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Rural Zambian Grandmother Becomes Global Fashion Icon Through Viral Photo Series

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In the rural village of 10 Miles, just north of Zambia’s capital, an unlikely fashion star has emerged. Margret Chola, an octogenarian grandmother known as “Legendary Glamma,” has captivated 225,000 Instagram followers with her striking blend of high fashion and rural African life.

The transformation from village grandmother to global style icon began in 2023 when her granddaughter Diana Kaumba, a New York-based stylist, proposed an impromptu wardrobe swap during a visit home to commemorate her father’s death anniversary.

“I feel different, I feel new and alive in these clothes, in a way that I’ve never felt before,” Chola tells the BBC, her weathered face breaking into a smile. “I feel like I can conquer the world!”

The “Granny Series,” as it’s known, exploded in popularity in April 2024 after Kaumba posted photos of her grandmother wearing a red Adidas dress accessorized with chunky golden necklaces and a jeweled crown. The images, set against backdrops of exposed brick buildings, corrugated iron roofs, and maize fields, create a striking juxtaposition of haute couture and rural African life.

Chola’s fashion evolution spans everything from American football jerseys paired with frilly dresses in Zambian flag colors to sequined tops adorned with golden snake jewelry. Her favorite ensemble features jeans, a graphic T-shirt bearing her own image, and a blonde wig – all firsts for the grandmother who doesn’t know her exact age due to lack of a birth certificate.

“I had never worn jeans or a wig before – so I was happy, and I was dancing,” Chola says.

The photographs often incorporate elements of Chola’s daily life: her constant companion radio, the wooden stick she uses to pound millet, and the charcoal brazier that’s essential during Zambia’s frequent power cuts. In one particularly memorable shot dubbed “GOAT” (greatest of all time), even a goat sports Chola’s signature pearl necklaces.

Behind the glamorous images lies a poignant personal story. Chola was forced to leave school at age 12 or 13 for an arranged marriage to a man in his 30s. After having three children, she struggled with alcoholism before eventually escaping the marriage.

“I’m now able to wake up with a purpose knowing that people around the world love to see me,” says Chola, whose unexpected fame has given her life new meaning.

The series has sparked broader impact, with Kaumba now being hired to style other grandmothers aged 70 to 96. “Do not write them off, love them just the same till the end because remember we will be just like them one day,” Kaumba says of the project’s message about aging and intergenerational bonds.

Chola hopes her newfound platform will inspire others to “live their lives and not worry about being judged by society,” adding, “You can never change your past – but you can change your future.”

The phenomenon has transcended simple fashion photography to become a celebration of aging, cultural fusion, and the power of intergenerational creativity, proving that style knows no age or geographical boundaries.

bbc.com

8 Dead, 17 Injured in Stabbing Outside Chinese Vocational School

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A knife-wielding former student killed eight people and injured 17 others in a stabbing rampage outside a vocational school in eastern China Friday, the latest in a series of public attacks that has sparked national concern about social violence.

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested around 6:30 p.m. local time at Wuxi Yixing Arts and Crafts Vocational and Technical College in Wuxi city, police said. Authorities said he carried out the attack after “failing to obtain his diploma due to poor exam results” and harboring resentment over his internship pay.

Police reported the suspect, who graduated in 2024, “confessed without hesitation” and that an investigation is ongoing as officials work to “manage the aftermath.” The authorities have not released the identities of the victims.

The incident comes just days after a driver killed at least 35 people by deliberately driving into crowds at a stadium in Zhuhai, reportedly motivated by anger over a divorce settlement. The two attacks have intensified public discourse about what Chinese social media users call “taking revenge on society,” where individuals act on personal grievances through indiscriminate violence against strangers.

These incidents have raised questions about underlying social tensions in China and prompted discussions about prevention of public violence. The consecutive attacks have led to calls for enhanced security measures at educational institutions and public spaces across the country.

Bullet Strikes Southwest Plane During Dallas Airport Departure Prep

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A Southwest Airlines flight preparing for takeoff at Dallas Love Field Airport was struck by gunfire Friday night, forcing the evacuation of 99 passengers and prompting a temporary runway closure, authorities said.

Flight 2494, bound for Indianapolis, was hit by “a bullet apparently striking the right side of the aircraft under the flight deck” as it readied for departure, according to a Southwest spokesperson. The Boeing 737-800 Max aircraft returned to the gate where passengers safely deplaned, with no injuries reported.

Dallas police responded to reports of gunfire at 9:48 p.m. local time and confirmed the aircraft had been struck near the cockpit, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. While officials have not formally announced the circumstances, local television station WFAA reported that investigators believe the incident resulted from random gunfire.

“We are working to accommodate all passengers on other flights,” Southwest Airlines said in a statement. The domestic airport’s runway was temporarily closed but has since resumed operations.

The incident comes days after three planes were hit by gunfire while landing or taking off at Port-au-Prince’s main airport in Haiti, prompting the FAA to impose a 30-day ban on U.S. airlines flying to the Caribbean nation amid escalating gang violence.

Dallas police are leading the investigation into the shooting, which raises concerns about security perimeters around major U.S. airports and aircraft vulnerability to external threats.

Ghana Police Launch Manhunt After Group Issues Election Violence Threats

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Ghana’s Police Service launched an intensive manhunt Wednesday for members of a group calling itself “NDC Youth of Obuasi” after they appeared in a viral video threatening violence during the country’s December 2024 general elections.

The police described the group’s actions as “a breach of public peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)” in a November 15 statement, as authorities move to maintain security ahead of next year’s polls.

Law enforcement officials assured the public that a coordinated operation is underway to arrest those responsible for the threatening messages. The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows individuals making direct threats to disrupt the upcoming elections.

“We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to apprehend these individuals and bring them to justice,” the police statement said. “Any behavior that could compromise public safety during the election period will not be tolerated.”

The incident highlights growing tensions ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections, with authorities working to prevent political violence in one of West Africa’s most stable democracies. Police emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the election period.

The case represents one of the first major security challenges related to Ghana’s upcoming elections, testing authorities’ ability to respond to political threats in an increasingly tense environment.

Spain Clinches Nations League Group With 2-1 Victory Over Denmark

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Spain continued their dominant form since winning Euro 2024, securing top spot in Nations League Group A4 with a 2-1 victory over Denmark on Friday, despite fielding a depleted squad missing several key players.

Mikel Oyarzabal, hero of Spain’s Euro 2024 final triumph over England, opened the scoring after 15 minutes before Ayoze Perez added a second goal on the counter-attack in the 58th minute. Denmark managed a late consolation through Gustav Isaksen following a defensive error by Spanish substitute Fabian Ruiz.

“We came here with the objective of winning. We knew we were going to have to suffer a bit but we’re happy with the result, the first place,” Oyarzabal told TVE after the match.

The victory, achieved without injured stars Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Robin Le Normand, puts Spain on 13 points with one round remaining, six clear of second-placed Denmark. Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Serbia confirmed their relegation with just two points, while Serbia sits third with five points.

Luis de la Fuente’s side, who had already secured their quarter-final spot with last month’s 3-0 win against Serbia, dominated early proceedings. Perez struck the crossbar in the 12th minute after missing another clear opportunity from a corner four minutes earlier.

The breakthrough came when Denmark’s defensive error allowed Dani Olmo and Perez to combine, setting up Oyarzabal for the opener. Perez later doubled the advantage, beating the offside trap before finishing inside the right post.

Denmark, who travel to Serbia Monday needing at least a draw to secure second place and quarter-final qualification, found late hope through Isaksen. The Danish forward, who had previously hit the post, capitalized on Ruiz’s poor back pass to score.

The result extends Spain’s impressive run since their European Championship triumph, showcasing their depth despite missing several first-choice players.

Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Idaho Gang Member in Murder During Prison Break

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Prosecutors announced Thursday they will seek the death penalty for a white supremacist gang member accused of killing an 83-year-old man during a violent prison break that left three corrections officers wounded.

Nicholas Umphenour faces murder charges in the March death of James Mauney of Juliaetta, who disappeared while walking his dogs on a local trail. The announcement comes just weeks after Umphenour received a life sentence for his role in helping fellow gang member Skylar Meade escape from a Boise hospital.

“Seeking the death penalty is appropriate in this case considering the defendant’s complete lack of regard for the life of Mr. Mauney,” Nez Perce County Prosecutor Justin Coleman said in a statement.

Umphenour, appearing via video from county jail for Thursday’s hearing, is scheduled for arraignment December 12. He remains held without bond, and his attorney, Brian Marx, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case stems from a violent chain of events beginning March 20, when Umphenour opened fire on corrections officers escorting Meade from a Boise hospital where he had been treated for self-inflicted injuries. Two officers were directly shot by Umphenour, while a third was wounded when another officer mistakenly identified him as the shooter. All three survived.

After fleeing north-central Idaho, investigators say the pair encountered Mauney, whose body was later found near Leland, Idaho. Police tracked the men to Twin Falls in Mauney’s stolen minivan, where they were arrested.

Umphenour has already pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting escape and aggravated assault and battery on law enforcement officers in the prison break case. Meade, also sentenced to life for the escape, faces similar murder charges and potential death penalty in Mauney’s killing. He has entered a not guilty plea.

“We’ll continue to fight in both this case and the co-defendant’s case to get justice for the victim,” Coleman added.

South Korean Opposition Leader Lee Convicted of Election Law Violation, Vows Appeal

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South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, center, arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 15 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was convicted Friday of violating election law, receiving a suspended prison sentence that could derail his presidential ambitions and reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of next year’s election.

South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, center, arrives at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Nov. 15 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

The Seoul Central District Court found the Democratic Party leader guilty of making false statements about a land development project during his 2021 presidential campaign, sentencing him to one year in prison, suspended for two years. Lee immediately announced his intention to appeal.

“It’s a conclusion that I cannot accept,” Lee told reporters while leaving the court, where he faces another ruling November 25 on separate charges of allegedly suborning perjury.

The conviction threatens to sideline one of South Korea’s most prominent political figures, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential election to conservative Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee’s prospects had surged following his party’s landslide victory in April’s parliamentary elections, which strengthened opposition control over the legislature amid President Yoon’s record-low approval ratings.

Lee’s dramatic political journey from child factory worker to presidential contender has been both compelling and controversial. After dropping out of school and suffering an industrial accident, he rose through the ranks to become mayor of Seongnam before emerging as a national political figure, though his career has been dogged by scandals and alleged organized crime connections.

In January, Lee survived a knife attack that required surgery for a neck wound, adding another dramatic chapter to his turbulent political career. He faces additional legal challenges, including prosecutors’ 2022 indictment over alleged false claims about development projects during his tenure as Seongnam mayor from 2010 to 2018.

The opposition leader has consistently denied wrongdoing, characterizing the investigations as political persecution by President Yoon, a former prosecutor. “This is clearly a political vendetta,” Lee has maintained, pointing to Yoon’s background in prosecution.

The case highlights deepening political divisions in South Korea, where Lee’s Democratic Party has positioned itself as a champion of reform against what it describes as politically motivated prosecutions by Yoon’s conservative administration.

The verdict comes at a crucial moment in South Korean politics, as parties begin positioning themselves for next year’s presidential election amid growing public discontent with the incumbent administration’s handling of economic and social issues.

American Tourist Arrested for Vandalizing Historic Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

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Japanese authorities arrested a 65-year-old American tourist Wednesday for allegedly vandalizing a historic gate at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, amid a surge of tourism that has raised concerns about preserving Japan’s cultural sites.

Steve Lee Hayes faces charges of property damage after allegedly using his fingernails to carve family members’ names into a wooden pillar of the shrine’s torii gate in the Shibuya Ward, according to Tokyo Metropolitan Police. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. Tuesday during what police described as a family vacation to Japan.

Investigators tracked Hayes through surveillance footage before detaining him at his Tokyo hotel. He admitted to “writing his family members’ names” on the pillar, police told The Japan Times. It remains unclear whether Hayes’s family was present during the alleged vandalism.

The American tourist could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 300,000 yen ($1,900) if convicted.

The Meiji Shrine, established in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken’s role in modernizing Japan, holds significant cultural and religious importance. Its torii gates, which mark the transition from the secular to the sacred in Shinto tradition, are considered particularly significant religious symbols.

The incident occurs as Japan experiences a tourism boom, with the Japan National Tourism Organization reporting more than 24 million visitors between January and August 2024, raising questions about balancing tourism access with cultural preservation.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Putin Hold First Direct Talks in Two Years Amid Ukraine War Tensions

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke Friday in their first direct communication since December 2022, marking Putin’s first publicly announced conversation with a major Western leader in nearly two years as uncertainty grows over President-elect Donald Trump’s future Ukraine policy.

During the hour-long call, initiated by Germany, Scholz urged Putin to withdraw Russian troops from Ukraine and pursue negotiations, while Putin insisted any peace deal must acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains and Ukraine’s rejection of NATO membership, according to officials from both countries.

“The chancellor urged Russia to be willing to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace and stressed Germany’s unwavering determination to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression for as long as necessary,” German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said.

The timing of the conversation carries particular significance as Trump’s election victory raises questions about continued U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has repeatedly questioned American aid levels to Ukraine and suggested he could quickly resolve the conflict, though Kyiv has rejected any territorial concessions to Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the call as “a Pandora’s box” that would only reduce Russia’s isolation. “Now there may be other conversations, other calls. Just a lot of words. And this is exactly what Putin has wanted for a long time,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address.

The Kremlin’s readout revealed persistent divisions, with Putin blaming the conflict on “NATO’s long-standing aggressive policy aimed at creating an anti-Russian stronghold on Ukrainian territory.” Putin reiterated conditions for peace talks first outlined in June, including Ukraine abandoning NATO aspirations and acknowledging Russia’s 2022 territorial annexations.

Scholz specifically condemned Russian air raids on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and warned against the reported deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, which the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine claim involves thousands of soldiers supporting Moscow’s war effort.

The conversation occurs as Scholz faces domestic political challenges, with a confidence vote scheduled next month and potential early elections in February. The German leader’s outreach to Putin also comes as the Ukraine conflict approaches its 1,000th day on Tuesday, with exiled Russian opposition leaders, including Alexei Navalny’s widow Yulia, planning an antiwar rally in Berlin on Sunday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the exchange as “detailed” and “frank” but emphasized there was “no talk about convergence of opinions.” Both sides agreed to maintain contact, though Putin had previously stated Western leaders would need to initiate any future communications.

The dialogue represents a significant diplomatic development as Western nations grapple with maintaining support for Ukraine amid shifting political landscapes and growing war fatigue.

10 Newborns Die in North India Hospital Fire, Safety Protocols Questioned

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A devastating fire swept through a neonatal intensive care unit in northern India late Friday, killing 10 newborn babies and injuring 16 others, as questions emerged about the hospital’s safety protocols and emergency response time.

The blaze at the Jhansi hospital in Uttar Pradesh state rapidly engulfed the ward housing 55 infants, though rescuers managed to save 45 babies, according to local official Bimal Kumar Dubey. Firefighters had to break through windows to reach the newborns as smoke filled the unit.

“We will identify those responsible for this tragedy and take strict action. The government stands with families during this difficult time,” said Brajesh Pathak, the state’s deputy chief minister, who visited the hospital Saturday and promised support for victims’ families.

Parents and witnesses reported critical safety failures, saying fire alarms installed in the intensive care unit failed to activate. Hospital staff only responded after visually detecting smoke and flames, with rescue operations beginning approximately 30 minutes after the fire started.

“If the safety alarm had worked, we could have acted sooner and saved more lives,” said Naresh Kumar, who lost his child in the tragedy. Another parent, Akhtar Hussain, whose son survived and is receiving treatment, emphasized that better safety protocols could have prevented the catastrophe.

The incident highlights persistent safety concerns in India’s healthcare facilities, where building codes and safety regulations are often poorly enforced. The country has a history of deadly fires attributed to inadequate maintenance and substandard firefighting equipment.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and the hospital’s emergency response procedures. The delay in evacuation efforts has become a particular focus of the inquiry, as witnesses reported crucial minutes lost before rescue operations began.

The tragedy represents one of India’s deadliest hospital fires involving newborns and has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in healthcare facilities across the country.

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