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Suicide bombing near political rally in southwestern Pakistan kills 13, injures dozens

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Suicide bombing near political rally in southwestern Pakistan kills 13, injures dozens

QUETTA, Pakistan (BN24) — A suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a political rally in southwestern Pakistan late Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and wounding more than 30 others, authorities said Wednesday, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the insurgency-plagued region in recent months.

Police chief Majeed Qaisrani said the explosion struck near a graveyard on the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, as supporters of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) were leaving a stadium following a rally. He confirmed that body parts of the attacker were recovered at the blast site.

Hospital spokesman Waseem Baig said at least 13 bodies were brought to Quetta Civil Hospital, while dozens of the wounded remained in critical condition.

The rally was organized to commemorate the anniversary of veteran nationalist leader Sardar Ataullah Mengal, a former provincial chief minister. BNP leader Akhtar Mengal, a frequent critic of the federal government, was not harmed in the attack, though police confirmed some of his supporters were among the casualties.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing. Baloch separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban have previously carried out attacks in the region, often targeting government officials, security forces, or gatherings linked to political leaders.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack as a “cowardly act of the enemies of humanity,” vowing a high-level probe and directing authorities to provide the best possible medical care for the injured.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking in Islamabad, also denounced the bombing, alleging without evidence that “India-backed terrorists and their facilitators” were responsible for attempting to destabilize Pakistan by targeting civilians. Pakistan’s government has often accused New Delhi of supporting separatist and militant groups in the country, charges India has consistently denied.

Balochistan, rich in natural resources, has long witnessed a simmering separatist insurgency led by groups such as the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army, which demand independence from the central government. While authorities claim the insurgency has been largely contained, sporadic violence continues to strike the province.

The attack comes amid a broader surge in militant violence across Pakistan. On Wednesday, gunmen killed five Sunni Muslims when they opened fire on a vehicle in Kurram, a district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, before fleeing into nearby mountains. A day earlier, militants attempted to storm the paramilitary Federal Constabulary headquarters in Bannu, triggering a firefight that left six soldiers and five attackers dead, according to local police and the military.

The string of attacks underscores Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with insurgency and sectarian violence ahead of political rallies and events in volatile regions.

Associated Press

Kim Kardashian explains why she doesn’t assign homework to children

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Kim Kardashian explains why she doesn’t assign homework to children

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Kim Kardashian is speaking out against homework, arguing that school-aged children need time to unwind and live their lives after a full day of academics.

The reality television star and entrepreneur made the comments during an appearance on streamer Kai Cenat’s Mafiathon 3 event on Monday, Sept. 1. During the livestream, Kardashian, who has been open about her legal studies and recently took the California bar exam, explained why she believes the traditional model of assigning homework after school hours is outdated and unnecessary.

“I don’t believe in homework. Seriously, seriously,” Kardashian said during the broadcast. “Kids are in school for eight hours a day. When they come home, they need to also do sports, have a life, spend time with their family. I think the homework should be left for in school.”

While stressing that she supports students completing their academic work, Kardashian emphasized that such tasks should be integrated into the school day, not added to it. She noted that children learning from home or in flexible educational settings are a different case but maintained that traditional students should not be burdened with assignments after hours.

“If you go into school or you stay online and you’re doing your school eight hours a day, the last thing you wanna do is then get off of your school program and then do a book report,” she said. “You should be doing that with your professor and with your teacher, and eight hours a day is enough of schoolwork, in my opinion.”

Kardashian, who shares four children with ex-husband Ye (formerly Kanye West), also offered insight into how she handles academic challenges within her own household. She described how one of her children, who struggles with enjoying school, has been encouraged to pursue creative interests like Japanese language and fashion design, which incorporate learning through alternative approaches.

“They need to know the basics, obviously, but I have one child who really hates school,” she said. “So you have to get creative. Instead, she takes Japanese class or fashion design and has to do more tallying up of different numbers in other ways. But she still goes to school. But it’s a fight.”

Kardashian said she focuses on helping her children find joy in education by tailoring subjects to their interests and making learning feel more engaging and personalized.

The comments have sparked renewed conversation around the growing debate over homework in American schools, with some educators and parents questioning its effectiveness and impact on children’s mental health and family time.

Six dead in fatal road crash in Lagos, Nigeria

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Six dead in fatal road crash in Lagos, Nigeria

LAGOS (BN24) — Six people, including two men, three women, and a child, were confirmed dead following a road crash at Ibeju Bus Stop along the Lekki–Epe Expressway in Lagos on Tuesday, September 2.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reported that the collision involved a blue Volvo FL6 truck carrying wooden planks and a white commercial bus bearing registration number AKD 336 YD. The tragic accident occurred in the afternoon, resulting in multiple casualties.

In addition to the fatalities, nine survivors—three men and six women—were rescued by LASTMA officials with assistance from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps. The survivors were promptly taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Epe, and Hammond Hospital for medical treatment.

The bodies of the deceased victims were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre morgue in Epe as investigations continue.

Preliminary findings from the Lagos traffic agency suggest that the crash was caused by excessive speeding and reckless driving, underscoring ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the accident. He also issued a stern warning to motorists, urging caution and adherence to speed limits, particularly during the Ember Months— a period known for increased traffic and accident risks.

Nigerian ‘Cybercrime Kingpin’ James Junior Aliyu pleads guilty to $6m fraud scheme in U.S.

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Nigerian ‘Cybercrime Kingpin’ James Junior Aliyu pleads guilty to $6m fraud scheme in U.S.

BALTIMORE (BN24) — James Junior Aliyu, a 30-year-old Nigerian national residing in South Africa at the time, has pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering tied to a $6 million business email compromise (BEC) scheme.

Aliyu is the last of three defendants to enter guilty pleas in connection with the multi-million-dollar fraud operation, which targeted individuals and businesses by hacking email accounts and sending fraudulent wiring instructions. Eight other defendants previously pleaded guilty in related cases within the District of Maryland.

U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Kelly O. Hayes, announced Aliyu’s plea on August 26, 2025, alongside Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Baltimore. Aliyu was arrested and extradited from South Africa to the United States to face federal charges.

According to a federal indictment unsealed in July 2022, Aliyu, along with co-defendants Kosi Goodness Simon-Ebo and Henry Onyedikachi Echefu—also Nigerian nationals residing in South Africa—conspired from February to July 2017 to gain unauthorized access to email accounts. They sent “spoofed” emails with false wiring instructions designed to trick victims into transferring money into “drop accounts” controlled by the perpetrators.

In addition to wire fraud, Aliyu and his co-conspirators engaged in money laundering by moving the stolen funds through a series of transfers, withdrawals, and check transactions to conceal the origin and ownership of the assets.

Documents from Aliyu’s plea agreement state the intended loss amount for the transactions he controlled exceeded $4.1 million, with actual losses of at least $1.57 million. Aliyu directly controlled over $1.19 million of the stolen funds. He is required to pay a money judgment of at least $1.19 million and restitution totaling no less than $2.38 million to the victims.

Aliyu faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison when he appears for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman on November 24, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Hayes praised the investigative work of the HSI Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force and acknowledged critical assistance from South African law enforcement agencies and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. The DOJ’s Canadian International Assistance Group also supported the arrests and extraditions of co-defendants Echefu and Simon-Ebo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy is prosecuting the case.

Burkina Faso bans homosexuality, imposes up to 5-years in prison

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Burkina Faso bans homosexuality, imposes up to 5-years in prison

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (BN24) — Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament has passed a law banning homosexuality, imposing prison sentences of up to five years on offenders. The legislation, passed unanimously on Monday by the 71-member unelected parliament, also tightens rules on nationality and stateless persons.

The new Persons and Family Code law marks Burkina Faso as the latest African nation to criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities, joining a number of conservative countries across the continent that maintain strict anti-LGBTQ laws.

Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala, speaking on state television, said the law provides prison terms ranging from two to five years along with fines. He added that those convicted of repeat offenses who are not Burkinabe nationals could face deportation.

“The law goes into effect immediately,” Bayala said, condemning homosexual acts as “bizarre behaviour.”

Burkina Faso’s military junta, led by Ibrahim Traore following a 2022 coup, has shown increasing intolerance toward dissent and minority rights amid escalating Islamist militant violence in the West African nation.

Anti-gay laws remain widespread in several African countries including Senegal, Uganda, and Malawi. However, some countries such as South Africa, Botswana, and Angola have decriminalized LGBTQ practices or enacted protective legislation.

While Western governments and human rights groups have criticized such laws, they continue to enjoy broad support within many African societies where homosexuality is often viewed as foreign to local cultures rather than an inherent sexual orientation.

The legislation now awaits the signature of military leader Ibrahim Traore to become law.

‘I’m here to entertain’ – Alcaraz books semi-final spot

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‘I’m here to entertain’ – Alcaraz books semi-final spot

NEW YORK (BN24) — Carlos Alcaraz delivered another commanding performance at the US Open 2025, defeating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to secure a spot in the semi-finals and continuing his bid for a sixth Grand Slam title.

The 22-year-old Spaniard, who won the US Open in 2022, needed just under two hours to dispatch the 20th-seeded Czech player 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday. Alcaraz broke Lehecka’s serve in the opening game and never looked back, maintaining sharp focus throughout while showcasing the electrifying shot-making that has become his trademark.

“Sometimes I play a shot that I should not play in that moment, but it’s the way I love playing tennis,” Alcaraz told Sky Sports after the match. “I’m here to entertain the people, myself, and the team.”

Despite a pair of double faults in his opening service game, Lehecka showed resilience midway through the first set. Yet any momentum he gained was quickly erased as Alcaraz broke again to start the second. The world No. 2, who was beaten by Lehecka earlier this year at the Qatar Open, appeared in complete control, losing only six points on serve in the second set.

Alcaraz’s flair was on full display in the third, including a highlight-reel forehand drop shot played on the slide that left Lehecka motionless at the baseline. The shot drew roars from the New York crowd and reinforced Alcaraz’s reputation not just as a champion, but a performer.

This marks the third time Alcaraz has reached the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. Remarkably, it’s the first time in his career he has reached the last four of a Grand Slam without dropping a set — making him the youngest man to achieve that feat since Rafael Nadal at the 2008 French Open.

Alcaraz, the tournament’s second seed, will face either fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz or 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.

As he continues to chase his second US Open title and sixth overall major, Alcaraz’s message remains simple: winning is crucial, but entertaining is essential.

Credit:BBC

Cardi B wins lawsuit filed by security guard who claimed the rapper assaulted her during pregnancy

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Cardi B wins lawsuit filed by security guard who claimed the rapper assaulted her during pregnancy

California (BN24) – A California jury delivered a swift and unanimous verdict in favor of rapper Cardi B on Tuesday, rejecting a lawsuit brought by a security guard who alleged the Grammy-winning artist assaulted her at a Beverly Hills doctor’s office during her first pregnancy in 2018.

The case, heard in a small courthouse in Alhambra, centered on claims from plaintiff Emani Ellis, who said the hip-hop star scratched her face with a fingernail and spat on her during an altercation in the hallway of an obstetrician’s office. Ellis further claimed the incident left her scarred, traumatized, and in need of cosmetic surgery.

After hearing two days of testimony, including Cardi B’s own account of the encounter, the jury of six men and six women deliberated for just about an hour before siding entirely with the rapper. Although only nine jurors were needed for a civil verdict, all 12 voted in Cardi’s favor.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Cardi B celebrated the outcome and condemned what she described as a pattern of frivolous lawsuits against celebrities. “The next person who tries to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going to counter-sue, and I’m gonna make you pay, because this is not OK,” she said, posing for photos with fans. “I am not that celeb that you sue, and you think is going to settle. I’m not gonna settle. Especially when I’m super completely innocent.”

The rapper, who said she missed her children’s first day of school because of the trial, added that the experience had been emotionally draining, even down to the elaborate wig changes she made each day, which she joked left her own lawyer unsure which hairstyle was real.

During testimony livestreamed last week, Cardi B acknowledged arguing with Ellis but insisted she never laid a hand on her. She told jurors that at the time she was four months pregnant and worried Ellis might reveal the pregnancy, which she had not yet made public. “I will say it on my deathbed. I did not touch that woman,” Cardi said after the verdict. “I didn’t lay my hands on that girl.”

According to Cardi, Ellis followed her into the building, appeared to be filming her, and even spoke her name into a phone before apologizing when confronted. The argument escalated, Cardi said, but remained verbal. A receptionist who intervened largely corroborated the rapper’s account.

Ellis testified that she felt humiliated and traumatized by the incident, claiming she was left with a facial scar that required surgery and ultimately cost her job. In her lawsuit, she sought compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional suffering, and punitive damages. Cardi B testified that Ellis was demanding $24 million in damages.

Ellis’s attorney, Ron Rosen Janfaza, said outside court that his client intends to appeal. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the verdict.

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, told jurors she had been in Los Angeles at the time promoting projects around the 2018 NBA All-Star Game. The obstetrician’s office, she said, had been closed to ensure her privacy during the pregnancy, which at that point had only been disclosed to her close inner circle.

The jury’s ruling marks another courtroom victory for Cardi B, who in recent years has successfully defended herself in multiple defamation and civil cases. For the Bronx-born rapper, Tuesday’s verdict was not only a legal win but also a public statement against lawsuits she views as attempts to exploit her fame.

US House Oversight Committee Releases 33,000 Pages of Jeffrey Epstein Files

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US House Oversight Committee Releases 33,000 Pages of Jeffrey Epstein Files

Washington (BN24) – The U.S. House Oversight Committee on Tuesday released more than 33,000 pages of records tied to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, reviving public scrutiny over the government’s handling of the case.

The documents, posted online, include court filings, police interviews, and body camera footage dating back nearly two decades. Much of the material, however, appears to already be public, raising questions over whether the release would shed new light on Epstein’s extensive history of abuse and his connections to powerful figures. Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

The release comes as the Trump administration faces escalating criticism for resisting calls to disclose additional files related to Epstein. The White House has urged Republican lawmakers not to support a bipartisan discharge petition introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., that would compel the full release of all Epstein-related records.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, dismissed the petition as unnecessary following the committee’s move, saying it was “moot” now that the files were made public. “It’s superfluous at this point, and I think we’re achieving the desired end here,” Johnson said. He and other lawmakers also met with survivors of Epstein’s abuse, alongside victims of his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of aiding Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.

Committee chair James Comer, R-Ky., defended the release, arguing it addressed public concerns without needing the petition. But top Democrats criticized the decision, calling it an attempt to distract from the administration’s refusal to release additional information. “The 33,000 pages of Epstein documents James Comer has decided to ‘release’ were already mostly public information. To the American people – don’t let this fool you,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, the committee’s ranking Democrat.

Some of the records include evidence from the 2005 investigation into Epstein’s Florida estate, including a police interview with a former employee who described “a lot of girls that were very, very young” visiting Epstein’s home. The employee said he could not confirm if they were minors.

Despite the volume of the release, the material appears to have done little to quell public anger. A Reuters/Ipsos poll in July found that most Americans, including a majority of Republicans, believe the government continues to withhold key details about Epstein’s activities and his powerful network of associates.

President Donald Trump, who once counted Epstein as part of his social circle, has largely avoided the subject in recent weeks. Earlier this year, he sued the Wall Street Journal over its reporting on his past relationship with Epstein, dismissing the controversy as a political hoax.

The controversy underscores growing distrust in how the government has handled Epstein’s case. While the Oversight Committee insists its release represents transparency, critics argue the decision falls short of providing the accountability that survivors and the public continue to demand.

Trump announces Space Command headquarters moving from Colorado to Alabama

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Trump announces Space Command headquarters moving from Colorado to Alabama

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. Space Command headquarters will relocate from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, Alabama, reversing years of debate over the permanent home of the nation’s newest military command.

Appearing in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Alabama lawmakers, Trump said the decision marked “seven years in the making” and would bring thousands of jobs to Huntsville, a city he hailed as “Rocket City.”

Trump said Alabama’s congressional delegation had lobbied aggressively for the move and credited their efforts for the outcome. “They fought harder for it than anybody else,” Trump said, adding that the command’s relocation would strengthen U.S. security while boosting Alabama’s economy.

The announcement represents a sharp break from President Joe Biden’s 2023 decision to keep the headquarters in Colorado, where Space Command had operated temporarily at Peterson Space Force Base. Biden had argued at the time that moving the command risked undermining military readiness, citing concerns raised by Air Force Gen. James Dickinson.

The Air Force inspector general later reported that Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal was the service’s preferred site, though the timeline for building facilities comparable to those in Colorado could take years. Still, Alabama won the endorsement of Pentagon officials who pointed to its strong ties to NASA, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and the Missile Defense Agency.

Trump used the announcement to criticize Colorado, not only for losing the command but also for its reliance on mail-in voting, which he suggested factored into his decision. “That played a big factor,” he said.

Defense Secretary Hegseth praised the move, declaring it would ensure America stayed “leaps and bounds ahead” in future warfare. Vice President Vance called Huntsville “exactly the right place” for Space Command and described the decision as a “visionary move.”

U.S. Space Command, originally established in 1985, oversees military operations in space. It was dissolved in 2002 when its responsibilities shifted to U.S. Strategic Command, but Trump reestablished it during his first term and elevated it to one of 11 unified combatant commands. The current commander, Gen. Stephen Whiting, leads about 1,700 personnel in Colorado and oversees nearly 18,000 forces worldwide.

With the headquarters now set for Alabama, Huntsville will soon become the focal point of U.S. military efforts in space, reshaping the balance of defense infrastructure between the two states.

Judge rules Trump’s use of National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal

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Judge rules Trump’s use of National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — A federal judge in California has ruled that President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in June was unlawful, saying the move violated a longstanding ban on the military’s involvement in domestic law enforcement.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said Trump’s decision ran afoul of the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that restricts the use of federal troops for domestic policing unless expressly authorized by Congress. In his ruling, Breyer cited the Guard’s roles in traffic blockades, crowd control, and setting up security perimeters as examples of prohibited military activity.

The ruling stems from Trump’s decision to send troops into Los Angeles during protests against immigration raids earlier this summer. The White House had argued the deployment was necessary to quell violence, but California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, said local law enforcement was capable of handling the unrest without federal military intervention.

In a statement, Newsom welcomed the decision, calling it a victory for “democracy and the Constitution.” His administration had sued Trump shortly after the June deployment, alleging the president unlawfully bypassed the governor’s authority to control California’s National Guard contingent.

The court ruling, however, is limited to California. Still, legal experts say it could create challenges for Trump’s broader efforts to use the Guard in cities such as Chicago, where he has signaled plans to deploy troops in the coming days.

The Trump administration strongly rejected the judge’s conclusion. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Breyer’s ruling was an attempt by “a rogue judge” to strip the Commander-in-Chief of his constitutional authority to protect American cities. She added that the administration will appeal and that the president “remains committed to protecting law-abiding citizens.”

The order is on hold until Sept. 12, giving the administration time to challenge it in higher courts.

Breyer warned in his opinion that Trump’s actions raised serious concerns about the creation of “a national police force with the President as its chief,” if the National Guard continued to be used for arrests, searches, riot control, or other law enforcement duties barred by the Posse Comitatus Act.

Trump has previously ordered Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., and has weighed sending additional troops to other cities. The California ruling now places legal limits on how far such deployments can go.

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