From l-r., former President Joe Biden, former first lady Jill Biden, former first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2026-06-19T19:09:18Z A federal judge on Friday rejected former President Joe Biden’s attempt to block the Trump administration from releasing to a conservative group the recordings that Biden made with a ghostwriter.U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich found that the public interest in the material outweighed whatever privacy rights Biden had, but she effectively put her ruling on hold for up to three weeks so Biden could appeal. The recordings were obtained by special counsel Robert Hur in the course of his investigation into whether Biden improperly retained classified documents while a senator and vice president. Republicans in Congress demanded them after Hur declined to file charges against the then-president.Biden’s Democratic administration refused to turn over the recordings and transcripts from 2016 and 2017, leading congressional Republicans to hold his attorney general, Merrick Garland, in contempt. President Donald Trump’s Justice Department authorized the release of the materials. That led Biden last month to sue to seek to block the release to a staffer at the conservative Heritage Foundation who had formally requested the records. Biden objected to the release as an invasion of privacy, saying the recordings included him discussing sensitive personal matters such as the death of his older son, Beau Biden. But Friedrich found that the administration redacted that material. Read More The judge wrote that the materials “contain no mention of highly sensitive topics like illness or death, nor do they mention any non-public persons, including members of Biden’s family.”Representatives for Biden did not immediately comment but asked Friedrich to bar release of the material while they appeal her decision. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Friedrich was nominated by Trump, a Republican, in 2017.Hur’s yearlong investigation led to a 345-page report that questioned the effects of Biden’s age and his mental competence but recommended no criminal charges against the then-81-year-old. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to prosecute a case in court successfully. The transcripts of five hours of Biden interviews with federal prosecutors was released that same year. While Biden was adamant that he treated classified information seriously, the transcript shows that he was at times fuzzy about dates and details and he said he was unfamiliar with the paper trail for some of the sensitive documents he handled.

From l-r., former President Joe Biden, former first lady Jill Biden, former first lady Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on stage during the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center, Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2026-06-20T02:54:54Z SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — A large fire almost completely destroyed a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, forcing the evacuation of almost 1,700 tourists, authorities said.Local media reported an Italian tourist died in the fire and several other tourists required medical assistance. The Viva Dominicus Beach by Wyndham resort is located in Bayahibe, a popular destination for U.S. and international tourists on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.Authorities reported about 1,690 tourists had to be evacuated from the resort to other hotels and nearby housing facilities because of the massive blaze.The cause of the blaze was under investigation and the country’s Emergency Operations Center said it appeared the “fire spread rapidly” due to wind and because part of the resort’s roof was made of thatch.Viva Wyndham’s other nearby resort, the Dominicus Palace, was not damaged by the fire and was operating as normal, the center said.

Catholic nuns from the orphanage where Vanisa Anifa, a 6-month-old orphaned girl who died of Ebola, was staying, attends her funeral in Bunia, Congo, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)2026-06-19T18:14:48Z BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Mourners gathered Friday to bury a 6-month-old girl who died from Ebola earlier this week, the third child to die at an orphanage in eastern Congo as authorities have struggled to contain the latest outbreak.Carrying a cross, people stood at a distance as the small coffin was lowered into the ground by masked and gloved health workers, and a Catholic priest prayed over her body.“It’s a feeling of sadness because we have lost one of our own, a daughter of the church,” said Father Innocent Ndogo.“As we have always said, the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.”Ituri, the region at the center of the current outbreak, has reported more than 90% of the cases. The response has been complicated by residents clashing with healthcare professionals over disrupted burials and the response to the outbreak, which has been militarized at times. The impersonal nature of safe burial practices and the severity of the epidemic were evident on Friday as only healthcare workers in protective gear were allowed to handle the coffin and the burial.Bundibugyo, the type of Ebola in this outbreak, has no approved treatment or vaccine, and even some health workers have said they don’t have the masks, gloves and other gear to protect themselves. During a visit to Bunia on Friday, Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba said that there were now 933 confirmed cases and 245 deaths from the current outbreak. Kamba also stated that all health centers will be free in Ituri and that healthcare workers bonuses will be doubled. Read More There are 35,000 suspected potential contacts, Africa’s Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday. Despite the rapid spread of the current outbreak, it is still not nearly as deadly as a 2014 outbreak of Ebola that killed more than 11,000. With no approved vaccines or treatments, the Bundibugyo strain was not tested for in the early days. This lack of testing is one of the reasons the outbreak has spread to such an extent. The more common Zaire virus, for which there is a vaccine, was responsible for most of Congo’s past 16 outbreaks of the disease. Alex Lock, a communications officer at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, asked people to resist feeling indifferent. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. “She was a baby. She had her whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, she was taken by the disease, a disease that, as you know, is transmitted from one person to another,” Lock said.Although the outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and have spread across the border to Uganda, where 19 confirmed cases have been reported and two people have died.___McMakin contributed from Dakar, Senegal.

President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)2026-06-19T20:09:50Z JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft. The new aircraft eschews the Kennedy-era robin’s egg blue exterior of the old plane for a bolder look, with the underbelly of the plane painted navy blue with a red stripe above it. The plane’s left side, where the president boards, features the presidential seal, while the tail of the aircraft has a massive American flag on it. “This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody has ever seen before,” Trump said from inside the massive Joint Base Andrews hangar, as a couple hundred assembled Air Force personnel looked on. He spoke after stepping off the new plane in a dramatic flourish, as his signature tune “God Bless the USA” played. The newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft sits in a hangar following a tour by President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) The newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft sits in a hangar following a tour by President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More He confirmed that he would be taking the new jet to the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, next month and indicated he would be returning to China “at some point,” presumably a reference to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that China is hosting in November. His return from the Group of 7 summit in France this week was the last planned trip aboard the old Air Force One, he said. “Now, when we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country,” Trump said, noting that the colors and the design were to “my taste, I will say.” Read More He added that the new Air Force One will do a flyover during the July 4 celebrations next month.The gift from Qatar is serving as a “bridge” aircraft to carry the president until the new planes ordered directly from Boeing arrive. That is currently slated for 2028. President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) President Donald Trump speaks after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The administration formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar last year to be used as the presidential airplane, despite questions about the ethics and legality of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government. Trump has insisted in the past that he would not fly around in the Qatari jet once he leaves office and said it would instead be donated to a future presidential library. Trump on Friday said the U.S. was in a “little bit of a logjam” as they awaited the delivery of the new jets directly from Boeing, which had originally been scheduled for 2024 but have been delayed. He recalled asking the emir of Qatar for use of one of their planes. “See, a normal president wouldn’t do this. A normal president wants to stay away from aircraft,” Trump said Friday. “But our country has to be represented properly.” President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft following a tour at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) President Donald Trump exits the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft following a tour at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More The Air Force said in a news release Friday that any plane deemed Air Force One “must meet rigorous security requirements” and that the Qatari plane “was modified under a disciplined engineering approach that prioritized these exact core capabilities above all else.” The Air Force also said “much of the previous head of state interior layout” of the plane was kept intact. The Air Force has said in the past that security modifications to the jet would cost less than $400 million. President Donald Trump, left, speaks alongside Air Force Gen. Dale White after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) President Donald Trump, left, speaks alongside Air Force Gen. Dale White after touring the newly designated Air Force One presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Share Share Facebook Copy Link copied Print Email X LinkedIn Bluesky Flipboard Pinterest Reddit Read More Trump’s efforts to reimagine the presidential airplane date back to his first administration, when he directed that an incoming fleet of new jets would adopt a color scheme that was nearly identical to that of his personal airplane. Then-President Joe Biden reversed the decision in March 2023 as an Air Force review suggested that the darker colors could increase costs and delay delivery of the new jets, but once Trump returned to office, he returned to his desired colors for the plane. Other government jets that carry other top administration officials will also use the similar red, white and navy color scheme, the Air Force said earlier this year. An Air Force spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive plans, told The Associated Press that the two current planes, known as VC-25As, will not be retiring. Instead, they will remain in the fleet until the new Boeing planes, referred to as VC-25Bs, come into service, the spokesperson said. It is unclear how the older jets will be used but the spokesperson said that both the Qatari jet as well as the VC-25As will be available for use and “the Presidential Airlift Group will select the appropriate aircraft for each mission based on operational requirements.” ___This story has been updated to correct the name of the air base to Joint Base Andrews, not Andrews Air Force Base, its former name.___Kim reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report from Washington. SEUNG MIN KIM Kim covers the White House for The Associated Press. She joined the AP in 2022 and is based in Washington. Kim is also a political analyst for CNN. twitter mailto

Man United Legends match versus Scunthorpe United announcedManchester United legends will be back in action this August.Historic fixturesA group of former Manchester United players often play together under the banner of the Legends team to raise money for various charities.The most recent game took place against Southampton at the end of March.United ran out 5-3 winners with players such as Louis Saha and Antonio Valencia taking the stage.One of the most famous legends matches occurred in 2019 when Manchester United beat Bayern Munich 5-0 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Treble victory.The event saw the return of numerous fan favourites such as David Beckham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.The year 2017 also saw an entertaining 2-2 draw with FC Barcelona at Old Trafford.Newest opponentScunthorpe United’s in-house media has announced that they will be the next opponent to take on a United legends’ side this summer.The site reports, “Scunthorpe United Football Club is delighted to announce the return of Iron Aid, with a Scunthorpe United Legends side set to take on a Manchester United Legends XI in a special pre-season fixture at the Attis Arena on Sunday, August 2nd (4pm kick-off) as part of a wider event with more details to be released in due course.”They explain that the event will “bring together some of the most iconic names from both clubs’ histories for a memorable afternoon of football, nostalgia and fundraising.”The club elaborated further on the reasons behind the match, stating, “the match marks the return of the popular Iron Aid concept, which in 2024, as part of the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations, raised significant funds for local charities and community causes, whilst creating unforgettable occasions for supporters of all ages.”Which Scunthorpe and Manchester United players will be taking part in the match will be announced in due course.online pollsThe Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

TimesofIndia.com in Chennai: There is not an iota of doubt that, when on song, there is no better sight than Kuldeep Yadav bowling those chinamans. The hop, the skip, the jump to the bowling crease, the flight, and the revs he imparts on the ball are a sight to behold. But over the years, for different reasons, he has never been able to cement his place in the Indian squad.Kuldeep's case has always been a curious one. In the current ODI setup, he is the senior most bowler and is just six wickets away from reaching 200 ODI wickets. The 31-year-old has an exceptional record in the format. He has 194 wickets in 121 matches and takes a wicket every 31 balls. His economy rate is slightly on the higher side, but he has always been India's main wicket-taking option in the middle overs.In the ongoing series, Kuldeep has played only one game in Lucknow and even though he didn't bowl badly, he wasn't close to the rhythm he has often hit in the past. Manav Suthar and Washington Sundar outbowled him in the one-off Test against Afghanistan and in the rain-curtailed ODI in Dharamsala, Harsh Dubey was picked ahead of him.Ahead of the Chennai ODI, while India are expected to rotate their batting line-up and pacers, the onus will be on Kuldeep to find his groove. Team India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutale was in Kuldeep's ear after almost every ball he bowled to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma in the nets.Bahutale watched Kuldeep closely, be it his run-up, his load-up or the revs he imparted on the ball. Kuldeep thrives on confidence, and this team management certainly knows that if India are to do well in the middle overs at the 2027 ODI World Cup, much will depend on the chinaman. No one in this bowling attack is as capable as Kuldeep of taking wickets against the run of play. Jasprit Bumrah can do it to an extent, but even he cannot be relied upon to provide those breakthroughs in the middle overs as consistently as Kuldeep.In the pre-match press conference, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate made it clear that the management will continue to back Kuldeep because they believe he remains India's trump card."The wickets are always there, and I thought he bowled really well the other night. He hasn't had a continuous run of games for a while, even in Test cricket, so there are no real concerns about him," said Doeschate on Kuldeep's dip in form."We always like to play a wrist spinner or a mystery spinner. With the way the game is evolving, the onus is on spinners to keep reinventing themselves. Kuldeep, along with our other spinners in the Test squad, has put a lot of work into the tactical side of the game and planning for batters. I think Kuldeep is doing really well," he added.The Chennai ODI may not define Kuldeep Yadav's future, but it could be the first step towards rediscovering the rhythm that has made him India's biggest wicket-taking weapon in the middle overs. With the road to the 2027 ODI World Cup only getting busier from here, India need their premier wrist spinner firing again. Sooner rather than later.

Former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen was asked a very direct question this week.The 10-year NFL veteran was a guest on the Grant & Danny Show on 106.7 The Fan after the Commanders completed minicamp this week. Rouhier didn't beat around the bush: "Do you feel, and again, this is minicamp, it is June, do you get the sense there might be a paradigm shift to some degree from Quinn and his staff in terms of leading up to the season, whether going a little bit harder more often?"Interpretation: Rouhier didn't like the lack of urgency in last year's training camp, with the coaches perhaps overreactive and wanting to limit the risk of injury. The Commanders, thus, in their first two games last year, immediately looked a step slower, were completely outplayed by the Packers, and the offense was not sharp vs. the Giants in the opener.Paulsen responded, "Well, you know, he talked earlier this week in his press conference about how this is going to be a really competitive camp. I think that is speaking to the depth, but I also think it's speaking to a certain mindset/approach. Just watching that second group or the group that's going at kind of a full tilt out there. It's a competitive group of guys out there. It's pretty physical. They're not in full shoulder pads, but they're pushing the envelope there. It does feel like, if we are comparing it to last year, there's a little bit more pop, a little bit more energy, and a little bit more excitement on the team."Paulsen wrapped up his statement with a summary: "While there is this new age thinking of protecting the players, finding ways to modify practice, to mitigate injury, I also feel this is a mix of some pretty competitive practice reps and letting guys get better."The Commanders went 12-5 in 2024 but overlooked some of the quarterbacks they defeated. Wait, the Commanders actually forgot how many games during the 2024 season they actually won in the last minute?This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: A paradigm shift in 2026?

The Boston Celtics may be willing to wait out the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga. Or at least that is the point of view of the folks behind the "98.5 The Sports Hub" YouTube channel, who put together a clip from a recent episode of their "Zolak and Bertrand" show that has the eponymous hosts taking a deep dive into the theoretical dynamics of a potential swap for the Greek Freak by the Celtics.Will Boston pull the trigger on a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade before the Milwaukee Bucks self-imposed deadline to get a trade in for the two-time Most Valuable Player ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft? And if they do not, could a deal for Antetokounmpo still happen afterward for the Celtics?Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about such a prospect actually taking place.Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: The Celtics may be willing to wait out the Giannis trade saga

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: Coby Ebere of Everton U21 looks on during the Vertu Trophy match between Bradford City and Everton U21 at University of Bradford Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Bradford, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Everton Under 21 and Under 18s are certain to have a much changed look about them next season. At the time of writing, the club have yet to make an official announcement but reliable sources have said and it’s widely assumed that Paul Tait, U21 coach, will be moving on. Add to that the news that several players associated with the youth teams are on the verge of leaving the club upon expiry or heading towards the last season of their contracts.As ever, on the young player front, there will be people spreading gloom about the Academy “failing players’ talent”, about “Moyes not giving youth a chance” and various other sensationalist “news pieces” just to grab attention.In the vast majority of cases (it’s not an exact science) young players leave the club because they cannot see a path to the first team or, I’ll say it first, they’re simply not good enough!I do have sympathy for the perception of blocked pathway to the first team. Personally, I think the club could do much more to expose the very top young talent to the senior team and the public at large. If that happened and the top talent got first team minutes off the bench, then players would generally see a routeway which they don’t right now and, importantly, supporters could judge for themselves whether the player is good enough or ready!I’m not for one minute suggesting that there’s a raft of talent that justify being in the Everton starting team but a lot of clubs, even our close neighbours, give small opportunities to their talented players and some actually flourish quickly. As an example, 17 year old Rio Ngumoha who has made 19 appearances at Liverpool and has broken through to the England national team. Tyler Fletcher (Manchester United and Scotland) is another example of progress and trust.For the record, the following U21 players will officially leave the club after June 30th contract expiry:Defenders Roman Dixon, Bradley Moonan, Reece Welch, midfielder Tyler Onyango and forwards Jacob Beaumont-Clark, Kingsford Boakye, Francis OkoronkwoPutting it bluntly, none of those players deserved to in with a shout of Everton’s current first team and 5 of them were at least 21 years of age with the other 2 aged 20 and frankly, none of them “anywhere near it”In addition, at U18 level these players are being released:Goodness Gospel-Eze, Louis Poland, Charlie Stewart and Kean WrenOf those I was a little surprised by Poland as he had shown up well as a marauding left back but the club also has a competing talent, Harvey Billington who they may see a brighter future with.If the strong rumours are confirmed, 18 year old centre midfielder Demi Akarakiri (pictured below) who had shown promise last season looks to be opting against the offer of a new contract and going to Serie A with Cagliari whilst 20 year old Coby Ebere (main picture of the post) who had shown great promise the season before last, appears to have joined Serbian top flight side FK Cukaricki despite being under contract with the Blues.I guess Akarakiri stands a chance of being a success but, despite his impressive strength, control and passing range, he probably had to improve his decision making on the pitch to be nearer the first team picture. Let’s hope his decision-making off the pitch is better! Ebere, on the other hand, had a season to forget last year, often deployed as a winger which did not make use of his powerful frame and when he was moved to centre forward he was less impressive than he had been. Let’s hope he can make a careerThere’s also a 14 year old kid called Chigwada who is reportedly jumping ship to the red side of the city and that seems to have caused concern with some. Frankly, all players that age have choices to make, the clubs never really have full contractual ownership of them before 17 years old so there’ll be some losses and some gains across all clubs. Anthony Gordon, for instance, left Liverpool for the Toffees at the age of 11, made 78 first team appearances and just as importantly for the Blues, up to £45 million from his move to Newcastle with a further £4m approximately from the sell on clause to Barcelona. You simply cannot tell what the chances of success are at such young ages and I don’t hear many Liverpool supporters bemoaning the release of Gordon 15 years ago?One last mention on the departures front must go to winger Isaac Heath (below in red). The club sold him for a nominal fee to Cambridge United recently. He had an inspiring loan spell with Accrington Stanley last season, scooping their Young Player of the Season awards after making 33 appearances with the League Two outfit and scoring 6 goals. There’s a small chance he might have made progress with the Blues had he stayed but, at the age of 21, it was by no means a definite and the club has to be more brutally honest.Good luck to all the departing players (and coach) and we look forward to seeing who will replace them!

Nigerian nationals repatriated from South Africa, following concerns about unrest, reacts upon arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Sunday Alamba)2026-06-20T05:01:46Z LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — When the flight carrying hundreds of Nigerians fleeing South Africa landed in Lagos last week, the first feeling of passenger Iniebong James was one of relief. Then came worry. Nearly two weeks after his return to his homeland, James, 52, is trying to settle back into the life he left 10 years ago when he packed his suitcases and headed for South Africa on a six-month visitor’s visa. He overstayed his visa and, despite lacking permission to stay, built a life as a car mechanic in the country’s Eastern Cape Province. He was coping until he was attacked by anti-immigrant protesters in May, leaving him with a head wound, he told The Associated Press.The attack on James came in the midst of a sharp rise in anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa in recent months, when there have been marches calling for immigrants in the country illegally to leave and reports of violence against some foreign nationals. Hundreds of migrants from Nigeria and several other African countries have been repatriated from South Africa recently by their governments, citing threats of violence against them and a growing sense of tension. South Africa has for years attracted foreign nationals from across Africa, including many from Nigeria, because of its relative wealth and opportunity. But outbursts of xenophobic violence against foreigners also have accompanied that sporadically. South Africans sometimes blame foreigners for high levels of unemployment and poverty, putting a strain on public services and for being involved in crime. Read More Before moving to South Africa, James worked as a truck driver for a haulage company in Lagos, but the company closed in 2016 when Nigeria’s economy entered its first recession in two decades. Unemployment worried him, but it was the dayslong power outages that pushed him to finally leave. To survive with an expired visa in South Africa, James said he had to bribe community police officers 200 rands ($12.14) a week to operate his shop. Twice, he paid immigration officers when he had been arrested. The AP could not verify this claim. James said he is happy to be home as he now has his “freedom,” but the economy that made him leave is much worse and he is worried that getting a job will be harder.“I would submit my CV if anybody can accept me, but I am still hoping for the government to help me (with a job),” he said. Sign up for Morning Wire: Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day. Email address Sign up By checking this box, you agree to AP's Terms of Use and acknowledge that AP may collect and use your data pursuant to our Privacy Policy. Starting over again is very difficultWhen Nigeria’s government announced a repatriation flight last month to bring back its nationals, James thought he should come back home and try again. He was one of the first group of Nigerians repatriated from South Africa on June 11.Over the past decade, the economy has fallen, leading to far-reaching economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. Those reforms included the removal of decades-long fuel subsidies that kept fuel prices low, influencing retail prices of nearly every good and service in the West African nation and allowing the value of the naira to be dictated by market forces.The reforms have sparked skyrocketing inflation, which was compounded by the U.S.-Iran war, bringing fuel prices to nearly $1 per liter. When James left in 2016, fuel cost 85 naira a liter ($0.1), and on the day he returned it was selling for 1,400 naira ($1.03). “Everything is too expensive,” he said.The government said the returnees will “receive the appropriate assistance and support before being reunited” with their families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to questions about long-term plans for the repatriated citizens.“Reparation is not transformation,” said Margaret Monyani, founder of OLAM Africa Research Institute, a Johannesburg-based migration think-tank. “Returning is not always as straightforward as it sounds. People just think, go back home and start again. No, what is home?” ‘We don’t want to employ foreigners’Omotola Adeniyi, another Nigerian migrant, joined her mother in South Africa in 2015 when she was 8 years old. Her mother enrolled her and her sister in high school, but after that, she was unable to find a job and proceed to university.“After I finished high school, that’s when I saw real life because everywhere I looked for a job, all I could get was, ‘No, we don’t want to employ foreigners,’” Adeniyi said. She started saving for a flight back to Nigeria last year, but the fare was too high. So she accepted Nigeria’s offer of an airline ticket home. But having been away for 11 years, Adeniyi said home feels foreign now. The latest protests have sparked diplomatic reactions from governments across the continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi and others who have repatriated hundreds of their citizens from the country. Nigeria and Ghana summoned South Africa’s diplomatic officials and issued strong public statements.“The price of your peace, and the safety of your children, is worth any sacrifices you have to make, or any assets you have to leave behind when fleeing a conflict zone or hate-infested environment. Survival is the noblest form of vengeance,” Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, told James and others when they arrived in a statement delivered by her representatives. Despite the attacks on foreigners, experts say South Africa still remains a destination of choice for most African migrants due to its more advanced economy and infrastructural development. “It doesn’t mean South Africa has the perfect institutions, but they’re working to a large extent,” Monyani said.___For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulseThe Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. OPE ADETAYO Adetayo is a West and Central Africa reporter for The Associated Press. He covers news and regional development across West and Central Africa. twitter facebook mailto

Atletico Madrid legends weigh in as Julian Alvarez pushes for Barcelona move: ‘Can’t find a player like him these days’The growing uncertainty surrounding Julian Alvarez’s future continues to dominate headlines in Spain, with the Atletico Madrid striker’s desire to join Barcelona becoming one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.While Atletico’s hierarchy has repeatedly insisted that the Argentine is not for sale, the speculation refuses to die down. For now, Barcelona remain strongly linked with the forward, and reports surrounding his wish to leave the Metropolitano have only intensified the debate.As a result, several respected figures connected to Atletico Madrid have publicly addressed the situation, offering a more understanding perspective on Alvarez’s position despite the club’s firm stance.Atletico teammate shows understandingIt must be remembered that Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently made his frustration clear regarding the endless questions surrounding Alvarez’s future. However, not everyone associated with the Madrdi-based club has approached the topic with the same rigidity.Julian Alvarez continues to be linked with Barcelona. (Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images)One of those is Marcos Llorente, who admitted that his close relationship with Alvarez makes him view the situation from a personal standpoint rather than a purely sporting one.“Because of the relationship I have with Julian, I want him to do whatever makes him happiest or brings him the most joy. As a friend, I’ll support him.”Godin and Forlan’s verdictThe discussion has also drawn reactions from two of Atletico Madrid’s most respected modern-day figures: Diego Godin and Diego Forlan.Neither former star openly encouraged Alvarez to leave, but both acknowledged the realities of modern football and the importance of player commitment.Notably, Godin highlighted the importance of a player’s desire to remain at the club.“Fernando Torres said it the other day. At Atletico, you have to want to stay. Not just stay, but want to stay. I hope Julián stays. Forlan has offered his opinion on Alvarez’s links with Barcelona. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I hope he wants to stay. He is a brilliant player. “You can’t go out and find a player like Julian these days. I don’t know what sort of fee it would take…”Meanwhile, Forlan admitted it would be a significant loss if Atletico were to part ways with the Argentine striker, while also recognising the professional realities players face during their careers.“It’s a shame, but people have to understand that we’re professional players. It would be a shame (if he left), but someone else will come along.”In conclusion, Forlan praised Alvarez’s development in recent years, adding,“I’ve been watching him since he was at River Plate and then at Manchester City, and here he’s grown and improved a lot.”Source: Mundo Deportivo

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals (DC) management has already swung into action to prepare for the next season with Rishabh Pant set to come back to Capitals from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). TOI understands that the two franchises have reached an understanding where Pant is likely to be traded with Kuldeep Yadav. Besides, former India batter Yuvraj Singh is set to join DC as a key member of the coaching staff.The modalities of the agreement are still in process. Pant, who started his IPL career at Capitals, endured two rough seasons at LSG after being picked up at the auction for a record Rs 27 crores in 2025. Kuldeep’s form too has seen a dip over the last couple of seasons at Capitals.After LSG finished at the bottom of the points table this year, Pant decided to step down as the captain of the franchise.TOI understands that Capitals are also thinking of a major shakeup in the coaching staff which could see head coach Hemang Badani make way for a someone else. It is learnt that the franchise is also looking at Anil Kumble as a probable member of the coaching staff.

Justin Gaethje (left) was the big American winner at UFC White House, claiming his first undisputed title [Getty Images]Ronda Rousey and Jake Paul have taunted the UFC and Dana White for failing to break their MMA record audience figure with the White House event last week.The UFC 250 Freedom event at the White House reached 7m people in the US on Paramount+.Rousey's 15-second demolition of Carano on Netflix had a US average audience of 9.3m and a US "peak audience" of 11.6m.Paul, who co-founded MVP with Nakisa Bidarian, wrote on X: "As a boxing promoter it feels good waking up today being the biggest MMA promoter."Paul has a history of taunting UFC president White, and the MVP-promoted Rousey v Carano event was positioned as a "takeover" of MMA by boxer Paul.Rousey, who chose to fight on an MVP card rather than the UFC because of fight purse demands, reacted to news of the viewing figures by targeting UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell."Lmao [laughing my ass off]! Kiss my ass, Hunter Campbell," Rousey said.UFC White House, which had two title fights and was held on the south lawn of US President Donald Trump's home, averaged 8.2m viewers across the US and Latin America.US broadcaster Paramount said 17m people watched at least one minute of the event in those countries, including 15.3m in the US.It said the live audience figures were verified by Nielsen, the industry standard in reporting TV viewership metrics, and Adobe Analytics.Streaming giants Netflix did not release any figures other than for the US and did not say whether the numbers were verified by Nielsen or any other party.Paramount suggested the UFC would release further global figures for the White House event.American Justin Gaethje gave the Trump-fronted event a fairytale ending on his 80th birthday by upsetting the odds to beat Ilia Topuria in the main event.Gaethje, a Trump supporter, claimed the UFC lightweight title for the first time at the age of 37.US star Gaethje wins at Trump's UFC White House showGroup planned to attack White House UFC event using snipers and drones, FBI saysMachado Garry to face Makhachev for UFC title

The World Cup 2026 is into the second round of group stage fixtures, with sides including England, Germany and France well-placed to put a foot in the round of 32 over the coming days.Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to advance into the last 32 after their win over South Korea, and that 1-0 victory means El Tri have will finish top of Group A. Despite the fact that their opponents could finish with a better goal difference, Mexico have secured top spot in Group A thanks to a subtle change in group stage rules that is new for this World Cup. For the first time ever, the tournament is using head-to-head records – rather than goal difference – as a tiebreaker for teams who are level on points in the groups. This means the USA were also confirmed as topping their group after Turkey lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the early hours of Saturday morning, after following up their opening win over the South American nation by convincingly beating Australia.This new rule is sure to influence the eventual round of 32 fixtures, so here’s more information on how it could affect the final group stage games. What is Fifa’s new head-to-head rule? Essentially, the new rule means that a team’s head-to-head record against another team is the first thing to separate teams who are level on points. This is the same as the system used in Uefa competitions. Goal difference is then used as the next differentiator, with the total number of goals scored in all group matches then considered before the highest “team conduct” score, which takes into account the total record of yellow and red cards.Interestingly, if two teams still can’t be separated after all these criteria, then the team that is ranked higher “according to the most recent published edition of the Fifa/Coca‑Cola Men’s World Ranking” will go through.In terms of tie-breaking criteria for the group stages, Fifa’s official website reads that the following criteria – in the same order as below – will be used to determine group rankings:The greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned (in other words, head-to-head record)Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concernedHow does the head-to-head rule apply to Mexico? For a team to secure top spot in a group after just two games, a group either needs to have two draws or for the team in first place to have beaten any team(s) on three points.Mexico have won both of their opening games, and they now sit three points clear of second-placed South Korea. However, they cannot be overtaken as they beat South Korea 1-0 in the game between the two nations. The new rule means that England will top Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia (Reuters)How can the rule affect other teams?The fact that some teams can secure top spot after just two games comes with both advantages and disadvantages for the other teams in the group depending on how they’ve performed so far. In Mexico’s example, El Tri could opt to rest their entire starting XI, so the Czech Republic – who currently sit in third, two points behind South Korea – could benefit, leaving South Korea needing to beat South Africa to be certain of second place. Who else could win their group on matchday two?As mentioned, the US have secured top spot thanks to Turkey losing to Paraguay, while Germany could win their group if they beat the Ivory Coast and Ecuador don’t beat Curacao. Sweden can qualify as group winners if they beat the Netherlands and Japan don’t win against Tunisia, while Lionel Messi and Argentina can top their group if they beat Austria and Algeria fail to beat Jordan. Finally, Thomas Tuchel’s England can ensure they qualify top of Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama fail to beat Croatia.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe ‘Good Ol Canadian Boys’, ‘Seth Jarvis’ Buddies’, the ‘Traveling Jarvies‘, the ‘Seth Jarvis Fan Club’.Whatever you choose to call them, the childhood friends of Carolina Hurricanes winger Seth Jarvis – all of whom met through youth hockey – have been one of the wildest and low-key wholesomest stories in hockey over the past year, and that story is about to become a little crazier. Friday, it was announced that the crew would have their own float (or bus, or whatever we call it at this point) for the Hurricanes Championship parade.It’s Been a Journey For Some Good Ol Canadian BoysThe buddies first gained the eye of the public during the 4 Nations Face-Off, when it came out that they drove 30 hours from Montreal to Boston to support Jarvis after flights were halted due to a blizzard just as the tournament changed locale from Canada to the USA.After that, they became an occasional fixture at games whenever schedules aligned."We're just grateful to be able to support our friend"Remember those guys that went viral for following their friend, Seth Jarvis, to Boston by car during the 4-Nations Faceoff? Well, they joined @mikemaniscalco and @TrippTracy in the booth during the first intermission. 🤣… pic.twitter.com/vq5F1uEfaU— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) November 22, 2025When Jarvis made the Olympic team – the day before players traveled to Italy – they took the hockey world by storm as they did everything they could to make it to Milan in time to watch their guy play. Their efforts were not in vain, as they ended up becoming an internet sensation, which led to Air Canada sponsoring their trip.Now, their Instagram, ‘Goodolcanadianboys’, has a whopping 87,000 followers, and their TikTok by the same handle has 33,000 followers.They were in attendance for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in Lenovo Center, and even sported custom jackets for the occasion.Seth Jarvis' friends showed up in their own custom gear for Game 2These ain't WAG (wives and girlfriends) jackets, these are DAB (dudes and bros) jackets 🤣#SoundTheSiren#ForgedInGold#NHL#StanleyCuphttps://t.co/A6kmWB1PZu— Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) June 5, 2026When the Hurricanes claimed the Stanley Cup in Game 6 versus the Vegas Golden Knights in T-Mobile Arena, the friends stormed onto the ice to celebrate with Jarvis and his family. In the wee hours of the following morning, two of them – Lucas Fry and Sloan Tremblay – even got Stanley Cup tattoos, as reported by PEOPLE.Saturday morning, the pals are expected to be the ninth float in the parade, preceded by members of the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation and followed by the pair of floats featuring Hurricanes broadcasters, starting with Hanna Yates and Shane Willis, then followed by Mike Maniscalco and Tripp Tracy.You can view the full lineup and parade route here!Also Read:: Prove Me Wrong: Seth Jarvis’ Buddies Are New Generation of ‘Traveling Jagrs’Related HeadlinesMorning Rumble: Tracking the Stanley Cup; Pee Dee Native Traded to Sharks; Hurricanes Pass on Jason RobertsonWATCH: Jordan Staal Wins Conn Smythe Trophy, Carolina Hurricanes Hoist Stanley CupHoist The Cup, and the Conn Smythe! The Numbers and Notes of the Carolina Hurricanes 2026 Stanley Cup Win!

Vinicius Junior added Brazil's third goal against Haiti (Mauro PIMENTEL)High-scoring Germany face a powerful Ivory Coast side at the World Cup on Saturday with the winner guaranteed a place in the last 32, while Sweden can also book their ticket.Those three nations can join co-hosts the United States and Mexico who are already through.Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 in their opener and would be confirmed as Group E winners if they defeat Ivory Coast in Toronto and Ecuador fail to beat Curacao in Kansas City.Progressing to the knockout round would be a relief for the Germans who astonishingly have failed to reach that stage since they won their fourth World Cup in Brazil in 2014.So tight are the margins that Ivory Coast could lock up their place in the next round too, if they beat the Germans.Nagelsmann said his team had to be prepared for Ivory Coast's athleticism."Their speed is one of their biggest strengths and that's what I think they do best," he told reporters, highlighting the French-born Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe."During the last game, he was everywhere," Nagelsmann said of Pepe.Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston knowing that a win will secure a place in the knockout round -- an extraordinary turnaround for the Scandinavians who only qualified for the World Cup through through the Nations League, essentially the back door.Coach Graham Potter warned that Sweden striker Alexander Isak will get "stronger and stronger" as the tournament goes on.Isak had a poor season by his standards, interrupted by frequent injuries, after Liverpool paid Newcastle United a British record £125 million ($165 million) for him.He made a strong start to the World Cup though as the 26-year-old scored one goal and set up two in the 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia."Alex has had a season that has been interrupted," Potter said. "Most football players would say they need a certain amount of time and games to get up to top, top level, so we've had to try to build Alex up. I think there's more to come from him."- 1,000th game -History will be made in another of Saturday's games as Japan face Tunisia in Monterrey, Mexico for the 1,000th game at a World Cup.Hajime Moriyasu warned his Japan side they will need to match the intensity of a Tunisia team fired up by the introduction of coach Herve Renard after Sabri Lamouchi became the first coach in World Cup history to be sacked after one game.On Friday, the United States marched into the knockout round with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle.A day of raucous celebrations for the co-hosts got even better when Paraguay's 1-0 win against Turkey confirmed that the US would clinch top spot in Group D, ensuring a theoretically easier draw in the last 32.A Cameron Burgess own goal in the 11th minute and a headed effort from Alex Freeman two minutes before half-time sealed a comfortable three points for Mauricio Pochettino's USA side, who have won the group with a game to spare.After an unconvincing build-up to the World Cup, the Americans have made a dream start to the tournament with Friday's victory following a stylish 4-1 demolition of Paraguay in their opener."It was a fantastic game again, very good first half," Pochettino said. "I think we dominated the game against a very tough team."When the draw happened in December I thought it was going to be a really difficult, a really tough game."In other games on Friday, Brazil took control of their destiny in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Haiti that ended the Caribbean nation's chances of progressing. Haiti join Turkey in exiting the tournament.Two goals from Matheus Cunha and a Vinicius Junior strike sealed an easy win for the Brazilians in Philadelphia.Brazil are now level on four points with Morocco, but lead the North Africans on goal difference.Morocco secured their first win of the tournament on Friday with a 1-0 defeat of Scotland at Foxborough.Ismael Saibari scored the games's only goal, lashing home an angled strike in the second minute.Morocco face Haiti in their final Group C game on June 24, while Brazil take on the Scots in Miami.gj/rcw

‘MURRICAH | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Friday’s USA vs. Australia match in Seattle was one of the most spectacular sporting events I’ve ever had the privilege to attend. From the hours-long buildup along the waterfront and all through the downtown and Belltown areas — in absolutely perfect weather — to the national anthems, to the epic flyover, to the US putting together another strong performance (especially in the first half) to ensure a place in the knockout rounds … it was absolutely tremendous. The Seahawks’ stadium is well known for how loud it can get, and we managed to get a couple seismic events registered yet again. U-S-A!“And the building shakes in Seattle!” PNSN’s seismic stations captured the crowd response to both Alex Freeman’s goal and the VAR decision overturning the offside call. It’s #USMNT 2 to Australia 0 at half-time. #WorldCup2026#FIFAWorldCup#SportsSeismologypic.twitter.com/DHLmgXspZl— PNSN (@PNSN1) June 19, 2026Turkey would manage to lose against 10-man Paraguay in the late game, confirming top spot in the group for the USMNT, and the Round of 32 game in the Bay Area. Guess I better sell the other kidney.Morocco and Brazil collected wins as well in the other games of the day, but I wasn’t really paying much attention to those.Next!NETHERLANDS vs. SWEDENGraham Potter’s Sweden romped to a 5-1 win over Tunisia in their first game and they will look to build on that against a Netherlands side who only managed a 1-1 draw against Japan. Another bad result for the Dutch could be disastrous.Date / Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 1pm EDT; 6pm BSTVenue: NRG Stadium, Huston, TX, USAReferee: Michael Oliver (England)On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhereStreaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)Chelsea interest: Jorrel Hato did not play a single minute in the first game.GERMANY vs. CÔTE d’IVOIREFor a hot minute we were all Curaçao as the minnows threatened briefly to make history against mighty Germany in the first game. But the hydration break sapped all that momentum and Germany would notDate / Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 4pm EDT; 9pm BSTVenue: BMO Field, Torono, CanadaReferee: Juan Gabriel BenítezOn TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK); elsewhereStreaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)Chelsea interest: No current players involved here.ECUADOR vs. CURAÇAOEcuador were disappointing in their first game, but have a very goo chance to get bak on track against Curaçao.Date / Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 8pm EDT; 1am BST (next day)Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansad City, MO, USAReferee: Ma Ning (China)On TV: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhereStreaming online: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)Chelsea interest: Moisés Caicedo played the full-90 in the first game; Kendry Páez did not get on. TUNISIA vs. JAPANJapan are another side looking to put a disappointing first match behind them.Date / Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 9day)Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico)Referee: István Kovács (Romania)On TV: FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK); elsewhereStreaming online: FOX One, Peacock (UUK)Chelsea interest: None

The United States are flying at the World Cup after starting their tournament with back-to-back victories. The co-hosts added to their opening thumping of Paraguay with a dominant performance against Australia in Seattle. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are top of Group D and are through to the knockout stages with a game to spare. Alex Freeman celebrates his goal against Australia (Reuters)Their place in the last-32 as group winners was even secured when Turkey lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the later game.The USA play Turkey next in their final Group D fixture – on Thursday 25 June in Los Angeles – but this will have no bearing on group position and simply see the US aim to continue momentum. USA’s route at World Cup as group winners As winners of Group D, USA will play one of the third-placed teams who advance to the last 32. Their opponent would either come from Group B, Group E, Group F, Group I or Group J. As it stands, that’s set to be Bosnia-Herzegovina – but that is likely to change by the end of the group stages. USA celebrate Alex Freeman’s goal against Australia (Getty)However, what’s locked is in the time and location of the last-32 clash, as the USA head to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for their last-32 match on Wednesday 1 July, with kick-off at 5pm local time (1am BST on Thursday 2 July). Levi’s Stadium the home of the San Francisco 49ers, known as the Bay Area Stadium for the purposes of the World Cup. Should the USA progress to the last 16, they would then play either the winner of Group G or another of the third-placed teams who progress to the knockout stages. Group G contains Belgium, Iran, New Zealand and Egypt. If the USA play in that match, they would return to Lumen Field, Seattle on Tuesday 6 July.

Lampard Contract Talks Offer Coventry Crucial Premier League StabilityFrank Lampard and Coventry City Edge Towards New Deal After Promotion GloryCoventry City Contract Talks Carry Premier League WeightFrank Lampard and Coventry City appear to be moving towards something that feels increasingly important, stability.According to BBC, Lampard has held positive talks over a new contract after guiding the Sky Blues back to the Premier League as Championship title winners. His current deal expires at the end of next season, which naturally brings a little tension to a story that should otherwise feel full of optimism.Promotion has changed everything. Lampard arrived in November 2024 with Coventry 17th in the Championship and only two points above the relegation zone. What followed was a sharp, startling transformation. Coventry won 16 of their remaining 29 league games that season, reached the play-offs, then built again.Last season, they went further. Lampard led Coventry to the Championship title, winning 28 matches, the most the club have ever managed in a league campaign, and ending a 25-year wait for top-flight football.Photo: IMAGOLampard’s Stock Rises After Sky Blues RevivalSuccess brings attention. BBC report that Lampard’s work at Coventry has attracted interest from elsewhere, including Fulham. That is hardly surprising. A manager once viewed through the lens of Derby, Chelsea and Everton has now rebuilt his reputation in the Midlands.Speaking after promotion in April, Lampard said: “There’s a lot of work to do because we know the step up it will be for the football club.“That’s something we have to work on quickly now because of where we’re at. We have to be ambitious. I know what the Premier League is and it’s going to be a challenge. We can enjoy the moment for the next two weeks but of course we have to work behind the scenes to ensure we go up in the right way.”That phrase, “go up in the right way”, feels central. Coventry cannot afford sentimentality. They need recruitment, structure, clarity and a manager fully aligned with the board.Premier League Challenge Demands CertaintyFor Coventry, a new deal would be more than reward. It would be protection. Lampard’s name still carries weight, his profile still travels, and his recent success gives him fresh credibility.Yet this feels like the right moment for both parties. Coventry gave Lampard a platform when his managerial reputation needed repairing. Lampard gave Coventry belief when their season looked in danger of drifting.Now comes the harder part. The Premier League is unforgiving, especially for promoted clubs. Momentum helps, but it rarely survives without planning. A contract agreement before the new campaign would send a clear message that Coventry are not arriving merely to participate.They are arriving with a plan.Our View – EPL Index AnalysisFrom a Coventry fan’s point of view, this feels like the conversation that had to happen quickly. Promotion was magical, but the Premier League does not wait for anyone to get organised. Lampard is the manager who took us up, he deserves the chance to lead us into the top flight with proper backing.There is always a fear when another club starts circling. Fulham being linked makes sense because Lampard’s stock has risen, but Coventry supporters will feel this project still has unfinished business. He inherited a struggling team, lifted standards, created belief and then delivered a title-winning season that will live in club history.The concern is not whether Lampard has earned a new deal. He has. The concern is whether Coventry match his ambition. Premier League survival will require smart signings, pace, physicality and experience. We cannot go up thinking last season’s emotion will carry us through.Still, there is something powerful about continuity. Lampard knows the squad, the city now trusts him, and the players clearly respond to him. Getting this deal done before pre-season properly begins would calm everything down.For Coventry fans, this is simple. Reward the manager, back the manager, and give the club the best possible chance of staying where it fought so hard to get.

Real Madrid slap €60 million price tag on former academy star once tipped for Bernabeu returnReal Madrid could be preparing for one of the most surprising transfer moves of the summer, with club president Florentino Perez open to facilitating Nico Paz’s permanent departure despite retaining significant control over the midfielder’s future.According to Defensa Central, Los Blancos are seriously considering a strategy that would see them activate their buyback clause for the Argentine talent before placing him on the market for around €60 million.The development comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Nico Paz’s future. For months, a return to the Santiago Bernabeu appeared to be the most likely outcome after his impressive campaign at Como. However, recent events have dramatically altered the picture.Nico Paz prefers Como stay despite Real Madrid clauseNico Paz’s rise over the past season has made him one of the most closely watched young midfielders in Europe.Real Madrid are ready to cash in on Nico Paz. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)After leaving Real Madrid for Como, the Argentine established himself as a key player in Serie A and significantly increased his market value through a series of impressive performances.Despite Real Madrid retaining a buyback option worth €10 million, the player himself does not view a return to Spain as the ideal next step in his career.This is because the arrival of Bernardo Silva has only increased competition for places in Jose Mourinho’s midfield, creating uncertainty over the amount of playing time he would receive if he returned.As a result, the 21-year-old has informed Real Madrid that he would prefer to remain at Como, where he feels his development can continue without the pressure of fighting for minutes in one of Europe’s most competitive squads.However, the final decision may not rest entirely with the player.Why is that?Nico Paz wants to stay at Como. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)According to the report, however, Florentino Perez is prioritising a different outcome.Rather than allowing Nico Paz to remain in Italy, the Real Madrid president is exploring the possibility of turning the midfielder into a significant transfer profit this summer.The plan would be to activate the €10 million buyback clause before the June 30 deadline and then listen to offers in the region of €60 million.Such an operation would generate a substantial return and give Real Madrid complete control over the player’s destination.Right now, nothing is finalised, and a lot depends on the meeting between Real Madrid and Como, which is expected to happen next week.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 14: Manager Tony Vitello #23 of the San Francisco Giants walks back to the dugout during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park on June 14, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Andy Kuno/San Francisco Giants/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Francisco Giants are embroiled in a scandal completely of their own making. And it just keeps getting worse. The San Francisco Chronicle published a piece on Friday that confirms what I said in my opinion post on Thursday. The players were not forced to wear the Pride hats that members of the team defaced on Pride Night. Nor did they do so out of any semblance of a feeling of being discriminated against. No, no. It was an entirely unforced error. And one that they had, apparently, spent weeks planning. Per the Chronicle’s reporting. And what’s worse is that manager Tony Vitello apparently knew about it the whole time and even helped the players navigate how they would perform their very optional protest. You know, the protest of the thing they weren’t being forced to participate in. The one that they chose to make a “personal” stand on to display their own homophobia, rather than just opting out of wearing the hats and moving on with their lives. And then, you know, complaining about not being able to move on with their lives because they were being forced to face the consequences of their own actions. I guess we should all just accept that they hate us and let them move on. But I’m not interested in doing that. So yes, they spent weeks planning this protest without ever once, seemingly, even taking a single moment to ponder how that would play out among the fanbase that supports them. Really shortsighted work on their part. But what gets me is that Tony Vitello reportedly knew the whole time. Not only did he know, he helped them plan it. You know, the person who should have known better. The person who should have advised against it. The person who most assuredly either informed the ownership group, or neglected to do so which would be even worse. Which means that we can safely assume that the ownership group was aware of the planned protest and through their lack of actions allowed it to proceed. Firing Tony Vitello would be the absolute least that the Giants organization could do to make amends at this point. He is so very clearly in over his head on a human level, that it almost doesn’t even matter how poorly he is doing on a baseball level. And he is also failing at that. So yes, Vitello should absolutely be the first firing from this shameful ordeal. But he should not be the last, and if they do fire him we should not accept his scapegoating as enough. Because the rot starts well above him. As I said on Thursday, it’s time to clean house and Vitello would only be the first move in that. But it would be a meaningful one.

Jun 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) celebrates with first baseman Nolan Schanuel (18) after hitting a home run against the Athletics during the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park.The Los Angeles Angels seemed to be on their way to a much-needed, loud victory against the Athletics on Friday night. An offensive barrage after back-to-back low-scoring losses is exactly what they needed — until it didn’t matter when the lead was lost.With 12 outs to go, the Angels held what looked like a comfortable seven-run lead. Their bats were scorching, having hit five home runs as a team. Five decent innings from José Soriano against a red-hot Athletics offense even felt like a positive. But in the end, in all-too-familiar fashion, the Angels found a way to lose the game.The Athletics stormed back to score eight unanswered runs, scoring in each of the final five frames to secure the comeback and win, 12-11. Even on their last breath, the Angels’ bullpen could not prevent a dramatic blown save. With the Athletics down 11-9 with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Jonah Heim stepped to the plate looking to extend the game against Angels’ reliever Sam Bachman. In heroic fashion, he did exactly that, launching a game-tying, two-run homer to knot the game at 11 apiece. After clawing their way back with a hit parade of their own, all momentum owned by the Angels had been halted and lost completely. A shaky relief appearance from Kirby Yates in the 10th led to a walk-off walk by Nick Kurtz, sealing the comeback.It was a deafening way to lose. It was also the first such loss of its kind. The Angels are the first team to lose a game in which they hit five home runs, have a seven-run inning and own a seven-run lead. Ultimately, 11 unanswered runs and numerous bright spots from their offense without Mike Trout was not enough. It spoiled what would have been a big bounce-back win for the Angels, but instead set them back further towards the bottom of the division.After the Athletics jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, Los Angeles got to starter Jeffrey Springs loudly, as he allowed six earned runs in the fourth inning and was unable to get out of the frame. The Angels hit three home runs in the inning off the bats of Denzer Guzman, Jose Siri and Zach Neto. Logan O’Hoppe continued his tear with a three-run shot in the next frame, which was followed by a Nolan Schanuel long ball in the sixth inning for the Angels’ fifth homer of the day.In total, five Angels relievers combined to allow seven earned runs over 4 ⅓ innings in the implosion. What initially seemed like a game full of bright spots instead became an exposure of the Angels’ flaws, many of which they hope to address as they try to salvage the four-game set in Sacramento.

😭 Turkey aren’t alone in despair: another World Cup side is out!The jubilation was boundless when Haiti qualified for a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 in November 2025. The island nation had had to wait a full 54 years for such a moment of success.But after just two matches, Haiti’s North American adventure is already over. Following the 0–3 defeat to Brazil on the night from Friday to Saturday, it is now clear: “Les Grenadiers” no longer have any chance of reaching 3rd place in Group C, which could, under certain circumstances, be enough to qualify for the round of 32. Brazil and Morocco, both on four points, are already uncatchable for the pointless underdogs. Haiti also cannot make up the three-point gap to Scotland, having lost the head-to-head 0–1, and that result takes precedence over goal difference in the event of a tie on points.For a few hours, Haiti was therefore the first team eliminated from the tournament. But in the early hours, Turkey followed them after a 0–1 defeat to Paraguay.That means the remaining clash with the USA (June 26) is now only about pride for the star-studded Turkish side led by Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz. The same applies to Haiti against Morocco the day before.This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Motorsport photoKai Allen has taken Grove Racing and Ford to the top step of the podium at the second Supercars race at Hidden Valley in Darwin.The rising star of Supercars celebrated his 21st birthday a week early when he rose from sixth on the opening lap to pick off the cars in front, including team-mate Matt Payne. Allen managed to track down early leader Cam Waters, who started from pole position in the Tickford Ford Mustang. But Waters, the winner of Friday’s race, had no answer to the leader’s pace, running wide on lap 41, and came home in second place.By the chequered flag Allen had run away, pulling a lead of nearly nine seconds over the final 20 laps of the 70-lap journey. It was his fourth podium finish in five races at the Hidden Valley circuit. Read Also: Supercars Darwin: Cam Waters takes first win of 2026 as Ford sweeps top five “I knew I had something early in the race,” said Allen, who gained early track position with a short fill in his opening pitstop.“Once I got out on those fresh tyres and got past Cam, I knew we could pull away. It was not easy going from fifth but I managed to do it. I could see Cam moving around on Matty, and the boys made the call and I got past.”Over the final laps of the race Waters had to fight hard to hold off Brodie Kostecki. The Dick Johnson Racing Ford driver was feeling the effects of flu for the second day in a row, but his cause was aided somewhat when Payne had to serve a five-second time penalty at his first of two pitstops, after behind adjudged to have crept at the start.Waters admitted that his Mustang did not have the speed to take a second win on the weekend.“I was happy to get another podium, I am happy to maximise what we had then, we still got a trophy when the car was not perfect,” he said. “We have taken a big step forward this weekend.”Kostecki was quite physically distressed after the race, with much hotter conditions than experienced on Friday amplifying the effects of his ongoing ’flu and a failing drinks bottle making things even worse. While he was being treated by medical staff his trophy was accepted on the podium by race engineer George Commins.Completing the Ford sweep of the top five placings was the Triple Eight Mustang of Will Brown. He had to put on an early charge after starting outside the top 10, while team-mate Broc Feeney was better than he had been on Friday, starting sixth and gaining a position on the opening lap. But the blue cars were again not quite as sharp as their Ford rivals and he lost a place to Chaz Mostert with a dozen laps to go.Mostert put in the drive of the race. After running with the leaders he was unlucky to find some power steering fluid (ironically dropped by Walkinshaw TWG team-mate Ryan Wood) and run off the track, dropping from sixth to 14th. From that point he was on a mission, gaining positions lap by lap and eventually restoring that sixth place.Anton De Pasquale was the best of the Chevrolet Camaro drivers in eighth place. The Team 18 driver started a lowly 20th on the grid after finding that he had a lack of grip in Qualifying, but a dogged drive lifted him right onto Feeney’s rear bumper at the end of a tough race.Feeney’s points lead has been further reduced, dropping from 59 pre-race to 36, with Payne second.The Supercars and drivers will return to the track on Sunday for another 70-lap, 200km race.To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

At around 2pm on the delayed 9am train to Boston, two shocked locals were engaged in bemused conversation. The subject, a kilted man presumably in his early 60s, had just returned down the carriage after an hour or so sitting with his new-found friends. “It’s only 2pm! The game isn’t for another seven hours!” one exclaimed. “Those drinks must have had at least five shots in them, and he definitely got through at least three,” came the shocked reply. Boston is no stranger to a British siege, but they didn’t quite expect this. Scotland fans packed into the Boston Stadium for their opening game against Haiti (Reuters)Whether it’s South Koreans in Mexico or Brazilians in New York, social media is awash with videos and photos of fans and locals enjoying their own World Cup parties. And one story that has proved particularly captivating is that of Scotland fans’ takeover of Boston. Scotland were one of few teams who played the first two games of their group stage campaign in the same city, with Steve Clarke’s side narrowly losing to Morocco in Boston on Friday, just six days after beating Haiti. With fans arriving a few days ahead of their opener on 13 June, some had a week or so to make Boston a home away from home. They got to work quickly. Scotland fans brought a unique atmosphere to the city ahead of their first World Cup game in 28 years (Getty)Scots were dotted all around the city and surrounding areas, and from the North End to Back Bay, locals quickly came to realise that a World Cup party 28 years in the making was not something the visitors would be taking lightly.News that the flagship taproom of Samuel Adams (Boston’s signature beer) ran dry will come as no surprise, with a representative telling the BBC that “the Tartan Army drank four times as much Boston Lager as we run through on a typical four-day holiday stretch like 4th of July”.The fact the opening game against Haiti fell on a Saturday meant that locals and visitors alike had ample time to party, and it made for a jovial, boisterous Beantown atmosphere. “I love the Scots, they brought their charm,” said a manager at a bar outside Quincy Market. “It’s so genuine and heartfelt, they just want to come here, support their team, eat, drink and be merry!”Scotland fans with bagpipes marched to Fenway Park ahead of Sunday’s game (Reuters)Nowhere was this more apparent than at Fenway Park last Sunday. A day after beating Haiti, thousands of Scottish fans marched to the stadium ahead of the Red Sox’s game against the Texas Rangers, and they carried their now-famous atmosphere into another Boston institution. An impromptu rendition of the Scottish national anthem was louder than the pre-planned American one, and from John McGinn chants to ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, the visitors made good on the ‘No Scotland, No Party’ slogan. The consensus from locals was that this great stadium had probably never seen anything quite like it. A local news anchor said that she had “never experienced an environment like that at Fenway or anywhere else”, and the injection of energy was so appreciated by the Red Sox that they announced a free beer for all Scotland fans for the games in the following week. Get your tickets and complimentary drink at tonight's @RedSox game at @fenwaypark ⚾️📲 Full details are available on the Official Scotland App: https://t.co/th1UGulSay#FIFAWorldCuppic.twitter.com/uj6E01Lb4h— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) June 17, 2026Fans at Fenway said they’d never been to a Red Sox game with this kind of atmosphere. Others went further. “I’ve never seen the city more lively,” a local quipped. “I think you’ve come to see Boston for the best week in about 20 years!”Local news was infatuated with the Scots too, with stations running several segments on the Scots’ various adventures and interactions with locals. There were certainly glowing reviews, though the city played its own part in a party for the ages too. Bostonians certainly held up their end of the bargain, combining a warm welcome with plenty of good faith to help lay the platform for one of the feel-good stories of the World Cup. And such was the strength of goodwill and positivity around Boston that the city once referred to as the ‘Hub of the Solar System’ again felt like the centre of the universe, if only for a fleeting week in June. Scotland’s loss to Morocco leaves their hopes of qualification in the balance (Getty)As they bid farewell to Boston, Scotland’s win over Haiti and the loss to Morocco means that Clarke’s side are still in with a chance of extending their stay in North America into the knockout rounds. Miami will be next as the Tartan Army hope for a famous result against Brazil, with a draw likely to be enough to secure a place in the last 32. Depending on where they finish in Group C, Scotland could play in Boston once more, returning after making the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. Beantown has already seen a party for the ages, but the best may be yet to come. And even if their stay only lasts one more game, it’s been a successful campaign both on and off the pitch, for Scotland fans in Boston have embodied exactly what makes the World Cup so special. Scotland fans could be found all around Boston, from Fenway Park to the North End and the suburbs (PA Wire)It only took a week for the world to remember what football – and indeed all sports – are really about. In a world of ticket rip-offs, staged Peace Prizes and visa denials, fans have come together to produce something organic and overwhelmingly positive. Boston now knows that when it comes to a World Cup, only one team can win, but anyone can take part. Indeed, sometimes the game is not about winning. As fans of Scotland, Cape Verde or even the Red Sox would tell you, sometimes it’s just about being there.