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☆ Chibuike Ifedilichukwu: Nigerian upcycling artist creates portraits from waste
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Aneta Felix | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But where others see trash, 37-year-old Nigerian artist Chibuike Ifedilichukwu sees opportunity. He creates portraits of celebrities from discarded aluminum cans, making a bold statement about waste management in the country. One day in 2021, while accompanying his wife to an antenatal clinic, Ifedilichukwu says he stumbled upon a pile of dumped plastic strips. I found that nobody does this pattern of art,” Ifedilichukwu told CNN. Although he wears gloves when he works, he says he’s been cut many times by sharp-edged cans, craft knives, scissors, needles and steel wire.

Persons: Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, Ifedilichukwu, “, ” Ifedilichukwu, Chibuike, ”, Cardi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Don Jazzy, Greta Thunberg, Leonardo di Caprio, Davido, Ifedilichukwu Ifedilichukwu, he’s, “ It’s Organizations: CNN —, CNN, Ifedilichukwu Locations: Nigeria, Anambra, Awka

☆ A biotech hedge fund that counts Yale’s endowment among its clients bought a new stake in this genetic testing company
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Founded by brothers Julian and Felix Baker in 2000, the health care hedge fund focuses on biotech and life sciences investing. The biotech stock with a focus on neuroscience has surged more than 84% this year. Baker Bros. doubled down on its bet in Kymera Therapeutics , which it raised by more than 51%. The hedge fund also took new stakes in ImmunoGen , which has more than tripled this year, soaring 216%, and Day One Biopharmaceuticals , which is down by 34%. The hedge fund lowered its exposure to the biotech company, which develops treatments for cancer, by 5%.

Persons: Baker, Tisch, Julian, Felix Baker, Seagen, Yun Li Organizations: Baker Bros, Advisors, Yale, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Kymera Therapeutics Locations: InVitae, Invitae, Acadia, ImmunoGen

☆ Google to train 20,000 Nigerians in digital skills
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Felix Onuah | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The logo of Google LLC is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Google Inc FollowAlphabet Inc FollowABUJA, Aug 15 (Reuters) - Google plans to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth in digital skills and provide a grant of 1.2 billion naira ($1.6 million) to help the government's create one million digital jobs in the country, its Africa executives said on Tuesday. Nigeria plans to create digital jobs for its teeming youth population, Vice President Kashim Shettima told Google Africa executives during a meeting in Abuja. Google Africa executives said a grant from its philanthropic arm in partnership with Data Science Nigeria and the Creative Industry Initiative for Africa will facilitate the programme. Google director for West Africa Olumide Balogun said the company would commit funds and provide digital skills to women and young people in Nigeria and also enable startups to grow, which will create jobs.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Kashim Shettima, Shettima, West Africa Olumide Balogun, Charles Murito, Felix Onuah, Chijioke Ohuocha, Josie Kao Organizations: Google, Chelsea, REUTERS, Google Africa, Data Science, Creative Industry Initiative, West Africa, Thomson Locations: Manhattan , New York City, U.S, ABUJA, Africa, Nigeria, Abuja, Data Science Nigeria

☆ Auger-Aliassime snaps losing streak with win over Berrettini in Cincinnati
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 14, 2023; Mason, OH, USA; Matteo Berrettini (ITA) runs up the court for a return to Félix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) (not pictured) during the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Carter Skaggs-USA TODAY SportsAug 14 (Reuters) - Felix Auger-Aliassime ended a five-match losing streak with a come from behind 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory over Matteo Berrettini at the Cincinnati Open on Monday to set up a second round clash with Adrian Mannarino. The 23-year-old beamed a broad smile when Berrettini's forehand went long on match point, grateful for the bright spot in a thus far disappointing 2023 campaign. The 12th seeded Auger-Aliassime will look to keep his winning ways going in his first ever meeting with Frenchman Mannarino in the second round. Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Muralikumar AnantharamanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Matteo Berrettini, Félix, Carter Skaggs, Felix Auger, Aliassime, Adrian Mannarino ., Auger, I've, Frenchman Mannarino, Australia's Jordan Thompson, American John Isner, Isner, Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori, Nicolas Jarry of, Rory Carroll, Muralikumar Organizations: & Southern, Lindner, Tennis Center, USA, Cincinnati, U.S, Thomson Locations: Mason, OH, USA, Nicolas Jarry of Chile, Los Angeles

☆ A Reason to Cheer for Cells and the Viruses That Feed on Them
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Alex Johnson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

A mysterious entity had left holes in one of his thin films of bacteria. He took samples from within the holes, spread them on other plates of bacteria and got the same effect. The culprit, it would later turn out, was a phage, a kind of virus that “eats” bacteria. Ireland, an award-winning science journalist, approaches the subject of his first book with curiosity and passion, delivering a deft narrative that is rich and approachable. In the hands of d’Herelle and others, the phage became a potent tool in the fight against cholera.

Persons: Tom Ireland, Alfonso Martinez Arias, Felix d’Herelle, d’Herelle, Tom Ireland’s “ Organizations: Belgian Locations: French, Canadian, Mexico, Ireland, Europe, America

☆ Niger junta says open to talks as Putin, US stress peace
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Felix Onuah | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Souleymane Ag Anara/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 15 (Reuters) - Niger's junta on Tuesday said that it was open to talks to resolve a regional crisis caused by last month's military coup, while Russia and the United States called for a peaceful resolution. Singh declined to call the takeover a coup but said it "certainly looks like an attempted coup." Military leaders in Mali and Burkina Faso have kicked out troops from former colonial power France and strengthened ties with Moscow. Putin has called for a return to constitutional order in Niger, while Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin welcomed the army takeover and offered his services. Support for Russia has appeared to surge in Niger since the coup, with junta supporters waving Russian flags at rallies and calling for France to disengage.

Persons: Mohamed Bazoum, Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Mahamat Deby, Vladimir Putin, Putin, Assimi Goita, Sabrina Singh, Joe Biden's, Singh, Bola Tinubu, Russia's Wagner, Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Felix Onuah, Mahamat Ramadane, Idrees Ali, Nellie Peyton, John Stonestreet, Estelle Shirbon, Alexandra Hudson, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, West, Economic, West African States, ECOWAS, Islamic, Twitter, Military, Thomson Locations: Nigerien, Niamey, Niger, Russia, United States, Ghana, al Qaeda, Islamic State, West, Central Africa, Russian, West Africa's, Central Africa's, West Africa, Mali, Burkina Faso, France, Moscow, Bazoum, Western, U.S, Germany, Italy, Paris, Abuja, Chad, Washington

☆ Kremlin blames loose monetary policy as rouble slides past 100 vs dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The main source of rouble weakening and accelerating inflation is soft monetary policy," Oreshkin wrote. "The central bank has all the tools to normalise the situation in the near future and ensure that lending rates are reduced to sustainable levels. "It is in the interests of the Russian economy to have a strong rouble." The central bank hiked rates by 100 basis points in July to 8.5%, having held them steady since September. Last week, Russia effectively abandoned its budget rule, with the central bank halting the finance ministry's FX purchases to try and reduce volatility.

Persons: Kremlin, Rouble, Vladimir Putin's, Putin, Maxim Oreshkin, Oreshkin, Timothy Ash, Alexander Marrow, Felix Light, Guy Faulconbridge, Gareth Jones Organizations: Moscow News Agency, Handout, TASS, Kremlin, Bank of, BlueBay Asset Management, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Moscow, Russia, MOSCOW, Ukraine, Bank of Russia, London

☆ Russia says it thwarts Ukrainian rocket attack on Crimean Bridge, downs drones
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 12 (Reuters) - Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Ukraine had tried unsuccessfully to strike the Crimean Bridge across the Kerch Strait with S-200 rockets, but that no damage or casualties had been caused. The 12-mile (19-km) bridge, which links Russian-annexed Crimea to Russia, has come under repeated attack from Ukrainian forces since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. "The Ukrainian missile was detected in a timely manner and was intercepted in the air by Russian air defence systems. Separately, Russian forces destroyed 20 Ukrainian drones launched onto the Crimean Peninsula earlier on Saturday, Russia's Defence Ministry said. It was not immediately clear what was targeted in those reported attacks on the Black Sea peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Persons: Sergei Aksyonov, Vladimir Putin, Lidia Kelly, Felix, Gareth Jones, William Mallard, Helen Popper Our Organizations: Russia's Defence, Ukrainian, Russian, Russia's Defence Ministry, Reuters, Kremlin, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, Kerch, Russian, Crimea, Russia, Ukrainian, Moscow

☆ MLB roundup: Astros use ninth-inning slam to edge O's
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Philadelphia starter Zack Wheeler (9-5) tossed six innings and gave up seven hits and three runs. Losing pitcher Sonny Gray (5-5) gave up three runs (two earned) and seven hits in six innings while notching 10 strikeouts. Rays right-hander Zach Eflin allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings. Yusei Kikuchi sustained his first loss since July 1 despite permitting only one run on three hits while striking out six in seven innings. Taillon (7-6) tossed seven innings of three-hit ball and retired the final 16 batters he faced.

Persons: Kyle Tucker, Tommy Gilligan, Kyle Tucker's, Jeremy Pena's, Felix Bautista, Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, Rutschman, Mountcastle, Framber Valdez, Ryne Stanek, Ryan Pressley, Kevin Pillar, Orlando Arcia, Ronald Acuna Jr, Arcia, Mitch Keller, David Bednar, Brandon Drury, Lucas Giolito, Scott Alexander, Wilmer Flores, Kyle Schwarber, Jake Cave, Alec Bohm, Zack Wheeler, Lane Thomas, Keibert Ruiz, Trevor Williams, Eduardo Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Jose Cisnero, Jason Foley, Zack Short, Kerry Carpenter, Jake Rogers, Sonny Gray, Jorge Soler, Soler, Lucas Sims, Braxton Garrett, Stuart Fairchild, Luis Arraez's, Yandy Diaz, Brandon Lowe, Randy Arozarena, Louis, Isaac Paredes, Nolan Arenado, Zach Eflin, Miles Mikolas, Tanner Bibee, Ramon Laureano, Emmanuel Clase, Whit Merrifield, Yusei Kikuchi, Drew Waters, MJ Melendez, Michael Massey, Brady Singer, Trevor Story, Mike Tauchman, Jameson Taillon, Cody Bellinger, Pete Alonso, Justin Verlander, Joey Meneses, Ildemaro Vargas, Jordan Weems, Kyle Finnegan, Bryce Harper, Craig Kimbrel, Meneses, Nolan Jones, Elias Diaz, Matt Koch, Andruw Monasterio, William Contreras, Wade Miley, Andrew Chafin, Harrison Bader, Kyle Higashioka, Aaron Judge, Clarke Schmidt, Michael King, Yoan Moncada, Andrew Vaughn, Touki Toussaint, Corey Seager, Max Scherzer, JJ Bleday's, JP, Logan Gilbert, Dylan Moore, Gilbert, Xander Bogaerts, Scott Barlow, Freddie Freeman, Julio Urias, Christian Walker, Evan Phillips, Corbin Carroll Organizations: Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, Camden Yards, Astros, Baltimore All, Orioles, Braves, Pirates, Pittsburgh, Giants, San, Angels, Chicago White Sox, The Giants, San Francisco, Phillies, Philadelphia, Washington, Nationals, Tigers, Detroit, Marlins, Reds, Miami, Cincinnati, Cardinals, Tampa, St, Tampa Bay, Rays, Blue Jays, Toronto, Royals, Red Sox, Kansas City, Boston, Cubs, Mets, National League, Rockies, Brewers, Colorado, Milwaukee, Yankees, White Sox, Chicago, New York, Rangers, Athletics, Oakland, Texas, New York Mets, JP Sears, Mariners, Padres, Seattle, San Diego, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Arizona, Thomson Locations: Baltimore , Maryland, USA, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Anaheim , Calif, Washington, Philadelphia, St . Petersburg, Fla, Cleveland, Kansas, Chicago, New York, Schmidt, Texas, Toronto, Phoenix, Arizona

☆ In ‘Operation Mincemeat,’ the Theater of War Is a Comedy
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Alexis Soloski | More About Alexis Soloski | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At one time, those tanks were a feature of “Operation Mincemeat,” a punchy, plucky, highly unlikely West End musical, which tells the even more unlikely story of an MI-5 escapade. “Part of the joy was that the crazy stuff was all true,” said Natasha Hodgson, a member of the theater collective SpitLip, which created the show. But there was so very much crazy stuff. They especially doubted the dummy Sherman tanks, which the Allies created to misdirect the Germans. “We had to take the truth out because it was too silly,” the composer Felix Hagan, another member of SpitLip said.

Persons: ”, Natasha Hodgson, “, Felix Hagan, SpitLip Organizations: British Intelligence, Royal Marines Locations: Spain

General Abdourahmane Tiani, who was declared as the new head of state of Niger by leaders of a coup, arrives to meet with ministers in Niamey, Niger July 28, 2023. REUTERS/Balima Boureima/File PhotoDAKAR, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Niger's regional and Western allies have announced a series of sanctions against the country following the July 26 coup. These sanctions have been imposed on Niger since the coup:WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOCThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Monetary and Economic Union have imposed some of the most stringent sanctions on Niger so far since the coup. NETHERLANDSThe Dutch government, which was supporting development and security programmes in Niger, temporarily suspended its direct cooperation with the government following the coup. WORLD BANKThe World Bank suspended disbursements until further notice, except for private-sector partnerships which it said will continue with caution.

Persons: Abdourahmane Tiani, Balima, Bate Felix, Anait, Daphne Psaledakis, Gabriela Baczynska, Juliette Jabkhiro, Nick Macfie, Angus MacSwan Organizations: REUTERS, WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOC, Economic, West African States, ECOWAS, West, Monetary and Economic Union, Ivory, European Union, STATES, ., CANADA Canada, World Bank, Bank, Thomson Locations: Niger, Niamey, DAKAR, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, West Africa's, FRANCE France, France, Mali, Burkina Faso, NETHERLANDS, Dutch, United States, U.S, Africa, Washington, Brussels, Paris

☆ Murray tames wind and Sonego to reach second round in Toronto
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TORONTO, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Andy Murray tamed blustery conditions to grind out a 7-6(3) 6-0 win over Italy's Lorenzo Sonego on Tuesday and reach the second round of the Canadian Open. The 36-year-old former world number did well to save a pair of set points in a tight opening set which he finally wrapped up in 90 minutes with a dominant display during the tiebreaker. Up next for Murray will be either 10th-seed Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime or Australia's Max Purcell. For Murray, who was coming off a round-of-16 loss to Taylor Fritz last week in Washington, the win over Sonego marked his first in Toronto since lifting the title in 2015. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Andy Murray, Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, Sonego, Murray, He's, Scot, Felix Auger, Australia's Max Purcell, Taylor Fritz, Frank Pingue, Clare Fallon Organizations: TORONTO, Canadian, Thomson Locations: Washington, Toronto

☆ Behind the rise of GU: The Uniqlo offshoot loved by millennials and Gen Z is the latest cool-kid brand
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The fast-fashion brand targets Gen Z with stylish, affordable clothing. The brand sells basics like T-shirts as well as trendy pieces like cargo pants. GU was created in 2006 as a sister brand to Uniqlo geared toward Gen Z shoppers. GU sells basics as well as trendy pieces for Gen Z and millennials. Much like Uniqlo, GU carries basics like logo-free t-shirts, simple sweaters, minimalist shoes, and dressy-casual pants.

Persons: Julissa Degante, Felix Garcia, Garcia, Degante, Gen, Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins, didn't, Chris, Zers, You'll, Hulu's Organizations: GU, Service, Uniqlo's Broadway, Fast Retailing Locations: Wall, Silicon, Uniqlo's, New York, Soho, Asia, Uniqlo, Malibu

☆ MLB roundup: Blue Jays crush Red Sox for series sweep
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Blue Jays starter Chris Bassitt (11-6) surrendered one run on seven hits in seven innings to earn the win. Chris Murphy (1-1) took the loss after allowing six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings of relief. The Angels' Chase Silseth threw seven innings and gave up two runs on four hits, fanning a career-high 12 batters. That trio -- the top three batters in the Rays' order -- combined for seven hits, seven runs and five RBIs. Walker (13-4) threw 95 pitches over seven innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and a walk.

Persons: Alex Verdugo, Brandon Belt, Eric Canha, Davis Schneider, George Springer, Matt Chapman, Kevin Kiermaier, Triston Casas, Chris Bassitt, Chris Murphy, Andrew Heaney, Heaney, Nathaniel Lowe, Marcus Semien, Ezequiel Duran, Adolis Garcia, Sandy Alcantara, Yuli Gurriel, Elvis Andrus, Emmanuel Clase, Eloy Jimenez, Andrew Vaughn, Brayan Rocchio, Andrus, Jake Meyers, Meyers, Carlos Rodon, Wandy Peralta, Yordan Alvarez, Gleyber Torres, Matt Wallner, Wallner, Paul Sewald, Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Corbin Carroll, Kyle Bradish, Cionel Perez, Jose Quintana, Quintana, Mark Vientos, Felix Bautista, Daniel Vogelbach, Lane Thomas, CJ Abrams, Thomas, Lyon, Abrams, Joey Votto, TJ Friedl, Stuart Fairchild, Richardson, Ben Lively, Eugenio Suarez, J.P . Crawford, Teoscar Hernandez, Matt Thaiss, Chase Silseth, Bryce Miller, Miller, Yandy Diaz, Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, Kerry Carpenter, Taijuan Walker, Walker, Justin Steele, Bryson Stott, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, MJ Melendez, Zack Greinke, Johan Oviedo, Connor Joe, Endy Rodriguez, Bryan Reynolds, William Contreras, Brandon Woodruff, Justin Steele whiffed, Ian Happ, Jeimer Candelario, Cody Bellinger, Steele, Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr, Matt Olson, Olson, Austin Gomber, Louis, Gomber, Tyler Kinley, Brent Suter, Justin Lawrence, Lawrence, Zack Thompson, Miles Mikolas, Thompson, Nick Allen, Shea Langeliers, Allen, Kirby Snead, LaMonte Wade Jr, Patrick Bailey, Luke Jackson, Amed Rosario, Freddie Freeman, Lance Lynn, Gary Sanchez, Mookie Betts, Enrique Hernandez, Rich Hill, Ji Man Choi, Jake Cronenworth Organizations: Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Fenway, Blue Jays, Boston, Rangers, Marlins, White Sox, Chicago, Cleveland, Astros, Yankees, Houston, Diamondbacks, The Twins, Orioles, Mets, Baltimore, The Orioles, Reds, Washington, Cincinnati, Lyon Richardson's, Mariners, Seattle, Angels, Tigers, Tampa Bay, Rays, Phillies, Royals, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Chicago Cubs, Royals . Kansas City, Pirates, Brewers, Milwaukee, Cubs, Braves, Atlanta, The Cubs, MLB, Cardinals, Colorado, Rockies, Athletics, Giants, Oakland, San, Dodgers, Padres, Los Angeles, Dodger, Thomson Locations: Boston , Massachusetts, USA, Brandon, Texas, Miami, Arlington , Texas, Cleveland, New York, Minnesota, Arizona, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Anaheim , Calif, J.P, Toronto, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Oviedo, Milwaukee, San Francisco, San Diego

☆ Nigeria's president says central bank undergoing forensic audit
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ABUJA, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said on Friday the central bank was undergoing a comprehensive forensic audit as part of reforms following the suspension of the bank's governor in June. Tinubu has embarked on the country's boldest reforms in years, ending the central bank's currency controls that kept the naira currency artificially strong and scrapping a petrol subsidy that cost the government $10 billion last year. "A comprehensive forensic audit is on-going at the Central Bank (of Nigeria)," a presidency statement quoted Tinubu as telling World Bank head Ajay Banga at a meeting in Abuja. Tinubu, who was sworn into office on May 29, inherited an economy grappling with anaemic growth, record debt, shrinking oil production and widespread insecurity. Reporting by Felix Onuah, writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Ajay Banga, Felix Onuah, MacDonald Dzirutwe, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Central Bank, World Bank, Thomson Locations: ABUJA, Nigeria, Abuja

☆ ATP roundup: Yosuke Watanuki records upset in Washington
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Aug 2, 2023; Washington, D.C., USA; Yosuke Watanuki (JPN) hits a backhand against Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN) (not pictured) on day five of the Mubadala Citi DC Open at Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsAugust 3 - Japan's Yosuke Watanuki prevailed in a wild first-set tiebreaker en route to a 7-6 (10), 7-6 (3) upset of No. 3 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on Wednesday in a second-round match at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington. Watanuki jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the opening set's tiebreaker, but Auger-Aliassime stormed back and eventually held leads of 5-4 and 9-8. But Watanuki held firm, and on his fifth set point, he was finally able to get past the Canadian.

Persons: Yosuke, Felix Auger, Geoff Burke, Watanuki, Aliassime, Jordan Thompson, Adrian Mannarino, Frenchman Gregoire Barrere, Daniel Evans of, Tallon Griekspoor, Christopher Eubanks, Ugo Humbert, Gael Monfils, Great, Andy Murray, Taylor Fritz, Zachary Svajda, Alex Molcan, Sebastian Ofner, Molcan, Argentina's Sebastian Baez, Roberto Carballes Baena, France's Arthur Rinderknech, Colombia's Daniel Elahi Galan, Dominic Thiem, Djere, Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Pedro Cachin Organizations: D.C, Citi DC, Fitzgerald Tennis, USA, ., Austrian, Thomson Locations: Washington, USA, France, Daniel Evans of Great Britain, Slovakia, Kitzbuhel, Austria, Spain, Serbia

☆ West African bloc sends mission to Niger to negotiate with coup leaders
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Camillus Eboh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Nigerien security forces prepare to disperse pro-junta demonstrators gathered outside the French embassy, in Niamey, the capital city of Niger July 30, 2023. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has imposed sanctions on Niger and threatened to authorise the use of force if the coup leaders do not reinstate elected President Mohamed Bazoum within a week from last Sunday. "There is a need to demonstrate that we cannot only bark but can bite," he told reporters, as regional defence chiefs started a two-day meeting in the Nigerian capital Abuja. "The task of restoring democratic governance in Niger is fraught with potential hurdles and complications," said General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence and Chairman of the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs. Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and treating cancer.

Persons: Mohamed Bazoum, Abdel, Fatau Musah, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Abubakar, Christopher Musa, Abdourahmane Tiani, Bazoum, James, Bola Tinubu, Annalena Baerbock, Charles, Camillus Eboh, Felix Onuah, Christophe Van Der Perre, Ingrid Melander, Nellie Peyton, Alex Richardson, Nick Macfie Organizations: REUTERS, Abuja Junta, Islamists, African, ECOWAS, West African States, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, Defence, ECOWAS Defence Chiefs, British, European Union, Reuters, Islamic, Union, Thomson Locations: Niamey, Niger, Abuja, Islamists Mali, Burkina Faso, NIAMEY, ABUJA, Nigerian, West Africa, Mali, Guinea, Bissau, Nigeria's, France, Italy, Paris, Rome, United States, Germany, al Qaeda, Islamic State

☆ Nigeria's labour unions suspend strike after meeting president
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Felix Onuah | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ABUJA, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Nigeria's main labour federation has agreed to return to talks with the government following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, union leaders said, on a day when hundreds of Nigerians marched against the removal of a petrol subsidy. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the marches across major Nigerian cities were successful enough to force Tinubu to meet union leaders and vow to expedite an agreement on a new minimum wage among other promises. [1/2]Members of the Nigerian Labour Union, holding flags and placards, march during a protest against fuel price hikes and rising costs, in Abuja, Nigeria August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Abraham AchirgaLed by union leaders, protesters carrying placards marched in Lagos, the oil-producing state of Bayelsa and in the northern cities of Kano and Kaduna. In the capital Abuja, marchers broke down a gate to the National Assembly, expecting to be addressed by the Senate president, witnesses said.

Persons: Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Tinubu's, Dele Alake, Abraham Achirga Led, Elisha Bala, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Tife, Hamza Ibrahim, Garba Muhammad, Tomasz Janowski, Giles Elgood, Sandra Maler Organizations: Nigeria Labour Congress, Nigerian Labour Union, REUTERS, NLC, National Assembly, Thomson Locations: ABUJA, Nigeria, Abuja, Lagos, Bayelsa, Kano, Kaduna, Gbogbo, Yenagoa

☆ Niger junta says it will not back down despite 'inhumane' sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Camillus Eboh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

In a televised address, Abdourahamane Tiani said the junta "rejects these sanctions altogether and refuses to give into any threats, wherever they come from. Nigeria cut power supplies to Niger, a Niger state utility document showed on Wednesday, while truckers in Niamey were stranded by border closures - early signs of fallout from the bloc's sweeping sanctions that Tiani described as "illegal, unjust, and inhumane." "The task of restoring democratic governance in Niger is fraught with potential hurdles and complications," said General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence and Chairman of the ECOWAS Defence Chiefs. In a further sign of the mounting pressure on the junta, the World Bank on Wednesday suspended disbursements to Niger until further notice. Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, the radioactive metal widely used for nuclear energy and treating cancer.

Persons: Mohamed Bazoum, Abdourahamane Tiani, Abdel, Fatau Musah, Christopher Musa, James, Bola Tinubu, Annalena Baerbock, Camillus Eboh, Felix Onuah, Christophe Van Der Perre, Ingrid Melander, Nellie Peyton, Alessandra Prentice, Alex Richardson, Nick Macfie, Grant McCool Organizations: Islamists, West African, West African States, ECOWAS, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, Defence, ECOWAS Defence Chiefs, REUTERS, British, World Bank, European Union, Islamic, Union, Thomson Locations: Niger, Abuja Niger, Islamists Mali, Burkina Faso, NIAMEY, ABUJA, West Africa, Mali, Guinea, Bissau, Nigerian, Abuja, Nigeria, Niamey, Nigeria's, Nigerien, disbursements, States, France, Italy, Paris, Rome, United States, Germany, al Qaeda, Islamic State

DAKAR, July 31 (Reuters) - Niger's regional and Western partners have announced a series of sanctions against the country following last week's coup. Another 978.47 billion francs was supposed to come from project grants and loans from external partners. These sanctions have been imposed on Niger since the coup:WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOCThe Economic Community of West African States and the West African Monetary and Economic Union have imposed some of the most stringent sanctions on Niger so far since the coup. Niger had planned to raise 490 billion CFA francs ($834 million) from the regional debt market in 2023. FRANCEFrance, another major partner of its former colony, suspended development aid and budget support with immediate effect, demanding a prompt return to constitutional order.

Persons: Daphne Psaledakis, Gabriela Baczynska, Juliette Jabkhiro, Nick Macfie Organizations: WEST AFRICA REGIONAL BLOC, Economic, West, Monetary and Economic Union, European Union, UNITED STATES, ., Thomson Locations: DAKAR, Niger, West African States, FRANCE France, France, Mali, Burkina Faso, United States, Washington, Brussels, Paris

It has yet to disburse a $131.5 million loan to Niger that was approved on July 5, it added. The interior minister, transport minister, and a deputy had already been detained, it added. The arrests confirm the "repressive and dictatorial" nature of the coup leaders, the party said in a statement, calling on citizens to come together to protect democracy. The arrests were announced a day after Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby arrived in Niger to try to mediate between the coup leaders and the ousted government. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group, last week welcomed the coup in Niger, and said his forces were available to restore order.

Persons: Niger's, Mohamed Bazoum, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Issoufou Mahamadou, Mahamat Idriss Deby, Deby, Bazoum, Ursula von der Leyen, Emmanuel Macron, Abdourahamane Tiani, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russia's Wagner, Antonio Tajani, Boureima Balima, Abdel, Kader Mazou, Anait Miridzhanian, Bate Felix, Nellie Peyton, Sofia Christensen, Alexander Winning, Bernadette Baum, Andrew Heavens, Nick Macfie Organizations: International Monetary Fund, IMF, CFA, West, African Union, European Union, Islamic, Junta, Nigerien Party for Democracy and, Chadian, ECOWAS, EU, REUTERS, Twitter, French Foreign Ministry, Paris, White, Thomson Locations: NIAMEY, Niger, West, Central Africa, United States, France, Islamic State, al Qaeda, EU, U.S, Nigerien, Niamey, Mali, Burkina Faso, Russia, Niger's

☆ Nigeria's Tinubu appoints investigator to probe central bank
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Nigeria's Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele briefs the media during the MPC meeting in Abuja, Nigeria January 24, 2020. REUTERS/Afolabi SotundeCompanies Tinubu Square Sa FollowABUJA, July 30 (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has appointed a financial watchdog to investigate the central bank, weeks after he suspended its governor, a copy of a letter from the president showed on Sunday. Tinubu on June 9 suspended Godwin Emefiele, who was then detained by state security agents for allegedly misappropriating funds and a "criminal breach of trust." In a letter dated July 28, Tinubu appointed the chief executive of Nigeria's Financial Reporting Council as special investigator of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other government-owned entities. The investigator was to "provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments."

Persons: Nigeria's Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, Bola Tinubu, Tinubu, Godwin Emefiele, Dele Alake, Felix Onuah, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Christina Fincher Organizations: Nigeria's Central Bank Governor, MPC, REUTERS, Nigeria's, Central Bank of Nigeria, Thomson Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, ABUJA

☆ Big-headed Jurassic sea turtle’s fossil is the most complete ever found
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( Mindy Weisberger | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Few complete fossils of this Jurassic sea turtle, named Solnhofia parsonsi, have been discovered. Today’s marine turtle species all have elongated, rigid flippers to propel them through the ocean depths. But the newly described fossil’s limbs were stumpier than those of modern sea turtles relative to its body size. An artistic reconstruction shows the extinct sea turtle in its coastal marine environment. The newly described fossil presents a far more complete view of those limbs, showing that they differed dramatically from the extremities of sea turtles alive today.

Persons: Solnhofia, parsonsi, ”, Felix Augustin, Augustin, Márton Rabi, Peter Nickolaus S, ” Augustin, Rabi, ” Rabi, Mindy Weisberger Organizations: CNN, geosciences, University of Tübingen, University of Tübingen’s, Scientific Locations: Europe, Germany, Bavaria, Switzerland

☆ Central Africa vote in referendum could extend Touadera's rule
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BANGUI, July 30 (Reuters) - Central African Republic is voting on a constitutional referendum on Sunday which, if it passes, could remove a presidential term limit and allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to run for a third term in 2025. Touadera was first elected in 2016 for a five-year term and won reelection in 2020 for what was supposed to be his final term in office. Opposition parties and some civil society groups have called for a boycott of the referendum, saying it was designed to keep Touadera in power for life. What I really want is stability for the country to progress," said Laurent Ngombe, a teacher and one of the first people to vote. Reporting by Judicael Yongo Writing by Bate Felix Editing by Bernadette BaumOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Faustin, Touadera, I'm, Laurent Ngombe, Francois Bozize, Russia's Wagner, Judicael, Bate Felix, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Thomson Locations: BANGUI, African Republic, Bangui, France, Touadera, Russia

[1/9] Demonstrators gather in support of the putschist soldiers in Niamey, the capital city of Niger July 30, 2023. Images showed fires at the walls of the French Embassy and people being loaded into ambulances with bloodied legs. Military officials involved in the coup would be banned from travelling and have their assets frozen, it added. The Niger military rulers later asked protesters to abstain from vandalism and destruction of property. The European Union and France have cut off financial support to Niger and the United States has threatened to do the same.

Persons: Stringer, Mohammed Bazoum, General Abdourahamane Tiani, Amadou Abdramane, Sani Idrissa, Russia's Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Boureima Balima, Moussa Aksar, Felix Onuah, Elizabeth Pineau, Bate Felix, Andrew Cawthorne, Frances Kerry Organizations: REUTERS, Pro, Niamey Military, Sahel region's, French Embassy, Economic, West, West African Economic, Monetary Union, Military, United Nations, African Union, European Union, World Bank, The, ECOWAS, Thomson Locations: Niamey, Niger, Sahel, NIAMEY, ABUJA, Niger's, Nigeria, States, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, United States, France, The United States, Italy, Germany, French, Niger national, Russian, Abuja, Paris

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