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Story highlightsNancy Reagan would support Hillary Clinton, Michael Reagan saysTrump is "trying to sell a bill of goods to get into the White House," Reagan says (CNN)Michael Reagan, the eldest son of former President Ronald Reagan, said Wednesday that Nancy Reagan, would have supported Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump for president. "Donald Trump hasn't done a whole lot for women during this campaign," Reagan told Don Lemon on "CNN Tonight." "And he's not doing anything now to bring women on board."Reagan, who has been a vocal critic of Trump took to Twitter on Monday to vent in a flurry of tweets slamming the Trump campaign."My father would not support this kind of campaign, if this is what the Republican Party wants leave us Reagans out. Nancy would vote for HRC," he tweeted.My father would not support this kind of campaign,if this is what the Republican Party wants leave us Reagans out.Nancy would vote for HRC https://t.co/jkjKBvlwHa— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) October 3, 2016
Lemon asked Reagan if he would tell Republicans to vote for Clinton. Read More"No, I would tell Republicans to vote their conscience," Reagan said. "I'm trying to protect the Reagan legacy."Reagan cited Trump's latest attack on his Democratic opponent -- questioning, with no evidence, whether she is "loyal" to her husband as an example of what his parents would not support. No way do I or would my father support this garbage.Trump on Clinton: 'I don't even think she's loyal to Bill' https://t.co/zTBMcB3wUi— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) October 3, 2016
"This family's name is being dropped all over the place, every single day and inferring that Ronald Reagan would support these things and I have to say no, they wouldn't."On the campaign trail, Trump has compared himself to the standard bearer for the Republican party. But Reagan said that he has written about his father's campaigns, referring to his book, "Lessons My Father Taught Me." President Reagan told him that the main issue of a campaign is whether "you are qualified to be president of the United States, not if you're qualified to be a good husband or a good wife."He told Lemon that he would love for the Republican nominee to reach out to him for insight, but "everybody instead wants to just have my name.""He's trying to sell a bill of goods to get into the White House as the president of the United States of America." He added, "If that's the direction the Republican Party is going, fine, but leave the Reagans out of it." CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misstated Michael Reagan's mother. | 4politics
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Story highlightsAtletico Madrid go top of La Liga after Diego Costa's goal helps them beat GranadaReal Madrid lose at Sevilla to slip to third in the table behind BarcelonaBarca thrash Celta Vigo 3-0 thanks to a brace from Brazilian striker Neymar Liverpool beat Sunderland to keep their English Premier League title dream aliveThe three-way battle for the Spanish league title took another dramatic twist on Wednesday night as Real Madrid suffered their second defeat in four days.After a humbling by Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, Real were sunk 2-1 away at Sevilla thanks to a brace from Colombian striker Carlos Bacca.To add to the misery of Cristiano Ronaldo and company, their two title rivals -- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid -- both triumphed to relegate them to third in the table.Atletico hit the summit after a solitary goal from Diego Costa saw them past Granada, while Barcelona sit just a point back after they eased past Celta Vigo 3-0.Read: Bayern clinch Bundesliga titleReal now trail their city rivals by three points, and have an inferior head-to-head record, which would come into effect if they ended the season level on points.Los Blancos did take the lead on 14 minutes when Cristiano Ronaldo's free kick took a big deflection off the wall to wrong foot Sevilla goalkeeper Beto.JUST WATCHEDSturridge's World Cup dreamReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSturridge's World Cup dream 01:40JUST WATCHEDZidane and Ronaldo tackle povertyReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHZidane and Ronaldo tackle poverty 02:20JUST WATCHEDHow Bayern Munich became the World's best teamReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHow Bayern Munich became the World's best team 03:52But the home side drew level just five minutes later when Bacca finished off a counter attack that started when Xabi Alonso squandered possession.JUST WATCHEDDavid Beckham bringing MLS team to MiamiReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDavid Beckham bringing MLS team to Miami 01:05Real missed a host of chances to restore their lead and paid the price when Bacca netted the winner with 20 minutes remaining. It meant Real suffered successive league defeats for the first time since 2009.Earlier in the evening, Barcelona registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Celta Vigo largely thanks to their potent strike force but lost goalkeeper Victor Valdes to a serious knee injury.Neymar has struggled to find consistency after his move from Brazilian club Santos but he outscored the Spanish club's record all-time scorer Lionel Messi on the night by grabbing two goals.Barcelona were in front after just six minutes, Alexis Sanchez galloping on to Messi's defense-splitting pass, before squaring for Neymar who registered his first goal for the club since the middle of February.Valdes then departed on a stretcher after landing badly when saving a shot on goal, the club confirming he had torn his cruciate ligament and will have to undergo surgery.Argentina striker Messi made it 2-0 on the half hour mark, running onto Andres Iniesta's through ball before firing into the net for his 23rd goal of the season and his eighth in the last four matches.Neymar wrapped up the match in the second half with his 11th league goal of the campaign, finishing smartly from inside the area.In the English Premier League, Liverpool boosted their hopes of landing a first domestic title since 1990 with a 2-1 victory over lowly Sunderland.Captain Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a fierce free kick from the edge of the penalty area before England striker Daniel Sturridge grabbed his 20th league goal of the season in the second half.Sturridge and the EPL's top scorer Luis Suarez both wasted opportunities before a header from Sunderland's South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng set up a nervy final 15 minutes.The victory -- Liverpool's seventh in a row in the league -- sent them second in the table, one point behind leaders Chelsea.Elsewhere, West Ham beat ten-man Hull City 2-1 thanks to an own goal from James Chester to move up to 11th in the standings.Hull's goalkeeper Allan McGregor was sent off for a foul on Mohamed Diame early on, Mark Noble converting the penalty. Nikica Jelavic leveled for Hull before Chester's error restored West Ham's lead.In Italy, Juventus restored their lead at the top of Serie A to 14 points after a brace from Argentina striker Carlos Tevez helped them to a 2-1 win over Parma.Two goals from Duvan Zapata helped Napoli to a 4-2 victory away at Catania and stay comfortable in third while AC Milan won 2-0 at Fiorentina thanks to strikes from Philippe Mexes and Mario Balotelli.Read: Derby delight for Man CityRead: Teen star cleared to make U.S. debut | 5sport
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Barcelona, Spain (CNN)When Catalonia in northeastern Spain held an independence referendum on October 1, Alexandra Galceran Latorre, 29, went to her local polling station at dawn "to protect the ballot boxes," she said with pride.Madrid had sent in thousands of police to shut the referendum down. They were later filmed pulling elderly voters from polling booths, and firing rubber bullets and tear gas at people in the streets -- scenes that prompted global outrage.Millennials like Galceran are among Catalonia's most passionate advocates for independence, even though they were born well after Gen. Francisco Franco's decades of dictatorship, a brutal chapter in Spain's history that helps give the secessionist movement its thrust. Alexandra Galceran Latorre, right, with her boyfriend Ricard Ots. The pair bonded over their support for an independent Catalonia.An opinion poll by the Center for Opinion Studies in Catalonia found that more than half of Catalans between the ages of 18 and 34 would vote to break away from Spain given a simple choice of yes or no. Pro-independence parties vying for power in Thursday's regional election are hoping that support will translate into votes."We are still seeing Franco in our political parties. They are fascists, and they are strangling us slowly, step by step," Galceran told CNN in Barcelona. Read MoreShe plans to vote for Together for Catalonia, headed by deposed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont."We are fighting to defend our language, our traditions and our culture. This is what our ancestors fought for."Generation GFCThe global financial crisis has left a generation struggling to find secure work. Job security and having enough income to get a mortgage is a challenge, and many in their 30s still live with their parents.Miríam Candelera, 28, who lives in Girona, north of Barcelona, said she didn't think she would ever be able to afford her own home. Her parents moved to Girona -- where there is huge support for independence -- from the poorer southern region of Andalusia.Miríam Candelera, 28, says Madrid takes too much of Catalonia's money.Now she supports independence because she thinks young people in Andalusia get all the help while Catalans are left to fend for themselves."They take all our money," she said of the central government in Madrid, echoing something separatist leaders frequently argue.Catalonia, Spain's economic engine, accounts for nearly a fifth of the country's economy, and leads all regions in producing 25% of the country's exports.The region has a proven record of attracting investment, with nearly a third of all foreign companies in Spain choosing Barcelona as their base.'Like the Civil War without the bombs': Catalonia's messy voteIt contributes much more in taxes (21% of the country's total) than it gets back from the government.Independence supporters have seized on the imbalance, arguing that stopping transfers to Madrid would turn Catalonia's budget deficit into a surplus.They are numbers that are especially hard to swallow for Catalan millennials, who — like almost all young people in developed nations around the world — will be poorer than their parents' generation, according to an OECD study. "Ever since the economic crisis in 2008, which hit Spain very hard, young people have felt perplexed. They are wondering: 'What happened?' They told us that if we studied, everything would be fine, and now we have no work, no money, no house," said Marina Subirats, a sociologist from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. "You have to understand that it means a lot for a generation that has no job or place in society when someone promises to build a new country where everything will be perfect."JUST WATCHEDCatalonia: What you need to knowReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCatalonia: What you need to know 01:10According to Artis International, an organization researching violence and conflict, unemployment and support for independence in Catalonia are linked.Support grew every year between 2009 and 2013 in line with unemployment. In 2014, when unemployment began to ease, so did support for independence. That effect is multiplied among young people because joblessness affects them disproportionately.'The independence movement is closed-minded'The younger generation in the region are the first to live completely immersed in Catalan culture since Franco's death in 1975. Catalan is now the official language in schools, and students are taught the region's history, something Franco didn't allow. Madrid claims that schools are indoctrinating children to support independence.MORE: Spain loses 20% of its economy if Catalonia splitsSergi Font, a volunteer with the pro-independence organization Òmnium Cultural in Girona, said that Madrid's accusations of brainwashing were completely unfounded."The Spanish government just doesn't like that our schools teach the history of our country, and that they point out that there are differences between Spain and Catalonia," said Font, a 35-year-old.But not all Catalans agree. From left, Rubén Salvador Santiago, Antonio Bernardino, Daniel Mendez, José Padilla from The Mosted come from different parts of Spain and Portugal.Rubén Salvador Santiago, 27, an app developer for a company called The Mosted started by millennials from different parts of the country says he's proud to be Catalan, but doesn't want the region to secede. "I think the independence movement is closed-minded; it's too inward-looking," he said. "Whether we're Spain or not, nothing will change." | 3news
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Story highlightsCampbell: Sepp Blatter has thrown soccer back 40 years with his comments on racismFIFA president's position at the head of world football is now untenableBlatter sent out the wrong message to everyone who plays the gameI think Sepp Blatter's comments on racism have thrown football back 40 years. He doesn't realize the ramifications of him saying those kind of things.Basically his message is allowing opponents to racially abuse each other, shake hands and everything be OK. I don't know which world he is living in but he's not living in this world.The signal it sends out is you can do whatever you want on the pitch, and Blatter can't do that. Yes it goes on, some players in cricket, or other sports, sledge their opponents but once you take the abuse to a racial level it is a bridge too far.I can understand the outrage it has caused because you should not be subjected to that type of abuse on the pitch. When you get to that level, it's a different genre -- it's a different galaxy.His remarks show he is completely out of touch. The longer he stays the weaker FIFA become. I think he has to step down very, very quickly. He should not wait to be sacked, he should have a little bit of honor and step down very, very quickly.He has done some fantastic things for football, he's presided over a number of successful World Cups but now, for him to say what he has and not even realize what he is saying, is ludicrous.Why is there someone at the top who doesn't know the impact of what he's saying around the world?We can go further, kids playing against each other in schools, parks, Sunday league football, might think you can racially abuse your opponents, shake hands and it is OK.When I was younger I experienced player-on-player racism. When I first started at Tottenham, we played one Italian team while I was on tour, so I have had it in the beginning of my career. I can't believe it is still happening. When people say 'heat of the moment' -- that doesn't wash with me. So every time it happens, are you protected by the heat of the moment?I work with Show Racism the Red Card, they have been very vocal about his interview along with the Kick It Out campaign. Blatter's comments undermine their work. If the head of world football is saying something like that and is so oblivious to what he is saying, you start to think, what are we fighting for?He is the head of world football, the body controlling the game, he's at the top of the pyramid. It is ludicrous. | 5sport
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Story highlightsLouis van Gaal appointed Dutch national coach for second timeVan Gaal succeeds Bert van Marwijk who quit after Euro 2012 failure The 60-year-old was in charge for 14 games at turn of century Former Ajax star Danny Blind appointed his assistantLouis van Gaal was appointed coach of the Dutch national team Friday in succession to Bert van Marwijk who resigned last week after their disappointing Euro 2012 campaign.Van Gaal will be taking charge of the Oranje for the second time, having had a previous 14-game tenure at the turn of the century."Van Gaal has signed a contract that will link him from August 1 this year until the end of the World Cup in 2014," a statement on the official Dutch football federation (KNVB) website read.Van Marwijk, who steered the Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup, departed after their exit at the group stages of the European championships in Poland and Ukraine. They lost all three of their matches.A number of men were linked with the job, including other former national coaches in Frank Rijkaard and Guus Hiddink, but the KNVB opted for the 60-year-old van Gaal."We were looking for a trainer with a wealth of experience, with personal and technical expertise," said KNVB director Bert van Oostveen."Van Gaal earned his spurs not only nationally, but internationally as well and we know him as a dedicated and highly driven coach," van Oostveen added.Van Gaal has been out of the game since being sacked by Bayern Munich last year, having led them to the Champions League final in 2010.He has also had spells at Catalan giants Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam, where he forged his reputation by leading them to a hat-trick of Dutch league titles from 1994-1996 and the European Champions League in 1995."It's the challenge I have been waiting for," said van Gaal as he gave his reaction on the official website.In his previous spell in charge he succeeded Rijkaard in 2000 and took the national team to 12 wins from 14 games.But he resigned in 2001 when they failed to qualify for the final of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.Van Gaal will be looking to correct that in qualifying for the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.Raymond Verheijen, a former member of the Dutch national coaching staff, gave his reaction on Twitter to the appointment."Hopefully, the Dutch FA have analyzed both the current/future Dutch squad & the style of Van Gaal before they decided to go for this option," he tweeted.Van Gaal has established a reputation for tactical acumen and his ability to rebuild teams, but has a forthright approach and an often frosty approach to the media.He has appointed former Ajax star Danny Blind as his assistant. | 5sport
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(CNN)The European Union's highest court ruled on Monday that Poland must "immediately suspend" a law that forces Supreme Court judges over age 65 to retire. Critics of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice party, known as PiS, led by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, said the law was an attempt to take greater control over the judiciary.In the Law on the Supreme Court, which was introduced in April, the retirement age of Supreme Court judges was lowered from 70 to 65 -- a move pushing 27 of the 72 sitting judges off the bench. The measure was met by protests across the country and further escalated tensions between the European Union and Poland's government.Critics of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki's government said the law was an attempt to take greater control over the judiciary.In October, the European Union Court of Justice, or ECJ, implemented an interim ruling to scrap the law, and on Monday it upheld that decision until the court can make a permanent one next year.Read More"Poland must immediately suspend the application of the provisions of national legislation relating to the lowering of the retirement age for Supreme Court judges," the ECJ statement says.Demonstrators protest against Poland's Law on the Supreme Court in Warsaw in July.The ECJ's order backs the European Commission, the politically independent executive branch of the EU, in its battle against Warsaw, which it launched in September.Polish president signs law making it easier to replace Supreme Court headWhile the final court ruling is due next year, the European Commission felt it necessary to ask the ECJ for interim measures to be applied because the ruling might come too late for the damage to be reversed, a spokesperson for the court said. Other interim measures in the order include taking "all necessary measures to ensure that the Supreme Court judges concerned by the provisions at issue may continue to perform their duties in the same post" and "refrain(ing) from adopting any measure concerning the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court to replace the Supreme Court judges concerned by those provisions," according to an ECJ statement.CNN's Warda Aljawahiry contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsThe Sun on Sunday launches after News of the World closed in disgraceNews of the World was at the center of a hacking and bribery scandalThe Sun strikes a defensive tone talking about the scandal in its editorialIt's aiming to replace what was the best-selling paper in BritainRupert Murdoch launched a new British tabloid Sunday to replace his disgraced News of the World, seven months after the best-selling Sunday paper was shut down over a phone-hacking and bribery scandal.The "new" newspaper isn't entirely new -- it's a Sunday edition of Murdoch's Sun tabloid, which had been a six-day-a-week paper until now.Its leading editorial on launch day took a defensive tone in discussing the closure of the News of the World."The Sun has been a tremendous force for good," its editors insisted. "It is worth reminding our readers, and detractors, of that as we publish our historic first Sunday edition."The parent company of both tabloids, News International, "closed our sister paper the News of the World over the phone hacking scandal. Since then some of our own journalists have been arrested, though not charged, over allegations of payments to public officials for stories," the editors said.JUST WATCHEDTension high at "The Sun" newspaperReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTension high at "The Sun" newspaper 03:34"We believe those individuals are innocent until proven guilty," they said.The first edition of the Sunday tabloid sets a tone like that of its weekday sister, leading with the story of a television presenter's difficult childbirth and putting a scantily-clad picture of singer Kelly Rowland on page three -- a slot occupied by topless models during the week.Nelson Mandela's hospitalization at the age of 93 makes page 8, under the headline "Nelson Tum Op" and above a picture of actress Kate Winslet in a low-cut dress accepting an acting prize.Under Murdoch, News of the World specialized in undercover investigations and salacious stories that earned it the nickname "News of the Screws."But revelations last year that it had paid for the hacking of voice mail messages to murder and terrorism victims and fallen troops, as well as celebrities and politicians, forced the paper to close.Police are running three separate investigations -- into phone hacking, e-mail hacking, and police bribery -- and two parliamentary committees and an independent inquiry are also probing British press practices.Murdoch testified before one of the panels of lawmakers last year, calling it the "most humble day of his life." A former spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron, ex-News of the World editor Andy Coulson, is among those arrested. No one has been charged.The Sunday Sun launched with a print run of 3 million, far more than any daily newspaper sells in Britain, but well below the 4.75 million sales for the last issue of News of the World, according to its publisher. News of the World was 168 years old and among the best-selling newspapers in the world when it closed. | 3news
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(CNN)Europe remained the biggest global contributor to new Covid-19 cases and deaths in the past week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, despite signs that stricter measures against the spread of the virus are starting to have an impact.The European region accounted for 44% of global new cases and 49% of global new deaths in the past week, according to the latest weekly WHO report, released Tuesday. While the number of new cases in the region is declining on a weekly basis, the number of deaths is still rising, with 32,684 new fatalities reported in the previous seven days.This update comes as countries across the continent grapple with how to allow people to celebrate upcoming holidays, including Christmas, and mitigate the economic pain to businesses while countering the pandemic.France and the United Kingdom both set out plans Tuesday for the coming weeks based on falling infection rates following lockdown measures.Here's a look at how the different coronavirus vaccines workRead MoreUrsula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, on Wednesday called on EU leaders not to relax their coronavirus restrictions too quickly."I know that shop owners, bartenders and waiters in restaurants want an end to restrictions, but we must learn from the summer and not repeat the same mistakes," she told the European Parliament in Brussels. "Relaxing too fast and too much is a risk for a third wave after Christmas."Von der Leyen said she had warned weeks ago that this Christmas would be different, and quieter, than usual, and urged solidarity between European nations.But, she added, "there is also good news, the European Commission by now has secured contracts on vaccines with six pharmaceutical companies, the first European citizens might already be vaccinated before the end of December, and there's finally light at the end of the tunnel."The European Commission announced Tuesday that it had secured a contract with pharmaceutical company Moderna for up to 160 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine.Visitors walk past a restaurant shuttered under a four-week semi-lockdown during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic on November 19, 2020 in Berlin, Germany.According to the WHO report, the global acceleration in case incidence has slowed down over the past week, with around 4 million new cases recorded. However, death rates continued to increase, with more than 67,000 new deaths reported across the world.The number of new cases reported in the European region in the past week declined by 6% to 1.77 million, after a decline of 10% in the previous week, the report said, "in a sign that the reintroduction of stricter public health and social measures in a number of countries over the last few weeks is beginning to slow down transmission." But despite this downward trend, "the European Region remains the largest contributor to new cases and new deaths in the past 7 days," the report said. The European region, as defined by WHO, encompasses 53 countries.Italy reported the highest number of new cases in the region and the third-highest globally, with 235,979, but, according to WHO, cases may have peaked given the 3% decline reported there. The number of new deaths increased in the country by 26% last week, to 4,578.The second largest global contributor to new cases and deaths was the Americas region, with 1.6 million new cases -- an increase of 11% on the previous week -- and 22,005 new deaths, up 15% on the previous week, according to WHO.The majority of those were in the United States, which reported over 1.1 new million cases, a 14% increase from the previous week, while deaths increased in the US over that period by 23%, with 9,918. The Americas region continues to account for the greatest proportion of cumulative cases and deaths, according to WHO figures.UK plans 'Christmas bubble'Despite some positive signs, parts of Europe continue to grapple with a relentless second wave of Covid-19 infections.Germany recorded 410 deaths related to coronavirus in the past 24 hours -- the highest single-day jump in fatalities since the outbreak began, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country's disease and control agency, said Wednesday.JUST WATCHEDSwedish doctors frustrated with nation's lack of tough Covid-19 measuresReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSwedish doctors frustrated with nation's lack of tough Covid-19 measures 03:23It was the first time that more than 400 Covid-19 deaths were recorded by Germany in a single day. A total of 18,633 new infections were registered in the past 24 hours, according to RKI.German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to meet state governors on Wednesday to decide on new measures to try to bring the surge under control. Among the measures to be debated is an extension of the current, lighter restrictions until the end of December, additional mask mandates for schools and further restrictions on the number of contacts people are allowed to have.Meanwhile, Poland reported 674 coronavirus deaths on Wednesday, a new daily record for the nation. The total number of deaths connected to Covid-19 has reached 14,888, its health ministry tweeted. There were also 15,362 new cases reported in the last day, bringing the total number of cases to 942,442.The latest WHO figures brought some relief for the United Kingdom, which has suffered the highest number of Covid-related deaths overall in Europe, with 55,935 in total, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University.AstraZeneca's Oxford coronavirus vaccine is 70% effective on average, data shows, with no safety concernsThe UK registered a 13% decrease of new cases from last week, with 149,027 reported, while the number of new deaths remained similar, according to the WHO. This decrease in new cases was the first weekly decline since late August, the report said.A month-long partial lockdown in England is due to end on December 2, to be replaced by three-tiered restrictions based on local infection rates. Devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have imposed their own measures.The UK government said Tuesday it would allow for up to three households to form a "Christmas bubble" and mix indoors, outdoors and in places of worship from December 23 to 28 across the UK. There will be no restrictions on travel across the country for that time period even if some areas are under tighter measures than others, the government said."This cannot be a 'normal' Christmas. But as we approach the festive period, we have been working closely together to find a way for family and friends to see each other, even if it is for a short time, and recognising that it must be both limited and cautious," a government news release said.Pedestrians walk past a Christmas tree in Covent Garden in central London, on November 22, 2020.Macron: We avoided the worstAcross the Channel in France, President Emmanuel Macron said the country would start to lift Covid-19 lockdown restrictions this weekend because of a slowdown in the spread of virus. Europe averted a Covid-19 collapse -- here's what the US could learnIn an address to the nation, Macron said the latest figures showed that more than 50,000 people had died from Covid-19 in France but the number of patients in ICUs was on the decline. "It appears that the peak of the second wave of the epidemic has passed; we dreaded even worse numbers and avoided them," he said.As of Saturday, shops, boutiques and hairdressers will be allowed to open until 9 p.m., but people will still need to carry a certificate with an approved reason to leave the house. Internal travel restrictions will also be eased and places of worship can reopen with a maximum of 30 people gathered at the same time.The lockdown could be lifted further on December 15, if the daily number of cases drops under 5,000 and there are only 2,000 to 3,000 patients in hospital ICUs. "We will therefore once again be able to travel without authorization, including between regions, and spend Christmas with our family," Macron said.In that instance, French cinemas, theaters and museums would also be allowed to open, but bars, clubs and restaurant will remain closed. There will be a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., except at Christmas and the New Year.Macron said a decision on opening ski and winter sport resorts had not yet been made yet but warned that it looked "impossible to envisage an opening for the holidays." From January 20, a third stage of easing that would allow restaurants to open could go ahead if the number of daily cases stays below 5,000.The President said vaccination for those at highest risk was expected to roll out at the end of December or early January.Belgian businesses urge reopeningAs Belgium's neighbors begin opening up their stores, the Belgian federation of commerce and services, Comeos, warned the country "will not become an island of closed shops but rather an island of bankrupt shops, while Belgian money is spent abroad.""If everything remains closed with us, everyone will go across the border also for their Christmas shopping," Dominique Michel, CEO of Comeos, said in a statement.According to Comeos, which represents 18 business sectors in Belgium and more than 400,000 employees, half of all Belgians live within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of an international border.Earlier this week, the Belgian National Crisis Centre urged Belgians not to travel abroad over Christmas and New Year, warning trips to neighboring countries would "cancel out our efforts" in reducing the spread of the coronavirus.Belgium's Consultative Committee -- made up of leaders from the three regional governments and federal government -- is due to meet Friday to assess the measures currently in place and discuss ways the country would be able to celebrate Christmas.Belgium's strict lockdown measures were put in place on November 2 and are due to last until December 13.Announcing the lockdown, Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said a decision would be made by December 1 regarding a possible reopening of shops and services.Ireland to ease restrictionsThe Irish government is set to ease restrictions for nearly two weeks around the Christmas period and is considering allowing up to three household to gather for the holidays, deputy premier Leo Varadkar told state broadcaster RTE Wednesday."We know people are going to do it anyway, so it's better we provide for it in a safe way," Varadkar told RTE.Strict restrictions have been in place in Ireland since October, with social gatherings at homes or in gardens banned and restaurants, cafes and bars only open for takeaway. Shops, gyms and hairdressing could be among the first services to reopen, RTE reports, with a timeline for bars and restaurants still under consideration.Meanwhile, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis said Tuesday he aimed to offer all citizens voluntary free antigen testing for Covid-19 by Christmas, the Czech Health Ministry told CNN. "I would very much like us to meet this challenge to allow all citizens, at least a week or 10 days before Christmas, to be able to be tested voluntarily and for free with antigen tests," Babis said.CNN's Antonia Mortensen, Frederik Pleitgen, Lindsay Isaac, Amy Cassidy, Pierre Bairin, Stephanie Halasz and Zahid Mahmood contributed to this report. | 3news
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Manaus, Brazil (CNN)The tense quiet outside the small hospital in Iranduba, Brazil, shattered when the ambulance rolled up. Inside, medics give a woman CPR in an ultimately futile attempt to save her life. A hospital source told CNN she died soon after being brought inside.In the four hours that CNN spent outside Hospital Hilda Freire on Tuesday morning, three Covid-19 patients died.The chaos has become the norm here this month. What's happening in this underequipped hospital, surrounded by the Amazon rainforest, is a small example of a new, massive Covid-19 outbreak engulfing northwest Brazil.How is this happening again?Read MoreNot far from Iranduba is the epicenter of this new outbreak, Manaus. The capital city of Amazonas state often referred to as the gateway to the Amazon, its main connections to the rest of the world by plane or boat.If the city's name sounds familiar, it could be because it was the scene of one of the world's worst Covid-19 outbreaks in April and May. The health care system collapsed and images of thousands of newly dug graves became emblematic of Brazil's coronavirus crisis, its death toll now second only to that of the United States.The current situation is worse than ever. January has proven to be the deadliest month of the pandemic in Manaus by far. In May, 348 people were buried here, the worst month until now. Through just the first three weeks of January, that number stood at 1,333.While genomic testing is not widespread in Manaus, scientists tell CNN that evidence suggests a new virus variant mixed with government inaction to create a tragic perfect storm.Aerial view of an area at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery where graves has been dug in Manaus in May 2020.A new coronavirus variantFour epidemiologists told CNN that a new coronavirus variant, called P.1, is likely driving the new round of devastation that's befallen Manaus. "I'm usually not an alarmist about these kinds of things, but I'm concerned about what we are seeing in Brazil right now," said Scott Hensley, a viral immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania.Scientists say the new version of the virus originated in Brazil, and though there is a lot still to be learned about it, there are multiple causes for concern.How one city missed warning after warning until its health system collapsedFirst, new data suggests it is more transmissible.Researchers at Fiocruz, the Brazilian heath research institution, have been studying newly infected people in Manaus. Of the 90 who have participated so far in the study, 66 had infections caused by this new variant, according to Fiocruz researcher Felipe Gomes Naveca.Though not conclusive, experts say it lends credence to the idea that this variant is more easily transmissible."If it has the capability of spreading more efficiently, (it's) likely it might actually get more and more dominant," Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN's Erin Burnett on Tuesday. Researchers at Fiocruz have also documented at least one case of a person who tested positive for the new variant while still having antibodies from a previous Covid-19 infection. That might suggest people can be reinfected with the new variant, although one case is far from being proof."The fact that we're seeing infections right now indicates that the virus circulating is either more transmissible, that it can evade antibodies, or a combination of both," said Hensley.The good news? For now, it appears current Covid-19 vaccines can still protect against the pattern of mutations seen in the new variant -- though all epidemiologists interviewed said much more research was needed.Man with oxygen tanks in Iranduba.It's not just the variantTo blame the latest outbreak simply on the variant would be to miss the forest for the trees. The new variant emerging is simply part of a broader system that has failed people in Amazonas state.Start with the lack of a coordinated federal response, a hallmark of the administration of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro throughout the pandemic.After the first wave, it was painfully obvious that Manaus' health care system could not handle another such a crisis.But as the worst days of April, May, and June subsided, the federal government did not double down on its response here to ensure that the city would never again be critically short of ventilators, medicines, oxygen, and bed space. JUST WATCHEDManaus mayor: Bolsonaro, 'please shut up and stay home'ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHManaus mayor: Bolsonaro, 'please shut up and stay home' 02:36Instead, a sense of complacency creeped in, as leaders like Jair Bolsonaro called the idea of a second wave a lie. In November, he told his people to essentially accept the virus and not fear the virus "like a country of fags."Now critics are wondering if a similar complacency may have slowed the federal Health Ministry's response to warning signs this month of a second crisis in Manaus.Federal investigators are looking into why Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello was not quicker in sending help to the city after a spike in cases was documented in December, and then again after an oxygen supplier flagged issues in January. "Although an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases was verified [in Manaus] in the week of Christmas 2020, the Minister of Health chose to send representatives of Ministry to Manaus only by January 3, one week after being informed of the calamitous situation," said a report by the country's attorney general which was submitted to Brazil's Federal Supreme Court.Pazuello has defended his actions, blaming the variant for a disaster he argues no one could have foreseen."This was a situation completely unknown to everyone," he said on Tuesday. "It was too fast."The stage was setBut a basic understanding of how viruses evolve would have suggested this very situation was coming. As lockdowns were eased toward the end of last year, businesses reopened and people filled the streets. Despite warnings from multiple experts that the virus was spreading, a more laissez faire attitude toward the virus spread in Manaus.Pervasive was the now demonstrably false notion that Manaus' massive first wave of Covid-19 reached enough of the population to create herd immunity.Brazilian officials were warned six days in advance of a looming oxygen crisis in Manaus"People started living as if we had a normal life, not using masks with lots of crowds," said Naveca, the Fiocruz researcher. "We saw this a lot during Christmas and the end of the year."As CNN has previously reported, even as scientific warnings mounted, officials in Manaus and Amazonas state faced pressure -- from both the public and from Bolsonaro's own statements -- to refrain from imposing strict lockdown measures. But around the world, wherever existing strains of Covid-19 were allowed to keep circulating, the groundwork was being laid for new variants to emerge."The virus is having an opportunity to sort of explore all of these different genetic types and those that are favored are now being selected," said Hensley.Put another way, the more the virus is allowed to spread, the more chances it has to evolve and form new variants.CNN's Natalie Gallón and journalists Marcia Reverdosa and Eduardo Duwe contributed to this report. | 3news
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(CNN)US sprinter Christian Coleman stormed to 100 meters gold at the World Athletics Championships in Doha Saturday, shrugging off the controversy that had threatened his participation in the global showpiece.Coleman was a hot favorite going into the final and did not disappoint with a blistering winning time of 9.76 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year and sixth best of all time.Christian Coleman: 'I don't do drugs'Reigning world champion Justin Gatlin took the silver medal, with Canadian Andre De Grasse completing the podium in 9.90 seconds, with the first five men crossing the line in under 10 seconds in perfect conditions."World champion, it sounds incredible, too good to be true. For me to make it here and come out with a gold is incredible," Coleman said after winning his first global individual gold and establishing himself as the man to beat at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next year.Missed testsRead MoreBut Coleman had looked set to miss the championships after it emerged in August that he had missed three drugs tests in 12 months under the 'whereabouts' system and was potentially facing an automatic one-year ban.The case against the 23-year-old, who has vigorously protested his innocence of doping, was eventually dropped on a technicality over dates and he was allowed to compete.Coleman told CNN in an interview before the championships that he received a phone call from US Anti Doping Agency (USADA) CEO Travis Tygart offering an apology.Gatlin, claiming silver at 37 years of age, has also had a career dogged by controversy, banned by USADA between 2006 and 2010 for two positive doping tests, but showed all his experience after a disappointing semifinal performance.In an embarrassment for organizers, the compelling action on the track was watched by a sparse crowd in the low thousands in the Khalifa Stadium.Hassan triumphsMany who had been in the giant stadium departed after Sifan Hassan won the first gold medal of the track events as the Dutch athlete took the women's 10,000 meters title, her first global gold.The 26-year-old Ethiopian-born athlete clocked the fastest time of the year -- 30 minutes 17.62 seconds -- to race clear of former compatriot Letesenbet Gidey on the final lap of 25. Agnes Tirop of Kenya took the bronze.The first medal of the championships went to Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich, claiming women's marathon gold in an event that was controversially started at a minute before midnight on Friday due to the heat and humidity.READ: Midnight marathon gets IAAF go-aheadA total of 28 from the 68-strong field failed to finish, despite the measures taken, with temperatures touching 32 degrees centigrade with 70 percent humidity.Her winning time of two hours 32 minutes 43 seconds, over a quarter of an hour slower than the world record, reflected the conditions. | 5sport
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(CNN)Runners from Kenya prevailed in the New York City Marathon Sunday, with Albert Korir winning the men's race, and Peres Jepchirchir taking the women's competition.Korir, who came in second in the 2019 race, finished in 2 hours, 8 minutes and 22 seconds, and Jepchirchir came in at 2 hours, 22 minutes and 39 seconds, according to the New York Road Runners.It was 28-year-old Jepchirchir's first time running the New York City Marathon, and she was not expecting to win after taking gold in the Olympics marathon in August, she told ESPN on Sunday. "I thank my God for the energy he has given me," she said. "I'm going to say this course is not bad, but it's not easy" especially the finish.Read MoreShe is the first runner to win both Olympic gold and the New York City Marathon.Viola Cheptoo, also from Kenya, was just seconds behind Jepchirchir. Ethiopia's Ababel Yeshaneh took third in the women's race, finishing in 2 hours, 22 minutes and 52 seconds. Molly Seidel finished as the top American woman, taking fourth in 2 hours, 24 minutes and 42 seconds. Seidel won bronze in the women's marathon at the Tokyo Olympics.The victory was Korir's fifth in a marathon, after Vienna City in 2017, Cape Town in 2018, Houston in 2019 and Ottawa the same year. Mohamed El Aaraby of Morocco came in second in the men's race, finishing in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 6 seconds. He was followed by Eyob Faniel of Italy, who came in at 2 hours, 9 minutes and 52 seconds.Elkanah Kibet finished as the top American, taking fourth with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 15 seconds.About 30,000 people were registered to take part in today's event, the 50th New York Marathon, which travels through the city's five boroughs: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan. The race starts on Staten Island and ends in Central Park.The 2020 marathon was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. | 5sport
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(CNN)Opening statements are set to start Monday in Manhattan in a third criminal case against Michael Avenatti, the once high-flying celebrity lawyer who rose to fame by representing adult-film star Stormy Daniels in her bid to terminate a hush-money deal that silenced her allegations of an affair with former President Donald Trump.The former lawyer, a pugnacious Trump critic who once considered a presidential run of his own, fell from grace after being hit with three federal indictments in a six-week period in 2019. Prosecutors allege that Avenatti -- who helped negotiate the $800,000 advance for her September 2018 book "Full Disclosure" -- defrauded Daniels by instructing her literary agent to send two of the installments of the advance totaling nearly $300,000 to an account controlled by him, rather than directly to Daniels.When her agent told Avenatti that she couldn't do so without Daniels' authorization, Avenatti sent the agent a letter with a forgery of Daniels' signature, according to the indictment. Avenatti then allegedly lied to Daniels, telling her the publisher hadn't made the payments, when in reality he used the money to cover payroll costs for his law firm, Eagan Avenatti LLP; a $3,900 lease payment for a Ferrari; and expenses including dry cleaning, airfare, hotels and car services.JUST WATCHEDWho is Michael Avenatti?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHWho is Michael Avenatti? 01:26In the late months of 2018 and through the beginning of 2019, Daniels repeatedly asked about the missing payments, and Avenatti allegedly continued to lie to her, until Daniels made direct contact with her publisher, and the scheme began to unravel, according to the indictment. She cut off her professional relationship with Avenatti around the time of the indictment. Read MoreAvenatti became a cable television fixture during his representation of Daniels, who was a central figure in the hush-money scandal that resulted in Manhattan federal prosecutors charging Michael Cohen -- Trump's former personal attorney -- with campaign finance violations for money he paid to silence women, including Daniels, who claimed affairs with Trump.Stormy Daniels says she would 'love' to testify in Trump Organization probeCohen, who pleaded guilty to those and other crimes, was recently released after serving a prison and home-confinement sentence. Trump has denied the alleged affairs.If convicted, Avenatti faces a maximum sentence of up to 22 years in prison on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.When Avenatti was charged in May 2019 he tweeted out a response: "No monies relating to Ms. Daniels were ever misappropriated or mishandled. She received millions of dollars worth of legal services and we spent huge sums in expenses. She directly paid only $100.00 for all that she received. I look forward to a jury hearing the evidence."Avenatti said again Monday in a statement that he is "completely innocent of these charges. The government is spending millions of dollars to prosecute me for a case that should have never been filed."Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Cliffords, is expected to be a star witness in the prosecution's case and could take the stand in Manhattan federal court as early as Tuesday, prosecutors said during a recent hearing. Potential jurors were asked during jury selection if Daniels' profession in the pornography industry may make it difficult for them to be fair and impartial. They were also questioned as to their knowledge of the media coverage surrounding Avenatti and his former client. Judge Jesse Furman ruled over government objections that Avenatti's counsel can cross examine the adult film star about her "beliefs in the paranormal" and past public statements she's made about experiencing visions. "I think that the jury could conclude that that is probative of her ability to accurately perceive events and to her credibility," Furman said in court. Michael Cohen apologizes to Stormy Daniels for causing 'needless pain'The defense also subpoenaed Daniels' current attorney to potentially call him as a witness at the trial. They said they might want to question him about a recorded phone call he made to Avenatti about some of the charges in this case. The attorney, Clark Brewster, has moved to toss that subpoena but the judge has yet to rule on that. Avenatti's defense has indicated in court filings "there is a strong likelihood" that the former celebrity lawyer may take the stand in his own defense. There were preliminary plea deal discussions but a formal deal never materialized, the parties acknowledged during a recent hearing. Avenatti is now represented by court-appointed federal defenders have running out of funds to retain counsel after years of litigation, according to court filings. Prosecutors have indicated they will likely rest the government's case by the end of the week with the entire case expected to wrap in a total of two weeks. Furman said he'd swear in a panel of 12 jurors and six alternates Monday ahead of opening statements. Years of litigation for alleged scamsIn February 2020, Avenatti was convicted in New York of attempting to extort millions of dollars from Nike, by threatening to publicly claim the athletic apparel giant was illicitly paying amateur basketball players. He was sentenced last July to 30 months in prison for which he's expected to report to a federal prison work camp in Oregon.A former employee of Avenatti who testified against him during the Nike trial is also expected to testify remotely from California during this trial, prosecutors have indicated. His report date for that sentence has been pushed pending the outstanding litigation. Avenatti was released from the now-defunct Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan in April 2020 over Covid-19 concerns amid the rise of the pandemic. He has been in home confinement at a friend's apartment in California.Mistrial declared in Michael Avenatti embezzlement caseHe recently filed a formal claim for $94 million in damages against the Bureau of Prisons for his treatment at MCC, where Avenatti alleges he was treated poorly in dire conditions at the order of then-Attorney General William Barr, according to the complaint.A federal judge granted a mistrial in another case in California in which Avenatti was accused of embezzling nearly $10 million in settlement funds from at least five clients for personal use. The judge granted the motion for mistrial last August on technical grounds, ruling that prosecutors failed to turn financial evidence over to Avenatti's team. Avenatti appealed the possibility of a retrial and it is unclear if he will be retried in that case. Avenatti is also facing a second trial in California where he has been charged with tax fraud and bank fraud. He has pleaded not guilty. | 4politics
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(CNN)They were woken in the early hours by the sound of bombs landing within earshot of their apartment in Kyiv. Like many others, they fled Ukraine, setting off on a perilous journey to safety.Paulo Fonseca, the former Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma football manager, and his Ukrainian wife Katerina, first attempted to flee the country by car, along with their toddler and Katerina's parents.After encountering gridlocked traffic, they were forced to spend another night in the capital inside a hotel bunker, before enduring a 30-hour car journey through Moldova to Romania. "It was really very difficult, but I think it's much more difficult for the Ukrainians which continue there in Ukraine where the situation is becoming worse and worse every single day," Katerina told CNN Sport's Amanda Davies."This war is, I believe, one of the cruelest in the story of all of the world, because the soldiers that are killing us, they are talking the same language and it's unbelievable."Read More"We left everything in Ukraine," Katerina added, including friends and relatives who have remained in the country, "All the places that mean so much for us are still there, so my heart is there and my heart is broken for everything."READ: Basketball star is the latest American to be detained in RussiaFonseca in 2018 speaking to his Shakhtar Donetsk players. More than 3 million Ukrainians have fled in a refugee exodus following Russia's invasion of the country, according to the United Nations. To put that into context, it took six months for one million refugees to leave Syria in 2013, nearly two years after that country's civil war began.Many cities in Ukraine have been devastated, Katerina said, adding that it was important to stop the war and prevent it from spreading to other European countries.The Fonseca family arrived in Paulo's home country of Portugal on February 28 and are now working with the Portuguese Football Federation as ambassadors of an initiative with Portuguese national football clubs which aims to help Ukrainian refugees find homes and jobs.After his playing career, mainly with Lisbon club Estrela da Amadora, the 49-year old Fonseca first became a manager in Portugal in 2005. He then went on to earn the distinction of best coach in the Ukrainian Premier League in 2016-17 as Shakhtar Donetsk coach, where he won seven trophies in three seasons."I'm very proud to be part of this world, to be part of football, what the people in football are doing, it's amazing. But I think we can do more," Fonseca told CNN Sport."I would like to see the great personalities of football defending the peace in Europe. I think it can be very important," he said.JUST WATCHEDUkrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina speaks out against Russian invasionReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHUkrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina speaks out against Russian invasion 03:21During the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League season, Fonseca's Shakhtar Donetsk dealt Pep Guardiola's Manchester City their first defeat in 29 games to progress to the knockout stages.Memorably, he made headlines after that famous victory when he appeared in the post-match press conference dressed as his childhood hero, Zorro.A move to Italy followed and after an almost two-year run with AS Roma, the Portuguese was last year linked with the top jobs at English Premier League clubs Tottenham and Newcastle United.Since ending his time at Roma in May 2021, the manager had engaged in various speaking events in Ukraine. He returned to Ukraine early from a holiday to help his wife and family escape.In an Instagram post announcing the Fonsecas' new roles as ambassadors for the Ukrainian refugee initiative, the former Roma manager added that the Portuguese Football Federation had "demonstrated that football can and should be used as a tool for social change."He appealed to all clubs to join in solidarity with the initiative.Katerina expressed her gratitude for the Portuguese Football Federation, saying: "They are receiving with open arms our little young players. It is a really big support for the kids, which lost all the happiness in their everyday lives." | 5sport
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Story highlightsMorocco 1-0 Ivory CoastTogo 1-3 DR Congo (CNN)Two years ago, Herve Renard cemented his place in Ivorian folklore by leading the country's golden generation to Africa Cup of Nations glory in Equatorial Guinea.Now, however, the Frenchman was tasked with eliminating his former employers as his new side, Morocco, looked to cement a place in the knockout stage.Follow @cnnsport
Ivory Coast, knowing only a win would see it qualify for the quarterfinals, will have entered the match with a comforting feeling of déjà vu.On their way to lifting the trophy in 2015, the Elephants also drew their first two group games and went into the third knowing anything less than victory would see them eliminated.FULL TIME: Morocco 🇲🇦 1-0 Ivory Coast 🇨🇮Ivory Coast, the reigning #AFCON champion, has been eliminated in the group stages!#MARCIV pic.twitter.com/qHnrqC1rn0— CNN Football (@CNNFC) January 24, 2017
But recent history hasn't been kind to reigning AFCON champions. Not since Egypt qualified for the quarterfinals in 2010 has a team defending its crown made it out of the group stages.Read MoreIvory Coast, eager to break that curse, started the match on the front foot.Morocco's Mehdi Benatia, who so far during AFCON 2017 has fallen short of his own high standards, gifted an enthusiastic Saloman Kalou possession by the touchline, but the Hertha Berlin striker was smothered before he could get a cross away.The Atlas Lions knew a draw would likely be enough to see them advance, but hadn't tasted victory over the Ivory Coast since November 1994.Fayçal Fajr -- who has been Morocco's most creative player during the tournament -- hit a brilliant free-kick from 20 yards, but could only watch as his effort rattled the underside of the crossbar with Sylvain Gbohouo well beaten.After almost half an hour, it was the first real chance of note the two obviously nervous sides continued to feel each other out.READ: Algeria and Zimbabwe crash outREAD: Heartbreak for host GabonREAD: Ghana dances its way into quarterfinalsREAD: The Ugandan 'Cranes' that pleased a murderous dictatorWith less than 10 minutes left of the first half, the Ivory Coast almost found a breakthrough.Delightful footwork from Kalou played in Wilfred Zaha down the left, but the Crystal Palace forward could only place his shot comfortably within Mohan Mohamedi's reach.64' - GOAL! The substitute Alioui scores arguably the goal of #AFCON2017 so far, curling a shot past Gbohouo from 30 yards.#MARCIV pic.twitter.com/cD9nP9VdFb— CNN Football (@CNNFC) January 24, 2017
For a team that desperately needed a win, the Ivory Coast lacked any glimmer of intensity or creativity and coach Michel Dussuyer -- who has come in for heavy criticism during the competition -- needed to ensure his half-time team talk was a rousing one.However, with barely a minute played in the second half, Gbohouo flapped at a cross and teed up Benatia on the edge of the area, but the Juventus defender could only float his lob well over the bar.In a match that had so far severely lacked any semblance of quality, it seemed strange that a moment of genius would eventually be the difference between the sides.Substitute Rachid Alioui, on in the first half to replace the injured Aziz Bouhaddouz, received the ball from lively teenager Youssef En-Nesyri.Rather than play an immediate return pass, which looked the most effective option, Alioui stopped the ball and took aim from all of 30 yards.With Gbohouo off his line, Alioui's shot curled over the keeper's despairing dive and the ball nestled in the top corner of the net for arguably the goal of the tournament.The Ivory Coast had 25 minutes to find two goals, though in truth lacked the necessary cutting edge to seriously trouble Mohamedi at all in the second half.With Morocco booking safe passage through to the quarterfinals, Renard remains on course to become the first manager in history to win the Africa Cup of Nations with three difference countries. Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 1 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 2 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 3 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 4 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 5 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 6 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 7 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 8 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 9 of 10 Photos: AFCON 2017 by numbersHide Caption 10 of 10DR Congo vs. TogoTogo record goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor was unable to lead the Sparrowhawks to the AFCON quarterfinals. Togo traveled to Port-Gentil knowing nothing but a win would do against group leader DR Congo, with coach Claude Le Roy similarly charged with taking down his former employer. It was never likely to be easy, and the experienced Frenchman's task was complicated by the absence of his first-choice goalkeeper before events had even kicked off, with Kossi Agassa over 1,000km away in the Togolese capital of Lome.Certain sections of the Togo support had taken umbrage with Agassa's performance in the 3-1 defeat to Morocco on Matchday 2, resorting to vandalizing his home.DR Congo 🇨🇩 XI vs Togo 🇹🇬Matampi; Issama, Tisserand, Lomalisa, Kabananga, Mulumbu, Kebano, Bope, Mbemba, Bolingi, Mubele#CAN2017 #AFCON pic.twitter.com/HJB7yb0xUE— CNN Football (@CNNFC) January 24, 2017
Deeply affected by the news, the 38-year-old was granted emergency leave, Baba Tchagouni came in and a defiant Le Roy told reporters the "solidarity" of the team would not be comprised. It appeared his rallying cry had produced the desired effect in the early stages, as the Sparrowhawks aimed to reach the quarterfinal for just the second time in their history. Le Roy could certainly count on his captain, with record goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor showcasing boundless energy with a series of purposeful forward runs. But fate can be cruel, and it wasn't long before Togo lost Tchagouni as well as Agassa.It could hardly have been a more innocuous injury, with the replacement goalkeeper making a hash of a simple clearance -- and yet, though he valiantly tried to continue, his efforts were in vain. Kissed on the forehead by a solemn Adebayor, Tchagouni left the pitch in tears after little more than 20 minutes and Togo number three Cedric Mensah -- currently plying his trade in the French fifth tier -- stepped up for the game of his life. In no mood for sentiment, the Leopards of DR Congo quickly showed why they have been tipped as tournament contenders. With a goal to his name in both opening games, mercurial forward Junior Kabananga came to the fore on the half-hour mark, capitalizing on hesitant Togo defending before shrugging aside Serge Gakpé and slotting home. Junior Kabananga has scored in every Group C match. Kabananga moved into pole position in the scoring charts; DR Congo had the lead. And the Kazakhstan-based forward was almost producing his dynamic trademark celebration once again before the first half was done -- an instinctive header from Firmin Ndombe Mubele's corner guided beyond the despairing Mensah and onto the far post. If that near miss was something let-off, Togo didn't heed the wake-up call as they returned for the second half. TOP SCORERS:Kabananga 🇨🇩 - 3Mane 🇸🇳 - 2Aubameyang 🇬🇦- 2Mahrez 🇩🇿- 2Slimani 🇩🇿- 2Sliti 🇹🇳- 2#AFCON2017 #CAN2017 pic.twitter.com/G9gBnVYTnE— CNN Football (@CNNFC) January 24, 2017
In fact, the Sparrowhawks looked like statues as a casual DR Congo clearance found Mubele in acres of space with just Mensah to beat. The young forward looked almost embarrassed by the amount of space he was afforded, casting a quizzical glance at the linesman before cleverly dinking over the onrushing goalkeeper. Introduced in place of the ineffective Mathieu Dossevi, Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba did get one back -- rounding-off a well-worked move to score with his first touch -- but there was to be no grandstand finish. Adebayor had started the move but it was his missed effort just seconds later -- lashed straight into the grateful arms of Matampi -- that all but extinguished Togolese hopes. Indeed, the enterprising DR Congo team regained the momentum -- and a two-goal cushion -- just ten minutes later, as a free kick from Paul-Jose Mpoku struck the underside of the crossbar and beat the third-choice keeper for the third time. As the final whistle sounded in Port-Gentil, the Leopards had every right to celebrate; they top Group C unbeaten and await a quarterfinal clash in the jungle of Oyem. | 5sport
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London (CNN)Myanmar's ambassador to the UK said he had been locked out of the London embassy in what he described as another "coup," blaming the country's military.Ambassador Kyaw Zwar Minn -- who last month broke ranks with his country's military junta -- told CNN he tried to gain access to the embassy on Wednesday for several hours but was unable to enter. Several of his staff were still inside the building, and were not being allowed out, he said. Another source also said that Myanmar's military attaché in London had taken control of the building. They added that a group of at least seven people were inside, of which one was a child.Minn's spokesperson said Thursday that members of the military were in control of the premises and "threatening the embassy staff with severe punishment."Through the spokesperson the ambassador also urged the British government to send the junta's envoy back to Myanmar. Read MoreWhen asked Thursday if he was going to claim political asylum in Britain, Minn replied that he hadn't decided yet.Kyaw Zwar Minn listens to a statement being read on his behalf as he stands outside the Myanmar embassy in London on Thursday."We condemn the bullying actions of the Myanmar military regime in London yesterday, and I pay tribute to Kyaw Zwar Minn for his courage. The UK continues to call for an end to the coup and the appalling violence, and a swift restoration of democracy," UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a Twitter post early Thursday.CNN has reached out to the Myanmar military for comment. Phone calls made to the embassy went unanswered and emails bounced back.Myanmar's military seized power in the country on February 1, deposing civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Non-violent protests against the coup have since broken out across the country, and several Myanmar diplomats posted abroad have also made statements of resistance. Minn issued a statement last month calling for Suu Kyi's release from detention and pledged to keep the embassy open, following a call with Raab.At the time, Raab said in a tweet that he spoke to the ambassador and "praised his courage and patriotism in standing up for what is right."The military responded by recalling the ambassador. "Since he did not conduct himself in accordance with given responsibilities, an order [is issued] to summon and transfer him back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," MRTV reported.The source said embassy staffers were all caught by surprise during Wednesday's events, but that they had anticipated something could happen after the military coup in Myanmar and the ambassador's statement of defiance toward the junta.A Facebook live stream on Wednesday showed several people showing their support for Myanmar's UK ambassador and expressing confusion with the events of the day.Around 50 people also gathered outside the embassy building in Mayfair, an exclusive part of central London.A fight is brewing over Myanmar's seat at the United NationsOfficers from London's Metropolitan Police were also on the ground, warning people to disperse as they were in violation of coronavirus restrictions.Most those gathered since dispersed as the evening wore on, but CNN has seen at least four police vans filled with officers park near Myanmar's embassy. London's Metropolitan Police told CNN in a statement: "We are aware of a protest outside the Myanmar embassy in Mayfair, London. Public order officers are in attendance. There have been no arrests."In a statement to CNN, UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said it was "seeking further information following an incident at Myanmar's embassy in London." Myanmar's military leaders tried in vain in remove another diplomat in March, after UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun called on the international community members to use "any means necessary" to help restore the country's civilian leadership.He refused to step down however, a decision that has been supported by the UN.Myanmar military spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun has said the junta plans to hold new elections after a one-year state of emergency.Helen Regan contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsMatt Kuchar and Gary Woodland lead The Barclays by one shot after round threeKevin Chappell in second place after breaking course record with 62 on Saturday Tiger Woods four shots back on eight under following his second successive 69World No. 1 tied for fourth with Englishman David Lynne in New JerseyTiger Woods will go into the final round of The Barclays four shots off the lead after completing his second successive round of two-under-par 69.It marked a slight improvement after the world No. 1 ended his rain-delayed second round five shots behind the same pacemaker, Matt Kuchar, earlier Saturday.However, Kuchar -- who can move to the top of the FedEx Cup standings above current leader Woods if he wins the $1.44 million first prize -- was caught at the top by fellow American Gary Woodland after 54 holes.Kuchar carded a third-round 70, while Woodland went around two shots better to join him on 12 under.They were one shot ahead of Kevin Chappell, who broke the course record at Liberty National in New Jersey with a flawless nine-birdie 62. It was the second time he has posted that score this season, and lifted the 27-year-old up from 43rd place at the halfway stage.Read: Will Woods ever win another major?JUST WATCHEDWill Tiger Woods win another major? ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHWill Tiger Woods win another major? 02:33JUST WATCHEDSnedeker talks return after bone diseaseReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSnedeker talks return after bone disease 03:04JUST WATCHEDDufnering back in style after PGA winReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDufnering back in style after PGA win 03:28JUST WATCHEDJackson: No filming without golfReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHJackson: No filming without golf 04:53Kuchar, 35, triumphed at The Barclays in 2010 when it was played at Ridgewood Country Club, and is seeking his third victory this year.Woods -- who has won a leading five times on the PGA Tour in 2013 -- moved up from a tie for eighth as he birdied two of his last three holes.He also started with a birdie, but three bogeys in five holes in the windy conditions set him back again. However, the 14-time major winner got a shot back at the eighth hole and picked up another at 13 before a strong finish left him in a tie for fourth with Englishman David Lynn, who also shot 69.U.S. Open champion Justin Rose was in a group tied for sixth on seven under, along with Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler.Read: Golf star's battle with bone diseaseMasters winner Adam Scott dropped back to a tie for 13th after suffering a double-bogey in his 72.The Australian was level with former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy, who had three birdies and three bogeys in his 71, 2012 U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson (74) and Sergio Garcia (71).British Open champion Phil Mickelson moved up nine places to a tie for 34th after a 70, but was not happy with his game."I hit a lot of good shots and made a lot of good swings," the veteran left-hander said. "I was sloppy, though, and I didn't score well, and Sunday is going to be an important day for me, because I just want to put it together."Last year's FedEx Cup champion Brandt Snedeker, in his third tournament since several months off battling bone disease, missed the halfway cut by one shot after a 71.Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Ernie Els were among the other high-profile names to also drop out in the $8 million event. | 5sport
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Story highlightsDay knocks out McIlroy at WGC Match PlayMcIlroy defending championDay takes over at top of rankingsBeats Oosthuizen 5&4 in final (CNN)Back to No. 1 in the world, beating the defending champion Rory McIlroy at the WGC Match Play Championship and thrashing Louis Oosthuizen in the final later Sunday, Jason Day is certainly the man to beat heading into next month's U.S. Masters.Follow @cnnsport
And all achieved despite a back problem which plagued him throughout the tournament, ignoring pleas by his support team to withdraw with the first major of the golf season just around the corner."I just want to win," Day told the official PGA Tour website. "I wanted to win so bad that I felt with how I was playing, if I kept playing the way I was doing, I would be holding the trophy at the end of the week."That's what kept me going."Read MoreRead: How texts from Tiger Woods inspired Jason DayDay wrested top spot from Jordan Spieth Saturday when the Texan exited the match play event in Austin at the last-16 stage to Oosthuizen, while the Australian marched through to the semifinals. Photos: Rio's Olympic golf course Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseRio's Olympic golf course is up and running after a test event ahead of next summer's Games was staged this week.Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseNine Brazilian players took part in the event in the Barra di Tijuca area of the city, about nine kilometers from the athletes' village. Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseThe world's top 15 players qualify automatically, meaning Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth will go head-to-head. The Northern Irishman told CNN last month: "I'd definitely wait four years for another chance at the Olympics if I could win the Masters this year."Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseThe course, which has been built on a nature reserve, has been dogged by controversy over land disputes and environmental concerns. But organizers say a recent report showed the course had actually contributed to the growth of local vegetation.Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf course"The course conditions are very good, the greens are perfect," Miriam Nagl, who is in Brazil's final qualifying slot, told the Rio 2016 official site after playing the course.Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseThe competition will be a strokeplay event over 72 holes for men and women. The world's top 15 players will quality automatically for the 2016 Games, but each country has a maximum of four entrants. Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseAlexandre Rocha, a former PGA Tour player, was the man to strike the first ball at the event. He said: "I never had the chance before to inaugurate a course before and it's something that no one can take away from me, a really cool thing that will always be with me."Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Rio's Olympic golf courseThe test event drew plenty of interest ... not least from this owl.Hide Caption 8 of 8It set up a titanic last-four clash with world No. 3 McIlroy, an acknowledged expert in these head-to-head encounters.Day -- who won last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, helped by texts from his friend Tiger Woods, still sidelined with long-term back problems -- started strongly by rolling home a birdie on the opening hole to go one up.But McIlroy, in fine form himself heading into the opening major at Augusta in 11 days' time, hit back with three birdies to lead one up through the turn.Read: The course where Spieth and McIlroy will go for coldDay immediately leveled with a birdie on the 10th and after McIlroy missed a chance to take the lead again on the 11th, he seized his chance.Birdies on the 12th and 13th took him two up and despite McIlroy cutting the deficit on the 14th, he could make no further progress.JUST WATCHED11-year-old's shot stuns Tiger WoodsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCH11-year-old's shot stuns Tiger Woods 00:57Queenslander Day closed out the match by holing a tricky par putt on the 18th to end any hope of a comeback by his opponent."It was a good quality match, but I missed a couple of opportunities by not birdying the 12th and 13th," admitted McIlroy.South African Oosthuizen beat Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain 4&3 in the other one-sided semifinal, but was no match for Day in the title match, falling three down by the turn and eventually succumbing 5&4. Day, who won his first major by claiming the 2015 U.S. PGA Championship, will be looking to double up in the U.S. Masters and may well head there at the summit of the global game.Spieth, winner of two majors last season, had held top spot for all of 2016 and can still regain it with a strong performance in next week's Houston Open.Cabrera Bello won the battle for third spot 3&2 over McIlroy, who will be turning his attentions to claiming the only major to elude him on Thursday week at Augusta National.Who will win the Masters? Have your say on CNN Sport's Facebook pageVisit CNN's Living Golf page for more newsJUST WATCHEDAn Emotional Day!ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHAn Emotional Day! 04:49 | 5sport
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Story highlights Turkish authorities have blocked YouTube days after banning Twitter Government action comes after alleged conversations about war with Syria are leaked The leak is "a despicable attack, an act of espionage," the Foreign Ministry says Google, which owns YouTube, is looking into the blocking, a spokesperson saysThe Turkish government banned YouTube on Thursday, less than a week after Ankara made a similar blackout of the social networking site Twitter, which is estimated to have more than 10 million Turkish users. Neither website can be reached on Turkish Internet networks.The crackdown comes just days before Turks are expected to go to the polls in nationwide municipal elections.The Turkish government said its YouTube block came as a response to the leak of a conversation between top government officials purportedly discussing the possibility of going to war with neighboring Syria.Turkey's top media regulating agency announced a similar ban on the broadcast of the conversation to television and radio channels."It is seen as appropriate that a temporary broadcast ban be implemented on the voice recordings on social media and alleged to be between the foreign minister, the head of the National Intelligence Agency and military officials," the Radio and Television Supreme Council -- Turkey's chief media regulating agency -- announced on its website.Turkey's political elite has been battered by a campaign of wiretap leaks recorded by unknown operatives and distributed daily for more than a month on the Internet.Until Wednesday, all of the wiretaps seemed to be recordings of phone conversations between Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his inner circle, government officials and some top corporate executives.Erdogan has called some recordings "immorally edited material," including a conversation in which a man who sounds like the Prime Minister purportedly instructs his son to hide tens of millions of dollars in cash from police investigators.But he has also confirmed the authenticity of other wiretaps, in which he is heard instructing the head of a major television news network to cut short the live broadcast of a rival politician's speech in Parliament.Turkey's government has accused social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, of being used to spread false information and lies since the leaked, high-level conversations from inside the current government have spread online."We're seeing reports that some users are not able to access YouTube in Turkey. There is no technical issue on our side and we're looking into the situation," a Google spokesperson said in a statement. YouTube is owned by Google.Unlike previously leaked recordings -- which all sounded like telephone conversations -- the recording released on Wednesday sounds like audio coming from a microphone planted in a room where a meeting is being held.Male Turkish voices can be heard discussing whether to send troops into neighboring Syria, where Turkey has supported rebels against the government in Damascus during a conflict that has lasted more than three years."Monitoring such a meeting of a highly confidential nature which was held at a location such as the office of the Foreign Minister, where the most sensitive security issues of the State are discussed and releasing these conversations to the public are a despicable attack, an act of espionage and a very serious crime against the national security of Turkey," announced Turkey's Foreign Ministry in a statement on Thursday.The recording suggests a major security breach within the halls of the country's Foreign Ministry. The bans on Twitter and YouTube may be followed by a broader crackdown on the Internet. An official at Turkey's prime ministry, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told CNN, "If there are recordings similarly threatening to national security, there can be similar precautions taken on other social media." This week a Turkish court overruled the government's ban of Twitter, but the website is still blocked. According to legal procedures, Turkish authorities have 30 days to implement the court injunction. READ: Turkey's Twitter ban condemned -- even by nation's own presidentREAD: Twitter ban batters Turkey's image, but does Erdogan care?READ: Opinion: Twitter ban is the least of Turkey's woes | 3news
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Brigadier General (retired) Peter B. Zwack was the US Defense Attaché to Russia from 2012-2014 and currently is a Wilson Center Global Fellow within the Kennan Institute. He studied Russian during Glasnost in the Soviet Union in 1989 and served as a senior army intelligence officer in Afghanistan, Kosovo, South Korea, and US Army Europe. The opinions expressed here are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. (CNN)Fresh allegations of Russian meddling in the upcoming US Presidential election shine a harsh spotlight on the dangerous deadlock between the nuclear-tipped powers. In a reprise of 2016, Moscow is apparently pushing hard for Donald Trump to win the White House. But is a Trump second term really in the Kremlin's best interest? Or would a Joe Biden win actually be the more pragmatic outcome for Russia? Peter ZwackOn the surface, a stable Biden presidency, including a strong, no-nonsense Vice President Kamala Harris, would seem unpalatable to Moscow. Biden is well-acquainted with Russian President Vladimir Putin from before and during his tenure as vice president in the Obama administration. Revelations that Russia interfered in the contentious 2016 US election won't be dismissed by a Biden administration. Nor is Biden likely to ignore Russia's ongoing adversarial behavior toward vital US interests, including valued allies and partners worldwide. From Moscow's perspective, supporting the chaotic Trump presidency might be a more attractive strategy; a continuation of the status quo, stoking internal American disruption and division. But is this scenario really in Russia's best long-term interest? The Trump presidency is already broken where Russia is concerned. As shown in repeated instances throughout his term, Trump has little credibility when addressing Russian issues. Russia has already benefitted from the Trump presidency. It's worth acknowledging that Trump has given Moscow an easy pass on a wide range of issues, from the illegal annexation of Crimea to the recent poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Most shocking, however, was Trump publicly denying US intelligence findings of Russian interference in the 2016 election as he stood next to Putin at the Helsinki Summit in 2018.The amazing bravery of three women in Belarus has a message for the USWhy would Russia continue to play a losing hand with little more to gain? The question is whether there could be another road to take, and whether Russia would benefit more in the long run from immediately putting a stop to election meddling, and simply letting the US election process play out without interference.Read MoreThe integrity of the national election process is a sore subject for Americans all across the political spectrum. If Trump's campaign continues on its current trajectory, he will lose in November. And if Russia's reported interference continues through Election Day, Moscow will further cement its pariah status with a new Biden administration, lawmakers and the core of US voters.Even if Trump wins and (as in 2016) Russian interference is confirmed, Democrats are favored to take back control of Congress, which will put any positive outcome beyond reach for Moscow. Russia will see a heightening of the tough US policy and actions that it earned, and chafed under, during both the Obama and Trump administrations. Why Trump should worry about a rushed vaccineCould a Biden win, untainted by any further Russian interference, actually present a small but real opening for improving US-Russian relations? While no appetite exists in Washington for another full-blown "reset", there would surely be a top-down reappraisal by a new, experienced foreign policy team. If Moscow was to credibly meet Washington half-way, might there be an opportunity for a modest, frank "eyes-wide-open" rapprochement? Longstanding differences aside, both Russia and the US -- the two nations that on a bad day could blow each other and our civilization off the face of our planet -- face mutual challenges that call for intensified dialogue and diplomacy. These include fading arms control agreements, especially the expiring strategic nuclear New START treaty, dangerous new technologies and weapons that also involve a rising China, nuclear proliferation, counter-terror, the Middle East, Ukraine, Belarus, Afghanistan and much more. More positively, such efforts could also focus on pandemic cooperation, climate change (including the melting Arctic), coaxing a return to bipartisan congressional and cultural exchanges, reenergizing US-Russian space collaboration, and more. A seasoned leader like Biden might have the right gravitas at this crucial time to tackle these crippled relations. A proven tough policymaker regarding Russia, he's known for possessing a "strategic empathy" and open, flexible mind that allows him to understand different worldviews, particularly important when working with a rigidly proud Moscow.Get our free weekly newsletterSign up for CNN Opinion's new newsletter.Join us on Twitter and FacebookRight now, nothing in Putin's demeanor hints at a shift in his regime's outlook. He views the US and NATO as foes. Corrosive global Russian influence operations, including aggressive military posturing continue, while stark anti-opposition suppression goes on unabated. Nonetheless, there could be a glimmer of realpolitik opportunity. Putin may remain in power through 2036, but tenuously so. Might he begin to see advantages to improving its relationship with the West? Could Russia's increasingly restive and demographically challenged population, shaky economy and vast, hard-to-defend borders motivate the Kremlin to opt for better relations and a less stressful dynamic both internationally and domestically?It's hard to know whether the Kremlin wants to pick up on a potentially fleeting opportunity for improving US-Russia relations. Or how much numbed Americans care anymore. What I do believe, based on more than 30 years of professional and personal experiences within Russia is that, while wary, the bulk of its increasingly connected population would welcome better relations with the US. Like Americans, their citizens don't like living under a brooding nuclear shadow. A dear old Russian friend, an artist, asked me not long ago: "Pyotr, will there be a war?" For all our sakes, I hope the answer will prove to be a resounding "nyet." | 3news
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Story highlightsReal Madrid to meet Manchester City in Champions League semifinalsReal after its 11th title, while City has never been this far in the competitionAtletico Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in the other last-four tieIt's a repeat of the 1974 European Cup final which Bayern won (CNN)Real Madrid will need to advance past Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals if it is to remain on course for a record 11th European title this season.Follow @cnnsport
Real looked to be staring elimination in the face in the last round, only for Cristiano Ronaldo's second-leg hat-trick to give it a 3-2 aggregate victory over Wolfsburg, having lost the first leg 2-0 in Germany.And its reward for that stunning comeback is a last-four clash against a City side that is in uncharted territory.Read: Liverpool secure 'unbelievable' European winThe English Premier League team has never been in a Champions League semifinal in its history, and will now face the club that has won the trophy more times than any other.Read MoreCity will take confidence from its elimination of Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals, and manager Manuel Pellegrini will be eager to take his team into the final with Pep Guardiola due to replace him at the end of the season.City will need to stop Ronaldo over the two games, with the Portugal captain having been in inspired form in the competition this season with 16 goals to his name -- more than any other player. The two sides have met twice in the Champions League before, coming up against each other in the group stages during the 2012-13 season.Real won the first clash 3-2, while the return game ended in a 1-1 draw.The official result of the #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Pvz577XZRc— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2016
Guardiola could set up a May showdown against his new employers, if his Bayern Munich team can get the better of Atletico Madrid in the other semifinal tie. Read: The ghost town that bred soccer starsIt's a repeat of the 1974 final , won by Bayern, but Atletico, which also lost the 2014 final to Real, will fancy its chances against the tournament favorite after knocking out reigning champion Barcelona in the quarterfinals.Bayern and Atlético's only previous meeting came in the 1974 final, the Bundesliga side winning 4-0.#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/XLKq6WKQVv— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 15, 2016
Bayern reached this stage by beating Benfica and remain on course for the "Treble," currently sitting seven points clear at the top of the German Bundesliga and with a spot in the German Cup semifinals. Bayern boss Guardiola has yet to win the trophy during his time at the club but will want to add to the two titles he won while at Barcelona before he moves to City in the summer.The semifinals are due to take place on April 26/27 and May 3/4, while the final in Milan is on May 28.Europa League last fourMeanwhile, in the Europa League, Liverpool's reward for its emphatic 5-4 aggregate victory over Borussia Dortmund Thursday is a semifinal tie against Villarreal.The English Premier League side came from 3-1 down to win 4-3 on the night against Dortmund, with Dejan Lovren scoring the dramatic last-minute decider.Liverpool is looking to claim the trophy for a fourth time, having won it under its former guise of the UEFA Cup three times in the past.The official result of the #UELdraw... pic.twitter.com/GeDWNNW07R— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 15, 2016
Reigning champion Sevilla will meet Shakhtar Donetsk in the other tie, with the Spanish La Liga side out to win the trophy for a third consecutive year and a record fifth time overall.The semifinals are due to take place on April 28 and May 5, while the final in Basel is on May 18.
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(CNN)A month after US basketball star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia, it's still not clear exactly where she's being held. But a Moscow court has ordered the 31-year-old to stay in custody until at least May 19, the Russian state news agency TASS reported March 17."The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the US citizen Griner until May 19," the court said, according to TASS.Russian court extends US basketball star Brittney Griner's arrest until May 19, TASS reports Griner is a championship-winning player with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury who has spent her past several offseasons playing for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg.But last month, Russian authorities accused Griner of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance after flying from New York to a Moscow airport.Read MoreNow, the mystery surrounding her detainment in a country she's worked in for years has come to symbolize the growing tensions between the US and Russia during Russia's continued invasion of Ukraine.Here's what we know (and don't) about what happened to the two-time Olympic champion: Why was Griner detained? The Russian Federal Customs Service said an American was detained at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport after being found with hash oil.'It's the most audacious hostage taking by a state imaginable,' former captive says about Griner's case"As a US citizen was passing through the green channel at Sheremetyevo Airport upon arriving from New York, a working dog from the Sheremetyevo customs canine department detected the possible presence of narcotic substances in the accompanying luggage," a statement from the customs service said. "The customs inspection of the hand luggage being carried by the US citizen confirmed the presence of vapes with specifically smelling liquid, and an expert determined that the liquid was cannabis oil (hash oil), which is a narcotic substance."The Russian statement did not identify Griner by name, but said the detainee is an American professional basketball player and two-time US Olympian. The customs agency said the US citizen was placed in pretrial detention. It said a criminal case was underway for smuggling significant amounts of narcotic substances -- an offense carries a potential punishment of five to 10 years in prison. Griner's wife, Cherelle Griner, has publicly called for the release of her wife. USA Basketball, the Women's National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury and the WNBA players' union have all publicly shared their concerns for Griner.When was Griner arrested? The Russian customs agency said in a statement a US citizen was detained "in February of 2022," after flying to Moscow from New York, but did not say what day. US Rep. Colin Allred, whose office has been in touch with the US State Department, said Griner was arrested in Russia on February 17. A State Department spokesperson said the department is "aware of and closely engaged on this case."Where is Griner now? As of March 17, Griner's exact whereabouts were not clear. Ekaterina Kalugina, a representative of Moscow's Public Monitoring Commission -- which observes the treatment of prisoners -- visited Griner at her pre-trial detention center, TASS reported. A court advocate said Griner should be kept under house arrest because their jail beds are a foot too short for Griner, who is 6 feet 9 inches tall, according to the Russian news service RIA Novosti.Can Griner communicate with anyone in the US? Allred said Griner has been in contact with her Russian lawyer, who is in touch with her agent and her family in the US. But Griner's consular service has been blocked, which is "extremely concerning," Allred said. Brittney Griner is among the latest Americans to be detained in RussiaTASS quoted Kalugina as saying the US consul had not yet visited Griner, despite Russian authorities' willingness to "create all conditions" for their visit. CNN has reached out to Russian officials and the US Embassy in Moscow for comment on Griner's consular access but has not heard back.Although a State Department official told CNN the US has been denied consular access to Griner, a source close to the situation told CNN Griner's Russian legal team has seen her several times a week throughout her detention, and she is well. The source added that the Russian investigation is ongoing, and a trial date has not been set.Her high school basketball coach, Debbie Jackson, said she worries Griner's case will be used for political purposes."My biggest fear is that ... she will become a political pawn," Jackson told CNN.What was Griner doing in Russia? "Griner was in Russia for work: playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg, where in 2021 she helped the team win its fifth EuroLeague Women championship," wrote Tamryn Spruill, a journalist who covers women's basketball. What could be next for Brittney GrinerSpruill started the "Secure Brittney Griner's Swift and Safe Return to the U.S." petition on Change.org. "Like many athletes competing in the WNBA, Griner plays abroad during the WNBA offseason because her salary is exponentially higher in other countries," Spruill wrote on the petition's page. "For WNBA players, that means playing abroad, while NBA rookies who haven't played a professional game yet are handed salaries many-times higher than what title-winning, All-Star designated WNBA veterans could ever hope for," Spruill said."These realities are not the fault of the players. They simply want to be paid their worth like their male counterparts, and they do not deserve to be entangled in geopolitical turmoil for doing so."Are there any other WNBA players in Russia? In early March, the WNBA confirmed to CNN that no other players were in Russia nor Ukraine.What are the odds of getting Griner out of Russia?A member of the US House Armed Services Committee said "it's going to be very difficult" to get Griner out of Russia. "Our diplomatic relationships with Russia are nonexistent at the moment," Democratic Rep. John Garamendi of California told CNN on March 7. It'll be 'very difficult' to get detained US basketball star Brittney Griner out of Russia, lawmaker says"Perhaps during the various negotiations that may take place, she might be able to be one of the solutions. I don't know."He also noted "Russia has some very, very strict LGBT rules and laws" -- though it's not clear whether those rules and laws might impact Griner's case. Russia has passed LGBTQ-related legislation and outlawed the "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations around minors."But the Biden administration is working on trying to get Griner out of Russia, members of the Congressional Black Caucus said after meeting with President Joe Biden on March 7. "The best news we got today was that they know about it and that she's on the agenda," Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Griner's hometown of Houston, Texas, told reporters.Noting a potential 10-year sentence for Griner, Jackson Lee added: "We know about Britney Griner, and we know that we have to move on her situation." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐓. 𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐑 (@cherelletgriner)
In an Instagram post, Griner's wife described the agony of waiting. "People say 'stay busy.' Yet, there's not a task in this world that could keep any of us from worrying about you. My heart, our hearts, are all skipping beats everyday that goes by." Cherelle Griner posted on Instagram on Monday. "There are no words to express this pain. I'm hurting, we're hurting."CNN's Lucy Kafanov, Homero De la Fuente, Richard Greene, Wayne Sterling, Rosa Flores, Allie Malloy, Ben Church, Elizabeth Joseph and Valery Yegorov contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsThursday's protests were generally calmCritics say the austerity measures and spending cuts will only help the banksPapademos assures European leaders he will push ahead with the austerity planThe streets of the Greek capital were jammed with tens of thousands of protesters Thursday as unions held a general strike in response to austerity policies and government spending cuts aimed at securing bailout funding for the debt-shackled Greek economy.The march went off with none of the violence that has marked previous street demonstrations. Security forces stood aside but were in place near the Greek Parliament building. Police estimated that 18,000 protesters were out on the streets, while union organizers gave higher numbers, claiming it was their largest march since the economic crisis hit last spring.The 24-hour strike played havoc with transportation, although essential services remained open, as well as the country's airports and the Athens stock exchange.In Athens, the atmosphere was calm. While many shops remained open, there was a sentiment of sympathy with the marchers."We have nothing left to lose," said Margarita Argyriadou, an unemployed business school graduate. "All aspects of our lives have been depreciated. We will have no life."JUST WATCHEDStrikers clogs streets of AthensReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHStrikers clogs streets of Athens 01:19JUST WATCHEDFuture of tourism in GreeceReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHFuture of tourism in Greece 02:35JUST WATCHEDLast chance for eurozone? ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLast chance for eurozone? 03:21"The new government is doing nothing to help us," added Ilias Papadopoulos, an economist taking part in the march. "It helps only to fix the banks... And that works against us because if the work is all to help the banks to survive, then we are going to die."The protests were aimed at reversing the austerity measures being pushed by the new Greek prime minister, Lucas Papademos, who took office on November 11 after political infighting forced Socialist leader George Papandreou from power.In a letter to European leaders Tuesday, Papademos promised his government was "strongly committed" to implementing the economic policies agreed to at the Euro Summit in October."The government is determined to continue the process of fiscal consolidation and structural reform in order to secure sound public finances and improve the country's international competitiveness," said the letter, which was posted on the prime minister's website.Papandreou quit in mid-November, forced out by public anger at the budget cuts he was pushing through to get international funds to pay his country's debts.Fears that Greece might default caused shock waves through the European and American banking systems and sent stock markets on a wild ride that at times wiped billions of dollars of value out of existence.Papademos previously has stressed Greece's commitment to the euro, saying its membership in the eurozone is a guarantee of financial stability.The drama in Greece has shaken international markets because investors were afraid the new bailout deal -- which has stringent austerity measures attached -- might not be implemented.Papademos said the October 26 bailout, worth 130 billion euros ($177 billion), calls for austerity measures but "will ensure the financing of Greece over the following years and the completion of the effort of the economic recovery."In addition to the new austerity measures, his government must also implement promises made by the previous administration in relation to the 2010 bailout, including privatizations of state-run firms and cuts to the public sector.Public anger over the cuts led Papandreou to propose a referendum on the new bailout plan, triggering anger among Greece's European partners and political turmoil at home. | 3news
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London (CNN)The University of Cambridge has said it will scrap all face-to-face lectures until mid-2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, becoming the first major education institution to officially scale back its operations for the whole of the next academic year.A spokesperson for the prestigious British university said it expects social distancing measures to be in place throughout the upcoming year.It will continue to make lectures available online, and some small-group teaching may take place if participants can maintain a safe distance, but students will not be able to attend lectures in person."The University is constantly adapting to changing advice as it emerges during this pandemic. Given that it is likely that social distancing will continue to be required, the University has decided there will be no face-to-face lectures during the next academic year," a University of Cambridge spokesperson said in a statement.Some colleges and universities plan to have limited in-person classes and cancel fall break to combat coronavirus"Lectures will continue to be made available online and it may be possible to host smaller teaching groups in person, as long as this conforms to social distancing requirements," the university's statement added. The decision will be reviewed if guidelines around social distancing change.Read MoreCambridge and Oxford, the UK's two leading universities, rely far more on smaller group teaching than large lectures -- so the move will probably not be as disruptive as it would be at most institutions.But it demonstrates the dilemma facing universities around the world, many of which have been forced to shut their campuses and move classes online in recent months.That situation has created uncertainty for people preparing to start their studies. In the UK, university semesters begin in September. The traditional "freshers' week" period at the start of the year sees students mixing in accommodation halls, bars and clubs, but it is seems likely that such activities will be discouraged this year.On Monday, the University of South Carolina in the United States made changes to its fall semester in preparation for the likelihood that Covid-19 cases surge during cold and flu season this fall and winter. | 3news
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London (CNN)The outbreak of the novel coronavirus is causing political misery for some of the most powerful people on earth. It has, however, left one world leader in a uniquely difficult position. Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, is having to deal with this public health emergency at the same time a clock is ticking on the United Kingdom's next Brexit deadline: July 1. This pending deadline is far more significant than anything that has happened in the Brexit process to date. The UK is currently in a transition period with the European Union, set to expire on December 31. The point of this transition was to maintain a standstill in relations between the EU and the UK after Brexit happened on January 31, so to avoid an economic cliff edge.More analysis on the outbreakWhat does Britain know about coronavirus that the rest of Europe doesn't?Trump administration's efforts outmatched by the virusWill warmer weather beat the coronavirus? Singapore and Australia suggest maybe notThe two sides are currently negotiating their future relationship and hope to reach a mutually beneficial agreement before the end of the year. If they can't, then the UK leaves the transition period with no formal agreement on trade or any other strategic areas. The joint decision to scrap next week's round of talks will lead to fears that such an agreement cannot be done in time. Legally, the transition period can be extended, but it would have to be done before July 1 of this year. That's the point of no return. Until the transition period ends, the UK is playing by EU rules and paying money for the privilege, but with no seat at the tables of power in Brussels. In other words, it is still essentially an EU member state, but with zero influence on EU policy. Read MoreJUST WATCHEDHere's what you need to know about BrexitReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHere's what you need to know about Brexit 03:38Naturally, this is an uncomfortable position for long-standing Brexiteers -- not least Johnson himself, who led the successful leave campaign in 2016. So, it's hardly surprising that the official position of the British government is that Johnson will not request an extension under any circumstances. However, that stance was decided before the nation was gripped by coronavirus panic. "However politically painful it might be for the government, the impact of the coronavirus will reach far beyond the public health implications and into the heart of our economy," says Wes Streeting, an opposition Labour lawmaker. "In good times, leaving the EU on the timetable announced by the government would be a challenge. Trying to stick to that timetable purely for political reasons would be irresponsible."The UK is already living some of those implications. Panic-buying has led to shortages of many everyday household products, most notably toilet paper. And if you think empty shelves are a problem now, consider this: according to the Confederation of Paper Industries, the UK imports about 60% of the materials used to make tissue products from the EU. And up to 55% of that demand is for toilet paper. JUST WATCHEDStocks tank after Trump's coronavirus speechReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHStocks tank after Trump's coronavirus speech 01:14Some in Brussels wonder if a time will come when experts advising Johnson tell him that, given the scale of the coronavirus problem, refusing to extend the transition period and throwing trade links and supply chains out the window is a bad idea. And if trade talks with the EU slow because of coronavirus, meaning that nothing has been agreed come June, can Johnson really risk food, medicine and other shortages for the sake of saving face?"Now that future relationship talks are being interrupted, it is inevitable that both sides will have to start considering possible extensions," says Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska at the Centre for European Reform, based in Brussels. However, she adds: "The request should come from the British government and, obviously, an extension wouldn't come without costs for the UK. Questions, including the financial contributions, will have to be taken. There is no such thing as a free lunch." While Brussels might already be thinking about this, the unknown is what Johnson would actually do if he were given the advice to request an extension. And European officials are increasingly convinced that Johnson is still in denial about how serious things could get. An EU diplomatic source tells CNN: "It doesn't seem to have sunk in entirely just how different supply chains will look after the transition. Right now, there are hangers full of food sat in ports across Europe. If someone calls at 7 a.m., they can be in British shops that afternoon. The UK imports the vast majority of its toilet paper, so if you kill supply chains you are literally in the s***."Two issues collideJohnson has made a point during the coronavirus outbreak of stressing that the government is making decisions based on the advice it is getting from medical experts. It's certainly true that Johnson has placed his most senior public health officials front and center in recent weeks. Sources close to Downing Street claim that this approach is being driven by Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser. Cummings is known to be obsessed with scientists, data and evidence, so it stands to reason that he would ask government advisers not to brief and encourage the PM to take his cues from the experts. However, this is the same Dominic Cummings who is driving Johnson's Brexit agenda and is thought to have been behind the decision to say publicly that there would be no extension under any circumstances. So, what will happen when these two distinct issues collide? There is no question that requesting an extension would be very difficult and embarrassing for Johnson. "If he doesn't want an extension then it's fine, but if he wants one, they [The EU] will have him over a barrel on fishing and financial contributions," says Hugo Dixon, referring to two of the thorniest issues currently blighting negotiations. "It's not just that he will have to go back on his word of no extension under no circumstances, he will have to bite those two bitter pills."How coronavirus is changing the worldSelf-isolate or get paid? That's the choice for gig workersQuarantine needs people to obey the law. What if they don't?How the virus spread across the world Exactly how damaging requesting an extension could be for Johnson would have to be weighed against the fallout of no deal, or a very limited trade deal. "It's entirely possible that the UK suffers a recession in the coming months because of coronavirus, only to then have another recession because of Brexit," says Dixon.While back-to-back recessions would seem difficult for any leader to ride out, Brexit has done weird things to the UK's domestic politics. As the diplomatic source explains: "Johnson has already laid the groundwork domestically to frame no deal as a fight against EU colonialism versus the UK being able to do what it wants." Dixon believes that this could be the easiest political option for Johnson. "He could bite all the bullets at once and try to ride it out before 2024, when we are out the woods and he can fight an election." For the time being, no deal with Europe seems to be the logical endpoint. Dmitry Grozoubinski, founder of explaintrade.com, says that while the Covid-19 crisis could "focus minds on the need to find a compromise," it could also "rob the negotiations of all political attention, removing any pressure from politicians to back off their currently irreconcilable red lines and leading to a WTO-Brexit crashout largely on autopilot."It seems likely when you consider that the EU's patience for British politics wore thin ages ago. "We are moving to the stage where we don't really care, whatever they do," says the diplomatic source. And while the source believes that the coronavirus gives Johnson "a way out if he does want to delay for a year," they point out that it "has to come in June -- legally, that is the deadline." In coronavirus crisis, Tom Hanks is more of a role model than Donald TrumpHowever, some hold onto the slim hope that the evidence becomes so compelling Johnson has to listen. Gostyńska-Jakubowska points out that when Johnson drew his red lines, "we didn't have Covid-19. This might encourage the British government to listen to business more carefully." And Dixon reminds us that Johnson has form for folding when the need for an agreement with Brussels is great: "The EU won't have forgotten that he essentially gave them everything they wanted last October."Both Johnson and the EU are currently close to capacity dealing with the coronavirus crisis. And as the July 1 deadline races up on Johnson, he is likely going to face pressure to consider extending the Brexit transition to avoid economic catastrophe. "Short-term political pain for Boris is a price worth paying when compared with the medium to long-term risks of getting something like this badly wrong," says Streeting. The great unknown is whether Johnson -- and Cummings -- can be convinced that the risk of going beyond the point of return this summer is really bad enough to perform what would be a staggering U-turn. And though we might not know what they think now, we won't have to wait long to find out. | 3news
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(CNN)The world's best footballers will be recognized at the annual Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski and Mohamed Salah are among the favorites to be crowned the best men's player, while Barcelona's Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso headline the women's nominees.However, the scheduling of the awards in the middle of a women's international break has drawn criticism, a decision that makes it hard for some of the nominees to attend. For instance, Australia and Chelsea star Sam Kerr, who is in the running to be crowned the best player in the women's game, is likely to be a notable absentee from the ceremony with the Matildas facing the US in Newcastle on Tuesday."Incredibly disappointing that the highest award for the best female players in the world is not even accessible for them to attend -- these things need to keep being highlighted as not acceptable," Rehanne Skinner, head coach of Tottenham Hotspur Women, said on Twitter. Read MoreREAD: Cristiano Ronaldo benching for Manchester United causes fierce debate between punditsSome players have been released in order to attend the awards, including Spanish internationals Putellas, Hermoso, Irene Paredes and Sandra Paños.The quartet left training with the national team and will return ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Seville on Tuesday. Ada Hegerberg won the inaugural Women's Ballon d'Or award in 2018.CNN has contacted France Football, which organizes the Ballon d'Or awards, regarding the scheduling of this year's ceremony. "I don't think it's an intentional snub ... I just think that the Ballon d'Or now by definition is both a men's and women's award, and in the third season, they really need to get it right and they need to promote it in that way," former New Zealand captain Rebecca Smith said on CNN World Sport."It's just another one of those, 'Come on' -- half the fun of the awards is having the players there."I'm not sure if Sam Kerr, should she win it, can jump on a private jet from Australia all the way to Paris to pick it up."The women's Ballon d'Or was introduced in 2018 and won by Norway's Ada Hegerberg, while American Megan Rapinoe became the second winner the following year. Last year's awards were canceled amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Of the 20 players nominated for this year's award, 10 play for Chelsea or Barcelona, the two sides that contested the Champions League final in May. Barcelona's 4-0 victory in that game was the highlight of the side's treble-winning season. In the men's award, Messi could claim a record-extending seventh Ballon d'Or having won the Copa América title with Argentina earlier this year. READ: Ralf Rangnick appointed Manchester United interim managerMessi poses with his sixth Ballon d'Or trophy in 2019. Lewandowski's sensational goalscoring form for Bayern Munich has also put him in the running; the striker has netted 53 times this calendar year, more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues. Liverpool's Salah, the top scorer in the Premier League this season, and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, the top scorer so far in La Liga, are also among the favorites, as is midfielder Jorginho, who won the Champions League title with Chelsea and Euro 2020 with Italy this year. The lists of nominees are compiled by France Football, after which a panel of journalists from around the world vote for the winners. Also up for grabs is the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best men's under-21 player, and the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper. The ceremony starts at 2:30 p.m. ET. | 5sport
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(CNN)For the first time since the dawn of the Mercedes era -- the team has now won eight consecutive constructors' championships -- there is genuine uncertainty about how the Formula One season will unfold, with the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday kicking off the new campaign.A raft of new regulations, the biggest change in the sport since 1983, has prompted every team to drastically redesign its car, while Mercedes was beaten in the drivers' championship last year for the first time since 2014. Last season's dramatic conclusion in Abu Dhabi saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen win his first world championship, pipping seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the final lap. Russia in isolationIn near unison with the rest of the sporting world, F1 moved to sanction Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The sport's governing body announced that the Russian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for September 23-25, could not be held "in the current circumstances." Read MoreShortly afterward, it terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter, "meaning Russia will not have a race in the future," read an F1 statement. The Russian Grand Prix had been due to move from Sochi to the newly renovated Igora Drive circuit in St. Petersburg in 2023.Nikita Mazepin was dropped from Haas F1 Team in the offseason following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.Haas, meanwhile, terminated the contract of its Russian driver Nikita Mazepin as well as its title sponsor Uralkali, a Russian fertilizer producer part owned by Mazepin's oligarch father, Dmitry. Lewis Hamilton vs. Max Verstappen Hamilton and Verstappen's rivalry shaped F1 in 2021, a season widely acclaimed as one of the greatest ever due to their extraordinarily close title fight. In recent years, Verstappen has emerged as the only driver capable of challenging Hamilton's dominance, and their rivalry will define the contours of this season too.During their season-long duel in 2021, they crashed into each other three times -- at Silverstone, Monza and Saudi Arabia.The denouement was even more dramatic. Arriving at the final Grand Prix of the season, the two drivers were level in the race for the world championship.2021 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen is congratulated by runner up Lewis Hamilton after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen secured pole position in qualifying, but Hamilton overtook him as they rounded the first corner and held a commanding lead for much of the race. It seemed the title was decided until a late safety car effectively restarted the race with Verstappen just behind Hamilton on newer, faster tires. Verstappen overtook Hamilton and won his first world championship. The fallout of the controversy still lingers. At 37, Hamilton is approaching the end of his career and will not have many more opportunities to claim the outright record of world championship wins. He currently sits on seven, level with Michael Schumacher, but his motivation does not seem diminished by the controversy in Abu Dhabi."I would say so," Hamilton replied when asked if he was a more dangerous driver than before, in a video uploaded onto Mercedes' Twitter page.Verstappen is at the opposite end of his career and has long been billed as a potential multiple world champion. Last season, the Dutchman's consistency was remarkable as he finished first or second in every race he completed without damage to his car. He is the focal point of the Red Bull team, with whom he will remain until at least 2028. Driver changesThe traditional merry-go-round of drivers swapping seats ended rather late this year as teams sought to fine-tune their rosters ahead of the 2022 season. Alfa Romeo will sport an all-new driver's line up as Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, joins the team -- the only driver making his F1 debut this season.Zhou Guanyu during the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen filming day on February 27, 2022.Zhou joins Alfa Romeo after finishing third in Formula Two last year and serving as a test driver for both Renault and Alpine."To be the first ever Chinese driver in F1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history," Zhou told F1. "I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more."Valtteri Bottas also joins Alfa Romeo, replacing the retired Kimi Raikkonen. His seat at Mercedes has been given to George Russell, after months of speculation, who in turn is replaced by Alexander Albon at Williams.Russell's association with Mercedes stretches back to 2017 when he joined their junior driver program. George Russell looks on from the pit during Day Two of F1 Testing in Bahrain.Following Haas' dismissal of Mazepin, Kevin Magnussen will rejoin his old team on a multi-year deal. Previously, Magnussen drove for Haas from 2017 until the end of the 2020 season.Rule changesNot since 1983 has F1 introduced such sweeping new regulations governing the designs of the cars. These new regulations aim to make overtaking easier by shifting the aerodynamic focus from the wings to underneath the car. The car's design will help to create downforce -- crucial to the performance of F1 cars, allowing the tires to continue gripping the track at extreme speeds -- by controlling the airflow around it. However, the 2021 cars lost much of their downforce when traveling behind another car. This was due to the disrupted airflow that trails behind the lead car, a phenomenon often referred to as 'dirty air.' As such, it can be difficult to overtake -- particularly on corners -- since the driver in front has a natural advantage.By redesigning the cars and shifting the principal site of aerodynamics to underneath the car, F1 hopes to reduce the impact of this 'dirty air' and facilitate overtaking. They estimate that the 2022 cars will only lose 4% of their downforce within three car lengths of the car in front and 18% within one car length. The true effects of these new regulations will only be apparent when the racing begins on Sunday, but during testing, Pierre Gasly and Hamilton provided a preview as they, briefly, drove side-by-side along the track."It was interesting also to follow and just to get some data and feeling following other cars... we kind of overtook each other a couple of times, stayed close to each other -- and it was definitely an improvement, so I think racing should be quite fun this year," Gasly told F1.What happened in testing?Preseason testing assumed added importance this year, due to the new regulations and car designs on display.Red Bull performed well, with their newly crowned world champion Verstappen setting the fastest time by nearly seven-tenths of a second on the final day of preseason testing in Bahrain.Both Ferrari drivers recorded consistently quick laps in Bahrain, suggesting their car's reliability, while Charles Leclerc set the second-fastest lap time behind Verstappen.Ferrari's Leclerc drives during the third day of Formula One preseason testing in Bahrain. Mercedes, meanwhile, unveiled a drastically different car to other teams, featuring much narrower sidepod inlets: a design that could prompt challenges, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged.Despite this, their test runs lagged someway behind Red Bull and Ferrari. Both Russell and Hamilton downplayed their chances in Bahrain, citing the car's continued issues with porpoising -- a phenomenon that occurs when a car reaches its top speed and bounces up and down on its suspension -- during testing."It's definitely bouncing around a lot from within, it's not the comfiest in all honesty," Russell said to F1. "I don't really care about comfort if the performance is there but at the moment the performance isn't there." "We are a step behind our rivals, and we do have a lot of work to do between now and next week to understand because, in every condition, the Red Bull and the Ferrari seem a step ahead of us." Last year, Mercedes' testing was also beset by issues as they completed the fewest laps of any team, but Hamilton still won the opening race in Bahrain. Similarly in 2019, Mercedes looked up to half a second off Ferrari's pace in testing and then finished one-two in the first race of the season.Still, they will need to improve drastically to challenge the preseason performances of both Ferrari and Red Bull, and such improvements may take a couple of races to implement.George Russell drives during the third day of F1 testing in Bahrain.McLaren were another team who underperformed during testing in Bahrain, plagued by braking issues. Behind the top four teams, there was little to separate the midfield in testing, with Haas, AlphaTauri, Alpine, Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo all performing relatively well. Williams struggled on Day 2 of testing in Bahrain with a brake fire but suffered no other major setbacks.'Drive to Survive'Drive to Survive has become almost synonymous with F1 in recent years; the popular documentary series on Netflix has done much to boost the sport's popularity around the world.According to ESPN, average viewing figures for Grands Prix in the US have increased since Drive to Survive was released, rising from about 547,000 in 2018 to 928,000 in 2021.The dramatic, controversial conclusion of last year's championship prompted some, including Lando Norris, to wonder if it had been manufactured for the show's benefit. Speaking to BBC Sport, James Gay-Rees -- the show's producer -- rebuffed these criticisms. "It's just people under enormous pressure making decisions in the moment," he said. "There's no way anybody was thinking: 'Will this play well on Netflix?'"The show has previously been criticized for its tendency to exaggerate interpersonal rivalries and warp timelines.Nonetheless, even if Drive to Survive does not shape the storylines throughout the season, it will shape their public perception. How to watchIn the US, ESPN is set to show every F1 race, practice and qualifying as will F1 TV Pro, the official streaming service of F1, which costs $79.99 per year. Practice for the opening race of the season -- the Bahrain Grand Prix -- begins at 8 a.m. ET on March 18, qualifying will take place on March 19 from 8 a.m. ET and the race is scheduled for March 20 at 11 a.m. ET. ESPN's full schedule for the season is available on their website. A full list of broadcasters worldwide is available on the F1 website. | 5sport
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London (CNN)Queen Elizabeth II is marking her 95th birthday in a low-key fashion at Windsor Castle, just days after the funeral of Prince Philip, her husband of 73 years. This is the British monarch's second birthday since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Born in London on April 21, 1926, Britain's longest reigning sovereign usually celebrates her birthday privately, but the occasion is marked publicly with gun salutes in Hyde Park, Windsor Great Park and at the Tower of London.That particular tradition was absent from last year's scaled-back occasion, as it will be Wednesday -- not just because of the pandemic, but because the Royal Family is officially in mourning until Friday. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wave to guests attending "The Patron's Lunch" celebrations for The Queen's 90th birthday on The Mall on June 12, 2016.In a statement released to coincide with her birthday, the Queen thanked the public for their good wishes and said she was "deeply touched" by the tributes that have poured in for the Duke of Edinburgh. Read More"I have, on the occasion of my 95th birthday today, received many messages of good wishes, which I very much appreciate," she said, adding: "While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.The Queen on her 80th birthday "My family and I would like to thank you all for the support and kindness shown to us in recent days. We have been deeply touched, and continue to be reminded that Philip had such an extraordinary impact on countless people throughout his life."On Twitter, the royal family posted an official photograph of the Queen, accompanied by the message: "HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. "This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh."Today is The Queen's 95th birthday. HM was born on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in London, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. This year The Queen remains at Windsor Castle during a period of Royal Mourning following the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/kOeH399Ndp— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2021
Despite the recent easing of some coronavirus restrictions, social distancing rules remain in place in Britain. As a result, the Queen is being attended by only a small number of staff at Windsor Castle, where she spent more than a year in a support bubble with her late husband. The Queen and Prince Philip wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the Trooping the Colour parade on June 11, 2011.Though the royals won't be permitted to spend time indoors together, British media report that some of the family are expected to join the Queen in Windsor to mark her birthday privately. In addition to her actual birthday in April, the monarch also has an official birthday -- usually the second Saturday in June. The Queen, Prince Philip and members of the royal family watch the fly-past from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Trooping The Colour ceremony on June 13, 2015.The celebrations normally feature a large-scale military procession, known as Trooping the Colour. The Queen usually appears on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her family for the occasion.Both this year's and last year's ceremonies were canceled due to the pandemic. | 3news
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London (CNN)A highly anticipated report from a commission set up by the UK government to look into racial disparities in the country has been described as a "whitewash" by campaigners after it stated that there is no evidence that the UK is institutionally racist.A short summary of the report, commissioned in the wake of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests last summer, was shared to the press ahead of its full release on Wednesday. This said that Britain is not yet a "post-racial" society, but said issues about race and racism are becoming "less important." In fact, the UK "should be regarded as a model for other White-majority countries," the summary added, pointing to shrinking ethnicity pay gaps and success of some ethnic minority groups in education and "to a lesser extent, the economy." The report itself, which is 264 pages long, has 24 recommendations, including bridging divides between the police and communities, establishing an office of health disparities, stopping the use of the term BAME (Black and minority ethnic) to help focus on disparities of specific ethnic groups, and advancing fairness in the workplace. The royals have always stayed out of politics. Now they've waded into Britain's culture warsIt calls for a new 'Making of Modern Britain' resource in response to calls for a more inclusive schooling curriculum, where children will be taught "a new story about the Caribbean experience which speaks to the slave period not only being about profit and suffering but how culturally African people transformed themselves into a re-modeled African/Britain."Read MoreThe report attributed poor outcomes for some minority groups, including educational failure and crime, "to family breakdown as one of the main reasons for poor outcomes." "Family is also the foundation stone of success for many ethnic minorities," the Commission's chairman, Tony Sewell, wrote in the report. "Another revelation from our dive into the data was just how stuck some groups from the White majority are. As a result, we came to the view that recommendations should, wherever possible, be designed to remove obstacles for everyone, rather than specific groups," he added.Campaigners said the report was politicized and failed to adequately address a number of barriers that minority groups face in the UK, from job discrimination, to being disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, or how minority ethnic frontline workers have died disproportionately during the Covid-19 pandemic. "It's a whitewash," Halima Begum, the head of race equalities think tank the Runnymede Trust, told CNN.Even the claim that the UK is a model for "White-majority countries" signals an unwillingness to acknowledge the public reckoning over institutional racism the public have been calling for, say campaigners. "There's only three countries in Europe where you can track racism: Finland, Ireland and the UK," Begum said. She explains many countries in Europe do not have disaggregated ethnicity data, which means "you actually cannot track racism and for [the commission] to say "we are a beacon" -- well the bar is very low.""It is a monumental denial of structural racial inequality in the UK, and in fact, they're denying it even exists, which is frankly appalling," said Simon Woolley, the founding director of Operation Black Vote, and who chaired the government's race disparity unit between 2018 and 2020. A 2019 Oxford University report found that Black Britons and those of South Asian origin -- particularly those with Pakistani background -- faced as much discrimination in the labor market as they did in the late 1960s and 1970s. Black mothers have worse outcomes during pregnancy or childbirth than any other ethnic group in England. CNN polling last year also found that Black people are twice as likely as White people to say they personally have not been treated with respect by British police, with half (49%) of Black people and a quarter (26%) of White people indicating that experience.The report summary said that some minorities have continued to be "haunted" by historic cases of racism, which has created "deep mistrust in the system which could prove a barrier to success."With UK police under fire, Boris Johnson pushes new bill that could end peaceful protests"This Commission finds that the big challenge of our age is not overt racial prejudice, it is building on and advancing the progress won by the struggles of the past 50 years," the report notes, adding that it could not "accept the accusatory tone of much of the current rhetoric on race, and the pessimism about what has been and what more can be achieved."It goes on to say that rising rates of hate crimes recorded by authorities is "because of improved police recording processes, and a greater awareness of what constitutes a hate crime." It says the "increased age-adjusted risk of death from COVID-19 in Black and South Asian groups has widely been reported as being due to racism" as being an example of an "overly pessimistic narratives, heightened by" the pandemic. "However many analyses have shown that the increased risk of dying from COVID-19 is mainly due to an increased risk of exposure to infection," it writes.UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the launch of the Commission on Race and Ethnic disparities last year following anti-racism protests across the country. But it was widely criticized for tasking Downing Street policy chief Munira Mirza to help set up it up. Mirza wrote in a 2017 Spectator article that an "anti-racism lobby" was peddling a "culture of grievance."Sewell's appointment was also met with controversy. Anti-racism groups accused Sewell, who heads an education charity, of minimizing the effects of racism on educational attainment. "What we now see in schools is children undermined by poor parenting, peer-group pressure and an inability to be responsible for their own behaviour. They are not subjects of institutional racism," Sewell wrote in Prospect magazine in 2010.Responding to the report, Begum said: "Johnson should look into the eyes of the families of the 64% of nurses and doctors that died in the NHS that were Black or from an ethnic minority and tell them that institutional racism doesn't exist.""Tell the parents of the boy who is six times more likely to be excluded from school because he's Black that institutional racism doesn't exist, tell the Black woman who is four times more likely to die in childbirth than her white friends that institutional racism doesn't exist," she added. In the last five years, there have been at least four reviews into structural racism in the UK -- which have included around 200 recommendations addressing deaths in custody, the criminal justice system, and the Windrush scandal. CNN's Luke McGee contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsMaria Sharapova beats Caroline Wozniacki to reach her fourth Miami Masters finalAgnieszka Radwanka defeats Marion Bartoli in match interrupted by light failuresWorld No. 1 Novak Djokovic reaches men's semifinals after beating David FerrerDjokovic's last four opponent will be Juan Monaco, who beat U.S. No. 1 Mardy FishFormer world No. 1s Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki lit up the court at the Miami Masters on Thursday, but the lights went out on Agnieszka Radwanska and Marion Bartoli in the other women's semifinal.On an eventful day at the U.S. hard-court event, four-time grand slam winner Sharapova and the in-form fifth seed Radwanska both scored impressive victories to set up a final showdown on Saturday.Second seed Sharapova let a 4-1 lead slip in the opening set of her afternoon match with Danish No. 4 Wozniacki, but battled back to secure a 4-6 6-2 6-4 win in two hours and 34 minutes.The Russian, a three-time runner up in Key Biscayne, said she almost paid the price for not keeping to her strengths."I'm a very aggressive player," the 2012 Australian Open finalist told the WTA Tour's website. "I go for my shots. I don't hesitate. "In the first set I stopped doing that a little bit, and it gave her confidence to come back and win that first set, but I'm pleased I got it back right away and managed to win today."JUST WATCHEDMichael Chang's historic French victoryReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMichael Chang's historic French victory 06:16JUST WATCHEDSearching for the next U.S. tennis aceReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSearching for the next U.S. tennis ace 04:04JUST WATCHEDOn court with Pete Sampras ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHOn court with Pete Sampras 08:03JUST WATCHEDPhilippoussis: From serving to surfingReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPhilippoussis: From serving to surfing 03:24Wozniacki, who lost top spot in the world rankings after Victoria Azarenka won January's Melbourne grand slam, was philosophical in defeat."I tried to do my best, and it just wasn't enough today," said the 21-year-old, who beat Serena Williams in the last 16. "I was very close. But this is tennis. One time you win, one time you lose."Radwanska extended her winning career record against French seventh seed Bartoli to seven matches with a 6-4 6-2 win in a clash interrupted several times by the lights going out.The Pole who was victorious in Dubai earlier this month, registered her 25th win this season, having ended world No. 1 Azarenka's 26-match winning streak in the quarterfinals."You're really focused on the match and really want to finish in two sets, then suddenly the lights go off," the 23-year-old said. "It was one of the weirdest matches I've ever played. I was just in the locker room staying focused, trying to stay warm and ready to go."Bartoli, the 2007 Wimbledon runner-up, was hampered by a hip injury during the match, but still managed to defiantly complete the match."I know how it is to be playing with injury and playing with pain, but it's always weird when someone else is struggling with it," Radwanska said. "Today she was still playing and moving very well, though. So I really had to do my 100% in the end."In the men's draw, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic survived a late rally from Spanish fifth seed David Ferrer to set up a Friday semifinal with Argentine No. 21 Juan Monaco.Having breezed through the opening set, five-time grand slam winner and defending Miami champion Djokovic was made to sweat in the second before sealing a 6-2 7-6 (7-1) success."He's like a wall on the court," the 24-year-old told the tournament's official website. "Gets a lot of balls back. He always makes you play an extra shot."I needed to play well and aggressive and step into the court from the first point. That's what I did."Monaco celebrated his 28th birthday with a comprehensive 6-1 6-3 defeat of U.S. No. 1 and eighth seed Mardy Fish.Three-time Miami runner-up Rafael Nadal will play British fourth seed Andy Murray in Friday's opening semifinal. | 5sport
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Beijing (CNN)The breakdown in US-China relations is due to some people in the United States treating China as an "imaginary enemy," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng was quoted as saying during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Monday, according to a statement provided by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Sherman arrived in the northern city of Tianjin Sunday for meetings with Xie and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as part of what her office described as ongoing US efforts to hold candid exchanges with Chinese officials to "advance US interests and values and to responsibly manage the relationship."The Chinese ministry statement, which comes ahead of Sherman's meeting with Wang, accused the US of wanting to reignite a "sense of national purpose" by orchestrating a "whole-of-government and whole-of-society" campaign to demonize and suppress China."The US seems to be demanding cooperation when it wants something from China; decoupling, cutting off supplies, blockading or sanctioning China when it believes it has advantage; and resorting to conflict and confrontation at all costs," said Xie, according to the statement. Xie was also quoted as saying the US was in "no position to lecture China on democracy and human rights," pointing to the US' historic treatment of Native Americans, and US military action.Read MoreThe US side has yet to release a statement on the meeting. The talks come more than three months after the countries' confrontational Alaska meeting in March, during which diplomats from both sides publicly exchanged barbs.JUST WATCHEDUS-China meeting breaks into tense confrontation on cameraReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHUS-China meeting breaks into tense confrontation on camera 04:53During that meeting, the first under US President Joe Biden's administration, Chinese diplomats accused the US delegation of being "condescending" in its tone, while a US official said the representatives from Beijing seemed "intent on grandstanding."In the months since Alaska, the two countries have continued to clash across a range of fronts, with the US government being highly critical of China's policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. On Friday, China announced new sanctions against seven US officials -- including former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross -- and entities in response to US sanctions against several Hong Kong government officials, according to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Speaking to CNN, Willy Lam, an adjunct professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a longtime analyst of Chinese politics, described the China-US relationship as being at an "all time low." Talks such as those between Sherman and Wang are therefore aimed at preventing the adversarial relations from worsening into direct conflict, said Lam. "Sherman said she wants to build guardrails and parameters. So that conflicts can be treated through negotiations and not through direct confrontation and conflict," said Lam. "If the negotiations go well, there might be a possibility of a face-to-face meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Italy in October," said Lam. "However, the Chinese have earlier rejected meetings between the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, and the senior official in the Chinese Central Military Commission. The Chinese have also been lukewarm about setting up a hotline. So whether that would be a top level summit between Biden and Xi remains very much in doubt," added Lam. Speaking in advance of his meeting with Sherman on Monday, Wang Yi told Hong Kong broadcaster Phoenix TV that "no country is superior to others," and China will not accept any country that assumes such a position."The US has always put pressure on others with its self-claimed strengths in a condescending manner, thinking that it is superior to others," Wang said Saturday. "But I want to tell the US side that there is never a country that is superior to others, and there shouldn't be one, and China will not accept any country boasting of its superiority."Wang's comments come in response to remarks by a US State Department spokesperson during a news briefing last Wednesday when he said Sherman would be traveling to China "from a position of strength.""If the United States has not learned how to get along with other countries on an equal footing by today, then it is our responsibility, together with the international community, to give the United States a good lesson in this regard," Wang added. | 3news
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Rome (CNN)Italian authorities have announced sweeping closures in the country's north as they scramble to contain Europe's biggest outbreak of the novel coronavirus.Italy's confirmed cases surged from three on Friday morning to more than 200 by Monday. The majority of coronavirus infections are concentrated in mainland China (with more than 77,100 cases), followed by Japan (840) and South Korea (833). Italy's spike now marks the biggest outbreak outside of Asia.Five people have died and at least 219 others have been infected with the virus in Italy, Angelo Borrelli, head of the country's Civil Protection agency, said at a Monday news conference. The bulk of the cases (167) are in the northern region of Lombardy, whose capital is the city of Milan. Read MoreBorrelli added that one person had recovered and that 91 people with the virus were currently in isolation at home.From one-time Chinese capital to coronavirus epicenter, Wuhan has a long history that the West had forgottenOfficials have yet to track down the first carrier of the virus in the country. "We still cannot identify patient zero, so it's difficult to forecast possible new cases," Borrelli said at an earlier press conference. Strict emergency measures were put in place over the weekend, including a ban on public events in at least 10 municipalities, after a spike in confirmed cases in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza announced severe restrictions in the affected regions, which included the closure of public buildings, limited transport, and the surveillance and quarantine of individuals who may have been exposed to the virus."We are asking basically that everyone who has come from areas stricken by the epidemic to remain under a mandatory house stay," Speranza said at a Saturday press conference.Nearby countries within the borderless Schengen Area that covers most of western Europe have gotten jittery over the spike in Italy's numbers. A train from Italy was stopped at the Austrian border on Sunday evening when two German women on board reported fever symptoms, public broadcaster ORF said. The train was let through after the women tested negative for the virus. Austrian authorities said they would meet on Monday to study the situation and analyze if border controls with Italy were necessary. Sports and fashion affectedItaly's top soccer league, Serie A, canceled at least four matches scheduled to be played in Lombardy and Veneto regions. Atalanta versus Sassuolo, Hellas Verona versus Cagliari, Torino versus Parma, and Inter Milan versus Sampdoria were suspended, according to Serie A's website on Sunday. The country's fashion capital, Milan, announced it would close its schools starting Monday for a week. School trips inside and outside Italy were also being canceled from Sunday, according to a statement by Italy's Ministry of Education. Healthy Wuhan residents say they were forced into mass coronavirus quarantine, risking infectionThe spike in numbers has also affected the end of Milan Fashion Week. Fashion houses Giorgio Armani and Laura Biagiotti confirmed to CNN that they will be holding Sunday's fashion shows with no spectators and behind closed doors. Venice Carnival is being suspended in the face of the outbreak, Luca Zaia, the governor of the Veneto region, announced Sunday. Two of the region's 25 cases occurred in Venice, the popular tourist destination whose carnival celebrations attract visitors from across the world.Zaia also announced a ban on public and private meetings, and closures of schools, universities and museums in the region. "We ask for the cooperation of all citizens. It's not an easy moment. But, with the data we have today, we can still hope to limit the contagion," Zaia said. As worries grow in Italy's north, authorities in the country's south put a migrant rescue ship in quarantine in Sicily, the interior ministry said Sunday.The Ocean Viking, which has 274 migrants aboard who were rescued at sea, is quarantined in Pozzallo, Sicily, along with the ship's crew.'Window of opportunity is narrowing'The situation has raised fears about the spike in cases outside mainland China among people with no connection to China or the city of Wuhan -- ground zero for the outbreak.World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Saturday that there was still a chance to contain the virus beyond China, "but the window of opportunity is narrowing.""Although the total number of cases outside China remains relatively small, we are concerned about the number of cases with no clear epidemiological link, such as travel history to China or contact with a confirmed case," he said.The increase in cases in Iran, South Korea and Italy "is also a matter of concern and how the virus is now spreading to other parts of the world," Tedros added.CNN's Barbie Nadeau contributed to this report. | 3news
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(CNN)A Chicago Blackhawks statue outside of the professional hockey team's downtown arena was vandalized early Monday with splashes of bright paint across a likeness of the team's mascot and an indigenous rights phrase near its base. Photos of the vandalism were first posted on Twitter by an account with the username @zhigaagoong, which calls for "no racist mascots" in its account description. Local activists have said zhigaagoong is the indigenous name for Chicago.Washington's football team to call itself Washington Football Team until it settles on a new nameThe Twitter photos show different angles of splashed paint and phrases painted around its base. Among the slogans was "Land Back," a rallying cry used by indigenous people to fight for land reclamation and protest against development projects.The Chicago Police Department confirmed the incident, telling CNN "four offenders vandalized the property (statue) at the listed address with red paint." "The area has been cleaned already" and "no one is in custody," the CPD said, adding that "detectives are investigating."Read MoreThe structure, which stands outside Chicago's United Center, is "currently under a tarp for protection and will be sent off to be repaired in the near future," the Blackhawks said in a statement to The Athletic.CNN reached out to the team for comment but has yet to hear back.The vandalism came on Columbus Day, which, in a number of states and cities -- but not Chicago -- is also Indigenous Peoples' Day. Some Illinois legislators have attempted to get the state to follow suit. Lori Lightfoot, the city's mayor, ordered a number of Columbus statues removed earlier this year but said she didn't support canceling the holiday altogether.A controversial logoFor years, the Blackhawks logo has been the subject of criticism and controversy and there have been growing calls for it to be abolished amid a wider national conversation on race.Chicago's American Indian Center said in a statement last year it would be cutting "professional ties with the Blackhawks, or any other organization that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.""We see this as necessary to sustain a safe, welcoming environment for members of our community as well as protecting our cultural identity and traditions," the statement said.While the Blackhawks said this summer they would stay committed to their name and logo -- which is a nod to the iconic Native American war leader Black Hawk -- the team did ban the wearing of headdresses inside the arena.Other professional sports teams have faced similar calls to take action.In July, the NFL's Washington, DC, franchise decided to change its Redskins name and logo after what the team called a "thorough review." Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves meanwhile, are sticking with their team name, but are reviewing the fan's "Tomahawk Chop" rallying cry.CNN's Aleks Klosok contributed to this story. | 5sport
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Story highlightsItalian, German, U.K. and Irish ships also involved in the massive migrant rescue operationU.N. spokesman: Weather is good and no accidents or deaths have been reportedAid worker says some boats had about 560 people packed in them (CNN)European naval ships rushed Saturday across the Mediterranean toward Libya to try to help thousands of migrants stranded at sea, the latest evidence of Europe's alarming immigration crisis.About a dozen ships from several countries, along with at least one private ship, were involved in rescue operations at four locales, said an Italian coast guard officer. They moved into action after the first distress calls came in early Saturday, U.N. Refugee Agency spokesman William Spindler said.As of 11 p.m. (5 p.m. ET), an estimated 3,480 people had been rescued, according to the Italian Coast Guard officer, though that didn't mean many more people weren't still stuck and in danger."Weather and sea conditions are relatively good, and so far there have been no reports of accidents or of people dead or missing at sea," Spindler said.Over 500 people packed on a boatRead MoreVessels from Italy, Great Britain, Germany and Ireland were involved in the rescues, officials said.Ian Ruggier, a member of the humanitarian group Migrant Offshore Aid Station, was on one of the rescue boats. He reported about 2,400 people being rescued off five boats -- four with about 560 migrants each, plus one smaller boat -- roughly 28 nautical miles (32 miles) off the coast of Libya.Some rescue ships turned up with rescued migrants already on board, according to Ruggier. That's what happened with one German naval vessel that picked up 301 migrants from an unreported vessel as the German ship was on the way to the larger rescue scene, a spokesman for Bundeswehr Joint Forces Operations Command said.The German ships went to the main site and found seven packed boats -- far more than they expected -- according to the spokesman for the command, which is part of Germany's military.Why migrants head to MediterraneanThe Italian Interior Ministry reported that several of its own ships were involved, including from its coast guard and navy. The Italian rescue vessels are expected to arrive during the night at the island of Lampedusa.The British Navy dispatched one of its own ships, the HMS Bulwark, to the area, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.The HMS Bulwark had two helicopters onboard moved toward the migrants at a top speed of 17 knots (20 mph), according to the ministry. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon had been on the Royal Navy vessel at some point recently, though it was unclear if he was still there Saturday.One Irish naval vessel was involved in the efforts, Spinder and Ruggier said.Risking death at sea over death at homeEurope dealing with immigration crisisThe prospect of migrants being in jeopardy in the Mediterranean is serious but hardly surprising. People from impoverished and wartorn countries such as Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea have been taking to the sea to reach Europe in especially large numbers of late, often putting their fates in the hands of smugglers. Many times they haven't made it. Hundreds of migrants died in April when their crammed 66-foot (20-meter) boat capsized roughly 70 miles (113 kilometers) north of Libya. That got a lot of news coverage, but it didn't stop the carnage -- including dozens feared drowned after falling into the Mediterranean Sea last month as a rescue vessel approached, according to the aid organization Save the Children. Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the Mediterranean Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanCNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour was onboard an Italian Navy vessel Wednesday as it rescued hundreds of desperate African refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean SeaHide Caption 1 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanA sigh of relief: Women and children sleep on the deck of the Sfinge, an Italian Minerva-class warship -- "sfinge" is Italian for "sphinx" -- after being rescued.Producer Dominique van Heerden took these photos after the CNN team helicoptered in from the Italian island of Lampedusa.Hide Caption 2 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanEveryone who participated rescue had to suit up in full protective gear in case any of the refugees and migrants were carrying diseases -- that rule was no different for Amanpour.Hide Caption 3 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanAmanpour speaks with migrants, almost all from Eritrea, onboard the Sfinge.Tens of thousands of migrants have attempted the perilous journey across the Mediterranean this year, and at least 1,826 have died, according to the International Organization for Migration, many times more than had perished during the same period last year.Hide Caption 4 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanThere were some 290 people onboard the rescued boat, including 35 children, Amanpour reported.One man was dead by the time the Navy got to the boat, and three were so ill that they were helicoptered to Lampedusa for urgent care.Hide Caption 5 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanA woman shields her five-year-old child from the intense Mediterranean sun onboard the Sfinge.Hide Caption 6 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanThe Italian Navy spotted the medium-sized wooden boat that carried the refugees and migrants some 85 miles from Lampedusa.Hide Caption 7 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanThe rescuers know that beautiful weather on the Mediterranean means it will be a busy day, as hundreds of people set off from the North African coast -- mainly Libya -- bound for European shores.Hide Caption 8 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanSurrounded by water with nothing to drink: Dehydration can be a serious problem for those who attempt the sea crossing. Here, a man drinks after being brought onboard by the Italian Navy.Hide Caption 9 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanRescuing the migrants is an "extraordinarily complex process," Amanpour reported."It takes quite a long time to rescue boat of 300 people. They have to check, they have to make sure that there's nothing hostile on board.""Then all the naval personnel suit up in white hazardous material suits with masks and gloves -- we all had to do the same thing -- in order to make sure that you don't get contaminated by any potential disease."Hide Caption 10 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanThe only way to communicate with the outside world from the middle of the sea is satellite phone. Here, Amanpour stands on the bridge of the frigate Virginio Fasan while she speaks with CNN's Hala Gorani.Hide Caption 11 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanAmanpour speaks with Rear Admiral Pierpaolo Ribuffo, Deputy Commander of Italian Navy and commander in charge of the Taskforce Operation Mare Sicuro, onboard the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan.Hide Caption 12 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanAmanpour speaks with Marco Bagni, commanding officer of the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan.Hide Caption 13 of 14 Photos: Amanpour joins migrant rescue operation in the MediterraneanThe sun sets over the Sfinge rescue ship.Hide Caption 14 of 14The United Nations estimates that, as of the end of May, almost 90,000 refugees and migrants had crossed the Mediterranean into Europe so far this year. Just over half of them landed in Italy with roughly 42,000 in Greece and the rest recorded in places like Spain and Malta. Spindler, the U.N. spokesman, added that about 1,850 had died or went missing at sea.Italian authorities noted that it's too early to tell if Saturday's efforts will break any records for the number of rescued migrants."We recently had around 5,000 rescued migrants in a day," said the Italian Coast Guard officer. "Today ... figures might be much higher."68 migrants found locked in containers at UK port | 3news
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(CNN)Just days after meeting with the family of a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade on Wednesday visited the school in Parkland, Florida.Wade spoke with students "about some important/impactful things that they have planned," the NBA guard tweeted. I just had a great conversation with some of the students at Stoneman Douglas High School about some important/impactful things that they have planned. I'm looking forward to being more involved in the change that they WILL create. #MSDStrong 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾— DWade (@DwyaneWade) March 7, 2018
"These young adults GET IT," Wade continued. "They understand the power of their voices for the ones that often go unheard!"Students and staff also tweeted about Wade's stop at the school.Greatest moment of my life. You're the 🐐 @DwyaneWade #HeatLifer #MSDstrong #NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/RM0IS9Hpjx— Joey Pelose (@JPelose22) March 7, 2018
When @DwyaneWade pulls up to your school! pic.twitter.com/tc6W7xd7i1— Chad Williams (@chad_williams05) March 7, 2018
A selfie of A D Wade selfie #StonemanDouglasHS pic.twitter.com/c9smf4b2HL— Dr. Rosalind Osgood (@ReverendRos) March 7, 2018 NBA player Dwyane Wade gets emotional over school shooting victim buried in his jerseyWade also has shared with his 7.8 million followers retweets of messages by Parkland student Emma González, who emerged as a leader of the burgeoning pro-gun control youth movement that erupted after the school rampage. Read MoreWhen Wade, who is in his second stint with the Heat after he was traded earlier this season from the Cavaliers, learned that Joaquin Oliver, one of 17 people killed in the shooting, was buried in a Wade Heat jersey, the NBA star dedicated the rest of the season to the teen."This is why we will not just SHUT up and dribble!" Wade said in a tweet on February 26, adding in another: "It's way BIGGER than basketball. We are the voices for the people that don't get to be heard."This is Joaquin Oliver. He was one of the 17 young lives that were lost tragically at Douglas HighSchool in Parkland. Joaquin was one of many that i heard was excited about my return to Miami and yesterday was buried in my jersey. This is why we will not just SHUT up and dribble! pic.twitter.com/X0tfTTao33— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 26, 2018 It's way BIGGER than basketball. We are the voices for the people that don't get to be heard. Joaquin Oliver may you Rest In Peace and i dedicate my return and the rest of this Miami Heat season to you. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 26, 2018 Dwyane Wade warms up on March 3, 2018, in shoes bearing the name of a Parkland victim.The day after Wade made that dedication, he hit a game-winning jumper to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 102-101 in Miami. The night Wade hit the shot, he wore shoes with Oliver's name written on them. Wade met Saturday with Oliver's family, hosting them at Miami's game against the Detroit Pistons. Wade gave the family a jersey and custom sneakers with Oliver's name and the Stoneman Douglas High School logo on them.Dwyane Wade's clutch step-back go-ahead jumper! #HEATCulture pic.twitter.com/SeOzfPMvUU— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2018 During the National Anthem, Wade stood with Oliver's sister. "I'm thankful they came to the game," Wade told the Sun Sentinel newspaper. "I'm thankful I got a chance just to talk to them and tell them my appreciation and also to let them know we will continue to use our voice, continue to shine the light on what they're talking about and what they're going through and what they're dealing with. Because it's not just happening to them. It's happening to all of us, and it could be any one of us." | 5sport
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Story highlightsRacism in Italian football is a complex issue, highlighting different attitudes"Ultra" fan groups admit targeting their clubs' black opponents with racial abuseAnti-racism group says official figures about racist incidents are not accurateAcademic urges football authorities to take stronger action against racist offendersHardcore Italian football "ultra" Federico is a Lazio supporter who happily admits directing monkey chants at black players.It is "a means to distract opposition players" says Federico, a member of the Irriducibili ("The Unbeatables") group which follows the Rome-based team."I am against anyone who calls me a Nazi," Federico told academic Alberto Testa, who spent time "embedded" with Lazio and Roma ultras for the book "Football, Fascism and Fandom: The UltraS of Italian Football," co-authored by Gary Armstrong."What I do not like is people who come to my country and commit crimes; Albanians and Romanians are destroying Rome with their camps," Federico adds."But I'm not a racist. One day, I was waiting in my car at the traffic lights and, as usual, there was a young female gypsy who was trying to clean the car windscreen and was asking for money.Read: Time for football to tackle racism epidemic?"Suddenly municipal police officers started to mistreat the girl. I jumped out of my car and almost kicked his arse. I hate injustice."JUST WATCHEDBoateng: We can't ignore racismReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBoateng: We can't ignore racism 04:34JUST WATCHEDHayatou: Good example key against racismReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHayatou: Good example key against racism 03:28JUST WATCHEDJuventus midfielder: Stop racismReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHJuventus midfielder: Stop racism 00:51There is nothing black and white about Italian football.Racist abuse has provided the backdrop to the Serie A season, with the latest incident -- not for the first time -- involving AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli, who was targeted by visiting Roma fans throughout a match at the San Siro Stadium in May.In the second half referee Gianluca Rocchi called the game to a halt for a few minutes, having warned the crowd via the public address system.Days after his return to Serie A earlier in 2013, following his move from Manchester City to AC Milan, Italy-born Balotelli was referred to by his new club's vice president Paulo Berlusconi -- the younger brother of the team's owner and the former Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi -- as "the family's little black boy."That remark came after, in what appeared to be an innocuous friendly match against fourth tier Italian side Pro Patria last month, Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng picked up the ball and kicked it into the stands before tearing off his black-and-red striped shirt and walking off in protest at the persistent monkey chanting to which he and three of his black teammates had been subjected.In the aftermath of Boateng's walkout, Italian interior minister Annamaria Cancellieri told Radio 24 that if only a small group of fans were involved in racist chanting, games should not be suspended, but if "a significant part of the fans take part" the game should be stopped "by those responsible for public order."Read: African football chief against walkoffs in racism incidentsAs Italy grapples with how best to confront racism, it is worth remembering it's not the only country working out a solution as to how to deal with the problem.Neo-Nazis and neo-Fascists This season, matches across Europe have been punctuated by repeated racist outbursts, which have led to calls for world governing body FIFA and European counterpart UEFA to show greater leadership and impose harsher sanctions.Amid the monkey chants and racial stereotyping, there are no easy answers to the question of just how prevalent is the incidence of racist abuse in Italian football.According to the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Feburary, there have been 50 incidents in Italy of racist abuse over the last six years. Of those 50 cases, 48 relate to racist chanting, with two relating to abusive banners. "And the total of violent episodes diminished from 209 to 60 and the majority of them happened outside the football venues," FIGC spokesman Diego Antenozio told CNN."The introduction of stewarding has also reduced the need of intervention by police officers inside the venues significantly."JUST WATCHEDSpeaking out against racism in footballReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHSpeaking out against racism in football 02:20JUST WATCHEDIsraeli football club faces fan backlashReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIsraeli football club faces fan backlash 02:39JUST WATCHEDFormer Polish striker condemns racismReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHFormer Polish striker condemns racism 03:09Read: Boateng makes racism walkout vowHowever, talk to the head of Italy's Observatory on Racism and Anti-racism in Football, Mauro Valeri, who has been monitoring racism in Italian football for over a decade, and a different picture emerges.His organization estimates there have been over 660 racial incidents since 2000 and puts the number since 2007 at 282, nearly six times as much as the FIGC figure. In all, fines of $5 million have been handed out as punishment in those 660-plus cases, equating to a fine of $7,500 per incident."The numbers I record relate to the decision that the judge takes in the sports court and lays down fines and any disqualifications. The FIGC figures concern the criminal law," said Valeri."So in the Boateng case the sports court ruled that Pro Patria had to play the game ... 'behind closed doors' and were fined $6,689. "But the ordinary court -- the criminal law -- has instead decided that those songs were not racist. For me it's racism, for the Ministry of the Interior, no."Valeri added: "In Italy, no club has a real anti-racist strategy, because it believes the fight against racism is not a priority.Read: Blatter insists FIFA will hit racists hard"Since the early 1990s, many curves of the stadium have been occupied by neo-Nazi and neo-Fascist groups, but this problem has been addressed only as a problem of public order."That is a view that is supported by Italian football writer Charles Ducksbury, a fan of Verona, who added: "The ultra still, and always will hold all the power at clubs. They choose what is sung, what everyone does and how they do it. "Stewards and police hardly ever enter the curve as they would most likely get beaten up. Ultras say if the authorities stay out the curve, there won't be any problems. Almost all trouble happens outside the ground anyway, so that's where police tend to hang around."Time warpWhile Boateng walked off, former Netherlands international Edgar Davids, who played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan as well as Juventus, said he felt it was important to show that racist abuse did not affect him as a player during the many years of his career he spent in Italy.JUST WATCHEDMourinho on the enigma of BalotelliReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMourinho on the enigma of Balotelli 01:35JUST WATCHEDFootball pioneer on racist abuse ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHFootball pioneer on racist abuse 01:41JUST WATCHEDPFA chairman: Serbia should be banned ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPFA chairman: Serbia should be banned 01:15"You would have a problem in certain areas," Davids told CNN. "But you are a professional, you have an obligation to your team. My opinion was I'm a professional and the smartest way is to play so good that you make them even angrier. "It is also about ignorance, a fear of the unknown. If you are interested in different cultures, it's normal. "If you're not, you don't understand that concept. It is not only in Italy and it is not the whole of Italy. It was only certain teams you played, but 80-90% I didn't have a problem in Italy," added Davids, though Valeri's analysis suggests the problem is much more widespread.Read: U.S. star Altidore suffers racist abuseIf football, race and politics make for a combustible mix in Italy, it is also arguable that the standard of the country's stadia is not helping.While English football was forced to grapple with extensive stadium renovation to improve facilities for fans due to recommendations made by Lord Justice Taylor after the deadly crowd disasters at Hillsborough and Heysel in the 1980s, Italian football was left in a time warp. "I really don't believe that Italian football has learned the lessons of Heysel and Hillsborough, or at least hasn't implemented any tangible changes at anything like the pace required," said another Italian football writer Adam Digby."While the Taylor report and formation of the Premier League put English football at the forefront of fan safety and gave it ultra-modern stadia almost throughout the league, Serie A still plays host to a number of ancient, decrepit grounds."Many are still those built for Italia '90 with places such as Verona's Bentegodi and the San Paolo in Naples particularly poor on both counts. "The problems extend to a lack of quality stewarding and lax ticket security while the ultras bring even greater problems to the situation."Read: Lazio fans charged with racist behaviorOwen Neilson, who is writing a book about Italian football stadia -- "Stadio: The Life and Death of Italian Football" -- concurs that the lack of stadium redevelopment has held back Italian football. Of Serie A's big clubs, only Juventus has built a new stadium, he notes. JUST WATCHEDTerry cleared of racial abuse during gameReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTerry cleared of racial abuse during game 03:22JUST WATCHEDRacism concerns at Euro 2012ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRacism concerns at Euro 2012 04:26"The modernity of the stadia is the central issue to declining attendances -- families do not want to sit in the cold, unfriendly surroundings," said Neilson."In my opinion the league needs to harness to new stadiums to help maximize Serie A's re-emergence."So what's the solution?"The FIGC makes a relevant anti-racism activity both in the national and international domain according to the UEFA policy and guidelines, and is member of anti-discrimination organization Football against Racism in Europe," said the Italian Football Federation in its statement to CNN."Specific guidelines are part of National License Club System's requirements, as are the anti-racism initiatives that are made through FIGC Youth & School Department to involve 860,000 young footballers."But as Italian historian John Foot, author of the authoritative book on Italian football "Calcio" points out: "The Italian authorities have been all over the place on racism for a long time." Racist chantsValeri, meanwhile, urged the FIGC to donate the racism fines it recoups from the clubs for initiatives against racism, as does UEFA in its work with FARE."Any solution has to revolve around the football authorities," added Professor Clifford Stott, who has advised governments and police forces internationally on crowd management policy and practice.Stott calls on FIFA and UEFA to do more. "The FIGC, FIFA and UEFA must empower fan-based initiatives that are capable of creating a culture of self-regulation. The anti-racism agenda has come a long way in the last decades."By walking off Kevin-Prince and his fellow players have forced the agenda. The high-level political support for his action now means this might happen again, but this time during a much higher profile game -- perhaps even in the Champions League. The authorities have to react to this potential." But Stott also warned against an indiscriminate reaction by the authorities."We have learned a great deal about crowd management since the Heysel disaster, and there must be recognition that it is not appropriate or constructive to sanction whole crowds," he said."The approach to security must be capable of differentiating between those fans that are acting illegally and those fans that are not. Failure to recognize this and to react indiscriminately runs a very real danger of escalating not reducing the problems." | 5sport
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(CNN)Homeowners saw massive increases in wealth over the past decade, but most of the gains went to the wealthiest US households. As home prices soared, housing wealth increased by $8.2 trillion over a decade, rising to $24.1 trillion in 2020 from $15.9 trillion in 2010, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. But low- and middle-income households saw a smaller share of the gains. While a majority (71%) of the wealth accumulation went to high-income earners, middle-income households saw only 26%, and low-income households saw just 4%.Home prices skyrocketed last year. Two regions saw the biggest increasesIn addition, home prices have appreciated so rapidly in some metro areas that new low- and middle-income buyers are priced out of the market entirely.Phoenix saw the biggest price increase over the decade, that concluded at the end of 2021, with a 275% increase. It was followed by Atlanta; Las Vegas; Cape Coral, Florida; and the towns of Riverside and San Bernardino in California, all of which had increases of more than 200%.Read More"These escalating home values were no doubt beneficial to homeowners and home sellers," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. "However, as these markets flourish, middle-income wage earners face increasingly difficult affordability issues and are regrettably being priced out of the home-buying process." Benefits of homeownershipHomeownership is often the leading source of wealth among families, and its benefits can be powerful."Owning a home continues to be a proven method for building long-term wealth," said Yun. "Home values generally grow over time, so homeowners begin the wealth-building process as soon as they make a down payment and move to pay down their mortgage." The Black homeownership rate is now lower than it was a decade agoFor example, if you bought a typical single-family home 10 years ago for the median price of $162,600, you're likely to have accumulated $229,400 in housing wealth, according to NAR. Though the middle-class homeownership rate fell overall, the number of middle-income homeowners increased in over half of the 917 metro areas in NAR's analysis. In order to determine which areas had a rising middle class, NAR looked for housing markets that had the greatest growth in middle income, owner-occupied homes between 2010 and 2020. Researchers defined a middle-class household as one earning an income of more than 80% to 200% of the area median income.The top 10 cities with increasing middle-income households during that decade were Phoenix; Austin; Nashville; Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Orlando; Portland, Oregon; Seattle and Tampa. "Middle-income households in these growing markets have seen phenomenal gains in price appreciation," said Yun. "Given the rapid migration and robust job growth in these areas, I expect these markets to continue to see impressive price gains."Challenges for middle- and low-income buyersBut there were also several large cities that saw a drop in middle-class households over the past decade. These include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, and Philadelphia. In these and other cities where home prices are rapidly rising, middle- and low-income buyers have struggled to get into the market.Low-income homeowners comprised a smaller fraction of all homeowners in 2020, at just 27%, the NAR research found, down from 38% in 2010. How much house can I afford? While middle-income homeowners increased in number over the decade, they represented a smaller share of homeowners in 2020, at 43%, down from 45.5% in 2010. The share of high-income homeowners grew, rising to 30%, up from 16.4% in 2010. That is 11.1 million more high-income households in 2020 compared to 2010."Homeownership is rewarding in so many ways and can serve as a vital component in achieving financial stability," said Leslie Rouda Smith, a real estate agent from Plano, Texas, and a broker associate at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate in Dallas, who is the NAR President. "Now, we must focus on increasing access to safe, affordable housing and ensuring that more people can begin to amass and pass on the gains from homeownership." | 0business
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Story highlightsManchester City stay five points clear after Saturday's 12th round of EPL matchesCity end third-placed Newcastle's unbeaten start with a 3-1 home victorySecond-placed Manchester United stay in touch with a 1-0 win at SwanseaRobin van Persie's double against Norwich puts Arsenal in sixth placeManchester City may have announced losses of more than $300 million for last season, but the English club's massive investment in players is paying off on the pitch.Roberto Mancini's men remained five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday after ending the unbeaten run of third-placed Newcastle with a 3-1 home victory.That briefly put City eight points clear, but second-placed defending champions Manchester United stayed in touch with a 1-0 win at Swansea in the late kickoff, halting the Welsh side's unbeaten home record.While City's record deficit casts doubt over the club's ability to adhere to UEFA's financial fairplay rules, Saturday's win -- the 11th in 12 rounds -- was a timely tune-up for the midweek trip to Italy.Mario Balotelli coolly sidefooted in a 41st-minute penalty after Ryan Taylor handled the ball, then the Newcastle fullback's error allowed City defender Micah Richards to double the lead before halftime.Sergio Aguero came off the bench to net a 72nd-minute penalty after Richards was fouled by Hatem Ben Arfa, having also scored for Argentina in Tuesday's World Cup qualifying win against Colombia.Dan Gosling scored a late consolation for the Magpies, who will lose third place on goal difference if Chelsea win at home to seventh-placed Liverpool on Sunday. Tottenham, in fifth with two games in hand, can also move onto 25 points with victory against visiting Aston Villa on Monday.City's focus is now Tuesday's Champions League trip to Napoli, which will have a big bearing on the club's hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of Europe's top competition."The feeling is good for Napoli. The team has improved a lot in the Champions League," Mancini said. "But I know what we will find in Naples, they are playing very well at home."If we want to win there, then we will have to play better than this afternoon."Manchester United will also need to improve at home to Portuguese side Benfica on Tuesday after battling to beat promoted Swansea, with striker Javier Hernandez scoring a close-range winner in the 11th minute after a low cross by veteran Ryan Giggs."They have a great home record so we had to make sure we defended well, and I think we did that," manager Alex Ferguson said."We maybe should have done better with the chances we did get on the counter-attack and near the end we could have had a couple of chances, but it was a good result."Arsenal moved up to sixth, also on 22 points but having played two more matches than London rivals Spurs, after winning 2-1 at promoted Norwich, who dropped to 11th.Dutch striker Robin Van Persie continued his hot scoring run with a double that took him to a league-leading 13 this season after Steve Morison gave Norwich a 16th-minute advantage following poor defending by Germany international Per Mertesacker.Queens Park Rangers moved up to ninth with a 3-2 win at Stoke, as striker Heidar Helguson scored twice before the home side were denied a late penalty chance to equalize when Joey Barton brought down Robert Huth but no foul was given.West Brom claimed 10th place with a 2-1 win that left Bolton in the bottom three, while Everton moved up to 12th after beating visiting Wolverhampton by the same score.Sunderland and Fulham joined Wolves on 11 points after a 0-0 draw, with all three clubs hovering hovering above the relegation zone.The bottom two teams Wigan and Blackburn Rovers drew 3-3 in a fiery derby that ended with Yakubu leveling with a penalty nine minutes into time added on. It was the Nigerian striker's second goal of the day for 10-man Blackburn, having netted the opener after only 68 seconds -- his 100th in the English league.Rovers had David Dunn sent off for a second yellow card three minutes after the break, but Junior Hoilett made it 2-2 on the hour despite teammate Morten Gamst Pedersen appearing to pass the ball to himself from a corner. | 5sport
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(CNN)A California man who had symbols linked to the extremist Boogaloo movement pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges related to a 2020 "drive-by shooting" outside a federal building complex in Oakland, the US Department of Justice said in a news release Friday.Steven Carrillo, who was an active-duty staff sergeant stationed at Travis Air Force Base at the time of the shooting, admitted his actions resulted in the death of Dave Patrick Underwood, a federal protective services officer, while another officer was injured, the Justice Department said.Carrillo, 33, "admitted that he aligned himself with an anti-government movement and wanted to carry out violent acts against federal law enforcement officers." the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California said in the release, adding Carrillo "regularly discussed and encouraged violence against law enforcement." Carrillo acknowledged he got into a van with another individual and surveilled protests over the killing of George Floyd, the federal complex, and the surrounding area on May 29, 2020, according to the Justice Department statement.A man allegedly linked to the Boogaloo movement accused of going to a BLM protest with a homemade machine gun to kill copsWhile the other person drove the van, Carrillo opened the rear passenger-side sliding door and shot approximately 19 bullets at the officers, killing one officer and injuring another.Read MoreCiting a plea agreement, the US Attorney's Office said the federal government will not seek the death penalty. Prosecutors recommended a 41-year prison sentence as well as "a lifetime term of supervised release."Judge Gonzalez Rogers of the US District Court for the Northern District of California has scheduled proceedings to determine whether to accept the plea agreement.Carrillo's attorney did not respond to CNN's request for a comment. Carrillo is also the suspect in the June 6, 2020 death of a Santa Cruz County, California, sheriff's deputy, Sheriff Jim Hart said in June. Carrillo pleaded not guilty to murder charges in that case.At that time, US Attorney David Anderson said Carrillo had symbols linked to the Boogaloo movement.During the 2020 shootout with Santa Cruz sheriff's deputies, Carrillo used his own blood to write Boogaloo phrases on a vehicle he allegedly carjacked while trying to flee, Anderson said, describing evidence found in the case.The Boogaloo Bois or Boys are an emerging incarnation of extremism that seems to defy easy categorization. Boogaloo members appear to hold conflicting ideological views, with some identifying as anarchists and others rejecting formal titles. Some pockets of the group have espoused White supremacy while others reject it.Carrillo was a team leader for the Phoenix Raven, a highly trained security team that guards US Air Force aircraft in high-terrorist and high-crime areas overseas, according to US Department of Defense records.He served in Kuwait, Texas and Utah.CNN's Cheri Mossburg, Theresa Waldrop and Barbara Starr contributed to this report. | 3news
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(CNN)Rappers Jay-Z and Meek Mill have joined with sports and business leaders to try and reform the criminal justice system.The pair were on hand Wednesday at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York to announce the formation of the REFORM Alliance, an organization that aims to reduce the number of people serving unjust parole and probation sentences.In addition to Jay-Z and Mill, the founding partners include Philadelphia 76ers co-owner and Fanatics executive chairman Michael Rubin, Kraft Group CEO and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Brooklyn Nets co-owner and philanthropic investor Clara Wu Tsai, Third Point LLC CEO and founder Daniel S. Loeb, Galaxy Digital CEO and founder Michael E. Novogratz, and Vista Equity Partners founder, chairman and CEO Robert F. Smith.The group has pledged $50 million to launch the organization and hired CNN political commentator Van Jones as CEO.Jones said in a statement that the job "is the opportunity of a lifetime."Read More"I have spent my entire adult life preparing myself to help lead an initiative of this magnitude," he said. "I'm looking forward to working with this powerful group of founders to disrupt the status quo and shift the criminal justice system landscape for generations to come."Both Jay-Z and Mill have been outspoken in their advocacy for criminal justice reform.In 2017 Mill received a 2- to 4-year prison sentence for violating probation on a 2008 gun and drug case. He was arrested in 2017 after being involved in a fight and then again in another incident that involved him popping wheelies on a dirt bike. The #FreeMeekMill movement resulted in his release after five months in prison and shone a light on what critics said was the excessive nature of the rapper's original sentence of a decade on probation. Meek Mill on prison reform: 'We are trapped inside of a system'Since then, Mill has taken up the fight to make sure others don't receive a similarly harsh sentence. "I got caught up in the system and every time I started to further my life with the music industry ... every year or two it was something that brought me back to ground zero, and it was probation," Mill said during Wednesday's press conference to announce the alliance. Jay-Z was one of several celebs who rallied around Mill while he was jailed. In November, Jay-Z wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times in which he took up the fight for justice for Mill and said the criminal justice system "stalks black people." Jay-Z takes on criminal justice reform in wake of Meek Mill sentenceOn Wednesday he said the pair had grown up in an environment where they witnessed the unevenness of such a system when it comes to people of color. "We want to be very clear, if someone commits a crime they should go to jail," Jay-Z said. "But these things are just disproportionate and the whole world knows it." | 1entertainment
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(CNN)France will ban plastic packaging for nearly all fruit and vegetables from January 2022 in a bid to reduce plastic waste, the environment ministry said on Monday.Implementing a February 2020 law, the government published a list of about 30 fruits and vegetables that will have to be sold without plastic packaging from January 1. The list includes leeks, aubergines and round tomatoes as well as apples, bananas and oranges."We use an outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives. The circular economy law aims at cutting back the use of throwaway plastic and boost its substitution by other materials or reusable and recyclable packaging," the ministry said in a statement.It estimated that 37% of fruit and vegetables are sold with packaging and expects that the measure will prevent more than one billion useless plastic packaging items per year.French fruit sellers federation president Francois Roch said switching to cardboard will be difficult in such a short time.Read More"Also, selling loose produce is complicated as many customers touch the fruit and people do not want their fruit to be touched by other customers," she said.Half of single-use plastic waste produced by just 20 companiesThe packaging ban is part of a multi-year government program to phase out plastic. From 2021, France banned plastic straws, cups and cutlery, as well as styrofoam takeaway boxes.Cut fruits and a limited number of delicate fruits and vegetables can still be sold with plastic packaging for now but that will be phased out by end June 2026.Plastic packaging will be banned by end June 2023 for cherry tomatoes, green beans and peaches, and by end 2024 for endives, asparagus, mushrooms, some salads and herbs as well as cherries.End June 2026, raspberries, strawberries and other delicate berries must be sold without plastic.From 2022, public spaces must provide water fountains to reduce the use of plastic bottles; press and publicity publications must be shipped without plastic wrapping, while fast-food restaurants can no longer offer free plastic toys.From January 2023, France will also ban throwaway crockery in fast-food restaurant for meals consumed on-site. | 3news
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(CNN)Italy's hard-line interior minister and deputy prime minister sparked outrage on Thursday after announcing a proposed amendment to his security decree that would force "little ethnic shops" to close by 9 p.m. Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's far-right League party, announced the proposal during a Facebook Live on Thursday, arguing that foreign-owned grocery shops have become "meeting places for drunkards, pushers, hell-raisers." "There are people who drink beer and whiskey until 3am, and (relieve themselves) on the doors and gates of (neighboring) houses," Salvini said. The interior minister defended his statements, sayinig his proposed amendment was not an attack on foreign stores. Italys Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini speaks on the TV set of Italian talk show "Porta a Porta" on Rai 1 on June 20."It is not an initiative against foreign shops, but it is to limit the abuses and irregularities of certain shops -- almost all of which are managed by foreign citizens -- which have become havens for people who raise hell," Salvini said. Read MoreThe Italian official drew sharp criticism from fellow politicians and industry leaders, with one consumer association chief stating it was unfair to "generalize."Andrea Marcucci, group leader at the Italian Senate for the centre-left Democratic party, warned that imposing curfews on businesses was among the "premises of a regime." "Di Maio and Salvini are preparing a disastrous maneuver for the country, putting their hands on the savings of Italians," Marcucci said, referring to the coalition government's widely criticized budget. "In the meantime, they impose curfew at ethnic stores and they only want enslaved newspapers and TV."Salvini facing investigation as migrants in Italy finally allowed to disembark Marco Bussoni, the general secretary of Confesercenti, another Italian retail association, said that Salvini cannot create a law that discriminates against certain business owners. He added that businesses have the right to remain open, regardless of whether they are owned by an Italian or a foreigner, so long as they abide by the law. Salvini, who ran on an anti-immigration platform ahead of Italy's fractious general election in March, announced a proposed security decree in September that aims to abolish key protections for migrants. The proposal would suspend refugee applications for those who are deemed "socially dangerous," which Salvini claimed was a "step forward to making Italy safer." The Italian government has 60 days from the date the decree was proposed to debate and amend the proposal before it becomes law. Italian coast guard vessel Dattilo carrying migrants at the port of Valencia, Spain on June 17. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had previously refused entry to the migrants. Salvini has previously drawn criticism for turning away ships carrying migrants rescued in the Mediterranean from Italian ports. Notably, the official rejected the Aquarius in June, stranding the ship carrying 629 migrants in the Mediterranean for over a week before it was accepted by the Spanish government. He has since pledged to "expel offenders and fake refugees" and to stop providing safe passage to "crafty migrants not escaping war." | 3news
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(CNN)Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg met Pope Francis after his weekly audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. The Swedish 16-year-old carried a sign reading "Join the Climate Strike," which she showed the Pope after he greeted her. A day earlier, Thunberg urged European Union leaders to "panic" about climate change, as she addressed a committee of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. JUST WATCHEDMeet 16-year-old climate activist Greta ThunbergReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMeet 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg 02:18She went on to condemn politicians for spending their time "arguing about taxes or Brexit" in the face of a building climate crisis.Thunberg, whose sit-ins outside the Swedish parliament inspired students worldwide to hold school strikes demanding climate action, spoke to a "packed" room of EU politicians, according to the AFP news agency.Read More"Our house is falling apart, and our leaders need to start acting accordingly," Thunberg said. "If our house was falling apart, our leaders wouldn't go on like you do today. You would change almost every part of your behavior, as you do in an emergency.""If our house was falling apart, you wouldn't hold three emergency Brexit summits, and no emergency summit regarding the breakdown of the climate and environment," she added, to applause from the committee.Climate activist Greta Thunberg spoke to a European Parliament committee Tuesday.During Tuesday's meeting, Thunberg began to cry as she talked about what scientists have termed the sixth mass extinction. "Erosion of fertile topsoil, deforestation of our great forest, toxic air pollution, loss of insects and wildlife, the acidification of our oceans," she said, her voice wavering. "These are all disastrous trends being accelerated by a way of life that we, in our financially fortunate part of the world, see as our right to simply carry on."After telling politicians to "make the best available science the heart of politics and democracy," Thunberg addressed the impending European Parliament elections on May 23, asking her audience to vote on behalf of striking schoolchildren. "You need to listen to us, we who cannot vote. You need to vote for us, for your children and grandchildren," she said. "In this election, you vote for the future living conditions of humankind."Teen activist tells Davos elite they're to blame for climate crisisSpeaking in Brussels in February, Thunberg said the European Union must double its targets for cutting greenhouse gases to 80% from 40% by 2030, according to AFP.In January, she gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, telling political and business leaders that they were to blame for the climate crisis.Thunberg also spoke at the United Nations climate summit in Katowice, Poland in December. "You are not mature enough to tell it like is," she told climate negotiators. "Even that burden you leave to us children." | 3news
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Story highlightsJuventus beat Torino 2-0 in city derby at Stadio Olimpico Late goals from Arturo Vidal and Claudio MarchisioJuventus need a single point to retain Serie A title Mario Balotelli scores as AC Milan beat Catania 4-2Juventus need just a single point to clinch their 29th Scudetto title after a pair of late goals gave them a 2-0 derby win over Torino Sunday.Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio broke the deadlock with strikes inside the last four minutes at the Stadio Olimpico to leave Juve 11 points clear of second placed Napoli with four rounds remaining in Italy.Torino ended the match with 10 men when Polish defender Kamil Glik was shown red in injury time for a second bookable offense to complete the dubious double of being sent off in both local derbies, both won by the league leaders and defending champions.But Torino had played their part in an entertaining match played in appalling conditions and came close to taking a shock first half lead when Argentine midfielder Mario Santana saw his 20 meter strike kept out by by Gianluigi Buffon.Juve's pressure finally paid in the 86th minute when Vidal crashed home a shot from just outside the area.Read: Inter hit with big racism fineLocal boy Marchisio wrapped up the three points when he converted after Fabio Quagliarella had headed across the face of goal.Chilean star Vidal, who was scoring his fourth goal in three games, paid tribute to their opponents after the final whistle."It was a difficult game. Torino played well and proved to be very well prepared tactically. It was tough, as it always is in derby matches," he told the official Juventus website."It was vital to win today, there's really not long to go now. But there's still one point to get so we have to keep preparing well and then play a great game against Palermo. After that, we can celebrate," he added.AC Milan later beat Catania 4-2 to maintain a one-point lead over Fiorentina in third place.JUST WATCHEDIs Juventus 'unsinkable'? ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHIs Juventus 'unsinkable'? 01:42Milan, welcoming back Mario Balotelli after a recent ban, were twice behind but hit back in the second half with two goals from Giampaolo Pazzini. Balotelli rounded off the scoring with a late penalty.Fiorentina had kept the pressure up with a fine 3-0 away win at Sampdoria to keep up their bid for a Champions League place.Inter Milan suffered a 13th defeat of the season as they lost 1-0 defeat to struggling Palermo. It left them in seventh and effectively ended their hopes of Champions League football next season. Pablo Osvaldo scored a hat-trick and Erik Lamela grabbed the other as Roma thrashed Siena 4-0.In Spain's La Liga, Real Sociedad strengthened their grip on the fourth Champions League spot with a superb 4-2 home win over fellow challengers Valencia.It has left them five points clear of Malaga, who beat Getafe 2-1 in an earlier match, and Valencia who had taken an early lead through Roberto Soldado before Sociedad hit back. | 5sport
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Story highlightsEnglishman two clear with one round to play Donald fires five-under par third round 66 America's John Huh is his nearest challenger on six-under par Luke Donald leads the way with 18 holes to play at the RBC Heritage tournament in South Carolina.The Englishman posted a five-under par 66 in Saturday's third round to finish the day eight-under par overall at the Harbour Town Golf Links. Donald, who is seeking a sixth PGA Tour win, has a two-shot cushion over America's John Huh who posted a second successive round of 68.Erratic progress on the opening nine -- an eagle, two bogeys and two birdies -- was replaced by some more consistent form by Donald on the back nine with birdies coming at the 10th, 11th, 14th and 17th holes.JUST WATCHEDHold still! Golfer tries dangerous shotReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHold still! Golfer tries dangerous shot 00:55JUST WATCHEDGary Player on the MastersReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGary Player on the Masters 02:35South Africa's Charl Schwartzel is currently tied for third at five under with America's Nicholas Thompson, Ben Martin and Jim Furyk. A total of 65 players returned early on Saturday to complete their second rounds after rain had halted play on Friday with Furyk (66) and Martin (67) tying the lead at five-under with South Korea's K.J. Choi after 36 holes. Both men made steady progress in the third round with even-par rounds but Choi slipped down into a tie for 16th place with a three-over par round of 74. First round joint-leader, Matt Kuchar is tied for seventh on four under following a round of 70 on Saturday. British amateur Matt Fitzpatrick is also in the mix. A third round 69 leaves the 19-year-old on two-under par. Defending champion Graeme McDowell is one shot further back following a disappointing round of 73 on Saturday.Westwood lead cut in MalaysiaMeanwhile at the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur, Lee Westwood will take a one-shot lead into Sunday's final round. The Briton fired a one-under par 71 in his third round but saw his overnight lead of four strokes cut on Saturday thanks to a fine round of 66 from compatriot Andy Sullivan. The 27-year-old, who is seeking a first European Tour win, finished the day one behind Westwood on 13-under par. France's Julien Quesne is currently third on 10-under after shooting a 69 -- his third consecutive sub-70 round of the week.Read more: Hornet attack 'my scariest moment' says Larrazabal | 5sport
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(CNN)American women's soccer co-captain Megan Rapinoe is not planning to go to the White House if the national team wins the World Cup.
A reporter from Eight by Eight, a soccer magazine that looks at the sport and its place in culture, asked Rapinoe if she was excited about going to the White House if her team wins the Women's World Cup. "Psssh, I'm not going to the f*****g White House," she fired back before the reporter finished the question. "No. I'm not going to the White House. We're not gonna be invited. I doubt it." The magazine posted the short interview clip Tuesday on Twitter. The US national team is competing in the Women's World Cup, and plays host country France on Friday.Read MoreOther teams have skipped the White House visitIt's not the first time professional athletes have turned down a visit to the White House. Golden State Warriors swap White House visit for African-American history museumThe Golden State Warriors decided not to go to the White House last year after winning an NBA title. Before their scheduled visit, President Donald Trump revoked their invitation on Twitter. Trump also canceled a visit from the 2018 Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles because of controversy over standing for the national anthem at games. Rapinoe is an advocate for social equality Rapinoe, one of the women's national team's co-captains, has been outspoken about social justice issues. In 2016, she was among the first white professional athletes to show solidarity with Colin Kaepernick when media first began reporting on his kneeling during the national anthem. Rapinoe knelt during a game a month after it was first noticed that Kaepernick was kneeling. Megan Rapinoe of the US Women's team kneels during the playing of the national anthem. "I think it's actually pretty disgusting the way he was treated and the way that a lot of the media has covered it and made it about something that it absolutely isn't," she said. "We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country."Just this week, Trump told The Hill that he doesn't think it's appropriate for Rapinoe to protest during the national anthem. She's demanded equal pay for the women's teamIn May, Rapinoe called out the soccer's leadership for not doing enough to level the pitch for men and women players. She acknowledged "strides" had been made toward the better treatment of women, but FIFA essentially has "unlimited resources" and a historic lack of investment in women's games. "I would like to see a major paradigm shift," she said.Rapinoe is also one of 28 players suing the United States Soccer Federation, alleging the men's national team earns more than they do even though they play more games and win more matches. | 5sport
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A Norwegian technology company has found a way to stop livestock slurry from releasing methane -- by zapping it with artificial lightning.Methane is a potent greenhouse gas emitted from sources including leaky fossil fuel infrastructure, landfill sites and livestock farming.Oslo-based N2 Applied is testing its plasma technology at several sites in Europe, including on three farms in the UK."In essence, we're harnessing lightning to zap livestock slurry and lock in harmful emissions," N2's Chris Puttick told Reuters at one of the test farms in Buckinghamshire, England.At this site, 200 dairy cows are providing the raw material: dung. Read MoreA manure scrapper collects all the excrement from the barn floor and deposits it in a pit where it is then moved through the N2 machine, housed in a standard-sized shipping container. Nitrogen from the air and a blast from a 50 kilowatt plasma torch is forced through the slurry 'locking in' both methane and ammonia emissions.Scientists say this invisible gas could seal our fate on climate change"When we add nitrogen from air to the slurry, it changes the environment to stop methanogenesis basically. So it drops the pH down to just below six and we're catching that early. So it stops the breakdown of those methane microbes that then release the gas to the air," Puttick said, adding their patented technology is the only one of its kind.What comes out of the machine is an odorless brown liquid, called NEO -- a Nitrogen Enriched Organic fertilizer.According to N2, their NEO has double the nitrogen content of regular nitrogen fertilizer; one of the most commonly used fertilizers to boost production of corn, canola and other crops.Puttick said independent tests showed their technology reduces methane emissions from slurry by 99%. It also cuts by 95% the emission of ammonia; described by the EU as one of the main sources of health-damaging air pollution.On a 200-cow dairy farm this equates to "a reduction of 199 tons of carbon equivalent every year with one machine," said Puttick, adding that they're now looking to scale out the technology across the UK livestock sector, and have recently installed it at a pig farm.The N2 Applied farm in Buckinghamshire, England. A commercial model of the device is due for release in June 2022, in a modular "stackable" form; so bigger farms can add units to cope with their amount of slurry. Exact pricing is yet to be announced, but Puttick said capital investment for a farm will be similar to that of a medium-sized tractor.N2 Applied has received over 17 million euros (around US $19.2 million) of funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.The Global Methane Pledge, launched at the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November, committed to reducing methane by 30% by 2030.Methane has a higher heat-trapping potential than CO2 but it breaks down in the atmosphere faster, meaning deep cuts in methane emissions by 2030 could have a rapid impact on slowing global warming.A UN report in May said steep cuts in methane emissions this decade could avoid nearly 0.3 degree Celsius of global warming by the 2040s. | 3news
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(CNN)Federal prisons were placed on a temporary lockdown nationwide Monday after violence broke out at an institution in Texas and two inmates died.The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) said it was acting with an "abundance of caution" and the facilities would be secured as "a temporary measure to ensure the good order of our institutions. We anticipate this security measure will be short-lived."The agency said in a statement there was a fight Monday shortly before noon CT involving multiple inmates at US Penitentiary Beaumont in southeast Texas.All US federal prisons on temporary lockdown ahead of Biden inauguration Four inmates were taken to a hospital and two died, the prison agency said. The BOP said it will continue to "monitor events carefully and will adjust its operations accordingly as the situation evolves." Read MoreThe prison in Texas also released a statement and said the FBI was notified. No staff or other inmates were injured and "at no time was the public in danger," officials said.There are 122 federal prisons in the United States, according to BOP's website. USP Beaumont is a high-security facility with almost 1,400 male inmates, the website says. | 3news
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(CNN)Europe's scorching heat wave expanded across the continent on Saturday, with people from Britain to the Balkans sweltering under abnormally high temperatures after a record-breaking week. France is expecting temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius (103 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts on Saturday, a day after it shattered its record mark multiple times in one day.Spain, which is dealing with the aftermath of a wildfire that tore through 10,000 acres of forest in the country's north-east on Friday, is bracing for temperatures of up to 42 degrees, according to its national meteorological body AEMET. The country is still affected by a "mass of tropical wind coming from Africa'a mass of tropical wind coming from Africa," the agency said.And the UK saw its hottest day of the year by some distance, with the mercury rising to 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) and threatening the country's hottest-ever June mark of 35.6 degrees, set in 1976.Climate crisis: Europe's cities dangerously unprepared for heat wave hellThe hot weather is hitting sporting events across Europe, including the first-ever Major League Baseball game to be played in London. In a sign of how unusual the June heat wave is, organizers at Lord's Cricket Ground in the city even allowed spectators at the World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand to remove their jackets at the pavilion. Read MoreAt Glastonbury, revelers ditched the mud-proof boots usually associated with Britain's most famous music festival -- and showers at the event were closed to preserve water at the Worthy Farm site.The continent has been baking in the heat all week, with cities springing into action to prevent it from turning fatal.French authorities have taken a number of radical steps this week to prevent a repeat of the tragic consequences of the 2003 heat wave that left around 14,000 people dead. Around 4,000 schools were closed in the country on Friday and the opening hours of parks and public swimming pools have been extended.Paris activated its heat emergency plan last weekend, put together in the aftermath of the 2003 heat wave. Cooling rooms were opened in some municipal buildings and mist showers were installed in the streets in the city, which is seeing temperatures of over 35 degrees on Saturday.Firefighters put out hot spots on Saturday after a brushfire hit the south on France.Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic all recorded their highest-ever June temperatures during the week.And the heat is set to move east in the coming days, with countries including Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary preparing for marks in the mid-30s at the start of next week. Climate scientists have warned that heat waves such as this one are becoming more frequent and increasingly severe because of the climate crisis. Météo-France, the country's meteorological body, said the frequency of such events is expected to double by 2050. | 3news
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Story highlightsCeltic played Barcelona in Champions LeagueBoth Scotland and Catalonia have called for independence Glasgow, Scotland (CNN)Barcelona and Glasgow might have their differences when you compare climate, food and culture, but when it comes to football these institutions have common passions on and off the field. Walking into Celtic Park ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game between Celtic and Barca, you're immediately reminded of past glories, like that of Jock Stein's Lisbon Lions, who became the first British football team to tame European opponents and conquer the continent in 1967. Follow @cnnsport
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of that historic night when 11 local "bhoys" -- all but one member of the 15-man squad was born within 10 miles of Celtic Park -- beat Italian giants Inter Milan and were immortalized after lifting the European Cup. "It's immortal, immortal," Celtic fan Colin Boyle reminisces."That team summed up the spirit of Celtic, and what it's all about -- expansive football, making friends in Europe, a friendly team open to all, open to anyone regardless of religion, race, and creed. Everybody's welcome.""The Celtic Way" is embodied by expansive football and a friendly team open to all, says fan Colin Boyle.Read MoreParadiseThat spirit was very much in evidence on Wednesday.Regardless of results, the stadium -- affectionately nicknamed "Paradise" by the locals -- is rocking as past successes are celebrated alongside the club's strong affinity with its Irish roots and identity.JUST WATCHEDOld Firm derby supporters redefine their rivalryReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHOld Firm derby supporters redefine their rivalry 06:26Before kickoff, the club's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" -- a song similarly adopted by Liverpool fans who also have a connection with Irish immigrants -- is always performed with great gusto. Given the west of Scotland's close historical links with Northern Ireland, at Celtic you'll also hear Irish folk songs like "Fields of Athenry" regularly belted out and led by the club's Ultras, the Green Brigade. Read: 'Old Firm' reunitedNot forgetting the array of Irish tricolor flags being waved inside the 60,000-seater stadium. Celtic's games against rival Rangers in the Old Firm fixture at its best produced moments of majestic sporting theater and at its worst dragged in politics, religious bigotry and vocal support for paramilitary groups like the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)."The club started by helping the poor Irish community in Glasgow, and a lot of the supporters are third, fourth generation Irish," Celtic fan Tom McGovern explains. "The same values that started the club are very much still a part of Celtic. Charity, helping each other, sticking together, and being a family." The stadium features a statue of Brother Walfrid, the Irish Roman Catholic who founded Celtic in 1887.Barcelona is closely associated with Catalonia, and at Celtic Park there were plenty of supporters unfurling and waving the pro-independence flags, known as the Estelada, much like its fans do at the Camp Nou. Karamoko Dembele, 13, makes debut for Celtic U20s"We have a good relationship because we have a similar situation when it comes to political questions," says traveling Barcelona fan Albert Costa, who was draped in the Estelada flag as he walked into the ground. If Scotland's relationship with Britain is up in the air after June's Brexit referendum, Costa -- like many of the visiting supporters -- says he would like Catalonia to be its own state and country. Fellow supporter Joan Salvans adds: "I think our relationship is good because in the past both Scotland and Catalonia have called for independence (referendums). I hope one day we can be independent." CNN Sport's Zayn Nabbi talks to a Barcelona fan draped in the Catalonia pro-independence flag. The mutual appreciation is evident as both sets of fans cheered each other on before the game ended, which is a very different atmosphere to those you'd experience at the Old Firm game or the El Clasico match when Barca play Real Madrid. Where else does football meet politics? Have your say on CNN SportAside from the politics, the players and managers certainly thrived in this atmosphere. "I missed 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' but it's a good thing that I sat in the stands because it's one of the best atmospheres that can be sampled in Europe," Barcelona coach Luis Enrique told reporters after his side's 2-0 win. Even though Barca striker Neymar was consistently booed throughout the game as the Brazilian was involved in a few off-the-ball incidents, Enrique didn't fire any salvos at the home support. "I don't think you have to criticize the fans ... Celtic have an exemplary set of fans," he concluded. JUST WATCHEDThe soccer fans stoking Israeli-Palestinian tensionsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHThe soccer fans stoking Israeli-Palestinian tensions 01:08Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton reveled in the environment despite Celtic's 2-0 loss. "I think every European night in Celtic Park is incredible," the Israeli said. "Obviously Barcelona is the sexiest team in the world and everyone wants to play them and wants to beat them. When you play them you want to show your quality on and off pitch."Visit cnn.com/football for more news and videos And that, for at least the green half of the city, is just about paradise. | 5sport
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Story highlightsPhotographer Trupal Pandya took portraits of the Huaorani people in Ecuador's rainforestThe community is beginning to modernize, but it still maintains its traditional ways of living (CNN)Deep within the Amazonian rainforest of Ecuador live the Huaorani. Photographer Trupal Pandya traveled about 30 hours by air, water and land to reach this native community and take their portraits. The Huaorani, which means "the people" or "human beings," are believed to have inhabited the rainforest for thousands of years. Until about the 1960s, they never had any contact with the outside world.Pandya said there is a contrast between the modernization of the younger generation, who travel to areas outside of their community, and the older generation, who make efforts to maintain their traditional ways of living. Diverse changes have taken place within the community: the introduction of radios within many Huaorani homes, the consumption of food from cities and the adoption of Westernized clothing. For Pandya, these changes were a significant factor in his decision to photograph the Huaorani. Read MorePhotographer Trupal Pandya"The biggest (reason) was to just go out there and photograph the change before everything changes," Pandya said. "I think if I would have (photographed the Huaorani) 10 years back down the line or a little later than that, I don't think I would have got what I just got." Another aspect of modernization has to do with language. Many Huaorani, who for years have only communicated using a regional dialect, now speak the Ecuadorian native language of Spanish. Pandya speaks English, so he needed translators to interact effectively. But it is apparent from his experiences with the Huaorani that actions can certainly not only speak louder than words, but be more effectual than words when attempting to convey one's intentions. "I never started photographing when I (first) saw (the Huaorani)," he said. "I didn't even have my camera. I waited to let them get used to me around them. I gave myself time to get a little easier around them. Even if you cannot talk in the same language, I feel that you definitely connect to them as a human being."Social mediaFollow @CNNPhotos on Twitter to join the conversation about photography.Prior to creating formal portraits using his professional camera equipment and lighting, Pandya took Polaroid photos of the Huaorani that they were then able to keep."I think some of them saw the Polaroid for the first time, so they were really happy to see themselves like that," Pandya said.For his formal portraits, Pandya placed his subjects in front of a solid white background in order to portray the Huaorani in a very direct and concise manner, eliminating the presence of any distractions. "The main reason was to have the focus only on the people and their clothes and nothing else but them as an individual, them as a human being," he said. Pandya's decision to use a white background also proved effective in highlighting the coexistence between the Huaorani and the different kinds of animals they encounter daily in their natural environment. Creating portraits of the Huaorani has been a "fascinating, challenging" experience for Pandya, who is studying photography in New York at the Fashion Institute of Technology.After witnessing firsthand the simplicity in which the Huaorani live in harmony with their environment, Pandya said he finds himself thinking about and reflecting upon what it truly means to be satisfied and content with life. "I think the question I ask myself is: 'Who's richer?' " he said. "(This has been) a really big learning curve of how to just live a very beautiful, normal life."Trupal Pandya is an Indian photographer studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. You can follow him on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. | 3news
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Story highlightsMaine program aims to rehabilitate those deemed insane, not criminally responsible Chuck Petrucelly now lives in the community after killing his brother in 2008"We had an opportunity to save him," ex-head prosecutor saysMaine health commissioner: "We don't have an experience of recidivism"Editor's note: "If only they had treated him before" follows one family's journey through the aftermath of a killing.Augusta, Maine (CNN)When Bill Stokes visits a cafe near the state Capitol, he admires one man behind the counter. To him, Chuck Petrucelly represents a life saved.Stokes headed the Maine attorney general's criminal division when his office accepted Petrucelly's insanity plea in the 2008 killing of his brother. "I take some measure of satisfaction from the fact he's a young man who has a future," Stokes says. "We had an opportunity to save him. Unfortunately, the wheels of justice kicked in after a horrific tragedy."There's no punishment I can give Chuck that's worse than the punishment he gives himself whenever he thinks about his brother." The former prosecutor and one-time Augusta mayor was recently appointed a Superior Court judge. He sees Petrucelly's recovery from multiple viewpoints. As a citizen, civic leader, head prosecutor and judge.Read MoreJUST WATCHEDLiving for his mother's forgivenessReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLiving for his mother's forgiveness 05:26Petrucelly is one of 90 mentally ill people in Maine designated as not criminally responsible -- known as NCR patients -- because they were determined to be insane at the time of the crimes. Nineteen had faced murder charges. The rest were charged with an array of offenses, including aggravated assault, arson, stalking and sexual misconduct."As a prosecutor, you can't be so rigid you reject the idea that there really are people who are truly insane," Stokes says. "The people I'm worried about are not the forensics patients, because they're getting the best treatment you can imagine. The people I'm worried about are the people who are severely mentally ill not getting treatment. They're the next case that I don't want to see."Petrucelly was sent to the state psychiatric hospital with the goal of rehabilitation. He remained there for 4½ years and moved out of the hospital more than a year ago. Now 29, he lives alone in a supervised apartment in downtown Augusta.He tries not to dwell on the past. His brother was a year older; the two had been inseparable growing up. They played Nintendo, lifted weights and shared that indescribable bond of brotherhood. "There's just a connection I had with him that I just don't have with anybody else, and nothing can replace it," Petrucelly says. "Mike really was my best friend. That might be hard to believe with what happened."The past is very hard to work through."The biggest aid in his recovery, he says, was the forgiveness of his six other siblings and his mother, who remains his greatest advocate."You don't give up on one of your sons," says Rosanne Towle, his mother. "Losing Mike was devastating and still is. Part of me is broken. But Chuck is here and he still needs us. So our focus is on him."Focus on rehabilitationMaine's NCR statute says that a defendant is not criminally responsible by reason of insanity "if, at the time of the criminal conduct, as a result of mental disease or defect, the defendant lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the criminal conduct." Each defendant undergoes rigorous psychiatric assessment.About 5% of the state's cases result in a person being found not criminally responsible. "Once that decision is made, the focus shifts from punishment to rehabilitation, treatment and public safety," Stokes says.The length of a stay depends on how a patient responds to treatment. That can range from a couple of years to decades. Typically, the younger the patient is on arrival, officials say, the better likelihood of a quicker recovery. The program has been in place for more than 50 years, but was revamped after an NCR patient on a four-hour leave in 1985 killed a teenage girl. Stricter laws govern today's treatment program. That case also led to creation of the State Forensic Service, which conducts psychiatric and psychological evaluations for the court system. In the three decades since, state officials say, no NCR patient has committed a violent felony upon return to the community."The history of the experience speaks volumes," says Mary Mayhew, commissioner of Maine's Department of Health and Human Services. "We don't have an experience of recidivism. ... We're focused on recovery and the evidence-based standards of care. It's slow. It's thorough. The assessments and progress are comprehensive and are consistently being evaluated."Patients who once refused treatment, who could hardly utter a coherent sentence, begin to surrender to therapy, start taking medication and over time become functional. The treatment plan is based on incremental freedoms and stringent rules. As they progress, they can petition the court to move into a group home after years of therapy, then to a supervised apartment. Eventually, they can seek full release, as happened recently with a mother who starved her 5-year-old daughter to death in 1993.Other states have similar programs, but the approach and aggressiveness of the releases vary. While Maine has shown success in rehabilitating its patients, other states haven't fared so well. Dr. Fuller Torrey, a research psychiatrist, best-selling author and founder of the Treatment Advocacy Center, has been tracking patients who killed again upon their release into the community. "There is no shortage of them," he says.Once patients have undergone treatment, Torrey says, "it is imperative to then guarantee to the community, as well as to the person, that this individual will remain on medication indefinitely. And that's the issue."States have an incentive to move patients into the community and out of the hospital quickly, Torrey says, because the federal government picks up the cost when patients live in the community. And that, Torrey says, has resulted with patients being let go too soon and with drastic consequences.Ann LeBlanc, director of Maine's State Forensic Service, says authorities work extremely hard to make sure that doesn't happen. "What we know from years of research," she says, "if people make that transition too soon, they tend to have multiple offenses, dangerous behavior. So we go very slowly through that process."She often faces heated questions, even among friends and family, about why the state allows mentally ill patients, especially those who have killed, back into the community. She tells them: "That mental illness is treated and stable, and that they've had years to work hard and demonstrate that stability.""It's a slow, stepwise process," LeBlanc says. "We keep an eye out for the safety of the community, and the hospital makes proposals based on what the patient wants or needs. The judge decides."Since 2001, when Stokes took over the Maine attorney general's criminal division, 12 people have been deemed not criminally responsible in murder cases. Most killed a family member or somebody close to them. Five others who sought NCR status were rejected at trial and sentenced to prison. "There's always that concern that someone is gaming the system -- that someone is pretending to be insane when they're not in order to avoid criminal responsibility," Stokes says. "We're very conscious of that."Yet officials acknowledge there is no crystal ball, no way to predict how a patient will react upon release. The question they face most from an astonished public is: How do you know they won't kill again? "There are no guarantees," says LeBlanc, "and oftentimes I think the community is looking for a guarantee when we can't provide that about anybody."What we can say is these people that are under the commissioner's custody get the best care; they get the care that they need; they get the supervision they need so they can have a life."Petrucelly has begun his new life, but there are hitches. Every time he seeks more freedom, he must appear before court. That results in a local headline like: "Central Maine man who fatally stabbed brother can move to apartment, judge says."He says local reporters never ask to speak with him, never seek his side of the story. His mom wishes they'd stop running his arraignment photograph in which he was 150 pounds, in psychosis and looks totally out of it. If they'd just ask to take a new photo, his mother would be happy. "It sets up people to be afraid of me," Petrucelly says.The cafe where he works has accepted him and remains supportive. Making Reuben sandwiches isn't his ultimate goal. With a hulking 220-pound frame, Petrucelly hopes to become a fitness instructor one day. He can bench-press 425 pounds.Residents have no reason to fear him, he says. "The people who have had treatment, like myself, are not the ones that they need to worry about. Myself specifically, I'm aware of my illness," he says. "I'm aware of the fact that I need to take meds to remain stable or I need to watch how I'm thinking and manage my thoughts."He's determined to make his late brother proud of his recovery. "Part of the reason I don't give up on myself," he says, "is I know that my brother wouldn't want that. I know he'd want me to honor his memory in whatever way I can. Every day that I live and get up, I don't take it for granted because I know he doesn't have that now." | 2health
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Story highlightsUnified Korean judo team to fight at East Asian ChampionshipsIt's the first time the peninsula has united in a summer sportPeninsula marched under same flag at Winter Olympics (CNN)While political tensions on the Korean peninsula remain unresolved, the two nations are set to fight side by side this weekend ... in Mongolia.After competing together in women's ice hockey at the Winter Olympics, a unified Korean judo team will make history in the team competition at this year's East Asian Championships, held in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. Follow @cnnsport
It's the first time North and South Korea have united under one flag "in a summer sports" event, according to both the office of the Mongolian President and the International Judo Federation."Judo is more than a sport," said IJF President Marius Vizer, adding plans are "on track" for a similarly unified team at the September's World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. "Judo is a martial art, an Olympic sport and a tool to unite societies through our values."Read MoreREAD: The judoka who switched nations to win Olympic gold'Strengthening friendly relations'In a historic meeting a little over a month ago, the leaders of North and South Korea committed themselves to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pledged to bring a formal end to the Korean War, 65 years after hostilities ceased.US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are also due to meet at the Capella Hotel on Singapore's Sentosa Island on June 12.On Wednesday, talks between North and South Korean sporting officials took place in the Mongolian capital, with a decision reached that competitors from both sides of the Korean divide would come together in Sunday's team event. Japan, China, Taipei, Macau and Hong Kong have also confirmed their participation at the Championships, taking the total number athletes present at the Central Sports Palace to over 200.JUST WATCHEDLegends of judo: Tüvshinbayar NaidanReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLegends of judo: Tüvshinbayar Naidan 01:10Each team will feature five athletes and the Unified Korean Flag will adorn the Korean judogi (uniform). A statement from the office of the Mongolia President, Kaltmaagin Battulga, stressed the importance of "strengthening the friendly relations and mutual respect between East Asian nations and promoting exchange of experience and new talent."Battulga, a former martial arts star who turned to politics after heading up the Mongolian Judo Association, will open Saturday's individual competition. A full list of competitors for the team will be finalized on Friday. READ: Unified Korean ice hockey team proves that 'winning isn't everything'Visit CNN.com/judo for more news and featureIt's not the first time the Koreas have come together under a single flag in a sporting environment. At this year's Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, athletes marched together at the opening ceremony before taking to the ice in a diplomatic breakthrough that make global headlines. | 5sport
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Story highlightsColombia says it won't fly stranded Cubans to MexicoThe group has been trying to reach the United StatesThey'll be deported back to Cuba, a Colombian official says (CNN)Colombia says it will deport more than 1,200 Cubans who've been stranded in the South American country.The migrants are trying to reach the United States but have been stuck for months in the northwestern city of Turbo, Colombia, near the Panamanian border.Panama closed its border with Colombia in May to stop Cubans from passing through. The move left a growing number of migrants living in Turbo, where many camped in a warehouse that became a makeshift shelter.The wave of new arrivals didn't sit well with local authorities, who declared a state of emergency and called on officials from the federal government to step in.This week, they did, declaring the group would be sent back to Cuba.Read MoreThe Colombian government's announcement is the latest volley in a battle that's been brewing for months over Cuban migrants there. But the simmering tensions in Colombia are part of a much bigger picture.And it all ties into one thing: a surge of Cubans trying to reach the United States. Cuban migration to U.S. on the riseCuban immigration to the United States has spiked amid growing fears that U.S. immigration policies could be changing as relations between the two countries thaw.While immigrants from other countries seeking asylum in the United States often struggle to make their case in court, Cubans don't have to jump over the same hurdles. The Cuban Adjustment Act, passed in 1966, gives any Cuban who sets foot in the United States permission to enter. After a year and a day in the country, they're eligible to apply for a green card.The wave of migration has had a ripple effect across Latin America:• Nicaragua closed its border to Cubans heading north last year, leaving thousands stranded to the south in Costa Rica.• Costa Rica struck a deal in January to begin airlifting thousands of Cubans to Mexico, where they quickly crossed the border into the United States. Then Costa Rica closed its borders to stop more migrants from coming in. That left thousands stranded to the south in Panama.• Panama began humanitarian airlifts in May that sent more than 3,100 stranded Cubans to Mexico, flying them to the border city of Juarez, where they crossed into El Paso, Texas. Now Panama's borders are closed, too.Colombia: Safety and security behind decision And Colombia says it won't follow suit with airlifts of its own."We would like to invite all of these irregular migrants to voluntarily come to migration authorities so that we can process their voluntary deportations," Colombian Migration Director Christian Kruger said Wednesday.The migrants, who started a Facebook page to draw attention to their plight, had asked the Colombian government to help them reach the United States by flying them to Mexico.The last flight and first steps: 'Historic' surge of Cubans crossing into U.S.The Colombian government refused, saying Colombian law prohibits what Kruger said would amount to human trafficking. In addition, Kruger said, there are as many as 50,000 undocumented migrants in neighboring countries such as Ecuador, Brazil and Guyana, and Colombia does not want to set a precedent.Kruger said officials are also worried about the safety and security of the Cubans inside the warehouse. "It's not appropriate for so many people to be crammed together in a single location," he said.According to the Colombian Migration Office, 5,800 migrants have been deported from Colombia in the last two months alone. Most were Cubans, but there were some Haitians and others from as far away as Africa.On the Facebook page, "Albergue Turbo Cubans for Freedom," the Cuban migrants and their supporters say they aren't giving up hope."One of the most decisive days for us has begun," one woman posted on the page Wednesday. "Hopefully the world will join together in prayer. ... Let whoever brought us here, gave us life and allowed us to survive in the jungle help us."CNN en Español's Fernando Ramos contributed to this report. | 3news
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(CNN)Spoiler alert: "Avengers: Endgame" is not the first movie in which Mark Ruffalo and Brie Larson both appear.And if you didn't know, it's all good because apparently Ruffalo didn't either."Entertainment Tonight" surprised the actor on the red carpet for the premiere of the new Marvel movie by sharing with him that his co-star had appeared in one of his most beloved films, "13 Going on 30," which debuted in 2004."She was a mean girl," Ruffalo said upon seeing a photo of Larson in character from the movie. "Oh my God. I didn't know that."Fun fact #1: Brie Larson was in '13 Going on 30' with Mark Ruffalo Fun fact #2: He was just as shook as we were! 😭 #AvengersEndgame pic.twitter.com/nMXs26vOJp— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) April 23, 2019
Larson reprises her role from her stand-alone movie as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in "Avengers: Endgame" and Ruffalo is back as Bruce Banner/Hulk.Read MoreThe now-29-year-old actress was pretty young when she was in the movie and Ruffalo, 51, explained why he didn't know they were in the same hit film. "We didn't work together," he said. "13 Going on 30" starred Jennifer Garner as a young girl who wakes up as an adult and reconnects with her now also adult childhood friend, played by Ruffalo. "Avengers: Endgame" hits theaters Friday. | 1entertainment
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(CNN)Liverpool put in a dominant performance against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday night, winning 2-0 in a heated encounter at Anfield in the Champions League. Diogo Jota headed the hosts in front against the reigning Spanish league champions inside the opening 15 minutes, heading home a delightful cross from England international Trent Alexander-Arnold. And with Liverpool looking the far superior team, Sadio Mane doubled its lead under 10 minutes later, tapping home from close range from another Alexander-Arnold cross. The evening went from bad to worse to Atlético, who had Felipe sent off later in the first half. With a man advantage for over 50 minutes, Liverpool continued the pressure, squandering numerous chances to extend its lead. It means with two games left of the group stage, Liverpool is into the knockout stages of the Champions League, while Atlético sit third on four points, one behind Porto. Read MoreAfter the game, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called the performance "nearly perfect."People want to see more goals but we did create more chances. I think the game was nearly perfect," he told BT Sport."We scored the goals in the right moments. They were much more on the front-foot with how they started than the home game but we started well. They were fantastic finishes as well, especially Sadio's one. With the red card, well, you don't like that, you don't want to play against 10 men but in the end it's 2-0 and it was a great night.He continued: "You earn a lot of money to win Champions League games! The first target was to get through this group. But we did it with two games to go. What can we do? We will have to see. I didn't expect we would be through after four games but the boys did it and it's really well deserved."Jota celebrates scoring against Atlético Madrid.Impressing from the startWhen the two teams met in Madrid in their first encounter, they produced a breathtaking affair, with Liverpool racing into a 2-0 lead, only for Atlético to battle back and equalize, with Mohamed Salah grabbing a dramatic winner in the final stages. Having won its opening three games of the group stage, Liverpool sat atop Group B. But Atlético traveled to the UK needing a result, having only won one of its opening three games. But it couldn't have started worse for Diego Simeone's men, conceding a sloppy opening goal inside the opening stages of the game. Portugal international Jota was the beneficiary of a sumptuous Alexander-Arnold cross to head past the despairing Jan Oblak in goal. Known for its defensive solidity, the goal rocked the typically resolute Atletico, but there was much worse to come for the Spanish side. It was two goals behind in the 21st minute, as Mane tapped home from close range again to stun Simeone on the bench. Although Atlético produced its best period of attacking play after going two goals down, it was short-lived. After committing a foul on the edge of the Liverpool box to stop a fast break, Brazilian defender Felipe refused to obey referee Danny Makkelie's wishes that he come and accept his yellow card; Makkelie decided to show Felipe the red instead. Referee Danny Makkelie shows a red card to Atletico Madrid's Felipe (unseen).Liverpool tested Oblak a few more times as a feisty first half came to a close, leaving Simeone much to ponder during the halftime break. It took just minutes for Liverpool to have the ball in the Atlético net once again, only for Jota's cool finish to be ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) for offside. And the home side continued to spurn glorious opportunities, Salah, Joel Matip and Jota coming within whiskers of putting Liverpool three up. Against the run of play though, Luis Suarez -- returning the ground where he had so much success as a Liverpool player -- appeared to have given Atlético a lifeline, his deflected effort wrongfooting Alisson in goal. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videosBut it wasn't to be for Suarez, as the VAR ruled the goal out for offside. It was more of the same unfortunately for Atlético, as Liverpool kept up its pressure on the Liverpool goal, with Virgil van Dijk's long-range strike just going over. The remainder of the game was a perfect display of game management from Liverpool, with some apparent injuries to Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only blights on an otherwise perfect evening. It now means that Liverpool is unbeaten in 25 matches in all competitions, its joint-longest such run since it joined the English Football League in 1893. | 5sport
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(CNN)Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso seized a last bend victory in the opening MotoGP of the season, in Qatar on Sunday, after a breathless, record-breaking and controversial race.The Italian fired his bike past the Repsol Honda of world champion Marc Marquez on the home straight, taking the flag just 0.023 seconds ahead of his rival. Briton Cal Crutchlow finished a close third, only 0.32 seconds adrift. Tight fieldFans could scarcely have wished for a closer opening salvo in the battle for the 2019 championship. The top 15 riders were separated by a whisker over 15 seconds, a premier class record, and the top five by only 0.6 seconds. Read MoreYamaha's Maverick Viñales had taken pole position after an imperious qualifying session; but an abysmal start saw his advantage evaporate by the first corner.Mysterious device Dovizioso, by contrast, leapt to an early lead -- perhaps thanks in part to mysterious new technology on his Ducati. The Bologna outfit appeared to employ a special "holeshot" device, thought to give an advantage from the line. Dovizioso was observed on the grid flicking a dashboard switch, and rocketed away from the pack.But the Italian was unable to stretch his advantage and soon found himself overhauled by Alex Rins, riding the impressively rounded Suzuki. The two then battled closely, with Marquez -- who had set a new lap record in qualifying -- also entering the fray.Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features and videosDovizioso and Marquez go wheel-to-wheel in a thrilling race in Qatar.Shattered ankleFor a while it looked like Suzuki might score its first ever podium in Qatar, but it wasn't to be. Perhaps the most remarkable story of the race was emerging behind Rins, in the form of Crutchlow, the satellite Honda rider.The Briton had shattered his ankle during practice at last year's Australian MotoGP, only barely recovering in time for the season opener in the Doha desert.If the Suzuki lacks anything this term it is top end speed, and Crutchlow's Honda gradually took advantage. With three laps remaining, Rins drifted wide. Crutchlow struck to claim and ultimately hold third.PulsatingIn a pulsating final lap, Dovizioso and Marquez traded places. In the final sector, Marquez lunged under the Ducati, taking what looked to be a decisive lead, but he ran his Honda wide.Dovizioso made a similar error, but managed to wrestle his bike in front of Marquez and -- in a repeat of last season's race -- beat the champion to the line.Respect between rivals! 🤝@AndreaDovizioso and @marcmarquez93 congratulate each other after another epic duel!#QatarGP 🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/5pnfFxeMbr— MotoGP™ 🇶🇦 (@MotoGP) March 10, 2019
READ: MotoGP: Off-season plot twists promise drama aheadProtests lodgedThe win was not without question marks, however; Honda, Suzuki, Aprilia and KTM lodged a protest at a new aerodynamic wing on the Ducati's rear suspension. The protest was rejected, though an appeal was later lodged.Post-race, the riders elected to focus on the contest rather than the controversy."Marquez gave it everything he could, as usual, and pushed me to the limit," Dovizioso told reporters."We made the most of our strengths, that is, acceleration and top speed, but we still need to improve our corner speed. This year there are plenty of quick riders and it'll be crucial not to lose too many points on less favorable tracks."Dovizioso celebrates following his 0.023-second triumph.Marquez's lament"It was exactly the same as last year!" Marquez lamented. "I tried to push hard but here when you overtake you just run wide and you can't keep the line. I tried to be there, to push a little and just be there until the end. I'm very happy with these 20 points because normally we struggle here."Crutchlow was surprised at his podium finish, telling reporters he would have laughed off such a suggestion after practice. He also admitted his MotoGP career had been in the balance during the winter."To come here and get a podium is a dream, because we didn't know I was going to be back at all at one point," he said.JUST WATCHEDMotorbike veteran Capirossi goes electricReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMotorbike veteran Capirossi goes electric 01:03Rossi's satisfactionWhile Viñales was left ruing his poor start, his Yamaha teammate Valentino Rossi was upbeat after clawing his way to a creditable fifth from 14th on the grid."I felt good with the bike today and I also enjoyed coming from the back, so it's not so bad," the Italian said after the race. "I arrived in fifth, that's good, especially because I'm 0.6s from the victory, but at this track we are always good ... we'll take this result."MotoGP now travels to Argentina for the second race of the season on March 31. | 5sport
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London (CNN)Jake Davison, the 22-year-old man who shot dead five people in the English city of Plymouth on Thursday, made repeated misogynist remarks on social media that echoed the ideology of "incel," a movement of men who often claim they feel unfairly denied sex by women or girls.Davison went on hateful rants about women on a YouTube channel that has been taken down. In video clips seen by CNN, he makes numerous hateful remarks, calling women "very simple-minded" and shallow, saying that most women are only motivated by money.The videos paint a picture of a young man who had been frustrated with his lack of success with women sexually since he was a teenager. Jake Davison, who killed five people in the southwest English city of Plymouth on Thursday. In another video, which was reposted online by The Telegraph newspaper, Davison referred to himself as "the terminator.""I'm so beaten down and defeated by life ... that drive that I once had is gone. I try ... but I'm at the point now where it's like, why do I even bother," he said on YouTube.Read MoreCNN has not confirmed when Davison filmed the clips. Luke Pollard, a member of parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport verified to CNN that the man in the videos posted on YouTube was Davison. The video clips match images of Davison from his Facebook page, which has also been removed.Davison's mother, 51-year-old Maxine Davison, also known as Maxine Chapman, was named as one of the victims. The youngest victim was Sophie Martyn, a 3-year-old who was killed alongside her 43-year-old father, Lee Martyn, according to police. Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66, have also been identified as victims. Davison took his own life after the six-minute shooting spree, police said. While police have not made any official link between the shootings and Davison's videos, the gunman's misogynist comments echo those often heard by men and boys in the incel -- "involuntary celibate" -- movement. Incels are almost always men or boys who espouse misogynist views and often say they want to have sex but feel that women or girls are denying them of it.After police said they were not treating the incident as a case of terrorism, the shooting gave way to discussions online and in the media about whether incel violence should be included in anti-terrorism legislation. Police at the attack site in Keyham, Plymouth, southwest England, on Friday, the day after the attack.Men described as "incels" have been behind a number of mass shootings in the United States, and two in Germany by the same gunman. Jonathan Hall, who is the UK's official Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, said it was unlikely there would be change to legislation after the shooting, but that if the country saw more similar attacks, there may be discussions to do so. "The question is really whether or not the authorities want to treat the incel phenomenon as a terrorist risk. That would involve diverting resources or putting resources into it," he told BBC Radio 4's "Today" program. "If we see more of these sorts of attacks, then I have got no doubt that it will be treated more seriously as terrorism. It fits rather uneasily into the way the authorities understand ideologies. It seems part of right-wing terrorism but it is not really. In fact, it is quite separate from it. It is a different sort of ideology," he said. "The question is really one of choice. Do we want to start treating incels as potential terrorists?"Davison's gun license was returned to himEngland's police watchdog will investigate the decisions of Devon and Cornwall police in relation to the Plymouth gunman's possession of a shotgun and shotgun certificate. Police at the scene of a shooting Thursday in Plymouth, England."The investigation follows a mandatory referral from the force which contains preliminary information that Mr Davison's shotgun certificate and a shotgun were returned to him in early July this year," said the Independent Office for Police Conduct in a statement released Friday. Local police had previously taken the certificate and shotgun from Davison in December 2020 following assault allegations in September 2020, according to the IOPC.IOPC regional director David Ford said, "We will examine what police actions were taken and when, the rationale behind police decision-making, and whether relevant law, policy and procedures were followed concerning Mr Davison's possession of a shotgun. The investigation will also consider whether the force had any information concerning Mr Davison's mental health and if so, if this information was appropriately considered."Ford also said that "the investigation will explore whether there was any causal link between the arrival of police and Mr Davison apparently shooting himself."CNN's Angela Dewan contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsJustice Department outlines Albuquerque PD's "practice of excessive force"In 2009, officers killed unarmed teen after he'd been shot and was motionless on backIn nonlethal incident, Taser used on man who doused himself in gas, setting him ablazeReport: APD's failure to ensure officers respect Constitution undermines public trustAlbuquerque, New Mexico, police officers killed a 19-year-old as he "lay motionless on his back," an unarmed drugstore robber who was walking away from officers and a 25-year-old veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who threatened to shoot himself in the head.So says the U.S. Justice Department, which on Thursday issued a report lambasting the Albuquerque Police Department for a longstanding history of police brutality and unnecessary deadly force. The 19-year-old, Andrew Lopez, caught Albuquerque police officers' attention while driving with dim headlights and no taillights; when police tried to pull him over, he led them on a low-speed chase before parking and taking off on foot, the report said. Five officers gave chase, and when Lopez reached a fence and began to turn around, one of the officers fired three times, hitting Lopez once. The nonlethal shot put Lopez on his back, the report said, and the officer approached him and fired a fourth shot into his chest, killing him. The February 2009 incident, which resulted in a $4.25 million payout to Lopez's estate, is one of several incidents the Justice Department cites in concluding that the Albuquerque Police Department "has engaged in a pattern or practice of excessive force, including deadly force."Read the full report (PDF)Requests for comment sent to the police department and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez's office were not immediately returned, and Phil Sisneros, a spokesman for state Attorney General Gary King, said in an e-mail, "Our office did not have a role in the DOJ's report or investigation. We are looking into a couple of the most recent police-involved shootings, but that is in the nascent stages."Police brutality in New Mexico's most populous city made headlines last month when protesters clashed with police in riot gear for more than 12 hours over the fatal shooting of the homeless James Boyd, 38. After the protests, Kenneth Ellis, the father of the suicidal veteran killed in 2010, told CNN affiliate KOAT that police brutality had reached "crisis" levels in Albuquerque. "Our police department is out of control. They need help with their tactics," Ellis said. Thursday's report did not address the Boyd shooting, which is the subject of a separate federal investigation. "The pattern and practice is the result of serious systemic deficiencies in policy, training, supervision and accountability. The police department's failure to ensure that officers respect the Constitution undermines public trust," the report's summary says.In the Lopez case, police said they thought he was involved in a prior incident involving a gun, and the officer who shot him said that when he confronted Lopez, he believed Lopez was carrying "the biggest handgun he had ever seen." The car Lopez was driving did not match the make, color or type of vehicle used in the previous incident, and Lopez turned out to be unarmed, the Justice Department report says. "For too long, Albuquerque officers have faced little scrutiny from their superiors in carrying out this fundamental responsibility," the report says. "Despite the efforts of many committed individuals, external oversight is broken and has allowed the department to remain unaccountable to the communities it serves."To conduct its review, the Justice Department "reviewed thousands of pages of documents, including written policies and procedures, internal reports, data, video footage, and investigative files," the report says. It also interviewed command staff, rank-and-file officers and community members, and held four community meetings where residents "provided their accounts of encounters with officers."The report had four major findings:• The department's officers "too often used deadly force in an unconstitutional manner," and of the 20 fatal police shootings since 2009, most were not constitutional. Albuquerque police not only use deadly force when there's no imminent threat of bodily harm or death, they also "used deadly force against people who posed a minimal threat, including individuals who posed a threat only to themselves or who were unarmed. Officers also used deadly force in situations where the conduct of the officers heightened the danger and contributed to the need to use force."• The department's officers also use less-than-lethal force unconstitutionally. A review of 200 use-of-force reports since 2009 indicates that officers use Tasers on people who are nonthreatening, posing minimal threat, passively resisting or "unable to comply with orders due to their mental state." In one instance, officers used Tasers on a man who had doused himself in gasoline, setting him on fire and endangering everyone in his vicinity. Officers also use "takedown procedures" in ways that increase harm, and they "escalate situations in which force could have been avoided had they instead used de-escalation measures."• Officers used a "significant amount of force" against people with mental illness and in crisis. "APD's policies, training and supervision are insufficient to ensure that officers encountering people with mental illness or in distress do so in a manner that respects their rights and is safe for all involved."• Instances of officers using excessive force are "not isolated or sporadic." The pattern of police conduct suggests "systemic deficiencies in oversight, training, and policy. Chief among these deficiencies is the department's failure to implement an objective and rigorous internal accountability system. Force incidents are not properly investigated, documented or addressed with corrective measures."To that end, the Justice Department investigators said they found "only a few instances" of supervisors scrutinizing use of force and seeking investigations. In almost all of the cases reviewed, supervisors endorsed their subordinate's version of events even if an officer's account was incomplete, inconsistent with evidence or "based on canned or repetitive language," the report said.The Justice Department lays out several remedies to address the department's "deficiencies," including improving use-of-force policies, training procedures, internal investigations, recruitment protocol and how it deals with individuals suffering from mental illnesses.The U.S. Attorney's Office for New Mexico and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division launched their probe in November 2012, and then-Police Chief Ray Schultz released a statement saying his department was cooperating with federal investigators. "We know that we are not always perfect and that there is always room for improvement," Schultz said in his statement. Schultz stepped down in 2013 and was replaced by Gordon Eden, a former U.S. marshal and state public safety secretary, this year. | 3news
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Story highlightsQuestions raised over what Brazil really gets out of 2014 World CupShould money be spent on football stadiums or health and education?FIFA receives tax exemptions from BrazilRomario says: "FIFA comes to our country and sets up a state within a state"After some of the world's biggest corporations such as Apple and Google have come under pressure over aggressive tax avoidance strategies, now its FIFA's turn to defend its lucrative financial arrangements with 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil. The relationship of football's world governing body with Brazil is under scrutiny following the protests that have gripped the country as the South American country stages June's Confederation Cup -- a test run for the main event next year.Initially disgruntlement of the protesters centered on a 20 centavos (10 cents) rise in bus and train fares. But a violent response from the police, prompted Brazilians of all ages took to the streets.Suddenly the issue was about corruption, poor public services, increasing inflation, lack of security and whether the money being spent on the World Cup might be better invested elsewhere.Read: World Cup only benefits outsiders, say Brazil protesters JUST WATCHEDGrievances unleashed in Brazil protestsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGrievances unleashed in Brazil protests 02:14JUST WATCHEDShocking video shows Brazil clashesReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHShocking video shows Brazil clashes 02:02JUST WATCHEDThiago Silva targets PSG dominance ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHThiago Silva targets PSG dominance 03:07JUST WATCHEDPele: Mourinho is 'good for Chelsea'ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPele: Mourinho is 'good for Chelsea' 01:42With a subtext of the rich lining their pockets, while the poor pay more to use crumbling public services, the Brazilian government was left scrambling to deal with what some have dubbed the "Tropical Spring."FIFA president Sepp Blatter, for one, was askance at the protests."I can understand that people are not happy, but they should not use football to make their demands heard," Blatter told Brazil's Globo TV.Tax exemptionsWhile FIFA argues that Brazil, as well as Russia and Qatar in 2018 and 2022, will gain benefits from infrastructure development and tourism as well as the kudos of staging a global sporting event, the World Cup is key for the world governing body -- the event is its major source of revenue."The exact number I do not know but around $4 billion," said FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke earlier in June, referring to what the 2014 World Cup will generate financially for the Swiss-based organization.However, that is a conservative estimate with consultants suggesting the amount could reach $5 billion."Of course it's not all profit, it is commercial revenue related to the cycle of not just the World Cup, but the cycle between the 2010 Cup and 2014," added Valcke.Three years ago the World Cup in South Africa raised $3.6 billion, incurring expenditures of $1.298 billion. For its latest results, FIFA reported a profit of $89 million for 2012, with reserves of $1.378 billion. The organization had a revenue of $1.166 billion last year and spending of $1.077 billion. As a not-for-profit association in Swiss law, FIFA pays no tax on commercial income from the World Cup.Read: Spain ease past NigeriaBut some critics question whether the relationship between FIFA and its World Cup hosts is mutually beneficial, notably with regard to the lucrative tax exemptions World Cup organizers are prepared to offer for the right to stage the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world.According to Brazil's Internal Revenue Service the tax exemptions will cost $248.7 million, though other reports estimate the figure could be as twice as high for the period between 2011 and 2015. The International Olympic Committee will receive similar exemptions when the South American country hosts the Olympics in 2016.Proponents argue hosting the World Cup brings billions more dollars into the Brazilian economy, but $250 million buys a lot of bus tickets.Brazil in "FIFA's hands" Photos: Brazil's greatest footballers Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersHeleno – Actor Rodrigo Santoro signs a poster for the film "Heleno", in which he plays the mercurial striker. A destructive personality, together with illness and drug problems prevented Heleno from becoming one of Brazil's greatest ever players. But he helped pave the way for some of the world's greatest soccer icons...Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersPele – Ask many Brazilians who is the greatest footballer of all time and their answer will be simple: "Pele." The striker won three World Cups with Brazil between 1958 and 1970 and is his country's leading goalscorer with 77 goals from 92 caps.Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersGarrincha – Most football fans would say Argentina's Diego Maradona is the only player who can rival Pele for the title of greatest ever. In Brazil, however, Garrincha is regarded as the only player who comes close to the great man. The tricky winger was a key part of Brazil's World Cup triumphs in 1958 and 1962. Sadly, Garrincha struggled with alcohol problems and died of liver cirrhosis aged 49.Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersZico – After a Pele-inspired triumph in 1970, Brazil would wait 24 years before lifting the World Cup again. Although the 1980s was a barren decade in terms of trophies for Brazil, the team which the South Americans sent to the 1982 World Cup is heralded as one of the most entertaining in history. Central to its free-flowing, attacking style was Zico, a midfielder of considerable craft and guile who collected 72 caps between 1976 and 1988.Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersRomario – When Brazil finally won the World Cup for a fourth time in 1994 in the U.S., the team was derided by some for being too functional. In a team short of star quality, striker Romario was the shining light, scoring five goals as Brazil lifted the trophy thanks to a penalty-shootout victory over Italy.Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersRonaldo – Ronaldo watched on as Romario fired Brazil to victory in 1994, four years later he was the star man at France 1998. Brazil lost the final 3-0 to the hosts, with mystery surrounding their starting 11 as Ronaldo was left out of, then reinstated to, the team for the deciding match at the Stade de France. Ronaldo's redemption arrived in 2002, when he scored both goals as Brazil beat Germany 2-0 to lift the World Cup for a fifth time.Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersRonaldinho – While Ronaldo was the star man in Japan and South Korea, he was ably supported by flamboyant playmaker Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho's performance in the World Cup earned him a move to Barcelona in 2003, where he went on to win the European Champions League in 2006. He was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year.Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Brazil's greatest footballersNeymar? – The latest Brazilian tipped for stardom is Neymar, who recently followed in Ronaldinho's footsteps by joining Barcelona. All eyes will be on the forward when Brazil host the World Cup in 2014. Neymar has made a good start to Brazil's Confederations Cup campaign, scoring two goals in two matches.Hide Caption 8 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful moment Photos: Brazil's most painful momentA national tragedy – Moacyr Barbosa Nascimento's life was forever changed after the 1950 World Cup. With Brazil needing just a draw against Uruguay in its final game to lift the trophy for the first time, the team lost 2-1 and he was blamed for the second goal. The goalkeeper's perceived mistake haunted him. Twenty years later he overheard a woman in a supermarket say to her son, "There is the man who made Brazil cry."Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentThe Maracana – The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro was the venue for the 1950 final, with 200,000 spectators packed into the purpose-built arena. The stadium has been redeveloped and a crowd of 78,000 people will watch the final of 2014 World Cup at the iconic ground.Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentBrazil's golden boy – All eyes will be on Neymar during both June's Confederations Cup and next year's World Cup. The attacker, who recently signed for Barcelona in a deal reportedly worth in excess of $80 million, is Brazil's star player and must perform to his best if "La Selecao" are to satisfy an expectant public.Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentThe greatest ever? – The Brazil team of 1970, which beat Italy 4-1 in the World Cup final in Mexico, is widely regarded as the greatest of all time. Pele, a three-time World Cup winner seen here leaping on his teammates, says Brazil must recover from the failure of 63 years ago.Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentThree-peat – Carlos Alberto, captain of the 1970 team, lifts the Jules Rimet trophy which Brazil was allowed to keep after becoming the first nation to win the World Cup three times. The former fullback thinks next year's World Cup will come too soon for Brazil's inexperienced team.Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentThe second coming – Luiz Felipe Scolari was the coach of the last Brazil team to lift the World Cup, in Japan and South Korea in 2002. The veteran has been reappointed in a bid to inject life into an ailing Brazil team. His results have so far left much to be desired: two wins, one defeat and four draws since November 2012.Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentGrand reopening – England was Brazil's first opponent at a refurbished Maracana earlier this month. A half-volley from midfielder Paulinho, pictured, rescued a 2-2 draw for the 2014 World Cup host.Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Brazil's most painful momentA flourish against France – Brazil's most recent match, the last before the Confederations Cup starts, ended in a comfortable 3-0 defeat of France. A penalty from Lucas Moura, right, completed the scoring.Hide Caption 8 of 8 Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protests Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protestsGolden Boy – Hours after declaring himself saddened by the need for protests against Brazil's social conditions, Neymar brought joy to his compatriots with the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico. Hide Caption 1 of 5 Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protestsNo Ordinary Game – A family of four negotiate their way to the game as riot police prevent protesters from gaining access to Fortaleza's Castelao Stadium. Hide Caption 2 of 5 Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protestsStalemate – Protesters confront riot police officers on the distant outskirts of the Castelao Stadium, which has been newly built for next year's World Cup at a cost of $240 million.Hide Caption 3 of 5 Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protestsLone Marksman – A police officer holds his weapon as protesters continue their demonstration ahead of Brazil's Group A match with Mexico in the ongoing Confederations Cup.Hide Caption 4 of 5 Photos: Confederations Cup: Brazil beats Mexico as Fortaleza protestsPower Play – Fans hold up banners - which state that they are protesting against corruption, rather than the national team - ahead of Brazil's 2-0 win over Mexico.Hide Caption 5 of 5Ex-Brazilian star Romario -- now a Brazilian politician -- is one that argues that the money spent on building stadiums would be better spent on constructing houses and schools."FIFA will make a profit of four billion reais ($1.8 billion) which should provide one billion ($450 million) in tax, but they will not pay anything," Romario said in a video posted on the websites of several Brazilian newspapers."They come, set up the circus, they don't spend anything and they take everything with them."The real president of our country is FIFA," added Romario. "FIFA comes to our country and sets up a state within a state."Another critic -- academic and journalist Christopher Gaffney, who lives in Rio -- believes that FIFA's much vaunted "Fair Play" slogan should not just apply to on-field behavior."FIFA should be obliged to follow the pre-existing tax laws in the host countries that apply to international sports non-governmental organizations and their corporate partners," said Gaffney."We saw a response in the lead up to London 2012 that the British were revolted that the International Olympic Committee's partners were not going to pay taxes."A boycott ensued and the companies agreed to pay taxes on their Olympic related profits."There are, of course, always government subsidies to attract businesses, but legislative elements like the General Law of the World Cup in Brazil go far beyond this and effectively redirect public money into Swiss bank accounts."That analysis drew a swift response from football's world governing body."FIFA obtains none of its revenue from public funds of the host country," a FIFA spokesman told CNN."The host country provide the general infrastructure for the event, which remains as a legacy in the country such as transportation, IT, upgrades on airports."Therefore, it is not true that money is generated in the host country for FIFA and that it will go then to accounts in Switzerland."Read: Brazil top Confederations Cup groupBut the exemptions FIFA insist upon, has surprised one leading European taxation expert, Professor of European Tax Law Han Kogels, who is based in Rotterdam.In bidding for the 2018 World Cup, Russia was up against three other bidders -- England, Netherlands-Belgium and Spain-Portugal. Photos: Tahiti's mission impossible Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Tahiti form a huddle before their showdown with World and European champions Spain. The minnows are ranked 137 places below their opponents and eventually lost their Confederations Cup match 10-0 in Brazil.Hide Caption 1 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Before the game Tahiti's players presented each man in the Spanish squad with a necklace. Here, Steevy Chong Hue puts one round the neck of Cesar Azpilicueta.Hide Caption 2 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Tahiti had huge support among the 71,000 crowd at the famous Maracana stadium in Rio, from a clutch of their own supporters, as well as the neutral fans who threw their weight firmly behind the underdogs.Hide Caption 3 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Fernando Torres grabbed four goals in Spain's victory, but the biggest cheer of the night came when he missed a second half penalty.Hide Caption 4 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – David Villa registered a hat-trick as Spain cut through Tahiti's rearguard time and time again.Hide Caption 5 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Tahiti goalkeeper Mickael Roche had his busiest evening on a football field as Spain peppered his goal.Hide Caption 6 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – Tahiti's players lap up the acclaim from the stands at the end of the match.Hide Caption 7 of 8 Photos: Tahiti's mission impossibleTahiti's mission impossible – There was a heavy police presence on the streets in Rio before the match in response to the ongoing protests in Brazil.Hide Caption 8 of 8 Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe Scolari Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe ScolariJoy in Japan – Luiz Felipe Scolari first took over Brazil in 2001, turning around their 2002 World Cup qualification campaign and leading them to a record fifth tournament win in Japan and South Korea.Hide Caption 1 of 5 Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe ScolariFinal heartbreak – "Big Phil" also enjoyed a degree of success in charge of Portugal. When the Iberians hosted Euro 2004 all appeared to be going to plan as Portugal reached the final. But Scolari and his team were beaten 1-0 by underdogs Greece in the Lisbon final.Hide Caption 2 of 5 Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe ScolariZizou prevails – Portugal bounced back and reached the last four of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. But Scolari's team ran into a Zinedine Zidane-inspired France in the semifinals, with "Zizou" scoring the winning penalty.Hide Caption 3 of 5 Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe ScolariFeeling the Blues – Chelsea's oligarch owner Roman Abramovich hired Scolari in 2008. Despite Scolari's Chelsea starting the season in fine attacking form, he was fired in February 2009 after a run of poor results.Hide Caption 4 of 5 Photos: The career of Luiz Felipe ScolariBack in Brazil – Scolari joined Sao Paulo-based Palmeiras in 2010. With his team struggling, Scolari departed the club in September. Palmeiras were consequently relegated to Brazil's second tier.Hide Caption 5 of 5"In that bid book model of the FIFA as commercial organization, it claimed a privilege of 100% tax freedom (no corporate tax, no income tax, no VAT, no excise duties, no local tax, not any other taxes), irrespective of regular national tax law, European tax law and international tax law," said Kogels after examining the Netherlands part of the bid."I was (and still am) not aware of any other international commercial sport event being subsidized through full tax exemption at the cost of (other) taxpayers, and did not see any justification for such unequal treatment of FIFA."Economic benefitsFIFA insisted that tax exemptions needed to be viewed in relation to the overall economic benefits that next year's World Cup potentially might bring Brazil.The world governing body quoted a study by Ernst & Young Terco that estimated that the event would inject R$ 112.8 billion ($50 billion) into the Brazilian economy by 2014, with R$ 28 billion (12.4 billion) spent on infrastructure, generating R$ 63.5 billion ($28 billion) in income for the population. "It is important to note that tax exemptions are only related to certain areas of the organization, in particular for temporary use of goods and services during the event," FIFA told CNN."Examples include IT equipment for broadcasters as well as other material mainly broadcasters and participating teams bring with them, the cars used for the official transport, uniforms for volunteers."Amongst others the prize money of the FIFA World Cup is taxable in Brazil.""Overall, according to the Ernst & Young Terco study it is estimated that the host country will obtain an additional tax revenue of R$ 18.1 billion ($8 billion)."It should be noted that FIFA also bears the costs related to hosting and staging of the FIFA World Cup, including and not limited to the costs of the Local Organising Committee. This means over $1.3 billion in costs for FIFA."CynicismHowever, in much the same way that the Group of Eight economies attempted to bring coherence to the issue of closing global tax loopholes earlier this month, Professor Simon Chadwick called on governments and sporting organizations to adopt a more systematic approach to tax."One of the problems in Brazil, Britain and, indeed, in many countries across the world is that there is no coherent strategy or policy in place regarding taxation and sport," said Chadwick."For example, players in this year's Champions League final at Wembley were given exemption from paying tax on revenues earned from the game."Whereas in 2015, players in the rugby union World Cup final will not be given the same exemption. Such a lack of strategy, clarity, consistency and openness creates a climate in which confusion, contradiction and cynicism begin to develop."Given the scale of the protests in Brazil, does the South American country want to renegotiate the tax exemptions?"Holding a FIFA World Cup involves agreements that are signed between the organization and the host country in order to receive the event.," said the Brazil Finance Ministry."The FIFA World Cup has always been seen by Brazil as a major opportunity to spur investments in infrastructure and services and to modernize football management in Brazil." | 5sport
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(CNN)The United States is likely in for a hard winter as the Omicron variant of Covid-19 spreads rapidly, Dr. Anthony Fauci says, straining a health care system already battered by the Delta variant."It's going to take over," Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said of the Omicron variant on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, urging Americans to get vaccinated and get their booster shots. "And be prudent in everything else you do: When you travel in your indoor settings that are congregated, wear a mask." Omicron's rapid spread will overwhelm hospitals, experts say"We can't walk away from that, Jake, we can't," he told CNN's Jake Tapper. "Because with Omicron, that we're dealing with, it is going to be a tough few weeks to months as we get deeper into the winter." According to the World Health Organization, Omicron cases are doubling every 1.5 to 3 days with documented spread. And in the US, it's expected to become the "dominant strain" in the coming weeks, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. The US is now facing a resurgent coronavirus as the pandemic marches into its third year: The country was averaging 126,967 new cases per day as of Saturday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University -- up from an average of just over 70,000 new cases per day at the beginning of November. Read More"This Omicron variant is extraordinarily contagious. It's as contagious as measles, and that's about the most contagious virus that we've seen," CNN medical analyst Jonathan Reiner said Saturday, warning there was a "tsunami" coming for unvaccinated Americans. Scientists say it's still too early to tell whether Omicron causes a milder form of Covid-19. But regardless, it will put pressure on the health care system, Reiner said.Omicron is coming but boosters should fight it, officials say"Why would you go into that kind of battle completely unarmed?" said Reiner, a professor of medicine and surgery at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. "Our vaccines will protect you, particularly if you are triple vaxed. People who are unvaxed should start the process now. Go ahead and go to your pharmacy and get vaccinated."It's important to remain vigilant to help prevent hospitals from getting "swamped," he added. Even if Omicron ends up causing less severe infection than Delta, the sheer number of infections Omicron could generate could overwhelm US hospitals.More than 69,000 people are hospitalized with Covid-19 across the US and more than 20% of all ICU beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services."We need to protect our health care system," Reiner said, "and that's why every American needs to mask up and vax up right now because our health care infrastructure is at stake right now."President Joe Biden will meet with his Covid-19 response team regarding the latest developments with the Omicron variant, according to the White House.The meeting comes ahead of remarks Tuesday in which the President will discuss the variant, new steps the administration is taking and will issue another "stark warning of what the winter will look like for Americans who choose to remain unvaccinated," the White House said.'Do not wait' to get a booster, expert saysAccording to CDC data, about 61.4% of the total US population is fully vaccinated, and about 32.1% of fully vaccinated adults have received a booster, which health officials point to as a crucial line of defense against the Omicron variant. And yet many who are eligible for a booster shot have not gotten one. The protection offered from two-dose mRNA vaccines -- like those produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna -- is "quite good particularly against severe disease," Fauci said Sunday. "But when you get to Omicron, the protection significantly goes down," he said. "But the good news is when you boost someone, it goes right back up." Unvaccinated people face a 20 times greater risk of dying from Covid-19 and a 10 times greater risk of testing positive than fully-vaccinated people who have also received a booster, according to data recently published by the CDC. The data suggests the gap in risk between unvaccinated people and those with a booster is even larger than it is between unvaccinated people and those who are fully vaccinated with their initial series.Dr. Francis Collins, the outgoing director of the National Institutes of Health, told CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday people should not wait to get boosted. "A big message for today is, if you've had vaccines and a booster, you're very well-protected against Omicron causing you severe disease," he said. "So anybody listening to this who is in that 60% of Americans who are eligible for a booster but haven't yet gotten one, this is the week to do it. Do not wait."New York again tops record for daily new casesOn Sunday, New York state broke its record for the highest single-day Covid-19 case count since the beginning of the pandemic for a third consecutive day. Gov. Kathy Hochul's office reported 22,478 positive cases Sunday, up from 21,908 positive Covid-19 cases Saturday.Hochul reiterated her message to New Yorkers that despite surging numbers, they are in a far more favorable position than when the virus initially struck the Empire State last year."This is not March of 2020, we are not defenseless," she said in a statement Sunday. "We have the tools to protect ourselves and the vulnerable (loved) ones in our families: Get vaccinated, get the booster and wear a mask when indoors or in large gatherings. Don't take a chance during the winter surge."Covid-19 hospitalizations across the state remained relatively low at 3,909, compared to a peak of 18,825 Covid-19 related hospitalizations on April 13, 2020, according to available data. "This is not like the beginning of the pandemic," Hochul said in a statement Saturday. "We are prepared for the winter surge because we have the tools at our disposal."New York Mayor Bill de Blasio echoed that message in a news conference Sunday, pointing, in part, to the availability of vaccines and boosters.'SNL' goes without an audience and airs pre-taped sketches due to rising Covid-19 cases"We're not here to minimize the extent of the challenge -- it will be very challenging," the mayor said. "But it is something that we can meet. It is something we can overcome. We have the tools, but we need everyone to get in the game."In New York City, Covid-19 cases more than doubled from the beginning of the week on December 13 to Saturday. On Sunday de Blasio reported a seven-day average of 5,731 new cases, a number he called "a really, really shocking figure and one that will keep growing, undoubtedly." In response, the city is also working to increase access to Covid-19 testing, the mayor said."You'll be seeing new testing sites, you'll be seeing more at-home testing kids being made available through community organizations," he said. "All of these efforts will help to reduce the lines we're seeing at testing sites and help to make testing more available." A person gets tested for Covid-19 at a mobile testing site in Times Square on Friday, December 17, in New York. At one testing site in Brooklyn, resident Rich Odior told CNN he waited two hours Sunday to get a test. He's vaccinated but has friends who've gotten Covid-19 or had scares, so he wanted to try to "play it safe for the family." Kymoi Phillip said he similarly felt getting a test was a safe choice because "you never know who could have (a) case." Being a student, Phillip said, he was concerned hearing of all the schools that have decided to close. "I'm afraid that my school might be getting shut down and we might go back into lockdown," adding he fears "we may be in the same predicament that were were in last year." The surge has already affected the city's entertainment industry, fording the cancellation of a number of Broadway shows in recent days -- just months after Broadway began welcoming audiences back after an extended pandemic hiatus. This weekend's "Saturday Night Live" had no in-studio audience and aired mostly pre-taped segments because of the rise in Covid-19 cases.The move followed the cancellation of the Radio City Rockettes' "Christmas Spectacular" shows for the rest of the year.Hospitals are already impacted -- and bracing for moreNew York isn't the only state grappling with a surge in cases or anxiety about what's to come.Maryland is bracing for what Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, on Sunday said could be the "worst surge we've seen in our hospitals throughout the entire crisis," telling "Fox News Sunday" hospitalizations are already up about 150% over the past two weeks. California health officials said Friday they were seeing hospitalization numbers begin to trend upward, stressing the need for vaccinations and booster vaccines. In New Jersey, "we're seeing long lines outside of our testing clinic, more demand than we've seen in many months for testing, because folks are getting sick," said Dr. Shereef Elnahal, president and CEO of University Hospital in Newark.'We're heartbroken:' Minnesota doctors plead in newspaper ad for people to get vaccinatedHospitalizations have doubled over the past two weeks, he said, and although 46% of those hospitalized earlier this week had been vaccinated, they had not had a booster shot.Dr. Rob Davidson, an emergency room physician in Michigan, said he's seeing a "pretty critical Delta surge right now." And while he's seeing the test positivity rate slightly decrease, Covid-19 patients are staying in the hospital for extended periods of time.Dr. Marc Gorelick, who heads Children's Minnesota hospital, said the facility is already struggling to cope with the numbers. "When you're on top of a surge where you're already at 90%, 95% capacity, those extra ... preventable Covid patients coming in are the thing that pushes the system to the brink," Gorelick said Friday.Oregon officials forecast a grim early 2022: Dr. Peter Graven, a data scientist for Oregon Health and Science University, said a surge in the state's hospitalizations could be expected by mid-January. A year after the first vaccinations, coronavirus restrictions are back"Combined with its heightened transmissibility, we expect Omicron will generate a large increase in the number of Oregonians that will become severely ill and likely need a hospital."Scientists are still working to gather information on how severe the Omicron variant is.Data from two weeks of South African cases appeared to indicate Omicron was milder in severity. But UK epidemiologists said last week they found no evidence Omicron is causing milder disease there -- although the Imperial College London team also said there was not much data to go on yet. The CDC looked at 43 cases of Omicron and most of those people had mild symptoms, it said last week. Most were vaccinated, with about a third of the total group boosted."We've seen cases of Omicron among those who are both vaccinated and boosted, and we believe these cases are milder or asymptomatic because of vaccine protection. What we do know is we have the tools to protect ourselves against Covid-19. We have vaccines. We have boosters," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Friday.CNN's Polo Sandoval, Sarah Jorgensen, Beth English, Christina Maxouris, Artemis Moshtaghian and Laura Studley contributed to this report. | 2health
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Moscow (CNN)Russia's capital has seen record high temperatures in December with snow not predicted until the end of the month. Moscow hit 6.2 degrees Celsius (43.2 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday, the warmest recorded temperature for that date.The city is often blanketed with snow in December, but unseasonably warm temperatures have cast a gloomy pall over the streets decorated with festive lights for the New Year holiday.The unusually warm weather has prompted public discussion about the climate crisis, a subject that is not often a priority in a country that heavily depends on hydrocarbon exports. People walking in Tverskoi Boulevard in central Moscow. In Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference last week, a journalist asked about what risks climate change poses to the country.Read MorePutin acknowledged rising global temperatures, but cast doubt on the human role in climate change."We know that in the history of the Earth there have been periods of warming and cooling, and this might depend on the global processes in the universe," he said. "A small tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun can lead to and have already led to very serious climate changes on the Earth, which had dramatic consequences -- good or bad, they were still dramatic.""And it is happening again now. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to work out exactly how humankind affects climate change. But we cannot stay idle either, I agree with my colleagues. We should make our best efforts to prevent dramatic changes in the climate," he added. An employee at a weather station of the Tsentralnoye UGMS (the Central Territorial Administration for Hydrometeorological and Environmental Monitoring) at Moscow's VDNKh exhibition center.Russia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement on controlling greenhouse-gas emissions, but the official Russian response to climate change has at times been slow. This summer, dozens of Russian cities were covered with smoke from wildfires that swept through the Arctic region.Moscow, however, may still have a chance for a white Christmas. Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 7 and the state meteorological agency said an extensive cyclone from Eastern Europe may alter air flows in the region, bringing cooler weather.Related: How the world's fastest-growing climate movement was madeAs the cyclone forms, the agency said, it will "deepen the tropospheric hollow above Central Russia, thereby giving hope for the return of 'winter' in the region."The massive outdoor ice-skating at VDNKh, a park in northern Moscow that is also home to the capital's principal weather station, remained open for business on Wednesday. | 3news
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Story highlightsScotland's Sam Torrance and Irishman Des Smyth named as first European vice captainsCaptain Paul McGinley says he will wait for team line up before naming remaining vice captainsBoth Torrance and Smyth have won the competition beforeOpening day's play at WGC Championship suspended by dangerous weatherIn the heat of battle, it's best to have your key allies closest to you and European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has certainly done that by naming two close friends as his vice-captains. His decision was eased by knowing that both Sam Torrance and Des Smyth have previously played major roles in leading Europe to victory. The Irishman now hopes they can do the same when the Europeans seek to defend the trophy at Gleneagles in Scotland in September. Read: How player power promoted McGinley to captaincyMcGinley's compatriot Smyth was one of Ian Woosnam's vice captains in 2006 when Europe recorded their largest home victory -- by 18½ points to 9½ -- at the K Club in Ireland. Torrance, meanwhile, was an unforgettable skipper as he inspired Europe to a 15½-12½ victory at The Belfry in England in 2002. 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"Paul was a special part of my team at The Belfry in 2002 and he knows I will do everything possible to help him and the team at Gleneagles," Torrance, 60, said in a statement. "Everyone knows how much The Ryder Cup has meant to me over my career so I am absolutely delighted to be involved once again." A veteran of 11 Ryder Cups, Torrance has won the competition three times -- twice as a player and once as a captain. Smyth, 61, is a relative newcomer by comparison, having lost both competitions he contested as a player in 1979 and 1981 prior to the stunning turnaround in fortunes when vice captain eight years ago. However, he does have the advantage of having known McGinley, now 47, since the Irishman was a teenager. Read: 2014 Ryder Cup -- a tale of two captains"As well as being good friends, (Smyth and Torrance) are two guys I greatly admire both personally and professionally and I know they will be vital assets to me in Scotland," McGinley said."They were the first two people I had in mind for this role when I was appointed captain and, since then, I have talked to a lot of the experienced European players about having them as part of the team and, to a man, they have been very supportive of the idea."Des took me under his wing when I was a young rookie on Tour and gave me tremendous advice which was not only valuable then but has continued to ring true for me throughout my professional career. "His views and ideas about The Ryder Cup particularly have consistently proved to be spot on and I really enjoyed working with him as a vice captain in 2006 when I was a player." McGinley added that he is spoiled for choice when it comes to his other vice captains but he will only name them once he learns who has qualified automatically for the European team in September. Among the possible candidates are Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and Spanish duo Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal, who captained Europe to victory in 2012. "It's quite clear a lot of potential further vice captains could more than likely qualify for the team," said McGinley."A lot of them would still like to make the team so I just don't want to distract them by talking about Ryder Cup and so they can focus on making the side."Tom Watson, the captain of the American team, has also already unveiled two of his vice captains: Raymond Floyd, 71, and Andy North, 63. WGC's Monstrous StartMeanwhile, the opening action of the WGC Championship was suspended after dangerous weather affected the first day at the Blue Monster course at Doral. American Jason Dufner had been top of the leaderboard, five under par after 10 holes, before the combination of a tornado watch and violent thunderstorms prompted a halt in play. World No. 2 Adam Scott, who can replace Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings with victory, was level par -- with Woods, the defending champion, one over -- after both had gone through six holes. | 5sport
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(CNN)Jim Fassel, who coached the NFL's New York Giants from 1997 to 2003, passed away Monday at age 71, the Giants announced in a press release. A spokesperson for the Giants said the team had been informed by close friends of Fassel's family.Fassel, who had been living outside of Las Vegas, was taken to a hospital with chest pains Monday, where he died of a heart attack while under sedation, according to the Giants, who cited numerous media reports.Fassel led the Giants to the playoffs three times during his tenure with the team including a Super Bowl appearance in 2001, where New York lost to the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV. He coached at the collegiate and professional level for 30 years, with stints as the head coach at the University of Utah and assistant coaching roles with the Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens. Read MoreCurrent Ravens coach John Harbaugh paid his respects to Fassel in a statement Tuesday and said that although he never coached with Fassel, he "always respected and appreciated his approach to coaching and the way he treated his players."Fassel coached Hall of Famer John Elway as an offensive coordinator at Stanford and with the Denver Broncos.Devastated to hear about the passing of Coach Fassel. He gave me a chance to play & believed in me when no one else did. Our team had so much fun winning the championship in Las Vegas. I'll forever be thankful to have known him & for the opportunities he gave me & my family. pic.twitter.com/AFhCuAJPcY— Graham Gano (@GrahamGano) June 8, 2021
The Broncos said in a statement, "We're saddened to hear of the passing of former Broncos Offensive Coordinator (1993-1994) Jim Fassel. Our hearts go out to the Fassel family."But it was Fassel's seven seasons with the Giants which he most treasured."It was a great time, a great time," Fassel said in an interview with the Giants in 2014. "People ask me, 'Wasn't the media awful to you?' No, I'm friends with a lot of them. I respect the media. They have a job to do. I'll tell you what, I was with (five) different franchises (including Baltimore, where he served as an assistant post-Giants), but the Giants is how I learned to coach in the NFL, mainly from (the late general manager and Pro Football Hall of Famer) George Young. They run it right. They put the marbles in a row to win."Fassel was the head coach of the New York team at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. He was at the forefront of the Giants' efforts to help the city recover. Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos"(Former Mayor Rudy) Giuliani's office asked me if I would come over and just walk around and shake the hands and tell them that we're supporting all these guys," Fassel said. "I went over there three or four days afterward and it was unbelievable. You're standing there and this space is just wide open. I asked them, 'What am I going to do?' They said, 'You can cheer them up. People recognize you, you can just support them.' So I did. And it did work. That's how I first got involved with some firemen. Even the ones from out-of-state, mainly some from California recognized me, and I stopped and talked to them. Those guys looked like they hadn't slept in days, they were dirty. I was just saying, 'Thanks guys for what you're doing here.' You try to do a little something for them." | 5sport
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Story highlightsA plane crashed and burst into flames in western GermanyAll four people aboard were killed, police sayAuthorities are investigating what caused the crashA corporate jet crash in western Germany on Sunday killed all four people aboard the aircraft, police said. Witnesses told police that the plane burst into flames after it crashed near the town of Trier.Authorities are investigating what caused the crash. Local fire officials told German public broadcaster ZDF that the plane hit a power pole. There was dense fog in the area at the time of the crash, ZDF reported.The jet had come from England and was scheduled to arrive at a small airfield in Fohren, Germany, ZDF said.The two passengers and two crew members on the Cessna Citation jet are believed to be German nationals. | 3news
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(CNN)A species of dinosaur has been discovered decades after its bones were unearthed, according to a new study.Scientists have named the ancient reptile Brighstoneus simmondsi, believed to be from the Lower Cretaceous period, about 125 million years ago. The genus Brighstoneous was named after Brighstone, an English town close to the excavation site. Simmondsi is a nod to amateur collector Keith Simmonds, who found the specimens. The Brighstoneus bones were found at an excavation site in England in 1978.Simmonds originally found the bones in 1978 on the Isle of Wight, an island off the south coast of England. The specimens were stored in the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown on the Isle of Wight until they were examined over 40 years later for a different study."It's quite common, if not more common, these days to discover new dinosaurs in museum basements rather than out in the field," said study author Jeremy Lockwood, a doctoral student at London's Natural History Museum and University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.At the time, Lockwood was conducting research on the diversity of large plant-eating iguanodontian dinosaurs, which included the Iguanodon and Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis, the most common dinosaur fossil specimens found so far on the island.Read MoreAn accidental discoveryAfter closely examining the bones, Lockwood realized he had a new species of dinosaur on his hands.Both the Iguanodon and Mantellisaurus had a straight, flat nose while the Brighstoneus had a rounded one, he said. Brighstoneus also had more teeth, which were designed for chewing, Lockwood added.In the Lower Cretaceous period, grass and flowering plants were not widely available, so the dinosaur likely had to eat tough plants like pine needles and ferns, he said. 300 million-year-old fossil skeleton in Utah could be the first of its kindUsing the thigh and femur bones, scientists estimated the dinosaur was about 26 feet (8 meters) long and weighed around 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms). Prior to this discovery, scientists designated all delicate bones found on the island as Mantellisaurus while larger bones were categorized as Iguanodon."Brighstoneus shows that there was greater diversity in the Lower Cretaceous iguanodontians than we realized," Lockwood said. Built differentlyThe Brighstoneus specimens were also 4 million years older than the Mantellisaurus bones, so one could argue that they are unlikely the same species due to the long length of time between the two, he noted.This ancient sloth ate meat, unlike its plant-eating relativesSome of the features of the bones, such as the jawline, are unique to Brighstoneus, said Matthew McCurry, curator of paleontology at Sydney's Australian Museum and senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales, who was not involved in the study. The longer jaw was able to hold 28 teeth, a few more than any other closely related species, McCurry said. Lockwood is interested in researching if dinosaur diversity fluctuated over time or if it stayed the same over the course of 1 million years.Dinosaur bones can also reveal what Earth was like millions of years ago, McCurry said.Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. "Describing new species of dinosaurs is the first step in piecing together what these past ecosystems looked like and in learning about how they changed over time," he said.The study naming Brighstoneus simmondsi was published Wednesday in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled the town name of Brighstone. | 3news
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Story highlightsThe analysis found Horn won seven rounds and Pacquiao won fiveDecision to award Aussie fighter Horn the win could not be repealed, however (CNN)The World Boxing Organization has reviewed the controversial bout between Manny Pacquaio and Jeff Horn and found that Horn was indeed the rightful winner.The Filipino boxing champion lost his WBO Welterweight title after his shock defeat to newcomer Horn in the "Battle of Brisbane" on July 2.Horn, a former schoolteacher, won by the bout in an unanimous decision, prompting calls for a rematch or review. Few thought Horn could take down the 38-year-old Pacquiao, whose last fight and win was against American Jessie Vargas in November 2016.The Philippines' Games and Amusement Board (GAB) submitted a formal request to review the fight, which was backed by the losing fighter. Pacquiao said "as a leader" he had a "moral obligation to uphold sportsmanship, truth and fairness in the eyes of the public."Read MoreOf the five judges who re-watched the bout round-by-round, three gave the fight to Horn, one to Pacquiao and another called it a draw. Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn at their weigh in ahead of the WBO title fight at Suncorp Stadium in early July.Even if Pacquiao had been declared the true winner, the WBO said that it didn't have the power to reverse the decision of the three judges, who awarded the fight to Horn, 117-111, 115-113, 115-113. Horn posted the WBO's decision on his Facebook page with the message "Just FYI guys," tagging actor Samuel L. Jackson, retired basketball star Kobe Bryant, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, boxing commentator Teddy Atlas and NFL quarterback Aaron Rogers -- all of who expressed their astonishment that Pacquiao had lost.The fight had a rematch clause in the contract, teasing the possibility that the two boxers may meet again, giving Pacquiao a chance for redemption. UpsetThe result has been called one of the greatest upsets in the sport's history. In his prime, the Filipino boxer, (59-7-2, 38 KOs), was considered by Ring magazine to be the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. It sparked a flurry of social media protest from boxing luminaries and fans alike, who perceived a bias towards the Australian fighter in both refereeing calls and the ultimate decision of the judges.Despite the outcry over the decision, Pacquiao was gracious in defeat."I didn't expect (him to be) that tough," he said after the fight. "It's OK. Part of the game. That's the decision of the judges. I respect that." | 5sport
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(CNN)Russian and Ukrainian negotiators agreed that a permanent ceasefire in eastern Ukraine must be observed "unconditionally" following hours-long talks in Paris on Wednesday.The announcement came after a meeting at the Elysee Palace of the so-called Normandy Format -- a four-way conversation between representatives from Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France -- that has been trying to broker peace in eastern Ukraine since 2014.Tensions between Moscow and Kyiv are at their highest in years, with a large Russian troop build-up near the shared borders of the two former Soviet republics -- spurring fears that Russia could launch an invasion. Speaking after Wednesday's meeting, Moscow's chief negotiator Dmitry Kozak said the ceasefire must be observed "unconditionally" but that many other issues in eastern Ukraine remained unresolved.Western officials are continuing to push for a diplomatic solution to the tensions through the full implementation of the Minsk agreements -- a ceasefire protocol signed by Ukraine and Russia in 2015.Read More"We agreed that regardless of different discrepancies of the Minsk agreements that exist between Ukraine and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the truce in Donbas must be observed unconditionally," Kozak said.Ukrainian Foreign Minister says current Russian troop numbers insufficient for full invasionHe added that the "obligation" to implement such agreements "lies with the armed forces of Ukraine and the armed formations of the (eastern separatists) Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic."Ukrainian negotiator Andriy Yermak said all parties were in support of a permanent ceasefire and Ukraine was ready to negotiate around the clock to prevent war and to de-escalate tensions around the border.Yermak called the renewal of the Normandy Format talks -- first held after Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea -- a "very positive signal" and the first such substantive agreement since the end of 2019.He called talks "really substantial, but not an easy discussion" and while there were still disagreements there was an interest in working through them."The work continues and I can tell you that Ukraine as usual is ready to negotiate, to meet 24-7. Because for us, for (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, for the entire team, the goal of stopping the war, of ending the war and returning our territories -- and today that this also includes easing the tensions -- the de-escalation around the Ukrainian border, is the priority," Yermak said. Kozak and Yermak said the talks would resume in about two weeks in Berlin.Russia's NATO concernsAs many as 100,000 Russian troops have remained amassed at the Ukrainian border, despite warnings from US President Joe Biden and European leaders of serious consequences should Russian President Vladimir Putin order an invasion.Russia has repeatedly denied it is planning an invasion but has argued that NATO support for Ukraine -- including increased weapons supplies and military training -- constitutes a growing threat on its western flank.On Thursday, Russia's Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev accused NATO of failing to keep its non-expansion "promise," saying the alliance had moved closer to Russian borders, state news agency TASS reported.Medvedev said a process of negotiations on security guarantees is the only way to settle the current tensions between Russia, Ukraine and the West. "They promised not to expand NATO, but didn't keep the promise," Medvedev said, according to TASS. "They say that 'we did not sign anything.' But we all know well who and when granted to whom such promises, such assurances."Medvedev added: "Everything must be done to avoid any war."NATO's 'open-door' policyAs the Normandy Format got underway on Wednesday, the United States delivered a written response to Russia's concerns over Ukraine. Putin's central demand is that the US and NATO commit to never admitting Ukraine to the 30-member defense alliance. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declined to detail specifics presented to Moscow but said it reiterated the West's public response to uphold NATO's "open-door policy."US and allies discussing deploying more troops to Eastern Europe prior to any Russian invasion of Ukraine"There is no change. There will be no change," Blinken said of US and NATO support of the alliance's open-door policy."We make clear that there are core principles that we are committed to uphold and defend, including Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the right of states to choose their own security arrangements and alliances," he added.Blinken said the US response to Russia "sets out a serious diplomatic path forward should Russia choose it" and outlines areas where the US has said it sees potential for progress with Russia -- arms control, transparency and stability.CNN's Radina Gigova, Jeremy Herb, Jennifer Hansler and Kylie Atwood contributed reporting. | 3news
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(CNN)The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced Monday that Medina Spirit's victory at the 2021 Kentucky Derby has been disqualified.The horse failed a drug test after crossing the finish line first at the Derby.Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit to undergo necropsy following sudden deathMedina Spirit died in December. The thoroughbred was finishing a workout when he collapsed near the finish line at the Santa Anita Park racetrack.The KHRC also announced a 90-day suspension for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who trained Medina Spirit, and fined him $7,500. Baffert said he plans to appeal the decision."I am very disappointed in the ruling," Baffert said in a statement provided by his spokesperson to CNN. "It runs contrary to the scientifically proven facts in this case and the rules of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. We will be filing an immediate appeal."Read MoreBob Baffert spent a lifetime getting to the top of the field in horse racing. Controversy now stalks himThe commission said the winner's purse of $1.86 million must be returned.Churchill Downs, where the famed race takes place, said Mandaloun is now the winner of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby."Today Churchill Downs recognizes Mandaloun as the winner of the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby and extends our congratulations to owner/breeder Juddmonte, trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux," Churchill Downs said in a statement Monday. "Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting achievements in sports and we look forward to celebrating Mandaloun on a future date in a way that is fitting of this rare distinction."CNN's Nick Watt and Wayne Sterling contributed to this report. | 5sport
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(CNN)Footballers at a leading German football team have offered to give up their salaries to help keep the club afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, says Borussia Monchengladbach's sporting director.The move comes with teams in divisions across Europe facing uncertain futures, with a big economic hit expected from the decision to suspend leagues during the outbreak."The team has offered to forgo salary if it can help the club and its employees," Monchengladbach's Max Eberl said in an interview on the team's website."I am very proud of the boys. It's a clear signal that we stand together for Borussia, in good times and in bad," he added. "They want to give something back to the club and therefore also to all the fans who support us. The coaching staff have followed suit, as have our directors and CEOs."Borussia Monchengladbach celebrate after a game played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league has since been suspended altogether.Read MoreThe team currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, but the entire league has been suspended until at least April, in line with official advice across Europe to ban mass gatherings and sporting fixtures.The coronavirus outbreak has left clubs of all sizes financially vulnerable."We expect loss of revenue due to game cancellations, lack of ticket sales, possible lost TV revenue and lack of sponsorship money," said Borussia Monchengladbach's managing director Stephan Schippers.Olympics are 'cursed,' says Japan's deputy prime minister Finishing the current season, and therefore playing matches in the near future without fans in attendance, may be the only way teams can survive, added Schippers."In order to avoid a huge financial hit, the efforts of the league and all clubs are currently aimed at ending the current season in order to secure TV revenue and sponsorship money," he said."We all agree: Bundesliga football without fans is not what we want, but for the next few weeks and months we have to realise that only a continuation of the Bundesliga games -- without spectators -- will allow many clubs to survive economically."The Bundesliga's suspension will last until at least April 2, but other major sporting leagues, including England's Premier League, have extended their suspensions this week until the end of April.The Champions League, Europa League and Euro 2020 have also all been postponed due to the outbreak, which has hit a number of European countries particularly hard.In Germany, more than 7,000 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed | 5sport
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Story highlightsFrench President announces first winners of grants to study climate science in FranceAnnouncement comes on eve of global climate summit in Paris -- to which Trump has not been invited (CNN)In a rebuke to US antipathy towards climate science, France's leader has announced the first winners of grants for international scientists to carry out their research in France.French President Emmanuel Macron announced the first 18 winners for his "Make our Planet Great Again" initiative, announced in June after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, the international, non-binding agreement to reduce carbon emissions.The grants will provide recipients with funding of up to $1.8 million over a three to five year period. The name of the initiative is a not-so subtle reference to Trump's campaign slogan and governing philosophy, which many see as isolationist and antithetical to international cooperation. JUST WATCHEDMacron to US: Make our planet great againReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHMacron to US: Make our planet great again 01:01Among the winners were some prominent American names, including Camille Parmesan, a Texan who studies the effect of climate change on ecosystems. As a lead author of reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Parmesan was a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded in 2007.Read MoreParmesan called the French initiative "absolutely fabulous, and a very appropriate response to Trump pulling out of the Paris Accords," according to the journal Science. She will join a center for theoretical and experimental ecology in the southwestern French city of Moulis, according to the report. In a video posted on Twitter, the French President thanked those who had applied, and the winners for their commitment. "Thank you for your answer to this first call, your decision to move and come to Paris," he wrote in the post. "Here you have a hub to do more." Alongside Paris, the recipients of the grants will be relocating to cities across the country. Thank you for your answer to this first call, your decision to move and come to Paris. Here you have a hub to do more. pic.twitter.com/TFoGRLG5J8— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 11, 2017
Opinion: Trump to planet: Drop deadSummit to openThe announcement came as Macron prepares to host dozens of world leaders at the One Planet Summit in the French capital in a show of commitment to the 2015 Paris Accord, two years to the day after the historic climate deal was inked in the same city.Macron will be joined by Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group, and Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, alongside over 50 heads of state in addressing what the summit organizers have called "the ecological emergency for our planet."There will be at least one notable absentee at the La Seine Musicale venue in Paris. Trump, who took the US out of the agreement signed by his predecessor in June, has not been invited to attend. Trump's decision to pull out made the US -- one of the world's largest polluters -- the lone holdout to the non-binding treaty, following the subsequent signing-on by Nicaragua and Syria, the only two other countries to have resisted. Nearly 200 countries signed on the pact in 2015.The aim of Tuesday's summit is to jump-start the lagging transition to a greener global economy. Around 20 projects, which "illustrate the fact that concrete local and global solutions exist to address the challenges we face," will be showcased throughout the day-long summit, according to organizers. JUST WATCHEDTrump pulls US from Paris accord (full speech)ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTrump pulls US from Paris accord (full speech) 27:43Grants criticizedNot everyone is happy with the awarding of the Make our Planet Great Again grants, with some in France criticizing the providence of funds to overseas scientists at the cost of research in France. French scientific research trade union SNCS-FSU said in a statement that it "condemns" the initiative, describing it as just a public relations campaign that doesn't bring "any additional support for French research."It added that the grants, which benefit scientists from abroad, are "an insult to French scientists ... whose commitment is not appropriately rewarded in their own country." | 3news
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Story highlightsNyquist odds-on favorite at Kentucky DerbyNamed after Detroit Red Wings playerOwner J. Paul Reddam is a huge NHL fanExaggerator and Moyahmen are second-favorites (CNN)Picking championship racehorses is something J. Paul Reddam is exceptionally good at, but it's well known that hockey is his true lifeblood. So just how big a fan is he?Follow @cnnsport
Well, for starters, his horse Nyquist -- the 10-3 favorite to win Saturday's Kentucky Derby -- is named after a player on his favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings. The 60-year-old Reddam, who made his fortune launching two lending businesses, grew up in Windsor, Ontario, just across the border from Detroit where his mother, a team secretary, would bring home Red Wings tickets and apparel. Baby Nyquist!Tales from the Crib: https://t.co/vCiI2JgQSS pic.twitter.com/ZoQVrdO2DC— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) May 2, 2016
"That's how I really got hooked," Reddam tells CNN, adding that he caught 75 of the Red Wings' 82 games on TV this season. He even got to sip champagne from the Stanley Cup when Detroit won the title in 2002. Read More"That was almost as big a thrill as winning the Derby a few years ago," he says, referring to his 2012 Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another, who went on to take the Preakness, before pulling out of the Belmont Stakes a race shy of the Triple Crown. Reddam will be reunited with the hallowed Stanley Cup when it makes its way to Nyquist's stable on Saturday for some pre-Derby good karma. One person who won't be attending, however, is Gustav Nyquist himself. The right winger, who has yet to meet Reddam, was invited to the owner's box via text message, but had to pass after being called up to Sweden's world championship squad. Although Reddam is certainly a fan of the Swede -- "I really like him as a player. He's very classy and a very good stick handler" -- he confesses that the name came about as a way to annoy his friend Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erick Johnson, who vowed never to join the Red Wings. Best of luck to @TheNyquistHorse running @KentuckyDerby this weekend!— Gustav Nyquist (@GNyquist) May 2, 2016
Nevertheless, Johnson, who sometimes co-invests in Reddam's horses, wanted a piece of the action once Nyquist blossomed into a world class sprinter. His 7-0 record includes a convincing win over second-favorite Mohaymen."I said: 'Sorry buddy that's not happening,'" laughs Reddam, who, despite his PhD in philosophy, is a stickler for superstition. "Listen, you said you'd never sign with them, so you're not owning a horse with a Red Wing name." Another colt at Reddam Racing that is off-limits: Mrazek, named after the Red Wings' Czech goalie. Bringing business sense to the trackAfter starting out as a college professor, Reddam founded two highly lucrative businesses that delivered high interest loans, a practice which has landed his company CashCall in hot water."I'm not saying these loans are for everybody," Reddam told the New York Times in 2012. "You should think of what you're doing."There is no equivocation, however, when it comes to operating his racing stable: "It absolutely has to be a business otherwise your passion will die off and then you'll go broke."#KYDerby favorite Nyquist gets a bath after final work at @keeneland in prep for the Derby next Sat. @DougONeill1 pic.twitter.com/hnvP2PeyuU— Michael Reaves (@MichaelMReaves) April 29, 2016
Moreover, he says that earning riches off the racetrack can burden newcomers into thinking they know what they're doing, when in fact they don't. "Having knowledge in some other business, or revolutionizing some other business ... it doesn't follow that they are going to have success in this business," Reddam clarifies, adding that breeders in the Bluegrass state can give the impression that they can be easily bamboozled, though the opposite is often true. "People think they're going to come and take advantage of them, but they've got it completely backwards," he warns. "They think: 'I'm going to buy the best; that's how I'm going to beat everybody,' and within two years they're gone because they have lost a fortune." Spending big on horses is "a universal bust"Although his two favorite sports are wildly popular in his native Canada, horse racing is in no way similar to hockey from a business point of view, says Reddam. "If you bought a mainstream sports franchise -- generally speaking -- even if you are terrible at running it you'd have to make money, because the value of any team in the league would have greatly appreciated," he says, adding that the age-old practice of spending big on prospects does not translate well on the racetrack. "In horse racing that is almost universally going to be a bust ... it doesn't work that way at all."Instead, Reddam employs the services of "talent scouts" who tip him off to prospects they believe offer good value. Reddam will then "evaluate the evaluators" to make a decision. The process has been paying off in spades.Last year's $400,000 purchase of Nyquist has already reaped $2.3 million in prize money -- not counting his potential share of Saturday's $2 million purse. Nyquist says good morning. #kyderby16 pic.twitter.com/8LlNFLJlPo— Claire Novak (@BH_CNovak) May 5, 2016
The purchase was made via horse broker Dennis O'Neill, brother of Nyquist's trainer Doug O'Neill -- who also happens to have trained I'll Have Another.Back in 2012, Reddam took some heat for employing Doug O'Neill fresh off an announced suspension by California racing authorities for a drug violation. But ignoring the critics has arguably proved to be the right call. I'll Have Another was purchased for just $35,000 and ended his career with over $2.6 million in earnings before being sold to a stud farm. Related: Kentucky Derby -- The horses swinging for home runsLearning to deflect criticism and focus on the future, it turns out, is a discipline in line with Reddam's teachings as a former philosophy professor. "Philosophy is really about possibility," he says, "When you buy horses, you usually buy them before they ever run, so you're imagining what this horse could be."So from that sense it's been very helpful to have a (vision) of what you're hoping for long term when the horse is a baby." Photos: Meet theNyquist -- the 2016 Derby favorite -- is washed outside his barn during morning training at Churchill Downs.Hide Caption 1 of 9 Photos: Meet theNyquist's owner J. Paul Reddam speaks in the foreground as Kentucky Derby winner I'll Have Another grazes behind him outside of barn two on June 8, 2012 in Elmont, New York. Hide Caption 2 of 9 Photos: Meet theReddam (C) and jockey Mario Gutierrez celebrate after I'll Have Another's Kentucky Derby success in 2012.Hide Caption 3 of 9 Photos: Meet theGustav Nyquist of the Detroit Red Wings is the inspiration behind the horse of the same name. Nyquist's owner Reddam is a lifelong Red Wings fan. Although he has traded texts with the player, they have yet to meet in person.Hide Caption 4 of 9 Photos: Meet theErik Johnson of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche is a close friend of Reddam's and has co-invested in horses with him. However, Nyquist -- named after a rival Detroit Red Wing -- is not one of them.Hide Caption 5 of 9 Photos: Meet theNyquist #4, ridden by Gutierrez, leads Mohaymen #9, ridden by Junior Alvarado, out of turn four during the 2016 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park April 2, 2016 in Hallandale, Florida. Hide Caption 6 of 9 Photos: Meet theThe Stanley Cup is hoisted by Patrick Kane during the Chicago Blackhawks parade in June, 2010. Nyquist's owner Reddam was given the honor of drinking out of the cup when his beloved Detroit Red Wings won the NHL title in 2002. The cup was reportedly making its way to Nyquist's stable before the Run For the Roses on May 7. Hide Caption 7 of 9 Photos: Meet theKentucky Derby's 14-karat gold trophy at Churchill Downs.Hide Caption 8 of 9 Photos: Meet theSheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, presents the owners of U.S. horse California Chrome with the Dubai World Cup trophy. Sheikh Hamdan is the owner of Mohaymen, one of the favorites in Kentucky. Hide Caption 9 of 9Despite all his rational, Reddam still leans on pure superstition when it comes to race day. For starters, if you happen to walk by him at Churchill Downs, never say 'I'll see you in the winner's circle.'" "That is the kiss of death," he says. "Whenever anyone's said that to me who is kind of new to the races, or coming as a visitor, or whatever (I think), 'Ooh, You just didn't say that to me did you?'" Wishing each other good luck, however, is fine -- even if it's fake. "Actually, in horse racing all the (competitors) wish each other good luck," he says. "And I would say 98% of the time that's completely insincere."They definitely want to beat you, and, they don't want your horse to get hurt, but they want you to have bad luck as far as the race goes."One thing that's legit: Reddam would relish the chance to drink out of the Stanley Cup again -- this time as part of the winning team, not simply a fan. He may, in fact, even have some company. "I don't know if there will be any pictures of Nyquist drinking out of it or not," he ponders.Read: Dubai World Cup -- California Chrome lands world's richest horse raceJUST WATCHEDHow do you make the 'Drink of the Kentucky Derby'?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHow do you make the 'Drink of the Kentucky Derby'? 01:57 | 5sport
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Story highlightsPope Francis says meeting is for people who want to stop living as enemiesIsraeli President Shimon Peres says peace must be pursued no matter how distant it seemsPalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas calls for divine help to make the region securePalestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Shimon Peres committed themselves to the quest for peace Sunday during a meeting of key figures in the Middle East peace process.But unlike previous attempts to achieve a resolution to the region's turmoil through traditional means, there would be no negotiating nor any political talks at Sunday's summit. This appeal would be made to a higher calling: Abbas and Peres prayed for peace together Sunday at the Vatican home of Pope Francis.The meeting comes two weeks after the Pope invited the two leaders to do so during his visit to the Holy Land. "In this, the birthplace of the Prince of Peace" the Pope said in Bethlehem's Manger Square following a May 25 Mass, " I wish to invite you, President Mahmoud Abbas, together with President Shimon Peres, to join me in heartfelt prayer to God for the gift of peace." Sunday's meeting was a first for the Vatican, which had never hosted a prayer gathering of two leaders engaged in conflict.However pious the agenda, the day wasn't totally free of political subtext. After prayers read in Arabic, Hebrew and Italian by figures from different religions, each leader offered his own invocation. "Without peace, we are not complete. We have yet to achieve this mission of humanity," Peres said. "Even when peace seems distant, we must pursue it to bring it closer.""We ask you, Lord, for peace in the Holy Land, Palestine and Jerusalem," said Abbas, according to a CNN translator. "Together with its people, we call on you to make Palestine and Jerusalem, in particular, a secure land for all believers, a place of prayer and worship."The Pope said the meeting is the response to people who want to live as brothers and sisters and not as enemies.Pope Francis (R) meets Israeli President Shimon Peres (L) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas."I hope that this meeting will be a journey toward what joins us, to overcome what divides us," Francis said.The groundbreaking meeting -- which was the result of the Pope offering an olive branch two weeks ago -- concluded with the two men exchanging kisses on the cheek before they broke ground themselves for the planting of an olive tree. Only time will tell if today's prayers will go answered."The metric that Pope Francis would be using to measure the success of this event is much longer term. I don't think anyone is expecting an immediate result," said CNN senior Vatican analyst John L. Allen Jr. "Now that said, you could also argue that the success of tonight could be measured by the simple fact that it happened." | 3news
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(CNN)Perhaps nothing illustrates the wide-ranging effects the novel coronavirus has had on the United States as the state it left major US sports in on Thursday. By the afternoon, most professional leagues and the governing body of major college sports had canceled or postponed a slew of games and major events. Some elected to go ahead -- without fans in the stands."This is time for big events like March Madness, big events like these big sports arena things to take a pause for the next four to six to eight weeks," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield said at a House Oversight Committee hearing in Washington, "while we see what happens with this outbreak in this nation." Here's a look at the impact on major sports:NBA decides to suspend seasonRead MoreThe National Basketball Association announced Wednesday night it would suspend its season after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus. A second Utah Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus, as a suspended NBA considers next stepsThe first player, identified by ESPN and other outlets as all-star center Rudy Gobert, was later joined by a second Jazz player who tested positive, the team said Thursday.Initially, the NBA postponed the Jazz's game against Oklahoma Thunder before it announced it would suspend the rest of the season after Wednesday night's games. "The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," the NBA said in a statement. NCAA pulls plug on March MadnessThe National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Thursday canceled March Madness -- the men's Division I basketball tournament and the biggest annual event in college basketball -- as well as other winter and spring NCAA championships."This decision is based on the evolving Covid-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities," NCAA said in a statement.The NCAA previously said March Madness would proceed without any fans, and that only essential staff members and family members would be allowed to attend. NCAA President Mark Emmert statement on limiting attendance at NCAA events: https://t.co/TIHHJjdse5 pic.twitter.com/8I1HdceDfN— NCAA (@NCAA) March 11, 2020
Thursday afternoon, Duke University announced it would suspend all athletic competition. "I know it is a great disappointment to our student-athletes and coaches, whose hard work and dedication to their sports and Duke is inspirational to so many," said President Vincent E. Price, "but we must first look out for their health and well-being. This is clearly an unprecedented moment for our university, our region and the wider world."Multiple college conferences also canceled ongoing basketball tournaments, including the Big Ten Conference and the SEC, among others. MLB calls off spring training, delays seasonMajor League Baseball will cancel its remaining spring training schedule and delay Opening Day -- scheduled for March 26 -- back by at least two weeks, the league said Thursday. "Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans," the league said in a statement. "MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts. We send our best wishes to all individuals and communities that have been impacted by coronavirus."Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/0bWS5VTRPu— MLB (@MLB) March 12, 2020
MLB plans to announce the postponement's impacts on the schedule at a later point, "with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible," the statement said.MLS sidelines games for a monthMajor League Soccer will suspend its season for 30 days while it reevaluates the impact of the coronavirus. "Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season -- based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada, and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials and employees," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "We'd like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time."The news came after the Seattle Sounders postponed its home match on Saturday at CenturyLink Field against FC Dallas. US Soccer calls off games through AprilUS Soccer canceled games for the Men's and Women's National Teams through April. "With the health of our players, coaches, staff and fans as our main priority, US Soccer has decided it was in the best interest to cancel the majority of our upcoming domestic and international camps at all levels, including our senior Men's and Women's National Team games in March and April, due to the outbreak of COVID-19," US Soccer Chief Medical Officer George Chiampas said in a statement Thursday. The USMNT was set to play the Netherlands in two matches later this month, while the USWNT was scheduled to host Australia on April 10 in Sandy, Utah, and Brazil on April 14 in San Jose, California.NHL suspends seasonThe National Hockey League said it would suspend its season, effective immediately. The league had been preparing for the developments without "taking premature or unnecessary measures," Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. The NHL pauses the 2019-20 season. pic.twitter.com/bCi776ZFqX— NHL (@NHL) March 12, 2020
"However, following last night's news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus -- and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point -- it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time," Bettman said.PGA Tour cancels events as the Masters postponesThe PGA Tour announced late Thursday the Players Championship was canceled. Coronavirus forces sports world to make clear that TV increasingly calls the shotsThe tour was also canceling all other events in the coming weeks through the Valero Texas Open (March 30 to April 5), it said in a statement. "We have pledged from the start to be responsible, thoughtful and transparent with our decision process," the Tour said. "We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend, and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate."But the situation is rapidly changing, organizers wrote, and "the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause."Augusta National Golf Club said Friday it would postpone the Masters, which was set to tee off on April 9."Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision," said Chairman Fred Ridley. "We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date."NASCAR restricting attendanceNASCAR will hold races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway without fans in attendance, it said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/mmvs7SFd3Q— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 12, 2020
"These events will be restricted to competitors, crews, officials and other necessary personnel to conduct the race," the statement said. "We will work with public health officials as we determine future scheduling beyond these events."The Boston Marathon gets postponedThe Boston Marathon has been postponed until September 14, Mayor Marty Walsh said Friday. It was scheduled to take place on April 20. "Our expectation and the hope right now is that this date will get us to a safer place in relation to the spread of the coronavirus," Walsh said. The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the race, said in a statement it understood the decision to postpone. "On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area," CEO Tom Grilk said. "We understand our role, along with our partners, in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials."CNN's David Close contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlights'I'm there to be the No.1," says Zlatan IbrahimovicSwede, 34, linked with move to Man UtdStarred for some of world's biggest clubsWill lead Sweden at Euro 2016 (CNN)He's one of the most famous footballers in the world -- and there's a reason for that, according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic: an obsession with being the best."When I do something, I am not there to be number two or number three -- I am there to be number one, or else it doesn't trigger me, I don't see it as a challenge," the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic told CNN ahead of Euro 2016, which kicks off Friday."Being among many -- that's easy," added Sweden's captain. "Being the number one is difficult."Ibrahimovic, who has played for some of world soccer's leading clubs and has cost a total $180 million in transfer fees -- the second-largest total of all time -- said he's achieved success through "fighting harder, training harder than the others."JUST WATCHEDZlatan Ibrahimovic: As a person I'm '20 out of 10'ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHZlatan Ibrahimovic: As a person I'm '20 out of 10' 01:00JUST WATCHEDDele Alli & Anthony Martial set to star?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDele Alli & Anthony Martial set to star? 02:26The mercurial superstar is hoping that singular focus will bring success for his A-Z sportswear clothing range, which he labels "the people's brand."Read More"Only one thing can take you from A to Z -- you," said Ibrahimovic, who launched his brand in Paris."Everything is in your head. If you want to become something, you will become it."Sweden's all-time leading goalscorer added: "I am not after the luxury market -- I'm after the people. I want to reach out to everyone. It is the people's brand, I am the people's man."Luxury stuff will not make you be better. It will not make you be the one I am today."Ibrahimovic is rated by Forbes as the third most valuable footballer in the world, behind only Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.Last month he announced that he would be leaving French champion Paris Saint-Germain, having won four straight Ligue 1 titles and seven cup competitions during his time at the club.On Twitter, he wrote that he "came like a king, left like a legend."He has been linked with a move to English Premier League giant Manchester United, MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy and a return to Italian side AC Milan, where he spent two seasons between 2010 and 2012.READ MORE: Step inside Senegal's football dream houseGet more Euro 2016 news and scoresFollow @cnnsport
Who will win the title? Have your say on CNN FC's Facebook pageJUST WATCHEDEuro 2016: Can England triumph in France?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHEuro 2016: Can England triumph in France? 01:46 | 5sport
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Story highlightsLleyton Hewitt set to retire from tennisWill quit after his 20th Australian OpenFormer world No. 1 won two grand slams Loses final singles match to David Ferrer (CNN)It's 10 years since Lleyton Hewitt was voted the "10th most hated athlete in the world" by GQ Magazine.A decade on, the 34-year-old continues to split public opinion like few others have done in the history of tennis.Follow @cnnsport
This week, those who have loved him or wanted to hit him across the court with a backhand, will have the opportunity to say goodbye to one of Australia's most iconic players of the past 20 years -- a true battler who will not give up until the final point.Hewitt will bow out at Melbourne Park, where he made his first grand slam appearance in 1997, after no doubt entertaining and infuriating fans for one final time.Australian Open: Can Serena and Novak defend titles?A two-time grand slam winner who led his country to Davis Cup glory in 1999 and 2003, and at 20 was the youngest player to be ranked world No. 1, Hewitt not only divided opinion in tennis but in his home country too.Read MoreThe constant fist-pumping, the shouts of "c'mon" and his sometimes overzealous on-court behavior didn't always impress fans or opponents -- but few ever doubted his quality or incredible desire."Lleyton was pretty brash and made some mistakes -- he knows he made a few growing up, nobody's perfect," his former coach Darren Cahill told CNN's Open Court."But he learned a lot from those mistakes. The one thing that defined him and why he's earned so much respect is that they know when he played for his country that he would leave everything he had on the court."New kid on the blockHewitt burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at the Australian Open two decades ago.Roger Federer, one of the greatest to have played the game, recalled that Hewitt was an "unbelievable teenager" and credited the Australian with helping his own career.Others have not been so kind, citing his on-court behavior as one his rather less impressive traits. In 2001, Hewitt was roundly criticized and fined $2,000 for calling a linesman at the French Open a "spastic" before offering an apology the following day. A photo posted by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89) on Jan 15, 2016 at 12:14am PST
A year earlier he had labeled the Australian public as "stupid" after being jeered during a tournament in his hometown of Adelaide.Then there was the incident during the 2001 U.S. Open when Hewitt asked for a black linesman to be removed after being called for two foot-faults during his match against James Blake.Wherever Hewitt has gone, there has always been controversy."Everyone is born with their own personality and I think I'm just born very competitive," Hewitt, now ranked 306 in the world, told Open Court."I would have tried to get the most out of myself in whichever path I chose to go down."I gave it 100% on the training track and on the matches as well, and I really brought that into my tennis. "I wore my heart on my sleeve as soon as I came out there, but I believed in myself as well and I think that is one reason why I was able to have success at a young age."I believed that I belonged there and I was able to compete against the best guys." Knock at the doorCahill's first meeting with a 12-year-old Hewitt remains etched in his memory"I got a call from his parents and then a knock on my door. There was this little kid with his hat on backwards and wearing a Nike outfit like Andre Agassi. "He had the shorts over his knees, the Prince racquets -- he had about eight racquets in his bag."I don't think anybody at the age of 12 has eight racquets, but he was a total professional back then and that's all he wanted to be -- he wanted to be a professional tennis player."From their first session together, Cahill says he could tell there was something special about Hewitt -- the determination and quick movement which would later frustrate the greatest of players was clearly evident.Hewitt had already been taking coaching lessons from Peter Smith in Adelaide but with Cahill also on board, the young boy who had shown so much potential began to deliver.He had always dreamed of playing at his home grand slam, where he used to watch the world's stars on the practice courts and then join the scrum to get hold of a souvenir headband.The big stage"I loved it there," Hewitt recalls."For me to get the opportunity as a 15-year-old was just a dream come true. I've had some of the my biggest highs on that center court and some of my toughest losses out there too -- but I wouldn't change it for the world."Time for another sneak peek at the upcoming documentary, 'Lleyton Hewitt, The Final Tour'
#HewBeauty @lleytonhewitt
https://t.co/HdhBjos4Yy— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2016
Hewitt's first Australian Open experience was brief -- he was swept aside by Spain's two-time French Open winner Sergi Bruguera in straight sets.A year later he won his first ATP Tour title at an event in Adelaide, beating Agassi in the semifinals.At 550 in the world, Hewitt was the lowest-ranked winner in ATP history, and finished that season as world No. 100.In 1999 the world really began to take notice of the blond-haired boy with baseball cap turned around the wrong way as Hewitt became the first teenager to win four titles in a season since Pete Sampras -- who would defeat him in the semifinals of the following year's U.S. Open.No fear"Lleyton wasn't scared of playing the top players in the world," Cahill says. "Most players, and I include myself in this, when you walk onto the court against the very best in the world, you're a little bit of a deer in the headlights.Tennis champion turns video star "He was never like that. He was always hyped up and pumped up and had more belief in himself against the better players than he was when you sent him out to court 17 to play 'Billy Nobackhand' and 'Freddie Noforehand.'"He did a remarkable job at a young age and for him to finish as world No. 1 two years in a row in the early 2000s was quite incredible."Hewitt's ascent to the top of world tennis owed much to his remarkable victory at the 2001 U.S. Open.Against Sampras, who had already won the tournament four times and would so again in 2002, Hewitt showed maturity beyond his years, sweeping aside the big-serving American 7-6 6-1 6-1."That match that Lleyton played in the U.S. Open final in 2001, I don't think I've seen anyone return serve better than that," Cahill says."If Sampras says Lleyton had the best return in the game in that era then it's coming from the expert because Pete's serve is still the greatest shot I've seen. "Wimbledon winnerAfter winning the year-end finals and reaching No. 1 in the world, Hewitt won the coveted Wimbledon crown the following year, defeating Argentina's David Nalbandian in the final.That would be Hewitt's last grand slam success, as he spent 80 weeks at the top of the rankings -- the 10th longest in the Open Era.He was beaten by Federer in the 2004 U.S. Open final and, in front of his home fans, went down to Marat Safin in the title match of his next grand slam tournament. Two more semifinal appearances followed in 2005, at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, but Hewitt would never again go so deep in a major as he suffered a series of injuries. But, whenever possible, Hewitt gave his all to Australia's Davis Cup team, spearheading its 2003 success to add to his first win four years earlier.Nobody has played and won more matches in Australian Davis Cup history than Hewitt -- winning 42 singles matches and 16 doubles encounters since making his debut in 1999.It is a fact which Cahill believes will define Hewitt's legacy. Really excited to take the @daviscuptennis back to the spirited home of tennis #Kooyong @tennisaus #GreenAndGold #Pride A photo posted by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89) on Dec 24, 2015 at 12:19am PST
"Lleyton will be remembered for his willingness to leave blood on the court when he had the green and gold jacket on," Cahill says."The Davis Cup epitomizes him, it's what we remember him for."He gave up a lot to play Davis Cup many, many times. He would take two or three months off the tour, make personal sacrifices -- the money, the points, the ranking, he would forget it all because there was a major Davis Cup tie coming up on a different surface and he wanted to make sure he was ready." Final flourishHewitt made a winning start to his final Australian Open campaign, beating compatriot James Duckworth, a 23-year-old from Sydney, ranked 134 in the world.Unlike so many of his lengthy battles that have gone the full distance, he triumphed in straight sets 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4 to set up a clash with Spanish eighth seed David Ferrer on Thursday.Australian Open Fast FactsThat proved to be his final singles match, losing in straight sets before being praised by some of game's modern greats. "I didn't think I would be playing for 20 years," Hewitt told Open Court."When you come along you dream of playing in your national grand slam, and Australia has such a rich history in tennis because we are one of the grand slam nations."I qualified as a 15-year-old, it was just a dream come to true to actually walk underneath in the player areas and be a part of it. "I still have to sort of pinch myself now."For more tennis news, visit CNN's Open Court page | 5sport
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Story highlightsTottenham Hotspur confirm manager Harry Redknapp has left the clubRedknapp took over from Juande Ramose at White Hart Lane in October 2008Spurs finished fourth in the EPL last season, but were denied a Champions League berthRedknapp: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements"Harry Redknapp has apparently paid the price for failing to deliver European Champions League football next season after English club Tottenham Hotspur announced the end of his four-year reign as manager.The 65-year-old's position in the game has plummeted in recent months, having gone from favorite for the England job to unable to win a new contract at a club he guided from the danger of relegation to top-four contenders in the Premier League.However, a fourth-place finish last season was not enough to secure a Champions League place due to sixth-placed Chelsea's historic first title triumph in Europe's top club competition."This is not a decision the board and I have taken lightly," Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement on the London club's website, posted at 2.27 a.m GMT on Thursday. "Harry arrived at the club at a time when his experience and approach was exactly what was needed. "This decision in no way detracts from the excellent work Harry has done during his time with the club and I should like to thank him for his achievements and contribution. Harry will always be welcome at the Lane."JUST WATCHEDEye-witness describes Warsaw violenceReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHEye-witness describes Warsaw violence 02:40JUST WATCHEDRedknapp cleared of tax evasionReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRedknapp cleared of tax evasion 02:57Earlier this week, Redknapp denied reports that he had resigned after failing to agree a new long-term contract, with one year left on his previous deal. He said in a statement on the Tottenham website that he was proud of his time in north London, having guided Spurs to the Champions League quarterfinals in the 2010-11 season."I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Spurs and am proud of my achievements," said Redknapp, who had heart surgery in November. "I have had a fantastic four years with the club, at times the football has been breathtaking. "I am sad to be leaving but wish to thank the players, staff and fans for their terrific support during my time there."The former Portsmouth manager was heavily linked with the England job when Fabio Capello resigned in February after being cleared of any wrongdoing in his highly-publicized court case for alleged tax evasion, but the English Football Association instead opted to appoint Roy Hodgson in May.Redknapp took over at Tottenham in October 2008 after Juande Ramos was sacked, with the club bottom of the English Premier League.The former West Ham United player and coach guided Spurs to an eighth-place finish that season, before leading the club to fourth position in 2010 and a place in the Champions League.Spurs impressed, beating seven-time champions AC Milan in the round of 16 before being eliminated by Spanish giants Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, but missed out on qualifying for last season's competition after finishing fifth in the league.Tottenham seemed certain to secure a Champions League place in 2011-12 after a superb start to the season, but results fell away after Redknapp's court case and London rivals Arsenal rallied to claim third place before Chelsea's penalty shootout success in Munich condemned Spurs to the second-tier Europa League. | 5sport
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Story highlightsBolt retired after IAAF World Championships World stars say goodbye to the sprint star (CNN)Usain Bolt is a man universally loved, admired for his historic achievements and his joie de vivre. At the IAAF World Championships in London on Saturday, the 30-year-old Jamaican ran his final races. Eight Olympic gold medals, 11 World Championships golds, the fastest man in history has left a lasting legacy. READ: Usain Bolt, farewell to a wonder of our sporting ageAs Bolt brings the curtain down on an incomparable career, we have collected fond farewells from fans and world stars who tell us why they admire the greatest sprinter in history. To find out what former Germany captain Bastain Schweinsteiger, four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, four-time Formula One world champion Alain Prost and the Jamaican's compatriot and team-mate Yohan Blake had to say, watch the video at the top of this page. | 5sport
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Story highlightsFive from Birmingham, England, arrested in terror investigation Arrests followed revelation that Paris, Brussels suspect Abrini had traveled to Birmingham (CNN)Police in Birmingham, England, said Friday they have arrested five terror suspects in a joint investigation involving UK intelligence and French and Belgian authorities.The suspects -- four men ranging in age from 26 to 59, and a 29-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorist acts, West Midlands police said in a statement. Four were arrested in Birmingham, the fifth at London's Gatwick Airport, police said."The arrests were preplanned and intelligence-led," Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale said in a statement. "There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned."The arrests followed revelations that Mohamed Abrini -- who investigators say has been linked to the terror March attacks in Brussels and the November 2015 attack in Paris -- had traveled to Birmingham several times in the year before the Paris attacks.JUST WATCHED'Man in the hat' identified in Brussels terror attacksReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCH'Man in the hat' identified in Brussels terror attacks 02:18Abrini is known as the "man in the hat" in surveillance video taken of bombers in the Brussels Airport attack. His DNA and fingerprints were lifted from a vehicle used in the Paris attacks, and surveillance video spotted him with Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam at a gas station between Brussels and the French capital.Read MoreA senior British counterterrorism source told CNN on Friday that investigators have determined he met with people suspected of terrorist activity and took several photos of landmarks in the Birmingham area, including a football stadium.Abrini was arrested April 8 in Belgium.Source: Paris, Brussels attackers sought to target Euro 2016 | 3news
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Story highlights Kerry and Lavrov discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine in two phone conversationsU.S. ambassador tweets pictures he says show Russian buildup"We are always vigilant," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says of Russia's movesUkraine's acting interior minister says unrest in eastern region will be resolved in 48 hoursUkrainian acting Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Wednesday that the separatist protests in Ukraine's eastern region would be resolved within 48 hours -- either through negotiations or the use of force.At the same time, Russia insisted that the presence of its troops just over the border was no reason to worry.The United States and others have accused Russia of fomenting the separatist unrest as a pretext for military intervention.Using classified and commercial satellite imagery, the United States estimates there are up to 40,000 Russian troops on the border with eastern Ukraine. NATO has also warned of a major troop buildup.The U.S. ambassador in Kiev, Geoffrey Pyatt, posted photos via Twitter on Wednesday to illustrate the U.S. estimates. The photos depict what is supposedly a field outside the Russian city of Rostov -- empty in October, filled with troops and armored vehicles on April 2.A U.S. official with direct knowledge of the matter told CNN those photos "are consistent" with classified imagery.Washington is sharing some information with the Ukrainians, but not highly classified intelligence, the official said. Ukraine was aligned with Moscow until a month ago, and it is believed Ukraine's security services are still penetrated by the Russians, the official said.But Russia's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that Ukraine and the United States have "no reason for concern" about the presence of Russian forces, which it says are on military exercises."Russia has repeatedly stated that it does not conduct unusual or unplanned activities which are militarily significant on its territory near the border with Ukraine," the Foreign Ministry said in a prepared statement.JUST WATCHEDLocals: No sign of Russian army on borderReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHLocals: No sign of Russian army on border 02:20JUST WATCHEDConflicting reports of hostage situation ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHConflicting reports of hostage situation 04:17JUST WATCHEDPutin keeping options open in UkraineReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPutin keeping options open in Ukraine 05:46 Photos: Photos: Crisis in Ukraine Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man looks at a bullet shell next to a destroyed car after a gunfight between pro-Russian militiamen and Ukrainian forces in Karlivka, Ukraine, on Friday, May 23. Much of Ukraine's unrest has been centered in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where separatists have claimed independence from the government in Kiev.Hide Caption 1 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – The body of a pro-Ukrainian militia fighter lies along a road in Karlivka on May 23.Hide Caption 2 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A woman walks past a destroyed car after Ukrainian government forces fired mortar shells during clashes with pro-Russian forces in Slovyansk, Ukraine, on May 23.Hide Caption 3 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian activist carries a ballot box away from a polling station in Donetsk, Ukraine, as he prepares to smash it on May 23.Hide Caption 4 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Local citizens help support a woman at a rally protesting shelling by Ukrainian government forces in the village of Semyonovka, Ukraine, on Thursday, May 22.Hide Caption 5 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Bodies covered with blankets lie in a field near the village of Blahodatne, Ukraine, on May 22, as a Ukrainian soldier smokes next to his armored infantry vehicle.Hide Caption 6 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier rests inside an armored personnel carrier at a checkpoint near Slovyansk on Wednesday, May 21. Hide Caption 7 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Yekaterina Len cries outside her home after it was hit by mortar shells during fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian soldiers in Slovyansk on Tuesday, May 20. Hide Caption 8 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier stands guard on the road from Izium, Ukraine, to Slovyansk on Monday, May 19.Hide Caption 9 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A new recruit gets his hair cut at a training camp for the Donbass Battalion, a pro-Ukrainian militia, in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine on May 19.Hide Caption 10 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian armed militants guard a checkpoint in Slovyansk on May 19, blocking a major highway to Kharkiv.Hide Caption 11 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militants detain three men on Sunday, May 18, in Kramatorsk, Ukraine. The men are suspected of spying for the Ukrainian government.Hide Caption 12 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A bodyguard of insurgent leader Denis Pushilin stands in front of a statue of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin during a pro-Russia rally in Donetsk on May 18.Hide Caption 13 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militants guard a checkpoint outside Slovyansk on Saturday, May 17.Hide Caption 14 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Employees of the Ukrainian company Metinvest clear away debris in a government building in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Friday, May 16, after pro-Russian separatists relinquished their hold on it. Hide Caption 15 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists argue in Mariupol about how to thwart the upcoming Ukrainian presidential elections.Hide Caption 16 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian gunmen take up positions to fight Ukrainian national troops at a checkpoint outside Slovyansk on Thursday, May 15.Hide Caption 17 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A mortar shell sticks out of the ground at a checkpoint near Slovyansk on May 15.Hide Caption 18 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man surveys the damage to his home after a mine exploded during an exchange of fire between pro-Russian militants and government troops outside Slovyansk on May 15.Hide Caption 19 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man examines ballots at a printing house in Kiev, Ukraine, on Wednesday, May 14. The ballots will be used in early presidential voting on May 25.Hide Caption 20 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People collect mortar shells in front of a burnt-out Ukrainian military vehicle near Oktyabrskoe, Ukraine, on May 14.Hide Caption 21 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Two men collect parts of a Ukrainian armored personnel carrier, destroyed May 14 in what the Ukrainian Defense Ministry called a terrorist attack near Kramatorsk.Hide Caption 22 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A member of a "self-defense" squad smashes a slot machine with a sledgehammer Monday, May 12, at an illegal club in Slovyansk.Hide Caption 23 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People celebrate with fireworks in Donetsk on May 12 as separatists declared independence for the Donetsk region.Hide Caption 24 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Roman Lyagin, a member of a rebel election commission, shows referendum results to journalists at a May 12 news conference in Donetsk. Pro-Russian separatists staged the referendum asking residents in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions whether they should declare independence from Ukraine. Hide Caption 25 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An armed pro-Russian separatist takes up a position near Slovyansk on May 12.Hide Caption 26 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man with a "self-defense" unit checks people's identification in Slovyansk on Sunday, May 11. Hide Caption 27 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A person leaves a voting booth in Luhansk, Ukraine, on May 11. The Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine voted on controversial referendums to declare independence from the government in Kiev. Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov called the vote "propagandist farce."Hide Caption 28 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Two men react after Ukrainian national guardsmen open fire on a crowd outside a town hall in Krasnoarmiysk, Ukraine, on May 11.Hide Caption 29 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian woman votes at a polling station in Donetsk on May 11. Hide Caption 30 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainians line up to cast their votes at a polling station in Donetsk on May 11.Hide Caption 31 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A voter casts her ballot in eastern Ukraine's independence referendum in Slovyansk on May 11.Hide Caption 32 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An armed pro-Russian man sits below a flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic at the barricades on a road leading into Slovyansk on May 11. Hide Caption 33 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Black smoke billows from burning tires used to prevent government troops' armored personnel carriers from passing through in Mariupol on Saturday, May 10. Hide Caption 34 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – The mother of Dmitriy Nikityuk, who died in a fire at a trade union building during riots in Odessa, Ukraine, cries next to his coffin during his funeral on Thursday, May 8. Hide Caption 35 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier keeps guard at a checkpoint near Slovyansk on May 8.Hide Caption 36 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian activist stands with a Russian national flag outside the regional Interior Ministry building in Luhansk on Wednesday, May 7.Hide Caption 37 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, right, inspects an armored personnel carrier in Slovyansk on May 7.Hide Caption 38 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An armed pro-Russian separatist takes a position by the railway lines near Slovyansk on Tuesday, May 6.Hide Caption 39 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A relative mourns by the body of 17-year-old Vadim Papura during a service in Odessa on May 6. Papura died after jumping out of a burning trade union building during riots on May 2.Hide Caption 40 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian gunman holds his weapon while guarding the local administration building in Slovyansk on May 6.Hide Caption 41 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian supporters lead blindfolded men in front of the regional administration building in Donetsk on Monday, May 5.Hide Caption 42 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian policemen check documents at a checkpoint near the northeastern city of Izium on May 5.Hide Caption 43 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers stand at a checkpoint near Slovyansk on May 5.Hide Caption 44 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian Cossacks sit outside the regional administration building in Donetsk on May 5.Hide Caption 45 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militants who were arrested during a Ukrainian unity rally are greeted on Sunday, May 4, after being freed by police in Odessa. The men released Sunday had been detained after bloody clashes in Odessa, which ended in a deadly blaze. Forty-six people were killed in the bloodshed.Hide Caption 46 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian militant reacts after being freed on May 4 in Odessa. Hide Caption 47 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militants clash with police as they storm the police station in Odessa on May 4.Hide Caption 48 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An Orthodox priest, in front of the administration building in Donetsk, blesses a pro-Russian activist May 4 as people gather to honor the memory of fallen comrades in Odessa.Hide Caption 49 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Red carnations are left inside the burned trade union building in Odessa on May 4. Flowers, candles and photos of the dead piled up outside the charred building, a day after brutal clashes and the fire claimed 46 lives.Hide Caption 50 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters light candles in Donetsk on Saturday, May 3, to honor the memory of fallen comrades in Odessa.Hide Caption 51 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A woman cries in front of the burned trade union building in Odessa on May 3.Hide Caption 52 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man walks past burning tires near Kramatorsk on May 3.Hide Caption 53 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists beat a pro-Ukraine supporter trying to save the Ukrainian flag that was removed from a flagpole outside the burned trade union building in Odessa.Hide Caption 54 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters gather in Donetsk to honor the memory of comrades who died in Odessa.Hide Caption 55 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A portrait of Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin is part of a barricade in the center of Slovyansk on May 3. The city has become the focus of an armed pro-Russian, anti-government insurgency that aspires to give the eastern regions of Ukraine full autonomy. Hide Caption 56 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian activist sits in front of policemen guarding the burned trade union building in Odessa on May 3.Hide Caption 57 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People lay flowers and candles at the burned trade union building in Odessa on May 3.Hide Caption 58 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers arrive to reinforce a checkpoint that troops seized Friday, May 2, in Andreevka, a village near Slovyansk. Two helicopters were downed Friday as Ukrainian security forces tried to dislodge pro-Russian separatists from Slovyansk, Ukraine's Defense Ministry said.Hide Caption 59 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Police take cover under shields as pro-Russian activists storm the prosecutor's office in Donetsk on Thursday, May 1. Eastern Ukraine was a heartland of support for President Viktor Yanukovych, who was ousted in February.Hide Caption 60 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian activist is wounded after storming the prosecutor's office in Donetsk and clashing with riot police on May 1. Hide Caption 61 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists storm the prosecutor's office in Donetsk on May 1. Police fired tear gas and stun grenades in an effort to disperse the activists.Hide Caption 62 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An injured Pro-Russian activist speaks with an armed protester during clashes with police in front of the regional administration building in Donetsk on May 1.Hide Caption 63 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists storm an administration building in the center of Luhansk on Tuesday, April 29. Hide Caption 64 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia militants, armed with baseball bats and iron bars, hold flares as they attack people marching for national unity in Donetsk on Monday, April 28. Hide Caption 65 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Detained observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe arrive to take part in a news conference Sunday, April 27, in Slovyansk. Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the self-declared mayor of Slovyansk, referred to the observers as "prisoners of war."Hide Caption 66 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops stand guard behind a barricade made of sandbags at a checkpoint about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Slovyansk on April 27.Hide Caption 67 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Relatives and friends of a man killed in a gunfight participate in his funeral ceremony in Slovyansk on Saturday, April 26.Hide Caption 68 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – U.S. troops arrive at an air force base near Siauliai Zuokniai, Lithuania, on April 26. The United States is conducting military exercises in Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The exercises are, in part, a response to the ongoing instability in Ukraine.Hide Caption 69 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian government troops in armored vehicles travel on a country road outside the town of Svyitohirsk in eastern Ukraine on April 26.Hide Caption 70 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia armed militants inspect a truck near Slovyansk on Friday, April 25. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the West of plotting to control Ukraine, and he said the pro-Russia insurgents in the southeast would lay down their arms only if the Ukrainian government clears out the Maidan protest camp in the capital, Kiev. Hide Caption 71 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia militants keep records of their duty in Slovyansk on April 25.Hide Caption 72 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops take position near burning tires at a pro-Russian checkpoint in Slovyansk on Thursday, April 24. Hide Caption 73 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian special forces take position at an abandoned roadblock in Slovyansk on April 24.Hide Caption 74 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian special forces member takes position in Slovyansk.Hide Caption 75 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Cossacks carry a coffin into a church in Slovyansk on Tuesday, April 22, during a funeral for men killed in a gunfight at a checkpoint two days before.Hide Caption 76 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, left, talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk during a meeting in Kiev on April 22.Hide Caption 77 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – An armed pro-Russian man stands on a street in Slovyansk on Monday, April 21.Hide Caption 78 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators attend a pro-Russian rally outside the secret service building in Luhansk on April 21.Hide Caption 79 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Cars are burned out after an attack at a roadblock in Slovyansk on Sunday, April 20.Hide Caption 80 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A resident inspects burnt-out cars at a roadblock on April 20. Hide Caption 81 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian militant is seen at the roadblock near Slovyansk on April 20.Hide Caption 82 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Armed pro-Russian militants stand guard at a roadblock near Slovyansk on April 20. Hide Caption 83 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A masked man stands guard outside a regional administration building seized by pro-Russian separatists in Slovyansk on Friday, April 18. Hide Caption 84 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People walk around barricades April 18 set up at the regional administration building that was seized earlier in Donetsk.Hide Caption 85 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to the media after a nationally televised question-and-answer session in Moscow on Thursday, April 17. Putin denied that Russian forces are involved in the unrest in eastern Ukraine, though he did say for the first time that Russians were active in Crimea before the peninsula voted to join the country.Hide Caption 86 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian riot police officers stand guard during a pro-Ukrainian demonstration in Donetsk on April 17.Hide Caption 87 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Masked pro-Russian protesters stand guard in front of the city hall in Mariupol on April 17.Hide Caption 88 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reaches out to shake hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the start of a bilateral meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The meeting took place April 17 in Geneva, Switzerland.Hide Caption 89 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A masked gunman stands guard near tanks in Slovyansk on Wednesday, April 16. Hide Caption 90 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian helicopter flies over a column of Ukrainian Army combat vehicles on the way to Kramatorsk on April 16.Hide Caption 91 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A masked pro-Russian gunman guards combat vehicles parked in downtown Slovyansk on April 16.Hide Caption 92 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man talks with Ukrainian soldiers as they are blocked by people on their way to Kramatorsk.Hide Caption 93 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers sit atop combat vehicles on their way to Kramatorsk.Hide Caption 94 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian Gen. Vasily Krutov is surrounded by protesters after addressing the crowd outside an airfield in Kramatorsk on Tuesday, April 15.Hide Caption 95 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists guard a barricade April 15 outside the regional police building that they seized in Slovyansk.Hide Caption 96 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops receive munitions at a field on the outskirts of Izium on April 15.Hide Caption 97 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Armed pro-Russian activists stand guard on top of a Ukrainian regional administration building in Slovyansk on Monday, April 14.Hide Caption 98 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A pro-Russian activist carries a shield during the mass storming of a police station in Horlivka, Ukraine, on April 14.Hide Caption 99 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian supporters attend a rally in front of the security service building occupied by pro-Russian activists in Luhansk on April 14.Hide Caption 100 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man places a Russian flag over a police station after storming the building in Horlivka on April 14.Hide Caption 101 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Men besiege the police station in Horlivka.Hide Caption 102 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – The Horlivka police station burns on April 14.Hide Caption 103 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian police officer receives medical care after being attacked at the police station in Horlivka on April 14.Hide Caption 104 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian supporters beat a pro-Ukrainian activist during a rally in Kharkiv on Sunday, April 13.Hide Caption 105 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists escort a man outside the secret service building in Luhansk on April 13.Hide Caption 106 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters guard a barricade in Slovyansk on April 13 outside a regional police building seized by armed separatists the day before.Hide Caption 107 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Armed pro-Russian activists carrying riot shields occupy a police station in Slovyansk on April 12.Hide Caption 108 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A group of pro-Russian activists warm themselves by a fire Friday, April 11, in front of a Ukrainian Security Service office in Luhansk.Hide Caption 109 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk speaks April 11 during his meeting with regional leaders in Donetsk. Yatsenyuk flew into Donetsk, where pro-Russian separatists occupied the regional administration building and called for a referendum.Hide Caption 110 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian young men look over the fence of a military recruitment office in Donetsk on Thursday, April 10.Hide Caption 111 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Armed pro-Russian protesters occupy the Security Service building in Luhansk on April 10.Hide Caption 112 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Members of the self-proclaimed government the "Donetsk Republic" vote April 10 during a meeting at the seized regional administration building in Donetsk.Hide Caption 113 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian lawmakers from different parties scuffle during a Parliament session in Kiev on Tuesday, April 8.Hide Caption 114 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Workers clean up on April 8 after pro-Russian separatists and police clashed overnight in Kharkiv.Hide Caption 115 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters burn tires near a regional administration building in Kharkiv after police cleared the building on Monday, April 7.Hide Caption 116 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A masked man stands on top of a barricade at the regional administration building in Donetsk on April 7.Hide Caption 117 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Protesters wave a Russian flag as they storm the regional administration building in Donetsk on Sunday, April 6. Protesters seized state buildings in several east Ukrainian cities, prompting accusations from Kiev that Moscow is trying to "dismember" the country.Hide Caption 118 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters clash with police as they try to occupy a regional administration building in Donetsk on April 6. Hide Caption 119 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian activists hold a rally in front of a Ukrainian Security Service office in Luhansk on April 6. Hide Caption 120 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A young demonstrator with his mouth covered by a Russian flag attends a pro-Russia rally outside the regional government administration building in Donetsk on Saturday, April 5. Hide Caption 121 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier guards a road not far from Prokhody, a village near the Russian border, on April 5. Ukrainian and Western officials have voiced alarm about Russia's reported military buildup on Ukraine's eastern border. Hide Caption 122 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian cadets at the Higher Naval School embrace a friend who has decided to stay in the school during a departure ceremony in Sevastopol, Crimea, on Friday, April 4. Some 120 cadets who refused to take Russian citizenship left the school to return to Ukraine.Hide Caption 123 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Soviet military veterans take part in a flower-laying ceremony at the Soviet-era World War II memorial in Sevastopol on Thursday, April 3. Hide Caption 124 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers conduct a training session on the Desna military shooting range northeast of Kiev on Wednesday, April 2. Hide Caption 125 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers prepare for diving training in front of a Tarantul-III class missile boat Tuesday, April 1, in Sevastopol.Hide Caption 126 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People pass by barricades near the Dnipro Hotel in Kiev on April 1. Hide Caption 127 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – People walk past a train loaded with Russian tanks Monday, March 31, in the Gvardeyskoe railway station near Simferopol, Crimea.Hide Caption 128 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Russian solder sits in a tank at the Ostryakovo railway station, not far from Simferopol on March 31.Hide Caption 129 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev speaks about the economic development of Crimea during a meeting March 31 in Simferopol.Hide Caption 130 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Members of the Ukrainian National Guard take part in military exercises on a shooting range near Kiev on March 31.Hide Caption 131 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A woman cries Sunday, March 30, during a gathering to honor those who were killed during protests in Kiev's Independence Square.Hide Caption 132 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A woman and child walk past a line of police officers during a rally in Kharkiv on March 30.Hide Caption 133 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers take part in a training exercise at a military base in Donetsk on Saturday, March 29.Hide Caption 134 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators protest Friday, March 28, in Kiev, displaying police vehicles they seized during earlier clashes with authorities.Hide Caption 135 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Members of the Right Sector group block the Ukrainian parliament building in Kiev on Thursday, March 27. Activists called for Interior Minister Arsen Avakov to step down after the recent killing of radical nationalist leader Oleksandr Muzychko, who died during a police operation to detain him. Muzychko and the Right Sector are credited with playing a lead role in the protests that toppled Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych.Hide Caption 136 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian tanks are transported from their base in Perevalne, Crimea, on Wednesday, March 26. After Russian troops seized most of Ukraine's bases in Crimea, interim Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov ordered the withdrawal of armed forces from the Black Sea peninsula, citing Russian threats to the lives of military staff and their families.Hide Caption 137 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian marines wave as they leave a base in Feodosia, Crimea, on Tuesday, March 25. Hide Caption 138 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian sailors stand on the deck of the corvette ship Suzdalets in the bay of Sevastopol on March 25.Hide Caption 139 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian militia members remove a resident as Russian troops assault the Belbek air base, outside Sevastopol, on Saturday, March 22. After its annexation of Crimea, Russian forces have consolidated their control of the region.Hide Caption 140 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Soldiers in unmarked uniforms sit atop an armored personnel carrier at the gate of the Belbek air base on March 22. Hide Caption 141 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Russian sailor holds the Russian Navy's St. Andrew's flag while standing on the bow of the surrendered Ukrainian submarine Zaporozhye on March 22 in Sevastopol.Hide Caption 142 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian President Vladimir Putin signs the final decree completing the annexation of Crimea on Friday, March 21, as Upper House Speaker Valentina Matviyenko, left, and State Duma Speaker Sergei Naryshkin watch. Hide Caption 143 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian serviceman leaves a Ukrainian military unit that Russian soldiers took control of in Perevalne on March 21.Hide Caption 144 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian border guards run during training at a military camp in Alekseyevka, Ukraine, on March 21.Hide Caption 145 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian soldiers patrol the area surrounding a Ukrainian military unit in Perevalne on Thursday, March 20.Hide Caption 146 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian protesters remove the gate to the Ukrainian navy headquarters as Russian troops stand guard in Sevastopol on Wednesday, March 19.Hide Caption 147 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russian forces walk inside the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19.Hide Caption 148 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A member of pro-Russian forces takes down a Ukrainian flag at the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol on March 19. Hide Caption 149 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Alexander Vitko, chief of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, leaves the Ukrainian navy headquarters in Sevastopol after pro-Russian forces took it over on March 19.Hide Caption 150 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Russian flag waves as workers install a new sign on a parliament building in Simferopol, Crimea's capital, on March 19.Hide Caption 151 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Russian military personnel surround a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 19.Hide Caption 152 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Nameplates on the front of the Crimean parliament building get removed Tuesday, March 18, in Simferopol.Hide Caption 153 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – From left, Crimean Prime Minister Sergey Aksyonov; Vladimir Konstantinov, speaker of the Crimean parliament; Russian President Vladimir Putin; and Alexei Chaly, the new de facto mayor of Sevastopol, join hands in Moscow on March 18 after signing a treaty to make Crimea part of Russia.Hide Caption 154 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Demonstrators hold a Crimean flag at Lenin Square in Simferopol on March 18.Hide Caption 155 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian soldiers stand guard at a checkpoint near Strilkove, Ukraine, close to Crimea on Monday, March 17.Hide Caption 156 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Former boxer and Ukrainian politician Vitali Klitschko addresses reporters in Kiev on March 17.Hide Caption 157 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Ukrainian troops stand guard in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building in Kiev on March 17.Hide Caption 158 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian man applies for the National Guard at a mobile recruitment center in Kiev on March 17.Hide Caption 159 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Civilians walk past riot police in Simferopol on March 17.Hide Caption 160 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian soldier stands on top of an armored vehicle at a military camp near the village of Michurino, Ukraine, on March 17.Hide Caption 161 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Policemen stand guard outside the regional state administration building in Donetsk during a rally by pro-Russia activists March 17.Hide Caption 162 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Armed soldiers stand guard outside a Ukrainian military base in Perevalne on March 17.Hide Caption 163 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A man holds a Crimean flag as he stands in front of the Crimean parliament building in Simferopol on March 17.Hide Caption 164 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Crimeans holding Russian flags celebrate in front of the parliament building in Simferopol on Sunday, March 16.Hide Caption 165 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A Ukrainian police officer tries to shield himself from a road block thrown by pro-Russia supporters in Kharkiv on March 16.Hide Caption 166 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – Pro-Russia demonstrators storm the prosecutor general's office during a rally in Donetsk on March 16.Hide Caption 167 of 168 Photos: Photos: Crisis in UkraineCrisis in Ukraine – A woman leaves a voting booth in Sevastopol on March 16. See the crisis in Ukraine before Crimea votedHide Caption 168 of 168It added that accusations that Russia was building up its armed forces were "groundless."Asked if he considered the threat of a Russian advance into Ukraine more likely now than last week, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told CNN's Jim Sciutto, "We are always vigilant. We are always looking at the options that we need to take."Hagel said Gen. Philip Breedlove, NATO's supreme allied commander in Europe, has been asked to develop "new and additional measures and options."Meanwhile, the separatist protests in eastern Ukraine have entered their fourth day. Pro-Russian protesters seized government buildings in the cities of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv on Sunday.Rebels who occupied Donetsk's regional government building a day later -- declaring a "people's republic" and calling for a referendum on secession from Ukraine to be held by May 11 -- remained in control of the building Wednesday, holed up behind substantial makeshift barricades.In Kharkiv, more than 70 people were detained Tuesday in what Ukrainian authorities said was an anti-terrorism operation, as security forces cleared a government building of protesters.The 48-hour deadline set by Avakov to end the crisis may escalate the tensions in Ukraine's eastern region."There are two opposite ways for resolving this conflict -- a political dialogue and the heavy-handed approach. We are ready for both," he said, according to official news agency Ukrinform.On Tuesday, Moscow warned that any use of force to crack down on protests in the region, which borders Russia, could lead to civil war and called for "the immediate cessation of any military preparations."Opinion: Turning Crimea into 'Putinland'?Hostage reportsThere were conflicting reports late Tuesday over whether demonstrators who seized control of a Security Service of Ukraine building in Luhansk took hostages. An anti-terrorism unit outside the building said the pro-Russian demonstrators were holding hostages, Victoria Syumar, a Security Service spokeswoman, and Yarema Duh, spokesman for the National Security and Defense Council, told CNN.JUST WATCHEDZakaria: Russia's trying to create chaosReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHZakaria: Russia's trying to create chaos 04:54JUST WATCHEDJournalist reflects on Kiev's revolutionReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHJournalist reflects on Kiev's revolution 02:39JUST WATCHEDDonetsk separatists remain defiantReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDonetsk separatists remain defiant 02:52Fifty-one people were released from the building early Wednesday morning, the Security Service said in a statement.But pro-Russian demonstrators holed up in the building denied having taken anyone hostage, according to Reuters reports.Ukrainian interim President Oleksandr Turchynov reiterated Tuesday that he would treat pro-Russian separatists who have seized buildings in the country's east as "terrorists" who will be prosecuted with the full force of the law.His remarks came ahead of a vote in parliament that approved legislation outlawing groups and individuals who call for separatism. Of the 450 members of the Ukrainian parliament, 230 voted in favor of the bill.Kerry: 'Contrived pretext' for interventionU.S. Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine twice on the phone Wednesday with his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.The two officials talked about "the importance of resolving the security situation in key cities in eastern Ukraine peacefully and through dialogue, and they both rejected the use of force to obtain political objectives," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. Kerry said Tuesday that Russian forces and special agents were behind what he called the most-recent "chaos" in eastern Ukraine.He described the developments as "more than deeply disturbing" and said they amounted to what could be a "contrived pretext for military intervention just as we saw in Crimea."Echoing that view, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told CNN's "Amanpour" show that Russia is financing subversion in eastern Ukraine using the pretext of ethnic tensions."What's happening in Ukraine is unacceptable," he said. "A more powerful nation is first taking a province away from a less powerful country and now financing subversion using the pretext of ethnic problems, which are nonexistent."Kerry will meet Monday with his Russian, Ukrainian and European Union counterparts to discuss efforts to de-escalate the crisis, according to a statement from EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton.Ashton "calls against any further destabilization of Ukraine, whether from the inside or the outside," the statement said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel told her country's parliament Wednesday that "the situation in the Ukraine remains difficult ... and unfortunately in many places it is not clear how Russia helps the de-escalation of the situation. "Therefore we will continue to do what we've been doing: on the one hand pursue a path of dialogue, but on the other hand make clear that in our view Ukraine has a right to its own development. We demand this. Ukraine must decide its own destiny, and in this we will help Ukraine."Kerry warned of increased sanctions targeting Russia's banking, energy, mining and arms sectors if the Russians "cross over" into eastern Ukraine. Current sanctions target individuals over Russia's annexation of Ukraine's southeastern Crimean Peninsula last month.U.S. Navy ship headed for Black SeaSimilar pattern seen in revoltsU.S. officials told CNN on Tuesday that one reason the United States believes Russia may have orchestrated the pro-Russian demonstrations in Donetsk, Luhansk and Kharkiv is that the disturbances and violence had a similar pattern and similar separatist motivations, even though the cities are at significant distances from one another. U.S. officials have long noted that these three cities are specific areas that Moscow has been trying to influence. Although Ukrainian forces have been able to regain control for now, the U.S. assessment is that Russia may be trying to fabricate a pretext for military action using some of the tens of thousands of troops still massed on the border, several U.S. officials told CNN. Even after weeks of tension and uncertainty, the United States does not know what political calculation Russian President Vladimir Putin might make in deciding whether or not to move his troops into Ukraine, officials said. The belief is the decision will be made by Putin with little or no influence from his top military and foreign policy advisers. There is also a U.S. view that Putin may leave the troops on the border for some time to come to intimidate Ukraine's government, American officials said. Those troops remain positioned so close, and are so heavily armed, that the United States and NATO calculate they could "roll across" eastern Ukraine in three to five days, one official said.Russia has said it does not intend to invade eastern Ukraine, although it says it reserves the right to intervene to protect ethnic Russians. READ: Russia warns of civil war if Ukraine uses force to quell eastern revoltsREAD: We want out of Ukraine: Donetsk protesters dig in at government buildingREAD: Amanpour Blog: Russia 'financing subversion' in Ukraine, Poland claims | 3news
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Story highlightsRory McIlroy announces he will not sign new deal with TitleistNorthern Irishman expected to sign $20 million-a-year deal The 23-year-old looks set to become new face of Nike Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in hot water with golf sponsorsTiger Woods fired Nike to the forefront of the golfing world -- now he could be clubbed away to make room for the new kid on the block.Rory McIlroy's announcement that he will not renew his contract with Titleist and FootJoy parent company Acushnet has accelerated speculation that the Northern Irishman will join Woods at Nike.While Nike has not yet confirmed a move for the 23-year-old, it is expected that the world No. 1 will make the switch in a deal which will net him up to an estimated $20 million a year.Scott: 'McIlroy can dominate like Tiger'In a statement, McIlroy said: "I would like to thank Wally Uihlein and all of the tour staff and employees at Titleist and FootJoy for everything they have done for me since I turned professional in 2007."I have enjoyed five very exciting and successful years with the company and I will always appreciate the contribution Titleist has made in helping me become the player I am today."McIlroy beats Woods in chaotic 'Duel of Jinsha Lake' Photos: Duel at Jinsha Lake Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeGolden Gong – Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods look on in amusement before banging a ceremonial gong to mark the start of their "Duel at Jinsha Lake." Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeTiger Paw – Both McIlroy and Woods, pictured above, had their handprints immortalized in clay as a lavish ceremony featuring drum majorettes and fireworks preceded their clash in the Chinese city Zhengzhou. Hide Caption 2 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeNumber One – World No. 1 McIlroy cannot keep a straight face as the players pose at the first green, ahead of a clash reported to be paying the pair a combined total of $2 million. Hide Caption 3 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha Lake"Barely-controlled chaos" – "The scene was barely-controlled chaos," wrote Sports Illustrated's Alan Shipnuck. "Some 3,000 fans streamed across the fairways, with soldiers locking arms in a human fence to keep the throngs off the greens." Hide Caption 4 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeHigh Jinks – A course marshall practices kung fu as she awaits the golfers' arrival. Hide Caption 5 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeFiring Line – "On the tee boxes there were so many camera clicks it sounded like machine gun fire," Shipnuck wrote. Hide Caption 6 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeModel Display – Local golf fans talk with one of the models who inhabited the greens in their evening wear in scenes seldom seen on any golf course. Hide Caption 7 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeWater Hazard – Woods tries to maintain focus as a luxury boat passes by, with the clubhouse car park also boasting a collection of Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Aston Martins and Maseratis. Hide Caption 8 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeNext Generation? – Young fans show their support for McIlroy and Woods in a country that is seen as the next great market for golf to conquer. Hide Caption 9 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeOn the Charge – McIlroy never trailed Woods after starting with a birdie, going on to card a five-under-par 67 -- one less than the world No. 2. Hide Caption 10 of 11 Photos: Duel at Jinsha LakeJob Done – McIlroy awaits his trophy on a day that coincided with the launch of the multi-million-dollar "Golf Villas" to be built around the Jinsha Lake course. Hide Caption 11 of 11JUST WATCHEDDuke supports young golfersReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDuke supports young golfers 04:29JUST WATCHEDGreatest sporting drama of all time?ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHGreatest sporting drama of all time? 05:43McIlroy moved to the top of the rankings earlier this year, finishing top of the PGA Tour money list after winning his second major title, and he leads the European Tour's Race To Dubai standings -- all of which has enhanced his reputation as one of the most desirable brands in the sport."We wish Rory all the best," said Acushnet CEO Wally Uihlein. "He has been a great ambassador."McIlroy's success and lifestyle have made him a firm favorite with golf fans, while his burgeoning romance with tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki has also boosted his profile.But Woods, who joined Nike after turning professional in 1996, propelled the company onto the world stage by taking the sport to a new level.The 14-time major champion now faces a struggle to hang on to his status as Nike's No. 1 client, as McIlroy's success shows no signs of abating.McIlroy and Woods have built up a friendship in recent months, playing a much-hyped 18-hole exhibition match in China on Monday.McIlroy even managed to snatch one of Woods' Nike clubs and take a few practice swings, which did nothing to dampen the speculation.Woods, McIlroy 'too tired' for $7M Chinese tournamentMeanwhile, both men were criticized for their decision not to play this week's HSBC Champions event in China.Seven of the world's top 10 players will be competing for the $1.2 million top prize but the absence of the leading duo has left the sponsors irate."I'm very realistic," Giles Morgan, the Global Head of Sponsorship and Events for HSBC told the UK Press Association."These type of promotional TV events happen and have a benefit for the sport -- the more publicity the better. But what used to happen was that the players would make their schedules around big events and fit in what they could outside them."That type of thing is fine, but these are the real test of golf. Outside of America and the UK this is the biggest event of them all."What makes this compelling is the strength of the field and it almost feels like they are missing out. This is the flagship event in Asia."These guys make their own decisions, but this feels bigger than it ever has before and there will be a great winner." | 5sport
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(CNN)Speaking about Saturday's controversial US Open final, Billie Jean King, the tennis legend and equal rights advocate, told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that Serena Williams was "out of line," but umpire Carlos Ramos aggravated the situation."Serena was out of line, there's no question, no one's saying she was a good sport," King said. "The point is he [Ramos] aggravated the situation."What was supposed to be a fairy-tale matchup for Japan's Naomi Osaka and the player she idolizes spun out of control Saturday after Williams was handed code violations that she described as unfair.It started when chair umpire Carlos Ramos warned Williams for receiving coaching, and eventually ended up with accusations of sexism in the aftermath. Williams, furious over the first call, approached the net and told Ramos: "I don't cheat. I'd rather lose." The match unraveled after that.Williams smashes her racket while playing against Osaka."I felt like at the very beginning he blew it," King said. "As an umpire you're supposed to keep the flow of the match going and he did just the opposite." Read MoreREAD: US Open umpire 'thrown under the bus' While King said that Serena Williams was "out of line" for her subsequent behavior -- which included cracking her racket and calling Ramos "a thief" -- she emphasized that Ramos didn't control the match.King suggested that "everything would have been different" if Ramos had told Williams he wasn't attacking her character from the outset.Asked about whether sexism played a role in the match, King said that it was still an issue in the world of tennis."Men are outspoken when they stand up for themselves. And women are looked at as hysterical," King said. "We are not. We are also speaking up." King had tweeted a similar statement after the match, thanking Williams for calling out the double standard..@BillieJeanKing: "Men are outspoken when they stand up for themselves. And women are looked at as hysterical. We are not. We are also speaking up." pic.twitter.com/P34kK3Q410— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) September 11, 2018
King said that moving forward, the game has to change, suggesting that coaching should be allowed and umpires need to communicate calls better."Out of crisis creates opportunity," King said. "This is an opportunity for us to get it right."And on the future of the sport, King said she's looking forward to seeing more of Osaka."She's going to be a superstar and she already is, but now it's just the beginning," King said. "There should be no asterisk, she won fair and square. She was definitely playing better than Serena from the get-go, so this is hers and hers 100% no matter what was happening with the chaos." | 5sport
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Editor's Note: CNN is committed to covering gender inequality wherever it occurs in the world. This story is part of As Equals, a year-long series.In 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti killing hundreds of thousands of people. It left thousands more Haitians displaced from their homes. In the months and years that followed another crisis unfolded. Reports emerged that women and children living in the sprawling displacement camps or "tent cities" were being raped and sexually assaulted.Photojournalist Benedicte Kurzen interviewed and photographed several survivors of rape in 2016, capturing a series of portraits she described as "more an homage to their resilience than about rape itself."Kurzen says her portraits have helped each woman reframe herself and her story.Read More"In general when we speak about rape I usually have this feeling that we as media have a tendency to portray women as rape survivors and that's all they are," Kurzen said. "We put them in a box and reinforce some kind of stigma. We don't explore their imagination."Below, Kurzen shares her thoughts on the portrait series, as well as excerpts from her interviews with survivors. Their names have been changed to protect their identities."This work is the result of a collaboration with MSF (the nonprofit group Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders). They identified women and young girls who had been raped a year ago. It wasn't fresh. It was important not to victimize them a second time.""Every photograph was taken after a very long interview. I spent a really long time explaining to them what it was about and why we wanted to do this.""We talked about how they wanted to be pictured. It was very collaborative. All the pictures are inspired by elements of their story that they shared with me or by their own desire."Gisele, 20: "He took me to an isolated place and asked me to get naked. He touched me and raped me.""I told my family what happened. I want justice to be done."Viviane, 22: "My best friend found the MSF clinic on the social network. I came straight away. The boy was a friend from school. He took me to his home to give me one of his books. I kept asking if his dad was there. He said yes. When I arrived the house was empty. He took me to his room and forced me."Stephanie, 52: "I had a boyfriend but we were separated. He had a lot of other girlfriends and also children. I even look after one of his boys and also one of his daughters now. She is like my own. One night, he came to my place and we fought. He threw me on the floor and raped me so brutally that I started to bleed. My daughters and children don't know what happened. I did not tell them anything."Marie, 21: "I met this guy on the street. We started to chat. After a while I told him I was looking for a job. He immediately said that one of his friends was precisely looking for someone like me. He said that he needed to go to his place to pick up some documents. When we got there he pulled out his gun. This is when it happened." Marie asked to be photographed in the water, doing laundry while in traditional dress.Mother of Sarah, 13: "He is someone we knew. He lived in the same area as us in the camp. Now he is nowhere to be found. Our tent was broken and had a big hole in it. He came through it. He raped Sarah. She was on her own. Sarah wants to dance; she loves it but I don't want her to. I feel she is too visible when she dances."CNN first published these photographs in December 2016.
The As Equals reporting project is funded by the European Journalism Centre via its Innovation in Development Reporting Grant Programme. Click here for more stories like this. | 3news
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(CNN)English Premier League champion Manchester City could face a ban from the Champions League, should a UEFA probe find the club guilty of unfair financial practices. European football's governing body is investigating City for possible breaches of its Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, UEFA said Thursday. "The investigation will focus on several alleged violations of FFP that were recently made public in various media outlets," UEFA said. Der Spiegel has reported, citing club documents gathered by the independent Football Leaks investigative project, that the club reportedly inflated sponsor fees, if the club spent more than expected, the German outlet said. CNN has not seen the documents referred to in reports from Der Siegel, which was first to report the accusations of financial improprieties.Manchester city owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan looks on during his club's match against Liverpool in 2010.Read MoreCity is owned by an investment vehicle of Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al- Nahyan; Der Spiegel alleges that investment violated FFP regulations as it was disguised as sponsorship from Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the Emirate. Etihad is the club's shirt sponsor, and also has naming rights for its stadium. The club also allegedly concealed a player investment fund, which would allow the club to hold equity in promising players -- so-called "third-party ownership (TPO), something banned by UEFA and the Premier League -- by using a company in the Cayman Islands, the newspaper reported. Follow @cnnsport
FFP rules are supposed to stop clubs getting into unmanageable debt, or allow wealthy benefactors to give top teams an unfair advantage.In a statement on its website City said it saw the inquiry as "an opportunity to bring to an end the speculation resulting from the illegal hacking and out of context publication of City emails. The accusation of financial irregularities are entirely false. "The club's published accounts are full and complete and a matter of legal and regulatory record."Major punishmentShould the allegation be proven, the "heaviest punishment" that UEFA could hand down is "exclusion from UEFA competitions," Yves Leterme, the chairman and chief investigator of Uefa's club financial control body (CFCB), said earlier this year. The Champions League, Europe's flagship competition, is hugely prestigious -- and lucrative. Lifting the trophy -- something that has eluded City thus far -- is estimated to earn the winning club over $90 million.City currently leads the Premier League table, with 71 points from 29 games, and is battling Liverpool, one point behind on 70, for top spot with nine games to play.Pep Guardiola's team is also expected to reach the Champions League quarterfinals after beating Schalke 3-2 in the first leg in Germany. It recently won the League Cup and is still in the FA Cup as City chases a quadruple of titles.Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring against Schalke in the Champions League in February.The top four teams from the Premier League qualify for the following season's Champions League; with a 13-point buffer between it and crosstown rival Manchester United in fourth, City is all but guaranteed a top-four finish this season. Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero of Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy following their win over Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium.Whistleblower to be triedDer Spiegel's investigation relied on documents provided to it by Football Leaks, a whistleblower organization, which obtained 70 million confidential and, in some cases, highly sensitive documents.Rui Pinto, the leaker at the heart of Der Spiegel's investigation, is to be extradited from Hungary to his native Portugal, according to reports, where he faces cybercrime charges relating to the hacking of emails from Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Porto, three leading Portuguese clubs. In an interview with the German newspaper, Pinto said that he is "a citizen who acted in the public interest. My sole intention was to reveal illicit practices that affect the world of football," and that his initiative was aided by others who contributed documents. Ahead of his hearing he tweeted that it would "serve as a barometer for what the EU wants: A fight against corruption and tax fraud vs the criminalization of whistleblowers, unfair trials, conflicts of interests and influence peddling." READ: Man Utd stuns PSG with last-gasp penaltyREAD: How Real Madrid lost their lustreRecurring allegationsCity was punished in 2014 for FFP violations. At the time the club said it would accept punishments including a fine of €60 million ($67 million), a restriction on transfer spending and a reduction in the club's squad size for the European Champions League.Manchester City leaped to prominence on the back of massive investments, signing top players and announcing lucrative sponsorship deals with companies closely linked to its owner, Abu Dhabi royal Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who owns the Abu Dhabi United Group.In 2015, China Media Group acquired a 13% stake in City Football Group, the parent company of the Manchester team, for $400 million. | 5sport
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(CNN)Russian President Vladimir Putin cemented his support of Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko in a meeting on Friday, saying that the West's reaction to the interception and forced landing of a passenger jet "was an outburst of emotion."The meeting comes as international condemnation of Belarus continues to grow following what leaders have described as the state-sanctioned hijacking of a passenger flight.A Ryanair flight traveling from Athens to the Lithuanian capital Vilnius was intercepted and forced to land in Minsk as it overflew Belarus on Sunday. When it landed, prominent opposition activist Roman Protasevich and his Russian partner Sofia Sapega, who were on the flight, were both detained.'All Belarusians are hostages to Lukashenko's regime,' say citizens now cut off from EuropeAhead of closed-door talks between the two strongmen leaders in Sochi on Friday, Lukashenko told Putin while gesturing to a briefcase that he brought documents to show Russia "what is going on" regarding the incident.Lukashenko claims that the flight was diverted because of a bomb threat, saying the threat had originated in Switzerland, allegations that Swiss authorities refute.Read MoreThe email indicating a bomb threat was sent 30 minutes after Lithuanian officials received the signal from Minsk to land the Vilnius-bound plane, according to Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda."The initial signal came from Minsk airport with the requirement to land in Minsk airport, and this signal came 30 minutes earlier than the email," Nausėda told CNN on Friday. "So this is the reason, mismatch between the information presented officially, and the true information. This mismatch shows that it is misinformation, and we cannot just keep it for true."Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko in Sochi, Russia, on Friday May 28.US warns airlines to 'exercise extreme caution' when flying over BelarusThe European Union has banned Belarus-registered carriers flying to and from European airports and urged European airlines to avoid Belarus airspace. The bloc is also mulling fresh sanctions against Belarus.The decision to ban Belarus-registered carriers was a "painful" to make as "this kind of transport generates the hard currency" for Belarus, Nausėda said. Nausėda said the action was directed at the Belarusian regime and oligarchs, not the Belarusian people or members of the opposition. US aviation authorities on Friday warned airlines "to exercise extreme caution" when flying over Belarus.A notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration will remain in effect until it "can better assess the circumstances" around the incident.Detained Belarusian dissident appears in video as fury mounts over 'hijacking' of Ryanair flight"FAA evaluation of the pending international investigation report is necessary to determine the associated safety implications for U.S. civil passenger-carrying operations" in the airspace, it said.On Thursday, the International Civil Aviation Organization said it would carry out an investigation into the diversion of the flight, while at least two European carriers say they were refused permission to fly to Moscow by Russian authorities after they requested to fly an alternative route bypassing Belarusian airspace. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency said in a statement on Friday that it has issued a notice notifying airlines that changing previously approved routes from and to Europe through Russian airspace may result in longer clearance times due to an increase in requests.During the meeting between the two strongmen, Lukashenko told Putin, "You know, there are always those who want to throw problems at us.""Taking advantage of such a trusting relationship as I have with you, I brought some documents. I'll show them to you so that you understand what's going on," said Lukashenko, later adding, "I will show you some documents, you will understand what is happening there and what happened. There is an attempt to swing the situation up to the level of August last year."Last August, Lukashenko's disputed reelection sparked some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in Belarus' recent history.Protasevich was one of dozens of Belarusian journalists and activists campaigning in exile against Lukashenko's 27-year grip. Protasevich, 26, is the founder of the Telegram channel Nexta, which helped mobilize anti-Lukashenko protests, and is on a government wanted list for terrorism. JUST WATCHEDDeath of a Belarusian activist suggests abuse ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHDeath of a Belarusian activist suggests abuse 04:05Putin told Lukashenko on Friday that there was not an international outcry in 2013 a plane carrying Bolivia's president was forced to land in Austria after false rumors circulated that former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden was aboard the aircraft.Earlier this week, Lukashenko described the attacks on Belarus as modern hybrid warfare. "The West has moved from (organizing) revolts to strangling the country," Lukashenko told the Belarusian parliament. "As we predicted, our ill-wishers both outside and inside the country, have changed their methods of attacking the Belarusian state. They have crossed a lot of red lines and transgressed the limits of common sense and common morality."The G7 group of the world's wealthiest nations on Thursday added its voice to the international condemnation of Belarus's actions, issuing a joint statement that called the move a "serious attack on the rules governing civil aviation," .In the statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, as well as the High Representative of the EU demanded the "immediate and unconditional release of (Roman Protasevich), as well as all other journalists and political prisoners held in Belarus," condemning the actions by Belarusian authorities "in the strongest terms." CNN's Kara Fox, Stephanie Halasz, Tim Lister and Zahra Ullah contributed to this report. | 3news
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Story highlightsUK lawmakers vote to recognize Palestine as a state after a debate in ParliamentThe measure is mainly symbolic and is not binding on the governmentMotion says this would be "as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution"It came 10 days after the new Swedish government said it would recognize PalestineUK lawmakers have voted in the House of Commons to recognize Palestine as a state "as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution."The motion was backed overwhelmingly Monday by 274 votes to 12. However, fewer than half of the 650 MPs in the House of Commons took part in the debate.The motion passed was, "That this House believes that the Government should recognise the state of Palestine alongside the state of Israel, as a contribution to securing a negotiated two state solution.The measure is mainly symbolic and is not binding on the government. However, it lends added weight within Europe to calls for Palestinian statehood.JUST WATCHEDWallström: Two sides need to be on equal footingReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHWallström: Two sides need to be on equal footing 05:33Ten days earlier, the new government in Sweden said it would recognize a Palestinian state."A two-state solution requires mutual recognition and a will to coexist peacefully. Therefore, Sweden will recognise the State of Palestine," said Prime Minister Stefan Lofven in his first statement of government policy.'Not a gift, but a right'The UK vote came after five hours of debate in the House.Former Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind, of the Conservative Party, told MPs that during his time in office in the 1990s, the United Kingdom committed "for the first time to a two-state solution with a Palestinian state.""I have never wavered in that view and I believe that the earlier that state comes about the better, both for the Palestinians and for the Middle East as a whole," he said.Shadow foreign minister Ian Lucas, of the opposition Labour Party, said the motion would be supported by his party but that the timing and manner of deciding whether to recognize Palestinian statehood was a matter for the current coalition government."It will be decided by Labour in government if the decision has not been made by this government before Labour comes to power," he said. The next general election will be held in May next year."We fully support two states living side by side in peace, recognized by all their neighbors. We are clear that Palestinian statehood is not a gift to be given, but a right to be recognized," he said.U.N. voteThe UK government's official goal "is a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resulting in a secure and universally recognised Israel living alongside a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, based on the borders of 1967, with Jerusalem the future capital of both states, and a just, fair and agreed solution for refugees."In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted to grant the status of "non-member observer state," similar to the Vatican, giving Palestinians a certain implicit degree of statehood recognition.However, a Palestinian bid in 2011 for recognition as a full member of the United Nations failed. It became apparent that the bid was not going to receive the requisite nine of 15 Security Council votes, and the United States promised to veto it if it came to a vote. | 3news
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Story highlightsLi Na announces she is pregnant at the 2015 Australian OpenThe tennis star retired from tennis last yearBaby is due later this yearTo hear more from Li Na, watch and read Open Court on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (CNN)The mother of Chinese tennis Li Na is expecting a baby.The two-time grand slam champion, who retired from tennis in 2014, chose to start spreading the news about her pregnancy at the Australian Open in the Rod Laver Stadium."Me and Dennis, we are so excited," the 32-year-old Li said, referring to her husband, in an on-court ceremony at the Melbourne tournament where she won her second grand slam in 2014."I think Dennis is doing a good job," she added, before quipping, "He just made one ace."Congratulations!!!! #LiNa makes a very special #ausopen announcement about a new arrival... http://t.co/rJfd9OEkq5— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2015
Often the butt of Li's sense of humor, her husband was in the stands as China's pioneering tennis player revealed the impending arrival of the couple's first child this summer. Read MoreAfter retiring in September 2014 due to chronic knee problems, the tennis star has made having a family a priority, telling CNN's Pat Cash in an interview on Sunday that "family for me is the most important thing."Li triumphed at both the French (2011) and the Australian Open (2014) to become the highest ranked Asian player the world has seen, peaking at number two in the world..She later took to Facebook to talk more about her excitement at the prospect of becoming a mother."This summer, Dennis and I are expecting our first child. We are overjoyed!" she wrote."I've been feeling great and Dennis and I have been doing some traveling and enjoying this special time in our lives. We can't wait to become parents and start this new chapter together."Referring to the Melbourne crowd, she added: "It really feels like this baby is going to enter the world already having about 15,000 friends."Li Na announces she's pregnant in front of @AustralianOpen crowd! Baby expected this Summer--> http://t.co/p2CNxW9451 pic.twitter.com/whDs2hzpCx— WTA (@WTA) January 19, 2015
Not just 15,000 friends -- there's also China's 1.3 billion population after Li's sporting success made her a household name in the country of her birth.It's estimated that over 100 million Chinese watched the live TV coverage of her 2011 French Open win, reportedly the biggest TV audience for a single sports event in China.Back at the Australian Open all eyes were on Li after decision to announce her news at the Melbourne event."I look forward to spending a few more days in Australia and wish all of the players and the tournament the best of luck! I can't wait to be back!" she added on Facebook.Read: Australian Open: Rafael Nadal wins in comeback but Ana Ivanovic crashes outRead: Australian Open: Seven stories to follow | 5sport
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Story highlightsVideo was recorded by a local taxi driver12 people were killed in the market attack (CNN)New footage of the Berlin Christmas market truck attack has been released. In the video, the truck is seen speeding from the left moments before ramming into the crowded Christmas market.Moments later, a crowd of people are seen running away from the direction of the public square.The video was recorded by a local taxi driver's dashboard mounted camera. The driver was nearing a red light close to the market's Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church where he planned to pick up customers leaving the festive stalls.12 people were killed in the market attack and another 48 injured. Photos: Berlin attack aftermathThe Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is illuminated in the colors of the German flag on Tuesday, December 20, one day after a truck crashed into a crowded Christmas market there. At least 12 people were killed and 48 injured in what police are investigating as a terrorist attack.Hide Caption 1 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA police officer places a candle at a makeshift memorial in Berlin on December 20.Hide Caption 2 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA woman is illuminated by candles as she cries in Berlin on December 20.Hide Caption 3 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA man prays at a Berlin memorial on December 20.Hide Caption 4 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel lays flowers at the memorial on December 20. She is joined by, from left, Berlin Mayor Michael Muller, Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maiziere and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.Hide Caption 5 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathMerkel, bottom left, views the scene of the attack.Hide Caption 6 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA woman reacts near the crime scene on December 20.Hide Caption 7 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathMourners gather at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church near the crash site.Hide Caption 8 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA police officer holds her weapon near the market.Hide Caption 9 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA woman lays flowers at a makeshift memorial across from the market.Hide Caption 10 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA stall worker is comforted in the market area on December 20.Hide Caption 11 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathPeople attend a memorial service at St. Hedwig Cathedral in Berlin on December 20.Hide Caption 12 of 13 Photos: Berlin attack aftermathA police van drives by Christmas decorations at a Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, on December 20. Police presence has been stepped up at Christmas markets across Germany following the attack in Berlin.Hide Caption 13 of 13Read MoreInside the truck, authorities found a Polish man shot dead, police said he was not at the wheel during the attack.A set of identity papers belonging to 24-year-old Tunisian national Anis Amri -- the suspected driver and mastermind of the attack -- were later found.Amri was killed in an early-morning shootout in Milan Friday morning, ending an extensive manhunt. | 3news
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(CNN)NATO will send a written proposal to the Kremlin later this week to "try to find a way forward" amid growing tensions over Russia's troop build-up on Ukraine's border, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told CNN's Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday."We will outline that we are ready to sit down ... and discuss arms control, disarmament, transparency on military activities, risk reduction mechanisms, and other issues which are relevant for European security. And also to sit down and listen to Russian concerns," Stoltenberg said. The NATO chief said last week that the Western military alliance would soon send its written proposals to Russia, responding to Moscow's security demands and suggest serious talks on arms control and measures of transparency on military activities and missile deployments.Stoltenberg's comments came a day after NATO announced that some member countries were putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to Eastern Europe.The moves signaled mounting fears of a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, following months of military maneuvering by Moscow that has set off a tit-for-tat series of escalations with NATO.Read MoreSpeaking from Brussels, Stoltenberg said there is "still a diplomatic way out" of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, "but that requires that Russia de-escalates and is ready to engage in good faith in political talks with NATO and NATO allies."Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko (R) and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (C) arrive to attend the NATO-Russia Council at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, on January 12.Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine since last year, and is sending forces into neighboring Belarus for joint exercises next month that Ukrainian officials fear could serve as a "full-fledged theater of operations" from which to launch an attack. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied it is planning to attack Ukraine, but has argued that NATO support for the country constitutes a growing threat on Russia's western flank."NATO will not deploy NATO combat troops to Ukraine, but we need to be sure that there is no misunderstanding about our readiness, our commitment to defend all allies, especially in the eastern part of the alliance," Stoltenberg told CNN, explaining that was why the alliance had increased its presence in the eastern part of the alliance, in the Black Sea and Baltic regions. The West fears Russia is about to attack Ukraine. But that's not the way Russians are seeing it on TVIn a statement on Monday, NATO said that member states had announced a number of deployments to Eastern Europe in recent days. They include Denmark sending a frigate to the Baltic Sea and four F-16 fighter jets to Lithuania; the Netherlands deploying two F-35 fighter aircraft to Bulgaria; France expressing its readiness to send troops to Romania; and the US considering increasing its military presence in the East. There was no suggestion in the statement that the troops would be used to assist Ukraine, which is not a NATO member.Stoltenberg told CNN that NATO was weighing whether to further increase its position with "enhanced forward presence or battlegroups, also in the southeast of the alliance.""Strong deterrence is the best way to prevent any attack on any NATO ally and the best way to prevent a conflict," he added.High-level talks between the West and Russia wrapped earlier this month without any breakthroughs, leaving prospects of de-escalation and future diplomacy in doubt. The US and its NATO allies had hoped the talks could spur Russia to pursue a path of "de-escalation and diplomacy," but Russian officials were incensed over the US and NATO's refusal to entertain a contentious list of security demands. The demands include a ban on Ukraine entering NATO and that the alliance roll back its expansion in Eastern Europe. The US and its NATO allies have repeatedly said such proposals from Moscow are non-starters. | 3news
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(CNN)Dora Melara heads into remote parts of Honduras, looking for clues in cases she never imagined would take this long to solve.Sometimes, the people she's seeking are nowhere to be found."There are places where you practically have to climb mountains to get there. And when you arrive, they say, 'He doesn't live here anymore,'" says Melara, an attorney working with the nonprofit Justice In Motion.For years, Melara has been searching for parents who were separated from their children by US authorities as part of the Trump administration's widely condemned effort to deter migrant families from coming to the United States. That so-called "zero tolerance" policy ended in 2018 and had largely faded from the headlines after sparking nationwide protests that year. But a revelation in court documents this week is shining fresh public attention on the policy and its aftermath. Lawyers say they haven't been able to reach the parents of 545 children from separated families -- and that hundreds of those parents were likely deported without their children. Read MoreFamily separation and the Trump administration's immigration legacyIt's a staggering statistic. But the situation is all too familiar for Melara and other advocates involved in an international effort to find families and help them reunite that continues, despite pandemic restrictions making it tougher to travel. The search includes toll-free hotlines and teams working in the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and El Salvador. "This is something that is still affecting many families," Melara says. "Until each one of the parents has been found, for me, this is not over."Even when she reaches a remote village, only to learn that a parent isn't there, Melara says she doesn't think of the case as a lost cause."We think of it," she says, "as 'now we've taken the first step to find them.'"What parents say when she finds themMelara often has little information to go on when she begins a search. Generally, she'll start with the name of a child, the name of a parent, and the parent's last known location -- information that advocates say often turns out to be inaccurate or out of date. When Melara reaches a town, she'll talk with community leaders, hoping they can point her in the right direction. JUST WATCHEDBoy traumatized after separation: I can't forgetReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHBoy traumatized after separation: I can't forget 03:09When she does find a family, they can be distrustful at first. But Melara says the simple act of speaking with them face-to-face and listening to their stories brings solace and relief. And for parents that may have been struggling for months to reach their children and unsure of where to turn, Melara says it's been rewarding to watch them reconnect in video calls."Some have told me. ... 'We thought that what we went through didn't matter to anybody.' Then, when we come, in a way, these people that thought they had lost everything have a ray of hope," she says.The White House has downplayed reports of the parents who haven't been found, arguing that the administration has done everything it can to reunite families, even though the government fought in court against efforts to identify and reach out to families it separated before June 2018. "The sad truth is that many of them have declined to accept their children back," Deputy Press Secretary Brian Morgenstern told reporters Wednesday. Melara said some parents she finds are happy their children remain in the United States, safe and thriving. But others are desperate to reunite with them. Migrant families seeking asylum encounter Border Patrol agents at the US-Mexico border in June 2018."We've found different situations. ... We've seen tears of joy and tears of sadness. There are parents who are in touch with their children. And there are parents who have no idea where they are," Melara says.Melara says she's also found parents that have already reunited with their children. But still, she says, the scars of separation are evident."We have seen cases of fathers who, when they were separated from their children, they talk about how the children cried and said, 'Dad, don't abandon me.' And cases of mothers who have lived through psychological trauma and are still going to therapy to recover. Children say they are still having nightmares, waking up screaming their parents' names."The pandemic has complicated the searchNan Schivone, Justice In Motion's legal director, estimates nearly two dozen lawyers and advocates like Melara working as part of her organization's "defender network" have been involved in the search for parents across the region. She never expected it would take this long."The problem here is that when the Trump administration decided to separate families back in July of 2017, there was no plan to keep track of the families or ever reunite them," she says. "So here we are now, more than three years later, dealing with the fallout."Schivone says the 545 children whose parents they're looking for are likely in a variety of circumstances."They could be in the US with a sponsor. They could be in the US in foster care. They could have aged out of the foster or sponsor system and be somewhere, not in touch with their family. It's the gamut of options and possibilities," she says. "The work right now is to try to account for all the people that were separated and make sure (the parents) are in touch with their kids and that they have the chance to reunify." A US Border Patrol vehicle drives along the Mexico border fence on June 24, 2018, in Sunland Park, New Mexico. By the end of 2018, a court-appointed steering committee made up of pro bono lawyers and advocacy groups successfully tracked down most of the parents of the more than 2,800 children from separated families who were in government custody on June 26, 2018. That was the day US District Judge Dana Sabraw ordered the government to stop most family separations and reunify all families that had been separated. The committee renewed its efforts when a new group of more than 1,000 children were added to the case last year after revelations that the government had been separating families as far back as July 1, 2017, months before its controversial "zero tolerance" immigration policy was announced. Search teams had been making headway, but their efforts stalled when the pandemic hit."Everything sort of ground to a halt and was on pause," Schivone says. Since August, she says, in-person search efforts have resumed on a limited, case-by-case basis. And more than 40 parents have been found."They're doing searches in masks, with face shields, trying to just make the best of this terrible situation," she says.Melara told KQED in September that pandemic travel restrictions in Honduras, which limit the days when people can go out based on the last number of their government-issued ID, have made the search more difficult."We are limited by the time we have to do our searches, we can't stay late, we cannot stay in a hotel. Because the next day, your ID is not valid to be out anymore," she told KQED. "It has been very limiting."But despite the difficulties, Melara told CNN she has no doubt it's important to continue searching for parents. And no matter how many dead ends she hits along the way, Melara says she's determined to keep looking. CNN's Priscilla Alvarez and Jason Hoffman contributed to this report. | 3news
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London (CNN)Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the wife of Prince William, gave birth to the couple's third child on Monday, a son who becomes the fifth in line to the British throne.The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth, at 11 a.m. local time at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, Kensington Palace said.Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn son.The newest arrival to the royal family weighs 8lbs 7oz (3.8 kilograms), and both mother and baby are "doing well," according to the Palace. "The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news," Kensington Palace said in a statement on Twitter.The family left the hospital shortly before 6 p.m local time.Catherine and William emerged onto the steps of the Lindo Wing to introduce the baby to the world's media shortly before 6 p.m. local time.Read MoreThe duchess, who was wearing a striking, raspberry-red dress, cradled her baby as the couple waved to well-wishers. Wrapped in a white blanket and wearing a white hat, the baby appeared to be sleeping.Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge with their newborn baby son.William, dressed in a navy suit and pale blue shirt, drove his family home, with Catherine sitting in the back with the baby.Prince William had left the hospital for a short time Monday afternoon, before returning with his other children George, 4, and Charlotte, 2. As the three royals entered the hospital, Charlotte waved over her shoulder at the reporters gathered on the other side of the street.Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrived at the hospital with their father Monday afternoon.In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received," read the statement.The statement continued: "They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes."Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be leaving St. Mary's Hospital this evening. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2018
A golden easel bearing a framed notice announcing the birth was placed on display in front of Buckingham Palace on Monday afternoon. The bulletin will be on display for approximately 24 hours.The practice of posting a bulletin on the occasion of a royal birth goes back to at least 1837, when Buckingham Palace became the British monarch's official residence.A notice on an easel outside Buckingham Palace announces the birth of the new prince.The royal baby is fifth in line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and two siblings.The newest addition to the royal family is a younger brother to Prince George, 4, and Princess Charlotte, 2, and the Queen Elizabeth II's sixth great-grandchild. Prince George was born at the Lindo Wing in 2013, and Princess Charlotte in 2015. Their father William was also born at the same facility.The duchess' pregnancy was announced in September. At the time, she was said to be suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which involves nausea and vomiting more severe than the typical morning sickness many women suffer during early pregnancy. The duchess was affected by the same condition during her two previous pregnancies.As her symptoms eased she returned to public engagements, making appearances alongside William, Harry and his fiancee, Meghan Markle. Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThis autumn 2020 image provided by Kensington Palace shows the 2020 Christmas card of Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, with their children, Prince George, left, Prince Louis, center, and Princess Charlotte.Hide Caption 1 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Kate visit 282 East Ham Squadron, Air Training Corps, in East London on April 21. During the visit, the squadron paid tribute to the late Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who served as Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps for 63 years.Hide Caption 2 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Kate attend the funeral service of William's grandfather, Prince Philip, inside St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, on April 17.Hide Caption 3 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWill and Kate are pictured during a visit to Westminster Abbey, where a Covid-19 vaccination center has been set up, on March 23, in London.Hide Caption 4 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWill and Kate arrive with their three children to attend a pantomime performance of the National Lotterys Pantoland, at the London Palladium Theatre, on December 11, 2020, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic.Hide Caption 5 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWill watches as Kate pours a tray of bagel dough into a container during a visit to Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery in London, on September 15, 2020.Hide Caption 6 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe royal family meets with naturalist David Attenborough at Kensington Palace in London, in September 2020, after a private screening of Attenborough's latest environmental documentary, "A Life On Our Planet," which focuses on the harm that has been done to the natural world in recent decades.Hide Caption 7 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrince Harry, Duke of Sussex, top left, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, second from right, follow Prince William and Catherine as they depart Westminster Abbey with Prince Charles, bottom center, after attending the annual Commonwealth Service in London on March 9, 2020.Hide Caption 8 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Kate visit a settlement of the Kalash people in Chitral, Pakistan, on October 16, 2019.Hide Caption 9 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Kate escort Princess Charlotte, accompanied by her brother, Prince George, as Charlotte arrives for her first day of school at Thomas's Battersea in London, on September 5, 2019.Hide Caption 10 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe family is photographed during Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade, on June 8, 2019, in London.Hide Caption 11 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyKate shows Queen Elizabeth and Will around the "Back to Nature Garden" that Kate helped designed during their visit to the Chelsea Flower Show in London, on May 20, 2019.Hide Caption 12 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrince William, Duke of Cambridge, kisses Prince Louis as they pose next to Princess Charlotte and Prince George in Norfolk in a handout photo taken by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in 2019.Hide Caption 13 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyFrom left: Prince William, Catherine, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, arrive to attend a Christmas Day church service at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham estate on December 25, 2018, in King's Lynn, England.Hide Caption 14 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyKate holds Prince Louis on their arrival for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, London, on July 9, 2018.Hide Caption 15 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyBritain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, hold their newborn baby son outside a London hospital on April 23, 2018. The boy, whose name was announced several days later as Louis Arthur Charles, is their third child.Hide Caption 16 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrince William holds the hands of his other two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as they visit the hospital to meet their new brother.Hide Caption 17 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWill and Kate attend the Royal Foundation Forum in London with Will's brother, Prince Harry, and Harry's fiancee, American actress Meghan Markle, on February 28, 2018.Hide Caption 18 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple attends the BAFTA Awards in London on Sunday, February 18, 2018.Hide Caption 19 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyDuring a visit to Norway, Catherine is escorted to dinner by King Harald V of Norway on February 1, 2018. William is escorted by Norway's Queen Sonja.Hide Caption 20 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe image, used for the Duke and Duchess' 2017 Christmas card, shows the couple with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.Hide Caption 21 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPaddington Bear dances with Catherine while Prince William looks on during a charity event in London in October 2017.Hide Caption 22 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe royal family arrives at the airport in Berlin for a three-day visit in Germany in July 2017.Hide Caption 23 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThis photo of Charlotte was taken in April 2017 by her mother. Charlotte is fourth in line to the British throne behind her grandfather, Prince Charles; her father, Prince William; and her big brother, Prince George.Hide Caption 24 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyCharlotte is held by her mother as her family ends an eight-day tour of Canada in October 2016. At left is her brother and her father.Hide Caption 25 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released new photos of Prince George to mark his third birthday in July 2016. Here he plays with the family's pet dog, Lupo.Hide Caption 26 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyMembers of the royal family gather on a balcony in June 2016, during celebrations marking the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. From left are Princess Anne; Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall; Prince Charles; Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge; Princess Charlotte; Prince George; Prince William; Prince Harry; Queen Elizabeth II; and Prince Philip.Hide Caption 27 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyKensington Palace released four photos of Princess Charlotte ahead of her first birthday in May 2016.Hide Caption 28 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyUS President Barack Obama talks with Prince William as Catherine plays with Prince George in April 2016. The President and his wife were visiting Kensington Palace.Hide Caption 29 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrince George gets a boost from some foam blocks for a special family photo in April 2016. The portrait, featuring the four generations of the House of Windsor, was commissioned by the Royal Mail and would be featured on a series of stamps to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday. Hide Caption 30 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Catherine pose with their children during a trip to the French Alps in March 2016.Hide Caption 31 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe family poses for a Christmas photo in December 2015.Hide Caption 32 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrincess Charlotte plays with a stuffed dog in this photo taken by her mother in November 2015.Hide Caption 33 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Catherine pose with their children at Charlotte's christening in July 2015.Hide Caption 34 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyPrincess Charlotte is seen with her big brother for the first time in a photo released by Kensington Palace in June 2015.Hide Caption 35 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Catherine present their newborn daughter as they leave a London hospital in May 2015.Hide Caption 36 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe royal family celebrates Prince George's first birthday with a trip to the Natural History Museum in July 2014.Hide Caption 37 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe royal family waves to a crowd before boarding a plane in Wellington, New Zealand, in April 2014. They went on a three-week tour of Australia and New Zealand.Hide Caption 38 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe royal couple attends the Tusk Conservation Awards at the Royal Society in London in September 2013.Hide Caption 39 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Catherine start an ultra marathon in Holyhead, Wales, in August 2013. It was Catherine's first public appearance since the birth of Prince George. Hide Caption 40 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple are pictured with their newborn boy, Prince George, in 2013. The new parents released two family photographs taken by Michael Middleton, Catherine's father.Hide Caption 41 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe Duke and Duchess and their newborn son depart St. Mary's Hospital in London in July 2013.Hide Caption 42 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyIn April 2013, Harry, Catherine and William make magic on the set used to depict Diagon Alley in the "Harry Potter" films.Hide Caption 43 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple attends a St. Patrick's Day parade as they visit Aldershot, England, in March 2013.Hide Caption 44 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyIn September 2012, the couple drank coconut milk from a tree that Queen Elizabeth II planted decades ago in the South Pacific nation of Tuvalu. Hide Caption 45 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyCatherine and William celebrate during cycling events at the Olympic Games in London in August 2012.Hide Caption 46 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe Queen, William and Catherine stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the finale of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June 2012.Hide Caption 47 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyAs part of their charity work, the couple attended a "healthy living cookery session" in London in December 2011.Hide Caption 48 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe newly married royal couple watches a rodeo demonstration at a government reception in Calgary, Alberta, in July 2011.Hide Caption 49 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyCatherine shovels soil during a tree-planting ceremony in Ottawa in July 2011.Hide Caption 50 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyYou can feel the love as the happy couple attends a Snowbirds air show during Canada Day celebrations in July 2011.Hide Caption 51 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyUS President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama meet with the royal couple at Buckingham Palace in May 2011.Hide Caption 52 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe newlyweds walk hand in hand from Buckingham Palace the day after their wedding in April 2011.Hide Caption 53 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyAfter their wedding on April 29, 2011, the couple drove from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House in a vintage Aston Martin.Hide Caption 54 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyWilliam and Catherine kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding ceremony in London. Hide Caption 55 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe pair returned to their alma mater in St. Andrews, Scotland, in February 2011. They launched a fundraising campaign for a new scholarship. Hide Caption 56 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple poses for photographers to mark their engagement in November 2010. Catherine received the engagement ring that belonged to William's late mother, Diana.Hide Caption 57 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple cheers on the English rugby team during the Six Nations Championship match in London in February 2007.Hide Caption 58 of 59 Photos: Will and Kate's royal familyThe couple takes a photo after graduating from the University of St. Andrews in June 2005. They met at school and even shared a house with others while students.Hide Caption 59 of 59The birth comes just weeks before the wedding of Harry and Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor on May 19.William and Kate will mark their own seventh wedding anniversary on April 29.The news of a royal birth is traditionally announced on a gilded easel placed outside Buckingham Palace. Large crowds gathered outside in July 2013 to see the announcement of the arrival of William and Kate's first child.Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William attend the first annual Royal Foundation Forum on February 28 in London.The couple announced his name, George Alexander Louis, and that of their daughter, Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, a couple of days after each was born.Among bookmakers' favored names for the couple's third child are Arthur, Albert and Frederick.Princess Charlotte visits her newborn brother.The new baby was not the only royal child to make history Monday.The birth of the new prince was also a significant moment for Charlotte, the first princess who will not be overtaken in the line of succession by her younger brother.Before the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, the newborn prince would have jumped above his older sister in the line for the throne.But the act means that a female's claim to the royal throne can no longer be diminished by a younger brother.CNN's Laura Smith-Spark and Carol Jordan contributed to this report | 3news
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(CNN)The European Commission has accused Russia of trying to interfere in European democratic processes just days before Sunday's parliamentary election in Germany.In a statement on Friday, the European Commission said: "EU Member States have observed malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as Ghostwriter, and associated these with the Russian state.""Such activities are unacceptable as they seek to threaten our integrity and security, democratic values and principles and the core functioning of our democracies," the statement added.The accusations happen as Germans are set to take to the polls to choose a successor for Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is stepping down after 16 years in the job.Sleeping Beauty's forest is dying. It's not the only climate crisis facing Germany's next chancellorAccording to the EU, the attacks targeted "numerous members of Parliaments, government officials, politicians, and members of the press and civil society in the EU by accessing computer systems and personal accounts and stealing data."Read MoreGerman politicians and officials were among those targeted by Russian malicious cyber activities, an EU official told CNN on Friday. CNN is also seeking Russian comment on the European Commission statement."These activities are contrary to the norms of responsible State behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Member States, and attempt to undermine our democratic institutions and processes, including by enabling disinformation and information manipulation," the statement also said. "The European Union and its Member States strongly denounce these malicious cyber activities, which all involved must put to an end immediately. We urge the Russian Federation to adhere to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace." | 3news
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Story highlightsRed Star Belgrade banned from 2014/15 Champions League tournamentSerbian champions failed to pay debts City rivals Partizan now stand to take Serbia's Champions League placeRed Star Belgrade have been excluded from next season's Champions League for failing to meet their debts.The Serbian champions -- also known as FK Crvena Zvezda -- were found to be "in breach of a number of provisions of the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play regulations," a statement on UEFA's website said.Red Star were due to enter the Champions League at the second qualifying round stage due to commence on July 15 and 16.The Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body reported the case in early April "after becoming aware of the existence of overdue payables as a result of a complaint," the UEFA statement continued.JUST WATCHEDPatrick Vieira: Football changed my lifeReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHPatrick Vieira: Football changed my life 03:09JUST WATCHEDFootball star: Bosnia needs world's help ReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHFootball star: Bosnia needs world's help 01:45"Accordingly, Crvena Zvezda are excluded from participating in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League for which they had qualified on sporting merit."The club now have ten days to decide whether they will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.City rival and league runner up, Partizan Belgrade, could be awarded Serbia's Champions League spot in Red Star's place while the country's football association may face a UEFA investigation of its own for granting a license to the club.UEFA has looked to crack down on clubs overspending in recent years, introducing financial fair play rules which aim to stop teams getting into unmanageable debt.Europe's governing body handed down sanctions to nine clubs last month, including English and French champions Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, for falling foul of the new rules.Read: PSG and Chelsea agree David Luiz dealRead: From bullet holes to BrazilRead: Sex and soccer -- should teams abstain? | 5sport
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Learn more about how to prepare for this unprecedented election in the latest episode of Election 101, a new podcast from CNN and iHeart Radio. (CNN)Even if you haven't said them out loud yet, you probably have questions about how the 2020 election will work.Is there a difference between an absentee and mail-in ballot? (Practically speaking, no.)Should we pay attention to presidential polling? (Sure!)Will the election be secure? (Election officials are working hard to make it so.)On CNN's new Election 101 podcast, host Kristen Holmes will tackle your questions around the election, starting with voter registration. Read MoreHow do you register?"We don't want it to be an onerous burdensome event," says Myrna Pérez, director of voting rights and elections at the Brennan Center for Justice. She explains that you can fill out a voter registration form that you will be able to find online via your secretary of state's office or your local election office. "Some states allow you to register online, which means you never have to fill out a paper form," she says. "Some government offices like post offices or the library will have paper forms that you can fill out." Prospective voters should also check if you live in a state with Election Day registration, which means you can register that very day.What are some of the challenges to voter registration?Pérez emphasizes that registering to vote should not be taken for granted."I think we need to start off with the fact that this country has professed a right to vote, but through too much of our history, we have put barriers in front of the ballot box or affirmatively made it impossible for certain people to register and participate," she says.In fact, this step in our electoral process has a long, and at times dark, history. And that history can help us understand some of today's voter registration issues. In 1776, John Adams wrote a letter stating that giving voting rights to certain groups of people was a "dangerous" idea. For almost 100 years, only White men with property were allowed to vote. As populations grew, polling officials had trouble figuring out who had the right to vote, so in 1800, Massachusetts became the first state to require voters to register. More on votingCNN's Election 101Understanding mail-in voting in the USHow to make sure your 2020 mail-in vote is countedUS elections, explainedHaving trouble voting? Send us your storiesHowever, new registration laws were introduced to keep other people out. In 1898, Louisiana changed its rules to block former slaves and their descendants from registering to vote. Across the South, literacy tests were part of the registration process, as a means of intimidating Black people, immigrants and those without financial means. In nearly a dozen southern states, people had to pay to register to vote -- a process known as poll taxes.Rules like this persisted throughout the Jim Crow era until 1965, when the Voting Rights Act was passed to prohibit voting discrimination. However, even today, voting rights activists warn of continued barriers to registration like proof of citizenship requirements. Meanwhile, there are citizens with past criminal convictions who are unable to participate.Will the pandemic affect your ability to register to vote?"The pandemic has laid bare many of the cracks in our election system," according to Pérez.With so many relocations associated with Covid-19, many are finding themselves unexpectedly having to update their voter registration records. Pérez points out that many states have residency requirements that require residents to have lived in the area for a certain period of time before they are eligible to vote there. DMVs, which have long been associated with voter registration, may offer limited hours or have long lines. However, Pérez is hopeful. "We are a strong people," she says. "We are people that believe in our fundamental right to vote and trying to make sure that our democracy is inclusive."To hear the latest episodes of the Election 101 podcast, subscribe on iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get podcasts. | 4politics
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(CNN)A Texas state law that bans abortion after as early as six weeks into the pregnancy could provide the playbook for red states to pass extreme abortion restrictions -- without having to wait for the Supreme Court to revisit Roe v. Wade.The measure -- signed into law by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May -- prohibits abortion providers from conducting abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. It would effectively outlaw at least 85% of the abortions sought in the state, according to opponents of the law, since that point is around six weeks into the pregnancy, before some women know they're pregnant.The law took effect early Wednesday morning after the Supreme Court and a federal appeals court did not rule on attempts to block it.It was passed amid a slew of restrictions that were approved by GOP legislatures across the country this year, after the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett jerked the Supreme Court further to the right and made it more likely that the court will scale back or reverse entirely Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that enshrined a constitutional right to an abortion before the fetus is viable. But among those restrictions, the Texas bill stands out for the novel approach it takes in curtailing the procedure. Read More228 GOP lawmakers call on Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. WadeRather than imposing a criminal or regulatory punishment for those who conduct abortions after the point in the pregnancy, the state law created a so-called "private right of action" to enforce the restriction. Essentially, the legislature deputized private citizens to bring civil litigation -- with the threat of $10,000 or more in damages -- against providers or even anyone who helped a woman access an abortion after six weeks."The way the bill is structured incentivizes vigilante lawsuits that will harass abortion providers and those who support providing abortions in Texas," Adriana Piñon, an attorney at the Texas chapter of ACLU, told CNN. The approach was aimed at insulating the law from the sort of federal legal challenges that would prevent it from going into effect. One such lawsuit -- brought by several clinics represented by the ACLU and other groups -- is now mired in a complicated procedural dispute that has prompted the clinics to ask for a Supreme Court intervention, which didn't come as of 1:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.The upshot is that while the legal fight plays out, providers in Texas may have to decide whether they want to risk costly litigation brought by private plaintiffs who seek damages under the state law. Anti-abortion activists are already preparing to bring lawsuits if clinics violate the six-week ban. "This whole mechanism only works if there is a credible threat of lawsuits being brought against an industry if they decide to ignore the law," said John Seago, the legislative director for Texas Right to Life, which advocated prominently for the abortion ban. "So, we have been working to make sure that all those pieces are in place, that if we do have reports, that we do see evidence that they're violating the law, then we can actually enforce the law ourselves." (After Seago spoke to CNN, a state court on Tuesday issued temporary orders blocking Seago and his organization from bringing a private enforcement action against two attorneys and an organization that assists women in accessing the procedure.)Seago told CNN that the push for the law was motivated in part by a letter rolled out in October by a coalition of state and local prosecutors from across the country who vowed to not enforce anti-abortion laws, even if Roe was overturned. Though previous proposals from the anti-abortion movement included civil liabilities, the Texas ban is unique in that it is structured entirely around that threat. How it expands who can sue under the measure -- "any person," besides a government official, according to the text -- is novel in the context of abortion as well, he said. "One of the great benefits, and one of the things that's most exciting for the pro-life movement, is that they have a role in enforcing this law," Seago said. Impact on clinicsAbortion rights advocates say that the effect of the law will fall disproportionately on lower income people who won't be able to travel out of state to receive the procedure.The average distance an abortion patient will have to travel once the law goes into effect will grow from 12 miles to 248 miles, according to a study by the reproductive rights research organization The Guttmacher Institute. The clinics will need to hire lawyers to defend themselves, and if those civil lawsuits are successful, state courts can shut the clinics down. The measure also includes a provision that will prevent clinics, even if they prevail in court, from recouping their attorney fees from their legal opponents."The kinds of people that are going to bring these lawsuits are the people my staff see every day," said Amy Hagstrom Miller, the president of Whole Woman's Health, which operates four clinics in Texas and is suing in federal court to block the law. "They scream at them on the way to work, they know their names, they know what car they drive, and so this isn't abstract to our clinic staff and physicians." Trump's appointees are turning the Supreme Court to the right with different tacticsTexas Right to Life is planning to launch a tip line for people to report evidence that the ban has been violated and Seago, the legislative director, also said that he is anticipating that "sidewalk counselors," in his words, and the counselors at pregnancy centers could be involved in the lawsuits as well.Additionally, the law exposes to the civil damages anyone who "knowingly ... aids or abets" in the performance of abortion after the heartbeat is defected, even as it excludes from liability the woman who received the abortion. The language is vague but has prompted fears that family members who drive patients to receive abortion or donors to abortion funds that help pay for the procedure will be vulnerable to civil litigation. Will the law withstand legal challenges?Seago touted how the structure of the law -- and how it empowers citizens to bring civil litigation -- will make it more resilient to the type of "back and forth" in federal courts that have blocked abortion restrictions in the past. Typically, when a state passes an abortion restriction, abortion rights advocates bring lawsuits against the government officials -- such as attorneys general or regulatory boards -- in charge of enforcing a criminal or administration punishment and ask courts for orders blocking those officials from enforcing those laws before restrictions go into effect. By leaving the enforcement of the ban in the hands of private civil litigants, the Texas measure's champions hoped to deprive their legal foes the opportunity to get a federal court to block the measure before it goes into effect. At the same time, however, letting Texas move forward with this end-run around Roe nonetheless opens up the possibility for blue cities and states to adopt the strategy for their policy preferences, like enacting gun control restrictions enforced that enforced by private plaintiffs. Regardless, if Texas is allowed to permanently implement the law, it appears likely that other red states would follow in using the approach to restrict abortion. "We have already heard from states that are working on drafting some legislation that takes this approach to the enforcement mechanism," Seago added.This story was updated after the law took effect Wednesday morning. | 4politics
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(CNN)Sidney Poitier left behind a legacy of landmark performances, from his Oscar win for "Lilies of the Field" to the Oscar-winning "In the Heat of the Night," the latter coming in a year, 1967, that also saw him star in "To Sir, With Love" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner."The richness of the filmography assembled by Poitier, who died Thursday at the age of 94, makes it difficult to choose a favorite film or role. On different days, that might be "Porgy and Bess;" "A Raisin in the Sun," reprising his part in from the play about a struggling Chicago family; or "The Defiant Ones," which earned him his first best-actor Oscar nomination as an escapee on the run chained to a Southern bigot played by Tony Curtis. (In a loaded year, both Curtis and Poitier earned nominations, along with Spencer Tracy and Paul Newman, but the award went to David Niven for "Separate Tables.")Those movies only scratch the surface of a half-century of screen work, which helped pave a path for other performers of color -- a burden the actor bore with considerable grace, despite the challenges and strictures he faced.As Variety's Tim Gray noted in framing the decades when Poitier's career peaked, the US Supreme Court ruling against miscegenation laws in Loving v. Virginia occurred only months before the release of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." "While the message of tolerance in 'Guess Who's Coming' may seem hoary," he wrote, "it was an eye-opener to many."Still, there are other movies and TV miniseries to add to any Poitier watch list, yielding a by-no-means comprehensive roster of additional recommendations -- presented in chronological order -- that might not have been mentioned as prominently in initial remembrances and tributes.Read MoreBlackboard Jungle (1955): Poitier played a student in a tough school filled with juvenile delinquents before he made audiences swoon a dozen years as a teacher with a British class full of them. Here, Glenn Ford played the teacher trying to break through to the kids, with Vic Morrow as the worst of the bad apples.Edge of the City (1956): The pairing of Poitier and John Cassavetes as two longshoremen, with Jack Warden as a truly hissable villain, elevates this film from director Martin Ritt. Like many prominent roles for Black actors in this period, the arc of Poitier's character, alas, existed largely to set up a moral dilemma for his co-star to confront.A Patch of Blue (1965): Poitier starred opposite Elizabeth Hartman as a blind woman whom he befriends (the title describes her last memory of vision), while Shelley Winters earned an Academy Award as one of the world's worst mothers.They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) and The Organization (1971): After the success of "In the Heat of the Night," Poitier returned in two standard but enjoyable sequels as Virgil Tibbs, the big-city detective, with the first capitalizing on one of the more memorable movie lines from the 1960s.Buck and the Preacher (1972) and Uptown Saturday Night (1974) and): Poitier not only starred in but directed both of these films, playing opposite Harry Belafonte in a western and Bill Cosby in a light comedy-action vehicle, which was successful enough to spawn a pair of re-teamings with Cosby, the appropriately titled "Let's Do It Again" and "A Piece of the Action." His work behind the scenes also included directing "Stir Crazy," the prison comedy with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor.Separate But Equal (1991): Moving to TV, Poitier played future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in this ABC miniseries about the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954, also featuring Burt Lancaster in his final role.Sneakers (1992): A disposable but extremely fun caper film with an excellent cast that featured Poitier and Robert Redford as part of an elite security team. One of several entertaining if not particularly significant movies from the tail end of his career, including "Shoot to Kill" and "Little Nikita." | 1entertainment
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Hong Kong (CNN Business)Li-Ning goods will be detained by US authorities after US Customs and Border Protection said an investigation indicated that the Chinese sportswear giant uses North Korean labor in its supply chain.Starting this week, the company's merchandise will be detained at all US ports, the CBP announced Tuesday."Such merchandise will not be entitled to entry unless the importer provides clear and convincing evidence that their merchandise was not produced with convict labor, forced labor, or indentured labor," the agency said in a statement."If the company fails to provide clear and convincing evidence within this time frame, the merchandise may be subject to seizure and forfeiture." Li-Ning, which is based in Beijing, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Read MoreThe company is one of China's biggest makers of sports apparel and sneakers, with a market cap of about 133.3 billion Hong Kong dollars ($17 billion).It was founded in 1990 by a champion gymnast of the same name, and entered the US market about 10 years ago, citing a desire to get into "by far the largest sporting goods market in the world."Li-Ning has also made a splash by inking endorsement deals with NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. | 0business
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(CNN)The Biden administration is weighing new options, including providing more arms to Ukraine to resist a Russian occupation, to try to raise the costs for Russian President Vladimir Putin should he decide to invade the country. The discussions, described by multiple sources familiar with them, reflect a sense of pessimism in the administration following last week's diplomatic talks with Russian officials that yielded no breakthroughs and as Russia has continued to raise its force levels in the last few days.In addition to considering how to help the Ukrainian military and government fend off an invasion, the US is evaluating options for bolstering Ukrainian forces' ability to resist a potential Russian occupation. That includes potentially providing the Ukrainian Army with additional ammunition, mortars, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and anti-aircraft missile systems, which would likely come from NATO allies, a senior US official told CNN. The news comes ahead of a face to face meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva on Friday. A senior State Department official said the scheduled meeting "suggests that perhaps diplomacy is not dead."Blinken to travel to Ukraine and Germany this weekPresident Joe Biden has said that sending US combat troops to Ukraine to fight a war with Russia is off the table. But special operations forces already rotate in and out of the country to provide training to Ukrainian forces and a senior administration official said it is possible that other agencies could provide some support, likely the CIA. CIA Director Bill Burns traveled to Kyiv last week to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss risks to Ukraine, a US official said.Read More"We are looking at a range of options to help defend Ukraine," a senior administration official told CNN. This may include additional defensive arms sales, "advice," and "helping Ukraine be able to stay in the fight against a larger, conventional Russian military presence."The deliberations about supporting a resistance campaign reflect an increasingly pessimistic view inside the administration about Putin's willingness to invade and occupy large swaths of Ukrainian territory. Russia has increased force levels since Friday, the senior administration official said. "Let's be clear. Our view is this is an extremely dangerous situation. We're now at a stage where Russia could at any point launch an attack in Ukraine," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday. "And what Secretary Blinken is going to go do is highlight very clearly there's a diplomatic path forward. It is the choice of President Putin and the Russians to make whether they're going to suffer severe economic consequences or not."Right now, military sources familiar with the planning say there has been no official change in guidance from Washington, and officials emphasized that these are early considerations that have not yet been formally presented to the President for approval. Some members of the administration are wary of getting bogged down in an anti-occupation support effort and have argued that US forces should leave if a war erupts. Increased pessimismUS officials left the meetings in Europe last week even more pessimistic about what Putin could be planning, and how limited the west's leverage is to stop it—even with the punishing sanctions and increased NATO presence in eastern Europe currently on the table. "We can exact some pain, but there is a big difference between exacting pain and actually having leverage," a senior US official said. As recently as late last week, Biden administration officials were conducting table-top exercises gaming out all of the possible US and allied policy responses, sources familiar with the planning told CNN. Top US officials also spent much of the weekend in senior-level meetings to discuss the way forward, a senior State Department official said. Putin and Biden are caught in a high-stakes gamble over UkraineThe US has continued to say that diplomacy is "crucial" and that talks will hopefully continue. But there have been no details on what the next diplomatic steps look like, and Russia has been drawing down its diplomatic presence in Kyiv in what a US official said was ominous and concerning to the US. Russia's foreign ministry denied on Tuesday that it had begun evacuating diplomatic personnel, saying "The Russian embassy in Kyiv is operating in a standard way." Pentagon officials, meanwhile, have been drawing up options for how the US could help to fuel a sustained resistance campaign in Ukraine and inflict the highest possible costs on Russia in the wake of any invasion, according to sources familiar with the conversations.The CIA continues to operate an intelligence collection training program in the US for Ukrainian special operators and intelligence officials, current and former officials familiar with the program tell CNN. The program was first reported by Yahoo News. A CIA spokesman pushed back on any suggestion that the program has helped to train a Ukrainian insurgency in waiting, but former intelligence officials familiar with it say that the program includes the kind of covert paramilitary training needed to collect intelligence in a warzone."The purpose of the training, and the training that was delivered, was to assist in the collection of intelligence, not to assist in an insurgency," a senior intelligence official said. Putin's plans still unclearUS officials still don't know what Putin's plans are, or whether he has even made up his mind to invade. Some officials who have seen the intelligence say there is evidence Russia is planning to try to take Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and overthrow the government. The deployment of forces from Russia's Eastern Military District into Belarus on Monday struck many US officials and Russian military analysts as particularly ominous, as have a spate of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine last week. But others believe it is more likely that Russia will launch a more limited operation in eastern Ukraine aimed at securing a land bridge to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The US on Friday accused Russia of prepositioning a group of operatives in eastern Ukraine to conduct a false-flag operation, accusing Ukraine of provocations and using it to justify an invasion. Bipartisan US Senate delegation meets with Ukrainian President as Russian invasion threat loomsLike within the Biden administration, Ukrainian officials have not concluded that Putin has made up his mind, a Ukrainian official said, adding that the talks in Europe had no perceptible impact on the crisis. Meanwhile, the buildup of Russian troops along Ukraine's borders -- and in neighboring Belarus -- has continued to grow."We see that it's not de-escalating, it's ongoing," the official said. "Still not enough to do a full-scale invasion and sustain it but it's still a lot." As part of the build-up, Russia has deployed more aircraft closer to the border, which has raised fears of a significant air component to an eventual invasion. Two to three dozen Sukhov-34 fighter jets have joined helicopters positioned near Ukraine, the official said.Ukrainian defense officials are in daily contact with US counterparts at the Pentagon, the official said, preparing for a variety of different actions the Russians could take. "We prepared a response for each scenario," the official said. "We are going to fight if something happens. Our people are ready to fight. Every window will shoot if [Russians] go [in].""Everyone who is willing to fight will do so and will receive a weapon for this, like in 2014," the official continued, adding that individual "reservists" who have received some training will simply have to sign up at a recruiting office. Asked where the weapons for those reservists will come from, the official said they would come from the NATO-supported Ukrainian stockpiles. "Material support from partners will go to them as well," he said. CNN's Kylie Atwood contributed reporting. | 4politics
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New York (CNN Business)Wall Street's attempt for a Wednesday rally failed, with stocks closing broadly lower on continued worries about the likelihood of an imminent invasion of Ukraine by Russia. The Dow closed down more than 464 points, or 1.4%, after opening the session higher. It was a broad-based slide, with 28 of the Dow's 30 stocks finishing in negative territory. Only oil giant Chevron (CVX) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) ended the day in green. Energy was the sole market sector to finish with a gain.The S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell 1.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The Dow and Nasdaq posted their fifth straight day of losses, while the S&P 500 has fallen the past four trading sessions.The S&P 500 is now about 12% below its all-time high. That puts the index into correction territory — more than 10% below the recent peak. The Nasdaq is moving closer to bear market status, a 20% pullback from a high. The tech-heavy index is now 19% below its record levels.Read MoreInvestors are worried about the possibility that oil prices could spike even higher if there is a long, drawn-out conflict in Ukraine. The United States and Europe have already responded with sanctions against Russia that could damage the global economy.Fears of cyber warfare by Russia may be rattling investor confidence as well. | 0business
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(CNN)Pippa Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister, has given birth to a baby boy.Middleton and the baby, who weighed 8lb 9oz, are said to be "doing well" following the birth on Monday afternoon, the UK's Press Association reported. Speculation about the impending arrival emerged Monday after Middleton and her financier husband, James Matthews, were spotted arriving at the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London -- the medical facility where Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to her three children. A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said Prince William and Kate "are thrilled for Pippa and James."The baby arrived just a day after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they are expecting their first child next year. Read MoreMiddleton was last seen in public on Friday, attending the lavish wedding of Princess Eugenie in Windsor. She wed Matthews at the picturesque St. Mark's Church -- just a few miles from the Middleton estate -- in Englefield, England, last May with celebrities and royals in attendance. Pippa Middleton and James Matthews exit the church after their wedding ceremony on May 20, 2017. Middleton revealed she was pregnant in her fitness column for Waitrose Weekend magazine back in June. Since then she has continued to share her maternity experience with readers, writing in a recent column that in the lead up to her final month "movement is certainly getting more awkward." "The transformations to my body that are taking place as it prepares for childbirth have meant that the sound sleeps and the baby bubble effect have gone. Reality is finally kicking in," Middleton wrote, before suggesting stretching, meditation and walking for expectant mothers experiencing the same difficulties. | 3news
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Story highlightsWorld No. 1 playing in first match since winning Wimbledon Djokovic's three-set win sets up meeting with Jo-Wilfried TsongaSerena Williams through to third round at WTA event in Montreal Defending champion a straight-sets winner over Sam Stosur Some players might not have wanted too much court time in their first match back after a layoff, but Novak Djokovic didn't appear to mind being pushed to the limits by Gael Monfils at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The world No. 1, who was playing for the first time since winning Wimbledon last month, was taken all the way by the Frenchman in their second-round match before eventually prevailing 6-2 6-7 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) in two hours 41 minutes."In a way it was fun, of course, and entertaining to be part of this match," Djokovic said, the ATP Tour official website reported. "I enjoyed it. I tried to take the positives from this long match, and those are obviously the fact that I stayed over two and a half hours on the court and I have not played an official hard-court match since the Miami final. "That helps obviously to play a little bit more, to feel the court, to feel the conditions."JUST WATCHEDCapturing iconic tennis photographsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHCapturing iconic tennis photographs 03:48JUST WATCHEDHow Novak and Petra conquered WimbledonReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHHow Novak and Petra conquered Wimbledon 08:12JUST WATCHEDTennis' love matchReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHTennis' love match 02:23Djokovic has now won all 10 of his meetings with Monfils and will face another Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round. Tsonga will be the fresher of the two after seeing off his countryman Jeremy Chardy 7-6(8/6) 6-4 in one hour and 37 minutes. Djokovic has a 13-5 head-to-head record against Tsonga and has won their last nine meetings, most recently in the fourth round at Wimbledon. But he is still wary of the threat posed by the 13th seed. "My next opponent has a very similar game, power game like Gael's," Djokovic said. "I'm not feeling tired, I'm not exhausted, I haven't played a tournament for four weeks. I of course look forward to compete more."Djokovic was joined in the third round by two-time Rogers Cup winner Andy Murray, who crushed Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios 6-2 6-2 in less than an hour to set up a clash with France's Richard Gasquet.Wimbledon semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov was taken to three sets by American Donald Young before progressing to a clash with Spanish 17th seed Tommy Robredo.Last year's losing finalist Milos Raonic kept home hopes alive by overcoming young American Jack Sock 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-4) after two hours and 24 minutes.Canada's world No. 6, who won his sixth ATP Tour title in Washington last weekend, will next play French veteran Julien Benneteau.Fourth seed Tomas Berdych and No. 5 David Ferrer also went through, while Marin Cilic set up a meeting with Wimbledon finalist Roger Federer -- who is seeking to add to his 2004 and 2006 Rogers Cup titles.Serena eases into third round Meanwhile in Montreal, world No. 1 Serena Williams was in ominous form in her second-round Rogers Cup match against Sam Stosur. The defending champion blew away the Australian in straight sets 6-0 6-2 in just under an hour to set up a meeting with Czech Lucie Safarova, who overcame Magdalena Rybarikova 6-4, 6-2. "It feels great to be here," Williams said, speaking in French, the WTA's official website reported. JUST WATCHEDThe grass court season growsReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHThe grass court season grows 03:39JUST WATCHEDInside Andy Murray's luxury hotelReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHInside Andy Murray's luxury hotel 05:46JUST WATCHEDRomanian's meteoric riseReplayMore Videos ...MUST WATCHRomanian's meteoric rise 01:10"I thought I played well tonight. She's won a Grand Slam title and she's a really good player, so it was important for me to play well."I love it here and I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight."Serena's sister Venus is also safely through to the next round after beating Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan 6-3 6-2. She will next play Angelique Kerber, who was beaten by Serena in the Stanford final on Sunday.Fourth seed Maria Sharapova went through to round three despite losing the first set against 27th-ranked Garbine Muguruza, and the Russian will next play another SPaniard in Carla Suarez-Navarro.Second seed and 2012 Rogers Cup winner Petra Kvitova also progressed with a 6-3 6-2 win over Casey Dellacqua, and the two-time Wimbledon champion next plays Russia's Ekaterina Makarova. But No. 9 seed Ana Ivanovic is out after losing 6-7 (9-7) 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 to America's Coco Vandeweghe, who earned a clash with another Serbian, former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic. Australian Open finalist Dominika Cibulkova was also knocked out, going down in three sets 2-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (5-7) to Britain's Heather Watson, who will now play two-time grand slam winner Victoria Azarenka. Read more: Bouchard suffers hometown defeat | 5sport
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