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Israeli Airstrikes Kill 45 in Lebanon, Tensions Escalate After Hezbollah Leader’s Death

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Israeli Airstrikes Kill 45 in Lebanon, Tensions Escalate After Hezbollah Leader’s Death

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people in Lebanon on Sunday, including 24 in a single attack on two buildings near Sidon, as tensions escalated following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported.

The strikes on Ain al-Delb, east of Sidon, were captured on video verified by The Associated Press. Footage showed one strike causing a massive plume of smoke, followed by a second strike that caused an adjacent building to sway and collapse.

In a separate incident, the Health Ministry reported that Israeli strikes in the northern Baalbek Hermel province killed 21 people and injured at least 47.

These attacks come in the wake of Friday’s airstrike in Beirut that killed Nasrallah, dealing a significant blow to Hezbollah’s leadership. Israel has intensified its military campaign against the Iran-backed group, killing several top commanders in recent days.

“We’ve lost the leader who gave us strength and faith,” said Sophia Blanche Rouillard, a Lebanese Christian woman in Beirut, reflecting the sentiment of Nasrallah’s supporters.

The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war. Israel’s Defense Minister is discussing expanding the offensive, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue rocket attacks into Israel until the Gaza offensive ends.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that over 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, with a million people displaced. The ministry did not specify how many casualties were civilians.

The United Nations World Food Program has initiated an emergency operation to provide food for those affected by the conflict.

Israel’s military reported striking dozens of targets, including launchers and weapons stores, while its navy intercepted projectiles from Lebanon and the Red Sea.

Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, with the United States urging a peaceful resolution. “We believe that a diplomatic path is the right course,” said White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.

Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, called for a UN Security Council meeting on Israel’s actions. Sources told Reuters that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was moved to a secure location following Nasrallah’s death.

How Mariah Carey’s Sister Dies Without Fulfilling Father’s Last Wish for Reconciliation

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How Mariah Carey’s Sister Dies Without Fulfilling Father’s Last Wish for Reconciliation

Alison Carey, the estranged sister of pop superstar Mariah Carey, died in late August at age 63 without reconciling with her famous sibling, failing to fulfill their late father’s wish for a reunion.

David Baker, described as Alison’s only friend and companion, was present when she passed away just after midnight in her small apartment in Coxsackie, New York. Baker told The U.S. Sun that Alison had been receiving hospice care at home in her final weeks.

“Two days earlier I told her I would never forget her, that I loved her and that she would always have a place in my heart,” Baker said. “In a barely audible voice she said ‘I love you.’ Those were her last words.”

In a strange coincidence, Alison died on the same day as her estranged mother, Patricia. Mariah Carey released a statement expressing heartbreak over both deaths, but Baker questioned the sincerity of the singer’s grief, noting that she could have reached out to her sister before her passing.

The sisters’ father, Alfred Roy Carey, had expressed a dying wish in 2002 for his daughters to reconcile. Mariah acknowledged this in her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” referring to Alison as her “ex-sister.”

Alison’s life was marked by struggles with drug addiction, homelessness, health issues, and allegations of sexual abuse. In 2018, she claimed in an interview with The Sun that she had been taken to occult gatherings as a child and sexually abused.

Baker described Alison as “an extremely intelligent and sensitive soul,” contrary to public perceptions of her as a “hapless drug addict.” He said he had spent the past nine years supporting Alison through various health crises.

The relationship between Mariah and Alison had been strained for years. In her memoir, Mariah made several allegations against her siblings, including claims that Alison had drugged her with valium and attempted to exploit her sexually. Alison denied these accusations up until her death.

Both Alison and the sisters’ brother, Morgan, filed lawsuits against Mariah following the book’s release. Morgan’s lawsuit remains active, with a judge recently ordering depositions from both parties by January 2025.

As of now, it remains unclear whether a funeral or memorial service has been held for Alison. Baker expressed uncertainty about the fate of her remains and any plans for commemoration.

Major Fire at Georgia Chemical Lab Prompts Mass Evacuations

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Major Fire at Georgia Chemical Lab Prompts Mass Evacuations

A massive fire at a chemical laboratory in Conyers, Georgia, has forced thousands of residents to evacuate and prompted a shelter-in-place order for others on Sunday, as authorities battle to contain the blaze amid hazardous smoke.

The fire broke out at BioLab, a facility that manufactures pool and spa treatment products, on Old Covington Highway around 5 a.m. EST, according to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. The incident reportedly began when a malfunctioning sprinkler system sprayed water on a reactive chemical, causing an explosion.

“It’s burning pretty good. We’re trying to get that under control, but at the same time we’re also trying to get the traffic under control,” said Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett.

Authorities have issued an evacuation order for the area between Sigman Road and I-20. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has implemented a shelter-in-place order for residents in the north half of the county.

Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel warned of the situation’s volatility: “Any event, the wind shift, this thing can change really quickly. But once again, shelter in place, windows and doors closed.”

The fire has caused significant disruptions, with Interstate 20 closed in both directions between Salem Road and Turner Hill. Local church services have been advised to cancel or end immediately. Several evacuation sites have been established, including JP Carr Gym and Scout Camp in Covington.

Meteorologist Brad Nitz reported that the fire is being detected on Smoketracker, with southwest winds blowing smoke into neighboring Walton County.

BioLab representatives stated that all employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. “Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation,” a company spokesperson said.

Broncos’ Tyler Badie Collapses on Sideline, Stretchered Off Field

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Broncos’ Tyler Badie Collapses on Sideline, Stretchered Off Field

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie collapsed on the sideline and was stretchered off the field during Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, causing a temporary delay in play.

Badie, 24, initially walked off the field under his own power after a hard hit from Jets linebacker Quincy Williams on a screen pass. The play resulted in a fumble, which the Jets recovered.

Shortly after reaching the sideline, Badie collapsed, prompting immediate medical attention. He was stabilized and taken off the field on a stretcher as the game was paused.

The Broncos later announced that Badie was ruled out for the remainder of the game with a back injury. Following Denver’s victory over the Jets, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters he had “no update” on Badie’s status or whether the player would travel back with the team.

“We’re obviously very concerned about Tyler,” Payton said. “Our medical team is evaluating him, and we’ll provide more information as it becomes available.”

Badie, a former standout at the University of Missouri, was leading the Broncos in rushing yards among running backs coming into Sunday’s game. He was recently promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

The incident has raised questions about player safety and the NFL’s protocols for handling on-field injuries. The league’s concussion protocols have been under increased scrutiny in recent years, though it’s unclear if Badie’s collapse was related to a head injury.

As the Broncos await further information on Badie’s condition, the team will likely need to adjust its running back rotation for upcoming games.

Badie was a sixth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL draft before joining the Broncos’ practice squad.

Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Match Suspended Due to Crowd Trouble

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Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid Match Suspended Due to Crowd Trouble

The high-profile La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid was temporarily suspended on Sunday due to crowd trouble at the Civitas Metropolitano stadium.

Referee Mateo Busquets halted play in the 69th minute, shortly after Real Madrid had taken a 1-0 lead through Eder Militao. Supporters behind Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ goal hurled multiple objects onto the pitch, including lighters and a plastic bag containing an unknown substance.

Both teams were ordered back to their dressing rooms as officials attempted to restore order. Atletico players Jose Maria Gimenez and Koke, along with manager Diego Simeone, approached the stands to appeal for calm.

The ultras responsible for the disruption were seen wearing masks to conceal their identities. Spanish media had previously reported concerns about potential troublemaking, particularly targeting Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior, who has been subjected to racial abuse in the past.

La Liga had issued a statement on Saturday condemning a “hate campaign” and threatening legal action against those promoting racist behavior. “LaLiga vigorously condemns these actions that – directly or indirectly – encourage, promote and incite hatred against an individual, in this case, the player Vinicius Junior, because of his race,” the statement read.

Stadium announcements warned fans that continued misbehavior could result in the match’s premature end. After a 36-minute delay, play resumed at 22:45 local time.

A La Liga spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing situation, said: “We are working closely with both clubs and local authorities to identify those responsible for this unacceptable behavior. There will be consequences for these actions.”

Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Atletico Madrid After 95th-Minute Equalizer

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Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Atletico Madrid After 95th-Minute Equalizer

Real Madrid conceded a 95th-minute equalizer to draw 1-1 with city rivals Atletico Madrid in a tense La Liga encounter on Sunday, marked by a temporary suspension due to crowd trouble.

Eder Militao had given Real Madrid the lead in the 62nd minute with a deflected half-volley, but Angel Correa’s last-gasp strike, initially ruled offside before being allowed after a VAR check, ensured the points were shared at the Civitas Metropolitano.

The match was suspended for approximately 15 minutes in the second half when Atletico supporters behind Thibaut Courtois’ goal threw objects onto the pitch.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed frustration at the late equalizer: “We were so close to a very important victory. It’s disappointing to concede so late, but that’s football.”

Atletico’s Diego Simeone praised his team’s persistence: “The spirit of this team is incredible. We never give up, and today it paid off.”

The game saw both goalkeepers in fine form, with Courtois and Jan Oblak making crucial saves throughout. Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s recent signing, had a quiet game by his standards, unable to break through Atletico’s stubborn defense.

The drama continued after the equalizer, with Marcos Llorente receiving a red card for a challenge on Fran Garcia, but Real Madrid couldn’t capitalize on the brief one-man advantage in the dying moments.

This result leaves both Madrid clubs trailing league leaders Barcelona, who surprisingly lost 4-2 to Osasuna on Saturday, keeping the title race wide open.

Top Russian Drone Warfare Colonel Found Dead Near Moscow

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Top Russian Drone Warfare Colonel Found Dead Near Moscow

Ukraine’s military intelligence directorate (GUR) reported Wednesday that Aleksey Kolomeitsev, a high-ranking Russian colonel who led the country’s kamikaze drone unit, was found dead near Moscow on September 27.

Kolomeitsev, 51, was regarded as a key figure in Vladimir Putin’s military structure, responsible for training Russia’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators and directly involved in the invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.

The GUR announced the “elimination of a war criminal” but did not provide details on the circumstances of Kolomeitsev’s death. Ukrainian sources suggested the incident was a result of a joint operation between Ukrainian military intelligence and anti-Putin fighters within Russia.

“The occupier is directly involved in the full-scale invasion of Russia and the commission of war crimes against Ukraine,” the GUR stated. “The GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reminds that there will be a fair retribution for every war crime.”

Kolomeitsev led Russia’s 924th State Center of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, which specialized in drone warfare, particularly the deployment of Iranian-made UAVs in combat. These Shahed-M drones, with a range of 1,550 miles, have been responsible for hundreds of Ukrainian casualties since the conflict began in February 2022.

This incident follows the reported death of Aleksandr Korobov, a Kremlin propagandist, in Belgorod on September 15. Ukrainian officials stated Korobov had his skull crushed in what appeared to be an assassination, though they did not claim responsibility.

Austria’s Far-Right Freedom Party Poised for First National Election Victory

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Austria’s Far-Right Freedom Party Poised for First National Election Victory

Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) appeared headed for its first victory in a national parliamentary election since World War II on Sunday, according to projections based on partial vote counts.

A projection by ORF public television, using about two-thirds of counted votes, showed the Freedom Party leading with 29.1% support, followed by Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) at 26.3%. The center-left Social Democrats trailed in third place with 21%.

The result, if confirmed, would mark a significant shift in Austria’s political landscape and reflect growing support for far-right parties across Europe.

Herbert Kickl, the Freedom Party’s leader since 2021 and a former interior minister, has expressed his desire to become chancellor. However, forming a government may prove challenging as rivals have stated they won’t work with Kickl.

“We don’t need to change our position, because we have always said that we’re ready to lead a government,” Kickl said in a televised appearance. “The other parties should ask themselves where they stand on democracy.”

The Freedom Party’s surge in popularity has been attributed to several factors, including frustration over high inflation, concerns about the war in Ukraine, lingering resentment over COVID-19 pandemic measures, and worries about migration.

The party’s election program, titled “Fortress Austria,” calls for the “remigration of uninvited foreigners” and achieving a more “homogeneous” nation through tight border controls and suspension of asylum rights via emergency law.

Chancellor Nehammer acknowledged the defeat, calling it “bitter” but noted he had improved his party’s standing from earlier poll predictions. He reiterated his pre-election stance of not forming a coalition with Kickl.

The election saw more than 6.3 million people aged 16 and over eligible to vote for the new parliament in Austria, an EU member with a policy of military neutrality.

This projected result would be the Freedom Party’s best performance in a national parliamentary election, surpassing its 26.9% share in 1999. The party has rebounded significantly since a 2019 scandal that led to the collapse of a coalition government in which it was the junior partner.

The outcome has drawn congratulations from other European far-right leaders, including Geert Wilders of the Netherlands and Alice Weidel of Germany’s Alternative for Germany party.

As vote counting continues, the final results could reshape Austria’s political alliances and potentially influence the country’s stance on key issues such as immigration, EU relations, and support for Ukraine.

AP

Zookeeper Killed by Lion at Nigerian Presidential Library Wildlife Park

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Zookeeper Killed by Lion at Nigerian Presidential Library Wildlife Park

A 35-year-old zookeeper was mauled to death by a lion at the Presidential Library Wildlife Park in Abeokuta, Nigeria, after failing to secure the animal’s enclosure during a feeding routine, local police reported Sunday.

The incident occurred Saturday evening at the facility owned by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Ogun state. Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola stated that “the lion inflicted serious fatal injuries to the man’s neck.”

According to a statement from the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, the zookeeper, identified as Babaji Daule, had taken guests to observe the lion’s feeding after regular hours. “The zookeeper, apparently feeling comfortable with the animal, left the safety protection gate open and proceeded to feed the animal. He was mauled by the animal and died on the spot,” the statement read.

To prevent further mutilation of the body, park personnel were forced to put down the lion immediately.

This tragic event comes less than a year after a similar incident at Obafemi Awolowo University, also in southwestern Nigeria, where another zookeeper was killed by a lion.

The back-to-back fatalities have sparked concerns about zoo safety protocols and wildlife management in Nigeria. Critics are calling for a review of regulations governing animal handling and zoo operations across the country.

“These incidents highlight the need for stricter safety measures and better training for zoo staff,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a wildlife conservation expert at the University of Ibadan, who was not involved in the incident. “We must ensure that both animals and humans are protected in these environments.”

The Nigerian Association of Zoological Gardens and Wildlife Parks announced it would be conducting an urgent review of safety protocols at all member institutions in light of the recent tragedies.

As investigations continue, the incident has reignited debates about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity and the risks associated with human-wildlife interactions in controlled environments.

Local authorities have stated that a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the zookeeper’s death will be conducted, with findings to be made public upon completion.

Hezbollah Confirms Death of Another Senior Figure, Ali Karki, in Israeli Airstrike

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Hezbollah Confirms Death of Another Senior Figure, Ali Karki, in Israeli Airstrike

Hezbollah has confirmed that Ali Karki, a senior military commander, was killed alongside the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah in Friday’s massive Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut.

Karki, who had been commanding Hezbollah’s southern front forces for the past year, was a veteran of previous conflicts with Israel in 2000 and 2006, according to a statement from the militant group.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released additional information on Sunday, claiming that more than 20 Hezbollah members “of varying ranks, who were present at the underground headquarters in Beirut” were killed in the strike. Among those named were Ibrahim Hussein Jazini, head of Nasrallah’s security unit, and Samir Tawfiq Dib, a long-time adviser to Nasrallah. The IDF described both as “among Nasrallah’s closest associates.”

The Israeli military also reported the death of Ali Naaf Ayoub, who was responsible for coordinating Hezbollah’s firepower.

“This strike has significantly impacted Hezbollah’s leadership structure,” an IDF spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operation.

Hezbollah has not commented on the additional casualties claimed by Israel beyond confirming the deaths of Nasrallah and Karki.

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