World number one Jannik Sinner kept up his winning return to tennis as a 6-4 6-2 victory over Jesper de Jong carried him through to the last 16 of the Italian Open.
Home favourite Sinner, who returned from a three-month doping ban with a win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, battled past Dutchman De Jong to set up what should prove a trickier match against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.
Following his victory over De Jong, the 23-year-old Sinner said the reaction from the Italian crowd was the best he had ever experienced, and those in attendance in Rome were in equally supportive voice on Monday.
Sinner raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set but showed signs of rustiness as he gave back the three-game advantage against De Jong, who is at a career-high 93rd in the world rankings.
Italy’s reigning US Open and Australian Open champion ultimately recovered to close out the set before dominating the second to claim a 23rd consecutive win.
It is a streak that has been interrupted by the three-month suspension he agreed with the World Anti Doping Agency (Wada).
Victory against De Jong maintained Sinner’s bid to end a 49-year wait for an Italian winner of the men’s tournament in Rome. Adriano Panatta, with his title run in 1976, was the last home champion.
How Sinner copes with his next opponent is likely to provide a firm indication of where his form is at.
Cerundolo, the 17th seed, knocked Sinner out of the tournament at the last-16 stage in 2023 and has reached the semi-finals in Munich and Madrid at his last two events.
“He’s an amazing player, he has an amazing season until now,” Sinner said.
“It’s going to be tough. For sure I have to raise my level. It’s going to be a good challenge, a good test for me and we’ll see how it goes.”
Opening statements started Monday in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music mogul accused of committing years of chilling abuse.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty on all counts, which include a racketeering charge alleging the hip-hop pioneer led a sex crime ring that included drug-fueled sex parties by use of force, threats and violence.
“He used his companies to manipulate women, forcing them with male escorts to have sex while he watched. He and his inner circle made sure he got everything he wanted,” said prosecutor Emily Johnson.
Quincy Brown (2nd L), stepson of Sean Combs, walks with other members of the Combs family as they arrive at federal court for the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York City on May 12, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
The panel of 12 jurors — eight men and four women — and six alternates responsible for determining Combs’s fate was finalized Monday.
The process was pushed back after Judge Arun Subramanian voiced concern candidates might get “cold feet” over the weekend.
READ ALSO: Jury Selection Begins In Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sex Crimes Trial
Last week potential jurors were vetted including on their ability to fairly hear evidence from hip-hop artists, sex workers and people involved in the use and distribution of drugs.
The selected jurors will remain anonymous, but not sequestered — meaning they must individually ensure they stay away from media coverage and social media commentary about the high-profile case.
Janice Combs (R), mother of Sean Combs, arrives at federal court for the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York City on May 12, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) / ALTERNATE CROP
Prosecutors struck seven prospective jurors who were Black, prompting Combs’s defense team to allege bias.
“We believe (it) amounts to a pattern,” said Marc Agnifilo, although the judge said it was not purposeful discrimination and allowed the prospectives to be dismissed.
Combs, who was for decades one of music’s powerhouse figures, appears aged, his once jet-black hair now gray.
Combs was joined at the courthouse by his mother Janice and 17-year-old twin daughters, and wore a white dress shirt under a beige sweatshirt with khaki pants and black-rimmed glasses.
He appeared alert and interacted with his lawyers and some of those seated in the public gallery.
There was a scrum of journalists and curious members of the public braving tight security, eager to catch a glimpse of the fallen music mogul.
Quincy Brown (L), stepson of Sean Combs, and Justin Combs (3rd R) walk with other members of the Combs family as they arrive at federal court for the sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York City on May 12, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)
If convicted, the one-time rap producer and global superstar, who is often credited for his role in bringing hip-hop into the mainstream, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Prosecutors allege he held sex parties — also known as “freak-offs” — that were coercive and criminal.
But his defense lawyers say the events were in fact entirely consensual, and simply part of Combs’s “swinger” lifestyle.
‘Damning’ video evidence
Core to the case against Combs is his relationship with his former girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who is expected to be a key trial witness.
A disturbing surveillance video from 2016 shows Combs physically assaulting Ventura at a hotel.
It is unclear how much of the CNN video will be shown to jurors as evidence — the footage quality has been a sticking point between the opposing legal teams — but Subramanian has ruled that at least some of it will be admissible.
But it has been widely broadcast both in media reports and across social media channels.
Some potentials for the jury told the court they had seen that video. One prospective panelist — who was dismissed — described the video as “damning.”
Another was sent home after saying that his wife, a former attorney, had told him about taking depositions related to a deadly crowd crush at an event organized by Combs in 1991.
“She found his behavior disturbing, she does not like him,” said the man.
But others said they believed they could still assess the evidence fairly despite already having seen the video.
The proceedings are expected to last eight to 10 weeks.
One Direction’s Niall Horan has been with his partner Amelia Woolley for five years now and the couple are said to have made a development in their relationship recently
Niall Horan has been in a relationship with Amelia Woolley for several years(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Modest! Golf)
Singer-songwriter Niall Horan is reportedly “laying down his roots” with a new home that he’s said to have bought for himself and his partner Amelia Woolley recently. Now, those close to Niall are claiming that the move is the next step in their relationship.
It was reported just last month that Niall, 31, had spent £10 million on a house in London. The six-bedroom property was described as a “proper family home” for the musician, who’s best known for formerly being a member of One Direction, and his partner Amelia, 27, as well as the couple’s dog.
Following the news, it’s now been claimed that Niall’s inner circle after “thrilled” by the apparent latest development in his relationship with Amelia. They are thought to have been together since 2020, with it reported that year that they began a romance amid lockdown in the Covid pandemic.
Niall Horan is said to have bought a new home for himself, his partner Amelia Woolley and their dog recently(Image: Instagram)
A source told the Sun that whilst Niall enjoys touring, the apparent new home is him “laying down his roots”. They said: “Niall loves travelling and touring but this is him really laying down his roots with his new home with Mia.”
The source went on to tell the outlet: “All of Niall’s loved ones have totally embraced Amelia, they can see how happy she makes him. She is part of the family.”
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The outlet claims that it was Amelia’s “normal job” that first endeared her to Niall’s family when she was introduced to them in 2021. She’s said to currently work as an international sales and marketing manager for the Forest Road Brewery Company.
It adds that Amelia once studied fashion business at the Istituto Marangoni in London. She’s said to have worked for brands like Nicholas Kirkwood, with it previously reported that she was working for the shoe designer brand when she met Niall.
They couple have been together for five years and his inner circle are said to be ‘thrilled’ by the apparent latest development in their relationship(Image: Getty Images)
Niall’s mother, Maura Gallagher, spoke about Amelia, who’s said to have grown up in Birmingham, on RTÉ Radio 1 in 2022. Before sharing her thoughts, she recalled her son bringing his girlfriend, whom she didn’t name, home to Ireland, saying: “He’s brought her home to Mullingar.”
Asked she had met his girlfriend, Maura confirmed that she had and shared praise. She revealed on the radio show three years ago: “I have indeed. She’s a lovely girl.”
When asked where Niall’s partner was from, his mother said: “She’s from England and she’s not in the business, so that’s a good one!” Maura went on to agree that she was “very impressed” by her son’s latest partner.
Her comments came after Niall had previously been linked to other celebrities over the course of his career. They include fellow singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding and actor Hailee Steinfeld.
Given an insight into his relationship with Amelia, Niall told Cosmopolitan in 2023: “I wouldn’t say I’m like ‘rose petals on the floor’ type of romantic, but I’m good at caring. I’m good at making dinners and the day-to-day stuff.” Speaking about love languages, he added: “I’m good at words of affirmation and I’m good at touch.”
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Australia might relax their preference for fielding Australian-based players to give themselves the best shot of beating the British and Irish Lions in this summer’s series.
The Wallabies have generally opted for players either at domestic teams, or with a commitment to return to play in the country.
The policy was previously formalised as ‘Giteau’s Law’ – a limit on the number of players an Australian head coach could pick from overseas, which varied on the number of caps individuals had won – but it has been loosened in recent years.
Back row Langi Gleeson, who played in all four of Australia’s November internationals, had his invitation to a training camp rescinded in January after it was reported he had agreed a move to French side Montpellier.
“We don’t want to discount anyone because, as [Lions head coach] Andy [Farrell’s] done and the coaches, they’ve picked a form squad,” said Schmidt.
“I stay in touch with those guys who are overseas.
“We would love to pick a form squad.
“But, as I’ve always said, if there’s anything that we think is 50-50, it’s more difficult to absorb someone from the outside the groups that play together already.”
Former Saracens second row Will Skelton, now with La Rochelle, Bordeaux’s in-form back row Peter Samu and Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi are among those who could benefit.
Schmidt suffered two injury scares over the weekend with Noah Lolesio, his first-choice 10, and big-money league convert Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii both carried out of Super Rugby matches on stretchers.
While Suaalii has suffered a concussion that will keep him out of action for about two weeks as he goes through return-to-play protocols, Lolesio’s availability for the Lions series is less clear.
“We are pleased to report that scans have cleared him of any serious injury,” Lolesio’s Brumbies team said about the 25-year-old’s back injury.
Getty Images
Schmidt also admitted he had been impressed by Henry Pollock’s rise, with the 20-year-old back row going from age-grade international rugby and a fringe squad member at Northampton to being named in the Lions’ 38-strong squad last Thursday in only a matter of months.
“He is a very, very promising player,” said Schmidt.
When are the British and Irish Lions fixtures?
Friday, 20 June – Lions v Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium)
Saturday, 28 June – Lions v Western Force, Perth (Optus Stadium)
Wednesday, 2 July – Lions v Queensland Reds, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
Saturday, 5 July – Lions v NSW Waratahs, Sydney (Allianz Stadium)
Wednesday, 9 July – Lions v ACT Brumbies, Canberra (GIO Stadium)
Saturday, 12 July – Lions v Invitational AU & NZ, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval)
Saturday, 19 July – Lions v Australia, first Test, Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium)
Tuesday, 22 July – Lions v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne (Marvel Stadium)
Saturday, 26 July – Lions v Australia, second Test, Melbourne (Melbourne Cricket Ground/MCG)
Saturday, 2 August – Lions v Australia, third Test, Sydney (Accor Stadium)
President Bola Tinubu on Monday swore in two newly appointed commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, dismissed widespread speculation that he had been removed from office.
Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Yakubu affirmed his position and clarified that no such action had been taken by the President.
“Idon’t think we need to waste time on unnecessary speculation. As far as the law is concerned, and to the best of my knowledge, I remain the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the federation under the Constitution, and the Returning Officer for the presidential election under the Electoral Act,” Yakubu said.
A file photo of the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.
The INEC chairman also revealed that the Commission had forwarded 142 recommendations to the National Assembly as part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s electoral process following its internal review of the 2023 general elections.
“We reviewed the 2023 general elections on our own. We engaged with stakeholders and came up with 142 recommendations. Out of these, eight require constitutional or Electoral Act amendments, and we have already discussed them with members of the National Assembly,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.
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Yakubu expressed satisfaction with the lawmakers’ response and pace of action.
“So far, so good. We are happy with our discussions with them and the speed at which they want to proceed to ensure necessary amendments are made ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.
He added that INEC’s collaboration with the National Assembly was progressing steadily.
“Two weeks ago, we held a retreat in Lagos with the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral reform. Thereafter, the National Assembly will conduct a public hearing, after which a new bill will be introduced,” he explained.
The submission of recommendations and continued legislative engagement, Yakubu said, are part of the Commission’s commitment to ensuring more credible and transparent elections in the future.
President Bola Tinubu swears in newly appointed INEC commissioners on Monday, May 12, 2025. Photo Credit: @officialABAT on X.
The UK government has announced an end to overseas recruitment for social care visas, as part of immigration policies unveiled by the, Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, in a White Paper to help Britain strengthen control of its borders and reduce migration.
“In line with our wider reforms to skills thresholds, we will close social care visas to new applications from abroad,” the UK Home Office said on its website on Monday.
“For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, we will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review,” it added.
It said the measures would reshape Britain’s immigration system towards “those who contribute most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers”.
It explained that new requirements on employers to boost domestic training would end the reliance on international recruitment, restoring order to a “failed system” that saw net migration quadruple between 2019 and 2023.
Key policies in the 82-page blueprint, titled ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System,’ include reversing the long-term trend of increasing international recruitment at the expense of skills and training.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Economy Grows Strongly Amid High Inflation — World Bank
It also includes the establishment ofthe labour market evidence group to make informed decisions about the state of the labour market and the role that different policies should play, rather than always relying on migration, and the engagement of sector bodies by departments across government.
Skilled Must Mean Skilled
The UK government will also lift the level for skilled workers back to RQF 6 (Graduate level) and above, while salary thresholds will rise.
It further noted that the immigration salary list, which gives people discounts from salary thresholds, would be abolished.
“Access to the points-based immigration system will be limited to occupations where there have been long term shortages, on a time limited basis, where the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has advised it is justified, where there is a workforce strategy in place, and where employers seeking to recruit from abroad are committed to playing their part in increasing recruitment from the domestic workforce,” it added.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, delivers a speech during a press conference at the media briefing room of 9 Downing Street, central London, on May 12, 2025, ahead of the publication of the Government’s Immigration White Paper. (Photo by Ian Vogler / POOL / AFP)
The government also said it would strengthen the requirements that all sponsoring institutions must meet to recruit international students.
“We will introduce new interventions for sponsors who are close to failing their sponsor duties, including placing them on an action plan designed to improve their compliance, and imposing limits on the number of new international students they can recruit while they are subject to those plans. We will reduce the ability for graduates to remain in the UK after their studies to a period of 18 months,” it said.
It, however, said it would go further in ensuring that the very highly skilled have opportunities to come to the UK and access its targeted routes for the brightest and best global talent.
According to the government, this includes increasing the number of people arriving on its very high-talent routes, alongside faster routes for bringing people to the UK who have the right skills and experience to supercharge UK growth in strategic industries.
READ ALSO: JAMB Orders Review Of 2025 UTME After Outrage, Complaints
Tackling Abuse
As part of efforts to strengthen its border, the UK government said the new policies would apply to individuals who claim asylum where conditions in their home country have not materially changed, “particularly where they have claimed asylum after arrival”.
“Tighter visa controls, restrictions, requirements, or scrutiny will be applied where we have evidence of abuse, based on a clear assessment of the risks,” it added.
The new policies came more than three months after UK opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch, said her Conservative party would make it more difficult for regular migrants to settle permanently in Britain.
She had said in an interview on February 5 that migrants would have to prove they had made a net contribution to the UK economy in order to settle indefinitely in the country, by working and paying taxes.
