Gunfire and blasts rock Mali as armed groups stage coordinated attacks

Gunmen attacked several locations inMali's capital and other cities early Saturday in a possible coordinated assault, residents and authorities said.

Mali’s army said, “unidentified armed terrorist groups targeted certain locations and barracks in the capital.” It added that soldiers were “currently engaged in eliminating the attackers.”

Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al-Qaida and theIslamic Stategroup, as well as a separatist rebellion in the north.

A journalist inBamakoheard sustained heavy weapons and automatic rifle gunfire coming from Modibo Keïta International Airport, around 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the city centre, and saw a helicopter over nearby neighbourhoods. The airport is adjacent to an air base used by Mali's air force. A resident living near the airport also reported gunfire and three helicopters patrolling overhead.

Residents in other cities in Mali reported gunfire and blasts on Saturday morning, suggesting a possible coordinated attack by armed groups.

Gunmen entered the northeastern city of Kidal, taking control of some neighbourhoods and leading to gunfire exchanges with the army, a former mayor of Kidal told AP over the phone. He spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for his safety.

The Azawad separatist movement has been fighting for years to create the state of Azawad in northern Mali. They once drove security forces from the region, before a 2015 peace deal that has since collapsed, paved the way for some ex-rebels to be integrated into the Malian military.

Advertisement

Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, a spokesperson for the Azawad Liberation Front, said onFacebookthat its forces had taken control of several areas of Kidal and Gao, another northeastern city. The AP could not independently verify his claim.

A resident of Gao said gunfire and explosions started in the early hours of Saturday and could still be heard in the late morning.

“The force of the explosions is making the doors and windows of my house shake. I’m scared out of my wits,” the resident told AP by phone. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of concerns for his safety. The resident said the gunfire came from the army camp and the airport, which are right next to each other.

A resident of Kati, a town nearBamakothat is home to Mali's main military base, also said he was woken up early in the morning by the sounds of gunfire and explosions.

In 2024, an al-Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako's airport and a military training camp in the capital, killing scores of people.

Mali, alongside neighbouringNigerandBurkina Faso, has long been battling armed groups affiliated with al-Qaida and theIslamic Stategroup, a fight that has escalated over the past decade.

Following military coups, the juntas in the three countries have turned from Western allies toRussiafor help in combating Islamic militants.

But the security situation in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso has worsened in recent times, analysts say, with a record number of attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with militants.

byNeo

in

April 25, 2026

Gunfire and blasts rock Mali as armed groups stage coordinated attacks

Gunmen attacked several locations inMali's capital and other cities early Saturday in a possible coordinated assault, residents and...

Read More

A parent's guide to the Michael Jackson movie – Is it family-friendly?

Spoiler alert! We're delving into what happens inthe new Michael Jackson biopic "Michael."To the extent that real-life events can be spoiled, turn away now if you don't want to know specifics.

After plenty of controversy,Michael Jacksonis moonwalking his way to movie theaters.

Jaafar Jacksontransforms into his uncle Michael Jackson in themusical biopic "Michael"(in theaters April 24). In light of child molestation accusations against the iconic pop star − which he denied − parents may be wondering where the movie falls on the spectrum between sanitized and harrowing. Does "Michael" delve into adult topics likealleged sexual abuse, or is it akin to watching a series of music videos of his greatest hits?

All in all, the film is more the latter than the former. "Michael" is a relatively family-friendly affair, which could easily be shown on broadcast television with only small edits for language. But there are a few things parents may want to know before bringing younger viewers to the theater.

Join our Watch Party!Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox

Jaafar Jackson (left) performs as Michael during his 1987 Bad tour. Michael (right) onstage during his first solo show in Japan on Sept. 12, 1987.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The faux and real Jacksons: Left, Jaylen Hunter (Marlon), Juliano Valdi (Michael) and Nathaniel McIntyre (Jackie) in "Michael." Right, Michael, Tito, Jermaine and Randy in October 1972.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson (left) waves to fans as his uncle Michael. On the right, Michael waves during a news conference in South Africa in July 1996.

Jaafar, 29, is the son of Jermaine Jackson, Michael's older brother and Jackson 5 bandmate.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson (left) in "Michael," with the real Michael (right) performing in Japan in 1987. Like his uncle, Jaafar is a singer and dancer.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson (left) strikes a similar pose to his uncle Michael (right), seen visiting the White House Rose Garden on April 5, 1990.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> At left, Jaafar performs during the Jacksons' 1984 Victory tour in "Michael." On the right, Michael Jackson performs at the Nishinomiya baseball stadium in Japan in September 1987.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See how Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson compares in new movie

Jaafar Jackson (left) performs as Michael during his 1987 Bad tour. Michael (right) onstage during his first solo show in Japan on Sept. 12, 1987.

What is 'Michael' rated?

"Michael" is rated PG-13 for some thematic material, language and smoking, per the Motion Picture Association.

Is there bad language in 'Michael'?

Yes, there are some swear words in "Michael," which seems to be one of the primary reasons the film is rated PG-13 rather than PG.

The swearing is certainly not pervasive, though, and only occurs here and there; there are large stretches of the film that are totally clean language-wise.

There is also some extremely mild sexual innuendo in a scene where Michael wants to play Twister with his brothers, who are all busy doing other things. One of them jokes that another of the brothers has a date, so he'll be playing his own game of Twister.

The Jackson family has been showing up in style to celebrate the release of Antoine Fuqua's "Michael" biopic.

Starring Michael Jackson's real-life nephew Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop himself, the film explores Michael's meteoric rise to fame, from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his 1980s Bad tour.

Here, Jaafar Jackson arrives on the world premiere red carpet in Berlin on April 10, 2026.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson and girlfriend Maddie Simpson.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Prince Jackson (from left), Jackie Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon Jackson attend a hometown screening of "Michael" on April 13 in Gary, Indiana.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson speaks at the hometown screening.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Prince Jackson (from left), Bigi Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Marlon Jackson and their guests on April 10 in Berlin.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The cast of "Michael": KeiLyn Durrel Jones (from left), Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi and Miles Teller.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jermaine Jackson and his son Jaafar Jackson.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Bigi Jackson, Prince Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, producer Graham King, Marlon Jackson, director Antoine Fuqua and more guests.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson and guests.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Joseph David-Jones, Jaafar Jackson and Miles Teller.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Jaafar Jackson speaks during the “Bringing 'Michael' to the Screen" panel on April 11 in Berlin.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson. The pair both play Michael Jackson at different stages in his life.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

'Michael' premiere – See Jaafar, Prince and Jermaine Jackson celebrate

The Jackson family has been showing up in style to celebrate the release of Antoine Fuqua's"Michael" biopic.StarringMichael Jackson's real-life nephewJaafar Jacksonas the King of Pop himself, the film explores Michael's meteoric rise to fame, from his early days in theJackson 5to his 1980s Bad tour.Here, Jaafar Jackson arrives on the world premiere red carpet in Berlin on April 10, 2026.

Does anything scary or intense happen in 'Michael'?

There are a few moments in "Michael" that may be too intense for very young viewers, starting with one of its primary storylines: Michael's relationship with his dad. Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo) is depicted as physically abusive in the film, and an early scene shows him taking off his belt and brutally beating Michael while the boy screams and cries.

A few scenes later, Joe is shown getting ready to beat Michael again, indicating that this is something that happens frequently. But during this second instance, the door closes and the movie cuts away. From then on, no more physical abuse occurs in front of the camera, though there is tension in the air during many of Joe's scenes, as Michael is scared of standing up to his dad until the very end. There is also often a sense that Joe could snap and become angry at any given moment.

Advertisement

Another sequence that may be too scary for little kids is when Michael is injured while shooting a Pepsi commercial in 1984. The scene shows Michael's hair catching on fire from pyro, and things get intense as he is dramatically rushed to the hospital. There, a doctor explains Michael nearly died, and we get a look at his burned scalp, though it isn't especially graphic.

While at the hospital, Michael meets with other burn victims. Michael visits sick kids throughout the film, including a scene that shows him sitting with a child who is lying in a hospital bed.

Earlier, there's a scene where Michael gets a nose job and arrives home with bandages on his face, though the procedure isn't shown.

There is also a scene where Michael watches a news report about gang violence. The report features victims of gang violence, including a man who lifts his shirt up to show scars underneath, though it's no more graphic than you'd see on the actual news.

The only other moment that could potential scare very little kids is the recreation of the "Thriller" music video, though it's less scary than the real one, given that it shows the zombies are fake. Beforehand, a few mildly scary clips from horror films like "Night of the Living Dead" are shown to depict Michael being inspired by them.

Little kids also might wonder about the fact that Michael is shown to have seemingly no friends in the film other than his many pets. Themes of loneliness and isolation are touched on, and the film hints at the idea that Michael is in a state of arrested development, continuing to obsess over Peter Pan into his adulthood.

Are there scenes of sexual abuse in 'Michael'?

No. The child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson aren't explored or referenced in the film in any way.Multiple reportshave indicatedthe allegations were originally set to be addressed near the end of the film, but the storyline was removed due to a legal issue. The movie now ends in 1988, five years before Jackson was accused of molesting 13-year-old Jordan Chandler. That means the film also doesn't acknowledge Jackson's 2009 death or any other events that occurred in the last 20 years of his life.

Is there any drug abuse in 'Michael'?

No. Drug use isn't a theme explored in "Michael," and there aren't any scenes showing characters abusing drugs. The only significant drug reference is a moment when Michael resists taking painkillers after his accident. There are also a few minor, period-accurate moments of people smoking cigarettes or cigars and drinking alcohol, typically in a workplace environment or business meeting.

How long is 'Michael'?

"Michael" clocks in at 2 hours and 7 minutes. Despite ending with onscreen text that teases a second movie, there are no scenes during the credits.

Contributing: Patrick Ryan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Is the Michael Jackson movie OK for little kids? A parent's guide

byNeo

in

April 25, 2026

A parent's guide to the Michael Jackson movie – Is it family-friendly?

Spoiler alert! We're delving into what happens inthe new Michael Jackson biopic "Michael."To the extent that real-life ev...

Read More

“Summer House” Alum Luke Gulbranson Reacts to West Wilson and Amanda Batula's Romance: 'I Do Believe in a Bro Code'

Summer House alum Luke Gulbranson shared his opinion on West Wilson and Amanda Batula's romance during a recent podcast appearance

NEED TO KNOW

• The couple has received a mixed reaction to their romance due to Wilson's past relationship with fellow Summer House star Ciara Miller, who was Batula's close friend

• Gulbranson previously dated Miller in 2020

Summer HousealumLuke Gulbransonis voicing his opinion onWest Wilsonand Amanda Batula's relationship.

Wilson, 31, andBatula, 34, received a mixed reaction when they announced their romance due to Wilson's prior relationship with fellowSummer HousestarCiara Miller, who was Batula's close friend.

While appearing on theTMZ podcaston Friday, April 24, Gulbranson, 42, addressed the drama surrounding the couple. He previously dated Miller, 30, in 2020, years before her relationship with Wilson.

"Listen, I do believe in a bro code," Gulbranson said on the podcast when asked about Wilson and Batula. "There's a lot of fish in the sea, and I know that sounds a little cliché, but the truth is, I mean, you know, you can find a partner. There's a lot of people to choose from."

He explained that he would not intentionally seek to date a friend's ex, but that if strong feelings developed, he would "have a conversation" with the friend and ask for their "blessing."

“But just like the way that this all went down, I know I would never do it, ever, and I feel bad for everybody," Gulbranson said. “Ciara and Kyle [Cooke] obviously, and you know everybody involved. I'm sure it's an emotional rollercoaster.”

“But I'm excited for Ciara, I hope she's ready to boogie,” Gulbranson said, referring to her upcoming appearance on theSummer Housereunion.

Advertisement

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

When the podcast host asked Gulbranson if he thought Wilson and Batula's relationship would last, he gave a candid response.

“I don't know," Gulbranson said. "I'll be real with you if I was in a relationship with somebody for a number of years I don't know if I would jump into a relationship with somebody else right away, I can tell you that."

"I would take some time for me if I was expecting a relationship with somebody to work," he concluded.

Miller recently opened up about her preparations for the show's reunion.

"People talk about a revenge dress," she toldGlamourin an interview published on April 17. "Even at the reunion two years ago, I really wasn't preparing anything to be a revenge dress. I was genuinely just like, 'Oh, what do I want to wear?'..."

"Now going into this reunion, I have a different mindset," she continued. "But I still don't really think about a revenge look. I just think about what's a proper representation of who I am right now."

Miller alsoaddressed the drama for the first time, tellingGlamour,“It's one thing to experience hurt behind closed doors; to experience it so publicly is like another layer, and then to have to see what you thought was your life still play out in season 10. It's a major mindf--k.”

Read the original article onPeople

byNeo

in

April 25, 2026

“Summer House” Alum Luke Gulbranson Reacts to West Wilson and Amanda Batula's Romance: 'I Do Believe in a Bro Code'

Summer House alum Luke Gulbranson shared his opinion on West Wilson and Amanda Batula's romance during a recent podcast appearance...

Read More

Taylor Swift Invites This Actress to Her Upcoming Wedding—Despite a Rumored Feud

Taylor Swift has reportedly invited Zoë Kravitz to her upcoming wedding, despite rumors of bad blood between the stars and longtime friends.

The Gist

• A source recently confirmed the news to People.

• One previous claim stated that their friendship was "dunzo."

Taylor SwiftinvitedZoë Kravitzto her upcoming wedding withTravis Kelce, despite rumors of a feud.

According toPeople, the celebrity gossip blog DeuxMoi previously reported that the pair’s friendship was “dunzo” and that Kravitz was “actually mad” about not being invited to the wedding. Kravitz is currently dating Harry Styles, whom Swift briefly dated in 2012.

However, in October 2025, reports of bad blood were debunked after a source toldUs Weeklythat Swift "doesn't have an issue" with Kravitz and Styles’s relationship.

The insideradded, “Their relationship was so long ago. Harry has moved on, and so has Taylor. They’re friendly when they see each other, which isn’t often but does happen occasionally. It’s all in the past now.”

And in Kravitz’s 2022GQcover story, she spoke about how she and Swift bonded in London during the pandemic.

Advertisement

“She was my pod,” Kravitz said. “She was a very important part of being in London, just having a friend that I could see and that would make me home-cooked meals and dinner on my birthday.”

Swift provided quotes for the story, writing via email, “Zoë’s sense of self is what makes her such an exciting artist, and such an incredible friend. She has this very honest inner compass, and the result is art and life without compromising who she is.”

Kravitz, along with her mom, Lisa Bonet, also stayed in Swift's house during last year's California wildfires.

“We ended up having to stay there for about two weeks,” Kravitz said onLate Night with Seth Meyers, perElle. “And Taylor has this beautiful house. It’s from the ’30s, it’s something you want to preserve and take care of.”

There's clearly no bad blood here.

Read the original article onInStyle

byNeo

in

April 24, 2026

Taylor Swift Invites This Actress to Her Upcoming Wedding—Despite a Rumored Feud

Taylor Swift has reportedly invited Zoë Kravitz to her upcoming wedding, despite rumors of bad blood between the stars and longtime fri...

Read More