LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Lionel Messi made a triumphant return from injury on Saturday night, scoring a decisive late goal and assisting another to seal Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer.
The Argentine star, who had missed the last two matches with a right hamstring injury, entered at the start of the second half and immediately shifted the momentum. After several near misses, Messi broke through in the 84th minute, weaving past defenders with his trademark dribbling before firing a left-footed strike from distance that put Miami ahead 2-1. Just minutes later, he delivered a dazzling back-heel assist to longtime teammate Luis Suárez, securing the two-goal cushion that put the game out of reach.
Messi’s goal was his 19th of the MLS season, keeping him atop the league’s scoring chart and propelling Miami back into fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The victory was crucial after Miami’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Orlando last week that had dropped them to sixth place.
Earlier in the match, Jordi Alba opened the scoring in the first half, finishing a sharp through ball from Sergio Busquets. The Galaxy equalized in the 59th minute through Joseph Paintsil, but Messi’s late surge proved decisive.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s impact but acknowledged the need to monitor his recovery. “The important thing is that he finished the match,” Mascherano said through an interpreter, noting that Messi appeared to loosen up as the game progressed despite occasionally stretching his right leg. The team will evaluate him further on Sunday.
The result deepened the struggles of defending MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy, who remain anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
KISUMU, Kenya (BN24) — Twenty-two victims of last week’s Kisumu-Kakamega highway bus crash in Kenya were laid to rest in a solemn mass funeral on Saturday, as grieving families and political leaders gathered to mourn and demand urgent action to improve road safety.
The interdenominational service was held at Naki Primary School, where rows of identical coffins bore testimony to the scale of the tragedy. Families, friends, and community members wept openly as they remembered loved ones whose lives were cut short in the deadly accident.
“It is a day of great sorrow,” one mourner said, recalling the loss of two pastors in the crash. The grief was mirrored by heavy skies over the gathering, as the community joined together in mourning.
Political leaders present turned their condolences into calls for change. Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir condemned the dangerous Coptic roundabout, saying its design had cost many lives. “That roundabout has killed very many people. When I was coming here, I was proud to see it had been taken away. Whoever did it, I don’t know,” he said, while urging accountability in roadworks.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who narrowly survived an accident at the same location years ago, called on the government to immediately redesign the road to prevent further deaths. He also used the occasion to denounce corruption, urging reforms across Kenya’s judiciary, legislature, executive, media, and private sector.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o announced that KSh 7 million, contributed jointly by President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, and the county government, will be distributed to support the bereaved families, particularly orphans and children left behind.
The mass funeral comes amid growing pressure on authorities to fix the Kisumu-Kakamega road, where repeated accidents have claimed scores of lives. For many families, Saturday’s burial was both a moment of grief and a rallying cry for justice and reform.
Staten Island, NY(BN24) – An off-duty New York Police Department (NYPD) officer fatally shot a man who was reportedly pointing a fake firearm at the officer on Friday night, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when a 911 call alerted authorities to a man allegedly carrying a gun behind a local diner. Assistant Chief Melissa Eger of the NYPD Patrol Borough of Staten Island confirmed that an off-duty officer later encountered the suspect, who appeared to be holding a firearm.
The off-duty officer, along with another officer, instructed the man to drop the weapon. However, instead of complying, the suspect allegedly pointed the object at the officers. Surveillance footage from the scene captured the critical moments, Eger said. In response, one of the officers fired at the man.
Following the shooting, the officers performed life-saving measures before the suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “Our officers were confronted with a dangerous and unpredictable situation, and they attempted to de-escalate the situation multiple times,” Eger stated during a press briefing.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered that the weapon the suspect was wielding was an imitation firearm. While the identity of the man was not immediately disclosed, law enforcement confirmed that he had a criminal history, although further details were not provided.
The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the incident, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under review.
Ryazan, Russia (BN24) – A devastating fire at an industrial plant in Russia’s Ryazan region on Friday has left 11 people dead and 130 injured, according to Russian authorities. The blaze erupted at the Elastik plant in the Shilovsky District, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Moscow. Emergency crews continued searching the debris throughout the weekend, with two additional bodies recovered overnight, the Russian Emergencies Ministry confirmed.
In this photo, released by the Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, Emergency Ministry employees work in debris of an industrial plant after a fire at the facility in the Shilovsky District, Ryazan region, around 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Moscow, Russia. (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service via AP)
The fire reportedly began at a gunpowder workshop at the facility, which then triggered a powerful blast, according to RIA Novosti, the state news agency. Of the 130 injured, 29 remained hospitalized by Saturday, with 13 receiving treatment in Ryazan and 16 others transported to medical centers in Moscow for more specialized care.
Rescue operations continued as three people were pulled from under the rubble overnight, and investigators have launched a preliminary inquiry into the cause of the fire. While the exact reason for the blaze remains unclear, local authorities are treating it as a major industrial disaster.
In response to the tragedy, Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov declared Monday a day of mourning for the region. “Flags will be lowered across the region. Cultural institutions, television and radio companies, and other organizations have been asked to cancel entertainment events,” he said in a statement on Telegram.
This marks the second deadly explosion at the Elastik plant in less than four years. In October 2021, 17 people were killed in a blast at a different workshop operated by Razryad, an explosives manufacturer, according to Interfax.
Toronto, Canada (BN24) – Air Canada suspended operations early Saturday after more than 10,000 of its flight attendants went on strike, leaving thousands of travelers stranded during the peak summer travel season. The strike began after a deadline for reaching a new labor agreement passed without a deal, prompting the airline to halt its services worldwide.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents the flight attendants, confirmed the strike had begun, as negotiations failed to produce a resolution. Air Canada followed suit, announcing that it would cease operations and lock flight attendants out of airports.
The labor dispute escalated on Friday when the union rejected Air Canada’s proposal to enter government-directed arbitration, which would have removed the union’s right to strike and allowed a third-party mediator to determine the terms of a new contract. Flight attendants walked off the job around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday, marking the beginning of the walkout.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu met with both the airline and union representatives on Friday evening, urging them to make a greater effort to reach a resolution. “It is unacceptable that such little progress has been made. Canadians are counting on both parties to put forward their best efforts,” Hajdu said in a statement posted on social media.
The conflict centers on wages and working conditions. CUPE spokesman Hugh Pouliot stated that the union’s negotiations with Air Canada had been ongoing for eight months, but significant differences remain over pay and the unpaid work flight attendants are required to do when planes are not in the air. While Air Canada’s latest offer included a 38% increase in total compensation over four years, the union rejected the proposal, citing inflation and inadequate first-year pay raises.
In response to the strike, Air Canada said it would explore alternative travel options through other Canadian and international airlines, though it warned that the summer travel peak made rebooking flights difficult. Many passengers, already burdened with delayed or canceled flights, faced soaring prices for alternate tickets. “It’s just a waiting game now,” said one frustrated traveler, who considered booking a new flight but found the prices unaffordable.
The Business Council of Canada has called on the government to impose binding arbitration to end the disruption, citing the impact on both the air passenger and cargo sectors. “At a time when Canada is dealing with unprecedented pressures on our critical economic supply chains, the disruption of national air passenger travel and cargo transport services would cause immediate and extensive harm to all Canadians,” said Goldy Hyder, the council’s CEO.
This labor unrest is the latest in a series of disputes affecting Canada’s transportation sector. Last year, the federal government intervened in a rail workers’ strike by imposing arbitration, a move that sparked backlash from labor unions claiming it stripped them of leverage during negotiations.
As the strike drags on, both Air Canada and the union remain far apart on reaching a final agreement, leaving travelers and workers anxiously waiting for a resolution.
Kaduna, Nigeria (BN24) – Security operatives have arrested a suspect with a staggering N25.9 million in cash, allegedly intended for vote-buying just hours before the scheduled bye-elections in parts of Kaduna state, Nigeria. The suspect, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, in a coordinated operation involving the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). The arrest took place at a well-known hotel on Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that an initial investigation revealed the cash was intended to influence voters and disrupt the integrity of the upcoming elections. DSP Mansir Hasan, the police spokesperson, stated that Patangi had admitted to his involvement in the illegal activity during questioning, expressing remorse and pleading for leniency.
In a stern statement, the Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, warned that the police would take no leniency toward individuals found attempting to undermine the electoral process. “The suspect was arrested with a significant sum believed to be earmarked for voter bribery. He has confessed and begged for mercy. We want to make it clear that anyone caught trying to subvert the electoral process through vote-buying, thuggery, violence, or any illegal activity will face the full force of the law,” the CP emphasized.
The police also issued a firm warning to political figures and their supporters to refrain from acts of violence or any behaviour that could disrupt the election process. Intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that certain politicians were planning to instigate unrest, prompting a strategic deployment of security personnel to monitor polling units, collation centers, and other potential flashpoints.
“The command will not hesitate to deal decisively with those who attempt to create chaos. Whether high-ranking or not, anyone involved in violence, vote-buying, thuggery, or intimidation will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement continued.
Ahead of the elections, the police assured the public of robust security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the voting process. Residents were encouraged to participate in the elections without fear of intimidation, confident that their safety would be prioritized before, during, and after the polling.
LIVERPOOL, England (BN24) — A Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth was temporarily halted Friday after alleged racist abuse was directed at Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, prompting swift action from both officials and police. A 47-year-old man has since been arrested in connection with the incident, Merseyside Police confirmed Saturday.
The incident occurred during the 26th minute of the Premier League’s 2025–26 season opener at Anfield, when Semenyo approached the sideline to retrieve a ball for a throw-in. Broadcast footage showed a spectator shouting and gesturing at the Ghanaian international before Semenyo resumed play. The interaction quickly drew attention on the pitch, leading to a stoppage in play as both managers and players convened with referee Anthony Taylor near the technical area to address the matter.
In a statement released Saturday, police confirmed the suspect’s identity had been verified at the scene and that he was removed from the stadium following the report. “We have arrested a man following reports racist abuse was directed towards Bournemouth player Antoine Semenyo during his team’s Premier League fixture versus Liverpool at Anfield,” read the statement from Merseyside Police.
Semenyo responded publicly to the incident on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude for the solidarity shown by players, officials, and fans. “The night will stay with me forever—not because of one person’s words, but because of how the entire football family stood together,” the 25-year-old wrote. Despite the abuse, Semenyo went on to score both goals for Bournemouth in their 4-2 defeat, calling the experience one of personal and collective strength. “Scoring those two goals felt like speaking the only language that truly matters on the pitch,” he added.
The English Football Association released its own statement, expressing concern over what it described as “discrimination from an area of the crowd,” and pledged to work with clubs, authorities, and match officials to fully investigate the situation and ensure accountability.
As the Premier League continues to battle racism in football, the quick response to Friday’s incident has drawn praise across the football community. Both clubs reiterated their zero-tolerance stance toward discriminatory behavior and vowed continued support for players facing abuse.
TORONTO (BN24) — Canada’s federal government forced Air Canada and its flight attendants back to work on Saturday, invoking binding arbitration to end a sudden strike that left more than 100,000 travelers stranded worldwide at the height of the summer travel season. The emergency move came less than 12 hours after 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job, disrupting operations at Canada’s largest airline and causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu cited the economic risks posed by the strike and the growing urgency to resume air services. “Now is not the time to take risks with the economy,” Hajdu said, pointing to ongoing U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and the crucial role of air travel in national connectivity. She directed the Canada Industrial Relations Board to extend the current collective agreement until an arbitrator decides the terms of a new contract.
The work stoppage hit Air Canada’s 700 daily flights, affecting roughly 130,000 passengers per day and stranding about 25,000 Canadians abroad. Among them was Keelin Pringnitz from Ottawa, who, along with her family, was left waiting at London’s Heathrow Airport. “They suggested we fly to the U.S. and sort it out from there, but that didn’t go over well with anyone in line,” she said.
Montreal resident Alex Laroche and his girlfriend were preparing for a long-planned $8,000 vacation to France when their flight was canceled. “At first I was frustrated with the strike, but after reading more about the issues, especially wages, I understand why they’re fighting,” he said.
The strike, sparked by a bitter contract dispute between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), centered on compensation and unpaid labor. The airline’s final proposal included a 38% total compensation increase over four years. However, the union criticized the offer, calling the proposed 8% first-year raise insufficient in the face of high inflation. CUPE also highlighted the wage gap between mostly female flight attendants and the airline’s predominantly male pilot corps, who received significant pay raises last year.
CUPE President Wesley Lesosky condemned the government’s swift action. “The Liberal government is rewarding Air Canada’s refusal to negotiate fairly by giving them exactly what they wanted,” he said, calling the move a violation of workers’ constitutional right to strike.
Flight attendants had rejected arbitration a day earlier, seeking to maintain leverage at the bargaining table. But Hajdu said the dispute had clearly reached an impasse, and noted that arbitration is not anti-union but a necessary measure to protect national interests. Carleton University business professor Ian Lee said the intervention is consistent with Canada’s long-standing pattern of stepping in during transportation strikes, citing 45 such cases since 1950.
Air Canada COO Mark Nasr warned it could take up to a week to fully restore operations, even with staff returning. The airline said affected travelers could request full refunds through its website or mobile app and that it would attempt to rebook passengers on other carriers. But due to high summer demand, alternative options are limited and often significantly more expensive. Laroche said many replacement flights were double the $3,000 cost of his original tickets.
Union officials said they remained on picket lines until further notice, uncertain when flight attendants would return. Meanwhile, frustration continued to mount among passengers and employees alike, as the broader implications of the dispute reignited debate over wage equity, gender disparities, and labor rights in Canada’s aviation sector.
Canada previously intervened in a major rail strike last year, prompting legal challenges from unions claiming government overreach. The Business Council of Canada had urged the federal government to act swiftly in the Air Canada case, emphasizing the importance of aviation to the national economy.
“Canadians rely on air travel every day, and its importance cannot be understated,” Hajdu said.
WOLVERHAMPTON, England (BN24) — Erling Haaland fired a powerful early warning to Premier League rivals as he scored twice in Manchester City’s commanding 4-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, launching the champions’ bid to reclaim the title in dominant fashion.
After ending last season without a trophy for the first time in eight years and finishing third in the league, Pep Guardiola’s side returned with a performance reminiscent of their imperious best. The Norwegian striker opened and closed the scoring for the visitors, while debutants Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki also found the net in a display that could signal City’s re-emergence as title favorites.
Reijnders, a £46.5 million summer arrival from AC Milan, was particularly influential at Molineux, not only scoring but also creating Haaland’s opener with a moment of flair and precision in midfield. The Dutchman weaved through Wolves players before slipping a pass to Rico Lewis, who squared for Haaland to finish from close range.
Just minutes later, Oscar Bobb released Reijnders down the left, and the 25-year-old made no mistake, drilling a left-footed shot into the far corner to double City’s advantage. The quickfire double knocked the wind out of Wolves, who had threatened early through Marshall Munetsi, only for his header to be ruled out for offside.
City’s new-look lineup also featured James Trafford, making his senior debut in goal after returning from Burnley. With Ederson absent amid reports of a potential transfer to Galatasaray, Trafford impressed with his footwork, helping orchestrate the build-up to City’s third. His composed distribution started a flowing move involving Reijnders and Bobb, ending with Haaland’s second of the match — a clinical finish from the edge of the six-yard box.
The 24-year-old forward was denied a hat-trick when Guardiola opted to substitute him in the 73rd minute, bringing on Rayan Cherki. The Frenchman wasted little time making an impact, scoring just eight minutes after coming on with a pinpoint strike from outside the box.
Wolves, now without star forward Matheus Cunha who joined Manchester United this summer, struggled to compete as Vitor Pereira’s side offered little resistance after City seized control. With relegation fears already circling, the home fans had little to cheer in the season opener.
For Guardiola, the emphatic win will provide confidence ahead of a challenging run of fixtures, with Tottenham, Brighton, Arsenal, and Manchester United awaiting in the coming weeks. But based on Saturday’s evidence, Manchester City look poised to once again be the team to beat.
The result not only restates City’s title credentials but also offers a glimpse of a refreshed squad blending proven stars like Haaland with exciting new arrivals. If this performance is any indication, Guardiola’s men may well be on the path to redemption after last season’s disappointment.
Tel Aviv (BN24) – The United States has suspended the issuance of visitor visas for Gaza residents after a wave of right-wing outrage on social media accused the Biden administration of quietly admitting Palestinian refugees amid Israel’s ongoing war in the enclave.
The State Department announced the suspension on Saturday, saying the pause would remain in place pending “a full and thorough review” of recent visa issuances. The move came one day after far-right activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer posted on X that Palestinians who “claim to be refugees from Gaza” had entered the US through San Francisco and Houston in recent weeks.
Her posts quickly drew the attention of Republican lawmakers. Texas Rep. Chip Roy said he would demand answers, while Florida Rep. Randy Fine labeled the alleged arrivals a “national security risk.” Loomer claimed “several US Senators and members of Congress” privately expressed outrage to her, and she celebrated the State Department’s announcement as “amazing results from the Trump administration.”
The suspension halts the issuance of temporary humanitarian visas, which have allowed some Palestinians to enter the United States for urgent medical treatment. According to Reuters, the US issued 640 visas in May to holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents. The State Department did not provide a figure for how many visas were issued in recent days.
The decision coincides with one of the deadliest phases of Israel’s war on Gaza. At least 61,827 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, while the United Nations has warned of “widespread starvation, malnutrition and disease” caused by aid restrictions and bombardments. In recent weeks, Gaza City has faced intensified Israeli attacks, part of a broader campaign Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as an effort to seize full control of the enclave.
Rights advocates criticized the US decision as politically motivated, arguing that Gazans seeking medical evacuation are among the most vulnerable in the conflict. But the State Department emphasized its move was temporary and intended to ensure that visa procedures “comply with all necessary security and humanitarian safeguards.”
