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U.S. Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking While on Supervised Release

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U.S. Man Sentenced to Over 12 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking While on Supervised Release

A Stoughton, Massachusetts man has been sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for his involvement in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation while already on federal supervised release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced Thursday.

Angel Morales, 53, received the 151-month prison term followed by five years of supervised release from U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley. The sentencing comes after Morales pleaded guilty in April 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents, Morales was part of a widespread conspiracy involving a pill press operation that manufactured, sold, and mailed counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other drugs between September and November 2022. Prosecutors stated that Morales’s primary role in the operation was to ship packages from various post offices across Massachusetts.

Law enforcement officials reported that Morales used post offices and FedEx facilities in multiple locations including Boston, Randolph, Holbrook, Quincy, Mattapan, Braintree, and Milton to mail over 150 packages. He was aware that some of these packages contained controlled substances. The operation came to light when FedEx employees, following their internal procedures, opened packages and discovered clear plastic sandwich bags filled with pills bearing markings consistent with prescription-only medication. These pills later tested positive for fentanyl.

During October and November 2022, law enforcement observed Morales leaving an apartment in Mattapan before traveling to multiple shipping locations. A subsequent search of the Mattapan apartment yielded significant evidence:

– Over 20 kilograms of pills in various colors, with samples testing positive for fentanyl

– More than 20 kilograms of loose powder, also testing positive for fentanyl

– Numerous packages and mailing labels

– Electronic devices

– Cash

– Three industrial-grade pill presses

– Additional quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine

The case against Morales is particularly notable as he committed these offenses while on federal supervised release. Court records indicate he had been granted compassionate release in 2020 from a previous sentence.

Morales was the last of four co-defendants to be sentenced in this case. The other sentences handed down were:

– Quenty Ogando: 144 months in prison and five years of supervised release (sentenced January 31, 2024)

– Rahelin Reynoso: Six years in prison and two years of supervised release (sentenced June 2024)

– Erika Prado: Time served with one year of supervised release (sentenced April 2024)

The investigation and prosecution involved multiple law enforcement agencies. Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy made the announcement along with Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division.

Additional assistance was provided by the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, United States Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane and Jennifer Zacks of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.

Source: DOJ

Ethiopia Releases Seven Opposition Leaders After Four-Year Detention

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Ethiopia Releases Seven Opposition Leaders After Four-Year Detention

The Ethiopian government has released seven members of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) from prison after more than four years of detention, according to an OLF spokesperson.

Lemi Gemechu, speaking to VOA’s Horn of Africa Service, confirmed that Abdi Regassa, Dawit Abdeta, Lammi Begna, Michael Boran, Kenessa Ayana, Gada Gabisa, and Gada Oljira were freed on Thursday from various prisons across the country.

“Just now, the Oromo Liberation Front leaders who have been imprisoned for over four years at different sites have been released,” Gemechu said. He added that the release process took place at Burayu police station outside Addis Ababa.

Abdi Regassa, a prominent figure among those released, once served as the commander of OLF’s military wing. The other freed individuals held positions within the OLF’s executive and central committees.

The OLF, in a statement on Facebook, said the members were released on bail. The party characterized their detention as “unjust” and claimed they were held for “exercising their legitimate political rights.”

Human rights groups had previously described the 2020 arrests as “purely political.”

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs welcomed the releases, stating, “We remain ready to support negotiations aimed at ending the violence and promoting durable peace for all Ethiopians.”

As of this report, the Ethiopian government has not officially commented on the opposition figures’ release.

In a separate development, the family of Taye Dendea, a former Ethiopian state minister of peace, expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to deny him bail. Dendea was arrested in December after posting comments critical of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The OLF, an opposition party, has long advocated for the rights and self-determination of the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.

UK to Send 650 More Missiles to Ukraine in £162 Million Aid Package

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UK to Send 650 More Missiles to Ukraine in £162 Million Aid Package

The United Kingdom announced Friday it will send an additional 650 short-range missiles to Ukraine as part of a new £162 million ($205 million) military aid package. The announcement came during a defense summit at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for increased support from Western allies.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the package, which includes Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LLM), would provide “an important boost” to Ukraine’s air defenses. The new commitment brings the UK’s total military support to Ukraine to £7.6 billion ($9.6 billion) since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

Zelenskyy, addressing the summit, expressed gratitude for existing military aid but urged allies to authorize the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles on targets inside Russia. He argued this capability is necessary to end the war.

“We need to have this long-range capability not only on the occupied territory of Ukraine but also on the Russian territory,” Zelenskyy said.

The United States, Ukraine’s largest supporter, also announced $250 million in additional military aid at the summit.

Prof Michael Clark, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute, told BBC Radio 4 that while significant, the UK’s missile supply would likely be “exhausted within a couple of months” given the intensity of Russian attacks.

The new aid follows a Russian missile strike on Poltava, central Ukraine, that killed at least 51 people earlier this week.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously committed to sending £3 billion annually to Ukraine “for as long as needed.” The UK’s total commitment to Ukraine since the war’s start now stands at £12.7 billion ($16 billion), including both military and non-military support.

More Kenyan Schools Close After Fires; Rescuers Find Children Hiding Under Beds

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More Kenyan Schools Close After Fires; Rescuers Find Children Hiding Under Beds

In the wake of the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, two more Kenyan schools have been closed indefinitely following dormitory fires. St. Peters Clevers Boys Secondary School and Maiani Boys Secondary School in Makueni county sent students home after their dormitories were razed on Thursday night. No casualties were reported in these incidents, which occurred while students were in evening classes.

These closures bring the total number of public secondary schools shut down in Makueni county to at least five over the past two weeks due to similar fire incidents. The cause of these fires remains under investigation.

New details have emerged about the fatal fire at Hillside Endarasha Primary School in Nyeri county. Local government official Samson Mwangi Mwema told journalists that the fire started around 23:00 local time. Mwema, who joined rescue efforts after receiving a phone call, described a chaotic scene with over 2,000 people attempting to save the trapped boys.

“No one knew where the fire came from… but we were more than 2,000 people trying to rescue [them],” Mwema said. “We found some children under the bed, and we were able to rescue them, some had not been burned.”

Mwema emphasized the school’s reputation as one of the best in the area, calling the incident “a huge loss” but expressing determination to continue with support from the community.

The Kenya Red Cross has been actively involved in the response efforts. The organization is working to reunite pupils with their parents, including those hospitalized. They are providing psychosocial support and assessing the children’s well-being in collaboration with a multi-agency response team.

These incidents have raised serious concerns about fire safety in Kenyan schools and the effectiveness of existing preventive measures. As investigations continue, education officials and local authorities face mounting pressure to address the recurring issue of school fires and ensure the safety of students across the country.

The string of fire incidents has left many parents anxious and questioning the safety of boarding schools, which are popular in Kenya due to the belief that they provide students with more dedicated study time.

Fire at Kenyan School Dormitory Claims 17 Lives, Injures 13 Others

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Fire at Kenyan School Dormitory Claims 17 Lives, Injures 13 Others

A devastating fire at a school dormitory in Kenya’s Nyeri county has claimed the lives of 17 students and left 13 others seriously injured, police reported on Friday. The blaze erupted Thursday night at Hillside Endarasha Primary School, which caters to children up to 14 years old.

Police spokesperson Resila Onyango stated that the cause of the fire is under investigation, with fears that the death toll may rise. Nyeri County Commissioner Pius Murugu and the education ministry reported that the affected dormitory housed more than 150 boys aged between 10 and 14. The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the wooden plank construction of the buildings.

The school, located in Kenya’s central highlands about 200 kilometers north of Nairobi, has a total student population of 824. Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County told journalists that rescue efforts were hampered by muddy roads caused by ongoing rains in the area.

President William Ruto described the news as “devastating” on social media platform X, instructing relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged school administrators to ensure compliance with the education ministry’s safety guidelines for boarding schools.

This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about safety in Kenyan boarding schools. A recent education ministry report noted that school fires are common, often due to arson fueled by drug abuse and overcrowding. Many parents prefer boarding schools, believing they provide students with more study time by eliminating long commutes.

The education ministry’s guidelines recommend spacious dormitories with two doors on each end, an emergency door in the middle, and windows without grills to allow for escape. Fully serviced fire extinguishers and alarms are required at accessible locations.

This incident recalls previous school fire tragedies in Kenya, including a 2017 fire in Nairobi that killed 10 high school students and the deadliest school fire in 2001, which claimed 67 lives in Machakos county.

Argentina Cruises Past Chile 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier

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Argentina Cruises Past Chile 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier

Argentina demonstrated their depth and resilience Thursday night, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Chile in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match, despite the absence of star player Lionel Messi.

The reigning world champions struggled to break through in the first half but found their rhythm after the break. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a clever dummy by Lautaro Martinez.

Julian Alvarez doubled the lead in the 80th minute with a stunning long-range strike that found the top-left corner, potentially earning goal-of-the-year consideration for the Albiceleste.

Paulo Dybala, wearing Messi’s No. 10 jersey, came off the bench to seal the win in stoppage time, beating Chilean goalkeeper Gabriel Arias at his near post.

“We showed great character tonight,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. “This team knows how to win, even when we’re not at our best.”

Chile’s best opportunity came just before halftime when defender Matias Catalan’s header struck the woodwork.

The victory solidifies Argentina’s position atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, now five points clear of their nearest competitor. Chile drops to ninth place following the defeat.

Argentina’s next qualifier is scheduled for Tuesday against Colombia, while Chile will look to rebound against Peru.

UPDATED: Father of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Arrested for Giving Son AR-15 as Xmas Gift 7 Months After He Threatened Mass Shooting

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UPDATED: Father of Georgia School Shooting Suspect Arrested for Giving Son AR-15 as Xmas Gift 7 Months After He Threatened Mass Shooting

The father of the suspect in the deadly Apalachee High School shooting has been arrested after authorities discovered he gave his 14-year-old son the AR-15 used in the massacre as a Christmas gift. This development comes just seven months after the teen was investigated for making mass shooting threats.

Colin Gray, father of alleged shooter Colt Gray, was taken into custody Thursday in connection with Wednesday’s shooting that left two students and two teachers dead at the Georgia high school. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has charged the elder Gray with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.

According to multiple reports, Colin Gray told investigators he purchased the AR-15-style rifle used in the school shooting as a Christmas present for his son in December 2023. This revelation has raised serious questions about gun access and parental responsibility, especially in light of previous concerns about the teenager’s behavior.

The timeline of events has come under scrutiny, as the gun purchase occurred approximately seven months after the FBI investigated threats allegedly made by then 13-year-old Colt via the social media platform Discord. The FBI reported that these threats involved a potential school shooting and included pictures of firearms, though they lacked specifics about timing or location.

Federal authorities said they referred the threats to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, leading to deputies visiting the Gray household to interview both father and son. During this visit, Colt denied making the threats, while Colin assured deputies that his son did not have “unsupervised access” to the guns in their home.

Law enforcement ultimately decided there was insufficient probable cause for an arrest or further action, closing the investigation. However, the decision by Colin Gray to purchase a firearm for his son just months after this incident has raised serious concerns about judgment and responsibility.

The Apalachee High School shooting has now become the deadliest school shooting in Georgia’s history, prompting renewed debates about gun control, mental health support for teenagers, and the role of parents in preventing such tragedies.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, investigators continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the shooting. The arrest of Colin Gray adds another layer of complexity to an already tragic situation, highlighting the potential consequences of providing firearms to minors, especially those with a history of concerning behavior.

‘Polling Nostradamus’ Predicts Kamala Harris Victory in 2024 Presidential Race, He Predicted Trump’s Victory in 2016

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‘Polling Nostradamus’ Predicts Kamala Harris Victory in 2024 Presidential Race, He Predicted Trump’s Victory in 2016

Allan Lichtman, the historian famously known as the “Nostradamus of Elections” for his accurate predictions of U.S. presidential races since 1984, has revealed his forecast for the 2024 election. In an interview with The New York Times, Lichtman declared, “Kamala Harris will be the next president of the United States.” He was the same person who predicted the 2016 victory of former President Donald Trump.

Lichtman’s prediction relies on his “Keys to the White House” method, a system of 13 true-or-false questions about the election race that has proven remarkably accurate over the past four decades. The method predicts that the incumbent party will win if eight or more of the 13 statements are true.

According to Lichtman, the Harris campaign currently holds eight “true” keys, indicating a victory, albeit in what he anticipates will be a close race. The historian emphasized the importance of the Democratic Party’s decision to unite behind Harris after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, stating, “The Democrats finally got smart and united overwhelmingly behind Vice President Harris.”

Among the factors favoring Harris in Lichtman’s analysis are the absence of a significant third-party challenger, a strong short-term economy, major policy changes during the Biden administration, and stronger long-term economic growth over the past two terms. Lichtman also noted the lack of major social unrest and White House scandals as positive indicators for Harris.

However, Lichtman identified three definite “false” keys for Harris: the Democrats’ loss of House seats in the midterms, the fact that the incumbent president is not running for re-election, and the perceived lack of charisma in the incumbent administration.

The historian has yet to decide on two of the 13 keys related to foreign policy successes and failures, citing the fluid situation regarding the government’s handling of the war in Gaza. Notably, Lichtman stated that even if these two undecided keys were to favor Trump, his model would still predict a Harris victory.

Lichtman’s forecast contrasts with current polls and prediction markets. The prediction market Polymarket currently places Donald Trump’s odds slightly ahead at 53%, while RealClear Polling shows Harris with a narrow two-point lead. Swing state polls present a mixed picture, with Trump and Harris each leading in different key states.

The historian’s track record lends significant weight to his prediction. Lichtman has correctly forecast every U.S. presidential election since 1984, with the notable exception of the controversial 2000 race between Al Gore and George W. Bush. In that instance, Lichtman accurately predicted Gore’s popular vote win but not the Electoral College outcome.

As the 2024 election approaches, political observers and campaign strategists will be closely watching to see if Lichtman’s prediction holds true, potentially extending his remarkable streak of accurate forecasts in American presidential politics.

Indonesian Grandmother, 57, Killed by 16-Foot Python on Rubber Plantation

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Indonesian Grandmother, 57, Killed by 16-Foot Python on Rubber Plantation

A 57-year-old grandmother, identified as Hapsah, was killed by a 16-foot python while working on a rubber plantation in Indonesia’s Jambi province, local authorities reported on Monday. The incident occurred on August 27 in the Muaro Jambi Regency, underscoring the ongoing risks of human-wildlife encounters in the region.

Hapsah was tapping rubber trees when the massive serpent attacked, overpowering her and constricting her body. Sungai Gelam Police Chief Iptu Usaha Sitepu stated, “The python constricted the victim to death and was about to swallow her head-first when discovered.”

The victim’s husband, M Safri, 66, who also works on the plantation, became concerned when his wife failed to return home and went searching for her. He heard rustling in the undergrowth and made the horrifying discovery of the python coiled around Hapsah’s body.

“He knew she was already dead, so he could only pull at the snake’s tail and hit it until it loosened its grip,” Chief Sitepu explained. Safri then rushed to alert the local community for assistance.

Upon learning of the attack, enraged villagers hunted down the python, which had burrowed near a tree root. The snake was killed by the mob, with village head Amdi reporting, “It was massive. It was taken to the village to be shown to the community after it was killed.”

Amdi added that Hapsah was nearly fully engulfed by the snake when her husband found her. “Hapsah was almost swallowed entirely by the snake, with only half of her body left to engulf when her husband managed to free her,” he said.

This tragic incident follows a similar attack just days earlier in Palopo City, where another elderly woman, 74-year-old Maga, was killed by a python while tending to her cattle in a forested area.

The reticulated python, native to Southeast Asia, is the world’s longest snake species and is known to inhabit forests, swamps, and even urban areas. These pythons are capable of preying on humans and various animals, including cats, dogs, birds, and other snakes.

Wildlife experts emphasize that such attacks, while rare, highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures in areas where human settlements encroach on python habitats. Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution when working in or near forested areas and to report any sightings of large snakes to wildlife officials.

As communities in Indonesia continue to expand into natural habitats, incidents of human-wildlife conflict may persist, prompting calls for better management strategies to protect both human lives and wildlife populations.

Lady Gaga Reveals Engagement to Michael Polansky After Rock Climbing Proposal

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Lady Gaga Reveals Engagement to Michael Polansky After Rock Climbing Proposal

Global pop icon Lady Gaga has revealed her engagement to entrepreneur Michael Polansky, sharing details of their relationship and future plans in a recent Vogue magazine interview. The 38-year-old singer and actress disclosed that Polansky, 46, proposed in April after nearly five years together, following a day of rock climbing.

Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, recounted the serendipitous beginnings of their relationship, crediting her mother Cynthia, 70, for introducing them. “My mom met him and she said to me, ‘I think I just met your husband,’ and I said, ‘I’m not ready to meet my husband!’,” Gaga told Vogue. “I could never have imagined that my mom found the most perfect person for me.”

The couple first met at a party in December 2019, where they engaged in a three-hour conversation. Their relationship deepened when they moved in together four months later during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaga reflected on this period as a turning point, saying, “I’d been so focused on my career since I was a teenager. And the gift of that time was that I got to completely focus on my relationship.”

This engagement marks Gaga’s third, following previous engagements to actor Taylor Kinney in 2015 and talent agent Christian Carino in 2018. The singer expressed her happiness and relief at finding a supportive partner, stating, “I kind of thought I was going to have to do this all by myself, forever. And that was really scary — because it’s a big life.”

Both Gaga and Polansky bring substantial wealth to their union, with Gaga’s fortune estimated at £230 million and Polansky reportedly worth around £450 million.

As she prepares for her upcoming projects, including the release of “Joker: Folie à Deux” next month, where she plays Harley Quinn opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Gaga expressed excitement about organizing her life and marriage around creative output as a couple. She also anticipates releasing a new single in October and her seventh studio album in February.

Reflecting on her 2021 tour, which she completed while managing fibromyalgia, Gaga credited Polansky’s support: “Michael and I did that together. I did it pain-free!”

The announcement of Gaga’s engagement has sparked interest among fans and the entertainment industry, as the multi-talented artist enters this new chapter in both her personal life and career.

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