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 Paris Jewish Institutions Defaced with Green Paint in Vandalism Spree

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 Paris Jewish Institutions Defaced with Green Paint in Vandalism Spree

PARIS  — Authorities in France have launched a criminal investigation after five Jewish institutions in Paris were defaced with green paint overnight, in what officials are calling a targeted attack on the Jewish community.

Police discovered the vandalism early Saturday, with green paint splashed across the Shoah Memorial, a major Holocaust museum in the capital, as well as three synagogues and a Jewish restaurant in Le Marais, Paris’ historic Jewish quarter.

According to a police source, the Shoah Memorial — a solemn site commemorating the millions of Jews murdered during the Holocaust — was among the most prominent locations defaced during the incident. The paint was found smeared on the façade, sparking condemnation from local and national leaders.

The other sites included three operational synagogues and a kosher restaurant, all located within the vibrant and culturally significant Le Marais district, which has long been home to Paris’ Jewish population.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau swiftly denounced the incident in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), describing the vandalism as “despicable acts targeting the Jewish community.” He added that he was personally “disgusted” by the attack and affirmed that law enforcement would pursue those responsible with full force.

The Interior Ministry has not yet confirmed whether the acts are being treated explicitly as antisemitic hate crimes, but the coordinated nature of the defacements and the specific targeting of Jewish landmarks strongly suggest a deliberate provocation.

The attack comes amid growing concern over rising antisemitic incidents in France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish population. In recent months, Jewish institutions across the country have reported an increase in threats, graffiti, and acts of vandalism, especially amid tensions linked to international conflicts involving Israel.

France has heightened security around synagogues, Jewish schools, and community centers since the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks in Israel, which sparked global unrest and political protests.

While no group has claimed responsibility, investigators are reviewing security footage and eyewitness accounts as they try to establish a timeline and identify suspects.

Local Jewish leaders expressed shock and dismay at the desecration of sacred and cultural sites. The Shoah Memorial, in particular, holds deep emotional and historical significance for French Jews, as it stands as a permanent record of Nazi atrocities and French collaboration during World War II.

Community representatives have called for swift justice and increased protection for Jewish neighborhoods, especially in areas like Le Marais that serve not only as cultural hubs but also as symbols of Jewish resilience and continuity in France.

Monsoon Rains Trigger Deadly Floods and Landslides in Northeast India, Killing at Least 22

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Monsoon Rains Trigger Deadly Floods and Landslides in Northeast India, Killing at Least 22

NEW DELHI  — At least 22 people have been killed and dozens more displaced across northeastern India after days of relentless monsoon rains triggered landslides and flash floods, officials reported Saturday.

The casualties spanned multiple states in the region, with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya all affected by severe weather-related disasters as the June-September monsoon season intensifies.

In Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, a mudslide buried several homes on Saturday, killing five people, including three members of one family, according to the state’s official flood bulletin. Emergency workers were still clearing debris as the search for potential survivors continued.

To the northeast in Arunachal Pradesh, seven people lost their lives on Friday when their vehicle was swept off the road by surging floodwaters. Two more fatalities were reported in a separate drowning incident in the same state.

Another eight people died across Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya in the last 24 hours as the unrelenting rainfall led to catastrophic flooding and triggered multiple landslides, according to government figures released Saturday.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said electricity was preemptively cut in several neighborhoods to prevent electrocution, as flooded streets and submerged homes created dangerous conditions across Guwahati and surrounding districts.

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in urban areas of Guwahati Friday night, prompting hours-long power outages and leading authorities to shut down schools and colleges on Saturday as a precaution.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rains in the region in the coming days, raising the likelihood of further landslides and flash floods, particularly in the mountainous northeastern states.

The northeastern belt, which shares borders with countries like China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, is among India’s most climate-vulnerable zones, often bearing the brunt of intensifying monsoonal patterns.

While India’s monsoon season provides crucial rainfall for agriculture, especially for crops like rice and pulses, it increasingly brings destructive consequences, particularly in ecologically fragile regions.

Climate scientists warn that the Himalayan foothills and northeastern states are especially prone to the effects of global warming, which has made monsoons more erratic and intense in recent decades.

“The increasing frequency of sudden cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides is tied to rising temperatures and extreme weather events,” researchers note, underscoring the urgent need for improved infrastructure and early warning systems in flood-prone areas.

State and federal disaster response teams have been deployed to provide relief supplies, medical assistance, and temporary shelters to displaced families. Authorities say rescue operations are ongoing in affected districts as they assess the full scale of damage.

With the monsoon season still in its early phase, officials warn the death toll could rise if current rainfall patterns persist, and they are urging residents in high-risk zones to evacuate where necessary.

 Train Derails in Western Russia After Bridge Collapse, Killing at Least 7 in Suspected Sabotage

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 Train Derails in Western Russia After Bridge Collapse, Killing at Least 7 in Suspected Sabotage

MOSCOW  — A passenger train derailed in Russia’s Bryansk region late Saturday after a bridge collapsed, killing at least seven people and injuring 30 others, including two children, in what officials described as the result of “illegal interference” with transportation infrastructure.

The bridge collapse occurred in Bryansk, a region in western Russia that borders Ukraine, and resulted in the train slamming into the debris. Moscow Railways, in a statement, said the incident stemmed from unauthorized tampering with transport operations but did not elaborate on the nature of the interference.

Russia’s federal road transportation agency, Rosavtodor, confirmed that the destroyed bridge spanned the railway where the passenger train had been traveling at the time of the collapse.

Photographs released by Russian government agencies showed a grim scene of twisted railcars scattered across the tracks, surrounded by chunks of concrete and metal from the fallen bridge. Videos shared on social media captured the harrowing moments just before the collapse, including footage from nearby vehicles that narrowly avoided driving onto the bridge.

Bryansk Governor Alexander Bogomaz said rescue and emergency crews were at the scene, working to assist victims and clear the wreckage. “Everything is being done to provide all necessary assistance to the victims,” he stated in a Telegram post.

Officials have not publicly identified a culprit, but the incident has renewed suspicions of possible sabotage, particularly by pro-Ukrainian elements, which Moscow has previously accused of targeting its railway infrastructure amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Though Russian authorities stopped short of naming who was responsible, the term “illegal interference” has become a frequent euphemism in past sabotage cases tied to railway lines and military logistics in border regions.

The Bryansk region has witnessed several cross-border incidents since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and both Ukrainian and Russian media have reported attacks and explosions involving critical infrastructure.

In December 2023, Ukrainian outlets reported that Kyiv’s top intelligence agency had successfully executed two explosions on a key railway route in Siberia, crucial for trade between Russia and China. While Ukraine’s security services declined to confirm or comment on those operations, Russian Railways acknowledged at least one explosion, though the cause was not disclosed.

No official connection has been drawn between those past incidents and Saturday’s deadly derailment, and independent verification remains limited due to restricted access to the affected site.

The fatal accident raises further concerns about the vulnerability of Russian transportation networks, particularly those near strategic regions or along military supply routes. It also underscores the growing risk of sabotage as the war continues into its third year.

The Russian Investigative Committee has reportedly launched a formal probe into the derailment, and security has been heightened across major railway lines in the western regions of the country.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any explosives were involved, and as of Sunday morning, no arrests have been made, and no group has claimed responsibility for the bridge collapse.

The tragedy in Bryansk comes amid ongoing military operations and intelligence activity between Russia and Ukraine, with infrastructure sabotage becoming an increasingly reported tactic in the shadow war playing out beyond the frontlines.

As cleanup crews continue to work at the scene, and victims receive treatment in local hospitals, the Kremlin faces renewed pressure to secure transportation corridors vital for both civilian travel and military logistics.

U.S. Envoy Rejects Hamas Ceasefire Proposal as ‘Totally Unacceptable’ Amid Stalemate in Gaza Truce Talks

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U.S. Envoy Rejects Hamas Ceasefire Proposal as ‘Totally Unacceptable’ Amid Stalemate in Gaza Truce Talks

WASHINGTON  — U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Saturday dismissed a newly submitted Hamas ceasefire proposal as “totally unacceptable,” urging the militant group to instead agree to a U.S.-backed framework aimed at securing a 60-day truce in Gaza.

Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump in November, issued a firm rebuke on X (formerly Twitter), shortly after Hamas announced its willingness to release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

“I received the Hamas response to the United States’ proposal. It is totally unacceptable and only takes us backward,” Witkoff wrote. “Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week.” He added that Hamas’ compliance is the “only way” to finalize a 60-day ceasefire deal.

The sharp response underscores the growing frustration among U.S. officials as efforts to halt the fighting in Gaza stall, even as the region suffers a mounting humanitarian toll.

In its statement, Hamas reaffirmed its core demands, calling for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a sustained influx of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.

A proposal outline shared earlier by Hamas with NBC News included a phased approach: a 60-day pause in fighting, the release of 33 hostages, and a prisoner exchange at a 30-to-1 ratio. It also called for daily aid convoys of 600 trucks and the return of displaced Palestinians to all areas of Gaza.

Under Hamas’ plan, the temporary truce would eventually evolve into a permanent cessation of hostilities upon full implementation of its terms. NBC News could not independently verify the contents of the proposal.

While the White House indicated that Israel has already approved the U.S. proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not publicly confirm its position on Hamas’ response. Instead, Netanyahu accused Hamas on Saturday of “continuing to reject” the U.S.-backed truce plan, according to Reuters.

In contrast, senior Hamas official Basem Naim disputed that claim, telling Reuters that Hamas had not rejected the proposal. Instead, he accused Israel of reneging on previously agreed-upon terms and criticized Witkoff’s posture as “unfair” and “completely biased” in favor of Israel.

The conflicting accounts have deepened skepticism over the viability of ongoing negotiations, which resumed earlier this month in Istanbul for the first time in over three years but yielded only a limited prisoner exchange and vague promises to stay in contact.

The diplomatic impasse comes amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where the Palestinian Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reported 60 deaths and 284 injuries in the past 24 hours alone. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, more than 54,000 people—including thousands of children—have reportedly been killed in the territory.

Israel launched its offensive following a Hamas-led terrorist attack that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of around 250 hostages, marking the most violent escalation in the conflict in decades.

After an 11-week blockade, Israel recently reopened crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, following international pressure. However, humanitarian groups have raised strong objections to the implementation of aid delivery.

As part of the renewed humanitarian push, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)—a newly launched initiative backed by the U.S. and Israel—has started distributing food aid. The White House claims the effort is aimed at streamlining assistance and ensuring equitable access.

President Trump on Wednesday acknowledged the dire conditions in Gaza, calling the situation “nasty” and recalling the October 7 attack as “the worst that I think I’ve ever seen.”

Despite the urgent need for aid, humanitarian organizations have voiced concerns that GHF’s approach could undermine long-standing aid frameworks and compromise the independence of relief operations. They also condemned Netanyahu’s plan to establish aid distribution points primarily in southern Gaza, warning that it could lead to forced displacement of Palestinians.

In a Friday update, GHF said it would expand operations to northern Gaza, announcing plans to build more distribution sites in the coming weeks. The foundation claimed to have provided over 2.1 million meals in just four days.

While Russia and Turkey have expressed support for further talks in Istanbul, the path to a ceasefire remains uncertain. Hamas has made clear it will not accept a deal without a path to a permanent end to hostilities, while the U.S. and Israel are pressing for a temporary truce as a stepping stone.

For now, Witkoff’s rejection of the latest Hamas proposal and the lack of a unified position among the key players suggest that a truce remains out of reach—even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral.

Russian Air Strikes Kill Child and Elderly Man in Southern Ukraine as Civilian Toll Mounts

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Russian Air Strikes Kill Child and Elderly Man in Southern Ukraine as Civilian Toll Mounts

KYIV, Ukraine  — Russian air attacks killed two civilians, including a nine-year-old girl, and injured several others in southern Ukraine, officials said Saturday, as strikes intensified amid stalled peace talks with Moscow.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces launched guided aerial bomb attacks on residential neighborhoods overnight, killing a young girl and injuring a 16-year-old boy, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional military administration. The assault destroyed at least one home and damaged several others in the targeted area.

“This was a deliberate strike on civilian infrastructure,” Fedorov said in a statement on Telegram, condemning the renewed bombardment in an area that has seen repeated Russian offensives since the invasion began.

In Kherson, a city repeatedly targeted by artillery and drone fire since being recaptured by Ukrainian forces in late 2022, a 66-year-old man was killed by Russian shelling, according to regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin. The man suffered fatal injuries during another wave of indiscriminate attacks, officials said.

The deaths come amid an ongoing wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine, which have increasingly focused on southern regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kharkiv.

In Kharkiv, located in the country’s northeast, one person was wounded following a Russian drone attack, local mayor Ihor Terekhov confirmed. The strike caused damage to several residential buildings but was quickly contained by emergency services.

Meanwhile, in Russia’s Kursk region, Ukrainian drone attacks injured 10 people overnight, according to acting regional governor Alexander Khinshtein, who posted the details on Telegram. The strikes reportedly targeted military-linked facilities, though independent verification remains pending.

The latest casualties come as diplomatic efforts to end the war have shown little progress, despite a recent rare round of direct talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul—the first in over three years.

While the initial session earlier this month led to a limited prisoner exchange and tentative agreement to continue communication, substantial breakthroughs remain elusive.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking Friday, expressed skepticism about any further negotiations unless Russia outlines clear peace proposals in advance.

“Moscow is doing everything it can to derail potential dialogue,” Zelensky said in a Telegram post. “There must be a ceasefire to continue moving toward peace. We need to stop the killing of people.”

Zelensky added that he had spoken with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding a possible second round of talks in Istanbul, and emphasized that any renewed diplomatic meeting must yield tangible outcomes. “It cannot and should not be a waste of time,” he said.

The Kremlin has stated it will send negotiators to Istanbul for a second round of discussions on Monday, though Ukrainian officials have not confirmed attendance.

Ukrainian analysts suggest the latest Russian assaults on civilian areas could be a strategy to gain leverage at the negotiation table—or to derail the process entirely.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the war has left tens of thousands dead, displaced millions, and razed entire towns and villages across Ukraine’s east and south.

As attacks continue and peace efforts remain fragile, the toll on ordinary Ukrainians only grows heavier—with children and the elderly increasingly among the dead.

PSG Crush Inter Milan 5-0 in Champions League Final Behind Desire Doue’s Historic Masterclass

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PSG Crush Inter Milan 5-0 in Champions League Final Behind Desire Doue’s Historic Masterclass

MUNICH  – Paris Saint-Germain completed a long-awaited conquest of European football with a devastating 5-0 destruction of Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final at the Allianz Arena, powered by a historic performance from 19-year-old sensation Desire Doue.

From the opening whistle, it was clear only one team had arrived with purpose. Within the first 20 minutes, PSG had raced into a 2-0 lead, overwhelming a shell-shocked Inter Milan side with electric pace, relentless pressing, and stunning technical quality.

Early Domination, Ruthless Execution

The floodgates opened in the 12th minute when Achraf Hakimi, playing against his former club, tapped in a low cross from Doue, who was fed by Vitinha through a precise ball that split the Inter backline. Out of respect, Hakimi refrained from celebrating, but PSG fans erupted in celebration of a dream start.

Just eight minutes later, Doue struck again. Following a brilliant recovery from Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia launched a rapid counterattack, combining with Ousmane Dembélé, who delivered a curling cross to the right wing. Doue’s half-volley, deflected by Federico Dimarco, looped over Yann Sommer and into the net for 2-0.

Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, looked outmatched in every phase of play. A team once lauded for defensive stability and tactical discipline collapsed entirely under the intensity of Luis Enrique’s Parisian machine.

Doue Makes History, PSG Seal a Record Final Victory

After the break, PSG showed no mercy. In the 63rd minute, Dembélé danced through the midfield and slipped the ball to Vitinha, who played another sublime pass to Doue. With composure well beyond his years, the French teenager slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his second goal and third direct contribution of the night—a new Champions League final record.

The rout continued as Dembélé threaded another perfect pass to Kvaratskhelia, who broke free in the 73rd minute and finished calmly at the near post. Then, in the 87th minute, teenage substitute Senny Mayulu added a fifth, finishing from close range after a smart assist from Bradley Barcola, completing the largest winning margin in Champions League final history.

Man of the Match – Desire Doue

While past icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never recorded three goal contributions in a Champions League final, Desire Doue did just that. With two goals and an assist, the teenager not only made history but also solidified his status as European football’s next generational star. His composure, vision, and technical brilliance left millions in awe—and Inter Milan in ruins.

Stat Breakdown: PSG vs Inter Milan

  • Possession: PSG 59% – 41% Inter
  • Shots: PSG 23 – 8 Inter
  • Shots on Target: PSG 8 – 2 Inter
  • Corners: PSG 4 – 6 Inter
  • Fouls: PSG 13 – 7 Inter

What’s Next

For PSG, Sunday’s triumph was more than just a long-awaited Champions League title—it was a vindication of a youth-first strategy that replaced the marquee stars of yesteryear with hungry, unified, and tactical brilliance under Luis Enrique. While Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Neymar failed to deliver European glory, a group of teenagers led by Doue have now inscribed their names into club folklore.

Enrique, whose appointment was once viewed with skepticism, may now have secured legendary status. A lifetime contract, some in Paris say, would be justified.

For Inter Milan, the future looks grim. The humiliating defeat—Inzaghi’s second Champions League final loss in three seasons—may signal the end of his tenure, with reports of a potential move to Al-Hilal swirling. Despite domestic success, his European shortcomings have now defined his reign.

As PSG fans flood the streets of Paris in euphoric celebration, the club’s long chase for continental supremacy has ended—not with the flair of global icons, but with the rise of a new golden generation.

Turkey Arrests Dozens in Widening Crackdown on Opposition, Including CHP Officials and Mayors

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Turkey Arrests Dozens in Widening Crackdown on Opposition, Including CHP Officials and Mayors

ISTANBUL  — Turkish authorities have arrested dozens of opposition figures, including municipal mayors and officials aligned with the Republican People’s Party (CHP), as part of what critics are calling a sweeping crackdown on dissent. The latest detentions mark the fifth wave of arrests targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political rivals, following the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu in March.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday issued detention orders for 47 individuals, confirming that 30 have already been taken into custody. The arrests occurred in Istanbul and the southern city of Adana, and include CHP members and local government officials.

The operation is part of an intensifying series of legal actions that critics say are designed to neutralize Erdogan’s strongest opponents ahead of looming political contests. Among the detained are several municipal mayors, reinforcing growing concerns about a targeted campaign against the CHP, Turkey’s main opposition party.

Mayor Imamoglu, widely considered Erdogan’s most formidable rival, was sentenced earlier this year on charges of corruption and aiding a terrorist organization—allegations he vehemently denies. His arrest sparked mass protests across Turkey, with thousands demanding his release and condemning what they describe as politically motivated prosecutions.

In a letter read aloud at an opposition rally on Saturday, Imamoglu declared:

“It is time to say ‘enough is enough’ to this unjust and unlawful order… Are you going to throw 16 million Istanbulites in jail one by one?”

Authorities have defended the arrests, insisting the judiciary operates independently and denying any political interference. Still, observers have raised alarms over the pattern of detentions. Since Imamoglu’s jailing, over 110 individuals have been arrested on various charges, with 819 protesters set to face trials in 20 criminal investigations, according to Istanbul prosecutors.

Saturday’s fifth wave of arrests comprised four coordinated operations across Istanbul and Adana, netting additional CHP members and local officials. CHP Party Assembly member Baki Aydöner revealed on social media that he was in Ankara when his wife informed him of a search warrant and detention order issued against him.

International rights organizations have condemned the ongoing clampdown. In March, the United Nations Human Rights Office expressed being “very concerned” about Turkey’s growing number of political arrests, while Amnesty International labeled the detentions “draconian actions” aimed at silencing political dissent.

Despite these warnings, Erdogan’s government maintains that the actions are lawful and necessary to combat corruption and protect national security. However, critics warn that the latest moves may further erode democratic institutions and intensify political polarization in Turkey.

bbc.com

20 Athletes from Kano Die in Tragic Bus Crash After National Sports Festival in Nigeria

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20 Athletes from Kano Die in Tragic Bus Crash After National Sports Festival in Nigeria

KANO, Nigeria  — A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of at least 20 athletes from Kano State, who were returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when their bus plunged off Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, northern Nigeria.

According to Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, the fatal crash occurred on Saturday as the team of approximately 30 athletes was en route home. Fagge confirmed that 19 bodies had been recovered at the scene, with several others sustaining serious injuries.

“The bus fell off the bridge, and the impact was catastrophic,” Fagge said. “As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies.”

The athletes were part of the Kano contingent that participated in the recently concluded National Sports Festival—a biennial multi-sport event showcasing some of Nigeria’s finest young athletic talents. Their tragic return has sent shockwaves across the Nigerian sports community, prompting an outpouring of grief and urgent calls for improved road safety for traveling athletes.

Ado Salisu, a former vice president of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), said that emergency services were quickly mobilized and that injured victims were being transported to Kura General Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State has acknowledged the crash. Abdullahi Labaran, the FRSC Public Relations Officer, confirmed that a report had been received but noted that official casualty figures were still being verified.

“We just received the report of the accident, so I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” Labaran said.

The tragedy has cast a pall over the sporting community in Kano State and across Nigeria, with many expressing sorrow over the untimely deaths of young athletes. It also raises concerns about the safety protocols for team travel to and from national events, particularly across Nigeria’s often dangerous intercity roadways.

Government officials and sports administrators are expected to release formal statements and possibly initiate an investigation into the cause of the accident, including possible vehicle malfunction or road conditions at Dakatsalle Bridge.

 Rihanna Mourns the Death of Her Father Ronald Fenty at 70 After Brief Illness in Los Angeles

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 Rihanna Mourns the Death of Her Father Ronald Fenty at 70 After Brief Illness in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES  — Ronald Fenty, the father of global pop icon Rihanna, has died at the age of 70 following a brief illness, according to reports from TMZ and Barbados’ Starcom Network. He reportedly passed away on Saturday morning in Los Angeles, where some family members, including Rihanna, are believed to have gathered.

The exact cause of death and time of Ronald’s passing remain undisclosed, and Rihanna’s representatives have not yet issued a public comment.

Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has had a tumultuous yet enduring bond with her father over the years. Their relationship faced significant strain, including a 2019 lawsuit in which Rihanna accused Ronald and his business partner of falsely representing themselves as her agents under the name Fenty Entertainment. The suit was withdrawn in 2021, reportedly after an out-of-court settlement.

Ronald’s history with substance abuse and domestic violence has been a painful chapter in Rihanna’s life. In a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the singer opened up about witnessing her father abuse her mother, recalling one incident where he broke her mother’s nose. Ronald has also struggled with alcoholism and past crack cocaine addiction.

In 2008, Ronald was removed from Rihanna’s tour due to his behavior while intoxicated. They reportedly did not speak for two years following the incident. Yet, in a quiet act of support, Rihanna funded a $58,000 Malibu rehab program for him in 2013 to help him avoid jail.

Despite repeated attempts at reconciliation, Ronald continued to publicly embarrass his daughter. In 2014, he was ejected from her Diamond Ball gala after falling while intoxicated on the red carpet. That visit ended without father and daughter meeting, although they later reconciled once more.

In spite of their strained history, Rihanna showed ongoing support by purchasing him a house and keeping lines of communication open. The singer is one of three children Ronald shared with ex-wife Monica Braithwaite, including sons Rajad and Rorrey. Ronald also fathered three other children—Kandy, Samantha, and Jamie—from previous relationships.

TMZ published photos of Rihanna’s brother Rajad Fenty arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Rihanna is believed to have been in the same vehicle, though she was not photographed.

Despite their history, Ronald publicly praised Rihanna during his 2020 battle with COVID-19, telling The Sun that she checked on him daily and even sent a ventilator to Barbados for his care.

“I thought I was going to die to be honest,” he said. “I love you so much, Robyn. She did so much for me. I appreciate everything she has done.”

In 2022, Ronald expressed joy upon learning of Rihanna’s first pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky, calling her “a good mom” and saying he was “over the moon” at the news. He had met Rocky in 2020 when Rihanna brought the rapper home to Barbados, later describing him as “a very cool guy.”

Rihanna has not yet commented publicly on her father’s death, but fans and celebrity peers are expected to offer condolences in the coming days. Given their complex history, the loss marks a deeply emotional and multifaceted moment in the pop star’s personal life.

British Airways Steward Found Naked in Business Class Toilet After Suspected Drug Binge on Flight from US to London

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British Airways Steward Found Naked in Business Class Toilet After Suspected Drug Binge on Flight from US to London

LONDON  — A British Airways flight from San Francisco to London turned chaotic when a male crew member was discovered dancing naked inside a business class toilet mid-flight, prompting police intervention upon landing and leaving fellow staff to manage without rest.

The shocking incident occurred while the flight was cruising at 37,000 feet over the Atlantic, with approximately 470 passengers and crew on board the double-decker Airbus A380-800 bound for Heathrow Airport. The steward was reportedly meant to be serving in-flight meals in Club World — British Airways’ premium business class section — when he disappeared.

Concerned colleagues launched a search when the steward failed to appear during one of the flight’s busiest service periods. The in-flight service manager ultimately discovered him completely naked, energetically dancing in the lavatory located in the Club World cabin.

“He was jigging up and down like he was at a party — not at 30,000 feet while on duty,” a fellow crew member told British media.

The man was quickly wrapped in a pair of First Class pyjamas and relocated to an available First Class seat, where he remained buckled in for the remainder of the 10.5-hour flight. He was said to be non-violent but incoherent, prompting both medical and police responses upon landing.

The flight landed at 11 a.m. last Sunday, where Metropolitan Police officers boarded the aircraft and arrested the steward. He was taken from the plane in a wheelchair, reportedly still under the influence and receiving medical attention.

British Airways later confirmed that the steward had been suspended from duty as an internal investigation proceeds. The airline stated, “It is a police matter,” declining to elaborate further.

Fellow crew members expressed anger over the incident, having to cover the full transatlantic flight without breaks to make up for the steward’s absence.

“We think the guy popped pills when he was meant to be working,” one BA worker told reporters. “Rather than asking passengers ‘chicken or beef,’ he was stripping off and dancing in the toilet.”

The employee added, “Not only is it really dangerous, it’s a crazy way to end your BA career. This job can do ridiculous things to people, but staging a one-man disco in a Club World toilet is a new one on me.”

The scandal has sparked renewed scrutiny over crew conduct and in-flight substance abuse policies, especially on long-haul international flights. Though incidents involving passenger disruptions are relatively common, such behavior from a uniformed crew member is considered rare and highly serious.

Authorities, including Scotland Yard, have not yet issued a public statement, but the steward’s continued employment with British Airways remains uncertain pending the outcome of the investigation.

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