A ceasefire deal to pause the war in Iran appeared to hang by a thread Wednesday after the Islamic Republic closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The White House demanded that the channel be reopened and sought to keep peace talks on track. The U.S. and Iran both claimed victory after reaching the agreement, and world leaders expressed relief, even as more drones and missiles hit Iran and Gulf Arab countries. At the same time, Israel intensified its attacks on the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, hitting commercial and residential areas in Beirut....
British Pastor Charged With Manslaughter After Man Drowns At Baptism
A British pastor was charged with manslaughter Wednesday in the drowning of a 61-year-old man at a backyard baptism ceremony. Cheryl Bartley, 48, faces one count of gross negligence manslaughter for the death of Robert Smith on Oct. 8, 2023 in Birmingham, prosecutors said. The Life Changing Ministries ceremony was being held in a kiddie pool and livestreamed on Facebook. Bartley is scheduled to appear May 14 in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. —AP
Brazil’s Lula Argues For Ban On Online Betting Platforms
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday he favors a national ban on online betting platforms, whose revenues in the South American nation are estimated at more than $4 billion per year, one of the biggest markets in the world. The 80-year-old Lula, who is running for reelection in October, said online gambling has caused “a massive tragedy” for millions of families who have seen household debt soar. “If it is up to me, we close them,” Lula said in an interview to website ICL Noticias. “I am deeply worried about the indebtedness of the Brazilian people....
Benin Is Holding An Election For A New President As Security Worsens And Critics Denounce Clampdown
Voters in Benin will vote Sunday to elect a new president as outgoing leader Patrice Talon steps down after a decade in power with a mixed legacy of economic growth, but also a growing jihadi insurgency in the north and a clamp down on the opposition and critics. Romuald Wadagni, the 49-year-old finance minister and governing coalition standard-bearer, is considered Talon’s anointed successor. Wadagni is being challenged by Paul Hounkpè, the sole opposition candidate. In the parliamentary election in January, the opposition failed to cross the 20% electoral threshold required to win seats, leaving Talon’s two allied parties in control...
At Least 182 Killed As Israel Strikes Central Beirut After Saying Iran Truce Doesn’t Apply There
Israeli strikes hit busy commercial and residential areas in central Beirut without warning on Wednesday, hours after a ceasefire was announced in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Lebanon said at least 182 people were killed and hundreds were wounded, making it the deadliest day in the latest Israel-Hezbollah war. U.S. President Donald Trump told PBS News Hour that Lebanon was not included in the deal because of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group. When asked about Israel’s latest strikes, he said, “That’s a separate skirmish.” Israel had said the agreement does not extend to its war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah, although...
An Army Veteran Is Charged With Sharing Classified Details Of An Elite Commando Unit.
n Army veteran has been charged with sharing classified information about an elite commando unit with a journalist, which one official said put the country, members of the U.S. military and the nation’s allies at risk. Courtney Williams, 40, of Wagram, North Carolina, is accused of violating federal law, as well as multiple nondisclosure agreements by sharing details of her work with a “special military unit” at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. “Anyone divulging information they vowed to protect to a reporter for publication is reckless, self-serving and damages our nation’s security,” Reid Davis, the FBI special agent in charge in...
Atlético Madrid Claims Victory Over Barcelona 2-0 In Champions League Thriller Amid Flick’s Hurt
Atlético Madrid grabbed a 2-0 lead in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at Camp Nou, with goals from Álvarez’s stunning free-kick and Alexander Sørloth’s tap-in after Barcelona went down to 10 men. Coach Hansi Flick raged over a deliberate handball by Atlético’s Marc Pubill on a goal kick that VAR ignored, calling it a clear penalty and second yellow, while questioning the red card on teen defender Cubarsí, he stated post match: “There was a clear penalty and a second yellow card for Atléti”. What’s the point of VAR if it’s there in the first place? I just can’t...
Juventus Target Alisson Becker as Spalletti Eyes Reunion
Juventus are reportedly considering a move for Alisson Becker, with head coach Luciano Spalletti identifying the Liverpool FC goalkeeper as a top target. According to Franc Guerrieri, Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Alisson as a potential replacement for Michele Di Gregorio. Spalletti, who previously coached Alisson during their time at AS Roma, is keen on a reunion and believes the Brazilian would be a key addition to his squad. The Italian giants are reportedly confident they can match Alisson’s current salary as they push to strengthen their goalkeeping options. Alisson has been a vital figure for Liverpool since...
Liverpool Close In on New Contract Agreement with Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool FC are nearing an agreement with Ibrahima Konaté over a new long-term contract, with only final details left to be resolved. Discussions between the club and the defender are progressing well, and a long-term extension is now taking shape as both parties move closer to a full agreement. Konaté has been a key figure for Liverpool since his move from RB Leipzig. The French centre-back has made 174 appearances for the Reds, establishing himself as an important part of the squad. The 25-year-old officially joined Liverpool on July 1, 2021, after the club activated his £36 million release clause...