Ron DeSantis is expected to turn his focus once again to his White House bid this week and kickstart a post-Labor Day push for the 2024 Republican nomination that will intensify throughout the fall.

Sunday's football transfer rumours, with updates on Raphinha, Ruben Neves, Luka Modric, Jean-Clair Todibo & more.

By Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -U.S. President Joe Biden was due to arrive in Britain on Sunday evening for a

BRANFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 21, 2023--

The heartwarming way John Krasinski says wife Emily Blunt inspires him

Silvio Berlusconi, the boastful billionaire media mogul who was Italy’s longest-serving premier, despite scandals over his sex-fueled parties and allegations of corruption, has died. A one-time cruise ship crooner, Berlusconi used his television networks and immense wealth to launch his long political career, inspiring both loyalty and loathing. To admirers, the multiple-time premier was a capable and charismatic statesman who sought to elevate Italy on the world stage. To critics, he was a populist who threatened to undermine democracy by wielding political power as a tool to enrich himself and his businesses. Born in 1936 in Milan to a bank clerk father and housewife mother, he attended a Catholic college, the start of a complicated relationship with the church, which supported him until the mounting allegations of sleaze “superceded the limits of decency”, in the view of at least one weekly Catholic newspaper. His capacity to entertain emerged early when he worked on cruise ships and played bass with a band, performing George Gershwin hits like “I Got Rhythm” in the dancehalls of Milan before being sacked for devoting more time to flirting with punters (“marketing and PR”, he called it) than playing music. After graduating in law, Berlusconi turned down a job as a cashier at the bank where his father had worked in order to strike out as a property developer. His ambition was notable. To pull off an early make-or-break deal, he persuaded a secretary to tell him when her pension fund director boss would be taking a seven-hour train journey so as to ensure he could secure the seat next to him. Later, when the flight path put off buyers over his Milano 2 residential development, he had alternative routes opened. A modest plan to make his homes more attractive by offering a local cable TV service, Telemilano, which showed light entertainment and reruns of American soap operas such as Dallas, grew into a network of local channels until, by the end of the 1980s, his trash TV empire of game shows and barely-clothed hostesses came to dominate Italian airwaves. As well as hauling in advertising revenue, Berlusconi’s channels allowed him to give favourable coverage towards friendly politicians who helped him protect his commercial interests, which now included publishing houses and the football team AC Milan. When he entered politics himself, these contacts would prove indispensable. The Clean Hands corruption probes that took out a generation of Italian politicians eventually provided the motivation for that move. Power, he reasoned, would not only protect himself from prosecutors but allow him to defend his businesses. Headline-grabbing proposals included a million new jobs and lower taxes. A political outsider positioned as an enemy of the establishment, Berlusconi was in many ways a prototype for Donald Trump. Running a successful Serie A side like the “rossoneri” was one of his main qualifications for high office, he felt. When challenged by an economist over his tax plans, he replied: “How many intercontinental [football cups] have you won?” In 1994, he took 21 per cent of the vote in the general election and found himself prime minister, beginning a two decade-long domination of Italian politics through which he shamelessly advanced his own interests. His personal lawyers, now on the state payroll as MPs, spent their time drawing up laws to get him out of trouble, including immunity from prosecution for the prime minister and a tax amnesty that saved his company 120m euros. His communication minister meanwhile amended competition rules allowing him to retain his media empire. His calling to international relations was evident when he made himself foreign minister as well as prime minister, wooing foreign leaders such as Tony Blair and Putin by inviting them to his James Bond-esque Sardinian villa, complete with fake volcano. Cherie Blair described her evening there as the best of her life. But gaffes such as calling America’s first black president Barack Obama “suntanned” and suggesting a German MEP should play a concentration camp guard made him an international laughing stock. His standing took a further hit in 2009 when his second wife, Veronica Lario, publicly accused him of “frequenting minors”. When a 17-year-old Moroccan nightclub dancer, known as Ruby-the-Heartstealer, who was arrested for a petty crime, told police she knew Berlusconi, the claim set in motion a chain of events that would bring about the mogul’s downfall. Ironically, if Berlusconi had not interceded claiming she was the niece of Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian despot, the case might have ended there. Investigators, their hackles raised by Berlusconi’s meddling, discovered that a harem of showgirls and models regularly visited his villas for sex parties where they received lavish gifts and envelopes of cash. The drip-feed of salacious details appalled even Italy, where mistresses are less taboo for rich men. Thousands took to the streets in protests that expressed women’s frustration at their humiliating role in Berlusconi’s Italy. But, ultimately, it was not the “bunga bunga” parties that undid him, but his inability to cope as Italy’s debt reached unsustainable levels in 2011 and he was forced to resign in favour of technocrats. Out of office, he remained in the spotlight, thanks to his own media empire and as the defendant in dozens of trials, throughout which he claimed he was the victim of a plot by a left-wing judiciary. After years when, Teflon-like, he had wriggled out of every writ, his eventual conviction for tax fraud in 2014 and subsequent sentencing to community service in a home for Alzheimer’s sufferers represented rock bottom, but, as usual, Berlusconi proved irrepressible, entertaining residents with bingo games and singalongs - a revival of his old cruise ship act. His final years went some way towards rehabilitating his image. He became the oldest member of the European Parliament, his centrist pro-European politics far preferable, in the eyes of German chancelleor Angela Merkel, to the dangerous populist ideals that surged in Europe. When, in February 2021, his party joined a government led by that most establishment of figures, former European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi, his triumphant comeback was complete. His return to government represented an unlikely final twist in the story of a figure who had risen from selling electric hairbrushes to being the richest and most powerful man in Italy and the object of global fascination as (depending on your point of view): a media mogul, marketing genius, football club owner, political trailblazer, womaniser and showman. For every Italian that hated him for his monopolistic control of the media and abuse of power, there was another who admired his business acumen and was amused by his lowbrow larks. As the writer Curzio Malaparte wrote, Berlusconi’s qualities and defects “are the qualities and defects of all Italians”. Berlusconi is survived by 12 grandchildren and five children: Pier Silvio, Marina, Barbara, Eleonora and Pierluigi. Read More Perhaps the most surprising part of the Italian crisis is that Berlusconi has emerged as a selfless voice of reason Italy’s comeback kid: How Silvio Berlusconi has managed to re-enter politics, despite all the scandals Silvio Berlusconi tells female reporter her handshake is so strong 'no one will want to marry her' Silvio Berlusconi dead: Billionaire former Italian prime minister dies aged 86

By Jihoon Lee and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's central bank held interest rates steady for a fourth straight

The TikToker behind the now-viral 'Love Surge' video posted a tearful response to the onslaught of mocking taking place on social media. Lilianna Wilde posted a TikTok last month of her husband having what she labelled a "love surge". The video is well known now, with it having over 5 million views on TikTok, and opens with Wilde telling viewers "want see the cringiest most couple thing ever?" whilst her husband, Sean Kolar, stands behind her. Kolar, who is seen shaking, proceeds to wrap around Wilde until both are shaking "with the electricity of love". This, she tells viewers is a "love surge". Once social media found the video, mocking ensued, with some saying they would "rather die alone", whilst others imitated the original video. However, Wilde has since posted an emotional update on TikTok, highlighting how cruel the internet can be and the effect it can have on the person it's directed towards. "I didn't expect like, that much hate on the video," Wilde begins saying. "A lot of the duets and stitches are really funny and I laughed a lot, I can take a joke and I can laugh at myself." @liliannawilde i was doing really well and laughing a lot and then just hit a wall last night and everything got really overwhelming. and again, i’m not taking about some of the really funny duets/stitches, that’s part of posting on the internet and i accept that. what I’m heartbroken over are the really awful things people are wishing on Sean and I. please think before you type, I’m very very lucky that my offline life is so wonderful that I can look away, but some people aren’t so lucky and for their sake please consider what you write. #lovesurge But she went on to say that the tone of comments began to take a turn. "Some of the comments got really really mean, and they were like wishing that someone got cheated on [...] or wishing DV [domestic violence] on me or to like unalive myself," Wilde said in the heartbreaking video. "If the goal was to make me sad, you do it, you won," Wilde tells viewers whilst holding back tears. She goes on to clarify that she's not talking about the "hilarious stitches" but rather "the really mean, hurtful comments." "I think a lot of times people type something online and they don't see the result of it and this is the result," she shared, hopefully making some reconsider what they say and post online. Many took to the comments of the video to send some love Wilde's way. "People can be really mean and sometimes it's hard to just ignore them. Love surge is super cringe but it's special. Don't let them take that," wrote one user. Another wrote, "I genuinely thought that was such a sweet video. You and your husband have every right to be yourselves, and share those parts of your relationship." Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Britain’s biggest police force is using “game-changing” facial recognition technology to catch prolific shoplifters. The Metropolitan Police asked 12 retailers to provide images of 30 of the worst offenders who steal from their shops in a pilot of the new software. They were compared against the force’s custody shots, and of 302 images submitted, 149 came up as positive matches. Those matches are now being investigated further with a view to building criminal cases. The software uses biometric measures of a person’s face and works even if part of their face is covered. It takes around 60 seconds to find a match. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “We’re working with shops across the capital to target and track down criminals in a way we never have before. “We’re pushing the boundaries and using innovation and technology to rapidly identify criminals. “The results we’ve seen so far are game-changing. The use of facial recognition in this way could revolutionise how we investigate and solve crime.” He claimed that most of the prolific offenders were involved in other, more serious criminal activity. “What’s most powerful is what we’ve learned about those involved in this offending so far. It’s clear the majority are career criminals involved in serious crime,” Sir Mark said. “This data and information helps us focus our efforts in an even more precise way than we originally anticipated. “Through this tactic we’re not only improving how we protect shops and support the business community, we’re stepping further forward in identifying and tracking down serious criminals and protecting all of London’s communities. “The scale of business crime in London is huge. To be successful we have to be precise in our approach and this is a really promising step forward.” Met police last year." data-source=""> Chief executive of the Association of Convenience stores James Lowman said while the technology could save police time, there is still a challenge in getting offenders off the street. He said: “Using artificial intelligence to identify prolific offenders can be an effective way of drastically reducing the amount of police time it takes to make links between crimes committed against different businesses locally. “Whether its artificial intelligence or local intelligence that leads to criminals being identified, the real challenge remains apprehending these offenders and getting them off the streets.” The Met started using the software in August and began the retail pilot in late September. The new system can use images from CCTV, dashcams, doorbell cameras or phones. It uses the same algorithm as the Met’s live facial recognition technology, about which there have been well-publicised concerns over potential bias. Lindsey Chiswick, director of intelligence for the Met and national policing lead on facial recognition, said the algorithm has been independently tested by the National Physical Laboratory. She said: “Facial recognition technology, which is able to match faces after the event, has actually been around for quite a few years. “What’s changed and what is improving all the time, and in the last few years with real speed, is the accuracy of the algorithm. And that’s the real game changer here. “With this technology, it’s an algorithm that we’ve independently tested through the National Physical Laboratory so we have assurance it’s 100% accurate when it comes to retrospective usage, and we understand how it works.” Around 50,000 shoplifting incidents were reported to the Met last year, estimated to be between 5% and 10% of the offences that are actually committed. Emmanuelle Andrews, from human rights charity Liberty that has campaigned against the use of facial recognition, said: “Facial recognition has no place on our streets, in our shops – or in any other areas of our lives. “This technology threatens our privacy and stifles free speech – and we should all be worried about moves to expand its reach. “We’re also concerned about the creep of facial recognition technology into other areas of policing. “Let’s be clear: we cannot rely on tech to solve deep societal problems, this is an unjustified expansion of state surveillance and there are numerous alternatives.” Read More Facial recognition firm Clearview AI overturns UK data privacy fine Sadiq Khan, Met Commissioner to ask phone companies to ‘design out’ theft Microsoft gets go-ahead to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Incels using TikTok to spread ‘hateful beliefs’, research suggests Duke and Duchess of Sussex call for overhaul of social media Google to trial AI in UK traffic light systems to reduce stop-and-go emissions

Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington will meet in a main-event clash in Sheffield this weekend, with the WBA featherweight title on the line. Wood, 35, defends the belt for the first time since regaining it in May, when the Nottingham boxer outpointed Mauricio Lara to avenge a stoppage loss to the Mexican, who won their first bout in February. FOLLOW LIVE: Wood vs Warrington – latest fight updates Meanwhile, Warrington is aiming to get back to winning ways, following a decision defeat by Luis Alberto Lopez in December. With that result, the Leeds fighter lost the IBF title, which he won from old foe Kiko Martinez last March – and which he previously held from 2018 to 2019. Prior to fighting Lopez and Martinez, Warrington actually had his own pair of duels with Lara in 2021. The 32-year-old was stopped by the Mexican in their first fight, and their rematch ended as a draw due to a clash of heads. Here’s all you need to know about Saturday’s card. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. When is the fight? The fight is set to take place on Saturday 7 October, at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. The main card is due to begin at 7pm BST (11am PT, 1pm CT, 2pm ET). Ring walks for the main event are expected at approximately 10pm BST (2pm PT, 4pm CT, 5pm ET). How can I watch it? The event will air live on Dazn. A subscription to the streaming service is available to purchase here. If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch the event, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are and also with the terms of their service provider. Odds Wood – 2/5 Warrington – 21/10 Draw – 14/1 Full odds via Betway. • Get all the latest boxing betting sites’ offers Full card (subject to change) Leigh Wood (C) vs Josh Warrington (WBA featherweight title) Terri Harper vs Cecilia Braekhus (for Harper’s WBA super-welterweight title; vacant WBO title) Hopey Price vs Connor Coghill (featherweight) Kieron Conway vs Linus Udofia (middleweight) Junaid Bostan vs Corey McCulloch (super-welterweight) Cameron Vuong vs Engel Gomez (super-featherweight) Koby McNamara vs Francisco Rodriguez (bantamweight) Nico Leivars vs Ryan Walker (super-bantamweight) Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Anthony Joshua training with former Tyson Fury coach ahead of potential Deontay Wilder clash Tyson Fury contacts cruiserweight champion for help before Oleksandr Usyk showdown ‘Nobody can beat this Canelo’: Alvarez dominates Jermell Charlo for statement win in undisputed clash What time does Wood vs Warrington start tonight? How to watch Wood vs Warrington online and on TV tonight Leigh Wood: I’m Josh Warrington’s last chance to get back into title contention

The teenager is accused of gathering materials needed to build an improvised explosive device

Argentina has been hit by a wave of looting that has ratcheted up political tensions ahead of October elections as the country grapples...