More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect

More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect

LONDON (AP) — More than 20 people were arrested Saturday on suspicion of terrorism offenses after protesters gathered in central London in support ofPalestine Action. The protest in Parliament Square came hours after the pro-Palestinian activist group wasbannedin Britain under anti-terrorism laws. The group lost a last-minute court battle late Friday seeking to block the British government's ban, which came into effect at midnight. Activists and their supporters have said the group is non-violent and advocates civil disobedience, and condemned the government decision as authoritarian. A small group of protesters stood beneath a statue of Mahatma Gandhi and held placards reading, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Police surrounded them and several people were taken away. One woman seen lying on the ground in handcuffs was carried by officers to a police van. "Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. The designation as a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act 2000 means that membership of the group and support of its actions a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Some 81 organizations are already proscribed under the UK act, including Hamas and al-Qaida. The government moved to ban Palestine Action after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base inBrize Nortonin Oxfordshire, England, on June 20, damaging two planes using red paint and crowbars in protest at the British government's ongoing military support for Israel in itswar in Gaza. Police said that the incident caused around 7 million pounds' ($9.4 million) worth of damage. Four people between 22 and 35 years old werecharged Thursdaywith conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the U.K. No pleas were entered at Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London and the four are scheduled to appear on July 18 at the Central Criminal Court.

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect

More than 20 arrests at protest in support of Palestine Action after UK ban comes into effect LONDON (AP) — More than 20 people were arreste...

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Melania does President Trump’s signature dance as first couple celebrates Fourth of July at White House

Melania does President Trump's signature dance as first couple celebrates Fourth of July at White House

First Lady Melania Trump celebrated the Fourth of July, which coincided with the signing of President Trump's"Big, Beautiful Bill,"by emulating her husband's signature dance on the balcony of the White House. Melania struck a pose as she shimmied alongside the president while winding down their Independence Day celebrations. The "Trump Dance" consists of the commander in chief rhythmically punching the air while swaying his hips, oftentimes to songs featured at many of his campaign rallies like the "Y.M.C.A." The president was showing off his moves Friday when his wife joined along as the tworocked the night away. Melania waved her open palms up and down as she bounced on her feet while Trump watched on adoringly. Trump celebrated America's 249th Independence Day by signing his sweeping "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" into law. Many MAGA fanatics have taken to using Trump's dance to ring in monumental celebrations, including his second-term victory in November as aflash mob overtook Staten Island. Athletes too, namely those with UFC and WWE, started to adopt the moves as avictory dance.

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

Melania does President Trump’s signature dance as first couple celebrates Fourth of July at White House

Melania does President Trump's signature dance as first couple celebrates Fourth of July at White House First Lady Melania Trump celebra...

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USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final vs. Mexico

USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final vs. Mexico

You ask formerU.S. men's national soccer teamstandouts Marcelo Balboa and Stu Holden about the Concacaf Gold Cup final, and the competitive spirit just oozes from their soul. Especially since USMNT will face its biggest rival, Mexico, in the Sunday, July 6 match at NRG Stadium in Houston. "Listen, you never want to lose to Mexico," Balboa, 57, told USA TODAY Sports, before he joins the Gold Cup's Spanish-language broadcast on Univision, TUDN and ViX. "I'm retired. I haven't played against Mexico a long time. Even when I play in the old legends games, I don't want to lose to Mexico." Holden – who will be on the Gold Cup call alongside play-by-play announcer John Strong on FOX – still remembers how humiliated he felt after playing in USMNT's 5-0 loss to Mexico in the 2009 Gold Cup final. "Man, I would give anything to step on that field on Sunday," Holden said. "And I'm going to step on the field – I just won't be allowed to kick a ball." Coach Mauricio Pochettino, breakout star Diego Luna and the USMNT have a golden opportunity to rewrite the team's narrative ahead of next summer's FIFA World Cup. They could end a tumultuous summer on a high note by lifting a trophy, setting the stage for a World Cup where they could at least be competitive against some of the best national teams in the world. A loss, however? Well, here's where it's important to maintain some perspective. USMNT has been a club on the fly before the World Cup – hiring Pochettino last September, and trying to field a capable roster that won't embarrass itself when the U.S. co-hosts the tournament next summer with Canada and Mexico. By no means are they ready for the World Cup just yet. But they'll have to be when next summer rolls around. Star Christian Pulisic is one of several players not with USMNT during the Gold Cup this summer – his decision to rest upsetting several former players turned analysts, especially after the U.S. lost friendlies to Turkey (2-1 on June 7) and Switzerland (4-0 on June 10) before the tournament. During the Gold Cup, the U.S.beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0on June 7,beat Saudi Arabia 1-0on June 19,beat Haiti 2-1on June 22,advanced past Costa Rica 2-2 (4-3 on penalty kicks)on June 29 andtopped Guatemala 2-1on July 2 to reach the final. Pochettino has 10 wins in 15 matches since taking the job, a run that included a four-game losing streak going into the Gold Cup. Would another loss to Mexico – in the Gold Cup final – be a failure for Pochettino and USMNT? "No, not at all. The fact that this team got there, I think it's very valuable for Pochettino and his coaching staff," Balboa said, adding it's a prime opportunity for the players pushing for a roster spot to play for USMNT in the World Cup. "Listen, nobody wants to lose. Is it a failure? I wouldn't think it's a failure at all. I think it's just one of those games that it could go either way. One mistake could cost you the game. But at the end of the day, you can't say one game that you lose to Mexico in the final, the tournament was a failure." Holden said he's cautious to put a label like "failure" if this group of USMNT players fall to Mexico because "it would be me getting a little bit lost in the moment." This Gold Cup experience is about Pochettino finding his way as the USMNT coach. It's about players like Luna, who scored both goals against Guatemala, making a name for themselves. It's about others like forwards Brian White and Patrick Agyemang, midfielders Max Arfsten, Jack McGlynn and Sebastian Berhalter, defenders Chris Richards and Alex Freeman, and goalkeeper Matt Freese solidifying their chances to make the World Cup roster. Holden believes a Gold Cup win could solidify USMNT's belief in itself, and send a message to its pool of players that the club is heading in a clear direction under Pochettino's leadership. "That means: You fight like hell on Sunday, and you beat your fiercest rival, and you cap off a great month, and we have a great storyline to tell for the next year," Holden said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Gold Cup: USMNT could change World Cup narrative in final vs. Mexico

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final vs. Mexico

USMNT could change its World Cup narrative in Gold Cup final vs. Mexico You ask formerU.S. men's national soccer teamstandouts Marcelo B...

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Who has won most men's Wimbledon titles? Novak Djokovic chasing history in 2025

Who has won most men's Wimbledon titles? Novak Djokovic chasing history in 2025

Novak Djokovic has won a record-24 men's singles titles at Grand Slam events during his career. He has enjoyed a great deal of success at Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious of the sport's majors. Wimbledon has been played since 1877, when Spencer Gore defeated William Marshall in straight sets to take home the title. The best players in the world have routinely competed at the All England Club, and many have been able to win the tournament on multiple occasions. Djokovic is one of 31 men to win at least twice at Wimbledon. However, he doesn't own the record for the most titles at the grass-court major. That belongs to one of his counterparts, against whom he went toe-to-toe often during the earlier stages of his career. Who has the most men's Wimbledon titles? Here's what to know about the event's winningest participant and its history. Roger Federer has the most men's Wimbledon wins in the history of the event. He won the title eight times during his storied career, with his first victory coming in 2003 and last in 2017. That included a run of five consecutive titles at the major from 2003-07. That said, Djokovic is breathing down Federer's neck, having won the major seven times. The Serbian star has made the final each of the last six tournaments, winning four consecutive titles from 2018-22 (the event wasn't held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). He lost the last two to Carlos Alcaraz. NOVAK DJOKOVIC:Full history at Wimbledon, list of results by year A total of 16 men have won Wimbledon at least three times. They are as follows: Roger Federer: 8 Novak Djokovic: 7 Pete Sampras: 7 William Renshaw: 7 Bjorn Borg: 5 Laurence Doherty: 5 Reginald Doherty: 4 Rod Laver: 4 Anthony Wilding: 4 Wilfried Baddeley: 3 Arthur Gore: 3 John McEnroe: 3 John Newcombe: 3 Fred Perry: 3 Bill Tiden: 3 Carlos Alcaraz can join that list if he earns a third consecutive victory at the championship in 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Most men's Wimbledon titles: Novak Djokovic chasing Roger Federer

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

Who has won most men's Wimbledon titles? Novak Djokovic chasing history in 2025

Who has won most men's Wimbledon titles? Novak Djokovic chasing history in 2025 Novak Djokovic has won a record-24 men's singles tit...

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Donald Trump orders entry fee, DEI changes at national parks

Donald Trump orders entry fee, DEI changes at national parks

VisitingAmerica's national parksis about to get more expensive forinternational tourists, but that's not the only change PresidentDonald Trumpordered that will impact park visitors. Anew executive ordercalls for charging non-U.S. residents higher fees for park entry and recreation passes, like the yearlongAmerica the Beautiful pass, which grants access to public lands across federal agencies. "From the awe-inspiringGrand Canyonto the tranquility of theGreat Smoky Mountains, America's national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories," Trump said in the order issued July 3. "It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America's splendid national treasures," he said. The order also calls for giving Americans "preferential treatment with respect to any remaining recreational access rules, including permitting or lottery rules." Any revenue generated by higher fees from foreign tourists will be funneled back into infrastructure improvements and other enhancements across federal recreation sites. Reservations required:Which national parks require them in 2025 The executive order also revokes apresidential memorandumsigned by then-President Barack Obama in 2017 that promoted a range of diversity and inclusion efforts in the management of national parks and other public lands. It called for improving access for all Americans and "considering recommendations and proposals from diverse populations to protect at-risk historic, cultural, and natural sites." Diversity and inclusion were also priorities for parks during the Biden administration. Before leaving office in January, then National Park Service DirectorChuck Sams told USA TODAY: "When I took my oath of office on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial,Secretary (Deb) Haalandsaid, on behalf of the president of the United States, myself and the American people, I'm charging you with these monuments, memorials and parks, but more importantly, we're charging you to find those stories that are less told orhaven't been told yet, and to tell them fiercely. "So over the last three-plus years, working all across the park system, we've been able to tell stories to ensure that every American sees a reflection of themselves in the parks," he said. But the latest move comes after Trump on his first day back in office in Januaryordered an end to government diversity, equity, and inclusion programsestablished under Biden. USA TODAY has reached out the Interior Department and National Park Service for comment on the new executive order. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Trump orders national parks to charge some tourists higher fees

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

Donald Trump orders entry fee, DEI changes at national parks

Donald Trump orders entry fee, DEI changes at national parks VisitingAmerica's national parksis about to get more expensive forinternati...

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Trump uses antisemitic slur in remarks promoting his 'big, beautiful bill'

Trump uses antisemitic slur in remarks promoting his 'big, beautiful bill'

President Donald Trump used an antisemitic slur to describe exploitative bankers during a speech Thursday as he toutedcongressional passageof his massive domestic policy bill. Trump made the remark in Des Moines, Iowa, at what was billed as an event by a nonpartisan group to kick off celebrations for next year's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. But Trump's campaign-style speech quickly took on a partisan tone, with the president expressing "hate" for the Democrats who voted against his "big, beautiful bill." While ticking through the bill's provisions, Trump described one aimed at protecting family farmers by allowing them to pay a reduced estate tax when transferring ownership to their children. "No death tax, no estate tax, no going to the banks and borrowing from, in some cases, a fine banker, and in some cases, shylocks and bad people," Trump said. "They destroyed a lot of families, but we did the opposite." When asked by reporters after his speech about the antisemitic connotations of the term, Trump said,"I've never heard it that way." "To me, shylock is somebody that's a money lender at high rates" he added. "Shylock" is a Jewish character in "The Merchant of Venice." In itsdescription of the Shakespeare play, the Anti-Defamation League notes that the character, who serves as an antagonist, is frequently portrayed as a "conniving and cruel" money lender, reinforcing stereotypes of Jewish people as money-hungry and greedy. Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, said Thursday night in apost on X thatthe term is "among the most quintessential antisemitic stereotypes." "This is not an accident. It follows years in which Trump has normalized antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories — and it's deeply dangerous," she added. Former President Joe Biden faced backlash in 2014 for using the same term while serving as vice president. Helater apologizedfor "poor" word choice. The Anti-Defamation League, which criticized Biden's remarks at the time, said Trump's use of the term was "very troubling and irresponsible," adding that it "underscores how lies and conspiracies about Jews remain deeply entrenched in our country." "The term 'Shylock' evokes a centuries-old antisemitic trope about Jews and greed that is extremely offensive and dangerous," the ADLsaid in a statement on X. "Words from our leaders matter and we expect more from the President of the United States." The remark by Trump came as he delivered a more than hourlong speech praising the passage of the "big, beautiful bill," before a cheerful crowd of several hundred supporters, some holding signs that read "Make Agriculture Great Again." Trump has previously faced accusations of antisemitism, including in 2024 after his former chief of staffJohn Kelly said Trump praised Hitleras doing "some good things, too." During his first term in office,Jewishgroupscriticized Trump after he put white supremacists chanting "Jews will not replace us" on the same level as counterprotesters at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. During his second term, Trump's administration has created a federal task force that plans to visit 10 university campuses in a bid to "eradicate antisemitic harassment." The State Department has also moved to revoke visas for foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, including Mahmoud Khalil whowas detainedfor more than two months despite holding a green card, for leading protests at Columbia University. And, the Department of Homeland Security implemented a new vetting policyin Aprilenabling U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to consider a foreign national's "antisemitic activity on social media" as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests, including those applying for lawful permanent resident status.

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

Trump uses antisemitic slur in remarks promoting his 'big, beautiful bill'

Trump uses antisemitic slur in remarks promoting his 'big, beautiful bill' President Donald Trump used an antisemitic slur to descri...

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British and Irish Lions grind out a 21-10 win over Waratahs for a third win in 8 days

British and Irish Lions grind out a 21-10 win over Waratahs for a third win in 8 days

SYDNEY (AP) — The British and Irish Lions had their toughest win of the Australian tour so far, holding off the New South Wales Waratahs 21-10 on Saturday in their third game in eight days. Big back-to-back wins overWestern Forceon Australia's west coast andQueensland Redson the east coast followed a similar patterns where the Lions surged in the second half after arm-wrestles early with the local Super Rugby teams. It was a different rhythm in Sydney, with a third different captain for the Lions and another re-arranged lineup with a view on the three-test tour. Center Huw Jones scored close-range tries in the 12th and 35th minutes to give the Lions a 14-0 lead, although the Waratahs had a try overturned by the Television Match Official for a lineout obstruction in between. The Waratahs scored from the second kick restart, sending the ball to the short side where winger Darby Lancaster beat some forward defenders, was knocked off balance by Hugo Keenan's attempted covering tackle before scrambling the last five meters to score in the left corner. That made it 14-5 at halftime. The Lions hadn't conceded a point in the second half of their opening two wins but that run ended less than two minutes after the break, when Waratahs hooker Ethan Dobbins crashed over after a driving maul from a lineout, with two backs joining the maul. Jack Bowen's conversion attempt hit the near upright, leaving the score at 14-10. The Lions were denied an almost immediate try in response by some desperate cover defense before scrumhalf Alex Mitchell scored in the 55th, darting to the shortside from a ruck after sustained pressure from a scrum penalty and a stream of Waratahs errors. Finn Smith converted to make it 21-10 and it appeared the Lions were starting to get on a roll again, particularly when Mitchell kicked a 50-22 to give the Lions another ideal attacking opportunity. He then threw the last pass for replacement prop Ellis Genge to drive over on the hour, but the ball was lost in the tackle and the Waratahs held firm. The Lions barged over again in the 76th but had a try disallowed for a lineout obstruction in the buildup, and weren't able to cross again in a scrappy, error-strewn encounter. The Lions are now 3-0 since a 28-24loss to Argentinain a warmup in Dublin before the traveling toAustralia for a nine-game tour,which includes three tests against the Wallabies on July 19, 26 and Aug. 2. The British and Irish squad will next play the Canberra-based Brumbies on Wednesday. __ AP rugby:https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

byMario Satorik

in

July 05, 2025

British and Irish Lions grind out a 21-10 win over Waratahs for a third win in 8 days

British and Irish Lions grind out a 21-10 win over Waratahs for a third win in 8 days SYDNEY (AP) — The British and Irish Lions had their to...

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