Candace Owens supports Nick Fuentes in viral pepper spray incident as Marla Rose withdraws allegations and files lawsuit (Image via Getty)

Candace Owens has come out in support of Nick Fuentes after a video of him using pepper spray on a woman at her front door spread widely online. The clip shows Fuentes opening his door, spraying the woman who was recording him, and then pushing her, causing her to fall. according to New York PostThe incident is of November 2024. The woman seen in the video has been identified as Marla Rose. Fuentes was later arrested and charged with battery. However, Rose has now dropped the criminal charges and filed a civil lawsuit instead.The video began trending again after Fuentes shared it on his podcast. This immediately divided people online, with many criticizing him, while others defended his actions. Candace Owens was one of the most notable voices supporting him.

The debate intensified after Internet personality Mario Nawfal posted the clip on X on April 29. He said Fuentes’ reaction might seem extreme, but he mentioned that someone once came to his own door with a crossbow.Candace Owens answered clearly and did not hold back. She said: “There’s no strong reaction at all. In many parts of the South, if you try to do something like that, you risk getting shot. In my house, we have kids and we were intentionally thinking about choosing a state with ‘stand your ground’ laws.” His comments added fuel to an already heated discussion online. on him America first In the podcast episode released on April 29, Nick Fuentes also explained what happened that day. He claimed that the situation started after he posted a controversial message online, which led to people coming to his house.He explained: “She comes into my house, takes out her phone. She starts filming my house, making a dialogue saying that I’m a Nazi and a rogue, and that I’m violent against all women, etc. She comes up to the front porch, and let’s just say she loses control of her body for a moment.Fuentes admitted the moment wasn’t ideal but he tried to move on from it. “The incident was regrettable. It is now over,” he said. At the same time, another discussion started online involving Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. Journalist Laura Loomer interviewed both of them after traveling to Italy in the same week.In her April 24 post onThey also linked the timing of his visit to news stories about the Justice Department and the Southern Poverty Law Center, although no direct link was confirmed. Candace Owens later addressed this on her podcast. She said that she was on a religious trip to Rome, about which she had told her audience in March itself. He also clarified: “I did not see Nick Fuentes.”Nick Fuentes also shared his side. He said he was feeling mentally exhausted and decided to travel following the advice of Keith Woods, who was already in Rome. He described his reaction when he first heard the rumors:“When Laura Loomer said Candace was in Rome, I was looking at Keith. I looked at Keith, and I thought, They’ll never believe me. I thought, ‘They’ll never believe this.’ I said, because it’s a strange coincidence. And you guys know that Candace and I have separated. We are not talking.”The two have had public disagreements in the past, including debates and controversial claims on political topics. Their separate trips to Italy, occurring at the same time, led to further speculation, although both denied meeting each other.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt enters the stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations Group B football match between Egypt and South Africa on Friday, December 26, 2025 in Agadir, Morocco. (AP Photo/Themba Hedebe)

What had long seemed a straightforward, high-priced move away from Europe is no longer so certain, with Mohamed Salah now leaning towards an unexpected option that has quietly emerged in the wake of his exit from Liverpool FC. Earlier speculation had linked him to a move to Saudi side Al Nassr FC, but that route is now less clear as other options developed. The 33-year-old has already confirmed that his nine-year tenure on Merseyside will end this summer, but while the financial pull of the Saudi Pro League remains strong, discussions elsewhere suggest his next move may not follow the expected script.

Fenerbahçe talks and salary expectations

According to Turkish outlet a sporeFenerbahçe have held two meetings with Salah’s agent as they explore the possibility of bringing him to Istanbul, with reporter Erdem Akbaş reporting that the club’s representative Erton Torunogullari has been directly involved in the discussions. During those talks Salah reportedly outlined salary expectations of around £333,000 per week, which matches his current earnings at Liverpool and would put him among the highest-paid players in Europe. The same report indicates that Salah is demanding an annual salary of around €20 million and has made it clear that he wants to continue his career in Europe rather than leave the continent at this stage. A third round of talks was scheduled after Fenerbahçe’s recent derby against Galatasaray, but talks were put on hold due to the club election decision, leaving the situation open but active.

Fenerbahçe references and squad formation

Fenerbahçe, based in the Kadıköy district of Istanbul and founded in 1907, is one of Turkey’s most prominent and widely supported clubs, competing in the Turkish Süper Lig and regularly appearing in European competitions through UEFA.The club has a history of attracting high-profile names, including Roberto Carlos, who spent three seasons there between 2007 and 2009, and Mesut Ozil, who later joined Istanbul Basaksehir in 2021 before moving to Istanbul Basaksehir and retiring in 2023.Recently, the squad has been strengthened with players such as Ederson, Leroy Sané and N’Golo Kante, reflecting an aggressive recruitment strategy.Former manager José Mourinho, who took charge in June 2024, was sacked on August 29, 2025 after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages.With three weeks remaining in the current Super Lig season, Fenerbahçe are seven points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray, leaving their title hopes in limbo but not mathematically over.

Contract status and timeline of exit from Liverpool

Salah’s departure comes despite signing a contract extension last summer which was due to run until 2027, with Liverpool opting to allow the Egypt international to leave on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign. His final weeks at the club were complicated by injury, he was forced off during a 3–1 win over Crystal Palace on 25 April with what the club later described as a “minor” muscle problem. He was substituted just before the hour mark and took time to acknowledge the Anfield crowd as he walked off the field, an emotional moment which led to concerns that it could be his final appearance at the stadium. Liverpool later confirmed in a statement: “Liverpool FC can confirm that Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the end of this season. “The number 11 was substituted during the second half of the Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Anfield last Saturday. “However, the expectation is that Salah will return to action before the conclusion of 2025-26 and his departure from the Reds this summer.” Manager Arne Slott is hopeful of Salah playing again before the end of the campaign, with fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Aston Villa and Brentford FC still remaining.

Saudi Pro League interest and alternative options

Saudi Pro League clubs remain leading contenders for Salah’s signature betfair The odds, which are priced at 8/11, reflect the league’s financial strength and long-term recruitment strategy as it continues to target global stars. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has long seen Salah as a central figure in raising the global profile of the league, potentially replacing him. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. Major League Soccer is thought to be the next most likely destination at 15/8, reflecting its growing appeal as a competitive and commercially attractive league, while a return to AS Roma is priced at 10/1. Roma remain an emotional option given Salah’s previous spell in Italy, where he scored 19 goals and helped the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals. The other clubs listed in the betting market are FC Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United at 11/1, followed by AC Milan and Real Madrid at 12/1, Juventus at 14/1, Bayern Munich at 22/1 and Tottenham Hotspur at 25/1.

Current season performance and evaluation

Salah’s individual performances continue to be strong, with the forward registering 12 goals and nine assists in 39 appearances this season, while his current market valuation is estimated to be around €30 million. Despite the injury setback, there is an expectation within Liverpool that he will return before the end of the campaign, potentially allowing him to make a final appearance at Anfield in the closing match against Brentford on May 24, 2026.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah smiles as he sits on the field after being injured during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)

For Egypt, his recovery time is also important ahead of international commitments, especially with the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, given their previous experience of playing at less than full fitness during the 2018 World Cup.

The decision is still open as the next step takes shape

While Saudi Arabia appears to be offering the most financially attractive route, ongoing talks with Fenerbahce and Salah’s stated preference to remain in Europe have introduced a new dimension to an established transfer narrative. With talks stalled but not collapsed, and many markets still in play, with the final decision unresolved, Salah’s next move is likely to define the closing stages of a 14-year career at the top level of European football.

China has transformed vertical transportation with the unveiling of the world’s longest outdoor escalator. Spanning an impressive 905 meters, this engineering marvel is located in Wushan County, Chongqing Municipality. Shaped like a dragon, it helps visitors climb the 80-storey climb in just 20 minutes. This innovation has replaced the tiring one-hour mountain trek. The project can transport 7,300 people each hour. Engineers used eco-friendly materials such as reinforced concrete and structural steel, ensuring that the construction fits seamlessly into the surrounding limestone karst landscape. It offers tourists a sustainable way to explore one of China’s most challenging terrains at high altitude.

Climb 80 floors in 20 minutes: the mechanics of the 905 meter high sky staircase

Wushan Sky Ladder can accommodate a large number of passengers. It uses a complex transportation system with 21 outdoor escalators and two large-capacity elevators. As mentioned ChongqingThis setup was rushed to be completed before the Spring Festival, in order to reduce travel stress during holidays in the Three Gorges area. With a straight vertical route, it skips winding roads, providing an eco-friendly route that minimizes the impact on Wushan’s steep landscape.

ecological integrity in south china karst

According to UNESCO, the construction of a high-capacity transit system in the Wushan area demands strict compliance with ecological protection standards. The area is part of the South China Karst, famous for its soluble limestone and unique biodiversity. The Sky Ladder project respects this fragile environment. It uses modular construction methods that minimize soil disturbance on a steep slope of 242.14 meters (794 ft). Unlike conventional road expansion, this vertical landmark offers an environmentally friendly solution. It preserves the natural drainage patterns of the Yangtze River basin and still allows high-density pedestrian movement.

A strategic boost for regional economic development

The Sky Ladder project fits in perfectly with China’s national policies that focus on increasing access to top-rated scenic areas and promoting ‘smart tourism’. Instead of challenging climbs, visitors can now use automated vertical transportation, making it easier for older people and those with mobility problems to enjoy high-altitude views. The project is part of a larger plan to boost the potential of tourism sectors. The aim is to ensure that the infrastructure supports growing domestic tourism demands while keeping everything safe and efficient.

A new immigration bill in the US proposes to eliminate the green card lottery and limit family-based visas. It aims to focus more on a competency-driven system.The proposed “America First Immigration Act” was introduced by Republican Congressman Barry Moore and aims to overhaul the country’s legal immigration framework by prioritizing high-skilled workers and tightening eligibility rules. If passed, the legislation would end the diversity visa lottery program and limit family sponsorship to immediate relatives.Under the bill, US citizens will no longer be able to sponsor parents, siblings or adult children for immigration. Family-based visas will be limited to spouses and minor children of citizens as well as spouses and children of green card holders. Extended family members can still apply, but only through merit-based routes.Moore said in a statement to Fox News: “My bill draws a hard line – the days of putting an illegal, random diversity lottery and foreign labor ahead of American workers are over.”The MAGA leader said: “Our immigration system should serve the American people, not undermine them, and that means selecting individuals who will strengthen our economy, respect our laws and share our values.”The 70-page proposal also aims to formalize several immigration measures linked to US President Donald Trump’s policies. This follows previous actions such as halting the green card lottery program in December 2025 and a ban on H1B1 work visas implemented last year.At the heart of the bill is a move towards a points-based system. People applying for immigration will be evaluated on factors such as how well they speak English, their education, salary, age, and any military service. To be eligible, they must have a job offer that pays at least twice the average wage in the state where they plan to live.Employers will also have to follow strict rules. They have to show that they have actually tried to hire American workers before offering the job to someone from another country. They have to share details of the US candidates they considered, including what salaries were offered. The Labor Department will check whether these rules are being followed or not.“If you want to come to the United States, you must earn it through merit, not through the diversity lottery or loopholes. The American First Immigration Act restores fairness and accountability by protecting American jobs, prioritizing single-family jobs and ensuring that every immigrant admitted is prepared to contribute and succeed, Moore told Fox News.The Bill also introduces a mandatory pledge for incoming migrants. Applicants must affirm support for the U.S. Constitution and renounce affiliations with groups involved in practices such as honor killings, female foeticide or genital mutilation.Julie Kirchner, senior adviser at the America First Policy Institute, supported the proposal, particularly the move to eliminate the diversity visa scheme. He said, “The visa lottery has a long, documented history of fraud and national security concerns and must be ended. Under a merit-based, America First system, any immigrant must demonstrate their skills, ability to assimilate and how they will contribute to America.”He said false declarations by migrants could lead to deportation or even loss of citizenship. “Ideally the government already has information to prevent these people from immigrating to the United States,” Kirchner said.He added: “However, if a newly arrived immigrant engages in behavior that indicates that his or her statements to our immigration agencies were false, it may become grounds for deportation or denaturalization.”The bill retains the provision limiting religious worker visas to 3,000 annually.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino claps after receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Dan Mullan/Pool Photo via AP)

As the 2026 tournament approaches, FIFA has moved closer to solving one of the most significant financial issues facing participating nations, reaching an understanding with the United States Treasury that will allow all 48 teams to apply for exemption from federal taxes on their World Cup earnings. The development follows months of concern that expanded tournaments, held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, would place a disproportionate financial burden on national associations, particularly those without existing tax treaties with the United States. While the latest breakthrough addresses federal taxation, discussions are ongoing and many teams may still face state and city taxes, depending on where their matches are played.

Timeline of negotiations and how the issue emerged

The issue first became clear in April 2026, when reporting indicated that FIFA unable to secure comprehensive tax exemption For participating countries, despite having tax-exempt status in the United States since the 1994 World Cup. Under US law, income earned within the country is subject to taxation, meaning that national associations will be liable for federal, state and local taxes on prize money and commercial earnings generated during tournaments. At that stage, only 18 of the 48 eligible countries were protected through a double taxation agreement (DTA) with the United States. Those agreements, which have been largely negotiated by European countries with Canada, Mexico, Australia, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa, reduce or eliminate some tax liabilities. The remaining 30 countries, many of which were from small or emerging football economies, had no such protection and were expected to face significantly higher costs. Countries such as Curaçao and Cape Verde, both of whom are making their World Cup debut, were cited as examples of how the system can create inequalities, with smaller associations potentially facing a higher effective tax burden than wealthier European associations due to their tax status.

The Success of the Federal Tax Exemption and How It Works

On April 30, the day before the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, The Guardian reported Discussions involving the US Treasury and Donald Trump’s World Cup taskforce were expected to yield a commitment from FIFA that national associations would be able to apply for federal tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code. According to the report, FIFA has been assured that if the organizations meet the necessary conditions, the application is likely to be successful. Operating as non-profit entities, not distributing profits to private shareholders, and refraining from political activity. National football associations are expected to meet these criteria.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

If implemented as expected, the exemption would remove the most significant portion of the tax burden, bringing federal income tax rates in the United States to approximately 37% for individuals and approximately 21% for corporate entities.

State and city taxes still create unequal fiscal outcomes

Even with federal exemptions, the fiscal picture remains uneven because state and local taxes will still apply in many cases. Tax rates vary widely depending on location. Florida, which will host the matches in Miami, has no state income tax, while New Jersey, where the finals will be held at MetLife Stadium, can reach as high as 10.75%, and California, with matches in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has a rate as high as 13.3%. Because the United States will host 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches, including all matches through the quarterfinals, most teams will essentially play games within US jurisdictions where these taxes apply. Canada and Mexico, which will each host 13 matches, have already granted full tax exemptions to participating federations, creating a contradiction within the same tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 (via Getty Images)

The result is that a team’s final tax liability will depend not only on how much progress it makes but also on where its matches are scheduled, in what officials previously described as a “postcode lottery”.FIFA has declined to comment publicly on the negotiations, while sources cited by The Guardian say the situation is still ongoing. Yet the change represents a major shift from earlier expectations that teams could lose a large portion of their tournament income to federal taxation, while questions surrounding potential city and state taxes are also considered part of broader negotiations and have yet to be fully resolved.

Why does this issue matter to small and non-European countries?

The financial implications of the State of Origin were particularly significant for countries without DTAs, many of whom rely heavily on World Cup revenues to finance domestic football development. Earlier, FIFA increased the total prize and participation fund by 15%, taking it to $871 million (£645 million), with each of the 48 teams guaranteed at least $12.5 million. However, without the tax relief, a larger portion of that income would have been kept within the United States through taxation.

The FIFA World Cup trophy is displayed during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

Concerns raised at the beginning of the year revealed that some unions could face losing more than 20% of their earnings, a figure that would have a disproportionate impact on smaller unions compared to wealthier European counterparts.

How is it different from previous World Cups?

In previous editions of the tournament, host governments have generally granted full tax exemptions to all participating teams, thereby ensuring a level playing field. The most recent example is the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where all 32 national associations were exempted from local taxation on their earnings. That approach ensured that participation revenues flowed back into national football systems without deduction. The three-country hosting model of the 2026 tournament, coupled with the United States’ tax structure and treaty system, has created a more complex environment that FIFA is attempting to address through negotiations rather than automatic exemptions. With the tournament set to begin on June 11, when Mexico hosts South Africa in the opening match, resolving these outstanding details remains a priority for FIFA and the participating associations as preparations enter their final stages.

Senior Iranian government official rejects United States claims on supreme leader’s health Mojtaba Khamenei And said that he is healthy.Ayatollah Mohsen Qomi, a member of the Assembly of Experts and deputy for international affairs in the office of Iran’s supreme leader, said such tactics are used by the West to elicit reactions and spread rumours.