A training camp for the Senegalese women’s basketball team in the US has been scrapped, with the West African nation’s prime minister saying he cancelled it because some of the squad were denied US visas.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said the team would now train in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, “in a sovereign and conducive setting”.
It comes amid reports that the US plans to impose fresh travel restrictions on 25 more African countries, including Senegal.
It remains unclear why the Senegalese athletes were denied visas, as the US Embassy is yet to publicly comment on the matter.
“Informed of the refusal of issuing visas to several members of the Senegal women’s national basketball team, I have instructed the Ministry of Sports to simply cancel the ten-day preparatory training initially planned in the United States of America”, Sonko said on Thursday in a statement shared to social media.
Reports say five Senegalese basketball players and 13 team officials were travelling to meet other members of the squad and their coach who were already in the US, to warm up for the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast next month.
But their visa applications were not approved.
Senegal has one of the best women’s basketball teams in Africa – consistently reaching the final four in AfroBasket tournaments and boasting players from top leagues in the US, Europe and Egypt.
The visa refusals are raising eyebrows because, according to the recently leaked diplomatic cable containing details of the extended travel restrictions, targeted countries were given up to 60 days to address the concerns raised by the US.
These reportedly include people overstaying their visas, lack of co-operation with deportations, links to terror attacks in the US, antisemitism or what it termed “anti-American” activity.
Following the reported new travel restrictions, Senegal’s foreign ministry urged nationals to comply with their permitted periods of stay in the US.
Although it did not directly comment on Senegal’s possible inclusion in the latest list of restricted countries, the government statement underscored that diplomatic and consular services were working in close collaboration with the US administration.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yussuf Tuggar said the expanded travel bans could impede possible energy and rare earth mineral deals which West African countries can offer the US.
Fans have been giddy over Natalya Wright’s most recent outfit, which she took to town in a “beautiful” black midi from her sister Jess, and we know where to buy your own.
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Natalya Wright looks ‘unreal’ in a black midi that’s perfect for wedding season(Image: Natalya Wright/Instagram)
Natalya Wright recently stunned in this asymmetrical black midi dress, which her sister Jess has previously wore. Fans flooded Natalya’s social media accounts with love for the look thanks to the strapless design of this “unreal” dress. We know where you can find Natalya and Jess’ exact dresses in nearly every size, so if you want to recreate Natalya’s timeless and chic ensemble for your next formal event.
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Natalya borrowed this Arabella Gown from sister Jess Wright(Image: Revolve)
This Arabella Gown, which is currently available from Revolve in XXS and L, sold out.
This dress has a classy and elegant strapless design. Any body type can get a structured, figure-flattering fit thanks to its boned bodice, which has a corset-like effect.
This dress has a high-low side ruffle skirt that gives the understated design a fun and contemporary twist, making it ideal for your next fancy date night or upcoming wedding.
This dress is made of a midweight jersey material that is both cool on summer nights and light on the dance floor.
This dress, retailing for £337, sent followers into a frenzy in Natalya’s Instagram comments section, with several raving that she “looked unreal” and “gorgeous.” One fan wrote: “Stunning, love that dress!” and another shared the same sentiments, saying: “That dress is insane. You look absolutely stunning!”
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Revolve also offers this Cecily Gown, which has a similar asymmetrical skirt design. The sheer mesh material, which gives a classic style a modern twist, replaces the ruffles, though. The price of this dress is $236.
Three-time Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty was lured back to the pool by “unfinished business”, says new coach Jamie Main.
The 30-year-old had previously admitted that he was not convinced he would carry on after an emotionally and physically draining silver-medal finish in the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Games last year.
Peaty had dealt with mental health issues in the years leading up to the 2024 Olympics, where he aimed to claim a third consecutive gold medal in the event despite catching Covid-19 in the week leading up to the race, but was just 0.02 seconds short of glory.
“When we had the conversation at the back end of last year about him potentially coming in to Repton, he felt like there was some unfinished business,” Main told BBC Radio Derby.
“But he actually loves the sport and I think that has come though in a lot of what he has said since he announced that he was getting back in the pool”.
The Paris Olympics was the last major event he worked with long-time coach Mel Marshall, who moved to Australia to further her career.
With Marshall leaving Loughborough Performance Centre, where she was Aquatic GB’s lead coach, Peaty decided to relocate to his former training base at Repton School in Derbyshire.
It was there that he previously worked with Marshall leading up to the 2016 Olympics in Rio where he claimed his first Olympic title.
He has now returned to the rural Derbyshire village to work with Main, who left his role as Aquatics GB national coach at the Bath Performance Centre to become Repton’s director of swimming.
Peaty’s move coincided with his omission from the group of 57 elite British swimmers that will be supported by Aquatics GB throughout 2025.
Having the multiple world champion and world record holder at the school has given its highly-regarded programme – which was represented by swimmers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games last year – a significant boost.
In the last 24 hours, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that it had seen more than 70 Chinese military aircraft flying through the island, just as a British naval vessel passed through the troubled Taiwan Strait.
Beijing has been using fighter jets and naval vessels to further Taiwan’s claim to be the island’s sovereignship in recent months, which Taipei rejects.
Six Chinese naval vessels were discovered in the 24 hours to 6am on Friday (22:00 GMT on Thursday), according to the defense ministry.
The ministry reported in a separate statement that an additional 24 Chinese aircraft, including fighters and drones, had been spotted since Friday at 8:50 am (00:50 GMT).
According to the ministry, 15 of the second batch of aircraft “monitored the situation and responded accordingly” by flying over the Taiwan Strait’s median line while conducting air-sea joint training with Chinese naval vessels.
Taiwan, which is a democratic, self-governing nation, is a part of China’s territory, and it has threatened to use force to take it under its control. Beijing is enraged that Taiwan has allied itself with the US.
The most recent incursions occurred on June 18 when the HMS Spey, a patrol ship for the British Royal Navy, passed through Taiwan Strait, according to the foreign ministry.
China scolded Britain’s most recent action as a blatant “cause trouble” attempt.
The patrol vessel’s routine navigation, according to Britain’s Royal Navy, took place in full compliance with international law as part of a long-planned deployment.
The ship’s Wednesday sailing was “public hyping,” according to the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Theatre Command, and its forces followed and monitored the Spey.
The 180-kilometer (112-mile) Taiwan Strait is considered to be open water for all vessels in the eyes of the UK, the US, and other nations.
A US destroyer and US ocean survey ship made their way through the Strait in February, but a Canadian warship did the same.
The HMS Richmond, a frigate deployed with Britain’s aircraft carrier strike group, sailed through Japan to Vietnam in 2021, the last time a British Navy ship traversed the Taiwan Strait.
When Beijing conducted live-fire exercises that included simulated strikes against the island’s key ports and energy sites, Taiwan detected 76 Chinese aircraft and 15 naval vessels around the island in April.
Lovebirds Wayne and Coleen Rooney are enjoying a sun-drenched retreat in Ibiza, where they were seen relaxing at the exclusive Cala Bassa Beach Club
Coleen Rooney shows off toned figure in bikini on lavish getaway with Wayne(Image: BACKGRID)
Wayne and Coleen Rooney are soaking up the sun in style as they enjoy a luxurious summer escape to Ibiza. The couple were spotted unwinding at the upscale Cala Bassa Beach Club, one of the island’s most exclusive seaside destinations, and looked more relaxed than ever as they embraced the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
Coleen, 38, stole the spotlight in a vibrant blue halter-neck bikini that perfectly complemented the crystal-clear waters behind her. The mother of four looked confident and radiant as she took a dip in the sea before lounging poolside, her toned figure and effortless beach glamour drawing admiring glances from fellow holidaymakers.
Known for her timeless fashion sense, Coleen kept things chic and simple, accessorising with oversized sunglasses and a loose bun, showing that style and comfort can go hand in hand. Her natural glow and cheerful smile were the perfect match for the sunny Balearic backdrop, proving she’s a true summer style icon.
Coleen looked incredible in the blue bikini(Image: BACKGRID)
Wayne, 39, meanwhile, looked every inch the seasoned holidaymaker. Reclining on a sun lounger with a glass of sparkling sangria in hand, he sported a full beard and casual beachwear as he soaked in the afternoon sun. The former England captain and Manchester United legend seemed completely at ease, sharing relaxed conversation and laughs with Coleen as the pair enjoyed a rare moment of downtime away from the spotlight.
In a candid moment, Wayne was seen holding a can of Snus tobacco nicotine pouches—an understated nod to one of his off-the-pitch habits. But the small detail didn’t distract from the couple’s clear connection and easygoing vibe. As music played in the background and waves lapped gently against the shore, the two looked utterly content in each other’s company.
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Wayne looked relaxed as he enjoyed some drinks in the sunshine(Image: BACKGRID)
The Rooneys, who have been married since 2008, have weathered the ups and downs of life in the public eye with resilience. Their latest getaway seems to mark another happy chapter for the couple, who continue to show the world that their bond remains as strong as ever.
This Ibiza holiday follows a busy year for both, with Wayne recently stepping away from his managerial role at Birmingham City, and Coleen focusing on family life and her successful brand ventures. The sunny retreat offers a welcome break for the pair, who appear to be embracing the slower pace of island life with open arms.
Coleen looked effortlessly chic on the beach(Image: BACKGRID)
The sweet getaway comes as Coleen is making sure her son Kai is “protected” from fame, with the 16-year-old already having a glittering football career ahead of him. But to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes as his dad, Wayne, she’s reportedly making sure he keeps up with his school work.
The mum-of-four shares her sons with husband Wayne as well as Kai, they have Klay, 11, Kit, nine, and Cass, seven. But Coleen is wary of her sons being thrust into the limelight at a young age, after witnessing how fame affected Wayne, who shot to fame at the age of 16.
The couple soaked up the sun at the beach club(Image: BACKGRID)
The couple married in 2008, when Coleen was 22, and like any relationship, have had their fair share of rocky patches. Their marriage was on the brink in 2017 when reporters discovered the ex-footballer had been pulled over behind the wheel of another woman’s car while he was three times over the drink-drive limit.
Wayne met Laura Simpson at a bar before joining her for a drive in her VW Beetle. During her Disney+ documentary, Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, Coleen said: “I’ve had that feeling in my stomach a few times and I would never wish anyone to feel that.
“You do think, do I actually know this person, when things like that happen. Y’know, you’re not the person I married and the person I want you to be.”
Mum-of-four Coleen walked into the crystal clear water(Image: BACKGRID)
But having put their troubles behind them, Coleen and Wayne are back on track – and she wants to make sure her son Kai stays on the straight and narrow. The Sun reports a source said: “Kai is already being touted as one to watch and played a big part in Man United winning the Under 15s league.
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“He’s being tipped to become a first-team player within the next couple of years. But Coleen is making sure that he doesn’t rely on it and has told him he has to do his GCSEs next year and still work hard at school, as nobody knows what’s going to happen.
“She’s playing a big part in his career, though, and is making sure he’s well protected and isn’t thrust into the limelight like Wayne was at such a young age.” Both Coleen and Wayne have been supporting Kai in his football, with the pair regularly celebrating his wins on social media.
Israel has been placed on the UN’s “blacklist” of nations that engage in child abuse in armed conflict for the second year in a row as its conflict with Gaza drags on for nearly 20 months.
The UN reported on Thursday that violence against children in conflict zones reached “unprecedented levels,” with the Israeli army committing the most violations in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
According to the annual report on children in armed conflict, “a staggering” 25 percent increase in grave crimes against children under the age of 18 was reported in the world’s 2023 annual report. It claimed to have verified 41, 370 grave crimes against children, including those committed by children, including those committed in hospitals and schools, and those committed by children.
In Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, 8, 554 grave crimes were committed against 2, 959 children, including 2 944 Palestinians and 15 Israelis.
In Gaza, which has been repeatedly bombarded by Israeli forces as a result of an attack led by the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, 1, 259 Palestinian children were killed and 941 were injured, according to the figures.
The UN said it is currently reviewing information on an additional 4, 470 children killed in the besieged territory in 2024, and the Gaza-based ministry of health has released much higher figures.
The UN confirmed the killing of 97 Palestinian children in occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, where 3, 688 violations were documented, in addition to the UN’s verification of that report.
Additionally, the report praised Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, where more than 500 children perished or were injured last year.
In response to the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern over the “intensity of grave violations against children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.”
Guterres also reiterated his demands on Israel to abide by international law, which forbids special protections for children, protection for schools and hospitals, and compliance with the law that allows attacks to distinguish between fighters and civilians, and to prevent excessive harm to innocent people.
Israel’s UN mission made no immediate comment.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group’s armed wing, Hamas, Qassam Brigades, and al-Quds Brigades, were also listed on the blacklist a second time.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (more than 4, 000 grave violations), Somalia (more than 2, 500), Nigeria (nearly 2, 500), and Haiti (more than 2, 200) were the following nations, according to the UN, which had the highest rate of violence against children in 2024.
