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Former Everton and Arsenal Striker Kevin Campbell Dies at 54 After Battle with Illness

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The football world is in mourning as former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with illness. Earlier in June, Everton had confirmed that their former player was “very unwell,” and tributes poured in from both the Toffees and the Gunners, as well as the wider football community.

former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has passed away at the age of 54.

According to Mail Sport, Campbell’s health issues began with a stroke he suffered a few months ago. He subsequently developed kidney failure, and his weight had dropped to nine stone by the time of his death. Despite his declining health, the 54-year-old tried to remain positive and had messaged his old Arsenal teammates to assure them he was fine. The news of his passing on Saturday morning has left them devastated.

Arsenal posted a heartfelt tribute to their former player, stating, “We are devastated to learn that our former striker Kevin Campbell has died after a short illness. Kevin was adored by everyone at the club. All of us are thinking of his friends and family at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Kevin.”

former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell.

Everton also confirmed the news on social media, adding their own tribute: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the death of our former striker Kevin Campbell at the age of just 54. Not just a true Goodison Park hero and icon of the English game, but an incredible person as well – as anyone who ever met him will know. RIP, Super Kev.”

Campbell became a Merseyside legend during his six-year stint at Everton from 1999 to 2005, scoring 50 goals in 160 appearances. Many of his efforts helped the club stave off the threat of relegation at the beginning of the millennium under the management of Walter Smith, who initially brought the striker in on loan.

The forward also enjoyed success with his boyhood club Arsenal, winning the FA Cup and League Cup while making more than 200 appearances for the Gunners. He was part of the Arsenal teams that clinched a First Division title and the European Cup Winners’ Cup before departing for Nottingham Forest in 1995.

former Everton and Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell during his days with Arsenal.

Throughout his career, Campbell scored 107 goals in 394 English top-flight appearances and also played for Nottingham Forest, West Brom, Cardiff City, Leyton Orient, and Leicester City. He had a brief spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor after leaving the City Ground in 1998.

Campbell’s son, Tyrese, is also a professional footballer who most recently played for Stoke City before leaving the club at the end of the 2023-24 season.

The football community mourns the loss of Kevin Campbell, a true legend on and off the pitch, and extends its condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Dailymail.com

Vice President Kamala Harris Represents U.S. at Ukraine Summit as President Biden Focuses on 2024 Campaign

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Vice President Kamala Harris took center stage at a summit on Ukraine in Switzerland on Saturday, filling in for President Joe Biden as he juggled the competing demands of his election-year agenda and the escalating 2024 campaign. Harris met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss his country’s vision for ending the war launched by Russia, while Biden wrapped up his participation in the Group of Seven summit in Italy and flew to Los Angeles for a star-studded fundraiser.

Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris announced an additional $1.5 billion in U.S. assistance for Ukrainians through the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, including funds for energy assistance, repairing damaged energy infrastructure, helping refugees, and strengthening civilian security.

Biden’s decision to skip the Ukraine summit highlights the challenges he faces in balancing a complex domestic and foreign policy agenda while running against former President Donald Trump. It also reflects the growing profile of Vice President Harris, who has taken on a more visible role in making the case for a second Biden term as the 2024 campaign intensifies.

Some experts argue that Biden’s absence from the summit was a missed opportunity for the United States, but they acknowledge that sending the vice president and national security adviser Jake Sullivan is not a minor delegation. Harris has increasingly been called upon to reassemble the diverse coalition of voters that helped Biden beat Trump in 2020, a key factor in securing a second term.

The vice president has launched initiatives to highlight the administration’s record on issues such as abortion rights, economic development in minority communities, marijuana legislation, and gun violence. Her relative youth, gender, and race are seen as assets to the ticket, complementing Biden’s profile.

Vice President Kamala Harris.

However, like Biden, Harris has seen her favorability ratings among Americans decline. The Trump campaign has criticized her role at the Ukraine summit, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt claiming that Harris has “failed thus far at every task she has been given.

The White House defended Biden’s decision to skip the summit, noting that he had met twice with Zelenskyy in the previous week. The talks in Switzerland are expected to focus on issues such as food security, nuclear security, and the return of prisoners and children captured during the war and taken to Russia.

As the 2024 campaign heats up, Ukrainian officials are watching the future of U.S. support in their war against Russia with a measure of uncertainty. President Zelensky emphasized the importance of sustained unity between the United States and European leaders in supporting Ukraine’s fight for democracy.

AP

President Biden’s Campaign Raises Record-Breaking $28 Million Ahead of Hollywood Fundraiser

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President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is off to a strong start, with Hollywood money pouring in ahead of a major fundraising event set to take place in Los Angeles on Saturday. The campaign has already raised an impressive $28 million, setting a new record for the single largest Democratic fundraiser in U.S. history.

According to sources with direct knowledge, a significant portion of the $28 million comes from advance ticket sales for Saturday night’s event, which boasts a star-studded lineup of celebrity supporters. The event will feature appearances by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jimmy Kimmel, Jason Bateman, Jack Black, Kathryn Hahn, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and even former President Barack Obama.

Remarkably, several million dollars of the total raised so far have come from small-dollar donors, indicating that a substantial number of ordinary Americans have contributed to Biden’s reelection campaign.

The fundraiser is expected to cover a wide range of topics, including the various pieces of legislation Biden has successfully passed during his first term in office. Attendees can anticipate a mix of celebrity mingling and serious policy discussions.

With Los Angeles being one of the wealthiest areas in the country, Biden’s campaign is poised to raise a significant amount of money from this single event. The $28 million already raised accounts for money collected before the actual event takes place, suggesting that the President’s campaign could walk away from the fundraiser with an even more impressive sum.

The record-breaking fundraising achievement demonstrates the strong support Biden enjoys from Hollywood and the broader Democratic Party. As the 2024 election cycle begins to heat up, the President’s campaign appears well-positioned to mount a formidable reelection bid.

The success of this fundraiser is likely to set the tone for future campaign events and could serve as a rallying point for Democrats as they prepare to defend the White House in the upcoming election. With the backing of Hollywood’s elite and a growing base of small-dollar donors, Biden’s campaign is off to a promising start in its quest for a second term.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, Makes First Public Appearance Since Cancer Diagnosis at King’s Official Birthday Celebration

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In a significant moment for the British royal family, Catherine, Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis at Trooping the Colour, the King’s official birthday parade in London. The Princess, popularly known as Kate, was driven in a state carriage with her three children from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade to watch the ceremony, wearing an Irish Guards regimental broach to honor her role as their honorary colonel.

The appearance marks a crucial step in Kate’s recovery, as it is her first public outing since Christmas Day, just weeks before her cancer diagnosis was announced. In an update on her health on Friday, Kate said she had made “good progress” but expected her treatment to continue for a few more months, acknowledging that she was “not out of the woods yet.”

Princess Kate seen out for the first time since cancer treatment.

King Charles III, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, participated in the event from a carriage rather than on horseback this year. He was accompanied by Queen Camilla, and their arrival was met with cheers from the crowds lining The Mall.

Trooping the Colour, a tradition dating back more than 260 years, is a magnificent military spectacle involving 1,400 officers and soldiers, 400 musicians, and 200 horses. The event celebrates the official birthday of the British sovereign, although Charles’s actual birthday is in November.

Princess Charles.

Following the parade, the royal family traditionally assembles on the famous Buckingham Palace balcony to greet cheering crowds of well-wishers below. Kate’s appearance was a topic of great interest among onlookers, with many expressing their excitement and support for the Princess.

Princess Kate and others.

This year’s proceedings have been adapted to accommodate the 75-year-old King’s ongoing cancer treatment. Doctors have been encouraged by his progress, allowing him to resume public-facing duties in April, but each engagement is reviewed and adapted as necessary.

Three of the British Army’s horses that bolted across London in April have returned to duty and are expected to participate in the birthday parade, while the two remaining horses are enjoying a summer holiday and will return to service in due course.

As the British royal family continues to navigate the challenges posed by cancer diagnoses, the public appearance of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and King Charles III at Trooping the Colour serves as a symbol of their resilience and commitment to their roles and the nation.

CNN

Louisiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Murdering Mother and Daughter, Abducting Two Children in ‘Brutal and Heinous’ Crime

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In a shocking turn of events, Louisiana man Daniel Callihan, 36, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for allegedly murdering Callie Burnett, 35, and her 4-year-old daughter Erin, as well as abducting Burnett’s two young daughters. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office referred to Callihan’s alleged actions as “brutal and heinous acts of violence” in a press release.

Daniel Callihan, 36, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for allegedly murdering Callie Burnett, 35, and her 4-year-old daughter Erin.

Sheriff Daniel Edwards expressed his condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with all those affected by this tragic event. These are unspeakable crimes. We ask everyone to keep Callie’s family in your prayers.”

According to investigators, Callihan and Burnett had an “off and on” relationship. The search for Burnett’s daughters, aged 4 and 6, began when an Amber Alert was issued after their mother was found dead inside her home. Burnett’s father had last seen her on Tuesday evening but was unable to contact her the following day and noticed her car was missing. He reported her missing on Wednesday evening and discovered her blood-covered body in her trailer on Thursday morning.

Daniel Callihan, 36, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, for allegedly murdering Callie Burnett, 35, and her 4-year-old daughter Erin.

The Amber Alert stated that Callihan was wanted for questioning regarding a domestic violence incident that occurred at the time of the abduction and resulted in a homicide. After the alert was issued, Burnett’s stolen car was spotted in Mississippi, leading to a brief chase and Callihan’s arrest in Jackson.

Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis reported that Callihan had the victim’s car and her 6-year-old child, who was found alive and well. Tragically, the body of 4-year-old Erin was discovered unburied in the nearby woods.

He killed mom and child in the photo.

Jackson police Chief Joseph Wade noted that items found at the crime scene, including small animal cages, suggested the possibility of human trafficking. He described the situation as “very, very disturbing” and contacted the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation’s human trafficking division and the FBI for assistance.

As of Thursday evening, Callihan had not been questioned, and the 6-year-old was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office and the local community are grappling with the shock and grief caused by this heinous crime. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.

Demolition Begins on Parkland Classroom Building Where 17 Died in 2018 Shooting

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The demolition of the three-story classroom building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where 17 people tragically lost their lives in the 2018 mass shooting, has begun. On Friday, a large excavator made the first hole in the room where geography teacher Scott Beigel perished while saving students.

The demolition process, which will take several weeks, started with the excavator breaking off concrete from the building, no longer needed as evidence in the shooter’s trial. Some victims’ family members gathered nearby to record the moment on their cellphones.

Scott Beigel’s mother, Linda Beigel Schulman, chose to stay home in New York. She had toured the building last year, seeing the comparative religion papers her son was grading when the shooting began, still on his desk. Beigel, who also coached cross-country, had herded students to safety in his classroom as the gunman approached, ultimately losing his life in the process.

Beigel Schulman expressed her conflicting emotions, saying, “It was Scott’s happy place. He loved teaching there. He loved the kids, he loved everything about the school there. He loved coaching. And then it is probably the saddest place that could ever be for me. He thrived there and he died there.”

Before the demolition began, victims’ families were invited to hammer off a piece of the building. Lori Alhadeff, whose 14-year-old daughter Alyssa died, found the experience cathartic, stating, “Hammering away at the building helped to release some of my pain.”

The demolition and cleanup are expected to be completed before the school’s 3,300 students return from summer vacation in August. The building had been locked behind a screened fence since the shooting, serving as evidence in the shooter’s 2022 penalty trial.

Over the past year, some victims’ relatives have led tours of the building for officials and invitees, demonstrating how improved safety measures could have saved lives. Max Schachter, whose 14-year-old son Alex died, believes these tours will help save lives as officials use what they learned to harden schools in their jurisdictions.

The demolition drew spectators, including former students and teachers, who expressed mixed feelings. Some hoped it would bring peace and comfort to the victims’ families, while others suggested replacing the building with a memorial or a useful space for future students.

The Broward County school board has not yet decided what will replace the building, but suggestions include a practice field for the band, Junior ROTC, and other groups, connected by a landscaped pathway to a nearby memorial.

As the demolition process unfolds, the Parkland community continues to heal and honor the memory of those lost in the tragic shooting. The hope is that the new space will serve as a place of happiness and positivity for future students while never forgetting the lives lost on that fateful day in 2018.

Alex Jones Granted Permission to Liquidate Personal Assets to Pay Sandy Hook Defamation Verdicts

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In a significant development, a federal bankruptcy judge has granted Alex Jones, the controversial conspiracy theorist, permission to liquidate his personal assets to help pay the substantial debt owed to the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. The ruling comes in response to Jones’ request to convert his bankruptcy filing into a Chapter 7 liquidation.

However, Judge Christopher Lopez of the Southern District of Texas dismissed the separate bankruptcy case for Jones’ media company, Free Speech Systems, which operates Infowars. This decision effectively allows Jones to continue broadcasting his show, but the future of Infowars remains uncertain.

The families who sued Jones were awarded a combined $1.5 billion in damages in lawsuits filed in Connecticut and Texas. They claimed that Jones defamed them and caused emotional distress by repeatedly suggesting on his show that the Sandy Hook massacre, where a gunman killed 20 first-grade children and six adults in 2012, was a hoax.

During the court proceedings, the Connecticut and Texas families clashed over whether Free Speech Systems’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing should be converted into a Chapter 7 liquidation. The Connecticut families favored liquidation, while the Texas families preferred the dismissal of the bankruptcy case.

Judge Lopez acknowledged the complexity of the case and ultimately decided that dismissing the company’s bankruptcy case was in the best interest of the creditors and the estate. He appointed an interim trustee to guide the process of converting Jones’ personal Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing into a Chapter 7 liquidation, which allows the trustee to oversee and sell Jones’ assets, including his $2.8 million Texas ranch.

The Sandy Hook families accused Jones of engaging in “erratic behavior” and attempting to divert assets from Free Speech Systems to support his future business operations. They urged the judge to install a permanent trustee to safeguard assets and prevent further value destruction.

Alex Jones.

Christopher Mattei, a lawyer for the Connecticut families, stated that the ruling gives them the authority to “move immediately to collect against all Infowars assets.” He emphasized that Jones and Infowars cannot pay the entire debt, so the assets will be used to pay a portion of what he owes, and they will pursue any future income Jones may earn to satisfy the rest.

The decision marks a significant step in holding Alex Jones accountable for his actions and providing some measure of justice to the families affected by his misleading and hurtful statements regarding the Sandy Hook tragedy. As the liquidation process unfolds, the extent to which Jones can fulfill his financial obligations to the victims’ families will become clearer.

NBA Final: Kristaps Porzingis Available in Limited Role as Celtics Aim to Sweep Mavericks

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The Boston Celtics are on the brink of securing their first NBA championship since 2008, as they head into Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks with a commanding 3-0 lead. In a boost to their lineup, Kristaps Porzingis, who missed Game 3 due to a rare tendon injury, will be available to play in a limited role.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed Porzingis’ availability before the game, stating, “He’s not quite there, but we’re going to make him available. But we’re only going to use him in very specific instances if necessary.” Despite repeated questioning, Mazzulla remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of Porzingis’ potential involvement.

The 7-foot-2 Latvian center has been a valuable asset for the Celtics this postseason, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games. His presence was particularly felt in Game 1 against the Mavericks, where he contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots.

Porzingis’ recent tendon issue, which caused him to miss Game 3, is reportedly unrelated to the calf strain he sustained on April 29 during the first round against the Miami Heat. That injury had previously sidelined him for 10 games.

In Porzingis’ absence, 38-year-old veteran Al Horford has stepped up as the starting center for the Celtics. Horford, who is chasing his first NBA title, has been a reliable presence on the court, even starting when Porzingis was available in the first two games of the finals.

The Celtics acquired Porzingis in a trade with the Washington Wizards last summer and subsequently signed him to a $60 million, two-year extension, which will come into effect next season.

As the Celtics look to close out the series and claim their 18th NBA championship, the availability of Kristaps Porzingis, even in a limited capacity, provides a welcome boost to their roster. Game 4 of the NBA Finals tips off on Friday night, with the Celtics aiming to make history and complete the sweep against the Mavericks.

Trump Marked His 78th birthday with Supporters in Florida

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Former President Donald Trump, who turned 78 on June 14th, spent the day before his birthday meeting with Republican lawmakers in Congress. The event included a rendition of “Happy Birthday” and the presentation of a cake and gifts, demonstrating the continued support Trump enjoys among many in his party, despite the controversy surrounding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

On Friday, Trump will attend another birthday celebration in West Palm Beach, Florida, organized by the “Club 47” fan group. The event, which will take place near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, has sold out of its 5,000 tickets, priced at around $35-$60 each.

Trump’s influence within the Republican Party remains strong, even after his recent felony conviction. He is set to accept the party’s presidential nomination for the third time next month.

At 78, Trump is now three years younger than his potential general election rival, President Joe Biden, who is 81. To mark Trump’s birthday, the Biden campaign compiled a list of “78 of Trump’s historic ‘accomplishments,'” highlighting various policy proposals and controversies from Trump’s presidency.

During his Capitol Hill visit on Thursday, Trump met with House and Senate Republicans for the first time since the January 6th riot. House Republicans sang “Happy Birthday” and presented him with a baseball and bat, while senators gifted him an American flag cake with 47 candles, symbolizing their hope that he will become the 47th president.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who had not spoken with Trump since 2020, was among the senators who attended the gathering and reportedly exchanged a fist bump with the former president.

Serbian Court Greenlights Extradition of Belarusian Journalist Andrey Gnyot Despite Opposition Leader’s Plea

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A Serbian court has given the go-ahead for the extradition of Belarusian journalist Andrey Gnyot to his home country, where he faces charges of tax evasion amounting to several hundred thousand euros (dollars), according to a ruling obtained by AFP on Friday. Gnyot was arrested in Belgrade in October while filming a commercial video, following an Interpol warrant.

The Belgrade court ruling, issued on May 31, stated that Gnyot was wanted by Minsk for the “crime of tax evasion … having caused damage of a particularly significant amount.” The court determined that the legal preconditions had been met to hand Gnyot over to Belarusian authorities for a “criminal trial for tax evasion.”

Belarusian journalist Andrey Gnyot.

Gnyot, currently under house arrest, has the option to appeal the verdict, which is the second in his case. A previous court decision in December also approved his extradition but was subsequently annulled.

The journalist, who founded an association supporting protests against the controversial re-election of long-time Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in 2020, has consistently denied the accusations, labeling them an attempt by the Belarusian authorities to silence him. Lukashenko, in power since 1994, is widely believed to have rigged the election result, leading to massive protests and a subsequent crackdown on dissent, with hundreds of opponents jailed and thousands forced into exile.

Belarusian exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya urged the international community to support Gnyot on Friday, stating, “Andrey is at risk in Belarus of human rights violations, deprivation of liberty and torture for political reasons.” She appealed to Serbia’s justice minister and the second-instance tribunal considering Gnyot’s appeal not to extradite him.

Belarusian journalist Andrey Gnyot bundled by angry policemen.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranks Belarus 167th out of 180 countries for press freedom, indicating that before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it was the most dangerous country for journalists in Europe.

The case has drawn international attention, highlighting the ongoing suppression of press freedom and political dissent in Belarus under President Lukashenko’s authoritarian rule. As Gnyot awaits the outcome of his appeal, human rights organizations and the international community will be closely monitoring the situation, with concerns that his extradition could lead to further human rights violations and unjust persecution.

Credit: AFP

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