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US Men’s Basketball Team Stages Dramatic Comeback to Beat Serbia, Advances to Olympic Gold Medal Game

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In a thrilling semifinal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the US men’s basketball team rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat Serbia 95-91, securing their place in the gold medal game. The comeback, led by Stephen Curry’s near-record 36 points, showcased the resilience and star power of the American squad.

Trailing by 11 points with just over seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, the US team ignited a remarkable turnaround. A pivotal sequence saw the Americans score six points in two seconds, with Kevin Durant hitting a 3-pointer while Anthony Davis was fouled, followed by another 3-pointer from Devin Booker off the inbounds play. This spark reduced Serbia’s lead from 78-67 to 78-73, setting the stage for Curry’s heroics.

Curry’s performance was one for the ages, falling just one point shy of Carmelo Anthony’s Olympic record of 37 points set in 2012. His go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:16 left put the US ahead for good, capping a night where the Americans led for only 3 minutes and 25 seconds of the entire game.

LeBron James contributed significantly with the fourth triple-double in Olympic men’s basketball history, posting 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Joel Embiid added 19 points on efficient 8-for-11 shooting, proving crucial in the victory.

For Serbia, Bogdan Bogdanovic led the scoring with 20 points, supported by Nikola Jokic’s 17 and Aleksa Avramovic’s 15. Despite their strong performance and control for most of the game, Serbia couldn’t withstand the late American surge.

US coach Steve Kerr likened the game to the classic Villanova-Georgetown matchup, praising Serbia’s near-perfect execution and his team’s fourth-quarter resilience. The victory keeps alive Kevin Durant’s hopes of becoming the first four-time Olympic men’s gold medalist.

The win sets up a gold medal rematch with host nation France on Saturday, a repeat of the Tokyo 2020 final where the US prevailed 87-82. Serbia will face Germany for the bronze medal earlier the same day.

This semifinal victory, with its four-point margin, stands as the second closest in US Olympic semifinal history, surpassed only by a two-point win over Lithuania in 2000. It also improves the US men’s Olympic basketball record to an impressive 144-6 all-time, and 63-4 since NBA players were introduced to the Games in 1992.

France Secures Spot in Men’s Basketball Gold Medal Game with Thrilling Win Over Germany at Paris Olympics

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France’s men’s basketball team ignited national pride and sent waves of excitement through the Bercy Arena as they secured a hard-fought 73-69 victory over Germany in the Olympic semifinals. The win propels the host nation into the gold medal game, where they’ll face the United States in a rematch of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics final.

The atmosphere in Paris was electric, with French flags coloring the stands and chants of “Allez Les Bleus!” echoing throughout the arena. As the final buzzer sounded, the celebration began in earnest, with players like Matthew Strazel breaking into dance and Evan Fournier jubilantly ripping off his jersey.

Guerschon Yabusele led the French charge with 17 points, while Isaia Cordinier contributed 16. NBA sensation Victor Wembanyama added 11 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing flashes of his immense potential, including a thunderous dunk over Daniel Theis that brought the crowd to its feet.

The game was a tale of momentum shifts. Germany started strong, building an early 12-2 lead. However, France’s coach Vincent Collet made crucial adjustments, bringing in Evan Fournier and Mathias Lessort to stabilize the team. By halftime, France had erased the deficit, tying the game at 33-33.

France’s defense tightened in the second and third quarters, outscoring Germany 38-25 to take a 56-50 lead into the final period. Despite a late German surge led by Dennis Schroder, who finished with 18 points, France held on for the win. Key free throws from Wembanyama and Cordinier in the closing seconds sealed the victory.

The loss ended Germany’s impressive 12-game winning streak in major international competitions, which included their triumph at last year’s World Cup. Franz Wagner, who contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds for Germany, noted, “After the first quarter, they kind of took us out of our rhythm.”

The semifinal was graced by the presence of basketball icons Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki, who watched the game side by side, adding to the sense of occasion.

Looking ahead to the gold medal game against the USA, Nicolas Batum expressed excitement about the rematch and the home crowd support: “It was insane tonight. I can’t imagine what it’s going to be Saturday. I can’t wait.”

As France prepares for its second consecutive Olympic final, the team’s performance has captivated the nation and set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable gold medal showdown in Paris. With home court advantage and momentum on their side, Les Bleus aim to go one better than their silver medal finish in Tokyo and claim Olympic basketball gold for the first time in their history.

AP

Former Mozambican Finance Minister Manuel Chang Convicted in U.S. Court Over Tuna Bond Scandal

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Former Mozambican Finance Minister Manuel Chang was convicted on Thursday in a high-profile financial conspiracy case linked to his country’s infamous “tuna bond” scandal, which led to a devastating economic crisis in Mozambique and became the focus of a U.S. federal investigation.

A federal jury in New York handed down the guilty verdict after prosecutors detailed how Chang accepted bribes to secure loans for government-controlled companies involved in tuna fishing and other maritime projects. The loans, which were secretly guaranteed by the Mozambican government, were misused, siphoned off through kickbacks and bribes, and led to the country accruing $2 billion in “hidden debt.” This unreported debt eventually triggered a financial crisis that severely impacted Mozambique’s economy.

In a statement following the verdict, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, based in Brooklyn, underscored the significance of the ruling: “Today’s verdict is an inspiring victory for justice and the people of Mozambique who were betrayed by the defendant, a corrupt, high-ranking government official whose greed and self-interest sold out one of the poorest countries in the world.”

Efforts to obtain comments from Chang’s attorneys and Mozambique’s embassy in Washington were unsuccessful. Chang, who served as Mozambique’s finance minister from 2005 to 2015, was the nation’s top financial official during the period when the controversial loans were secured.

Chang had pleaded not guilty to the U.S. conspiracy charges, maintaining that he was acting in the best interest of his government when he signed off on the deals. His defense argued that Mozambique had pledged to repay the loans and insisted there was no evidence of a financial quid-pro-quo.

While a sentencing date for Chang, 48, has not yet been set, the charges he faces could result in a lengthy prison term. Sentencing guidelines suggest the possibility of up to life in prison, though the exact sentence will depend on several factors, including Chang’s history and the specifics of the case.

The scandal dates back to 2013, when Mozambique’s government-controlled companies borrowed $2 billion from major overseas banks, ostensibly to fund the development of tuna fishing infrastructure and other maritime initiatives. Chang’s guarantees on these loans were crucial in securing the funds, but the majority of the money was diverted through fraudulent means, leaving Mozambique burdened with a massive and undisclosed debt that it could not repay.

The fallout from the tuna bond scandal was catastrophic for Mozambique, leading to widespread economic hardship, a collapse in international investor confidence, and significant political repercussions.

Associated Press

Israeli Military Orders Another Mass Evacuation in Khan Younis Amid Renewed Conflict, U.S, Others Call for Restrain

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The Israeli military has mandated another mass evacuation in extensive areas around Khan Younis in southern Gaza, announcing that its forces will continue operations there in response to Palestinian rocket fire. Earlier this year, Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis, experienced widespread destruction due to air and ground operations.

Israeli forces have consistently returned to the heavily destroyed regions of Gaza, sites of previous intense battles against Hamas and other militant groups since the onset of the 10-month-old war.

Gaza is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on aid and ongoing fighting, which limits access to essential resources such as food, medical supplies, and other necessities. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that the death toll in the territory is nearing 40,000.

Tensions in the region have escalated since Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed on July 31 in Iran, allegedly by an Israeli strike. Retaliation has been anticipated, and the situation remains volatile. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call to take all necessary measures to prevent a new military escalation, emphasizing the potential for lasting regional instability.

World leaders have been advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden discussed hopes for de-escalating Middle East tensions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned his Cabinet over the weekend that Israel is already engaged in a “multi-front war” with Iran and its proxies.

Foreign powers, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, involved in brokering a potential cease-fire and reducing hostilities in Gaza, have collectively urged Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiation table next week. Their joint statement emphasized the importance of dialogue in achieving peace and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

AP

Woman Found Dead in Machinery at Chicago O’Hare Airport’s Baggage-Processing Area

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Firefighters discovered a dead woman entangled in machinery on Thursday morning in a restricted baggage-processing area at O’Hare International Airport. The Chicago Fire Department spokesperson, Larry Langford, stated that firefighters were called to the airport around 7:45 a.m. following a report of a person pinned in machinery used for moving baggage. Upon arrival, they found the woman caught in a conveyor belt system in the baggage room.

The police have identified the deceased woman as 57 years old but have not released her name. Langford mentioned that the baggage room is not accessible to the public, raising questions about how the woman gained entry. Scott Allen, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Labor, reported that an official from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) visited the scene and confirmed that the woman was not an airport employee.

Firefighters handed over the scene to police investigators. Langford did not provide additional details. The Chicago Police Department’s communications office later issued a statement to The Associated Press, indicating that the woman was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives have since opened an investigation.

Initially, the police communications office reported that the woman was discovered at 2:27 a.m., creating confusion as to why emergency responders did not arrive for more than five hours. Upon further investigation, it was clarified that surveillance footage showed the woman walking into the baggage room at 2:27 a.m. but she was actually discovered by airport personnel at 7:30 a.m., prompting a 911 call.

The surveillance footage, reviewed after the woman’s body was found, shows her walking into the area but does not capture the incident leading to her entanglement in the machinery.

Police spokesperson Nathaniel Blackman clarified during a phone interview with The Associated Press that no one was monitoring the surveillance cameras in real-time, and the footage was reviewed post-incident to piece together the timeline of events.

Three Deaths Linked to Listeria Outbreak in Boar’s Head Deli Meats

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Three people have now died in a listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, federal food safety officials announced Thursday. The total number of people sickened has risen to 43.

The most recent death occurred in Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a news release on Thursday. The other two deaths were in New Jersey and Illinois. The CDC also reported nine new cases since their July 31 update about the outbreak, which began in late May.

Boar’s Head recalled 7 million pounds of deli meats on July 30, expanding an initial recall from July 25 after a listeria-positive liverwurst sample was collected by health officials in Maryland. On Thursday, the CDC confirmed that a liverwurst sample from New York health officials contained the same strain of listeria.

The recall includes more than 70 products such as liverwurst, ham, beef salami, and bologna produced at the company’s plant in Jarratt, Virginia.

Boar’s Head is already facing two lawsuits due to the outbreak: one in a Missouri court and another class-action suit in federal court in New York.

The contaminated meats were distributed to stores nationwide and to the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Panama. Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled meats and to discard them or return them to the store for a refund. The CDC emphasized that listeria bacteria can survive and grow in refrigerated environments, so it is crucial for consumers to thoroughly clean and sanitize their refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination.

The CDC estimates that 1,600 people in the United States contract listeria food poisoning each year, with about 260 resulting in death. The most common symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, though infections can also cause confusion and convulsions. People at the highest risk include those over 65, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, who may experience severe outcomes after consuming contaminated food.

Russia Says Its Forces Battling to Repel Ukrainian Cross-Border Incursion in Kursk Region

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Russian troops are engaged in fierce combat to repel Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, marking the third consecutive day of what is described as one of the largest cross-border incursions of the war. This development was confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry on Thursday.

In an official statement, the ministry elaborated that Russian military personnel and border guards have successfully thwarted Ukrainian forces’ attempts to penetrate deeper into southwestern Russia. It was noted that the Russian army is actively engaging Ukrainian fighters who are attempting to advance from Ukraine’s Sumy region.

“Attempts by individual units to break through deep into the territory in the Kursk direction are being suppressed,” the ministry emphasized.

Reports from the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, suggest that Ukrainian troops have managed to advance as far as 15 kilometers (9 miles) into Russian territory. However, this data has yet to be officially confirmed by either side.

The Ukrainian government has remained silent on the incursion. In a video address to the nation late Thursday, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refrained from mentioning the specific fighting in the Kursk region. Instead, he reiterated that “Russia brought the war to our land, and it should feel what it has done,” underscoring the broader conflict context.

According to Russian claims, their military has managed to halt Ukrainian advances in the border area approximately 500 kilometers (about 320 miles) southwest of Moscow. However, various military sources and open-source intelligence indicate that Ukrainian forces have made strategic gains in several sectors of the Kursk region.

Kursk region’s acting governor, Alexei Smirnov, provided an update to Russian President Vladimir Putin via a video link on Thursday. Smirnov confirmed that while the Ukrainian advancements had been largely halted, sporadic skirmishes continued in various areas of the region, indicating an ongoing volatile situation.

Source: AP

Foiled Taylor Swift Concert Attack in Vienna Linked to Islamic State Inspiration

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Austrian authorities have revealed that two suspects arrested in connection with a foiled attack on Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts were inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. The plot, which led to the cancellation of three sold-out shows, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and raised concerns about concert security worldwide.

The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.” Investigators found bomb-making materials at his home, along with evidence of radicalization towards the Islamic State. The second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian with Turkish and Croatian roots, was recently employed by a company providing services at the concert venue.

The plot targeted the area outside Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium, where up to 30,000 onlookers were expected. Both suspects were arrested on Tuesday, with the main suspect having uploaded an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State leader in July. The foiled attack was planned for Thursday or Friday, coinciding with Swift’s scheduled performances. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer defended the decision to cancel the concerts, citing safety concerns.

The incident has prompted discussions about concert security across Europe. London Mayor Sadiq Khan reassured fans that Swift’s upcoming Wembley Stadium shows would proceed with heightened security measures, drawing lessons from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.

Taylor Swift, who has previously expressed concerns about concert safety, has not publicly commented on the foiled plot. The superstar told Elle magazine in 2019 that her biggest fear was large-scale violence at her concerts, highlighting the challenges of ensuring fan safety during global tours.

Terrorism expert Magnus Ranstorp emphasized that any mass public event now constitutes a potential threat, noting that popular artists like Swift are likely targets for those seeking to create fear and destruction.

The thwarted attack has left thousands of fans disappointed, with many having invested significantly in travel and accommodation for the Vienna shows. Concert organizer Barracuda Music has promised full refunds, while Austrian rail operator OeBB has offered to reimburse unused train tickets.

AP

United States’ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Breaks Her Own World Record to Defend Olympic Title

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again shattered her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles, clocking an astonishing 50.37 seconds on Thursday night to defend her Olympic title. The 25-year-old American has now lowered the world record six times.

In a race that captivated audiences at the Stade de France, McLaughlin-Levrone led from the start and breezed down the home stretch, finishing 1.50 seconds ahead of her teammate Anna Cockrell. McLaughlin-Levrone had set the previous world record of 50.65 seconds on June 30 at the U.S. Olympic trials.

This race was highly anticipated due to the intense rivalry between McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol of the Netherlands. However, Cockrell disrupted the expected duel, finishing second while Bol took third place, visibly frustrated as she walked off the track shaking her head.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Her unparalleled speed and technique made it impossible for competitors to catch her once she got up to speed. Upon crossing the finish line, McLaughlin-Levrone glanced at the scoreboard and smiled, making the feat of breaking records appear almost effortless.

This victory extended McLaughlin-Levrone’s undefeated streak against Bol to 3-0. She previously defeated Bol at the Tokyo Games in 2021, where Bol finished third, and again a year later at the world championships in Oregon. Although McLaughlin-Levrone missed last season’s world championships in Budapest due to injury, this race left no doubt about her dominance.

Guided by coach Bobby Kersee, McLaughlin-Levrone has been meticulously building toward this moment over the past few years. Often training away from the spotlight, she has competed in events ranging from the 200 and 400 meters to the short hurdles — the 100 and 60 meters indoors — to refine her speed and technique.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s latest world record was achieved in front of a packed house, demonstrating her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver unparalleled performances on the world’s biggest stage.

apnews.com

Athletics Shocker: Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo Stuns Noah Lyles to Clinch 200m Olympic Gold

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In a stunning upset at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo has shocked the athletics world by clinching gold in the men’s 200m final, dethroning pre-race favorite and world champion Noah Lyles. Tebogo’s blistering time of 19.46 seconds not only secured his victory but also set a new African record, making him the first African athlete to win Olympic gold in this event.

The highly anticipated final, held in a packed stadium with spectators eagerly awaiting Lyles’ bid for his second gold of the Games, quickly turned into a showcase of Tebogo’s explosive speed. Starting from lane seven, the Botswanan sprinter got off to a strong start and maintained his lead into the home straight, leaving the star-studded field in his wake.

Kenny Bednarek of the United States claimed silver with a time of 19.62 seconds, while a visibly stunned Lyles had to settle for bronze, clocking 19.70 seconds. The result marks a significant shift in the sprint hierarchy, with Tebogo announcing himself as a new force on the global stage.

For Tebogo, this victory carries deep personal significance. Having lost his mother earlier in the season, the young sprinter dedicated his performance to her memory. “Everything I do going forward is for my mother,” Tebogo stated in a post-race interview, his voice thick with emotion.

The 200m gold adds to Tebogo’s growing list of achievements, which includes becoming the first African to win a medal in the men’s 100m at the World Championships in Budapest 2023. His triumph in Paris cements his status as one of athletics’ rising stars and a beacon of hope for African sprinting.

Lyles, who had started his Olympic campaign on a high note by winning the 100m gold with a time of 9.79 seconds, appeared shell-shocked as he crossed the finish line in third. The American sprinter, known for his confidence and charisma, had been aiming for a historic sprint treble, targeting golds in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.

The upset victory has sent ripples through the athletics community, with many praising Tebogo’s phenomenal performance while expressing surprise at Lyles’ defeat. Experts are already speculating on how this result might reshape the landscape of men’s sprinting heading into future championships.

As the Paris Olympics continue, Tebogo’s unexpected triumph serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sport at the highest level. It also highlights the emerging talent from Africa, suggesting a potential shift in the global balance of sprinting power.

For Lyles, the challenge now will be to regroup and refocus on the upcoming 4x100m relay, where he still has a chance to add another gold to his Olympic tally. As for Tebogo, his victory marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career at the pinnacle of athletics.

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