Gun

• Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away, leaving a significant political void in both Washington and his home state of South Carolina. • His death occurs as Senate Republicans face mounting pressure due to deteriorating relations with the White House. • The timing is critical as Democratic candidates are actively attempting to seize momentum ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Plucky defeats decorated with patches of excellence will not cut it for Australia with a home World Cup now looming largeThe camera found Joe Schmidt shortly after France had completed a 22-point swing. Australia’s coach had seen a 21-12 half-time lead obliterated in 16 brutal minutes. Schmidt, one of rugby’s sharpest minds, looked short of answers. The trouble was that the questions confronting him had obvious answers but almost impossible solutions.Why had Australia’s discipline deteriorated? Because they were under pressure. Why had their tackle intensity and ruck speed fallen away? Because France had introduced fresh power from the bench. Why had the Wallabies gone from a nine-point half-time lead to a 13-point deficit in barely a quarter of an hour? Because one team had more large, skilful, Test-quality rugby players than the other. Continue reading...

Keir Starmer revealed Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s strange choice of gift on the flight back from AnkaraWhat does a world leader do with a gun and six bullets? That was the conundrum Nato leaders faced after the Turkish president offered them each a revolver after the Ankara summit.Keir Starmer was the first to mention the highly unusual gift presented by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to his guests. On the flight back from Ankara, where Nato leaders had gathered for two days, the British prime minister said he and others had received a revolver engraved with their name. Continue reading...

• Members of the European Parliament are calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the reversal of a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. • The probe seeks to determine if the U.S. administration exerted undue pressure on FIFA to allow Balogun to return to play. • This controversy highlights concerns over political interference in international sports governance and the integrity of FIFA's disciplinary processes.

Red Devils beat USA to advance to World Cup last-eightTeam had been angered by suspension of red cardFor Belgium, Monday’s 4-1 victory over the United States was doubly sweet. They advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals, as well as overcoming what they saw as injustice off the field.The buildup to the match had been tinged with controversy after Fifa had suspended the red card US striker Folarin Balogun was given in the last 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That meant Balogun was free to play against Belgium instead of serving a one-match ban. When it emerged that Donald Trump had lobbied for Balogun’s red card to be overturned, Belgium – and other nations – were outraged: Uefa called the decision “incomprehensible and unjustifiable”. Continue reading...

• England secured a victory against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca during the 2026 World Cup on July 6. • In a surprising development, Donald Trump claimed he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a "review" of a red card issued to England's Timothy Balogun. • The incident highlights unusual political interference in match officiating and refereeing decisions during a major international tournament.

At least 43 killed and many wounded, including woman and child hurt at World Cup gathering in Los AngelesA weekend of celebrations as the US marked its semiquincentennial was marred by outbreaks of gun violence that claimed dozens of lives and left multiple other people wounded.Those hurt included a woman and a child among four shot during a gathering of Mexico soccer supporters in Los Angeles following their team’s World Cup elimination on Sunday night. Continue reading...