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Dam Collapse in Eastern Sudan Leaves Dozens Missing, Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis

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The Arbaat dam in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state collapsed late Saturday following heavy rainfall, causing extensive flooding and leaving dozens missing, local officials and media reported. The incident adds to the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, which includes widespread displacement and a recent cholera outbreak.

Sudan’s health ministry confirmed in a statement Sunday that the dam, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Port Sudan, had collapsed. The ministry reported at least four fatalities but did not provide an estimate of those missing.

However, local sources paint a grimmer picture. Amr Eissa Taher, head water resources official for the Red Sea state, told the Sudanese news site Al-Tagheer that he believed at least 60 people had died. The Sudanese news outlet Medameek, citing the country’s air force, reported more than 100 people missing, with many villagers seeking refuge on hilltops to escape rising waters.

The collapse of the Arbaat dam, which supplied drinking water to Port Sudan, comes at a critical time for the region. Port Sudan has become a refuge for many of Sudan’s top officials since the outbreak of a brutal conflict in April 2023 between the country’s military and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group.

This latest disaster compounds Sudan’s already dire humanitarian situation:

– The ongoing conflict has killed thousands and pushed many into starvation, with famine confirmed in parts of the Darfur region.

– Sudan faces the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 10.7 million people forced from their homes since fighting began, according to the International Organization for Migration.

– A cholera outbreak, fueled by flooding and poor sanitation, has killed at least two dozen people. The World Health Organization reported more than 650 cases and 28 deaths across five states in the past month.

The WHO has initiated a cholera vaccination campaign in Kassala, eastern Sudan, reaching over 50,000 people, with plans to deliver an additional 450,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine.

Information about the dam collapse has been difficult to gather due to mobile network outages in the area. Local media reports suggest the dam burst Saturday night following heavy rains.

The incident highlights the fragility of Sudan’s infrastructure amid ongoing conflict and climate-related challenges. Sudan’s dams play a crucial role in managing seasonal floodwaters from the two upper branches of the Nile river that meet in the country.

As rescue efforts continue, the dam collapse serves as a stark reminder of the compounding crises facing Sudan and the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance.

AP

Gunmen Kill 31 in Separate Attacks in Southwestern Pakistan; 12 Insurgents Also Dead

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Gunmen carried out two deadly attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Baluchistan province on Monday, killing at least 31 people in one of the region’s most violent days in recent months, officials said. Security forces subsequently killed 12 insurgents in response.

In the first incident, attackers fatally shot 23 people after identifying and removing them from buses, vehicles, and trucks in Musakhail district, according to senior police official Ayub Achakzai. The assailants burned at least 10 vehicles before fleeing the scene.

A separate attack in Qalat district left nine people dead, including four police officers and five civilians, authorities reported.

The violence extended beyond these deadly assaults, with insurgents blowing up a railway track in Bolan, attacking a police station in Mastung, and burning vehicles in Gwadar. No casualties were reported in these incidents.

The outlawed Baluch Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group had earlier warned people to avoid highways as they launched attacks on security forces across the province. However, no group immediately claimed responsibility for the day’s killings.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that security forces killed 12 insurgents in response to the attacks. He promised a thorough investigation to identify those behind the violence, vowing that “terrorists and their facilitators will have no place to hide” in the country.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Interior Minister Naqvi condemned the attacks as “barbaric” and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Baluchistan has long been the scene of a separatist insurgency, with various groups demanding independence from the central government in Islamabad. While authorities claim to have quelled the insurgency, violence in the province persists.

Syed Muhammad Ali, an Islamabad-based security analyst, told The Associated Press that the attacks on non-Baluch people are likely attempts by separatists to economically weaken the province. “The weakening of Baluchistan means the weakening of Pakistan,” Ali said, noting that such attacks could hamper development work in the region.

Separatists in Baluchistan have often targeted workers and others from the country’s eastern Punjab province, aiming to force them out of the region. The Pakistani Taliban, closely connected to the BLA, also maintain a presence in the province.

In a separate incident on Monday, a roadside bomb in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed four people and wounded 12 others in North Waziristan district, local administration official Abid Khan reported.

As violence continues to plague parts of Pakistan, authorities face the ongoing challenge of maintaining security and stability in these volatile regions.

AP

Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine, Killing at Least 3

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Russia unleashed a widespread drone and missile assault on Ukraine early Monday, targeting energy infrastructure across 15 regions and resulting in at least three deaths, Ukrainian officials reported.

The attack, which began around midnight and continued past dawn, appears to be Russia’s most extensive assault on Ukraine in recent weeks. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that Russian forces deployed drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic ballistic Kinzhal missiles in the barrage.

“The energy infrastructure has once again become the target of Russian terrorists,” Shmyhal stated, noting that Ukraine’s state-owned power grid operator, Ukrenergo, implemented emergency power cuts to stabilize the system.

Casualties were reported in various regions, with deaths occurring in the western city of Lutsk, the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Additionally, 13 people were wounded across several regions, including Kyiv, Lutsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa.

In the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported disruptions to power and water supplies. Explosions were heard throughout the city.

The attack’s impact was felt nationwide, with the Sumy region reporting widespread power blackouts and DTEK, Ukraine’s private energy company, introducing emergency blackouts. Damage to civilian infrastructure and residential buildings was reported from Sumy in the east to Rivne in the west.

In response to the power cuts, Prime Minister Shmyhal ordered the opening of “points of invincibility” across Ukraine — shelters where people can charge devices and access refreshments during blackouts.

Shmyhal called on Ukraine’s allies to provide long-range weapons and permission to use them on targets inside Russia. “In order to stop the barbaric shelling of Ukrainian cities, it is necessary to destroy the place from which the Russian missiles are launched,” he stated.

The assault also prompted the activation of Polish and NATO air defenses in eastern Poland.

Concurrently, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks overnight and Monday morning in several regions, including Saratov and Yaroslavl. Four people were reportedly injured in Saratov, where drones struck residential buildings in two cities.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 22 Ukrainian drones over eight Russian regions during this period.

As the conflict intensifies, both sides continue to target each other’s infrastructure and civilian areas, raising concerns about escalation and the toll on non-combatants.

AP

Cucho Hernández Leads Columbus Crew to Leagues Cup Victory Over LAFC

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COLUMBUS, Ohio  — Columbus Crew secured its first Leagues Cup title with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC on Sunday at Lower.com Field, powered by a stellar performance from Cucho Hernández.

Hernández, who earned the Leagues Cup Best Player award, scored two goals and provided an assist, cementing the Crew’s second major trophy in the past year following their MLS Cup triumph.

The Colombian forward broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, heading in a short cross from Mohamed Farsi at the edge of the goal area. Hernández continued to threaten in the second half, narrowly missing another header from a Diego Rossi free kick in the 52nd minute.

LAFC’s marquee signing, Olivier Giroud, equalized in the 57th minute, connecting with a Mateusz Bogusz corner kick to score his first goal for the California club.

As the match seemed destined for penalties, mirroring last year’s final, Hernández struck the decisive blow two minutes into stoppage time. He then orchestrated a counterattack moments later, setting up Jacen Russell-Rowe for the Crew’s third goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The match saw several close calls for both sides. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris denied Christian Ramírez from close range in the 71st minute, while Columbus keeper Nicholas Hagen thwarted Denis Bouanga’s attempt in the 81st minute.

Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy praised his team’s resilience: “This victory is a testament to our players’ determination. Cucho was exceptional, but it was a complete team effort that got us this trophy.”

LAFC manager Steve Cherundolo acknowledged the challenge posed by Columbus: “We faced a strong opponent today. Despite Olivier’s [Giroud] goal, Columbus outplayed us in crucial moments.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for Columbus Crew, adding the Leagues Cup to their trophy cabinet and reinforcing their status as one of MLS’s top teams.

The Leagues Cup, in its second year, has quickly become a prestigious competition in North American soccer, attracting top talent like Giroud to MLS teams and providing a platform for emerging stars like Hernández.

As confetti rained down on the jubilant Columbus players, captain Darlington Nagbe lifted the trophy, marking a historic moment for the club and its supporters in the Nordecke section.

This triumph sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the MLS season, with both Columbus Crew and LAFC looking to carry their form into the final stretch of league play.

The Six Strange Habits That Could Prevent Cancer – Research Suggests

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As a record number of Americans are set to be diagnosed with cancer this year, researchers are exploring unconventional methods of prevention beyond traditional advice. Here are six unexpected habits that studies suggest might lower cancer risk:

Masturbate

A recent review of 11 studies examined the effect of masturbation on prostate cancer risk, the most common form of cancer in American men. A 2017 Harvard Medical School study found men who climaxed 21 or more times a month had a 31 percent lower risk of prostate cancer than those who did so four to seven times monthly. Another study reported men ejaculating at least four times monthly through sex or masturbation had the lowest prostate cancer risk. While the exact mechanism is unclear, increased blood flow to the prostate and flushing out of carcinogens are proposed explanations.

Pair avocados and tomatoes

Combining avocados with tomatoes may enhance the body’s absorption of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to lower cancer risk. Tomatoes contain essential vitamins and minerals that help lower inflammation and promote blood pressure control. Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce cholesterol and inflammation. The fatty acids in avocados improve lycopene’s bioavailability. A review in The Journal of Nutrition noted this combination’s potential to lower prostate cancer risk in animal studies, though more research is needed in humans.

Drink your tea lukewarm

While green tea contains beneficial polyphenols that may help prevent skin cancer, drinking it at very high temperatures could raise the risk of esophageal cancer. A 2018 study of over 450,000 adults in China found those who drank “burning hot” tea, smoked tobacco, and drank excessively had a five-fold increased risk of esophageal cancer. Another study in Iran reported a 90 percent higher risk for those consuming very hot beverages compared to cooler drinks.

Switch to the day shift

A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention analyzed data from almost 4 million women, finding those working nights had a 19 percent increased overall cancer risk. Specifically, they were 41 percent more likely to get skin cancer, 32 percent more likely to develop breast cancer, and 18 percent more likely to have gastrointestinal cancers. Every five years of late shift work increased breast cancer risk by 3.3 percent. Disruptions to circadian rhythm are thought to be a contributing factor.

Cut down on oral sex

While increased sexual activity might lower prostate cancer risk, oral sex has been linked to an increase in esophageal cancer, possibly due to higher likelihood of contracting HPV. A 2021 study from Johns Hopkins University found those with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer were about 80 percent more likely than those without cancer to have ever performed oral sex on a partner. The HPV vaccine and limiting sexual partners can help mitigate this risk.

Soak up the sun

Despite being the main risk factor for skin cancer, sun exposure may help prevent other forms of cancer due to vitamin D production. Research in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found getting at least 1,000 units of vitamin D daily could lower the risk of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer by 30 to 50 percent. A 2019 study also found higher vitamin D levels associated with reduced risks of colorectal and bladder cancers.

Experts caution that more research is needed to fully understand these associations. The American Cancer Society continues to emphasize established prevention strategies, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and undergoing recommended cancer screenings.

Source: Daily MailOnline

Florida Woman Arrested After Alleged Public Sexual Act at Pool Before Her Kids

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A Florida woman was arrested on June 14, 2023, following allegations of engaging in a sexual act with two other women at a public pool in St. Lucie County, according to police bodycam footage released last week.

The woman, identified only as Julianna, was taken into custody by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office on charges of unnatural and lascivious act, resisting arrest without violence, and indecent exposure in public. The incident reportedly occurred at an unidentified housing complex.

According to the property manager, who spoke with officers at the scene, an employee had photographed three women engaged in sexual activity in the pool after being alerted by a concerned mother. The other two women allegedly fled before law enforcement arrived.

Bodycam footage shows an officer approaching Julianna, who was wearing a black one-piece swimsuit, shorts, and had long red braids. When questioned about coming from the pool, she denied it and walked away, leading to her arrest for failing to comply with the officer’s request to stop.

The video captures a heated exchange between Julianna and the arresting officer as she repeatedly questioned the reason for her arrest. Her boyfriend, a resident of the complex, was present during the incident and appeared shocked when informed of the allegations.

During the arrest, Julianna’s mother arrived at the scene. In a conversation captured on bodycam, the mother advised her daughter to remain silent and instructed the boyfriend to contact an attorney. Before Julianna was taken to the station, her mother removed her jewelry and kissed her on the cheek, telling her to “be respectful” and “shut her mouth.”

The property manager provided officers with images of the alleged incident, which one officer described as “full-on pornography.” The employee who initially photographed the women also gave a statement to the police.

As of the report’s filing, it remains unclear whether Julianna has been formally charged or if the other two women involved in the alleged incident have been located. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office has not provided additional comments on the case.

This incident has raised concerns about public behavior and safety in community spaces, particularly those frequented by families and children. Local authorities continue to investigate the matter.

FOX Anchor Matt Vereen Arrested on Child Pornography Charges

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Matt Vereen, a 28-year-old weekend anchor and sports reporter for WACH FOX 57 in South Carolina, has been arrested on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography, the state Attorney General’s Office announced Wednesday.

Vereen faces three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Arrest warrants obtained by WIS-TV detail the findings of a joint investigation by the Columbia Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the state’s Internet Crimes against Children Task Force.

Investigators reportedly found child pornography on Vereen’s laptop, including a digital photo of a girl estimated to be between 11 and 13 years old in a sexually suggestive pose. Additional warrants allege Vereen purchased videos depicting minors in sexual situations.

WACH FOX 57 issued a statement acknowledging the severity of the allegations and confirming that Vereen has been suspended pending an investigation. The station declined further comment, citing the matter as a personnel issue.

Vereen had been employed at WACH FOX 57 for nearly three years, following a stint as a sports reporter and anchor at KOLR in Springfield, Missouri.

The Alvin S. Glenn Bond Court has released Vereen on a $40,000 cash bond. His release conditions prohibit access to personal internet and social media outside of work, as well as unsupervised contact with minors.

If convicted, Vereen could face up to 30 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities using Gmail records, Apple records, and other undisclosed sources to track Vereen’s alleged activities.

Credit: TMZ

Nicki Minaj Fan Sues Rapper for Slander, Alleges Public Humiliation

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A longtime fan of rapper Nicki Minaj has filed a $5 million lawsuit against the artist, alleging slander and public humiliation. Tameer Peak filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming Minaj publicly ridiculed him and accused him of being a mentally unstable stalker.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Peak describes himself as an ardent follower of Minaj for 15 years. He claims to have helped promote her 2023 album, “Pink Friday 2,” but says their relationship soured in 2017 during what he termed Minaj’s “Nicki hate train” phase.

The lawsuit alleges several instances of mistreatment, including an incident where Minaj allegedly invited Peak to her hotel to film and embarrass him in front of 100,000 Instagram Live viewers.

Peak also claims that during a Super Bowl weekend event in 2020, Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, battered him.

Peak’s lawsuit cites multiple Twitter (now X) interactions during Stationhead sessions where Minaj allegedly made disparaging comments about Peak’s mental stability and financial status. The suit seeks damages for reputational harm, emotional distress, and financial loss.

Minaj’s attorney, Judd Burstein, responded to the allegations, telling TMZ, “Mr. Peak has been harassing Nicki on social media for years on end to no avail.”

Burstein added, “He has now graduated to seeking to shake her down financially with manifestly false allegations and legally frivolous claims. He will regret having gone down this disreputable road when he is forced to pay her legal fees as required by California law.”

The case highlights the complex relationships between celebrities and their fans in the age of social media, where interactions can quickly escalate into legal disputes.

As of press time, representatives for Minaj had not provided further comment on the lawsuit.

California Decapitation Suspect Shot, Sings Tina Turner Song, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”-TMZ

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A man suspected of decapitating his parents and their dog in Southern California was shot by police and reportedly sang a Tina Turner song while lying wounded in the street.

Joseph Gerdvil, arrested on two counts of homicide in San Juan Capistrano, allegedly appeared in body camera footage confronting police outside San Juan Mobile Estates.

In the video, an officer is seen exiting a vehicle and drawing his weapon, ordering the approaching man, identified by police as Gerdvil, to stop. When the individual continues to advance, the officer fires multiple shots, bringing him down.

After being shot, the man reportedly told officers to “finish him off with a shot to the head” before singing lines from Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

Gerdvil is accused of killing his parents, 79-year-old Antoinette and 77-year-old Ronald, and their chihuahua in early July.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated that officers responded to a call about a blood-soaked man chasing a maintenance worker around 7:40 AM, leading to the shooting. Gerdvil was subsequently taken to the hospital.

The incident remains under investigation by local authorities.

British Warship HMS Trent Seizes £50m of Cocaine in Caribbean Drug Bust

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British warship HMS Trent has intercepted and seized more than £40 million worth of cocaine in the Caribbean Sea, the Royal Navy reported Sunday.

The operation, conducted 120 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic, marks the sixth drug bust made by HMS Trent in 2024. Footage released by the Navy shows the warship pursuing a speedboat before Royal Marines retrieve packages of drugs from the ocean.

Commander Tim Langford, HMS Trent’s commanding officer, described the August 8 operation as “another significant haul.” He added, “This successful operation with our American partners demonstrates HMS Trent’s ability to support anti-trafficking operations in the Caribbean Sea.”

Three alleged smugglers were apprehended during the operation and later handed over to U.S. authorities for prosecution. The Royal Navy stated that HMS Trent has seized nearly seven tonnes of drugs worth £551.5 million from traffickers this year.

The operation involved collaboration with a U.S. maritime patrol aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard commented on the bust, saying, “This recent operation highlights the Royal Navy’s vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law in the region.”

HMS Trent continues to patrol Caribbean waters, serving as a reassuring presence for British Overseas Territories during hurricane season while working to stem the flow of illegal cargo.

This seizure follows a recent incident where Hurricane Debby washed up several packages of cocaine, valued at £784,000, along the Florida shoreline in early August.

HMS Trent’s ongoing operations in the Caribbean demonstrate the Royal Navy’s commitment to international anti-drug trafficking efforts and maritime security in the region.

Source: the-sun-com

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