Ukraine summoned the deputy chief of the US embassy in Kyiv to a meeting Wednesday and warned him any delays in US military aid to Ukraine would "encourage" Russia, Kyiv's foreign ministry said. The White House announced Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine promised by the previous US administration to battle Russia's invasion.&nbsp;"John Ginkel was invited to the Ukrainian foreign ministry... The Ukrainian side stressed that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue the war," Kyiv's foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;The Kremlin welcomed the move, saying reducing the flow of weapons to Kyiv will help end the conflict faster."In any case, the fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to a question by AFP, using Russia's term for its more than three-year offensive.&nbsp;The aid cuts come at a perilous moment for Ukraine, which has endured weeks of intense Russian bombardment and has been ceding ground to Moscow's army on the front line.&nbsp;US media reported that Patriot air defence systems and artillery were among the items being held back, both of which Kyiv says it desperately needs.&nbsp;A high-ranking source in the Ukrainian military told AFP that Kyiv would struggle to defend itself against attacking Russian forces without US ammunition.&nbsp;"We are now seriously dependent on American arms supplies, although Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition," the source said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The White House announced Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine promised by the previous US administration to battle Russia invasion.



Ukraine summoned the deputy chief of the US embassy in Kyiv to a meeting Wednesday and warned him any delays in US military aid to Ukraine would "encourage" Russia, Kyiv's foreign ministry said. The White House announced Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine promised by the previous US administration to battle Russia's invasion. "John Ginkel was invited to the Ukrainian foreign ministry... The Ukrainian side stressed that any delay or procrastination in supporting Ukraine's defence capabilities would only encourage the aggressor to continue the war," Kyiv's foreign ministry said in a statement. The Kremlin welcomed the move, saying reducing the flow of weapons to Kyiv will help end the conflict faster. "In any case, the fewer the number of weapons that are delivered to Ukraine, the closer the end of the special military operation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to a question by AFP, using Russia's term for its more than three-year offensive. The aid cuts come at a perilous moment for Ukraine, which has endured weeks of intense Russian bombardment and has been ceding ground to Moscow's army on the front line. US media reported that Patriot air defence systems and artillery were among the items being held back, both of which Kyiv says it desperately needs. A high-ranking source in the Ukrainian military told AFP that Kyiv would struggle to defend itself against attacking Russian forces without US ammunition. "We are now seriously dependent on American arms supplies, although Europe is doing its best, but it will be difficult for us without American ammunition," the source said.

The White House announced Tuesday it was halting some key weapons shipments to Ukraine promised by the previous US administration to battle Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

US halts aid shipment: Ukraine summons US diplomat, warns it will 'encourage' Russia

The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban transgender athletes from its women's sports teams, settling a federal civil rights case stemming from the furor around swimmer Lia Thomas, the US government said Tuesday.&nbsp;The US Department of Education said in a statement that UPenn had entered into a resolution agreement vowing to comply with Title IX, the federal law which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program.&nbsp;It follows an investigation by the department's Office for Civil Rights which found the university had violated Title IX by allowing transgender swimmer Thomas to compete in women's competitions in 2021-2022.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, who campaigned on the issue of trans athletes, has worked to prohibit them from competing in girls and women's sports since returning to office.Trump issued an executive order in February aimed at banning transgender athletes, allowing federal agencies to halt funding to any institution that does not consider birth-assigned genders in determining sex.&nbsp;US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement on Tuesday the resolution of the UPenn case marked a "great victory for women and girls ... across our nation."&nbsp;"The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX's proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law."&nbsp;Under the terms of the settlement, UPenn will restore all individual swimming records and titles to female athletes affected by Thomas's participation.&nbsp;The university will also send a "personalized letter of apology" to each swimmer impacted by the case.&nbsp;The college will also be required to issue a public statement specifying it will "not allow males to compete in female athletic programs" or use Penn Athletics facilities for women, such as locker rooms.&nbsp;Thomas became a lightning rod around the debate of transgender athletes in women's sport after competing in female collegiate competitions in 2022.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2036-olympics-in-ahmedabad-indian-delegation-makes-case-to-ioc-amid-standstill-1751384972746">2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad? Indian delegation makes case to IOC amid standstill</a>&nbsp;She had earlier swam on UPenn's men's team while undergoing hormone replacement therapy.&nbsp;Her participation in women's events sparked widespread outrage, with critics and some fellow swimmers saying she should not have been allowed to compete due to an unfair physiological advantage. Her supporters argued she should be allowed to compete as a woman.&nbsp;One of Thomas's competitors, Riley Gaines, welcomed Tuesday's announcement.Gaines has been a long-time critic of Thomas's participation in women's collegiate swimming, and tied for fifth place with her in the 200-yard freestyle at a national collegiate meeting in 2022.&nbsp;"It is my hope that today demonstrates to educational institutions that they will no longer be allowed to trample upon women's civil rights, and renews hope in every female athlete that their country's highest leadership will not relent until they have the dignity, safety, and fairness they deserve," Gaines said in a statement.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for W

The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban transgender athletes from its womens sports teams, settling a federal civil rights case stemming from the furor around swimmer Lia Thomas, the US government said Tuesday.

The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban transgender athletes from its women's sports teams, settling a federal civil rights case stemming from the furor around swimmer Lia Thomas, the US government said Tuesday. The US Department of Education said in a statement that UPenn had entered into a resolution agreement vowing to comply with Title IX, the federal law which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational program. It follows an investigation by the department's Office for Civil Rights which found the university had violated Title IX by allowing transgender swimmer Thomas to compete in women's competitions in 2021-2022. US President Donald Trump, who campaigned on the issue of trans athletes, has worked to prohibit them from competing in girls and women's sports since returning to office. Trump issued an executive order in February aimed at banning transgender athletes, allowing federal agencies to halt funding to any institution that does not consider birth-assigned genders in determining sex. US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement on Tuesday the resolution of the UPenn case marked a "great victory for women and girls ... across our nation." "The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX's proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law." Under the terms of the settlement, UPenn will restore all individual swimming records and titles to female athletes affected by Thomas's participation. The university will also send a "personalized letter of apology" to each swimmer impacted by the case. The college will also be required to issue a public statement specifying it will "not allow males to compete in female athletic programs" or use Penn Athletics facilities for women, such as locker rooms. Thomas became a lightning rod around the debate of transgender athletes in women's sport after competing in female collegiate competitions in 2022. ALSO READ | 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad? Indian delegation makes case to IOC amid standstill She had earlier swam on UPenn's men's team while undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Her participation in women's events sparked widespread outrage, with critics and some fellow swimmers saying she should not have been allowed to compete due to an unfair physiological advantage. Her supporters argued she should be allowed to compete as a woman. One of Thomas's competitors, Riley Gaines, welcomed Tuesday's announcement. Gaines has been a long-time critic of Thomas's participation in women's collegiate swimming, and tied for fifth place with her in the 200-yard freestyle at a national collegiate meeting in 2022. "It is my hope that today demonstrates to educational institutions that they will no longer be allowed to trample upon women's civil rights, and renews hope in every female athlete that their country's highest leadership will not relent until they have the dignity, safety, and fairness they deserve," Gaines said in a statement. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for W

The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban transgender athletes from its women's sports teams, settling a federal civil rights case stemming from the furor around swimmer Lia Thomas, the US government said Tuesday.

US college bans transgender athletes following swimming furor

Gonzalo Garcia's 54th-minute header was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.&nbsp;The Spanish giants will face the winner of Tuesday's other game between Borussia Dortmund and Mexico's Monterrey in the last eight.&nbsp;It was an impressive display from Xabi Alonso's Madrid side and adding to a positive day, Kylian Mbappe made his return from illness, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for his first appearance of the tournament.&nbsp;The first half was a finely-balanced contest with Igor Tudor's Juventus starting brightly before Real ended it on top.&nbsp;There was an early chance for Juve's Randal Kolo Muani after clever work from Kenan Yildiz to put him through on goal, but the French forward opted for an attempted chip of Thibaut Courtois and his shot floated over the bar.&nbsp;The impressive Yildiz then burst through the middle and unleashed a fierce effort which deflected off Aurelien Tchouameni and flew wide.&nbsp;The Turin team, beaten 5-2 by Manchester City in their final group game, were moving the ball around with confidence but Real grew into the contest and they went close when Jude Bellingham forced a save out of Michele Di Gregorio from close range.&nbsp;Federico Valverde then tested the Juve goalkeeper from long range and Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped a low ball across the face of the goal as Madrid finished the half strongly.The interval did nothing to alter the momentum of the game with Real creating several chances -- Bellingham laid off to Valverde, whose sweetly-struck shot was just wide and then Bellingham himself brought another good save out of Di Gregorio with a shot from the edge of the box.&nbsp;Dean Huijsen's rocketing drive was parried out by the busy goalkeeper as Real laid siege to the Juventus goal and it was no surprise when the breakthrough finally arrived.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2036-olympics-in-ahmedabad-indian-delegation-makes-case-to-ioc-amid-standstill-1751384972746">2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad? Indian delegation makes case to IOC amid standstill</a><h2>We had to be patient</h2>Alexander-Arnold floated in a cross from the right which Gonzalo met with a perfectly-timed header for his third goal in four games in the tournament.Juve responded with Portuguese winger Francisco Conceicao bringing Courtois into action from a low shot the Belgian shot-stopper did well to get down to.&nbsp;But Real wanted to finish the contest off and Valverde tested Di Gregorio's reactions with an overhead kick before Alonso decided to introduce Mbappe to the delight of the 62,149 crowd.&nbsp;Juve's belief remained however and Nicolas Gonzalez flashed a 25-yard drive just wide.At the other end, Real's Turkish midfielder Arda Guler saw his crisp shot kept out by the feet of Di Gregorio, but the one goal was enough.&nbsp;Alonso was pleased with his team's performance, including that of Gonzalo, who he had compared to former Real great Raul but also suggested that Mbappe might be ready for a bigger contribution in the next game.&nbsp;"I think day by day he will be better, and from now until the quarter-finals on Saturday, in 3-4 days, he will be better. We will keep watching him. I talk to him every day about how he's feeling, and well, I think he will be much better for the quarters," he said.&nbsp;Alonso said he was satisfied to see Real produce the necessary grit to grind out the result in the second half.&nbsp;"We had to be patient, we had to mature into the game. We didn't score that second goal to give ourselves a bit more margin. But it is a knockout game and about it's competing in a tie. With the players and myself, you know you have to grit your teeth and do what you have to do. And in the end, we had to hold on a bit, and I'm happy about that too.Juve boss Tudor said his team became exhausted as the game developed.&nbsp;"In the end there were 10 of them asking to be substituted, obviously you can't do that but there was an incredible tiredness," he said adding there were three main reasons."There is the tension of the game which burns energy but then there is the heat and humidity," he said also noting they were at the end of a long season.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for W

Gonzalo Garcia 54th-minute header was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.

Gonzalo Garcia's 54th-minute header was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. The Spanish giants will face the winner of Tuesday's other game between Borussia Dortmund and Mexico's Monterrey in the last eight. It was an impressive display from Xabi Alonso's Madrid side and adding to a positive day, Kylian Mbappe made his return from illness, coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for his first appearance of the tournament. The first half was a finely-balanced contest with Igor Tudor's Juventus starting brightly before Real ended it on top. There was an early chance for Juve's Randal Kolo Muani after clever work from Kenan Yildiz to put him through on goal, but the French forward opted for an attempted chip of Thibaut Courtois and his shot floated over the bar. The impressive Yildiz then burst through the middle and unleashed a fierce effort which deflected off Aurelien Tchouameni and flew wide. The Turin team, beaten 5-2 by Manchester City in their final group game, were moving the ball around with confidence but Real grew into the contest and they went close when Jude Bellingham forced a save out of Michele Di Gregorio from close range. Federico Valverde then tested the Juve goalkeeper from long range and Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped a low ball across the face of the goal as Madrid finished the half strongly. The interval did nothing to alter the momentum of the game with Real creating several chances -- Bellingham laid off to Valverde, whose sweetly-struck shot was just wide and then Bellingham himself brought another good save out of Di Gregorio with a shot from the edge of the box. Dean Huijsen's rocketing drive was parried out by the busy goalkeeper as Real laid siege to the Juventus goal and it was no surprise when the breakthrough finally arrived. ALSO READ | 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad? Indian delegation makes case to IOC amid standstill We had to be patient Alexander-Arnold floated in a cross from the right which Gonzalo met with a perfectly-timed header for his third goal in four games in the tournament. Juve responded with Portuguese winger Francisco Conceicao bringing Courtois into action from a low shot the Belgian shot-stopper did well to get down to. But Real wanted to finish the contest off and Valverde tested Di Gregorio's reactions with an overhead kick before Alonso decided to introduce Mbappe to the delight of the 62,149 crowd. Juve's belief remained however and Nicolas Gonzalez flashed a 25-yard drive just wide. At the other end, Real's Turkish midfielder Arda Guler saw his crisp shot kept out by the feet of Di Gregorio, but the one goal was enough. Alonso was pleased with his team's performance, including that of Gonzalo, who he had compared to former Real great Raul but also suggested that Mbappe might be ready for a bigger contribution in the next game. "I think day by day he will be better, and from now until the quarter-finals on Saturday, in 3-4 days, he will be better. We will keep watching him. I talk to him every day about how he's feeling, and well, I think he will be much better for the quarters," he said. Alonso said he was satisfied to see Real produce the necessary grit to grind out the result in the second half. "We had to be patient, we had to mature into the game. We didn't score that second goal to give ourselves a bit more margin. But it is a knockout game and about it's competing in a tie. With the players and myself, you know you have to grit your teeth and do what you have to do. And in the end, we had to hold on a bit, and I'm happy about that too. Juve boss Tudor said his team became exhausted as the game developed. "In the end there were 10 of them asking to be substituted, obviously you can't do that but there was an incredible tiredness," he said adding there were three main reasons. "There is the tension of the game which burns energy but then there is the heat and humidity," he said also noting they were at the end of a long season. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for W

Gonzalo Garcia's 54th-minute header was enough to give Real Madrid a 1-0 win over Juventus at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.

FIFA Club World Cup: Gonzalo heads Real Madrid past Juventus as Spanish giants enter last eight

US televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who developed a worldwide following for his fiery Christian sermons before being felled in a prostitution scandal, died on Tuesday at the age of 90.Swaggart's death from a heart attack at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was announced on the official Facebook page of his Jimmy Swaggart Ministries."Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ," it said."For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ," it added.Swaggart, whose first cousins were rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country singer Mickey Gilley, rose to prominence in the 1980s at the head of his Louisiana-based Pentecostal church the Assemblies of God.His televised sermons featuring fire and brimstone rhetoric and gospel music were watched by millions around the world and raised hundreds of millions of dollars in donations annually.At his height, Swaggart joined the ranks of other leading Christian televangelists such as Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Jim Bakker, who was also disgraced in a sex scandal.Swaggart's downfall came in 1987 after he was photographed at a motel in New Orleans with a prostitute.He made a tearful televised confession the next year."I have sinned against you, my Lord," Swaggart said, without providing details. "I beg you forgive me."Swaggart was defrocked by the elders of his church, and while he continued to preach over the next decades his following and his influence had diminished.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Swaggart's death from a heart attack at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was announced on the official Facebook page of his Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. "Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ," it said.

US televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who developed a worldwide following for his fiery Christian sermons before being felled in a prostitution scandal, died on Tuesday at the age of 90. Swaggart's death from a heart attack at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was announced on the official Facebook page of his Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. "Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ," it said. "For over seven decades, Brother Swaggart poured out his life preaching the gospel, singing songs of the faith, and pointing millions to the saving power of Jesus Christ," it added. Swaggart, whose first cousins were rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis and country singer Mickey Gilley, rose to prominence in the 1980s at the head of his Louisiana-based Pentecostal church the Assemblies of God. His televised sermons featuring fire and brimstone rhetoric and gospel music were watched by millions around the world and raised hundreds of millions of dollars in donations annually. At his height, Swaggart joined the ranks of other leading Christian televangelists such as Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Jim Bakker, who was also disgraced in a sex scandal. Swaggart's downfall came in 1987 after he was photographed at a motel in New Orleans with a prostitute. He made a tearful televised confession the next year. "I have sinned against you, my Lord," Swaggart said, without providing details. "I beg you forgive me." Swaggart was defrocked by the elders of his church, and while he continued to preach over the next decades his following and his influence had diminished. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Swaggart's death from a heart attack at a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was announced on the official Facebook page of his Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. "Brother Swaggart has finished his earthly race and entered into the presence of His Savior, Jesus Christ," it said.

Jimmy Swaggart, fiery preacher and scandal-plagued televangelist, dead at 90

The jury in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs ended its first day of deliberations Monday without reaching a decision on whether the rap mogul used his wealth and influence to force women into drug-fueled sexual performances with escorts.&nbsp;The New York jury will reconvene Tuesday at 9:00 am (1300 GMT).&nbsp;Jurors are tasked with weighing evidence presented over the trial's past seven weeks, ranging from lurid testimony about sex sessions to stacks of phone and financial records.&nbsp;Combs, 55, faces life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution.&nbsp;The producer and entrepreneur, once one of the most powerful people in the music industry, denies the charges.&nbsp;On Friday, his lawyer vied to skewer the credibility of his accusers -- namely two women he dated for years -- saying they were out for money, while rejecting any notion that the musician led a criminal ring.&nbsp;But in their final argument, prosecutors tore into the defense, saying Combs's team had "contorted the facts endlessly."&nbsp;Prosecutor Maurene Comey told jurors that by the time Combs had committed his clearest-cut offenses, "he was so far past the line he couldn't even see it."&nbsp;"In his mind he was untouchable," she told the court. "The defendant never thought that the women he abused would have the courage to speak out loud what he had done to them."&nbsp;"That ends in this courtroom," she said. "The defendant is not a god."&nbsp;Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo scoffed at the picture painted by prosecutors of a violent, domineering man who fostered "a climate of fear."&nbsp;Combs is a "self-made, successful Black entrepreneur" who had romantic relationships that were "complicated" but consensual, Agnifilo said.<h2>Manipulation</h2>The defense has conceded that Combs at times beat his partners -- but insisted the domestic violence does not amount to the sex trafficking or racketeering he is charged with.&nbsp;Key to the prosecution's case were witnesses Casandra Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane, both of whom described abuse, threats and coercive sex in wrenching detail.&nbsp;In their closing arguments, the defense dissected their accounts and at times even mocked them, insisting the women were adults making choices that were best for them.&nbsp;Prosecutor Comey snapped back at that notion, saying the women were "manipulated" into "brazen" acts of sex trafficking.&nbsp;Ventura and Jane both said they experienced emotional manipulation and threats that made them feel obliged to meet Combs's sexual demands.&nbsp;Throughout the trial, jurors were shown voluminous phone records, including messages from both women that Agnifilo argued implied consent.&nbsp;But prosecutors said those messages did not paint the whole picture, and referenced testimony from a forensic psychologist who explained to jurors how victims become ensnared by abusers.&nbsp;Central to their case is the claim that Combs led a criminal enterprise of senior employees who "existed to serve his needs" and enforced his power with offenses including forced labor, kidnapping, bribery, witness tampering and arson.&nbsp;But Agnifilo underscored that none of those individuals testified against Combs, nor were they named as co-conspirators.&nbsp;Many witnesses were given immunity orders so they could speak without fear of incriminating themselves.&nbsp;To convict Combs on racketeering, jurors must find that prosecutors showed beyond reasonable doubt that he agreed with people within his organization to commit at least two of the eight crimes forming the racketeering charge.&nbsp;The eight men and four women must reach a unanimous decision, deciding either a guilty or not guilty verdict on each count.

Combs, 55, faces life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution.

The jury in the sex trafficking trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs ended its first day of deliberations Monday without reaching a decision on whether the rap mogul used his wealth and influence to force women into drug-fueled sexual performances with escorts. The New York jury will reconvene Tuesday at 9:00 am (1300 GMT). Jurors are tasked with weighing evidence presented over the trial's past seven weeks, ranging from lurid testimony about sex sessions to stacks of phone and financial records. Combs, 55, faces life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution. The producer and entrepreneur, once one of the most powerful people in the music industry, denies the charges. On Friday, his lawyer vied to skewer the credibility of his accusers -- namely two women he dated for years -- saying they were out for money, while rejecting any notion that the musician led a criminal ring. But in their final argument, prosecutors tore into the defense, saying Combs's team had "contorted the facts endlessly." Prosecutor Maurene Comey told jurors that by the time Combs had committed his clearest-cut offenses, "he was so far past the line he couldn't even see it." "In his mind he was untouchable," she told the court. "The defendant never thought that the women he abused would have the courage to speak out loud what he had done to them." "That ends in this courtroom," she said. "The defendant is not a god." Defense attorney Marc Agnifilo scoffed at the picture painted by prosecutors of a violent, domineering man who fostered "a climate of fear." Combs is a "self-made, successful Black entrepreneur" who had romantic relationships that were "complicated" but consensual, Agnifilo said. Manipulation The defense has conceded that Combs at times beat his partners -- but insisted the domestic violence does not amount to the sex trafficking or racketeering he is charged with. Key to the prosecution's case were witnesses Casandra Ventura and a woman who testified under the pseudonym Jane, both of whom described abuse, threats and coercive sex in wrenching detail. In their closing arguments, the defense dissected their accounts and at times even mocked them, insisting the women were adults making choices that were best for them. Prosecutor Comey snapped back at that notion, saying the women were "manipulated" into "brazen" acts of sex trafficking. Ventura and Jane both said they experienced emotional manipulation and threats that made them feel obliged to meet Combs's sexual demands. Throughout the trial, jurors were shown voluminous phone records, including messages from both women that Agnifilo argued implied consent. But prosecutors said those messages did not paint the whole picture, and referenced testimony from a forensic psychologist who explained to jurors how victims become ensnared by abusers. Central to their case is the claim that Combs led a criminal enterprise of senior employees who "existed to serve his needs" and enforced his power with offenses including forced labor, kidnapping, bribery, witness tampering and arson. But Agnifilo underscored that none of those individuals testified against Combs, nor were they named as co-conspirators. Many witnesses were given immunity orders so they could speak without fear of incriminating themselves. To convict Combs on racketeering, jurors must find that prosecutors showed beyond reasonable doubt that he agreed with people within his organization to commit at least two of the eight crimes forming the racketeering charge. The eight men and four women must reach a unanimous decision, deciding either a guilty or not guilty verdict on each count.

Combs, 55, faces life in prison if convicted on five federal charges that include racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution.

Sean Combs sex trafficking jury ends first day without decision

Novak Djokovic launches his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown at Wimbledon on Tuesday as men's top seed Jannik Sinner makes his entrance. Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova begins her title defence against Eastbourne finalist Alexandra Eala with major question marks over her fitness. AFP Sport looks at the matches to watch on day two of the tournament at the All England Club.Djokovic still dreamingNovak Djokovic still dreams of ending his career as the most successful player in tennis history even as he watches a new generation take charge.The 38-year-old has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning his most recent major prize at the 2023 US Open.The Serb has seen two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner share the past six Grand Slams between them.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2025-carlos-alcaraz-survives-fabio-fognini-to-win-five-set-thriller-in-first-round-1751305882829">Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz survives Fabio Fognini to win five-set thriller in first round</a>But the seven-time champion believes his most realistic hope of a historic 25th title lies on the grass of south-west London,."I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level," said Djokovic.The veteran, who has lost the past two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz, has the added incentive of pulling level with the retired Roger Federer, who won a record eight men's titles at the All England Club.Djokovic starts his campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The pair have only met once before, at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb dropped only five games.Sinner relishing grass-court challengeJannik Sinner is the world number one and will be desperate to state his credentials at Wimbledon with his great rival Carlos Alcaraz gunning for a third straight title.The Italian has impressed since returning from a three-month doping ban, reaching the finals of the Italian Open and the French Open, both of which he lost to Alcaraz.Sinner then lost early at this month's Halle grass-court tournament but has a promising track record at Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals in 2023 and the quarter-finals last year.The 23-year-old, who faces compatriot Luca Nardi in the first round, says he feels "ready to play"."I feel like that I'm playing great, great tennis on grass," he said. "Hopefully I can show this also in the match court."Krejcikova steps into unknown Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova is feeling her way back to fitness after pulling out of the Eastbourne Open with a thigh problem.The world number 16 has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final last year, playing just six matches in 2025.She was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the recent French Open.But at least she looks likely to be fit to take to the court against Alexandra Eala on Tuesday."I had to have couple days off where I didn't really play any tennis, but I did some off-court stuff," said the 29-year-old Czech."I've been feeling every day a little bit better, so I'm really happy with that."Eala, ranked 56th in the world, could be a dangerous opponent.The 20-year-old made history by becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA final with her run to the Eastbourne title match last week.Earlier this year she enjoyed a breakthrough run to the Miami Open semi-finals.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Djokovic starts his campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The pair have only met once before, at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb dropped only five games.

Novak Djokovic launches his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles crown at Wimbledon on Tuesday as men's top seed Jannik Sinner makes his entrance. Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova begins her title defence against Eastbourne finalist Alexandra Eala with major question marks over her fitness. AFP Sport looks at the matches to watch on day two of the tournament at the All England Club. Djokovic still dreaming Novak Djokovic still dreams of ending his career as the most successful player in tennis history even as he watches a new generation take charge. The 38-year-old has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 Grand Slam titles since winning his most recent major prize at the 2023 US Open. The Serb has seen two-time defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Jannik Sinner share the past six Grand Slams between them. Also Read - Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz survives Fabio Fognini to win five-set thriller in first round But the seven-time champion believes his most realistic hope of a historic 25th title lies on the grass of south-west London,. "I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance because of the results I had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level," said Djokovic. The veteran, who has lost the past two Wimbledon finals to Alcaraz, has the added incentive of pulling level with the retired Roger Federer, who won a record eight men's titles at the All England Club. Djokovic starts his campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The pair have only met once before, at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb dropped only five games. Sinner relishing grass-court challenge Jannik Sinner is the world number one and will be desperate to state his credentials at Wimbledon with his great rival Carlos Alcaraz gunning for a third straight title. The Italian has impressed since returning from a three-month doping ban, reaching the finals of the Italian Open and the French Open, both of which he lost to Alcaraz. Sinner then lost early at this month's Halle grass-court tournament but has a promising track record at Wimbledon, reaching the semi-finals in 2023 and the quarter-finals last year. The 23-year-old, who faces compatriot Luca Nardi in the first round, says he feels "ready to play". "I feel like that I'm playing great, great tennis on grass," he said. "Hopefully I can show this also in the match court." Krejcikova steps into unknown Defending women's champion Barbora Krejcikova is feeling her way back to fitness after pulling out of the Eastbourne Open with a thigh problem. The world number 16 has endured a difficult time since defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the Wimbledon final last year, playing just six matches in 2025. She was out of action until May after suffering a back injury and lost in the second round of the recent French Open. But at least she looks likely to be fit to take to the court against Alexandra Eala on Tuesday. "I had to have couple days off where I didn't really play any tennis, but I did some off-court stuff," said the 29-year-old Czech. "I've been feeling every day a little bit better, so I'm really happy with that." Eala, ranked 56th in the world, could be a dangerous opponent. The 20-year-old made history by becoming the first Filipina to reach a WTA final with her run to the Eastbourne title match last week. Earlier this year she enjoyed a breakthrough run to the Miami Open semi-finals. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Djokovic starts his campaign against France's Alexandre Muller. The pair have only met once before, at the 2023 US Open, when the Serb dropped only five games.

Wimbledon 2025: Djokovic starts search for 25th grand slam title, Sinner looks to put French Open loss behind

Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini as the world number two started his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title with a marathon five-set victory on Monday. Alcaraz battled to a 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over the 38-year-old Italian in a first-round clash lasting over four hours in sweltering conditions on Centre Court. It was first time since Roger Federer narrowly beat Alejandro Falla in 2010 that a defending champion had been taken to a fifth set in the Wimbledon first round.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-pakistan-origin-all-rounder-played-in-three-ipls-for-pbks-and-kkr-and-now-named-pakistan-test-coach-1751298145891">Pak's new Test coach played three IPL seasons with PBKS and KKR despite being of Pakistani origin</a>Alcaraz shrugged off an inconsistent display including 62 unforced errors as he refused to wilt on the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history.The 22-year-old secured a crucial break in the second game of the deciding set, roaring "vamos" after saving two break points in the next game.Fognini had given Alcaraz a much sterner test than expected, but the world number 138 ran out of steam as the indefatigable Spaniard once again showcased his final set prowess.Alcaraz has never lost in a Grand Slam first round in 18 appearances.Having vanquished Novak Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals, Alcaraz is looking to join an elite group of Wimbledon icons.His clay-court credentials are firmly established after he fought back from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open final earlier this month.Alcaraz is equally dynamic on grass, winning 30 of his 33 Tour-level matches on the surface, with his last defeat at Wimbledon coming against Sinner in the fourth round in 2022.He is bidding to become the fifth man in the Open Era to win at least three consecutive Wimbledon titles after seven-time champion Djokovic, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras.If he achieves that target, Alcaraz would be the second-youngest player in the Open Era to win six Grand Slam men's titles after Borg, who reached that landmark in 1978.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Fognini had given Alcaraz a much sterner test than expected, but the world number 138 ran out of steam as the indefatigable Spaniard once again showcased his final set prowess.

Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare from Italian veteran Fabio Fognini as the world number two started his bid for a third successive Wimbledon title with a marathon five-set victory on Monday. Alcaraz battled to a 7-5, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 win over the 38-year-old Italian in a first-round clash lasting over four hours in sweltering conditions on Centre Court. It was first time since Roger Federer narrowly beat Alejandro Falla in 2010 that a defending champion had been taken to a fifth set in the Wimbledon first round. Also Read - Pak's new Test coach played three IPL seasons with PBKS and KKR despite being of Pakistani origin Alcaraz shrugged off an inconsistent display including 62 unforced errors as he refused to wilt on the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history. The 22-year-old secured a crucial break in the second game of the deciding set, roaring "vamos" after saving two break points in the next game. Fognini had given Alcaraz a much sterner test than expected, but the world number 138 ran out of steam as the indefatigable Spaniard once again showcased his final set prowess. Alcaraz has never lost in a Grand Slam first round in 18 appearances. Having vanquished Novak Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals, Alcaraz is looking to join an elite group of Wimbledon icons. His clay-court credentials are firmly established after he fought back from two sets down to beat Jannik Sinner in an epic French Open final earlier this month. Alcaraz is equally dynamic on grass, winning 30 of his 33 Tour-level matches on the surface, with his last defeat at Wimbledon coming against Sinner in the fourth round in 2022. He is bidding to become the fifth man in the Open Era to win at least three consecutive Wimbledon titles after seven-time champion Djokovic, Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras. If he achieves that target, Alcaraz would be the second-youngest player in the Open Era to win six Grand Slam men's titles after Borg, who reached that landmark in 1978. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Fognini had given Alcaraz a much sterner test than expected, but the world number 138 ran out of steam as the indefatigable Spaniard once again showcased his final set prowess.

Wimbledon 2025: Carlos Alcaraz survives Fabio Fognini to win five-set thriller in first round

Canada said Sunday it will rescind taxes impacting US tech firms in hopes of reaching a trade agreement with Washington, after US President Donald Trump called off talks with Ottawa in retaliation for the levy.Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne "announced today that Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States," a government statement said.It added that Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "have agreed that parties will resume negotiations with a view towards agreeing on a deal by July 21, 2025."Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne "announced today that Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States," a government statement said.

Canada said Sunday it will rescind taxes impacting US tech firms in hopes of reaching a trade agreement with Washington, after US President Donald Trump called off talks with Ottawa in retaliation for the levy. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne "announced today that Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States," a government statement said. It added that Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "have agreed that parties will resume negotiations with a view towards agreeing on a deal by July 21, 2025." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne "announced today that Canada would rescind the Digital Services Tax (DST) in anticipation of a mutually beneficial comprehensive trade arrangement with the United States," a government statement said.

Canada rescinds tax hitting US tech firms: govt

Zimbabwe opening batsman Brian Bennett was ruled out of the rest of the first Test against South Africa on Sunday after being diagnosed with mild concussion. Bennett, who scored 139 on his previous Test appearance against England in Nottingham last month, had scored 19 off 24 balls on the second day of the match when he attempted a hook against fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and was struck on the helmet.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-2nd-test-what-is-team-india-test-record-at-edgbaston-birmingham-venue-for-second-game-1751195363763">IND vs ENG: What is India’s Test record at Edgbaston, venue for second Test</a>&nbsp;After lengthy treatment on the field the 21-year-old resumed batting and faced three more deliveries in the next over from Codi Yusuf before walking off the field.&nbsp;Zimbabwe Cricket announced during the lunch break that Bennett had been ruled out of the match and in keeping with concussion protocols would be replaced by Prince Masvaure.<h3>Lhuan-dre Pretorius creates history in first innings</h3>&nbsp;Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit a dazzling 153 on debut and transformed South Africa's fortunes on the first day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.&nbsp;South Africa scored 418 for nine, a total which seemed unlikely when Pretorius arrived at the crease with his team in trouble at 23 for three. Fast bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch, batting at number eight, made 100 not out, reaching his century in the last over of the day.&nbsp;Pretorius, a solidly-built left-hander aged 19 years and 93 days, became the youngest South African to hit a Test century and the seventh from his country to make a hundred on Test debut.&nbsp;Pretorius hit a six off the fourth ball he faced, from left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, then smiled broadly at batting partner Wiaan Mulder. He hit another six and seven fours in reaching his century off 112 balls. He hit a total of four sixes and 11 fours off 160 deliveries before he was caught at mid-on off a top-edged pull against fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga.&nbsp;Pretorius gave no chances but the Zimbabwean players seemed convinced that he had edged a ball from Chivanga to wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga when he was on 30. No decision review system is in place for the series.&nbsp;Chivanga, who took the first three wickets while conceding only eight runs, took four for 83 despite seeming to struggle with a hamstring strain during the afternoon.&nbsp;Chivanga and fellow fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who took two for 59, generated pace and bounce but they were the only specialist seamers in the team and Zimbabwe's four spin bowlers proved expensive.&nbsp;"We knew they had only two seamers so we tried to take the spinners out of the attack," said Pretorius "It was doing quite a bit early in the morning and the situation when I came in was quite tough.&nbsp;"Wiaan kept me quite calm and I just tried to enjoy the moment and play with a smile on my face."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bennett, who scored 139 on his previous Test appearance against England in Nottingham last month, had scored 19 off 24 balls on the second day of the match when he attempted a hook against fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and was struck on the helmet.

Zimbabwe opening batsman Brian Bennett was ruled out of the rest of the first Test against South Africa on Sunday after being diagnosed with mild concussion. Bennett, who scored 139 on his previous Test appearance against England in Nottingham last month, had scored 19 off 24 balls on the second day of the match when he attempted a hook against fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and was struck on the helmet. Also read | IND vs ENG: What is India’s Test record at Edgbaston, venue for second Test After lengthy treatment on the field the 21-year-old resumed batting and faced three more deliveries in the next over from Codi Yusuf before walking off the field. Zimbabwe Cricket announced during the lunch break that Bennett had been ruled out of the match and in keeping with concussion protocols would be replaced by Prince Masvaure. Lhuan-dre Pretorius creates history in first innings Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit a dazzling 153 on debut and transformed South Africa's fortunes on the first day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Saturday. South Africa scored 418 for nine, a total which seemed unlikely when Pretorius arrived at the crease with his team in trouble at 23 for three. Fast bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch, batting at number eight, made 100 not out, reaching his century in the last over of the day. Pretorius, a solidly-built left-hander aged 19 years and 93 days, became the youngest South African to hit a Test century and the seventh from his country to make a hundred on Test debut. Pretorius hit a six off the fourth ball he faced, from left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza, then smiled broadly at batting partner Wiaan Mulder. He hit another six and seven fours in reaching his century off 112 balls. He hit a total of four sixes and 11 fours off 160 deliveries before he was caught at mid-on off a top-edged pull against fast bowler Tanaka Chivanga. Pretorius gave no chances but the Zimbabwean players seemed convinced that he had edged a ball from Chivanga to wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga when he was on 30. No decision review system is in place for the series. Chivanga, who took the first three wickets while conceding only eight runs, took four for 83 despite seeming to struggle with a hamstring strain during the afternoon. Chivanga and fellow fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani, who took two for 59, generated pace and bounce but they were the only specialist seamers in the team and Zimbabwe's four spin bowlers proved expensive. "We knew they had only two seamers so we tried to take the spinners out of the attack," said Pretorius "It was doing quite a bit early in the morning and the situation when I came in was quite tough. "Wiaan kept me quite calm and I just tried to enjoy the moment and play with a smile on my face." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bennett, who scored 139 on his previous Test appearance against England in Nottingham last month, had scored 19 off 24 balls on the second day of the match when he attempted a hook against fast bowler Kwena Maphaka and was struck on the helmet.

ZIM vs SA: Zimbabwe batter Bennett ruled out of South Africa Test with concussion

Chelsea defeated Benfica 4-1 in extra time in a chaotic weather-disrupted last-16 clash to book their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in extra time to send Premier League side Chelsea into a quarter-final clash against Brazil's Palmeiras. Chelsea's late burst of scoring settled a game that took four hours, 39 minutes to complete at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina after a near two-hour weather delay.&nbsp;Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left satisfied with his team's victory but slammed the delay that turned the tie into a near five-hour marathon.&nbsp;"I think it's a joke, it's not football," Maresca said. "For 85 minutes we were in control of the game. We created enough chances to win the game. Then after the break, the game changed -- for me personally, it's not football."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fascist-dictator-benito-mussolinis-grandson-back-in-rome-football-1751105966769">Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini’s grandson back in Rome football</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Chelsea had been seemingly poised for victory after Reece James' opportunistic second-half free-kick had left them 1-0 up with four minutes of regulation time remaining.&nbsp;But just as Chelsea began to think about their quarter-final assignment, the arrival of a storm over Charlotte triggered local safety protocols which required the game to be halted.&nbsp;It marked the sixth occasion during the Club World Cup that a game has been disrupted by a weather warning.&nbsp;"If you are already suspending, six, seven, eight games it probably means there is something that is not working well," Maresca said. "Because in a football game, it's not normal to suspend the game."&nbsp;When play resumed just under two hours later, a revitalised Benfica grabbed an injury-time equaliser after Chelsea substitute Malo Gusto was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area following an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee.&nbsp;Benfica's Argentine veteran Angel Di Maria stepped up to roll in an ice-cold penalty, sending the game into extra time.&nbsp;An end-to-end first half of extra time saw Benfica, reduced to 10 men following Gianluca Prestianni's second yellow card at the end of regulation, threaten to take the lead as they chased an improbable victory.&nbsp;But instead it was Nkunku who fired Chelsea back in front, the French international bundling in from close range after Moises Caicedo's low shot squirted underneath Benfica goalkeeper Antoliy Trubin.&nbsp;As the game opened up, Benfica were increasingly vulnerable on the counter-attack and Chelsea pounced.&nbsp;Neto made it 3-1 with a nerveless finish after going clean through on goal in the 114th minute, and three minutes later Dewsbury-Hall completed the rout to send Chelsea through to the last eight.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left satisfied with his team's victory but slammed the delay that turned the tie into a near five-hour marathon.

Chelsea defeated Benfica 4-1 in extra time in a chaotic weather-disrupted last-16 clash to book their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored in extra time to send Premier League side Chelsea into a quarter-final clash against Brazil's Palmeiras. Chelsea's late burst of scoring settled a game that took four hours, 39 minutes to complete at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina after a near two-hour weather delay. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left satisfied with his team's victory but slammed the delay that turned the tie into a near five-hour marathon. "I think it's a joke, it's not football," Maresca said. "For 85 minutes we were in control of the game. We created enough chances to win the game. Then after the break, the game changed -- for me personally, it's not football." Also read | Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini’s grandson back in Rome football Earlier, Chelsea had been seemingly poised for victory after Reece James' opportunistic second-half free-kick had left them 1-0 up with four minutes of regulation time remaining. But just as Chelsea began to think about their quarter-final assignment, the arrival of a storm over Charlotte triggered local safety protocols which required the game to be halted. It marked the sixth occasion during the Club World Cup that a game has been disrupted by a weather warning. "If you are already suspending, six, seven, eight games it probably means there is something that is not working well," Maresca said. "Because in a football game, it's not normal to suspend the game." When play resumed just under two hours later, a revitalised Benfica grabbed an injury-time equaliser after Chelsea substitute Malo Gusto was adjudged to have handled in the penalty area following an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee. Benfica's Argentine veteran Angel Di Maria stepped up to roll in an ice-cold penalty, sending the game into extra time. An end-to-end first half of extra time saw Benfica, reduced to 10 men following Gianluca Prestianni's second yellow card at the end of regulation, threaten to take the lead as they chased an improbable victory. But instead it was Nkunku who fired Chelsea back in front, the French international bundling in from close range after Moises Caicedo's low shot squirted underneath Benfica goalkeeper Antoliy Trubin. As the game opened up, Benfica were increasingly vulnerable on the counter-attack and Chelsea pounced. Neto made it 3-1 with a nerveless finish after going clean through on goal in the 114th minute, and three minutes later Dewsbury-Hall completed the rout to send Chelsea through to the last eight. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was left satisfied with his team's victory but slammed the delay that turned the tie into a near five-hour marathon.

Chelsea beat Benfica to reach Club World Cup quarters after weather chaos

British number one Emma Raducanu refused to be drawn on rumours of a relationship with French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz as the duo gear up for a doubles partnership at the US Open. Raducanu and Alcaraz practiced together at Wimbledon on Friday as part of a sponsors commitment and will play alongside each other at Flushing Meadows in September in the mixed doubles. Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz revealed last week he had made the request to play with Raducanu, who shot to fame when she won the US Open in 2021.&nbsp;"We're just good friends," said a smiling Raducanu when asked about speculation that the two are dating. "It was fun yesterday. We were both on court with Evian. We were just getting some volley practicing ahead of New York.&nbsp;"I'm really happy obviously to be playing with him. Yeah, we had a good time yesterday."&nbsp;Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-2025-complete-guide-to-dates-key-players-and-live-streaming-details-in-india-1751110789635">Wimbledon 2025: Complete guide to dates, key players and live streaming details in India</a>&nbsp;In contrast to Alcaraz's meteoric rise since making his major breakthrough at the US Open three years ago, Raducanu has struggled to shine under the spotlight since becoming a household name.&nbsp;The 22-year-old has never progressed beyond the fourth round of the Grand Slam since winning in New York and has been battling a back injury heading into Wimbledon.&nbsp;"Truthfully I don't expect much from myself this year. I know I've just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment," added Raducanu, who faces fellow Briton Mimi Xu in the first round.&nbsp;"I know there's not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon. You get it once a year and for a finite amount of time.&nbsp;"I'm just looking forward to going out there and feeling the surroundings and the atmosphere."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz revealed last week he had made the request to play with Raducanu, who shot to fame when she won the US Open in 2021.

British number one Emma Raducanu refused to be drawn on rumours of a relationship with French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz as the duo gear up for a doubles partnership at the US Open. Raducanu and Alcaraz practiced together at Wimbledon on Friday as part of a sponsors commitment and will play alongside each other at Flushing Meadows in September in the mixed doubles. Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz revealed last week he had made the request to play with Raducanu, who shot to fame when she won the US Open in 2021. "We're just good friends," said a smiling Raducanu when asked about speculation that the two are dating. "It was fun yesterday. We were both on court with Evian. We were just getting some volley practicing ahead of New York. "I'm really happy obviously to be playing with him. Yeah, we had a good time yesterday." Also Read | Wimbledon 2025: Complete guide to dates, key players and live streaming details in India In contrast to Alcaraz's meteoric rise since making his major breakthrough at the US Open three years ago, Raducanu has struggled to shine under the spotlight since becoming a household name. The 22-year-old has never progressed beyond the fourth round of the Grand Slam since winning in New York and has been battling a back injury heading into Wimbledon. "Truthfully I don't expect much from myself this year. I know I've just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment," added Raducanu, who faces fellow Briton Mimi Xu in the first round. "I know there's not many opportunities to be playing at Wimbledon. You get it once a year and for a finite amount of time. "I'm just looking forward to going out there and feeling the surroundings and the atmosphere." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz revealed last week he had made the request to play with Raducanu, who shot to fame when she won the US Open in 2021.

Emma Raducanu address dating rumours with Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Wimbledon pairing

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Friday about a new ceasefire in Gaza, as criticism grew over mounting civilian deaths at Israeli-backed food distribution centers in the territory.Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."The United States brokered a ceasefire in the devastating conflict in the waning days of former president Joe Biden's administration, with support from Trump's incoming team.Israel broke the ceasefire in March, launching new devastating attacks on Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.Israel also stopped all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months, drawing warnings of famine.Israel has since allowed a resumption of food through the controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which involves US security contractors with Israeli troops at the periphery.United Nations officials on Friday said the GHF system was leading to mass killings of people seeking aid, drawing accusations from Israel that the UN was "aligning itself with Hamas."Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported repeated killings of Palestinians at distribution centers over recent weeks in the war-stricken territory, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas militants.The Israeli military has denied targeting people and GHF has denied any deadly incidents were linked to its sites.But following weeks of reports, UN officials and other aid providers on Friday denounced what they said was a wave of killings of hungry people seeking aid."The new aid distribution system has become a killing field," with people "shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNWRA)."This abomination must end through a return to humanitarian deliveries from the UN including @UNRWA," he wrote on X.The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centers while seeking scarce supplies.The country's civil defense agency has also repeatedly reported people being killed while seeking aid."People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres."The search for food must never be a death sentence."Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) branded the GHF relief effort "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid."<h2>Israel denies targeting civilians</h2>That drew an angry response from Israel, which said GHF had provided 46 million meals in Gaza."The UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations," the foreign ministry said.Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report in left-leaning daily Haaretz that military commanders had ordered troops to shoot at crowds near aid distribution sites to disperse them even when they posed no threat.Haaretz said the military advocate general, the army's top legal authority, had instructed the military to investigate "suspected war crimes" at aid sites.The Israeli military declined to comment to AFP on the claim.Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz that their country "absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels" and "malicious falsehoods" in the Haaretz article.<h2>Civil defense says 80 killed</h2>Gaza's civil defense agency told AFP 80 Palestinians had been killed on Friday by Israeli strikes or fire across the Palestinian territory, including 10 who were waiting for aid.The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the incidents, and denied its troops fired in one of the locations in central Gaza where rescuers said one aid seeker was killed.Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP six people were killed in southern Gaza near one of the distribution sites operated by GHF, and one more in a separate incident in the center of the territory, where the army denied shooting "at all."Another three people were killed by a strike while waiting for aid southwest of Gaza City, Bassal said.Elsewhere, eight people were killed "after an Israeli air strike hit Osama Bin Zaid School, which was housing displaced persons" in northern Gaza.<h2>Militants attack Israeli forces</h2>Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said they shelled an Israeli vehicle east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Friday.The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas-ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said they attacked Israeli soldiers in at least two other locations near Khan Yunis in coordination with the Al-Qassam Brigades.Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,331 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations considers its figures reliable.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Friday about a new ceasefire in Gaza, as criticism grew over mounting civilian deaths at Israeli-backed food distribution centers in the territory. Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire." The United States brokered a ceasefire in the devastating conflict in the waning days of former president Joe Biden's administration, with support from Trump's incoming team. Israel broke the ceasefire in March, launching new devastating attacks on Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel also stopped all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months, drawing warnings of famine. Israel has since allowed a resumption of food through the controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which involves US security contractors with Israeli troops at the periphery. United Nations officials on Friday said the GHF system was leading to mass killings of people seeking aid, drawing accusations from Israel that the UN was "aligning itself with Hamas." Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported repeated killings of Palestinians at distribution centers over recent weeks in the war-stricken territory, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas militants. The Israeli military has denied targeting people and GHF has denied any deadly incidents were linked to its sites. But following weeks of reports, UN officials and other aid providers on Friday denounced what they said was a wave of killings of hungry people seeking aid. "The new aid distribution system has become a killing field," with people "shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNWRA). "This abomination must end through a return to humanitarian deliveries from the UN including @UNRWA," he wrote on X. The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centers while seeking scarce supplies. The country's civil defense agency has also repeatedly reported people being killed while seeking aid. "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The search for food must never be a death sentence." Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) branded the GHF relief effort "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid." Israel denies targeting civilians That drew an angry response from Israel, which said GHF had provided 46 million meals in Gaza. "The UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations," the foreign ministry said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report in left-leaning daily Haaretz that military commanders had ordered troops to shoot at crowds near aid distribution sites to disperse them even when they posed no threat. Haaretz said the military advocate general, the army's top legal authority, had instructed the military to investigate "suspected war crimes" at aid sites. The Israeli military declined to comment to AFP on the claim. Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz that their country "absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels" and "malicious falsehoods" in the Haaretz article. Civil defense says 80 killed Gaza's civil defense agency told AFP 80 Palestinians had been killed on Friday by Israeli strikes or fire across the Palestinian territory, including 10 who were waiting for aid. The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the incidents, and denied its troops fired in one of the locations in central Gaza where rescuers said one aid seeker was killed. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP six people were killed in southern Gaza near one of the distribution sites operated by GHF, and one more in a separate incident in the center of the territory, where the army denied shooting "at all." Another three people were killed by a strike while waiting for aid southwest of Gaza City, Bassal said. Elsewhere, eight people were killed "after an Israeli air strike hit Osama Bin Zaid School, which was housing displaced persons" in northern Gaza. Militants attack Israeli forces Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said they shelled an Israeli vehicle east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Friday. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas-ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said they attacked Israeli soldiers in at least two other locations near Khan Yunis in coordination with the Al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,331 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations considers its figures reliable. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."

Trump hails Gaza progress, says ceasefire possibly 'next week' even as UN says Israel’s aid centres becoming ‘killing fields’

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