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Ugandan Police Arrest Anti-Corruption Protesters Marching to Parliament

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Ugandan security forces arrested scores of anti-corruption protesters in Kampala on Tuesday as they attempted to march to Parliament. The joint operation by military and police targeted demonstrators demanding political reforms and action against corruption.

Among those detained were former Rubaga South MP candidate and activist Habib Buwembo and comedian Samuel Okanya, known as Sammy. The arrests occurred as protesters, carrying placards, began their march to the August House.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke had earlier warned against the protest, stating, “We reiterate our position we shall not tolerate disorderly conduct. We understand, feel and acknowledge the existence of rights of individuals but we have a duty to keep law and order that we can’t run away from.”

The protesters’ demands include the resignation of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and four backbench commissioners, reduction in the number of Ugandan MPs, resignation of MPs involved in corruption scandals, an audit of MPs’ lifestyles, and slashing MPs’ salaries and allowances to a maximum of 3 million Ugandan shillings.

Police justified their actions by citing past protests that turned chaotic. Rusoke explained, “Organisers are calling people to occupy every street of Kampala. Who on earth can allow such recklessness!”

This crackdown on protesters highlights ongoing tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition groups. It also underscores the challenges faced by anti-corruption activists in their efforts to push for political reforms in the country.

As arrests continue, the situation in Kampala remains tense, with both protesters and security forces maintaining their positions. The government’s response to these demonstrations is likely to draw international attention and scrutiny regarding political freedoms and anti-corruption efforts in Uganda.

The events in Kampala reflect a broader struggle between civil society groups demanding accountability and a government intent on maintaining order. As the situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how this latest confrontation impacts Uganda’s political landscape and its approach to addressing corruption allegations.

Source: nilepost.co.ug

Ethiopia Landslides Kill at Least 146, Search for Survivors Continues

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At least 146 people have been killed in two landslides that struck a remote mountainous area in the Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia, local officials reported to the BBC on Tuesday. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, has prompted an intense search and rescue operation, with authorities warning the death toll could rise further.

Dagmawi Ayele, chief administrator of Gofa zone, told the BBC that the victims include both adults and children – 90 males and 46 females. Ten survivors have been rescued and are receiving treatment in hospital.

The first landslide occurred on Sunday evening, with a second following on Monday morning as rescue efforts were underway. “We are still digging,” Ayele said, indicating that search operations are ongoing.

Footage from the scene shows hundreds of people gathered, with many digging through mud and debris in search of trapped victims. A partially collapsed hillside and a large exposed area of red earth are visible in the background.

The Gofa zone, located approximately 320km southwest of the capital Addis Ababa, is part of the Southern Ethiopia region that has experienced particularly heavy rains and flooding in recent months, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha).

This disaster highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region. In May 2016, at least 50 people were killed in floods and landslides in southern Ethiopia. Climate experts warn that such incidents may become more common as global temperatures rise due to climate change.

As rescue efforts continue, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions. The international community’s attention is now focused on supporting the rescue operations and providing aid to the affected communities in southern Ethiopia.

Source: bbc.com

’16 And Pregnant’ Star Autumn Oxley Dies at 27, Police Investigating

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Autumn Oxley, formerly known as Autumn Crittendon, a former cast member of MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” was found dead at her home in Henrico County, Virginia, on July 20. She was 27 years old. The Henrico County Police Division has launched an investigation into her death.

According to a police statement provided to TODAY.com, officers and fire personnel responded to a medical emergency call at Oxley’s residence at approximately 3:12 p.m. local time. Despite life-saving measures performed by the Henrico Fire Department, Oxley was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Henrico Police are currently classifying this incident as a death investigation,” the department stated. “Detectives are working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on this case to determine the exact cause and manner of death.”

Oxley gained public attention in 2014 when she appeared on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant,” which documented her pregnancy with then-boyfriend Dustin Franklin. On the show, she gave birth to her son, Drake. Oxley later described herself on Facebook as a “mother of two little boys Drake and Luke and a beautiful little girl Abigail.”

The day after Oxley’s death, her sister, Misty Crittendon, changed her Facebook profile photo to an image of two young girls with the hashtag #justiceforautumn, suggesting potential concerns about the circumstances of Oxley’s death.

Henrico County Police Division is urging anyone with information regarding Oxley’s death to contact their department or submit tips. MTV has not yet commented on the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, fans and fellow cast members of “16 and Pregnant” are expressing shock and sadness at the loss of Oxley, who had become a mother of three since her appearance on the show. Her death highlights the often challenging lives of young parents featured in reality television and the lasting impact of such programs on their participants.

Devastating as Mother and Toddler Drown in North Carolina Creek

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Wilson Creek Gorge, North Carolina – A tragic incident occurred over the weekend near Wilson Creek Gorge in North Carolina, where a mother and her 1-year-old son drowned during an outing.

Fire and rescue agencies responded to reports of three people drowning in the creek on Saturday, July 20, Caldwell County Emergency Services (CCES) stated in a press release on Sunday, July 21. “All victims were rescued from the water and resuscitation efforts began on two unconscious victims,” CCES continued. “Unfortunately, a 1-year-old child and mother succumbed to their injuries on scene.”

The victims were identified as Chelsea Jackson and her 1-year-old son Oliver, reports WSOC-TV. Jackson, her husband, and another child were walking on the rocks near Wilson Creek Gorge, the outlet reported, citing a spokesperson for Collettsville Fire and Rescue.

Jackson and Oliver fell into the creek, and Jackson’s husband went into the water to save them.

The Collettsville Fire and Rescue and the Caldwell County EMS responded to Brown Mountain Beach Road at approximately 6:29 p.m. local time in the Wilson Creek Gorge regarding a drowning, the CCES said in its statement.

North Carolina Wildlife Rescue Commission Law Enforcement units also arrived at the scene, where they discovered “three victims in the water.”

After it was determined that Chelsea and her child had died, rescue units remained at the scene “for several hours, assisting law enforcement with the investigation, and providing high angle rope work for the recovery.”

Source: People.com

Eminem’s New Album Ends Taylor Swift’s 12-Week Reign at Billboard 200 No. 1

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Eminem’s 12th studio album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce),” has claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart, ending Taylor Swift’s historic 12-week reign with “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Swift’s album, which debuted at No. 1 in April, set a new record for the biggest streaming week in history with 891.34 million album streams in its first week, according to Luminate. The 12-week run at No. 1 tied Morgan Wallen’s 2023 album “One Thing at a Time” and surpassed Whitney Houston’s previous record of 11 weeks for a female artist, set in 1987 with “Whitney.”

Eminem’s latest release marks his 11th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. The chart shuffle sees Swift’s album drop to No. 4, with K-pop boy band ENHYPHEN’s “ROMANCE:UNTOLD” at No. 2 and Zach Bryan’s “The Great American Bar Scene” at No. 3.

Despite the impressive runs by Swift and Wallen, Stevie Wonder’s 1976 album “Songs in the Key of Life” retains the overall record with 14 total weeks at No. 1, including 13 consecutive weeks after its debut.

This chart movement underscores the dynamic nature of the music industry and the continued influence of both established and emerging artists. As streaming continues to dominate music consumption, these record-breaking performances highlight the evolving metrics of success in the digital age.

The success of Eminem’s new album and its impact on the charts demonstrates the rapper’s enduring popularity and ability to compete with contemporary pop giants. It also sets the stage for potential future chart battles as artists continue to release highly anticipated albums in the coming months.

Israel Declares Two More Gaza Hostages Dead Amid Ceasefire Talks

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Jerusalem, Israel – Israel declared two more of its hostages held in Gaza as dead on Monday, amidst ongoing ceasefire negotiations aimed at the release of approximately 120 captives. The announcement comes as talks are set to resume later this week.

The Israeli military reported it is still investigating the deaths of the two hostages, Yagov Buchshtab, a 35-year-old sound technician, and Alex Daneyz, 76, a historian, who were abducted from their homes in Kibbutzim near the border with Gaza during Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel.

An Israeli negotiation team is due on Thursday to set off to mediate Gaza ceasefire talks that would include the issue of hostages being released in return for Palestinian prisoners.

“Yagov and Alex were taken alive and should have returned alive to their families and to their country,” the Hostage Families Forum said in a statement. “Their death in captivity is a tragic reflection of the consequences of foot-dragging in negotiations.”

Daneyz also had Polish citizenship, and Poland’s foreign ministry expressed sorrow over his death. Poland will continue to demand the unconditional release of all the abductees from Gaza,” the ministry stated.

Israeli authorities have so far pronounced dead in absentia around a third of the hostages still held in Gaza.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison Confirms Presidential Nominee by August 7 Amidst Open and Fair Nominating Process

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Washington, D.C. – Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Jaime Harrison announced on Monday that the Democratic Party will deliver a presidential nominee by August 7 and is committed to an “open and fair” nominating process.

Earlier that day, Vice President Kamala Harris swiftly consolidated support for her presidential bid and secured commitments from hundreds of convention delegates. Harris’ campaign aims to wrap up her presidential nomination by Wednesday and secure a majority of the nearly 4,000 convention delegates needed to win, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

President Joe Biden has endorsed Harris as his successor, but he cannot force delegates to follow his lead. Securing delegate support is essential to ensuring Harris replaces Biden on the November ballot as the party’s nominee against Republican Donald Trump.

“I want to assure you that we are committed to an open and fair nominating process,” the DNC’s Harrison told reporters on a conference call. “The work ahead may be unprecedented, but we are prepared to undertake a transparent, swift, and orderly process to move forward as a united Democratic Party.”

Jenna Moore, the chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, said a virtual nominating process ahead of the August 19-22 event in Chicago was still necessary. “There is still a need for a virtual component to our nominating process. That has not changed,” she said, explaining an electronic voting system would be used to ensure deadlines were met.

Harris had said earlier that a virtual vote would take place between August 1 and August 5, in order to have the nomination process completed by August 7, the date by which Ohio law had required a nominee to be in place to make the state’s ballot. The campaign subsequently pushed back the deadline to September 1, but party officials said they hoped to beat the August 7 deadline to avoid any legal risk in the key swing state.

“By handling this process swiftly and effectively, we will bring our party together as we head into the convention in Chicago united,” Moore said.

Video Release Sparks Outrage Over Illinois Deputy’s Fatal Shooting of Black Woman

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Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson points his weapon at Sonya Massey before shooting her, during a call for help at her home July 6 captured on a still photograph from body camera video released by the Illinois State Police July 22, 2024. Illinois State Police/Handout via REUTERS

The Illinois State Police released bodycam footage on Monday showing a white sheriff’s deputy fatally shooting Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, in her Springfield home on July 6. The video has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for police reform and racial justice.

Sean Grayson, 30, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct. The footage shows Grayson firing three shots at Massey after a brief confrontation in her kitchen.

The incident unfolded when deputies responded to a “prowler” call at Massey’s home at 12:50 a.m. The video reveals that Massey was asked to remove a pot of boiling water from her stove. The situation escalated after Massey said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” prompting Grayson to aim his gun at her. Despite Massey making no apparent verbal threats or aggressive movements, Grayson shot her after repeatedly ordering her to drop the pot.

President Joe Biden issued a statement, saying, “Sonya’s death at the hands of a police officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.” He called for passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, emphasizing the need for comprehensive police reform.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Massey’s family, called the video “shocking” and questioned the use of deadly force, given Massey’s non-threatening behavior. Crump highlighted the importance of video evidence in such cases, stating, “Just imagine if there wasn’t a video, what the narrative would have been.”

The incident has reignited debates about police use of force, racial bias in law enforcement, and the need for mental health training for officers. Grayson remains in jail with his next court date set for August 26.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to fuel ongoing national discussions about police accountability and the treatment of Black Americans by law enforcement. The release of the bodycam footage serves as a catalyst for these conversations, putting pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to address systemic issues in policing and racial justice.

Chris Brown and Live Nation Face $50 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Orchestrated Assault

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R&B singer Chris Brown, rapper Yella Beezy, and entertainment giant Live Nation are facing a $50 million lawsuit over an alleged orchestrated assault following a concert in Fort Worth, Texas. The lawsuit, filed by four plaintiffs, claims that Brown arranged for them to be attacked backstage after his July 20 performance at the Dickies Arena.

Chris Brown

According to legal documents reviewed by TMZ, the plaintiffs – Larry Parker, Joseph Lewis, Charles Bush, and Da Marcus Powell – allege they were invited backstage with a group of 40 women following Brown’s show. The situation reportedly escalated when Bush greeted Brown, leading to a confrontation instigated by a member of Brown’s entourage.

The lawsuit claims that Brown ordered his crew to physically assault Bush, resulting in a group of seven to ten men surrounding and attacking him. One associate, known as ‘Hood Boss,’ allegedly threw a chair at Bush’s head.

The plaintiffs further allege that Brown dispatched Yella Beezy and his associates to assault Larry Parker, who reportedly endured a ten-minute beating. All four plaintiffs claim they sought medical attention for “severe injuries” following the incident, with one still hospitalized, according to their lawyer, Tony Buzbee.

The lawsuit also names Brown’s confidante Sinko Ceej as a defendant. The plaintiffs are seeking restraining orders against Brown, Ceej, and Yella Beezy in addition to the $50 million in damages.

This case raises serious questions about concert safety and the responsibility of artists and promoters for backstage security. As the legal process unfolds, it may have significant implications for the music industry and how post-concert events are managed.

Neither Chris Brown nor Live Nation have publicly commented on the lawsuit at this time. The case is expected to draw significant attention given Brown’s high profile and the substantial damages being sought.

Daily MailOnline

Wealthy Tourist’s $1,000 Las Vegas Tryst with High-Priced Prostitute Turns into $120,000 Theft

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A wealthy tourist’s $1,000 encounter with a Las Vegas escort turned into a $120,000 loss after she allegedly stole his valuable jewelry and cash. The incident, which occurred at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino in July 2022, has led to the arrest of Maiah Meleschi on charges of grand larceny, burglary, and possessing stolen property.

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the unidentified male victim met Meleschi after a night of gambling at the Bellagio. The next morning, he woke to find her gone, along with his $85,000 Rolex, $30,000 gold necklace, and $3,000 in cash.

Surveillance footage captured Meleschi’s initial approach to the victim in the casino and their subsequent journey to the hotel elevators. Later footage showed her leaving the hotel wearing a large gold chain and watch, matching the description of the stolen items.

During the investigation, police located a pawn shop where Meleschi had sold the gold necklace for $11,600, less than half its original value. The Rolex and cash remain unrecovered.

This type of theft, known as a “trick roll,” is a common scam in Las Vegas where sex workers steal valuables from clients, often in hotel settings. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department told Casino.org that such incidents are frequently reported.

Meleschi, who has prior arrests for prostitution and trespassing, is scheduled to appear in court on August 8 and could face prison time if convicted.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of theft targeting tourists in Las Vegas. In a similar incident last September, a visitor at Caesars Palace Las Vegas reported the theft of $120,000 in cash and a $20,000 Rolex watch by two women after winning a jackpot.

As Las Vegas continues to attract millions of visitors annually, authorities urge tourists to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their valuables, especially after winning large sums or when engaging with strangers.

Daily MailOnline