A Russian missile struck President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih on Wednesday, local authorities reported, as the city observed an official day of mourning for four civilians killed in an attack the previous day.
The latest strike hit civilian infrastructure, wounding eight people, according to Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the local administration. “When Kryvyi Rih is in mourning, the enemy attacks again. And it once again aims at civilians,” regional governor Serhii Lysak said.
This attack follows a broader Russian assault on Monday, when over 100 missiles and a similar number of drones were launched across Ukraine in what officials described as the most extensive bombardment in weeks.
The intensified bombing campaign coincides with critical developments in the war. Russian forces are advancing deeper into the partly occupied Donetsk region, a key Kremlin objective. Simultaneously, Ukraine has launched incursions into Russia’s Kursk region, marking the largest breach of Russian soil since World War II.
In Kryvyi Rih, rescue operations at the hotel struck on Tuesday concluded after a final body was recovered from the rubble. The attack had killed four and wounded five.
Ukraine claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-25 jet in the Donetsk region and continued its long-range drone attacks on Russian logistics areas. Ukraine’s military intelligence took responsibility for striking an oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region, while drones also reportedly hit an oil depot in the Kirov region, about 950 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The body of 8-year-old Ryan Akagbusi, a non-verbal Nigerian boy, was recovered from a lake in Richmond, Fort Bend County, Texas, on August 25, 2024, devastating the local community.
Ryan was reported missing from his home around 4:30 am on August 24. His mother told ABC13 (KTRK) that surveillance footage showed him leaving his bedroom at 4:56 am, with a neighbor’s camera capturing him walking down a nearby street about 30 minutes later.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that Texas EquuSearch located Ryan’s body in a lake near his last known location at approximately 6:46 am on Sunday, ending a frantic search effort that involved K9 units, helicopters, drones, and door-to-door inquiries.
Community members flooded the Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page with condolences and expressions of shock. Residents raised concerns about safety measures for children, particularly those with special needs.
Tacoma Burden, a local resident, commented, “I’m praying hard for this family. It’s my worst nightmare as a parent with a child on the spectrum.” Others called for more thorough search procedures and increased safety measures around bodies of water.
The tragedy echoes a similar incident from June when Aisha Adebayo, a 12-year-old Nigerian autistic girl, drowned in a lake near her home in Fulshear, also in Fort Bend County.
Four Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to a combined 13 years in prison for orchestrating a large-scale fraud operation involving over 2,000 fake marriage certificates, the UK Home Office reported Tuesday.
Abraham Alade Olarotimi Onifade, 41, Abayomi Aderinsoye Shodipo, 38, Nosimot Mojisola Gbadamosi, 31, and Adekunle Kabir, 54, were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for their roles in creating fraudulent EU Settlement Scheme applications for Nigerian citizens between March 2019 and May 2023.
The gang provided false Nigerian Customary Marriage Certificates and other fraudulent documentation to support applications of Nigerian nationals seeking to remain in the UK illegally under the EU Settlement Scheme.
A joint investigation by the Home Office and its international operations in Lagos, Nigeria, uncovered the extensive fraud operation, which involved more than 2,000 false marriage documents.
Onifade and Shodipo were found guilty of conspiracy to facilitate illegal entry into the UK and conspiracy to provide articles used in fraud. Gbadamosi was convicted of obtaining leave to remain by deception and fraud by false representation. Kabir was found guilty of possession of an identity document with improper intention but cleared of obtaining leave to remain by deception.
Sentences handed down by the court were: Onifade, from Gravesend, six years imprisonment; Shodipo, from Manchester, five years imprisonment; Gbadamosi, from Bolton, 18 months imprisonment; and Kabir, from London, nine months imprisonment.
Home Office chief immigration officer Paul Moran described the convictions as a significant victory against border abuse. “This group was absolutely prolific in their desire to abuse our borders and have rightly been brought to justice,” Moran stated.
He added, “We will continue to work tirelessly to secure our borders and clamp down on the gangs who prey on vulnerable people to make money.”
The case highlights ongoing challenges in UK immigration enforcement and the sophisticated methods employed by criminal networks to circumvent border controls.
Singer Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, have pleaded not guilty to all counts in a fraud case involving charges of more than $1 million. The pleas were entered during an arraignment hearing before Broward Circuit Judge Ernest Kollra in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, August 26.
Kingston, 34, whose real name is Kisean Anderson, and Turner, 61, are facing serious allegations of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud. Their legal team has demanded a jury trial and requested discovery from the State, signaling a robust defense strategy.
The charges stem from what prosecutors describe as a scheme to defraud sellers of high-end specialty vehicles, jewelry, and other luxury goods. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Kingston and Turner allegedly obtained over $1 million in property through fraudulent means.
Prosecutors allege that the mother-son duo “unjustly enriched themselves by falsely representing that they had executed bank wire or other monetary payment transfers” for various luxury items. In reality, authorities claim, no such transfers had been made.
Arrest warrants reviewed by PEOPLE magazine detail specific allegations, including the theft of nearly $500,000 in jewelry, $160,000 from an Escalade dealer, and $86,000 from a manufacturer of customized beds.
The gravity of the charges is reflected in the potential sentences, with each count carrying a maximum of 20 years in prison. Despite the severity of the accusations, Judge Kollra did not alter the previously set $90,000 bond, as reported by The Sun Sentinel.
Kingston’s attorney, Robert Rosenblatt, expressed confidence in his client’s innocence, telling PEOPLE, “Once the true facts come out, we are confident of vindication.” This statement suggests that the defense may have additional information or evidence not yet public that could potentially exonerate Kingston and Turner.
The case has attracted significant attention due to Kingston’s celebrity status. The “Beautiful Girls” singer was arrested on May 23 in California after authorities served arrest and search warrants at the South Florida mansion he was renting. His mother was taken into custody earlier the same day in Florida.
Jennifer Lopez has officially filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, marking the end of their high-profile reconciliation and two-year marriage. The filing, made quietly on August 20, 2024 – the second anniversary of their lavish Georgia wedding celebration – cites “irreconcilable differences” and requests a return to her legal name, Lopez.
Sources close to the couple have revealed to various outlets that the split stems from a combination of factors, primarily centered around their conflicting personalities and lifestyles.
“They are very different people,” a source familiar with both stars told PEOPLE magazine. “She’s super public and is more social, and he’s more of an introvert and is happy to hang out at home.”
Another insider highlighted Affleck’s alleged mood swings as a significant issue in the relationship. “He doesn’t understand how his bad mood affects people around him,” the source stated, describing “big highs and big lows” that created tension in the marriage.
The couple’s busy schedules and time apart also played a role in the deterioration of their relationship. Lopez spent much of the spring in the New York area filming and working on various projects, while Affleck remained in Los Angeles.
Their separation date is listed as April 26 in the divorce filing, indicating they had been living apart for several months before the official announcement.
Despite the split, sources claim the divorce proceedings are expected to remain civil. “There’s lots of love and lots of respect there—and sadness,” one insider noted.
The divorce filing comes as a surprise to many fans who had celebrated the rekindling of the “Bennifer” romance in 2021, nearly two decades after their first engagement ended in 2004. Their whirlwind reunion and subsequent marriage in 2022 had been seen as a Hollywood fairy tale comeback.
Lopez’s decision to file for divorce without an attorney, known as filing pro se, has been interpreted by legal experts as a sign of her desire to move forward quickly and independently.
Marilyn Chinitz, a matrimonial lawyer not involved in the case, suggested to PEOPLE that this move indicates Lopez “just wanted to get this done” after a period of “hesitation and hemming and hawing.”
As news of the split spreads, attention has turned to how the couple will navigate co-parenting their blended family. Affleck shares three children with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, while Lopez has twins with former husband Marc Anthony.
Ben Sanderson, an 18-year-old theater student at Indiana University, has made a startling discovery about his family history, uncovering a network of 40 half-siblings after initiating a search for information about his sperm donor father.
Sanderson, who was raised in Los Angeles by a single mother, had always known he was conceived using a sperm donor. His mother had promised him that upon turning 18, he could begin searching for his biological father and potential siblings if he wished.
In May 2023, while in Indiana for a theater role, Sanderson decided to explore his paternal family history. With his mother’s support, he logged into the sperm bank’s website, which featured a sibling registry and chat room for potential connections.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I have two sisters!'” Sanderson told PEOPLE magazine, recalling his initial discovery of a message from 11 years ago. This message led to contact with his first identified half-sister, opening the door to a much larger family network.
Within days, Sanderson learned that he had not just a handful, but 40 half-siblings – 17 sisters and 23 brothers, including four sets of twins. “I was in a restaurant when I found out and realized that I was the youngest of them all,” Sanderson said. “It was the best day ever. I was so excited.”
The siblings have created a detailed spreadsheet to share information about themselves, including zodiac signs, college majors, dietary preferences, and the age at which they discovered they were donor-conceived. Sanderson noted that all his siblings are animal lovers, and none can play a musical instrument.
Since the discovery, Sanderson has met several of his siblings in person. In August 2023, he traveled to New York City, where he met his eldest half-sister, attended Broadway shows with a half-brother, and connected with two other half-sisters. Back in Los Angeles, he met a half-sister from San Diego, who has since invited him to her wedding.
“You know what it’s like to have 40 siblings? It’s overwhelming,” Sanderson reflected. “That’s a lot of happy birthdays, a lot of Merry Christmases and a lot of weddings. And as the youngest, it also means receiving 40 phone calls if a sibling passes away. It’s a huge network of relationships, but I love it, and so do my siblings.”
Sanderson has also established contact with his biological father, whom he refers to as his dad. They have exchanged several emails since February, with the donor using poetic metaphors to describe their relationship.
The young theater student emphasizes the importance of waiting until adulthood to initiate such searches. “I was an adult when I found them, so I could make my own decisions and set my own boundaries,” he explained. “I think trying to search as a child would have been overwhelming.”
Sanderson’s story sheds light on the complex emotional and social dynamics of donor-conceived families in the age of genetic testing and online registries. As more donor-conceived individuals reach adulthood and seek information about their biological origins, stories like Sanderson’s are likely to become increasingly common.
The discovery has not only expanded Sanderson’s family network but also raised questions about the regulation of sperm donation and the potential psychological impacts on donor-conceived individuals and their families. As Sanderson continues to navigate his newfound relationships, his experience offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of family in the 21st century.
Spanish authorities reported on Monday that thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the border from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in recent days, with hundreds of young people trying to swim around border controls. This surge in migration attempts has put significant pressure on the small North African territory.
Cristina Pérez, the Spanish government’s representative in Ceuta, told journalists that since August 22, an average of 700 people have attempted to breach the border daily, with a peak of 1,500 attempts on Sunday.
While Pérez did not disclose the exact number of successful entries, she confirmed that authorities were implementing “border rejections,” sending between 150 and 200 people back to Morocco daily, in accordance with Spanish law.
Spanish media broadcast videos showing police intercepting migrants in the water, both at night amid thick fog and in broad daylight, sometimes struggling to separate new arrivals from beachgoers. These dramatic scenes underscore the challenges faced by border authorities in managing the influx.
Ceuta and Melilla, two small Spanish territories in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean, have long been targets for migrants and refugees seeking better lives in Europe. Many attempt to climb over barbed wire fences encircling the autonomous cities or reach the exclaves by sea.
The geographical position of these enclaves means Spain relies heavily on Morocco’s cooperation to control these borders and manage migration flows.
In 2021, a diplomatic dispute between the two nations resulted in thousands of people, including many unaccompanied Moroccan children, pouring into Ceuta over a few days, overwhelming Spanish authorities.
While Spain and Morocco have since normalized their relations and are working together to tackle irregular migration, Ceuta authorities report they are again under pressure this year.
Statistics from the Spanish interior ministry show 1,622 migrant arrivals in Ceuta from January to mid-August, compared to just 620 in the same period last year.
In February, residents of the nearby Moroccan town of Belyounech attempted to swim to Ceuta after the Moroccan government demolished unauthorized beachside homes for new development, adding another layer of complexity to the migration situation.
Although the number of migrants reaching Ceuta represents a small fraction of the more than 31,000 irregular arrivals to Spain this year, Pérez emphasized that the 18.5 square kilometer (7.14 square mile) territory is under “extreme migratory pressure.”
A devastating accident at a quarry in Zambia has resulted in the deaths of nine men, police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga reported on Monday. The tragedy occurred when a large pile of gravel collapsed on the workers, who were operating illegally in the quarry located in Chongwe, approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of the capital, Lusaka.
The incident took place on Sunday as the men were loading gravel onto a truck. The driver of the vehicle survived with injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Rescue operations began immediately after the collapse, with eight bodies recovered on Sunday before nightfall forced a suspension of the efforts. The ninth body was retrieved on Monday morning, completing the grim recovery process.
Chongwe District Commissioner Evans Lupiya described the scene, stating that both the men and the truck were buried under the gravel. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
This tragic event underscores the persistent issue of illegal and unsafe mining practices in Zambia. The country has experienced several fatal accidents involving unauthorized operations in quarries and mines in recent years.
A particularly devastating incident occurred in December when nearly 30 informal miners lost their lives at an open-pit copper mine in northern Zambia. In that case, heavy rains triggered landslides that buried the miners alive in tunnels they had dug.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Claims of a world record transfer bid for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior by Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli have been denied by sources close to the situation, 90min reports. This revelation comes amid a flurry of high-profile transfer activities involving Saudi Arabian clubs.
Recent reports from Spain suggested that Al Ahli had made a staggering €500 million (£422 million) offer for the Brazilian winger, accompanied by a proposed five-year contract worth €1 billion (£844 million), plus potential bonuses. However, sources in Saudi Arabia have categorically denied the existence of any such proposal.
Vinicius Junior, a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, has been frequently linked with moves to Saudi Arabia throughout the summer transfer window. While it’s common practice for intermediaries to make initial inquiries and communicate basic offers to gauge interest, there is no confirmation that any meaningful attempts have been made to secure the Real Madrid player’s services.
The denial of this specific offer aligns with the understanding that Vinicius Junior is not currently interested in a move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career. Despite the ambitious nature of Saudi Arabian football authorities in attracting top talent, there is an awareness that certain players, including Vinicius, are not yet ready to make such a transition.
Saudi Pro League clubs are, however, actively pursuing other high-profile targets. Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is among those being courted, although his agent has publicly hinted at the player’s reluctance to leave European football.
Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman and Brentford’s Ivan Toney are also reportedly in talks with Saudi clubs. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo has recently completed a €25 million move to Al Hilal, further demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s financial clout in the transfer market.
The focus on attracting top talent is part of a broader strategy linked to Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The country’s ministry for tourism has reportedly reached out to Vinicius Junior’s representatives about the possibility of him promoting the tournament as an ambassador. This approach suggests that as the World Cup draws nearer, Saudi officials may intensify their efforts to bring players of Vinicius’ caliber to the country, potentially through transfer offers.
For now, however, the reports of a record-breaking bid for Vinicius Junior appear to be unfounded, and the player is expected to remain with Real Madrid for the foreseeable future.
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, Madrid, Spain - August 27, 2024 FC Barcelona's Dani Olmo celebrates scoring their second goal with Marc Bernal REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Barcelona preserved their flawless start to the La Liga season with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, showcasing their resilience and depth.
The match began with an early setback for Barcelona as Unai Lopez put Rayo ahead within the first 10 minutes, catching goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen off guard at his near post. Rayo’s aggressive start and quick counterattacks posed significant challenges for Barcelona’s defense throughout the first half.
Barcelona struggled to find their rhythm initially, with clear opportunities scarce. Lamine Yamal’s long-range effort tested Rayo goalkeeper Dani Cardenas, but the hosts maintained their lead into halftime.
The tide turned early in the second half when Pedri equalized for Barcelona, capitalizing on Raphinha’s precise cutback to slot home the equalizer around the hour mark.
The introduction of debutant Dani Olmo proved pivotal for Barcelona. The Spanish international made an immediate impact, hitting the crossbar with a 30-yard strike before eventually securing the winner with ten minutes remaining. Olmo’s smart finish into the bottom corner capped off an impressive cameo appearance.
The match was not without controversy, as Robert Lewandowski saw a goal disallowed following a VAR review for a foul by Jules Kounde in the build-up. Despite this setback, Barcelona’s persistence paid off with Olmo’s late winner.
This victory marks Barcelona’s third consecutive 2-1 win in La Liga, demonstrating their ability to overcome challenges and maintain their winning streak. The successful debut of Olmo adds a new dynamic to Barcelona’s attack, potentially bolstering their title aspirations for the season ahead.
As Barcelona continues their campaign, the team’s ability to secure tight victories and the impact of new signings like Olmo will be crucial factors in their pursuit of domestic success.
