American rapper Macklemore claims he cancelled Dubai show because UAE supplied weapons to Sudanese paramilitaries
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. rapper Macklemore said he canceled a concert scheduled for October in Dubai because of the United Arab Emirates' role in the “ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis” in Sudan. The UAE denies providing weapons to the Rapid Assistance Forces, a Sudanese paramilitary group that has been fighting Sudanese forces in a conflict that has killed more than 18,800 people since 2023. Macklemore's comments reignited debate over the UAE's role in the war. In an Instagram post on Saturday, the Grammy Award winner said he had received calls from a range of people “calling on me to cancel my concert in solidarity with the people of Sudan and to boycott business in the UAE because of the role they play in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis.”
Paralympic social media accounts surpass traditional media with edgy perspective
PARIS (AP) — Paralympians and the International Paralympic Committee have also been raising awareness on social media by posting content that highlights and even pokes fun at their disabilities. Outside commenters have criticized the images and videos as in poor taste, but the athletes themselves are leaning toward highlighting their abilities along with their disabilities. International Paralympic Committee spokesman Craig Spence said Paralympians “have a great sense of humor. They're not wrapped up in cotton wool and shielded from society.” The Paralympics open in Paris on Aug. 28.
'We were disposable': Residents downwind of world's first nuclear test on mission to tell their story
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) — Not many people know that the world's first atomic bomb was detonated on U.S. soil. It wasn't until a few weeks after it was dropped on Japan during World War II that humanity witnessed the power of atomic weapons. While the damage in Japan is well documented, less is known about the health damage to New Mexico's downwind residents and the fallout from the Trinity test. The documentary “We Bombed New Mexico First” is currently screening in Los Alamos, the birthplace of the atomic bomb, as part of the Oppenheimer Film Festival. Director Lois Lippman hopes the film will resonate with Congress and other elected leaders as campaigners seek compensation for survivors of the first atomic bomb.
The birds were extinct in Europe. Now they're returning and humans need to help them migrate for the winter.
PATERZELL, Germany (AP) — Once flying across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and much of Europe, the northern white-streaked ibis (Waldrup) was hunted to near extinction by the 17th century. Despite successful breeding and reintroduction efforts, the birds no longer knew their winter migration route. The Waldrup team acts as foster parents and flying instructors for the central European population, trying to teach the birds how to fly to warmer climes. This year marks the 17th human-guided trip and the second time the route has ended in Spain due to climate change.
Hiker missing after Grand Canyon flooding, sister speaks out as desperate search continues
SPAI, Ariz. (AP) — Search and rescue teams at Grand Canyon National Park are searching for an Arizona woman nearly two days after she was swept down a stream by flash flooding. The hiker's sister said Saturday that rescuers are working hard but have not yet located 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson. The National Guard has been deployed to help evacuate other hikers. Nickerson was swept into the Havasupai River on Thursday, about a half-mile from its confluence with the Colorado River, according to the National Park Service. Floodwaters trapped several hikers near a waterfall called Beaver Falls on the Havasupai Reservation, but they were rescued and taken to safety, according to the National Park Service.
How do you cope with stress? In Nigeria, swinging a sledgehammer in an anger room works
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — In Nigeria's largest city, stressed-out residents are finding a reset button in “anger rooms,” where they pay to smash appliances and furniture with sledgehammers. It's a release from the stress of the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation in Africa's most populous country. Times have been tough in Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people. Growing discontent among young people has led to recent mass protests in which several people have been killed by security forces. Mental health services are unknown or expensive for many. The West African country has fewer than 400 registered psychologists.
Justin and Hailey Bieber welcome baby boy Jack Bruce
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin and Hailey Bieber have welcomed their first child. In an Instagram post on Friday, Bieber announced the baby boy has been named Jack Bruce Bieber. It's unclear when the baby was born. A representative for Hailey Bieber told The Associated Press on Friday night that no further details were available. Grammy Award-winning artist Bieber rose to fame in 2010 with his hit song “Baby.” His wife is a model and founder of skin-care brand Lorde. The couple announced they were expecting a baby in May with photos from their intimate vow renewal ceremony.
Romanian authorities tow vehicle from Andrew Tait's home following new human trafficking allegations
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian authorities have seized luxury cars from the home of controversial social media personality Andrew Tate. Saturday's seizure came days after he was placed under house arrest following new human trafficking charges. Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate, dual British and American nationals, have millions of followers on social media and are known for their misogynistic views. They are already awaiting trial in Romania along with two women. They were charged with human trafficking and forming a criminal ring to exploit women. Andrew Tate was also charged with rape in the case. The seizure of the luxury cars came two days after Romanian authorities raided a home and detained six people, including the Tate brothers.
Rare but deadly mosquito-borne virus puts Massachusetts town on alert
A rare but deadly disease spread by mosquitoes has led one Massachusetts town to close its parks and fields every night. Four other towns have urged people to stay indoors at night. They're concerned about Eastern Equine Encephalitis. A man in his 80s has been infected with the virus, the first confirmed case in Massachusetts since 2020, according to state health officials. There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is rare but very serious, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. About 30% of infected people die, and many of those who survive suffer from neurological problems.
Judge rules Breonna Taylor's boyfriend caused her death, dismisses some charges against former police officer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal judge has dismissed felony charges against two former Louisville police officers accused of forging warrants in the Breonna Taylor case. The charges against former Louisville Detective Joshua Jaynes and former Sergeant Kyle Meaney carried a maximum sentence of life in prison. Federal Judge Charles Simpson dismissed the felony charges but stayed other charges against the former officers. The ruling also declared that the actions of Taylor's boyfriend were the legal cause of her death. He fired shots at officers who were breaking down her door. Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was then shot and killed by the officers.
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