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Tottenham Welcomes Everton to North London in Premier League Clash

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LONDON  — Tottenham Hotspur will host Everton on Saturday in their second Premier League match of the 2024/25 season. The match is scheduled for 15:00 BST at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham, under manager Ange Postecoglou, seeks their first win after a one-one draw with Leicester City in their season opener. Everton, led by Sean Dyche, aims to rebound from a three-nil home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.

In team news, Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is unlikely to feature due to a head injury sustained against Leicester. Dominic Solanke is ruled out with an ankle problem, while Pedro Porro is fit despite a late substitution in the previous match. Yves Bissouma returns from a club-imposed suspension.

Everton faces defensive challenges with Ashley Young suspended following a red card against Brighton. Jarrad Branthwaite, Nathan Patterson, and Seamus Coleman are expected to be absent. Midfielder James Garner is likely sidelined with a calf injury, and forward Youssef Chermiti remains out long-term.

The clubs’ recent head-to-head record favors Tottenham, with three wins and two draws in their last five encounters. Their most recent meeting on February 3, 2024, ended in a two-two draw.

Anthony Taylor will referee the match, with Andy Madley as VAR official.

This fixture presents an opportunity for both teams to secure their first victory of the season. Tottenham aims to capitalize on home advantage, while Everton seeks to overcome their defensive setbacks and offensive struggles from the opening match.

The match could prove crucial for both sides as they look to establish momentum early in the Premier League campaign.

Barcelona to Host Athletic Club in La Liga Match

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BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona is set to host Athletic Club in a La Liga match on Saturday at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The match kicks off at 18:00 BST.

Barcelona, under new manager Hansi Flick, enters the game following a two-one victory against Valencia in their season opener. Athletic Club, meanwhile, drew one-one with Getafe in their first match.

The focus is on Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who has been linked with a potential transfer to Barcelona throughout the summer. Williams is expected to face his reported admirers before the transfer window closes.

Barcelona will be without midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who has returned to Manchester City after one season. Injuries to Gavi and Frenkie de Jong further limit Flick’s midfield options. Defender Ronald Araujo is also sidelined, likely giving Pau Cubarsi an opportunity to partner with Inigo Martinez in central defense.

Young talents Lamine Yamal and Pedri are expected to feature in Barcelona’s starting lineup. The availability of new signing Dani Olmo remains uncertain pending registration.

Athletic Club faces goalkeeper challenges with both Unai Simon and Julen Agirrezabala unavailable. Alex Padilla is set to start in goal. The team will also miss several other players due to injuries, including Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Aitor Paredes.

In their last five encounters, Barcelona has won three matches, Athletic Club one, with one draw. Their most recent meeting on March 3, 2024, ended in a scoreless draw.

Jesus Gil Manzano will referee the match, with Valentin Pizarro Gomez serving as the VAR official.

The match presents an opportunity for Barcelona to build on their opening win and for Athletic Club to secure their first victory of the season. It also offers a stage for players like Nico Williams to showcase their skills amid ongoing transfer speculations.

36 Killed in Fresh Gaza Strikes as Cease-Fire Talks Preparations Advance

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Israeli strikes in southern Gaza killed at least three dozen Palestinians on Saturday, local health officials reported, as preparations for high-level cease-fire talks in Cairo progressed.

In Khan Younis, an airstrike on a home killed eleven members of one family, including two children, according to Nasser Hospital, where victims were taken. The hospital reported receiving thirty-three bodies from three separate strikes in and around the city. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed three additional fatalities from an early morning strike.

Seventeen people died when a strike hit a road south of Khan Younis, affecting passengers in a tuk-tuk and bystanders, Nasser Hospital stated. Another strike on a tuk-tuk east of the city killed at least five.

The Israeli military said it was investigating these reports but offered no immediate comment.

First responders recovered ten bodies from a residential area west of Khan Younis that had been repeatedly bombed over the past week, though the exact circumstances of these deaths were unclear.

The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and took hostages, has resulted in more than 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.

As the violence continues, preparations for cease-fire negotiations are underway. Experts met Saturday to address technical issues before high-level talks scheduled for Sunday, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to meet with Egyptian and Qatari officials, according to senior Hamas official Mahmoud Merdawy. Hamas will not participate directly in Sunday’s talks but will receive briefings from Egypt and Qatar.

The Israeli delegation includes Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet security service head, and top general Maj. Gen. Eliezer Toledano. CIA Director William Burns and Brett McGurk, a senior Middle East advisor to President Joe Biden, are leading the U.S. negotiation team.

The White House reported constructive progress in the talks on Friday, without providing specifics. A major point of contention is Israel’s insistence on maintaining forces in two strategic corridors in Gaza, which Hamas opposes.

The U.S. has proposed a bridging plan to address the differences between Israel and Hamas. President Biden has emphasized the urgency of reaching a cease-fire and hostage release deal in recent communications with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas political official Bassem Naim stated last week that the current proposal aligned with Netanyahu’s demands for Israeli control of both the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors. However, Merdawy reiterated Hamas’ position of accepting only a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

As negotiations continue, the situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the conflict.

Source: AP

Police Search for Attacker After Deadly Knife Assault in German City

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German police launched a large-scale search Saturday for an assailant who killed three people and wounded at least eight others, five seriously, in a knife attack at a festival in the western city of Solingen.

The attack occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. Friday at the “Festival of Diversity,” an event marking the city’s 650th anniversary. Police said the perpetrator, believed to be acting alone, fled the scene.

“The police are currently conducting a large-scale search for the perpetrator,” authorities said in a statement. Special units have been deployed around Solingen’s city center, and an online portal has been established for witnesses to upload relevant information.

Police have not released information about the attacker’s identity or the victims.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed shock over the incident. “The attack in Solingen is a terrible event that has shocked me greatly,” Scholz said on social media platform X. “An attacker has brutally killed several people. We mourn the victims and stand by their families.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also commented on the attack. “The heinous act in Solingen shocks me and our country,” Steinmeier said in a statement. “The perpetrator needs to be brought to justice. Let’s stand together — against hatred and violence.”

The festival, which began Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday, featured live music, cabaret, and acrobatics on several stages throughout the city center.

Solingen, with approximately 160,000 residents, is located near Cologne and Duesseldorf.

The incident has reignited concerns about knife violence in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser recently proposed tightening weapons laws to reduce the maximum blade length allowed in public from 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches).

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect.

Justin and Hailey Bieber Announce Birth of Son, Jack Blues

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LOS ANGELES — Pop star Justin Bieber and his wife, model Hailey Bieber, have announced the birth of their first child, a son named Jack Blues Bieber.

The singer, thirty, shared the news Friday via Instagram, posting a photo of a baby’s foot. Hailey Bieber, twenty-seven, reshared the post on her Instagram Stories. The couple has not disclosed the exact date of birth, and a representative for Hailey Bieber told The Associated Press that no further details were available.

The Biebers first revealed their pregnancy in May through Instagram posts showcasing an intimate vow renewal ceremony. At that time, the Associated Press confirmed that Hailey Bieber was just over six months pregnant.

Since the announcement, both Justin and Hailey have shared photos displaying the model’s pregnancy, including images from a campaign for Hailey’s skincare brand, Rhode.

The couple married in November two thousand eighteen, which they also announced on Instagram. They had dated for approximately one month before their wedding.

Justin Bieber, who gained international fame in two thousand ten with his hit single “Baby,” has since become a Grammy-winning artist with eight number-one songs. His most recent album, “Justice,” was released in two thousand twenty-one.

Hailey Bieber, in addition to her modeling career, is the founder of the Rhode skincare line.

The birth of Jack Blues Bieber marks a new chapter for the high-profile couple, who have been open about their relationship and personal lives on social media platforms.

Yacht Explodes at New Jersey Marina, No Serious Injuries Reported

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WILDWOOD, N.J.  — A 40-foot yacht exploded and caught fire while refueling at Schooner Island Marina in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Thursday, forcing one person to jump to safety, local authorities reported.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m., with Wildwood firefighters responding to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 1:20 p.m., according to local Fox affiliate WTXF-TV. No serious injuries were reported, but the yacht sank to the bottom of the marina.

Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion as the yacht was being refueled. Paul Daiber, who has stored his boat at the marina for 25 years, told NJ.com he was fishing nearby when he heard a powerful thud and saw debris from the yacht flying through the air.

“It just progressively got worse and worse until it erupted in flames,” Daiber said. He added that this was the first time he had witnessed a boat explosion at the marina in his quarter-century there.

Another witness, speaking to WTXF-TV, likened the explosion to “something out of a movie,” describing how she saw parts of the boat’s deck flying from one dock to another.

Bystanders attempted to slow the spread of flames using fire extinguishers before firefighters arrived. The fire created large plumes of smoke visible to beachgoers blocks away, with the scent of gasoline permeating the air around the marina.

The New Jersey State Police are leading the investigation into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire. As of Thursday afternoon, no official cause had been determined.

Brazil Names 17-Year-Old Estevao in Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

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RIO DE JANEIRO  — Brazil coach Dorival Jr has included 17-year-old striker Estevao Willian in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, marking the teenager’s first call-up to the national team.

Estevao, nicknamed ‘Messinho’ and set to join Chelsea next year, was named alongside former Palmeiras teammate Endrick and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in the forward line for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.

“I have always invested heavily in young players throughout my career,” Dorival said at a press conference Friday. “He is a player who has been emerging and showing great things. It is up to us to believe. I ask that we have a little patience with these kids. As was the case with Endrick.”

Neymar was not included in the squad as he continues to recover from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee. The striker, who underwent surgery, also missed the recent Copa America.

“No need to comment. Everyone knows how important he is (Neymar). But everything has to happen at the right time and in the right place. I have no doubt that, as soon as he recovers, he will be included again,” Dorival added.

The 62-year-old manager, who took over in January, has omitted Barcelona winger Raphinha and Manchester United midfielder Casemiro from the squad.

Brazil, currently sixth in South American qualifiers with seven points, will host Ecuador in Curitiba on September 6 before facing Paraguay in Asuncion four days later.

The squad includes:

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Bento, Ederson

Defenders: Danilo, Yan Couto, Guilherme Arana, Wendell, Beraldo, Eder Militao, Gabriel Magalhaes, Marquinhos

Midfielders: Andre, Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, Joao Gomes, Lucas Paqueta

Forwards: Rodrygo, Endrick, Estevao, Luiz Henrique, Pedro, Savinho, Vinicius Jr

This squad selection reflects Brazil’s focus on integrating young talent as they aim to improve their position in the World Cup qualifiers.

PSG Beats Montpellier 6-0 in Ligue 1 Home Opener

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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) overwhelmed Montpellier with a six-nil victory in their first home game of the Ligue 1 season on Friday at the Parc des Princes.

Bradley Barcola led the scoring with two goals, opening the account in the fourth minute with a solo run down the left flank. Marco Asensio doubled the lead in the twenty-fourth minute, capitalizing on a team move that exposed Montpellier’s weak defense.

Barcola secured his brace with a tap-in from Ousmane Dembele’s pass eight minutes into the second half. Achraf Hakimi added to the tally five minutes later, converting a cross from Nuno Mendes.

Warren Zaire-Emery scored the fifth goal on the hour mark, assisted by Dembele. Substitute Lee Kang-in completed the rout with a strike from the edge of the box in the eighty-second minute.

PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance. “We scored six goals but we could have scored ten. Today was our night… the players were incredible,” Enrique told DAZN.

Barcola reflected on his performance, saying, “I’ve realized that I can make a difference. Pushing the ball like that on the first goal is something I’ve been doing since I was very young.”

The victory marks PSG’s second consecutive win of the season, following their four-one triumph over Le Havre in the league opener.

PSG will face Lille in their next match on September first, while Montpellier hosts Nantes on August thirty-first.

Enrique added, “There have only been two games but I’m really pleased with what I’ve seen.”

The match showcased PSG’s offensive prowess and set a high bar for their performance in the ongoing Ligue 1 season.

Knife Attack at German Festival Leaves 3 Dead, 4 Seriously Wounded

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A knife attack at a festival in the western German city of Solingen on Friday left three people dead and four seriously wounded, local police reported.

The attack occurred at the “Festival of Diversity,” an event marking the city’s six hundred fiftieth anniversary. The incident took place on a central square known as the Fronhof.

Police stated that the perpetrator fled the scene and remains at large. The German news agency dpa, citing unidentified police sources, reported that the weapon was believed to be a knife.

Philipp Müller, one of the festival organizers, addressed attendees from the stage, urging them to “go calmly” and to remain vigilant as the attacker had not been apprehended. Müller confirmed that many people had been wounded by “a knifeman.”

Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach expressed shock in a Facebook post, stating, “We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together and now have dead and wounded to lament.” He added, “It breaks my heart that an attack on our city happened.”

The local newspaper, Solinger Tageblatt, quoted its reporter Celine Derikartz as describing the atmosphere as “spooky.” Derikartz observed that the festive mood had quickly turned to shock, with some attendees seen weeping.

The “Festival of Diversity” began on Friday and was scheduled to run through Sunday. The event featured several stages in central streets offering attractions such as live music, cabaret, and acrobatics.

Solingen, with a population of approximately one hundred sixty thousand residents, is located near the larger cities of Cologne and Duesseldorf.

Authorities have not released information about potential motives for the attack or details about the suspect. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging the public to remain cautious and report any relevant information.

The incident has raised concerns about security at public events and may prompt a review of safety measures for future festivals in the region.

AP

Russian Snipers End Prison Siege, Kill Hostage-Takers Claiming Islamic State Affiliation

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Russian security forces on Friday shot and killed four inmates who had taken hostages at a penal colony in the Volgograd region, according to official statements. The inmates, who had posted videos online describing themselves as Islamic State militants, had fatally stabbed four prison staff members.

“Snipers of the special forces of the Russian National Guard in the Volgograd region, with four precise shots, neutralised four prisoners who had taken prison employees hostage. The hostages have been released,” the state news agency RIA quoted the National Guard as saying.

The federal prisons service confirmed that all four attackers had been “liquidated.” It reported that four of its staff had died from stab wounds, while others were hospitalized. A total of eight prison employees and four convicts had been held hostage.

Videos posted by the attackers showed victims lying in pools of blood, with one having his throat slashed. In one video, a prisoner shouted that they were “mujahideen” of Islamic State. Other footage depicted the attackers in a prison yard with a hostage slumped in a sitting position, his face bloodied.

The operation to free the captives occurred after President Vladimir Putin, during a weekly Security Council meeting, requested updates from the interior minister, FSB security chief, and head of the National Guard about the incident.

This attack follows a recent uptick in Islamist militant activities in Russia. In June, a prison uprising linked to Islamic State took place in the southern Rostov region, resulting in special forces killing six inmates who had taken hostages. Later that month, at least twenty people were killed in attacks on a church, a synagogue, and a police checkpoint in Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia. In March, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on the Crocus City concert hall near Moscow, which resulted in over one hundred forty deaths.

The latest incident has raised security concerns, particularly regarding how the inmates acquired weapons and mobile phones to film and post videos online. In the footage, one attacker appeared to have an improvised explosive vest, while others wielded knives and hammers.

The attackers’ specific demands were unclear, though they made statements about Russia oppressing Muslims and claimed to be acting in response to alleged mistreatment of Muslim prisoners.

Russian media reported that the four attackers were citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Three were reportedly imprisoned for drug offenses, while the fourth was serving a sentence for murder.

As investigations continue, Russian authorities are expected to review security protocols in prisons to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Credit: Reuters.com

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