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Cuban Olympic Body Says Denied US Visas

In response to growing concern about US entry requirements ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Cuban Olympic Committee (COC) claimed on Tuesday that Washington had refused to issue visas to officials and athletes.

Due to the COC’s lack of travel authorization, the organization announced that its president, vice-president, and secretary general were barred from this month’s regional Olympic committee meetings in Miami and Puerto Rico.

The national men’s basketball team missed the FIBA AmeriCup in Puerto Rico in February, all because they didn’t have visas, and 14 Cubans were unable to compete in an athletics championship in Florida in March, it added.

The COC attributed Washington’s “aggressive policy” toward Cuba to an “arbitrary and politically motivated handling of visa applications.”

Under President Donald Trump, relations between Washington and communist Cuba have deteriorated further, with the US having been a trade embargo for more than 60 years.

The committee called for “respect for the obligations and fundamental principles of olympism” and demanded “discriminatory practices that go against the spirit of sport” in a statement.

Trump has increased pressure on the Caribbean island, putting it back on the US list of “terrorism” sponsors, since making his return to the White House in January.

His administration has also taken steps to increase the number of undocumented immigrants, including those who are from Cuba, and has denied visas to people who allegedly harbor anti-Semitism or have “hostile attitudes” toward the United States.

The US, Mexico, and Canada hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are not affected by tightened immigration policies, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week.

We want the event to succeed. According to reports of a decline in tourism to the United States since Trump’s second term began, Rubio said. “It’s a priority for the president.”

Liverpool legend Melanie C sends ‘love’ after horrific parade crash

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Following the tragic events of Monday, Melanieie C has shown her support for Liverpool. The Spice Girls star, who a fervent supporter of Liverpool FC, was in her hometown over the weekend to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend along with Tom Grennan.

Liverpool’s fans poured out in their millions on Monday to celebrate their most recent Premier League victory. However, a car struck the crowd during the city center parade celebration on Water Street. A dark-grey people-carrier was seen horn-beeping through the crowd, hitting dozens of fans, and then crashing into several more. Following the incident on Monday, Merseyside Police confirmed that a 53-year-old man from West Derby had been detained on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, and driving while intoxicated through drugs.

Melanie wrote on Instagram, “My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the events that took place yesterday in Liverpool. It was horrifying to witness the horrific events that followed after a beautiful day of celebration in the city. In the wake of this heartbreaking news, I extend my love, support, and solidarity to everyone.

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Melanie C, a legend from Liverpool, expressed her love and support for her hometown (Instagram).

Over the past 24 hours, Melanie is just one of the city’s stars who have publicly expressed their grief. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, a legendary MMA fighter, said he couldn’t believe what had transpired to his online fans. He wrote: “Went to the parade today amazing support as always for our reds. Nobody does celebrations and parades like us @liverpoolfc. I’ll always have the pictures and videos to show them when they grow up watching the baby’s first parade, so I’ll never forget the looks on their little faces as they watched it today.

“Day of celebration turned into a worry for everyone who was there or even knew anyone there,” friends and family messages to make sure they are safe, something we shouldn’t have to do or worry about, and we still can’t believe what actually happened after that. I sincerely hope that anyone who is injured makes a quick recovery and that everyone who is impacted already has the support of the entire city, whether it be red or blue. This is more significant than football, according to YNWA.

Dozens of people were left injured after the tragic event
After the tragic event, numerous people suffered injuries (AFP via Getty Images).

Comedian John Bishop, who was born in Everton, explained on Instagram that he was present at the parade as well as thousands of others. He stated, “I was present at the parade today with my dad, and like everyone else, I was shocked and heartbroken about the events that took place at the Liverpool parade.” All those affected receive my heart. Our anthem is incomparably appropriate. You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Liverpool Football Club stated in a statement posted on X that “we are in direct contact with Merseyside Police regarding the incident on Water Street that occurred shortly before the trophy parade. Those affected by this troubling incident are in our thoughts and prayers. The emergency services and local authorities in charge of this incident will continue to receive our full support.

Liverpool fans had gathered across the city before the car drove into crowds
Before the car started in crowds (AP), Liverpool fans had already gathered throughout the city.

The organization claims that the man followed an ambulance that had been dispatched to assist a person into the parade and drove into the crowd. Following the incident, according to Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill, there were 65 confirmed casualties in total. Shortly after 6pm, local police were called to Water Street, which is close to the strand.

In a number of hospitals in the area, over 50 people, including children, received care. On Tuesday, 11 people were hospitalized but were still in good health. The Merseyside Police have urged those with information or video to report the crash to the police.

The Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) allows for the sharing of any data or photos. Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill stated at a press conference, “I want to reassure the people of Merseyside that detectives are making significant progress as we work to fully understand the circumstances that led to this terrible incident and bring the person responsible to justice.” There are 65 confirmed casualties, many of whom needed hospital care.

“We will continue to support these individuals in the days and weeks to come,” according to the statement from the company. She continued, adding that “the number of victims” had led to the force’s support from nearby forces.

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Rick Derringer dead: Cyndi Lauper collaborator dies surrounded by family as tributes pour in

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Rick Derringer has passed away, it has been revealed. The musician, who worked with artists like Cyndi Lauper and Miles Davis for more than 60 years, passed away at the age of 77, has received tributes from the news.

Tony Wilson, known as his devoted caregiver, shared the news on Facebook. He informed the media that Tony and his wife Jenda Derringer, along with Rick, passed away on Monday night in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Tony stated in his post that Rick’s legacy includes entertaining fans with his distinctive energy and talent. “Rick’s] legacy extends beyond his music.” Fans, coworkers, and loved ones will miss him dearly because of his passing, leaving a mark in the music industry. Additionally, he added that Rick “logged a trail in the music business as a guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer.”

In the 1960s, Rick and the McCoys established themselves. In 1962, Rick served as the group’s lead singer and guitarist while Randy Zehringer, their drummer, and Dennis Kelly, their bassist, were the group’s drummer.

The group’s 1965 hit single Hang On Sloopy, which debuted at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was included on the band’s debut album, which was released the same year.

Rick is also known for his songwriting, including Hoochie Koo, a song that appeared on the soundtrack to Stranger Things’ fourth season. He is also the composer of Hulk Hogan’s Real American wrestling theme, Bang Showbiz adds.

The musician Rick Derringer, who was pictured in 1977, passed away earlier this week at the age of 77 (Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images).

Over the course of his career, Rick has released music solo, with his 1973 debut album All-American Boy. Over the years, he and a number of other musicians from the music industry have collaborated on numerous projects.

He is credited with producing music for artists like Barbra Streisand, Cyndi Lauper, Bonnie Tyler, and Kiss. Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band are said to have made numerous international tours in recent years.

Following this week’s announcement that Rick would not be here, tributes have been paid to him. Rick Derringer’s passing leaves a hole in the music industry, but his legacy as a rock and roll legend will continue, according to a fan on X tonight. May he rest peacefully.

Rick Derringer performing on stage, United Kingdom, 1991.
The late musician, who was pictured in 1991 (Ian Dickson/Redferns), has now received tributes.

Another fan remarked, “Damn! His music was good to me. RIP Rick Derringer. Another legend has been lost, according to another person who posted following the news this week. A legacy that shaped rock is left behind by Rick Derringer. The echoes remain, but the music industry feels the loss.

Vinny Appice, a former Black Sabbath drummer, wrote in his tribute that Rick had been a great guitarist and friend, and that he had performed with Aerosmith, Boston, Foghat, and others.

Rick was referred to as a “brilliant guitarist/producer and songwriter” by Mötley Crüe’s frontman John Corabi. In his tribute post this week, fellow musician Joe Bonamassa stated, “It was a privilege to know you, work with you, and call you a friend.”

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Has Trump’s response on Ukraine attack emboldened Putin?

Following a significant airstrike against Ukraine, the US president describes the Russian leader as “absolutely crazy.”

Since the start of the conflict more than three years ago, Russia has launched its largest drone and missile attack on Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin, the president of the United States, started a verbal spat with Donald Trump after the missiles.

And he criticized Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s remarks after the Ukrainian president criticized what he called “the silence of America.”

Was that a warning that the US might be ready to leave the ceasefire talks?

And is it “dangerous” as Moscow claims that Ukraine’s allies decided to end range restrictions on weapons sent to Kyiv?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Former US ambassador and deputy assistant secretary of state in the first Trump administration, Mark Storella

Alexey Muraviev, associate professor of Curtin University’s strategic studies program, is

Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia to begin on June 4

After observatories’ findings of the crescent moon, Saudi Arabia has announced that the annual Hajj pilgrimage will begin on June 4.

The kingdom’s Supreme Court made the announcement in a statement released by the official Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

Saudi Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah claimed that more than one million pilgrims from all over the world had already made their way to the nation on Monday at a press conference.

On the Plain of Arafat, during the Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca on June 15, 2024, Muslim pilgrims gather at the top of the rocky mountain known as the Mountain of Mercy.

One of Islam’s five pillars, the Hajj, must be performed by every Muslim who is able at least once.

The pilgrimage takes place annually in the eighth and thirteenth days of Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic lunar calendar’s 12th and final month.

The highest point of the four days of ceremonies is observed by worshippers on Mount Arafat, the hill where the Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon was performed, with mass outdoor prayers on the second day.

Many Muslims around the world choose to observe this day of fasting.

INTERACTIVE - Kaaba Mecca Hajj Saudi Arabia-1748333542
(Al Jazeera)

The second-heilig site in Islam, Medina, is visited by many pilgrims as well. There is also a lot of pilgrimage there. Visiting Medina is still a significant spiritual experience for many Muslims, despite not being a part of the Hajj.

According to Saudi authorities, Eid al-Adha will take place on June 6, followed by the day’s day of Arafat to fall on June 5.

According to official figures, 1.8 million people participated in the pilgrimage last year.

Photos: Thousands of Palestinians crowd a controversial aid centre in Gaza

After nearly three months without having access to fresh supplies, thousands of Palestinians have occupied a food distribution center in southern Gaza.

As people poured into the aid center on Tuesday in Rafah’s southern city to avoid starvation and malnourishment, there was a chaotic scene.

As the desperate crowds pressed against the fences that drew them away from the food boxes, Israeli soldiers used gunfire to disperse them.

As part of the military offensive that Israel launched in the Palestinian enclave in October 2023, Israel had imposed a total blockade on aid to Gaza.

International pressure on Israel increased as famine fears increased. Israel was warned earlier this month by allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, that if the aid restrictions were not lifted, it might face sanctions.

Days later, Israel announced that it would resume “minimal” deliveries of essential supplies.

However, that announcement was contentious, not least because Israel chose to steer clear of conventional aid distribution channels like those run by the UN.

Instead, it chose to take the helm of the effort with the assistance of the United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

According to Al Jazeera correspondent Hamdah Salhut, who is based in Amman, Jordan, “a lot of questions were raised, even within the Israeli government,” about how exactly this was going to operate.

As you can see from the screenshot, the private organization that was established to distribute this aid has now completely lost control.

The Hamas-backed armed Palestinian organization has denied that Israel is to blame for the chaos at the aid center.
Hamas instead blaming Israel for failing to “manage the humanitarian crisis it purposefully created” in a statement released on Tuesday.

There is no proof Hamas has harmed the distribution of aid, according to Mohamed Vall, a journalist for Al Jazeera. He instead focused solely on Gaza’s pressing need: More than two million Palestinians.

He said, “These are the civilians of Gaza, the people of Gaza, trying to get just any piece of food for their children, for themselves.”

Vall added that there was also skepticism about the rationale behind concentrating aid distribution in the south of Gaza.

According to Vall, “they claim that the reason why]Israeli officials] established these distribution points only in the south is because they want to compel people to flee from the north,” or at least force them to do so.

He continued to worry that moving Palestinians south could represent the “preliminary phase for the total ousting” of Gaza’s population.

Since the start of the war, at least 54,056 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza-based Ministry of Health, which humanitarian aid organizations and UN experts have compared to a genocide.