with Mastantuono, Mbappe and Vinicius in attack.

Barcelona’s possible starting lineup includes Szczesny in goal, Eric Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi and Balde in defense, Pedri and De Jong in midfield, with Yamal, Fermin and Rashford supporting Ferran Torres in attack.

This is always a difficult match to predict, but Real Madrid will enter as favorites considering that it is at Bernabeu while also taking into account Barcelona’s injury problems. That said, the Catalan giants still have significant quality in their side.

Real Madrid’s La Liga form shows six matches with five wins and one loss. Barcelona’s La Liga form shows six matches with five wins and one loss. Both teams have been strong in all competitions with Real Madrid posting six matches with five wins and one loss, while Barcelona shows six matches with four wins and two losses.

The match represents a critical juncture in the La Liga title race. A Real Madrid victory would establish a five-point cushion at the top of the table, while a Barcelona win would level the teams on points and potentially shift momentum in the championship chase.

The historical context adds intrigue to Sunday’s encounter. Barcelona’s sweep of all four meetings last season, including the emphatic 4-0 triumph at Bernabeu, gives Real Madrid additional motivation to avenge those defeats.

Both managers face selection challenges. Alonso must manage defensive absences while maintaining attacking potency. Flick confronts a more severe injury crisis, particularly in attack where the unavailability of Lewandowski, Olmo and Raphinha forces creative solutions.

The tactical battle will likely center on how Barcelona’s makeshift attack handles Real Madrid’s reorganized defense. Yamal’s creativity becomes even more crucial given Barcelona’s offensive absences, while Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham presents formidable threats.

An entertaining draw appears the most likely outcome given both teams’ quality and current circumstances, though home advantage and Barcelona’s injury problems tilt odds slightly toward Real Madrid securing three points to extend their league lead.

Arsenal look to extend Premier League lead as Crystal Palace visit the Emirates

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LONDON (BN24) — Premier League leaders Arsenal return to action on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to extend their advantage at the top of the table as they host a resilient Crystal Palace side.

The Gunners and the Eagles last met in north London in a thrilling 2–2 draw, a result that came when Arsenal’s title hopes were beginning to falter. Despite that setback, Mikel Arteta’s men went on to win both of their other meetings with Palace last season, including a dominant 5–1 victory away from home.

Crystal Palace, led by manager Oliver Glasner, have enjoyed an impressive spell since then — lifting both the FA Cup and the Community Shield while setting a new club record with an 18-match unbeaten run. However, their momentum has dipped in recent weeks. The Eagles enter Sunday’s clash winless in three games across all competitions, including a disappointing home defeat to AEK Larnaca in Thursday’s Europa Conference League fixture.

Arsenal, on the other hand, continue to display formidable form. The north London club notched their sixth straight victory on Tuesday night, overpowering Atlético Madrid 4–0 in the Champions League. The result maintained their perfect start to Europe’s top competition and reaffirmed their credentials as serious contenders on multiple fronts.

Arteta’s men boast the league’s tightest defense, but the manager faces a potential setback with the possible absence of star defender Gabriel, who has not trained since sustaining an injury in midweek. Should he be unavailable, Cristhian Mosquera is expected to partner William Saliba at the heart of defense, while recent signing Piero Hincapié may also be an option after making just one appearance since joining on deadline day.

Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard are likely to return to the starting lineup, while Eberechi Eze is expected to retain his place as he faces his former club. Arsenal will again be without Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and captain Martin Ødegaard due to ongoing injuries.

For the visitors, Glasner is expected to rotate his squad after Thursday’s European defeat. Chris Richards and Adam Wharton are likely to return to the lineup, while former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah could start in tandem with Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Injured pair Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad remain sidelined.

Predicted Lineups
 Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi; Muñoz, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Nketiah; Mateta.

Prediction: Arsenal 2, Crystal Palace 0.
Crystal Palace’s recent dip in form and their struggles in the final third may continue against an Arsenal side that has looked nearly flawless this season. Even without Gabriel, the Gunners’ defensive discipline and attacking firepower are expected to be too strong for the visitors, who will find it difficult to breach the hosts’ back line at the Emirates.

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