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Cristiano Ronaldo Declines Club World Cup Invitations, Deals Blow to FIFA’s Hopes

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Cristiano Ronaldo Declines Club World Cup Invitations, Deals Blow to FIFA’s Hopes

MUNICH — Cristiano Ronaldo said Saturday he is “practically certain” he will not take part in this month’s FIFA Club World Cup, despite receiving multiple invitations from participating clubs, delivering a significant setback to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s push to feature global stars at the newly expanded tournament.

MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 04: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 semifinal match between Germany and Portugal at Munich Football Arena on June 04, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/2025 Getty Images)

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain, the 40-year-old forward confirmed he had been approached by several clubs about joining them for the tournament, which kicks off June 14, but he has declined the offers.

“Some things make sense to talk about, other things don’t,” Ronaldo said. “You can’t take part in everything. You have to think about the short, medium and long term. It’s a decision practically made on my part not to go to the Club World Cup, but I’ve had quite a few invitations to go.”

Ronaldo remains under contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr until the end of June. Speculation about a possible short-term transfer arose after FIFA created a unique transfer window for the Club World Cup to allow flexibility for marquee players to feature. Ronaldo further fueled speculation when he posted “this chapter is over” following Al-Nassr’s final league match of the season.

Among the potential destinations mentioned were Brazilian giants Palmeiras and Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal — Al-Nassr’s local rival and the only Saudi club qualified for the tournament. A move to Al-Hilal would have been controversial, given the intense rivalry and the structure of Saudi football, where both clubs are majority-owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). PIF holds a 75% stake in each club and was recently announced as an “official partner” of the Club World Cup by FIFA.

FIFA had reportedly hoped that Ronaldo’s presence would boost international interest and ticket sales for the inaugural 32-team edition of the tournament. His absence will leave rival Lionel Messi, who is set to compete with Inter Miami, as the tournament’s biggest individual draw.

Ronaldo, however, chose to keep the focus on national duties ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain. “This is irrelevant right now,” he said when asked again about the Club World Cup. “It makes no sense to talk about anything other than the national team.”

Ronaldo scored the match-winning goal in Portugal’s 2-1 semifinal victory over Germany on Wednesday, extending his world record to 137 international goals. If he plays Sunday, it will mark his 221st appearance for the Portuguese national team, another all-time record.

Elon Musk Deletes X Post Claiming Trump in Jeffrey Epstein Files as White House Dismisses Allegation

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Elon Musk Deletes X Post Claiming Trump in Jeffrey Epstein Files as White House Dismisses Allegation

NEW YORK — A social media post by Elon Musk alleging that President Donald Trump appears in files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been removed from the X platform, marking the latest escalation in a public feud between the tech billionaire and the president.

The controversial post, which Musk published on X without providing supporting evidence, claimed that Trump’s alleged connection to Epstein files was preventing their public release. The message stated that Trump “is in the Epstein files” and asserted this was “the real reason they have not been made public,” concluding with a prediction that “the truth will come out.”

The White House quickly dismissed Musk’s unsubstantiated allegation through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who characterized the claim as stemming from Musk’s dissatisfaction with the administration’s legislative agenda. The post disappeared from X by Sunday, with users attempting to access the message receiving an error notification stating the page no longer existed.

The deleted post represented the culmination of a dramatic public breakdown in relations between Musk and Trump that began Thursday when the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive criticized the president’s signature tax and spending legislation. Musk described the proposed bill as a “big ugly spending bill” in a series of messages posted on his social media platform.

President Trump responded on Truth Social, claiming that Musk had been “wearing thin” and asserting that he had “asked him to leave” his government position as a special government employee. Musk denied being dismissed from the role, which he had vacated just days earlier.

The escalating exchange prompted Musk to make his unverified claim about Trump’s alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died by suicide in his jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving minors.

Leavitt’s official response emphasized that the president remained focused on passing his legislative priorities despite what she termed “an unfortunate episode from Elon.” She suggested Musk’s criticism stemmed from the spending bill’s failure to include policies he had advocated for during his brief government tenure.

The public dispute between the two prominent figures had immediate financial consequences, with Tesla shares plummeting 14.3 percent on Thursday and losing approximately $150 billion in market value. The stock decline reflected investor concerns about the potential impact of the feud on Musk’s business interests and his relationship with the Trump administration.

When asked about reports of a scheduled phone call with Musk during an ABC News interview, Trump reportedly responded dismissively, referring to the billionaire as “the man who has lost his mind.” The comment underscored the complete deterioration of what had previously been a collaborative relationship between the president and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.

The controversy highlights the volatile nature of high-profile political relationships conducted through social media platforms, particularly when unsubstantiated allegations involve sensitive historical figures like Epstein. The removal of Musk’s post from X, the platform he owns, raises questions about content moderation policies and the handling of potentially defamatory claims by platform owners.

The public feud represents a significant shift from the previously cordial relationship between Trump and Musk, who had been involved in government advisory roles during the early days of the current administration. The breakdown occurred rapidly, transforming from policy disagreements to personal attacks and unverified allegations within a matter of days.

As the situation continues to develop, both figures face scrutiny over their handling of the dispute and its potential implications for their respective business and political interests.

Russian Overnight Strikes Kill 7, Wound Dozens Across Ukraine, Officials Say

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Russian Overnight Strikes Kill 7, Wound Dozens Across Ukraine, Officials Say

KYIV, Ukraine — A wave of Russian missile and drone strikes overnight across Ukraine killed at least seven people and wounded more than 40 others, Ukrainian officials said Saturday, as attacks targeted civilian neighborhoods and energy infrastructure in multiple regions.

Ukrainian authorities reported widespread damage from the barrage, with particular devastation in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. “Russia continues its terror against civilians,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on social media. “Hundreds of drones and missiles rained down on Ukraine overnight. Kharkiv had a particularly terrible night.”

Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, was hit by dozens of projectiles, killing three people and injuring 21, including a baby and a 14-year-old girl, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. In the surrounding Kharkiv Oblast, a person was injured in Kupyansk, regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

According to Syniehubov, Russian forces launched a sustained assault on Kharkiv using 48 Shahed-type drones, five guided aerial bombs, four multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), and three missiles. Strikes hit the city’s Kyivskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, damaging homes and infrastructure.

In southern Ukraine, a married couple aged 56 and 54 were killed in Kherson after Russian forces shelled the port city and surrounding region, Kherson Oblast Governor Olexandr Prokudin said. Ten others were wounded in the area.

Further east, in Donetsk Oblast, regional officials reported two people killed and eight others injured in separate strikes, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Another person was reported injured in Sumy Oblast, which borders Russia.

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a total of 215 projectiles during the night, including 206 Iranian-designed drones, two ballistic missiles, six guided aircraft missiles, and a cruise missile. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 174 of those threats.

“There were strikes throughout Ukraine — in Donetsk, Dnipro, Ternopil, Odesa, and other regions,” Foreign Minister Sybiha said. “People were injured and killed, and the energy infrastructure was also damaged.”

The latest escalation comes amid sustained Russian efforts to cripple Ukraine’s power grid and exert pressure on the civilian population as the war enters its third year. Ukrainian officials continue to appeal for increased Western support to bolster air defenses.

“To put an end to Russia’s killing and destruction, more pressure on Moscow is required, as are more steps to strengthen Ukraine,” Sybiha added. “Russia is a terrorist state, and it must be called such. It has already done more than enough to earn this title.”

Wagner Group Withdraws from Mali After Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps to Maintain Military Presence

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Wagner Group Withdraws from Mali After Heavy Losses, Russia’s Africa Corps to Maintain Military Presence

BAMAKO, Mali — The Kremlin-backed Wagner Group announced Friday that it is pulling out of Mali after more than three years of combat operations against Islamist insurgents, signaling a shift in Russia’s security presence in the Sahel. Despite Wagner’s withdrawal, Russian military influence in the region will continue through the Africa Corps, a state-controlled paramilitary force overseen by the Russian Ministry of Defense.

“Mission accomplished. Private Military Company Wagner returns home,” the group stated via its Telegram channel, claiming it had secured Mali’s regional capitals, expelled militants, and eliminated their leaders. Wagner operatives have operated in the West African country since late 2021, following a military coup that led to the exit of French troops and international peacekeepers.

The group’s withdrawal follows a series of battlefield setbacks, including heavy losses during recent attacks by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaida-linked group. In a particularly deadly assault last week, dozens of Malian soldiers were killed at a central military base.

Russia’s Africa Corps, now positioned as Moscow’s primary paramilitary instrument in Africa, stated that Wagner’s exit would not alter Russia’s continued military cooperation with Mali. “The Russian contingent will remain,” Africa Corps said Friday, confirming its intent to fill the vacuum left by Wagner.

Wagner’s presence in Mali had long drawn scrutiny from rights groups and the international community. In recent months, the United Nations and Human Rights Watch documented allegations of summary executions and forced disappearances attributed to both Wagner fighters and Malian forces. At least 32 civilians were reportedly killed over an eight-month period, according to a December 2024 report by Human Rights Watch.

Russia’s expanding influence in the Sahel is part of a broader effort to replace waning Western involvement. Initially facilitated through Wagner, that strategy has shifted since the 2023 death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash following his short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin. Since then, Moscow has sought to consolidate control over paramilitary operations under its defense ministry, revamping the Africa Corps as a more structured, state-run alternative to the Wagner model.

Security analysts say Moscow is in talks with Malian authorities to transfer Wagner fighters into the Africa Corps ranks and expand the new unit’s role in the country. “Since Prigozhin’s death, Russia has moved to place Wagner under formal military command,” said Beverly Ochieng, a Sahel analyst at Control Risks. “Africa Corps is Moscow’s way to retain its paramilitary footprint in former Wagner strongholds.”

Approximately 2,000 Russian mercenaries are believed to remain in Mali, although it remains unclear how many belong to Wagner and how many have already transitioned to Africa Corps, according to U.S. officials.

Analysts suggest that the Africa Corps’ presence will emphasize training, logistics, and equipment provision rather than direct combat. “Africa Corps has a lighter footprint and focuses more on training, providing equipment and doing protection services,” said Ulf Laessing, who leads the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “They fight less than the ‘Rambo-type’ Wagner mercenaries.”

The sudden departure of Wagner without a coordinated announcement from Mali’s government hints at possible internal tensions, said Rida Lyammouri, a senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South. “This could point to a new framework for Russian presence in the country,” he said.

The continued instability and violence in Mali, coupled with the evolving nature of Russian involvement, underscore the region’s fragile security situation and the growing complexity of foreign military engagement.

Myanmar Arrests 6-Year-Old Girl, 15 Others Over Retired General’s Assassination in Yangon | Anti-Junta Killing

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Myanmar Arrests 6-Year-Old Girl, 15 Others Over Retired General’s Assassination in Yangon | Anti-Junta Killing

YANGON, Myanmar — Myanmar’s military authorities have detained 16 individuals in connection with the assassination of a retired general, including the six-year-old daughter of the suspected gunman, state media reported.

The arrests stem from the May 22 killing of Cho Tun Aung, a former ambassador to Cambodia who was shot dead outside his residence in Yangon. The anti-junta group calling itself the “Golden Valley Warriors” claimed responsibility for the targeted assassination of the retired military officer.

Myanmar’s state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper announced that authorities had apprehended 16 members of the Golden Valley Warriors organization across multiple locations. The detained individuals include 13 men and three females, among them the wife and young daughter of the primary suspect identified as Myo Ko Ko.

The state media report provided no explanation for what charges the six-year-old girl faces in connection with the general’s murder. According to the official account, Myo Ko Ko and an accomplice traveled to the victim’s home on bicycles, carried out the shooting, and subsequently escaped to a predetermined safe house.

The assassination of Cho Tun Aung represents the latest incident in a pattern of targeted attacks against military-affiliated figures in Myanmar’s largest city and commercial center. Since the military’s seizure of power in a February 2021 coup, Yangon has experienced regular grenade and gun attacks targeting individuals linked to the ruling junta.

Myanmar’s political landscape has been transformed into a complex, multi-sided civil conflict following the military takeover that ended the country’s brief democratic transition. The ongoing civil war involves pro-democracy guerrilla fighters and reinvigorated ethnic minority armed organizations challenging junta control across vast territories.

While the majority of active combat operations remain concentrated in rural areas and smaller municipalities, urban centers like Yangon continue to witness periodic violence as resistance groups target military-connected individuals and infrastructure. The Golden Valley Warriors’ successful elimination of a former senior military officer demonstrates the reach of anti-government forces into the country’s most heavily controlled urban environment.

The military regime has faced substantial territorial losses in recent months as opposition forces have coordinated more effective campaigns against junta positions. However, defense analysts emphasize that Myanmar’s ruling military remains far from complete defeat, maintaining significant advantages including a powerful air force equipped with Russian-supplied aircraft and ongoing military support from China.

The arrest of family members, including a child, in connection with political violence reflects the junta’s increasingly desperate measures to combat growing resistance to its rule. The inclusion of the suspect’s six-year-old daughter among those detained has raised questions about the military government’s approach to collective punishment and its treatment of non-combatant family members.

Myanmar’s civil war has intensified significantly since the coup, with the military government struggling to maintain control over large portions of the country while facing coordinated opposition from multiple armed resistance groups. The urban assassination campaign in Yangon represents a new front in the broader conflict, bringing political violence directly into the heart of Myanmar’s economic capital.

The killing of retired General Cho Tun Aung and subsequent mass arrests underscore the deepening instability that has characterized Myanmar since the military’s overthrow of the elected civilian government, plunging the Southeast Asian nation into its most severe crisis in decades.

34 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced to Prison by Nigerian High Court

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34 Internet Fraudsters Sentenced to Prison by Nigerian High Court

BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Two justices of the Edo State High Court, Nigeria, have sentenced 34 internet fraudsters to prison terms following their conviction on cybercrime charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission announced Friday.

Justices A.N. Erhabor and W.I. Aziegbemhin, presiding over separate court sessions between May 29 and June 4, 2025, handed down sentences of two years imprisonment each to the convicted cybercriminals, who were alternatively given the option to pay N200,000 fines.

The convicted internet fraudsters were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on charges including obtaining money by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents. Among those sentenced were Ogbeide Bright, George Micheal, Asazobro Kindness, Asamonye Chibudion, and Efosa Imasuen.

Additional convicts identified in the EFCC statement included Fortune Innocent, Owah Eloho, Osifo Bright, Oselunosen Oziegbe, Igbinogie Eloghosa, Abijade Jeffery, Godwin Osayowanbor, Okon Benjamin, Owie Etinosa, Emmanuel Ariwa, Ogbonna Precious, and Agboniroho Promise.

The comprehensive list of sentenced cybercriminals also encompassed Ogbonna Michael, Sunday Onyekachi, Igbinogie Amos, Favour Abdul, Efe Ediyeri, Benson Kelly, Oliver Chijioke, Odia Aisosa, Arinze Michael, Brainson Bassey, Paul Oreavbiere, Marvelous Imasuen, Adams Eloghosa, Omorodion Ayomide, Owenaze Wealth and Nathaniel Ihaza.

Each defendant faced individual charges under the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006. The specific charge against Ogbeide Osayande Bright stated that he possessed documents containing false pretence on May 15, 2025, violating Sections 6 and 8(b) of the Act and punishable under Section 1(3).

All 34 defendants entered guilty pleas when their charges were read in court, prompting prosecution counsel F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, I.K. Agwai, K.Y. Bello, Ibrahim Al-Amin, M.S. Dahiru, Salihu Ahmed, Bala Rabah and Faisal Ibrahim to request conviction and sentencing. Defense counsel appealed for leniency, noting their clients’ remorse for their criminal activities.

Justice Erhabor delivered the first set of convictions and sentences on May 29, while Justice Aziegbemhin concluded the remaining cases on June 4. Both justices imposed identical sentences of two years imprisonment or N200,000 fines for each convicted internet fraudster.

Beyond the prison sentences, the court ordered comprehensive asset forfeiture as part of the cybercrime penalties. All convicted fraudsters forfeited their mobile phones, computers and money discovered in their bank accounts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The defendants also provided written undertakings to maintain good behavior going forward.

The EFCC revealed that the cybercriminals’ path to conviction began with their arrest during a coordinated sting operation conducted by operatives from the Benin Zonal Directorate. The law enforcement action followed intelligence reports linking the suspects to fraudulent internet activities and online scam operations.

The mass sentencing represents a significant victory for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and cybercrime, demonstrating the country’s commitment to prosecuting online scammers who damage its international reputation. The EFCC’s systematic approach to investigating and prosecuting internet fraudsters continues to yield substantial results in courts across the nation.

The Edo State High Court’s decisive action against these cybercriminals sends a strong message to potential internet fraudsters about the serious legal consequences awaiting those who engage in online scam activities within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

Punchng

‘Mass Shooting’ Attempt Foiled at Michigan High School Graduation, 2 Arrested

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‘Mass Shooting’ Attempt Foiled at Michigan High School Graduation, 2 Arrested

PONTIAC, Mich. — Authorities in Oakland County, Michigan, say they have arrested two suspects in connection with a thwarted mass shooting attempt during a high school graduation ceremony in Pontiac earlier this week.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced Friday that law enforcement disrupted what could have become a deadly attack at the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac (ATAP) graduation held Tuesday evening at the United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) Sports Complex.

What initially began as a fistfight quickly escalated into a potential mass casualty threat, officials said. Deputies responded at around 6:40 p.m. to reports of a physical altercation inside the venue, but were soon alerted by a concerned attendee that a threatening Snapchat post had circulated, suggesting someone planned to “shoot up the crowd,” Bouchard said.

Although the exact contents of the post are unavailable due to its deletion, authorities immediately acted on the information. Surveillance footage from UWM’s security system showed two individuals involved in the fight had been seen placing packages under cars in the parking lot.

The two suspects—both residents of Pontiac—were identified and taken into custody. One, 20-year-old Jamarion Jaryante Hardiman, was already on probation for a prior weapons conviction. A second 19-year-old male suspect, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, also has a criminal history involving firearms.

Search teams recovered two fully loaded weapons at the scene: a Glock semi-automatic handgun with a 40-round extended magazine and a pink AR-style pistol similarly equipped. The latter was found concealed in a backpack under a vehicle.

“So just those two weapons without changing magazines had 80 rounds of potential firepower,” Bouchard said. “Shooting into a graduation—you can only imagine the outcome of that.”

Both suspects were allegedly uncooperative with investigators, the sheriff added. Formal charges are expected in the coming days.

In a statement posted on social media, the school confirmed that a brief physical altercation occurred during the ceremony but was quickly resolved by staff and security. “Thankfully, no one within the ceremony was harmed, and we were able to complete our beautiful commencement celebration without further disruption,” the statement read.

Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident and examine possible motives behind the threat.

Ex-Arkansas Police Chief Convicted of Rape and Murder Captured After Prison Escape

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Ex-Arkansas Police Chief Convicted of Rape and Murder Captured After Prison Escape

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A former Arkansas police chief convicted of rape and murder was captured Friday, nearly two weeks after escaping from a state prison by impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Grant Hardin, 56, was taken into custody less than two miles from the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, where he had walked out of the facility on May 25 dressed in what authorities described as a “makeshift” law enforcement uniform. The Arkansas Department of Corrections said tracking dogs led U.S. Border Patrol agents and Arkansas law enforcement officers to his location near a creek in Izard County.

His identity was confirmed through fingerprint analysis, according to a statement from the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.

“To every one of our Department staff that assisted in this manhunt over the last 13 days, I give my heartfelt thank you for your immeasurable contributions to bring this search to a peaceful conclusion,” Arkansas Secretary of Corrections Lindsay Wallace said in a statement.

Hardin’s escape sparked an extensive multi-agency manhunt. According to an affidavit, he approached a secured gate at the North Central Unit around 3 p.m. on May 25, impersonating a corrections officer and pushing a wheeled cart. Surveillance images released by authorities showed Hardin dressed in black and pushing what appeared to be wooden pallets.

The FBI, U.S. Department of Justice, Arkansas State Police, and Department of Corrections offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his capture.

Hardin’s prior experience in law enforcement added complexity to the search. He briefly served as police chief in Gateway, Arkansas, in early 2016 and previously worked with the Fayetteville Police Department from 1990 to 1991 before being dismissed during training. He also held various roles including police officer, county constable, and corrections officer, according to NBC affiliate KNWA.

His criminal convictions stem from two separate cases. In 2017, Hardin was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of Gateway city water employee James Appleton. He was also serving a 50-year sentence for the 1997 rape of schoolteacher Amy Harrison. Both cases drew national attention and were featured in the 2023 Max documentary Devil in the Ozarks.

Arkansas Department of Corrections spokesperson Rand Champion previously acknowledged that Hardin’s law enforcement knowledge made the search particularly challenging.

As of Friday, authorities have not disclosed how Hardin obtained the uniform or whether any prison staff may face disciplinary action in connection with the escape.

Pregnant Teacher Breaks Down in Court Over Sexual Assault Charges Involving 15-Year-Old Student

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Pregnant Teacher Breaks Down in Court Over Sexual Assault Charges Involving 15-Year-Old Student

SYDNEY, Australia — A pregnant teacher accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student after allegedly grooming him broke down in tears during a court appearance Friday as she was granted bail due to her high-risk pregnancy.

Karly Rae, 36, appeared visibly distressed during the NSW Supreme Court hearing via video link, sobbing silently when Justice Dhanji mentioned her pregnancy while considering bail conditions. The special needs teacher faces multiple charges stemming from an alleged sexual relationship with a student at her school.

Rae is accused of having sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old pupil on October 4, shortly before her arrest at her New South Wales home in October. Court documents indicate she allegedly groomed the student prior to the sexual assault, though the boy was not enrolled in her special needs program and is not believed to be the father of her unborn child.

The emotional court session revealed the extent of Rae’s alleged attempts to cover up the incident. After initially being granted bail following her October arrest, she was returned to custody in January for allegedly contacting the victim in violation of a domestic violence order.

Prosecutors told the court that on January 14, Rae called the alleged victim five times within two hours, attempting to persuade him to provide false testimony about their encounters. Instead of complying, the teenager informed his mother about the contact and reported it to police, leading to additional charges against Rae.

The court heard that Rae’s emotional state appeared to deteriorate during the four months she spent in custody following her re-arrest. Justice Dhanji noted her pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and a history of miscarriages, contributed to the decision to grant bail.

“The applicant is 23 weeks pregnant, due to give birth in September,” Justice Dhanji stated during the hearing, at which point Rae was observed crying on the video link. The judge emphasized that her pregnancy was considered high-risk due to medical complications.

However, the court ruled that due to the serious nature of the allegations, Rae’s child will be unable to remain with her if she returns to custody. This ruling appeared to add to her emotional distress during the proceedings.

Rae has been placed under strict home detention with at least 14 bail conditions, including a complete ban on social media use and requirements to report to Toronto Police Station three times weekly. Justice Dhanji noted that she is “no longer able to work as a teacher” and stated it was “highly improbable” she would reoffend.

The charges against Rae include aggravated sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16, grooming a child for unlawful sexual activity, and possession of child abuse material. Additional charges of acting to pervert the course of justice and breaching a violence order were added following the alleged witness intimidation attempts.

Earlier this week, Rae appeared via video link at Newcastle Magistrates Court where she entered not guilty pleas to all five charges. Her emotional state was also noted during that appearance, though she maintained her composure better than during Friday’s Supreme Court hearing.

The case has shocked the local education community, with colleagues describing the allegations as completely out of character for someone they knew as a dedicated special needs educator. The school has implemented additional safeguarding measures following the arrest.

Rae’s defense team has indicated their client is struggling emotionally with both the legal proceedings and her pregnancy complications. They have not commented on the specifics of the case but emphasized her presumption of innocence.

The emotional toll of the proceedings was evident as Rae’s family members were seen comforting each other outside the courthouse following Friday’s hearing. Her pregnancy has added complexity to the case, with medical professionals monitoring her condition throughout the legal process.

The case will proceed to trial in the District Court, with arraignment scheduled for July. Given Rae’s emotional state and pregnancy, the court may need to consider special accommodations during trial proceedings.

the-sun.com

Tottenham Sack Ange Postecoglou Despite Europa League Triumph

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Tottenham Sack Ange Postecoglou Despite Europa League Triumph

LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed head coach Ange Postecoglou just over two weeks after the Australian led the club to a Europa League title, ending a 17-year trophy drought. The decision comes despite Postecoglou becoming only the third manager in club history to win a European trophy.

The 59-year-old, who was appointed on June 6, 2023, was relieved of his duties exactly two years to the day since arriving from Celtic. His departure follows a disappointing domestic campaign in which Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League — narrowly avoiding relegation.

While the team’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final salvaged a Champions League berth for next season, club leadership ultimately deemed the achievement insufficient to warrant his continuation in the role.

“Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,” Tottenham said in a statement Friday. “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.”

The statement also paid tribute to his historic accomplishment: “Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place.”

Postecoglou, who had promised supporters “always winning” in his second season, lived up to that vow in continental competition but failed to secure consistency in the league. In a farewell statement, he reflected on his tenure with pride.

“When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride,” Postecoglou said. “The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”

Tottenham’s Europa League title marked the club’s first major trophy since the League Cup in 2008 and first European silverware since their UEFA Cup triumph in 1984.

Sky Sports News reports that Brentford manager Thomas Frank is the frontrunner to replace Postecoglou. The Danish coach is understood to have a release clause in his contract, although no formal negotiations have begun between the north London club and Brentford.

Frank, who has built a reputation for tactical discipline and player development, has been consistently linked with larger clubs following his success in keeping Brentford competitive in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s decision signals another dramatic chapter in the club’s turbulent managerial history. Postecoglou’s exit makes him the fifth permanent head coach dismissed since 2019, as Spurs continue their search for long-term stability and success both domestically and in Europe.

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