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Niger crisis: Macron's Africa strategy needs rethinking

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

The unfolding crisis in Niger, a nation grappling with a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, casts a dark cloud over France's traditionally powerful influence in the Sahel region, writes Bintou Diabaté.This influence, largely unchallenged, has been carefully nurtured and sustained through a three-pronged approach involving diplomatic channels, economic ties, and a potent military presence. Today, as thousands of protesters rally outside the French embassy in Niamey, however, the extent of anti-French sentiment is laid bare, presenting French President Emmanuel Macron with a formidable challenge to his strategic ambitions in Africa.One of the most striking features of the ongoing crisis is the conspicuous Russian presence, manifested in the symbolic waving of Russian flags during the protests. Such a sight would have been unthinkable a few years ago, as France was perceived as the dominant player in Niger and the Sahel region. Now, the Russian mercenary group Wagner, wh...

Man arrested after CHP pursuit in Orange County

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

A man was arrested after a pursuit through L.A. and Orange counties on Friday night.The suspect, who was driving a Tesla, was initially wanted for a carpool lane violation, according to California Highway Patrol.The pursuit began in the Anaheim area around 10:30 p.m. Multiple CHP units can be seen trailing the suspect.A spike strip was thrown on the 57 freeway in Yorba Linda around 11:10 p.m., knocking out the rear driver-side hubcap before the wheel was completely disabled.Sky5 video showed a male suspect pulling over and quickly exiting the car before approaching deputies in an aggressive manner. Armed deputies eventually tackled the man to the ground before taking him into custody. A Tesla driver was arrested after a pursuit through L.A. and Orange counties on Aug. 26, 2023. (KTLA)A Tesla driver was arrested after a pursuit through L.A. and Orange counties on Aug. 26, 2023. (KTLA)A Tesla driver was arrested after a pursuit through L.A. and Orange counties on Aug. 26, 2023. (KTLA)...

Man fatally shot in North Hollywood; suspect at large

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

Police are searching for a suspect after a man was shot and killed in North Hollywood on Friday afternoon.Los Angeles police responded to a shooting at a neighborhood on the 6100 Block of Carpenter Avenue around  3:24 p.m.Arriving officers found a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect had fled the area before authorities arrived.Police were searching for a suspect after a man was shot in North Hollywood on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA)Police were searching for a suspect after a man was shot in North Hollywood on Aug. 25, 2023. (KTLA)Video from the scene shows a canopy being set up as a heavy police presence surrounds the area. It's unknown whether the shooting may be gang-related, police said. The deadly incident remains under investigation.

49ers’ Kyle Shanahan: ‘I always feel like I let Trey down’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

SANTA CLARA — Coach Kyle Shanahan evoked a sorrowful tone Friday in the wake of Trey Lance’s trade from the 49ers to the Dallas Cowboys.Shanahan acted crestfallen how his 2021 No. 3 overall draft pick did not pan out. But he also sounded pleased with Lance’s opportunity on a NFC rival — one the 49ers eliminated in the last two postseasons — and the coach emphasized how solid the 49ers are positioned.Rather than keep Lance as a No. 3 quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold, the 49ers acquiesced to Lance’s wishes of finding a spot where he could get needed practice reps as a No. 2, which is what he presumably will be in Dallas behind Dak Prescott.“I always feel like I let Trey down,” Shanahan said. “I wanted him to come here. I believed in Trey. I believed in him before we took him. I’m responsible for that.”General manager John Lynch, in a later session with reporters, said: “Love the kid. Kyle and I, when we broke th...

High school football: El Cerrito uses proven formula in season-opening win over Division I school

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

PLEASANTON – A hard-fought nonleague win over Division I Amador Valley last year helped propel the El Cerrito High School football team to an undefeated regular season.Gauchos coach Jacob Rincon would gladly take the same end result in 2023, and he might have the defense to do it.El Cerrito’s defense made a two-touchdown lead in the first-half stand as the Gauchos held on to a 14-7 win over Amador Valley on Friday in the season-opening game for both teams.Running back Micah Avery, a transfer from Clayton Valley Charter, scored on a 69-yard touchdown run with 3:46 left in the first quarter and fellow senior Michael Vanhook scored on a quarterback keeper just before halftime, providing just enough offense to help No. 14 El Cerrito extend its regular season win streak to 16 games.Avery had 95 yards on 13 carries and Vanhook completed 8 of 15 passes for 72 yards. El Cerrito’s second touchdown drive was aided by an 85-yard run from another newcomer in Zaire Eastman, who attended De...

SpaceX launches a new space station crew with four astronauts from four countries

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX launches a new space station crew with four astronauts from four countries.Source

Seattle hosts Chicago after Loyd’s 32-point game

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

Chicago Sky (13-21, 3-14 Eastern Conference) at Seattle Storm (10-24, 7-9 Western Conference)Seattle; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Seattle hosts the Chicago Sky after Jewell Loyd scored 32 points in the Seattle Storm’s 90-86 loss to the Indiana Fever.The Storm are 4-14 on their home court. Seattle is sixth in the Western Conference with 17.5 assists per game led by Loyd averaging 3.3.The Sky are 7-9 in road games. Chicago ranks sixth in the WNBA allowing 83.6 points while holding opponents to 45.6% shooting.The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Sky won 102-79 in the last meeting on Aug. 23. Dana Evans led the Sky with 23 points, and Loyd led the Storm with 26 points.TOP PERFORMERS: Ezi Magbegor is averaging 13.9 points, eight rebounds and 1.9 blocks for the Storm. Loyd is averaging 24.7 points over the last 10 games for Seattle.Courtney Williams is averaging 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and six assists for the Sky. Marina Mabrey is averaging 16.6 points over the las...

McCowan leads Dallas against Phoenix after 23-point performance

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

Dallas Wings (18-16, 9-9 Western Conference) at Phoenix Mercury (9-24, 2-14 Western Conference)Phoenix; Sunday, 6 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Dallas faces the Phoenix Mercury after Teaira McCowan scored 23 points in the Wings’ 90-81 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.The Mercury are 2-14 in conference play. Phoenix ranks third in the Western Conference with 19.3 assists per game led by Sug Sutton averaging 4.4.The Wings’ record in Western Conference play is 9-9. Dallas scores 86.8 points and has outscored opponents by 2.6 points per game.The two teams square off for the fourth time this season. The Wings defeated the Mercury 77-62 in their last matchup on June 28. Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 23 points, and Brittney Griner led the Mercury with 20 points.TOP PERFORMERS: Griner is shooting 57.0% and averaging 17.9 points for the Mercury. Diana Taurasi is averaging 17.9 points over the last 10 games for Phoenix.Ogunbowale is averaging 20.7 points, 4.5 assists and 1.7 steals for the...

Atlanta visits Indiana after Mitchell’s 36-point performance

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

Atlanta Dream (16-17, 10-8 Eastern Conference) at Indiana Fever (10-24, 4-13 Eastern Conference)Indianapolis; Sunday, 4 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Indiana plays the Atlanta Dream after Kelsey Mitchell scored 36 points in the Indiana Fever’s 90-86 victory against the Seattle Storm.The Fever are 4-13 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana is the Eastern leader with 9.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Aliyah Boston averaging 3.1.The Dream are 10-8 against Eastern Conference teams. Atlanta averages 14.1 turnovers per game and is 6- when winning the turnover battle.The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Aug. 6 the Dream won 82-73 led by 24 points from Rhyne Howard, while Boston scored 25 points for the Fever.TOP PERFORMERS: Mitchell is averaging 17.9 points and 3.1 assists for the Fever. NaLyssa Smith is averaging 15.1 points and 9.3 rebounds over the past 10 games for Indiana.Howard is averaging 17.8 points and 3.2 assists for the Dream. Allisha...

Los Angeles visits Connecticut after Bonner’s 30-point outing

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:53:22 GMT

Los Angeles Sparks (14-18, 8-10 Western Conference) at Connecticut Sun (23-11, 13-4 Eastern Conference)Uncasville, Connecticut; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDTBOTTOM LINE: Connecticut plays the Los Angeles Sparks after DeWanna Bonner scored 30 points in the Connecticut Sun’s 95-90 overtime loss to the New York Liberty.The Sun have gone 9-6 in home games. Connecticut leads the Eastern Conference with 39.5 points in the paint led by Alyssa Thomas averaging 11.4.The Sparks have gone 6-10 away from home. Los Angeles ranks third in the Western Conference shooting 33.5% from 3-point range.The teams meet for the second time this season. The Sun won 83-74 in the last matchup on June 18.TOP PERFORMERS: Thomas is scoring 15.9 points per game with 9.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists for the Sun. Bonner is averaging 16.9 points and 6.1 rebounds over the past 10 games for Connecticut.Nneka Ogwumike is averaging 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals for the Sparks. Jordin Canada is averaging 1.7 made 3-poin...