Southport, North Carolina, a quaint coastal town with a population of just under 4,000, was struck by tragedy on Saturday evening when a shooter opened fire from a boat at a bustling waterfront bar. The incident, which occurred outside the American Fish Company at the Southport Yacht Basin, resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries. According to city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum, the assailant arrived by boat around 21:30 local time (01:30 GMT) and began shooting before fleeing towards the Intracoastal Waterway. Law enforcement officials reported that a suspect matching the description was apprehended by the US Coast Guard approximately half an hour later near Oak Island, located about 12 miles (19km) west of the scene. The suspect’s identity remains undisclosed. Southport Police Chief Todd Coring expressed deep sorrow, describing the event as ‘a very tragic night’ for the close-knit community. ‘We’re a small community, one of the communities where everybody knows everybody,’ Chief Coring remarked. Authorities confirmed that six individuals were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released. In response to the incident, Southport officials issued a statement advising residents to stay indoors during the active shooter investigation. Chief Coring later reassured the public, stating, ‘I’m comfortable to say that we don’t feel like there’s any additional threats to the community.’ This shocking event has once again highlighted the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States.
作者: admin
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Fisherman ‘lost his life doing what he loved’
The Irish fishing community is mourning the loss of Kevin McCloskey, a seasoned fisherman and former chairman of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO), who tragically lost his life after his boat ran aground off the Sligo coast. McCloskey, a resident of County Donegal, had been missing since Thursday evening when a member of the public alerted authorities after spotting his stranded vessel with its engine still running near Cliffoney Beach. An extensive three-day search operation, led by the Irish Coast Guard and involving multiple agencies, culminated in the discovery of his body off the port village of Teelin on Saturday evening. The KFO expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing McCloskey as a respected and experienced fisherman who dedicated his life to the industry. The Coast Guard extended its condolences to his family and acknowledged the efforts of all search units and local fishing vessels involved in the operation. McCloskey’s death has been deemed a significant loss for the fishing community, with the KFO noting that he was known for his positive outlook on life and his passion for fishing.
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Selena Gomez marries music producer Benny Blanco
Pop sensation and actress Selena Gomez has officially tied the knot with renowned music producer Benny Blanco in a lavish ceremony held in California. The couple exchanged vows in Santa Barbara on September 27, 2026, surrounded by approximately 170 guests, including close friends and industry peers such as Taylor Swift, Paul Rudd, and Gomez’s ‘Only Murders in the Building’ co-stars Steve Martin and Martin Short. Gomez shared glimpses of the special day on Instagram, posting images of herself in a stunning white halter-neck wedding gown designed by Ralph Lauren, while Blanco looked dapper in a classic dark tuxedo. The caption, “9.27.26” adorned with heart emojis, captured the essence of their love. Blanco affectionately commented, “My wife in real life,” on the post. The couple, who began dating in 2023 and got engaged in December 2024, have a history of musical collaboration, having released the album ‘I Said I Love You First’ in March 2025, which narrates their romantic journey. Gomez, known for her Disney Channel roots and successful music career, recently starred in the film ‘Emilia Perez,’ while Blanco has produced hits for top artists like Katy Perry and Britney Spears. Their union marks a new chapter in their personal and professional lives.
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Seychelles to hold rerun presidential election after no outright winner
The Seychelles presidential election has entered a critical phase as no candidate secured a decisive majority in the initial vote, prompting a runoff between the two leading contenders. Official results revealed that opposition leader Patrick Herminie garnered 48.8% of the vote, while incumbent President Wavel Ramkalawan secured 46.4%. To claim victory, a candidate must achieve over 50% of the vote. The runoff is scheduled for October 9-11, as announced by the electoral authority. Ramkalawan, seeking a second term, has called for a public debate with Herminie to assist voters in making an informed decision. He emphasized that the presidency belongs to the people, not to any individual. Herminie, representing the United Seychelles party, expressed confidence in winning the runoff, citing widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration. The United Seychelles party, which governed the country from 1977 to 2020, is attempting to regain power after losing it five years ago. Ramkalawan’s Linyon Demokratik Seselwa party has campaigned on promises of economic recovery, social development, and environmental sustainability. The election unfolds against a backdrop of growing opposition to the government, including a constitutional challenge against a controversial lease of Assomption Island to a Qatari company for luxury hotel development. Critics argue that the deal prioritizes foreign interests over national sovereignty. Additionally, Seychelles faces significant challenges, including vulnerability to climate change and a worsening heroin addiction crisis. With a population of 120,000, an estimated 6,000 people are heroin users, and addiction rates are alarmingly high. The election outcome will shape the future of this Indian Ocean archipelago, known for its luxury tourism and environmental significance.
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Poland says jets scrambled over Russian attack on Ukraine
Poland and NATO swiftly deployed fighter jets early Sunday in response to Russian airstrikes targeting western Ukraine, according to the Polish armed forces. The entire region of Ukraine was placed under air raid alerts, prompting the temporary closure of airspace near Poland’s southeastern cities of Lublin and Rzeszow until at least 0400 GMT. Flight tracking site Flightradar24 cited ‘unplanned military activity related to ensuring state security’ as the reason for the closure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported a ‘massive attack’ on the capital, with a five-story building partially destroyed by drone debris, leaving at least three people hospitalized. Tensions have intensified following repeated Russian incursions into NATO airspace this month. The Polish military stated on X that its actions, alongside allied forces, were preventive measures to secure airspace and protect citizens. Moscow has denied involvement in recent drone incidents over Denmark, which described the activity as the work of a ‘professional actor’ but found no evidence of Russian responsibility. Estonia also accused Russia of violating its airspace with warplanes. Meanwhile, NATO conducted an air defense mission over Poland in response to Russian drone incursions, including the downing of three Russian drones in Polish airspace on September 10. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged NATO nations to shoot down Russian planes in their airspace, while NATO has vowed to use ‘all necessary tools’ to defend itself. In a speech at the UN General Assembly, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied intentions to attack EU or NATO states but warned of a ‘decisive response’ to any aggression.
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Brutal killings of young women leave Argentina in shock and anger
Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Buenos Aires in a powerful anti-femicide protest, demanding justice for the horrific murders of a 15-year-old girl and two young women. The victims, identified as Lara Gutierrez, Morena Verdi, and Brenda del Castillo, were brutally tortured and killed in a crime that has sent shockwaves across Argentina. The gruesome act was allegedly livestreamed on social media by a drug-trafficking gang, purportedly as a warning to others. Authorities have arrested five suspects, including three men and two women, but the alleged ringleader, a 20-year-old Peruvian man, remains at large. The victims were reportedly lured into a van on September 19 under the pretense of attending a party, only to be subjected to a calculated act of violence for violating gang codes. A chilling video, discovered after one of the detainees disclosed its existence, features a gang leader stating, ‘This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me.’ The bodies of the victims were found buried in a suburban Buenos Aires yard five days after their disappearance. The protest, organized by human rights groups under the slogan ‘There are no good or bad victims, only femicide,’ saw emotional pleas from the victims’ families. Brenda’s father, Leonel del Castillo, emphasized the urgent need for greater protection for women, while her grandfather, Antonio del Castillo, condemned the perpetrators as ‘bloodthirsty.’ Argentina, where a woman is killed by a man every 36 hours, continues to grapple with the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.
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Move over, Murdochs – a new family dynasty is shaking up US media
The Ellison family, led by tech magnate Larry Ellison and his son, Hollywood producer David Ellison, is rapidly expanding its influence in the global media landscape. This year, their strategic maneuvers have positioned them to potentially control some of the world’s largest media companies, including TikTok and CNN. Larry Ellison’s close ties with former US President Donald Trump have been instrumental in facilitating these deals, with Trump publicly praising Ellison as an exceptional business leader.
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How smelly shoes inspired India’s Ig Nobel prize-winning study
A peculiar yet pervasive problem in households worldwide—smelly shoes—has inspired two Indian researchers to delve into the science behind the stench. Vikash Kumar, an assistant professor of design at Shiv Nadar University, and his former student Sarthak Mittal, embarked on a journey to understand how foul-smelling footwear affects the experience of using a shoe rack. Their innovative research not only addressed a common annoyance but also earned them the Ig Nobel Prize, a prestigious award celebrating unusual and imaginative scientific endeavors. The duo’s study began with a simple observation: students often left their shoes outside their rooms due to the overpowering odor, not due to a lack of space. A survey of 149 university students revealed that more than half had felt embarrassed by their own or someone else’s smelly shoes. Traditional remedies like tea bags or baking soda proved ineffective. Turning to science, the researchers identified Kytococcus sedentarius, a bacterium thriving in sweaty shoes, as the primary culprit. Their experiments demonstrated that a brief exposure to UVC light effectively killed the bacteria and eliminated the odor. However, timing was crucial—too much exposure damaged the shoes. Their solution? A prototype shoe rack equipped with UVC tube lights, designed to store and sterilize shoes simultaneously. The Ig Nobel Prize recognized their work, highlighting the fun and imaginative side of science. The award has not only brought recognition but also inspired the researchers to explore more unconventional scientific questions. As Kumar aptly put it, today’s smelly sneakers could pave the way for tomorrow’s groundbreaking discoveries.
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The US navy killed 17 in deadly strikes. Now Venezuela is giving civilians guns
In the face of escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuela’s National Bolivarian Militia, a civilian force established by the late President Hugo Chávez in 2009, is mobilizing to defend the nation. Edith Perales, a 68-year-old militia member, is among thousands preparing for a potential US attack, following the deployment of US Navy ships in the South Caribbean under the guise of counter-narcotics operations. The militia, largely composed of senior citizens and inexperienced volunteers, has been called to active duty by President Nicolás Maduro, who has framed the US actions as a ‘non-declared war.’
The US has recently destroyed at least three boats allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, resulting in 17 fatalities. This has further strained the already tense relationship between the two nations, exacerbated by Donald Trump’s return to office and his administration’s accusations of Maduro’s ties to drug cartels. The US has also doubled the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to $50 million, while labeling the Venezuelan criminal gang Tren de Aragua as a terrorist group.
Maduro, in response, has ordered the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) to train local militias, including those in Caracas’ 23 de Enero neighborhood, a traditional stronghold of Chavismo. Despite the militia’s lack of experience, its members, like Francisco Ojeda and Glady Rodríguez, express unwavering enthusiasm to defend their homeland. However, political analyst Benigno Alarcón suggests that Maduro’s strategy is less about combat readiness and more about creating a ‘human shield’ to deter US military action.
While Maduro claims over 8.2 million civilians are enlisted in the militia, this figure remains disputed. For Perales, who has served for decades, the militia represents a duty to protect his community. Despite his age and health, he remains prepared to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty, embodying the spirit of Chávez’s vision for a self-reliant nation.
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Zimbabwe is tobacco country. But some want to switch to a healthier crop – blueberries
Zimbabwe, traditionally known as Africa’s largest tobacco producer, is now pivoting towards a new agricultural frontier: blueberries. A landmark trade agreement with China, the world’s leading importer of blueberries, has positioned Zimbabwe to potentially become Africa’s blueberry capital. While tobacco exports reached a record $1.3 billion last year, driven by rising demand in China, blueberry exports, though modest at $30 million, are seen as a promising alternative. Clarence Mwale, a horticulture specialist, emphasizes, ‘The future is food, not a bad habit.’
