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Ukraine Beats Slovakia 2-1 to Revive Qualification Hopes

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In a crucial match that could decide their fate in the tournament, Ukraine staged a remarkable comeback against Slovakia, securing a 2-1 victory that revitalized their chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition. This is Ukrainian’s first Euro 2024 appearance after a woeful performance in their first leg against Romania.

Ukraine players celebrating their first win against Slovakia.

The game started with high stakes as Ukraine faced near elimination with a loss. However, their fortunes turned when they clinched a vital win over Slovakia, marking their first victory in the tournament and keeping their hopes alive for progressing to the last 16.

Ukraine players celebrating their first win against Slovakia.

The match unfolded with intense drama as Slovakia initially took the lead, putting Ukraine’s qualification hopes in jeopardy. But the men in yellow mounted a resilient comeback, equalizing the score and then surging ahead to secure a decisive victory.

Ukraine players celebrating their first win against Slovakia.

In a pivotal moment late in the game, Slovakia had a golden opportunity to level the score when a corner kick reached Vavro, who had a clear chance from close range. However, a critical miskick allowed Ukraine to clear the danger, maintaining their narrow lead until the final whistle.

With time ticking away and Slovakia pressing for an equalizer, Ukraine’s defense held firm, denying their opponents any clear-cut chances. The final minutes saw Slovakia desperately seeking a breakthrough, but Ukraine’s solid defensive display ensured they held on to their slender lead.

Ukraine winning goal against Slovakia.

The victory not only boosts Ukraine’s morale but also significantly improves their position in the qualification standings. With this win, Ukraine reasserts its contention for advancing in the tournament, setting the stage for crucial upcoming matches.

Supreme Court Upholds Gun Control Law Protecting Domestic Violence Victims

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gun and judge's gavel on the table

In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court upheld a federal gun control law designed to safeguard victims of domestic violence. The ruling, a significant development in Second Amendment jurisprudence since the 2022 expansion of gun rights, came in an 8-1 decision favoring a 1994 ban on firearms for individuals under restraining orders issued to protect spouses or partners. Justice Clarence Thomas dissented, marking a notable contrast to his previous Second Amendment stance.

The case, stemming from the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision in June 2022, centered on Zackey Rahimi, a Texas man accused of domestic violence. Rahimi’s appeal challenged his conviction for possessing firearms while under a restraining order. This appeal had broader implications, as it could potentially impact the enforcement of other gun ownership laws, including those relevant to high-profile cases such as Hunter Biden’s recent conviction related to firearm acquisition.

The Supreme Court’s decision is seen as critical not only for affirming the constitutionality of the domestic violence gun law but also for its potential influence on future Second Amendment cases. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s evolving approach to evaluating firearm restrictions post-Bruen, which both expanded gun rights and introduced a new framework for assessing gun control measures.

Lethal arm and judge’s gavel on the table

Advocates supporting the upheld law emphasized its role in protecting vulnerable populations, citing alarming statistics from the CDC showing firearms as the primary weapon in over 57% of domestic homicides. Groups like Everytown for Gun Safety underscored the urgency of maintaining such protective measures amidst rising rates of domestic violence, exacerbated during the pandemic.

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to shape ongoing debates surrounding gun control and constitutional rights, highlighting the delicate balance between public safety and individual liberties in the context of domestic violence prevention.

Kevin Costner Confirms Departure from ‘Yellowstone’, Ending Role as John Dutton

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Legendary actor Kevin Costner has officially announced his departure from the hit TV series “Yellowstone,” confirming he will not reprise his role as John Dutton in the show’s upcoming episodes. Costner shared the news via an Instagram video on Thursday, explaining that his work on “Horizon: An American Saga” over the past year and a half led to his decision to exit the popular western drama.

Legendary actor Kevin Costner departs TV series, Yellowstone.

In his video message, Costner expressed his love for “Yellowstone,” acknowledging its transformative impact on his career. However, he made it clear to fans that he “won’t be returning” to the series. Costner had portrayed John Dutton III since the show’s inception in 2018, starring alongside Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and Cole Hauser.

The announcement comes amid production delays caused by the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike, with Paramount previously stating that it would be at least a year before the series would return to air. Reports of tension between Costner and the show’s co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, over filming schedules had also surfaced, though Costner maintained that he had always prioritized “Yellowstone.”

Legendary actor Kevin Costner MOVES ON, from Yellowstone.

This decision marks a reversal from Costner’s recent “Today” show interview with Savannah Guthrie, where he left the possibility of returning to “Yellowstone” open, contingent on the readiness of shooting scripts. With this latest announcement, Costner has definitively closed the chapter on his involvement with the series, signaling a significant shift for both the actor and the beloved TV show.

As “Yellowstone” prepares to continue without its leading star, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how the series adapts to Costner’s departure and what new directions it might take in the upcoming episodes set to premiere on November 10 on Paramount Network.

Gov. Abbott Fighting Against Rural Republican Resistance, Reshapes Texas GOP With Vouchers for Public Schools

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an aggressive campaign to pass school voucher legislation, marking a significant shift in the state’s long-standing resistance to such programs. As the largest Republican-led state without pro-voucher laws, Texas has been a notable holdout in the national push for school choice initiatives.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched an aggressive campaign to pass school voucher legislation.

Abbott’s recent success in the Republican primary elections, where he campaigned against fellow party members who opposed voucher legislation, signals a new era in Texas politics. The governor’s efforts represent the culmination of more than three decades of work by Christian conservative donors, whose influence in Texas politics has reached unprecedented levels.

Texans Protest against school vouchers.

Abbott’s primary campaign targeted Republican incumbents who voted against voucher legislation, resulting in the removal of several anti-voucher lawmakers. National groups and billionaire donors, including TikTok investor Jeffrey Yass and Betsy DeVos-funded organizations, poured millions into the campaign. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, founded by conservative donor James Leininger, has been instrumental in pushing for vouchers since 1989.

Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during an event held by the Parent Empowerment Coalition at Annapolis Christian Academy on Jan. 31, 2023, in Corpus Christi. Credit: Angela Piazza/Corpus Christi Caller-Times via REUTERS.

Rural Republicans have historically opposed vouchers, citing the vital role of public schools in their communities. Despite polling showing limited public support for vouchers, Abbott has made it a top priority. The governor’s voucher crusade has faced criticism from within his party, with some Republicans accusing him of using misleading campaign tactics focused on issues like border security rather than education policy.

As Texas prepares for the November general election, the outcome could potentially reshape the state’s education landscape and impact national Republican strategies on school choice initiatives. The situation highlights the growing influence of conservative donors in shaping state policy and the evolving priorities of the Republican Party.

Propublican

Robert Winnett Withdraws from Washington Post Senior Editor Position Amid Controversy

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Robert Winnett has withdrawn from his appointment as The Washington Post’s senior editor following allegations of unethical journalism practices. Post-publisher Will Lewis announced the development to staff on Friday morning, expressing regret over Winnett’s decision.

Winnett, who is currently the deputy editor at The Telegraph, will remain in his position at the British newspaper. Lewis praised Winnett as “an incredibly talented editor and journalist” despite the withdrawal.

Robert Winnett withdrew his appointment as The Washington Post’s senior editor .

The Post will now begin a “timely and thorough” search to fill the vacant senior editor position. This development follows a recent leadership shakeup that included the departure of Sally Buzbee as executive editor. Matt Murray, former editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal, will continue as the Post’s executive editor through the November presidential election.

Recent news reports allege dubious ethical conduct by both Winnett and Lewis during their tenures at British newspapers. These allegations included the use of deceptive tactics to acquire confidential information and the use of stolen phone and company records in reporting.

The controversy has sparked scrutiny from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists at the Post and even former President Donald Trump. Post owner Jeff Bezos, in a message to newsroom leadership, reiterated his commitment to maintaining the paper’s journalistic quality and standards without directly addressing the ethics concerns.

As the Post continues to navigate these leadership challenges, it also plans to launch a “third newsroom” to address financial struggles. The ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between journalistic ethics, leadership transitions, and financial pressures in modern media organizations.

Police Seek Two Suspects Following Pro-Palestinian Demonstration at University of Pittsburgh

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Authorities have issued arrest warrants for two men allegedly involved in a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Pittsburgh earlier this month. The suspects, identified as Muhammad Ali, 21, and Cory Roma, 24, are accused of confrontations with law enforcement during the June 2 demonstration.

According to police, Ali faces charges of aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and obstructing law enforcement. Roma is charged with rioting, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. These charges stem from their alleged actions during the protest, which called for the university to cut ties with Israel and companies associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Scene from recent protest by students of the University of Pittsburgh.

The protest, which involved an encampment set up by demonstrators, lasted approximately 24 hours. Protesters voluntarily dispersed after discussions with city officials, bringing the demonstration to a peaceful conclusion.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and its impact on university campuses across the United States. As universities grapple with balancing free speech rights and maintaining campus order, such protests and their aftermath continue to be a source of debate and legal action.

Scene from recent protest by students of the University of Pittsburgh calling out at the Israeli war in Gaza.

The issuance of these arrest warrants marks a significant development in the aftermath of the protest, potentially setting the stage for further legal proceedings. As the situation unfolds, it will likely draw attention to issues of campus activism, police response to protests, and the broader discussion of Middle East politics in academic settings.

Trump Floats New Immigration Idea: Green Cards for Foreign College Graduates

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Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump enters at a campaign event Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Racine, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Former President Donald Trump has suggested a potentially significant shift in his immigration stance, proposing that foreign students who graduate from colleges in the United States should automatically receive green cards. Trump made this suggestion during an episode of the All-In podcast, hosted by several venture capitalists.

“You graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges too,” Trump stated. He introduced this idea in response to a question about importing “the best and brightest” to America.

Donald Trump promises green card to foreign students.

This proposal appears to contrast with Trump’s historically hardline stance on immigration. During his presidency and in recent campaign rhetoric, Trump has advocated for mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship, and reinstating his ban on entry from certain Muslim-majority nations. He has also been a vocal critic of President Biden’s border policies.

However, it remains unclear whether Trump’s new suggestion would apply to students who entered the country illegally. The former president emphasized the need to retain talented graduates, saying, “I know of stories where people graduated from a top college or from college, and they desperately wanted to stay here and had a plan for a company, a concept. And they can’t.”

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump)

Trump’s immigration record includes efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, although only 452 miles were completed during his tenure. His new proposal, if implemented, could mark a significant shift in approach to skilled immigration, potentially aligning with business interests seeking to retain foreign talent.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump’s evolving stance on immigration policy is likely to be a topic of intense scrutiny and debate.

Social Media Influencer ‘Meatball’ Sentenced for Livestreaming Philadelphia Looting

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Dajiya Blackwell, a 22-year-old Philadelphia social media influencer known as “Meatball,” has been sentenced to five years of probation and 150 hours of community service for her role in livestreaming a looting spree in October 2023. Blackwell, who has nearly 100,000 Instagram followers, avoided jail time but must pay a $10,000 fine as part of her sentencing.

Dajiya Blackwell, a 22-year-old Philadelphia social media influencer known as “Meatball,” has been sentenced to five years of probation.

The influencer was charged with multiple offenses including burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, and riot after broadcasting herself participating in widespread looting that erupted following a judge’s dismissal of charges against a former police officer who had shot and killed Eddie Irizarry, a 27-year-old man pulled over for “driving erratically.”

Blackwell took to social media to celebrate her sentencing, sharing clips of herself smiling and saying, “Never coming back to this place again!” She also thanked her lawyer and supporters, stating, “If it wasn’t for y’all, I’d probably be gone.”

Dajiya Blackwell, a 22-year-old Philadelphia social media influencer gets jailtime.

Her attorney, Jessica Mann, criticized the media’s portrayal of Blackwell, accusing them of participating in “an all-out assault on black and brown people.” Mann particularly objected to the publication of Blackwell’s mugshot showing her with “tears streaming down her face and her hair a mess.”

Following her arrest in October, Blackwell had controversially asked her fans to help pay for her legal fees and promoted her clothing brand. Despite the backlash, Blackwell used her mugshot as her social media profile picture.

The case has sparked discussions about social media’s role in civil unrest, the treatment of influencers in the justice system, and racial dynamics in media coverage of such incidents.

Southwest Airlines Flight Causes Panic with Sudden Low Altitude Over Oklahoma

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A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft startled residents of Yukon, Oklahoma, when it suddenly descended to between 400 and 500 feet above ground level, still nine miles away from its destination at Will Rogers World Airport. The incident, which occurred just after midnight on Wednesday, left local residents fearing a potential crash.

A Southwest commercial flight flew just about 500 feet over a residential neighborhood in Oklahoma early Wednesday.

Flight 4069 from Las Vegas was captured on doorbell cameras hovering alarmingly close to houses, prompting air traffic control to contact the pilot. The controller asked, “Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You good out there?” The pilot confirmed there were no issues with the aircraft and quickly regained altitude to over 1,000 feet before safely landing at the airport.

Local resident Spencer Basoco described the experience: “I was kind of like halfway in between sleep, being awake, and I just hear that WHOOSH. And I thought at first, like a storm was blowing in… because it just sounded like a wall of wind.”

The pilot confirmed to air traffic controllers that there was no issue with the Boeing 737.

Southwest Airlines officials stated they are working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate the cause of the sudden descent. “Southwest is following its robust Safety Management System and is in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration to understand and address any irregularities with the aircraft’s approach to the airport,” the airline said in a statement.

This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Boeing’s safety record, including recent issues such as broken landing gears, doors popping off mid-flight, and faulty software systems that led to catastrophic crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. Boeing faces investigations by the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Justice Department.

The company has also been criticized for its handling of whistleblower complaints, with some employees alleging safety shortcuts and potential use of defective parts in 737 Max jets. These concerns have led to increased skepticism from lawmakers, with Senator Richard Blumenthal stating, “Boeing needs to stop thinking about the next earning call, and start thinking about the next generation.”

As investigations continue, this latest incident adds to the growing concerns about aviation safety and the need for stringent oversight in the industry.

Ben Affleck Opens Up About Life with Jennifer Lopez and Public Perception on ‘Hart to Heart’

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Actor Ben Affleck recently sat down with comedian Kevin Hart for a revealing interview on Hart’s Peacock chat show, “Hart to Heart.” The Oscar winner opened up about various aspects of his life, including the intense fame surrounding his wife, Jennifer Lopez, and the challenges of navigating their blended family in the public eye.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck struggling to keep their marriage amidst rumors of breakup.

Affleck marveled at Lopez’s impact on her fans, recounting a chaotic experience in New York’s Times Square where the family was mobbed by enthusiastic admirers. He described the scene as “f**kin’ bananas,” highlighting the stark contrast between his own level of fame and that of his superstar wife.

The actor also addressed the public perception of his often stoic or seemingly unhappy expression in paparazzi photos, commonly referred to as “resting b**ch face.” Affleck explained, “I’m a little bit shy. I don’t like a lot of attention,” and clarified that his expression is more of a “resting hard face” in response to the constant presence of cameras.

Lopez and Ben when love was still strong.

Affleck expressed concern about how his and Lopez’s fame affects their children’s lives, admitting that it “breaks my heart” when his kids face difficulties due to their parents’ public status. However, he also acknowledged that their current lifestyle offers advantages compared to his own upbringing.

Ben walking a street in LA.

The interview comes amid ongoing speculation about the couple’s relationship. Recent reports have suggested marital troubles, with sources claiming the pair are living apart but trying to “fix things.” Despite these rumors, Affleck and Lopez have continued to present a united front in public appearances.

As Affleck navigates life in the spotlight with Lopez, he remains focused on his role as a father and the well-being of their blended family. The actor’s candid discussion with Hart offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of managing fame, family, and public perception in Hollywood.

Credit: ET