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Nigerian Catholic Priest Who Recently Served in U.S. Abducted by Boko Haram Islamic Extremists in Borno State, Church Confirms

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MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (BN24) — A Nigerian Catholic priest who recently returned home after serving in the United States has been abducted by Boko Haram extremists along with other travelers in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northeast, church officials confirmed Sunday.

The Rev. Alphonsus Afina, formerly of the Diocese of Fairbanks in Alaska, was kidnapped on June 1 near the border town of Gwoza in Borno state, a region long plagued by militant violence. The abduction occurred while Afina was en route from the city of Mubi to Maiduguri, the state capital, for a workshop when his convoy was ambushed near a military checkpoint.

“A rocket-propelled grenade struck one of the vehicles, killing a passenger and injuring several others,” said Bishop John Bogna Bakeni of the Diocese of Maiduguri. Bakeni told The Associated Press that he managed to speak briefly with Afina the day after the kidnapping. “He was tired from trekking, but sounded OK and in good spirits,” the bishop said.

It remains unclear whether Afina, who returned to Nigeria earlier this year to work with the Catholic Church’s Justice, Development and Peace Commission, was deliberately targeted. “There were multiple travelers abducted in the ambush,” Bakeni said, “but we don’t yet know how many.”

Nigerian authorities have not issued a public statement on the abduction and have not responded to media inquiries. Meanwhile, Rev. Robert Fath, vicar general of the Diocese of Fairbanks, told the Anchorage Daily News that he received a direct call from Boko Haram confirming they were holding Afina.

Afina served in Alaska from 2017 until 2024, ministering to remote parishes in one of the most isolated dioceses in the United States before returning to Nigeria to continue his work in social justice and pastoral care.

Nigeria has faced escalating violence across its northern and central regions, with armed groups—including Boko Haram—routinely launching attacks on communities, security forces, and travelers. Abductions for ransom have become increasingly common, and religious figures are often among the victims. In March, another priest was kidnapped and killed in central Nigeria.

Boko Haram, which began its insurgency in 2009 aiming to impose strict Islamic rule and oppose Western-style education, has been responsible for the deaths of over 35,000 people and the displacement of more than 2 million, according to the United Nations. The group’s campaign of terror has also spilled into neighboring countries, compounding one of Africa’s most intractable humanitarian crises.

‘Killer’ Asian Needle Ants Invading U.S., Threatening Humans With Sharp, Painful Stings as Numbers Surge

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ATLANTA (BN24) — A wave of invasive Asian needle ants, described by experts as ‘killer’ ants due to their painful stings and allergy-inducing venom, is spreading rapidly across several U.S. states, prompting warnings from entomologists ahead of their anticipated summer peak.

The carnivorous insects, Brachyponera chinensis, are increasingly being blamed for unexpected stings and serious health effects, including at least three documented cases of anaphylactic shock. The ants, originally native to East Asia, now thrive along the East Coast, from Florida to Connecticut, and their populations are expected to surge through July and August.

“Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh,” said Benoit Guénard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong, describing the sting’s severity. “It’s a very sharp, acute pain, but it’s quite local.”

The ants are difficult to detect due to their small size and inconspicuous behavior. Unlike fire ants, they do not leave pheromone trails, which makes locating and eradicating colonies a challenge. “Most ants are in-your-face invasive,” said Daniel Suiter, professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia. “These remain hidden.”

Often found nesting in decaying logs, firewood, leaf litter, and even urban materials like bricks and railroad ties, Asian needle ants pose a threat in both wooded and residential areas. Encounters typically occur during gardening or yard work, when humans accidentally disturb their colonies.

“People are most often stung when they’re working in their garden,” said Theresa Dellinger, diagnostician at Virginia Tech’s insect identification lab. “Nobody likes to be putting in their bedding plants and then suddenly have unexpected pain.”

Health officials warn that while most individuals will experience localized pain, those with insect sting allergies may suffer more severe reactions. Anyone at risk is advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector.

The ants were first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 in Georgia, but have only been recognized as a widespread pest since the early 2000s. Now, sightings are increasing annually, with peak activity approaching in the coming weeks. According to AntMaps, they are active across much of the southeastern and northeastern United States.

In addition to stinging humans, the ants hunt small prey such as flies, beetles, termites, and grasshoppers. Their spread is being monitored by researchers who stress the need for public awareness and improved pest management strategies.

With their elusive behavior and capacity to cause painful, medically significant stings, Asian needle ants are becoming a growing concern across the U.S., especially as summer approaches.

Russia and Ukraine Begin Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War Involving Wounded and Young POWs

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KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — Russia and Ukraine on Monday launched a significant prisoner of war exchange involving young servicemembers and those with severe injuries, marking the first phase of what could become the largest swap since the start of the war.

The exchange, confirmed by both governments, follows direct negotiations held in Istanbul on June 2. During those talks, officials agreed to a wide-scale humanitarian deal that includes the return of at least 1,200 POWs from each side and the repatriation of thousands of fallen soldiers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram that a group of Ukrainian prisoners had returned home, and the broader exchange would take place over several days.

“Today’s exchange has begun. It will be done in several stages in the coming days,” Zelenskyy said. “The process is quite complex, with many sensitive details, and negotiations continue virtually every day. We count on the full implementation of the humanitarian agreements reached during the meeting in Istanbul.”

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to recovering every captured citizen, saying, “We are doing everything possible to bring back every single person.”

Neither Ukraine nor Russia disclosed the number of prisoners exchanged on Monday. However, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the swap involved an equal number of military personnel from each side.

Over the weekend, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky said Moscow had already submitted an initial list of 640 names to Ukraine for the first phase of the exchange.

According to Russian officials, the returning Russian troops are currently in Belarus, a close ally of Moscow, where they are receiving psychological and medical care before being relocated to Russia for further treatment.

The Kremlin confirmed earlier Monday that it was prepared to fulfill the agreed terms of the POW and body repatriation agreement, though it accused Ukraine of previously delaying aspects of the deal. Ukrainian officials rejected those claims.

Despite deep-seated hostilities and a war that has entered its fourth year, the mutual return of prisoners and fallen soldiers remains one of the few areas where both countries have managed to find common ground.

6 Arrested for Abusing Elderly and Mentally Ill in Bulgarian Nursing Home

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SOFIA, Bulgaria (BN24) — Six people have been detained in central Bulgaria following allegations of severe abuse at a private nursing home, where elderly residents and patients with mental health conditions were reportedly beaten, drugged, and held in inhumane conditions, authorities said Monday.

The arrests came after a police raid on Friday at a private hospice in the village of Yagoda, which housed 75 residents. Five individuals were taken into custody during the initial operation, with a sixth arrested on Sunday, officials confirmed.

Ivan Krastev, Bulgaria’s deputy minister of labor and social policy, described harrowing scenes at the facility. “The scariest thing we saw was people who were subjected to constant physical abuse — tied up, beaten. There is also evidence of drugging,” he told Nova TV.

The suspects face multiple charges, including unlawful imprisonment, obstruction of free movement, failure to assist persons in danger, bodily harm, and acts of physical violence, district prosecutor Tanya Dimitrova said in a news briefing.

Following the raid, 11 residents were hospitalized, while the remaining 64 were either relocated to state-run institutions or reunited with relatives. Bulgarian media reported disturbing conditions at the nursing home, including patients being restrained, sedated, and locked in rooms without proper hygiene, ventilation, or bedding.

“They lock us up like dogs,” said 70-year-old patient Milka Raeva in an interview with BTV television. “They give us two slices of bread, and in this heat, they don’t open the door to let air in — they’re afraid we’ll escape. Many died hungry, without doctors, with wounds, tied up.”

The facility reportedly charged residents 990 levs (approximately $580) per month for a room. Authorities also shut down another illegal care home on Monday in the village of Govedartsi, which housed 23 patients.

The case has drawn renewed scrutiny over Bulgaria’s long-troubled elder care sector, where economic pressures and lack of oversight have led to abusive practices in some privately operated facilities. Bulgaria, like many European nations, is facing rising costs for elderly care, while income levels remain comparatively low.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and further inspections of private nursing homes are planned across the country.

Explosions and Fires Rip Through Cargo Ship Off Kerala Coast, Dozens of Containers Lost at Sea

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KOCHI, India (BN24) — A series of powerful explosions and fires erupted aboard a Singapore-flagged cargo ship off the southern coast of India on Monday, forcing crew members to leap into the sea and causing at least 40 containers to tumble into the Arabian Sea, Indian officials said.

The vessel, identified as WAN HAI 503, was en route to Mumbai when the incident occurred roughly 144 kilometers (90 miles) off the coast of Kerala. Shekhar Kuriakose, secretary of Kerala’s State Disaster Management Authority, confirmed that 22 crew members were on board at the time of the explosion.

“According to preliminary information, 18 workers jumped into the sea and have been rescued by emergency boats. Rescue efforts are still underway,” Kuriakose told reporters. He emphasized that the vessel is not currently at risk of sinking.

Dramatic visuals released by the Indian Coast Guard showed thick columns of black smoke billowing from the midsection of the vessel, with several containers visibly damaged or overturned. “The vessel is presently on fire and adrift,” India’s Ministry of Defence said in a post on X.

Authorities have yet to identify the contents of the containers or the cause of the explosions. No immediate reports of casualties were released.

The incident comes just weeks after another container vessel sank off the Kerala coast, releasing over 100 containers into the sea. India’s Directorate General of Shipping said there were no indications of oil pollution in that earlier incident.

As firefighting and rescue operations continued Monday evening, officials said a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the origin of the explosions and assess any potential environmental impact.

US-China Trade Delegations Convene in London to Strengthen Fragile Economic Truce

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LONDON (BN24)— High-level trade delegations from the United States and China convened in London on Monday for critical negotiations aimed at reinforcing a fragile economic truce that has provided temporary relief from a damaging trade dispute affecting the global economy.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading Beijing’s delegation in talks with a senior American team comprising Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The negotiations are taking place at an undisclosed location in the British capital and are scheduled to continue for at least one day.

The London meetings represent the latest effort to stabilize deteriorating trade relations between the world’s two largest economies following a temporary breakthrough achieved in Geneva last month. On May 12, both nations announced a 90-day suspension of most tariffs exceeding 100 percent that had been imposed during an escalating trade war that generated widespread concerns about global economic recession.

Despite the temporary tariff relief, tensions between Washington and Beijing have persisted over several contentious issues that continue to strain bilateral relations. The countries have exchanged sharp criticism regarding advanced semiconductors essential for artificial intelligence applications, “rare earth” minerals crucial for automotive manufacturers and other industries, and visa restrictions affecting Chinese students at American universities.

President Donald Trump initiated direct diplomatic engagement with Chinese leader Xi Jinping through a lengthy telephone conversation last Thursday in an attempt to restore stability to the deteriorating relationship. Following their discussion, Trump announced on social media that formal trade negotiations would take place Monday in London.

The British government has confirmed its role as host for the high-stakes negotiations while emphasizing its non-participatory status in the actual discussions. London is providing venue facilities and logistical support for the talks without direct involvement in the substantive negotiations between the two superpowers.

A British government statement welcomed the bilateral discussions, reflecting the United Kingdom’s position on international trade relations. “We are a nation that champions free trade and have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody’s interests, so we welcome these talks,” the statement declared.

The Geneva negotiations that preceded the London meetings had provided crucial breathing space in what had become an increasingly destructive trade conflict. The temporary tariff suspension represented the first significant de-escalation in a dispute that had imposed substantial costs on businesses and consumers in both countries while creating uncertainty throughout global supply chains.

However, the fragile nature of the current truce has become evident through continued disputes over critical technology sectors and educational exchanges. The semiconductor controversy involves American restrictions on Chinese access to advanced chip technology, while rare earth minerals represent a strategic vulnerability for various American industries dependent on Chinese supplies.

The visa dispute affecting Chinese students has added an additional diplomatic dimension to the economic conflict, potentially impacting academic collaboration and technological innovation in both countries. These ongoing tensions underscore the complexity of US-China relations beyond traditional trade considerations.

Monday’s London negotiations occur against the backdrop of broader geopolitical competition between the United States and China across multiple domains including technology, military capabilities, and regional influence. The trade talks represent one component of a multifaceted relationship that extends far beyond commercial considerations.

Global economic stakeholders are closely monitoring the London discussions for signs of progress toward a more durable resolution of trade tensions. Financial markets, multinational corporations, and allied governments have expressed concerns about the potential for renewed escalation if the current temporary arrangements prove unsustainable.

The success or failure of the London talks could significantly influence the trajectory of global economic relations and determine whether the fragile truce established in Geneva can evolve into a more stable framework for managing US-China commercial interactions. The outcome will likely have implications extending well beyond the two participating nations to affect international trade patterns and economic growth prospects worldwide.

Lewandowski Refuses to Play for Poland Under Current Coach Michał Probierz

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WARSAW, Poland (BN24) — Star striker Robert Lewandowski announced he will not represent Poland on the international stage as long as Michał Probierz remains head coach, citing a breakdown in trust with the current leadership.

The 36-year-old Barcelona forward, who holds the national team records for both appearances (158) and goals (85), made his decision public following his withdrawal from Poland’s recent international fixtures — a 2-0 friendly victory over Moldova and a World Cup qualifier against Finland. Lewandowski had cited fatigue from Barcelona’s La Liga title-winning campaign for missing the matches.

In his absence, head coach Michał Probierz named Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as the new captain of the national team. “Piotr Zieliński has been named the new captain of the national team by head coach Michał Probierz. The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the entire team, and the coaching staff of his decision,” the Polish Football Association said in a statement.

Lewandowski responded to the announcement with a post on X, formerly Twitter: “Taking into account the circumstances and the loss of trust in the head coach of the Polish national team, I have decided to step down from playing for the national team for as long as he remains in charge. I hope I will still have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”

Lewandowski recently recovered from a thigh injury suffered on April 19 in a La Liga match against Celta Vigo, which sidelined him for two weeks. The injury forced him to miss four matches, including the high-scoring 3-3 Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter Milan in Barcelona. He returned as a substitute in the second leg, which Barcelona lost 4-3, allowing Inter to advance to the final.

Despite the controversy, Poland sits atop Group G in World Cup qualifying with two wins from two matches. It remains unclear whether the standoff between Lewandowski and Probierz will impact Poland’s long-term campaign.

Explosion at Okinawa U.S. Base Injures Four Japanese Soldiers During Ordnance Inspection

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TOKYO (BN24) — An explosion at a facility for storing unexploded ordnance on a U.S. air base in Okinawa injured four Japanese soldiers on Monday, Japanese and American officials said. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The blast occurred at a site managed by the Okinawa prefectural government within the munitions storage area of Kadena Air Base, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement. No U.S. military personnel were involved in the incident, according to the statement.

Local authorities said the explosion happened while members of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force were inspecting unexploded wartime ordnance. The soldiers were reportedly removing rust from one of the devices when it suddenly detonated, NHK television reported. All four sustained injuries to their fingers.

Okinawa prefectural officials confirmed the injuries but said further details about the cause of the explosion remain under investigation.

The Self-Defense Forces Joint Staff said the incident marked the first such accident since the creation of Japan’s unexploded ordnance disposal unit in 1974.

Thousands of tons of unexploded munitions, mostly dropped by U.S. forces during World War II, remain buried across Japan — particularly in Okinawa, where some of the fiercest battles of the war were fought. Officials estimate that approximately 1,856 tons of unexploded bombs still remain on the island.

Such ordnance is frequently discovered during construction work. In a separate incident in October, an unexploded U.S. bomb detonated near a commercial airport in southern Japan, forming a large crater and causing the suspension of dozens of flights.

Monday’s blast underscores the ongoing dangers posed by wartime remnants more than seven decades after the end of World War II.

Russia Unleashes Largest Drone Barrage of War as Ukraine Reports 479 Aerial Attacks

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KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — Russia launched its most extensive drone assault of the war, targeting Ukraine with 479 drones overnight, the Ukrainian air force said Monday, as hostilities intensified amid faltering peace efforts and a renewed Russian offensive.

The unprecedented aerial barrage — the largest in the more than three-year conflict — included 20 missiles of various types, the air force reported. The attacks mainly targeted central and western regions of Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian officials, air defenses intercepted 277 of the drones and 19 of the missiles. Only 10 drones or missiles reportedly hit their intended targets, causing limited damage. One person was injured, authorities said.

The claims have not been independently verified.

The assault came as Russian ground forces escalated their summer campaign in eastern and northeastern sectors along the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that the situation in some of those areas remains “very difficult,” though he did not elaborate.

Ukraine continues to face critical shortages in personnel and equipment, particularly in air defense capabilities, as delays in Western military aid persist. Questions over future U.S. assistance have further heightened Kyiv’s sense of vulnerability.

The aerial escalation has coincided with the first rounds of direct peace negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in more than a year. Talks held in Istanbul have produced little progress beyond agreements to exchange prisoners and repatriate remains of dead and wounded soldiers.

Ukraine says Russia continues to target civilian infrastructure with Iranian-made Shahed drones. The United Nations estimates more than 12,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed since the war began, although Moscow insists it aims only at military objectives.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has ramped up its own long-range drone strikes, penetrating deep into Russian territory.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense said Monday that its forces downed 49 Ukrainian drones across seven regions overnight. Two drones reportedly struck a facility that manufactures electronic warfare equipment in Chuvashia, more than 600 kilometers east of Moscow.

In Voronezh, regional governor Alexander Gusev reported that 25 drones were intercepted, but a gas pipeline was damaged, sparking a minor fire.

In a separate development, Ukraine’s General Staff said its special operations forces carried out a strike on two Russian fighter jets stationed at Savasleyka airfield in Russia’s Novgorod region, roughly 650 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The statement did not detail how the aircraft were targeted.

Skydiving Plane Crashes After Takeoff in Tennessee, Injuring Multiple Passengers

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TULLAHOMA, Tenn. (BN24) — A skydiving aircraft carrying 20 people crashed shortly after takeoff near Tullahoma Regional Airport, Tennessee, on Sunday, injuring several passengers and prompting a federal investigation, authorities said.

The aircraft, a DeHavilland DH-6 Twin Otter, went down around 12:30 p.m. local time near Old Shelbyville Road, just minutes after departing the airport, according to Tullahoma Community Engagement Officer Lyle Russell.

During a news conference, officials stated the plane encountered an “unknown issue” after liftoff that led to a collision with trees and surrounding terrain. Three people were airlifted to nearby hospitals, while another was transported by ground with more serious injuries. First responders treated several others for minor injuries at the scene.

“There are no reported fatalities at this time,” Russell said. “We are grateful the injuries were limited, and our hearts and minds are with those who went through this accident and their upcoming recovery.”

The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed its troopers were assisting the Tullahoma Police Department at the crash site. Authorities said there was no damage to airport facilities and no injuries reported among people on the ground.

The FAA responded to the site and is working with airport personnel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Local officials described the crash scene as active and urged residents to avoid the area as emergency crews and investigators continue to work.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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