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Olympic Gold Medalist Imane Khelif Welcomed Home in Algeria

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Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif returned to her hometown in Algeria on Friday, greeted by hundreds of cheering fans and local officials.

Khelif, who won gold in boxing at the recent Olympics, praised Algeria for supporting its athletes. “This proves that the government and the people are all behind sports,” she told reporters at a local government office in Tiaret, a largely rural region in central Algeria.

The boxer and track star Djamel Sedjati were honored by local leaders and paraded through the streets atop a city bus as residents snapped photos.

Khelif’s Olympic journey was marked by controversy after she failed unspecified eligibility tests for women’s competition from the International Boxing Association in 2023. This led to international speculation and debate about her sex, despite her being born and raised as a woman.

Many Algerians vigorously defended Khelif, seeing the controversy as an attack on their nation.

“We hope authorities will support her in moments of victory like this as well as throughout the whole year. She has suffered enormously and started from scratch,” said Mohamed Hamou, a Tiaret resident.

Earlier this week, Khelif filed a criminal complaint for cyber-harassment in France. Her lawyer alleged a “misogynist, racist and sexist campaign” throughout the Olympics.

Addressing the controversy on El Bilad, a private Algerian television channel, Khelif said Wednesday, “Why was there such an outcry all over the world? I was afraid, but thank God, I was able to overcome it.”

The boxer added that nobody had the right to question her sex and that she wasn’t someone who enjoyed mixing politics and sports.

Khelif’s success has inspired many in Algeria. Nadjia Fehma, another Tiaret resident, said, “She’s made us really proud, especially given her career path and the way she’s ended up succeeding.”

The athlete’s homecoming highlights Algeria’s growing presence in international sports and the challenges faced by some athletes in the global spotlight.

AP

Israeli Strike in Southern Lebanon Kills 10, Including Woman and Children

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An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon early Saturday killed at least 10 Syrian nationals, including a woman and her two children, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said.

The strike hit Wadi al-Kfour in Nabatieh province, marking one of the deadliest attacks in Lebanon since Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging fire on Oct. 8, a day after Hamas attacked southern Israel.

Five others were wounded, two critically, the ministry reported.

Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the strike targeted a Hezbollah weapons depot. However, local businessman Mohammad Shoaib described the area as an “industrial and civilian area” with factories and a dairy farm.

Hussein Shahoud, uncle of three victims, said they were factory workers in their housing accommodation when hit. He denied the presence of weapons at the facility.

Hezbollah announced retaliatory rocket fire at Ayelet HaShahar in northern Israel, claiming all 10 Lebanese victims were civilians. The group typically issues death notices for its members.

Israel’s army reported 55 projectiles from Lebanon, with some falling in open areas. No injuries were reported, but the strikes caused multiple fires. Earlier, two Israeli soldiers were injured, one seriously, by a strike near Misgav Am.

The exchange comes amid heightened regional tensions. Last month, an Israeli strike in southern Beirut killed a top Hezbollah commander, while an explosion in Tehran, widely attributed to Israel, killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Hezbollah and Israel fought a six-week war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Since Oct. 8, Israeli strikes have killed over 500 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but including about 100 civilians. In northern Israel, 22 soldiers and 24 civilians have died from Lebanese attacks.

Tens of thousands have been displaced on both sides of the border as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.

AP

18 Family Members Killed in Gaza Despite Hope for Cease-Fire

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An Israeli airstrike killed 18 members of a single family in central Gaza on Saturday, even as international mediators said they were hopeful a cease-fire could be reached soon in the Israel-Hamas war.

The strike in the Zawaida area killed a man, his two wives and 11 of their children, ranging from 2 to 22 years old, as well as the children’s grandmother and three other relatives, according to hospital records.

The attack came just days after health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory passed 40,000 in nearly five months of war.

Hours earlier, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar said they were making progress on a deal for a cease-fire of several weeks and the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas.

The mediators, meeting in Paris, said in a statement they had developed a proposal for a truce and were working to narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas. They said they would continue their efforts in the coming days.

An official from the U.S., speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said the three countries were “hopeful” about the latest proposal.

The Israeli military said it was looking into the report of the deadly airstrike. It said troops were operating in central Gaza, targeting militants and rocket-launching infrastructure.

The military has ordered Palestinians to evacuate much of central Gaza in recent days as it expands its offensive. The U.N. says some 84% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million have already fled their homes, with many now living in overcrowded shelters or tents in the southern part of the territory.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. More than 100 captives were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Israel responded to the Oct. 7 attack by launching one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.

Despite international pressure for a cease-fire, Israel has vowed to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages. Hamas has said it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive and withdraws from Gaza.

The Biden administration has been working with Egypt and Qatar to try to broker another cease-fire agreement. The proposal would reportedly include a pause in fighting for several weeks and the release of some of the hostages.

Hamas has said no agreement can be reached without a permanent cease-fire and full Israeli withdrawal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those demands.

The fighting has raised tensions across the region, with Lebanon’s Hezbollah trading fire with Israel along the border and Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq.

On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a house in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 civilians, including a woman and her two children, Lebanese state media reported. Israel said it struck Hezbollah targets in response to rocket fire.

As diplomatic efforts continue, Gaza’s civilians bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Aid groups warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with food, clean water, and medical supplies in short supply.

Credit: Associated Press

Paris Hilton’s Makeup Trailer Engulfed in Flames on ‘Bad Bitch Academy’ Music Video Set-TMZ

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In a dramatic turn of events, international pop culture icon Paris Hilton faced an unexpected crisis during the filming of her latest music video in downtown Los Angeles. The set of “Bad Bitch Academy,” Hilton’s newest single, became the scene of a dangerous blaze that consumed her personal makeup trailer, leaving behind a trail of destruction and valuable losses.

Our team gained exclusive access to footage showcasing the aftermath of the fire, revealing a once-luxurious trailer reduced to a charred shell. The interior, previously a haven of glamour and preparation, now stands as a stark reminder of the incident’s severity.

According to sources close to the production, the trailer housed an impressive collection of high-value items, all of which fell victim to the flames. Designer clothes, custom Swarovski outfits, sunglasses, purses, jewelry, computers, and numerous personal belongings were among the casualties, representing a significant material loss for the star.

Despite the setback, the star-studded music video shoot perseveres. Notable celebrities including Heidi Klum, Lance Bass, Meghan Trainor, Chris Olsen, and Lele Pons were on set to make cameo appearances and remain committed to the project, continuing to film in the wake of the shocking event.

“Bad Bitch Academy” is slated to feature on Hilton’s highly anticipated album, “INFINITE ICON,” set for release on September 6th. As of now, it remains unclear whether this unforeseen incident will impact the album’s launch date or the production timeline of the music video.

The Los Angeles Fire Department promptly responded to the emergency, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as Hilton and other cast members were safely away from the trailer when the blaze erupted.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of on-set production, even for the biggest names in the entertainment industry. As Paris Hilton and her team navigate this challenge, fans eagerly await the release of “Bad Bitch Academy” and the upcoming “INFINITE ICON” album, curious to see how this event might influence the final product.

Hezbollah Reveals Massive Underground Missile Network in Threat to Israel

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Lebanese terrorist organization Hezbollah has unveiled a vast underground network of tunnels and roads designed for storing and transporting missiles, in what appears to be a direct threat to Israel.

The revelation came through a chilling video released by the group on August 18, 2024, showcasing their extensive hidden infrastructure.

The video displays large underground roads capable of accommodating trucks transporting heavy weaponry. Posters of Hezbollah leaders and soldiers adorn the walls of the tunnels, while footage shows armed men on motorcycles navigating through what the group calls a “missile city.”

Trucks loaded with enormous missiles are seen traversing the dark underground passages. Drone footage reveals the extensive nature of the tunnel network, which also appears to house military technology and computer systems.

In the video, a narrator ominously states: “These targets are in our possession and its coordinates are in our hands. These missiles are placed, deployed, and focused on targets and in perfect secrecy.” The narrator further threatens that if Israel imposes war on Lebanon, it will “face a destiny and reality it didn’t expect any day.”

This revelation comes amid escalating tensions in the region. It follows recent Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and a Hamas leader in Tehran, prompting vows of retaliation from both groups.

The situation has raised alarm internationally, with the U.S. advising its citizens in Lebanon to leave on the first available flight. British troops are reportedly positioned in the region for potential military-grade evacuation operations.

This development is part of a broader pattern of underground military infrastructure in the region. In January, Israeli forces claimed to have discovered Hamas rocket factories beneath civilian evacuation routes in Gaza.

The reveal of Hezbollah’s tunnel network significantly escalates tensions in an already volatile region. It demonstrates the group’s advanced military capabilities and raises concerns about the potential for a wider conflict involving Israel, Lebanon, and potentially other regional actors.

As the situation continues to evolve, international observers and regional stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments, with particular focus on potential Israeli responses and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.

Russia Reports Ukrainian Strike on Shopping Mall in Occupied Donetsk

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Russian-appointed officials reported on Friday, August 18, 2024, that a crowded shopping mall in the occupied Ukrainian city of Donetsk caught fire following alleged Ukrainian shelling. Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-appointed governor of the Donetsk region, accused Ukrainian forces of wounding at least seven civilians in what he described as “targeted massive strikes” on southwestern Donetsk.

According to Pushilin, the attacks damaged a local hospital and set the Galaktika shopping mall ablaze, affecting an area of 10,000 square meters. “Extinguishing the fire is complicated by the operational environment that’s forcing the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry workers to move to a safe distance,” Pushilin stated on social media.

Eyewitness videos shared on social media platforms showed flames and thick black smoke engulfing a large two-story structure in front of an empty parking lot. Russia’s state-run news agency RIA Novosti later released footage of the destroyed front of the commercial building with smoke continuing to rise from the rear.

The TASS news agency, citing local emergency services, reported that two people may have been killed in the Galaktika shopping mall attack. However, this information has not been independently verified.

As of this report, Ukraine has not commented on whether its forces were responsible for the strike.

The incident occurred in territory that Russia claims to have annexed in late 2022, along with three other Ukrainian regions, despite ongoing fighting for control of these areas. This attack highlights the continuing conflict in eastern Ukraine and the impact on civilian infrastructure in occupied territories.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Colorado Dentist Charged in Undercover Sex Sting Involving 8-Year-Old Child

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Dr. Jason Atha, a 49-year-old dentist from Boulder, Colorado, was arrested on August 9, 2024, at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida following an undercover operation by the Department of Homeland Security. A federal indictment alleges that Atha attempted to arrange sexual abuse with an individual he believed to be the mother of an 8-year-old girl.

According to the indictment reviewed by PEOPLE, Atha had been communicating since October 2023 with an undercover agent posing as a single mother in a messaging app chat room focused on “taboo” sex acts and child sex abuse. The agent was working to “detect and investigate violations of federal law related to the sexual exploitation of children.”

The indictment states that when told about alleged sexual abuse of an 8-year-old daughter, Atha reportedly responded, “That’s a beautiful thing. I would sooo love to be a part of that.” He allegedly expressed interest in children “8 and up” and discussed sexual acts he would perform on the “girl.”

Atha allegedly planned a trip to Florida to meet the fictitious mother and daughter, sharing his flight details with the undercover agent. Upon his arrest, he waived his Miranda rights and admitted to traveling to Florida to watch the supposed mother have sex with the daughter but denied intentions of engaging in sexual acts with the child himself.

The indictment further alleges that child sexual abuse material was found on Atha’s phone at the time of his arrest. He has been charged with attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a potential life sentence.

As of August 16, 2024, it was unclear if Atha had entered a plea or secured legal representation. PEOPLE’s attempts to reach Alpine Dentistry, where Atha reportedly practices, for comment were unsuccessful.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and the potential risks posed by individuals in positions of trust.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Becomes Thailand’s Youngest PM After Winning Parliament Vote

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the 37-year-old daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was appointed as Thailand’s youngest ever prime minister on Friday, August 18, 2024. The head of the ruling Pheu Thai party secured nearly two-thirds of the parliament’s support in a landmark vote.

“I really hope that I can make people feel confident, that we can build opportunity and quality of life,” Paetongtarn stated at a post-vote news conference. “I hope that I can do my best to make the country go forward.”

Paetongtarn faces immediate challenges, including a struggling economy and declining party popularity. Her appointment comes days after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed by a constitutional court order for appointing a lawyer convicted of bribery to his cabinet in April.

As Thailand’s second woman prime minister and the third leader from the Shinawatra family, Paetongtarn has acknowledged her family ties while asserting her independence. “It’s not the shadow of my dad. I am my dad’s daughter, always and forever, but I have my own decisions,” she stated during her campaign.

Political experts, however, suggest that Thaksin Shinawatra’s influence remains significant. Petra Alderman, a political research fellow at the University of Birmingham, noted, “Thaksin was a political force to reckon with, but he was also a liability. He has a tendency to overplay his political hand, so serving in his shadow has never been easy.”

Paetongtarn’s political journey began in 2021 when she led an inclusion advisory committee for Pheu Thai. She became party leader in 2023 after being named one of its prime ministerial candidates.

The Pheu Thai party, linked to Thaksin, has won all national elections since 2001 until losing to the reformist Move Forward in 2023. However, it formed a government after Move Forward was blocked from power, joining with parties affiliated with the military government that previously ousted it.

As Paetongtarn takes office, she faces the task of delivering on her party’s flagship cash handout program and navigating complex political dynamics. Her leadership will be closely watched as Thailand enters a new chapter under its youngest prime minister.

Violent Brawl Erupts in Turkish Parliament During Debate on Jailed Opposition Member

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A violent brawl erupted among Turkish lawmakers on Friday, August 18, 2024, during a heated parliamentary debate concerning Can Atalay, an opposition delegate currently imprisoned on charges widely considered politically motivated.

The incident, which was televised, showed opposition representative Ahmet Sik being attacked by a member of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling party after Sik referred to the ruling party as a “terrorist organization.”

The ensuing melee involved dozens of deputies, resulting in injuries to multiple lawmakers. A female legislator was struck, leaving blood on the steps leading to the speaker’s lectern. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the largest opposition party, decried the incident as “shameful,” stating, “Instead of words flying in the air, fists are flying, there is blood on the ground. They are hitting women.”

The extraordinary session was convened to discuss the case of Can Atalay, who was elected to parliament from prison in last year’s election. Atalay, sentenced to 18 years for his role in the 2013 anti-government protests, has been fighting to take his seat and gain parliamentary immunity. Despite favorable rulings from the Constitutional Court, lower courts have ignored these decisions, sparking a judicial crisis.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions in Turkish politics, particularly surrounding the 2013 Gezi Park protests and subsequent convictions. Amnesty International’s Turkey office has called for the restoration of Atalay’s “personal freedom and security, as well as his right to be elected.”

After a three-hour suspension, the parliamentary session resumed with both Sik and his assailant receiving reprimands from the parliament’s speaker. This incident underscores the deep political divisions and the volatile nature of parliamentary proceedings in Turkey.

Real Madrid’s Predicted Lineup vs Mallorca for La Liga 2024/25 Opener

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Real Madrid is set to begin their 2024/25 La Liga campaign with an away fixture against Mallorca on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Los Blancos enter the match with momentum, having secured a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.

Key Points:

– Kylian Mbappe is expected to make his La Liga debut after scoring in the Super Cup.

– Real Madrid’s formidable front three of Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo poses a significant threat.

– Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde impressed in midfield roles during the midweek victory.

Predicted Real Madrid Lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defense: Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy

Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham

Attack: Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

Notable points:

– Thibaut Courtois returns from injury, aiming to reclaim his status as one of the world’s top goalkeepers.

– Eder Militao is likely to start with David Alaba still injured and Nacho Fernandez having left the club.

– Aurelien Tchouameni’s role in midfield becomes crucial due to Eduardo Camavinga’s training ground injury.

– Jude Bellingham adapts to a deeper midfield role following Mbappe’s arrival.

– Kylian Mbappe looks to open his La Liga account after scoring on his Real Madrid debut.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has at his disposal a squad brimming with talent and depth. The combination of established stars and new signings like Mbappe and Bellingham makes Real Madrid strong favorites as they begin their La Liga title defense.

As Real Madrid aim to start their campaign with a victory, all eyes will be on how quickly their new-look attack gels and whether they can maintain the form shown in their Super Cup triumph.

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