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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s $68M Beverly Hills Home Sale Hits Snag

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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s $68M Beverly Hills Home Sale Hits Snag

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s attempt to sell their $68 million Beverly Hills mansion has encountered a significant obstacle, sources close to the situation reported Tuesday.

The former couple, currently navigating a “tricky” divorce with the help of attorney Laura Wasser, had accepted a $64 million offer from an unidentified New Jersey couple. However, the sale is now in jeopardy after the buyers unexpectedly pulled out of escrow following a death in their family.

Affleck, 52, and Lopez, 55, purchased the property in May 2023 for $60.8 million, investing several million more in renovations. The 38,000-square-foot estate, known as Crestview Manor, boasts 12 bedrooms, 24 bathrooms, a guest penthouse, and numerous luxury amenities including a home gym, sports lounge, and pickleball courts.

The potential sale of this property is crucial in dividing the couple’s estimated $550 million in assets. Lopez’s fortune accounts for approximately $400 million of their combined wealth, while Affleck is reportedly worth $150 million. Notably, the couple wed in 2022 without a prenuptial agreement.

A source revealed to People magazine that the mansion purchase was “Ben’s idea and a major compromise for her.” The insider added that Lopez agreed to the property due to its spacious layout, which could accommodate both their families.

As the divorce proceedings continue, sources indicate that the separation of assets “has the potential to get ugly” due to the absence of a prenup. California state law dictates that only income and assets earned during their marriage are subject to division.

The couple is currently in mediation, a faster alternative to traditional divorce proceedings. Despite the legal challenges, both Affleck and Lopez were seen attending their children’s back-to-school night in Los Angeles on Tuesday, appearing friendly and relaxed according to attendees.

While the New Jersey buyers have backed out of escrow, they reportedly remain interested in the property. The outcome of this high-profile real estate transaction could significantly impact the ongoing divorce settlement between the two Hollywood stars.

Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Denies Rape Allegations, Claims No Relationship with Rapper

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Diddy’s Former Bodyguard Denies Rape Allegations, Claims No Relationship with Rapper

Joseph Sherman, known as “Big Joe,” a former bodyguard for Sean “Diddy” Combs, has categorically denied allegations of rape and claimed he has no relationship with the rapper, following a lawsuit filed Tuesday. This comes in the wake of Combs’ federal indictment on sex trafficking charges.

Joseph Sherman, known as Big Joe, and his former boss Diddy have been accused of raping a woman in the Bad Boy studios in New York back in 2001. He is pictured here pouring alcohol on a half-naked woman’s body

Sherman and Combs are accused of drugging and raping Thalia Graves when she was 25 years old at Bad Boy studios in New York in 2001. The lawsuit alleges the assault was recorded and later distributed as pornography.

In an exclusive interview, Sherman vehemently denied the accusations, stating, “I know for a fact that this is a money grab. I’ve never seen this lady. Don’t have any tape of her like she says I have. I’ve never seen her. I never did anything with her. I don’t know, none of this. I don’t even know this lady.”

The alleged victim, Thalia Graves, says the music mogul, 54, and his head of security Joseph Sherman raped her at the Bad Boy Records studios in New York back in 2001

Despite photographic evidence showing Sherman with Combs at various high-profile events in the past, he insisted, “I have not been around Diddy for 24 years.” Sherman added, “I’m being crucified and tortured for something I had nothing to do with me and me and Mr. Combs was not even friends. We had no relationship whatsoever.”

The former bodyguard, who now owns several pornographic magazines including Rhymes N Dimes, claimed Graves had been attempting to contact him via Instagram direct messages for five months before filing the lawsuit. He offered to take a lie detector test to prove his innocence, saying, “I can take a lie detector test any day of the week with any office of the law.”

Sherman founded the magazine pornographic magazine Rhymes N Dimes, which is mentioned in Graves’ complaint

Sherman expressed concern about public perception, stating, “The problem with this right now is, no matter what people like me say, Diddy is in such turmoil and everybody who was ever around him is being blamed for anything he did. Anyone who was around him is automatically guilty.”

The lawsuit alleges Sherman “forcefully slammed Graves onto a table, slapped her, and repeatedly thrust his penis into her mouth.” Sherman rebuffed these claims, describing the situation as a “shake down” and suggesting he’s being used as a pawn because of his race.

When asked about Combs’ alleged “freak off” sex parties mentioned in the rapper’s indictment, Sherman claimed he had never attended such events, stating, “When I worked with Mr. Combs, I went to one party in the Hamptons in 99 and it was classy. Everybody was nice. I’ve never in my life heard of a freak off party.”

Graves is the eleventh person to publicly accuse Combs of sexual assault. The rapper is currently in federal custody in Brooklyn, awaiting trial on allegations of presiding over an empire of sexual crimes protected by blackmail and acts of violence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Sherman’s denials highlight the complex and contentious nature of the allegations against Combs and those in his inner circle. The case continues to draw attention to issues of power, celebrity, and accountability in the entertainment industry.

Daily MailOnline

Two Injured on United Flight After Collision Warning System Activates

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Two Injured on United Flight After Collision Warning System Activates

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into an incident on a United Airlines flight that left two passengers injured when pilots responded to an onboard collision warning system alert.

United Airlines flight 2428 from Newark, New Jersey, was descending into San Francisco International Airport last Thursday when it “slowed its descent to account for another aircraft at a lower altitude,” according to a company statement. Two passengers were taken to the hospital with injuries.

An FAA incident report indicates that one passenger sustained serious injuries and another minor injuries when pilots responded to a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory (TCAS RA). These advisories are considered extreme warnings of a possible collision with another aircraft, requiring immediate pilot action.

FlightRadar24 data shows the incident occurred at 31,000 feet near Lake Berryessa, approximately 70 miles north of San Francisco. A Southwest Airlines flight was reportedly 3,000 feet below the United flight, with a SkyWest flight 1,000 feet below.

The FAA stated that “there was no loss of safe separation” between the aircraft. United Airlines confirmed that the seatbelt sign was on during the incident, and one of the injured passengers was out of their seat.

This event follows recent aviation safety concerns, including a September 12 incident where an Alaska Airlines flight aborted takeoff in Nashville due to a Southwest flight crossing the runway, and a September 10 incident involving a collision between a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 and a regional jet during taxiing.

The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering preliminary information but has not yet launched a formal investigation.

Burkina Faso Junta Claims Foiling Foreign-backed Destabilization Attempt

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Burkina Faso Junta Claims Foiling Foreign-backed Destabilization Attempt

Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta announced it has thwarted an attempt to destabilize the West African country “with the help of foreign powers,” according to a government statement Monday.

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana, speaking on national television, claimed that “persons residing in Ivory Coast have been involved in subversive activities against our country.” Sana outlined an alleged three-phase plot involving Burkina Faso civilians and servicemen living abroad who reportedly paid and trained armed groups to conduct attacks.

The minister accused junta opponents, including the leader of the January 2022 coup, two former government ministers, two journalists, and Western intelligence agencies of involvement in the alleged plot. Sana did not provide evidence for these claims, which could not be independently verified.

The military junta, which seized power in 2022 amid popular discontent over security issues, has been struggling to address Burkina Faso’s ongoing security and humanitarian crisis. Extremist attacks linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group have killed thousands and displaced over 2 million people, pushing tens of thousands to the brink of starvation.

The transitional government had initially set a goal to hold elections in July to return the country to democratic rule. However, four months ago, it extended its transition term for five more years.

This announcement comes as the junta faces mounting pressure to address the country’s security challenges and fulfill its promises to provide greater safety for Burkina Faso’s citizens.

apnews.com

Ukrainian Forces Recapture Russian Stronghold in Vovchansk After Close Combat

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Ukrainian Forces Recapture Russian Stronghold in Vovchansk After Close Combat

Ukrainian forces have recaptured a major processing plant in the northeastern town of Vovchansk after intense hand-to-hand combat, driving out Russian troops who had occupied the facility for four months, officials reported Tuesday.

The plant, a sprawling complex of about 30 buildings partly constructed of steel, had been a Russian stronghold in the Kharkiv border region since May. Russia had used the position in an attempt to stretch Ukraine’s forces by launching a fresh offensive in the area.

This victory coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United States, where he seeks to secure continued foreign support as the war enters its third year.

Ukrainian Military Intelligence stated that its units reclaimed the Vovchansk plant after fierce fighting “in densely built-up conditions.”

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their attacks elsewhere. In Kharkiv city, at least three people were killed and 28 injured in a Russian glide bomb attack, according to regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Ukrainian forces are also under severe pressure in Vuhledar, a key stronghold in the Donetsk region. Russian forces are reportedly using glide bombs to devastate the town while attempting to encircle it with infantry units.

The ongoing conflict has reduced many Ukrainian towns and villages to rubble, with Russia waging a war of attrition along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. The U.K. Defense Ministry estimates that over 1,000 Russian troops are being killed or wounded daily in the conflict.

UPDATED: Missouri Set to Execute Marcellus Williams Despite Prosecutor’s Doubts

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UPDATED: Missouri Set to Execute Marcellus Williams Despite Prosecutor’s Doubts

Missouri is set to execute Marcellus Williams, 55, by lethal injection at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT) Tuesday, despite doubts raised by the prosecutor’s office that secured his murder conviction 21 years ago.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in the case Tuesday, following similar rejections by Missouri Governor Mike Parson and the state’s highest court.

Williams was convicted in 2003 for the 1998 murder of Felicia “Lisha” Gayle, a former newspaper reporter. He has consistently maintained his innocence.

St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell, whose office handled the original prosecution, sought to block the execution, citing concerns about the original trial. Bell questioned the reliability of key witnesses, alleged racial bias in jury selection, and noted new DNA testing found no trace of Williams’ DNA on the murder weapon.

Despite these concerns, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey opposed a recent agreement between prosecutors and Williams’ attorneys for a no-contest plea and life sentence. The state Supreme Court blocked this deal at Bailey’s request.

Governor Parson denied clemency on Monday, stating, “No jury nor court, including at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels, have ever found merit in Mr. Williams’ innocence claims.”

Williams’ attorney, Tricia Rojo Bushnell of the Midwest Innocence Project, emphasized that Gayle’s family opposes the execution. “Missouri is poised to execute an innocent man, an outcome that calls into question the legitimacy of the entire criminal justice system,” she said. The case has reignited debate over the death penalty and the handling of potential wrongful convictions in the United States

Russian Attacks Kill Three, Wound Two in Eastern Ukraine

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Russian Attacks Kill Three, Wound Two in Eastern Ukraine

Russian attacks on two towns in eastern Ukraine killed three people and wounded two others, regional authorities reported Tuesday.

An artillery strike on the strategic hub of Pokrovsk hit a residential area, killing two middle-aged men, according to Donetsk regional prosecutors. Russia has intensified its assaults on Pokrovsk in recent months, with forces reportedly advancing to within 8 kilometers (5 miles) of the town’s outskirts.

Earlier in the day, Russian guided aerial bombs damaged two infrastructure facilities in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on Telegram. One person was killed and two were wounded in this attack.

Kostiantynivka is located approximately 12 kilometers from Chasiv Yar, a town where Ukrainian forces are attempting to halt Russian westward advances.

Moscow denies intentionally targeting civilians, despite thousands of civilian casualties since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia maintains that its strikes on infrastructure are legitimate military targets aimed at reducing Ukraine’s combat capabilities.

US Charges Man with Attempted Assassination of Trump at Florida Golf Course

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US Charges Man with Attempted Assassination of Trump at Florida Golf Course

Federal prosecutors on Tuesday indicted Ryan Routh, 58, on a charge of attempted assassination of a political candidate, alleging he intended to kill former U.S. President Donald Trump at a Florida golf course.

Routh was previously facing two gun-related charges after authorities said he pointed a rifle through a fence at Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach on September 15 while the Republican presidential candidate was golfing there. He has been ordered to remain in jail awaiting trial.

The new charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the alleged attempt a “heinous act” and said the Justice Department would “spare no resource” on the case.

Prosecutors claim Routh spent a month in South Florida, with cell phone data placing him near the golf course and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. They allege he had a handwritten list of dates and venues where Trump spoke or was expected to appear.

According to court filings, months before the incident, Routh allegedly dropped off a letter to an unidentified person alluding to “an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.”

A U.S. Secret Service agent reportedly opened fire after discovering the gun poking through the fence during a security sweep, causing Routh to flee. He was arrested within an hour along a Florida highway.

Routh has not yet entered a plea, and his lawyers unsuccessfully sought to have him released on bond.

Sri Lanka President Dissolves Parliament, Sets November 14 Election Date

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Sri Lanka President Dissolves Parliament, Sets November 14 Election Date

Sri Lanka’s newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has dissolved parliament to pave the way for a snap general election, according to a government gazette notification issued Tuesday.

The parliamentary election is scheduled for November 14, with the new parliament set to convene on November 21. This move comes after Dissanayake’s weekend victory in the presidential election, where he campaigned on a platform of change and economic reform.

Dissanayake’s coalition, the National People’s Party, currently holds only three of 225 seats in parliament, prompting the call for a fresh mandate to support his policy agenda.

The election follows a severe economic crisis in 2022 that left Sri Lanka unable to pay for essential imports and led to widespread protests. Dissanayake has promised to bring change for those affected by austerity measures linked to a $2.9 billion IMF bailout program and pledged to expand existing welfare schemes.

However, his intentions to cut taxes and potentially revise the terms of the IMF bailout have raised concerns among investors, particularly regarding a crucial $25 billion debt restructuring plan.

The new president faces the challenge of ensuring sustainable economic growth, reassuring markets, attracting investors, and addressing poverty issues affecting a quarter of Sri Lanka’s 22 million population.

This election marks Sri Lanka’s first since the 2022 economic collapse and comes as the country slowly emerges from its financial crisis.

Four Dead, in Canoe Accident in Borno State, Nigeria

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Four Dead, in Canoe Accident in Borno State, Nigeria

A canoe accident in Borno State, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of four people, local police reported Tuesday.

ASP Nahum Daso, Public Relations Officer for the Borno State Police Command, Nigeria, said the incident occurred Monday at approximately 3:30 PM in the Bakassi community between Mafa and Dikwa along Maiduguri Road. The canoe, carrying passengers, capsized in floodwaters.

The victims, all female residents of Bulabulin Ward in Dikwa, were identified as Ya Mallum Shettima, an adult from Marte LGA; Maimuna Akura, age 10; Umira Alhaji Bulama, age 6; and Yagana Bulama Kawu, 5 months old.

The bodies were taken to Dikwa General Hospital, where a doctor confirmed the deaths. They have since been released to their families for burial according to Islamic rites.

Commissioner of Police CP ML Yusufu expressed condolences to the affected families and urged the public, especially those in flood-prone areas, to exercise caution. The police provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report any distress: 08068075581 and 0802343293.

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