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Trump Launches $100,000 Diamond-Encrusted Watches Amid Presidential Campaign

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Former President Donald Trump has launched a new business venture selling high-end watches, including a $100,000 diamond-encrusted model, as part of his ongoing 2024 presidential campaign. The “Official Trump Watch Collection,” unveiled Thursday, features timepieces ranging from $499 to $100,000, with the most expensive boasting 122 diamonds on its bezel and available in three 18-karat gold styles.

This latest merchandising effort follows a series of branded products Trump has promoted during his third White House bid, including Bibles, sneakers, photo books, and cryptocurrency. The launch, occurring just 40 days before Election Day, may invite criticism about monetizing his campaign, particularly as Trump argues that Vice President Kamala Harris is out of touch with Americans’ economic struggles.

While the product websites state that sales proceeds do not directly benefit the former president or his campaign, they note that each item is subject to a “paid license agreement.” This arrangement mirrors Trump’s pre-political business model, which allowed him to profit from sales of various branded products.

Earlier this week, Trump announced $100 silver coins bearing his likeness. In March, he promoted a $59.99 “God Bless the USA Bible,” inspired by Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song. February saw the launch of Trump-branded sneakers, “Never Surrender High-Tops,” selling for $399, alongside “Victory47” cologne and perfume at $99 a bottle.

The former president has also ventured into NFTs (non-fungible tokens), reporting earnings between $100,000 and $1 million from digital trading cards featuring cartoon-like images of himself in various roles.

Many of these items, including the coins, sneakers, and Bibles, are affiliated with CIC Ventures LLC, a company he reported owning in his 2023 financial disclosure. The watches are covered by a similar licensing agreement for Trump’s name, image, and likeness.

According to the sales website, TheBestWatchesonEarth LLC is the entity behind the watch sales, using the Trump brand under a paid license agreement. The company states that the watches are intended as collectible items for individual enjoyment, not for investment purposes.

This merchandise push comes in the wake of a $489 million civil fraud judgment against Trump, which a New York appellate court recently indicated it might reduce or reverse.

As Trump continues to blend his business interests with his political campaign, questions persist about the ethics and legality of such practices. The Trump campaign has referred inquiries about the licensing deals to the Trump Organization, which has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

AP

New Chinese Nuclear Submarine Sinks During Construction, U.S. Official Reports

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A senior U.S. defense official disclosed Thursday that China’s newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank alongside a pier during construction, as evidenced by satellite imagery. The incident, involving China’s first Zhou-class submarine, represents a significant setback for Beijing’s ambitious naval expansion program.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the submarine likely sank between May and June. Satellite images from that period showed cranes positioned in a manner suggesting efforts to lift the vessel from the riverbed.

This development comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has become increasingly assertive in pursuing territorial claims. The region, crucial for international trade, is contested by several nations including Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The United States has responded by strengthening ties with regional allies and conducting freedom of navigation operations, actions that have drawn criticism from Beijing.

When asked about the incident at a press conference in Beijing on Friday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed no familiarity with the topic and provided no additional information.

The submarine’s sinking was first reported by The Wall Street Journal, following initial observations by Thomas Shugart, a former U.S. Navy submariner and analyst at the Center for a New American Security, in July. At that time, it was not publicly known that the vessel was the new Zhou-class submarine.

Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC, analyzed by The Associated Press, shows what appears to be a submarine docked at the Shuangliu shipyard on the Yangtze River before the incident. A June 15 image reveals the submarine either fully or partially submerged just below the river’s surface, surrounded by rescue equipment, cranes, and containment booms to prevent potential leaks.

The U.S. official noted that it was “not surprising” for China’s navy to conceal such an incident. The current status of the submarine remains unknown.

This setback occurs as China continues to rapidly expand its naval capabilities. As of last year, China operated six nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, six nuclear-powered attack submarines, and 48 diesel-powered attack submarines, according to U.S. military reports.

The news coincides with China’s rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters in the Pacific Ocean this week, reportedly the first such test since 1980.

An Associated Press story

Nigerian Prison Officials Suspended Amid Bobrisky Bribery Allegations

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Two senior Nigerian prison officials have been suspended amid bribery allegations involving controversial transgender celebrity Bobrisky, authorities announced Thursday.

The suspensions follow claims by social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, that anti-corruption officials were bribed to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky. The celebrity, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, has denied these allegations.

Bobrisky was released from prison last month after serving a six-month sentence for abusing the naira, Nigeria’s local currency. Money laundering charges against her were dismissed by a court.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have launched investigations into a viral video allegedly linking Bobrisky to the bribery claims. In the leaked footage, someone purported to be Bobrisky is heard claiming to have paid $9,000 (£7,000) to EFCC officials to have charges dropped. The video also alleges that she paid millions of naira to secure a private apartment near the prison during her sentence.

Bobrisky, who has nearly five million Instagram followers, vehemently denied the accusations in a social media post, stating, “I didn’t pay any EFCC money, which is a very big lie. I served my term in full, and I came out. Discard any false information.”

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board suspended the two prison officers linked to the bribery allegations, along with two other senior officials over separate accusations. The board stated that the suspensions would allow for a thorough investigation, promising to make the findings public upon conclusion.

This scandal highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in Nigeria, which ranked 145 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. The case has sparked widespread condemnation in the country, underlining the persistent challenges in combating bribery and ensuring transparency in government institutions.

Myanmar Rebel Groups Reject Junta’s Peace Offer Amid Ongoing Civil War

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Rebel groups in Myanmar have rejected a peace offer from the country’s military junta, which is facing significant battlefield losses and defections in a civil war that has raged for over three years since the 2021 coup.

The junta’s unprecedented outreach called on ethnic armed groups and “terrorist insurgent groups” to “communicate with us to solve political problems politically” and urged them to participate in planned elections next year. However, the exiled National Unity Government (NUG) dismissed the offer, stating the junta lacks the authority to hold elections.

Key rebel groups expressed skepticism towards the junta’s proposal. The Karen National Union (KNU), which has long fought for autonomy along the Thai border, outlined conditions for talks including no military participation in future politics, agreement to a federal democratic constitution, and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Maung Saungkha, leader of the Bamar People’s Liberation Army, told Reuters his group is “not interested in this offer.” Soe Thu Ya Zaw, commander of the Mandalay People’s Defense Forces, likened the offer to “hanging goat’s heads but selling dog meat” in a Facebook post.

The junta’s peace overture comes as it struggles to maintain control, with some reports suggesting it now holds less than half of Myanmar’s territory. Recent offensives by ethnic armies have disrupted China’s economic corridor plans in the region, potentially prompting diplomatic pressure from Beijing.

Since the 2021 coup that ousted Myanmar’s democratically-elected government, the country has plunged into civil war. The United Nations estimates at least 50,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced. Last week, the UN warned that Myanmar was “sinking into an abyss of human suffering.”

As the conflict continues, the rejection of the junta’s peace offer underscores the deep-seated mistrust between Myanmar’s military rulers and ethnic armed organizations, as well as the ongoing demand for democratic reforms and accountability for human rights abuses.

Malian Singer Rokia Traore to be Extradited from Italy to Belgium Over Child Custody Dispute

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Malian singer and guitarist Rokia Traore will be extradited from Italy to Belgium within 10 days to serve a two-year prison sentence related to a child custody dispute, her lawyer Maddalena Claudia Del Re confirmed to AFP on Thursday.

Traore, an internationally acclaimed musician and UN ambassador for refugees, was sentenced in absentia by a Brussels court last year on charges of parental abduction. She was arrested in Italy in June and challenged the extradition order, but a Rome court ruled in favor of her transfer to Belgium.

The case stems from a custody battle over Traore’s nine-year-old daughter. Traore was initially arrested in Paris in March 2020 on a European arrest warrant following a Belgian court ruling that ordered her to return her daughter to the child’s Belgian father. She subsequently defied a travel ban and flew to Mali before she could be sent to Belgium.

A lawyer representing the child’s father stated that he has not had any contact with his daughter, who currently lives in Mali, since she was four years old. The father has reportedly offered to create a new custody agreement, to be validated by both Malian and Belgian courts, in an effort to “find a way out of this nightmare and guarantee their child a future with two parents.”

This case highlights the complex legal and emotional challenges surrounding international child custody disputes. It also raises questions about the intersection of cultural differences, parental rights, and the enforcement of international court orders.

Traore, known for her innovative blend of traditional Malian music with jazz and blues, has also gained recognition for her advocacy work. In 2015, she was appointed as a UN ambassador for refugees, adding to her profile as both an artist and humanitarian.

As the extradition process moves forward, the case continues to draw attention to the complexities of resolving family law matters across international borders.

Vanguardng.com

Eight Dead in Inter-Cult Clash in Imo State, Nigeria

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An inter-cult clash in the Awarra and Ochia communities of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria, has resulted in at least eight deaths, local sources reported Thursday.

A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told PUNCH Metro that five of the deceased were members of the cult groups, while three community members reportedly died from shock upon hearing gunfire. One person remains missing after being abducted.

The violence has led to significant displacement, with many residents fleeing to neighboring communities such as Assa, Obile, Obosima, and Umuokanne. The community leader expressed concern about the welfare of these displaced individuals, citing lack of food and access to homes and farmlands.

Local authorities have formed a committee to address the situation and restore peace. However, the community leader criticized the state government’s inability to provide adequate security to check the cultists’ activities.

A youth leader, also speaking anonymously due to security concerns, revealed that the clash stemmed from a supremacy battle between two groups vying for control over proceeds from oil companies operating in the area. He identified the leaders of the rival factions as “Acid” and “Achis.”

In response to the violence, Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the police have been actively working to restore peace in the Ohaji area. He mentioned that the Commissioner of Police has held meetings with local stakeholders and implemented enhanced security strategies in collaboration with other security personnel.

Okoye emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing the security challenges, stating, “Ohaji’s security also lies with the people of the area because there’s no way we can actually get it right without the maximum cooperation of people.”

The police spokesperson also noted that several arrests have been made and that the security situation in Ohaji has improved since the current police commissioner took office.

Alabama Executes Alan Eugene Miller by Nitrogen Hypoxia, Second Such Execution in U.S.

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Alabama executed Alan Eugene Miller, 59, on Thursday evening using nitrogen hypoxia, marking the second time this controversial method has been employed in the United States. Miller, convicted of killing three men in 1999, was pronounced dead at 6:38 p.m. at a prison in Atmore, according to Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm.

The execution process, closely watched due to ongoing debates about its humaneness, lasted approximately 15 minutes. Witnesses reported that Miller shook and trembled on the gurney for about two minutes, followed by six minutes of periodic gasping breaths. In his final statement, partially muffled by the gas mask, Miller maintained his innocence, saying, “I didn’t do anything to be in here.”

Commissioner Hamm confirmed that the execution proceeded as planned, stating, “Everything went according to plan and according to our protocol.” He addressed the observed physical reactions, noting, “There’s going to be involuntary body movements as the body is depleted of oxygen. That is nothing we did not expect.”

Miller’s case had a complex legal history. Initially requesting death by nitrogen hypoxia, he faced a failed lethal injection attempt in September 2022. After challenging the state’s nitrogen hypoxia protocol in federal court, Miller reached a confidential settlement last month.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey commented on the execution, saying, “Tonight, justice was finally served for these three victims through the execution method elected by the inmate.”

The use of nitrogen hypoxia remains controversial. Proponents argue it’s more humane than other methods, but medical experts express uncertainty about consciousness loss during the process. The United Nations has condemned the method as “State-sanctioned torture.”

Miller was convicted in 2000 for the 1999 murders of Lee Holdbrooks, Scott Yancy, and Terry Lee Jarvis, former coworkers he believed had spread rumors about him. The killings occurred at two separate workplaces on August 5, 1999.

This execution reignites debates about capital punishment methods and their constitutionality. While Alabama is currently the only state to have used nitrogen hypoxia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi have also authorized its use.

Madonna’s Stepmother Joan Ciccone Dies at 81 After Cancer Battle

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Joan Ciccone, stepmother to pop superstar Madonna, has died at the age of 81 after battling an aggressive form of cancer, according to her obituary released Tuesday.

Ciccone played a significant role in Madonna’s early life, serving as the family’s housekeeper in Michigan before marrying Madonna’s father, Silvio Ciccone, following the death of Madonna’s mother from cancer when the singer was just five years old.

Joan and Silvio had two children together, Jennifer and Mario, who are Madonna’s half-siblings. Joan’s presence in Madonna’s life has been documented in various media, including appearances in the documentary “I’m Going To Tell You a Secret” and an episode of the television series “Biography.”

Born and raised in Michigan like her stepdaughter, Joan made notable contributions to her community. She operated a daycare for two decades, reflecting her commitment to childcare and family values. Later in life, Joan and Silvio founded the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery in Michigan, where she was actively involved in planting vines, harvesting grapes, and cooking for tasting room events.

Family members remember Joan for her “enthusiasm, joy and love,” as well as her passion for fashion and antiques. Her life intertwined with that of her famous stepdaughter, providing a unique perspective on the Ciccone family history.

The passing of Joan Ciccone highlights the personal side of celebrity families and the impact of long-term caregivers and step-parents. It also draws attention to the ongoing challenges of cancer and its effects on families.

Madonna’s representatives have not yet commented on Joan’s passing. As the music icon and her family process this loss, it serves as a reminder of the complex family dynamics that often exist behind the public personas of well-known figures.

Photos of Diddy’s 2004 Miami Party Resurface, Showing Controversial Nude Display

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Recently surfaced photographs from a 2004 Miami party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs have reignited discussions about the music mogul’s past events, as he currently faces serious legal challenges.

The images, taken at a party co-hosted by MAC, Hennessy, and Microsoft, show a star-studded guest list including Will Smith, Diana Ross, and Owen Wilson. The most controversial element of the photos is a nude woman serving as the centerpiece of a food platter, a display that was reportedly not uncommon at high-profile events of that era.

Combs, who was 34 at the time, is seen prominently in the photos, mingling with guests. The resurfaced images provide a stark contrast to the current allegations against him, which include sex trafficking, kidnapping, and racketeering.

Federal prosecutors have focused on Combs’ parties, particularly what they term “freak off” gatherings, as central to their case. These events are examined in a new documentary, “The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment,” set to air on Tubi.

Combs is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after two judges rejected his bail requests last week. His legal team had offered a $50 million package and security arrangements to ensure his appearance at trial.

Credit: TMZ

Alleged Diddy ‘Freak Off’ Video Handed to Federal Prosecutors by Sex Worker

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A male sex worker has reportedly turned over video evidence to federal prosecutors investigating Sean “Diddy” Combs for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering, according to sources familiar with the case.

The sex worker met with federal agents in New York City on Wednesday, signing a proffer agreement that allows him to speak with investigators without fear of prosecution. During the meeting, he reportedly provided details about an alleged sexual encounter involving himself, Combs, and a woman in Miami in May 2023.

Sources claim the witness described how he was contacted to participate in what prosecutors have termed a “freak off” – a group sex encounter that is central to their criminal case against Combs. The sex worker allegedly flew from Atlanta to Miami for the meeting and claims to have had intercourse with a woman while Combs filmed the encounter.

In addition to providing the video, the witness reportedly shared information about the types of drugs Combs allegedly used during such sessions.

This development comes a week after Combs’ arrest in New York City on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has declined to comment on this latest development.

Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, had previously stated that the “freak offs” were consensual threesomes involving adults, not wild orgies as some have speculated. This aligns with the sex worker’s account of the alleged Miami encounter.

The investigation into Combs has sparked widespread media attention and raised questions about the music industry’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations. As the case progresses, it could have significant implications for the entertainment industry and discussions around power dynamics and consent.

Combs’ representatives have not responded to requests for comment on this latest development. The case continues to unfold as federal prosecutors build their case against the music mogul.

Credit: TMZ

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