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Nicaragua Revokes Registration of 1,500 Churches, Other Non-Profit Organizations

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MANAGUA, Nicaragua  — The Nicaraguan government has revoked the registration of 1,500 non-profit organizations, including hundreds of religious groups, according to a notice published Monday in the official government gazette, La Gaceta.

The affected organizations are accused of failing to report their financial statements for periods ranging from one to 35 years. The list includes sports clubs, health organizations, women’s rights groups, LGBTQ rights organizations, legal associations, and veterans’ clubs. Over 400 of the shuttered groups are religiously affiliated, with most being Christian organizations.

This move is the latest in a series of actions taken by President Daniel Ortega’s government against civil society groups. Earlier this month, the legal status of the Diocese of Matagalpa’s Caritas was canceled for alleged bureaucratic reasons, according to Vatican News. The diocese is led by Bishop Rolando Alvarez, a vocal government critic who is currently in exile after being convicted of charges including conspiracy and treason.

Civil liberties in Nicaragua have been significantly curtailed under Ortega’s leadership. The president, who claimed a fifth term in 2021, has overseen the arrest of numerous opposition presidential candidates, journalists, and human rights activists under a broad national security law.

In 2022, CNN en Español was forced off the air in Nicaragua. The government’s response to widespread anti-regime protests in 2018 resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and arbitrary detentions, according to Human Rights Watch. These actions have led to tens of thousands of Nicaraguans fleeing the country.

The United Nations expressed “grave concern” over the human rights situation in Nicaragua in June. Nada al-Nashif, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported that at least 35 people had been arrested since March as part of a “crackdown on civic space.”

The Vatican and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America have not yet commented on the latest closures affecting religious organizations.

As the situation continues to develop, international human rights organizations and foreign governments are closely monitoring the actions of the Nicaraguan government and their impact on civil society and religious freedom in the country.

Juventus Defeats Como 3-0 in Serie A Opener Under New Coach Motta

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TURIN, Italy — Juventus opened their Serie A campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over newly promoted Como at the Allianz Stadium on Monday, giving new coach Thiago Motta a successful competitive debut.

Samuel Mbangula opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a solo effort, driving infield and striking the ball into the bottom corner. Timothy Weah extended the lead in first-half stoppage time, lashing home from Kenan Yildiz’s cutback, with the ball bouncing in off the inside of the bar.

Andrea Cambiaso sealed the win with a long-range effort just before full time, after Dusan Vlahovic had several close attempts.

The victory marks Juventus’ 60th win on the opening matchday of a Serie A season, more than any other club in the competition’s history. It’s their eighth win in the last nine season openers, with one draw.

Weah’s goal was particularly notable, as he became the 13th U.S. men’s national team player to score in more than one of Europe’s top five leagues and the first to do so in both Ligue 1 and Serie A.

Juventus displayed defensive solidity, not conceding a single shot on target for the second time this calendar year. The previous instance was during a goalless draw with Milan in April.

Como, managed by former Barcelona and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, struggled to make an impact against the dominant Juventus side.

Juventus, who finished third behind champions Inter and Milan last season, securing their return to the Champions League, will face Verona away on August 26 in their next fixture.

The comprehensive victory sets a positive tone for Juventus’ campaign under Motta, who took over the managerial role this summer. The former Italian international midfielder will be looking to build on this strong start as the season progresses.

Como, meanwhile, face a challenging road ahead as they adjust to life in Italy’s top flight after earning promotion last season.

Vardy’s Late Goal Secures Draw for Leicester Against Tottenham

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LEICESTER, England — Jamie Vardy’s second-half goal earned Leicester City a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in their Premier League opener at the King Power Stadium on Monday.

Vardy, who had not played in any of Leicester’s pre-season matches, headed in the equalizer in the 57th minute from Abdul Fatawu’s cross. The 37-year-old striker had assured manager Steve Cooper of his fitness just before the match, following an injury to Patson Daka that left the team without a senior striker.

“We didn’t have a striker,” Cooper told Sky Sports before the game. “He said he feels good, he was a little bit uncomfortable that we didn’t have a fit striker and he made himself available.”

Tottenham had dominated the first half, maintaining over 70% possession and taking the lead through Pedro Porro’s finish from a James Maddison cross. However, they failed to capitalize on numerous chances, with £65 million ($83 million) summer signing Dominic Solanke particularly wasteful.

Spurs’ evening worsened when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off following an eight-minute stoppage late in the game. The nature and severity of his injury were not immediately clear.

The draw marks the second consecutive season Tottenham has failed to win their opening fixture. Manager Ange Postecoglou’s attacking style was evident, but the team’s inability to secure a second goal proved costly.

Vardy’s goal was his eighth on an opening Premier League weekend, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. His performance drew praise from pundits, with Gary Neville commenting on Sky Sports about Vardy’s longevity and adaptability.

“I did think though he’d be a player who relied completely on his pace, running off the shoulder and counter-attacking. And when he lost his pace, lost a yard, he’d find it difficult to adapt his game, as many others have,” Neville said. “But he’s still going at 37. He’s still got that burst, that yard.”

The match highlighted both Tottenham’s potential under new management and the ongoing importance of Vardy to Leicester, who are looking to bounce back after promotion from the Championship.

As the Premier League season gets underway, both teams will be looking to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures. Leicester City travels to face Manchester City next, while Tottenham hosts Manchester United.

Woman Killed in Manchester Triple Stabbing Identified as a Nigerian, Alberta Obinim

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MANCHESTER, England  — Greater Manchester Police have identified the woman killed in a triple stabbing incident in Manchester as 43-year-old Alberta Obinim, a Nigerian.

The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. Sunday on Barnard Road in the Gorton area of Manchester, according to police. A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Two other individuals, a 17-year-old girl and a 64-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries in the attack, which police described as involving “serious stab wounds” at a property on Barnard Road.

Detective Superintendent Toby Facey said in a statement that while the investigation is in its early stages, initial indications suggest the suspect was known to the victims. The police are treating it as an isolated incident.

“We understand that the local community and further afield across Greater Manchester will be rightly shocked and concerned after waking up and hearing this tragic news this morning,” Facey said. “Our thoughts remain with those affected and their loved ones at this difficult time.”

Community leader Ibrahim Abu described Obinim to Sky News as a “lovely woman” who “always made sure people were smiling.” Abu expressed shock at the news, stating, “Yesterday she was at church, dancing and praising. She was at church… and we wake up and hear she has died.”

Abu added that the community is “pleading to God” for the recovery of the two other injured victims.

Police responded to the scene within minutes of receiving the call, and an arrest was made shortly after. A crime scene remains in place on Barnard Road as the investigation continues.

Facey assured the public that detectives have been working through the night to determine the circumstances of the incident. He also noted an increased police presence in the area, encouraging residents to speak with officers if they have any concerns.

The incident has raised concerns about safety in the community. Local authorities have not yet commented on any potential measures to address these concerns.

As the investigation progresses, police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The identities of the two critically injured victims have not been released, and updates on their conditions are pending.

Donkey Carts, Trash Piles, Overtake Mali as Bamako Grapples with Waste Management Crisis

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Mali’s capital, Bamako, is facing a mounting waste management crisis as its population surges past 3 million, with residents increasingly turning to donkey-drawn carts for trash collection.

Yacouba Diallo, a trash collector using a donkey cart, told The Associated Press he can earn up to $166 a month. “It requires less investment than a truck,” Diallo said, highlighting the economic appeal of this method for youth seeking employment in a country with high unemployment rates.

The city’s rapid growth has overwhelmed its waste management infrastructure, leaving many streets dominated by piles of garbage. Donkey carts, able to navigate through traffic and reach areas inaccessible to trucks, have become a common sight.

However, this solution has raised concerns among animal welfare advocates. Amadou Doumbia of the nonprofit SPANA campaigns for replacing donkeys with trucks, citing concerns about overwork and hazardous conditions for the animals.

Bamadou Sidibé, a waste management consultant, pointed out systemic issues. “All the institutions that have to deal with the waste problem are not playing their part,” Sidibé said. He noted that the city lacks waste transfer sites meeting required standards.

In 2022, the World Bank approved $250 million to help rehabilitate a landfill outside Bamako and build a second one. The project, set to last until 2028, has yet to begin construction.

Local authorities, including Deputy Mayor Adama Kanté, blame residents for the problem. “Bamako is dirty because people don’t care about the environment or their health,” Kanté said, adding that residents are unwilling to pay for waste disposal.

Some residents, like Boureima Traoré, agree, noting the lack of penalties for littering. “Instead of hiring a garbage collector who has to be paid, a lot of people wait until the rainy season to throw their garbage into the running water. It costs less,” Traoré said.

The waste crisis has also led to dangerous scavenging practices, with some residents searching through garbage piles for items to reuse or sell. This practice mirrors similar situations in other African capitals and can have deadly consequences, as evidenced by a recent landfill collapse in Uganda’s capital that killed at least 30 people.

As Bamako continues to grow, the need for comprehensive waste management solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by rapidly expanding African urban centers in managing basic infrastructure and public health concerns.

Source: apnews.com

Major Euro Counterfeiter Arrested in Italy, Europol Reports

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NAPLES, Italy  — A man suspected of manufacturing €11 million ($12 million) worth of counterfeit Euro banknotes was arrested in Naples last week, Europol announced Monday.

The European police agency said the unnamed suspect had already sold €8 million worth of fake notes across Europe, with many circulating in France. An additional €3 million in counterfeit currency was ready for distribution from what Europol described as a “bunker-like printing laboratory.”

According to Europol, the forger is believed to be responsible for “over 27% of all faked euro banknotes discovered and taken out of circulation in 2023 alone.”

Italian Carabinieri officers raided what Europol called a “sophisticated print shop” concealed behind a garage and a sliding door. The facility reportedly contained an “almost-industrial production line” with 31 digital printing machines and large quantities of raw materials.

“Expert analysis, including an assessment by the European Central Bank, confirmed that the counterfeit security features on the banknotes (such as holograms) were of high quality,” Europol said in a statement.

This arrest follows a series of related operations across Europe targeting counterfeit currency production and distribution:

– In March, police arrested 14 people in Barcelona, Rome, and Naples for producing and distributing over €1 million in counterfeit €100 notes. These fake bills were reportedly passing through ATMs and other devices undetected.

– German authorities withdrew over 56,000 banknotes theoretically worth more than €5 million from circulation in 2023 amid a sharp rise in counterfeit bills.

The latest arrest in Naples highlights the ongoing challenges faced by European law enforcement agencies in combating sophisticated counterfeiting operations.

FILE PHOTO: General view of the Europol building in The Hague, Netherlands December 12, 2019. REUTERS/Eva Plevier/File Photo

Europol did not provide details on how the suspect was identified or tracked, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The agency also did not disclose information about potential charges or legal proceedings against the arrested individual.

The European Central Bank, responsible for issuing Euro banknotes, continuously updates security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters. The bank encourages the public to remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with these security features to identify genuine currency.

As the investigation continues, authorities are likely to examine the wider network involved in distributing the counterfeit notes across Europe.

Ilkay Gündogan Announces Retirement from German National Team

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BERLIN  — Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan announced his retirement from international football on Monday, ending a career that spanned 82 appearances for his country.

The 33-year-old midfielder made the announcement on social media platform X, stating, “After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the decision that it is time to end my national team career.”

Gündogan, who made his debut for Germany against Belgium in October 2011, expressed pride in his international career. “I can look back with great pride on 82 caps for my home country — a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my debut for the senior national team in 2011,” he said.

The midfielder missed Germany’s 2014 World Cup victory due to a back injury but went on to captain the team during the recent European Football Championships hosted by Germany. Reflecting on the tournament, Gündogan said, “Being the national team’s skipper during the event was a huge honor. After all those years, we finally managed to make the nation proud again — I’m very happy that I was able to play a part in that.”

The German Football Federation (DFB) expressed gratitude towards Gündogan in a statement: “We will miss you as our captain and teammate. As our friend, you always had a secure place in the team. Thank you for everything, Illy!”

Gündogan’s retirement marks the end of an era for the German national team. His leadership and midfield presence were key components of the team’s strategy in recent years, particularly during Euro 2024.

While Gündogan is set to continue his club career, there is speculation about his future at FC Barcelona, with rumors suggesting he may leave the club this summer.

The midfielder’s decision to retire from international football comes as Germany begins to look towards rebuilding its national team following a period of transition. Gündogan’s experience and leadership will be missed as the team prepares for future international competitions.

Throughout his international career, Gündogan was known for his technical skills, vision, and ability to control the midfield. His retirement leaves a significant gap in Germany’s squad, which the national team will need to address in the coming months.

As the German national team moves forward, the search for new leadership and midfield talent will be a priority for the coaching staff and the DFB.

Two 14-Year-Old Girls Arrested for ‘Brutal and Calculated’ Murder of 93-Year-Old Woman-Toofab

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While the victim’s family said the girls’ “punishment should be severe,” one of their fathers claims the teens were “coerced” to enter the victim’s home by another man — who then killed her in front of them with an axe.

In a shocking twist, two 14-year-old girls have been arrested for what family has called the “brutal and calculated” murder of a 93-year-old woman in Kansas.

Last Thursday, the two teens — whose names have not been released because they are juveniles — were “arrested for first-degree murder connected” to the death of Joanne Johnson, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Formal charges are pending, added the KBI, and the two suspects are being held at separate juvenile detention centers. The investigation is ongoing.

Johnson, who lived alone, was found dead in her Augusta, Kansas home on September 3, 2023. Not many details about how she died have been revealed by authorities — though the victim’s family said “the murder was brutal and punishment should be severe” after learning of the arrests. The two girls are also from Augusta.

A man claiming to be the father of one of the teens spoke with local news station KAKE over the phone after the arrest, reportedly telling the outlet he sat with his daughter while police interviewed her about the murder.

“He said his daughter said she and her friend were walking in a park on the day of the murder when a white man came up to them and ‘coerced’ them into going to Johnson’s home,” reported the outlet. “She said the man grabbed a rusty axe from Johnson’s garage and beat Johnson to death.”

“The father said his daughter held her hands over her friend’s ears so she couldn’t hear what was happening, and that the man had told the girls he would kill them and their families if they told anyone what happened,” the outlet continued, with the man reportedly saying the “once active, outgoing teenagers were now quiet and reserved and he had no idea why.”

The arrest comes after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued an executive order earlier this year offering $5,000 in reward money for anyone who provided information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Her family also offered to match the reward for information.

At this time, KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood said the agency doesn’t believe “any public tip or information helped to solve the case.”

Per Underwood, they also haven’t yet “identified a relationship between the accused female subjects and Joanne Johnson.”

Five Injured in Shooting Near Boston Festival, Police Search for Suspects

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BOSTON  — A shooting near a Dominican festival in Boston’s Franklin Park on Sunday night left five people injured, authorities reported. Police are now searching for those responsible for the incident.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told reporters that three men and two women suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The victims’ names and ages have not been released.

“We need to hold these people responsible whether it’s an individual or individuals responsible for this heinous act, you know shooting into a crowd,” Cox said Sunday night at the scene.

The shooting occurred as the festival was concluding and police were directing pedestrians out of the park. Cox said officers heard the shots as the event was winding down.

As of Monday, police had no updates on the investigation, including whether there was more than one shooter involved.

“The shooting really marred a pretty successful event for the folks here,” Cox added. “We’re going to hold them accountable. That’s why we need the public’s help and support on this one, but this shouldn’t be happening in our city, not in this day and age.”

The incident comes at a time when Boston has been recognized for reducing violent crime. According to police statistics, there were 37 homicides in the city last year, while only 10 have been recorded so far this year.

Cox emphasized the need for community cooperation in solving this case and preventing future incidents. The police department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

The festival, celebrating Dominican culture, had been a peaceful event until the shooting occurred. Organizers of the festival have not yet commented on the incident.

Local officials are expected to meet in the coming days to discuss safety measures for future public events in the wake of this shooting.

As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from the area and interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.

This incident has raised concerns about public safety at large gatherings in the city, despite the overall downward trend in violent crime.

Phil Donahue, Pioneering TV Talk Show Host, Dies at 88

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NEW YORK — Phil Donahue, the pioneering TV talk show host whose program “Donahue” aired for nearly 30 years, died Sunday night at the age of 88, a family representative confirmed Monday.

Donahue passed away from an undisclosed illness, according to a statement provided by a representative for his wife of 44 years, actress Marlo Thomas.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Donahue began his career as a local TV reporter before launching a talk show on CBS affiliate WHIO in Dayton, Ohio. In 1967, he moved “The Phil Donahue Show” to NBC affiliate WLWD, also in Dayton. The show entered nationwide syndication in 1970, renamed simply “Donahue.”

The program, produced at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, ran for 26 years in syndication until its final episode in September 1996.

Donahue’s show gained national prominence for its compelling guests and pioneering open-forum interview style, allowing audience members to ask questions and viewers to call in. This format influenced future talk show hosts, including Oprah Winfrey and Sally Jessy Raphael.

“We knew if we were to have any chance to succeed, we couldn’t be talking about juvenile delinquency or all these broad, very imprecise issues,” Donahue told the Television Academy Foundation. “We knew we had to have personalities who moved you to go to that phone and make a phone call.”

The show tackled a wide range of topics, from emerging cultural phenomena like breakdancing to controversial figures such as Ku Klux Klansman David Duke.

Throughout his career, Donahue earned 20 Emmy Awards for “Donahue.” In 1992, the Television Academy inducted him into its Hall of Fame. He received a personal Peabody Award in 1980, praised for his “sensitive yet probing interviews” and “innate sense of honesty.”

In May, President Joe Biden awarded Donahue the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing him for “holding a mirror up to America” and “uniting us around the toughest issues of our time.”

Donahue is survived by his wife Marlo Thomas, his sister, children, grandchildren, and his golden retriever Charlie, the family statement said.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Phil Donahue/Notre Dame Scholarship Fund.

Donahue’s influence on American television and his role in shaping public discourse on social issues leave a lasting legacy in the media landscape.

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