Gregg Berhalter has been fired as coach of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team after a disappointing performance in the Copa America tournament. The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the decision on Wednesday following the team’s early exit from the tournament held on U.S. soil.
“We are now focused on working with our Sporting Director Matt Crocker and leveraging his experience at the highest levels of the sport to ensure we find the right person to lead the USMNT into a new era of on-field success,” U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement announcing Berhalter’s departure.
The U.S. opened last month’s Copa America play with a steady 2-0 win against Bolivia in the tournament featuring teams from South America, Central America, North America, and the Caribbean.
The U.S. was then eliminated from the tournament after a 1-0 loss on July 1 to perennial South American powerhouse Uruguay, a 15-time Copa America champion.
The federation had been in deep contemplation about Berhalter’s future with the team before the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are spending time together in Sun Valley, Idaho. The Amazon founder, 60, and award-winning journalist, 54, were seen on Wednesday, July 10, at the Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference. This private retreat, often referred to as “summer camp for billionaires,” attracts the rich and powerful from every sector, including media, tech, and politics.
The conference, hosted by investment bank Allen & Company, is a secretive, weeklong event that began on Tuesday, July 9, and lasts through July 13. The event has been held since the 1980s and is noted for its influence and high-profile attendees. It is believed to be the place where Bezos decided to buy the Washington Post.
The engaged couple were all smiles as they walked hand-in-hand at the Idaho event together. For her Sun Valley ensemble, Sánchez wore a cream-colored skirt and matching cardigan, paired with white sneakers, a pink handbag, and a pair of sunglasses. Bezos sported a pair of trousers, a black T-shirt and vest, as well as sunglasses and sneakers.
According to Business Insider, the Allen & Company-hosted retreat is a key event for networking and deal-making among the world’s elite. This year’s attendees also include Disney CEO Bob Iger, Mark Zuckerberg, and Oprah Winfrey, CNN reported.
An American Airlines flight was canceled after it experienced a tire issue while attempting to take off in Tampa on Wednesday morning, the airline reported.
Flight 590, which was scheduled to head to Phoenix, “experienced a mechanical issue on the runway prior to taking off,” American Airlines said in a statement. The incident occurred just before 8 a.m., according to Tampa International Airport.
The statement clarified that the issue was with some of the plane’s tires.
Video of the incident shows one of the back tires appearing to break apart and start smoking as the plane accelerates on the runway. The plane then immediately slowed down, abandoning the takeoff.
There were no injuries reported in the incident, and all 176 passengers safely deplaned before being bused back to the terminal, the airline said. Six crew members were also on board.
In a pulsating Euro 2024 semi-final at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, England secured their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. The match, characterized by momentum shifts and late drama, saw Ollie Watkins emerge as the hero with a 90th-minute winner.
The game began with an electric atmosphere, as both sets of fans created a cauldron of noise in the iconic German stadium. The Netherlands struck first in the 7th minute through a spectacular goal from Xavi Simons. The young Dutch star unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Jordan Pickford with no chance and silencing the England supporters.
England, however, showed resilience and equalized in the 18th minute. Harry Kane, England’s talismanic striker, converted a penalty after a VAR review adjudged Denzel Dumfries to have fouled him in the box. Kane’s composed finish banished memories of his penalty miss in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final against France.
The first half was a showcase of attacking football, with both sides creating numerous chances. Phil Foden was particularly impressive for England, hitting the post with a curling effort and having another shot cleared off the line by Dumfries. The Netherlands also threatened, with Denzel Dumfries hitting the crossbar from a corner just before halftime.
As the second half progressed, the match became increasingly tense. England manager Gareth Southgate made tactical adjustments, bringing on Luke Shaw for Kieran Trippier and shifting to a back four. The Netherlands responded by introducing Wout Weghorst, looking to utilize his aerial presence.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time, substitute Ollie Watkins provided the decisive moment in the 90th minute. Bukayo Saka’s through ball found Watkins, who showed remarkable composure to slot the ball past the Dutch goalkeeper from a tight angle. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the England players and fans, reminiscent of their semi-final victory in Euro 2020.
The final whistle confirmed England’s progression to their second consecutive European Championship final, where they will face the winners of the other semi-final between Spain and Italy. This victory continues England’s impressive run under Southgate, further solidifying their status as one of Europe’s top footballing nations.
Key performers for England included Phil Foden, who despite not scoring, was a constant threat throughout the match. Jude Bellingham’s midfield presence was crucial in controlling the tempo, while the defensive pairing of John Stones and Marc Guehi held firm against Dutch attacks.
For the Netherlands, Xavi Simons’ goal was a moment of brilliance, but the team will rue missed opportunities, particularly Virgil van Dijk’s header saved by Pickford early in the second half. The loss marks a disappointing end to their tournament, having shown promise in earlier rounds.
The match was not without controversy, with debates over the penalty decision and several contentious calls by the referee. However, the quality of football and the dramatic finale will be remembered as highlights of Euro 2024.
As England prepares for the final, the nation will once again dream of ending their long wait for a major trophy. The performance against the Netherlands demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and produce moments of quality when it matters most. Southgate and his team will now focus on one last hurdle as they aim to bring football home once again.
World 200-meter champion and Olympic favorite Shericka Jackson pulled up with an apparent injury late in a race on Tuesday as part of the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix.
The Jamaican standout was in front and nearing the finish line when she suddenly had to stop. Jackson appeared to be in discomfort as she walked off the track in a race won by Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. The Paris Games start later this month.
Jackson has the second-fastest time ever in the event. The Associated Press left a message with her agent seeking more details on her condition.
The Jamaicans are already missing Elaine Thompson-Herah for the Paris Games. The two-time reigning Olympic champion at 100 and 200 meters recently announced she has a small tear in her Achilles tendon.
Jackson is responsible for three of the four fastest times ever run in the women’s 200 meters. Her top time of 21.41 seconds was set on her way to winning gold at the World Championships last summer in Budapest, Hungary. She is edging closer and closer to breaking the record held by Florence Griffith Joyner, who ran 21.34 at the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
Jackson, who turns 30 next week, is also expected to give American rival Sha’Carri Richardson a challenge in the 100 meters.
A United Airlines passenger caused significant disruption on a flight from Miami to Newark, New Jersey. The chaotic scene, captured on video and obtained by TMZ, shows the passenger biting a flight attendant and engaging in aggressive behavior towards other travelers.
The incident occurred on United Flight 762 on Tuesday, turning what should have been a routine journey into a tense and delayed ordeal. Footage reveals the disgruntled passenger screaming at other passengers while flight crew members attempt to restrain her using zip ties around her wrists.
In a disturbing turn of events, the restrained passenger resorted to biting a flight attendant on the shoulder, tearing fabric from their uniform. This assault prompted immediate action from other crew members who rushed to assist their colleague.
Additional video clips depict the woman, with her hands restrained behind her back, hurling profanities at fellow passengers. In one particularly alarming moment, she threatened to kill a woman, telling her to “go back to Russia.” Eyewitnesses report that the aggressive passenger also spat at other travelers and attempted to throw punches.
The passenger’s erratic behavior reportedly included drawing attention to her “Scarface” T-shirt, seemingly in an attempt to intimidate those around her. This mix of physical aggression and verbal threats created a highly tense atmosphere on board the aircraft.
As a result of the incident, the flight was significantly delayed by 3.5 hours. United Airlines was forced to change out the entire flight crew due to the ordeal, as announced by a gate attendant in one of the recorded clips. The disruption culminated with police escorting the belligerent passenger out of the airport.
This event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by airlines and their staff in managing passenger behavior and ensuring the safety and comfort of all travelers. It also raises questions about security measures and protocols for dealing with disruptive individuals on flights.
United Airlines, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and Orlando Airport Police have been contacted for comment on the incident, but no responses have been received at the time of reporting.
This disturbance is the latest in a series of high-profile incidents involving unruly passengers on commercial flights, a trend that has seen an uptick in recent years. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of passenger compliance with airline rules and the potential consequences of disruptive behavior in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
As air travel continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents like this highlight the need for ongoing vigilance, robust safety protocols, and potentially stricter measures to deter and manage disruptive passenger behavior. The airline industry, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies may need to reassess current strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of both passengers and crew members in the face of such challenging situations.
Hundreds of newly elected lawmakers were sworn in on Tuesday, filling the halls of Parliament with excitement and anticipation following the U.K.’s transformative election that resulted in a Labour government taking power.
The usually somber and grand halls of the Parliament building buzzed with lively chatter from the 650 members of the House of Commons. Remarkably, 335 of these members were entering the Parliament for the first time, marking a significant influx of new faces compared to the 140 new lawmakers who arrived after the 2019 election.
The atmosphere inside the Parliament resembled a bustling school at the start of a new term. Rows of lockers had been temporarily installed in the wood-paneled corridors to accommodate the belongings of the new members. Staff members, equipped with “Ask Me” signs, were stationed throughout the building to guide and assist the bewildered newcomers as they navigated the labyrinthine corridors.
The composition of the new House of Commons is notable for its diversity and inclusivity. This Parliament boasts the largest number of women ever elected, with 263 female lawmakers, making up approximately 40% of the total members. Additionally, this election saw the highest number of lawmakers of color, with 90 members representing various ethnic backgrounds.
Among the fresh faces is Sam Carling, a 22-year-old Labour representative, who now holds the distinction of being the youngest new lawmaker. Carling is part of a significant contingent of 412 Labour legislators who were elected last week. These new members will occupy the green benches on the government side of the House of Commons, eager to implement their party’s agenda and drive legislative change.
Opposition Faces a Shrunk Contingent
Across the aisle, the opposition benches have undergone a dramatic transformation. The Conservative Party, which previously held a dominant position, now finds itself with a reduced contingent of 121 members. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats have seen a substantial increase, with their numbers swelling to 72. Additionally, a variety of other parties, including the environmentalist Green Party and the anti-immigration Reform UK, are represented by a smattering of members, reflecting the diverse political landscape of the country.
As the new lawmakers settled in, those who lost their seats in the recent election were seen packing up their offices. Boxes and suitcases filled with personal belongings were carted away, marking the end of their tenure and making way for the incoming members.
First Job: Electing a Speaker
The initial order of business for the newly constituted House of Commons was to elect a speaker. This role is crucial for overseeing the business of the House, ensuring that debates are conducted fairly, and maintaining order during often heated and unruly sessions. The speaker’s election is a critical step in establishing the operational framework of the new Parliament and setting the tone for its legislative agenda.
The swearing-in of the new lawmakers and the subsequent procedural activities mark the beginning of a new chapter in British politics. With a significant number of fresh faces and a Labour government at the helm, the Parliament is poised for dynamic debates and potential shifts in policy direction.
Violet Affleck, the 18-year-old daughter of Hollywood stars Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, has made a passionate plea for the reinstatement of mask mandates and enhanced pandemic-era protections. Speaking before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Violet’s advocacy has thrust her into the spotlight and sparked intense discussions about public health policy, celebrity influence, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
Violet, often seen wearing a face mask in public, revealed that she contracted a “post-viral condition” in 2019, which has informed her perspective on the importance of robust health measures. In her address, she demanded “mask availability, air filtration and Far-UVC light in government facilities, including jails and detention centers, and mask mandates in county medical facilities.” Her call for action also included expanding access to high-quality free tests and treatments, as well as opposing any mask bans.
The teenager’s stance comes at a time when COVID-19 measures have been largely relaxed across the United States. Her speech has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters lauding her courage and detractors questioning the necessity of her proposals. The timing of her advocacy is particularly noteworthy, coming shortly after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s admission that some pandemic-era restrictions may not have significantly slowed the spread of the virus.
Violet’s speech touched on several key points:
1. Long COVID concerns: She emphasized that one in ten COVID-19 infections leads to long COVID, which she described as a “devastating neurological, cardiovascular illness.”
2. Vulnerable populations: Violet highlighted the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color, disabled individuals, elderly people, and essential workers.
3. Personal experience: She shared her own encounter with a post-viral condition, using it to underscore the potential long-term effects of viral infections.
4. Public participation: Violet argued that anti-mask measures make it harder for vulnerable community members to participate fully in Los Angeles life.
The reaction to Violet’s speech has been mixed. On social media, some users praised her as “courageous” and “impressive,” while others labeled her as “utterly deluded.” The controversy has also reignited discussions about the efficacy of masks, with recent studies suggesting that their protective effect may have diminished with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between public health measures and personal freedoms, a debate that has been particularly contentious in the United States. It also underscores the influence that celebrity voices can have on public discourse, even when those voices belong to the younger generation.
As the daughter of high-profile celebrities, Violet’s advocacy has garnered significant attention. However, it has also raised questions about the role of young people in shaping public health policy and the extent to which personal experiences should influence broader societal measures.
The LA County Board of Supervisors has not yet issued a response to Violet’s plea. However, her speech is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about COVID-19 protections, particularly as some regions consider reinstating mask mandates in specific settings.
This incident serves as a reminder that, despite the relaxation of many pandemic-era measures, the debate over how best to protect public health in the face of infectious diseases remains far from settled. As young voices like Violet’s enter the conversation, it’s clear that the dialogue around COVID-19 and public health policy will continue to evolve, shaped by a mix of scientific evidence, personal experiences, and societal values.
According to a CNN publication, a soaring hotel in Dubai, a space observatory in Cyprus and the control center of a Turkish solar power plant are among more than 220 projects shortlisted for the coveted World Building of the Year prize.
he central control building of a solar power plant in Konya, Turkey, is among 225 completed buildings shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 World Architecture Festival Awards. 2024 World Architecture Festival
Spanning 18 categories, from housing and offices to health facilities and sport venues, the shortlist was announced by organizers of the annual World Architecture Festival (WAF) on Monday.
Other notable buildings on this year’s shortlist include the new Australian Embassy in Washington DC and the recently expanded Terminal 2 at Singapore’s Changi Airport.
The finalists will all present their projects at the festival’s 17th edition this November. A panel of 175 delegates will vote for category winners, which then go head-to-head for the overall title.
Last year’s top prize was awarded to a boarding school, in China’s Zhejiang province, which features a rooftop park, treehouses and elevated walkways that form a “floating forest.” Previous winners of World Building of the Year include the Zaha Hadid-designed National Museum of XXI Century Arts in Rome, a waste-to-energy power plant with a rooftop ski slope in Copenhagen and Sydney’s “upcycled” Quay Quarter Tower, which retained two-thirds of an old skyscraper on the site.
In a statement, WAF program director Paul Finch said that 2024’s competition had attracted “another terrific set of entries” that had “made shortlisting projects a tough process.”
Scroll down to see a selection of this year’s nominees.
Designed by US architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, the 500-meter-long (1640 feet) Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai sees a series of stacked volumes connected by a central sky bridge. 2024 World Architecture FestivalThe “woven” exterior of Texoversum, the new campus expansion plan of the Reutlingen University of Applied Sciences in Germany, reflects the building’s function as a center for teaching and researching textile industry technologies. 2024 World Architecture FestivalChilean architecture firm Contexto was recognized for its serene A-framed hotel, TAWA Refugio. 2024 World Architecture FestivalThe aptly named Slender House, by Indian firm Spaces Architects@KA, was built on a plot in Delhi measuring just 6 meters (19.7 feet) wide. 2024 World Architecture FestivalNestled in the Troodos Mountains and housing two powerful telescopes, the National Star Observatory of Cyprus, by Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects, was nominated in the Civic and Community category. 2024 World Architecture FestivalChinese firm UAO Design’s tent-like Liangzi Island Off-island Pier tent-features a glass-fronted visitor center overlooking a lake in the city of Ezhou. 2024 World Architecture FestivalLocated on the European shore of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, the original 17th-century structure was severely damaged during WWI. A multi-disciplinary team comprising designers, historians and engineers worked to restore the fortress to its current form today. 2024 World Architecture FestivalMixed-use development Lighthouse is currently home to Denmark’s tallest building. The waterside project by 3NX Architects is situated in the city of Aarhus. 2024 World Architecture FestivalThe circular OLM Nature Escape, designed by Andreas Gruber Architects, is a boutique hotel nestled in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains. 2024 World Architecture FestivalThe Shenzhen Women & Children’s Center, by Dutch architecture group MVRDV, is a colorful Chinese skyscraper containing an array of facilities for women and children, including a library and a kids’ theater. 2024 World Architecture Festival
Target, one of America’s leading retail chains, has announced its decision to stop accepting personal checks as a form of payment beginning July 15. This move aligns the company with other retailers who have already phased out this increasingly uncommon payment method, aiming to streamline the checkout process for customers.
In a statement to CNN, Target cited “extremely low volumes” of check usage as the primary reason for this decision. The company reassured customers that a wide range of payment options would remain available, including cash, credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, SNAP/EBT, buy now/pay later services, and Target Circle Cards.
Retail analyst Neil Saunders from GlobalData commented on the decision, noting that while unsurprising, it may impact certain demographics. “There will be small pockets of people, including more elderly consumers, who will lament that they are being phased out,” Saunders said.
Interestingly, despite the decline in check usage, a 2024 report by Abrigo, a financial software solutions company, found that approximately 61% of Americans still write checks. The report also revealed an unexpected trend: younger consumers, including Gen Z and Millennials, self-reported writing more checks than older Gen X consumers.
Target’s decision follows similar moves by other retailers. Grocery chain Aldi and Amazon-owned Whole Foods have already stopped accepting personal checks as payment.
This change is part of a broader series of adjustments Target has made to its checkout experience. Earlier in March, the company announced limitations on the number of items accepted at self-checkout counters and allowed store management to set operating hours for self-checkout machines, measures aimed at combating retail theft.
Target’s decision to phase out personal checks comes amid a challenging retail environment. The company has recently reported declining sales and responded by slashing prices on over 5,000 items, including popular household staples, in an effort to attract inflation-conscious shoppers.
As retailers continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences and technological advancements, the phasing out of personal checks represents another step in the evolution of retail payment systems. While this change may inconvenience a small segment of Target’s customer base, it reflects the broader trend towards faster, more secure, and more convenient payment methods in the retail sector.
