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Somalia Secures UN Security Council Seat After Five Decades

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Somalia Secures UN Security Council Seat After Five Decades

In a significant development, Somalia has been elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term, marking the country’s return to the prestigious body after more than 50 years. The election, held on Thursday, June 6, also saw Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama secure seats on the council through a secret ballot in the General Assembly.

The 193-member world body elected five countries to fill the 10 non-permanent seats on the 15-member council, allocated to regional groups. Typically, these groups select their candidates without contention; this year was no exception.

The African regional group put Somalia forward, while Pakistan secured the Asia-Pacific seat, Panama the Latin America and Caribbean seat, and Denmark and Greece the two mainly Western seats. The newly elected council members will commence their terms on January 1, replacing Mozambique, Japan, Ecuador, Malta, and Switzerland, whose two-year terms conclude on December 31.

The incoming members will join the five veto-wielding permanent members—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France—as well as the five countries elected last year: Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia.

The Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. However, due to Russia’s veto power, it has been unable to take action on Ukraine, and because of the United States’ close ties to Israel, it has not called for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

All five countries elected on Thursday have previously served on the Security Council, with Pakistan having held a seat seven times, Panama five times, Denmark four times, Greece twice, and Somalia once.

There is a widespread consensus that the Security Council needs to expand and reflect the realities of the 21st century, nearly eight decades after the United Nations was established. However, the central question of how to achieve this reform has been a source of disagreement among the 193 member countries, with national interests often blocking significant changes to the UN’s most powerful body for four decades.

Somalia’s election to the Security Council is a notable achievement for the East African nation, which has been grappling with internal conflicts and instability for many years. The country’s presence on the council is expected to bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the ongoing discussions on global peace and security.

Kenyan Athlete Rhonex Kipruto Receives Six-Year Ban, Loses 10km World Record, 2019 World Championships Bronze

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Kenyan Athlete Rhonex Kipruto Receives Six-Year Ban, Loses 10km World Record, 2019 World Championships Bronze

Kenyan distance runner Rhonex Kipruto has been handed a six-year ban for doping, resulting in the loss of his 10km world record set in 2020 and his 10,000m bronze medal from the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the sanction after a Disciplinary Tribunal rejected Kipruto’s appeal, concluding that irregularities in his Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) were likely due to blood manipulation, such as the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO).

Kipruto, 24, was provisionally suspended on May 11, 2022, for violating the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) after irregularities were detected in his ABP dating back to July 2018. The ban, which will last until May 10, 2029, will result in the disqualification of several top honours, including his 10km road-running world record set in Valencia in 2020 and his 10,000m victory at the 2019 Stockholm Diamond League. However, Kipruto retains the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The tribunal, consisting of Tanja Haug (Chairman), Sentodji Roland Adjovi, and Julien Berenger, determined that Kipruto was involved in a deliberate and sophisticated doping regime over an extended period to artificially enhance his performance. The abnormalities found in Kipruto’s ABP were linked to important competitions, including the Valencia Half Marathon in 2020 and the Kenyan Olympic trials in 2021.

The tribunal emphasized that blood doping outside of competitions can also provide an advantage by allowing more intense training, which can have a significant impact on performance even after a considerable amount of time. This is corroborated by the fact that many athletes have recently tested positive for EPO far outside of competition.

AIU Head Brett Clothier stressed the importance of the ABP as a critical tool in combating doping among elite athletes. While it can be challenging to directly detect the substances or methods used by sophisticated dopers, the ABP allows for the observation of telltale signs of blood doping over time. In 2023, the AIU conducted more than 4,700 ABP tests on elite athletes and plans to continue investing heavily in the ABP programme.

Kipruto’s ban comes just a day after the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) provisionally suspended 33 Kenyan athletes for various doping offences and nine days after the AIU banned Kenyan athlete Josephine Chepkoech for seven years as a repeat offender and for the use of the prohibited substance Testosterone.

The decision to ban Kipruto serves as a strong message from the AIU in their ongoing fight against doping in athletics and highlights the importance of the ABP in detecting and punishing athletes who engage in blood manipulation to gain an unfair advantage.

Credit: The EastAfrican

Donald Trump Talks About The Evil Forces That Control Biden in Interview With Dr. Phil

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Donald Trump Talks About The Evil Forces That Control Biden in Interview With Dr. Phil

In a revealing interview with Dr. Phil McGraw, his first since his conviction in the Stormy Daniels trial, former President Donald Trump opened up about the “dark forces” he believes are arrayed against him and the impact of his legal battles on his family. The hour-long conversation, which took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home, delved into personal and political topics, with Dr. Phil attempting to probe the former president’s psyche.

When asked about his darkest moments, Trump pointed to the difficulties his family faces, particularly his wife Melania, who he says reads the negative press about him. “I have a wonderful wife. I mean, it’s not easy for her to read this kind of stuff – that’s fake – that’s fake stuff,” Trump lamented.

The former president also expressed concern for his children, particularly his youngest son, Barron, 18, whom he described as a “great kid” and a “good student.” Trump noted that Barron had been accepted to various colleges but hinted at potential unrest on some campuses.

Trump went on to discuss the “evil forces” he believes are controlling President Joe Biden, suggesting that these individuals are “very smart, very energetic” and possibly “real believers” in their “sick ideology.” He emphasized the need to be strong and confident when fighting against these forces.

Throughout the interview, Trump settled scores with various political figures, including Rep. Adam Schiff, whom he called “watermelon head” and a “very unattractive guy both inside and outside.” He also discussed his strained relationship with Oprah Winfrey, whom he says used to enjoy the key lime pie at Mar-a-Lago but with whom he has “sort of lost contact.”

Dr. Phil attempted to steer the conversation towards the idea of Trump playing the “hero” and putting an end to partisan retribution, but the former president remained steadfast in his belief that revenge can sometimes be justified, albeit taking time.

The interview also touched on Trump’s legal battles, with the former president criticizing the gag order in the Stormy Daniels case and expressing his desire to testify. He also praised Judge Aileen Cannon, who is overseeing his classified documents case, as a “very brilliant judge in Florida.”

On foreign policy, Trump vowed to settle the war in Ukraine by the time he takes office as president-elect, even if it means acting on the world stage during the final months of Biden’s term.

Dr. Phil acknowledged to his studio audience that Trump was likely to use the interview to get his message out, comparing it to a waiter reciting the day’s specials regardless of what the customer wants.

The candid interview offers a glimpse into Trump’s mindset as he navigates legal challenges and prepares for another potential presidential run, shedding light on the personal toll these events have taken on his family and his unwavering belief in the presence of “dark forces” aligned against him.

Credit: Dailymail.com

Russian Warships, Including Nuclear Submarine, to Arrive in Havana, Cuba

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Russian Warships, Including Nuclear Submarine, to Arrive in Havana, Cuba

In a move that highlights the “historically friendly relations” between Russia and Cuba, four Russian warships, including a nuclear-powered submarine, are set to arrive in Havana next week. The announcement comes as tensions escalate over Western military support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.

According to a news release from Cuba’s foreign ministry, the ships will be in Havana from June 12 to June 17. The ministry emphasized that none of the vessels will carry nuclear weapons and assured that their presence “does not represent a threat to the region.”

The announcement follows statements from U.S. officials who said they had been tracking Russian warships and aircraft expected to arrive in the Caribbean for a military exercise. The officials described the exercise as part of a broader Russian response to U.S. support for Ukraine.

While the U.S. officials noted that the Russian military presence was significant but not concerning, the development comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at the possibility of taking “asymmetrical steps” elsewhere in the world. This suggestion is seen as a response to President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weapons to strike inside Russia to protect Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.

The four Russian ships identified by Cuba’s Foreign Ministry are the frigate “Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the fleet oil tanker “Pashin,” and the salvage tug “Nikolai Chiker.”

The arrival of these warships in Havana is likely to raise eyebrows in the international community, particularly among those nations supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The move may be seen as a display of Russia’s global reach and a reminder of its strategic partnerships, even as it faces international condemnation and sanctions over its actions in Ukraine.

As the war in Ukraine continues, with no immediate end in sight, the presence of Russian warships in the Caribbean is likely to add another layer of complexity to the already tense geopolitical situation. It remains to be seen how the U.S. and its allies will respond to this development and whether it will have any impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Credit: AP

Veteran Actor Tom Bower, Known for Roles in Die Hard 2 and The Waltons, Dies at 86

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Veteran Actor Tom Bower, Known for Roles in Die Hard 2 and The Waltons, Dies at 86

Veteran actor Tom Bower, best known for his memorable roles in the action film Die Hard 2 and the beloved television series The Waltons, passed away on May 30 at the age of 86. Bower died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home, as confirmed by his brother Robert Bower to The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Bower is survived by his children Viveca and Rob, his brother Robert, and his sister Shirley. He was married to his wife Ursula, a lawyer, for 51 years until her death in August.

In the 1990 blockbuster Die Hard 2, Bower portrayed the character of Marvin, a janitor living in the basement of Washington Dulles International Airport who assists Bruce Willis’ iconic character John McClane in foiling a terrorist plot.

Bower also had a notable role as Dr. Curtis Willard on the popular television series The Waltons from 1975 to 1978. He first appeared on the show as pilot Rex Barker in a 1975 episode before being promoted to a series regular in the following season. His character, Curtis, hired Mary Ellen Walton (played by Judy Norton) as his nurse, and the two eventually fell in love and started a family. Bower’s character was killed off the show in 1978 during the Pearl Harbor attack storyline.

Born Ralph Thomas Bower in Denver on January 3, 1938, Bower initially aspired to become a professional baseball player. However, after realizing his limitations in the sport, he moved to New York to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1956. He later studied at the John Cassavetes Shadows Workshop and worked as a private investigator for 15 years before returning to acting.

Bower’s acting career spanned several decades, with appearances in numerous television shows, including The Rockford Files, Kojak, and most recently, Lucky Hank, where he played Bob Odenkirk’s on-screen father, Henry Devereaux Sr., in 2023. The show was canceled after one season.

The entertainment industry has lost a talented and versatile actor in Tom Bower, whose contributions to film and television will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.

Credit: Dailymail.com

11 Died, 50 Injured as Tornadoes Wreaked Havoc in South Africa

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11 Died, 50 Injured as Tornadoes Wreaked Havoc in South Africa

On Monday, a series of devastating tornadoes ripped through the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, leaving at least 11 people dead and more than 50 others injured, according to authorities. The powerful storms caused extensive damage, particularly in the town of Tongaat, located in the northern part of the province, where footage from the affected neighborhoods revealed debris from numerous destroyed homes.

Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the premier of KwaZulu-Natal, described the damage as “quite huge” and cautioned that the number of casualties could increase as rescue efforts continue. The South African Weather Service confirmed that at least two tornadoes struck the province on Monday afternoon, resulting in “significant damage.”

The first tornado occurred between Newcastle and Utrecht in the western interior of KwaZulu-Natal, while a larger tornado developed later around Tongaat and moved eastward towards the coast near Westbrook and Ballito, causing further destruction in its path.

In response to the disaster, the provincial government has provided temporary shelters for families displaced by the storms, and those who have been injured are receiving medical treatment in hospitals. The South African Weather Service explained that while tornadoes do occur in South Africa from time to time, they are more likely to happen when “large and intense weather systems affect the country.”

Unfortunately, KwaZulu-Natal has a history of extreme weather events that have claimed numerous lives. In 2022, heavy rains triggered severe flooding in the province, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 people and causing significant damage to homes and roads. Provincial authorities described the 2022 incident as “one of the worst weather storms” in South Africa’s history.

As the region begins to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the recent tornadoes, efforts are underway to provide relief and support to the affected communities. The tragic loss of life and the widespread destruction serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that extreme weather events can have on vulnerable populations.

US Government Files Civil Forfeiture Action to Recover $5.3 Million Stolen in Business Email Compromise Scheme

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US Government Files Civil Forfeiture Action to Recover $5.3 Million Stolen in Business Email Compromise Scheme

The United States government has initiated a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $5.3 million in funds allegedly obtained through a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that targeted a Massachusetts workers union. The scheme, which took place in January 2023, involved a spoofed email that deceived the union into transferring $6.4 million to a fraudulent account.

According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts, the fraudulently obtained funds were then routed through various intermediary bank accounts, with some of the money being transferred or attempted to be transferred to a cryptocurrency exchange and bank accounts in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Nigeria. US authorities have successfully seized the contents of seven domestic accounts connected to the scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the severe threat posed by BEC fraud schemes, stating that they cause significant financial and emotional harm to victims by exploiting trusted communication channels. He also highlighted the importance of victims reporting such misconduct to the authorities, as it may enable the recovery of stolen funds and help restore stability and justice for those affected by fraud.

The press release advises members of the public who believe they are victims of cybercrime, including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, investment scams, and BEC fraud scams, to contact the United States Attorney’s Office via email at US************@***oj.gov.

The civil forfeiture action is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Lyons of the Asset Recovery Unit, along with Trial Attorneys Jasmin Salehi Fashami and Adrienne E. Rosen of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Section. The United States must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the property in question is subject to forfeiture. If successful, the court will order all the interests of any potential claimant forfeited.

BEC schemes are sophisticated fraud schemes that target businesses using wire transfers as a form of payment. These schemes affect large global corporations, governments, and individuals, with current global daily losses estimated at approximately $8 million. Criminals compromise legitimate business email accounts through various hacking methods, including social engineering and the use of malware.

The announcement underscores the US government’s commitment to combating cybercrime and recovering funds obtained through fraudulent means. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crimes, as the funds were traced to accounts in multiple countries.

Credit: Punchng.com

Coco Gauff Breaks Down in Tears After French Open Semi-Final Loss to Iga Swiatek

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Coco Gauff Breaks Down in Tears After French Open Semi-Final Loss to Iga Swiatek

American tennis star Coco Gauff was left in tears following a heated exchange with the umpire during her 6-2, 6-4 defeat to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the French Open semi-finals. The 20-year-old accused the umpire of making a wrong call and told her she “should be ashamed” during the contentious moment at Roland Garros.

Coco Gauff.

The flashpoint occurred when Gauff was attempting to fight her way back into the match, leading 2-1 in the second set on Swiatek’s serve. A second serve from the Polish player was called out just as Gauff hit her return long. However, when the umpire overruled the call and awarded the point to Swiatek, Gauff vehemently argued that she had hit her return after the ball had already been called out, and the point should have been replayed.

“He called it and then I hit it. I’m a thousand percent sure,” Gauff insisted. “If he called it before I hit it, I stopped my reaction. I didn’t even finish my follow-through. He called it before I hit it. Will you ask him?”

Coco Gauff sad.

Umpire Aurelie Tourte refused to consult the line judge, stating, “No, we cannot ask him. For me, it did not affect your shot.”

As the crowd booed in response to the incident, Gauff retorted, “They’re booing because you’re wrong. It’s the second time that’s happened. You should be ashamed. It’s a grand slam semi-final, know the rules of the game.”

Iga Swiatek.

Replays suggest that the call occurred at the same instant as Gauff played her return, making it a marginal decision. However, Gauff’s argument that the call caused her to pull out of her follow-through is a compelling one.

Despite breaking Swiatek’s serve in that game for a 3-1 lead, Gauff ultimately lost the next four games in a row, as Swiatek served out a comfortable victory. The head-to-head record between the two players now stands at 11-1 in Swiatek’s favor, and on this evidence, it appears challenging for Gauff to improve that record in the near future.

Gauff’s aggressive approach, which saw her attempt to blast Swiatek off the court, led to a high number of unforced errors. In contrast, Swiatek was able to settle into a consistent rhythm, waiting for her opponent to make mistakes. The first set ended with Swiatek winning 29 of the 31 points she needed courtesy of Gauff’s errors.

Although Gauff showed improvement in the second set, being more selective with her aggression and focusing on depth rather than power, her unforced error count remained too high, ultimately leading to her defeat.

As Swiatek continues her march towards a potential fourth French Open title in five years, Gauff and her team must now address the pressing question of how to overcome the formidable Polish player in future encounters.

Credit: Dailymail.com

Gilgo Beach Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged with Two Additional Murders, Crimes Dating Back to 1993

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Gilgo Beach Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged with Two Additional Murders, Crimes Dating Back to 1993

In a significant development in the Gilgo Beach case, suspect Rex Heuermann has been charged with two additional murders, bringing the total number of his alleged victims to six women, with crimes now dating back to 1993. According to a court document unsealed on Thursday, Heuermann is accused of the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor and the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla, both of whose remains were found on Long Island.

The addition of these two cases significantly expands the timeline of Heuermann’s alleged crimes. Investigators have linked Heuermann to Taylor’s death through DNA evidence recovered from a surgical drape found underneath her body. Taylor, a sex worker in midtown Manhattan, was decapitated, and her arms were severed from her torso. Some of her remains were discovered in 2003, while her head, hands, and forearm were found in March 2011, close to where four of Heuermann’s other alleged victims were discovered in December 2010.

Phone records also showed that Heuermann’s wife and children were out of town when Taylor was killed, providing him with ample time to execute his plans without fear of being discovered by his family. Prosecutors noted that Heuermann had accessed a Newsday article about the discovery of Taylor’s remains.

DNA evidence also linked Heuermann to the murder of 28-year-old Sandra Costilla, whose body was found in a wooded area in North Sea, Long Island, in November 1993. Investigators discovered that pornographic images accessed by Heuermann largely coincided with how the remains of Taylor and Costilla were found.

During a search of Heuermann’s home, investigators recovered a planning document from one of 350 electronic devices. The document contained a checklist of tasks to package a body for transport, avoid leaving DNA traces, and other steps, including notes for “next time.” Heuermann also allegedly had a “post event” checklist, which appeared to be a list of tasks following a homicide to avoid apprehension, such as burning gloves, disposing of pictures taken of the victim, and having an alibi set.

Heuermann, an architect and father, was initially arrested in July and charged with murdering three escorts: Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and Melissa Barthelemy. In January, he was charged with the murder of a fourth escort, Maureen Brainard-Barnes. The remains of all four women were found in 2010 near Gilgo Beach, along with six additional sets of remains. Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to the four murders.

Investigators have continued to search Heuermann’s Long Island home as recently as May and have also searched a wooded area in Manorville on Long Island in April as part of the ongoing investigation.

2face Idibia’s Daughter Isabella Shares Heartbreaking Experience of Body Shaming from Family and Others

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2face Idibia’s Daughter Isabella Shares Heartbreaking Experience of Body Shaming from Family and Others

In a powerful and emotional TikTok video, Isabella Idibia, the 15-year-old daughter of Nigerian music icon 2face Idibia and acclaimed actress Annie Idibia, has bravely shared her heartbreaking experience of being body shamed by family members, friends, and even strangers.

Isabella, her parents, 2face and Annie Idibia

With tears streaming down her face, Isabella recounted the deep pain and hurt caused by derogatory comments labeling her as “plus-size.” The young girl’s vulnerability and honesty shone through as she described the devastating impact these remarks had on her self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

Isabella’s story resonates with many, as she revealed the constant comparisons made between her and slimmer girls, which only served to deepen her feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The teenager candidly shared her struggles with uncontrollable eating habits during this challenging period, highlighting the complex relationship between emotional distress and food.

The unsolicited advice Isabella received to hit the gym only added to her pain, as it reinforced the notion that her body was somehow unacceptable or in need of fixing. The pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty and the relentless onslaught of body shaming left Isabella feeling the need to cover up certain parts of her body in an attempt to shield herself from further criticism.

In one particularly poignant slide, Isabella wrote, “Me after being body shamed by family, ‘friends’, and random,” encapsulating the pervasive nature of body shaming and its far-reaching impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being.

Isabella’s decision to share her story on such a public platform is a testament to her courage and resilience. By speaking out about her experiences, she is not only shedding light on the harmful effects of body shaming but also empowering others who may be facing similar struggles to know that they are not alone.

Isabella, her parents, 2face and Annie Idibia.

As the daughter of two prominent figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Isabella’s voice carries significant weight and has the potential to spark important conversations about body positivity, self-love, and the need for greater empathy and kindness in our society.

African legendary music icon, 2face and wife, Annie.

Her emotional TikTok video serves as a powerful reminder that words have the power to hurt and that we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our comments and actions can have on others, especially vulnerable young people who are still navigating the complexities of self-identity and body image.

Credit: Tribuneng.com

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