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Costa Rica Faces Paraguay in Final Copa America 2024 Group D Match

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The final round of Copa America 2024 Group D matches sees Costa Rica facing Paraguay at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. This fixture holds significant importance for Costa Rica, who still maintain a slim chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, while Paraguay play for pride after their elimination from the tournament.

Costa Rica’s journey in the tournament has been a mix of resilience and struggle. They held tournament favorites Brazil to a goalless draw in their opening match, showcasing their defensive capabilities. However, a subsequent 3-0 defeat to Colombia has left them in a precarious position. To have any chance of reaching the last eight, Costa Rica must secure a victory against Paraguay and hope for a favorable result in the Brazil-Colombia match, while also improving their goal difference.

Paraguay’s Copa America 2024 campaign has been disappointing, becoming the second team after Jamaica to be eliminated from the competition. Their 4-1 defeat to Brazil sealed their fate, despite having talented players like Julio Enciso, Matias Rojas, and Miguel Almiron in their squad.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, with kick-off at 9 p.m. ET. Historically, the two teams have been evenly matched, with one win each and two draws in their last four encounters. Their most recent meeting in the 2016 Copa America ended in a goalless draw.

Recent form favors Costa Rica slightly. They’ve won two, drawn two, and lost one of their last five matches across all competitions. Paraguay, on the other hand, has struggled with three losses and two draws in their previous five outings.

For Costa Rica, this match represents a final opportunity to salvage their Copa America campaign. They’ll need to balance their attacking intent with defensive solidity, knowing that goal difference could play a crucial role in their quarter-final hopes.

Paraguay, despite their elimination, will be playing for pride and looking to end their tournament on a positive note. This could lead to an open, attacking game as both teams have little to lose.

As the group stage concludes, this match could provide an exciting finale to Group D. While Brazil and Colombia seem set to progress, Costa Rica’s slim hopes add an element of intrigue to what promises to be an engaging encounter at Q2 Stadium.

U.S. Concerns Grow as Iran Seeks African Uranium, Expanding Nuclear Program

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Iran’s attempts to source uranium from West Africa have sparked renewed concerns in the United States and its allies about the expansion of Tehran’s nuclear program. This development signals a potential escalation in Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which have long been a source of tension with Western nations.

Dr. Olayinka Ajala, a West African geopolitical analyst and professor at Leeds Beckett University, revealed that Iran may be trying to take advantage of political instability in Niger to increase its uranium supply. Following a military coup in July 2023, Niger has distanced itself from traditional Western allies and begun fostering partnerships with Russia and Iran. This shift in allegiance has created opportunities for Iran to potentially access Niger’s vast uranium reserves.

The situation in Niger is particularly concerning as the country recently revoked the operating license of French nuclear fuel producer Orano at the Imouraren mine. This move, coupled with Iran’s reported efforts to obtain mining licenses in Niger, has heightened Western anxieties about the proliferation of nuclear materials.

Iran’s nuclear program has reached an advanced stage, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reporting that the country had begun enriching uranium using new advanced centrifuges in Natanz. While experts like Darya Dolzikova from the Royal United Services Institute note that there’s no definitive evidence of Iran deciding to weaponize its program, the increasing levels of uranium enrichment and growing stockpiles raise questions about Iran’s intentions.

In response to these developments, the United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced these measures, citing Iran’s attempts to increase its enrichment capacity and its failure to cooperate with the IAEA. However, some experts, including Dolzikova, question the effectiveness of sanctions in altering Iran’s behavior, noting that an increasing number of countries, particularly in the Global South, are less willing to join U.S.-led efforts to pressure Iran economically and diplomatically.

Iran’s strategic moves extend beyond Niger, as the country seeks to deepen its economic and strategic ties with other African nations, including Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and several countries in the Sahel region. This expansion of influence in Africa adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical challenges surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

As the situation continues to evolve, Western nations, particularly the United States and its allies, are closely monitoring Iran’s activities in Africa and its nuclear program. The international community faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic efforts to curb nuclear proliferation with the changing dynamics of global alliances and economic partnerships.

This ongoing situation underscores the complex interplay between nuclear proliferation concerns, regional geopolitics, and shifting international alliances, highlighting the need for continued diplomatic engagement and strategic reassessment in addressing global nuclear security challenges.

Credit: Newsweek.com

Hurricane Beryl Intensifies to Record 165 mph Winds, Threatening Jamaica and Caribbean, With 6 Already Dead

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Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, continues its westward path across the Caribbean Sea, threatening Jamaica and other islands with life-threatening winds and storm surge. The hurricane has already claimed at least six lives in Grenada, Venezuela, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

As of Tuesday evening, Beryl was located approximately 125 miles southeast of the Dominican Republic, moving at a speed of 22 mph. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm’s maximum sustained winds reached a record-breaking 165 mph, making it the strongest July hurricane ever recorded, surpassing Hurricane Emily from 2015.

The storm’s impact has been devastating in the affected areas. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described the situation as “grim,” with widespread destruction of homes and buildings, downed power lines, and impassable roads. In Carriacou Island, two people lost their lives, while another person died when a tree fell on a home in River Road.

Jamaica, now under a hurricane warning, is bracing for Beryl’s approach. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged citizens to prepare and seek higher ground, warning that emergency services may not be able to operate during the peak of hurricane conditions. The island could face storm surges of 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels and up to 12 inches of rain.

Other Caribbean nations are also on high alert. The Cayman Islands are under a hurricane warning, with potential storm surges of 2 to 4 feet. Tropical storm warnings are in place for southern Hispaniola, while Haiti’s south coast is under a hurricane watch.

The NHC predicts that Beryl will maintain its major hurricane status as it passes near Jamaica on Wednesday and the Cayman Islands on Thursday, before reaching the Yucatán Peninsula. While some weakening is expected, Beryl is forecast to remain a hurricane as it moves through the northwestern Caribbean.

This unprecedented storm has set several records, including being the first Category 4 or higher hurricane to appear in June, the earliest Category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, and the strongest hurricane to pass through the Windward Islands.

As Beryl continues its path, authorities across the region are mobilizing emergency responses and urging residents to take necessary precautions. The storm’s effects may even reach as far as the continental United States, with potential minor coastal flooding in southeast Texas or southwest Louisiana.

The coming days will be crucial as Caribbean nations and meteorological services closely monitor Hurricane Beryl’s progress and work to mitigate its potentially catastrophic impact on lives and infrastructure in the region.

Turkey Stuns Austria 2-1 in Euro 2024 Round of 16, Advances to Face Netherlands

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In a thrilling Euro 2024 Round of 16 match, Turkey secured a 2-1 victory against Austria at the Red Bull Arena, booking their place in the quarter-finals where they will face the Netherlands. The hero of the night was Merih Demiral, whose sensational brace proved decisive in this high-stakes encounter.

Turkey wasted no time in making their mark, with Demiral scoring the fastest goal in European Championship knockout stage history. Just 57 seconds into the match, he smashed a left-footed shot into the roof of the net following a corner from Arder Guler. This early goal set the tone for an intense and dramatic match.

The first half ended with Turkey holding onto their slim 1-0 lead, but the second half brought more excitement as rain began to pour down at the Red Bull Arena. Demiral doubled Turkey’s advantage in the 59th minute, again from a corner, rising above the Austrian defense to head in another Guler delivery.

Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, refused to go down without a fight. Michael Gregoritsch pulled a goal back for the Austrians in the 66th minute, tapping in Stefan Posch’s header from a set-piece. This set up a tense finale, with Austria pushing hard for an equalizer.

The match reached its climax in the dying moments when Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok made a spectacular save to deny Austria a last-minute equalizer, palming the ball away from his goal line in a moment of brilliance.

Turkey’s victory, orchestrated by manager Vincenzo Montella, was a testament to their defensive solidity and efficiency from set-pieces. Demiral’s performance will be remembered as one of the standout individual displays of the tournament so far.

For Austria and Ralf Rangnick, the defeat marks the end of their Euro 2024 journey. Despite a valiant effort, particularly in the second half, they were unable to overcome Turkey’s early advantage and resolute defending.

As Turkey prepare to face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, they will take confidence from this hard-fought victory. Their ability to score early and defend a lead will be crucial as they progress deeper into the tournament.

Austrian player lamenting.

This match exemplified the unpredictable and exciting nature of knockout football in major tournaments. Turkey’s triumph serves as a reminder that in Euro 2024, any team is capable of producing a memorable performance and advancing to the latter stages.

Trump’s Hush Money Sentencing Delayed to September, Weeks Before US Election

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Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s sentencing for his conviction in the hush money case has been postponed to September 18, just seven weeks before the 2024 presidential election. Justice Juan Merchan of the New York State Supreme Court made this decision to allow time to consider Trump’s argument regarding presidential immunity, following a recent Supreme Court ruling.

The delay pushes the sentencing date from the originally scheduled July 11, which would have been just days before the Republican National Convention. This new timeline means that Trump’s potential punishment, including possible jail time, could be decided at a crucial point in the election campaign.

The postponement comes after Trump’s legal team requested the opportunity to argue that his conviction should be overturned based on the Supreme Court’s July 1 ruling. This landmark 6-3 decision stated that presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official acts and that evidence related to official actions cannot be used to prove criminal cases involving unofficial conduct.

However, Trump faces an uphill battle in getting his conviction overturned, as much of the conduct in question predates his presidency. The case revolves around falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 payment made by his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This payment was allegedly made to keep Daniels quiet about a purported 2006 sexual encounter until after the 2016 election.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office has argued that Trump’s immunity claim is “without merit” but agreed to the sentencing delay to allow the defense to present their case. Trump continues to deny any sexual encounter with Daniels and has vowed to appeal the conviction after sentencing.

The defense team contends that prosecutors presented evidence involving Trump’s official acts as president, including social media posts and conversations from his time in the White House. They argue this evidence should not have been presented to the jury.

This argument echoes a previous unsuccessful attempt by Trump’s team to move the case to federal court. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein rejected that motion in July 2023, stating that the hush money payment was “a purely personal item” unrelated to presidential duties.

Justice Merchan has set a timeline for the legal proceedings, with Trump’s lawyers required to submit their arguments by July 10, and prosecutors facing a July 24 deadline to respond. The judge plans to rule on Trump’s request to set aside the jury’s verdict by September 6, with sentencing to follow on September 18 if the conviction is upheld.

This development adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious 2024 presidential race, potentially impacting Trump’s campaign strategy and public perception as he seeks to return to the White House.

Netherlands Cruise Past Romania 3-0 to Advance in Euro 2024

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The Netherlands demonstrated their tournament credentials with a dominant 3-0 win over Romania in their Euro 2024 Round of 16 match. The Dutch side, which had struggled to find form in the group stages, finally clicked into gear when it mattered most, outclassing a Romanian team that had surprised many by reaching this stage of the competition.

Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a trademark goal, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot that beat Romanian goalkeeper Florin Nita at the near post. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match, with the Netherlands taking control and rarely looking threatened.

Despite their dominance, the Dutch had to wait until the 83rd minute to double their lead. Donyell Malen, who had come on as a second-half substitute, was in the right place at the right time to prod home after excellent work from Cody Gakpo. Malen then sealed the victory in stoppage time with a brilliant individual effort, driving half the length of the pitch before slotting home.

The Netherlands’ performance was characterized by fluid attacking play and solid defense. Virgil van Dijk came close to adding to the scoreline, hitting the post with a powerful header from a corner. The Dutch also had several other clear-cut chances, with Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons both coming close to scoring.

Romania, while outplayed for much of the match, can be proud of their tournament showing. They held their own in the opening 15 minutes but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organized Dutch defense. Captain Nicolae Stanciu, who had been instrumental in Romania’s unexpected run to the knockout stages, was substituted late in the game to applause from the Romanian fans.

The match was not without controversy, with a potential second goal for the Netherlands ruled out by VAR for offside. There were also some questionable refereeing decisions, including a yellow card for Romania’s Stanciu for protesting a foul call.

With this victory, the Netherlands advance to the quarter-finals where they will face stiffer competition. However, if they can maintain this level of performance, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the latter stages of Euro 2024.

For Romania, while their tournament ends here, they can reflect on a campaign that exceeded expectations and provided hope for the future of Romanian football. The challenge now will be to build on this performance and continue to progress on the international stage.

As the Euro 2024 knockout stages continue, the Netherlands’ resurgence adds another intriguing storyline to what is shaping up to be a highly competitive tournament.

Hezbollah Deputy Leader Signals Cease-Fire Conditions, Warns Against Limited Israeli Operations

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Sheikh Naim Kassem, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, has declared that the militant group would cease hostilities on the Lebanon-Israel border if a comprehensive cease-fire is achieved in Gaza. This statement, made during an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut, sheds light on the complex dynamics of the ongoing Middle East conflict, reports Associated Press.

Kassem emphasized that Hezbollah’s current involvement is primarily as a “support front” for Hamas, their ally. He stated that if a full cease-fire is implemented in Gaza, Hezbollah would “stop without any discussion.” However, he expressed uncertainty about the group’s response to a partial or unclear cease-fire situation.

The deputy leader issued a stark warning against any Israeli attempts at limited operations in Lebanon, cautioning that such actions could escalate into a larger conflict. Kassem asserted that while Israel might decide on the scale of its operations, Hezbollah’s response would not be constrained by rules of engagement set by Israel.

Notably, Kassem hinted at the potential involvement of other Iran-backed groups in the “axis of resistance” should a full-scale war erupt in Lebanon. This statement underscores the risk of regional escalation inherent in the current tensions.

The Associated Press stated that the ongoing conflict has already exacted a significant humanitarian toll. Gaza has seen over 37,900 casualties since October 7, according to the local Health Ministry. The Lebanon-Israel border clashes have displaced tens of thousands on both sides, with casualties reported in both northern Israel and Lebanon.

Kassem’s interview also revealed recent diplomatic efforts, including meetings with German intelligence officials and indirect communication with U.S. envoys. However, he criticized the U.S. approach to resolving the Gaza conflict, arguing for a more comprehensive solution that includes ending the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and hostage release.

As cease-fire talks in Gaza falter and fears of escalation on the Lebanon-Israel front grow, Kassem’s statements provide crucial insights into Hezbollah’s position. Israeli officials have both sought diplomatic solutions and warned of potential military action, with some threatening destruction in Lebanon similar to that seen in Gaza.

FILE – Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, Sunday, May 21, 2023. The prospect of a full-scale war between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia terrifies people on both sides of the border, but some see it as an inevitable fallout from Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, particularly as cease-fire negotiations have faltered. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

Hezbollah, known to be more powerful than Hamas with a vast arsenal of rockets and missiles, poses a significant threat to Israel. The potential for a wider regional conflict involving other Iran-backed groups and possibly drawing in the United States adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

As diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. and European envoys shuttling between Lebanon and Israel, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved or if the conflict will escalate further, with potentially dire consequences for the entire Middle East.

Rudy Giuliani is disbarred in New York for ‘misleading’ comments about election

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Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City and personal attorney to Donald Trump, has been disbarred from practicing law in New York state. The Appellate Division Courthouse of New York State in Manhattan handed down this decision, effective immediately, citing Giuliani’s “misleading” comments about the 2020 presidential election.

The disbarment marks a dramatic fall from grace for Giuliani, once a celebrated federal prosecutor and mayor, who became a central figure in promoting unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud following Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election. The court’s decision states that Giuliani’s name has been “stricken from the roll of attorneys and counsellors-at-law in the state of New York,” effectively ending his legal career in the state where he rose to prominence.

Giuliani’s role in the aftermath of the 2020 election was pivotal. He quickly became the primary spokesperson for Trump’s claims of widespread voter fraud, holding numerous press conferences and media appearances to promote these allegations. One of the most notable incidents was a press conference held outside Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia on the day the race was called for Joe Biden, where Giuliani announced the GOP’s intention to challenge the election results.

The court’s decision reflects the legal community’s growing intolerance for baseless claims that undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Many legal experts have argued that the persistent promotion of unfounded election fraud claims contributed to the events of January 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to halt the certification of Biden’s victory.

This disbarment is not the only consequence Giuliani has faced for his post-election activities. In May, his conservative radio talk show on WABC was cancelled after he repeatedly questioned the 2020 election results. The station’s owner, billionaire John Catsimatidis, reportedly warned Giuliani multiple times about making such claims on air before ultimately terminating the show.

Giuliani’s legal troubles extend beyond his disbarment. He is currently facing a $148 million legal judgment for defaming two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ Arshaye “Shaye” Moss. Additionally, he has been indicted alongside Donald Trump and others in Georgia for alleged efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results.

The former mayor’s response to these developments has been defiant. He has criticized WABC’s decision to fire him, claiming it violates free speech, and has continued to defend his statements about the 2020 election on various social media platforms.

This disbarment represents a significant moment in the ongoing legal and political fallout from the 2020 election. It sends a clear message about the potential consequences for legal professionals who make unsubstantiated claims that could undermine public faith in democratic institutions. As the legal community and the public continue to grapple with the aftermath of the 2020 election, Giuliani’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professional integrity and adherence to facts, especially in matters of great public importance.

The fallout from this decision is likely to have far-reaching implications, not only for Giuliani’s personal and professional future but also for the broader political landscape and the ongoing debate about election integrity in the United States.

Jennifer Garner Steps Back from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s Marital Issues

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Jennifer Garner, 52, has reportedly decided to distance herself from the ongoing marital issues between her ex-husband Ben Affleck, 51, and Jennifer Lopez, 54. This development comes amid growing speculation about the state of Affleck and Lopez’s two-year marriage, with reports suggesting Affleck has recently moved out of their shared $60 million mansion.

Ex Jennifer Garner when it was her time with Ben Affleck, now ending her counsellorship?

According to insiders who spoke exclusively to DailyMail.com, Garner has been acting as an unofficial counselor to the couple, attempting to help them navigate their alleged marital difficulties. However, the situation has reportedly become too emotionally taxing for Garner, unearthing painful memories of her divorce from Affleck.

Jen eventually got to a place where she was like, ‘Sorry, figure this out yourself,'” an insider revealed. “It was beginning to become too painful for her because it was bringing back so many memories of their divorce.”

Lopez and Affleck rekindled in 2021 and married in a Las Vegas ceremony the following July, before throwing a lavish wedding at his Georgia estate in August 2022

Garner and Affleck, who share three children – Violet, 18, Finn, 15 (formerly known as Seraphina), and Samuel, 12 – were married from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018. The source explained that throughout their marriage, Garner often felt overshadowed by Lopez, even though Affleck and Lopez were not in contact for years.

The insider also noted Garner’s surprise at Affleck’s public persona during his reunion with Lopez, as he had previously preferred to stay out of the spotlight during his marriage to Garner. Despite these feelings, Garner initially welcomed Lopez into her life and home, prioritizing the well-being of their children.

DailyMail.com had previously revealed how Garner, 52, had been acting as a ‘counselor’ to the pair as she desperately tried to help them fix their alleged issues (pictured in June)

However, the ongoing situation has led Garner to reevaluate her involvement. “In the end, it is not Jen’s circus, not Jen’s monkeys and she is done playing marriage counselor to her ex-husband and his wife,” the source stated.

This decision comes as Garner’s own relationship with businessman John Miller, 46, reportedly faces strain due to her involvement in Affleck’s marital issues. Another insider previously revealed that Miller believes it’s not Garner’s responsibility to “play babysitter” to Affleck.

Meanwhile, Affleck and Lopez’s relationship continues to face public scrutiny. The couple is reportedly living separately, with Lopez residing in their $60 million mansion and Affleck staying at a $100,000-per-month rental in Brentwood. They recently listed their Beverly Hills mansion for $65 million, fueling further speculation about their marriage.

Despite these challenges, the couple maintains business ties, with Lopez set to star in two upcoming films produced by Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company.

As Garner steps back from her role as an unofficial mediator, she appears to be refocusing on her own life and relationships. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of co-parenting and maintaining relationships in Hollywood’s high-profile environment, as well as the emotional toll of navigating past and present relationships in the public eye.

Daily MailOnline

Former Microsoft Employee Steve Ballmer Surpasses Bill Gates as World’s Sixth-Richest Person

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Steve Ballmer, the former CEO of Microsoft Corporation, has surpassed Bill Gates to become the sixth-richest person in the world, marking the first time Gates has been outranked in wealth by his former colleague. This shift occurred on Monday as Microsoft shares reached a new record high, driven by a 21% increase in value this year.

Bill Gates and his former employee, Steve Ballmer

Ballmer’s net worth now stands at $157.2 billion, with over 90% of his wealth tied to Microsoft shares. The company’s recent success is largely attributed to its partnership with OpenAI, positioning it as a major beneficiary of the artificial intelligence boom that has propelled the US stock market.

In contrast, Gates’ $156.7 billion fortune is more diversified. Approximately half of his wealth is managed through Cascade Investment, created from Microsoft stock sales and dividends. He also holds a significant $21 billion stake in Republic Services Inc., a waste-management company, through Cascade.

Steve Ballmer

The wealth gap between the two tech titans has been influenced by their differing approaches to philanthropy. Gates, 68, has been steadily reducing his fortune through charitable giving. Along with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates and Warren Buffett, he has contributed billions to the $75 billion Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest charitable organizations. Over the past two decades, Gates and his former wife have donated nearly $60 billion from their personal wealth.

Gates, French Gates, and Buffett also founded the Giving Pledge in 2010, encouraging the world’s wealthiest individuals to commit to donating the majority of their fortunes. Ballmer, also 68, has not signed this pledge and engages in philanthropy on a smaller scale compared to Gates.

Bill Gates

The two billionaires’ paths at Microsoft have been intertwined for decades. Gates co-founded the company with Paul Allen in 1975 and led it until 2000, when Ballmer, one of Microsoft’s earliest employees, took over as CEO. Ballmer retired in 2014, becoming Microsoft’s largest individual shareholder that same year.

Ballmer’s wealth has also been boosted by his 2014 purchase of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion, an investment now estimated to be worth $4.6 billion.

This change in wealth rankings reflects the dynamic nature of tech fortunes and the impact of personal choices regarding wealth management and philanthropy among the world’s ultra-rich.

Credit: Economictimes.indiatimes.com

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