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Verizon Hit by Nationwide Outage, Thousands of Users Affected

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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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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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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’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’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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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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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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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)

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

Manchester City Face Slovan Bratislava in Champions League Group Stage

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Manchester City travel to Slovakia for the first time in their history to face Champions League debutants Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday night, as the English champions look to bounce back from a recent dip in form.

Pep Guardiola’s side, currently on a rare run of just one win in four matches, will be without key midfielder Rodri, who has been ruled out for the season with an ACL tear. The absence of the Spanish international was felt in City’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on Saturday.

“Losing Rodri is a significant blow,” Guardiola said in a pre-match press conference. “But we have depth in our squad and must adapt quickly.”

City enter the match as heavy favorites, despite their recent struggles. A win or draw would see them equal Manchester United’s Champions League record of 25 games unbeaten, set between 2007 and 2009.

Slovan Bratislava, making their group stage debut, come into the match following a 5-1 defeat at Celtic two weeks ago. Manager Vladimir Weiss acknowledges the challenge ahead.

“We’re facing one of the best teams in the world,” Weiss stated. “It’s a huge test for us, but also an opportunity to show what we’re capable of on this stage.”

The financial disparity between the clubs is stark. Transfermarkt values Slovan’s squad at £24 million ($29.5 million), compared to City’s £1.04 billion ($1.28 billion).

City may rotate their squad, with Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku potential starters. Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined with injury.

Slovan are likely to field a defensive setup, with Marko Tolic expected to play a key role behind lone striker David Strelec.

The match kicks off at 20:00 local time (18:00 GMT) at the Tehelné pole stadium in Bratislava.

Despite their recent form, Manchester City are expected to dominate. A high-scoring affair could be on the cards, reminiscent of City’s record 7-0 European victory.

As Slovan make their home Champions League debut, they face a baptism of fire against the reigning Premier League champions.

Arsenal to Welcome PSG in Crucial Champions League Clash

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Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, two European footballing powerhouses still in search of their first Champions League title, are set to face off Tuesday evening at the Emirates Stadium in a highly anticipated group stage match.

Both teams enter the game with mixed results from their opening fixtures. Arsenal salvaged a point in a goalless draw against Atalanta, while PSG narrowly defeated Girona 1-0 thanks to a late own goal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces several injury concerns ahead of the match. Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney are among the key players sidelined. Ben White’s fitness remains uncertain after missing the last two matches due to a knee issue.

“We’re monitoring Ben’s situation closely,” Arteta said in a pre-match press conference. “We’ll make a decision on his availability closer to kick-off.”

PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, also grapples with injuries. Goncalo Ramos, Lucas Hernandez, and Presnel Kimpembe are long-term absentees. However, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and defender Nuno Mendes have returned to the squad.

The match marks the first meeting between the two sides since the 2016-17 Champions League group stage, where both encounters ended in draws.

Arsenal’s recent form has been strong, with the team undefeated this season and scoring 11 goals in their last three matches across all competitions. Bukayo Saka has been particularly impressive, contributing to seven goals in five Champions League games at the Emirates.

PSG, leading Ligue 1 on goal difference, aims to improve their recent record against English opposition in the Champions League. They have lost their last three away matches to English teams in the competition.

“We respect Arsenal, but we’re here to compete and get a positive result,” Enrique stated. “Our team has shown great character in recent matches, and we’ll need that same spirit at the Emirates.”

The match kicks off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

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