Gary Lineker, the England soccer great-turned-media celebrity, will leave his role as a presenter for the BBC after facing criticism for reposting an Instagram story about Zionism which featured a picture of a rat. The 64-year-old Lineker, who is the British national broadcaster’s highest-paid presenter on about 1.3 million pounds ($1.7 million) a year, was set to leave flagship soccer highlights show “Match of the Day” at the end of this season but remain with the BBC to front other soccer coverage, including next year’s men’s World Cup. However, the BBC said Monday in a statement that Lineker will step down entirely from the corporation after the final...
Trump Hopes For Ceasefire Progress In Russia-Ukraine War In Monday Calls With Putin And Zelenskyy
President Donald Trump is hoping separate phone calls Monday with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make progress toward a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. Trump expressed his hopes for a “productive day” Monday — and a ceasefire — in a social media post over the weekend. His effort will also include calls to NATO leaders. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to the media Monday that Putin and Trump will speak at 5 p.m. Moscow time (1400 GMT), about 10 a.m. Eastern, and called the conversation “important, given the talks that took place in Istanbul” last...
China’s Economy Slows In April As Trade War Blues Hit Retail Sales, Housing And Investment
China’s economy showed signs of slowing in April as President Donald Trump’s trade war took a toll, with retail sales, property and investment coming in weaker than economists had forecast. Industrial production slowed as Trump’s painfully high tariffs of up to 145%, and 125% retaliatory duties imposed by Beijing, took effect and shipments were curtailed. National Statistics Bureau spokesperson Fu Linghui said the general trend was positive though he pointed to “external shocks” that had gained intensity. “It should also be noted that there are still many outside unstable and uncertain factors, and the foundation for the continued recovery and improvement of the national...
Netanyahu Says He’ll Allow Some Aid Into Gaza Under Pressure, But None Appears To Have Entered
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that his decision to resume limited aid to the Gaza Strip after a two-and-a-half month blockade came after pressure from allies who said they couldn’t support Israel’s renewed offensive if there are “images of hunger” coming out of the Palestinian territory. The announcement raised hope among Palestinians that desperately needed food, medicine and other supplies would enter — but none had by Monday afternoon. Israel has meanwhile launched a new wave of air and ground operations across the territory, and the army ordered the evacuation of Gaza’s second-largest city, Khan Younis, where Israel carried out a massive operation...
Aaron Cresswell Bids Farewell to West Ham After 11 Memorable Years
Aaron Cresswell has officially left West Ham United, bringing an end to an illustrious 11-year spell with the club. The left-back joined the Hammers in 2014 from the Championship side Ipswich Town for a fee of around £3.75 million. Since then, he has made over 350 appearances for the club, becoming one of the most consistent and dependable figures at the London Stadium. Cresswell played a pivotal role in West Ham’s success over the years, with the crowning moment of his career coming in 2023 when the club lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League title. He was instrumental throughout that...
Ex-Premier League Striker Dwight Gayle to Hang Up His Boots at the End of the Season
Dwight Gayle is set to retire at the end of the season. The former Premier League forward currently plays for Scottish side Hibernian. At 35, Gayle isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and has been one of the club’s standout performers this season. He has recorded 10 goal contributions in 28 games and played a vital role in helping the club secure European qualification, with Hibernian finishing third with a game to spare. Despite his heroics and a successful season, the Englishman has decided not to negotiate a new contract with Hibs and will walk away from the sport...
