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Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul ‘AGREE to fight next year’ after U-turn in talks

Simeon Bateren
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Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul ‘AGREE to fight next year’ after U-turn in talks

MIAMI (BN24) — YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to fight in 2026, pending the outcome of Paul’s upcoming exhibition bout with Gervonta Davis.

The unexpected development follows a U-turn in discussions that began earlier this year, when Paul publicly called out Joshua, sparking initial talks between the fighters’ respective camps.

Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions and Paul’s lead negotiator, confirmed ongoing discussions with Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn. Bidarian said there is now “an agreement in principle” for a potential bout between the two, provided all parties remain on course following Paul’s fight in November.

“Anthony Joshua is 100 percent still a target,” Bidarian told reporters. “We have an agreement in principle. Pending this fight and everything coming together, absolutely.”

Paul, 28, is scheduled to face Davis, 30, in an exhibition contest on November 14 in Miami. The matchup was arranged after previous negotiations with Canelo Alvarez fell through. Alvarez instead opted to fight Terence Crawford, a decision that led to his loss in September.

Joshua, 35, has not fought since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. Following elbow surgery over the summer, the British heavyweight is expected to return to the ring in early 2025. Hearn confirmed that an offer is on the table for Joshua to fight in Ghana as part of a potential comeback.

That bout could serve as a tune-up for a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026. Fury, 37, retired in January after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk but has hinted at a possible return, while Joshua has publicly challenged him to reconsider.

While Paul has bounced between weight classes, his move to heavyweight last year gained international attention when he fought boxing legend Mike Tyson, 58, in a heavily watched Netflix event. Paul tipped the scales at 227 pounds, still significantly lighter than Joshua’s last recorded weight of 252 pounds.

Paul later dropped back to cruiserweight to face former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., defeating him in California this past June.

Hearn has expressed caution about the Paul fight, saying Joshua’s team isn’t building their schedule around the influencer.

“We’re certainly not holding out for a Jake Paul fight,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “We’re making our own plans, and that will be January or February 2026.”

Despite Hearn’s measured stance, Bidarian remains optimistic about locking in a date with Joshua next year. He emphasized that Paul’s bout with Davis must be completed before a formal agreement can be finalized with Joshua.

“If you get chinned by Gervonta Davis, don’t think you’re fighting Anthony Joshua. It’s ridiculous,” Hearn said.

Joshua’s next steps, including a possible early-year return and a warm-up fight in Ghana, could clear the path for what would be one of boxing’s most unorthodox but high-profile matchups in 2026.

3 West African countries withdraw from ICC, call court neo-colonial tool

Simeon Bateren
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3 West African countries withdraw from ICC, call court neo-colonial tool

DAKAR, Senegal (BN24) — The military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger said Sunday they are withdrawing immediately from the International Criminal Court, calling it an “instrument of neo-colonialist repression” and vowing instead to build their own systems of justice.

In a joint statement, the three Sahel nations declared they no longer recognize the authority of the ICC, headquartered in The Hague, accusing the court of selectively targeting weaker nations while failing to prosecute global powers for grave international crimes.

“The ICC has proven itself incapable of handling and prosecuting proven war crimes, crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, and crimes of aggression,” the statement read.

The court has not issued a formal response. The decision comes as all three countries, which have undergone military coups since 2020, face allegations of abuses by their armed forces in ongoing battles against jihadist insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.

Since its establishment in 2002, the ICC has opened 33 cases—32 of which have involved African nations, reinforcing long-standing accusations of bias. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has also voiced similar concerns in the past, criticizing the court for disproportionately targeting African states.

The move marks a continued pivot away from international and regional institutions. Earlier this year, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew simultaneously from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), rejecting pressure to restore civilian rule.

The three countries now operate under the Confederation of Sahel States, a military alliance formed in response to growing Western isolation and increased cooperation with Russia. Their deepening relationship with Moscow comes amid broader shifts in foreign alliances, with France and other Western powers losing regional influence.

In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine—an action not recognized by the three Sahel governments, all of whom maintain close ties with Moscow.

Though withdrawal from the ICC officially takes effect one year after notification to the United Nations, the trio has signaled they will treat the departure as immediate. Each nation expressed a desire to develop what they termed “indigenous mechanisms for the consolidation of peace and justice.”

The coordinated exit underscores a growing challenge to the legitimacy of global institutions in Africa, especially among countries governed by military regimes that have become increasingly estranged from the West.

Flood disaster: States intensify action as 232 die, 121,000 displaced, in part of Nigeria

Simeon Bateren
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Flood disaster: States intensify action as 232 die, 121,000 displaced, in part of Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — As torrential rains continue to batter parts of Nigeria, at least 232 people have died and more than 121,000 have been displaced in widespread flooding that has swept through dozens of communities across the country, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

The 2025 flood season, which has affected nearly every region, has already impacted over 339,000 people, left more than 680 injured, and caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, and infrastructure, NEMA said in a situation report released Monday.

States most affected include Niger, where 163 fatalities were recorded, and Adamawa, with 59 deaths and over 23,000 displaced. The floods have damaged more than 42,000 homes nationwide and wiped out at least 48,000 hectares of cultivated farmland, raising fears of food shortages and prolonged displacement.

In response, states such as Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, and Jigawa have stepped up their emergency preparedness campaigns, urging residents in flood-prone areas to relocate and avoid further loss of life. Emergency shelters have been set up in several locations to accommodate displaced families, particularly in high-risk zones.

NEMA identified immediate needs for affected communities, including food, shelter, health services, clean water, and livelihood support. However, the agency noted that funding shortages, inaccessible roads, security concerns, and, in some areas, resistance from local communities have hampered operations.

Localized Tragedies, State-Level Responses

In Gombe, the state emergency agency reported 15 deaths and nearly 1,000 households displaced since the start of the rainy season. Recent incidents in Jurara and Jalingon Kamu communities have forced over 190 people to seek shelter with neighbors. A tragic canoe accident in Funakaye Local Government Area claimed five additional lives.

Sokoto State has also seen devastating effects, with 61 communities in Rabah LGA submerged after heavy downpours on September 4 and 9. More than 2,200 homes were destroyed, and over 5,300 households were displaced.

In Kano, heavy rains accompanied by severe windstorms have damaged numerous homes across local governments. State officials said assessments are still ongoing to determine the full scale of the destruction and the number of affected families.

Kaduna witnessed flash flooding from a two-day rainfall earlier in September that displaced 970 residents and damaged at least 270 homes, particularly in Zaria and parts of Kaduna metropolis. State authorities closed a temporary flood camp in Tudun Wada after waters receded, relocating 239 residents, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and persons with disabilities. Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to long-term flood mitigation efforts.

Bauchi State reported spending about ₦500 million on flood intervention and reconstruction, while in Nasarawa, the emergency management agency said sensitization campaigns had prompted relocations in at-risk areas across all 13 local government areas. Temporary settlements have been identified for those displaced by unexpected flooding.

Proactive Planning Prevents Larger Disasters in Some States

While several states reported massive destruction, others like Jigawa and Zamfara largely escaped widespread displacement. Jigawa officials credited a ₦4.2 billion investment in flood mitigation infrastructure, including river dredging and embankments, for averting disaster. “Only flash floods have been recorded so far, with no mass displacement,” said Hannafi Yakubu, Secretary of the Jigawa Emergency Management Board.

Zamfara also avoided the worst despite heavy rains in recent weeks. Emergency agencies confirmed no major flooding incidents or displacement in the state.

In Niger, where flooding claimed the highest number of lives, emergency officials continue to issue warnings and conduct public awareness campaigns. “People must avoid blocking drainages and relocate from riverine areas when heavy rain is forecast,” said Abdullahi Baba-Arah, head of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.

National Outlook

Across Nigeria, communities are grappling with not only the immediate impact of the floods but also long-term challenges related to food security, public health, and rebuilding efforts. Humanitarian groups have called for coordinated action, increased funding, and stronger infrastructure to manage the country’s worsening flood seasons, which experts link to the intensifying effects of climate change.

While the government works to address critical gaps in emergency response, thousands of displaced families remain in temporary shelters, hoping for a swift return to normalcy as the rainy season begins to wind down.

DR Congo-Rwanda ceasefire deal still faces many challenges

Simeon Bateren
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DR Congo-Rwanda ceasefire deal still faces many challenges

KINSHASA, DR Congo (BN24) — A ceasefire agreement signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda aimed at de-escalating tensions in the country’s conflict-ridden east is facing serious obstacles, as dozens of armed groups continue operating in the region and questions remain over foreign interests in its vast mineral wealth.

The deal, announced amid growing international pressure to end the violence, includes commitments from both countries to disarm and withdraw support from their alleged proxy forces. Yet just hours before the agreement was formalized, the Codeco militia launched an attack on a camp for displaced persons in Ituri province, killing at least 10 people, underscoring the fragile security situation and the limited control both governments have over non-state actors.

More than a hundred militias operate in eastern Congo, many motivated by territorial control and access to lucrative resources such as coltan and cobalt minerals vital for global technologies, including smartphones and electric vehicles. The ceasefire, while welcomed by international observers, fails to outline clear strategies for demobilizing these groups or offering viable economic alternatives that might deter their continued fighting.

A central aim of the agreement is to create conditions for the safe return of hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the years-long conflict. But without a full halt to hostilities and broad buy-in from armed factions, humanitarian agencies warn that return efforts may remain stalled.

The role of foreign powers, particularly the United States, adds further complexity. While Washington has expressed strong support for the ceasefire, it remains unclear what, if any, preferential access the U.S. may receive to Congo’s mineral resources. Former President Donald Trump, a vocal proponent of American involvement in the peace process, has previously indicated that securing U.S. interests in Congolese minerals is a key objective.

This possibility has sparked unease among Congolese citizens, many of whom feel the nation’s wealth has long benefited outsiders while their own living conditions remain dire.

At the heart of the DR Congo-Rwanda standoff lies the presence of the Hutu-led FDLR, a rebel group Kigali accuses Kinshasa of supporting. Rwanda maintains that its military presence in eastern Congo, repeatedly denied but widely reported, is a response to this threat. The United States has signaled that it expects Rwanda to pull back its forces once the FDLR is dismantled. Such a move would mark a significant diplomatic victory for both Washington and the Congolese government.

However, Rwanda has consistently rejected accusations of deploying troops in eastern Congo, despite mounting evidence of its backing for the M23 rebel group, one of the most prominent armed factions in the region.

As the ceasefire takes tentative steps forward, analysts warn that its success will depend not just on government agreements but on broader regional cooperation, credible efforts to demobilize militias, and equitable management of Congo’s immense natural resources.

Trump warns European leaders ‘your countries are going to hell’ in fiery UN General Assembly speech

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Trump warns European leaders ‘your countries are going to hell’ in fiery UN General Assembly speech

NEW YORK (BN24)— President Donald Trump delivered a blistering address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, lambasting European allies over immigration, deriding climate initiatives as a “green scam,” and accusing the UN of failing to play any meaningful role in global peace efforts.

Returning to the UN for the first time in five years, Trump stunned delegates with a sweeping and combative speech that mixed boasts of peace deals with sharp rebukes of world leaders. “Your countries are going to hell,” he warned, pointing to what he called the destructive consequences of open borders and uncontrolled migration.

The president devoted much of his nearly hour-long address — more than three times the allotted length — to attacking the United Nations itself. He claimed the body offered little more than “empty words” and “strongly worded letters” while the United States carried the burden of mediating conflicts. “It’s too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them,” he said.

Trump, who has repeatedly touted his role in resolving conflicts around the world, again listed what he said were seven wars ended during his second term, ranging from South Asia to the Middle East. He used the moment to renew his push for a Nobel Peace Prize, noting that leaders from Israel, Cambodia, Pakistan and Rwanda had supported nominations. “For me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up with their mothers and fathers, because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless and unglorious wars,” he said.

But his harshest words were reserved for Europe. He blasted what he described as the “globalist migration agenda,” singling out London Mayor Sadiq Khan as a “terrible mayor” and claiming without evidence that the city was moving toward Sharia law. “It’s uncontrolled. Your countries are being ruined,” Trump said.

On energy, Trump dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated in the world” and railed against renewable energy projects. “Get away from the green scam or your countries will fail,” he warned, urging Europe to return to fossil fuels and exploit reserves such as the North Sea’s oil fields. He accused European governments of driving their countries “to the brink of destruction.”

Turning to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump pressed NATO members and other allies to stop buying Russian oil, saying they were “funding the war against themselves.” He threatened sweeping tariffs if Russia did not agree to end the conflict and scolded European leaders to follow America’s lead.

He briefly addressed the conflict in Gaza, prioritizing the release of Israeli hostages while condemning international recognition of Palestinian statehood. “This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7,” Trump said.

Trump’s freewheeling delivery, which veered off-script after his teleprompter malfunctioned, drew scattered applause but also stunned silence across the hall. He joked that the UN had given him only “a broken escalator and a faulty teleprompter.”

The president closed by declaring that the United States was “the hottest country anywhere in the world” and insisted his leadership had restored American strength on the global stage. But his repeated refrain to world leaders — that immigration, climate policies, and reliance on the UN would doom their nations — defined one of the most incendiary UN addresses in recent memory.

Missouri woman faces sentencing for scheme to sell Elvis Presley’s Graceland in fake foreclosure

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Missouri woman faces sentencing for scheme to sell Elvis Presley’s Graceland in fake foreclosure

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (BN24) — A Missouri woman who orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently sell Elvis Presley’s famed Graceland estate is set to be sentenced Tuesday in federal court, nearly a year after she tried to auction off the Memphis landmark in a phony foreclosure sale.

U.S. District Judge John Fowlkes will hand down the sentence to Lisa Jeanine Findley of Kimberling City, who pleaded guilty in February to one count of mail fraud. A second charge of aggravated identity theft was dropped as part of a plea deal. Prosecutors said Findley attempted to defraud Presley’s family by fabricating loan documents and threatening to sell Graceland unless the family paid millions of dollars.

Authorities said Findley falsely claimed that Lisa Marie Presley had borrowed $3.8 million from a sham private lender called Naussany Investments and Private Lending before her death in January 2023, and that she pledged Graceland as collateral. Findley then demanded $2.85 million to halt the supposed foreclosure.

To advance the scheme, Findley posed as three different people connected to the fake lender, published a fraudulent foreclosure notice in a Memphis newspaper in May 2024, and created forged legal documents. Actor Riley Keough, Presley’s granddaughter and heir to the estate, sued to block the sale, and a judge quickly halted the auction, calling the authenticity of the loan documents into question.

The fraud unraveled further when a notary whose name appeared on the papers, Kimberly Philbrick, stated she had never met Lisa Marie Presley nor notarized any documents for her. Investigators later determined Findley fabricated the paperwork and even tried to shift blame onto a Nigerian identity theft ring after the case began collapsing.

Graceland, Presley’s 13-acre Memphis mansion, has been a museum and tourist attraction since 1982 and continues to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It remains under the control of the Promenade Trust, which Keough inherited after her mother’s death.

Legal experts described the attempt as one of the most audacious real estate fraud cases in recent memory, targeting one of the most iconic properties in the United States.

Findley now faces sentencing that could bring significant prison time for the scheme, which prosecutors said was both elaborate and reckless.

South African pastor predicts rapture on September 23 amid debate and preparations

Simeon Bateren
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South African pastor predicts rapture on September 23 amid debate and preparations

JOHANNESBURG (BN24) — A prophecy by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela claiming the Rapture will take place on September 23 or possibly the following day has stirred widespread attention among Christians worldwide. Mhlakela asserts he received a divine revelation that Jesus Christ will return to “rescue the Christians out of the world” during these dates, which coincide with the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets.

The Rapture, a significant yet often debated concept in Christian theology, particularly among evangelical and fundamentalist believers, refers to an event when faithful Christians are “caught up” to meet Christ in the air. It is commonly understood as a preliminary event to the Second Coming of Christ, occurring before a foretold period of tribulation on Earth.

In response to the prophecy, some believers have actively begun preparing for the anticipated event, sharing “Rapture trip tips” and organizing last-minute spiritual readiness activities. Conversely, the prediction has also drawn skepticism and mockery, with some critics sarcastically offering to assume the belongings of those expecting to be taken in the Rapture.

Despite the heightened interest, numerous religious scholars and leaders caution against attempting to set exact dates for the Rapture, citing biblical warnings such as Matthew 24:36, which states that no one knows the day or hour of the end. Critics warn that such date-setting often leads to confusion, distraction, and misinterpretation of Christian teachings.

For many believers, the Rapture symbolizes a divine reward for faithful adherence, delivering them from a forthcoming period of judgment and tribulation on Earth, and uniting them with Christ in heaven. The doctrine also serves as a call for moral vigilance and spiritual preparedness, encouraging believers to live in readiness for Christ’s return.

As the predicted dates approach, the conversation surrounding the Rapture continues to evoke strong responses, underscoring the enduring significance of eschatological beliefs in contemporary Christian communities.

Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie ranked fourth-best Goalkeeper in the world

Simeon Bateren
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Ballon d’Or: Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie ranked fourth-best Goalkeeper in the world

PARIS (BN24) — Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been ranked the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, reinforcing her status as one of the standout talents in global women’s football.

The Super Falcons star, who plays for Paris FC in France, was named among the top five finalists for the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy, an award introduced this year to honor the best female goalkeepers in the world. The recognition places Nnadozie alongside some of the most elite names in the sport and marks a significant moment in her burgeoning career.

England international and Chelsea standout Hannah Hampton claimed the top honor, making history as the first-ever recipient of the Women’s Yashin Trophy. Hampton’s dominant performances over the past season, which included leading the Lionesses to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 and guiding Chelsea to a domestic treble, earned her widespread acclaim and the coveted prize. She kept 13 clean sheets in the Women’s Super League and shared the Golden Glove award.

Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger was named second, while Spain’s Cata Coll secured third. Nnadozie’s fourth-place finish highlights her growing international stature, particularly after her impressive showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Her standout moment came in Nigeria’s 3–2 group stage win over co-hosts Australia, where she earned Player of the Match honors for a commanding performance between the posts.

Since then, the 24-year-old has solidified her reputation as one of Africa’s premier goalkeepers, playing a central role for both club and country. At Paris FC, Nnadozie has been instrumental in the club’s push for domestic and European success, while her leadership continues to anchor Nigeria’s national team.

The introduction of the Women’s Yashin Trophy marks a progressive step in recognizing the contributions of female goalkeepers, and Nnadozie’s ranking signals a breakthrough moment not just for Nigerian football but for African women in the global game.

Grandma arrested after she poisoned grandchildren with cake which killed family pet

Simeon Bateren
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Grandma arrested after she poisoned grandchildren with cake which killed family pet

SÃO FRANCISCO, Brazil (BN24) — A grandmother in Brazil has been arrested after authorities alleged she poisoned her two grandchildren with a cake that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old girl and the family’s pet cat.

Izabel Cardoso de Andrade, 59, was taken into custody Friday in connection with the July incident in São Francisco, a municipality located east of Brasília. Local police say Andrade served cake to her grandchildren, aged nine and 11, during a summer holiday visit to her home on July 23. The cake was reportedly prepared by Andrade herself, while her husband had also brought additional baked goods, including another cake and cheese bread, for the afternoon snack.

Shortly after eating the cake, the younger child, identified as Alana dos Santos Cardoso Marques, began to exhibit signs of severe illness. Her older sibling, who consumed a smaller portion due to reportedly disliking the taste, experienced milder symptoms and survived.

According to witness statements and police reports, Alana and her sister began complaining of nausea and abdominal pain. Alana was later observed expelling a white liquid from her nose. A neighbor rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she died shortly after arrival from cardiopulmonary arrest.

The family cat, which had also consumed some of the cake, became ill and later died after wandering into a neighbor’s property. That neighbor later handed the deceased animal over to the police during the initial investigation.

Forensic testing carried out on both the food and the victim’s body confirmed the presence of terbufos, a toxic pesticide compound banned in many countries but still used in some agrochemicals. Authorities say the substance is highly toxic to humans and animals, causing symptoms that include respiratory distress, muscle weakness, seizures, and in severe cases, neurological failure or death.

A veterinarian’s report concluded the cat had suffered liver failure, consistent with poisoning. Investigators are still working to determine whether the alleged poisoning was intentional or accidental. Police say they have not yet established a motive.

Andrade’s attorney, Raphael Simões de Moraes Neto, stated that his client has cooperated fully with the investigation, voluntarily authorizing searches of her residence and providing statements to law enforcement. Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and test remaining food samples.

The case bears disturbing similarities to a recent high-profile incident in Australia, where a woman was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing three family members with a mushroom-laced beef Wellington. In Brazil, this latest case adds to growing public concern over domestic poisonings.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Woman in Pennsylvania, USA, charged with homicide after remains of four infants discovered in former home

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Woman in Pennsylvania, USA, charged with homicide after remains of four infants discovered in former home

CADOGAN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (BN24) — A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with criminal homicide, involuntary manslaughter and multiple counts of concealing the death of a child after investigators found the remains of her four infants hidden inside a house she had been evicted from last month, authorities said.

Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39

Jessica Marie Mauthe, 39, was arrested after her former landlord made a gruesome discovery while cleaning the property on Oak Avenue in Cadogan Township, a small community about 40 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. According to an arrest affidavit released Thursday, the landlord found a trash bag in a bedroom closet on Sept. 13 that contained a decomposing infant wrapped in towels.

When Pennsylvania State Police searched the rest of the home, they discovered three more infant bodies in the attic, each placed inside tote bags, wrapped in towels, and sealed in plastic bags.

Mauthe reportedly admitted to investigators that she had concealed the births and deaths of her children. About a year ago, she told police, she gave birth to a baby who cried briefly before she held the child against her body until it stopped breathing. She also described another incident roughly six years earlier when she gave birth, passed out on the floor, and later awoke to find the newborn dead beneath her.

Authorities said Mauthe faces one count of criminal homicide for the death last year, one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death six years ago, and four counts each of concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse.

She is being held in the Armstrong County Jail without bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for next week.

Neither Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton nor Mauthe’s public defender, Greta Marie Kiser, responded to requests for comment Monday.

The discovery has rattled Cadogan Township, a community of fewer than 500 residents, where neighbors described the case as both heartbreaking and horrifying.

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