Real Madrid in trouble? Valverde ruled out of El Clasico ahead of Barca clash after training-ground brawl international sports news

Real Madrid in trouble? Valverde ruled out of El Clasico ahead of Barca clash after training-ground fight
Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde celebrates scoring the third goal for his team during the Spanish La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Tensions have increased dramatically inside the Real Madrid dressing room ahead of this weekend’s El Clasico against FC Barcelona, ​​with midfielder Federico Valverde now officially ruled out of the match after suffering a head injury during a scuffle with teammate Aurelien Tchoumeni in training.The incident occurred during Thursday’s session at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas complex, just days before the crucial meeting with Barcelona and follows an earlier clash between the two midfielders during Wednesday’s training.According to ESPN sources, the brawl took place at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training complex on Thursday, just three days before the club’s crucial meeting with Barcelona. The incident reportedly followed an earlier confrontation between the two midfielders during Wednesday’s training session.

Real Madrid confirm Valverde has suffered a head injury

Real Madrid confirmed on Friday that Valverde had been diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma following a medical examination. The club said in a statement: “Following tests carried out today by Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Fede Valverde, he has been diagnosed with cranioencephalic trauma. “Valverde is in good condition at home and will need to rest for 10 to 14 days, as indicated by the medical protocol for this diagnosis.” The injury means the Uruguay captain will miss Sunday’s El Clasico. There were no reports of injuries to Tchoumeni following the incident involving the France international.

Valverde had to get stitches after the controversy

According to a source who spoke to ESPN, the confrontation occurred at the end of training after a practice match which included several heavy challenges.The source said Chouameni initially went to the changing rooms, followed shortly by Valverde who entered “looking very tense”, where the fight reportedly escalated.Another source told ESPN that Valverde kicked Tchoumeni during training, before the two exchanged insults, with Tchoumeni reportedly hitting Valverde hard during the confrontation.The same source claimed that there had been tension between the pair since Xabi Alonso was still at the club.ESPN further reported that Valverde was injured during the incident and later required stitches after being taken to the hospital.

Tension increased further after the dispute on Wednesday

Spanish outlet Marca had previously reported that the two midfielders were involved in a heated argument during Wednesday’s session following a disturbance in training.According to reports, tensions continued into Thursday, with the situation internally described as “much worse” than the original incident.Marca also claimed that Valverde refused to shake Tchoumeni’s hand when he returned to training following an earlier confrontation, describing the atmosphere inside the team as bad.Other teammates reportedly intervened before the situation escalated during Thursday’s clash.

Alvaro Arbeloa An emergency meeting was reportedly held

Following the incident, head coach Álvaro Arbeloa called an emergency crisis meeting in an attempt to calm tensions within the dressing room.The incident comes amid growing scrutiny over the environment within the Real Madrid team under head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.Spanish reports this week have claimed that many players are barely speaking to each other, while six members of the squad are also reportedly not having direct contact with Arbeloa.The atmosphere around the club is already tense after Kylian Mbappe was criticized following a brief trip to Sardinia while recovering from a left hamstring problem.

Mbappé also remains at the center of investigation

Mbappe was photographed with girlfriend Ester Exposito on a yacht in Sardinia last weekend while recovering from injury.The French forward returned to training on Monday, but the travel time reportedly caused frustration among the squad and supporters.Spanish reports claimed there was “disagreement” among teammates over the leave, while an online petition demanding Mbappe leave the club reportedly gained momentum earlier this week.Mbappé also released a statement through a spokesperson insisting that the criticism leveled at him “does not correspond to reality and the work that Kylian does daily for the good of the team”.The France captain has already faced criticism this season over alleged “individualism” within the dressing room and was also reportedly involved in a heated altercation with one of Arbeloa’s assistants during training.He also attracted attention after reportedly liking, and then deleting, a social media post that called for Jose Mourinho to return to Madrid and replace Arbeloa at the end of the season.Hours after the alleged altercation between Valverde and Tchoumeni on Thursday, footage also emerged showing Mbappe walking away from training at the Valdebebas complex smiling and laughing.

The pressure on El Clasico continues to grow

The timing of the reported incidents adds further pressure ahead of the final El Clasico of the season.Barcelona are currently 11 points ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga table, with Barcelona’s title celebrations being delayed due to Madrid’s recent win over RCD Espanyol.A Madrid defeat this weekend could officially confirm Barcelona as league champions when the two rivals meet at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

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Caleb Burke: D4vd’s brother Caleb Burke breaks silence after TMZ claims and Celeste Hernandez backstage rumors

D4vd's brother Caleb Burke breaks silence after TMZ claims and Celeste Hernandez backstage rumors
D4vd’s brother Caleb Burke breaks silence after TMZ claims and Celeste Hernandez backstage rumors (Image via Getty)

Singer D4VD’s younger brother Caleb Burke has finally spoken out after social media rumors and tabloid reports dragged him into the middle of a case involving Celeste Rivas Hernandez. In two Instagram stories shared on May 7, Caleb strongly denied claims that he helped Celeste backstage at a D4vd concert years ago. He also called out outlets such as TMZ and the Daily Mail for accusing him of using the situation to draw attention to his music career. Caleb explained that many people online were wrongly saying that he knew what was going on around his brother and was protecting him. However, he said that this is completely false. Caleb explained that he had not lived with D4vd in years and that the two were not very close growing up. According to him, they spoke only occasionally during family meetings or visits.The controversy began when TMZ published a report on May 5 claiming that Caleb was preparing to release music focused on romance and relationships, while D4DVD was facing serious legal trouble related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Caleb responded by saying that people are spreading false stories without understanding the entire situation. He also emphasized that his focus remained on seeking justice for Celeste and not on building a case about himself.

caleb burke denied backstage rumors And says TMZ has unfairly linked his music career to the D4vd case

In one of the Instagram stories, Caleb directly addressed an old concert video that is circulating online. Some social media users claimed that the clip showed him secretly bringing Celeste backstage during the D4vd concert. Caleb denied that allegation and explained what really happened.According to Caleb, Celeste was already attending the concert before the backstage moment shown in the video. He said that someone near the stage asked him to pick up an item from a fan, and the clip showed him walking back after that. Caleb said he was only 15 at the time and barely knew Celeste personally.He wrote in full, “People have been posting a video of me backstage with them at a d4vd concert when I was 15 and I’ve been wanting to address this for a while. People are even saying that I was hiding behind them and going backstage, which is not true.Caleb also denied claims that he suddenly started making music after being thrust into the spotlight over his brother. He told that he has been sharing music online for the last three to four years. He said that he also abstained from music for more than six months due to the emotional burden of the situation.The 18-year-old also revealed that he changed his online name from “CvLab” to “Cova” because he did not want his identity to be associated with the controversy. Caleb said that his first music release under the new name was planned in advance of the renewed media attention regarding his brother. At the end of his statement, Caleb said that music has always been important to him and he just wants to build his own future without using the tragedy to gain attention.

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Rare ‘Earth Mango’ found in Kerala: The hidden fungus that locals call Neelamanga is back

Rare 'Earth Mango' found in Kerala: The hidden fungus that locals call Neelamanga is back

A strange underground discovery in Kerala’s Palakkad district has suddenly attracted the attention of scientists, biodiversity researchers and even people interested in traditional medicine. In Karakurusi village, a farmer excavated land for farming and reportedly uncovered several unusual mushroom-like structures hidden beneath the soil. At first glance, they didn’t seem particularly remarkable. Yet researchers later identified them as Sclerotium stipitatum, a rare underground fungus known locally as “Neelamanga” or “Earth Mango”, as reported by Kerala local news.The name itself seems misleading. It suggests some forgotten varieties of fruit buried almost underground. In fact, it is a rare fungus that grows secretly beneath the soil surface, often in areas rich in termite activity. Researchers say such discoveries are becoming increasingly uncommon, partly because underground fungi throughout India are poorly studied. Some experts also believe that many species may become extinct before they can be properly documented by science.

Rare ‘earth mango‘Underground discovery reveals hidden fungus species

As reported by Onmanorama, the organism discovered in Karakuryu was identified as Sclerotium stipitatum, a little-known underground fungus species. Reports suggest that around 20 underground fungal structures were recovered from the site during the excavation process.Unlike normal mushrooms that appear above the soil after rain, this fungus grows mostly underground. That hidden developmental pattern becomes difficult to detect and even more difficult to study under natural conditions. Researchers say this may explain why this species rarely appears in biodiversity records despite being present in some areas for generations.Residents reportedly recognized the fungus immediately. In parts of Kerala, it has long been known by names such as “Neelamanga” and “Chithalakizhangu”. The nickname “earth mango” appears to have come primarily from its size and underground appearance rather than from any connection to true mangoes.Scientists have confirmed that there is no botanical relationship between the fungus and edible mango fruits.

Why is rare earth mango fungus attracting medical interest?

This discovery has generated interest largely because of the medicinal importance of the fungus in local traditional practices. For many years, people of the region have associated it with the treatment of cough, cold, stomach problems, jaundice, ear pain and body pain. Researchers are still cautious about these claims.Currently, there is limited scientific evidence that proves that fungi can treat any medical condition. Still, experts say fungi often contain bioactive compounds that may have pharmaceutical potential. Many important drugs, including some antibiotics, originally came from fungal research. This possibility is what makes rare species like Sclerotium stipitatum worth studying more carefully.Some scientists believe that traditional ecological knowledge may contain important clues that modern science has not yet fully discovered. In rural communities, people sometimes identify useful plants and fungi through observation over generations rather than laboratory testing. This does not automatically make every measure scientifically correct, although it often gives researchers a useful starting point.

Why does Kerala’s rare mango fungus grow underground near termites?

One detail that particularly interests researchers is the fungus’s apparent association with termite-rich soil environments. According to preliminary observations, Sclerotium stipitatum appears to grow in areas where termite activity is common. Scientists are still trying to understand how the connection works.It may simply be that termites create suitable soil conditions for the fungus to grow. Another possibility is that the fungus depends in some way on the underground ecosystem that forms around termite colonies. The researchers say more detailed ecological studies will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.This fungus also appears to be closely associated with wet soil conditions during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods of Kerala. Moisture reportedly plays a major role in its underground growth. Because these environmental conditions vary from year to year, it is difficult to predict or develop the fungus.

Could rare fungi disappear before science studies them?

The Kerala discovery has also reopened wider concerns about fungal biodiversity in India. Experts say that fungi are one of the least documented groups of organisms, despite their ecological and medicinal importance.Unlike birds, mammals or flowering plants, many fungal species remain hidden underground for most of their life cycles. Some are visible only during short seasonal windows. Others grow in isolated habitats that are increasingly threatened by land-use change, chemical farming, and environmental disruption.Researchers suggest that many rare fungal species are already quietly declining without attracting public attention. Because underground fungi are so difficult to monitor, scientists often realize that species are disappearing only when the habitat has already changed significantly.

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A newly discovered 6,000-year-old mega-structure in Romania is rewriting the prehistoric history of Europe. world News

A newly discovered 6,000-year-old mega-structure in Romania is rewriting the prehistoric history of Europe

In Romania’s Botoșani County, a team of archaeologists unearthed a massive 6,000-year-old structure. This discovery challenges our basic ideas about how human societies evolved. According to a study published on PLOS One, the structure, dating back to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture around 4000 to 3900 BC, is spread over about 350 square meters. This is approximately four times larger than standard domestic dwellings of the period. Unlike grand monuments of later times, the site does not show signs of elite wealth or any central leader. This suggests that prehistoric Europeans carried out large engineering projects through community efforts rather than orders from rulers. Located in Stauseni-‘Holm’, this discovery is changing the way we think about prehistoric Europe. This proves that complex architecture can exist without a complex stratified social hierarchy.

Scientists stunned to see huge 6,000-year-old structure hidden in Romania

The structure known as ‘Building 43’ stands out as an unusual architectural feature of the Late Chalcolithic period, especially during the Cucuteni B1 phase. It measures approximately 13 by 27 meters, covering a total of about 350 square meters, according to a study published on. one more. Research indicates that people used sophisticated timber-frame techniques and large quantities of clay (daub) to build it. The building material required – hundreds of tons of clay and wood – shows that the community made a significant collective effort, far exceeding the amount required for typical houses in the settlement.

Why did the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture burn their houses?

The research team conducted geomagnetic surveys and micromorphological analysis. They found that the mega-structure was divided into internal compartments. A major finding is evidence of ‘intentional firing’. Building 43, like many other structures of the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, was deliberately burned at the end of its use. Scientists found that in some areas the temperature reached more than 800 degrees Celsius. This suggests that the burning was probably a planned ritual, not an accident or act of war.

Researchers discover henbane and poppy seeds

Excavations inside the footprint and foundation levels yielded some rare pottery. Among them were a zoomorphic vessel and intricately designed ladles. More importantly, the researchers discovered burnt seeds of black henbane and opium poppy through detailed analysis. The discovery of these psychoactive plant remains in a large community area suggests that the structure functioned as a ‘social centre’ or ‘ritual centre’.‘Here, people may have gathered for shared experiences that may involve altered states of consciousness.

No luxury items found

The study published on PLOS One highlights an interesting thing about site similarity. Even though the building is very large, it does not contain any of the luxuries such as gold, copper or rare imports that you would expect in the home of a king or chief. This information indicates that the people of Stouseni functioned as a sophisticated society without a leader in charge. The massive structure served as a ‘community centre’, demonstrating that ancient Europeans could achieve impressive engineering feats by working together socially rather than under a coercive authority.

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Candace Owens: Fact Check: Was Candace Owens arrested for harassment after alleged Facebook threats?

Fact Check: Was Candace Owens arrested for harassment after alleged Facebook threats?
Laura Loomer reignited her feud with Candace Owens by sharing a newspaper archive that allegedly showed Owens faced harassment and bullying allegations in 2007. The report claimed that Owens had sent threatening messages on Facebook, although no record of conviction has emerged. The clash escalated after Owens accused Loomer of fraud and harassment. Loomer denied the allegations and called Owens a “pathological liar”, while warning that legal action could be taken if their public social media battle intensifies.

Laura Loomer and Candace Owens have turned their online rivalry into one of the most talked-about conservative media feuds of the week. The latest clash began when Loomer resurfaced an old newspaper clipping that showed Owens facing molestation-related charges as a teen. The post quickly spread throughout X, making years-old allegations public again and reigniting debates around privacy, online attacks, and political influencer culture.The controversy grew even more heated as it came amid Owens’ own claims that he was targeted through a coordinated harassment campaign after leaving the Daily Wire. Loomer responded aggressively, accusing Owens of hypocrisy and insisting that the commentator was trying to portray himself as a victim despite his previous controversies. The public fallout has now turned into a widespread online war that includes allegations of stalking, doxxing and legal threats.

Candace Owens harassment allegations spark fresh controversy

Loomer shared a newspaper archive on X that allegedly referenced a 2007 incident involving Owens. In the post, Loomer wrote, “Clandace Owens knows a lot about harassment while she pretends to be the victim. It’s been her MO her entire life. Did you know she was literally arrested once for harassment? Here’s a newspaper archive from a newspaper in Connecticut where she was arrested.”The archived report described Owens as “the victim of an alleged hate crime in which the mayor’s son was a suspect,” while also saying he was later arrested after “sending threatening messages via Facebook.”Stamford Police Sergeant Joseph Kennedy said, according to the article, “Owens allegedly sent a digital message threatening physical harm to another person’s account.”CTPost and News-Times reports said Owens faced charges of second-degree harassment and second-degree menacing at the time. However, no publicly available court records indicate any convictions associated with the case.

Laura Loomer and Candace Owens’ feud gets extremely personal

What started as a disagreement over alleged doxxing soon turned into personal attacks involving family members and legal charges. Owens accused Loomer of targeting her personal information and claimed someone tried to impersonate her when opening a State Farm account.Loomer denied wrongdoing and commented at length on Axe. He wrote, “Candace, you are a pathological liar. Your information about your cars is publicly available online through your trust and your husband’s arrest record. The VIN number is publicly traceable to all other vehicles you own.”He later added, “You are a malicious liar and you will be held accountable in a court of law.”This feud is continuously increasing on social media, both the women are making allegations and counter-allegations daily. As screenshots, old reports and personal claims continue to circulate online, the fight has become another example of how conflicts between political influencers can increasingly dominate digital conversations and blur the line between public debate and personal warfare.

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US, Iran considering 30-day ceasefire plan, reopening of Strait of Hormuz; N-negotiations still in limbo

US, Iran considering 30-day ceasefire plan, reopening of Strait of Hormuz; N-negotiations still in limbo

The New York Times, citing three senior Iranian officials familiar with the talks, reported that Iran and the US are discussing a temporary framework that could halt hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and make room for broader talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.According to the NYT, the proposed short-term arrangement would establish a 30-day pause in hostilities while both sides continue negotiations toward a broader and more permanent agreement. Officials said discussions between the two sides are continuing, with negotiators exchanging proposals on the wording and structure of a potential long-term framework.The proposed interim framework focuses on three immediate steps: lifting the US blockade of Iranian shipping and ports, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial maritime traffic, and ending ongoing military hostilities under the ceasefire agreement.Officials said more contentious issues would be addressed during the proposed 30-day negotiation period, including sanctions relief, the long-term future of Iran’s nuclear program and the release of Iranian financial assets frozen abroad.According to The New York Times, one of the major points of debate in the talks remains Washington’s demands for prior commitments regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.Iranian officials said US negotiators are seeking an agreement in principle under which Iran would transfer its enriched uranium reserves to the US, close three nuclear facilities and suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years.Officials also said Tehran is committed to not pursuing nuclear weapons and suspending uranium enrichment, although the duration and conditions of any such suspension remain under discussion.Officials said Tehran has instead proposed reducing part of its uranium reserves and transferring the remainder to a third country, potentially Russia.Under Iran’s proposal, uranium enrichment would be suspended for 10 to 15 years, although no agreement has reportedly been reached on the future of the three nuclear facilities.

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“He just kissed me”: IShowSpeed ​​horrified as chaotic livestream moment explodes on social media

"he just kissed me": IShowSpeed ​​horrified as chaotic livestream moment explodes on social media
A viral clip of iShowSpeed’s Dominican Republic livestream has sparked massive online discussion after a fan unexpectedly tried to kiss the streamer during a crowded bus conversation. Security immediately intervened, while the shocked producer repeatedly questioned what was happening on the stream. The chaotic moment quickly spread across Reddit and X, with many viewers defending Speed. The controversy escalated when xQc suggested that the livestream’s viewership figure of 1.1 million was inflated by bots.

iShowSpeed’s wild Caribbean tour took another turn for the wild when a clip from the Dominican Republic livestream went viral and sparked a furious online debate. A popular streamer who is known for turning public appearances into unexpected spectacles had an uncomfortable moment when a fan crossed the line of personal space during a crowded encounter on his bus. Within hours, clips from the stream flooded Reddit and Xx, where viewers analyzed every second of the encounter.The incident happened when the 21-year-old producer greeted fans during his IRL stream. Then someone wearing a costume and a reindeer headband approached the vehicle and attempted to kiss her uninvited. Security immediately jumped in and pushed the man away, but the moment had clearly shaken the streamer. Within minutes the clip went viral on social media, adding another viral chapter to IShowSpeed’s headline-grabbing overseas streams.

IShowSpeed’s response after Dominican Republic livestream incident

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IRL stream in Dominican Republic 🇩🇴

As confusion spread inside the packed vehicle, Darren reacted in disbelief while speaking directly to his audience. He repeatedly questioned what had just happened and appeared stunned by the encounter.“Hey! Hey! Why did he just kiss me… He just kissed me, brother! Brother, what’s going on, brother?! Valahi, what’s going on, brother?! Chat, Valahi, what’s going on in the Dominican Republic?! Chat, what’s going on, brother? Valahi, what’s going on in the Dominican Republic, brother? Brother, what’s going on, brother? The Dominican Republic ain’t real, brother. It ain’t real, brother, it ain’t real Yes, brother.”The livestream clip spread quickly on Reddit after being uploaded to the popular r/LivestreamFail community. Many viewers defended the streamer, arguing that the moment crossed a line regardless of internet culture or streaming chaos. Others focused on how quickly their security team reacted before the situation escalated.Darren also made fun of his tour guide’s reaction during that awkward moment. He said:“Hey, did you see how he leaned? You leaned! No, brother. I peeped at you. I peeped at you. I see you rolling.

xQc Raises questions about iShowSpeed’s huge livestream numbers

The controversy regarding the section did not stop here. Fellow streamer Felix “xQc” Lengyel later discussed the broadcast after it reportedly surpassed 1.1 million concurrent viewers. youtube. This number immediately caught the attention of the streaming community due to its unusually high appearance.Speaking on stream, xQc suggested that external bot activity may have inflated the numbers, though he stopped short of directly blaming IShowSpeed.“I think it’s pretty obvious, but there’s just a layer of bots today. But that doesn’t mean he’s botting, like, you know what I mean? It’s probably someone who’s just doing that to him. You know what I mean? I’m not accusing him. Chat, 1.1 mil is crazy! That’s like 30x the normal amount.”As of yet, IShowSpeed ​​has not responded publicly to the viewbotting speculations.

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“You will die forever”: Sneekko posts disturbing messages after Australia reportedly issues lifetime ban against streamer

Sneekko posted disturbing messages after Australia reportedly issued a lifetime ban against the streamer (Image via Getty)

Controversial streamer Nico ‘Sneekko’ KNd Balinthzi is making headlines once again after posting a series of worrying messages on X during and after his trip to Australia. The latest post shared on May 7, 2026 said, “I am ready to die.The message came just hours after Australian media reports claimed the streamer was banned from the country for allegedly spreading hate speech. The situation quickly escalated after Sky News Australia aired a segment on 5 May in which Sneekko was called “blatantly anti-Semitic” and questioned why he was allowed into Australia. Shortly after that report, Australian Home Affairs Minister Troy Burke reportedly issued a lifetime ban against the streamer. According to the report, authorities believe Sneoko came to Australia to “spread hatred”.However, Sneekko strongly denied those claims online. He said he was not deported and insisted he returned to the United States by his own choice. Hours after posting “I’m ready to die,” he added another message on X, saying, “Federal agents were stalking me in Australia.”The streamer had traveled to Australia after finishing his South East Asia tour. During that trip, he also spent time with friends, including former New Zealand rugby player and boxer Sonny Bill Williams.

Sneekko repeated. obituary post After Australia controversy, more questions were raised on X

The recent reports from Australia aren’t the first time Sneekko has shared dark and cryptic posts online. In fact, for nearly two weeks, the streamer has repeatedly posted messages focused on death.On April 27, while traveling in Southeast Asia, Sneekko wrote, “You only live once, but you will die forever.” Then, on May 4, he posted another message saying, “Every soul will have to taste death.”Two days later, on May 6, the online creator shared an even more direct statement with followers: “You’re gonna die.”The timing of those posts has now received more attention because they occurred just before and after reports from Australia. When Sky News Australia linked him to controversial public figures such as Kanye West and Andrew Tate in criticizing the government for allowing him into the country, Sneekko posted another message saying, “I’m not afraid of you.”As of now, Sneekko hasn’t explained what exactly he means by the repeated death-related posts. He has also not shared any evidence to support his claim that he was followed by federal agents while he was in Australia.Online reaction remains divided. Some followers believe the streamer is trying to send a deeper message about pressure and public criticism. Others think that these posts are just to attract attention during a major controversy during his trip to Australia.At the moment, the situation continues to escalate online, especially as Sneekko keeps sharing short and mysterious statements without giving full information behind them.

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‘We’ll hit them harder’: Trump warns Iran of tough military action after 3 US ships come under fire in Hormuz

'We'll hit them harder': Trump warns Iran of tough military action after 3 US ships come under fire in Hormuz

us President donald trump Three US naval destroyers came under fire while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but they were unharmed during the incident, it was claimed on Thursday. He also warned of strong military action if Iran did not agree to sign the deal quickly.In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Three world-class American destroyers just exited the Strait of Hormuz under fire, very successfully. The three destroyers were unharmed, but the Iranian attackers took heavy damage. They were completely destroyed along with several smaller boats, which are being used to replace their completely destroyed navy.”The incident comes amid rising tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, where both the United States and Iran have recently reported attacks and counter-attacks. In his post, Trump described the attack as intercepting missiles fired at US ships and destroying drones in the air, describing it as ‘like a butterfly falling on its grave’.“Missiles were fired at our destroyers, and they were easily shot down. Similarly, the drones came, and were incinerated while still in the air. They fell into the sea so beautifully, just like a butterfly falling on its grave!” He wrote further.Issuing a stern warning to Iran, Trump said the country would face more intense military action if it did not agree to a deal soon.“In the future if they do not quickly sign their agreement we will expel them even more harshly and much more violently,” he wrote.Describing it as a country led by ‘madmen’, he also said that Iran is not a ‘normal country’.Trump wrote, “A normal country would have allowed these destructive planes to pass, but Iran is not a normal country. They are led by LUNATICS.” He also reiterated his earlier claims that Tehran should never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.Trump also said the three destroyers would now return to end what he described as a US naval blockade in the region.He wrote, “Our three destroyers, with their wonderful crews, will now rejoin our naval blockade, which is truly a ‘wall of steel’.”The comments come hours after reports of military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to US Central Command, US forces targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for ‘unprovoked’ missile, drone and small boat attacks against US warships passing through the strait. The US military said no US property was damaged during the incident.However, Iranian state media accused the United States of ceasefire violations by attacking Iranian territory and civilian coastal areas near Qeshm Island, Bandar Khamir and Sirik, and warned of a ‘crushing response’ to any further aggression.

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US to revoke passports of thousands of parents with debts of more than $100,000 over unpaid child support

US to revoke passports of thousands of parents with debts of more than $100,000 over unpaid child support

Thousands of American parents who are owed huge sums in unpaid child support are going to lose their passports as the US government is set to expand enforcement of a long-standing federal law, the Associated Press reports.The U.S. State Department confirmed the cancellations will begin Friday, initially targeting parents who owe $100,000 or more. Based on data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, officials estimate that about 2,700 passport holders fall into this category.The move is a change from earlier practice, where passports were usually marked only when people applied for renewal or used consular services. Under the new system, officials will now proactively cancel passports based on debt information shared by federal and state agencies.“We are expanding a common-sense practice that has proven effective in helping child care providers repay their debts,” said Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.He added: “Once these parents resolve their debts, they can once again enjoy the privileges of a U.S. passport.”The policy is expected to be expanded further to include parents who owe more than $2,500 in unpaid child support, the limit set under a 1996 law. The number of people affected at that level has not yet been confirmed, but could reach several thousand once state-level data collection is complete.Under the system, DHHS will notify the State Department about individuals who are in arrears. Those identified will have their passports canceled and will have to repay their debts before reapplying for travel documents.Parents whose passports have been canceled will be informed that their documents are no longer valid for international travel. People who have already left the country at the time of revocation will need to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain emergency travel documentation to return home.The program has already had consequences for some parents paying overdue amounts after news of the crackdown broke earlier this year.This policy is part of the passport denial program created under federal law in 1996, which allows the government to restrict passports to individuals with significant child support arrears. Since its launch, the program has helped collect hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid support, including more than $156 million in the last five years alone. Enforcement will be implemented in phases, starting with higher loan limits and then potentially moving to lower levels of outstanding amounts.

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