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Shannon Sharpe Fired by ESPN Following $50 Million Civil Lawsuit Settlement

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Shannon Sharpe, former NFL Hall of Famer and popular sports broadcaster, has reportedly been terminated by ESPN just weeks after settling a high-profile $50 million sexual assault lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend, according to The Athletic.

Sharpe, who had been off the air since April with plans to return for the football season, has not made any official appearances on ESPN platforms since his leave. The network has not publicly confirmed the terms of his departure, but multiple sources close to the situation have indicated his dismissal followed the out-of-court resolution of the civil case.

The lawsuit, filed in Clark County, Nevada, accused Sharpe of sexual assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint alleged that Sharpe engaged in multiple nonconsensual sexual acts with the plaintiff at her Las Vegas residence between 2024 and 2025. The plaintiff sought $50 million in damages.

Sharpe has consistently denied the allegations, describing the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and asserting that the relationship was entirely consensual. His legal team previously indicated their intention to fight the claims vigorously before the settlement was reached. Details of the agreement remain confidential.

This incident adds to a recent series of public controversies involving Sharpe. In late 2024, he mistakenly livestreamed audio of himself engaged in a sexual act via Instagram, which quickly went viral and led to widespread media scrutiny.

Despite the off-field issues, Sharpe remains a towering figure in the sports world. He played 14 seasons in the NFL, 12 of them with the Denver Broncos, where he won two Super Bowl championships and became one of the most decorated tight ends in league history. Since retiring in 2003, Sharpe transitioned into media, gaining recognition for his outspoken commentary and sharp analysis across several national platforms.

Sharpe’s firing marks a dramatic turn in the career of one of football’s most recognizable voices. Neither ESPN nor Sharpe has released an official statement regarding the termination as of this report.

Nigerian Man Sentenced to Six Years in UK Prison for Sexual Offense Against Girlfriend’s Underage Daughter

MILTON KEYNES, U.K. (BN24) — A 41-year-old Nigerian man, Elvis Nosakhare, has been sentenced to six years in prison following his conviction for sexually abusing his girlfriend’s underage daughter in the Thames Valley region of England. The sentencing was handed down at Aylesbury Crown Court on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Nosakhare, a resident of Sheelin Grove in Bletchley, was convicted after a trial earlier this year on multiple charges, including two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child and three counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity. The offences, which occurred during the course of a relationship he had initiated via online dating, represented a serious breach of trust, according to authorities.

The court ordered that Nosakhare be placed on the United Kingdom’s Sex Offenders Register for life. Additionally, a restraining order was issued to protect the victim.

Detective Constable Bryn Smith, of Thames Valley Police’s Child Abuse Unit, commended the courage of the victim, highlighting the strength she demonstrated throughout the investigation and judicial process. “I want to commend the victim for her bravery throughout both the investigation and court proceedings,” Smith said. “I hope that Elvis Nosakhare’s conviction and sentence gives her some sense of justice.”

Thames Valley Police emphasized its ongoing commitment to protecting victims of sexual offences and bringing perpetrators to justice. “We have dedicated teams who investigate sexual offences, support victims, and work to ensure offenders are held accountable,” Smith added.

Authorities are urging anyone who has experienced or has information about sexual offences to come forward. Victims are encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police through its official website, by calling 101, or by visiting any local police station. Officers assure that all reports will be handled with discretion, professionalism, and support.

This case underscores the persistent efforts by UK law enforcement to tackle sexual abuse and protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation.

Credit: punching.com

Arab League, EU, and Dozens of Nations Urge Hamas to Disarm and Relinquish Gaza Control in Historic Declaration

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK (BN24) — In a sweeping and unprecedented diplomatic initiative, the Arab League, the European Union, and 17 additional countries have formally called on Hamas to disarm and relinquish its control over the Gaza Strip, marking a significant shift in the global consensus on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The joint declaration, signed at a United Nations conference co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, represents the first time leading Arab and Muslim nations—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—have publicly demanded that Hamas surrender its weapons and transfer authority in Gaza to the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority.

Backed by all 22 members of the Arab League, the entire European Union bloc, and a wide coalition of other nations, the statement calls for unified governance across Palestinian territories under the Palestinian Authority, reinforced by international oversight and assistance. The declaration outlines that effective law enforcement and territorial administration should rest solely with the Palestinian Authority, with the ultimate goal of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Describing the agreement as “unprecedented,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that this is the first occasion where Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have not only condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel but also openly advocated for the group’s disarmament. The statement includes an endorsement for the deployment of a temporary international stabilization force in Gaza, operating under UN auspices, upon the formal invitation of the Palestinian Authority. Several signatory nations have already expressed readiness to contribute personnel to such a mission.

Qatar and Egypt—longtime mediators in the conflict—continue to serve as communication bridges between Hamas and Israel. However, both countries, along with Saudi Arabia, now align with a regional strategy that seeks to sideline Hamas politically and militarily in favor of long-term governance by the Palestinian Authority.

Earlier this year, Egypt unveiled a post-war transition plan for Gaza, excluding Hamas entirely. That plan proposed a temporary administrative body to manage day-to-day governance of the enclave, eventually transferring power to the Palestinian Authority—a concept now reinforced by the broader international consensus expressed in the UN declaration.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia continues to champion the revival of the long-stalled Two-State Solution. France has declared it will officially recognize a Palestinian state by September, a position echoed by the United Kingdom, which has warned it may follow suit unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire. These diplomatic positions have drawn sharp criticism from Israel and the United States, both of whom remain wary of international recognition of Palestinian statehood in the absence of a negotiated agreement.

Despite growing international pressure and increasing diplomatic isolation, Hamas leadership has shown no clear intent to step down or disarm. Statements from the group in recent months have been inconsistent, with no definitive commitment to relinquishing control over Gaza or integrating into a unified Palestinian political framework.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains staunchly opposed to the Two-State Solution, citing security risks and ongoing threats from Hamas and other militant factions. His government has rejected the notion of international involvement in Gaza’s post-war governance, insisting on full Israeli security oversight.

The declaration’s unprecedented scale and breadth of support underscore a potential turning point in global efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis and revitalize prospects for lasting peace in the region.

Trump Escalates Trade War With Canada Over Palestinian Statehood Recognition

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump sharply escalated his trade dispute with Canada on Monday, just one day before his self-imposed August 1 deadline for a new tariff deal, citing Canada’s decision to support Palestinian statehood as a significant obstacle to reaching an agreement.

Trump said it would be “very hard” to strike a trade deal with Ottawa following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state during a United Nations summit in September.

“Wow! Canada has just announced that it is backing statehood for Palestine. That will make it very hard for us to make a Trade Deal with them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The U.S. is threatening to impose a sweeping 35% tariff on all Canadian exports not already covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) if a resolution is not reached by the deadline. Talks between U.S. and Canadian officials have intensified in recent days, but both sides signaled that a comprehensive resolution may remain out of reach.

Carney previously described the negotiations as “constructive,” but warned a final agreement that eliminates all tariffs by the August 1 deadline was unlikely.

Canada is America’s second-largest trading partner after Mexico and remains the top buyer of U.S. exports. In 2024, Canada purchased $349.4 billion worth of U.S. goods and exported $412.7 billion in return, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

In addition to the looming 35% tariff, Canada already faces duties on its steel, aluminum, and vehicle exports to the United States. The dispute marks a new phase in an already fraught economic relationship.

Tensions between Ottawa and Washington have been building in recent months. In June, Carney’s government scrapped a proposed digital services tax on U.S. tech giants after Trump abruptly pulled out of trade talks, calling the tax a “blatant attack” on American business interests.

The latest blow came last week when Carney joined France and the United Kingdom in pledging to recognize Palestine as a state in September, amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

“Canada condemns the fact that the Israeli government has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,” Carney said, referring to starvation and displacement amid the ongoing war.

The move drew swift condemnation from Israel and its closest ally, the United States. The White House has not issued an official statement, but Trump’s public remarks suggest that Carney’s decision could have long-term trade implications.

Carney’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Trump’s post.

 Russian Missile and Drone Barrage Hits Kyiv, Killing 6 and Wounding Dozens in Overnight Assault

KYIV, Ukraine (BN24) — A massive overnight Russian air assault killed at least six people, including a 6-year-old boy, and wounded 52 others in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, officials said Thursday, in one of the deadliest attacks on the city in recent weeks.

A view shows an apartment building hit by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine November 11, 2024. Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO.

The barrage of missiles and drones left a swath of destruction across Kyiv, with parts of a nine-story apartment building in the Solomianskyi district collapsing under the impact. Emergency crews worked through the morning, combing the rubble for survivors.

Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko warned that the death toll was likely to rise as search efforts continued. He said 27 locations in the capital had been hit, including the heavily damaged Solomianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi neighborhoods.

Among the dead was a 6-year-old boy, authorities confirmed. Fifty-two others were injured in the strikes, which left shattered buildings, burnt-out cars, and clothing hanging from trees. “It is just stress and shock that there is nothing left,” said Yana Zhabborova, 35, a resident of the damaged building and mother of a 5-month-old infant and a 5-year-old child.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 309 Shahed and decoy drones and eight Iskander-K cruise missiles during the attack. Ukrainian defenses intercepted and downed 288 drones and three missiles, but five missiles and 21 drones hit their targets.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault and said it demonstrated Moscow’s disregard for peace. “Today, the world once again saw Russia’s answer to our desire for peace with America and Europe,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “New demonstrative killings. That is why peace without strength is impossible.”

He called on Ukraine’s allies to follow through on defense promises and increase pressure on the Kremlin to bring Moscow to serious negotiations.

The strike came as Russia claimed new ground in eastern Ukraine. Moscow’s Ministry of Defense announced its troops had fully seized the strategically vital city of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region, a hilltop town seen as key to breaching Ukraine’s eastern defenses.

Ukrainian officials did not confirm the loss of the city, although the military reported seven clashes there in the past 24 hours. A Ukrainian army map showed most of the town under Russian control. The DeepState monitoring project, widely used by Ukrainian analysts and soldiers, marked areas to the south and west of Chasiv Yar as contested or “gray zones.”

Meanwhile, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks inside Russian territory overnight. In the Penza region, a drone strike sparked a fire at an industrial site, though no casualties were reported. In the Volgograd region, rail traffic was temporarily disrupted after drone wreckage damaged local infrastructure, according to Russian Railways.

Russia said it had downed 32 Ukrainian drones across its territory.

The attack on Kyiv was part of a broader assault that also targeted the Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, and Mykolaiv regions, though the capital appeared to bear the brunt of the overnight bombardment.

The international spotlight remains focused on the growing toll of the war as diplomatic efforts falter. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave Russian President Vladimir Putin an Aug. 8 deadline to make meaningful progress toward peace or face new sanctions and tariffs.

Western leaders have accused Putin of stalling negotiations in hopes of seizing more territory before any ceasefire or settlement can take hold.

Thousands Mourn Ozzy Osbourne as Birmingham Bids Final Farewell to Heavy Metal Icon

BIRMINGHAM, England (BN24) — Thousands of fans filled the streets of Birmingham on Tuesday to honor Ozzy Osbourne during a final hometown procession that paid tribute to the legendary heavy metal frontman, who died last week at 76.

Shouts of “We love you, Ozzy!” echoed as his hearse paused at the now-iconic Black Sabbath Bridge—named for the band that launched the Prince of Darkness into global stardom. The bridge has become a gathering point for grieving fans since news of Osbourne’s death broke.

Osbourne’s wife, Sharon, and children Jack, Kelly, and Aimee walked solemnly through the crowds, pausing to take in the tributes of flowers, handwritten notes, and memorabilia. Each family member carried a pink rose wrapped in black paper and tied with a purple ribbon—Black Sabbath’s signature colors.

Sharon Osbourne, visibly emotional, gave the crowd a peace sign through tears before rejoining the procession. Purple flowers spelling out “Ozzy” were visible in the hearse as the cortege continued past his childhood home in Aston, a modest house that shaped the man who would one day define heavy metal.

Just weeks before his passing, Osbourne gave a surprise final performance at Villa Park, joined by artists inspired by his music, including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Yungblud. His influence was felt citywide on Tuesday, as pubs blasted his music on loudspeakers and posters proclaimed: “Birmingham will always love you.”

For fans, the day was not only a farewell but a celebration of Osbourne’s unwavering connection to his roots. Despite decades spent in Los Angeles, the singer frequently spoke of his love for Birmingham, a city he credited for shaping his identity.

Graham Wright, a longtime roadie who toured with Black Sabbath since the 1970s, described the farewell as deeply emotional. “He wasn’t the Prince of Darkness to us,” Wright told Sky News. “He was the Prince of Laughter. That’s who he really was. He made people laugh as much as he made them scream.”

At The Brasshouse pub next to Black Sabbath Bridge, general manager Chris Mason said Ozzy’s music had been played non-stop since his passing. “Ozzy was the godfather of heavy metal. He brought people together—he was Birmingham,” Mason said.

Mohabbat Ali, who grew up near Osbourne’s childhood home, shared a memory of the young musician. “He’d play guitar loudly at night, but my mum always said he was a lovely boy,” Ali recalled.

Birmingham’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, also paid tribute, saying Osbourne was “a true legend who never forgot where he came from.” Iqbal said Osbourne once wrote him a personal letter after learning they shared the experience of struggling with dyslexia. “I have it framed in my office,” Iqbal said. “That was Ozzy—humble, down-to-earth, and human.”

From Aston to arenas worldwide, Ozzy Osbourne’s voice and persona shaped generations of rock and metal. But for Birmingham, he will always be remembered as one of their own.

Luke Shaw Endorses Amorim’s Tough Approach to End ‘Toxic’ Culture at Manchester United

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MANCHESTER, England (BN24) — Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has publicly backed manager Ruben Amorim’s hardline stance on improving professionalism and mentality within the club’s dressing room, describing the atmosphere in recent years as “quite toxic” and “extremely negative.”

In an interview with the BBC published Wednesday, Shaw said the environment at United had often been unhealthy and weighed down by negativity, adding that Amorim’s no-nonsense style has been a needed intervention for a squad that finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

“A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years it’s been extremely negative,” said Shaw, who joined the club in 2014. “It can be quite toxic. The environment, it’s not healthy at all. We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness. When you have all those things, you feel free, and you express yourself more.”

Amorim, who arrived at Old Trafford in November to steady a struggling United side, quickly set new standards for commitment. He benched senior players including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho — part of a group of five players reportedly seeking summer exits — and emphasized an all-or-nothing work ethic.

“Ruben brings demands. Mentality is a big thing. He talks a lot about it,” Shaw said. “He demands 100 percent and doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85 to 90 percent, it’s not enough. Especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, you won’t play.”

Amorim has not shied away from controversy, openly criticizing Rashford’s effort and stating he would rather play the goalkeeping coach than tolerate half-hearted performances. Rashford has since been loaned to Barcelona, while British media reports continue to link Garnacho with a potential move to Chelsea or Aston Villa.

“The manager’s not bothered. He doesn’t care who the player is. That’s how it should be,” said Shaw. “Whatever he wants, as players, we have to be delivering, and we are fully behind that.”

Manchester United begin their 2025–26 Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17, as Amorim seeks to overhaul not just tactics, but the culture at one of football’s most scrutinized clubs.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Requests $50 Million Bail Before Sentencing in Prostitution Case

NEW YORK (BN24) — Attorneys for Sean “Diddy” Combs have asked a federal judge to release the music mogul on a $50-million bond ahead of his October 3 sentencing, following his partial conviction in a high-profile sex crimes trial earlier this month.

In a motion filed Tuesday, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that Combs’ continued detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn poses a significant threat to his safety. Agnifilo pointed to conditions inside the federal facility, characterizing them as dangerous, and emphasized that individuals convicted of similar prostitution-related offenses are rarely jailed ahead of sentencing.

“Sean Combs should not be in jail for this conduct,” Agnifilo wrote. “In fact, he may be the only person currently in a United States jail for being any sort of john.”

Combs, 55, was acquitted on July 2 of the most severe charges against him — including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy — after a six-week trial in U.S. District Court. Those charges carried potential life sentences. However, the founder of Bad Boy Records was convicted on two lesser federal charges: transporting individuals to engage in prostitution, each carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison. Federal prosecutors have conceded that sentencing guidelines likely recommend a penalty well below the statutory maximum.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Manhattan declined to comment on Tuesday’s filing.

During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Combs used threats, force, and his entertainment business network to pressure two former girlfriends into participating in multi-day, drug-fueled sex acts with male sex workers, sometimes referred to as “freak-offs.” Combs denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty, with his legal team maintaining that both women willingly took part in the events.

Judge Arun Subramanian previously denied Combs’ request for pre-sentencing release, citing credible evidence of violence presented during the trial. The new defense filing argues that Combs’ time at MDC since September 2024 constitutes an “exceptional circumstance” that justifies reconsideration of his bond request.

Combs’ legal team further contends that his charges are atypical, since he was not alleged to have profited financially from the acts in question. They emphasized that his detention has exposed him to violence within the facility, including reported fights in his unit, placing his physical safety in jeopardy.

In response, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said in a statement that it “continually works to improve conditions at all of our institutions, to include MDC Brooklyn.”

Combs is set to appear in court for sentencing in the fall.

Credit: Al Jazeera.com

Angola Fuel Protests Turn Deadly as 22 Killed, Nearly, 200 Injured Amid Nationwide Unrest

LUANDA, Angola (BN24) — At least 22 people were killed and 197 injured in violent protests that swept across Angola this week following a sharp increase in diesel fuel prices, according to a statement released by the presidency on Wednesday.

The unrest began on Monday after minibus taxi drivers launched a three-day strike in response to the government’s decision to hike diesel prices by one-third, a move aimed at scaling back costly fuel subsidies and stabilizing the nation’s strained public finances.

What started as a transport strike in the capital, Luanda, quickly escalated into widespread rioting, vandalism, and looting. Sporadic gunfire was reported in Luanda and several other cities on both Monday and Tuesday. Demonstrators clashed with police, and violence spread to six other provinces across the country.

President Joao Lourenço’s cabinet met on Wednesday to assess the deteriorating security situation. In a statement, the presidency confirmed the death toll had risen to 22 and said 1,214 individuals had been arrested. Among the dead was one police officer, according to Interior Minister Manuel Homem.

The government also reported that 66 businesses and 25 vehicles were vandalized during the riots, while several supermarkets and warehouses were looted. In response to the escalating violence, authorities deployed the army to restore calm, citing a “climate of widespread insecurity” triggered by the protests.

By Wednesday, streets in Luanda were tense but quiet, with most businesses closed and a heavy presence of security forces. Long queues formed at petrol stations, and some residents cautiously lined up outside shops that remained open.

The diesel price hike is part of a broader economic strategy by Angola’s government to reduce public spending and manage inflation. However, the move has sparked widespread frustration in a country where the cost of living remains high and public transportation is vital for daily commuting.

The full scale of the damage and the long-term political fallout from the protests remains uncertain, but the deadly violence has raised concerns over the government’s handling of public dissent and economic reform.

Credit: Al Jazeera .com

Canada Signals Intent to Recognize Palestinian State if Governance Reforms Are Met

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September—provided the Palestinian Authority meets specific conditions related to democratic reform and governance.

Carney told reporters that Canada’s recognition will depend on the Palestinian Authority’s commitment to substantial reforms and to holding general elections in 2026 that exclude participation by Hamas, the militant group that currently governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization by Canada.

“I spoke with President Mahmoud Abbas and reiterated our support for a two-state solution—but that must include a reformed and representative Palestinian government,” Carney said.

In sharp remarks, the Canadian leader also condemned Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza. “I condemn the fact that Israel has allowed a catastrophe to unfold in Gaza,” he said.

Canada’s announcement follows a similar declaration by the United Kingdom, whose Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Tuesday that Britain would formally recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets specific conditions tied to a ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Starmer’s statement came after an emergency cabinet meeting on Gaza and a bilateral discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump. The move has stirred legal debate in the UK, where The Times reported that 38 members of the House of Lords—including senior legal authorities—warned the decision could violate international law. They argued that Palestine might not fulfill the requirements for statehood as outlined by the Montevideo Convention, a 1933 treaty establishing the criteria for sovereign states.

France has also entered the fray. Less than a week ago, President Emmanuel Macron declared that France would become the first G7 nation to recognize a Palestinian state in September.

Meanwhile, a Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that Starmer and Carney held a phone call on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed the deteriorating Middle East situation and recent U.S. action targeting Iran’s nuclear program.

“They reiterated their shared commitment to a diplomatic solution and emphasized the urgency for Iran to return to the negotiating table,” the spokesperson said. The leaders plan to continue their discussions during the NATO summit later this week.

As momentum builds among Western powers to formally recognize Palestinian statehood, Canada’s conditional approach reflects a growing international push to reshape the diplomatic landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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