Archive June 19, 2025

Prominent Nicaraguan dissident shot dead in exile in Costa Rica

A retired military officer from Nicaragua who later became a critic of President Daniel Ortega was shot dead in his exiled, sprawling condo in Costa Rica.

Roberto Samcam, 67, passed away on Thursday, raising questions about Nicaraguan dissidents’ safety, even if they reside abroad.

A suspect shot the retired major at least eight times before entering Samcam’s condominium building in San Jose at around 7:30 am local time (13:30 GMT).

The murder weapon was a 9mm pistol, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization. Claudia Vargas, Samcam’s wife, claimed the suspect lied to be a deliveryman to gain access to her husband according to Reuters news agency.

The suspect allegedly fled on a motorcycle after firing a gun on Samcam before fleeing without a word. He is still at large.

Samcam left his country after taking part in the protests in 2018. They started as counterprotests against social security reforms and quickly grew into one of the biggest anti-government movements in the country’s history.

Nicaragua’s streets were flooded by countless people. Some even demanded the resignation of Ortega.

Ortega did ultimately halt the social security reforms, but he also responded to the protests with a police crackdown, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 355 people, according to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

More than 2, 000 people were injured, and 2, 000 were detained according to the IACHR, for “arbitrary detention.”

Roberto Samcam, an exiled former member of the Nicaraguan military, was killed at his home, according to a forensic technician.

Ortega has continued to demand punishment for the protesters and organizations he compared to a “coup” in the months and years following the demonstrations.

Samcam was one of the critics who criticised Ortega’s use of paramilitary forces and military equipment to thwart the demonstrations. Both have been refuted by Ortega.

For instance, he compared Ortega to Anastasio Somoza Debayle, the final of the nearly 43-year-old Somoza family dictatorship, in a 2019 interview with Confidencial.

And Samcam published a book in the year 2022 called Ortega: El Calvario de Nicaragua, which roughly means Ortega: Nicaragua’s agony.

Ortega has long been accused of authoritarian tendencies and human rights violations. For instance, he seized hundreds of dissidents’ property in 2023 and stripped them of their citizenship, leaving them as essentially stateless.

Additionally, he has pushed for constitutional changes to strengthen both his and his wife’s, former vice president Rosario Murillo’s, position. Ortega serves as Ortega’s co-president, and she now leads.

Additionally, the changes give Ortega more authority to oversee all “legislative, judicial, electoral, control, and supervisory bodies,” giving him more authority to oversee virtually all government agencies.

Samcam was assisting in the investigation into some of Ortega’s alleged abuses from abroad.

He was appointed the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress’ (Cabinet of Conscience), a nonprofit headed by Oscar Arias, a Costa Rican president, in the fall of 2020.

In order to bring a legal action against the Nicaraguan president and his officials, Samcam as part of the group scoured the public’s testimony of abuses and torture committed under Ortega.

According to Samcam, “We are documenting each case so that it can be moved on to a trial, possibly before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.”

Samcam is not the only dissident from Nicaragua who has experienced an alleged assassination attempt while living abroad.

In addition to living in the capital of Costa Rica, Joao Maldonado, a student leader in the protests of 2018, has survived two similar attempts. He and his partner were seriously injured in the most recent incident, which occurred in January 2024.

Strictly star Georgia May Foote heartbroken as her nail studio burns down in huge fire

Georgia May Foote, who won the Strictly Come Dancing award in 2004, first gained notoriety on Coronation Street, but has since worked as a nail technician.

Georgia’s business has burned down(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Coronation Street star Georgia May Foote has revealed that her beauty business has burned down in a fire. The 34-year-old took to her Instagram page to tell her followers about the sad news.

The Strictly Come Dancing winner has been working as a nail technician as well as acting for the last four years and has her own beauty business. Georgia explains in the video that other people’s businesses have also been impacted by the fire.

She said: “Now as some of you may know I’ve been a nail technician now for the past 4 years alongside my acting. Unfortunately my beautiful little studio was affected by a huge fire within the storage world unit in Middleton last night.

Georgia shared a video on her social media accounts.
Georgia shared a video on her social media accounts.

“Many other people’s businesses have been destroyed, just like mys.” Along with other people’s most prized possessions. They all have my heart.

She continued, “Our stock and tools that we have spent years collecting have all gone, despite the fact that we can move into a new space.” Our jobs are no longer available. My friends and coworkers must figuratively start over. without having any way to even purchase these tools.

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“Some of them are parents.” I’m asking if you could kindly contribute a small amount to helping my friends rebuild their businesses.

We’d be grateful in all our lifetimes. The most devastation is caused by fire. Stock has vanished in seconds, in excess of tens of pounds.

Georgia found fame on Corrie
Georgia found fame on Corrie(Image: TV Grab)

The star’s friends and supporters made their comments in the comment section. One person said, “Love this! Let there be unity in the community.

I’m sorry, but a second wrote, “Sending you all so much love this is just heartbreaking.” If you can assist, let me know.

Georgia recently made an open letter about her battles with a skin condition that is incurable. The former Coronation Street star admitted she was struggling with the illness while sharing photos of her struggle with it.

Viligo is a “long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin” and is brought on by an autoimmune disorder, according to the NHS. Georgia said that she first started experiencing the condition in 2020, but it has since grown worse and is now on her face.

She captioned a selfie while driving and said, “My heart goes out to anyone with this condition.” I wonder why mine was added in 2020 [upside down face].

“I merely wanted to demonstrate its reality.” I get so angry because of how hard some days are. I’ll always make an effort to prove to those who have the condition that it’s okay. It occasionally makes me feel bad.

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She added: “We have got this. I pray one day we get the cream passed for use in this country. When I go on holiday in a few weeks I beg to please be kind with comments. I know you will be able to see a lot and it’s going to be hard to deal with.”

READ MORE: Boots beauty expert says £29 SPF powder is a must for makeup wearers in the heatwave

Messi inspires Inter Miami to win against Porto at Club World Cup

With an exquisite free kick, Lionel Messi’s first goal of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup gave Inter Miami a 2-1 victory over Porto, the two-time European champions.

At the break, Telasco Segovia put a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt to tie the game two minutes later.

The 37-year-old Argentinian made the decision to add a signature goal to his resume, which already guarantees he would be one of the game’s greatest stars.

Following a video review of the Portuguese club’s first goal of the tournament, Samu Omorodion scored on a penalty kick in the opening minutes.

Lionel Messi scores Inter Miami’s second goal from a free kick [Dale Zanine/Reuters].

In their opening Group A games, both teams were held to draw draws with no goals.

Javier Mascherano, the coach of Inter Miami, praised his team’s performance in a match that was regarded as one of Europe’s elite.

The Argentinian manager of Inter, who has a lot of quality and a high level, said, “We were working really, really hard against a team that has a lot of quality and a high level, but we have shown to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team.”

The first half of this game was also very, very good. The players understood their abilities. We can accomplish amazing things when we are together and right next to our teammates. ”

Inter Miami CF's Telasco Segovia scores their first goal
Telasco Segovia scores Inter Miami’s first goal [Dale Zanine/Reuters]

Rodrigo Mora ran down the middle of the field and hit Messi just outside the penalty area.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium chanting “Messi!” was the audience. ” Messi! Messi ! In the 54th minute, he cleared the Porto wall with his left-footed blast, which ripped the net in the top right corner.

Mascherano continued, “Messi is the player who sets the tone for our competition.” His desire, his perseverance, and his will to continue competing, wherever they may be.

What else can I add to the football game? He is the best player to have ever played this sport. But it’s always surprising how determined he is to win.

He continued to support the team in any way he could, even in the final moments when everyone was exhausted. ”

Inter Miami makes its way back to South Florida on Monday, confident that a win over Brazilian side Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium will guarantee its place in the Round of 16.

At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Porto closes out group play against Egypt’s Al Ahly in a desperate need for a win.

Michelle Keegan makes huge weekly sum on maternity leave thanks to savvy move while pregnant

Michelle Keegan, a former Coronation Street actress, and husband Mark Wright welcomed their first child in March of this year, taking advantage of the couple’s maternity leave.

Michelle has been making money while on maternity leave(Image: Getty Images)

Michelle Keegan, who makes £8,000 per week while taking maternity leave, is reportedly earning six figures. Although the actress gave birth to her first child, Palma, in March, it’s believed she can still make money when she isn’t working on any new acting projects.

The new mother’s net worth total, which is more than £4 million, is reported to be higher than £441, 082, which the new mother reportedly earned while she was expecting. According to Michelle’s filings with Rosie Promotions, Michelle was making money while on maternity leave.

According to accounts filed with Companies House, she earned the equivalent of £8,482 per week for the entire year through 2024. This raises the company’s net worth from bills to cash, increasing it to £4, 032, 277.

Michelle gave birth in March
Michelle gave birth in March(Image: michkeegan/Instagram)

According to The Sun, the business owns a property worth £3, 473, 623 and £ 610, 370, including an Altrincham apartment that was purchased in 2022. In the first year of trading for her business, Michele made a profit of £280,000, before earning a profit of £3 million in 2023.

Another way Michelle makes money is by co-directing clothing business Mysa Active with her husband Mark Wright. Michelle has reportedly landed a six-figure deal to become the new face of Sky.

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The actor is reportedly planning to record promo videos with Luther star Idris Elba, a fellow British actor. She was able to secure the deal because she had previously been a fixture on Sky with her channel-exclusive comedy Brassic.

Michelle is married to Mark Wright
Michelle is married to Mark Wright(Image: INSTAGRAM)

Michelle has been enjoying her maternity leave with Palma, according to a source, but she will soon return to the studio to film these new Sky commercials. She is thrilled to have been chosen to appear alongside Idris, who has been their “face,” and has signed a six-figure contract for the position.

Michelle wants to stay in the Sky brand despite Brassic’s seventh series coming to an end. Michelle is incredibly excited to land this advertisement because she is quickly establishing herself as a leader. She appears to have found true gold in everything she touches.

Michelle has found fame over the years through her acting career. She is best known for her roles on Coronation Street and Our Girl.

Michelle and Mark live a lavish lifestyle together
Michelle and Mark live a lavish lifestyle together(Image: PA)
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However, Michelle wasn’t always ready to become a famous actress. When she first left school, she found herself working at Selfridges in the Trafford Center as a make-up agent and at Manchester Airport as a check-in agent.

She eventually switched her focus to acting, and she soon found success. After just her second acting audition, she was given the role of Tina McIntyre, making her first acting debut on Coronation Street.

READ MORE: Boots beauty expert says £29 SPF powder is a must for makeup wearers in the heatwave

Government pledges £900m for sports events & facilities

Images courtesy of Getty

As part of a “transformational” investment, the government has pledged to spend £900 million on significant sporting events and grassroots facilities all over the UK.

The UK and Ireland will host “a pipeline of major international events” involving Euro 2028, which will be held there, with more than £0.5 billion being used to support the delivery of the project.

The Birmingham Grand Departs of the 2027 Men’s and Women’s Tour de France cycling competitions will also benefit from the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is continuing to work with the home nations’ football associations on behalf of the proposed UK bid to host the women’s football World Cup in 2035. All of those events had already received government support.

More than 100 of Britain’s most renowned athletes urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to do so earlier this month, prompting the government to make a decision regarding its support for London’s bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.

Sport unite communities, inspire millions, and showcase our country on the global stage, according to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

Former head of UK Sport’s funding agency, Dame Katherine Grainger, warned of “a significant gap” in the wake of “frustrating” the fact that Britain wasn’t staging more significant events over the next ten years.

We applaud the government’s continued commitment to hosting the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, and Euro 2028, as well as their commitment to ensuring the pipeline of significant events beyond 2028 so we can continue to reach, inspire, and unite people in every region of the nation, said Nick Webborn, her successor.

The government is not believed to be backing any bids for golf’s Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup, but it is reported that Britain will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the women’s rugby union World Cup this year.

The DCMS claims that a minimum of £400 million will also be put into “new and upgraded grassroots sports facilities” that promote health, wellbeing, and community cohesion over the course of the next four years as part of the funding commitment.

The government made plans for a new school sport partnership and enrichment framework for schools on Thursday, stating that all students had equal access to high-quality sports and extracurricular activities.

The government should be thanking us, according to Ali Oliver, the Youth Sport Trust’s CEO, for listening and responding to our sector’s call for a redesigned approach to PE and school sport. This will give those who work so tirelessly in PE and school sport, often against the clock, an incredible boost.

US Refuses Visa For Members Of Senegal’s Women’s Basketball Team, Says PM

The country’s prime minister said on Thursday that he had cancelled the group’s participation in the practice, and that the United States had rejected visa applications for several Senegal women’s basketball players who were scheduled to train there.

The administration’s tightened border controls and immigration crackdown are contributing to the visa refusals.

The United States will host the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

According to a memo from the internal administration, the United States is considering enforcing a travel ban that prohibits entry to its territory in Senegal.

Ousmane Sonko, the prime minister of Senegal, stated on Facebook that he had been informed that the national basketball team’s members had been denied visas.

READ MORE: Dortmund Held By Fluminense At Club World Cup

He claimed that he had instructed the nation’s sports minister to halt what was supposed to be a 10-day training camp in the US.

The United States only renewed visas for “those who held old visas and rejected new requests,” according to Babacar Ndiaye, president of the Senegalese Basketball Federation.

Les Lionnes planned to train in the United States ahead of the Ivory Coast Afrobasket 2025 competition, which will start in July.

The US Embassy in Senegal did not respond to a request for comment, despite a statement from a US State Department representative telling AFP that it was unable to comment on individual cases.

Prime Minister Sonko thanked China for “awarding dozens of training scholarships for our athletes and their coaches” in addition to putting a stop to the training.