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Huge pop star nets £500k deal to front new ad for Deliveroo as she follows stars including Luke Littler and Danny Dyer

IT’S officially cosy season and who better to have a girls’ night in with than Cheryl Tweedy?

So it’s fitting that she’s bagged a whopper of a campaign deal with takeaway service Deliveroo.

Cheryl has bagged a lucrative campaign deal with takeaway service Deliveroo Credit: Getty
She is also set to return to the small screen as a judge on The Voice UK Credit: Shutterstock

I can reveal the former Girls Aloud singer has netted around £500,000 to front the new ad, which will be unveiled later this month.

A source said: “Deliveroo bigwigs are delighted to have Cheryl on board, she is a dream to work with and has a huge fanbase.”

The star is the latest in a long line of celebs to have fronted the brand’s campaigns, including Luke Littler, Danny Dyer, Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy.

Cheryl who is also the face of Nivea skincare, recently returned to TV as a mentor on The Voice.

‘DON’T COME AFTER MY MATE’

Alesha Dixon rips into BGT contestant after he mocks pal Cheryl


CHEZ BACK!

Cheryl to make shock TV return TONIGHT on The Voice in surprise cameo appearance

Despite her sleek physique, Cheryl loves a cheeky takeaway.

She previously said: “I have a really lovely local Thai — I love pad Thai. And coconut rice. My mouth’s watering.

“I also like Chinese food — I think that’s a childhood thing. Ooh, and Indian. I love all the bad stuff. Once a week or once every two weeks I get a takeaway.”

Geordie Cheryl put her childhood Chinese takeaway, Kwok Pao in Newcastle, on the map in 2014, when she was a judge on The X Factor.

She brought Simon Cowell along to pick up some of her favourite dishes, including salt and chilli ribs, when they were filming nearby.
I’m hungry now . . . 

KAM ON CAM: I’D LOVE TO BE X FACTOR JUDGE

Singer-songwriter Kamille has revealed that she would love to be a judge on The X Factor Credit: Supplied
She previously worked on the ITV show as a coach and even wrote songs for Little Mix Credit: Carver PR

SINGER-SONGWRITER Kamille has revealed that she would love to be a judge on The X Factor.

She has previously worked on the ITV show as a coach. And following Little Mix’s win in 2011, she wrote songs for them including Black Magic and Shout Out To My Ex.

Kamille told me: “I was a coach on the show, so it would be such a full circle moment.

“I’ve always loved it. I love the way you are literally creating a new life for someone, every week.

“Simon Cowell knows how much I want to be a part of it, so we’ll see. I love Simon and everything he does.

“I’m always there to support him. He is such a good friend of mine.”

Meanwhile, Kamille is venturing beyond music with the launch of BBC podcast The Girls Are Talking.

On it, she stars alongside Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, content creator Tara Thorpe, presenter Issra Wiheba and comedian Sharifa Butterfly.

Kam added: “Girl therapy is the best therapy you can have.
“You’re basically getting an unpaid therapist to help people with their problems.

“Every single issue I might have had, they’ve all been through.”

SAM: MY GIGS TOO PRICEY

Sam Fender has hit out at expensive prices being charged to attend his own gigs Credit: Getty

SAM FENDER has hit out at the sharp prices for his OWN tour tickets, insisting that he’s going to change them.

The Geordie singer is off around the country next year for his Proper Massive Stadium Tour, with tickets ranging from £64 to £130, leaving fans disgruntled.

Commenting underneath a post detailing the prices, Sam, left, wrote: “I’m not happy with these prices, they’re getting changed. It got inflated well more than I’d had in mind, it should only be inflated in relation to the cost of putting the show on.

“The standing will not be split as well, I had no idea about it.

“I have no idea how this was normalised in gigs. It’s b*****ks and it won’t be happening on this tour.”

Sam was referring to the fact that, in some venues, there are separate prices for regular standing tickets and “front standing” tickets.

Now that’s a man of the people . . . 

IN THE FAMILY RAYE

Raye had a special guest on stage when she performed at The Royal Albert Hall Credit: Getty
Raye was joined by her songwriter grandad, Michael and they performed her track Fields Credit: Getty

RAYE may sing “Where Is My Husband?” but at least she found her grandad on a stage in London.

The star performed a show-stopping gig at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night where she was joined by her songwriter grandad, Michael.

The pair performed their track Fields, from her hit album This Music May Contain Hope.

She arrived at the venue fresh from scooping the prestigious Mercury Prize for the record. Congrats, Raye.

TOOTHFULLY CRUZ

CRUZ BECKHAM has admitted that he used to bite his brothers when he was a kid.

The youngest son of David and Victoria asked fans on TikTok to send him questions when he and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel were stranded with a broken down car.

Fan Sara Dawson asked: “What’s the worst telling off you had as a kid and what was it for?”

Cruz replied: “I used to bite my brothers! My grandma once chased me round the house trying to bite me back as I drew blood through Romeo’s jeans.”

Well, fangs for that, Cruz.

DIAS’S NO DATES FOR 2027

MANCHESTER City fans have been left confused over why hunk Ruben Dias has been axed from the club’s official 2027 calendar.

Maya Jama’s ex is one of the squad’s highest profile members, one of the team captains in fact. So it’s a bizarre move by the club.

Ruben has always featured prominently on the calendar in previous years.

This year he was one of the main stars and was pictured for the month of March.

But next year’s edition has no sign of him.

And that’s sure to come as a blow to the footballing heart-throb, who rightly regards himself as one of the leaders.

At least the calendar will now be a safe stocking-filler for Maya.


CHLOE FERRY has sparked engagement rumours after sharing Instagram snaps.

The Geordie Shore star was seen cuddling up to property developer Alex Swinney on a romantic boat trip before heading out to dinner.

But eagle-eyed fans noticed her ring finger was hidden, obscured by her sleeve.


COUNTRY music duo The Shires are parting ways after 13 years together.

But Crissie Rhodes and Ben Earle hinted there could be a comeback, saying: “Maybe one day we’ll be making music and touring again.”

A longer statement on the split said Crissie will be “taking a break” for family life.


Doja Cat became Doja Bunny for the night when she threw a toy-themed 31st birthday party Credit: BackGrid
Paris Hilton channelled Britney Spears’ I’m A Slave 4 U era with her Halloween costume Credit: @BrianZiff

CELEBRITIES in fancy dress is always one of my favourite things – and here we have two doing it in style.

Doja Cat became Doja Bunny for the night when she threw a toy-themed 31st birthday party in Los Angeles on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Paris Hilton channelled Britney Spears’ I’m A Slave 4 U era with her Halloween costume.

The pair have been buddies for decades – and I’d love to see Brit return the favour by dressing up as Paris . . . 

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Russian strikes leave 600,000 without power in Ukraine, as Starlink restrictions affect front line operations

A source in the Ukrainian defence ministry later told the BBC: “Last night, we detected restrictions affecting Starlink connectivity at speeds above 160 km/h, although we are still verifying the exact speed threshold.

“This situation is significantly complicating operations, particularly logistics, unmanned systems, middle-strike missions, and other activities,” the source said, adding the “root cause” of the issue was being investigated.

The Starlink system has become a vital tool to give troops in Ukraine internet access, allowing them to effectively control drones heading towards Russian targets.

In February, Musk’s decision to deny Russian forces access to Starlink blunted Moscow’s advance in Ukraine and caused confusion among Russian commanders.

Musk’s SpaceX has not commented on the reported speed restrictions.

Zelensky has said the US threatened to restrict intelligence sharing if he did not sign up to Trump’s energy ceasefire. Trump on Tuesday denied that Washington was withholding intelligence.

Ukraine’s air force said that overnight, Russia had launched 39 ballistic and cruise missiles and 128 drones, and that four of those missiles and 115 drones had been shot down.

It is the second night in a row Kyiv has been hit by Russian missiles, and comes as Zelensky prepares to meet UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street on Wednesday to discuss accelerating air defence supplies to Kyiv.

During the past two nights, ballistic missiles have struck targets in the Ukrainian capital without any warning, before air raid sirens could be sounded.

Ukraine relies on US satellite systems to track Russian missiles in order to issue alerts and to try to shoot them down.

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Brooklyn Beckham smooches wife Nicola Peltz in front of Eiffel Tower after family feud overshadows Paris Fashion Week

BROOKLYN Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz puckered up in Paris after the Beckham’s family feud clouded over Paris Fashion Week.

The loved-up duo were over in France enjoying the much-anticipated fashion event, but also appeared to be making the most out of their trip.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz looked super loved up kissing by the Eiffel Tower Credit: brooklynpeltzbeckham/ Instagram
The couple were in Paris for Paris Fashion Week Credit: brooklynpeltzbeckham/ Instagram

In a series of snaps posted to Brooklyn’s Instagram page, he and Nicola are sharing an incredibly romantic smooch.

Nicola’s arms are wrapped around Brooklyn’s neck as she leans in for the kiss.

All the while, the Eiffel Tower cinematically glitters behind them in the dark.

Other snaps show Brooklyn feasting on an enormous pain au chocolat, delving in a plate of escargot, and Nicola flashing her huge wedding ring.

Read more Brooklyn Beckham

FRENCH KISS

Brooklyn Beckham enjoys snog with wife Nicola after swerving family in Paris


UNHAPPY CHEF

Brooklyn Beckham hits back at trolls with Friends meme over pasta backlash

Brooklyn shared a carousel of snaps from the trip, including one of Nicola showing off her wedding ring Credit: brooklynpeltzbeckham/ Instagram
It comes as the Beckham family feud continues to rumble on Credit: Instagram

One word and a little kiss fill the post’s caption, simply reading: “paris x”.

The photo dump follows the Beckham’s family feud rumbling again during Paris Fashion Week.

Brooklyn sensationally cut contact with his family after dropping a bombshell statement back in January.

The statement called his family “performative” and he forbade them from posting about him or interacting with him on social media.

Brooklyn’s father David Beckham appears to have been trying to extend olive branches by “liking” his posts from PFW.

He appeared to clap back at his dad by walking out wearing a short with the words “it’s not clocking to you” on it from Justin Bieber‘s clothing label Skylrk.

It’s another way saying “you’re not understanding”, in reference to the breached social media contact rule.

Meanwhile Brooklyn hasn’t been liking any posts back, and swerved seeing his mother Victoria Beckham while she was in France to showcase some of her new clothing at a PFW event.

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‘NAZA’ review: Documentary collects anonymous testimony of IDF tactics

Using interviews filmed on rooftops at night in Tel Aviv, the documentary “NAZA” uncovers Israel’s brutal methodology of warfare in Gaza since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre that took 250 hostages and killed at least 1,200 people. The testimony offered by these insiders is under the cloak of darkness, but the light it shines on the mass killing of Palestinian civilians is so harsh it burns the conscience. (The title refers to the Israel Defense Forces’ use of an acronym for the Hebrew term for collateral damage: nezek agavi.)

Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, half of the quartet (with Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal) behind the Oscar-winning “No Other Land,” secured one-on-one interviews with 24 Israeli intelligence personnel and soldiers, digitally altering their faces and voices while their silhouettes are framed by the lit cityscape. Sitting across from interviewer Abraham, they recount their participation in a military campaign that has killed over 73,000 in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and is ongoing. Used as an estimation of casualties — just put a number in front, “20 NAZA”— it suggests a battle calculation that has permitted the detachment of moral consquences.

One participant makes his need for anonymity clear: “Israel will put me in jail.” At the same time, there has been clamor for the exposure of these sources so they can be prosecuted for war crimes. The uproar over “NAZA” has also led the filmmakers to be called traitors in their country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to revoke their citizenship.

It all speaks to the power of a well-timed movie, since much of the reporting in “NAZA” has already been published by the Guardian, a co-producer of the documentary, and corroborated by other news outlets. After its theatrical run, the Guardian will stream “NAZA” for free on its website.

The picture painted from the interview subjects, who occasionally draw sketches of weapons-screen interfaces on notepads, is of a computerized tracking-and-killing apparatus, culled from the surveillance Israel keeps of nearly every phone in Gaza. The system is augmented by AI that isn’t always accurate about a target’s presence yet is implemented with airstrikes. Eavesdropping on children is used to track a targeted father’s arrival home in a program called “Where’s Daddy?” As one person says, “You hack her phone and then kill her.”

What’s chilling about these interviews is how they don’t feel like whistleblowing but rather a fact-finding inquiry with available explainers who betray little affect or remorse, even when the topic of personal doubt arises. When one is asked whether this is genocide, the answer comes back, “Yes.” “NAZA” eschews probing for guilty feelings, though, because the point is to unearth a process of obliteration: how it works and what it looks like as implemented by the willing. “My role is technical,” a subject says.

In between these interviews are glimpses of the occasional Israeli news media snippet and at one point an archival reminder of the circumstances of Tel Aviv’s founding. But most insistently, the interstitial visuals are cinematographer Szor’s night shots of apartment facades in modern Tel Aviv: citizens at rest with their loved ones, working out or eating in front of their televisions. It’s a casual surveilling of placidity just up the coast from the atrocities we hear about. “NAZA” isn’t just tough-to-hear journalism, it’s real filmmaking, the visual juxtapositions getting us to think about who doesn’t get to enjoy a quiet evening at home, especially when remote war-waging starts to look like a goal-oriented office shift with a lunch break — or a video game.

Wherever you fall regarding the continued destruction of Gaza, what the filmmakers of “NAZA” make disturbingly clear is that the simplest machinery to spread dehumanization and death is happening now, easing its users into acceptance and rewriting everything about the moral cost of conflict. It’s stone-cold frightening.

‘NAZA’

In Hebrew and English, with subtitles.

Not rated

Running time: 1 hour, 17 minutes

Playing: Opens Friday, Oct. 9 in limited release

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Adéla brings ‘Nicole Kidman’ and Chappell Roan to the Fonda Theatre

It was only Adéla’s second headlining show in Los Angeles — and she was only about 20 minutes into it — but the ascendant pop star already had an apology she needed to get off her chest.

“The next song that I’m gonna sing is a little bit awkward,” she said Thursday night at the Fonda Theatre. “So I’m gonna need y’all to bear with me as I explain why I made a song called ‘The Baddest Bitches Ain’t in L.A.,’ OK?”

Added Adéla: “Please don’t boo.”

To be precise, the song in question is titled “Ain’t in L.A.” — a woozy banger from the 22-year-old’s buzzy debut album, “Prima.” But you took her point: Here she was in front of a hyped-up crowd that included Chappell Roan and members of the girl group Katseye, and what she was about to tell us is that true coolness lies elsewhere.

Based on her assertion that the Hollywood dream machine is “all a lie,” “Ain’t in L.A.” looks back with scorn at Adéla’s experience as a first-round flameout on “Dream Academy,” the build-a-band reality series that documented Katseye’s creation under the watchful eye of the K-pop kingpin Bang Si-hyuk. At the Fonda, Adéla recounted moving here from her native Slovakia and working alongside the show’s other contestants to “try to become pop stars together,” she said.

“And guess what? That didn’t work out for me. But it did for them.” She peered up at the venue’s balcony. “Shout out to y’all,” she said.

Except now it’s working out for Adéla too: Thursday’s show was the first of two at the Fonda behind last month’s release of “Prima,” whose title nods to the singer’s background as a ballet dancer; in addition to “Ain’t in L.A.,” which has more than 190 million streams on Spotify, the album has spun off a second hit in “Nicole Kidman,” which reached No. 1 on that platform’s U.S. singles chart thanks in part to the enthusiastic embrace of the Hollywood meme queen herself.

This week, Kidman appeared in a viral TikTok video showing her, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal and Dua Lipa lip syncing to “Nicole Kidman” at a Chanel fashion show in Paris.

Adéla’s breakthrough comes amid a broader surge by a generation of young pop singers — think of Slayyyter and think of Tinashe — finding success with music that plays up rather than sands down its rough edges; each is working in the wake of Charli XCX’s influential “Brat,” which offered new ways to think about how pop balances polish and filth, swagger and confession.

Adéla made “Prima” with the producers Dylan Brady (of the duo 100 gecs) and Blake Slatkin (who’s scored hits with Lizzo and Justin Bieber); together the three get an appealingly scuzzy sound that puts chirpy vocal hooks over serrated club beats à la “Blackout”-era Britney Spears. What I’m saying, basically, is that the indie-sleaze revival is real.

At the Fonda, Adéla brought her songs to life on a stage that was bare except for a ballet barre, which she and a small crew of dancers used to execute choreography that grew raunchier and more elaborate as the show progressed. Both she and a guy danced en pointe; Adéla never went long without whipping her long pink hair, which was one style choice widely replicated throughout the room.

Before she closed with “Nicole Kidman,” the singer sat down at the front of the stage with her journal and told the crowd she wanted to “take a second and manifest a little bit.” She asked the universe to give her a long career, and she asked that her fans, after having gotten home safe, remember this night forever. She also asked — again — that L.A. not be mad at her for writing “Ain’t in L.A.”

“I really do feel bad,” she said, and not a boo could be heard.



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Have an unpopular opinion? Make your case at this viral event

“It should be OK to say someone’s baby is ugly.”

“Being a pet is forced, unpaid emotional labor.”

“It’s OK to be attracted to your friend’s man.”

“Cartoon Network was better than Disney Channel and Nickelodeon.”

“Men should be required to get a vasectomy after a certain amount of baby mamas.”

These are just some of the bold, controversial statements that have come up at “Unpopular Opinion,” a live, interactive event where people share and defend their hot takes in front of a spirited audience. To support their claims, they present slide decks filled with graphics and memes on a giant screen. Those in the crowd gasp, cheer and laugh.

The crowd from a past "Unpopular Opinion" event. The viral series is coming to the Regent Theater in L.A.

The crowd from a past “Unpopular Opinion” event. The viral series is coming to the Regent Theater in L.A.

(Quest Hollis / SideQuest Visuals)

The event was created by Chance Albury and Sarah Prince, founders of the Washington, D.C.-based experiential production company Something Different. People were already having these types of impassioned conversations online, Albury says, and they simply wanted to provide that space in real life.

They debuted the series in February, and after recaps of events went viral, they decided to take it on tour. “Unpopular Opinion” makes a stop in Los Angeles on Thursday at the Regent Theater.

“Who knew rage-baiting could be such a unifier?” Albury says.

“Everyone loves to argue,” Prince adds.

Albury says that the success of the show relies on having different perspectives and opinions in the room. The slide decks are also a major draw. Unpopular Opinion is one of several events that takes PowerPoint-style presentations out of their traditional setting — the office or the classroom — and puts them front and center in a social scene. Over the last few years, slide decks have shown up at house parties, matchmaking events and even in bars at gatherings like Lectures on Tap.

Anyone who wants to present can submit their hot take through an application form. Albury and Prince receive roughly 50 submissions for each event, but only about seven to nine are selected.

Presenters defend their hottest takes on stage using slides and passion.

Presenters defend their hottest takes on stage using slides and passion.

(Quest Hollis / SideQuest Visuals)

“There’s just so many topics that you can talk about so it can’t get old,” says Prince, adding that a lot of the speakers are funny and present like stand-up comedians.

Typically hosted at a live music venue, the vibe of “Unpopular Opinion” feels like a boisterous late-night game show. Drinks are available for purchase at the bar. A live DJ plays a mix of hip-hop, pop and other high-energy genres as a host hypes up the crowd. As an icebreaker, audience members are asked to submit their own unpopular opinions to be displayed on the screen for everyone to see.

Then the main event begins. Presenters are given 10 minutes to make their case. Unlike a traditional debate tournament, audience members are encouraged to get involved and make their thoughts known.

Something Different is hosting its viral "Unpopular Opinions" event on Thursday at the Regent Theatre in L.A.

“There’s just so many topics that you can talk about so it can’t get old,” says co-founder Sarah Prince.

(Quest Hollis / SideQuest Visuals)

After each pitch, the host asks audience members to hold up their paddle, which has a green thumbs up and a red thumbs down to indicate whether they agree or disagree. Then a mic is passed around so attendees can share their thoughts or rebuttals.

Though the event is called “Unpopular Opinion,” there are times when the majority of the crowd agrees with the presenter. There are also times when the audience strongly disagrees. In either case, Albury and Prince ask that attendees are respectful to one another.

The presentation topics range drastically, from lighthearted social media discourse (“Women standing behind the DJ booth is more embarrassing than men”) to hot-button dating debates (“Splitting the bill on the first date is fine”) to deeper societal issues (“People hate everything about slavery but Christianity”).

Albury and Prince say they are exploring ways to bring “Unpopular Opinion” “beyond the show doors” for those who can’t make it to a live event. They already post man-on-the-street-style interviews on social media, in which they ask people to weigh in on hot button questions.

Albury says the beauty of “Unpopular Opinion” is that it shows people it’s OK to disagree. “Just because we have different opinions doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it,” she says. “We may not even come to terms on agreeing or disagreeing, but we’ve got that space.”

‘Unpopular Opinion,’ hosted by Something Different

When: Oct. 1. Doors open at 7 p.m. and showtime is at 8 p.m.
Where: Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., Los Angeles
Info: Tickets start at $48.60 (including fees). Must be 21+ to enter.



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NASCAR bans Chad Bryant after Corey Heim was beaten at Martinsville

After days of indecision, NASCAR disciplined seven people who participated in the attack of young racing star Corey Heim in front of a concession stand at Martinsville Speedway shortly after the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 on Saturday.

Major penalties and suspensions were issued to team owner Chad Bryant and crew member Steve Civatarese. Both are suspended indefinitely from NASCAR events — including next year’s ValleyStar Credit Union 300 — and are also on probation for a year.

Additionally, Bryant was fined $2,000 and must attend a NASCAR-approved anger management program. Civatarese was fined $1,000. Ryden Lapcevich, the younger brother of Bryant driver Treyten Lapcevich, was fined $500 and placed on probation through Dec. 31, 2027.

NASCAR said in a release that Bryant, Civatarese and Ryden Lapcevich violated Sections 12-6.1C & 12-6.1C2 of the NASCAR Rule Book, which pertains to member-to-member confrontations with physical violence.

Four others from the Bryant pit crew were also fined and put on probation because of their participation in a separate altercation after the conclusion of the second heat race at Martinsville.

The disciplinary action comes after NASCAR was criticized on social media by racing fans who wondered if the governing body would ignore the beating of Heim that was widely distributed online. NASCAR posted its own video of the confrontation.

Heim, 24, often races cars for 23XI Racing, owned by Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, and will drive for the team full-time next year. During his podcast “Actions Detrimental” on Monday, Hamlin called Bryant and his team “cowards.”

“Just complete classlessness from Chad Bryant, the owner, and his team to wait on Corey,” Hamlin said. “Listen to what they did. Those [expletive] cowards waited on Corey Heim to leave his car and leave his team, and then jump him while he was on the way to his hauler.”

The attack in front of a hot dog stand in the pit area was triggered by an accident shortly after the checkered flag involving Heim and Treyten Lapcevich, who was driving Chad Bryant Racing’s No. 77. After the pair aggressively jousted for runner-up during the final laps, Lapcevich drove into Heim’s right side during the cool-down lap. Heim responded by sending his car over the front of Lapcevich’s car, causing a wreck that destroyed both cars.

Lapcevich tried to confront Heim after the race but was held back by Bryant, who instead brought six team members to do so violently. Lapcevich issued a statement Tuesday condemning the actions of his racing team.

“What happened with Corey after the race was wrong, and it should not have happened,” Lapcevich said. “While I was not involved in the incident, I want to be clear that I do not condone any action that took place.

“Emotions can run high after a race, and I was certainly frustrated and upset following Saturday night. I planned on having a conversation with Corey following the race. However, there is a clear line between being angry about what happens on the racetrack and allowing that frustration to become physical. What happened after the race for sure crossed that line.”

Hamlin called for discipline on his podcast and got plenty of support from fans on social media.

“I don’t know who’s in charge of NASCAR Regional, but there is absolutely no way that any of those guys should be in a pit lane for the next year, at least,” Hamlin said. “And I want them to say publicly what they do to them. And if it’s nothing, I will have a major problem. But none of those cowards should be in a pit lane in the foreseeable future.”

Heim seemed to downplay the incident. He posted a selfie with a thumbs-up and a caption that read, “Solid effort, but at least make it count next time.” He also posted the hot dog stand menu — which was dented by an errant punch during the fight — saying “New office piece. Poor thing took a beating this weekend.”

Pit crew members punished for the separate altercation included Dylan Jenks and Ryan Burrow, who each were fined $500 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2027. In addition, Brad Housewright and Chase Burrow were each fined $250 and placed on the same probation.

Heim, a rising star who won NASCAR Cup Series events at Naval Base Coronado and Indianapolis Motor Speedway this season and is the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, was driving the No. 22 for Nelson Motorsports.

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Aces star A’ja Wilson demands respect after confrontation with fan

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson said she apologized to her teammates for getting a technical foul late in an eventual 98-89 playoff loss to the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night in Indianapolis.

But the four-time league MVP is not apologizing for her actions that led to the foul being called.

With about 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Aces down by 11, Wilson drew a foul against Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham. As Cunningham protested the call, Wilson walked over to a Fever fan who had been standing in front of his seat in the second row behind the basket and pointing in Wilson’s direction.

Visibly upset, Wilson stood directly in front of the fan, who had been pulled back into his seat by a woman sitting next to him, while yelling at him. She was quickly pulled away by teammate Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, but was still upset as she walked away.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Wilson said that there are “just certain things that I’m not going to allow anymore because it’s just unacceptable.”

“I don’t know if you guys know me, but I don’t really get into the bulls—. I don’t,” Wilson said. “I try to play my game, keep it pushing. But if I’m just walking, because I just got the foul, I’m chilling — and if I see a man come at me, taking steps towards me and pointing at me, I don’t give a damn what you said. I don’t give a damn how you said it, the tone. That is unacceptable.”

Online video footage shot from the stands shows that the man was standing in front of his seat as the play unfolded. He appears to take a step or two while pointing and yelling after the foul was called.

“I didn’t exactly see what happened. I kind of saw the aftermath,” Aces coach Becky Hammon told reporters after the game. “I’ve never seen A’ja Wilson go like that. So whatever was done, I can tell you she felt very disrespected in that moment. I’ve never seen her really react like that ever. So whatever it was, it doesn’t have any place, I don’t think, in an arena.”

The fan eventually was escorted out of the seating area but was allowed to return to his seat. The Fever said in a statement that arena security spoke with the man and witnesses and “determined there was no violation of the Fan Code of Conduct.”

Wilson was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.

“Yeah, I’m apologizing to my team for that,” she told reporters. But, Wilson added, “you don’t have to like me. You don’t have to love me. You can hate me with all your heart. … But I guarantee you will respect me.”

The decisive Game 3 of the series is Thursday in Las Vegas.

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Al Jazeera reports from near front line in Ethiopia’s Afar region | Government

Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Tawakul is near a front line in Ethiopia’s Afar region, where fighting has spread after rebel groups formed an alliance to try to oust the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

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