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Israeli Airstrike on Gaza School Kills at Least 14, UN Condemns Attack

An Israeli airstrike on a United Nations-run school housing displaced families in central Gaza killed at least 14 people on Wednesday, according to Palestinian health officials and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency.

The strike hit al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp, where thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter from the ongoing conflict. Hospital sources reported that the casualties included women and children.

The Israeli military said it conducted a “precise strike on terrorists” who were planning attacks from inside the school. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they took measures to mitigate harm to civilians, including using precise munitions and aerial surveillance.

“This is a further example of Hamas’s systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law,” the IDF said in a statement.

Hamas, which governs Gaza and is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and other countries, denied using schools for military purposes.

The United Nations condemned the attack, noting it was the fifth strike on this particular school since the war began 11 months ago. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized, “Our policy is clear – UN premises should never be targeted, nor should UN premises be used by any groups or any force from which to launch military activities.”

Footage from the scene showed extensive damage to the school’s ground floor and a destroyed adjoining structure. Ambulances were seen transporting wounded civilians to nearby hospitals.

The Civil Defence agency reported that among the victims was the daughter of one of its rescue workers, Momin Salmi, who had not seen his family for 10 months due to displacement caused by the conflict.

This incident occurs amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza.

Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 41,080 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports that nearly 70% of its schools in Gaza have been hit during the conflict, with many severely damaged. The agency also stated that at least 563 displaced people have been killed and 1,790 injured while sheltering in UN facilities.

In a separate incident, the IDF announced that two Israeli soldiers were killed and eight others injured in a helicopter crash in southern Gaza. The aircraft was on a mission to evacuate a critically wounded soldier when it crashed while landing near Rafah. The IDF stated that the crash was not caused by enemy fire and is under investigation.

As the conflict continues, international calls for a ceasefire and concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza persist.

California Man Arrested for Allegedly Starting Line Fire

Authorities have arrested a California man suspected of igniting the Line Fire, a major wildfire that has consumed over 34,000 acres in San Bernardino County.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, was arrested Tuesday on arson charges. He is being held in custody, with bail yet to be determined.

The Line Fire, burning approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, is one of three significant wildfires currently raging in southern California. As of Wednesday morning, it was 14% contained.

Officials have not disclosed how Halstenberg allegedly started the blaze.

The fire has forced thousands to evacuate and threatens more than 65,000 structures. CalFire reports that steep terrain is complicating firefighting efforts, particularly near Big Bear.

Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the fire’s growth. Firefighters anticipate that cooler weather forecasted for later in the week may aid containment efforts.

Approximately 13,300 homes and businesses in evacuation zones are at risk. No fatalities or structural damage have been confirmed, though media reports suggest at least one building in Running Springs may have been destroyed.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters are combating the blaze, supported by California National Guard crews and aircraft.

Two other wildfires — the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest and the Airport Fire between Orange and Riverside counties — are also burning out of control. Both fires remain 0% contained as of Wednesday morning.

The fires coincide with a record-breaking heatwave in southern California, with temperatures reaching 111°F (43°C) in some areas. Weather forecasts predict cooler temperatures for the remainder of the week.

Former Miss Switzerland Finalist Allegedly Murdered, Dismembered, Blended by Husband

Swiss authorities are investigating the gruesome murder of Kristina Joksimovic, 38, a former Miss Switzerland finalist and model, who was allegedly killed and dismembered by her husband in February in Binningen, near Basel.

The suspect, identified only as Thomas in local media due to Swiss privacy laws, has admitted to strangling his wife to death, according to police reports. An autopsy revealed that following the strangulation, the victim’s body was dismembered in the couple’s laundry room using a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears.

In a shocking development, investigators found that body parts were then “pureed” in a hand blender and dissolved in a chemical solution, as reported by Swiss news outlet Blick. The remains were discovered and reported to authorities, leading to Thomas’s arrest the following day.

Thomas initially claimed self-defense, telling investigators he killed his wife “in a panic” as she approached him with a knife. However, a medical forensic report contradicts this account, according to FM1 Today, another Swiss news source.

Law enforcement officials have noted disturbing aspects of the suspect’s behavior and mental state. “The suspect showed a lack of empathy and cold-bloodedness after killing his wife,” a police spokesperson said, adding that Thomas made significant efforts to cover up the crime.

The ongoing investigation has uncovered “concrete indications of mental illness” behind the killing. Authorities described Thomas, a business owner, as displaying a “conspicuously high level of criminal energy” during assessments, along with “sadistic-sociopathic traits.”

Joksimovic, who had Serbian roots, was a model turned catwalk coach. She had previously won the Miss Northwest Switzerland competition and was a finalist in the 2008 national Miss Switzerland pageant.

Friends of the victim have come forward with information about the couple’s relationship. One close acquaintance stated that their relationship had been “in crisis for months.” Police records show previous callouts to the couple’s home for reports of domestic violence.

The tragedy has shocked Switzerland’s modeling and entertainment community. Lorena Santen, the reigning Miss Switzerland, expressed her grief: “We will miss you so much.” Christa Rigozzi, another former Miss Switzerland, said, “It’s terrible. I’m really shocked. I’m thinking of her two daughters.”

Model Nadine Vinzens shared on social media: “I’m so heartbroken. You were such a good and nice person. I will not ever forget the time in LA with you. RIP my beauty.”

The case has reignited discussions about domestic violence in Switzerland. Women’s rights advocates are calling for stronger protective measures and support systems for individuals in abusive relationships.

As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on building a comprehensive case against Thomas. The suspect remains in custody as prosecutors prepare formal charges.

The tragic death of Kristina Joksimovic serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of domestic violence and the importance of recognizing and addressing warning signs in relationships.

Texas Player Wins $800 Million Mega Millions Jackpot at Gas Station

A single ticket holder in Texas has won the staggering $800 million Mega Millions jackpot, lottery officials confirmed Wednesday. The life-changing ticket was purchased at a Murphy USA gas station in Sugar Land, a suburb southwest of Houston.

The Texas Lottery announced that the winning numbers drawn on Tuesday, September 10, were 1, 2, 16, 24, 66, with the gold Mega Ball 6. This jackpot marks the largest Mega Millions prize since the March 26 drawing, when an out-of-state player claimed $1.13 billion, the game’s fifth-largest jackpot ever.

According to the Texas Lottery’s press release, the $800 million prize has an estimated cash value of $401.8 million if the winner chooses the lump-sum option. This jackpot ranks as the seventh-biggest in Mega Millions history.

Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery, expressed excitement about the win. “We’re thrilled that a Texas player has won this incredible prize,” Grief said. “This jackpot will not only change the winner’s life but will also generate significant revenue for Texas education and veterans’ services.”

Lottery officials noted that September has been a fortunate month for Mega Millions players over the game’s 22-year history. Including this latest win, there have been 22 jackpot winners in September, with the most recent prior victory occurring on September 21, 2021, when a $431 million prize was claimed by an out-of-state player.

The identity of the winner remains unknown, as Texas law allows lottery winners to remain anonymous. The lucky ticket holder has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize at Texas Lottery headquarters in Austin.

Murphy USA, the gas station chain where the winning ticket was sold, will receive a retailer bonus of $1 million for selling the jackpot-winning ticket, as per Texas Lottery regulations.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of winning the jackpot are approximately 1 in 302.6 million.

With this massive prize claimed, the next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, September 13, with a reset jackpot of $20 million. While significantly smaller than the recent $800 million prize, lottery officials remind players that any jackpot win is life-changing.

The substantial jackpot win in Texas is expected to generate renewed interest in the Mega Millions game nationwide, potentially leading to increased ticket sales for future drawings. Lottery officials continue to emphasize responsible gaming practices and encourage winners to seek financial advice before claiming large prizes.

50 Cent Drops Defamation Lawsuit Against Ex-Girlfriend Daphne Joy

Rapper 50 Cent has voluntarily dismissed his defamation lawsuit against former girlfriend Daphne Joy, months after she publicly accused him of rape and physical abuse in a now-deleted Instagram post.

Court documents obtained by PEOPLE magazine show that the suit, filed by 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) in May, was dismissed without prejudice on Monday, September 9, in Harris County District Court, Texas. This dismissal allows for the possibility of refiling the case in the future.

The lawsuit stemmed from a March Instagram post by Joy (born Daphne Narvaez), in which she alleged that Jackson had only seen their 12-year-old son, Sire, ten times in two years after they moved to New York to be closer to the rapper. In the same post, Narvaez wrote, “I am tired of upholding and protecting an image to our son that you have never even earned. Let’s put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me.”

Jackson, 49, claimed in his lawsuit that these “false accusations” had subjected him to “extensive public ridicule, hatred and contempt.” The “In da Club” rapper also alleged that Narvaez’s post was a “purposeful attempt” to damage his reputation and interfere with his relationship with their son.

At the time of filing, Jackson’s attorney told PEOPLE, “Despite being given ample opportunity to retract a false and malicious retaliatory accusation, Ms. Narvaez has shamefully chosen to interfere with her [12]-year-old son’s relationship with his loving father by falsely calling him a ‘rapist.'”

The legal documents also suggested that Narvaez shared her post on the same day reports emerged of Jackson seeking custody of their son. This custody filing followed a March lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs that labeled Narvaez a “sex worker,” claims she later refuted as “100% false and character assassination” in another Instagram post.

Jackson’s lawsuit alleged that Narvaez “retaliated” against his custody filing by posting “multiple defamatory statements” to Instagram. The suit claimed these posts “falsely and publicly accuse Jackson of rape and physical abuse during their prior relationship, in a purposeful attempt to… destroy his personal and business reputation, harm Jackson’s commercial and business interests, negatively affect his custody case, and prevent him from seeing his minor son.”

The hip-hop star had been seeking more than $1 million in monetary damages. The dismissal papers indicate that both parties will be responsible for their own attorney fees.

This legal dispute highlights the complex interplay between celebrity relationships, social media, and the legal system. The case’s dismissal without prejudice leaves open the possibility of future legal action, should either party choose to pursue it.

As of the dismissal date, representatives for 50 Cent had not responded to requests for comment on the case’s resolution. The impact of this legal dispute on the ongoing custody arrangements for their son remains unclear.

People.com

Justin Timberlake Reaches Plea Deal in Hamptons DWI Case

Pop star Justin Timberlake has reached a plea agreement in his driving while intoxicated (DWI) case, nearly three months after his arrest in the Hamptons, sources close to the case confirmed Wednesday.

The 43-year-old singer is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing in New York on Friday, September 13. According to reports from TMZ and the Associated Press, Timberlake has agreed to plead guilty to a less serious offense than the initial DWI charge.

Timberlake was arrested on June 18 in Sag Harbor, New York, and initially charged with one count of DWI, along with two citations for running a stop sign and failure to keep in lane. His attorney, Edward Burke Jr., has consistently maintained that Timberlake was “not intoxicated” at the time of his arrest.

According to the arrest report obtained by PEOPLE magazine, Timberlake told the arresting officer that he had “had one martini and I followed my friends home.” The report detailed that an officer on routine patrol allegedly observed Timberlake’s 2025 BMW drive through a stop sign and “fail to keep on the right side of the roadway.”

The arresting officer noted that Timberlake exhibited signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, slowed speech, unsteady gait, and poor performance on standardized field sobriety tests.

Following his arrest, Timberlake refused a breathalyzer test at police headquarters, resulting in an automatic one-year suspension of his New York state driver’s license during a hearing in August. Burke described this suspension as “standard with every DUI.”

The case has seen several developments since Timberlake’s arrest. Burke initially filed a motion to dismiss the case in July but withdrew it during the August hearing. Timberlake pleaded not guilty while appearing virtually in court from Antwerp, Belgium, during the same hearing.

Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace warned Burke against speaking to the press, threatening to implement a gag order and require Timberlake’s personal court appearance if such statements continued. A subsequent hearing revealed a subpoena had been issued to the American Hotel, where Timberlake was reportedly present before his arrest. The hotel was said to be cooperating with the investigation.

Representatives for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and Timberlake’s legal team have not responded to requests for comment on the reported plea deal.

Timberlake is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, scheduled to continue through June 2025. His next performance is set for September 28 in Newark, New Jersey.

The case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the legal challenges faced by high-profile celebrities and the potential consequences of alleged impaired driving. As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of Timberlake’s case may have implications for his career and public image.

Credit: People.com

Two Women Critically Injured in Detroit After Man Sets Them on Fire

Two women were hospitalized with serious injuries Monday after a man allegedly doused them with gasoline and set them on fire outside their workplace in Detroit, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m. as the victims arrived at their place of employment, according to Detroit Fire Department Fire Investigation Chief Dennis Richardson. The suspect, a former coworker, reportedly approached the women, poured gasoline on them, and ignited it using a cigarette lighter.

“This appears to be a targeted attack stemming from workplace grievances,” Richardson told reporters at the scene.

Both women were rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital with severe burns. Their conditions were described as critical but stable, according to hospital officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to privacy regulations.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released pending formal charges, also sustained minor injuries in the attack and was taken to a local hospital for treatment under police custody.

Detroit Police Chief James White provided additional context during a press conference Monday afternoon. “Our preliminary investigation indicates the suspect was a former employee who had recently been suspended or terminated from the business,” White said. “He apparently believed these women played a role in his dismissal.”

White expressed his shock at the brutality of the attack and emphasized the seriousness with which the department is treating the case. “We expect to recommend attempted murder charges to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,” he stated. “This kind of senseless violence has no place in our community.”

The police chief declined to name the business where the attack occurred, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy concerns for the victims and their families.

Local residents expressed horror at the incident. Sarah Thompson, who lives nearby, told WJBK-TV, “I heard screaming and saw smoke. It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen right here in our neighborhood.”

The attack has reignited discussions about workplace safety and the potential for violence from disgruntled former employees. Labor rights advocates are calling for increased security measures and better support systems for workers facing job loss or disciplinary action.

As the investigation continues, Detroit police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The department has set up a dedicated hotline for tips related to the case.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for workplace conflicts to escalate into violence, prompting calls for improved conflict resolution processes and mental health support in professional settings.

Iranian President Criticizes West Over Gaza War During Baghdad Visit

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian launched a scathing critique of Western nations on Wednesday, accusing Israel of “committing massacres” in Gaza using European and American weapons. The remarks came during his first official visit abroad to Iraq, aimed at reinforcing Tehran’s ties with Baghdad amidst escalating regional tensions.

Speaking in the Iraqi capital, Pezeshkian said, “The Israeli entity is committing massacres against women, children, young men and elderly. They bomb hospitals and schools.” He emphasized that “all these crimes are being committed by using European and American ammunition and bombs,” though he did not provide specific evidence for these claims.

The Iranian leader’s visit comes at a critical time for both nations. For Iran, the relationship with Iraq remains crucial for economic, political, and religious reasons, particularly since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 that toppled Saddam Hussein. Iraq, meanwhile, is attempting to balance its ties with Iran, which supports powerful Shiite militias in the country, and its relationship with the United States, which maintains 2,500 troops in Iraq to combat remnants of the Islamic State group.

The visit was preceded by an explosion near Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday night, targeting a site used by the U.S. military. While no casualties were reported, the U.S. Embassy later described it as an “attack” on the Baghdad Diplomatic Services Compound, an American diplomatic facility, and stated they were “assessing the damage.”

During a joint news conference with Pezeshkian, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the signing of 14 memorandums of understanding to boost bilateral relations. Al-Sudani also pledged that Iraq’s airspace would not be used for attacks on Iran, an apparent reference to potential Israeli operations.

Pezeshkian’s itinerary includes visits to Shiite shrines in the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, as well as inspecting a railroad project linking the southern city of Basra to Iran and Irbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

The visit occurs against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. Iran has conducted missile strikes within Iraq over the past six years, targeting Kurdish militias, U.S. forces, and alleged Israeli sites. In April, Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel, firing missiles and drones over Iraqi airspace in retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus.

Iraq’s dependence on Iranian natural gas for its electricity needs underscores the importance of maintaining close ties, despite U.S. sanctions targeting Tehran’s nuclear program.

The continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq remains a point of contention for Iran. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Iraqi militias allied with Iran have targeted U.S. forces, leading to retaliatory American airstrikes. Iraqi politicians continue to debate whether to support the ongoing presence of American troops in the country.

Pezeshkian’s visit coincides with new sanctions announced by the United States and Britain against both Moscow and Tehran, accusing Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine.

As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, with over 40,000 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza since October 7, according to local health officials, Pezeshkian’s statements reflect Iran’s unwavering support for Hamas and its criticism of Western backing for Israel.

The Iranian president’s visit to Iraq highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, where historical alliances, religious ties, and strategic interests continue to shape regional dynamics and international relations.

Explosion Near Baghdad Airport Targets US Military Site Ahead of Iranian President’s Visit

An explosion targeted a site used by the U.S. military adjacent to Baghdad International Airport late Tuesday, Iraqi security officials reported. The incident occurred just one day before the anticipated first official foreign visit of Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian to Baghdad.

Iraq’s security media cell released a statement confirming that an explosion was heard at approximately 11 p.m. local time in an area of the airport utilized by advisers to the U.S.-led international coalition. The statement noted that Iraqi security forces were unable to immediately determine the “type or causes of the explosion,” and that no group had claimed responsibility for the incident.

“The explosion is currently under investigation,” the statement read, adding that civilian air traffic continued to operate normally despite the security breach.

An Iraqi security official stationed at the airport, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, told the Associated Press that officials preparing for Pezeshkian’s visit heard “the sound of two strong strikes.” The official suggested that these appeared to target a logistics support site for the coalition forces.

As of early Wednesday, there were no immediate reports of damages or casualties resulting from the explosion. U.S. officials had not yet responded to requests for comment on the incident.

The timing of the explosion, occurring on the eve of the Iranian president’s visit, has raised concerns about regional tensions. Over the past 11 months, Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have periodically targeted bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq, claiming these strikes were in retaliation for Washington’s support of Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

However, Kataib Hezbollah, one of the prominent Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, appeared to distance itself from Tuesday night’s attack. Jaafar al-Husseini, the group’s spokesperson, released a statement suggesting that the targeting of the airport was “carried out by suspicious hands, and its aim is to disrupt the Iranian president’s visit to Baghdad.”

The incident underscores the complex security situation in Iraq, where U.S. military presence continues to be a contentious issue. It also highlights the delicate balance Iraq must maintain in its relations with both Iran and the United States, especially as it prepares to host the Iranian president.

President Pezeshkian’s planned visit to Baghdad would mark his first official trip abroad since taking office, signifying the importance of Iraq-Iran relations. The visit is expected to cover a range of bilateral issues, including security cooperation and economic ties.

As investigations into the explosion continue, Iraqi authorities face the challenge of ensuring the safety of the visiting Iranian delegation while also addressing concerns about the security of international coalition forces in the country.

The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing volatility in the region and the potential for such events to impact diplomatic relations and regional stability. It remains to be seen how this explosion might affect the upcoming high-level talks between Iraqi and Iranian officials.

AP

Kenya Airport Workers End Strike After Government Talks, Flights Resume

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Kenya’s airport workers’ union on Wednesday called off a strike that had grounded flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the country’s main air hub, following day-long negotiations with the government.

The strike, which began early Wednesday, was in protest of a build-and-operate agreement between the Kenyan government and India’s Adani Group. The deal would see the Indian conglomerate modernize the airport, construct an additional runway and terminal, in exchange for operating the facility for 30 years.

Moss Ndiema, secretary general of the Kenya Airport Workers Union, announced the end of the strike to journalists and workers, stating, “We have not accepted Adani.” He added that a return-to-work agreement had been signed, ensuring the union’s involvement in all future discussions regarding the airport’s management.

Transport Minister Davis Chirchir assured the public that the government would protect Kenyan citizens’ interests during the airport’s modernization process. “Our primary concern is upgrading our main airport while safeguarding local jobs and expertise,” Chirchir said in a press briefing.

The strike had caused significant disruptions, with hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport as flights remained grounded. Kenya Airways had announced potential delays and cancellations due to the industrial action, which also affected local flights from Mombasa and Kisumu.

During the strike, police officers had taken over security check-in roles, with long lines forming outside departure terminals. The Kenya Airports Authority had urged passengers to contact their airlines for updated flight information.

Francis Atwoli, secretary-general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, criticized the government’s handling of the situation, stating, “This strike could have been averted if the government had listened to the workers’ concerns.” He emphasized that a simple written assurance protecting workers’ jobs would have prevented the industrial action.

The union’s primary concerns centered on potential job losses and “inferior terms and conditions of service” for remaining employees under the proposed Adani Group deal. Last week, reports of unknown individuals accompanying airport officials and taking notes had raised suspicions about the Indian firm’s preparations, further fueling union anxieties.

The controversy surrounding the airport deal has also entered the legal arena. On Monday, the High Court temporarily halted the implementation of the agreement until a case filed by the Law Society and the Kenya Human Rights Commission is heard.

As operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport return to normal, the incident highlights the ongoing tensions between modernization efforts and workers’ rights in Kenya’s critical infrastructure sectors. The government now faces the challenge of balancing its airport development plans with the concerns of its workforce and the broader public interest.

The resolution of this strike marks a temporary reprieve, but the underlying issues surrounding the Adani Group deal remain unresolved. As Kenya continues to pursue its ambitions of becoming a major aviation hub in East Africa, the government will need to navigate carefully between attracting foreign investment and maintaining strong labor relations in the aviation sector.

Credit:apnews.com