Seven dead in US South after severe rain, tornadoes

 Strong winds and heavy rain damage homes, tens of thousands go without power in parts of Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.

At least seven people have been killed in Alabama and Georgia after a massive storm system whipping up severe winds and spawning tornadoes hit some southern states in the United States.

Authorities said a clearer picture of the extent of the damage and a search for additional victims would be possible on Friday, when clear conditions were expected.

The strong winds and heavy rain damaged homes and left tens of thousands of customers without power in parts of Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said she was “sad” to learn that six people were killed in the state due to the storms.

The deaths took place in Autauga County, deputy director of emergency services Gary Weaver told AFP news agency.

A tornado touched down in Dallas County as well, ripping roofs off buildings and causing “significant damage”, according to Selma Mayor James Perkins, who called on residents to stay off roads and keep away from downed power lines.

About 40,000 customers were without power in Alabama on Thursday night, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.

In Selma, an estimated 40 homes were damaged or destroyed by a tornado that cut a 32km (20 miles) path across two rural communities, Ernie Baggett, the county’s emergency management director, said.

At least 12 people were taken to hospitals by emergency responders, Baggett told The Associated Press news agency. He said crews were focused on Thursday night on cutting through downed trees to look for people who may need help.

“This is the worst that I’ve seen here in this county,” Baggett said of the damage.

The American flag lies in the shrubs in front of the storm-damaged Selma Country Club after a tornado ripped through Selma, Alabama [Mickey Welsh/USA Today Network via Reuters]

In Georgia, a passenger died when a tree fell on a vehicle in Jackson, Butts County Coroner Lacey Prue said. In the same county southeast of Atlanta, the storm appeared to have knocked a freight train off its tracks, officials said.

Officials in Griffin, south of Atlanta, told local news outlets that multiple people had been trapped inside an apartment complex after trees fell on it.

School systems in at least six Georgia counties cancelled classes on Friday.

Six people were killed in Autauga County in Alabama [Butch Dill/AP Photo]

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

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Boeing 737 Max 8 takes off in China for the first time since 2019

 A Boeing 737 Max 8 took off in China on Friday, for the first time since the government grounded all 737 Max 8 planes in 2019, according to the flight tracking website, Flightradar24.

In March 2019, Chinese aviation authorities instructed airlines in the country to ground all their Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, citing the need for “strict control of safety risks.” The decision followed two 737 Max 8 crashes in Ethiopia in 2019 and Indonesia in 2018.

The Boeing 737 Max 8 that took off Friday is operated by China Southern Airlines and traveled from Guangzhou to Zhengzhou, according to Flightradar24. The flight comes as the Chinese travel market is recovering after the country abandoned zero-Covid policies.

In September, Boeing and its former CEO Dennis Muilenburg agreed to pay hefty fines to settle charges from the US Securities and Exchange Commission alleging they misled the public about the safety of the 737 Max following the two fatal crashes.

The SEC had alleged that, following an October 2018 crash of a Lion Air 737 Max jet that killed 189 people, Boeing and Muilenburg knew that part of the plane’s flight control system posed an ongoing safety concern yet told the public that the 737 Max was safe to fly.

After a March 10, 2019 fatal 737 Max crash, the SEC alleged that Boeing and Muilenburg knowingly misled the public about “slips” and “gaps” in the certification process of that flight control system.

By Pierre Meilhan, CNN

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Malawi Police Arrest Two For Banknote Cake

 Malawi police have arrested two women in their mid-20s after they used kwacha bank notes as decorations for a cake they had baked and posted it on social media.

A police spokesman said the pair had posted the image of the cake festooned with 70 500-kwacha notes – worth $35 (£28) on social media as they advertised their cake-making business.

The accused have not commented on their arrest but police say they will be charged with an offence of “damaging and unlawful use of currency”.

In the past, Malawi’s central bank has said it incurs huge costs printing new bank notes to replace worn out ones and blamed improper use of banknotes as one of reasons the notes have to be regularly replaced.

The offence of “damaging and unlawful use of currency” carries a large maximum fine.

Source: BBC

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Notorious Russian arms dealer freed in Brittney Griner exchange awkwardly backs out of pledge to fight in Ukraine

 The Russian arms dealer who was freed in a prisoner exchange for Brittney Griner late last year has walked back on earlier claims that he would volunteer to fight on the front line in Ukraine.

In an interview on the Russian newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda’s radio station on Wednesday, Viktor Bout became evasive and irritable when reminded of an earlier statement about his willingness to fight, according to The Daily Beast.

Bout was speaking at length about his pride in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when the interviewer cut in to relay a question from a listener, saying: “Let Bout prove his patriotism towards the Motherland by joining Wagner in Soledar,” according to The Daily Beast.

The listener went on to ask whether Bout had received an offer to join the troops of the Wagner Group, a mercenary army fighting on Russia’s behalf. Earlier this week, Wagner claimed to have captured the eastern Ukrainian town of Soledar, though independent assessments question the extent of its control.

According to The Daily Beast, Bout said: “No, there were no offers to join. There again, you have to understand where you can be most useful, and which of your skills and knowledge would be handy.”

It was a strong about-face from comments Bout made to Russian state TV only a month ago.

Back then, Bout said: “If I could, I would share the skills I have and I would readily volunteer” to fight.

Bout was freed from US prison on December 9, in exchange for the WNBA star Brittney Griner, in a high-profile prisoner swap the Biden administration engineered.

Bout attracted the nickname of “The Merchant of Death” due to his prominent arms-dealing operation in the 1990s, as Insider previously reported. Authorities arrested him in a sting operation in 2008, and he was later convicted in the US of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.

When freed, he was serving a 25-year prison sentence, most recently at a federal penitentiary in Marion, Illinois, according to The New York Times.

Bout has loudly backed Russia’s military in interviews since his release, and has joined the ultranationalist, pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party, Reuters reported.

Source: businessinsider

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Russia ‘to work’ with Burkina Faso to fight terror

 Russia says it is planning to work with Burkina Faso to develop strategies to fight terrorism in the West African nation, state-owned news agency AIB reports.

This emerged following a meeting between Burkinabe Prime Minister Apollinaire Kyelem de Tembela and Russian ambassador accredited to Burkina Faso, Alex Saltynov.

“We will develop a roadmap for bilateral co-operation. And from this, we will see what Russia could bring to Burkina Faso within the framework of security and the fight against terrorism,” the Russian envoy was quoted as saying.

Burkina Faso appears to be progressively embracing Russia under the influence of neighbouring Mali, where diplomatic relations with France collapsed last year over the deployment of mercenaries from the Wagner Group.

In December, the interim prime minister’s visit to Russia triggered rumours of the presence of Russian mercenaries in the country.

Source: BBC

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20 Places to visit in Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom State

 Akwa Ibom state is one of Nigeria’s oil-rich states, located on the country’s southern coast. This state shares borders with Rivers, Cross River, Abia, and Cameroon. Akwa Ibom state, like neighbouring Cross River state, is one of the cleanest and most beautiful states in Nigeria, with numerous tourist attractions.

Ibeno Beach, Ibeno

You perhaps did not know before now that Ibeno beach is the longest beach in West Africa. It stretches from Ibeno to James town. This beach is one of the many tourist attractions in Akwa Ibom state. Ibeno beach is one of the places in Akwa Ibom that cannot be perfectly described with words. The soothing feel of its breeze coupled with the sound of the roaring waters makes Ibeno beach one place that is a must visit for everyone.

Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo

Akwa Ibom stadium is the most recent stadium in Nigeria. It was designed and built by Julius Berger in 2014 and was patterned after the home stadium of German football giants, Bayern Munich. The Akwa Ibom international stadium is the home turf of Akwa United; a professional football team and one of the biggest teams in the Nigerian Premier League.

Ibom Plaza, Uyo

Ibom Plaza, also known as the heart of Uyo is a tourist attraction that was established in 2001. It was built to provide relaxation both for the locals as well as visitors. Ibom plaza presently occupies the former independent square, the site formerly occupied by the British flag; the Union Jack. It is also responsible for the growing nightlife in Uyo.

House of Tara, Uyo

House of Tara, Uyo is one of the most established beauty salons in Uyo. It is located at no 4, Lane Traffic Light 264 Oron Road. A visit to House of Tara might not mean much to everyone. However, if you are in the beauty industry, then, House of Tara is a place that is worth visiting.

Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo

Ibom specialist hospital is a medical Mecca in Akwa Ibom state. It is a world class hospital and even has a higher status than most teaching hospitals in Nigeria. If you are in the medical profession, then this might just be your chance to get to see medical facilities that are not existing in most Nigerian hospitals

Lord Luggard’s Residence, Ikot Abasi

Not very many people are aware of the existence of this building. Lord Luggard’s residence is just opposite the Amalgamation house. This house is a small one-story cottage and is one of the destinations that are worth visiting if you have a keen interest in Nigerian history.

Raffia City Plaza, Ikot Ekpene

Raffia city plaza is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Ikot Ekpene. This plaza is not just a place to get affordable stuff, it is also a place where children can have fun while the adults do the shopping. Raffia city plaza features a football viewing centre and a place to see movies.

Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Center, Uyo

Ibom Tropicana entertainment centre is a world-class resort that was perfectly designed for both business and leisure.  It features a five-star hotel, a shopping mall, a cinema and a convention center. Irrespective of the reason you are in Akwa Ibom, business or pleasure, Ibom Tropicana entertainment center is always open to meet your needs.

Ibom e-Library, Uyo

If you have never been to a digital library, then a visit to Ibom e-library is non-negotiable. Ibom e-library is situated in Uyo and is the first and biggest digital library in the whole of West Africa. This e-library is definitely not a place for leisure. However, it could be the extra spice to your visit to Akwa-Ibom. It was built by Godswill Akpabio and commissioned by Goodluck Jonathan.

Vista Restaurant, Uyo

Are you in Akwa Ibom and in search of a place to have your local dish in a world-class restaurant? If yes, then, you should pay Vista restaurant a visit. In this restaurant, you can have a well-cooked meal while you enjoy the beauty that Akwa Ibom is known for.

Silverbird Cinema, Uyo

In search of a place to view the latest movies, then, you should find your way to Silverbird Cinema, Uyo. This cinema occupies a section of the Ibom Tropicana entertainment center and is located at Udoudom Avenue. At Silverbird cinema, Uyo, you do not only get to watch the latest movies with a bowl of popcorn, you also get to meet with fun and interesting people.

Bridge of No Return, Ikot Abasi

The bridge of no return was given its name by the people of Ikot Abasi. This bridge brings to mind the pains of slave trade and was usually the last point of contact between slaves and their lands before they were put on big ships and sent to work on farms in America. Although the bridge of no return is very infamous among the people of Ikot Abasi, it is a major tourist destination in Akwa Ibom.

Ibiobio Museum and State Park, Uyo

Ibiobio Museum and state park is the no 1 place to visit if you are interested in knowing more about the Ibiobio people and their way of life. This museum contains artifacts that will help you understand the history of the Ibiobio people. If you are not cut out for museums, you can also have a picnic in the gardens surrounding this museum.

National Museum of Colonial History, Uyo

This is for all lovers of history and arts. The National Museum of colonial history is located at Wellington Bassey way. This museum contains lots of artifacts that relate to the people of Akwa Ibom and how they fared during the period of slave trade.

The Amalgamation House

If you have read a lot about the history of Nigeria in books, then, this is your opportunity to see some facts for yourself. The amalgamation house is a cottage which was once the administrative headquarters of the southern protectorate. In this building, Lord Luggard decreed the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates.

The Playground, Uyo

Just as its name states, the playground is one of the most famous relaxation spots in Akwa Ibom. This spot welcomes its visitors with the sweet aroma of grilled meat and the sounds of soft music. If you are a vegetarian, then, this is not a place you should find yourself because you could just give up on some of your vegetarian beliefs.

Presbyterian Church, Uyo

The Presbyterian Church might sound like a spot for only Christian faithfuls. However, contrary to what a lot of people believe, the Presbyterian Church is a tourist destination for people from all over the world. This church was built by Mary Slessor and is open to the public.

Discovery Park, Uyo

What better place to visit in Akwa Ibom if you want to enjoy a blend and good music and some of the finest local dishes than Discovery Park. This park is a perfect place to hang out with your old friends and also meet new people. Discovery Park is open from 8 am to 11 pm during the week and 1 pm to 11 pm on Sundays.

Oron Museum, Oron

Oron museum is endowed with a lot of artworks, traditional instruments, and masquerade costumes. This museum will help your knowledge of Efik history come alive. If you are a fan of arts, next time you are in Akwa Ibom, make it a duty to visit Oron museum.

Le Meridien Hotel, Uyo

Are you in Akwa Ibom and want to spend some time at the golf club, then Le Meridien hotel is just the ideal place to go. Le Meridien hotel is one of the most recognized hotels in Nigeria and the most prestigious in Akwa Ibom. The golf course in Le Meridien hotel features 18 holes and is one of the first golf courses in West Africa.

Source: allnigeriainfo.ng

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Prez Biden delivers sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church to honor Martin Luther King

 DNT ATLANTA – President Joe Biden became the first sitting United States president to deliver a sermon at the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where the civil rights icon was a preacher.

Biden who specifically credited the black vote, especially the black women’s vote for his election into the White House wasted no time to warm himself to the congregation.

“I’ve spoken in front of kings, world leaders, and large organizations, but I tell you, this is intimidating,” Biden said to open his sermon.

 

Biden praised his hosts including another civil rights leader and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young reflecting on their collective fight against Apartheid.

In his sermon at what he called America’s Freedom Church, Biden lauded Dr. Martin Luther King and pointed out that as people say ‘Keep The Faith’, the civil rights icon not only kept the faith but spread the faith.

Biden also revealed that his two political heroes are Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, and keeps a replica of the Rosa Parks bus at the Oval Office.

“This is a time a choosy,” Biden continued, using an old African American slang to illustrate the choices that the world faces between democracy and autocracy. Biden likened that fight to the civil right fight that Dr. King led which altered the course of history.

DNT News with correspondence reports from Atlanta

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