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2 Killed, 2 Injured Including a 2-Year-Old Girl in Washington, D.C. Mass Shooting

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Two people were killed and two others, including a toddler, were injured in a shooting in broad daylight in Washington, D.C., authorities confirmed.

At approximately 11:22 a.m. on Thursday, three individuals emerged from a vehicle and opened fire on the block, according to Washington Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, who addressed the media at a news conference.

Three men who were in the intersection at the time of the shooting were struck. Tragically, two of the men succumbed to their injuries, while the third man was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Additionally, a 2-year-old girl was also shot and is currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, Smith reported.

The young girl was in the process of exiting a daycare with her group for their morning walk when the gunfire erupted. Fortunately, no other children were harmed during the incident.

This is another example of gun violence that we cannot have in our communities,” Chief Smith stated with clear frustration. “We’re sick and tired of this.”

The suspects involved in the shooting remain at large. Authorities are actively searching for a blue Dodge Charger with heavily tinted windows, which they believe was used during the crime. According to Smith, it appears the suspects abandoned one car and then switched to the blue Charger following the shooting.

Chief Smith implored the public for assistance, saying, “We urge anyone, anyone with information that can help our detectives, to call us right away at 202-727-9099.”

Kylian Mbappé Prepared to Sue PSG Over Unpaid Wages, Mother Reveals

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The football world is abuzz with the latest development in high-profile transfer saga of Kylian Mbappé. Fayza Lamari, mother of the 25-year-old French superstar, has revealed that her son is prepared to take legal action against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), over unpaid wages and bonuses.

According to sources cited by ESPN, PSG has yet to pay Mbappé a staggering €80 million ($86 million) in bonuses, plus two months of wages for 2024. This substantial sum has become the center of a brewing legal battle between the player and the French champions.

The dispute comes in the wake of Mbappé’s departure from PSG after his contract expired in June. The prolific striker has since joined Real Madrid on a five-year contract as a free agent, fulfilling a long-standing ambition to play for the Spanish giants.

When asked about the possibility of taking PSG to court, Lamari told Le Parisien, as reported in Diario AS, “If we have no other choice, yes, of course. Now, I really hope that the contract we signed two years ago is respected.” She emphasized the need for discretion regarding the details of Mbappé’s interactions with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, noting that most of their meetings over the past two years were conducted in private.

Kylian and his parents.

Sources have indicated that PSG is reluctant to pay Mbappé what he is owed, viewing it as a way to recoup money following his departure. This stance is reportedly based on an agreement Mbappé made with the club in August, though the details of this agreement remain unclear.

Lamari likened the situation to a divorce, stating, “Sometimes, when you separate, you have to decide who gets the TV, who gets the furniture or the car … That’s where we are.” She expressed hope that the dispute could be resolved amicably, adding, “I hope that all this does not tarnish everything we have been through, that we do not leave it like this.”

Despite the current tension, Mbappé’s time at PSG was undeniably successful. He leaves as the club’s all-time top scorer with 255 goals and having won six Ligue 1 titles in seven seasons. Lamari reflected on the emotional significance of Mbappé’s PSG career, noting, “When you were born in Paris and grew up in Bondy, playing in the Parc des Princes is quite an event.”

As Mbappé begins his new chapter with Real Madrid, Lamari acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in her son’s game, particularly following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign where he scored just once in five appearances.

This dispute between Mbappé and PSG highlights the complex nature of modern football transfers and the financial intricacies involved in high-profile moves. As the situation unfolds, it could potentially set precedents for how clubs and players navigate contractual obligations in the aftermath of major transfers.

Source: espn.com

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Marriage Reportedly Strained by “Too Much Drama”

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Hollywood power couple Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are once again at the center of media attention, with recent reports suggesting their marriage is under strain due to “too much drama.” As the pair spent their second wedding anniversary apart, rumors of marital discord have intensified.

According to a source speaking to OK! Magazine, the alleged breakdown of the couple’s union has left Affleck, 51, feeling “upset and depressed.” The insider claimed, “Jennifer was Ben’s dream woman. It was drama all the time.” They added that despite the disappointment, Affleck believes “ending it is the right thing to do.”

The source highlighted the couple’s contrasting lifestyles as a significant source of tension. Lopez, 54, is described as having a large entourage and living her brand “24/7,” while Affleck reportedly prefers to “leave his work at the door.” This disparity in their approaches to fame and work-life balance has allegedly caused friction in their relationship.

Another insider suggested that the couple’s busy schedules and different personalities have led to phases where “things haven’t been as great between them.” They noted, “They’re not always on the same page. They both have so much going on between taking care of their families and their work commitments and it can be a lot for them.”

Adding fuel to the rumor mill, reports claim that Lopez was “horrified” to discover Affleck had moved his belongings out of their newly listed $60 million Beverly Hills mansion while she was on a solo trip to Europe. The source described this as “a real slap in the face” from Lopez’s perspective.

Despite these rumors, representatives for both Lopez and Affleck have not commented on the situation. The couple has been facing breakup speculation for months, with some sources suggesting their marriage has been over since March.

As the entertainment world watches closely, Lopez was recently spotted cycling in the Hamptons, while Affleck was seen at his Los Angeles office on their anniversary. The couple’s high-profile relationship continues to captivate public interest, with fans and media alike speculating about the future of “Bennifer.”

This latest chapter in their relationship saga underscores the challenges of maintaining a high-profile marriage in the spotlight, where personal struggles often become public spectacle.

Source;pagesix.com

Israel’s Knesset Votes Overwhelmingly Against Palestinian Statehood as Netanyahu Prepares for U.S. Visit

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Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to reject the establishment of a Palestinian state, highlighting the deepening decline in support for a two-state solution among wider Israeli society. This decisive vote comes at a critical juncture as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a significant visit to the United States.

Out of the 120-member legislative body, 68 voted in support of the resolution, which asserts that a Palestinian state would “pose an existential danger to the State of Israel.” Nine members opposed the resolution, while others abstained, reflecting a clear stance against Palestinian statehood within the Israeli government.

The timing of this vote is particularly noteworthy as Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to travel to the United States to address a joint session of Congress and meet with President Joe Biden. President Biden has been vocal in pushing for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a stance that contrasts sharply with the Knesset’s recent decision.

There is uncertainty about whether President Biden’s recent Covid-19 diagnosis will affect the scheduled plans for the meeting. However, the outcome of Thursday’s vote is likely to heighten concerns among Democrats expected to attend Netanyahu’s speech to Congress next Wednesday. Bilal Y. Saab, a former U.S. Defense Department official and head of the U.S.-Middle East practice of Trends Research and Advisory, a think tank based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, expressed concerns about the timing of the vote.

“The timing of it is a little bit puzzling,” Saab said. “This will clearly embarrass the president here and put him in a very difficult position with respect to his standing with the Democrats.”

The vote could also signal that Israeli lawmakers have confidence that “the next president is going to be Donald Trump” and that they are willing to align closely with the Republican Party’s policies. This assertion highlights the broader political implications of the Knesset’s decision, suggesting a strategic alignment with U.S. conservative politics.

The vote against Palestinian statehood has drawn significant reactions from various quarters. Supporters argue that it reinforces Israel’s security and national interests, while critics warn that it undermines peace efforts and further entrenches divisions.

As Netanyahu prepares for his U.S. visit, the international community will be closely watching the developments and their implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Knesset’s vote underscores the challenges ahead for achieving a two-state solution and the broader geopolitical dynamics at play.

Arizona Boy, 9, Found Dead in Decomposing State in Spider-Infested Home, in Sitting Position; Father Charged

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In a shocking case of child neglect, a 9-year-old boy was found dead and decomposing in an Arizona home filled with spiders, trash, and bottles of urine. The boy’s father, Joseph Gregory Antonsen, 38, now faces charges of child abuse and negligent homicide.

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The Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence in the Tucson Mountain District on July 14, where they made the gruesome discovery. According to probable cause documents, deputies found the child “in a sitting position” on a couch, already “in the process of decomposition.”

The home was described as “cluttered” with piles of trash surrounding the couch where the boy was found. Authorities reported empty beer cans, large piles of soiled diapers, rotten food, and gallon bottles filled with what appeared to be urine. Significant insect activity, including black widow and brown recluse spiders, was noted, with spiderwebs covering the walls throughout the home. The residence had no running water or working toilets.

Antonsen told authorities in Arizona his son fell ill on July 12. He claimed he was planning to take the boy to a doctor, but the child began “shuttering and going limp” before stopping breathing. Antonsen said he couldn’t find a pulse. Instead of calling for help, Antonsen allegedly left the home without his son and didn’t return until July 14. He “declined” to speak further with deputies.

Based on the “deplorable conditions” of the home and Antonsen’s failure to seek medical aid or call 911, authorities charged him with child abuse and negligent homicide. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

A neighbor described the deceased boy as “really cute” and “very polite,” noting he was “a lot friendlier than his dad.”

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of child neglect and the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. It raises questions about how such severe neglect could go unnoticed and underscores the need for increased awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect.

The Gambia Rejects Effort to Legalize Female Genital Mutilation, Marking a Victory for Activists

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Anti Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) protesters hold placards outside the National Assembly in Banjul on march 18, 2024, during the debate between lawmakers on a highly controversial bill seeking to lift the ban on FGM. Gambian lawmakers voted on March 18, 2024 to advance to the next parliamentary stage a highly controversial bill that seeks to lift a ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), which has been in place since 2015. The issue has divided the tiny West African nation for months, with hundreds gathering to protest outside parliament. (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE / AFP) (Photo by MUHAMADOU BITTAYE/AFP via Getty Images)

In a landmark decision, The Gambia’s National Assembly has voted to maintain the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), rejecting efforts to legalize the practice. This vote marks a significant victory for human rights activists and opponents of FGM, both within The Gambia and globally.

On Monday, lawmakers voted 34 to 19 against a bill that would have reversed the 2015 ban on FGM. The decision was met with celebration by activists like 29-year-old Absa Samba, who herself underwent the procedure at age 2. “There was a huge sense of relief,” Samba said, describing the moment the results were announced.

The Gambia’s decision holds particular significance as it could have become the first country to reverse its ban on FGM. With over 230 million women and girls worldwide having undergone FGM, according to UNICEF, The Gambia’s stance sends a strong message to other nations considering similar legislation.

Judy Gitau, regional Africa coordinator for Equity Now, noted, “The eyes of the world, indeed, were on The Gambia.” The vote is expected to influence discussions in nearby countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia, which are considering their own FGM bans.

Despite the legislative victory, supporters of FGM, led by religious figures like Imam Abdoulie Fatty, continue to advocate for the practice. Fatty argued that the procedure is part of being Muslim, a claim disputed by many Islamic scholars.

The Gambia’s high FGM prevalence rate – 73% among women aged 19 to 49 – underscores the deep-rooted nature of the practice. Rose Sarr, the country representative for the United Nations Population Fund, acknowledges the challenges ahead: “We are talking about something that has been entrenched in tradition and practices for so long.”

While enforcement of the ban remains a challenge, there are encouraging signs. The latest government survey found that 47% of Gambian women now believe FGM should not continue, a growing sentiment that activists hope will continue to spread.

The recent debate has also brought the topic of FGM into the open. “Before it was really something that would not be debated,” Sarr notes. “Women would suffer in silence.”

As The Gambia moves forward with its ban on FGM intact, the focus now shifts to enforcement and changing social norms. Activists and international organizations emphasize the need for continued education and awareness campaigns to complement legal measures.

This vote represents not just a legal victory, but a pivotal moment in The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to protect women’s rights and health. As the world watches, The Gambia’s stance on FGM could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar cultural and human rights issues.

Source: npr.org

Thousands of Dead Fish Cover Brazilian River Due to Industrial Waste  Dumping

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Reports have emerged of another mass die-off of fish in Tanqua, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the city of Piracicaba, Brazil where news of dead fish first surfaced. This alarming event underscores the severe environmental challenges facing the region.

The Piracicaba River, which runs through one of the oldest regions of occupation in Sao Paulo state, has historically served as a vital waterway. It was used for navigation by small steamers and supplied water to sugar cane and coffee farms, according to the country’s national statistics agency.

This latest incident in Tanqua is part of a broader pattern of environmental distress. Last year, a severe drought in the Amazon also resulted in the death of huge quantities of fish. The drought’s impact on aquatic life has been devastating, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and environmental conservation efforts.

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Environmental experts are raising concerns about the frequency and scale of these die-offs, which they attribute to a combination of factors including pollution, climate change, and poor water management. Immediate actions and long-term strategies are necessary to mitigate the impact of such environmental disasters on local ecosystems and communities.

The Brazilian government and environmental organizations are urged to investigate the causes of these mass die-offs and implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Protecting the biodiversity of the Piracicaba River and other affected regions is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local livelihoods.

Additional 19 Students Killed in Bangladesh as Protests Over Government Jobs Turn Deadly

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Police in Bangladesh clashed with student protesters attempting to impose a “complete shutdown” of the country on Thursday, following days of violent confrontations over a system of allocating government jobs. Media reports indicate that 19 more people died across the country during the unrest.

Dhaka-based leading Prothom Alo newspaper, known for its strong network of reporters across the country, reported by late Thursday night that they had received accounts of 19 deaths in Dhaka and elsewhere amid the escalating violence. The country’s leading English-language Daily Star also confirmed 19 deaths.

With the latest toll, the number of deaths has reached 25 since Tuesday when six others lost their lives in the violence. Authorities have not yet confirmed the figures immediately.

Prothom Alo also reported at least six people died in Dhaka’s Uttara area in the latest clashes between the protesters and security officials, along with ruling party activists. Thirteen others, including a Dhaka-based journalist from an online portal, died in other parts of the capital and elsewhere.

The country’s state-run Bangladesh Television station’s head office was attacked as the protesters broke the main gate, set the reception and a vehicle on fire, a news producer and a reporter told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity as they were afraid of retaliation.

“I escaped by leaping over the wall, but some of my colleagues got stuck inside. They could not get out as the building set furniture on fire,” the producer said. He added that the television continued broadcasting, but some residents in the area feared for their safety and had to sleep in the school at home for the station.

The protests have been ongoing for weeks over the government’s quota system for government jobs, which students argue unfairly allocates 56% of jobs to selected groups including freedom fighters’ descendants, women, and marginalized ethnic groups. The protests have intensified since Sunday, with students blocking major roads and clashing with police and ruling party activists.

The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with reports of ongoing protests and violence. The government has called for calm and promised to review the quota system, but the students remain adamant in their demands for a complete overhaul.

AP Reports

South Korea’s Supreme Court Grants Equal Health Insurance Benefits to Same-Sex Couples in Landmark Ruling

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The Supreme Court in South Korea ruled Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples, a landmark verdict hailed by human rights groups.

The Supreme Court said it ruled that the state health insurance agency’s refusal to provide spousal insurance coverage for gay couples was an act of discrimination that violates the constitutional principle of equality.

Thursday’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

“Today’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea,” Amnesty International said in a statement. “The court has taken a significant step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusivity for all.”

A legal battle between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min, and the National Health Insurance Service began after the insurance agency revoked So’s registration as a dependent of Kim, prompting So to file an administrative suit.

In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance agency. But in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned the earlier verdict, saying that denying So’s spousal coverage rights without reasonable grounds was discriminatory because such benefits are given to heterosexual couples.

While LGBTQ rights issues in South Korea have gradually changed in recent years, the conservative East Asian country still has a long way to go to guarantee complete equality for sexual minorities. South Korea doesn’t legally recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions.

Nonetheless, Thursday’s decision by the Supreme Court itself is a sobering reminder of the progress being made toward equality and inclusivity in South Korea.

Source: AP

Philadelphia Union Midfielder Cavan Sullivan Becomes Youngest Ever in MLS at 14 Years Old

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Fourteen-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player in Major League Soccer history on Wednesday night — and probably the youngest to play in any of the biggest professional sports leagues in the world.

Sullivan was 14 years, 293 days old when he entered Philadelphia’s home game as a substitute in the 85th minute against the New England Revolution. That makes him about two weeks younger than Freddy Adu when he made his MLS debut in 2004 for DC United.

Sullivan made his debut moments after his brother, 20-year-old Quinn, scored a goal to put Philadelphia up 5-1.

Cavan Sullivan, who replaced forward Tai Baribo, got a handful of touches in the final minutes of the Union’s blowout win. He even recorded his first shot on goal, blasting it at New England’s net from outside the penalty area in the final minute of injury time, but it was comfortably saved by Aljaz Ivacic.

“Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record-breaking debut today,” Adu wrote on social media. “That’s a hard record to break and the kid did it. Well done and good luck my man.”

Sullivan is younger than any player who has appeared in the NBA, NHL, NFL, NWSL, WNBA or Major League Baseball since at least 1970, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Andrew Bynum, who debuted for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005 at the age of 18 years, 6 days, holds that mark.

The youngest debut in the five biggest soccer leagues around the world since at least 1988, according to FBRef.com, was Ethan Nwaneri, who came on for Arsenal in 2022 at 15 years, 181 days.

Cavan Sullivan was born in Philadelphia to two soccer-playing parents, and he joined the Union’s youth academy four years ago. He made his professional debut in March for the Philadelphia Union II in MLS’ development league.

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