AP News Summary at 5:38 p.m. EST
Popular Mozambique rapper Nikotina KF is rattled and stressed after facing police tear gas and rubber bullets just hours earlier but is determined to bring his voice to the youth-led protests running through his country. On the streets and in music videos that get thousands of views on YouTube, the 32-year-old musician is throwing himself into the waves of demonstrations that have gripped Mozambique since disputed October 9 elections. “I don’t think this is a political issue. It’s a social issue,” Nikotina told AFP on a busy street in Maputo’s rundown Mafalala neighborhood, his face tired and drawn after that morning’s protest dispersed by police. Rights groups say security forces killed dozens of people in youth-led protests called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who rejects results showing he lost the presidential election to the Frelimo party that has governed for nearly 50 years. “People already had the gunpowder; Venancio lit the fuse,” said Nikotina, whose real name is Higino Fumo. “People realize that one group of people has a lot and another has very little. This creates social divides.” The southern African nation has ample resources — including newly discovered natural offshore gas — but more than 70 percent of its people live in poverty, according to the African Development Bank. Around two-thirds of the population of 33 million is under 25, according to UN figures, and young people are most affected by unemployment or underemployment. The despair of Mozambique’s youth, for whom the election had held the promise of change, is the theme of Nikotina’s latest collaboration, “Pray for Mozambique”, which shows him selling loaves of bread in a humble market. “You want to make a living, but you end up losing it when a policeman takes your peace away,” he sings in Portuguese in the clip, which had nearly 100,000 views in the week after it was published in early December. “I can die for everything, but I won’t live for nothing,” he sings. At least to dream “I’m not mobilizing young people because of Venancio,” the rapper, who often wears his trademark baseball cap and a single earring, told AFP. “I’m using my influence to promote the fundamental right to demonstrate that is in the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique.” It is a point he makes in “Artigo 51 Uma Aula De Direito” (“Article 51 A Lesson in Law”). “For me, the biggest problem of young people is lack of hope. It is important that the government creates mechanisms for young people to at least dream.” His message and music inspire a huge following of fans and he is regularly stopped in the street to sign autographs or take pictures. As long as there is no hope for a better future, young people will not give up the protests, said Zilton Macas, a 29-year-old barber in Maputo’s Maxaquene neighborhood that has become a demonstration hotspot. “We young people really lack jobs,” he said. “In the past 10 years, Mozambique has become a lion’s den where only some people are able to survive.” Juvencia Bila, 43, graduated more than a dozen years ago with a degree in environmental management but has only found work selling fast food. “You grow up being encouraged by your mum and dad to study to have a better future. I went to school and even looked for a job from an early age, but it came to nothing,” she said from her stall, her university graduation cap on her head. Wilson Lobo, 24, ekes out a meagre living as an agent for mobile wallet apps, a far cry from his plans for a better life that led him to leave his rural province of Zambezia. “We want a different government to see if the country is poor or if it’s the leaders who are making the country poor,” he told AFP. Power to the people Using his profile to speak out in Mozambique’s increasingly bitter standoff has led to threats against him and his family, Nikotina said. It is a mission to which he committed after the death in March 2023 of his idol Mano Azagaia, one of the most respected social justice rappers in Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking countries. In front of a mural of Azagaia, whose 2008 “Povo no Poder” (“People Power”) has long been an anthem of anti-government protests in Mozambique, he raises a fist of solidarity. — AFPBig Lots, the discount retail chain, is holding liquidation sales across all its stores after a deal to sell the company fell through. The Columbus, Ohio-headquartered business, known for its range of furniture, home decor, and other products, sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early September. Initially, Nexus Capital Management LP was set to purchase most of the company's assets. However, on Thursday, Big Lots announced that it no longer expects to finalize the sale with Nexus but is still aiming to complete an alternative deal with them or another buyer. The company's objective is to secure a sale by early January. Flat Earther admits he was wrong after traveling 9,000 miles to Antarctica to test his belief Ohio doctor charged with 1989 rape as DNA links him to crime and exposes other victims Currently, Big Lots' website is advertising discounts of up to 50% on its entire stock, and it has confirmed that all locations are shutting down. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Bruce Thorn, President and CEO of Big Lots, expressed in a release. "While we remain hopeful that we can close an alternative going concern transaction, in order to protect the value of the Big Lots estate, we have made the difficult decision to begin the GOB process." Despite the ongoing sales, Big Lots continues to operate both in-store and online, promising to keep customers informed on any developments. Big Lots has admitted that soaring inflation and interest rates have negatively impacted its business as customers cut back on home and seasonal product purchases, two categories the chain relies heavily on for revenue. The company has also faced stiff competition from rivals such as Walmart and warehouse clubs like Walmart's Sam's Clubs and Costco, all of whom have honed their pricing and merchandise strategies. As of the end of 2023, Big Lots ran close to 1,400 stores across 48 states. A more recent store count wasn't immediately available. The Mirror reported in June that Big Lots was originally planning to close between 35 and 40 stores, Big Lots has now identified around 135 stores in over two dozen states for closure . This increased number of closures indicates potential financial distress, with reports suggesting the possibility of a bankruptcy filing. The struggles faced by Big Lots reflect broader difficulties in the retail sector post-COVID-19. The most closures are in California, with 54 stores shutting down, including locations in Sacramento, Anaheim, and Bakersfield. Additionally, stores in Chicago, Colorado, Long Island, and Oregon are also slated for closure, offering discounts of up to 20% off on remaining items. Furthermore, Big Lots recently acquired Hearthsong, adding over 500 new toy products at discounted prices of 50% to 70% off.
Liverpool delivered a thrilling Boxing Day comeback, beating Leicester 3-1 at Anfield. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory, extending their lead at the Premier League summit and showcasing their dominance in the title race. New Delhi: Liverpool celebrated Boxing Day football in style with a commanding 3-1 comeback win over Leicester at Anfield. The result extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points, keeping them firmly in the title race. Leicester made a dream start, shocking the Anfield crowd in the sixth minute. Jordan Ayew turned Stephy Mavididi’s cross into the bottom corner with a deflected strike, giving the Foxes an early lead. Liverpool responded with waves of pressure, but it took until first-half stoppage time for Cody Gakpo to level. The Dutchman cut inside from the left and curled a brilliant shot into the top corner. Anfield, despite the foggy conditions, witnessed yet another masterclass from Salah, who not only scored but consistently troubled Leicester’s defence. The result not only secured three points but sent a strong message to their title rivals. Leicester, now winless in three matches, slipped to 18th place and remain in the relegation zone. Liverpool, however, showed their dominance and remain favourites in the Premier League title race with a game in hand over their closest rivals. Click for more latest Football news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Nillohit Bagchi is enthusiastic young football journalist with a keen eye for detail, delivering fresh insights and dynamic coverage of global matches.
FROM DUNGEON TO DAYLIGHT
CHICAGO (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Kenneth Walker III on injured reserve prior to their game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday because of an ankle injury. Walker hurt his ankle in last week's loss to Minnesota and left that game after sitting out the previous two because of a calf problem. He also missed two weeks in September with an oblique issue. Walker has run for 573 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 carries. A second-round draft pick by Seattle in 2022, he has 2,528 yards rushing and 24 TDs in his career. Walker could, in theory, return if the Seahawks win two playoff games, though their postseason hopes were slim entering the game against Chicago. Seattle (8-7) trailed the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-6) by one game with two to play. The Seahawks' best path to the postseason was to win the final two regular-season games and have Los Angeles lose to Arizona on Saturday. Seattle visits the Rams to close the regular season. With Walker out, Seattle signed rookie running back George Holani off the practice squad. ___ AP NFL: The Associated Press