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Botswana Unearths Massive 2,492-Carat Diamond, Potentially One of the Largest Ever

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Botswana Unearths Massive 2,492-Carat Diamond, Potentially One of the Largest Ever

GABORONE, Botswana  — The Botswana government announced Wednesday that one of the largest diamonds ever found has been unearthed at the Karowe Mine, operated by Canadian mining company Lucara Diamond Corp. The massive 2,492-carat stone is believed to be the second-biggest ever recovered from a mine.

Lucara Diamond Corp. confirmed the discovery in a statement, describing the diamond as an “exceptional” and “high-quality” rough stone found intact using X-ray technology. William Lamb, Lucara’s president and CEO, expressed the company’s excitement, stating, “We are ecstatic about the recovery of this extraordinary 2,492-carat diamond.”

The newly discovered gem is set to be unveiled to the public on Thursday at the office of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who will be among the first to view it. The government has emphasized that this is the largest diamond ever found in the southern African nation, which has become the world’s second-largest diamond producer.

If confirmed, the diamond’s weight would make it the largest found in over a century and second only to the famed Cullinan Diamond. Discovered in South Africa in 1905, the Cullinan weighed 3,106 carats and was subsequently cut into several gems, some of which now form part of the British Crown Jewels.

A 1,098 carat diamond, discovered in Botswana and believed to be the third largest gem-quality stone ever to be mined, is seen in this undated handout picture received June 16, 2021. Debswana Diamond Company/Handout via REUTERS.

The Karowe Mine, where this latest discovery was made, has a history of producing exceptionally large diamonds. It has previously yielded four diamonds over 1,000 carats, including the 1,758-carat Sewelo diamond found in 2019, which was purchased by French fashion house Louis Vuitton for an undisclosed amount.

Another notable discovery from the same mine was the 1,111-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond, sold to a British jeweler for $53 million in 2017.

This latest find further cements Botswana’s reputation as a source of the world’s largest diamonds in recent years. The country’s diamond industry plays a crucial role in its economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and foreign exchange earnings.

Experts note that natural diamonds of this size are extremely rare, with most believed to be at least a billion years old, and some potentially over 3 billion years old. The discovery of such a large stone not only holds immense value but also provides valuable scientific insights into the Earth’s geological history.

Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Set to Begin Gasoline Production in September

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Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery Set to Begin Gasoline Production in September

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, a $20 billion facility with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is conducting test runs for gasoline production and is expected to be fully operational by mid-September, according to industry monitor IIR Energy.

The refinery, built by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, on the outskirts of Lagos, began operations in January after several years of delays. To date, it has only produced diesel and other distillate fuels.

Dangote had previously announced that gasoline deliveries from the refinery would start in July, revising an earlier target of May for the commencement of motor fuel production. IIR Energy noted in a client communication that further extensions to this timeline are possible.

The massive refinery project represents a significant development for Nigeria’s oil industry and the broader African energy sector. Once fully operational, it is expected to dramatically alter the Europe-to-Africa fuel trade dynamics and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, has long relied heavily on imported fuels due to the poor state of its existing refineries. The Dangote refinery’s entry into gasoline production could potentially alleviate fuel shortages that have plagued the country and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves used for fuel imports.

The refinery’s progress is being closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders across the continent. Its success could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to boost their refining capabilities and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

However, the project has faced numerous challenges, including funding issues, logistical hurdles, and delays exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The repeated postponements of gasoline production have raised questions about the complexities involved in bringing such a large-scale refinery to full operational status.

The refinery’s impact extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. Its high production capacity has the potential to transform the West African sub-region into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, a significant shift from its current import-dependent status.

As the mid-September target for full operations approaches, eyes will be on the Dangote refinery to see if it can meet this latest deadline and begin to deliver on its promise of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.

Attempts to reach Dangote representatives for comment were unsuccessful, with emails undelivered and phone calls unable to connect.

The refinery’s progress comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s economy, which has been grappling with currency devaluation, high inflation, and the need for economic diversification. The success of the Dangote refinery could provide a much-needed boost to the country’s industrial sector and potentially serve as a catalyst for further investments in the Nigerian economy.

Reuters

Death Toll in Congo Boat Accident Rises to 29, Many Still Missing

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Death Toll in Congo Boat Accident Rises to 29, Many Still Missing

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo — The death toll from a river boat accident in western Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to at least 29, with at least 128 survivors identified and an unknown number still missing, local authorities reported on Thursday.

The accident occurred Sunday night when a boat carrying between 250 and 300 passengers capsized after striking submerged tree trunks in a river within the Kutu territory. Rescue efforts have been ongoing for days as authorities grapple with the full extent of the tragedy.

Jacques Nzeza, the Kutu territory administrator, told Reuters by phone, “Overloading and navigating at night in contravention of the rules are seen as the causes of this tragedy.” Nzeza confirmed that among the 29 known fatalities were 15 women and one child.

The exact number of missing individuals remains unclear due to uncertainty about the total number of passengers on board and the fact that some survivors left the scene immediately after the accident before they could be counted, Nzeza added.

Fidele Lizoringo, head of a local civil society group, reported that fishermen had spotted an additional four bodies floating in the river but were unable to recover them. Lizoringo stated that 152 survivors had been registered, a figure slightly higher than the official count.

This incident highlights the persistent dangers of river travel in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a vast country with limited paved road infrastructure. Boat accidents are common, often due to vessels being loaded far beyond their intended capacity.

Source: Reuters

Russia Claims to Thwart New Ukrainian Cross-Border Raid as Conflict Intensifies

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Russia Claims to Thwart New Ukrainian Cross-Border Raid as Conflict Intensifies

MOSCOW — Russian authorities on Thursday claimed to have repelled an attempted infiltration by Ukrainian forces in the Bryansk region, marking a potential expansion of cross-border operations beyond the ongoing incursion in Kursk. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drones reportedly struck near an air base in southern Russia, further escalating tensions along the border.

Alexander Bogomaz, governor of Bryansk region, stated that Russian border guards and military units thwarted an attack by a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance team on Wednesday. The alleged incident occurred approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) from the site of Ukraine’s ongoing operation in the Kursk region, suggesting a possible widening of Kyiv’s cross-border strategy.

The reported raid comes as Ukrainian forces continue their surprise assault into Russia’s Kursk region, which began on August 6. In response to the incursion, authorities in Kursk announced they have started installing concrete shelters to protect civilians.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, meeting with a U.S. congressional delegation, justified the Kursk operation as a protective measure. “Our goals there are to clear the border from Russian military threats and make enemy shelling and attacks on our towns and villages impossible,” Umerov said in a statement.

The conflict has intensified on multiple fronts. In Russia’s southern Volgograd region, a Ukrainian drone reportedly crashed into a military facility, causing a fire. Governor Andrei Bocharov reported no casualties but did not specify the nature of the targeted facility. The incident led to temporary restrictions at Volgograd airport.

On the eastern front, Ukraine’s military reported intense fighting, with Russian forces launching numerous assaults and offensive actions near the transport hub of Pokrovsk. In the south, the Ukrainian navy claimed an attack on a Russian ammunition and fuel storage site on the Moscow-held Kinburn Spit in occupied southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of another village in the Kursk region during a visit to the Sumy border area. Ukrainian officials previously claimed control of over 90 settlements in the region.

Russia maintains that it has halted the Ukrainian offensive and begun pushing back in some areas, including Kursk. However, a senior Russian commander cautioned that Ukrainian forces might be regrouping for another potential attack.

As Ukraine prepares to mark its 33rd anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv warned of a heightened risk of Russian missile and drone attacks throughout the country in the coming days.

Nashville Mother Charged in Daughter’s Death Suffers Severe Injury in Jail

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Nashville Mother Charged in Daughter’s Death Suffers Severe Injury in Jail

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — Brandi Elliott, 33, a Nashville mother charged with first-degree murder for allegedly drowning her 7-year-old daughter, has suffered a severe head injury while in custody at Sumner County Jail, authorities reported Tuesday.

Elliott, who was being held without bond awaiting trial for the death of her daughter Piper, was rushed to the hospital over the weekend with a serious head injury, according to News Channel 5. The circumstances surrounding the injury remain unclear.

Jail officials have confirmed that Elliott was not attacked by another inmate but have not provided further details. It is unknown whether Elliott was on suicide watch or if the injury was self-inflicted. Updates on her condition and ability to stand trial have not been released.

The incident adds a new layer of complexity to an already tragic case. Elliott was arrested on July 13 after allegedly drowning her daughter, Piper, in Drakes Creek in Hendersonville.

According to WKRN, Elliott reportedly told police she held her daughter underwater “like a largemouth bass” until bubbles emerged, instructing the child to be quiet during the act.

During her initial court appearance last month, Elliott claimed to have mental health issues, stating, “When my daughter was two, I kind of lost it like I did this time. I had postpartum depression and they gave me medicine for it. I was having a really bad time with sleeping.” Despite these claims, both her attorney and state prosecutors did not request a mental evaluation at that time.

Elliott reportedly told officers she was having a bad day and wanted to be left alone when questioned about her daughter’s death. She claimed to have realized the gravity of her actions only after first responders attempted to revive Piper with CPR.

The case has shocked the local community. Piper’s family has started a memorial along the greenway where the incident occurred, with plans to create “Piper’s Pathway” in memory of the child.

Prosecutors have stated they are considering seeking the death penalty if Elliott is convicted. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support Piper’s father, Jon Elliott, a veteran who receives disability benefits.

Daily MailOnline

Guatemala Arrests 7 in Connection with Deadly 2022 Texas Migrant Smuggling Case

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Guatemala Arrests 7 in Connection with Deadly 2022 Texas Migrant Smuggling Case

GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan authorities arrested seven individuals on Wednesday in connection with a deadly human smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 53 migrants in Texas in 2022. The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation of one of the deadliest migrant smuggling attempts into the United States in recent years.

Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez told The Associated Press that the arrests were made possible through 13 coordinated raids across three of Guatemala’s departments. Among those apprehended was Rigoberto Román Mirnado Orozco, alleged to be the ringleader of the smuggling operation. The United States has requested Orozco’s extradition.

“This is a collaborative effort between the Guatemalan police and Homeland Security, in addition to other national agencies, to dismantle the structures of human trafficking,” Jiménez stated. He emphasized that tackling irregular migration is a strategic objective of President Bernardo Arévalo’s government.

The arrests are linked to the June 2022 incident where 53 migrants from Mexico and Central America were found dead in an abandoned tractor-trailer near San Antonio, Texas. The victims, including eight children, died of asphyxiation after being trapped in the sweltering vehicle during a three-hour journey from Laredo to San Antonio.

According to U.S. authorities, the truck’s air-conditioning unit was malfunctioning, failing to provide cool air to the migrants inside. When discovered, 48 migrants were already deceased, with five more dying in hospitals shortly after.

The victims’ nationalities underscore the regional nature of the tragedy:

– 27 from Mexico

– 14 from Honduras

– 7 from Guatemala

– 2 from El Salvador

Prior to these arrests, six individuals had already been charged in the United States in connection with the case. Homero Zamorano Jr., the alleged driver of the truck, and Christian Martinez were arrested shortly after the discovery.

Martinez has since pleaded guilty to smuggling-related charges, while Zamorano has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial. Four Mexican nationals were also arrested in 2023 for their alleged involvement.

Guatemalan police identified the smuggling organization as “Los Orozcos,” noting that several of those arrested are family members sharing the Orozco surname. The arrests took place in the departments of San Marcos (bordering Mexico), Huehuetenango, and Jalapa.

Authorities allege that the smuggling network operated across Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, sharing resources including routes, guides, safe houses, and vehicles. Migrants reportedly paid up to $15,000 each for up to three attempts to cross the U.S. border.

This case has highlighted the dangers faced by migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally and the sophisticated nature of transnational human smuggling operations. It has also prompted calls for increased international cooperation to combat such networks and address the root causes of migration.

As the legal proceedings unfold both in Guatemala and the United States, the case continues to draw attention to the ongoing challenges of border security, human trafficking, and the complex issues surrounding immigration in the Americas.

Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Child Together

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Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Child Together

LOS ANGELES — Grammy-winning R&B singer Ashanti has given birth to her first child with husband and fellow musician Nelly, the couple announced on Wednesday. The news comes amid revelations about their secret wedding and a complex relationship timeline.

Ashanti, 43, shared the news on Instagram with a mirror selfie showcasing her postpartum figure. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol,” she wrote, referencing her 2001 hit song with Ja Rule. The singer expressed pride in her body’s capabilities and her excitement about motherhood.

The couple, who had announced their pregnancy in April 2024, have now disclosed that they were secretly married in December 2023. Public records indicate that the nuptials took place in Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis County, Missouri, on December 27, 2023.

This child marks Ashanti’s first, while it’s the fifth for Nelly, 49. The couple’s relationship has spanned two decades, with several periods of separation and reconciliation.

Their history dates back to 2003 when they met at a Grammy Awards press conference. After dating for several years, they split in 2009, briefly reconciled in 2010, and separated again in 2013. In 2023, Nelly confirmed their rekindled romance during an interview, stating, “Yeah, we cool again.”

The pregnancy announcement in April 2024 came through a comedic Instagram video featuring Ashanti’s mother, Tina Douglas. At the same time, the couple announced their engagement, though reports suggest they may have been engaged three months prior.

This joyous news comes on the heels of recent legal troubles for Nelly. Earlier this month, he was arrested and booked for drug possession after being pulled over while driving in Maryland Heights, Missouri. His attorney has denied the drug charge, stating the arrest was related to an outstanding warrant for “No Proof of Insurance” from 2018.

As the couple navigates parenthood, they continue to balance their personal lives with their successful music careers. Ashanti, known for hits like “Foolish” and “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby),” has sold over 15 million records worldwide. Nelly, with chart-toppers like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” has been a prominent figure in hip-hop for over two decades.

The birth announcement and wedding revelation have sparked renewed interest in the couple, who have managed to keep significant life events private despite their high-profile status in the entertainment industry.

As fans celebrate this new chapter in Ashanti and Nelly’s lives, the music world watches with interest to see how parenthood might influence their artistic endeavors and public personas.

Violent Offender Arrested for Selling Counterfeit Pills to Undercover Officer

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Violent Offender Arrested for Selling Counterfeit Pills to Undercover Officer

A Taunton man who allegedly sold over a kilogram of counterfeit pills to an undercover officer was arrested yesterday in connection with an ongoing investigation of the manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine.

Shavon Gurley, a/k/a “Soo Soo,” 29, of Taunton, was charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. The defendant was arrested yesterday morning and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was detained pending a hearing scheduled for Aug. 27, 2024.

According to the charging documents, Gurley was identified as being involved in trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine in conjunction with a Brockton-based drug trafficking organization. 

As part of the investigation, between Aug. 2-5, 2024, undercover law enforcement allegedly communicated with Gurley about purchasing methamphetamine pills. On Aug. 5, 2024, Gurley allegedly sold 6,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, weighing over a kilogram, to an undercover officer. During the interaction, Gurley allegedly stated that he would drop the price per pill if the undercover officer were to buy 10,000 or 20,000 pills. It is further alleged that Gurley continued to discuss his drug operation with the undercover officer and boasted about selling kilograms of fentanyl that his customers then go on to sell in Maine. 

During the controlled purchase with the undercover officer, Gurley allegedly stated that he sells kilograms of fentanyl for $30,000, and that the fentanyl is such high quality that it can be adulterated with cutting agents into 10 kilograms. It is further alleged that Gurley then stated he also sells a higher quality and purity fentanyl for $50,000, which can be adulterated into 50 kilograms.

Gurley also allegedly boasted about property he has already acquired through selling narcotics and that he intends to reach $600,000 in profits. As alleged in the charging documents, Gurley complimented the undercover officer’s “aura” and promised to do business with the officer in the future. At the time of the sale, Gurley was allegedly on pretrial release for a domestic violence offense.

Lastly, during the execution of search warrants at Gurley’s residence and vehicle yesterday, law enforcement allegedly recovered a loaded black firearm, two posters depicting cherubim – with captions that read, “I Only Fear the Feds,” and “Rats Don’t Make it To Heaven,” – a bag containing an amount of controlled substances believed to be fentanyl, as well as a number of plastic bags containing approximately 10,000 counterfeit Adderall pills believed to contain methamphetamine.

According to the charging documents, Gurley has a lengthy juvenile record and criminal history that includes a number of prior firearm and violent offenses – including a 2012 conviction for assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon for attacking a man with a pistol and pointing the firearm at the victim’s head, for which he served a six to 10 year term in state prison.    


The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: DOJ

Washington D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Stealing $32,000 in High-End Goods

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Washington D.C. Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Stealing $32,000 in High-End Goods

A Washington D.C. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for stealing thousands of items from a high-end outlet store in Wrentham, Mass.

Linworth Hayes Crawford, III, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to eight months in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Crawford must also pay $32,000 in restitution to the Gucci store at the Wrentham Outlets. In February 2024, Crawford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen goods in interstate commerce and one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods. 

On the evening of Sept. 16, 2021, Crawford, along with his co-defendants Nathaniel Owens, and others   traveled from the Washington D.C. area to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets in Massachusetts. In the early morning hours of Sept. 17, 2021, Crawford and his co-defendants entered the Gucci store by smashing the store’s glass front door and stole $32,000 in high-end merchandise including handbags, duffle bags, backpacks and sunglasses.  

The day after the theft, a co-defendant allegedly posted on his Instagram account that he had Gucci bags available for sale. Images of the bags appeared to be identical to the Gucci bags stolen during the burglary earlier that day.

Crawford also took responsibility for a second similar burglary at a Prada store in Dawsonville, Georgia, where $37,000 in merchandise was stolen. 

Owens pleaded guilty in April 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.    

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Wrentham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 
 

Source: DOJ

Woman Nearly Bitten by Tiger After Entering Enclosure at New Jersey Zoo

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Woman Nearly Bitten by Tiger After Entering Enclosure at New Jersey Zoo

BRIDGETON, N.J. — Police in Bridgeton, New Jersey, are searching for a woman who climbed over a barrier into a tiger enclosure at the Cohanzick Zoo, narrowly avoiding being bitten when she attempted to touch the animal through the fence.

The Bridgeton Police Department released video footage of the incident on Tuesday, although the exact date of the occurrence remains unclear. In the video, the woman is seen scaling a wooden fence designed to keep visitors at a safe distance from the tiger habitat.

“A female at the Cohanzick Zoo went over the wooden fence at the tiger enclosure and began enticing the tiger almost getting bit by putting her hand through the wire enclosure,” the police department stated in a Facebook post accompanying the video.

After entering the restricted area, the woman approached the tall metal fence separating visitors from the tigers. She then inserted her hand through a small gap in the fence, apparently in an attempt to pet the large feline. The tiger quickly lunged toward her hand, causing her to rapidly withdraw it and step back from the enclosure.

Following the near-miss, the woman paused and posed, suggesting that another person may have been photographing her actions. She then climbed back over the wooden barrier to exit the restricted area.

Bridgeton police are urging the public to help identify the woman. “We are asking if anyone recognizes the female in the video/photo,” the department stated. They have directed those with information to contact Patrolman Cusano at 856-451-0033, extension 0, or to submit anonymous tips to BPD.TIPS.

The police department also used this incident to remind visitors about proper zoo etiquette and safety measures. “Reminder to the public when visiting the zoo that it is against City Ordinance to climb over any fence,” they emphasized in their statement.

This incident bears similarities to a 2019 event at the Bronx Zoo in New York, where a woman entered a lion enclosure and appeared to taunt the animal while standing just feet away.

Such incidents highlight ongoing concerns about visitor behavior at zoos and the potential dangers posed to both humans and animals when safety barriers are breached. Zoo officials and animal welfare advocates often stress the importance of respecting enclosure boundaries for the safety of visitors and the well-being of the animals.

The Cohanzick Zoo, located in Bridgeton City Park, is the first zoo in New Jersey. It houses a variety of animals, including big cats, and plays a role in conservation and education efforts. Incidents like this can potentially impact zoo operations and animal welfare protocols.

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