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Former California Man Gets 35 Years for Antisemitic Shooting Spree in Los Angeles

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Former California Man Gets 35 Years for Antisemitic Shooting Spree in Los Angeles

A federal judge sentenced Jaime Tran, 30, formerly of Riverside, California, to 35 years in prison Monday for attempting to murder two Jewish men outside Los Angeles synagogues in February 2023, in what authorities described as a hate-motivated attack.

Tran pleaded guilty on June 3 to two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement, “Vile acts of antisemitic hatred endanger the safety of individuals and entire communities, and allowing such crimes to go unchecked endangers the foundation of our democracy itself.”

According to court documents, Tran’s antisemitic behavior escalated over several years. In 2018, he left graduate school after making antisemitic comments about other students. From August to December 2022, he sent increasingly violent messages to former classmates, including threats like “I want you dead, Jew.”

Despite being prohibited from purchasing firearms due to previous mental health holds, Tran acquired two firearms in January 2023 through a third party in Phoenix, who has since pleaded guilty to the illegal sale.

On February 15 and 16, 2023, Tran shot and wounded two Jewish men wearing yarmulkes as they left synagogues in the Pico-Robertson area of Los Angeles. Both victims survived the attacks.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California stated, “We hope the sentence imposed today sends a strong message to all in our community that we will not tolerate antisemitism and hate of any sort.”

The FBI and Los Angeles Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from several other California law enforcement agencies.

Nepal Flooding Death Toll Rises to 193 as Recovery Efforts Intensify

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Nepal Flooding Death Toll Rises to 193 as Recovery Efforts Intensify

The death toll from severe flooding and landslides in Nepal has climbed to 193, with recovery and rescue operations intensifying on Monday as weather conditions improved.

Police reports indicate that 31 people remain missing and 96 are injured across the Himalayan nation following heavy rainfall over the weekend. The capital, Kathmandu, bore the brunt of the disaster, with 34 fatalities recorded in the city.

A devastating landslide approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Kathmandu claimed 36 lives on a blocked highway, burying at least three buses and other vehicles where people had been sleeping.

“The scale of this disaster is unprecedented,” said Nepal’s Home Minister, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. “We are mobilizing all available resources for rescue and relief efforts.”

The minister announced plans to establish temporary shelters for those displaced and provide financial assistance to affected families.

Kathmandu, which had been isolated due to landslides blocking all three major highways out of the city, saw some relief as workers managed to temporarily reopen the crucial Prithvi highway.

Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, returning from the U.N. General Assembly meeting, has called for an emergency meeting to address the crisis.

In the southern part of Kathmandu, residents began cleanup efforts as floodwaters receded. Police and military personnel are assisting with rescue operations, while heavy equipment is being used to clear landslide debris from roads.

The government has announced the closure of schools and colleges across Nepal for the next three days as part of its emergency response.

This catastrophic event occurs near the end of Nepal’s monsoon season, which typically concludes by mid-September.

Meanwhile, in northern Bangladesh, approximately 60,000 people have been affected by flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rains and rising water levels from upstream India. The English-language Daily Star reported that residents in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram districts have sought refuge on roads and flood protection embankments.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Center in Dhaka reported that while some rivers were overflowing, water levels could start receding within a day or two.

Verizon Hit by Nationwide Outage, Thousands of Users Affected

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Verizon Hit by Nationwide Outage, Thousands of Users Affected

Verizon Communications Inc. experienced a widespread service disruption on Monday, affecting thousands of users across the United States, with reports of cellular and internet outages spiking amid ongoing restoration efforts following Hurricane Helene.

According to Downdetector.com, a website tracking service outages, Verizon saw over 100,000 outage reports around 11 a.m. ET, which decreased to approximately 63,000 by 1 p.m. ET. Users reported issues with mobile phones, including “no signal” and “total blackout,” while internet customers complained of slow speeds.

A Verizon spokesperson told Nexstar via email, “We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.” The company did not provide further details about the cause or extent of the outage.

Some Verizon customers reported their phones entering “SOS mode,” similar to issues AT&T users experienced during an August outage. This mode indicates an inability to connect to the cellular network but allows for emergency calls through other networks.

While Verizon’s network status page experienced loading issues, a company support representative acknowledged on social media platform X that Verizon was “experiencing a nationwide outage that is affecting several cities.”

The outage coincides with ongoing service restoration efforts by multiple carriers in the Southeast following Hurricane Helene. AT&T and T-Mobile also reported localized outages, primarily in areas affected by the storm.

AT&T warned customers on Sunday that they “may still experience home phone and internet service interruptions due to storm damage and commercial power outages.” T-Mobile reported progress in restoring services across several states but noted ongoing work in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

As carriers work to restore services, affected customers are advised to use Wi-Fi calling when possible and to check their providers’ websites for local updates and service restoration timelines.

US Sends Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

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US Sends Additional Troops to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions

The Pentagon announced Monday that the United States is deploying several thousand additional troops to the Middle East to enhance security and potentially defend Israel if necessary, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that the increased presence will primarily consist of multiple fighter jet squadrons. The deployment follows recent strikes in Lebanon and the reported assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict.

“These deployments are for the protection of U.S. forces,” Singh stated, emphasizing that the troops are not intended for evacuation purposes.

The additional personnel includes squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, A-10, and F-22 fighter jets, along with necessary support staff. Instead of replacing existing squadrons, these new units will remain alongside current forces, effectively doubling the available airpower in the region.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also announced on Sunday the temporary extension of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group’s deployment in the area, further bolstering the U.S. military presence.

This move comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, raising concerns about potential wider regional implications. The U.S. deployment appears to be a proactive measure to safeguard American interests and allies in the volatile region.

The decision to increase military presence underscores the U.S. commitment to regional stability and its readiness to respond to rapidly evolving situations in the Middle East. It also reflects growing concerns about the potential for the conflict to expand beyond its current boundaries.

NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dies at 58 from Brain Cancer

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NBA Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo Dies at 58 from Brain Cancer

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Fame inductee renowned for his defensive prowess and humanitarian efforts, died Monday from brain cancer at the age of 58, the NBA announced.

Mutombo, whose family had revealed his battle with a brain tumor two years ago, passed away surrounded by loved ones in Atlanta, where he had been undergoing treatment.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver lauded Mutombo’s impact both on and off the court. “Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” Silver said. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

The 7-foot-2 center from Georgetown University spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for six teams including Denver, Atlanta, and Houston. An eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Mutombo averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game over his career.

Mutombo’s distinctive finger wag after blocking shots became his signature move, endearing him to fans and inspiring a generation of players. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, a fellow African, expressed his admiration for Mutombo. “It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said. “He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court.”

After retiring in 2009, Mutombo devoted himself to humanitarian causes. He founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, focusing on improving health, education, and quality of life in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mutombo, who spoke nine languages, served on the boards of several organizations, including Special Olympics International and UNICEF.

Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, visibly emotional upon hearing the news, said, “That guy, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

Mutombo’s passing has deeply affected the NBA community. Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey, who worked with Mutombo in Houston, struggled to contain his emotions during a media session. “There aren’t many guys like him,” Morey said. “Just a great human being.”

As the basketball world mourns Mutombo’s loss, his legacy as both a formidable player and a tireless advocate for global causes ensures his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Hezbollah Vows Resistance as Israel Escalates Attacks in Lebanon

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Hezbollah Vows Resistance as Israel Escalates Attacks in Lebanon

Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem declared on Monday that the militant group is prepared to confront any potential Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon, marking his first public address since Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week.

“We will face any possibility and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land,” Qassem stated, asserting that “the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement.”

This defiant stance comes amid a two-week wave of Israeli attacks on targets in Lebanon, which has eliminated several Hezbollah commanders and raised speculation about a possible ground incursion.

The conflict has intensified beyond Lebanon’s borders. Hamas reported that an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre killed its leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, along with his family. Separately, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) announced that three of its leaders died in a strike in central Beirut, marking the first such attack within the capital’s limits.

These incidents underscore Israel’s expanding offensive across multiple fronts, even after the high-profile elimination of Nasrallah. The strikes have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict that could potentially involve Iran and the United States.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani warned that Tehran would not leave Israel’s “criminal acts” unanswered, referring to the killings of Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan.

The escalating violence has taken a severe toll on Lebanon. The country’s Health Ministry reports over 1,000 Lebanese killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, though it did not specify civilian casualties. The government estimates that one million people—a fifth of the population—have fled their homes.

“There is nothing else to say or add, except God save Lebanon,” said Nawel, a Beirut resident, expressing the growing anxiety among Lebanese civilians. “What will happen to me is the same as what can happen to anyone.”

Ukraine Downs 67 Russian Drones in Latest Round of Attacks

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Ukraine Downs 67 Russian Drones in Latest Round of Attacks

Ukraine’s military reported Monday that it successfully intercepted 67 out of 73 Russian aerial drones launched in overnight attacks across the country, demonstrating the effectiveness of its air defense systems.

The Ukrainian air force said the interceptions occurred over multiple regions, including Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr. In addition to the drones, Ukrainian forces also shot down one of three Russian missiles.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, stated that air alerts were active in the capital for five hours, but all attacks directed at Kyiv were successfully intercepted.

Despite Ukraine’s defensive success, the attacks caused damage in some areas. Officials in Dnipropetrovsk reported that drone and artillery strikes damaged at least 10 homes.

Russia, in turn, claimed to have destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones over its Belgorod region, which borders Ukraine. Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorod’s governor, reported one person killed and another injured in what he described as Ukrainian attacks.

This latest exchange highlights the ongoing aerial warfare between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides employing drones and missiles in their military strategies.

“The increasing use of drones in this conflict presents new challenges for air defense systems,” said a military analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject. “Ukraine’s ability to intercept such a high percentage of incoming drones is significant.”

As the conflict continues, the role of unmanned aerial vehicles and air defense systems remains crucial, with both sides adapting their tactics in response to evolving threats.

Instant Porridge Recalled in South Africa After Three Children Die

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Instant Porridge Recalled in South Africa After Three Children Die

A popular instant porridge brand has been withdrawn from sale across South Africa following the deaths of three young children who reportedly consumed the product, authorities said Monday.

The children, aged between 18 months and four years, died on Friday after complaining of stomach pains following consumption of Top Score Instant Porridge, according to Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa, a police spokesperson who spoke to the Daily Maverick newspaper.

Spar, the supermarket chain where the porridge was purchased, has instructed all its stores to remove the product from shelves immediately.

Namib Mills, the Namibian company that manufactures the porridge, issued a statement saying, “Although there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously.” The company expressed condolences to the affected families and pledged full cooperation with authorities during the investigation.

The incident occurred in the Eastern Cape province. A fourth child, aged seven, also fell ill but was discharged from the hospital over the weekend, local media reported.

Buffalo City Municipal spokeswoman Bongani Fuzile told the Daily Maverick that samples of the porridge have been sent to the National Health Laboratory Services for testing and analysis. The exact cause of the children’s deaths remains unclear.

While the children reportedly consumed the vanilla-flavored variety, all flavors of the instant porridge have been recalled as a precautionary measure.

bbc.com

World Bank Approves $1.57 Billion Loan Package for Nigeria

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World Bank Approves $1.57 Billion Loan Package for Nigeria

The World Bank has approved a $1.57 billion financing package for Nigeria to support its health, education, and power sectors, the institution announced on Monday.

This new loan brings the World Bank’s total lending to Nigeria to over $16.57 billion, solidifying its position as the country’s largest lender. As of March, Nigeria’s debt to the World Bank stood at more than $15 billion, according to data from the Debt Management Office.

The financing package is divided into three main components: $500 million to address governance issues hindering education and health service delivery, $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program, and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project.

“This comprehensive package aims to tackle some of Nigeria’s most pressing development challenges,” said a World Bank spokesperson, who requested anonymity as per the institution’s policy. “We’re focusing on areas that can have a significant impact on the lives of Nigerian citizens.”

The funding comes at a critical time for Nigeria, which faces numerous challenges including a high number of out-of-school children, particularly in the north where insecurity from Islamist insurgencies and armed kidnapping gangs has disrupted education.

Part of the loan will also be directed towards improving dam safety to protect communities from floods. This follows recent flooding incidents, including one in northeastern Borno state where a dam burst affected up to a million people.

At Least 12 Dead, 10 Missing as Migrant Boat Sinks Off Tunisian Coast

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At Least 12 Dead, 10 Missing as Migrant Boat Sinks Off Tunisian Coast

A boat carrying migrants capsized off the Tunisian coast near Djerba on Monday, resulting in at least 12 deaths, including three infants, with 10 others reported missing, Tunisian authorities said.

The Tunisian coast guard managed to rescue 29 people from the overcrowded vessel, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Human Rights Observatory, a local rights group, reported that the majority of the migrants on board were Tunisian nationals, with two Moroccans among them.

Tunisians trying to flee to Europe gather aboard a ship owned by the Tunisian coast guards, after being intercepted by them at sea on August 10, 2023. Mediterranean Sea crossing attempts from Tunisia have multiplied following a incendiary speech by the Tunisian president who had alleged that “hordes” of irregular migrants were causing crime and posing a demographic threat to the mainly Arab country. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)

The dangerous sea crossing to Europe has claimed thousands of lives in recent years, with many attempting the journey in overcrowded and unseaworthy vessels.

Tunisian authorities have been struggling to cope with the surge in departures, facing pressure from European countries to stem the flow of migrants while also dealing with domestic economic challenges.

Reuters

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