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US Journalist Evan Gershkovich to Face Espionage Trial in Russia on June 26

Evan Gershkovich, a US journalist working for The Wall Street Journal, is set to face trial on espionage charges in Russia on June 26, 2023. The trial will take place in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg and will be held behind closed doors, according to the court overseeing the process.

Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in March 2023 while on a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg and has since been held in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo prison. He became the first Western journalist to be arrested for spying in Russia since the Soviet era.

Last week, Russia’s prosecutor general accused Gershkovich of working for the CIA and “collecting secret information” about tank maker Uralvagonzavod in the Sverdlovsk region where he was arrested. The United States dismissed the charges as having “zero credibility,” while The Wall Street Journal condemned Russia’s announcement as “outrageous.”

Prior to this, Moscow had not provided any public details of its case against Gershkovich, stating only that he was “caught red-handed.” If found guilty, the journalist faces up to 20 years in prison.

Gershkovich, his family, his employer, and Washington have consistently denied all charges against him since his arrest, maintaining that he was simply doing his job as a journalist. The Wall Street Journal’s chief editor Emma Tucker and top executives issued a statement, calling Russia’s move toward a sham trial “deeply disappointing” and “no less outrageous.”

The US State Department declared Gershkovich “wrongfully detained” last year, effectively signaling that the White House considers him a political hostage. Washington has accused Moscow of arresting its citizens on baseless charges to use them as bargaining chips for securing the release of Russians convicted abroad.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his willingness to see Gershkovich freed as part of a prisoner exchange in February, indicating that talks were ongoing. However, he made it clear that he wanted any deal to involve the release of a Russian jailed in Germany for killing a Chechen dissident.

The Kremlin reiterated on Monday that there was “contact” with the US regarding a possible exchange involving Gershkovich but emphasized that the talks “need to be held in total silence.”

Other US nationals detained in Russia include reporter Alsu Kurmasheva, who was detained last year for failing to register as a “foreign agent,” and former US marine Paul Whelan, who has been in prison since 2018 and is serving a 16-year sentence on espionage charges. Both are pushing to be included in any future prisoner exchange.

Gershkovich, born in the United States to Soviet emigre parents, is a well-known and well-liked member of the Moscow press corps. Prior to joining The Wall Street Journal, he worked for Agence France-Presse. Friends have quipped that the outgoing journalist had probably befriended his guards at Lefortovo prison, where he shares a small cell with another inmate.

As the trial date approaches, the international community will be closely monitoring the proceedings, with many calling for Gershkovich’s release and condemning Russia’s actions as politically motivated.

Netanyahu Dissolves War Cabinet Following Key Partner’s Departure from Government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved the influential War Cabinet, which was tasked with steering the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. The move comes just days after Benny Gantz, a centrist former military chief and key member of the Cabinet, left the government due to frustrations over Netanyahu’s handling of the situation.

From left, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz speak during a news conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel on Oct. 28, 2023. 

The dissolution of the War Cabinet was widely anticipated following Gantz’s departure earlier this month. His absence from the government leaves Netanyahu more reliant on his ultranationalist allies to govern, and the decision to disband the Cabinet underscores this shift in power dynamics.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to discuss the change with the media, stated that going forward, Netanyahu will hold smaller forums with some of his government members to address sensitive issues related to the conflict. This includes his security Cabinet, which includes far-right governing partners who have voiced opposition to cease-fire deals and support for reoccupying Gaza.

The War Cabinet was initially formed in the early days of the conflict when Gantz, then an opposition party leader and Netanyahu’s rival, joined the coalition in a show of unity. He had demanded that a small decision-making body steer the war effort, aiming to sideline far-right members of Netanyahu’s government.

The move to scrap the War Cabinet comes as Israel faces pivotal decisions regarding the ongoing conflict. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making has been influenced by the ultranationalists in his government and his desire to remain in power, allegations that the Prime Minister denies, stating that he has the country’s best interests in mind.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Gantz’s departure, while not directly threatening Netanyahu’s rule, has shaken Israeli politics at a sensitive time. The popular former military chief was seen as a statesman who boosted Israel’s credibility with its international partners at a time when the country finds itself increasingly isolated.

In Israel’s fractious parliamentary system, Netanyahu relies on a group of small parties to keep his government afloat. Without the support of Gantz’s party, Netanyahu is expected to be more beholden to his far-right allies, who make up Israel’s most religious and nationalist government ever.

As the situation in Gaza continues to develop, the dissolution of the War Cabinet and the shifting power dynamics within the Israeli government are likely to have significant implications for the future of the conflict and Israel’s relationships with its international partners.

Euro 2024 Day 4 Predictions: France Kick Off Campaign Against Austria, Belgium Face Slovakia

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The first few days of Euro 2024 have flown by, with seven matches already played in Germany. Monday brings three more exciting fixtures, including the highly-anticipated debut of tournament favorites France, who will face Austria in their Group D opener.

France, the 2018 World Cup champions, have won their opening match at the last two European Championships and will be looking to maintain that streak against an Austrian side that has been in impressive form leading up to the tournament. Considered potential dark horses, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria will be aiming to upset the odds and make a statement against the star-studded French squad.

Kylian Mbappe and his France teammates.

Earlier in the day, all four Group E teams will be in action. The first match pits Romania against Ukraine in Munich. While both sides have had inconsistent form recently, Ukraine will be the clear favorites. However, Romania could prove to be a handful, having topped their qualification group ahead of Switzerland.

The second Group E match features Belgium, a team known for their exciting attacking talent, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The Belgians will face Slovakia in Frankfurt, but coach Domenico Tedesco will need to navigate a defensive injury crisis to avoid an early upset. It’s worth noting that Belgium failed to reach the knockout stages at the 2022 World Cup, finishing behind eventual semi-finalists Croatia and Morocco.

Slovakia, on the other hand, enjoyed an impressive qualification campaign, suffering only one defeat to the unbeaten Portugal. They won seven matches and finished with 22 points, losing just three of their last 17 international fixtures.

Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium.

The day concludes with the headline match between France and Austria. Led by the electrifying Kylian Mbappe, the French will be eager to make a statement in their opening game. However, Austria is likely to provide a sterner test than many anticipate. The 2008 tournament co-hosts have been in scintillating form, losing just once in their last 16 matches, with victories over Germany, Italy, and Sweden during that period.

As the fourth day of Euro 2024 unfolds, fans can expect thrilling encounters and potential surprises. While France and Belgium are the favorites in their respective matches, both Austria and Slovakia have the potential to cause upsets and shake up the tournament’s early stages. With the action heating up in Germany, Monday’s matches promise to be another captivating day of international football at its finest.

Kick-off time (BST)FixturePrediction
14:00Romania vs Ukraine0-1
17:00Belgium vs Slovakia3-1
20:00Austria vs France1-2

Credit: 90mins.com

Investigation Launched into Death of US-Based Businessman Found in Lagos Hotel Room

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The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of Onyejekwe Izuchukwu, a US-based businessman, whose lifeless body was found in a hotel room in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

According to sources, the 62-year-old Izuchukwu, who resided in Texas, USA, had returned to Nigeria for business dealings when the tragic incident occurred on June 9, 2024. He had been staying at the hotel in Ikoyi while conducting the business activities that brought him back to the country.

Speaking anonymously to PUNCH Metro on Sunday, a source revealed that Izuchukwu had been lodging in the hotel since Thursday, June 6. On June 9, around 7 pm, one of the cleaners, while attempting to clean his room, discovered him lying motionless on the floor. Suspecting that the businessman had passed away, the cleaner informed the hotel management, who then reported the case to the police through their Chief Security Officer.

The source stated, “He (Izuchukwu) was a customer, who lodged in the hotel on June 6, 2024, and was found dead in his hotel room on June 9, 2024, around 7 pm by a cleaner in the hotel. It was the Assistant Chief Security Officer of the hotel located in Ikoyi who reported that Onyejekwe Izuchukwu, 62, was found dead on the floor of the room he lodged to the police. Despite discovering him in that state, a doctor was also invited to assess him and it was the doctor who confirmed him dead.”

Prior to his untimely death, an online platform, okay.ng, reported that Izuchukwu had served as the President of Bits and Drilling Tools, a division of Schlumberger. In this role, he spearheaded the development of innovative drilling technologies aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency in the oil and gas industry.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the command had initiated an investigation into the case. He stated, “Izuchukwu was found lifeless on the floor of the hotel room. A doctor confirmed him dead and his (Izuchukwu) corpse has been deposited in a morgue in Ikeja for autopsy. The command has commenced an investigation into the case.”

The tragic death of Onyejekwe Izuchukwu has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian business community and the Nigerian diaspora in the United States. As the police investigation unfolds, many are hoping for answers and closure regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

The incident also highlights the need for enhanced security measures and thorough investigations in cases involving the deaths of foreign nationals in Nigerian hotels. The Lagos State Police Command’s swift action in launching an investigation is a step in the right direction, as it seeks to uncover the truth behind this tragic event and bring any responsible parties to justice.

Credit: Punchng.com

Malawi Bids Farewell to Late Vice President Saulos Chilima with State Funeral

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Malawi will bid a final farewell to its late Vice President, Saulos Chilima, on Monday, as he is laid to rest in his home district of Ntcheu, located 180km south of the capital, Lilongwe. The 51-year-old Chilima, along with 8 other individuals, including the ex-wife of the former Malawian President, tragically died when a twin-propeller aircraft crashed in a hilly, forested area during bad weather.

On Saturday, a state service was held to pay tribute to the late vice president, led by the country’s President Lazarus Chakwera. Officials from Chilima’s United Transformation Movement political party, which is different from the president’s party, criticized the government’s response as slow and raised concerns about the absence of a transponder on the plane, considering it was carrying a high-level delegation.

Chilima and Chakwera had led Malawi under unusual circumstances. Both ran for president in 2019 as opposition candidates but joined forces to challenge the election results in court over irregularities. They emerged victorious, marking the first time in Africa that a court-overturned election result led to the defeat of an incumbent president.

Prior to his passing, Chilima had stated that Chakwera had agreed to step down after his first term, allowing Chilima to run for president in next year’s election as part of their alliance. However, Chakwera announced his intention to run for reelection, indicating signs of friction between the two leaders.

Chilima had also recently faced corruption charges over allegations that he received money in return for influencing the awarding of government procurement contracts for the armed forces and the police. The charges were dropped by prosecutors last month, and Chilima had denied the allegations.

The late vice president had just returned from an official visit to South Korea on Sunday. He was serving his second term as vice president, having previously held the position from 2014 to 2019 under former President Peter Mutharika.

The search for the crashed plane prompted an international response, with President Chakwera stating that the U.S., the U.K., Norway, and Israel had offered assistance and provided “specialized technologies.” The U.S. Embassy in Malawi confirmed their assistance and offered the use of a Department of Defense small C-12 plane. Malawi also sought help from its neighbors, Zambia and Tanzania.

Malawi, a nation of approximately 21 million people, was ranked as the fourth poorest country in the world by the World Bank in 2019. The tragic loss of Vice President Saulos Chilima has left the nation in mourning, as it grapples with the aftermath of the plane crash and the challenges that lie ahead.

Couple Saves Newborn Found Abandoned with Umbilical Cord Still Attached

A couple from Katy, Texas, acted swiftly when they discovered an abandoned newborn with her umbilical cord still attached while walking on a trail Saturday morning. Daniela Fedele and her husband were strolling along Casa Martin Drive when they noticed a towel on the ground that appeared to be moving.

As their three-year-old daughter rode her bike towards the towel, Fedele realized that something was moving underneath. “I noticed two little feet moving and then my husband was right behind me with the dogs and I yelled to my husband and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, a baby, a baby,'” Fedele recounted to KHOU. “And then my husband [says] like, ‘Call 911, call 911,’ and that’s what we did.”

Harris County Sheriff’s deputies received the call at around 9 am and rushed to the scene. In the meantime, Fedele and her husband worked to keep the infant safe. Surveillance footage captured the couple running towards the baby with their dogs, with Fedele’s husband grabbing the child and racing to find shade under a nearby tree.

The couple waited until deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office arrived and handed the infant over, informing officials that they had seen a man running away from the scene. The baby girl was then transported to a local hospital, where she was reported to be in good condition.

Daniela Fedele and her husband found the child.

Authorities praised Fedele and her husband for their quick thinking, stating that their actions may have saved the infant from death. “The two witnesses that were thankfully walking on the trail with their daughter and their dogs were a blessing,” said Sgt. Juan Garcia from the Child Abuse Unit. “The baby was a newborn… still had, you know, fresh placenta on the baby, so it was freshly born this morning,” he noted.

Fedele expressed her shock and anger at the situation, wondering how someone could abandon their baby. “I was shocked, I was mad, I was upset,” she said, adding that there are options for new parents who don’t wish to raise a child, such as dropping the baby off at a fire station, police station, or hospital.

Baby is alive!

Police say that cases of people abandoning infants are rare and are now searching for the man they believe dumped the baby. He is described as a young Hispanic or white male with a slim build and fair complexion, wearing a black shirt and possibly gray pants at the time of the abandonment.

The incident has left a lasting impact on Fedele, who cannot get the image of the abandoned newborn out of her head. Her actions, along with those of her husband, have been hailed as heroic by the local community and authorities, who are grateful for their intervention in saving the infant’s life.

Dailymail.com

‘Stereophonic’ Triumphs at Tony Awards as Women Make Broadway History

‘Stereophonic,’ a play about a Fleetwood Mac-like band recording an album over a turbulent and life-changing year, received a rousing reception at the Tony Awards on Sunday, winning the coveted award for best new play. The hyper-naturalistic meditation on the thrill and danger of artistic collaboration, written by David Adjmi with songs by former Arcade Fire member Will Butler, also made theater history as women claimed significant victories as Broadway directors and scorewriters.

Upon accepting the award, Adjmi, who had taken a beta-blocker to calm his nerves, admitted that the journey to bring “Stereophonic” to the stage had been challenging, taking 11 years to manifest. He emphasized the need for increased funding for the arts in America and dedicated the award to all artists.

Danya Taymor, whose aunt Julie Taymor was the first woman to win a Tony Award for directing a musical, became the 11th woman to claim the directing prize for her work on “The Outsiders,” a gritty musical adaptation of the classic American young adult novel. Taymor thanked the great women who had lifted her up, including producer Angelina Jolie.

Shaina Taub made history as only the second woman in Broadway history to write, compose, and star in a Broadway musical, winning the award for best score for her work on “Suffs.” Taub, who had already won for best book earlier in the night, used her acceptance speech to encourage all the loud girls out there to “go for it” and urged the audience to register to vote and exercise their right to do so, as her musical tells the story of the heroic final years of the fight for women’s suffrage.

The night was also marked by electrifying performances, including Alicia Keys teaming up with superstar Jay-Z on their hit “Empire State of Mind.” Keys began the performance at the piano on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center as the cast of her semi-autobiographical musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” presented a medley of songs before joining Jay-Z on some interior steps to wild applause.

Host Ariana DeBose kicked off the telecast with an original, acrobatic number, and Jeremy Strong took home the first major award of the night for his work in the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s political play “An Enemy of the People.” Strong, known for his role in the TV series “Succession,” added the Tony to his already impressive collection of awards, including an Emmy, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Golden Globe.

Other notable winners included Kara Young, who became the first Black performer to be nominated for a Tony three consecutive years in a row, winning best featured actress in a play for “Purlie Victorious,” and Daniel Radcliffe, who cemented his stage career pivot by winning a featured actor in a musical Tony for his role in the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along.”

Kecia Lewis, a 40-year veteran who made her Broadway debut at 18 in the original company of “Dreamgirls,” won her first Tony for her role as a formidable piano teacher in “Hell’s Kitchen,” while “Appropriate,” Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play about a family reunion in Arkansas, was named best play revival.

The night also featured a heartfelt tribute to three-time Tony-honored Chita Rivera, with performances by Tony winners Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Bebe Neuwirth, as well as a special appearance by DeBose, who won an Oscar for her role in the remake of “West Side Story,” one of Rivera’s iconic performances.

As the Tony Awards celebrated the best of Broadway, “Stereophonic” and the historic wins by women in key creative roles highlighted the importance of artistic collaboration, perseverance, and the ongoing fight for representation and recognition in the theater world.

AP

Indiana’s Living Spring RCCG Celebrates Father’s Day with Suya Party

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Living Spring parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Indiana, Pennsylvania, marked Father’s Day with a vibrant “Suya Party” on Saturday afternoon. Hosted at the residence of parish leader Pastor Yomi Fajebe, the event attracted church members and the local Indiana, PA community.

Pastor Yommy Fajebe in kitchen.
Pastor Yommy, Deaconess Jane.

Pastor Yommy Fajebe emphasized that the occasion not only honored fathers but also underscored the importance of true fatherhood in today’s world. He encouraged men to emulate the life of Jesus Christ and to impart these values to their children and wards.

The party featured a menu rich in African delicacies, including the beloved Nigerian dish Suya, alongside roasted corn, yam, and plantain. The festive gathering concluded with lively games, including the popular Nuno card game, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

More Pix:

A photo of members of the church.
The main auditorium of the Indian RCCG.

78 Countries Call for Ukraine’s Territorial Integrity as Foundation for Peace Talks, Key Nations Abstain

In a significant diplomatic move, nearly 80 countries have called for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the foundation for any peace agreement aimed at ending Russia’s two-year war. However, the joint communique issued at the end of a two-day conference in Switzerland was not signed by some key developing nations, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for diplomacy.

The conference, which was not attended by Russia as it was not invited, brought together about 100 delegations, mostly from Western countries. Notable attendees included presidents and prime ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Ecuador, Kenya, and Somalia, as well as representatives from the Holy See and the United States, with Vice President Kamala Harris speaking on behalf of the U.S.

However, several countries, including India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, did not sign the final document, which focused on issues such as nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners. Brazil, an “observer,” also did not sign, while Turkey did. China did not attend the conference.

The final document, signed by 78 countries, stated that the U.N. Charter and “respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine.” This stance has been a nonstarter for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who wants Ukraine to cede more territory and abandon its aspirations to join the NATO military alliance.

Swiss President Viola Amherd said that the “great majority” of participants agreed to the final document, demonstrating the power of diplomacy. Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis indicated that Switzerland would reach out to Russian authorities, though the message to be conveyed was not specified.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the “first steps toward peace” at the meeting and revealed that Ukraine was in talks with some countries, which he did not name, that had offered to host a “second peace summit.” However, no timetable was provided.

Allies of Ukraine now face the challenge of maintaining momentum toward peace, with Zelenskyy stating that national security advisers would meet in the future and that a specific plan would follow.

The conference’s attendance, with only about half of U.N. member countries participating, highlights the war fatigue and other preoccupations that have emerged since the initial condemnation of Russia’s invasion in March 2022.

Analysts suspect that the conference will have little concrete impact on ending the war, given Russia’s absence and the alternative peace routes being explored by China and Brazil.

The way forward for Ukraine, according to expert Volodymyr Dubovyk, is to receive aid in the form of weapons and humanitarian assistance, which could improve its situation on the ground and provide it with a stronger negotiating position.

As the international community continues to seek a path to peace, the Swiss conference has underscored the challenges that lie ahead, with key players holding differing views on the way forward and the role of concessions in achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Alicia Keys and Jay-Z Electrify Tony Awards as Jeremy Strong Wins Best Lead Actor in a Play

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The 2024 Tony Awards kicked off with a bang as Alicia Keys and Jay-Z electrified the audience with their hit song “Empire State of Mind.” Keys, seated at the piano on the stage of the David H. Koch Theater in Lincoln Center, began the performance as the cast of her semi-autobiographical musical “Hell’s Kitchen” presented a medley of songs. She then joined Jay-Z on some interior steps, receiving wild applause from the crowd.

Host Ariana DeBose opened the telecast with an original, acrobatic number that celebrated the sacrifices made by artists and took a gentle swipe at other entertainment industries. “You’ll learn that film and TV can make you rich and make you famous. But theater will make you better,” she sang before ending the song with a dramatic backward fall from a pillar.

The first major award of the night went to Jeremy Strong, best known for his role in the TV series “Succession,” who won best lead actor in a play for his performance in the revival of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People.” Strong, who now has a Tony to sit alongside his Emmy, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Golden Globe, thanked the ushers and front of house staff who put up with him during his acceptance speech.

“This play is a cry from the heart,” Strong said of the political play, which centers on a public-minded doctor who discovers that the water supply for the public spa in his small town is contaminated, pitting his ethics against political cowards and the media.

The pre-show saw the play “Stereophonic” and the musical “The Outsiders” each take home two technical Tonys. “Stereophonic” won for sound design (Ryan Rumery) and scenic design (David Zinn), tying with “Hell’s Kitchen” for the most nominations of the night with 13 each.

DeBose, who is hosting the awards for the third time, noted that the Broadway season had something for everyone, from fun musicals to sweeping romances, political rallying cries, and intimate ensembles. “I think it has been a year of real flexibility. I also think Broadway is in a time of transformation,” she said in an interview before the show.

The awards are expected to move briskly, with scene changes happening in front of the audience to provide a full Broadway experience. Nicole Scherzinger will anchor the “In Memoriam” section, while the late Chita Rivera will receive a separate tribute from Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Bebe Neuwirth.

With 26 competitive categories, the race for the top prizes is fierce. “Stereophonic” and “Merrily We Roll Along” are considered virtual locks for best new play and best musical revival, respectively, while “Appropriate” is the strong favorite for best play revival.

The competition for best new musical is between “Hell’s Kitchen,” “The Outsiders,” “Illinoise,” “Suffs,” and “Water for Elephants,” while “Stereophonic” faces challenges from “Mother Play,” “Mary Jane,” “Prayer for the French Republic,” and “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” for the best new play award.

As Broadway celebrates its biggest night, the 2024 Tony Awards showcase the resilience, diversity, and transformative power of theater in a year that has offered something for everyone.