Cambodia Urges Immediate Ceasefire With Thailand as Border Clashes Leave 32 Dead

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July 26, 2025

KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — At least five people were killed in a surge of cross-border drone and missile attacks between Ukraine and Russia, as both nations ramped up military action following unproductive ceasefire talks in Istanbul.

Ukrainian authorities reported that more than 200 drones and nearly 30 missiles were launched by Russian forces overnight, targeting several cities with particular intensity in the central region of Dnipropetrovsk. Three people died and six were injured in that region, officials said Saturday. Residential areas in the city of Dnipro were struck, with industrial sites and a shopping center also sustaining damage.

On the Russian side, two fatalities were reported in the Rostov region after a vehicle caught fire, an incident attributed to a Ukrainian drone strike, according to the region’s acting governor.

The latest wave of drone warfare comes as both governments issued updates on military operations. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed its troops had taken control of two villages—Zelenyi Hai in the contested Donetsk region and Maliivka in Dnipropetrovsk. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country’s forces were “gradually pushing Russian forces out” of the northeastern Sumy region, an area he called a key target for Moscow’s military efforts.

Zelensky confirmed that Kharkiv and Sumy were also struck by Russian missiles, reiterating Ukraine’s strategy to retaliate with long-range drone attacks. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he emphasized that Russian military sites and airfields are “now facing real consequences” from Ukraine’s drone capabilities. He called the strikes “arguments that will surely bring peace closer.”

Zelensky also noted that Ukrainian forces had blocked further Russian advances from the border into Sumy, and mentioned the reported liberation of Kindrativka village in the region. In the Donetsk region’s Pokrovsk front, he said Ukrainian troops engaged in 51 intense combat encounters within the past 24 hours as they continued defensive operations.

The tit-for-tat escalation in drone attacks followed the third round of ceasefire discussions in Istanbul earlier this week. While Ukrainian and Russian delegations met Wednesday evening, the talks collapsed without any signs of progress. Both sides accused the other of dismissing proposals. Previous negotiation attempts in May and June—spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls to end what he described as a “horrible, bloody war”—also ended without agreement.

The conflict, ignited by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, shows little sign of winding down as drone warfare becomes an increasingly dominant and destructive element in the nearly three-year-old war.

Credit: BBC.COM

Jorge Mas Slams Messi, Alba Suspensions as ‘Draconian,’ Urges MLS to Reform Outdated All-Star Rule

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July 26, 2025

MIAMI (BN24) — Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas publicly criticized Major League Soccer’s suspension policy on Friday, calling it “draconian” after Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were ruled out of Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati for missing this week’s All-Star Game in Austin, Texas.

Major League Soccer confirmed that both players will serve a one-game suspension under its current policy, which states that any player who skips the midseason showcase without prior league approval becomes ineligible for their next club match.

Mas said the club, not the players, made the decision to withhold Messi and Alba from the All-Star Game in order to protect their fitness amid a congested schedule. He added that both were “extremely upset” by the league’s sanctions and felt blindsided by the disciplinary action.

“Obviously it was not a positive reaction,” Mas told reporters Friday. “They want to compete. They want to play games. That’s what they’re here for: to play and win. They understand the magnitude of tomorrow night’s game. So, the reaction was exactly as expected out of two competitive players who don’t understand the decision. Who don’t understand why not attending an exhibition match leads directly to a suspension.”

Messi’s absence from the All-Star Game has stirred widespread debate, especially with Inter Miami in the midst of a heated MLS campaign. Mas said he hopes the issue does not sour ongoing contract talks with the Argentine star, whose current deal expires at the end of the 2025 season.

“He’s very upset, extremely upset today, as expected,” Mas said. “I’m hopeful it doesn’t have an impact long-term. Will it have an impact initially, in the players’ perception of how the league rules work? Absolutely no doubt.”

MLS Commissioner Don Garber acknowledged the league’s enforcement of the policy was a “difficult decision,” especially considering Messi’s transformative influence on American soccer since his arrival.

“The most important thing is I know Leo Messi loves this league, and MLS is an entirely different league because of the years he’s been here helping to show the world what MLS is and what it’s capable of being,” Garber told The Athletic. “But unfortunately, we have a longstanding policy relating to player participation in the All-Star Game and we had to enforce that policy. It was a very, very difficult decision, but one I hope both he and everyone else can understand and respect.”

Garber added that the league would be reviewing the rule moving forward.

“We are going to take a very hard look at the rule,” he said. “It is important to all of our players and all of our fans that we have a policy that reflects and involves the realities of our league and its players going forward. I am committed to working with all of our players and to start working with Leo Messi to adapt this rule so it makes sense going forward.”

Mas maintained that Inter Miami’s decision was made with player welfare in mind, particularly with Messi and Alba navigating a rigorous schedule that includes domestic league matches, cup competitions, and international duties.

“I think that the punishment for the rule is frankly draconian,” Mas said. “It’s a bad rule because I think it puts the players in an untenable position to have to choose between participating in an All-Star festivity, which is an exhibition match, or choosing a regular-season game that I think matters. And I admire both Lionel and Jordi for always thinking of club first.”

As Messi and Alba sit out Saturday’s crucial match, pressure is mounting on MLS to modernize its disciplinary framework, particularly for marquee players whose presence on the pitch directly drives ticket sales, TV ratings, and global attention.

Credit: ESPN

Dozens of Children and Adults Starve to Death in Gaza as Hunger Crisis Deepens-AP

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July 26, 2025

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a devastating turning point, with soaring malnutrition deaths among children and adults amid Israel’s ongoing blockade, according to Palestinian health officials and aid workers. In July alone, at least 48 Palestinians — including 20 children — have died from causes linked to starvation, marking the most lethal month since the siege began.

Naima Abu Ful poses for a photo with her 2-year-old malnourished child, Yazan, at their home in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Doctors at the Patient’s Friends Hospital in Gaza City say children are dying daily from hunger-related complications. Five children recently succumbed within just four days after the hospital ran out of essential malnutrition treatments. These deaths include toddlers and babies with no underlying health conditions — a troubling shift that underscores the worsening emergency.

Dr. Rana Soboh, a nutritionist at the facility supported by U.S.-based aid organization MedGlobal, said children are now arriving so weak they can no longer cry or move. “There are no words in the face of the disaster we are in. Kids are dying before the world,” she said. “There is no uglier and more horrible phase than this.”

Medical staff say more than 200 children are being brought in daily, many suffering from severe wasting. The center’s pediatric ward, designed for 10 patients, has held up to 19 malnourished children at once. Desperation has spread among the hospital’s own caregivers, some of whom have resorted to IV drips just to keep themselves functioning amid food shortages.

One of the latest victims, 4½-year-old Siwar, died after suffering from critically low potassium levels — a common but untreated condition in Gaza’s collapsing medical system. Four other children, aged 4 months to 2 years, died from gastric arrest after the hospital ran out of proper nutrition supplies.

In the Shati Refugee Camp, 2-year-old Yazan Abu Ful is visibly wasting away. His mother, Naima, who is pregnant, has been feeding the family boiled eggplant water stretched over days. Yazan, now too weak to stand or speak, lies listlessly on the floor. “If we leave him, he might just slip away from between our fingers,” his father said.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that starvation has now begun affecting adults, especially those with preexisting health conditions. On Thursday, bodies of a man and woman showing signs of starvation were delivered to Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital. Both suffered from severe nutrient deficiencies, anemia, and gastric shutdowns. “These diseases don’t kill if they have food and medicine,” said hospital director Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia.

The current surge in deaths follows Israel’s total blockade on Gaza that began in March, restricting all food, fuel, medicine, and aid. Though Israel slightly eased restrictions in late May, allowing around 4,500 aid trucks to enter in the past two months, humanitarian organizations say the aid is insufficient. The United Nations has stated that 500 to 600 trucks are needed each day to meet Gaza’s basic needs, and much of the aid that does arrive is intercepted by desperate crowds before reaching its intended destinations.

Nearly 100,000 women and children in Gaza urgently require treatment for malnutrition, according to the U.N.’s World Food Program. Dr. John Kahler, a pediatrician and co-founder of MedGlobal, warned that the situation has entered “a population death spiral.”

Israel continues to deny responsibility, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office blaming Hamas for “man-made shortages.” The United Nations disputes those claims, asserting that Hamas does not significantly interfere with aid delivery and calling for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.

For now, Gaza’s children and families remain at the mercy of dwindling supplies and a humanitarian system stretched beyond its breaking point.

Police Arrest Two Soldiers, 20 Others in Cultism Raid on Abeokuta Hotel

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July 26, 2025

ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (BN24) — The Ogun State Police Command said it arrested two serving soldiers and 20 other individuals suspected of cult-related activity during a coordinated midnight operation at a hotel in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

The arrests occurred late Friday night during a raid on Hilton Hotel in the Osiele area of the state capital. According to a statement released Saturday by Command spokesperson CSP Omolola Odutola, the Anti-Cultism Unit led the joint operation alongside tactical units from the Odeda and Aregbe divisions, as well as the State Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. The operation was based on actionable intelligence and executed around 8:20 p.m. on July 25.

Police identified the suspects as alleged members of the Aiye confraternity, one of Nigeria’s most notorious cult groups. Among those detained were two uniformed military personnel, 19 male suspects, and three women. Officers also recovered weapons during the raid, including a locally made cut-to-size firearm, a UTC axe, and several blue berets commonly associated with the cult group.

The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Cultism Unit at Eleweran for further questioning. Police confirmed that no injuries were recorded during the arrest operation.

Odutola emphasized that the police command remains committed to dismantling cultist networks and tackling violent crimes in Ogun State. She called on residents to continue sharing credible intelligence to support law enforcement efforts.

The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the rising influence of cult groups in southwestern Nigeria, particularly in urban centres like Abeokuta, where clashes and recruitment activities have escalated in recent months.

Credit:Punching.com

Scottie Scheffler Wins British Open, Dismisses Comparisons to Tiger Woods as ‘A Bit Silly’

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July 26, 2025

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (BN24) — Scottie Scheffler’s dominant victory at the 2024 British Open drew renewed comparisons to Tiger Woods, but the world’s top-ranked golfer called the parallels “a bit silly” after clinching his fourth major title on Sunday.

Scheffler, 29, produced a clinical display at Royal Portrush, winning by four shots to secure the third leg of the career Grand Slam. The American expanded a four-stroke lead into seven within an hour during the final round, staying bogey-free for 32 consecutive holes before a double bogey at the eighth. Still, his par-saving 15-footer on the sixth hole ignited a fierce fist pump—drawing inevitable flashbacks to Woods’ iconic par putt at Pebble Beach in the 2000 U.S. Open.

The Super Bowl of comparisons was back on the tee box. But Scheffler was quick to downplay them.

“I still think they’re a bit silly,” Scheffler said post-round. “Tiger won, what, 15 majors? This is my fourth. I just got one-fourth of the way there. I think Tiger stands alone in the game of golf.”

Scheffler’s Growing Major Legacy

Scheffler now holds four major titles: two Masters, one PGA Championship, and his latest Open Championship win. He claimed this year’s PGA by five strokes and the Masters by four. With 11 straight wins when leading after 54 holes, Scheffler’s consistency has made him the most formidable force in golf.

He joins Woods as the only player in the past 50 years to win multiple majors in a single year by at least four shots. Both players took exactly 1,197 days between their first and fourth major titles. Yet Scheffler insists his drive is internal, not historical.

“I’m not motivated by winning championships,” he said. “What motivates me is getting to live out my dream. I get to play professional golf, and I feel like I’m called to do it to the best of my ability.”

A Style All His Own

Unlike Woods, whose fire and flair captivated fans worldwide, Scheffler’s rise has been quieter and more methodical. He rarely finds himself in trouble—hence the lack of heroic recoveries—and avoids the limelight outside the ropes.

“He doesn’t care to be a superstar,” said Jordan Spieth. “He’s not transcending the game like Tiger did… but he wins. That’s what matters.”

Rory McIlroy, who briefly reigned as golf’s dominant figure a decade ago, admitted the current landscape belongs to Scheffler.

“He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to,” McIlroy said, though he noted his own trio of victories this year came when Scheffler “wasn’t quite on his game.”

Steady Dominance, Not Flash

Scheffler has now claimed four wins in 2024 and 20 worldwide career victories. His performance at the British Open highlighted the bedrock of his game: fairways, greens, and mental fortitude. Even his mishap at the eighth hole didn’t derail his path to the Claret Jug.

“To only have one double—really one over-par hole—in the last 36 holes of a major championship, that’s how you win these tournaments,” he said.

Golf’s Champion of the Moment

Scheffler’s Open title was sealed with the traditional announcement as “champion golfer of the year” by the R&A, a nod to a legacy that continues to build. Though comparisons to Tiger Woods persist, Scheffler is carving his own path—built on humility, precision, and unshakable focus.

As for flashy stories off the course? The season began with a bizarre hand injury from slicing ravioli with a wine glass. Now, it ends with yet another major—and a growing reputation as the most dominant player of his generation.

Credit: Yahoosports.com

Israeli Forces Kill 25 in Gaza, Including 13 Seeking Aid, as Infant Dies of Starvation

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July 26, 2025

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — Israeli military operations across Gaza since dawn on Monday have left at least 25 Palestinians dead, including 13 people who were reportedly trying to access humanitarian aid, according to medical sources in the territory.

The fatalities occurred amid intensified Israeli strikes in several areas of the besieged enclave. An Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent reported that Israeli forces targeted groups of Palestinians in northern Gaza who had gathered in hopes of receiving desperately needed food assistance. Multiple injuries were also reported in that incident.

The rising death toll underscores the growing humanitarian catastrophe across Gaza, where food, water, and medicine remain nearly impossible to access due to a months-long Israeli blockade. According to Gaza’s health officials, the latest round of deaths highlights the toll of both active bombardment and systemic deprivation.

Among the latest victims is an infant girl, Zainab Abu Halib, who died from starvation in the north of Gaza. Her family said they were unable to find or afford milk as aid remains virtually nonexistent. They watched her health deteriorate for days, eventually rushing her to a hospital — but the facility had no treatment to offer.

Zainab’s death raises the number of Palestinians who have died from hunger-related causes in Gaza to at least 123, including 84 children and infants. With food and medical infrastructure collapsing, humanitarian agencies warn that the crisis is entering an irreversible phase.

“There is no food or drink, and no aid has been delivered for the past five months,” said Dr. Mohammed Abu Afash, director of Medical Relief in Gaza, in an interview with Al Jazeera. He said 17,000 children are now suffering from severe malnutrition, and the enclave has entered what he called the “fifth stage of famine.”

“The situation is deteriorating day by day,” Abu Afash warned. “If medicines and medical supplies are not delivered immediately, the death rate will accelerate.”

Despite mounting international pressure, aid trucks remain unable to enter Gaza in sufficient quantities, and access to medical facilities is severely limited. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations continue to call for immediate ceasefires and safe corridors to deliver life-saving assistance.

Trump Administration to Release Over $5 Billion in Withheld School Funding After Review

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July 26, 2025

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump’s administration will release more than $5 billion in previously approved funding for K-12 education programs, reversing a controversial freeze that had triggered bipartisan backlash and legal challenges.

The funding, which had been paused earlier in July for what officials described as a routine review, will begin flowing to states next week, according to a statement Friday from the U.S. Department of Education.

“The Office of Management and Budget has completed its review … and has directed the Department to release all formula funds,” said Madi Biedermann, deputy assistant secretary for communications. The department did not disclose the review’s findings.

A senior administration official said the disbursement would come with “guardrails,” though no specifics were provided.

The initial freeze, which impacted approximately $6.8 billion in congressional appropriations, halted funding for programs supporting migrant students, English language learners, teacher recruitment, and enrichment programs like after-school and summer learning initiatives. Last week, $1.3 billion of that total was released ahead of Friday’s announcement.

The decision to withhold the funds drew swift condemnation from both sides of the aisle. A coalition of Democratic-led states filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the freeze, and 10 Republican senators urged the administration to release the money, citing concern over educational disruptions.

The Trump administration previously defended the freeze by suggesting the funds were being used to “subsidize a radical left-wing agenda.” It has repeatedly clashed with schools and universities over policies related to climate change, transgender rights, pro-Palestinian campus protests, and diversity and inclusion measures.

While Republican lawmakers welcomed Friday’s move, Democrats criticized the delay as unnecessary and disruptive.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said she was satisfied with the outcome of the review. “I don’t believe we’ll see future freezes,” she added.

Divorced Thai Father Found Dead After Reportedly Drinking Only Beer for a Month

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July 25, 2025

RAYONG, Thailand (BN24) — A divorced father in Thailand was found dead in his home after reportedly consuming nothing but beer for nearly a month, authorities said. His 16-year-old son discovered his body surrounded by more than 100 empty bottles.

The man, identified as 44-year-old Thaweesak Namwongsa from Rayong province’s Ban Chang district, was found unconscious in his bedroom following what appeared to be a seizure. Emergency responders from the Siam Rayong Foundation were called to the scene but were unable to revive him.

According to local reports, Thaweesak had been struggling emotionally since his divorce and had begun drinking heavily. Despite his son’s efforts to cook and offer him daily meals, he refused to eat and instead subsisted solely on beer.

His teenage son, who had been living with him following the divorce, told police that he returned from school and found his father unresponsive. Inside the bedroom, paramedics counted more than 100 empty beer bottles lining the floor, with narrow walkways left between the piles to allow access to the bed.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of death. An autopsy is expected to be conducted later this week. However, officials said preliminary indications suggest that prolonged excessive alcohol consumption may have played a significant role in his sudden death.

The case has drawn attention in Thailand to the hidden toll of alcohol abuse and emotional distress among divorced or isolated individuals.

Argentine Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul Joins Inter Miami from Atlético Madrid

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July 25, 2025