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Zelenskyy Visits Border as Ukraine Pushes Offensive into Russian Territory

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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made his first visit Thursday to the border area where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory, announcing the capture of another Russian village and additional prisoners of war.

During his visit to the northern Sumy region, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces had taken control of a settlement in Russia’s Kursk region, though he did not name the village. “Another settlement in the Kursk region is now under Ukrainian control, and we have replenished the exchange fund,” Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The Ukrainian leader, who did not cross into Russian territory, emphasized that the operation launched on August 6 has reduced Russian shelling and civilian casualties in the Sumy region. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine has no plans for long-term occupation of Russian territory, instead aiming to create a buffer zone to prevent further attacks on Ukraine.

The offensive marks the first capture of Russian territory since World War II, a significant development that has rattled the Kremlin and exposed Russia’s vulnerabilities. However, it comes as Ukraine continues to lose ground in its eastern regions.

In response to the Ukrainian incursion, Russian authorities have begun fortifying border areas. In Kursk city, officials are erecting concrete shelters at bus stops and other locations. Similar measures are planned for Zheleznogorsk and Kurchatov, home to a nuclear power plant. Alexei Smirnov, acting governor of the Kursk region, reported that over 133,000 people have evacuated from affected areas, while more than 19,000 have remained.

The conflict has intensified on multiple fronts. Ukraine launched a significant drone attack on Russia overnight, with the Russian Defense Ministry reporting 28 drones targeting various regions. In the Volgograd region, a military facility in Marinovka reportedly caught fire after a drone strike. Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for this attack on the Marinovka airfield.

Meanwhile, Russian forces claimed control of the Ukrainian village of Mezhove in the Donetsk region, part of the industrial Donbas area that Moscow seeks to fully capture.

The escalating conflict has led to increased security measures in Russia. President Vladimir Putin has ordered the creation of self-defense units in regions bordering Ukraine. Education Minister Sergey Kravtsov announced that 114 schools in Russia’s border regions will begin the school year with remote teaching.

International concerns have also been raised. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that drone fragments were found on the territory of the Kurchatov nuclear power plant. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi emphasized the serious risk to nuclear safety posed by military activity near such facilities.

As the conflict continues to evolve, both sides are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics. Ukraine’s push into Russian territory, while symbolically significant, occurs as it faces challenges in its eastern regions. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation and international implications.

Canada’s Major Railroads Halt Operations Amid Labor Dispute

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OTTAWA, Canada  — Canada’s two largest railroads, Canadian National (CN) and CPKC, have ceased operations across the country after failing to reach new labor agreements with the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference union before the Thursday night deadline. The shutdown is expected to have significant economic implications for both Canada and the United States.

The labor dispute has resulted in a lockout of nearly 10,000 engineers, conductors, and dispatchers, halting all train movements in Canada and stopping shipments into the United States. Both railroads continue to operate within the U.S. and Mexico.

Paul Boucher, President of Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, accused the railroads of “holding the Canadian economy hostage” to pressure the government into imposing binding arbitration. The union’s statement was posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

The negotiations, ongoing for nine months with CN and a year with CPKC, have primarily stalled over issues related to worker schedules and rules designed to prevent train crew fatigue. Both railroads have offered raises consistent with recent industry deals but have not reached an agreement on these key points.

The economic impact of the shutdown is expected to be widespread. Chemical and food distribution industries are likely to be among the first affected, with hazardous materials shipments already halted.

The auto industry may face parts shortages within two weeks, potentially leading to vehicle shortages in both the U.S. and Canada.

Additionally, over 30,000 commuters in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal have been immediately impacted, with commuter trains operated by CPKC no longer running.

Greg Moffatt, executive vice president of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, stated that most chemical manufacturers have about a week’s worth of supplies before facing significant issues.

The automotive sector, which relies heavily on cross-border shipments, could see disruptions if the lockout persists. Michael Robinet, executive director at S&P Global Mobility, noted that the “just-in-time” inventory model of most auto assembly plants makes them particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has so far declined to force the parties into binding arbitration, citing concerns about union relations. However, he stated, “We are not taking this lightly because Canadians across the country are worried about it,” and promised further statements on finding a solution.

Business leaders have expressed frustration with the lack of immediate government intervention. John Corey, president of the Freight Management Association of Canada, called the situation “infuriating,” warning of potential job losses.

The duration of the shutdown remains uncertain. While most previous Canadian rail stoppages have lasted only a day or two, some have extended to eight or nine days. The current situation is particularly critical as it involves both major railroads simultaneously.

Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau suggested that many companies might withstand a short disruption due to supply chain adaptations made during the pandemic. However, a prolonged shutdown could have severe consequences.

Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University, emphasized the rapidly increasing pressure from both sides of the border to resolve the situation quickly, given the potential for significant economic consequences in both Canada and the U.S.

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Russia Charges CNN, Ukrainian Journalists for Alleged Illegal Border Crossing

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MOSCOW  — Russian authorities have filed criminal charges against a CNN reporter and two Ukrainian journalists for allegedly crossing the border illegally into Ukrainian-held territory of the Kursk region, the Federal Security Service (FSB) announced Thursday.

The journalists charged include CNN’s Nick Paton Walsh and Ukrainian journalists Olesia Borovyk and Diana Butsko. They face accusations of “illegally crossing the state border of Russia,” an FSB spokesperson told the state-run Interfax news agency.

“Criminal charges have been filed, and investigations are underway,” the spokesperson said. If convicted, the journalists could face up to five years in prison. The FSB also stated that the accused would soon be placed on an international wanted list.

This action follows a series of similar moves by Russian authorities against international journalists reporting from the region. Earlier, charges were pressed against two Italian journalists from broadcaster RAI for filming in Sudzha, a town in the Kursk region captured shortly after Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion on August 6.

In response to the charges against its journalists, RAI announced that they would return to Italy for safety reasons. The Italian ambassador to Moscow was summoned over the incident.

The crackdown on international journalists extends beyond these specific cases. On Tuesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry summoned a senior U.S. Embassy official in Moscow, citing “provocative actions” by American journalists reporting from Ukrainian-held parts of the Kursk region. The ministry also alleged U.S. mercenary activity on Russian territory.

These developments come amid escalating tensions in the region following Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, which has been ongoing since early August. The charges against journalists raise concerns about press freedom and the ability of international media to report on the conflict.

Media rights organizations have expressed alarm over the increasing restrictions on foreign journalists in Russia and the contested regions. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Russia 155th out of 180 countries in its 2023 World Press Freedom Index, citing a deteriorating environment for independent journalism.

The charges against Walsh, a veteran CNN international correspondent, and his Ukrainian colleagues highlight the risks faced by journalists covering the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. CNN has not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges against Walsh.

As the situation develops, diplomatic tensions are likely to rise, particularly between Russia and the countries whose journalists have been charged. The United States, Italy, and Ukraine may face pressure to respond to what many see as an attack on press freedom.

Three Men Charged with December 2023 Armed Robbery of Lawrence Jewelry Store

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Federal prosecutors unsealed a criminal complaint Wednesday charging three Lawrence men in connection with the December 2023 armed robbery of a local jewelry store, during which more than $500,000 worth of jewelry and precious metals were allegedly stolen.

Eric Rosario, 26, also known as “Maniactico”; Rosnel Polanco, 26; and Robert Santana, 29, who also goes by “Amaury Perez” and “Piccarine,” each face one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Santana was arrested Tuesday, while Rosario and Polanco were already in custody on related state charges. The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Charging documents allege that on December 15, 2023, the three men entered a Lawrence jewelry store armed with firearms. They allegedly robbed employees of personal jewelry and cell phones before forcing them at gunpoint to the store’s basement, where safes containing valuable merchandise were located.

Prosecutors claim the defendants compelled the store owner to open the safes, resulting in the theft of approximately $500,000 in jewelry and precious metals. A second safe reportedly could not be opened. The suspects then allegedly fled in a rented Nissan Altima, which was found burned in a field in Maine the following day.

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing would be determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy announced the charges along with Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol, Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John E. Mawn Jr., and Lawrence Police Chief Millix Bonilla.

The investigation involved cooperation from multiple agencies, including assistance from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and the Norway and Oxford Police Departments in Maine, highlighting the interstate nature of the crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

This case underscores ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the Lawrence area and the collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The involvement of out-of-state law enforcement also highlights the complex nature of tracking and apprehending suspects who cross state lines.

As the case proceeds, it may draw attention to broader issues of jewelry store security and the challenges faced by small businesses in protecting against armed robberies. The prosecution is likely to be closely watched by the local community and jewelry industry stakeholders concerned about similar crimes.

Source: DOJ

New York Resident Charged with Spying for China’s Intelligence Service

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NEW YORK — The U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday that Tang Yuanjun, a 67-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Queens, New York, has been charged with operating as an illegal agent for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).

Tang, a native of China’s northeastern Jilin province, is accused of spying on Chinese pro-democracy activists and dissidents in the United States and providing information to Chinese intelligence services between 2018 and 2023.

According to the Justice Department, Tang allegedly completed tasks directed by the MSS, China’s principal civilian intelligence agency. He is accused of providing information on “individuals and groups viewed by [Beijing] as potentially adverse” to its interests, including “prominent US-based Chinese democracy activists and dissidents.”

The charges also include allegations that Tang falsely claimed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that he no longer had access to the email account used to communicate with his MSS handler.

Tang’s background adds a layer of complexity to the case. He participated in China’s 1989 pro-democracy movement, for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, ultimately serving eight years. Following his release, Tang swam to the island of Dadan, part of the Kinmen islands governed by Taiwan, and was subsequently granted political asylum in the United States.

This case is part of a broader trend of Western countries accusing Beijing of engaging in surveillance of Chinese diaspora communities. Earlier this month, a Chinese-American academic, also a New York resident, was convicted of spying for Beijing, underscoring the ongoing concerns about espionage activities.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., cited by Reuters, stated they were unaware of the case details and emphasized that China requires its citizens abroad to comply with host country laws. The spokesperson also expressed firm opposition to “groundlessly slandering and smearing” targeting China.

The charges against Tang highlight the complex relationships between China, its diaspora, and the countries where they reside. It also raises questions about the extent of China’s intelligence operations abroad and the challenges faced by individuals with ties to both China and their adopted countries.

As the case progresses, it is likely to further strain U.S.-China relations, already tense due to ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and human rights. The U.S. government’s increased focus on countering Chinese espionage activities may lead to heightened scrutiny of Chinese nationals and Chinese-Americans in sensitive positions or with access to valuable information.

Legal experts note that cases involving alleged espionage for foreign powers often involve complex issues of evidence and national security, potentially leading to protracted legal proceedings.

The Justice Department has not yet announced a trial date for Tang. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines, though specific sentencing details have not been disclosed.

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Nigerian Woman Gives Birth to Baby Girl on Qatar Airways Flight to Brazil

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DOHA, Qatar — A Nigerian woman gave birth to a baby girl aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Brazil on Saturday, the airline confirmed. The mother, identified on social media as Oyindamola Akinyera, shared her experience in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Akinyera was traveling with her husband, David, on what she described as their “honeymoon and baby-moon” trip. Despite being cleared for air travel by her doctor, she unexpectedly went into labor during the connecting flight from Doha to Brazil.

“A few hours into the flight and I start having what I thought were regular pregnancy backaches,” Akinyera wrote. Initially dismissing the discomfort as travel-related, she attempted to sleep through it.

As the flight progressed over the Atlantic Ocean, Akinyera’s condition rapidly changed. “Next thing, I take one big push and I pee instead—or so I thought. My water had broken. I didn’t even realize I was in labor,” she recounted.

The Qatar Airways cabin crew quickly responded to the situation, setting up an impromptu birthing station at the entrance of the plane. A fellow passenger, identified only as Dr. Carolina, volunteered her services as an obstetrician.

“Dr. Carolina checks me, tells me I’m fully dilated, and the baby is ready to come. At this point, we’re in Brazilian airspace and about 40 minutes from landing,” Akinyera explained.

With her husband by her side praying and offering encouragement, Akinyera gave birth to a baby girl approximately 20 minutes before the flight landed in Brazil. Both mother and child were immediately taken to a hospital upon arrival, where they were reported to be in good health.

This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with air travel during pregnancy. While many airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks gestation with medical clearance, unexpected births can still occur.

Qatar Airways, like most international carriers, has protocols in place for in-flight medical emergencies, including births. Cabin crew receive training to handle such situations, often relying on the assistance of medical professionals who may be among the passengers.

The successful delivery underscores the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in emergency situations. The collaboration between the cabin crew, the volunteer doctor, and the parents ensured a positive outcome in what could have been a dangerous situation.

While in-flight births are rare, they do occur occasionally. In such cases, the child’s citizenship can become a complex issue, potentially determined by factors such as the parents’ nationalities, the country where the plane is registered, and the airspace in which the birth occurred.

Akinyera expressed gratitude for the support she received during the unexpected delivery. “I had a supernatural birth, and it’s all thanks to God Almighty,” she wrote, praising the Qatar Airways crew for their assistance.

Zambia Faces Health Crisis as Contaminated Maize Kills 400 Dogs, Threatens Human Health

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LUSAKA, Zambia  — Zambia’s Health Minister Elijah Muchima announced Tuesday that an “alarming number” of approximately 400 dogs have died over the past month after consuming contaminated maize, raising serious concerns about potential risks to human health.

Muchima revealed that about half of the 25 samples taken from milling companies contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous substance produced by fungi. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked aflatoxins to liver cancer in humans.

“These test results are of great concern due to the several health implications for [the] population,” Muchima said during a press briefing. Maize is a staple food in Zambia, providing about 60% of the population’s daily calorie intake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The investigation into the nation’s maize supply was prompted by a report from Diamond TV, a Zambian broadcaster, which uncovered dozens of dog deaths from aflatoxin poisoning. Authorities subsequently sampled products from 10 milling companies that produce both maize-based dog food and maize meal for human consumption.

While no human deaths have been reported, sources at the Zambia National Public Health Institute say they are currently assessing the potential impact on the general public. The health ministry has recalled “affected batches” of maize meal and issued seizure notices to implicated companies, though specific brands were not named.

Muchima attributed the heightened aflatoxin levels to climate change and the recent drought that affected much of southern Africa. An estimated one million subsistence farmers in Zambia experienced crop damage, leading to critically low maize supplies.

The crisis has sparked public concern and political debate. Sunday Chanda, an opposition member of parliament, shared on social media platform X: “I’m a victim too. I lost over 6 big dogs over a period of 1 week. Listen, the bad [maize] meal is still out there being consumed!”

Andrew Chintala, president of the Millers Association of Zambia, stated that the industry is working to resolve the issue and ensure public safety. “We are still investigating the source of this contaminated grain and have heightened our surveillance of the product on the market,” Chintala said, noting that this is the first time the country has experienced such high aflatoxin levels.

The government has expanded surveillance efforts nationwide and increased sampling to address the crisis. However, the lack of specific information about affected brands has led to public frustration, with some Zambians demanding more transparency about the products they are feeding their families.

A bbc story

Uganda’s Defense Chief Hosts Russian Military Delegation, Strengthening Ties

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ENTEBBE, Uganda — General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of Uganda, welcomed a high-level Russian military delegation to the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday, underscoring strengthening ties between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Russian Armed Forces.

The Russian delegation, sent by the Russian Minister of Defense, was tasked with exploring and enhancing strategic cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces. Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the business arm of the UPDF, also attended the meeting.

This high-profile engagement follows Gen. Muhoozi’s recent visit to Moscow, where he led a Ugandan military delegation to discuss similar issues. The CDF’s office stated that the meeting aimed to strengthen mutual defense interests and explore new areas of collaboration.

Gen. Muhoozi has been actively fostering military ties with Russia, having recently met with Maj. Gen. Sergey Marchuk, who has been assigned to Uganda to oversee military cooperation. These discussions have centered on enhancing operational and strategic collaboration between the two nations.

The diplomatic relationship between Russia and Uganda, established on October 13, 1962, has spanned over six decades. Uganda hosts a representative office of Rostec, Russia’s state-owned corporation, which also supports Rosoboronexport’s interests in the country.

Russia has recently committed to establishing Uganda as a regional hub for the development, upgrading, and maintenance of Russian military equipment and technology. Uganda has been a significant customer of Russian military hardware, including war jets, helicopters, artillery, and reconnaissance equipment.

Highlighting this partnership, President Yoweri Museveni recently inaugurated the first-ever overhauled and upgraded Russian Type helicopter in sub-Saharan Africa at the Pro Heli Plant International Services in Nakasongola Air Base, central Uganda.

In May 2023, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the deepening cooperation between Kampala and Moscow in several strategic areas, including the development of satellites, remote sensing technologies, and land and space infrastructure for both military and civilian applications.

This meeting between Gen. Muhoozi and the Russian delegation signifies a new chapter in Uganda’s defense relationships, promising enhanced collaboration in military and technological advancements. As Uganda continues to bolster its defense capabilities, the strengthening of ties with Russia represents a critical aspect of its strategic military planning and regional influence.

The growing partnership comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape, with Western nations closely monitoring Russia’s expanding influence in Africa. Uganda’s deepening military ties with Russia could have implications for its relationships with other international partners and its role in regional security dynamics.

As this cooperation develops, questions arise about the long-term impact on Uganda’s military capabilities, its strategic positioning in East Africa, and the potential economic and political implications of closer alignment with Russia in the defense sector.

South Africa’s ‘Favorite Teacher’ William Smith Dies at 85

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JOHANNESBURG  — William Smith, a beloved South African educator known as the country’s “favorite teacher,” died Wednesday at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer, his family announced.

Smith, renowned for his innovative approach to teaching mathematics and science, gained national fame through his educational programs on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which reached millions of students across the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded Smith as “an education and cultural icon to our nation,” highlighting his significant contributions to South African education. “William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Smith’s groundbreaking 1990s television program, “Learning Channel,” is credited with making high-quality mathematics and science education freely available to disadvantaged pupils across South Africa. The presidency described the program as “essentially an open South African school teaching physical science, mathematics, biology and English.”

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Throughout his career, Smith received numerous accolades, including the national “Teacher of the Year” award and a place on the list of the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004. In 2019, President Ramaphosa presented him with a national award for his contribution to “teaching and demystifying mathematics and science.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party, praised Smith for his “clear, engaging, and accessible teaching style,” noting that he had become a “household name” through his lessons.

Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from former students and admirers. Wendy Verwey Bekker wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “William Smith got me through high school maths and science. What a legend and national treasure.” Another user, Roy Petzer, humorously noted, “It felt like we knew this man personally. Thank you, Mr. William Smith for all those very narrow passes in Maths that would not have been passes at all without you.”

Smith’s impact extended beyond his television appearances. He was instrumental in convincing the SABC to air educational content, paving the way for broader access to quality instruction, especially for students in disadvantaged areas.

After retiring, Smith moved with his family to Australia, where he spent his final years. His daughter, Jessica Smith, told News24 that the family was mourning his loss while celebrating his enduring legacy. “It’s inspiring to see how other people are celebrating him,” she said.

Smith’s death marks the end of an era in South African education, leaving behind a legacy that touched generations of students. His innovative approach to teaching and his use of media to reach a wider audience set a standard for educational broadcasting in South Africa and beyond.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, three daughters, and five grandchildren.

Ghanaian Blogger Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail for Publishing False News

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ACCRA, Ghana — An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Jeffrey Epprim Nyame, a prominent Ghanaian blogger, to 30 days in jail for publishing false news, marking a significant development in Ghana’s efforts to combat misinformation on social media.

Judge Isaac Addo found Nyame guilty after a trial that began last year. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, comes amid growing concerns about the spread of false information online in Ghana.

The case centered on an article Nyame published on his news portal, reportghana.net, on October 27, 2022. Titled “Dollar account holders to get cedi at BoG rate for bank withdrawal effective 31st Oct?”, the piece was widely circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, leading the prosecution, argued that the false news caused panic among bank customers, leading to a surge in withdrawals and creating difficulties for financial institutions.

During the sentencing, John Baptist Ayitse, a lawyer acting as a friend of the court, pleaded for leniency, citing Nyame’s youth and the lessons learned from the incident. Nyame himself pledged not to repeat the offense. However, Judge Addo remained firm in his decision to impose a custodial sentence.

“We need to crack the whip to serve as a deterrent to others who abuse social media to spread misinformation, which creates fear and panic,” Judge Addo stated, expressing serious concern about the unchecked publication of false news on social media platforms.

The court acquitted and discharged Jeremiah Kobina Egyabeng, an IT professional who had been charged with abetment in the case.

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