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Fox & Friends host apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be killed

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NEW YORK (BN24)  — Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade issued a public apology Sunday for suggesting that homeless mentally ill people should receive lethal injections, describing his controversial statement as “extremely callous” following widespread criticism of his remarks.

The apology came four days after Kilmeade made the inflammatory comment during a Wednesday segment on the conservative talk show. The discussion centered on the murder of a Ukrainian woman in North Carolina, during which co-host Lawrence Jones argued that mentally ill homeless people should either accept treatment programs or face incarceration.

Kilmeade escalated the conversation by adding his own suggestion for dealing with such individuals. “Or, involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill them,” Kilmeade said during the broadcast, sparking immediate backlash from viewers and advocacy groups.

The comment was made in connection with a criminal case involving a 34-year-old man with an extensive criminal record who has been charged with the Ukrainian woman’s murder. The suspect’s mother told local television stations that she had previously sought to have her son involuntarily committed for psychiatric treatment and that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

During Sunday’s broadcast, Kilmeade acknowledged the severity of his previous statement and expressed regret for his words. “I apologize for that extremely callous remark,” Kilmeade said on air, addressing the controversy directly with viewers.

The host attempted to clarify his position by emphasizing that his comments should not be interpreted as applying broadly to all homeless individuals struggling with mental health issues. “I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion,” Kilmeade stated.

The original Wednesday segment had focused on discussing policy approaches to addressing homelessness and mental health crises in American communities. Jones had advocated for a more structured approach involving treatment programs and potential legal consequences for those who refuse assistance, before Kilmeade’s extreme suggestion diverted the conversation.

Kilmeade’s remarks triggered immediate criticism from mental health advocates, homeless services organizations, and viewers who characterized the comments as dehumanizing and dangerous. Critics argued that such statements contribute to stigmatization of vulnerable populations and could potentially incite violence against homeless individuals.

The controversy highlights ongoing national debates about how communities should address homelessness, particularly cases involving individuals with untreated mental illness. Advocates emphasize that effective solutions require increased funding for mental health services, affordable housing programs, and comprehensive support systems rather than punitive measures.

Fox & Friends airs weekday mornings on Fox News Channel and attracts a significant audience among conservative viewers. The program frequently covers crime stories and policy debates related to homelessness and public safety in major American cities.

Fox News did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Kilmeade’s original remarks or his subsequent apology. The network has not issued any official statement regarding potential disciplinary action or policy changes following the incident.

The apology represents an unusual acknowledgment of error for the program, which typically maintains strong support for its hosts’ commentary even amid controversy. Kilmeade’s willingness to directly address his remarks suggests recognition of the severity of the backlash and potential harm caused by his words.

Mental health professionals have long emphasized that individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness require compassionate treatment approaches rather than criminalization or punishment. Research consistently demonstrates that supportive services, stable housing, and accessible healthcare produce better outcomes than punitive policies.

The incident occurs amid broader national discussions about media responsibility and the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory rhetoric broadcast to large audiences. Advocates argue that public figures bear special responsibility to avoid language that could endanger vulnerable populations.

Kilmeade’s apology, while addressing his specific comments, leaves broader questions about the tone and content of discussions surrounding homelessness and mental health on the program. The controversy may prompt renewed scrutiny of how major media outlets frame debates about social issues affecting marginalized communities.

The Ukrainian woman’s murder case that initially prompted the segment continues to proceed through North Carolina’s court system, with the defendant’s mental health status likely to become a significant factor in legal proceedings.

2025 Emmys: ‘The Pitt’ and ‘The Studio’ capture top honors as ‘Adolescence’ stuns with breakout wins

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LOS ANGELES (BN24) — HBO Max’s The Pitt and Apple TV+’s The Studio captured the biggest prizes at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, while Netflix’s Adolescence delivered a breakout performance that underscored the power of daring television.

The Pitt claimed outstanding drama series, triumphing over critical favorites Severance and The White Lotus, while The Studio, co-created by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, swept comedy honors with wins for best series, directing and writing. Netflix’s Adolescence, shot entirely in uninterrupted single takes, won outstanding limited or anthology series and added four acting trophies.

The night produced history when 15-year-old Owen Cooper became the youngest-ever male Emmy winner, earning outstanding supporting actor in a limited series for Adolescence. “Three years ago I was nothing — now I’m here,” he said, urging young fans to “step out of your comfort zone.”

Veteran performers also added to their legacies. Jean Smart won outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for Hacks, while Noah Wyle triumphed as lead actor in a drama series for The Pitt. Seth Rogen, visibly moved, won lead actor in a comedy series for The Studio, telling the audience, “I’m legitimately embarrassed by how happy this makes me.”

Cristin Milioti earned lead actress in a limited series for The Penguin, while Stephen Graham captured both lead actor in a limited series and a writing award for Adolescence. Erin Doherty also picked up supporting actress honors for the Netflix miniseries.

The ceremony, hosted by Nate Bargatze, ran almost on time thanks to his unusual pledge: a $100,000 charity donation that would shrink by $1,000 for every speech exceeding 45 seconds. CBS later announced $250,000 would be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America regardless of the tally.

One of the evening’s most emotional moments came when Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation after The Late Show with Stephen Colbert won outstanding talk series, weeks after CBS confirmed the show’s cancellation.

Mark Herbert, executive producer of Adolescence, said the series’ international acclaim was proof of its cultural weight. “We wanted to hold a mirror up to society, and this show has blown our minds around the world,” he said.

The dominance of The Pitt, The Studio and Adolescence gave the 2025 Emmys a decisive identity: a night of prestige storytelling, daring experimentation and emotional goodbyes.

Full List of 2025 Emmy Winners:

  • Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)
    Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Comedy Series: The Studio (Apple TV+)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Drama Series: The Pitt (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence (Netflix)
  • Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle (The Pitt)
  • Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower (Severance)
  • Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen (The Studio)
  • Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart (Hacks)
  • Lead Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Lead Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti (The Penguin)
  • Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman (Severance)
  • Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Katherine LaNasa (The Pitt)
  • Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere)
  • Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder (Hacks)
  • Supporting Actor in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper (Adolescence)
  • Supporting Actress in a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Reality Competition Program: The Traitors (NBC)
  • Outstanding Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO Max)
  • Outstanding Talk Series: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: Dan Gilroy (Andor)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Writing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham (Adolescence)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: Adam Randall (Slow Horses)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg (The Studio)
  • Outstanding Directing for a Limited/Anthology Series or Movie: Philip Barantini (Adolescence)

British politicians condemn Elon Musk over incendiary remarks at anti-migrant rally – AP

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British political leaders on Monday condemned Elon Musk after the billionaire entrepreneur told a massive anti-immigration rally in London that “violence is coming” and urged demonstrators to “fight back or die.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced violence that flared on the fringes of Saturday’s “Unite the Kingdom” march, a far-right demonstration organized by Tommy Robinson, where more than 100,000 people flooded central London in one of the largest nationalist protests in decades. Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, in clashes with protesters attempting to breach barriers separating them from anti-racist counter-demonstrators. Authorities arrested 25 people and warned more arrests were imminent.

Musk, appearing by video link, went further, calling for Parliament to be dissolved, an early election to be held, and Britain’s government to be replaced. His intervention prompted sharp criticism across the political spectrum.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey accused Musk of trying “to sow discord and incite violence on our streets” and urged both Starmer and Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch to consider sanctions against the Tesla and X owner. Equalities Minister Jacqui Smith called Musk’s remarks “dangerous,” while Business Secretary Peter Kyle described them as “totally inappropriate.”

Starmer, while not addressing Musk directly, wrote on X that peaceful protest “is core to our country’s values. But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the color of their skin.”

The rally underscored how immigration, particularly the arrival of more than 30,000 people crossing the English Channel in small boats this year, has become a polarizing issue. The use of hotels to house asylum-seekers has sparked a wave of smaller protests, some turning violent.

Saturday’s demonstration turned London’s streets into a sea of Union Jacks and St. George’s flags, symbols that in recent weeks have proliferated across Britain in a grassroots “fly-the-flag” campaign. Red crosses have also appeared painted on buildings, which critics say is meant to intimidate ethnic minorities.

Musk has repeatedly aligned himself with far-right figures in Europe, including Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and Germany’s Alternative for Germany party (AfD). Once seen as an ally of President Donald Trump, Musk has also opposed efforts by the U.K. and other European governments to tighten controls on harmful online content, arguing they infringe on free speech.

Starmer stressed that Britain’s identity would not be surrendered to extremist movements. “Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect,” he wrote. “Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”

Ex-British soldier faces trial over Bloody Sunday killings after 53 years

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BELFAST, Northern Ireland (BN24) — More than five decades after British paratroopers opened fire on unarmed civil rights marchers on Bloody Sunday, a former soldier identified only as Soldier F has gone on trial in Belfast, accused of murder and attempted murder in one of the darkest chapters of Northern Ireland’s conflict.

The case marks the first time any member of the British Army has faced a criminal court for the killings on Jan. 30, 1972, in Londonderry, when soldiers shot dead 13 unarmed demonstrators and wounded 15 more during a march against internment without trial. The massacre, which became a defining moment of “The Troubles,” fueled decades of sectarian violence between Irish nationalists and unionists.

Soldier F, shielded from public view behind floor-to-ceiling curtains in Belfast Crown Court, is charged with the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of five others: Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick O’Donnell and another unidentified victim. He has pleaded not guilty.

Families’ decades-long fight for justice

For 53 years, victims’ families have sought accountability, challenging the initial British government claims that soldiers fired only in response to threats from gunmen and bombers. That narrative was dismantled by the 2010 Saville Inquiry, which concluded that soldiers shot fleeing civilians and lied about their actions for decades. Then–Prime Minister David Cameron issued an unprecedented apology, calling the killings “unjustified and unjustifiable.”

Despite the findings, prosecutions were slow to materialize. After years of investigation, prosecutors in 2019 announced charges against Soldier F alone, citing insufficient evidence against 16 other soldiers and two suspected members of the Official Irish Republican Army. The case was later dropped in 2021, but reinstated after a successful appeal by relatives of the victims.

Tony Doherty, whose father Patrick was among those killed, said the trial represents the fulfillment of a decades-long struggle. “We have waited 53 long years for justice and, hopefully, we will see a measure of it through this trial,” Doherty said.

Symbol of Northern Ireland’s past and present

The proceedings come a quarter century after the Good Friday Agreement largely ended the conflict, but Bloody Sunday continues to cast a shadow over Northern Ireland. Families of the victims argue the trial is long overdue, while veterans’ groups claim former soldiers are being unfairly pursued decades after their service.

Derry councilor Shaun Harkin of the People Before Profit party said the case extends beyond one soldier. “The British government has sought to protect its parachute regiment killers for decades through lies, cover-up, delay and evasion,” Harkin said. “Soldier F pulled the trigger on Bloody Sunday and should be held to account, but so should the government and military leaders who gave the orders.”

The trial is expected to be closely watched, both as a test of accountability and as a measure of whether victims’ families will finally see justice after more than half a century.

Source: Associated Press

Barcelona thrashed Valencia with Marcus Rashford involved in a La Liga goal for the first time.

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BARCELONA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona produced a statement performance with a 6-0 demolition of Valencia on Saturday, with Marcus Rashford registering his first goal involvement in La Liga since arriving on loan from Manchester United.

The England forward, making just his second start for the Spanish champions, delivered a brilliant cross to assist Raphinha’s first goal shortly after halftime, giving Barcelona a 2-0 lead. Rashford played 67 minutes in a lively outing at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, where he also had two shots narrowly miss the target.

Fermin Lopez opened the scoring in the first half, racing onto a Ferran Torres through ball to fire past the Valencia goalkeeper. The midfielder then doubled his tally with a stunning long-range strike to make it 3-0 before Raphinha rifled in his second goal — Barcelona’s fourth as the home side ran riot.

Robert Lewandowski, who came off the bench alongside Raphinha, joined the scoring party late on. The Polish striker calmly finished Dani Olmo’s pass before chipping in a sixth goal that was initially flagged for offside but later confirmed by VAR.

The hosts created plenty of other chances, with Torres striking the post after getting on the end of another dangerous cross from Rashford. The match was held at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium — normally used by Barcelona’s B team — while the Nou Camp continues to undergo redevelopment.

Barcelona’s resounding win not only kept them in the La Liga title hunt but also marked a milestone for Rashford, who had been under scrutiny since his high-profile loan move from Old Trafford. The 26-year-old’s assist provided a glimpse of his potential impact as he adapts to life in Spain.

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir edges Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa to claim women’s marathon gold at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

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TOKYO (BN24) — Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya outpaced Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in a dramatic sprint finish to win the women’s marathon gold medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday.

Jepchirchir, 31, added another chapter to her decorated career by triumphing in 2 hours, 24 minutes, 43 seconds. The victory came after a tense duel with Assefa, who set the women-only world marathon record of 2:15:50 in London earlier this year. The two broke away from the pack before the 30-kilometer mark and ran stride for stride until entering Japan National Stadium for the decisive final stretch.

Assefa, 28, surged first with 250 meters remaining, but Jepchirchir responded with a powerful kick on the final bend, crossing the line two seconds ahead of her Ethiopian rival.

“It was not my ultimate plan to sprint in the final meters, but when I saw I was 100 meters from the finish, I just started to kick,” Jepchirchir said. “It was so hot, so difficult, but I managed to do it. This is my first World Championships, and I am so happy it happened in Tokyo because I also won my first Olympic gold medal here. Today was tougher. The humidity was so high, and I was exhausted coming into the stadium. But I sprinted for it.”

Assefa settled for silver, adding to her runner-up finish at the Paris Olympics last year. She said she preferred to frame the result positively.

“I don’t like to think I lost the gold. I always try to think I won the silver,” Assefa said. “Every medal is special. Honestly, my world record race in London was much easier. That had pacemakers, purposeful preparation and perfect conditions. Today was different, but I coped with the challenges.”

The bronze medal went to Julia Paternain of Uruguay, who finished in 2:27:23. Her achievement marked the first-ever medal for Uruguay at a World Athletics Championships.

“I love being able to run for Uruguay,” Paternain said. “My whole family is from there. I grew up in England and live in the United States, but I am a Nacional fan and proud to represent a small country with so much pride.”

The men’s marathon will take place Monday morning in Tokyo, wrapping up the endurance races at this year’s championships.

Ruben Amorim insists on sticking with tactics despite Manchester United’s poor run

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Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim is seen before kick off of the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on September 14, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO VIDEO EMULATION. SOCIAL MEDIA IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES. AN ADDITIONAL 40 IMAGES MAY BE USED IN EXTRA TIME. NO USE IN BETTING PUBLICATIONS, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. /

MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim vowed not to abandon his tactical philosophy despite growing criticism and mounting pressure after a dismal start to the season. Speaking in the wake of a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, Amorim defended his adherence to a 3-4-3 formation, asserting his belief in the system while acknowledging the pain of the club’s current struggles.

United have secured only four points from their opening four Premier League matches and were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town, intensifying scrutiny on the Portuguese coach’s methods. Since taking over at Old Trafford in November last year, Amorim has overseen just eight wins in 31 league games. The club finished a disappointing 15th last season, and early signs in the current campaign suggest little progress.

“I understand that and I accept it. It’s not a record that you should have in Manchester United,” Amorim said when asked about the pressure to change tactics. “I’m not going to change. When I want to change my philosophy, I will change. If not, you have to change the men. I play my way and I’m going to play my way until I want to change.”

Despite the poor results, the former Sporting Lisbon manager continues to enjoy support from the United board. That patience is being tested, however, following a £200 million ($271 million) investment into a revamped attacking line. Thus far, the returns have been underwhelming. United have scored just four goals in league play this season, with two coming from opposition own goals and one via a penalty.

One of the marquee signings, Matheus Cunha, missed the derby through injury, while £74 million striker Benjamin Sesko failed to make an impact in his first start for the club.

“My message is that I’m going to give everything. I will do everything, always thinking about what is best for the club,” Amorim added. “Until I’m here, I will do my best. I really want to win games. I’m suffering more than them (the fans).”

Sunday’s defeat was particularly stinging given United entered the derby ahead of City in the Premier League table for the first time in five years. Pep Guardiola’s side, reeling from back-to-back losses to Tottenham and Brighton before the international break, rediscovered its form at Old Trafford.

City, who remain six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, are hopeful the derby triumph can ignite their season.

“I would love it to (be the start of a good run), but I would say we started last season winning four games in a row and look how we struggled in October, November, December,” Guardiola said. “We have to improve, but that’s true that winning games, especially in the derby, you see the faces of our fans, the joy, the happiness after the game, always helps.”

For Amorim and United, the road ahead appears increasingly treacherous, with performances now under intense scrutiny and results needed to match the backing the manager has received.

Spanish FA hits back at Barcelona in row over Lamine Yamal after Hansi Flick’s outburst

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BARCELONA (BN24) — Spain’s football federation has pushed back against Barcelona’s criticism after head coach Hansi Flick accused the national team of mishandling teenage star Lamine Yamal, who will miss Sunday’s La Liga clash with Valencia through injury.

Barcelona confirmed that the 17-year-old winger, widely considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents, returned from international duty with Spain carrying a knock that left him unavailable for the club’s first home match of the season. Flick publicly blamed Spain manager Luis de la Fuente for worsening the situation, saying Yamal had been forced to play through pain with the national side.

“Lamine Yamal will not be available. He went with the national team in pain and did not train. They gave him painkillers to play,” Flick said in a heated pre-match press conference Saturday. “They had at least a three-goal lead in every match, and he played 73 minutes and 79. Between matches he couldn’t train. That is not taking care of the player. I am very sad about this.”

The remarks sparked a swift response from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which insisted its medical staff had carried out routine checks on Yamal and found no issues. Federation sources told Spanish outlet Sport that Barcelona had not alerted them to any existing injury concerns when the teenager joined the national squad. RFEF physiotherapist Fernando Galán reportedly cleared Yamal before he featured in Spain’s games.

Flick acknowledged he has had little contact with De la Fuente since taking charge at Barcelona, but RFEF officials maintain that lines of communication between the federation and the Catalan club remain open and active.

Yamal’s absence is a significant setback for Barcelona, with uncertainty still surrounding his recovery timeline. Club doctors hope he will regain fitness in time for Thursday’s Champions League opener against Newcastle, though he may only be ready for a limited role in next weekend’s La Liga fixture against Getafe if his condition does not improve quickly.

The public clash underscores the growing tension between Barcelona and the national federation over player management, with Yamal now at the center of a dispute between club and country.

Amir Khan, Tyson Fury join others to mourn Ricky Hatton after death at 46

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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — British boxing great Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46, prompting an outpouring of grief led by fellow champions Amir Khan and Tyson Fury, who remembered him as both a warrior in the ring and a cherished friend outside of it.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed Sunday that Hatton was found dead at his home in Gee Cross, Hyde. Officers said the death is not being treated as suspicious. The two-weight world champion, affectionately nicknamed “The Hitman,” had remained a prominent figure in the sport as a trainer, promoter and public personality since retiring in 2012.

Khan and Fury lead tributes

Khan, who frequently cited Hatton as an inspiration, posted a heartfelt message describing him as “a friend, a mentor, a warrior.” He spoke candidly about the importance of mental health in light of Hatton’s well-documented struggles. “As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong — we train, we sweat, we take hits. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind,” Khan wrote. “Ricky, thank you for everything … Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Fury, Britain’s reigning heavyweight champion, echoed the shock felt across the sport. “Rip to the legend, Ricky Hatton. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young,” he said on Instagram.

Grief spreads across sporting world

Hatton’s death drew tributes from a wide circle of athletes and entertainers. British great Frank Bruno said he was “absolutely devastated,” while Chris Eubank Jr. wrote: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you.”

American boxer Jake Paul hailed Hatton as “one of the greatest British fighters of all time,” and Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh called him a “great fighter and a legend in British boxing.”

Former footballers, including Michael Owen and David James, remembered Hatton as both a world-class athlete and a genuine personality, while ex-England striker Stan Collymore praised him for speaking openly about his battles with depression and addiction. Darts star James Wade described him as a “dear friend,” and television host Paddy McGuinness recalled fond memories of Hatton’s warmth and generosity.

A fighter’s legacy

Hatton rose to prominence in the 2000s, capturing world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. His 2005 victory over Kostya Tszyu remains one of British boxing’s most iconic nights, and his legions of supporters often traveled in the thousands to Las Vegas to see him fight. Though his unbeaten record ended against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007, Hatton’s grit and charisma secured his status as a national sporting hero.

Beyond the ring, Hatton’s honesty about his personal struggles won him admiration for his courage in addressing mental health. As tributes highlighted Sunday, his influence extended far beyond boxing.

From ‘Bella Ciao’ to ‘OwO’: What the engravings on bullets in Charlie Kirk shooting may mean

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WASHINGTON (BN24) — Investigators say the suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk left behind bullet casings etched with cryptic engravings that blend references to fascism, internet memes, and video game culture.

The messages, which at first glance may look like nonsense to those unfamiliar with online communities, are immediately recognizable to people steeped in internet culture. Experts describe them as “extremely online,” a term used to capture the deep immersion in digital subcultures where slang, emoticons, and coded references circulate rapidly.

Authorities revealed Friday that phrases engraved on the ammunition ranged from the Italian resistance anthem “Bella Ciao” to the internet emoticon “OwO,” a playful or mocking expression popular among online gamers and furry community members. Other casings contained strings of arrows resembling video game input codes, as well as direct references to fascism.

Internet slang with layered meanings

“OwO,” for instance, is widely recognized as an emoticon depicting a cute or surprised face. In furry fandom it is often used in flirtatious exchanges, but outside those circles it frequently appears as trolling shorthand or ironic mockery.

Experts caution that such symbols are rarely straightforward. “Oftentimes this extremely online disguise is meant to be doublespeak,” said Jamie Cohen, a Queens College professor who studies memes, in an interview with NBC News. “It could just be another bait and switch designed for more viral exposure.”

Gaming references

One casing carried the inscription: “Hey, fascist! Catch ↑ → ↓↓↓.” While the opening line seems like a political statement, the sequence of arrows was quickly recognized by players of Helldivers 2, a 2024 cooperative video game. The code summons a 500-kilogram bomb within the game, itself framed as a satirical commentary on fascism.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, asked about the engraving by Sky News, said the reference to fascism “speaks for itself,” but noted the broader cultural context remained complex.

The song ‘Bella Ciao’

Another inscription read: “Oh bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao.” The lyrics come from the famed Italian folk song associated with anti-fascist resistance against Benito Mussolini during World War II.

“Bella Ciao” has since been revived as a cultural anthem, gaining global popularity through the Spanish Netflix series Money Heist and viral remixes that have attracted hundreds of millions of plays on Spotify and TikTok. It also appears frequently within gaming and meme communities.

Experts urge caution

While the messages appear to mix politics, satire, and internet humor, researchers warn against drawing direct conclusions about the suspect’s ideology. “These kinds of inscriptions are often layered and designed to confuse or provoke,” Cohen said.

The case underscores how digital subcultures, memes, and gaming references increasingly surface in real-world violence — making interpretation both vital and fraught with risk.

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