US President Donald Trump early Thursday said he would designate “Antifa” – a shorthand term for “anti-fascist” used by Trump allies to describe diffuse left-wing groups – as “a major terrorist organization”.
Trump, who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom, made the announcement in a social media post, calling Antifa a “SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER”. He also said he will be “strongly recommending” that funders of antifa be investigated.
Trump and his supporters have, without evidence, ascribed blame to Antifa for various actions Trump dislikes, from violence against police to the US Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
It’s unclear how the administration would label what is effectively a decentralized ideology as a terrorist organization, and the White House on Wednesday did not immediately offer details.
Trump’s previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in testimony in 2020 that Antifa is an ideology, not an organization, and lacks the hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.
While federal law enforcement includes combating domestic terrorism under its purview, the United States does not have a list of designated domestic terrorist organizations.
Senior White House official Stephen Miller has vowed the administration would dismantle an alleged “vast domestic terror movement” that he linked to the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The political leanings of the suspect in Kirk’s death remain unclear.
After Trump’s post, Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., praised the announcement, saying: “Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.”
Cassidy and Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, introduced a July 2019 resolution in the Senate to condemn “Antifa” and designate it a domestic terror organization. (France24)
Disney’s “Zootopia 2” is expanding. Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song have joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
They will play the Lynxleys, an old family in Zootopia who are responsible for building the weather walls that help the various biomes function.
According to the synopsis, Samberg is Pawbert Lynxley, the easy-going runt of the powerful Lynxley family; Strathairn is Milton Lynxley, a distinguished business-mammal and the patriarch of one of Zootopia’s oldest and most prestigious families; Culkin is Cattrick Lynxley, the ambitious eldest son of the Lynxley family; and Song is Kitty Lynxley, the sharp-tongued daughter of the Lynxley family.
The new cast members join returning characters voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin (as rabbit cop Judy Hopps), Jason Bateman (as fox Nick Wilde, now a police officer), Idris Elba (as Chief Bogo, the water buffalo chief of police), Nate Torrence (as cheetah cop Clawhauser) and Shakira (as pop star Gazelle). New characters for the sequel include those voiced by Ke Huy Quan as Gary, a mysterious snake; Fortune Feimster as Nibbles Maplestick, a helpful beaver; Quinta Brunson as Dr. Fuzzby, a police therapist; and Patrick Warburton as Mayor Winddancer, an action star-turned-politician.
Other returning cast members include Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Jenny Slate, Tommy Chong, Raymond S. Persi and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ lucky charm Alan Tudyk.
“Zootopia 2” is directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with Bush also writing the screenplay. Both Bush and Howard worked on the original film; Bush as a writer and Howard as a director. Bush is also the chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Composer Michael Giacchino also returns for the sequel. Yvett Merino produces the sequel.
The original “Zootopia” film, released in 2016, was a box office smash, making more than $1 billion at the global box office. It also won the Best Animated Feature Oscar and has inspired a series of Disney+ shorts and an entire theme park land at the Shanghai Disneyland resort. A 3D attraction is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World outside of Orlando on Nov. 7.
In a TV year that saw four celebrated series accumulate a stunning 97 nominations, the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards guaranteed reasons to cheer.
But it was the triumvirate of “Adolescence,” “The Studio” and “The Pitt” that dominated the show, hosted by Nate Bargatze and airing live from Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The British Netflix drama “Adolescence” scored a leading six awards on Sunday, including for Owen Cooper, the youngest-ever supporting actor in a limited series winner at age 15.
Seth Rogen landed his first-ever Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for his role as bumbling studio head Matt Remick in Apple TV+’s “The Studio,” which earned four awards, while the HBO drama “The Pitt,” starring outstanding lead actor in a drama series winner Noah Wyle, scooped up three.
Apple TV+’s “Severance” led this year’s nominations with 27 nods, followed by HBO’s “The Penguin” (24) and “The Studio” and HBO’s “The White Lotus” (23 each).
Eligible programs aired or streamed between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.
Check out the winners from some of the night’s top categories below.
Outstanding drama series
“Andor” (Disney+)
“The Diplomat” (Netflix)
“The Last of Us” (HBO)
“Paradise” (Hulu)
WINNER: “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
“Severance” (Apple TV+)
“Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)
“The White Lotus” (HBO)
Outstanding lead actor, drama series
Sterling K. Brown, “Paradise” (Hulu)
Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses” (Apple TV+)
Pedro Pascal, “The Last of Us” (HBO)
Adam Scott, “Severance” (Apple TV+)
WINNER: Noah Wyle, “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
Outstanding comedy series
“Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
“The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
“Hacks” (HBO Max)
“Nobody Wants This” (Netflix)
“Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)
“Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
WINNER: “The Studio” (Apple TV+)
“What We Do in the Shadows” (FX)
Outstanding limited series
WINNER: “Adolescence” (Netflix)
“Black Mirror” (Netflix)
“Dying for Sex” (FX/Hulu)
“Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” (Netflix)
“The Penguin” (HBO Max)
Outstanding talk series
“The Daily Show” (Comedy Central)
WINNER: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS)
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (ABC)
Outstanding lead actor, limited series/TV movie
Colin Farrell, “The Penguin” (HBO Max)
WINNER: Stephen Graham, “Adolescence” (Netflix)
Jake Gyllenhaal “Presumed Innocent” (Apple TV+)
Brian Tyree Henry, “Dope Thief” (Apple TV+)
Cooper Koch, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” (Netflix)
Outstanding lead actress, limited series/TV movie
Cate Blanchett, “Disclaimer” (Apple TV+)
Meghann Fahy, “Sirens” (Netflix)
Rashida Jones, “Black Mirror” (Netflix)
WINNER: Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin” (HBO Max)
Michelle Williams, “Dying for Sex” (FX)
Outstanding variety scripted series
WINNER: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (HBO)
“Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Outstanding supporting actor, comedy series
Ike Barinholtz, “The Studio,” (Apple TV+)
Colman Domingo, “The Four Seasons” (Netflix)
Harrison Ford, “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
WINNER: Jeff Hiller, “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
Michael Urie, “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
Bowen Yang, “Saturday Night Live” (NBC)
Outstanding reality competition program
“The Amazing Race” (CBS)
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (MTV)
“Survivor” (CBS)
“Top Chef” (Bravo)
WINNER: “The Traitors” (Peacock)
Outstanding supporting actress, comedy series
Liza Colon-Zayas, “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
WINNER: Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks” (HBO Max)
Kathryn Hahn, “The Studio” (Apple TV+)
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Catherine O’Hara, “The Studio” (Apple TV+)
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Jessica Williams, “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding lead actress, drama series
Kathy Bates, “Matlock” (CBS)
Sharon Horgan, “Bad Sisters” (Apple TV+)
WINNER: Britt Lower, “Severance” (Apple TV+)
Bella Ramsey, “The Last of Us” (HBO)
Keri Russell, “The Diplomat” (Netflix)
Outstanding supporting actor, drama series
Zach Cherry, “Severance” (Apple TV+)
Walton Goggins, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Jason Isaacs, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Sam Rockwell, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
WINNER: Tramell Tillman, “Severance” (Apple TV+)
John Turturro, “Severance” (Apple TV+)
Outstanding supporting actress, drama series
Patricia Arquette, “Severance,” (Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
WINNER: Katherine LaNasa, “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
Julianne Nicholson, “Paradise” (Hulu)
Parker Posey, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Natasha Rothwell, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Aimee Lou Wood, “The White Lotus” (HBO)
Outstanding lead actress, comedy series
Uzo Aduba, “The Residence” (Netflix)*
Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This” (Netflix)
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” (ABC)
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
WINNER: Jean Smart, “Hacks” (HBO Max)
Outstanding lead actor, comedy series
Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This” (Netflix)
WINNER: Seth Rogen, “The Studio” (Apple TV+)
Jason Segel, “Shrinking” (Apple TV+)
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building” (Hulu)
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” (FX/Hulu)
Outstanding TV movie
“Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” (Peacock)
“The Gorge” (Apple TV+)
“Mountainhead” (HBO)
“Nonnas” (Netflix)
WINNER: “Rebel Ridge” (Netflix)
Outstanding host, reality or competition program
RuPaul Charles, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” (MTV)
Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Daniel Lubetzky, “Shark Tank” (ABC)
Following the devastating inferno that gutted Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, six additional victims were confirmed dead yesterday, after the initial four persons on the fateful day.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2025 election, Peter Obi, had in separate messages, expressed their condolences to family members, management of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, United Bank for Africa, UBA, and United Capital Plc over unfortunate incident.
The latest six casualties were employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm, situated on the third and fourth floors of the building.
Meanwhile, Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, in a statement earlier, confirmed 10 persons dead.
In her response, titled; “Update on the report of fire incident at Afrialand Towers Broad Street, Lagos,” simply stated, “Further investigation with the Afriland team however, revealed that 10 adults male including female were confirmed dead afterwards.”
Recall that the management and staff of FIRS, had earlier in a statement on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the death of four staff members to include: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
One of the deceased, Jatto, it was gathered was in the office on the fateful day to hand over officially to his successor after been redeployed to another branch when the tragedy claimed his life.
The raging fire it was gathered by emergency agencies, originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building while smoke spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure, trapping occupants in the process.
“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
“FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the Towers with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors.
“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement reads.
However, statement by United Capital Plc yesterday, reports came in from another affected firm management, confirming the loss of six members of staff to the tragic incident, raising the total death toll to 10 so far.
A statement by United Capital Plc, made available to the media yesterday confirmed six of its staff dead in the incident.
The statement read in part; “It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
President Tinubu in a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called for more caution, training, and alertness to avert future occurrences.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.
He commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public for their quick intervention with their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation operations.
Tinubu prayed that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.
Sanwo-Olu who described the tragedy as “unfortunate,” expressed shock over the ugly incident that claimed the lives of people and the destruction of properties.
The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement issued on Thursday, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the fire outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the management and staff of all the organisations that lost their loved ones in the ugly incident. I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery.”
He pledged the government’s continued support for further prevention and arrest of such ugly incidents.
Obi mourns
“I like to sincerely extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all the families and companies affected by the tragic fire, as well as the traders at Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, Lagos Island, whose stores were engulfed in the fire. It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its reaction, raised alarm over the recent spate of devastating fires in Lagos and called for probe. (Vanguard)
Britain, Australia and Canada on Sunday recognised a Palestinian state in a seismic shift in decades of western foreign policy, triggering swift Israeli anger.
Portugal was also to recognise Palestinian statehood later Sunday, as Israel came under huge international pressure over the war in Gaza triggered almost two years ago by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
“Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognises the State of Palestine,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a message on X.
Britain and Canada became the first G7 countries to take the step, with France and other nations expected to follow at the annual UN General Assembly which opens Monday in New York.
“Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X.
It is a watershed moment for Palestinians and their decades-long ambitions for statehood, with the most powerful Western nations having long argued it should only come as part of a negotiated peace deal with Israel.
But the move puts those countries at odds with the United States and Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacting angrily and vowing to oppose it at the UN talks.
Calls for a Palestinian state “would endanger our existence and serve as an absurd reward for terrorism,” Netanyahu said Sunday.
A growing number of longtime allies have shifted positions, as Israel has intensified its Gaza offensive, vowing to eliminate the Hamas Palestinian militants.
The Gaza Strip has suffered vast destruction, a spiralling death toll and a lack of food that has sparked a major humanitarian crisis since the start of the conflict which has drawn an international outcry
The UK government has come under increasing public pressure to act, with thousands rallying every month on the streets. A poll released by YouGov on Friday showed two-thirds of young Britons aged 18-25 supported Palestinian statehood.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged at the UN in July that “Britain bears a special burden of responsibility to support the two-state solution”.
Over a century ago, the UK was pivotal in laying the groundwork for the creation of the state of Israel through the 1917 Balfour Declaration.
Three-quarters of UN members already recognise Palestinian statehood, with over 140 of the 193 having taken the step.
Starmer said in July that his Labour government intended to recognise a Palestinian State unless Israel took “substantive” steps including reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, getting more aid into the territory and confirming it would not annex the West Bank.
Starmer has also repeatedly called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages they captured in the 2023 attack, and is expected to set out new sanctions on the Palestinian militants.
Lammy told the BBC on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority, the civilian body that governs in areas of the West Bank, had been calling for the move for some time “and I think a lot of that is wrapped up in hope”.
“Will this feed children? No it won’t, that’s down to humanitarian aid. Will this free hostages? That must be down to a ceasefire.”
But he said it was an attempt to “hold out for” a two-state solution.
Palestinian foreign minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin told AFP last week: “Recognition is not symbolic.”
“It sends a very clear message to the Israelis on their illusions about continuing their occupation forever,” she added.
Hamas’s 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 65,208 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
Portugal said that it would also formally declare its recognition in New York on Sunday.
“By acting now, as the Portuguese government has decided, we’re keeping alive the possibility of having two states,” Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said. (Punch)
Hollywood blasted the White House for targeting free speech after ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s talk on Wednesday under regulatory threats from Donald Trump’s administration, rallying behind the late-night comic after his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The Walt Disney-owned broadcaster said it was yanking “Jimmy Kimmel Live” indefinitely after at least one affiliate said it would replace the show on its airwaves and the nation’s top communications regulator threatened investigations due to Kimmel’s statements.
The late-night host, a frequent Trump critic, had suggested in his monologue on Monday that Kirk’s allies were using his death to “score political points”.
Unions representing writers and actors said the move amounted to an attack on constitutionally protected free-speech rights, saying ABC should not have caved in the face of U.S. government pressure.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show marked the latest action against media figures, academic workers, teachers and corporate employees over their remarks about Kirk following the 31-year-old’s assassination a week ago in Utah.
“What we have signed on to – painful as it may be at times – is the freeing agreement to disagree,” the Writers Guild of America West and Writers Guild of America East said in a joint statement. “Shame on those in government who forget this founding truth. As for our employers, our words have made you rich. Silencing us impoverishes the whole world.”
A 22-year-old suspect has been charged with Kirk’s murder, and his precise motive remains unclear. Kirk’s death spurred an outpouring of grief among fans while also galvanizing some prominent right-wing supporters to target people who were critical of Kirk’s views or joked about his killing.
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, condemned the scrapping of the show, saying “the decision to suspend airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! is the type of suppression and retaliation that endangers everyone’s freedoms,” while actor Ben Stiller wrote “this isn’t right” on social media site X.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to pull licenses from television stations and has pressured broadcasters to stop airing content he finds objectionable. He has also trained his ire on print media with the filing of a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against the New York Times.
Earlier on Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr had urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show. Kimmel, who has frequently targeted Trump on his late-night comedy show, did not respond to a request for comment.
ABC pulled the show after Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, said it would stop airing the show following Kimmel’s September 10 comments, when he suggested that “the MAGA gang” was “doing everything they can to score political points” off of Kirk’s assassination. He also criticized Trump’s mourning, comparing it to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.”
Carr, in Wednesday remarks to conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, said “we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” suggesting the regulator could open investigations and broadcasters could face fines. He praised Nexstar, saying that “it is important for broadcasters to push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community values.”
The American Federation of Musicians said that “Trump’s FCC identified speech it did not like and threatened ABC with extreme reprisals. This is state censorship.” (JapanToday)
Max Verstappen tip-toed through the hazards of a wild qualifying session featuring six red-flag stoppages on Saturday to claim pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
As series leader Oscar Piastri crashed and his McLaren team-mate and title rival Lando Norris struggled for outright speed on his final lap, Red Bull’s four-time champion made the most of treacherous damp conditions to end a near-crazy two-hour session on top.
The Dutchman clocked a best lap in one minute and 41.117 seconds to finish 0.478 seconds ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz and half a second clear of Racing Bulls’ rookie Liam Lawson, who secured his best qualifying result.
Sainz had made the most of his opportunity in Q3 to go quickest before Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed to bring a sixth red-flag stoppage that wrecked his hopes of a fifth straight Baku pole – and deliver a mixed up grid.
Mercedes’ under-pressure rookie Kimi Antonelli and George Russell were fourth and fifth ahead of Yuki Tsunoda in the second Red Bull and Norris, who qualified seventh.
Racing Bulls’ second rookie Isack Hadjar was eighth ahead of Piastri and Leclerc with two-time champion Fernando Alonso taking 11th for Aston Martin and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton 12th for Ferrari.
It was Verstappen’s first pole in Baku, his sixth of the season and the 46th of his career.
“It was difficult to get a lap together, with all the red flags,” said Verstappen.
“In the final lap, you just have to send it. I wasn’t even on the best tyres. So, I am happy with the weekend!”
The chaos began in gusty conditions with light drizzle expected and rain threatening for Sunday’s race.
“We nailed it today by being on the right tires at the right time,” said Sainz. “So tomorrow I will try to stick it on the podium.”
As Q1 began, Piastri was in the pits for a new front wing while his rivals hurried for an early banker lap, but as he started his first lap, a red flag halted the action when Alex Albon hit the barriers, leaving the Australian in danger of elimination.
After eight minutes’ delay, Hamilton went top, Piastri took second, just two seconds before Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg hit the wall at Turn Four, triggering a second red flag.
Another eight-minute stoppage followed, after which Russell, Leclerc and then Norris bagged top spot before yet another red flag crash – Alpine’s Franco Colapinto at Turn Four – ended the action.
Q2 began after a further 12 minutes’ inaction, but it lasted only three minutes before Oliver Bearman smacked the wall at Turn Two and broke his car’s rear suspension – causing a fourth red flag to retrieve his abandoned machine.
The stop-go-stop-go session was running nearly an hour off schedule by the time Leclerc and Hamilton led them out again before the Monegasque, chasing a fifth consecutive Baku pole and first win, ran deep at Turn One.
Verstappen then stole top spot again as a luckless Hamilton exited along with two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber, Lance Stroll in the second Aston Martin and Haas’s Oliver Bearman.
On cue, rain fell as the top-ten shootout began.
“It’s too slippery,” reported Russell after running deep at Turn Four before Leclerc, the ‘Baku maestro’, hit the wall at Turn 15, his hopes wrecked,
A fifth red flag followed and, with only three drivers’ laps recorded, Sainz was top ahead of the two Racing Bulls.
“You can start dancing to see if it rains a bit harder, no?” said Sainz on team radio before a frantic, dramatic and slippery finale. (JapanToday)
Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 in a chaotic match at Old Trafford on Saturday to earn vital breathing space for beleaguered manager Ruben Amorim as Liverpool stayed perfect in the Premier League.
But Graham Potter’s future as West Ham boss appears bleak after a fourth defeat in five matches left the club firmly rooted in the relegation zone.
All eyes were on a rain-lashed Old Trafford for the early evening kick-off, with Amorim in desperate need of a win after a terrible start to the season.
The home side were given a huge helping hand when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the fifth minute of a stormy encounter.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made frantic personnel changes to compensate for the loss of Sanchez but the match immediately became an exercise in attack versus defense.
United captain Bruno Fernandes made the breakthrough in the 14th minute, prodding home from close range in his 200th Premier League game.
Casemiro doubled the lead before the Brazilian midfielder was shown a second yellow card on the stroke of half-time for tugging back Andrey Santos.
Even though both teams were now down to 10 men, Chelsea struggled to create chances in sodden conditions until Trevoh Chalobah brought the visitors back into the match with a bullet header 10 minutes from time.
But United survived some nervy moments to record just their second win of the season, lifting them into the top half of the table.
It was a first league defeat for Chelsea.
“Every win especially in this moment is important, against a great opponent,” Amorim told the BBC.
“We started the game in the right way, really aggressive. The red card helped us dominate the game but we were already there.
“We scored two goals and then we tried to complicate our game again. It’s always complicated with us. It should have been different, this game.”
In the early kick-off, Arne Slot’s Liverpool were 2-0 up against Everton inside half an hour through Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike and seemingly coasting to a fifth straight league win.
But they had to withstand an impressive fightback from their Merseyside rivals, who have not won at Anfield in front of fans in the 21st century.
The champions took the lead in the 10th minute when Gravenberch collected Mohamed Salah’s lifted cross before hooking a rasping shot over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
France international Ekitike finished off a silky move in the 29th minute, with Gravenberch turning provider.
Liverpool have not made things easy for themselves this season, relying on a series of late winners, and Everton made them sweat when Idrissa Gueye pulled a goal back in the 58th minute.
But Arne Slot’s men held on win 2-1 and make it six victories out of six in all competitions as they hunt down a record 21st English title.
“We needed mentality today in a different fashion than the few times before,” said Slot, who left Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak — costing a combined £225 million ($303 million) — on the bench.
“You can see how well we can play when we are fresh in the first 45 minutes. We ran out of energy a bit but we didn’t run out of mentality.”
West Ham boss Potter admitted that his side’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace was a “tough moment” as he fights to keep his job.
Former Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo and ex-Wolves manager Gary O’Neil have been linked with the position at the London Stadium.
Asked whether he felt he still had the support of the Hammers’ hierarchy, he replied: “I’ve no reason to think not.
“But I also understand the environment and the results. But I have no complaints about the support I have had.”
Tottenham came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Brighton, climbing to second in the table, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Goals from Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari gave the home side a cushion before Richarlison pulled one back shortly before half-time and Jan Paul van Hecke’s own goal made it all square.
Newly promoted Leeds recovered from conceding the first goal to beat Wolves 3-1, leaving the Midlands club without a single point from their five matches.
Burnley and Nottingham Forest shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday, seeking their third straight win against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Emirates. (JapanToday)
Spain has returned to the summit of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in over a decade, dislodging Argentina after a strong run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The updated rankings, released on FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, mark Spain’s first time at the top since 2014. Argentina, which had led the standings since April 2023, dropped to third place, with France moving up to second.
Portugal, Croatia, and Italy recorded slight gains, now occupying fifth, ninth, and tenth positions respectively.
Brazil slipped to sixth following a poor run of form, while Germany fell to 12th after a shock defeat to Slovakia in their qualifiers—pushing them outside the top 10 for the first time since October 2024.
Slovakia proved the biggest movers, climbing 10 places to 42nd after consecutive qualifying wins, including their upset victory against Germany.
Morocco remained just outside the top 10 after securing eight wins in their last nine matches, while other notable risers include The Gambia, Madagascar, Paraguay, Uganda, Libya, Suriname, and the Faroe Islands, each improving by at least five places.
Co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Canada, moved up two spots to 26th, while Kosovo achieved a historic milestone by climbing four places to 91st.
The latest rankings highlight the shifting balance of power in world football as nations gear up for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. (Punch)
Nigeria on Thursday welcomed the Commonwealth Sport Bid Evaluation Committee to Abuja, a major step towards hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, formally received the delegation at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
“What I can assure you is that we’re ready,” Tinubu told the delegation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to hosting an inclusive, diverse, and world-class 2030 Commonwealth Games on African soil.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Thursday titled, ‘Nigeria ready to host Africa’s First Commonwealth Games in 2030-President Tinubu assures.’
Gbajabiamila, along with a strong Federal Government team of Ministers and senior government officials, held strategic talks with the delegation led by Darren Hall, Director of Games and Assurance at Commonwealth Sport, and a member of the 2030 Evaluation Commission.
President Tinubu emphasised that the Commonwealth champions unity and diversity, and Africa deserves its moment after nearly a century.
Africa has never hosted the Games since their inception in 1930. Nigeria made an unsuccessful bid to host the 2014 Games. The city of Durban in South Africa won the bid to host the 2022 Games, but could not do so due to financial difficulties. Birmingham in the UK took over and hosted the Games. Thus, Nigeria’s bid to host the 2030 Games would be historic, Onanuga stated.
In his welcome remarks, Gbajabiamila called on the visitors to savour Nigeria’s renowned hospitality: “You’re very welcome to Nigeria. I hope you enjoy our great hospitality, which we are known for. Mr President also asked me personally to convey his regards; he fully supports this bid.”
“The President has written a Letter of Guarantee to you; his full weight is behind this bid. What I can assure you is that we’re ready. We’re willing, we’re able, and we actually want this. It’s been almost 100 years. The games have not been held on any soil in Africa.
”The element of inclusivity is what the Commonwealth is, and we hope that will benefit us,” he stated.
President Tinubu stressed that his administration has set some bold reforms to reposition sports, having realised its role as a strategic driver of national development.
He added that he scrapped the Ministry of Sports and replaced it with the National Sports Commission in the bid to drive sports development.
The President further assured the delegation that all infrastructural, security, and hospitality needs will be met ahead of schedule.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s bid is not just about hosting but also leaving a legacy for youth and national development.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made a strong case for Nigeria over India, stressing that Africa has 22 Commonwealth nations, and Nigeria, as the continent’s giant, deserves the honour.
“One thing I want to assure you is that the President sees the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in 2030, if we win the bid, as a celebration of the country’s growing force in sports, beyond just participation.”
President of Commonwealth Sport Nigeria, Habu Gumel, said the country is ready to host an environmentally sustainable Games.
Chairman of the Bid Committee, Mainasara Illo, presented Nigeria’s proposal, highlighting key plans and innovations.
He revealed that Nigeria proposes 15 sports, with football introduced to boost excitement, global visibility, and audience engagement.
Director of Games and Assurance, Darren Hall, thanked President Tinubu and the Nigerian team for their warm welcome.
“I have been most thrilled by the passion of the Nigerian people in all their endeavours, including sports.”
He said the Commonwealth, now comprising 56 nations, aims for greater diversity as it approaches its 100-year milestone.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, Minister of Aviation, Festus Kayamo, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa and Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, attended the meeting and made statements in support of the bid.
Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad, in Gujarat, as their proposed host cities.
After a thorough evaluation of both bids, the Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025.
PUNCH Online reports the next Commonwealth Games will be held in 2026 across four venues in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. (Punch)
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