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Mozambique’s Former Finance Minister Manuel Chang Faces US Trial Over $2 Billion Tuna Bond Scandal

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Manuel Chang, former finance minister of Mozambique, appears at the Kempton Park Magistrates court to fight extradition to the United states on January 8 2019 in Kempton Park, South Africa. - Chang has received an indictment from the US department of justice detailing charges linked to three loans to Mozambican state companies, lawyer Rudi Krause said. (Photo by Wikus DE WET / AFP) (Photo credit should read WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images)

The “tuna bond” scandal, which has severely impacted Mozambique’s economy, has reached a U.S. court where former Mozambican finance minister Manuel Chang is facing charges. Chang is accused of accepting bribes to commit his country to massive loans, which prosecutors allege were looted to finance lavish lifestyles rather than public projects.

Former Mozambican finance minister, Manuel Chang, is seen in court in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, Jan. 8, 2019.

The loans, which were supposed to fund tuna fishing ships, failed to serve their intended purpose. When the government’s $2 billion “hidden debt” came to light in 2016, it triggered a financial crisis in Mozambique, one of the world’s poorest countries, leading to significant economic repercussions.

This week, jurors began hearing the case against Chang in a federal court in Brooklyn. He served as Mozambique’s top financial official from 2005 to 2015. Prosecutors argue that Chang “abused his authority to enrich himself through bribery, fraud, and money laundering,” stated Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Cooch during the opening statements.

The indictment reveals that Chang is known to have funneled the loan money through elaborate schemes involving international banks and shell companies. The money, intended for public infrastructure and development, was allegedly misappropriated to support luxury expenditures, including lavish homes and yachts.

Manuel Chang, former finance minister of Mozambique, appears at the Kempton Park Magistrates court to fight extradition to the United States on January 8 2019 in Kempton Park, South Africa.

Chang, who has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges, is defended by lawyer Adam Ford. Ford argued to jurors that there is no concrete evidence proving Chang accepted any payoffs or received money for having Mozambique guarantee the loans’ repayment. “Minister Chang signed these guarantees because that’s what his government wanted him to do,” Ford stated on Tuesday.

The trial continued on Wednesday, with Chang attentively following proceedings through a Portuguese language interpreter.

Between 2013 and 2016, three Mozambique government-controlled companies borrowed $2 billion from major overseas banks. These loans, guaranteed by Chang’s signature, assured the creditors of repayment. However, the intended projects, including tuna fishing ships, a shipyard, and Coast Guard patrol boats to protect natural gas fields off the country’s Indian Ocean coast, were never completed.

The scandal has drawn international attention due to its scale and the severe economic impact on Mozambique. The fraudulent activities were uncovered following an investigation that revealed discrepancies in the loan agreements and mismanagement of funds.

AP Reports

Autopsy Reveals Cyanide Poisoning in Deaths of Six Guests at Bangkok Luxury Hotel

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Initial autopsy results have revealed traces of cyanide in the blood of six Vietnamese and American guests who died at a luxury hotel in central Bangkok. One of the guests is believed to have poisoned the others over a bad investment, Thai authorities announced on Wednesday.

Police make preliminary report

The bodies were found on Tuesday in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, a landmark located at a central intersection in the capital, surrounded by malls, government buildings, and public transit.

The six guests were last seen alive when food was delivered to their room on Monday afternoon. The staff observed one woman receiving the food, and security video showed the rest arriving one by one shortly after. There were no other visitors, and no one was seen leaving. The door was locked from the inside. A maid found them on Tuesday afternoon when they failed to check out.

Thai Prime Minster

Upon entering the room, hotel staff found that the food ordered the previous day was left untouched, with some servings of fried rice still under plastic wrap. While the food was untouched, several used teacups were on a nearby table, next to two thermos bottles.

Lt. Gen. Trairong Pipwan, chief of the Thai police force’s forensic division, confirmed the presence of cyanide in the cups and bottles. Initial results from autopsies of the six bodies, performed at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital, were shared on Wednesday. Kornkiat Wongbansarinsin, head of the forensic medicine department at Chulalongkorn University’s medical school, stated at a news conference that cyanide was found in the blood of all six victims. A CAT scan showed signs of blunt force trauma, reinforcing the hypothesis that they had been poisoned.

Hotel where it all happened

The hotel’s head of security, Chanchai Sittipunt, mentioned that the team knew the guests and attempted to determine if cyanide was the likely cause of death.

The Thai police chief, Gen. Tith Sangswang, identified the dead as two Vietnamese men and four American women. He indicated that the victims had likely ingested the cyanide-laced tea, which is considered to be the cause of death.

The Associated Press

Lionel Messi Urged to Apologize for Argentina Players’ Racist Chant After Copa America Win

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A celebratory moment for Argentina’s national soccer team has turned into a controversy, as calls mount for team captain Lionel Messi to apologize for racist chants made by players following their Copa America victory. The incident has sparked international outrage and prompted responses from government officials, soccer clubs, and FIFA.

The Controversial Chant

Following Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Colombia in the Copa America final on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida, a video surfaced on social media showing members of the triumphant squad singing a racist chant targeting French players of African heritage. The chant, which had previously emerged among some Argentina fans before the 2022 World Cup final against France, singles out French players with African roots.

Calls for Apology

Julio Garro, Argentina’s sports sub-secretary, has called on Messi and Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentina Football Association (AFA), to issue apologies. “The national team captain must also come out to apologize for this case. The same AFA president,” Garro stated in radio interviews. “I think it is appropriate. It leaves us as a country in a bad position, with so much glory.”

While it’s unclear from the video whether Messi participated in the chant, his status as team captain and global soccer icon has put him at the center of the controversy.

Enzo Fernandez’s Apology and Chelsea’s Response

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who was visible in the video, has issued a public apology on Instagram. “I am truly sorry,” Fernandez stated, adding, “That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character.”

In response, Chelsea FC has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez. The club released a statement saying, “We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome. We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”

FIFA Investigation

FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, has announced it is looking into the incident. “FIFA is aware of a video circulating on social media and the incident is being looked into,” the organization stated. “FIFA strongly condemns any form of discrimination by anyone including players, fans and officials.”

The French soccer federation has pledged to file a complaint with FIFA over the “racist and discriminatory remarks.”

Broader Implications

This incident highlights ongoing issues of racism in soccer and raises questions about the responsibility of high-profile players and organizations in combating discrimination. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously committed to relaunching a task force to monitor racist incidents, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to racism in the sport.

The controversy also underscores the power of social media in amplifying such incidents and the need for swift, decisive action from clubs, national associations, and governing bodies.

As the soccer world awaits further developments, including potential disciplinary actions from FIFA and the AFA, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism in sports and the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect both on and off the field.

Source: The Associated Press

President Joe Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19 After Las Vegas Event

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President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 following an event in Las Vegas, the White House announced on Wednesday, July 17.

“He is vaccinated and boosted and he is experiencing mild symptoms,” stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “He will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time. The White House will provide regular updates on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.

The White House also released a statement from the president’s doctor, who reported that Biden’s symptoms include “upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.”

“He felt okay for his first event of the day, but given that he was not feeling better, point of care testing for COVID-19 was conducted, and the results were positive for the COVID-19 virus. Given this, the President will be self-isolating in accordance with CDC guidance for symptomatic individuals,” the doctor’s statement read.

“PCR confirmation testing will be pending,” the statement continued. “The President has received his first dose of Paxlovid. He will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth.”

Real Estate Titan Sergio Pino Dies by Suicide During FBI Raid After Paying Hitman to Kill His Wife of 32 Years

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A prominent real estate mogul, Sergio Pino, 67, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during an FBI raid at his Florida home. The raid took place on Tuesday morning with the intent to arrest Pino for allegedly hiring hitmen to kill his estranged wife, Tatiana. Authorities revealed these details in a news conference on Wednesday.

Sergio Pino was found dead at his home on Tuesday

Tatiana, 55, had claimed that Sergio poisoned her “multiple times” with fentanyl throughout their two-year divorce battle. The allegations against Pino in the former couple’s divorce proceedings also included claims of arson and stalking.

Pino, who founded the Miami-Dade-based real estate company Century Homebuilders Group, was found dead from an “apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound” in an upstairs bedroom of his waterfront home in Coral Gables, about five miles outside of Miami.

Pino’s attorney, Sam Rabin, confirmed to The U.S. Sun that he died by suicide. “Sergio Pino took his own life today,” Rabin said in a statement, criticizing how law enforcement handled the raid. “The level of law enforcement activity at his residence was unprecedented and unnecessary, especially since we had offered to surrender him should that have become necessary.”

“Today’s events mark a very tragic ending to an investigation that we were confident we could successfully defend. There were many rumors and allegations but what was lacking was evidence.”

FBI’s statement about the incident

FBI Miami’s Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Veltri shared the following statement regarding Tuesday’s incident.

“This morning, the FBI conducted search and arrest operations at two locations in Miami-Dade County which are connected to an ongoing murder-for-hire investigation initiated in the Fall of 2023,” Veltri said.

“The first operation was at 9720 Bel Aire Drive in Miami. The subject was arrested without incident and a search of that location was conducted. No further information about this location will be released at this time.

“The second location was at 142 Isla Dorada Boulevard in Coral Gables where the subject, Sergio Pino, was discovered by the FBI inside the residence deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Upon arrival, members of the FBI Miami SWAT team attempted to call out any occupants of the residence.

“When there was no response, the SWAT team entered the residence and conducted a methodical search to locate the subject. Ultimately, Mr. Pino was discovered alone in an upstairs bedroom.

“The ultimate determination of cause of death will come from the medical examiner’s office.

“I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida for their close cooperation and diligence during this investigation.

“Because this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time,” the statement concluded.

Credit: the-sun.com

Celine Dion Making Triumphant Las Vegas Comeback: A Beacon of Hope Amid Health Struggles

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Legendary singer Celine Dion is reportedly set to make a triumphant return to the Las Vegas stage this fall, despite her ongoing battle with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). The U.S. Sun has exclusively learned that the 56-year-old superstar is planning a limited run of shows, showcasing her greatest hits in the city she helped revitalize in the 2000s.

Sources close to Dion reveal that the French-Canadian icon has been experiencing “visions of returning to sing,” which have significantly boosted her mood and ignited her desire to perform again. These visions are seen as a form of manifestation, with Dion asserting her will over her body’s limitations.

“It is like manifesting her comeback – asserting her will with her body,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.

The comeback is expected to feature 70-minute performances at the prestigious Resorts World Theatre. Some shows are rumored to coincide with the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 21–23, adding an extra layer of excitement to the city’s entertainment calendar.

Dion’s last live performance was on March 8, 2020, in Newark, New Jersey, as part of her Courage world tour. The COVID-19 pandemic and her subsequent SPS diagnosis forced her to cancel future tour dates and Vegas residencies. Now, after a four-year hiatus, she’s ready to reclaim her throne as the Queen of Vegas.

Despite the challenges posed by SPS, Dion has been rigorously preparing for her return. She’s been rehearsing with musicians and voice therapists for several months, focusing on vocal strength and control. The singer is working with specialists to address her condition, which can be triggered by emotional moments.

“Celine is confident that she can ‘manage’ her extreme conditions now that she is in intense therapy sessions,” the source revealed. “She’s also being aided by medication and medical assistance.”

While SPS is incurable, various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow its progression. Dion’s determination to perform again showcases her resilience and unwavering spirit.

Dion’s comeback is not just about her return to the stage; it’s also about raising awareness for SPS. The singer believes that sharing her experience, as she did in her documentary “I Am: Celine Dion,” can help others facing similar challenges.

“She believes that even if ‘one person can be helped’ then sharing her experience on camera was worth it,” the insider explained.

The documentary, which premiered on June 17 in New York City and became available on Amazon Prime Video on June 25, has been critically acclaimed for its honest portrayal of Dion’s struggle with SPS.

While there’s optimism surrounding Dion’s return, her team is prepared for all scenarios. Concert promoter AEG, reportedly staging the comeback performances, is confident in Dion’s readiness for November. However, they’re also prepared to postpone the shows until 2025 if necessary, prioritizing the singer’s health and well-being.

For Dion, returning to the stage is not just about entertaining her fans; it’s also a form of therapy. “Celine feels that she will be partially healed by fans when she gets back on stage,” the source shared. This belief in the healing power of performance and fan connection underscores the deep emotional bond between the artist and her audience.

Stiff Person Syndrome, the condition Dion is battling, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by progressive muscle stiffness and painful spasms. While there’s no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms. Dion’s openness about her condition has brought much-needed attention to this rare disorder.

Celine Dion’s planned return to Las Vegas is more than just a musical comeback; it’s a testament to her indomitable spirit and the power of hope. As she prepares to once again grace the stage that made her a Vegas icon, Dion sends a powerful message of resilience to her fans and anyone facing health challenges.

Her journey from diagnosis to potential comeback serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, the heart – and the show – must go on.

Credit:the-sun.com

Burna Boy Becomes First African Artist to Hit Two Billion Streams in the UK

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Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy has made history as the first African artiste to achieve two billion streams in the United Kingdom. The “Twice as Tall” singer received a Brit Plaque at his sold-out show at Koko Camden in London on Monday night, celebrating this significant milestone.

This achievement comes just weeks after Burna Boy was awarded a Brit 1 billion streams plaque at his sold-out London Stadium show in June. The rapid progression from one billion to two billion streams highlights the growing global impact of the Nigerian superstar.

In a viral video capturing the moment he received the Brit 2 billion streams plaque, Burna Boy passionately declared, “I fought for it.” Expressing his gratitude, he said, “Thank you very much. I appreciate you. Ehen, now that’s it. You’ve got to fight for your right.”

One of the presenters remarked, “You already have it. You don’t need to fight.” To which he firmly responded, “No. You know, we have to fight for our rights.”

Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy has continued to dominate headlines with his electrifying performances across Europe and beyond. In the first half of the year, he performed in major concerts, consistently selling out venues in the United Kingdom and solidifying his global influence as an “Afrobeat Ambassador.

Ukraine and Russia Exchange 95 Prisoners of War

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Ukraine and Russia have each exchanged 95 prisoners of war, marking the 54th such swap since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Officials from both countries announced the exchange on Wednesday, three weeks after their last swap, in a continuing series of agreements to return captured troops home.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the exchange, highlighting the ongoing negotiations and diplomacy required for these prisoner swaps. The exact number of POWs held by each side remains undisclosed.

In a post on the Telegram messaging service, Zelenskyy acknowledged the role of the United Arab Emirates in brokering the agreement. The UAE has maintained friendly relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, facilitating the complex logistics of these exchanges.

Zelenskyy also shared photos of the returning Ukrainian servicemen, many of whom appeared gaunt with shaven heads. The images showed the released POWs standing against a backdrop of the open countryside, symbolizing their return to freedom.

“No matter how difficult it may be, we are looking for everyone who may be in captivity. We have to return everyone,” Zelenskyy wrote in his post, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to recovering all its captured soldiers.

Among the released Ukrainians were individuals who had been held for over two years, including those captured in Mariupol during Russia’s early offensive in the city and battles in the eastern Luhansk region. The country’s Coordination Headquarters for POWs provided support for their return.

Since the conflict began, over 3,400 people, including both civilians and military personnel, have been returned to Ukraine through these exchanges. The ongoing efforts underscore the enduring human cost of the war and the persistent drive for resolution and peace.

AP

Loud Boom and Fireball Over NYC Explained by NASA as Meteor Event

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Residents in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut were taken by surprise this week by a loud boom and an unexpected cosmic event in the sky. The sudden noise left many bewildered, prompting a flurry of speculation and curiosity.

New York City Councilman Justin Brannan addressed the situation in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning: “Folks from the Jersey Shore to the West Side of Manhattan reported hearing a sonic boom about 1 hour ago. I personally spoke with NYC Emergency Management and there is nothing on their radar. USGS says no earthquake. Some say maybe a meteor?”

NASA later confirmed that the source of the loud boom and the accompanying explosion-like sound was indeed a daylight fireball over New York City around 11:17 a.m. on Tuesday, as reported by NASA Meteor Watch.

More than 40 individuals from Wilmington, Delaware to Newport, Rhode Island, reported sightings of the fireball to the American Meteor Society, with some even posting videos of the dazzling event online.

NASA Meteor Watch stated that the meteor originated over New York City and traveled west towards New Jersey at a staggering speed of 38,000 miles per hour, based on these eyewitness accounts. However, NASA noted that the meteor’s trajectory was “very crude and uncertain” due to the lack of camera or satellite data to refine their observations.

In their statement, NASA also mentioned that the fireball was first observed at an altitude of 49 miles above Upper Bay, east of Greenville Yard, New Jersey, before moving at 34,000 miles per hour. The space rock followed a steep angle and passed over the Statue of Liberty before eventually breaking up around 29 miles above Manhattan. Fortunately, no meteorites were recovered from this event.

NASA emphasized that contrary to popular belief, they do not actively track small rocks from space unless they are on a potential collision course with Earth. The agency reiterated that their focus remains on identifying and tracking larger, potentially hazardous asteroids.

This remarkable event serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of our solar system. While the loud boom and bright flash startled many, it also provided a spectacular demonstration of a natural cosmic phenomenon.

Naomi Campbell, 54, Shows Off Fit Figure in Gold Bikini on Yacht in Ibiza With Famous Pals

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She’s a bikini babe.

Naomi Campbell showed off her fit figure while vacationing on a yacht in Ibiza with actresses Eiza González and Michelle Rodriguez.

According to pics, the supermodel, 54, stunned in a metallic gold bikini as she stood on the pricey vessel while enjoying a day at sea on Monday.

Naomi Campbell was seen having fun in the sun with friends in Ibiza.

Campbell accessorized her look with gold jewelry and brown-and-gold sunglasses. She also wore her hair under a black hair wrap.

Rodriguez, 46, sported a white bikini, while González, 34, rocked a black two-piece.

The supermodel showed off her fit figure in a gold bikini.

At one point, the “3 Body Problem” actress was seen rinsing off her body on the side of the yacht.

A few days earlier, the trio did some shopping in Ibiza’s Old Town.

Campbell’s girls’ outing comes weeks after she revealed that she was teased about her appearance when she was younger.

She paired her look with gold jewelry and sunglasses.

“I wasn’t at ease with myself because I was very skinny and quite tall for my age. And they used to call me Olive Oyl,” she shared on the “Cambon Podcast” last month, referring to the cartoon character Popeye’s girlfriend.

“And, you know, kids call each other names. My neck’s quite long, so I used to try to shrug my neck down so it wouldn’t be so long. I felt awkward.”

Campbell was joined on the yacht by actresses Eiza González and Michelle Rodriguez (pictured left)

However, Campbell’s passion for dancing eventually helped her embrace her physique.

“Dance would make me forget about that. I just would pose the movements and the poses that I did for dance, and that got me through,” she explained.

A few days earlier, the women did some shopping in Ibiza’s Old Town.

“And creativity, too. It’s something that I loved and yeah, that will never change with me. I feel that’s something that’s really part of my DNA.”

Despite being made fun of, the mom of two, who started modeling at 15, became the first black model on several magazines’ covers, including Vogue and Time.

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