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French ‘Champagne’ Task Force Prepares New Ukrainian Brigade for Combat

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A French military task force code-named “Champagne” is completing an intensive mission to transform several thousand Ukrainian troops into a combat-ready brigade, equipped with French tanks, artillery, and heavy weaponry at a critical phase in the war against Russia.

The “Anne of Kyiv” brigade, named after a Ukrainian princess who became French queen, is concluding more than two months of rigorous training in eastern and southern France. Their deployment comes as Russian forces, reportedly reinforced by up to 12,000 North Korean troops in the Kursk border region, push westward to capture Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, according to U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence assessments.

The brigade’s imminent return to Ukraine coincides with uncertainty over future U.S. support, as presidential candidate Donald Trump’s campaign pledges to end the conflict and suggestions of territorial concessions to Moscow raise questions about long-term Western backing.

French military officials say the new brigade will eventually comprise 4,500 troops, including infantry battalions, engineers, and artillery specialists. The more than 2,000 soldiers training in France, most of whom were recently mobilized with minimal prior experience, are completing final exercises before deployment.

The French military committed approximately 1,500 personnel to the “Champagne” task force, focusing on combined arms warfare and maintenance of French-supplied equipment. The brigade’s arsenal includes 18 AMX 10 light tanks, 18 truck-mounted Caesar artillery pieces, 128 armored troop carriers, and various anti-tank and anti-aircraft missile systems.

During recent exercises at a French military facility, Ukrainian troops demonstrated their newly acquired skills in trench warfare amid drone surveillance, simulated artillery fire, and explosive effects. “They have improved a lot,” said Col. Paul, whose full name was withheld for security reasons. “Now they are able to fight, they are able to maneuver… They are able to use the different specialists and to use the different equipment they will have on the battlefield.”

The Ukrainian military is simultaneously training additional troops for the brigade in Ukraine, according to French authorities, who restricted journalists from interviewing the Ukrainian soldiers during training exercises.

This comprehensive training program represents one of France’s largest military support initiatives for Ukraine, providing not only advanced weaponry but also crucial tactical expertise as the conflict approaches its third year.

apnews

California Insurance Scam Unravels: ‘Bear’ Damaging Luxury Cars Was Person in Costume

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In a state familiar with bears breaking into cars, California insurance investigators uncovered an unusual twist: The “bear” caught on camera damaging luxury vehicles was actually someone in a costume, leading to four arrests in an elaborate insurance fraud scheme.

The California Insurance Department announced Wednesday the arrests of four Los Angeles residents accused of defrauding three insurance companies out of nearly $142,000 in what authorities dubbed “Operation Bear Claw.”

The suspects allegedly submitted damage claims for a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes vehicles, accompanied by video footage purportedly showing a bear ransacking the luxury cars in the San Bernardino Mountains this January. Insurance company investigators reviewing footage of the Rolls-Royce incident first spotted the deception, noting the “bear’s” movements appeared suspiciously human.

The scheme began to unravel when detectives discovered two additional claims filed with different insurance companies by the same group, featuring similar videos of the costumed intruder and citing identical dates and locations for the alleged damage. Photos provided by the insurance department showed apparent scratch marks on vehicle seats and doors.

To verify their suspicions, investigators consulted a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, who confirmed the footage “clearly a human in a bear suit.” A subsequent search warrant executed at the suspects’ home revealed the incriminating costume, authorities said.

The case presents an ironic contrast to California’s genuine bear problems, where real bears regularly raid homes and vehicles from Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles suburbs, sometimes helping themselves to refrigerator contents or taking unauthorized dips in swimming pools and hot tubs.

The names of the four arrested individuals were not immediately released, and it was unclear if they had retained attorneys.

The insurance department did not specify the potential penalties for the alleged fraud, but insurance fraud schemes in California can result in significant fines and imprisonment.

AP

World’s Tallest Teen, 7-foot-9 Olivier Rioux, Expected to Redshirt at Florida

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The world’s tallest teenager will likely wait another year before making his college basketball debut, as Florida coach Todd Golden revealed Thursday that 7-foot-9 freshman Olivier Rioux is expected to redshirt this season.

The Guinness World Record holder’s decision to preserve his eligibility comes amid growing enthusiasm from Florida fans, who have been chanting “Oli” during home games, eager to see the Canadian phenomenon take the court.

“I should have made that clear (before),” Golden said. “Honestly, it’s put him in a tough situation. He’s sitting over there at the end of games and everybody’s yelling at him and trying to get him out there. They just hadn’t understood that that was our potential plan for him.”

The redshirt year would allow Rioux to practice with the team and develop his skills while maintaining four full years of college eligibility. Golden emphasized that the decision emerged from discussions involving Rioux’s family, AAU coach, and the Florida program rather than being imposed by the coaching staff.

The situation came to light during Monday’s 86-62 victory over Grambling State, when fans clamored for Rioux as Golden cleared his bench in the final minutes. The coach addressed the moment with his freshman center during the game.

“I was just explaining to him, ‘Hey, the reason why I’m not putting you in right now is what we’ve talked about a little bit,'” Golden said. “This wasn’t a choice that I made for him. I’m just not trying to burn your year putting you in for 30 seconds.”

Golden praised Rioux’s receptiveness to the redshirt plan, describing him as “a great kid, and a pleaser” who values the guidance of those around him. “He wants to do what others think is best for him. And he’s coachable,” Golden said.

While the decision appears settled, Golden left room for potential changes. “I’m not saying that’s 100% going to be the plan. We’ll continue to talk to him and see if he changes what he wants to do. But as of right now, that’s the plan that we’re going to have with him as we move forward.”

The development strategy for Rioux reflects a common practice in college basketball, where programs often use redshirt years to help players adjust to the collegiate level while building strength and refining their skills.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Plan ‘Extravagant’ Winter Wedding in Aspen

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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez are planning an “extravagant” winter wedding in Aspen during the Christmas season, sources close to the couple have revealed.

The billionaire, 60, and Sanchez, 54, have chosen the exclusive mountain resort town for their star-studded ceremony, according to an insider familiar with the arrangements. “They’re planning an extravagant ceremony and are sparing no expense in creating a white Christmas affair,” the source said.

The couple, who frequently visit Aspen, selected the location for its “festive décor, twinkling lights, and holiday charm.” The celebration is expected to draw prominent figures from both business and entertainment circles, cementing its status as “the event of the season.”

Legal considerations appear to be the only factor delaying the nuptials. “He loves her and would marry her tomorrow, the only thing holding up the wedding is his, and her, lawyers,” the insider noted.

The wedding plans follow Bezos’s romantic yacht proposal in May 2023 off the coast of southern France, where he presented Sanchez with a pink diamond ring valued at approximately $2.5 million. The couple celebrated their engagement in Positano, Italy, hosting notable guests including Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Queen Rania of Jordan.

Their relationship became public in 2019 while Sanchez was finalizing her divorce from talent agent Patrick Whitesell, her husband of 13 years. Bezos had previously ended his marriage to MacKenzie Scott, with whom he shares four children. Scott, now worth approximately $30 billion, has since donated two-thirds of her wealth to charitable causes.

Sanchez brings her own family connections to the union, with two children from her marriage to Whitesell and an older son with former NFL star Tony Gonzales. The couple’s shared appreciation for Aspen was evident during their Christmas 2022 visit, when they were photographed enjoying the winter landscape together.

The upcoming ceremony is expected to rival Bezos’s 60th birthday celebration earlier this year, which drew an impressive array of celebrity guests to honor the Amazon founder, whose net worth makes him one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

Trump Vows to Seize School Endowments Over DEI Programs, Redistribute as ‘Restitution’

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President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to target schools implementing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, proposing to seize their endowments and redistribute the funds as “restitution” to those he claims are victims of such policies.

In a July video statement, Trump outlined his intention to impose severe financial penalties on educational institutions maintaining DEI programs. “Schools that persist in explicit unlawful discrimination under the guise of equity will not only have their endowment taxed, but through budget reconciliation, I will advance a measure to have them fined up to the entire amount of their endowment,” Trump said.

The president-elect’s proposal represents a significant escalation in conservative efforts to dismantle federal anti-discrimination policies protecting students across gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, and disability categories – programs Trump and his supporters characterize as “indoctrination.”

The plan resonates with critics who argue DEI programs discriminate against white people, while civil rights organizations defend these initiatives as essential safeguards. The NAACP stated on social media platform X that DEI programs “are key to ensuring equal opportunity” for all students, adding, “We must defend diversity, equity, and inclusion to ensure every child succeeds.”

Trump’s proposal emerges amid a growing “parental rights” movement, with conservative parents challenging inclusive curricula and policies. However, education experts note that the federal government’s role in public education is limited, with states and local governments controlling most rules and funding.

Current Education Secretary Miguel Cardona responded to the broader threat to his department on X: “If you support eliminating the Department of Education, you do not support our students. Period.”

While Trump has suggested abolishing the Department of Education entirely, such action would require congressional approval, making it unlikely despite some Republican support. The department’s primary functions include providing K-12 funding, managing federal student loans, and enforcing civil rights laws – responsibilities that advocates argue are vital to maintaining educational equity.

The federal government’s educational oversight, though relatively limited, plays a crucial role in protecting student rights and providing financial support. Any attempt to dismantle these protections could face significant legal and legislative challenges, according to constitutional law experts.

Civil rights organizations warn that Trump’s proposed policies could reverse decades of progress in educational equity and access. Education policy analysts note that implementing such sweeping changes would require navigating complex federal and state jurisdictions, as well as potential constitutional challenges.

CashApp Founder’s Alleged Killer Claims Self-Defense, Says ‘Bad Joke’ Sparked Fatal Confrontation

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The tech consultant charged with killing Cash App founder Bob Lee took the witness stand Wednesday, claiming the renowned entrepreneur attacked him in a drug-fueled rage after a “bad joke” about ending their night of partying.

Nima Momeni arrives in court in 2023. Photographer: Pool/Getty Images

Nima Momeni, 40, offered his first public account of the events leading to Lee’s death, painting himself as an “average joe” immigrant defending himself against a larger, famous tech figure. “He’s a big famous guy,” Momeni testified. “I’m just an average joe, an immigrant.”

The testimony comes as Momeni faces 26 years to life in prison if convicted of the April 4, 2023, stabbing that left Lee, 43, dying on a deserted San Francisco street.

According to Momeni, tensions escalated after his sister Khazar kicked both men out of her luxury Millennium Tower condo around 2 a.m., following hours of drug use and drinking. Momeni said he suggested Lee spend his final night in San Francisco with family rather than seeking a strip club – a comment he described as a “bad joke” that inexplicably enraged Lee.

“He just went from zero to 100,” Momeni testified. “You could see the anger.”

Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai challenged this account during cross-examination. “He wanted to kill you over a bad joke?” Talai asked incredulously.

“I’m not sure why he pulled it out,” Momeni responded. “I was in fear for my life.”

Prosecutors paint a different picture, alleging Momeni planned the attack following a dispute over his sister, with whom Lee was friends. They say Momeni took a knife from his sister’s condo, drove Lee to an isolated area near the Bay Bridge, and stabbed him three times before fleeing.

Surveillance footage shows Lee and Momeni leaving the Millennium Tower together after 2 a.m. in Momeni’s BMW. Additional grainy video captures both men exiting the vehicle in a secluded area by the Bay Bridge – where prosecutors say the stabbing occurred, but where the defense claims Lee attacked Momeni.

Police recovered a knife with a 4-inch blade at the scene. Prosecutors said tests revealed Momeni’s DNA on the handle and Lee’s DNA on the bloody blade, though defense experts argued police should have tested for Lee’s fingerprints on the handle.

The defense attributes Lee’s allegedly aggressive behavior to sleep deprivation and substance use, claiming he had slept only six hours over four days while using cocaine and ketamine.

Lee, a father of two who was serving as chief product officer of cryptocurrency platform MobileCoin when he died, was found staggering on a downtown street, leaving a trail of blood while calling for help. He later died at a hospital.

His death shocked Silicon Valley’s tech community, where Lee was remembered as a brilliant and generous entrepreneur. Momeni’s cross-examination continues Thursday.

Russia Captures Eastern Ukrainian Village, Launches Major Aerial Attack

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Russian forces captured a village in eastern Ukraine Thursday and intensified aerial attacks across the country, marking a significant advance toward the strategic town of Kurakhove amid escalating military operations.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the capture of Voznesenka in the Donetsk region, pushing closer to Kurakhove, a pre-war town of 20,000 residents. The territorial gain comes alongside widespread aerial assaults targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

Russia claimed to have damaged Ukrainian airfields and energy facilities while shooting down 78 drones, according to state news agency RIA. Ukrainian military officials countered that they intercepted 21 of 59 Russian drones in overnight attacks.

The offensive follows Wednesday’s massive aerial bombardment of Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities, involving a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drone strikes. Ukraine’s air force reported successfully downing four missiles and 37 drones launched across eight regions.

“It is important that our forces have the means to defend the country from Russian terror,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said following the attacks. In his evening address, he praised Ukraine’s “air defense warriors” for their continuous efforts against Russian “Shahed” drones and missiles, including the interception of ballistic missiles.

The intensifying aerial campaign has reinforced Ukraine’s urgent appeals to Western allies for additional air defense systems. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to international partners while emphasizing Ukraine’s strategic goal of domestic air defense production.

“The strategic goal is to reach a practical level of cooperation with our partners that will enable us to produce the air defense systems and anti-missiles we need here in Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, adding that such capability would help “finally push Russia towards making a fair peace.”

The latest Russian advances and aerial attacks underscore the evolving nature of the conflict as both sides adapt their strategies. While Russian forces make incremental territorial gains in the east, Ukraine continues to bolster its air defense capabilities against increasingly sophisticated aerial assaults.

The capture of Voznesenka represents a tactical victory in Russia’s broader campaign to secure the Donetsk region, while the sustained aerial bombardment appears aimed at degrading Ukrainian infrastructure and military capabilities. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s successful interception of numerous aerial threats demonstrates the growing effectiveness of its air defense systems, even as it seeks additional support from Western allies.

VOA

Wisconsin Man Suspected of Faking Kayak Death, Fleeing to Europe

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A Wisconsin man, Ryan Borgwardt, 45, who disappeared during a summer kayaking trip is believed to have orchestrated an elaborate scheme to fake his own death and escape to Europe, according to local authorities who uncovered evidence of careful planning and financial maneuvering.

“We believe that he is alive. We know that he’s not in our lake,” Matthew Vande Kolk, Chief Deputy Sheriff for Green Lake County, told the BBC about the disappearance of Borgwardt a married father of three.

Borgwardt was last seen August 12 at Green Lake during what appeared to be a solo fishing expedition. The night before, he texted his wife saying he was turning his kayak around and heading to shore. When he failed to return home, authorities launched a search operation that would eventually uncover his capsized kayak and life jacket on the lake, while his car, trailer, fishing rod and wallet remained at a nearby park.

After 54 days of extensive searching using divers, drones, sonar and cadaver dogs yielded no body, investigators broadened their scope and discovered a trail of suspicious activity. Border officials had logged Borgwardt’s name in Canada on August 13, just one day after he was reported missing.

Further investigation revealed Borgwardt had reported his passport lost or stolen and obtained a new one before his disappearance, while his original passport remained with his wife. A digital forensic analysis of his laptop exposed a series of calculated moves: he had taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy, transferred funds to a foreign bank account, photographed his new passport, and modified his email address. Investigators found he had replaced the laptop’s hard drive and cleared his browser history the day he vanished.

Evidence suggests Borgwardt may have fled to Eastern Europe, prompting authorities to evaluate potential criminal charges including obstruction and fraud.

Vande Kolk praised the cooperation of Borgwardt’s family, particularly his wife, who he described as “extremely strong” throughout the investigation. “She has done everything that we have asked of her in regards to helping us with information, and holding on to information,” he said. Authorities had kept their suspicions quiet for about a month while gathering evidence.

“Our hope is then, at some point we’ll be able to hold Ryan accountable for his actions and request restitution,” Vande Kolk added.

The investigation continues as authorities search for both Borgwardt and any potential accomplices who may have assisted in staging his death and facilitating his escape. The case has drawn parallels to other instances of staged deaths for insurance fraud, though the international scope of this investigation presents unique challenges for local law enforcement.

The elaborate nature of the scheme, including the careful staging of evidence at the lake and the coordination of international travel documents, suggests significant premeditation, according to investigators who continue to piece together the timeline of events leading to Borgwardt’s disappearance.

Suspected Bomber Dies in Explosion Outside Brazil Supreme Court Ahead of G20 Summit

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A man detonated explosives and killed himself outside Brazil’s Supreme Court Wednesday after attempting to enter the building, raising security concerns just days before the country hosts world leaders at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The incident, which involved multiple explosions, occurred less than a week before heads of state from the world’s major economies gather in Rio, followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned state visit to the capital.

Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao said preliminary evidence indicates the suspect triggered explosives after failing to gain entry to the Supreme Court. A second explosion rocked a nearby car owned by the suspect, blowing open its trunk.

“We hope this is the act of a lone wolf,” Leao said, though she emphasized investigators couldn’t yet confirm this theory. Police have delayed identifying the deceased, citing concerns about potential additional explosives on the body.

The first blast erupted in a parking area near the court building Wednesday evening, followed seconds later by a second explosion directly in front of the court, where authorities discovered the suspect’s remains.

The explosions centered around the Plaza of the Three Powers, a symbolic square housing Brazil’s three federal government branches. The location carries particular significance as the site of the January 8, 2023, riots when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings to protest his election loss.

Law enforcement deployed bomb squad units equipped with explosive disposal robots to the square, Brazil’s seat of federal power, to investigate the incident. Officials confirmed the Supreme Court justices had just concluded their plenary session when the explosions occurred and were safely evacuated.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had departed the nearby executive palace shortly before the blasts, according to officials.

The timing of the incident has heightened security concerns as Brazil prepares to host the G20 summit, one of the world’s premier forums for international economic cooperation. The explosions also cast a shadow over the upcoming state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled to follow the G20 gathering.

The incident marks a significant security challenge for Brazilian authorities as they prepare to welcome global leaders, raising questions about security measures in place for the high-profile international events ahead.

Brazilian security forces have intensified their presence around government buildings and key infrastructure in response to the incident, while investigators work to determine the suspect’s identity and potential motives.

European Police Bust €520M Tax Fraud Ring Linked to Italian Mafia Groups

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European authorities have dismantled a sprawling criminal enterprise involving tax fraud, money laundering, and Italian mafia connections, arresting 43 people and seizing assets worth 520 million euros ($547 million) in a coordinated international operation, officials announced Thursday.

The investigation, led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), uncovered an elaborate scheme involving approximately 400 companies across Europe trading IT products and electronic devices. The operation implicated around 200 suspects, primarily based in Italy but extending through several European countries and reaching into the United Arab Emirates.

Prosecutors revealed the operation exposed deep connections between white-collar crime and traditional organized crime, with evidence showing the Naples-based Camorra and Sicilian Cosa Nostra invested profits from Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud into their criminal enterprises.

European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi emphasized the growing convergence of organized crime and financial fraud. “It has been a while since we started to ring the alarm bell about dangerous organised crime groups’ heavy involvement in fraud to the EU budget,” she said. “There is no division between the world of the really bad and dangerous criminals smuggling drugs, trafficking people on one side; and the world of white-collar criminals, ‘merely’ corrupting and laundering money, on the other side.”

The operation’s scope was unprecedented, with 34 suspects remanded to prison custody, nine placed under house arrest, and four others banned from conducting business activities. Arrests spanned multiple countries, including the Czech Republic, Netherlands, Spain, and Bulgaria.

Italy’s Guardia di Finanza police uncovered false invoices totaling 1.3 billion euros between 2020 and 2023. The investigation’s asset seizures included luxury real estate properties along the Sicilian and Ligurian Rivieras, Lake Como, and in Milan.

Law enforcement conducted more than 160 searches across Italy, with additional operations in Spain, Luxembourg, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and the Netherlands. The investigation extended beyond the European Union’s borders into Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates.

The operation reflects a growing trend identified by Italian investigators, who have documented organized crime’s increasing sophistication in infiltrating legitimate business sectors and white-collar crime schemes, viewing them as lower-risk alternatives to traditional criminal activities.

Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti praised the operation’s success on social media platform X, commending the coordinated efforts of police authorities and prosecutors.

The case marks one of the largest financial crime investigations conducted by European authorities, highlighting the evolving nature of organized crime and its deep penetration into Europe’s financial systems. The EPPO indicated this operation might be the first of several major cases targeting the intersection of traditional organized crime and sophisticated financial fraud schemes threatening the EU’s financial interests.

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