Adolis García and Evan Carter homered to back Nathan Eovaldi, and the Texas Rangers beat the punchless Tampa Bay Rays 7-1 to finish a two-game AL Wild Card Series sweep

By Nelson Acosta HAVANA (Reuters) -Cuba on Monday accused the U.S. government of bearing "direct responsibility" for the protests that

The US Marine Corps is without leadership for the first time in more than a century after its commandant stepped down and a Republican party senator blocked over 200 military appointments that include a successor for the post. The marine services of the US Department of the Navy are in for a historic limbo as Alabama’s Republican senator Tommy Tuberville has blocked the nominations for months to protest against the defence department’s abortion policies. General David Berger stepped down as commandant on Monday and his assistant commandant and potential successor, general Eric Smith, stepped in as the acting leader of the US Marine Corps. His nomination by the Senate is among the 256 nominations that have been hindered by Mr Tuberville’s blockade. The Republican senator launched his bid to obstruct the nominations in response to a Pentagon policy that offers travel allowances and time off for a service member who has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. Denouncing the policy approved by defence secretary Lloyd Austin as “illegal tax-payer funded abortions”, Mr Tuberville said his hold will have a “minimal effect” on Mr Smith’s ability to lead. Under the law, top military decisions are approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee and eventually by the consent of the full chamber. But a single objector can hold up the process. The Pentagon said the blockade could lead to the stalling of promotions of 650 personnel if it continues till the end of the year. Mr Smith was nominated for promotion by Joe Biden and his confirmation hearing was on 13 June, something that was blocked by Mr Tuberville. The stall in his promotion means he will not be able to move to the main residence of the commandant or the commandant’s office, or even issue any new formal commandant’s planning guidance, which is usual for a successor. He will have the authority to implement new policies for the services such as budget, training and other personnel decisions. “Two positions that require two different people to be in those roles will now be a dual-hatted position,” said the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, “which of course is going to impact the US Marine Corps”. The Pentagon is asking officers to delay their planned retirements, while some officers have already taken the responsibilities of more senior ranking jobs without getting the pay for the new rank, she said. Both Mr Austin and Mr Berger have called on the Senate to take action to resolve the situation. “You know, it’s been more than a century since the US Marine Corps has operated without a Senate confirmed commandant,” Mr Austin said at a ceremony at the Marine Barracks Washington. “Smooth and timely transitions of confirmed leadership are central to the defense of the United States and to the full strength of the most powerful fighting force in history,” he said. “Stable and orderly leadership transitions are also vital to maintaining our unmatched network of allies and partners. And they’re crucial for our military readiness.” The Republican senator has been called out by senior leadership for the blockade. “This blockade weakens our national security,” said senator Jack Reed, the Democratic chairman of the Armed Services Committee. “Every day it goes on it has a more significant impact on operations within our military – all branches of our military.” “My hold is not affecting readiness,” said Mr Tuberville in a Washington Post op-ed, steadfast in his opposition to the policy. “Acting officials are in each one of the positions that are due for a promotion. The hold affects only those at the very top – generals and flag officers. The people who actually fight are not affected at all.” If the blockade continues, it will affect the appointment of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, as current chair, army general Mark Milley, is set to retire from the highest-ranking US military job in September. General CQ Brown, the current chief of the Air Force, has been nominated to replace Mr Milley, and is scheduled to go before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his hearing on Tuesday. Read More What are cluster bombs and what is controversial about Biden sending them to Ukraine? Biden will meet Zelensky at Nato summit in Lithuania as war with Russia rages on Biden news – live: President to meet Zelensky as palace reacts to King Charles royal protocol breach A grand jury being seated Tuesday could decide whether Trump is charged over Georgia's 2020 election Colorado lawmakers sue colleagues over closed-door meetings Texas governor names second interim attorney general ahead of Ken Paxton's impeachment trial

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A Sheffield Wednesday supporter has been charged by police after fans appeared to mock the death of Sunderland’s football mascot Bradley Lowery during a game. The Sunderland fan captured the nation’s heart during his battle with neuroblastoma, but died from the illness aged six in 2017. He was a mascot for his beloved club and, in the months before his death, led England out at Wembley alongside former Black Cats striker Jermain Defoe. Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 last Friday at Hillsborough and offensive pictures circulated on X, formerly Twitter. They showed two men laughing at the match, with one of them holding up a picture of Bradley. Dale Houghton, 31, from Rotherham, was arrested on Saturday and has been charged with a public order offence, South Yorkshire Police said. He is due to appear in court on Monday. Mr Houghton had been remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, said South Yorkshire Police. The police have also applied for a football banning order. A second man aged 27 was also arrested yesterday and has been released on bail while further enquiries are conducted. Since the backlash, Sheffield Wednesday fans have raised over nearly £15,000 for the Bradley Lowery foundation. A spokesperson for the charity shared their gratitude to the fanbase and added: “Turning a negative into a positive, that’s what Brad always did.” A Sheffield Wednesday fan commented: “I’m ashamed and embarrassed that this happened from ‘supporters’ of our club. “It’s vile and unimaginable that this occurred Bradley touched the footballing world with his strength and smile Keep up the positive work. We are so sorry that this happened and caused distress.” Read More Bradley Lowery: Thousands raised for charity after football fans ‘mocked boy’ over cancer death Sheffield Wednesday vs Sunderland LIVE: Championship result, final score and reaction Police investigate after Sheffield Wednesday fans mock death of young Sunderland mascot

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Trainwreck was furious that many popular streamers were behind Twitch banning gambling on its streams

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German police are preparing to mobilize in cities across the country on Saturday, with protests expected amid a mounting backlash after a court sent several left-wing militants to prison over attacks on neo-Nazis.

Major international aid agencies are warning of chaotic and desperate scenes among Afghans who have returned from Pakistan, where security forces are detaining and deporting undocumented or unregistered foreigners

'They (police) didn’t do much, and it’s not OK, and I lost my daughter because of that,' said Alma Lopez referring to her daughter Lily Silva-Lopez