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☆ Five Prisoners Released in Venezuela After Opposition Deal, US Demands
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

CARACAS (Reuters) - Five people jailed in Venezuela, including well-known opposition figures, have been released, the opposition said around midnight on Thursday following an electoral deal with the government of President Nicolas Maduro and Washington's demand certain prisoners be freed. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday eased Trump-era sanctions on the Venezuelan oil and gas industry, in response to an election deal reached between the Venezuelan government and the opposition. A senior State Department official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, has threatened to reverse sanctions relief measures unless Maduro lifts the bans and frees prisoners. A U.S. State Department official said on Wednesday he expects movement in the near term on releases of wrongfully detained Americans. There are believed to be more than half a dozen American prisoners, several belonging to that category.

Persons: Nicolas Maduro, Joe Biden's, Washington, Antony Blinken, Gerardo Blyde, Roland Carreno, Will, Juan Requesens, Blyde, Carreno, Maria Corina Machado, Requesens, Mayela Armas, Vivian Sequera, Matt Spetalnick, Natalia Siniawski, Julia Symmes Cobb, Inti Landauro, Deborah Kyvrikosaios, Barbara Lewis, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Trump, Venezuelan, U.S, U.S . State Department, First, State Department, Reuters, Popular, Maduro, Foro Penal, Organization of American Locations: CARACAS, Venezuela, Caracas, Maduro's, Foro, U.S

[1/2] Venezuelan journalist Roland Carreno of the opposition party Popular Will is being greeted by family members and colleagues after he was released from prison, in Caracas, Venezuela October 19, 2023. REUTERS/Luis Gonzalo Perez Acquire Licensing RightsCARACAS, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Five people jailed in Venezuela, including well-known opposition figures, have been released, the opposition said around midnight on Thursday, following a deal with the government of President Nicolas Maduro and Washington's demand that certain prisoners be freed. Three U.S. citizens are still wrongfully detained in Venezuela, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols said on Thursday. A U.S. State Department official said on Wednesday he expects movement in the near term on releases of wrongfully detained Americans. For years the opposition has urged the government to free over 200 people that human rights organization Foro Penal considers political prisoners.

Persons: Roland Carreno, Luis Gonzalo Perez, Nicolas Maduro, Joe Biden's, Washington, Antony Blinken, Venezuela's, Gerardo Blyde, Juan Gonzalez, Jorge Rodriguez, Will, Juan Requesens, Blyde, Carreno, Maria Corina Machado, Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A, Nichols, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Joseph Ryan Cristella, Hernandez, Cristella, Requesens, Mayela Armas, Vivian Sequera, Matt Spetalnick, Marianna Parraga, Natalia Siniawski, Julia Symmes Cobb, Inti Landauro, Deborah Kyvrikosaios, Barbara Lewis, Jonathan Oatis, Richard Chang, Rod Nickel Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Trump, Venezuelan, U.S, First, State Department, Reuters, United States, State, Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S . State Department, Foro Penal, Maduro, Thomson Locations: Venezuelan, Caracas, Venezuela, Rights CARACAS, Bolivarian Republic, Maduro's, Three U.S, Los Angeles, Texas, Colombia, U.S

☆ Mexican church roof collapses during Sunday mass killing 9, about 30 others missing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MEXICO CITY, Oct 1 (Reuters) - A church roof collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city killing at least nine people and injuring 40, authorities said, as rescuers worked into the night, desperately looking for another 30 people believed to be trapped under the rubble. Footage on social media showed the moment the church roof caved in, puffs of gray smoke billowing into the air, followed by the toppling of yellow brick outer walls. Speaking on Foro TV news channel, Cuéllar thanked local businessmen for bringing equipment to help remove rubble and aid rescue efforts. Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshippers were receiving communion and asked others to pray for the survivors. Writing by Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Tom Hogue & Simon Cameron-MooreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Jorge Cuéllar, Cuéllar, Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez, Bishop Armando, Drazen Jorgic, Tom Hogue, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: MEXICO CITY, Security Ministry, Foro, Roman Catholic, Thomson Locations: MEXICO, Mexican, Ciudad Madero, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Texas

☆ Mexico church roof collapses, killing at least nine people
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Reuters —A church roof collapsed during Sunday mass in a northern Mexican city killing at least nine people and injuring 40, authorities said, as rescuers worked into the night, desperately looking for another 30 people believed to be trapped under the rubble. Footage on social media showed the moment the church roof caved in, puffs of gray smoke billowing into the air, followed by the toppling of yellow brick outer walls. Speaking on Foro TV news channel, Cuéllar thanked local businessmen for bringing equipment to help remove rubble and aid rescue efforts. Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tampico said the church roof crumbled as worshipers were receiving communion and asked others to pray for the survivors. “In this moment the necessary work is being carried out to pull out the people who are still under the rumble,” Bishop Armando said in a recorded message shared on social media.

Persons: Jose Luis Tapia, El Sol, Jorge Cuéllar, Cuéllar, Bishop Jose Armando Alvarez, ” Bishop Armando Organizations: Reuters, AP, Security Ministry, Foro, Roman Catholic Locations: Mexican, Ciudad Madero, Tampico, Tamaulipas, Texas

☆ How the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce connection started with a friendship bracelet
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Samantha Murphy Kelly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Taylor Swift fans have famously worn and traded personalized friendship bracelets, typically featuring the names of her songs and albums, throughout the US-leg of her “Eras” tour. As a result, some Etsy shop owners who focus on making friendship bracelets have brought in thousands of dollars. Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP/Getty ImagesFor Aimee Papson, however, selling Taylor Swift friendship bracelets is part necessity. Similar to the other Etsy shop owners, she put her leftover friendship bracelets online and earned about $1,800 so far. “I put a headlamp on at night, listen to Taylor Swift music and can make bracelets for almost eight hours straight.

Persons: CNN — Taylor Swift, Swift, Travis Kelce, ”, Jason, Kelce, Donna, Swift’s, ” Swift, You’ve, ” Taylor Swift, Donna Kelce, Denny Medley, Jennifer Garner, Gigi Hadid, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Jamie Tompkins, Taylor Swift, ” Tompkins, Tompkins, “, Rodrigo Oropeza, Aimee Papson, Taylor, Papson Organizations: CNN, Arrowhead, Kansas City Chiefs, Swift, Chiefs, Chicago Bears, NFL, ESPN, Sports, Reuters, Foro, Getty Locations: Kansas City , Missouri, Oklahoma City , Oklahoma, Arlington , Texas, Foro Sol, Mexico City, AFP, Nashville

REUTERS/Johnny Carvajal Acquire Licensing RightsCARACAS, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Before they were arrested and sentenced to 16 years in prison on conspiracy charges, the six Venezuelan activists marched peacefully to call for better salaries for teachers, according to their families and lawyers. The latest moves by Venezuelan authorities demand a coordinated response from other countries, advocates said. He has long accused Venezuela's opposition of seeking to spread chaos. "But obviously I don't have faith in Venezuelan justice," said Oropeza, the wife of activist Bracho. Reporting by Vivian Sequera; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Daniel WallisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Oropeza, Alcides, Johnny Carvajal, Nicolas Maduro's, Yorbelis Oropeza, Fionnuala Ni Aolain, Clement Nyaletsossi Voulue, Juan Pappier, Gonzalo Himiob, Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's, Maduro, Javier Tarazona, Tarazona, Roland Carreno, Joel Garcia, Tarazona's, Himiob, Valentina Ballesta, Franks Cabana, Oscar Perez, Ana Leonor Acosta, Xiomara Andara, John Alvarez, Garcia, Bracho, Vivian Sequera, Julia Symmes Cobb, Daniel Wallis Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Maduro, Judiciary, United Nations, Human Rights, Foro Penal, Amnesty International, Coalition for Human Rights, Democracy, Thomson Locations: Caracas, Venezuela, Rights CARACAS, U.S, they'll, Foro, Russia, China, Colombia, Brazil, Colombian, Venezuelan

☆ Djokovic owes growth of his career to 'biggest rival' Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Both players are tied on a record 22 Grand Slam titles but Djokovic can inch ahead at Roland Garros where he had managed to beat Nadal only twice in 10 meetings. I don't like seeing him in the draw of Roland Garros," Djokovic told reporters with a laugh. "I have had not so much success against him in our head-to-head record in Roland Garros. "Definitely a great motivational factor for me to keep playing and keep competing and keep pushing each other - who's going achieve more, who's going to do better." "It made me wonder, it made me think about my career and how long I'm going to play," Djokovic said.

☆ Medvedev says 'unbelievable' Rome triumph among his best wins
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Heading into Rome, Medvedev had won 18 of his 19 titles - including the 2021 U.S. Open - on hardcourts, with his Mallorca Open victory on grass the same year the only exception. The 27-year-old, who previously made no secret of his dislike for clay, was a player transformed at the Italian Open and ended the tournament with a 7-5 7-5 win over rising Dane Holger Rune. Asked where his victory ranked among his many successes, Medvedev told reporters: "In a way, number one, just because it's the first one on clay and it's unbelievable. Medvedev said using new strings this year had helped his clay game as they were softer and aided his deep groundstrokes. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Medvedev outclasses Rune in Rome to capture first title on clay
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Medvedev's fifth title of a stellar season and 20th overall leaves him as one of the top contenders for Roland Garros which begins on May 28. I didn't have any big tantrums and was like 'OK, let's continue' and here I felt amazing in practice. "But then you need to play the toughest opponents in the world and try to make it. I'm really happy that I managed to do it and prove to myself and everybody that I'm capable." Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rybakina wins Rome title after ailing Kalinina retires
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina got off to an edgy start in the rain-delayed contest by dropping her opening service game before the Wimbledon champion levelled at 3-3 and then wrapped up the opening set with a late break. Kalinina, playing in the second singles final of her career, called the trainer on to the court after losing the opening game of the second set before quitting the match in tears. Victory ensured Australian Open runner-up Rybakina won her second title of the year following her Indian Wells triumph and fifth overall. The 23-year-old, who won three of her matches in Rome after her opponents retired, will break into the top five on Monday. She also reached the final in Miami and heads to Roland Garros as a top contender for the year's second major.

☆ Kalinina hopes Rome run provides some comfort for Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Kalinina's entire family is now in Kyiv following Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- which Moscow calls a "special military operation" -- but constantly face danger. "It's really important to win every match, because of what Ukraine goes through," Kalinina said after her 7-5 5-7 6-2 win on Friday. "I really hope that I give a tiny, small light, maybe some positive emotions for my country. So I really hope that Ukraine enjoys a little bit." It's no secret why I didn't shake, because this country attacked Ukraine," Kalinina said.

☆ Rome Masters: Ukrainian tennis player refuses to shake Russian opponent's hand after semifinal victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-20 | by ( Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Ukrainian tennis player Anhelina Kalinina refused to shake hands with Veronika Kudermetova, her Russian opponent, following the former’s victory in the semifinals of the Rome Masters in Italy on Friday. Speaking to reporters after the match at Foro Italico, Rome, Kalinina said, “We didn’t shake hands because the girl is from Russia basically. It’s no secret why I didn’t shake, because this country actually attacks Ukraine. We are here to play tennis.”Veronika Kudermetova began the tournament as the world No.12. Antonietta Baldassarre/Insidefoto/LightRocket/Getty ImagesKalinina denied the idea that her opponent’s nationality influenced the topsy-turvy nature of the match, describing Kudermetova as “a top player, a very great player.

☆ Swiatek 'plays it safe' with Rome retirement ahead of French Open defence
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Top seed and two-time defending champion in Rome, Swiatek was tied 2-2 with Elena Rybakina in the deciding set on Wednesday when she decided she could not continue. "To be ready for Roland Garros I need to recover right now. Swiatek won the Stuttgart Open in April when she beat world number two Aryna Sabalenka. The French Open runs from May 28 to June 11. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Medvedev rolls past Hanfmann to reach Rome semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Tennis - Italian Open - Foro Italico, Rome, Italy - May 18, 2023 Russia's Daniil Medvedev celebrates after winning his quarter final match against Germany's Yannick Hanfmann REUTERS/Guglielmo... Read moreMay 18 (Reuters) - World number three Daniil Medvedev produced a dominant performance against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann to reach his first Italian Open semi-final, cruising to a 6-2 6-2 victory on Thursday. "It is always a danger to say this if you lose the first round and you think, 'Why did I say this'. Medvedev soaked up Hanfmann's powerful hitting and controlled the baseline exchanges, dominating with his big first serve to wrap up the win in an hour and 20 minutes. "I knew I had to put as many balls into the court as possible because he plays aggressively. Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rune repeats Djokovic upset to storm into Rome semi-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

For the first time since 2004, neither Djokovic nor the injured Rafa Nadal will be in the Rome final. Rune outlasted Djokovic in three sets in last year's Paris Masters final and the 20-year-old made the perfect start in search of another upset by breaking the world number one in the opening game of the match. "Obviously, I did it last year in Paris, but every match is a huge challenge when I play Novak. "He's one of the greatest to ever play the game so I knew I had to be at my best. Rune said he hoped to stay humble after another statement win on the ATP Tour.

☆ Alcaraz hopes to 'reset' ahead of French Open after Rome shock
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The 20-year-old has been in superb form on clay, winning a title in Buenos Aires earlier in the season before triumphing in Barcelona and Madrid ahead of the Rome tournament. "In the second set I was close, I had my chances but didn't take them. Alcaraz said he was looking forward to some time off ahead of the year's second Grand Slam which starts on May 28. I need some days to reset my mind, to be fresh for Roland Garros," Alcaraz said. It's going to be really helpful to have days at home practising and getting ready."

☆ Flawless Djokovic crushes Norrie to reach Rome quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Tennis - Italian Open - Foro Italico, Rome, Italy - May 16, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates winning his round of 16 match against Britain's Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Aleksandra SzmigielROME, May 16 (Reuters) - Holder Novak Djokovic blasted past Briton Cameron Norrie 6-3 6-4 in a tense encounter to reach the Italian Open quarter-finals on Tuesday and remain on track for a seventh title in Rome. The duo swapped breaks early in a spicy second set where Norrie's overhead shot hit Djokovic on the leg after the Serbian had turned his back on the net. The 22-times Grand Slam champion continued to stare down Norrie at the end of the fifth game. "So far so good," Djokovic, who will meet seventh seed Holger Rune or Alexei Popyrin in the last eight, said of his progress in Rome. Iga Swiatek continues her title defence when she takes on Donna Vekic for a place in the women's quarter-finals.

☆ Djokovic says 'Big Four' rivalries made him tougher
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"Luckily for me, in my career, I managed to win more matches than I lost when I was facing difficult circumstances," Djokovic said. "I got stronger because of the rivalries, particularly with Federer, Nadal and Murray," he added. Djokovic, Federer, Nadal and Murray were dubbed the 'Big Four' as they won a combined 67 Grand Slam titles in an unprecedented period of dominance and were involved in some of the most memorable matches over the last two decades. "Staying the course, staying patient and believing in the process and the journey," Djokovic said. "Understanding what works for you best, what's your winning formula mentally and also physically and emotionally, and then sticking to it."

☆ Djokovic battles past Dimitrov in Rome, Swiatek cruises
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The former world number three did however reel off four straight games from 2-4 to take the second set and force a decider. But the world number one hit back to claim the next 12 for a 6-2 6-0 victory that extended her Rome win streak to 13 matches. Sixth seed Coco Gauff later crashed out against Marie Bouzkova, who sealed a 4-6 6-2 6-2 win. Daniil Medvedev broke his Rome duck on his fourth attempt with a clinical second-round win over Emil Ruusuvuori. "It's a little bit (of a relief)," Medvedev said after his 6-4 6-2 win.

☆ Alcaraz powers to victory over Ramos-Vinolas on Rome debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Barcelona and Madrid champion Alcaraz, who is chasing his fifth title of 2023 and fourth on clay ahead of Roland Garros, overcame an early loss of serve amid heavy conditions at the Foro Italico to level up the opening set at 2-2. Alcaraz continued to build momentum and raced ahead 3-0 in the second set against a fading Ramos-Vinolas, wrapping up the match on serve to make it 12 wins in a row. "It wasn't easy," said Alcaraz, who will now leapfrog Novak Djokovic into top spot in the rankings on May 22. "The first round of every tournament is really tough and, of course, Ramos-Vinolas is a specialist on clay. Monte Carlo champion Andrey Rublev earlier overcame Alex Molcan 6-3 6-4 in a twice-interrupted match to book his place in the third round.

☆ Wawrinka makes short work of Ivashka in Rome opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

It was a good first match and I'm really happy to get through again," Wawrinka said. This year I'm playing much better, but I need to win more matches. Former world number one Andy Murray will take on Italian wild card Fabio Fognini later in the evening as he continues his preparations for the French Open starting later this month. STEPHENS CRUISESIn the women's tournament, former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens beat Nadia Podoroska 6-4 6-1 to open her Rome campaign in style following her triumph in Saint Malo last week. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Kenin moves into Rome second round with battling win, Fernandez out
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I didn't feel a 100% but it doesn't matter, a win is a win and I'm going to take it," said Kenin, who converted seven of her 21 breakpoints. I felt tired and... after three hours I'd imagine that she was too, so I just had to battle it out." Former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez was beaten 7-6(4) 4-6 6-3 by Aliaksandra Sasnovich, while 2019 French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova overcame Kaia Kanepi 6-0 4-6 6-2 in other first round matches. The 37-year-old Czech will take on world number eight Maria Sakkari in the second round. The men's tournament headlined by six-times champion Novak Djokovic and Rome debutant Carlos Alcaraz begins on Wednesday.

☆ Leylah Fernandez urges athletes to become financially literate as soon as possible
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Stefanie Kratter | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

She's won two Women's Tennis Association titles and was a U.S. Open finalist in 2021. This week, Fernandez was in New York as Morgan Stanley and the WTA announced a new, multi-year global partnership. "Morgan Stanley's partnership with the WTA is a great step forward for women's sports in general. Morgan Stanley was drawn to Fernandez's leadership example. She also reflects our brand values, including giving back to the community, and valuing equity and inclusion," said Alice Milligan, Morgan Stanley's chief marketing officer.

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