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World News / International

Social media buzz links Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié

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Social media

NEW YORK: Rumors of a possible relationship between pop star Sabrina Carpenter and Ecuadorian footballer Piero Hincapié have spread rapidly on social media, fueled by online speculation following a recent World Cup qualifying match in New Jersey.

The speculation intensified after Carpenter was seen attending a match at MetLife Stadium last week and appeared to show support for Ecuador’s national team.

Social media users quickly linked her to Hincapié, a defender for Ecuador, prompting widespread discussion and unverified claims about a possible romance.

Neither Carpenter nor Hincapié has confirmed any romantic involvement. Both have previously indicated they are single, and no official statements have been issued addressing the rumors.

Hincapié also drew attention recently for an unrelated on-field incident during a World Cup qualifier against Mexico, where he briefly covered his mouth while speaking to an opposing player.

The incident led to VAR intervention and a red card decision, further increasing his visibility in recent days.

Carpenter has previously been the subject of dating speculation involving several public figures, though none of those relationships have been officially confirmed.

The latest wave of rumors remains unverified, with both celebrities staying silent as online debate continues.

Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce tie the knot in star-studded New York ceremony

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Taylor Swift

NEW YORK:  After months of online speculation and viral countdowns, singer Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce have reportedly married in a lavish ceremony in New York City, drawing widespread attention from fans and media outlets.

The couple exchanged vows on July 3 at Madison Square Garden, according to reports, in a high-profile event attended by more than a thousand guests and numerous celebrities.

The Empire State Building was illuminated specially for the occasion, while digital billboards outside the venue displayed the message “JUST MARRIED T & T.”

The guest list reportedly included high-profile figures such as Gigi Hadid, Bradley Cooper, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez, among others.

Media reports said the extravagant ceremony cost an estimated $20 million and was staged with production elements resembling a music video-style announcement.

Separately, British media reports claimed the couple had also pledged $26 million in charitable donations to various organizations ahead of the wedding.

Swift had previously said in a public appearance last year that she envisioned a large and elaborate wedding, a prediction that appears to have materialized in the star-studded event now circulating widely on social media.

Pakistan likely to name 16-player test squad for West Indies, England tours

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan is expected to announce a 16-player Test squad for its upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the selection process.

The reports said selectors had initially considered naming a 17-member squad but are now leaning toward a 16-player roster.

Under the revised plan, one batter could be omitted from the squad.

According to the reports, Saud Shakeel is unlikely to be included for the West Indies leg of the tour. However, selectors are reportedly considering adding him to the squad for the three-Test series in England.

Consultations over the final composition of the squad are continuing, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the Test squad in the coming days.

The PCB has not officially confirmed the squad or the reported selection plans.

PCB issues NOCs to 14 cricketers for overseas T20 leagues

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PCB issues

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to 14 Pakistani cricketers, allowing them to participate in overseas franchise leagues.

According to PCB sources, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique and Farhan Yousaf are among those cleared to play abroad.

The board also issued NOCs to Shamyl Hussain, Mehran Mumtaz, Usman Khan, Ali Shabbir, Mohammad Farooq, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Basit and Khalil Ahmed.

The PCB said 13 players have been granted NOCs to compete in the Global Super League in 2026.

Separately, Moaz Sadaqat received an NOC to participate in the Caribbean Premier League.

France reports more than 2,000 heat-related deaths in one week

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France reports

PARIS: More than 2,000 people have died in France during the past week as an intense heatwave swept across much of Europe, France’s health minister said.

According to the minister, the death toll in France has reached 2,025, with officials warning that the number could rise as authorities continue to assess the impact of the extreme temperatures.

The minister said people older than 12 years accounted for the highest number of deaths.

The heatwave has affected several European countries. According to reports, at least 3,700 people died across France, Belgium and the Netherlands over the past week.

Belgium reported about 1,200 heat-related deaths, while the Netherlands recorded 480 deaths linked to record-breaking temperatures and prolonged extreme heat.

Health authorities across Europe have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during peak daytime temperatures and check on elderly and vulnerable people as unusually high temperatures persist.

Earlier, Shoppers in France scrambled to buy fans and portable air conditioners during an intense heatwave, with scuffles breaking out at several supermarkets as demand for cooling equipment surged.

A major French supermarket chain announced that it would offer 200,000 fans and portable air conditioners for sale nationwide, prompting long lines outside stores before opening.

At a store in Nanterre, west of Paris, more than 100 customers rushed inside when the doors opened. Witnesses reported arguments and pushing as shoppers competed for the limited supply, with only about 10 people able to purchase a fan or portable air conditioner.

At another store, shelves were emptied within minutes, and disputes reportedly broke out over the last remaining units.

The rush comes as much of Europe continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several countries.

In Spain, authorities reported 1,029 heat-related deaths during June, the highest number recorded for the month since 2015.

The extreme heat has prompted health officials across Europe to urge residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and take extra precautions to protect vulnerable populations.

Iran prepares for funeral ceremonies without naming prayer leader

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Iran prepares

TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have not officially announced who will lead funeral prayers for the country’s late Supreme Leader, despite the start of a series of public mourning ceremonies scheduled across Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry sources told local media that senior Shiite cleric Ayatollah Jafar Sobhani is expected to lead the main funeral prayer in Tehran, although no official confirmation has been issued.

Authorities have also not said whether the same cleric will preside over funeral prayers in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad, or whether different religious figures will lead the ceremonies.

Historically, Iran’s supreme leader has not necessarily led funeral prayers for a predecessor. When Ruhollah Khomeini died in 1989, his funeral prayers were led by Mohammad Reza Golpaygani, then head of the Qom seminary, before Ali Khamenei was later chosen as supreme leader.

According to the report, funeral ceremonies are scheduled in Tehran from July 4 to July 6, followed by services in Qom on July 7. The body is then expected to be taken to Najaf and Karbala for additional funeral prayers before returning to Iran.

The final funeral prayer is scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad, where burial is expected to take place.

The report also said security surrounding the ceremonies is expected to be extensive, with authorities anticipating attendance by more than 10 million mourners. Officials are expected to prioritize the security of Iran’s current supreme leader during the public events.

Report says Israel considered targeting Iranian officials during Pakistan visit

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Report says

WASHINGTON: Israel considered targeting senior Iranian officials during their visit to Pakistan for diplomatic talks earlier this year, but the plan was never carried out, according to a report published by The New York Times.

The newspaper reported that Israel had contemplated targeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during their April visit to Islamabad.

According to the report, U.S. officials, concerned about the possibility of military action, alerted Iran through intermediaries in several regional countries about a potential Israeli operation.

The report said Iranian officials sought assurances through Pakistani and Qatari mediators that their delegation would not be targeted while traveling to and from Pakistan for the talks.

It also said Pakistan Air Force aircraft escorted the Iranian delegation’s plane during its flights between Iran and Pakistan.

According to the report, Iranian officials later received intelligence indicating that Israeli aircraft had entered Iranian airspace from Iraq as the delegation was returning home. The information was relayed to the aircraft, prompting it to divert and land at Mashhad International Airport.

The report said the incident was later confirmed by Mohammad Marandi, a senior adviser to Ghalibaf.

The claims have not been independently verified by The Associated Press, and there has been no immediate public comment from Israeli, Iranian or Pakistani authorities regarding the report.

Ronaldo scores as Portugal advances, ‘Bismillah’ gesture draws attention

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Ronaldo scores

TORONTO: Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot as Portugal national football team defeated Croatia national football team 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Playing in Toronto, Portugal secured the victory with goals from Ronaldo and Gonçalo Ramos, while Croatia’s lone goal came from Ivan Perišić.

A video circulating on social media appeared to show Ronaldo saying “Bismillah” twice before taking his successful penalty kick. The gesture drew widespread attention online, although Ronaldo has not publicly commented on the clip.

Elsewhere, Switzerland national football team defeated Algeria national football team 2-0 to reach the Round of 16.

In another knockout match, Spain national football team beat Austria national football team 3-0, recording its first World Cup knockout-stage victory since winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

Deadly heatwave sweeps Europe, killing hundreds

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Deadly heatwave

MADRID: A relentless heat wave sweeping across Europe has claimed hundreds of lives and strained healthcare systems as temperatures soar to record levels in several countries.

Spanish authorities reported that at least 212 people have died over the past four days as a result of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country.

In France, the death toll linked to the heat wave has risen to 50. Temperatures climbed above 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit), marking one of the hottest periods in decades and the first time in 80 years that some areas have recorded such extreme heat.

Italy also reported five heat-related deaths within a 24-hour period as scorching temperatures continued to affect large parts of the country.

Meanwhile, weather officials extended a red heat warning for London and southeast England through Friday, cautioning residents about potentially dangerous conditions.

The UK Met Office said temperatures in London are expected to remain between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Hospitals across several European countries are reporting an increase in heat-related illnesses. The Royal College of Physicians warned that the extreme temperatures are not only increasing patient admissions but are also affecting the performance of medical equipment and hospital infrastructure.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to take precautions as Europe endures one of its most severe heat waves in recent years.

Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, death toll rises to 167

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Powerful earthquakes

CARACAS, Venezuela: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and prompting fears that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an initial magnitude 7.1 earthquake was followed minutes later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The tremors struck around 6 p.m. local time, shaking buildings and triggering panic in several cities.

Authorities reported extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, and other urban centers, where dozens of buildings collapsed. Emergency officials warned that many people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, saying numerous structures had been destroyed and that Caracas’ main Maiquetía International Airport had suffered significant damage.

Rodríguez said at least 167 people had been confirmed dead and more than 970 injured. Rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in a far higher casualty toll, estimating that fatalities could ultimately range from 10,000 to 100,000 if the worst-case scenario materializes.

Meanwhile, a separate magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck northern California, prompting authorities to issue alerts to nearly one million residents. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump said early reports from Venezuela were alarming and indicated significant loss of life. He said U.S. agencies had been directed to provide immediate assistance.

Separately, Iran offered support for relief operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei expressed condolences and said Tehran was prepared to provide any assistance needed to help Venezuelan authorities and affected communities.

Spain also announced plans to deploy a military emergency response unit to assist with rescue efforts. Spain’s Defense Ministry said a 54-member team equipped with specially trained search dogs, rescue cameras and geophones was preparing to travel to Venezuela.