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Equatorial Guinea Orders Security Overhaul After Government Sex Scandal

Equatorial Guinea’s government ordered sweeping security measures Tuesday following the leak of explicit videos allegedly showing a senior finance ministry official engaging in sexual acts with multiple women in government offices.

Vice President Nguema Obiang Mangue mandated the installation of security cameras and enhanced monitoring across government facilities after the scandal erupted on social media last week. “The executive is taking this decision following the videos of a sexual nature that have gone viral on social media in recent days and that denigrate the country’s image,” the state information agency announced.

The controversy has rocked the tiny Central African nation of 1.7 million people, where President Teodoro Obiang has maintained power for 45 years as the world’s longest-serving head of state. Local media reported that investigators discovered hundreds of amateur videos during a corruption-related raid on the official’s residence, with footage allegedly featuring wives of other government figures and family members.

The government’s emergency response, developed in consultation with the Supreme Court and attorney general’s office, includes immediate installation of security cameras in all offices and enhanced building security protocols. Officials appearing in the videos face suspension, while security personnel who failed to prevent the incidents will face disciplinary action.

The scandal has particularly rattled the government given Equatorial Guinea’s conservative social climate and the high-ranking positions of those allegedly involved. Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the circulated videos.

The crackdown reflects growing concern about conduct within government offices and its impact on the nation’s international reputation. The country, which gained independence from Spain in 1968, has faced previous scrutiny over governance issues under President Obiang’s extended rule.

Iranian Currency Tumbles as Trump Returns to White House

Iran’s currency plummeted to an unprecedented low Wednesday following Donald Trump’s election victory, as fears of renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington rattled the Islamic Republic’s already fragile economy.

The rial crashed to 703,000 per dollar in Tehran’s exchange markets, marking a dramatic decline from the 32,000 rate during the 2015 nuclear deal and even the 584,000 level when reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian took office last July. The currency’s collapse reflects growing anxiety over potential renewed sanctions under Trump’s leadership.

“One-hundred percent he will intensify the sanctions,” said Amir Aghaeian, a 22-year-old student in Tehran. “Things that are not in our favor will be worse. Our economy and social situation will surely get worse. I feel the country is going to blow up.”

The economic turbulence comes as Iran navigates multiple regional crises, including its involvement in ongoing Middle East conflicts through its “Axis of Resistance” allies – Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Recent Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and reciprocal missile exchanges have heightened tensions further.

Iranian officials attempted to downplay the election’s impact. “The election of the U.S. president doesn’t have anything specifically to do with us,” said Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokeswoman for Pezeshkian’s administration. “The major policies of America and the Islamic Republic are fixed, and they won’t heavily change by people replacing others.”

The currency crisis reflects deeper economic challenges facing Iran, which continues enriching uranium at near weapons-grade levels despite international sanctions. Pezeshkian, who assumed power following hard-line President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash last May, campaigned on promises to secure sanctions relief through diplomatic engagement.

Public reaction in Tehran varied sharply. Taxi driver Mahmoud Parvari, 71, expressed stark opposition to Trump: “I feel like I’m seeing the devil. He looks like Satan, his eyes are like Satan and his behavior is like a mad man.” Another driver, identified only as Hosseini, took a more pragmatic view: “If it helps my country I would definitely make a deal with Trump.”

The market turmoil occurs amid heightened regional tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and recent military exchanges between Iran and Israel. Iran has threatened retaliation for Israeli strikes while U.S. forces operate missile defense systems in the region, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

Abortion Rights Score Major Constitutional Enshrinement Wins in 7 States But Loses in 3

Abortion rights advocates secured victories in seven states Tuesday while suffering defeats in three others, as voters across America continued to reshape reproductive rights in the post-Roe landscape during a pivotal election night.

Missouri emerged as a potential watershed moment, with voters clearing the path to overturn one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans. The state could become the first to undo a complete prohibition since the Supreme Court’s 2022 Roe v. Wade reversal. The approved measure would allow restrictions only after fetal viability, typically around 21 weeks.

“Today, Missourians made history and sent a clear message: decisions around pregnancy, including abortion, birth control, and miscarriage care are personal and private,” said Rachel Sweet, campaign manager of Missourians for Constitutional Freedom.

However, abortion opponents scored their first post-Roe ballot victories in Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Florida’s measure fell short of the required 60% supermajority, cementing the state’s six-week ban and dramatically altering abortion access across the South. The outcome represented a significant victory for Governor Ron DeSantis, who directed substantial Republican resources to defeat the initiative.

“A momentous victory for life in Florida and for our entire country,” declared Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, praising DeSantis’s leadership in opposing the measure.

Voters approved protective measures in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Montana, while Nevada passed an amendment requiring a second approval in 2026. New York voters endorsed a measure banning discrimination based on “pregnancy outcomes.”

The mixed results coincided with Donald Trump’s presidential victory, adding complexity to the national abortion debate. AP VoteCast found abortion policy significantly influenced voters, with about one-fourth citing it as their most important factor and nearly half calling it important but not primary.

The night brought sweeping changes across multiple states. Arizona’s amendment replaced a 15-week ban with a viability standard, while Colorado expanded access by removing state funding restrictions. Maryland and Montana constitutionally protected existing rights, as South Dakota rejected a 12-week provision and Nebraska adopted measures allowing more restrictions.

The results ended abortion rights advocates’ previous winning streak on statewide ballots since Roe’s fall. Currently, 13 states enforce complete bans with limited exceptions, while four others restrict abortion after approximately six weeks.

Despite strict bans, national abortion rates have slightly increased through medication options and organized travel assistance, though advocates emphasize reduced access particularly affects lower-income and minority residents in restrictive states.

“The reality is a majority of Floridians just voted to end Florida’s abortion ban,” said Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Yes on 4, highlighting how state-specific voting requirements can override majority support. The defeat transforms Florida from a regional access point to a restrictive state, forcing residents to travel hundreds of miles to reach states with fewer restrictions.

Nigerian Military Leader Dies During Critical Security Period

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s army chief who led the military through a critical phase of its long-running battle against Islamic extremists, died Tuesday night in Lagos following an illness, President Bola Tinubu announced Wednesday. He was 56.

Lagbaja, who assumed leadership of Africa’s largest army in June 2023, had not been seen in public for nearly two months, prompting speculation about his health that the army initially denied. Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede was appointed acting army chief last week.

His death comes at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against one of Africa’s most persistent insurgencies. The Boko Haram conflict, now in its fifteenth year, continues to challenge Nigeria’s northeastern region, where the military struggles against well-armed extremist forces.

During his brief tenure, Lagbaja prioritized reforming the army’s image and operations, promising to instill greater discipline and professionalism in an institution frequently criticized for civilian rights violations and extrajudicial killings in conflict zones.

While militant attacks have decreased in frequency over recent years, security analysts note that extremist groups continue recruitment efforts and seek to strengthen their position in the Lake Chad basin region. The Nigerian military, historically underfunded and outgunned, faces ongoing challenges in containing the expansion of militant influence.

“General Lagbaja served Nigeria with unwavering dedication during a critical period in our nation’s security challenges,” President Tinubu said in a statement. “His commitment to reforming and strengthening our armed forces will be remembered as part of his enduring legacy.”

The leadership transition occurs as Nigeria’s military confronts multiple security challenges beyond the northeastern insurgency, including banditry in the northwest and separatist tensions in the southeast.

apnews

World Leaders Congratulate Trump’s Return to White House

World leaders rushed to congratulate Donald Trump Wednesday following his historic comeback victory in the U.S. presidential election, offering messages that reflected both warm support and careful diplomatic positioning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led early responses, hailing Trump’s “historic return” as a “powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism about Trump’s “peace through strength” approach, suggesting it could help achieve “just peace in Ukraine.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, despite Trump’s previous criticism of the alliance, emphasized collaborative potential: “His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO.”

European leaders offered measured responses, with French President Emmanuel Macron referencing their previous working relationship, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the “special relationship” between the two nations. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the “true partnership” between the EU and U.S., despite previous tensions over trade tariffs during Trump’s first term.

Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, a longtime Trump ally, celebrated what he called the “biggest comeback in US political history,” declaring it a “much needed victory” for the world. Meanwhile, Russian leadership remained notably silent, though former President Dmitry Medvedev mockingly celebrated Harris’s defeat.

Asian leaders joined the chorus of congratulations, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering “heartiest congratulations” to Trump, whom he called a friend. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed the alliance between their nations, while Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized hopes for strengthening regional cooperation.

The varied responses highlight the complex diplomatic landscape Trump will navigate in his second term, particularly given his previous “America First” approach that complicated relationships with both allies and adversaries during his first administration.

Bitcoin Surges to Record High on Trump Victory

Bitcoin soared to unprecedented heights Wednesday, touching $75,345 in early trading as investors responded to Donald Trump’s presidential victory with optimism about cryptocurrency’s future under his administration.

The digital currency’s dramatic 8% spike reflects a remarkable shift in market sentiment, driven by Trump’s evolution from crypto skeptic to advocate during his campaign. Though the price later settled around $73,500, analysts suggest this could mark the beginning of a sustained rally.

“Bitcoin is the one asset that was always going to soar if Trump returned to the White House,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. “The market is now speculating about when, not if, it will smash through $100,000.”

Trump’s campaign actively courted cryptocurrency supporters, promising to make America “the crypto capital of the planet” and establish a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His commitment to digital currencies manifested in several ways, including accepting campaign donations in cryptocurrency and launching World Liberty Financial, a crypto trading venture involving family members.

The president-elect’s July appearance at a bitcoin conference marked a decisive turning point in his relationship with digital currencies, contrasting sharply with his previous skepticism. His pledge to create a national cryptocurrency reserve particularly energized investors.

“Trump has already declared his love of the digital currency and crypto traders now have a new narrative by which to get even more excited about where the price could go,” Mould added, highlighting the market’s enthusiasm for potential crypto-friendly policies under the incoming administration.

AP

Trump Defeats Harris to Win Historic Second Term as President

Donald Trump secured a stunning return to the White House Tuesday, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to become only the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms, Fox News projects.

Trump breached the crucial 270 electoral vote threshold after winning critical battleground states including North Carolina, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. The victory comes after an unprecedented campaign marked by legal challenges, two assassination attempts, and a dramatic late substitution of his opponent.

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected the 47th president,” Trump declared in an early morning victory speech in West Palm Beach. “Every citizen, I will fight for you, for your family and your future. Every single day.”

The election’s final phase began just over 100 days ago when President Joe Biden suspended his re-election campaign following a poor debate performance, elevating Harris to the Democratic nomination. Trump seized on the transition, framing the race around his campaign message: “Harris broke it. Trump will fix it.”

Trump’s path to victory weathered remarkable obstacles through the campaign. He survived a July assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, and a September incident at his Florida golf course involving an armed assailant. Throughout the race, he faced four criminal indictments, including a conviction in Manhattan, and multiple civil judgments totaling over $530 million. Several states attempted to remove him from primary ballots before the Supreme Court intervened.

The former president praised running mate J.D. Vance, the Ohio senator who will become vice president. “He turned out to be a good choice. I took a little heat at the beginning, but I knew in my brain that he was a good one,” Trump said.

Trump’s victory marks the first presidential comeback since Grover Cleveland in 1892. He assembled an unlikely coalition of supporters, including former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard, along with business leaders like Elon Musk and Wall Street executives.

The campaign’s final weeks featured intense rhetoric, with Harris warning of threats to democracy and Trump holding massive rallies, including a sold-out event at Madison Square Garden. Trump’s triumph followed victories in Pennsylvania and Georgia, states central to his 2020 defeat.

“This is going to be the golden age of America,” Trump told supporters, pledging to reverse Biden-Harris policies he blamed for inflation and border security issues. His return to office will test American political institutions after years of investigations he denounced as “weaponization” of justice.

The victory ensures Trump’s legal challenges, including pending appeals and sentencing in criminal cases, will unfold while he holds the presidency, creating unprecedented constitutional questions for the nation’s justice system.

Arsenal Look to Bounce Back Against Inter in Champions League Showdown

Arsenal travel to San Siro Wednesday seeking to restore confidence against Inter Milan in a Champions League clash between two sides yet to concede in this season’s competition.

The Gunners enter the fixture reeling from a 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United, which pushed them outside the top four and seven points behind leaders Liverpool. Their domestic struggles contrast sharply with an impressive European campaign that has yielded seven points from three matches without conceding.

Inter, level on points with Arsenal in the 36-team tournament, bring impressive form into the contest, having won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions. The Serie A contenders survived a weekend scare against Venezia, preserving a 1-0 victory after VAR ruled out a late equalizer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a potential boost with captain Martin Odegaard returning to training Tuesday following an ankle injury, though the Norwegian playmaker may not start. The visitors must cope without Declan Rice’s midfield presence due to injury, while Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined.

“We need to show a different face from our recent Premier League performances,” Arteta said. “Inter represent a significant challenge, but these are the nights where champions respond.”

Inter coach Simone Inzaghi has nearly a full squad available, with only Carlos Augusto ruled out through hamstring trouble. Alessandro Bastoni is expected to recover from cramps suffered against Venezia, while Matteo Darmian could replace Federico Dimarco at left wing-back.

The match carries historical weight, recalling Arsenal’s memorable 5-1 victory at San Siro during their 2003-04 campaign, though Inter had won the reverse fixture 3-0. A clean sheet Wednesday would mark Inter’s first-ever run of four consecutive Champions League shutouts.

The fixture pits Inter’s resolute defense, marshaled by veteran Stefan de Vrij, against an Arsenal attack seeking to rediscover its clinical edge. Both sides have demonstrated defensive excellence in Europe this season, suggesting a tactical battle may unfold at the iconic San Siro.

Israelis Take to Streets After Defense Minister’s Dismissal

Protests erupted across Israel Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing a deepening “crisis of trust” over war strategy and policy disagreements.

Netanyahu announced Israel Katz would replace Gallant, whose dismissal comes amid sharp disagreements over hostage negotiations and military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox citizens. “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and the minister of defence,” Netanyahu said, noting trust had “eroded” in recent months.

Gallant, responding to his removal, identified three key points of contention: opposition to military service exemptions, support for a national inquiry into the war, and prioritizing the return of hostages. “I determine that it is possible to achieve this goal. It requires painful concessions, which the state of Israel can carry and the IDF can bear,” he stated regarding hostage negotiations.

Demonstrators quickly filled Israeli streets following the announcement, with many blocking traffic on the Ayalon Highway and demanding Netanyahu’s resignation. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the dismissal as an attempt to “torpedo” efforts to secure the release of roughly 100 hostages still held in Gaza since Hamas’s October 7 attack.

The firing mirrors a similar attempt in March 2023, when Netanyahu was forced to reinstate Gallant following massive public protests over judicial reform disagreements. “He didn’t fire Gallant after the first Gallant night, he will not do it after the second Gallant night,” said protester Yair Amit, calling for Netanyahu to “step down from his office and let serious people lead Israel.”

The timing of Gallant’s removal, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election, drew attention from Israeli media given his stronger relationship with the White House compared to Netanyahu. The White House National Security Council acknowledged Gallant as “an important partner” while pledging continued cooperation with his successor.

The shake-up also occurs as Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right politicians to maintain military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox citizens, a policy Gallant strongly opposed. The defense minister’s removal takes effect in 48 hours, pending government and Knesset approval.

In related moves, Netanyahu named Gideon Sa’ar as the new foreign minister, restructuring his wartime cabinet amid growing internal divisions over Gaza strategy and mounting public pressure for a hostage deal.

US Army Soldier Dies Following Gaza Aid Mission Injury

A U.S. Army soldier critically injured while working on a humanitarian aid pier in Gaza has died, military officials announced Tuesday.

Sergeant Quandarius Stanley, 23, succumbed to injuries sustained in May when severe weather conditions damaged the American-built pier, causing four Army vessels to become beached. The motor transport operator, assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade Expeditionary at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, died Thursday after receiving treatment at a long-term care facility.

“Sergeant Quandarius Stanley was an instrumental and well respected first-line leader,” said Colonel John “Eddie” Gray, brigade commander. “We will continue to provide support to his family during this difficult time. Our entire unit mourns alongside his family.”

Two other service members injured in the same incident returned to duty, according to military officials, who noted Stanley’s death was not combat-related. Captain Shkeila Milford-Glover, spokesperson for the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, confirmed Stanley had recently retired while receiving medical treatment.

The incident occurred during a massive humanitarian operation that delivered nearly 20 million pounds of aid to Gaza, described by officials as the “largest volume of humanitarian assistance” ever delivered to the Middle East. However, the mission faced significant challenges, including adverse weather conditions and security concerns that ultimately led aid agencies to suspend distribution over safety fears.

The Defense Department terminated the pier operation on June 28, formally ending the mission in mid-July as aid convoys struggled to reach deeper into Gaza amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Stanley’s death highlights the risks faced by U.S. military personnel even during humanitarian missions in conflict zones. The pier project, while successful in delivering substantial aid, was complicated by both environmental hazards and regional security challenges.