Mahmoud Khalil, a former student at Columbia University and a political activist, was freed after three months in immigration detention following a judge’s order to release him in response to the growing backlash caused by Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests.
Following Sean Dyche’s dismissal, David Moyes was appointed manager of Everton for a second time on January 11 and moved the club one point above the relegation zone. They finished the campaign in 13th place, 23 points clear of the bottom three.
There is hope that the return of Moyes, new owners, and the move to a new 52, 888-seat stadium will help the Toffees have a brighter future after years of points deductions and relegation battles.
Everton must now draw lessons from their previous errors to provide better value.
A scattergun transfer policy and the merry-go-round of seven permanent managers, which saw Everton spend money on inflated fees and sizable contracts, impede Farhad Moshiri’s nearly nine-year ownership, which he acquired in 2016 and which saw him buy a majority stake in the team.
Eight players who signed for at least £20 million during Moshiri’s rule now have nothing to write off, resulting in the transfer fee of £188 million written off by Abdoulaye Doucoure’s decision to reject a new deal in May.
If out-of-contract defender Michael Keane leaves this summer after signing from Burnley for an initial £25 million in 2017, that figure will go up significantly.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman says things “must improve” going forward.
When you’re paying for a player and receiving no return, he said, “it’s not ideal.”
The injury-plagued Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who signed for £25m from Mainz before moving to the French second tier four years later, is on the more congested end of the spectrum.
Before being loaned out four times before leaving for free, Yannick Bolasie, who signed for £25 million from Crystal Palace, scored two Premier League goals.
After signing for £27 million, Cenk Tosun started 14 games on loan at Palace and Besiktas before earning a further five goals in 14 games.
Since Moshiri’s more turbulent years as a manager, transfer successes have been reported.
Jake O’Brien and Iliman Ndiaye have been wise investments, despite the fact that both purchases were required to be funded by the £50 million sale of Belgium international Amadou Onana to Aston Villa.
With 12 players out of contract this summer, 10 from the first team, Moyes’ ability to recruit effectively and Everton’s ability to find success in the transfer market will put the need to overhaul the entire squad at risk.
Although Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are still negotiating, neither captain nor midfielder are currently on their current contracts, although captain Seamus Coleman and midfielder Idrissa Gueye are.
While loaneees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja have all returned to their parent clubs, Ashley Young and Doucoure have already confirmed their departures, along with backup goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia.
Carlos Alcaraz’ contract at Everton was signed for £12.5 million in May, but significant gaps still exist in terms of goals, creativity, and depth.
Osman, who played for the club for 437 games between 2003 and 2016, believes that the exodus offers a chance for a “fresh start.”
As the Friedkin Group maneuvers through the PSR’s ramifications, patience may be necessary for any reconstruction.
Osman, who made his Everton debut in 2003 under Moyes, believes that the club needs to keep key players like Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, and Jordan Pickford while also recruiting more top players to bolster a squad that is rapidly thinning.
He claimed that a Moyes dressing room is “hard, demanding.” They “love the clarity and what he’s asking of them,” they said after speaking with a few members of the squad.
When I played for him, a manager would always ask for that level, and he always did that. O’Brien, who has a strong right-back ability when others believed he couldn’t, is another example. These people must remain on the pitch, according to us.
A right-back, right-winger, and central midfielder are both priorities in the team, as evidenced by the unsuccessful pursuit of new Chelsea striker Liam Delap, who Moyes spoke to. However, departing requires recruitment in almost every position to give squad depth.
Thierno Barry, a Villareal striker currently representing France in the European Under-21 Championship, is reportedly interested by the club.
Following Kevin Thelwell’s departure, Everton have switched to a sports leadership team led by new chief executive Angus Kinnear. The club has since switched from a director-of-football model.
As part of the club’s evolving strategy, he has stated that Everton will use experts in data and analytics, football operations, recruitment, talent identification, and player trading.
Kinnear has also met with the Fan Advisory Board, a far cry from the previous regime, where former manager Dyche described using “Whatsapp and the occasional phone calls” to communicate with then-owner Moshiri.
Since its founding in 1948, Israel’s prime ministers have sought to leave legacy that will endure long after war, diplomacy, and a few historical errors. Ben-Gurion established the state’s foundational institutions and secured its independence. A conflict that cost her office was the focus of Golda Meir’s presidency. While expanding illegal settlements, Menachem Begin reached a peace agreement with Egypt. In an effort to reconcile with the Palestinians, Yitzhak Rabin was killed.
Each leader had a different impact. No one, however, has been in power as long or as divided as Benjamin Netanyahu. And more than ever, the question is now not just what legacy he wants to leave, but what legacy he is actually making.
In 2016, I argued that Netanyahu was deservedly called the “King of the Middle East,” a title that reflected his success in positioning Israel as a regional power without making any concessions to the Palestinians. I think he sees a chance today to reshape Israel’s regional position permanently through force, impunity, and a strategy rooted in securitized dominance.
Netanyahu has argued that Israel’s security must predominate over all other factors since winning the first term. A Palestinian state is an existential threat in his worldview, not just incompatible with Israel’s security. Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel must maintain what he refers to as “security sovereignty” over all of historical Palestine even if a state were to be established.
Never just rhetoric, this. It has influenced every major decision he makes, not the most recent conflict in Gaza. The assault has caused an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, displaced most of its two million residents, and leveled entire neighborhoods, and killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Human rights organizations and UN agencies accuse Israel of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes. The International Court of Justice is hearing allegations of genocide supported by a number of nations. For alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war, the International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant.
Netanyahu continues, insisting that the destruction of Gaza is necessary to safeguard Israel’s future and that it must never again pose a threat to Israel.
This logical approach extends to Gaza as well. He has used comparable defenses to support Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, including the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah’s attempted assassination and targeted strikes on Hezbollah figures.
Israel has also launched strikes in Yemen under the same guise and stated that it will intervene in Iraq as necessary.
The security argument has also been used to justify Syria’s ongoing occupation, and it is currently being used to legitimize Iran’s ongoing attacks, ostensibly to stop it from acquiring nuclear weapons and lower its missile and drone capabilities.
Israel’s enemies must be defeated, its deterrence must be unquestioned, and its dominance must be established in every instance. Any form of resistance, whether it be military, political, or even symbolic, is seen as a threat that must be eradicate.
This logic is evident in every diplomatic effort made by Netanyahu. During his administration, the Abraham Accords, which he signed with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, were praised as peace agreements but primarily served as regional alignment tools for the Palestinians. Normalization is not a path to peace, in Netanyahu’s opinion, but a means to defend Israel’s position while avoiding a just solution to the occupation.
What is the goal of Netanyahu’s legacy, then?
He wants to be remembered as the one who swore to end all forms of occupation resistance, establishes a Palestinian state, and swore to be remembered as the one who steadfastly upheld Israel’s position of power in the Middle East. In his opinion, Israel is in charge of the land, sets the laws, and answers no questions.
However, he might have a different history.
The majority of the world is increasingly seeing systemic violence as what Netanyahu refers to as security. Under his leadership, Israel is losing legitimacy but is growing in popularity thanks to the millions of protest marches in protest of the war in Gaza.
Israel is increasingly isolated even among its allies. Although the United States continues to provide diplomatic cover, terms like “settler colonialism,” “ethnic cleansing,” and “apartheid” are no longer just used in fringe activism. They are influencing young people’s political consciousness and are influencing the general public.
Many commentators contend that Netanyahu is holding onto his position of power merely to avoid being charged with corruption or held accountable for the attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. However, I think the analysis misses the deeper truth that he views this historical opportunity, this conflict, and this absence of accountability. This is legacy work in his opinion.
The tragedy is that he could achieve the opposite of his intentions by leaving this legacy. A more subdued Israel than a stronger one. A state that is increasingly seen as a violator of international standards, but not a secure homeland. A moral and political collapse instead of a legacy of strength.
Netanyahu will be remembered. There is no longer any doubt about that as Iran continues to strike after strike as Gaza burns. Only to be seen is whether his legacy will be one of national security or one that leaves Israel more isolated, more vulnerable, and precarious than ever.
The growing distance between Prince Harry and the royal family was highlighted once again at the King’s recent birthday celebrations, where the Duke of Sussex was notably absent. At Trooping the Colour – which marks the monarch’s official birthday – King Charles celebrated alongside his close family, including wife Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, George, Charlotte and Louis. Sadly, Harry and his family were nowhere to be seen.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, made the announcement following his May Supreme Court defeat, saying that he was hopeful of reaching a resolution with his father but that he wouldn’t be able to do so until his wife and children could remain “safe” in the UK.
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Now, a royal expert says the chances of Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, becoming regular visitors to the UK and growing close to their cousins is looking increasingly unlikely because of Harry and his wife Meghan Markle’s very valid fears.
Former royal editor Duncan Larcombe says, “Meghan understandably feels scared about coming to the UK with the children.” The threats are genuine and real, “. The threat comes from radical protesters who might want to leapfrog them in front of them to make a name for themselves. The terrorist threat, of course, is another threat of the worst kind. And as a result, Harry and his family are undoubtedly a formidable target.
While Meghan, 43, appears to be feeling more comfortable sharing her children with the world – with her viral Baby Momma dance video and a Disneyland holiday album posted to her socials – the idea of her returning to the UK with them is another matter.
A source has told the Mirror that while the mum-of-two is feeling more empowered today, it doesn’t alter her safety worries.
Our insider said that she is feeling stronger in some ways and wants to share that. Any parent would be in danger if they were in Meghan’s shoes, but she is still terrified of putting her kids in danger by returning to the UK.
The security aspect will probably always be a problem, even though Harry is actually feeling his father’s absence, especially after Father’s Day and Trooping the Colour, “so.”
He is aware that if things had turned out differently, things might not have been as bad as they might have, but it’s been five years since they left the UK, and their chances of returning, even for a trip, seem slim. It breaks my heart.
Harry said he “would love reconciliation” with his family in a contentious interview with the BBC in May. And our expert thinks that the Prince now likely wishes that things had changed with recent events.
Whether or not Harry reveals his heart to others, Duncan says he is “a sensitive soul who always wears his heart on his sleeve.” With Father’s Day approaching on the same weekend and Trooping the Colour, it was inevitable for him to reflect on the successful relationships he once had with his brother and father, and I’m confident he’d like to be able to rekindle those bonds.
Harry lost his fight last month to overturn the high-level security that senior royals in the UK received from the government.
In consequence, he claimed that he “could not see a world” in which to return Meghan and the children.
Duncan says the death of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, likely weighs heavily on the couple when it comes to their protection, as the absence of official Metropolitan Police protection was a “contributing factor” in the accident that took her life.
He argues, however, that their safety is impacted by whether the couple is “liked” or not.
He claims that the distinction between private protection and official royal security, which could mean the difference between life and death, is crucial.
Official royal security allows MI5 to “encircle them in a ring” of top-level intelligence, providing royals round-the-clock with armed protection from top Met Police officers.
Without those precautions in place, Duncan believes it would be very difficult for the family to feel safe because of Meghan’s understandable need to protect her children.
The security at large royal events is just the tip of the iceberg, according to the saying. He claims that there are numerous undercover officers and agents also employed. Harry and Meghan are left with two or three bodyguards who are pretty blind to potential threats without the official support and security.
Abubakar Malami, a former justice minister and attorney general, expressed his deep concern about the state of security in Kebbi State’s Argungu and Zuru Emirates.
Malami criticized the government’s inability to safeguard lives and property in a short video that was released in Birnin Kebbi.
He questioned the state and local governments’ ability to protect the lives and property of citizens.
He emphasized the urgent need for all levels of government. “It’s high time we expressed our concern,” he said, “to ensure the security of the people” among the federal, state, and local governments.
Malami expressed grave concern about recent attacks in the Zuru community, which he claimed cost more than 200 lives, and warned against politicising security issues.
He argued that “security issues should not be politicized.” “Strange insecurity systems have developed in Kebbi, which are very alarming and disturbing.”
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Malami expressed his condolences to the Kebbi State residents, but he also emphasized the urgent need for better security.
He cited persistent threats in various regions. “Bandits destabilize the people of Kyebu and Tadurga in the Zuru Emirate, while Lakurawa continue to hold communities in the Argungu Emirate to ransom,” according to the statement.
One of the biggest stories in Scottish football is Lennon Miller’s future, with the transfer window open.
The 18-year-old midfielder’s contract expires in one year, which means this is the club’s last chance to secure a significant sum for another accomplished academy player.
Miller made his debut six days after turning 16 in August 2022, which was a huge success in the previous two seasons, particularly in the first two.
He helped him with Motherwell several times during his previous term, which saw him win his first Scotland cap and start.
His son’s next move is being represented by “a different club every day,” joked his father Lee, who is a former football player, at an SPFL event to celebrate the release of the new season’s fixtures.
An 18-year-old who has captained his team, made his international debut, and has a recognizable talent that will catch people’s attention is undoubtedly talented.
Miller’s eye-catching eye, passing range, and vision have been his since his debut.
Every club is data-driven, always looking for young players with positive numbers to be developed, sold on, and bought at a relatively low price.
Miller would appear in a lot of databases if one looked at some of the stats for central midfielders in the Scottish Premiership last year.
Miller, who was already a skilled set-piece taker, added eight assists for Motherwell, which was only Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin among central midfielders, which was better.
He was primarily a deeper-lying midfielder when Motherwell’s first two number 10s were deployed, and he placed third among midfielders in terms of chances created by the end of the season and deliveries into the box.
Only Callum McGregor, the Celtic captain, has gotten the ball back more times than Miller, in the more physical aspect of the game.
The teenager also had the best dribbling prowess and the best dribbling skills in the league when he was the most frequently fouled central midfielder.
Further down the charts is his passing accuracy overall, which suggests there could be improvement. However, Motherwell’s direct play and Miller’s tendency to play riskier passes forward may also be contributing factors to the lower figure.
Of course, signing players are not based on individual statistics alone.
The calmness and confidence with which Miller has played since making his debut have been what has been striking about him.
He has frequently been eager to accept responsibility, such as when he scored a League Cup semi-final penalty against Dundee United.
Miller put on a standout display in his first start against Liechtenstein in Scotland, showing a similar lack of unrequited enthusiasm.
Miller and his father have always argued that regular play is important.
Some people believe it would be the best chance for him to leave these shores, while others believe it would fit his style.
According to reports, both Union Saint-Gilloise and Udinese submitted bids for Miller in January, making them unlikely to be the final ones.
In recent years, young Scottish players with high talent have looked to move abroad.
The template exists, whether it is Max Johnston’s success with the Champions League and Aaron Hickey’s advancement in their careers after leaving Motherwell for Sturm Graz in Austria or Aaron Hickey and Lewis Ferguson’s advancement in Bologna.
Other players have advanced in their careers, including Andy Irving and Josh Doig, while Napoli’s more senior players Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay have had an influence.
“Lennon’s next move is very important because many players will be drawn into joining just a sizable club and deciding, right, I’ve arrived,” said dad Lee.
However, there needs to be a lot of thought, and his next move has already received a lot of thought because it is a development move once more.
It’s on him to do that because we had a lot of fun playing games for him in the first team and doing really well, and we had planned for him.
“The next one, for me, is important because he has to play, he has to develop, he has to kick on again, and there was a pathway there at Motherwell,” he said.
No disrespect is shown to the Motherwell players by the saying, “He will kick on once more once he’s round about better players, in my opinion.
Since Brexit, many Scottish teenagers have moved to Premier League schools before even playing a first-team game, but Miller has chosen a different path.
And in light of his father’s comments about how much he enjoys playing frequently, it seems less likely to be a top-tier player in England.
Sunderland, the only Premier League team currently linked, is newly promoted.
It makes sense that Miller would be interested in the club because Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, the club’s owner, uses a strategy geared toward young players and Jobe Bellingham’s record sale to Borussia Dortmund.
Only the Scottish Premiership champions have been mentioned in relation to Motherwell’s signing of Miller.
Given the number of academy players joining the first team in recent years, a young Scottish player with great potential is exactly the type of signing Celtic would hope to make.
However, Miller’s ability to get as much time on the pitch could depend on how much time McGregor, 32, spends playing in the middle of Brendan Rodgers’ midfield three, will have.
that, and whether Celtic is able to or will attempt to exceed Motherwell’s asking price in a potentially competitive market.
Miller has maintained his level of optimism about what the future holds.
After his first start in Scotland, he said, “I have a year left on my contract, so my focus is to go back into pre-season, work as hard as I can, and get ready for the season.”
“You hear about these significant clubs, but it’s just speculating.