Home Blog Page 256

 Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Kyiv, Killing 6 and Wounding Dozens in Overnight Assault

admin
-
0
 Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Kyiv, Killing 6 and Wounding Dozens in Overnight Assault

KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — A massive overnight Russian air assault killed at least six people, including a 6-year-old boy, and wounded 52 others in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, officials said Thursday, in one of the deadliest attacks on the city in recent weeks.

A view shows an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine November 11, 2024. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO.

The barrage of missiles and drones left a swath of destruction across Kyiv, with parts of a nine-story apartment building in the Solomianskyi district collapsing under the impact. Emergency crews worked through the morning, combing the rubble for survivors.

Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko warned that the death toll was likely to rise as search efforts continued. He said 27 locations in the capital had been hit, including the heavily damaged Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi neighborhoods.

Among the dead was a 6-year-old boy, authorities confirmed. Fifty-two others were injured in the strikes, which left shattered buildings, burnt-out cars, and clothing hanging from trees. “It is just stress and shock that there is nothing left,” said Yana Zhabborova, 35, a resident of the damaged building and mother of a 5-month-old infant and a 5-year-old child.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 309 Shahed and decoy drones and eight Iskander-K cruise missiles during the attack. Ukrainian defenses intercepted and downed 288 drones and three missiles, but five missiles and 21 drones hit their targets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault and said it demonstrated Moscow’s disregard for peace. “Today, the world once again saw Russia’s answer to our desire for peace with America and Europe,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “New demonstrative killings. That is why peace without strength is impossible.”

He called on Ukraine’s allies to follow through on defense promises and increase pressure on the Kremlin to bring Moscow to serious negotiations.

The strike came as Russia claimed new ground in eastern Ukraine. Moscow’s Ministry of Defense announced its troops had fully seized the strategically vital city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, a hilltop town seen as key to breaching Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Ukrainian officials did not confirm the loss of the city, although the military reported seven clashes there in the past 24 hours. A Ukrainian army map showed most of the town under Russian control. The DeepState monitoring project, widely used by Ukrainian analysts and soldiers, marked areas to the south and west of Chasiv Yar as contested or “gray zones.”

Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russian territory overnight. In the Penza region, a drone strike sparked a fire at an industrial site, though no casualties were reported. In the Volgograd region, rail traffic was temporarily disrupted after drone wreckage damaged local infrastructure, according to Russian Railways.

Russia said it had downed 32 Ukrainian drones across its territory.

The attack on Kyiv was part of a broader assault that also targeted the Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions, though the capital appeared to bear the brunt of the overnight bombardment.

The international spotlight remains focused on the growing toll of the war as diplomatic efforts falter. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an Aug. 8 deadline to make meaningful progress toward peace or face new sanctions and tariffs.

Western leaders have accused Putin of stalling negotiations in hopes of seizing more territory before any ceasefire or settlement can take hold.

Thousands Mourn Ozzy Osbourne as Birmingham Bids Final Farewell to Heavy Metal Icon

admin
-
0
Thousands Mourn Ozzy Osbourne as Birmingham Bids Final Farewell to Heavy Metal Icon

BIRMINGHAM, England (BN24) — Thousands of fans filled the streets of Birmingham on Tuesday to honor Ozzy Osbourne during a final hometown procession that paid tribute to the legendary heavy metal frontman, who died last week at 76.

Shouts of “We love you, Ozzy!” echoed as his hearse paused at the now-iconic Black Sabbath Bridge—named for the band that launched the Prince of Darkness into global stardom. The bridge has become a gathering point for grieving fans since news of Osbourne’s death broke.

Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee walked solemnly through the crowds, pausing to take in the tributes of flowers, handwritten notes, and memorabilia. Each family member carried a pink rose wrapped in black paper and tied with a purple ribbon—Black Sabbath’s signature colors.

Sharon Osbourne, visibly emotional, gave the crowd a peace sign through tears before rejoining the procession. Purple flowers spelling out “Ozzy” were visible in the hearse as the cortege continued past his childhood home in Aston, a modest house that shaped the man who would one day define heavy metal.

Just weeks before his passing, Osbourne gave a surprise final performance at Villa Park, joined by artists inspired by his music, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Yungblud. His influence was felt citywide on Tuesday, as pubs blasted his music on loudspeakers and posters proclaimed: “Birmingham will always love you.”

For fans, the day was not only a farewell but a celebration of Osbourne’s unwavering connection to his roots. Despite decades spent in Los Angeles, the singer frequently spoke of his love for Birmingham, a city he credited for shaping his identity.

Graham Wright, a longtime roadie who toured with Black Sabbath since the 1970s, described the farewell as deeply emotional. “He wasn’t the Prince of Darkness to us,” Wright told Sky News. “He was the Prince of Laughter. That’s who he really was. He made people laugh as much as he made them scream.”

At The Brasshouse pub next to Black Sabbath Bridge, general manager Chris Mason said Ozzy’s music had been played non-stop since his passing. “Ozzy was the godfather of heavy metal. He brought people together—he was Birmingham,” Mason said.

Mohabbat Ali, who grew up near Osbourne’s childhood home, shared a memory of the young musician. “He’d play guitar loudly at night, but my mum always said he was a lovely boy,” Ali recalled.

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, also paid tribute, saying Osbourne was “a true legend who never forgot where he came from.” Iqbal said Osbourne once wrote him a personal letter after learning they shared the experience of struggling with dyslexia. “I have it framed in my office,” Iqbal said. “That was Ozzy—humble, down-to-earth, and human.”

From Aston to arenas worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne’s voice and persona shaped generations of rock and metal. But for Birmingham, he will always be remembered as one of their own.

Luke Shaw Endorses Amorim’s Tough Approach to End ‘Toxic’ Culture at Manchester United

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Luke Shaw Endorses Amorim’s Tough Approach to End ‘Toxic’ Culture at Manchester United

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has publicly backed manager Ruben Amorim’s hardline stance on improving professionalism and mentality within the club’s dressing room, describing the atmosphere in recent years as “quite toxic” and “extremely negative.”

In an interview with the BBC published Wednesday, Shaw said the environment at United had often been unhealthy and weighed down by negativity, adding that Amorim’s no-nonsense style has been a needed intervention for a squad that finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

“A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years it’s been extremely negative,” said Shaw, who joined the club in 2014. “It can be quite toxic. The environment, it’s not healthy at all. We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness. When you have all those things, you feel free, and you express yourself more.”

Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford in November to steady a struggling United side, quickly set new standards for commitment. He benched senior players including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho — part of a group of five players reportedly seeking summer exits — and emphasized an all-or-nothing work ethic.

“Ruben brings demands. Mentality is a big thing. He talks a lot about it,” Shaw said. “He demands 100 percent and doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85 to 90 percent, it’s not enough. Especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, you won’t play.”

Amorim has not shied away from controversy, openly criticizing Rashford’s effort and stating he would rather play the goalkeeping coach than tolerate half-hearted performances. Rashford has since been loaned to Barcelona, while British media reports continue to link Garnacho with a potential move to Chelsea or Aston Villa.

“The manager’s not bothered. He doesn’t care who the player is. That’s how it should be,” said Shaw. “Whatever he wants, as players, we have to be delivering, and we are fully behind that.”

Manchester United begin their 2025–26 Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17, as Amorim seeks to overhaul not just tactics, but the culture at one of football’s most scrutinized clubs.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Requests $50 Million Bail Before Sentencing in Prostitution Case

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Requests $50 Million Bail Before Sentencing in Prostitution Case

NEW YORK (BN24) — Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs have asked a federal judge to release the music mogul on a $50-million bond ahead of his October 3 sentencing, following his partial conviction in a high-profile sex crimes trial earlier this month.

In a motion filed Tuesday, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs’ continued detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn poses a significant threat to his safety. Agnifilo pointed to conditions inside the federal facility, characterizing them as dangerous, and emphasized that individuals convicted of similar prostitution-related offenses are rarely jailed ahead of sentencing.

“Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct,” Agnifilo wrote. “In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john.”

Combs, 55, was acquitted on July 2 of the most severe charges against him — including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy — after a six-week trial in U.S. District Court. Those charges carried potential life sentences. However, the founder of Bad Boy Records was convicted on two lesser federal charges: transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison. Federal prosecutors have conceded that sentencing guidelines likely recommend a penalty well below the statutory maximum.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment on Tuesday’s filing.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Combs used threats, force, and his entertainment business network to pressure two former girlfriends into participating in multi-day, drug-fueled sex acts with male sex workers, sometimes referred to as “freak-offs.” Combs denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty, with his legal team maintaining that both women willingly took part in the events.

Judge Arun Subramanian previously denied Combs’ request for pre-sentencing release, citing credible evidence of violence presented during the trial. The new defense filing argues that Combs’ time at MDC since September 2024 constitutes an “exceptional circumstance” that justifies reconsideration of his bond request.

Combs’ legal team further contends that his charges are atypical, since he was not alleged to have profited financially from the acts in question. They emphasized that his detention has exposed him to violence within the facility, including reported fights in his unit, placing his physical safety in jeopardy.

In response, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that it “continually works to improve conditions at all of our institutions, to include MDC Brooklyn.”

Combs is set to appear in court for sentencing in the fall.

Credit: Al Jazeera.com

Angola Fuel Protests Turn Deadly as 22 Killed, Nearly, 200 Injured Amid Nationwide Unrest

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Angola Fuel Protests Turn Deadly as 22 Killed, Nearly, 200 Injured Amid Nationwide Unrest

LUANDA, Angola (BN24) — At least 22 people were killed and 197 injured in violent protests that swept across Angola this week following a sharp increase in diesel fuel prices, according to a statement released by the presidency on Wednesday.

The unrest began on Monday after minibus taxi drivers launched a three-day strike in response to the government’s decision to hike diesel prices by one-third, a move aimed at scaling back costly fuel subsidies and stabilizing the nation’s strained public finances.

What started as a transport strike in the capital, Luanda, quickly escalated into widespread rioting, vandalism, and looting. Sporadic gunfire was reported in Luanda and several other cities on both Monday and Tuesday. Demonstrators clashed with police, and violence spread to six other provinces across the country.

President Joao Lourenço’s cabinet met on Wednesday to assess the deteriorating security situation. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the death toll had risen to 22 and said 1,214 individuals had been arrested. Among the dead was one police officer, according to Interior Minister Manuel Homem.

The government also reported that 66 businesses and 25 vehicles were vandalized during the riots, while several supermarkets and warehouses were looted. In response to the escalating violence, authorities deployed the army to restore calm, citing a “climate of widespread insecurity” triggered by the protests.

By Wednesday, streets in Luanda were tense but quiet, with most businesses closed and a heavy presence of security forces. Long queues formed at petrol stations, and some residents cautiously lined up outside shops that remained open.

The diesel price hike is part of a broader economic strategy by Angola’s government to reduce public spending and manage inflation. However, the move has sparked widespread frustration in a country where the cost of living remains high and public transportation is vital for daily commuting.

The full scale of the damage and the long-term political fallout from the protests remains uncertain, but the deadly violence has raised concerns over the government’s handling of public dissent and economic reform.

Credit: Al Jazeera .com

Canada Signals Intent to Recognize Palestinian State if Governance Reforms Are Met

admin
-
0
Canada Signals Intent to Recognize Palestinian State if Governance Reforms Are Met

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September—provided the Palestinian Authority meets specific conditions related to democratic reform and governance.

Carney told reporters that Canada’s recognition will depend on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to substantial reforms and to holding general elections in 2026 that exclude participation by Hamas, the militant group that currently governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization by Canada.

“I spoke with President Mahmoud Abbas and reiterated our support for a two-state solution—but that must include a reformed and representative Palestinian government,” Carney said.

In sharp remarks, the Canadian leader also condemned Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza. “I condemn the fact that Israel has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,” he said.

Canada’s announcement follows a similar declaration by the United Kingdom, whose Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Tuesday that Britain would formally recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets specific conditions tied to a ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Starmer’s statement came after an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza and a bilateral discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump. The move has stirred legal debate in the UK, where The Times reported that 38 members of the House of Lords—including senior legal authorities—warned the decision could violate international law. They argued that Palestine might not fulfill the requirements for statehood as outlined by the Montevideo Convention, a 1933 treaty establishing the criteria for sovereign states.

France has also entered the fray. Less than a week ago, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France would become the first G7 nation to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Starmer and Carney held a phone call on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed the deteriorating Middle East situation and recent U.S. action targeting Iran’s nuclear program.

“They reiterated their shared commitment to a diplomatic solution and emphasized the urgency for Iran to return to the negotiating table,” the spokesperson said. The leaders plan to continue their discussions during the NATO summit later this week.

As momentum builds among Western powers to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, Canada’s conditional approach reflects a growing international push to reshape the diplomatic landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

news.sky.com

Nigerian Army Foils Boko Haram Plot to Plant IEDs on Borno Bridge

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Nigerian Army Foils Boko Haram Plot to Plant IEDs on Borno Bridge

BORNO STATE, Nigeria (BN24) — Troops of the Nigerian Army successfully thwarted an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to plant improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on a key bridge along the Dikwa–Marte road in Borno State, according to military officials.

The interception led to a fierce gun battle between the soldiers and the insurgents. At the end of the clash, troops recovered two large IEDs, along with AK-47 rifles and PKT machine guns, preventing a potential attack on military and civilian targets in the region.

The attempted bombing is the latest in a series of foiled plots as part of intensified counterterrorism efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, the joint military task force in Nigeria’s Northeast region.

Speaking to Channels Television, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsallam Abubakar, said the operation reflects the growing momentum of coordinated security actions across Boko Haram strongholds.

“Within the past week, troops conducted clearance operations deep into the Lake Chad region, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains,” he said, highlighting recent military gains.

According to Abubakar, joint efforts by the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force continue to yield results. Ground troops engage in direct combat, the Navy patrols Lake Chad’s shoreline, and the Air Force carries out targeted airstrikes across insurgent camps.

The recent series of operations led to the elimination of nine Boko Haram fighters in Bama, Gwoza, and Konduga local government areas, further disrupting the group’s logistics and operational networks.

“The sustained offensives have significantly enhanced stability and security in border communities around the Lake Chad fringes,” Abubakar added.

The Nigerian military has stepped up its campaign in recent months to dismantle Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) factions operating in the Northeast. Security analysts say targeting IED supply chains and mobility routes is key to degrading the insurgents’ capabilities.

The Dikwa–Marte corridor, frequently targeted by extremists, is a strategic link between vulnerable rural communities and humanitarian supply lines. The foiled bridge bombing is seen as a significant win in ongoing efforts to secure transportation and communication infrastructure in the region.

Police Arrest Girlfriend of Suspected Ritualist Linked to Pregnant Nurse’s Murder in Anambra State, Nigeria

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Police Arrest Girlfriend of Suspected Ritualist Linked to Pregnant Nurse’s Murder in Anambra State, Nigeria

OGBUNIKE, Nigeria (BN24) — Authorities in Anambra State have arrested a 24-year-old woman believed to be involved in the brutal killing of a pregnant nurse, whose mutilated body was found in a soakaway pit in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area.

The suspect, Somtochukwu Nwafor, was taken into custody by the Anambra State Police Command after allegedly admitting to her role in the murder. According to police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Nwafor confessed to being the girlfriend of the main suspect, Chiemerie Obika Elobisi, who is currently on the run. Elobisi is said to have lured the victim under the pretense of needing medical attention before killing her in what investigators believe was a ritualistic act.

During questioning, Nwafor reportedly revealed chilling details of the crime, including how she was summoned to clean up blood at the murder scene. She also told detectives that human body parts were sold to local native doctors, naming several in the area.

Prompted by her statement, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) raided a shrine belonging to a known traditional healer, Nwafor Chibunna Ofornwatadile, in Itima Amawa Village, Ogbunike. During the early morning operation on July 29, authorities recovered multiple bags containing what are believed to be human body parts, concealed in cellophane wraps.

The murder has sent shockwaves through the local community and reignited concerns about ritual killings and illegal organ trade in the region. Police say the manhunt for Elobisi and additional suspects — including those believed to have purchased or facilitated the sale of the body parts — is ongoing.

Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu condemned the crime in strong terms, calling it “inhumane, criminal, and an affront to public morality and the sanctity of life.” He urged residents to assist with the investigation by providing any relevant information, assuring the public that informants’ identities would be protected.

Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle ritualist networks in Anambra State, as the murder of the nurse has brought renewed scrutiny to the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals, especially women, across the region.

The victim, a trained nurse whose name has not yet been officially released, is believed to have been targeted specifically for the brutal crime. Her death is now at the center of what law enforcement officials describe as a larger, deeply entrenched criminal operation involving human body parts trafficking.

The Anambra State Police Command has pledged to bring all those involved to justice.

Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon Involved in Multi-Car Crash in Connecticut

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon Involved in Multi-Car Crash in Connecticut

WESTPORT, Conn. (BN24) — Vince McMahon, the embattled former chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), was involved in a multi-vehicle collision last Thursday on Route 15 in Westport, Connecticut, according to state police reports.

The crash occurred near Exit 41 and involved three vehicles. Investigators say McMahon, 78, was driving one of the cars and rear-ended another vehicle, causing his own car to veer off the roadway and slam into a wooden guardrail. The impact scattered debris that struck a third vehicle. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported at the scene.

Connecticut State Police cited McMahon for reckless driving and following too closely—both classified as misdemeanor offenses. He was released after posting bond and is scheduled to appear in court on August 26.

The address McMahon provided to officers links to the former WWE corporate headquarters, further tying the incident to the longtime executive’s public identity as the face of professional wrestling’s global rise. McMahon, often a polarizing figure, played a central role in turning WWE into a worldwide entertainment powerhouse before stepping down amid misconduct allegations in recent years.

The timing of the crash adds to McMahon’s ongoing legal and reputational troubles. Though he no longer serves in a day-to-day leadership role at WWE, his legacy remains deeply entwined with the company’s operations. WWE is now part of TKO Group Holdings following its high-profile merger with the UFC, and is being guided by a new executive structure.

As of Wednesday, neither McMahon nor his representatives had issued a statement regarding the traffic incident.

The Westport crash marks another headline for the former wrestling mogul, who continues to draw public attention despite his formal departure from WWE leadership.

Double Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies at 31 in Pakistan Mountaineering Accident

Simeon Bateren
-
0
Double Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies at 31 in Pakistan Mountaineering Accident

GILGIT-BALTISTAN, Pakistan (BN24) — Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and double Olympic champion, has died at the age of 31 following a tragic mountaineering accident in the northern ranges of Pakistan, her management confirmed on Wednesday.

Dahlmeier, who made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang by becoming the first woman to win both the sprint and pursuit events in biathlon at a single Games, was climbing Laila Peak—a 6,094-meter summit in the Gilgit-Baltistan province—when she was struck by a sudden rockfall on Monday.

Her death was confirmed by two separate rescue teams after days of intense search efforts led by both German and American climbers. A helicopter search mission was conducted Tuesday evening, but poor weather hindered rescue access and no signs of life were found. Her mountaineering partner, Marina Eva Krauss, was able to descend safely to base camp and is reported to be in good condition.

Dahlmeier, born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, was a dominant force in biathlon before retiring from the sport in 2019 at just 25. In addition to her two Olympic gold medals, she also claimed a bronze in the individual event and won seven World Championship titles during her brief but exceptional career.

Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the sporting world. The German Olympic Sports Confederation said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “She was more than an Olympic champion — she was someone with heart, attitude, and vision.”

The premier of Bavaria, Markus Söder, paid tribute to Dahlmeier’s achievements and character, saying: “Laura Dahlmeier epitomised her native Bavaria in the best sense of the word: she was ambitious and successful, yet always remained humble and close to her homeland. Even after her active career, she shared her love of sport as a winter sports expert, member of the mountain rescue service and ski guide.”

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry also mourned her loss. “The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic movement. Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics… she will be remembered forever.”

Earlier this month, Dahlmeier had successfully summited the 6,287-meter Great Trango Tower, also located in northern Pakistan. Her next challenge was the technically demanding ascent of Laila Peak—an iconic, spear-shaped mountain known for its beauty and danger.

Though she stepped away from competitive biathlon early, Dahlmeier remained deeply active in outdoor sports and conservation, often seen guiding mountain tours and participating in alpine rescue operations.

Her death marks a tragic loss not only for Germany’s sporting community but for international winter sports as a whole.

1...255256257...979Page 256 of 979