Home Blog Page 237

88-Year-Old Russian Inventor Dies After Homemade Helicopter Disintegrates During Take-Off Attempt

Simeon
-
0
88-Year-Old Russian Inventor Dies After Homemade Helicopter Disintegrates During Take-Off Attempt

OMUTNINSKY DISTRICT, Russia (BN24) — An 88-year-old Russian inventor and aviation enthusiast died Thursday after his homemade helicopter fell apart during an attempted take-off in the Kirov Region of western Russia, officials confirmed. The tragic accident occurred as the self-built aircraft’s main rotor blades detached while the engine was powering up on the ground.

According to the Volga Region Transport Prosecutor’s Office, the incident happened in the Omutninsky district when the rotor blades came off, causing serious injuries to the man identified as Vladimir Trapeznikov. Emergency responders rushed Trapeznikov, born in 1937, to Omutninsky District Hospital, where he died several hours later.

Local authorities revealed that the unregistered helicopter began to disintegrate during engine startup, preventing any actual flight. An investigation into the crash is ongoing to determine the precise causes and safety violations surrounding the homemade aircraft.

Trapeznikov, a self-taught inventor with a lifelong passion for aviation, had built five aircraft over several decades. Although he worked professionally as a logging truck driver, his inventive spirit earned him local fame. In 1985, he was featured in a short film and newsreel after successfully flying a homemade airplane, capturing the admiration of his community.

This fatal accident occurred as Trapeznikov attempted to launch his latest aircraft, a dream project that tragically ended in disaster.

Worldwide, amateur aviation enthusiasts have gained attention for their DIY flying machines. In the United Kingdom, a man built an aircraft in his garden during the COVID-19 pandemic, while in Ethiopia, an individual spent ten years constructing a homemade plane to fly to his wedding in 2015.

Credit: BBC

Novak Djokovic Becomes Co-Owner of French Ligue 2 Club Le Mans FC in High-Profile Sports Investment

Simeon
-
0
Novak Djokovic Becomes Co-Owner of French Ligue 2 Club Le Mans FC in High-Profile Sports Investment

LE MANS, France (BN24) — Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has officially joined the ownership group of French football club Le Mans FC, recently promoted to Ligue 2, the club announced Friday. This marks Djokovic’s latest venture beyond the tennis court, signaling his growing interest in the global sports business arena.

Djokovic’s investment is part of a broader consortium led by OutField, a Brazilian international group co-founded by Pedro Oliveira. The ownership group also includes former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen, adding a unique cross-sport dimension to Le Mans FC’s evolving identity.

In a statement, Le Mans FC lauded Djokovic as “the most successful player in history,” emphasizing that his renowned mental toughness, competitive drive, and pursuit of excellence will bring “considerable added value” to the club’s culture and long-term vision. The inclusion of seasoned motorsport athletes Massa and Magnussen, with 15 and 10 F1 seasons respectively, is seen as a strategic asset to bridge football and motorsport — a core element of the Le Mans brand.

The partnership reflects Djokovic’s ambitions to diversify his portfolio in sports and business, expanding his influence beyond tennis. Le Mans FC, known for its fluctuating fortunes in French football, aims to leverage these high-profile owners to strengthen its position in the competitive Ligue 2 landscape.

The club is preparing to kick off its Ligue 2 campaign on August 9 with an away match against Guingamp, embarking on a new chapter under this fresh ownership consortium.

Credit: Al Jazeera

Lionel Messi Leaves Leagues Cup Match Early with Apparent Injury

admin
-
0
Lionel Messi Leaves Leagues Cup Match Early with Apparent Injury

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (BN24) — Lionel Messi left Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Club Necaxa on Saturday night after sustaining what appeared to be an injury, exiting in just the 11th minute of play at Chase Stadium.

The Argentine star was seen dribbling into the penalty area when he collided with Necaxa defenders Raúl Sánchez and Alexis Peña. Moments later, Messi stumbled to the turf, pounding the ground in frustration. He attempted to remain in the game but was visibly in discomfort and walked off the field before heading straight to the locker room for evaluation.

Messi’s sudden departure left Inter Miami without their captain for the remainder of the match. Federico Redondo came on to replace him.

Messi’s early exit is a major blow for Miami, particularly as he’s been instrumental in their campaign across multiple competitions this season. Before Saturday’s fixture, Messi had featured in 30 matches for the club in 2025, including appearances in Major League Soccer, the Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup. In MLS play alone, he has tallied 18 goals and nine assists for the Herons.

The team has not yet released an official update on the severity of the injury or whether Messi will be available for upcoming matches.

Jack Smith Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Hatch Act Violations in Trump Prosecutions

admin
-
0
Jack Smith Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Hatch Act Violations in Trump Prosecutions

WASHINGTON (BN24) — Jack Smith, the former special counsel who led two high-profile federal cases against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, is now under federal investigation himself. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal agency, confirmed Saturday that it has opened an inquiry into whether Smith violated the Hatch Act, which bars federal officials from engaging in political activity while performing their official duties.

The investigation, first reported by the New York Post, marks a stunning reversal for Smith, who once directed legal efforts to prosecute Trump over classified documents and alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Now, Smith faces scrutiny over whether his actions improperly influenced the 2024 presidential race.

Smith’s former role placed him at the center of two politically explosive cases. One centered on classified materials found at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, while the other examined Trump’s efforts to subvert the 2020 election results, including pressure on then-Vice President Mike Pence and the promotion of false electors. Neither case advanced to trial before being dismissed following Trump’s return to power after his 2024 election victory. Smith later resigned.

Critics of Smith, including Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, claim his conduct during the investigations was politically motivated. Cotton formally requested the OSC investigation, alleging Smith’s work benefited the Democratic ticket of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race following a disastrous debate performance, and Harris was ultimately defeated by Trump in November.

The Hatch Act, enacted in 1939, prohibits federal employees from using their positions to influence elections. Though the OSC cannot pursue criminal charges, it can impose fines and recommend disciplinary measures, including removal from office or suspension.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, appointed by Trump after his election victory, has since dismissed over 20 Department of Justice employees connected to Smith’s team. The terminations followed internal reviews by Bondi’s “Weaponization Working Group,” which is investigating potential abuses of power during the Trump-era investigations.

“This represents a critical test of whether the Hatch Act can be enforced in highly politicized cases,” a senior legal analyst told AP, noting the broader implications for how independent prosecutors operate during election cycles.

Reactions to the investigation have been sharply divided along partisan lines. Supporters of Trump view the probe as overdue accountability for what they see as a politically motivated legal campaign. Critics say the investigation undermines the rule of law by targeting those who sought to prosecute criminal conduct.

Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko posted on X: “So let me get this straight: Jack Smith investigates a guy who tried to overturn an election and incited an insurrection… and he’s the one being investigated? We’re not a serious country.”

The OSC has yet to provide a timeline for when its review of Smith’s conduct will be complete, but the investigation is expected to stretch for several months. Newsweek has reached out to the OSC and the White House for comment.

Emaciated Israeli Hostage Evyatar David Appears in Disturbing Hamas Videos Amid Warnings of Famine in Gaza

admin
-
0
Emaciated Israeli Hostage Evyatar David Appears in Disturbing Hamas Videos Amid Warnings of Famine in Gaza

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Two harrowing videos released by Hamas show a skeletal Evyatar David, a 24-year-old Israeli hostage, pleading for food and digging what he believes may become his own grave. The footage, shared shortly after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with the families of hostages in Israel, has intensified concerns about the conditions of captives held in Gaza and the deepening humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.

David, who was abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, during the Nova music festival, appears gaunt and visibly weakened in the videos. In one clip, he says he hasn’t eaten for three days. His shoulder blades protrude sharply, a sign of extreme starvation. Speaking from a dimly lit tunnel, he details the meager rations he’s been surviving on—lentils, beans, and little drinking water.

“They give me what they can get,” he says, crouched in an underground shaft where a handmade calendar marks the passage of time. In the most disturbing segment, David digs into the earth with a shovel. The subtitle reads: “This is the grave where I think I’m going to be buried in. Time is running out.”

Video from Times of India

The release of the videos has drawn strong condemnation from David’s family, who called his treatment “deliberate and cynical starvation.”

“Our beloved son and brother, Evyatar David, is a living skeleton, buried alive in Hamas’s tunnels,” they said in a statement. “He has only days left to live unless he receives proper nourishment. The intentional starvation, torture, and abuse of Evyatar for propaganda purposes violate the most basic principles of humanitarian law and human decency.”

The distressing footage emerged just as the United Nations renewed warnings of “man-made mass starvation” in Gaza, with its Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IFSPC) reporting that a worst-case scenario famine is unfolding. Since April, more than 20,000 children have reportedly been treated for acute malnutrition, and Gaza’s health ministry said seven more people—including a child—died from hunger-related causes in the past 24 hours.

Witkoff’s visit to a food distribution site operated by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Friday came under renewed scrutiny. The GHF initiative has faced international criticism amid reports of violence near its aid sites. According to the UN, at least 859 people have been killed in proximity to GHF operations since late May.

Families of the approximately 50 hostages still believed to be held by Hamas fear their loved ones are enduring the same starvation David describes. While Israel maintains it avoids harming civilians and blames Hamas for manipulating chaos around aid, the graphic new evidence of hostage suffering has amplified pressure on all sides.

David’s condition and the broader humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza underscore the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to secure hostage releases and increase aid deliveries.

Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge at Washington Airport-AP

admin
-
0
Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson Arrested on Domestic Violence Charge at Washington Airport-AP

SEATTLE (BN24) — Sha’Carri Richardson, the reigning 100-meter world champion, was arrested last weekend at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport following an alleged domestic incident involving fellow U.S. sprinter Christian Coleman, authorities said.

Richardson, 25, was taken into custody Sunday on a fourth-degree domestic violence offense, according to a police report obtained by The Associated Press. She was booked at the South Correctional Entity (SCORE) jail in Des Moines, Washington, at 6:54 p.m. and released the following day at 1:13 p.m.

The incident occurred just days before Richardson competed Thursday in the opening round of the women’s 100 meters at the U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. As the defending world champion, she holds an automatic berth to the 2025 World Athletics Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo.

According to the police report, a Transportation Security Administration supervisor alerted an officer to a confrontation between Richardson and Coleman at the airport. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Richardson grabbing Coleman’s backpack with her left hand and yanking it away. She then appeared to obstruct his path, with Coleman being pushed into a wall during the exchange. At one point, Richardson allegedly threw an object, possibly a pair of headphones, in Coleman’s direction.

The officer’s report noted that Coleman declined to cooperate with the investigation and refused to be listed as a victim.

USA Track and Field acknowledged the reports in a brief statement but declined to comment. Richardson’s agent did not respond to requests for comment.

Richardson has been one of track and field’s most prominent and polarizing figures in recent years. After winning the 100-meter world title in Budapest in 2023, she helped lead Team USA to Olympic gold in the women’s 4×100-meter relay and secured a silver medal in the 100 meters at the Paris Games.

She previously made headlines in 2021 after testing positive for marijuana following her victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials, a result that barred her from competing at the Tokyo Olympics that year.

The recent arrest has raised new questions surrounding Richardson’s future with Team USA and her status heading into the global track season. Legal proceedings related to the incident remain ongoing.

Tottenham Captain Son Heung-min Announces Departure After 10 Years in Premier League

Simeon
-
0
Tottenham Captain Son Heung-min Announces Departure After 10 Years in Premier League

SEOUL (BN24) — Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min announced Saturday that he will leave the Premier League club after a decade-long career with the London side. Speaking at a heartfelt media conference in his hometown of Seoul, Son described the decision as the “most difficult” of his career, emphasizing the club’s support as he prepares to embark on a new chapter.

Son, who joined Tottenham as a 23-year-old with limited English skills, said departing the club at 33 marks a “very, very proud moment” as he transitions from a young hopeful to a seasoned professional. The South Korean star expressed deep gratitude to the Spurs faithful, calling Tottenham “home” and thanking fans for their unwavering love and support over the years.

The forward’s departure comes ahead of Tottenham’s preseason friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul on Sunday, a match that could serve as his final appearance in a Spurs jersey. Son’s tenure at Tottenham has been marked by remarkable achievements, including 173 goals in 454 competitive matches and his appointment as team captain in 2023 under former manager Ange Postecoglou.

Last May, Son finally secured his first major European title as Tottenham claimed the Europa League trophy with a victory over Manchester United, ending a trophy drought for the club dating back to 2008. Reflecting on that triumph, Son said, “I felt the pressure. I wanted it so badly. The last seven days, I was dreaming about this game every single day. It finally happened, and I can sleep easy now.”

Son cited Tottenham’s recent success as a key factor influencing his decision. “Winning the Europa League made me feel I had achieved everything I could here. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge,” he explained. Speculation is mounting around his next destination, with reported interest from Major League Soccer in the United States and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank praised Son as a “Spurs legend in every aspect” and one of the Premier League’s finest wingers. “I think it is probably the perfect timing, going out on a high,” Frank said during the press conference.

When asked about his future plans, Son said he has yet to make a final decision but confirmed his commitment to representing South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. “My most important priority right now is the World Cup. It’s likely to be my last World Cup, and I want to give everything I have,” Son said, noting that the joy of playing football will be a major factor in his next career move.

As Son prepares to leave Tottenham, his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players and a Premier League icon remains firmly intact. His departure marks the end of an era for Spurs and the beginning of a new chapter for the South Korean star.

Credit: Al Jazeera

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill Three in Western Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

Simeon
-
0
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Kill Three in Western Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

MOSCOW (BN24) — Ukrainian drone strikes killed three people and wounded two others overnight in western Russia, according to regional governors, as the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kyiv intensifies.

This handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian Presidential Press-service late on August 1, 2025 shows the President Volodymyr Zelensky laying flowers in front of a residential building in Kyiv partially destroyed following a Russian missile strike morning on July 31, 2025, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. Kyiv observed a day of mourning after the deadliest attack in the Ukrainian capital this year, which ripped open a nine-storey residential building, wounding 159 people and claiming the lives of five children. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / HANDOUT ” – HANDOUT – NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

In Penza, one woman died and two others were injured when a drone hit an industrial enterprise, Governor Oleg Melnichenko said on Telegram. In the Samara region, an elderly man was killed when his house caught fire after falling debris from a drone strike, Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev reported. Meanwhile, in the Rostov region, a security guard at an industrial site was killed in a drone attack that also sparked a fire, acting Governor Yuri Sliusar said.

Sliusar added that Russian military forces repelled a “massive air attack” overnight, intercepting drones over seven districts. Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defense systems destroyed 112 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory during the nearly nine-hour period from Friday night to Saturday morning, including 34 drones over Rostov.

Across the border, in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian drone strikes wounded three people overnight, Governor Sergiy Lysak said. Russian forces recently announced capturing two villages in the region amid Moscow’s accelerated military operations in July, though Kyiv denies any Russian presence there.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his stance against a ceasefire in the more than three-year war, affirming his conditions for peace include Ukraine relinquishing territory and abandoning NATO aspirations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said only Putin could end the conflict and renewed his call for a summit between the two leaders. “The United States has proposed this. Ukraine has supported it. What is needed is Russia’s readiness,” Zelensky said on X.

The drone strikes highlight the escalating use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage while signaling ongoing volatility in the region.

Credit: Al Jazeera

Floods in Nigeria Leave 165 Dead, Nearly 120,000 Affected in 2025

Simeon
-
0
Floods in Nigeria Leave 165 Dead, Nearly 120,000 Affected in 2025

ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed Friday that devastating floods in Nigeria have claimed at least 165 lives, left 82 persons missing, and affected nearly 120,000 people across the country this year.

According to NEMA’s latest data dashboard, the floods have displaced 43,936 individuals, injured 138 people, damaged 8,594 homes, and destroyed 8,278 farmlands across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) spanning 19 states.

The agency highlighted that vulnerable groups, including children and women, were disproportionately impacted. “A total of 53,314 children, 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, and 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year’s flooding,” NEMA stated.

The worst-affected states include Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno, and Kaduna, all of which have recorded significant numbers of casualties and displacement. The full list of impacted states comprises Abia, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers, and Sokoto.

NEMA continues to coordinate emergency response efforts as flooding disrupts communities, infrastructure, and agricultural activities, threatening livelihoods and food security. The agency urges affected communities and the government to intensify support and preparedness as the flood season progresses.

Elon Musk to Appeal $243 Million Fine in Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crash Case

Simeon
-
0
Elon Musk to Appeal $243 Million Fine in Fatal Tesla Autopilot Crash Case

MIAMI (BN24) — Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and CEO of Tesla, has announced plans to appeal a Florida court ruling that ordered Tesla to pay $243 million in damages to the family of Naibel Benavides and her partner Dillon Angulo, who were involved in a fatal 2019 crash linked to Tesla’s Autopilot system.

The jury found Tesla partly liable for the death of Benavides, who was stargazing in Key Largo when she was struck by a Tesla Model S. The impact sent her body 75 feet through the air before it was found in a wooded area. Her boyfriend, Angulo, suffered severe injuries in the collision.

While the driver, George McGee, admitted to being distracted by his phone and reached separate settlements with the victims’ families, the court ruled Tesla shared responsibility. Plaintiffs argued that Tesla’s Autopilot was not designed for the type of rural, uncontrolled road where the crash happened, yet the system was not limited from operating in such environments.

Attorney Brett Schreiber, representing the victims, accused Tesla of negligence for allowing Autopilot to function outside controlled-access highways. He also referenced public statements by Musk claiming Autopilot was safer than human drivers.

Tesla called the verdict “wrong” and a setback for automotive safety efforts. The company stated, “No car in 2019, and none today, would have prevented this crash. This was never about Autopilot—it was a fiction created by plaintiffs’ lawyers to shift blame from the admitted at-fault driver.” Tesla also denied deliberately withholding data or video evidence, describing any omission as unintentional.

Legal experts warn the ruling could trigger a surge of lawsuits against Tesla and other autonomous vehicle developers. Miguel Custodio, a car crash attorney not involved in the case, said, “This will open the floodgates. It will embolden a lot of people to come to court.”

The decision arrives as Musk advances Tesla’s ambitions to launch a driverless taxi service and expand autonomous driving technology, despite ongoing safety concerns. Tesla recalled 2.3 million vehicles in 2023 over worries that Autopilot did not sufficiently warn inattentive drivers.

1...236237238...965Page 237 of 965