Greece is facing a major wildfire crisis, with 18 people found dead in the city of Alexandroupolis and two people dead and two firefighters injured in separate fires in northern and central Greece. A new heatwave hitting southern Europe has made the situation worse, with scientists linking the hot, dry and windy conditions to climate change. The Greek government has urged citizens to take extra precautions and firefighters are continuing to battle the fires.
Posts tagged as “Agence France-Presse”
Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier, a 56-year-old dual citizen of Canada and France, was sentenced to 21 years and seven months in prison for sending a letter laced with ricin to former President Donald Trump. The letter stated that if the special gift didn't 'work,' then the defendant would 'find a better recipe for another poison.' U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta said Ferrier's actions were "unconscionable" and that her intent was to cause fear and chaos, and Ferrier's attorney said her client had been suffering from mental health issues and had no intention of harming anyone.
A devastating fire at a vacation home in Wintzenheim, France, on Wednesday morning has resulted in nine confirmed deaths and two more feared dead. Firefighters were unable to contain the blaze, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. The tragedy has left the community in shock, and local authorities are offering their condolences and support to those affected.
On Friday, mutinous soldiers in Niger declared their leader the new head of state, raising concerns that it could hinder the nation's fight against jihadists and boost Russia's influence in West Africa. The White House National Security Council has expressed concern over the unconstitutional seizure of power, and warned that it could put at grave risk the continued security cooperation with the government of Niger. Russia has the opportunity to increase its influence in West Africa, as the international community watches to see how the situation in Niger develops.
On Wednesday, members of the presidential guard in Niger attempted to overthrow the democratically elected government and detain President Mohamed Bazoum. In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassoumi Massoudou and citizens of Niger have condemned the coup and called for a return to democracy. Demonstrators have gathered to protest the detention of President Bazoum and the situation in Niger remains uncertain as the nation awaits the outcome of the attempted coup.
Saudi Arabian soccer team Al-Hilal has made a record-breaking €300 million ($332 million) bid for French soccer icon Kylian Mbappe, in a sign of their ambition to become a major player in the sport. Mbappe is currently under contract with Paris Saint-Germaine, but is reportedly seeking to join Real Madrid starting in the 2024-25 campaign. If the transfer to Al-Hilal goes through, it would open the door for an even more lucrative deal, even if it's just for one year.
The United States Women's National Soccer Team opened the 2019 Women's World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam, with Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan scoring the goals. Vietnam put up a surprisingly strong fight, with goalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh stopping Alex Morgan's penalty attempt. The US are the favorites to win the tournament, with Germany, France, England, and Japan also expected to make a strong showing.
Key takeaways: The US Women’s National Soccer Team is looking to make history in the Women’s World Cup as they face off against Vietnam on…