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Mohamed Salah Reportedly Offered £65M Saudi Deal Amid Liverpool Exit Speculation 

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Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted by Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal with a record-breaking £65 million offer for two seasons as uncertainty surrounds his future at Anfield. 

Salah, 32, is regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest players, amassing 232 goals in 376 appearances since his arrival from Roma in 2017 for an initial fee of £36.5 million. Despite his integral role in the team, Salah’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, fueling speculation about his next move. 

Reports suggest Saudi officials, led by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, are preparing a lucrative offer to bring the Egyptian winger to Al-Hilal. The rumors gained momentum after Alalshikh shared an image of Salah in an Al-Hilal jersey on social media. 

According to The Sun, Al-Hilal is prepared to offer Salah the staggering two-year deal if he opts to leave Liverpool as a free agent this summer. Without a transfer fee, the club could allocate more resources toward Salah’s wage package. 

Salah has hinted that this season could be his last at Liverpool. In an interview with Sky Sports, he stated, “This is my last year” and expressed a desire to win the Premier League title before departing. 

Back in November, Salah publicly criticized Liverpool for delays in offering him a new contract. Speaking to *Mail Sport* after a match against Southampton, Salah revealed, “We are almost in December, and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club. I’m probably more out than in.” 

Despite the uncertainty, Salah has maintained remarkable form, recording 18 goals and 13 assists in 20 Premier League matches this season, with Liverpool sitting at the top of the table. 

If Salah accepts the Saudi deal, he would join the growing list of football superstars drawn to the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo, now playing for Al-Nassr, signed a deal in January 2023 worth £164 million per season, making him the world’s highest-paid footballer. 

Southwest Airlines Pilot, David Allsop, Arrested for DUI, Removed from Duty 

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A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for allegedly driving under the influence, authorities confirmed. 

David Allsop, 52, of New Hampshire, was taken into custody Wednesday morning. The incident reportedly delayed Flight 3772 to Chicago by several hours. 

A source told CBS News that Allsop smelled of alcohol and was subsequently removed from the flight. 

Allsop is facing DUI charges and was released on a $3,500 bond, according to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office jail records. 

In a statement to USA TODAY, Southwest Airlines said the employee “has been removed from duty.” 

“We’re aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 from Savannah,” a spokesperson said. “Customers were accommodated on other flights, and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.” 

Flight 3772 eventually landed in Chicago nearly five hours late, according to FlightAware. 

In a similar case in 2023, a United Airlines pilot received a six-month suspended prison sentence for reporting to work intoxicated before a flight from Paris to Washington, D.C. 

USAToday

Chinese Fraud Ring Used $100M in Stolen Gift Cards to Smuggle Apple Products to Asia

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A trio of Chinese nationals has pleaded guilty in New Hampshire to a scheme involving stolen gift cards and counterfeit Apple products used to buy electronics for resale in East Asia, federal prosecutors announced. 

Mengying Jiang, 34

The defendants—Naxin Wu, 26; Mengying Jiang, 34; and Mingdong Chen, 28—admitted to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after running a scam throughout 2023. Court documents reveal they used stolen gift cards to purchase Apple products, stockpiling them in a warehouse in Salem, New Hampshire, before shipping them to China and Hong Kong. The operation also involved returning counterfeit Apple devices to stores for gift cards, which were then used to buy more electronics. 

Law enforcement uncovered the scheme as part of a broader investigation into $100 million in losses linked to romance fraud, elder scams, and cyber intrusions. Investigators found $8 million worth of Apple products, 2,000 counterfeit devices, and $10,000 in cash in a warehouse used by the group. An additional $20,000 in electronics was discovered in a vehicle belonging to one of the defendants. 

Naxin Wu, 26

Prosecutors say the New Hampshire cell was part of a larger network operating across the United States. The group exploited tax-free states like New Hampshire to maximize profits, using stolen gift cards purchased at online auctions, often tied to romance scams targeting elderly Americans. The stolen funds were processed through cryptocurrency, according to court filings. 

Jiang’s attorney, Olivier D. Sakellarios, stated his client’s role was minor, asserting, “This scam comes from way higher than my client. Nonetheless, he realized he was doing something wrong and wanted to take accountability.” Attorneys for the other defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Mingdong Chen, 28

The National Retail Federation estimates that fraud schemes like this contribute to $101 billion in annual losses, with an average of $13.70 lost for every $100 in returned products. Prosecutors say similar cells have purchased 50,000 Apple products valued at $45 million, shipping them to countries like China, Russia, and Vietnam. 

Sentencing for Wu, Jiang, and Chen is scheduled for April in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire. 

Justin Baldoni Sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for $400 Million in ‘It Ends With Us’ Legal Dispute

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Actor and director Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million defamation lawsuit against his “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, escalating a contentious legal battle surrounding the film. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in New York, also names publicist Leslie Sloane and alleges defamation, lost future income, and reputational damage. 

The legal action comes two weeks after Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and others involved in the film, accusing them of harassment and orchestrating a coordinated effort to harm her reputation after she spoke out about her treatment on set. Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios claim in their lawsuit that Lively’s allegations forced them to respond publicly and legally. 

“Lively has unequivocally left them with no choice, not only to set the record straight in response to her accusations, but also to highlight the parts of Hollywood they’ve worked to oppose throughout their careers,” the lawsuit states. 

On the same day that Lively’s lawsuit was filed, Baldoni also initiated a libel lawsuit against The New York Times, alleging the publication collaborated with Lively to defame him. 

Requests for comment from Sloane, whose PR firm represents Lively and Reynolds, were not immediately returned. 

Blake Lively poses for photographers upon arrival at the UK Gala Screening for the film ‘It ‘Ends With Us’ on Thursday, August 08, 2024 in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Both Baldoni and Lively are represented by WME, the talent agency that dropped Baldoni as a client following Lively’s earlier legal actions. Those actions included a formal complaint that preceded The New York Times publishing a story detailing disputes around the film’s production. 

“It Ends With Us,” based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, has sparked widespread conversations in Hollywood, with particular focus on the treatment of female actors on set and in media portrayals. 

Jeff Bezos’ Rocket Launch Challenges Elon Musk’s Space Dominance

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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s space company, Blue Origin, successfully launched its first New Glenn rocket into orbit, positioning itself as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the commercial space race. The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 02:02 local time (07:02 GMT), marking a significant milestone for the company.

The launch pits Bezos and Musk, the world’s two wealthiest men, against each other as they strive to develop larger and more powerful rockets. Both companies aim to dominate the future of space travel, satellite deployment, and private space stations, with an eye on transporting people to the Moon.

“Congratulations on reaching orbit on the first attempt!” Musk wrote in a post to Bezos on X. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp expressed his pride, adding, “We’ll learn a lot from today and try again at our next launch this spring.”

Despite earlier technical setbacks, including ice formation delaying the launch, Blue Origin’s team celebrated the rocket’s successful orbit. However, the company was unable to recover the main engine or booster, which failed to land on the platform in the Atlantic Ocean. The loss of the engine, though disappointing, does not overshadow the significance of the launch.

Named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, the New Glenn rocket is more powerful than SpaceX’s Falcon 9. It can carry a greater payload of satellites, and Bezos intends to use it for his Project Kuiper, aimed at deploying thousands of low-Earth satellites to provide broadband services. This would directly compete with Musk’s Starlink service.

Bezos founded Blue Origin 25 years ago with the vision of “millions of people working and living in space.” While Blue Origin has made progress with its smaller New Shepard rocket, which has carried payloads and passengers, including Bezos himself in 2021, SpaceX has far outpaced it in terms of launch frequency, with 134 rocket launches in 2024 alone.

SpaceX’s new Starship rocket, which is even more powerful, is set for its seventh test flight later today. Experts suggest that Blue Origin’s successful New Glenn launch could foster real competition between the two companies, potentially driving down the cost of space operations.

Dr. Simeon Barber, a space expert at the Open University, predicts, “What you are going to see are these two companies challenge each other to make even greater strides.”

As private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin increasingly take on roles historically held by government agencies, NASA has shifted towards awarding lucrative contracts to private space companies. SpaceX has already secured billions in government contracts, and its close ties with U.S. leadership could further solidify its market dominance.

US to Impose Sanctions on Sudanese Army Chief Burhan-Reuters

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The United States will impose financial sanctions on Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on Thursday, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter. 

The sanctions come just a week after similar measures were taken against Burhan’s rival, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who was accused of committing genocide and targeting civilians. Two sources indicated that the move aims to demonstrate Washington’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict. 

Speaking to soldiers earlier on Thursday, Burhan appeared defiant, addressing the impending sanctions. 

“I hear there’s going to be sanctions on the army leadership. We welcome any sanctions for serving this country,” he said in comments aired by Al Jazeera television. 

The Sudanese army, as well as spokespeople for the U.S. State and Treasury Departments, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The Sudanese army and the RSF jointly staged a coup in 2021, ousting the country’s civilian leadership. However, tensions escalated, and the two factions turned against each other in April 2023, sparking a devastating civil war. 

The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and left half the population facing hunger. A source, who is a diplomat, stated that the sanctions against Burhan are based on allegations of targeting civilians and infrastructure, blocking humanitarian aid, and refusing to engage in peace talks. 

Dagalo, known as Hemedti, was sanctioned after U.S. authorities concluded that his forces had committed atrocities, including genocide, and carried out violent looting campaigns in RSF-controlled areas. 

Efforts led by the United States and Saudi Arabia to mediate peace have repeatedly failed. The Sudanese army has refused multiple attempts at negotiation, including talks in Geneva last August aimed at improving humanitarian access. 

This week, the army intensified its campaign, capturing the strategic city of Wad Madani and pledging to reclaim the capital, Khartoum. Rights groups and local residents have accused the army of indiscriminate airstrikes and revenge attacks on civilians, including incidents in Wad Madani. 

The U.S. has previously determined that both the Sudanese army and RSF have committed war crimes. 

Nigerian Army Reports Killing 76 Islamist Militants in Borno State

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Nigerian soldiers patrol on October 12, 2019, after gunmen suspected of belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group raided the village of Tungushe, killing a soldier and three residents. - Four civilians and three soldiers have been killed in attacks in northeastern Nigeria blamed on jihadist fighters, local residents and militias said on October 12, 2019. (Photo by - / AFP)

Nigerian troops have killed 76 militants linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno state during recent operations, a military spokesperson announced Thursday. 

Nigerian soldiers patrol on October 12, 2019, after gunmen suspected of belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group raided the village of Tungushe, killing a soldier and three residents. – Four civilians and three soldiers have been killed in attacks in northeastern Nigeria blamed on jihadist fighters, local residents and militias said on October 12, 2019. (Photo by – / AFP)

The militants, part of an ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, have been responsible for widespread violence, including the displacement of millions and the deaths of thousands. Borno state remains the epicenter of the conflict. 

The insurgents escalated attacks in Borno at the start of the year, including a deadly assault on the Dumba community last Sunday, where at least 40 farmers were killed. 

Major-General Edward Buba, the military spokesperson, confirmed that 24 fighters were killed during offensive operations conducted in the Damboa, Bama, and Chibok areas between Jan. 7 and 13. He did not disclose any casualties among Nigerian troops during the operations. 

Troops also apprehended 72 suspects and rescued eight hostages, Buba said in a statement. Recovered weapons and ammunition included AK-47 rifles, grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

The Nigerian army continues efforts to combat the insurgency, which has plagued the region for over a decade. 

Bollywood Star Saif Ali Khan Recovering After Stabbing at Mumbai Home

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Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is out of danger following a stabbing incident at his Mumbai residence early Thursday, according to doctors. The 54-year-old underwent surgery for injuries to his spine, neck, and hand after being attacked by an intruder. 

Dr. Nitin Dange, one of the surgeons treating Khan, said the actor sustained significant injuries, including a major wound to the thoracic spinal cord caused by a lodged knife. “Surgery was performed to remove the knife and repair leaking spinal fluid. He is on the path to complete recovery,” Dange told reporters. 

The attack occurred shortly after midnight in Khan’s Bandra apartment. Police said Khan tried to prevent the intruder, believed to be a burglar, from entering through a fire escape. A female employee at the residence was also injured and is receiving treatment, police confirmed. 

Senior police official Dikshit Gedam said authorities have identified the suspect and launched a manhunt. “This appears to be a robbery attempt,” Gedam stated. 

Khan, one of India’s most prominent actors, has appeared in over 70 films and series, including Netflix’s acclaimed production *Sacred Games*. The actor, son of former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, is married to fellow Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor. The couple, parents to two young sons, are among Bollywood’s most recognizable figures. 

The incident has sparked calls for enhanced security in Mumbai, particularly in Bandra, a neighborhood home to many in the film industry. Actor and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt criticized the lack of safety, stating, “The city, especially the queen of the suburbs, has never felt so unsafe before,” referring to Bandra’s popular nickname. 

Opposition leaders echoed the concerns, with Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Clyde Crasto questioning security measures. “If high-profile individuals with private security can be attacked in their homes, what hope is there for ordinary citizens?” Crasto asked on X, formerly Twitter. 

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently secured election victories in Maharashtra, the state where Mumbai serves as the capital. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of public safety under the administration. 

Biden Warns of Emerging Oligarchy Threatening U.S. Democracy

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President Joe Biden on Wednesday warned of an emerging oligarchy in the United States, cautioning that concentrated wealth and power are endangering democracy. Speaking in his final Oval Office address, Biden urged Americans to unite against the threat as he prepares to transfer power to Donald Trump next week.

“An oligarchy of extreme wealth, power, and influence is forming in America,” Biden said. “This threatens democracy, basic rights, and the fair opportunity for everyone to succeed.” 

He criticized a “tech industrial complex” for spreading misinformation and disinformation, which he said enables abuses of power. Biden also noted the deteriorating state of the free press, calling it a significant concern. 

Biden’s farewell address marked the conclusion of a political career spanning five decades. His presidency focused on addressing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and climate change. Despite these efforts, Biden acknowledged challenges in uniting the nation and preventing democratic backsliding. 

Donald Trump, set to take office on Monday at noon (1700 GMT), has tapped billionaire Elon Musk as a special adviser to reduce federal government costs. Trump’s cabinet selections aim to challenge traditional American alliances and governance norms, further reshaping U.S. politics. 

Biden’s administration prioritized infrastructure investments, semiconductor manufacturing, and efforts to combat climate change. These initiatives aimed to address wealth inequality and stimulate future growth. His leadership oversaw a robust economic recovery, defying predictions of recession, even as inflation and high prices persisted. 

The administration also distributed COVID-19 vaccines and bolstered international alliances, notably during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Biden faced criticism for the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, which resulted in 13 U.S. military casualties. 

Biden’s foreign policy achievements included strengthening global coalitions and addressing security threats. Yet his strong support for Israel during its war in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack divided the Democratic Party and hurt his reputation among progressives. 

In a letter released Wednesday, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, urging Americans to protect equality, liberty, and justice. “The soul of America remains at stake,” Biden wrote, calling for continued vigilance in the face of threats to democratic values. 

White House officials pointed to Biden’s significant legislative accomplishments, which they said would have long-term benefits. “In historical terms, Biden has enacted the most transformative legislation since President Lyndon B. Johnson,” one official said. 

Israeli Cabinet Delays Gaza Ceasefire Approval as Airstrikes Kill 77

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Israel delayed a planned cabinet meeting on Thursday to ratify a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, citing last-minute demands from the militant group, as Palestinian officials reported 77 deaths from overnight airstrikes in Gaza.

Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq said the group remained committed to the ceasefire, which was agreed upon a day earlier and scheduled to take effect on Sunday. The deal is expected to end 15 months of violence that have devastated Gaza and strained the region.

U.S. Special Envoy Brett McGurk and former President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff are in Doha, along with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, working to resolve outstanding disputes, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. The primary issue involves the identities of prisoners Hamas demands to be released, a matter expected to be resolved soon.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer confirmed that Israeli negotiators are in Doha attempting to finalize the deal.

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aims to end a conflict that has left tens of thousands dead in Gaza and triggered broader regional instability. The initial six-week agreement includes a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Hamas-controlled hostages will be released in return for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails.

The accord also includes provisions for humanitarian aid. A surge in supplies is expected to address severe shortages in Gaza, where much of the population is displaced. Aid trucks are reportedly lined up at the Egyptian border town of El-Arish, awaiting clearance to enter Gaza once the ceasefire begins.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed cabinet discussions, accusing Hamas of reneging on agreed terms. “The Israeli cabinet will not convene until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement,” read a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

While a majority of Israeli ministers are expected to approve the deal, opposition from right-wing factions in Netanyahu’s coalition persists. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism Party has threatened to withdraw from the government if the agreement is not followed by renewed military action to dismantle Hamas. Far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also warned he would resign if the ceasefire is implemented.

In Jerusalem, protests erupted as Israelis marched through the streets carrying mock coffins, opposing the ceasefire and accusing the government of capitulation.

Gazan residents, meanwhile, expressed urgency for the truce. “We lose homes every hour. We demand this joy not to be delayed,” said Mahmoud Abu Wardeh, a Gaza resident.

The ceasefire deal mandates the delivery of 600 truckloads of aid daily during the truce, including 50 carrying fuel. Israel will also release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, while 33 hostages held in Gaza, including women, children, and men over 50, are set to be freed.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, airstrikes continued. Gaza’s health ministry reported 81 deaths over the past 24 hours, including 77 since the deal was publicized. Israeli military officials said they were reviewing the reports.

The conflict, which began after Hamas gunmen attacked Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, has killed more than 46,000 people in Gaza and displaced most of its 2.3 million residents, according to Palestinian officials. Israel launched its military campaign in response to the assault, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage.

If successful, the ceasefire could halt fighting that has devastated Gaza and defuse tensions across the Middle East.

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