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SYDNEY, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Australian police said on Thursday they had launched an investigation after a threatening letter was sent to the country's largest mosque, the third such incident ‌in the lead-up to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The letter sent to Lakemba ‌Mosque in Sydney's west on Wednesday contained a drawing of a pig and a threat to kill the "Muslim race", local media ​reported.

Police said they had taken the letter for forensic testing, and would continue to patrol religious sites including the mosque, as well as community events.

The latest letter comes weeks after a similar message was mailed to the mosque, depicting Muslim people inside a mosque on fire.

Police have also arrested and charged a 70-year-old ‌man in connection with a third ⁠threatening letter sent to Lakemba Mosque's staff in January.

The Lebanese Muslim Association, which runs the mosque, told the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) it had written to the ⁠government to request more funding for additional security guards and CCTV cameras.

Some 5,000 people are expected to attend the mosque each night during Ramadan. More than 60% of residents in the suburb of Lakemba identify as ​Muslim, according ​to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Bilal El-Hayek, mayor ​of Canterbury-Bankstown council, where Lakemba is located, ‌said the community was feeling "very anxious".

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"I've heard first-hand from people saying that they won't be sending their kids to practice this Ramadan because they're very concerned about things that might happen in local mosques," he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the recent string of threats.

"It is outrageous that people just going about commemorating their faith, particularly during the holy month for Muslims of Ramadan, are subject to this ‌sort of intimidation," he told ABC radio.

"I have said repeatedly ​we need to turn down the temperature of political discourse ​in this country, and we certainly need ​to do that."

Anti-Muslim sentiment has been growing in Australia since the war in ‌Gaza War in late 2023, according to ​a recent report commissioned by ​the government.

The Islamophobia Register Australia has also documented a 740% rise in reports following the Bondi mass shooting on December 14, where authorities allege two gunmen inspired by Islamic State ​killed 15 people attending a Jewish ‌holiday celebration.

"There's been a massive increase post-Bondi," Mayor El-Hayek said. "Without a doubt, this is ​the worst I have ever seen it. There's a lot of tension out there."

(Reporting ​by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

A massive wildfire that started in Oklahoma and pushed into Kansas has grown to more than 442 square miles, according toOklahoma Forestry Services. That makes the Ranger Road Fire amegafirethat's only about 15% contained.

The fire caused widespread evacuations Tuesday and Wednesday, as fierce winds and extremely dry conditions sparked multiple wildfires in both states and Texas.

Oklahoma's Governor declared astate of emergencyin three counties: Beaver, Texas and Woodward counties, as the fires destroyed multiple homes and buildings. Gov. Kevin Stitt said additional counties may be added if the fires spread.

(MORE:Tracking A Potential Nor'easter)

Crews are battling at least three other major fires in the state:

Stevens Fire (Texas County): 12,428 Acres - 50% Contained

Side Road Fire (Texas County): 3,680 Acres - 60% Contained

43 Fire (Woodward County): 1,680 Acres - 30% Contained

(MORE:70+ MPH Winds Cause Deadly Pileup In Colorado)

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a fire truck from Rosston Fire overturned, injuring three firefighters. The Oklahoma Forestry Services reported that another firefighter was injured and taken to a hospital on Tuesday, but it wasn't clear where the incident happened.

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Kansas

The Ranger Road Fire crossed into Kansas Tuesday, racing into Englewood and Ashland, said the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.

The Kansas Forest Service also reported at least three other fires, two in Seward County plus the Garden City Fire in Finney County.

(MORE:Where Feet Of Snow Could Fall)

Parts of Interstate 70 were shut down after low visibility and blowing dust caused multiple crashes. The highway was closed in both directions between Colby and Oakley but theKansas Department of Transportationsaid all lanes were reopened Tuesday night.

Texas

Crews are responding to multiple fires in the Texas Panhandle.

The 8 Ball Fire in Armstrong County has scorched at least 9,000 acres and is about 40% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

The Lavender Fire has grown to at least 12,000 acres near Valley de Oro, about 18 miles northwest of Amarillo. That fire is about 20% contained.

At least five other fires were 100% contained on Tuesday night.

The fires across the Panhandle shut down multiple roads and caused evacuations Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Amarillo warned that critical fire weather would return Thursday, even though winds might be slightly lower. They urged residents to be ready to evacuate.

KARACHI, Pakstan (AP) — Agas explosion ripped through an apartment buildingin Pakistan's largest port city of Karachi on Thursday, killing at least 16 people, including women and children, and injuring several others after part of the structure collapsed, police and rescue officials said.

Pakistan Gas Explosion Building

The explosion happened when people were preparing a pre-dawn meal on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in a residential area of Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, local police chief Rizwan Patel said. Rescuers were still removing rubble to search for any survivors trapped under the debris, he added.

The death toll was initially reported at 13 but Patel said it rose to 16 after three more bodies were pulled out from the rubble.

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Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow and condolences to the victims' families and directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. He also called for a swift completion of rescue operations and urged the Sindh provincial government to enforce building codes, check gas cylinder safety and conduct a thorough inquiry to help prevent similar incidents.

Most houses and apartment buildings in Karachi, like elsewhere in Pakistan, are supplied with natural gas for cooking. However, many households also rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure.

In July, agas explosion following a wedding receptionat a home in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killed eight people, including the bride and groom. The blast occurred as guests had gathered to celebrate the couple, authorities said.

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NEED TO KNOW

• Olympian Nick Baumgartner went on the Today show wearing a fedora that Martha Stewart did not like

• The snowboarder talked to PEOPLE about the funny moment

• Baumgartner joked Stewart was "giving it away" that he's actually losing his hair underneath the hat

Martha Stewarthad a bone to pick with OlympianNick Baumgartnerover his choice in headwear during his stop on theTodayshow.

The snowboarder stopped by for a visit with Stewart andSnoop Doggon Wednesday, Feb. 18 wearing a fedora given to him by Team USA. Stewart was clearly not a fan, as she looked Baumgartner over and asked, "How about getting rid of the hat?"

In a chat with PEOPLE at Winter House in Milan, Baumgartner, 44, reflected on the funny moment — and explained why he was more than happy to keep his receding hairline covered.

"I don't think I've ever worn a fedora in my life, but we got these cool hats… and I fully submersed myself in the Olympics and being a proud American," he said. "And so I show up and I walk out with my hat and she's like, 'I think you need to get rid of the hat.' And I'm like, 'Stop it! I'm losing my hair at this point. We're just covering things up. I'm hatfishing and you're selling me out, you're giving it away."

"Hatfishing" is a slang term for men who use hats to cover receding hairlines or bald heads, a riff on catfishing.

Despite her quip, Baumgartner said Stewart, 84, was "super sweet," and he certainly has no hard feelings.

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"She didn't mean anything bad by it. [But] I was like, 'Come on!' Because the hair… the whole world's watching, don't make me show [my hairline]," he joked.

Baumgartner has become one of the internet's favorite athletes at the Milan Cortina Games thanks to his hilarious Instagram posts about his time in Livigno and his search for love.

Joe Scarnici/Getty

Though he finished without a medal in both of his events, Baumgartner — who won gold in Beijing in 2022 — has made the most of his time competing for Team USA, telling PEOPLE it's been an "incredible experience."

"I've been doing these Reels and having fun with my social media and it wasn't about like, 'Hey, I need to get followers,'" he said. "It was about finding a way to keep my mind off… If I said there's no pressure and there's no stress, I'd be lying to you. I want to do well. So there is some, but you find ways to not worry so much about that."

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come topeople.comto check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock.

Read the original article onPeople

Hailey Bieberrevealed that her baby boy can now sing the chorus of what is arguablyhis father's catchiest song.

The model and Justin Bieber tied the knot in 2018 after several years of an on-and-off relationship. In August 2024, the couple welcomed their first child,Jack Blues.

"They're both overjoyed. The baby is such a miracle," a source toldPeopleat the time. "He's adorable and doing well. Hailey's doing well, too."

Hailey Bieber has shared her son's first words and his favorite song by his famous father, Justin

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The pregnancy was "something that they very much wished and prayed for," the source added.

While the parents protect Jack Blues' privacy and never show his face on social media, Hailey shared a sweet milestone about her little one's first words on Jake Shane'sTherapusspodcast.

"Does he ever listen to Justin's music?" the host asked.

"Yes, he does. He's been saying, 'Baby oh, Baby oh, Baby oh,'"the 29-year-old momrevealed. "Literally in the last two days. That is so crazy."

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Justin Bieber, now 31 years old, released his chart-topping singleBabyin 2010, when he was 15.

The previous year, he had met his future wife after being introduced backstage at theTodayshow by Hailey's dad, actor Stephen Baldwin.

"That's so precious! Can't wait to see the lil' Biebs in action," one fan gushed.

"The way Hailey's face lights up talking about Jack singingBabyis everything," commented another.

Hailey and Justin welcomed their first child, a son named Jack Blues, in 2024

Image credits:haileybieber

"Starting them young — sounds like Bieber Jr. is already a mini pop star in the making," a separate viewer wrote, while a fourth simply said, "Time flies."

Others questioned Hailey's story thatJack Blueswas singing his father's hit. "Such a miracle for a 1.5 year old child to sing songs. Giiirrrlll he barely speaks," one critic said.

"There's no way he's singing a song already. She is such a pathological liar," echoed another.

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Many others explained that the little one was just repeating the same word over and over, not singing the full song. "My nephew is younger than him and he loves this one song and whenever we play it keeps repeating a word obviously not the whole song."

"Same age as my nephew and he really does mimic songs," another fan shared.

First words occur at different times for each child, and each will progress at their own pace. As a general guideline, a baby might say their first few words close to their first birthday. They will then expand their vocabulary in their second year.

Hailey revealed that, like many people in the 2010s, Jack also can't getBabyout of his head

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Another topic of conversation that seems to attract Jack Blues' attention is basketball.

"He says 'basketball' all the time," Hailey said. "I went to get him up from his nap today, and he was like 'basketball'. It's insane. So funny."

The baby has also learned one of the core magic words, both in verbal language and sign language.

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"He also just started saying 'Please.' He knew how to sign 'Please' for a really long time. So if I would say, 'Hey, say please,' he would go this, as 'Please.'" Hailey explained, acting out the sign language gesture.

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In addition to singing Justin's song, Jack Blues channeled hisfamous fatherwhen he dressed up as him for Halloween.

Last October, Haileyposted a photo of her son with his back facing the camera, wearing Justin's white and purple outfit from hisMy Worldtour, which he did as a teenager.

Hailey said her son is showing an interest in sports and has learned sign language

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The Rhode founder revealed that she would like to have more children in the future, though she's in "no rush" to become pregnant again.

"Maybe I'll have four more. Maybe I'll have three. I don't know, I really don't know. I'm just taking it one day at a time," she said on the podcast.

The Rhode founder doesn't rule out the possibility of having four more children

Image credits:haileybieber

Asked what surprised her about motherhood, the first-time mom said she's more relaxed than she thought she would be.

"It is so fun. I always knew I wanted kids, I always wanted to be a mom. And then when it happens, you never know what to expect and you don't know what it's going to be like. And it honestly it's so much fun."

In an interview withVoguepublished last year, thebeauty mogulopened up about the constant speculation surrounding her marriage to the Canadian singer.

She recalled being affected by reports claiming that she and Justin were going through a marital crisis shortly after welcoming Jack Blues.

"Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I've ever gone through in my life, and learning a new version of myself is very difficult," she told the magazine at the time.

"And to be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, 'They're getting divorced' and 'They're this' and 'They're not happy,' it is such a mindf**k. I cannot even begin to explain it. It's a crazy life to live."

"I promise you a 1.5-year-old can say, 'Baby, oh.' He's not rapping Kendrick Lamar," one person quipped

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Authorities trying to solve the disappearance ofNancy Guthriesay they might tap DNA genealogy databases, the same step that police took to unravel a decades-old series of murders in California and the fatal stabbings of four college students in Idaho.

Savannah Guthrie Mom Missing

The strategy could be fruitful: If unidentified DNA evidence can be connected to someone — even a distant relative — in a common genealogical database, it would give investigators more information and possibly lead to a suspect in Guthrie's kidnapping in Arizona.

"It's a fantastic tool," said Ruth Ballard, a geneticist in California who specializes in DNA and has testified in hundreds of court cases. "If it's a good quality sample and they're able to get a profile, they could find a hit on that fairly quickly."

The sheriff's department in Pima County, Arizona, saidDNA collected so farin the investigation has not turned up any matches in a national criminal justice database known as CODIS, which has DNA profiles from convicted criminals and, in some states, people arrested for certain crimes.

"Investigators are currently looking into additional investigative genetic genealogy options for DNA evidence to check for matches. CODIS is one option of many databases that are available," the sheriff's department said Tuesday.

The department said Wednesday that biological evidence from Guthrie's Tucson-area home was being examined and that DNA profiles were at a lab for analysis.

Guthrie, the mother of NBC "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing from her home since Feb. 1. The FBI said gloves found about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) away appeared to match those worn by a masked suspect who was recorded on aporch camera.

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Genealogical sites Ancestry, 23andMe and MyHeritage say they can be asked to comply with court orders seeking information. Another genealogical site, GEDmatch, said its policy is to ask users if they want to opt-in to allow police to look at their data. The Associated Press e-mailed the companies late Wednesday, asking if they have a role in the Guthrie investigation.

GEDmatch has been credited with helping solve the case of theso-called Golden State Killer. Police used DNA from crime scenes to find a distant relative and build a family tree that led to Joseph DeAngelo Jr. In 2020, he pleaded guilty to 13 killings and dozens of rapes in California in the 1970s and '80s.

In Idaho, DNA from a knife sheath helped point toBryan Kohbergerin the killings of four University of Idaho students in 2022. Investigators used genealogical sites to build a family tree and pulled trash from the Pennsylvania home of Kohberger's parents to make a connection. Kohberger pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life in prison.

Ballard said the source and quality of the DNA evidence held by police can be factors when trying to find matches on genealogical sites.

"It does require a much better sample than CODIS searching does," she said.

And there can be other hurdles.

"There are a lot of unknowns when you go into these databases," Ballard said. "The databases are not equal in terms of ethnic distribution. It's comparatively easier to find a Caucasian because more have uploaded their data and there are more family trees to mine."