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The US military will begin plans to withdraw troops from Niger

The United States is set to withdraw its approximately 1,000 troops from Niger, following the failure to secure an agreement that would allow American forces to continue their presence in the country, according to officials. This development comes eight months after the military in Niger ousted the government, an action the US subsequently labeled as an unlawful coup.

In the months following the coup, Niger’s military regime has forged stronger relationships with Russia, which has played a role in training local forces. Observers have noted that Russia appears to have supported, either directly or indirectly, recent coups in other African nations such as Mali and Burkina Faso, often using Libya as a conduit for supplying arms and equipment.

The US initially established its military footprint in Niger in 2013, which included constructing a $110 million Air Force base in 2018. This base served as a central hub for American operations in the Sahel region of Africa, an area plagued by escalating extremist violence that was responsible for more than 40% of the world's terrorism-related fatalities in 2022.

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Supreme Court to hear case on criminal penalties for homelessness

Today, the Supreme Court will review a case questioning whether cities can impose fines or incarceration for people sleeping outdoors, a significant issue given rising housing costs and a surge in homelessness. According to estimates, over 650,000 individuals were homeless on any given night last year in the US.

Grants Pass, Oregon, has enacted ordinances that impose a $295 fine for those found illegally camping on public property, with the possibility of increased penalties or imprisonment for repeat offenders. In 2022, a federal court ruled that these ordinances breach the 8th Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment when adequate shelter beds are unavailable. The debate centers on whether these laws discriminate against a specific group—those experiencing homelessness—or merely prohibit certain actions, such as outdoor sleeping.

The decision of the Supreme Court could set a precedent affecting the entire nation. Authorities from states like Idaho, Montana, and California, where nearly a third of the nation's homeless reside, are seeking clarity or a reversal of the lower court's decision.

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Peres Jepchirchir breaks women's marathon record in London

Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya set a new women-only world record at the London Marathon on Sunday. The reigning Olympic champion outpaced her rivals in a dramatic final 300 meters, finishing in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 2:17:01 held by Mary Keitany since the 2017 London Marathon.

Jepchirchir, 30, expressed surprise at her record-breaking performance. "I knew the race would be quick and that the record might be broken today, but I didn't expect to be the one to do it," she remarked. "Crossing the finish line, I felt a deep gratitude, especially since this was my final competition for Kenya before heading to Paris. This victory strengthens my confidence to defend my title at the upcoming Paris Olympics."

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