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Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Mallorca in La Liga Season Opener

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Real Madrid Held to 1-1 Draw by Mallorca in La Liga Season Opener

PALMA, Spain  — Defending La Liga champions Real Madrid opened their 2024/25 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mallorca at the Visit Mallorca Estadi on Sunday night.

Rodrygo gave Real Madrid the lead in the 13th minute, but Vedat Muriqi equalized for Mallorca early in the second half. The match ended with Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy being sent off in the closing minutes.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong lineup featuring new signing Kylian Mbappe alongside Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior in attack, with Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Federico Valverde in midfield.

Despite the star-studded lineup, it was Mallorca who created the first significant chance, with Samu Costa forcing a save from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid’s opening goal came from a swift attacking move. Vinicius Junior burst into the box and back-heeled the ball to Rodrygo, who curled a precise shot into the far corner.

Mallorca equalized in the 55th minute when Muriqi powerfully headed in Daniel Rodriguez’s corner, outjumping Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger.

Real Madrid pressed for a winner in the second half, with Mbappe testing Mallorca goalkeeper Dominik Greif on multiple occasions. Luka Modric was brought on as a substitute as Ancelotti sought to change the game’s momentum.

Mallorca had a late opportunity to take the lead, but Antonio Sanchez shot over the bar from a promising position.

The match ended on a sour note for Real Madrid when Mendy received a red card for a high challenge in the final moments.

This result marks a challenging start to Real Madrid’s title defense, as they aim for their fifth La Liga championship in seven years.

Mallorca, who finished 9th in La Liga last season, demonstrated resilience against one of Spain’s top teams, potentially setting the tone for a competitive campaign.

Real Madrid will host Getafe in their next fixture, while Mallorca travels to face Granada as the La Liga season continues.

‘Godfather II’ Actor John Aprea Dies at 83

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‘Godfather II’ Actor John Aprea Dies at 83

LOS ANGELES  — John Aprea, the actor best known for his roles in “The Godfather Part II” and “Full House,” died on August 5 at his Los Angeles home. He was 83.

The Godfather II and Full House star passed away from natural causes at his Los Angeles home on August 5, according to his manager Will Levine. He is pictured in the Godfather II

Aprea’s manager, Will Levine, confirmed that the actor died of natural causes, surrounded by family members.

Born in New Jersey, Aprea moved to New York in the 1960s to pursue an acting career after playing football in school and living in Italy for several years. His career spanned decades and included notable roles in both film and television.

Aprea’s breakout role came in “The Godfather Part II” (1974), where he played the young Salvatore Tessio. All of his lines in the film were spoken in Italian. He had initially auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in the first “Godfather” film after meeting director Francis Ford Coppola while bartending in Los Angeles.

His television career included starring roles in NBC’s “The Montefuscos” in the 1970s and a recurring part in “Knots Landing” in 1988. Aprea gained further recognition for his role as Nick Katsopolis, John Stamos’ father, in the popular sitcom “Full House” and later reprised the role in the 2017 sequel series “Fuller House.”

Aprea’s film credits also include playing a hitman in the Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt” (1968). He portrayed a mob boss in the 1981 NBC miniseries “The Gangster Chronicles.”

Young Sal Tessio (John Aprea), Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) and Peter Clemenza (Bruno Kirby) attend festivities in New York’s Little Italy, in the 1920s, where they will begin their ascent to power in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather: Part II

The actor continued working until recently, with a recurring role as Jack Madison in the crime drama series “The Bay.” Gregori J. Martin, the show’s creator and showrunner, praised Aprea’s professionalism and the “beautiful moments” he brought to the role.

Aprea was married twice, first to actress Cherie Latimer for 11 years. His second marriage was to Ninon Zenovich in 1987, with whom he had a daughter in 1989.

Fellow actors and fans have paid tribute to Aprea. Paul Carafotes, his “Knots Landing” co-star, remembered him as an “old pal” with whom he shared “lots of laughs.”

Aprea’s passing marks the end of a long and varied career in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy spanning multiple decades and genres in both film and television.

Sudan Finally Agrees to Send Delegation to Cairo for Peace Talk Discussions

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Sudan Finally Agrees to Send Delegation to Cairo for Peace Talk Discussions

KHARTOUM, Sudan  — Sudan’s government announced Sunday it will send a delegation to Cairo for discussions with U.S. and Egyptian officials on Monday, leaving open the possibility of participation in Swiss-based peace talks aimed at ending the country’s 16-month civil war.

The government, controlled by the Sudanese army, has been engaged in a conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The war has led to a humanitarian crisis, with half of Sudan’s 50 million population facing food insecurity, according to United Nations estimates.

The Transitional Sovereign Council, Sudan’s ruling body, said in a statement that the decision to send a delegation to Cairo came after communications with the U.S. special envoy and the Egyptian government. Egypt is serving as an observer in the peace talks.

The delegation’s mission is limited to discussing the implementation of the Jeddah agreement, which requires the RSF to withdraw from civilian areas. This condition has been a key demand of the Sudanese government for its participation in the broader peace talks.

High-level government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters that the government had already presented its vision on the Jeddah agreement and other topics to U.S. and Saudi mediators. The sources added that the government’s approach to further talks would depend on the mediators’ response.

These sources also denied reports that the government had sent a delegation to Geneva, where the U.S.-led peace talks are taking place. The RSF is already participating in these talks.

A significant point of contention for the Sudanese army is the presence of the United Arab Emirates in the peace process. The army accuses the UAE of supporting the RSF, a charge the UAE denies. United Nations experts have found such accusations to be credible.

In a related development, the Sudanese army announced on Thursday that it would allow an RSF-controlled border crossing into Darfur to be used for aid deliveries. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, revealed that army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan had agreed to this during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken the previous day.

The ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan’s infrastructure and economy, displacing millions and causing widespread suffering. International organizations continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.

As the Cairo discussions approach, the international community watches closely, hoping for progress towards ending the protracted conflict and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people.

Credit: bbc.com/Reuters

Powerful Earthquake Triggers Volcano Eruption in Russia’s Far East

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Powerful Earthquake Triggers Volcano Eruption in Russia’s Far East

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia  — A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula early Sunday, followed by eruptions of two of the region’s most active volcanoes, according to the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Shiveluch volcano, one of Russia’s most active, began erupting shortly after the earthquake, spewing ash plumes up to 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky. The ash cloud stretched over 490 kilometers (304 miles) east and southeast of the volcano, prompting a brief “code red” warning for aircraft.

The Institute of Volcanology and Seismology of the Russian Academy of Sciences released video footage showing the extensive ash cloud over Shiveluch. The institute also reported that the Ebeko volcano, located on the Kuril Islands, ejected ash to a height of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).

Russian scientists have warned that these events may be precursors to an even stronger earthquake. The Institute of Volcanology stated that a potential second quake with a magnitude approaching 9.0 could occur “within 24 hours” in southeastern Kamchatka.

The initial earthquake struck at 5:06 a.m. local time at a depth of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) beneath the sea bed. Its epicenter was located 108 kilometers (67 miles) southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the nearest city, according to Russian emergency officials.

Residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a port city of over 181,000 people situated near a significant Russian submarine base, reported some of the strongest shaking “in a long time,” according to Russian news outlets. However, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.

The region has a history of powerful seismic events. On November 4, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Kamchatka caused damage in the area and triggered 9.1-meter (30-foot) waves in Hawaii, though no deaths were reported from that event.

Local authorities and the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are monitoring the situation closely. Residents in the affected areas have been advised to stay informed about potential evacuation orders and to be prepared for aftershocks.

The Kamchatka Peninsula, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is known for its high seismic and volcanic activity. The region is home to over 160 volcanoes, with around 29 considered active.

As of Sunday evening, international aviation authorities were reassessing flight paths in the region due to the volcanic ash, which can pose significant risks to aircraft engines.

Libya’s Central Bank Halts Operations Following Kidnapping of Senior Director

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Libya’s Central Bank Halts Operations Following Kidnapping of Senior Director

TRIPOLI, Libya  — Libya’s central bank announced Sunday the suspension of all operations following the kidnapping of its information technology director, Musab Msallem, from his home in Tripoli.

In a statement, the bank condemned the abduction, saying Msallem was taken by an “unidentified party” early Sunday morning. The bank also reported that other employees have received kidnapping threats.

The central bank, which serves as the internationally recognized depository for Libya’s crucial oil revenues, stated that operations will not resume until Msallem is released.

This incident comes a week after the bank reportedly faced a siege by armed men, according to AFP news agency. Local media, cited by AFP, suggested that the armed individuals were attempting to force the resignation of the bank’s governor, Seddik al-Kabir.

Al-Kabir, who has held his position since 2012, has faced criticism over his management of oil resources and the state budget.

The central bank plays a vital role in Libya’s economy, particularly as the country has been divided between two rival governments since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. One government, recognized by the United Nations, is based in Tripoli, while another in the country’s east is backed by warlord Gen. Khalifa Haftar.

Libya has struggled with chronic insecurity and political instability since Gaddafi’s ousting and subsequent killing. The country’s oil wealth, managed through the central bank, has been a focal point of power struggles between competing factions.

The suspension of central bank operations could have significant implications for Libya’s economy, potentially affecting the distribution of oil revenues and the functioning of the country’s financial system.

As of Sunday evening, no group had claimed responsibility for Msallem’s abduction. Libyan authorities have not released any information about ongoing efforts to secure his release.

The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Libya, where kidnappings and armed confrontations remain common despite international efforts to stabilize the country.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and other international bodies monitoring the situation in Libya have yet to comment on this latest development.

French Film Icon Alain Delon Dies at 88

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French Film Icon Alain Delon Dies at 88

PARIS  — Alain Delon, a towering figure in French cinema known for his roles in “The Samurai” and “Borsalino,” died Sunday at his home in Douchy, France. He was 88.

The actor’s family announced his passing in a statement, saying he “died peacefully” surrounded by his three children and family members.

Delon, often described as “the most beautiful man in movies,” starred in nearly 90 films throughout his career, becoming a symbol of French cinema’s golden age in the 1960s and 1970s.

French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to Delon on social media, calling him “more than a star: he was a French monument” who “played legendary roles and made the world dream.”

Born in 1935, Delon rose to international fame with roles in films such as “The Leopard” (1963) and “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960). His last major public appearance was at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or.

Delon’s career spanned decades, with the actor portraying a range of characters from murderers to charismatic conmen. His film appearances became rare from the 1990s onward, but he remained a fixture in celebrity columns.

Fellow French film icon Brigitte Bardot led tributes, stating Delon’s death left a “huge void that nothing and no-one will be able to fill.” She described him as an “ambassador of elegance, talent, beauty” and “a partner.”

Despite his acclaimed career, Delon faced controversies in his personal life. He drew criticism for his support of far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen and faced accusations of misogyny.

In recent years, Delon’s family disputes made headlines in France. His three children – two sons and a daughter by two different women – have publicly aired grievances, including disagreements over his medical treatment following a 2019 stroke.

Legal issues also marked Delon’s later years. In April, a judge placed him under “reinforced curatorship,” limiting his control over his assets. In February, French police seized 72 firearms and 3,000 rounds of ammunition from his home, as prosecutors stated he lacked proper licensing.

Delon’s passing marks the end of an era in French cinema. Gilles Jacob, former president of the Cannes Film Festival, described him as “a lion… an actor with a steely gaze,” while Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, called him an “icon” who had climbed “to the Olympus of the immortals.”

As news of his death spread, a fan in Paris told Reuters, “I thought he could never die,” reflecting the enduring impact Delon had on generations of moviegoers.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Ukraine Strikes Another Key Bridges in Russia’s Kursk Region, Disrupting Supply Lines

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Ukraine Strikes Another Key Bridges in Russia’s Kursk Region, Disrupting Supply Lines

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces have destroyed one key bridge and struck another in Russia’s Kursk region, potentially disrupting supply lines as Ukraine continues its cross-border incursion that began on August 6, officials reported Sunday.

The bridge attacks, which appear aimed at hindering a Russian counter-offensive in Kursk, could indicate Ukraine’s intention to establish a foothold in the region.

Ukrainian Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk released a video on Friday showing an airstrike that severed a bridge over the Seim River near the town of Glushkovo.

Pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged that the destruction of this bridge will impede the delivery of supplies to Russian forces opposing Ukraine’s incursion, though they noted that Moscow could still utilize pontoons and smaller bridges.

Less than two days later, Oleshchuk and Russian regional Governor Alexei Smirnov reported that Ukrainian troops had struck a second bridge in the area.

While the exact location of this second attack was not officially confirmed as of Sunday morning, Russian Telegram channels claimed that a bridge over the Seim in the village of Zvannoe had been hit.

Russia’s Mash news site reported that the attacks left only one intact bridge in the area. The Associated Press could not immediately verify these claims.

Glushkovo is situated approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) north of the Ukrainian border and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) northwest of the main battle zone in Kursk. Zvannoe is located an additional 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the northwest.

If confirmed, these Ukrainian strikes could significantly complicate Moscow’s efforts to resupply its forces in Kursk and evacuate civilians from the area. The attacks may also signal a shift in Ukraine’s military strategy, potentially aiming to extend its offensive operations deeper into Russian territory.

The ongoing situation in the Kursk region highlights the escalating nature of the conflict, with Ukraine demonstrating its capability to conduct strategic strikes within Russian borders.

The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, as they could have significant implications for the broader trajectory of the war.

As of Sunday, neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials had provided further details on the status of their forces in the region or any plans for future operations. The situation remains fluid, with both sides likely reassessing their strategies in light of these recent developments.

Brentford Secures 2-1 Victory Over Crystal Palace in Premier League Opener

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Brentford Secures 2-1 Victory Over Crystal Palace in Premier League Opener

Brentford began their 2024/25 Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.

Bryan Mbuemo opened the scoring for Brentford in the 29th minute, cutting inside Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi before firing past goalkeeper Dean Henderson. Yoanne Wissa secured the win with a 75th-minute goal, capitalizing on a rebound from Nathan Collins’ deflected shot.

Crystal Palace’s lone goal came from a Brentford own goal, with Ethan Pinnock inadvertently putting the ball into his own net in the 56th minute.

The match, which marked Oliver Glasner’s competitive debut as Crystal Palace manager, saw both teams create numerous chances throughout.

Palace controlled much of the early possession, with Eberechi Eze seeing an early effort blocked before narrowly missing with a free kick. Joachim Andersen also tested Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken with a curling shot.

Controversy struck just before the half-hour mark when Eze’s free-kick goal was disallowed due to a foul in the penalty area, much to Palace’s frustration. Brentford capitalized on this reprieve three minutes later with Mbuemo’s opener.

Glasner made a tactical change at halftime, introducing Odsonne Edouard for Jean-Philippe Mateta. The substitution nearly paid off as Edouard found the net in the second half, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s side, playing without suspended striker Ivan Toney, demonstrated resilience in defense, with Flekken making crucial saves to deny Palace’s late push for an equalizer.

The match saw four yellow cards, with Palace’s Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen both cautioned before halftime.

This victory gives Brentford a positive start to their Premier League campaign, while Crystal Palace will look to regroup after a promising performance that ultimately fell short.

Next week, Brentford will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur, while Crystal Palace will host Everton as both teams continue their Premier League seasons.

Manchester City Beats Chelsea 2-0 in Premier League Opener

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Manchester City Beats Chelsea 2-0 in Premier League Opener

LONDON  — Reigning champions Manchester City defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in the opening match of the 2024/25 Premier League season, spoiling Enzo Maresca’s debut as Chelsea manager.

Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 18th minute, notching his 91st goal for Manchester City. The Norwegian striker capitalized on a loose ball, holding off two defenders before chipping the ball over Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic sealed the victory in the 84th minute, weaving past Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo before firing past Sanchez.

The match began evenly, with both sides fielding changed lineups from the previous season. Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana sent an early effort over the bar from a corner, while City’s Jeremy Doku missed wide with a left-footed shot.

Chelsea thought they had equalized just before halftime when Nicolas Jackson found the net after Ederson spilled Cole Palmer’s shot, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

The home side continued to press for an equalizer in the second half, with new signing Pedro Neto nearly scoring shortly after his introduction around the hour mark. Only a crucial clearance from City’s Rico Lewis prevented a tap-in at the back post.

Manchester City also had a goal disallowed when Rico Lewis found the net after the hour mark, but referee Anthony Taylor spotted a foul by Haaland in the buildup.

City manager Pep Guardiola made a tactical change at halftime, replacing debutant Savinho with Phil Foden. The substitution helped City maintain control in midfield and create more scoring opportunities.

The result marks a challenging start for Maresca, who took over as Chelsea manager this summer. Despite the loss, Chelsea showed promise against the defending champions, remaining competitive for much of the match.

For Manchester City, the victory sets a positive tone as they begin their campaign for a fifth consecutive Premier League title. Haaland’s early-season form and Kovacic’s impact against his former club will be encouraging signs for Guardiola.

The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at Stamford Bridge, with fans eager to see how both teams would perform in their season opener.

Next week, Chelsea will travel to face Brentford, while Manchester City will host Newcastle United as the Premier League season continues.

Senegal Launches First Satellite, Joining Elite Group of African Space Nations

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Senegal Launches First Satellite, Joining Elite Group of African Space Nations

DAKAR, Senegal  — Senegal successfully launched its first satellite into orbit on Friday evening, joining a select group of African nations with space capabilities. The nanosatellite, named GAINDESAT-1A, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed the launch as a major step towards Senegal’s “technological sovereignty” in a statement posted on social media platform X. “I would like to express my pride and gratitude to all those who made this project possible,” Faye said.

Maram Kaïré, director of Senegal’s space agency, described the event as “an important step and a historic day in our country’s progress and determination to become a space-faring nation.”

The satellite was developed by Senegalese engineers in collaboration with France’s Montpellier University Space Centre. It was one of 116 satellites deployed during the SpaceX mission.

With this launch, Senegal becomes the 12th African country to have its own surveillance and telecommunications satellite in space. The achievement underscores the growing interest and investment in space technology across the African continent.

GAINDESAT-1A is designed to collect data for various state agencies, including those responsible for water resources management, civil aviation, and meteorology. This capability is expected to enhance Senegal’s ability to address environmental and infrastructure challenges.

The successful launch represents a significant milestone in Senegal’s technological development and could potentially boost the country’s scientific research capabilities and economic growth.

International space experts view this development as part of a broader trend of African nations seeking to establish their presence in space. The continent has seen an increase in space-related activities in recent years, with countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa already operating their own satellites.

As Senegal celebrates this achievement, officials are already looking towards future space endeavors and the potential benefits they could bring to the nation’s development goals.

The launch has drawn attention from the international community, with space agencies and technology firms worldwide watching the progress of African nations in the field of space exploration and satellite technology.

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