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Alcaraz secures 50th win of 2025 at Cincinnati Open

By in News, Sports News
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Carlos Alcaraz says for half the matches of the tennis season, players “don’t feel that good” as the Spaniard secured a tour-leading 50th victory of 2025 at the Cincinnati Open.

The 22-year-old cruised past Serbian Hamad Medjedovic in straight sets 6-4 6-4 in the third round to also claim his 13th consecutive Masters 1000 win.

Alcaraz is the first player since 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic, from 2013 to 2016, to reach 50 wins in four consecutive seasons.

The world number two will face Italian Luca Nardi in the fourth round on Wednesday.

“You have to think positive and just play your best tennis possible that day,” said the five-time Grand Slam winner.

“I’m really happy that in really difficult matches I’m able to play my best tennis even though I’m not feeling the right way.

“I’m just happy and proud about it because it’s something I’m working on.”

The first set between Medjedovic and Alcaraz was tight in the sweltering Ohio conditions but the Spaniard got the break for 4-3 before sealing the opener.

Medjedovic then received treatment from the physio for neck pain.

Medjedovic, who is also 22, had a chance in the second set to take the lead at 3-3, but his attempt at two drop shots both hit the net. Alcaraz edged ahead to take a 4-3 advantage once again, and he wrapped up victory soon after.

Alcaraz has won seven ATP Masters 1000 trophies in his career, including the Monte Carlo and Rome titles this year.

He also successfully defended his French Open title by beating world number one Jannik Sinner in an extraordinary final at Roland Garros in June, before Italian Sinner defeated him in the Wimbledon final a month later.

Players have been struggling with the heat during this week’s tournament, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30C.

Francisco Comesana and Reilly Opelka both took medical timeouts during their third-round match, which was also interrupted for 45 minutes by rain.

Argentine Comesana won 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-5, saving three match points, but he needed medical attention in the second set, with a ball girl rushing to hand the 24-year-old a sick bag as he made his way gingerly back to his seat.

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Kelly Clarkson’s ex husband moved on with her former assistant before tragic death

By in Entertainment News, News

Talent manager Brandon Blackstock moved on from his Kelly Clarkson divorce with her former assistant before his tragic death aged 48 following a cancer diagnosis

Kelly Clarkson’s ex husband Brandon Blackstock died earlier this month(Image: Invision)

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock had a “loving partner” at the time of his death, according to his obituary. The talent manager was married to singer Kelly from 2013 to 2020 and they welcomed two children together, River, 11, and son Remington, 9.

He tragically died this month aged 48 following a cancer diagnosis over three years ago. Kelly had postponed her Las Vegas residency after sharing Brandon had become ill just before his death.

Brandon also had two children from a previous marriage and in 2022, he became a grandfather after his eldest daughter gave birth to a son. Kelly filed for divorce from Brandon after six years of marriage in 2020, just weeks after they put their home on the market.

Brittney Marie Jones
He was in a relationship with Brittney Marie Jones at the time of his death(Image: Instagram)

She said in 2023 that the split “ripped her apart”. Brandon’s obituary has revealed he was in another relationship at the time of his death as they quietly built a new life together in Montana.

He had been in a relationship with Brittney Marie Jones, who once worked as a former assistant to Kelly. “After more than 20 years in the music business, Brandon found his way back to the mountains and the cowboy way of life he always wanted to live,” the obituary read.

“He found a homestead and a love in Butte, Montana. Brandon, along with his beautiful and loving partner in life and business, Brittney Marie Jones, started building a life, building companies, and working tirelessly to create Headwaters Livestock Auction and what will live on as his legacy, The Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.”

A report on Blackstock and Jones’ rodeo business from 2024 listed Brittney as Kelly’s “former assistant”. The surprise revelation came just hours after Brandon’s first wife, Melissa Ashworth spoke out.

Alongside photos of her with Brandon on their children – Seth, 18, and Savannah, 23 – she wrote: “On May 29, 1999 I married the man who would become the father of my children.

“Brandon was full of charm, wit, and just an absolute gentleman who happened to wear cowboy boots, wrangler jeans, and a cowboy hat. He was by far, hands down, the best Daddy and Pa. He loved hard and he fought hard.

Kelly Clarkson, Brandon Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock, Remington Alexander Blackstock, and Seth Blackstock
Kelly shares her two children with dad-of-four Brandon(Image: FilmMagic)

“The best thing Brandon has left for his children is they know where he is. I’ve heard it said, “Nothing is lost when you know where it is” and Brandon is with Jesus his Savior. Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are. Thank you all for your prayers and condolences.”

Brandon married Kelly following his divorce from Melissa. A statement from the family announcing Brandon’s death read: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.

“Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

When announcing she was cancelling her Las Vegas residency, Kelly shared: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas..

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“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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Yungblud says ‘Ozzy is everything’ as he opens up about ‘raw’ documentary

By in Entertainment News, News

Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, paid another fitting tribute to his pal and mentor Ozzy Osbourne as he gets set to release his ‘raw’ documentary

Yungblud aka Dominic Harrison attends the Yungblud “Are You Ready, Boy?” UK Premiere(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Yungblud fans are set to get a sneak peek behind his rise to fame in his upcoming documentary, and the singer has once again paid a fitting tribute to his late pal rocker Ozzy Osbourne. The duo held a special relationship with Yungblud – whose real name is Dom Harrison – taking to the stage to sing a brilliant version of Changes at Back to the Beginning last month.

Now, as he gets ready to release his new documentary, Yungblud has revealed his love for the Black Sabbath star weeks after his tragic death.

“Ozzy is everything to me, always has been,” he revealed. He went on to label the 76-year-old star his “hero” and saying being a part of his final farewell was an honour.

READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘played prank’ on daughter Kelly at funeral from beyond the graveREAD MORE: ‘I went to Ozzy Osbourne’s last gig – it was the perfect send off that was written in the stars’

Ozzy Osbourne was a mentor of Yungblud
Ozzy Osbourne was a mentor of Yungblud (Image: Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky News, the 28-year-old singer added: “To be able to go on stage and honour my hero and sing that song to him, without knowing that they were his final days, was everything to me.

“I will try my best to keep that spirit and keep that energy alive. I love that guy. I got to know him personally at the end and I love that family. I’ve got nothing but love, always.”

Yungblud’s documentary, titled Are You Ready, Boy?, was filmed at the famous Hansa Studios in Berlin. The studios were also used by the likes of David Bowie and U2. The feature-length film, directed by Bafta-winner Paul Dugdale, charts Dom’s early life growing up in Doncaster and shows him performing at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, the birthplace of David Bowie’s album Heroes, and U2’s Achtung Baby.

Ever proud of his northern roots, Dom made his new album in Leeds so it could have an authentic vibe. And the artist admitted it as been “pretty uncomfortable” to watch his latest production as he took in the premiere. “I think in this day and age, it’s very easy for us to cut around things and make them palatable and digestible.

“I wanted to do something that would be raw and uncomfortable, and this is what came out.”

It comes after he hinted at a “secret recording” before friend Ozzy Osbourne’s death. Speaking at the time, he hinted he was working with Sabbath star Ozzy at a possible secret recording with his mentor, saying: “There is a lot in the works as me and Ozzy are friends.”

Ozzy and Yungblud had a deep friendship
Ozzy and Yungblud had formed a deep friendship(Image: yungblud/Instagram)

However, he recently shared the heartbreaking way her found out Ozzy had died. The Hello Heaven, Hello singer revealed he learned of the rock icon’s death while he was on an island that had no internet service available.

As he shared his feelings about his death recently, he said he found it “overwhelming” after previously declaring the star as “the greatest of all time” in a touching tribute.

The chart topping singer has candidly explained that the sudden death of his friend has been hard to process. “I just love him and right till the very end he supported me. I get emotional, because I’ve loved him since I was about two,” he said.

He added: “He taught me self-belief and so I’m going to take his spirit and make sure everybody knows for the rest of my life who Ozzy Osbourne was – he meant everything to me.”

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Guatemala judge convicts 6 ex-officials in deaths of 41 girls in 2017 fire

By in News, World News

A Guatemalan court has convicted six people in connection with the deaths of 41 girls at a state-funded youth shelter in 2017.

On Tuesday, Judge Ingrid Cifuentes gave the former officials, who had all pleaded not guilty, sentences of between six and 25 years for charges ranging from abuse of authority to manslaughter.

Two of the people convicted were ex-police officers, while the other four were ex-child protection officials.

Prosecutors had sought sentences of up to 131 years for some of those on trial.

The judge said she did not have the jurisdiction to make a ruling against a seventh defendant, who used to be the children’s prosecutor at the attorney general’s office.

As well as handing down the prison terms, Cifuentes also ordered an investigation into former President Jimmy Morales, who was Guatemala’s leader at the time of the blaze.

Emily del Cid Linares, 25, a survivor of the fire who suffered burns, said she was satisfied with the verdict.

“I feel like a weight has been lifted from me,” she said. “What I most feel is that they [the victims] will be able to rest in peace. [Those responsible] are going to pay for what they did.”

The tragedy at the Virgen de la Asuncion youth shelter, which is located 22km (14 miles) east of the capital, Guatemala City, shook the country and went on to highlight the widespread abuse in the government’s shelter system.

The fire broke out on March 8, 2017, a year after the home, which housed hundreds more children than its legal capacity, was ordered to close by a court.

The blaze started in a classroom in which 56 girls had been locked after their attempt to escape the shelter the previous day. After being brought back to the site by the police, they were shut in a room with no access to a toilet.

Witnesses said that one of the girls set fire to their foam mattresses to protest against their treatment at the home, which is alleged to have included sexual abuse.

Wayne Lineker’s rarely seen daughter Tia reveals first wedding snap and his special role

By in Entertainment News, News

Tia Lineker married football manager Harry Agombar in a lavish ceremony in Mallorca this weekend as her famous dad Wayne Lineker was given a special role on the day

Wayne Lineker’s daughter Tia married football manager Harry Agombar in Mallorca(Image: @Tia Lineker/Instagram)

Wayne Lineker’s daughter Tia has shared the first look at her stunning Mallorca wedding after tying the knot this weekend. The 26-year-old wed football manager Harry Agombar, 31, in a lavish ceremony.

Her famous dad played an all important role on her big day as Wayne walked Tia down the aisle. The outdoor ceremony saw Tia and Harry say their ‘I dos’ surrounded by white and green flowers while overlooking mountains.

They were surrounded by their closest friends and family for the big day as well as their three-year-old son Alba. It comes after pictures emerged of inside Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s luxurious £30k family holiday at ‘second home’.

READ MORE: Holly Willoughby lets her hair down in white swimsuit on sun soaked holidayREAD MORE: Princess Andre says she’s ‘independent’ from parents as she breaks silence after Katie Price row

Wayne Lineker's daughter Tia wedding
Tia shared the first snap of her wedding day(Image: @Tia Lineker/Instagram)

Tia decided to give fans a closer look at the wedding as she flashed her huge diamond ring. “I’ve been in our wedding bubble but… we are married!!!,” she declared.

The mum-of-one looked gorgeous in a white strapless gown with a long train. She kept her locks in a neat low bun and added a veil and pretty pearl necklace.

Harry, who manages team Arabian Falcons in Dubai, looked dapper as he opted for a white blazer with a black bow tie and matching trousers. They shared their first kiss as husband and wife at the altar as Tia said: “Mr & Mrs Agombar 10.08.25.”

Wayne Lineker
Wayne walked Tia down the aisle and gave a speech(Image: @Wayne Lineker/Instagram)

Tia and Harry have made sure to celebrate in style as they also threw a pre-wedding bash when their guests arrived on the island. She looked sensational in a champagne lace dress while Harry went for a classic suit.

Her famous dad Wayne also shared details from the special weekend as he admitted to having nerves ahead of his speech. The 63-year-old donned a black tuxedo and asked fans for luck before taking to the stage.

Wayne shared photos with his youngest son Freddie, 21, who looked smart in a tan suit and white shirt. “Wow what a day unbelievable walked my princess down the aisle,” Wayne shared.

Wayne Lineker and son Freddie
Wayne’s son Freddie was there to support his sister(Image: @Wayne Lineker/Instagram)

Putting on a concerned face, he added: “Going to do my speech now, wish me luck guys.” Dad-of-four Wayne has daughter Tia and three sons, Freddie, Duane, 40, and Sean, 33.

It is not known if his football star brother Gary attended Tia’s big day. Before her wedding, Tia was spotted arriving in Mallorca with several cases and a Louis Vuitton bag.

She explained how she decided to take her dress as a carry on item so she could keep it in sight. “In regards to my dress I just took it as hand luggage and no one asked any questions up until getting onto the plane,” Tia said.

Wayne Lineker's daughter Tia and Harry
Harry and Tia threw a party before the big day(Image: Instagram)

“I managed to get a whole overhead locker for it but I would 100 per cent recommend booking a seat for your dress to have it right next to you.

“As they said if there wasn’t a locker available it would of had to be put in the hold! Because there wasn’t no wardrobe space on the plane as it was a small BA one, one I think I got lucky! Just took it in a doubled up dress bag.”

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Tia and Harry have been together for seven years and welcomed their son in December 2021. Harry popped the question on their holiday to Ibiza.

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US sanctions DR Congo armed group over illicit mining, ceasefire tested

By in News, World News

The United States has sanctioned an armed group accused of illicit mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as both the army and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group traded accusations of violating a recently reached US-mediated ceasefire deal by attacking each other’s positions.

The US Department of the Treasury said on Tuesday that it was blocking all interests and restricting transactions with Pareco-FF, an armed group that it said controlled the key coltan mining site of Rubaya from 2022 to 2024, and which has opposed the M23 group.

The administration of President Donald Trump has been pushing for US access to the region’s minerals, as it has done in other parts of the world, including Ukraine.

It also slapped sanctions on the Congolese mining company CDMC, saying it sold minerals that were sourced and smuggled from mines near Rubaya and two Hong Kong-based export companies, East Rise and Star Dragon, which have been accused of buying minerals from the armed group.

“The United States is sending a clear message that no armed group or commercial entity is immune from sanctions if they undermine peace, stability or security in the DRC,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement.

Rubaya is currently under the control of the M23 group, which is already targeted by US sanctions. The mine there produces 15 to 30 percent of the world’s supply of coltan, a mineral used in electronics such as laptops and mobile telephones.

Many Pareco rebels integrated into the DRC military in 2009, but Pareco-FF emerged in 2022 in response to the M23 gains.

The sanctions come as Congolese army spokesman Sylvain Ekenge said in a statement that the M23 group’s “almost daily” attacks constitute an “intentional and manifest violation” of the declaration of principles, which the two parties signed in mid-July in Doha, whose terms include a “permanent ceasefire”.

It followed a separate peace deal between the Congolese and Rwandan governments, signed in Washington, DC, the previous month, which also helped the US government and US companies gain control of critical minerals in the region.

The Congolese army said it was ready to respond “to all provocations from this [M23 group] coalition, accustomed to violating agreements”, the statement said.

M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said in a post on X on Monday that DRC’s government was continuing “its offensive military manoeuvres aimed at full-scale war”.

The eastern DRC, a region bordering Rwanda with abundant natural resources but plagued by non-state armed groups, has suffered extreme violence for more than three decades.

A new surge of unrest broke out early this year when the M23 group captured the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, setting up their own administrations, with thousands killed in the conflict.

Violence has continued on the ground despite the US and Qatar-brokered peace deal, with fighting becoming more intense since Friday around the town of Mulamba in South Kivu province, where the front line had been relatively stable since March.

The M23 attacked positions between Friday and Monday held by pro-Kinshasa militia and army forces, and pushed them back several kilometres, after clashes using light and heavy weapons, local and security sources said.