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Caitlin Clark Wins WNBA Rookie of the Year in Near-Unanimous Vote

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Caitlin Clark Wins WNBA Rookie of the Year in Near-Unanimous Vote

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year, receiving 66 of 67 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and sportscasters, the league announced Thursday.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft out of Iowa, averaged 19.2 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game in her debut season. Her stellar performance helped the Fever reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016, finishing with a 20-20 record after a 1-8 start.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Rookie of the Year,” Clark said in a statement. “I am so proud of what we accomplished and so excited for what the future holds.”

The 21-year-old guard’s impact extended beyond the court, contributing to record-breaking attendance and viewership for the WNBA. Clark’s rookie season was marked by numerous achievements, including recording the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in WNBA history, setting a league single-game record with 19 assists, and becoming the first rookie to have at least 30 points and 10 assists in a game.

Clark also led the league with 122 3-pointers made and set a WNBA single-season record with 337 assists. Her dominance was particularly evident post-Olympic break, where she averaged 24.7 points and 9.3 assists over a 10-game stretch, leading the Fever to an 8-2 record.

“Caitlin’s impact on the league has been unprecedented for a rookie,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Her combination of skill, leadership, and marketability has elevated the entire WNBA.”

The only other vote for Rookie of the Year went to Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, who averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.

Clark’s popularity helped drive significant increases in WNBA viewership and attendance. The Fever led the league in attendance both at home (averaging 17,036) and on the road (over 15,000). Four teams moved home games to larger arenas when Indiana visited to accommodate fan demand.

Despite a first-round playoff exit, Clark’s postseason debut drew 1.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched WNBA playoff game since the 2000 Finals and the most-watched playoff game ever on ESPN.

As Clark looks ahead to her sophomore season, expectations remain high. “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface,” she said. “I know there’s a lot of room for me to continue to improve, and that’s what excites me the most.”

With Clark’s Rookie of the Year win, the Indiana Fever become the first team since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012-2013 to have back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners, following Aliyah Boston’s 2023 honor.

AP

Wagner Group Claims Russian Captives Dead in Mali, Rebels Dispute

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Wagner Group Claims Russian Captives Dead in Mali, Rebels Dispute

The Russian mercenary Wagner Group has informed families of captured fighters in Mali that their loved ones have died, contradicting claims by Tuareg rebels who say the prisoners remain alive, according to text messages and interviews obtained by The Associated Press.

The conflicting reports center on Alexander Efremov, one of two Russian mercenaries captured by Tuareg separatists following a deadly desert battle in late July that reportedly claimed dozens of Wagner fighters.

Efremov’s brother, Evgeny, posted in a Telegram chat group used by relatives of the mercenaries that Wagner had called to communicate his death. “Can you imagine the mental condition of Nike’s wife after this call,” Evgeny wrote, referring to his brother by his callsign.

Relatives of three other fighters reported as missing told the AP they had received similar calls from Wagner. However, Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesman for the Tuareg rebel group known as the Permanent Strategic Framework for Peace, Security and Development (CSP), refuted Wagner’s claims.

“All our prisoners are alive,” Ramadane stated. “Wagner are liars.” The rebel group declined to provide evidence of the prisoners’ well-being, while Wagner has not recovered bodies from the battlefield, leaving families without definitive proof.

The battle near the Algerian border has highlighted the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Mali, where Tuareg separatists, seeking an independent homeland called Azawad, have been fighting the Malian government since 2012. Their struggle has become intertwined with an al-Qaeda-aligned Islamist rebellion in the region.

Using public data, facial recognition software, and interviews with relatives, the AP has identified 31 Wagner mercenaries either missing or captured following the battle with the Tuaregs. While Wagner acknowledged heavy losses in the Mali ambush, it has not provided specific casualty figures. The Malian army, which fought alongside the Russians, has also remained silent on the toll.

Tuareg rebels claim to have killed 84 Russians and 47 Malians in the engagement, though these numbers have not been independently verified.

The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Russian mercenary groups operating in Africa, particularly following the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin last year. In response, the Kremlin has sought to consolidate control over Wagner and other mercenary outfits under a new umbrella organization known as Africa Corps.

Dr. Elena Volkova, an expert on Russian military operations in Africa at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, told the AP, “The contradictory reports about the fate of these captives highlight the complex and often opaque nature of mercenary operations in conflict zones like Mali.”

Reuters

Singapore Property Billionaire Charged in High-Profile Corruption Case

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Singapore Property Billionaire Charged in High-Profile Corruption Case

Singapore’s property billionaire Ong Beng Seng was charged Friday with obstructing justice and abetting offenses related to gifts given to former transport minister S. Iswaran, marking the latest development in a corruption scandal that has rocked the city-state’s typically clean political establishment.

Malaysian property tycoon Ong Beng Seng arrives at the state court, in Singapore October 4, 2024. REUTERS/Edgar Su

Ong, 78, owner of Hotel Properties Ltd and rights holder to the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race, appeared in court facing accusations of providing high-value gifts to Iswaran, who on Thursday became the first former cabinet member in Singapore’s history to receive a prison sentence.

The charges against Ong include:

– One count of abetting Iswaran’s receipt of two flights and luxury hotel accommodation in Doha worth S$20,848.03 (approximately $15,300).

– One count of abetting Iswaran in obstruction of justice.

These charges correspond to two of the 35 charges brought against Iswaran, who was sentenced to 12 months in jail for obstructing justice and improperly receiving gifts as a public servant.

“This case has significant implications for Singapore’s reputation for clean governance,” said political analyst Dr. Lim Yee Chen, speaking to the Associated Press. “It’s unprecedented to see a figure of Ong’s stature implicated in such a high-profile corruption case.”

Prosecutors during Iswaran’s trial said the ex-minister received gifts from Ong worth more than $300,000, including tickets to English Premier League soccer matches, Formula One Grand Prix events, London musicals, and a ride on a private jet to Doha.

The court heard how Iswaran had asked Ong to bill him for the Doha trip on the private jet after discovering that the anti-graft agency had seized the flight manifest for an unrelated case. Justice Vincent Hoong, who presided over Iswaran’s case, described this as a deliberate move to obstruct justice and evade investigation.

Ong, a Malaysian citizen based in Singapore, has not yet commented on the accusations. Channel NewsAsia reported that he entered no plea on Friday and did not indicate how he would plead. His company, Singapore-listed Hotel Properties Ltd, requested a trading halt early Friday following the announcement of the charges.

The attorney-general’s chambers stated that while Ong is being charged for his involvement in two of Iswaran’s charges, the prosecution will not pursue charges related to other allegations against the former minister.

This case has captivated Singapore, a wealthy financial hub that offers ministers salaries exceeding S$1 million ($771,247) annually to deter corruption. The city-state prides itself on its reputation for clean governance and transparency.

“The charges against Ong Beng Seng underscore the seriousness with which Singapore treats allegations of corruption, regardless of the individual’s status or wealth,” said legal expert Sarah Tan. “It sends a strong message about the equality of all before the law.”

The court adjourned Ong’s hearing until pre-trial proceedings on November 15. Meanwhile, the attorney-general’s chambers announced it will not charge Lum Kok Seng, another businessman named in Iswaran’s charges as having given gifts to the former minister.

As the case unfolds, it continues to spark discussions about governance, accountability, and the relationship between business and politics in Singapore. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and its reputation as a corruption-free business hub in Southeast Asia.

Deadly Gang Attack Prompts Mass Exodus from Haitian Town of Port-Sonde

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Deadly Gang Attack Prompts Mass Exodus from Haitian Town of Port-Sonde

Thousands of residents fled the Haitian town of Pont-Sonde following a deadly overnight attack by the Gran Grif gang, local newspaper Le Nouvelliste reported Thursday. The violence marks a concerning expansion of gang influence beyond the capital.

At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in the assault on Pont-Sonde, a major rice-producing town about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Port-au-Prince. Some reports suggest the death toll may be higher.

Haiti’s national police confirmed multiple fatalities and severe injuries but did not provide specific numbers. The police later deployed their UTAG anti-gang tactical unit to the area.

“The police have been formally instructed to restore order and prevent all those sowing terror in the Artibonite department from causing harm,” Haiti’s Justice Ministry said in a statement. “These crimes will not go unpunished.”

According to Le Nouvelliste, gang members led by 36-year-old Luckson Elan, recently sanctioned by the United Nations, burned buildings and executed people in the streets. Thousands of residents sought refuge in the coastal town of Saint-Marc.

The attack on Pont-Sonde, located in Haiti’s breadbasket Artibonite department, exacerbates the country’s worsening hunger crisis. Half of Haiti’s population already faces severe food insecurity, with thousands in Port-au-Prince experiencing famine-level hunger.

The violence has also contributed to a surge in internal displacement, with over 700,000 people now displaced across Haiti – nearly double the number from six months ago. This increase comes despite the partial deployment of a UN-backed security mission.

In response to the escalating crisis, the neighboring Dominican Republic announced plans to increase migrant deportations to up to 10,000 per week, citing slow progress in restoring order in Haiti.

As gang influence continues to spread beyond Port-au-Prince, concerns grow about Haiti’s ability to address the interconnected challenges of violence, food insecurity, and displacement.

Deadly Floods Ravage Bosnia, Killing at Least 14 in Worst Deluge in Years

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Deadly Floods Ravage Bosnia, Killing at Least 14 in Worst Deluge in Years

Torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides across central Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, killing at least 14 people and leaving others missing in what officials describe as the country’s worst flooding since 2014.

A Serbian rescuer carries an elderly woman out of her flooded house in the village of Obrez, near the central Serbian town of Varvarin, south of Belgrade, on May 17, 2014. Deadly floods across Bosnia and Serbia have claimed at least 14 lives and led to the evacuation of 15,000 people after the Balkans suffered its heaviest rainfall in a century, officials said on Saturday. AFP PHOTO / SASA DJORDJEVIC (Photo credit should read SASA DJORDJEVIC/AFP/Getty Images)

The municipality of Jablanica, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Sarajevo, bore the brunt of the disaster. The area was completely cut off after floodwaters and landslides destroyed road and railway links.

“At least 14 dead were found in the Jablanica area,” said Darko Jukan, a spokesman for the cantonal government. “There are a lot of people reported missing. In some cases, only parts of roofs can be seen. I cannot remember a crisis of such magnitude since the 1992-1995 war.”

Bosnia’s inter-ethnic presidency requested military assistance for the wider Jablanica region. Engineers, rescue units, and a helicopter were deployed, including to evacuate 17 people from a mental hospital.

The town of Kiseljak in central Bosnia was inundated after a river burst its banks, with floodwaters reaching the doors of businesses and homes. Drone footage showed widespread flooding, though water levels began to recede by Friday afternoon.

“There is information about casualties and a number of injured and missing,” the Civil Defense of the Bosniak-Croat Federation said in a statement, suggesting the death toll could rise.

The flooding appears to be the worst to hit Bosnia since 2014 when more than 20 people died. Neighboring countries, including Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, also issued severe weather warnings as the storm system moved across the Balkans.

Iran’s Khamenei Vows Continued Resistance Against Israel Amid Rising Tensions

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Iran’s Khamenei Vows Continued Resistance Against Israel Amid Rising Tensions

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared Friday that Iran and its regional allies will not back down from confronting Israel, escalating tensions following recent attacks and assassinations in the region.

Speaking at a rare appearance leading Friday prayers in Tehran, Khamenei called Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel “legal and legitimate,” referring to the strike launched Tuesday in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah.

“The resistance in the region will not back down even with the killing of its leaders,” Khamenei stated, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to its “Axis of Resistance” which includes Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and armed groups in Iraq.

The Supreme Leader’s comments come amid reports of an Israeli attack in Beirut targeting Hashem Safieddine, rumored to be Nasrallah’s successor. Israeli officials have not confirmed the operation, and Hezbollah has remained silent on Safieddine’s fate.

Israel has continued its operations against Hezbollah, with the military claiming to have eliminated the group’s communications chief, Mohammad Rashid Sakafi, in a “precise, intelligence-based strike” in Beirut on Thursday.

As tensions rise, U.S. President Joe Biden suggested Israel’s response to Iran’s missile salvo could include strikes on Iranian oil facilities. However, Biden also expressed his belief that an “all-out war” in the Middle East is unlikely.

The ongoing conflict has raised global concerns about potential oil supply disruptions, contributing to a surge in oil prices.

While the United States, European Union, and other allies have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire in the Israel-Lebanon conflict, the situation remains volatile. Biden indicated that discussions with Israel about response options are ongoing, but stressed, “There is nothing going to happen today.”

Reuters

Kim Jong Un Vows Nuclear Retaliation if North Korea Attacked

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Kim Jong Un Vows Nuclear Retaliation if North Korea Attacked

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula, vowing to use nuclear weapons “without hesitation” if the country’s sovereignty is threatened by South Korea and the United States, state media reported Friday.

Kim’s remarks, made during an inspection of a special forces military training base near Pyongyang, come in response to recent statements by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who warned of “the end of the North Korean regime” if it were to use nuclear weapons.

“If the enemy attempts to use armed forces encroaching upon the sovereignty of the DPRK, the DPRK would use without hesitation all the offensive forces it has possessed, including nuclear weapons,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The exchange of threats follows a South Korean military parade where President Yoon pledged an “overwhelming response” from the U.S.-South Korea alliance if North Korea launched a nuclear attack.

Kim dismissed Yoon as a “puppet” and “an abnormal man,” according to KCNA, further straining already tense relations between the two Koreas.

The heightened rhetoric comes amid ongoing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program. Recently, Pyongyang released images of a uranium enrichment facility for the first time, with Kim calling for increased production to boost the country’s nuclear arsenal.

North Korea, which conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, faces numerous UN sanctions for its weapons programs. Despite these sanctions, the country has continued to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities, partly due to support from allies Russia and China.

South Korea, which hosts tens of thousands of U.S. troops, relies on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for deterrence against North Korean threats.

Ryanair Plane Fire in Italy Prompts Evacuation, Safety Concerns

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Ryanair Plane Fire in Italy Prompts Evacuation, Safety Concerns

A Ryanair Boeing passenger jet caught fire while taxiing for takeoff at Brindisi Airport in southern Italy on Thursday, leading to the evacuation of 184 passengers and crew.

The incident, which halted air traffic for several hours, comes just two days after another Ryanair Boeing aircraft experienced a tire blowout during landing at Milan Bergamo Airport.

Ryanair, Europe’s largest budget airline, stated that the Brindisi flight bound for Turin was delayed after cabin crew observed fumes outside the aircraft. “Passengers were disembarked without incident and returned to the terminal by bus,” the airline said in a statement.

The airport reopened approximately three hours later, according to its website. Ryanair reported that passengers were later flown to their destination on a replacement aircraft.

These incidents have prompted Italian lawmakers to call for an inquiry into Ryanair’s safety record. Andrea Caroppo and Mauro D’Attis, members of Italy’s ruling coalition, have requested a senate hearing with the National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC).

“This morning, at Brindisi airport, a new accident occurred, yet another, on a Ryanair plane,” Caroppo, who is vice president of the Transport Commission in Italy’s lower house of parliament, said in a joint statement with colleagues.

The lawmakers cited previous incidents involving Ryanair flights, including a May incident where a flight from Bari to London had to turn back due to technical problems, and another where a Bologna to Brussels flight made an emergency landing in Luxembourg because of an onboard fire.

“These are just some of the many, too many accidents that have involved Ryanair in recent months, in Italy and Europe,” the statement added.

Ryanair did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawmakers’ statement. Boeing, the manufacturer of both aircraft involved in this week’s incidents, referred inquiries to Ryanair.

ENAC, Italy’s aviation authority, confirmed it is investigating both incidents separately.

Garth Brooks Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit by Former Stylist

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Garth Brooks Accused of Sexual Assault in Lawsuit by Former Stylist

Country music icon Garth Brooks faces serious allegations of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit filed Thursday by a former hair and makeup artist who worked for the singer.

The lawsuit, filed in a California state court and obtained by The Associated Press, details multiple alleged incidents from 2019. The plaintiff, identified as “Jane Roe,” claims she was once raped by Brooks during a work trip.

Brooks, who has previously denied these accusations, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, Roe began working for Brooks in 2017, having first been hired to style his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999. The suit alleges Brooks repeatedly exposed himself to Roe, discussed sexual fantasies, and sent explicit text messages.

One incident in 2019 allegedly involved Brooks forcing Roe’s hands onto his genitals after emerging naked from a shower. The lawsuit also claims Brooks raped Roe in a Los Angeles hotel room during a May 2019 work trip for a Grammy tribute performance.

“Our client is taking a brave stand against a powerful figure in the music industry,” said Douglas H. Wigdor, one of Roe’s attorneys. “We believe the evidence will show Mr. Brooks abused his position of power and trust.”

The lawsuit follows a previous complaint filed by Brooks as “John Doe,” attempting to prevent Roe from publicly discussing her allegations. In that filing, Brooks claimed Roe’s attorney sent a demand letter after he declined her request for salaried employment and medical benefits.

“Defendant’s allegations are not true,” Brooks’ earlier lawsuit stated, arguing that such claims would cause “substantial, irreparable damage” to his reputation and career.

Legal experts say the case highlights ongoing issues of power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry. Sarah Johnson, a Los Angeles-based employment attorney not involved in the case, noted, “These types of cases are complex, often involving conflicting accounts and questions of credibility. The court will need to carefully examine all evidence presented by both parties.”

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and has reignited discussions about workplace safety and harassment in the country music scene. As the legal process unfolds, the allegations against one of country music’s biggest stars are likely to have far-reaching implications for the industry and Brooks’ legacy.

Representatives for Trisha Yearwood have not yet commented on the lawsuit.

Israeli Air Strike Kills 18 in West Bank, Including Hamas Leader

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Israeli Air Strike Kills 18 in West Bank, Including Hamas Leader

An Israeli air strike in the occupied West Bank city of Tulkarm killed at least 18 people late Thursday, including a senior Hamas figure, Palestinian and Israeli officials reported.

The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the death toll, while the Palestinian Authority-run news agency Wafa said the strike hit a cafe in the Tulkarm refugee camp where many civilians were present.

Israel’s military said the air force conducted the strike jointly with the Shin Bet security service, killing the head of Hamas in Tulkarm and “other significant terrorists.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the Hamas leader as Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, alleging he had attempted a car bombing last month and supplied weapons.

“This operation targeted key Hamas infrastructure in the West Bank,” an IDF spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity as per military protocol.

A Tulkarm resident told AFP the strike “hit a cafeteria in a three-story building,” adding that the death toll could rise.

The incident marks a significant escalation in the West Bank, where violence has spiked since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. Over 700 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since then, as Israeli forces intensified raids to counter Palestinian attacks.

UN rights chief Volker Turk recently stated that Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank were occurring “at a scale not witnessed in the last two decades.”

This air strike, using jets rather than the more common drones or helicopters, represents a notable shift in Israeli tactics in the West Bank.

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