The Minnesota Twins collapsed at the end of the 2024 season. They went 9-18 in September, falling out of the American League Wild Card race and making way for the Detroit Tigers. Despite that, they did not add enough in free agency to make a significant push in an improving AL Central. Before the offseason […]
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Sweden looks to move to the 4 Nations Championship game as they face the USA. It is time to continue our 4 Nations Face-Off odds series with a Sweden-USA prediction and pick. Sweden is 0-2 so far in the 4 Nations Face-Off, but both losses have come in overtime. This means with a regulation win […]
The post Sweden vs. USA 4 Nations Face-Off prediction, odds, pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.
EVIL Vladimir Putin could deploy the obscure “Narva Scenario” to launch a surprise attack on Nato despite peace talks with President Donald Trump, an expert has warned.
Former Finnish general and MEP Pekka Toveri believes Trump and the West should be wary of trusting the mad dictator – warning that he could take advantage and try to break Nato’s Article 5.
Putin has agreed the “war must end” after Donald Trump went past Ukraine and European leaders to do business directly with the Kremlin.
But the former general and MEP for Finland has warned against the West trusting Putin in peace deals and giving him land as it would only make his “appetite bigger” – encouraging the tyrant to make a future invasion.
Toveri told The Sun that Putin would just need to wait for a couple of years and be prepared to sacrifice another 100,000 Russians before attacking again as, in Putin’s mind, the “spineless West will give up”.
And even if Europe built up its armies, Putin wouldn’t need to challenge them directly.
Instead, he could carry out the feared Narva Scenario and try and break Article 5 of Nato.
Russia would invade Estonia and seize the city of Narva in a small operation and then threaten to nuke anyone who tried to get it back.
Narva – which sits on the border between Russia and Estonia – was first occupied by Russia between 1558 and 1581, and then again in 1704.
It borders a river between the two countries – not far from Narva Bay – and over 97 per cent of the almost 60,000 residents there speak Russian.
On the edge of Nato’s eastern flank by the Baltic Sea, Narva is Estonia’s third biggest city.
There is a red line painted on the point where Narva crosses into Russia – on a bridge over the river.
Estonian border cops have previously told the BBC that thousands of Ukrainians have escaped war zones and fled into Estonia through this border crossing.
Toveri said it would take longer than six months, which is what the Danish spooks suggested, for Russia to invade Europe – but that it would definitely happen before the end of Trump’s administration.
He believes that Europeans would come to the defence of Estonia – but he questions whether America would as Putin would take advantage of Trump’s trust.
Toveri added: “That’s what the Estonians and other politics states are worried about – that Article 5 is questioned.
“And.the thing is, it’s easy for Putin to do that.”
In order to be victorious, Europe must pick up the production of weaponry and keep up sanctions so Russia will struggle to produce high-tech equipment.
But Toveri warned that trying to encourage peace with Putin would make him more likely to commit acts of sabotage in Europe.
He added: “Russians might be evil, but they are not stupid.
ESTONIA, Lithuania and Latvia have all strongly condemned Putin’s horrific war in Ukraine.
These major Russian-speaking cities in each country are of historical importance when thinking about the Russian empire Putin follows on from.
Geographically they also all provide important elements, like coastal locations, sea ports, industrial centres or key borders.
NARVA – ESTONIA
Narva – which sits on the border between Russia and Estonia – was first occupied by Russia between 1558 and 1581, and then again in 1704.
97 per cent of the almost 60,000 residents there speak Russian.
It borders a river between the two countries – not far from Narva Bay.
On the edge of Nato’s eastern flank by the Baltic Sea, Narva is Estonia’s third biggest city.
There is a red line painted on the point where Narva crosses into Russia – on a bridge over the river.
Estonian border police told the BBC that thousands of Ukrainians have escaped war zones and fled into Estonia through this border crossing.
Narva has welcomed Ukrainian refugees during Putin’s war, the BBC reports.
KLAIPEDA – LITHUANIA
Lithunia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Russia after Putin invaded Ukraine.
It closed its Russian consulate in Klaipeda, which is bordered by Latvia, Belarus and Poland on the Baltic Sea coast.
The third largest city in Lithuania, Klaipeda is a major seaport.
It has the highest number of native Russian speakers among Lithuanian cities.
Under the USSR, Russia turned Klaipeda into a valuable marine base.
DAUGAVPILS – LATVIA
This Latvian city, in the south, is bordered closely by Belarus and Lithuania.
It is the second largest city in the country and well populated.
It is also only 75 miles from the Latvian border with Russia.
Daugavpils is historically a major railway and industrial point – and was part of the Russian Empire in the late 1700s.
It has an overwhelmingly Russian speaking population.
Latvia has strongly condemned Putin’s war in Ukraine, and has been added to a list of all EU countries dubbed “unfriendly” by Putin.
“What they have learned from Ukraine? So far they have learned that well, their own army sucks.
“But another thing they have learned is that hybrid warfare works.
“They’ve been attacking us over a decade. They’ve been attacking us in cyber with the information operations now support us and what we are doing?
“They can break the unity of Western organizations like EU and NATO, and they can can break the unity within the nations and force us to use a lot of effort to to secure our infrastructure, like undersea cables, and so on.”
If Russia signs a peace with America and Ukraine rejects it – then Europe could step in and continue to support Ukraine defending against Russia.
It comes as Sir Keir Starmer has said he is willing to deploy British troops on the ground in Ukraine to enforce a peace deal.
Toveri said: “It would be in our interest to say that step in and say ‘Okay, don’t worry. We will replace the American support. We have money, we have resources. We will replace the American support so that Ukraine can keep on fighting until Russia is ready for more reasonable peace.
“You have to remember that Russia is nowhere near to winning in this war.”
Ukraine could continue fighting Russia on the defensive and killing as many Russians as possible with the support of Europe, as Zelensky’s people “are ready to accept the peace”.
Toveri explained how despite Ukrainian citizens being prepared to accept temporarily losing some areas, “they are not willing to take a peace where they don’t get real security guarantees.”
He added: “They can continue it long time with low intensity but it’s hurting them and the economy bad – so we should just not to give up now on the ceasefire/demilitarised zone.
“You would need 150-to-200,000 troops there and then you have to rotate them. You need three times more.
“We, the West, have to support Ukrainian so that they can rearm the army – so it is strong enough with modern Western technology so that they can be the main deterrence, and then, of course, some kind of presence from the Western countries.”
THE remaining Love Island stars will tonight be seen being treated to a performance from a huge British DJ.
The All Stars finalists are getting ready to find out who will be crowned winner, but before that they got to enjoy one last pool party.
This evening’s final episode will see the remaining couples wake up and be told by text that they’re going to get a pool party.
The message reads: “Finalists, get ready to dive into a good time, as you’re invited to a VIP All Stars pool party! #MakingWaves #FinalFiveOnly.”
The Islanders are then treated to a surprise performance from DJ Nathan Dawe.
The DJ plays some of his biggest hits and gives the Islanders an exclusive listen to his newest track, Here in Your Arms.
The remaining cast will be seen dancing in slow motion as they drink cocktails and enjoy their last party together.
After their party, the couples will tonight be seen reflecting on their time in the Villa.
Elma and Sammy chat in the pool and she tells him: “You walked in and it changed everything, it’s almost like it was meant to be.”
Sammy then adds: “As soon as we sat down and started chatting I was like…yeah.”
Casey is seen telling Gabby: “Right now we’re at the perfect stage to want to carry on on the outside.”
“I actually feel excited for you to meet my family, this is where we learn about each other in others ways,” Gabby replies.
Meanwhile, last night it all kicked off when Ronnie Vint and Harriet Blackmore were dumped from the villa.
After a public vote made them one of three vulnerable couples, it was up to the former islanders to cast their vote on who would make it to the final.
Harriett and Ronnie eventually received the most number of votes, and were dumped from the villa.
There are now five remaining couples as the show heads into tonight’s finale.
The couples up for the win are: Curtis Pritchard and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu; Grace Jackson and Luca Bish; Catherine Agbaje and Omar Nyame; Elma Pazar and Sammy Root and Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman.
Maya Jama will return to the villa one last time tonight to crown the victors, with the public vote open now to pick the next winner.
Love Island All Stars airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2.
Love Island All Stars is back on TV for season 2.
Here we take you through the line-up of all the Islanders who are in the villa so far.
Bombshells
Each series brings with it a string of hot single bombshells making their epic entrance into the villa.
Here’s who has joined the villa so far:
A GLAMOROUS OnlyFans star was put under house arrested after she offered to spend a Valentine’s Night with a fan for £9,000
Turkish adult actress Merve Taskin is in hot water after she posted an advert on X offering to be a fan’s “girlfriend” for a dinner date.
Soon after, the 27-year-old Turkish model was arrested on Valentine’s Day and accused of offering “obscene services”.
The influencer also warned fawning fans to “be careful not to fall in love” with her.
Judges at the Caglayan Court ordered that Taskin be placed under house arrest on 15 February whilst her phone and social media are investigated.
The original post on X to her 124,000 followers offered lonely punters a Valentine’s Day dinner date.
She said: “I can be a girlfriend for ‘dinner’ for those who are single on 14th February.
“Fee: TRY 400,000 (£8,770).”
The erotic content creator then boasted some of her assets to entice potential customers.
She added: “1) I am talkative, we can chat a lot.
“2) My beauty, you can create a good image with me outside.
“3) I am known in Turkey, you can satisfy your ego within yourself.
“4) I’m smarter than you expect, you’ll be surprised.”
She also listed bonuses for fans: “Bonus: I have great manipulation skills, be careful not to fall in love.
“Bonus 2: If you need motivation on anything, I’m pretty good at that too.
“Bonus 3: I am humble.”
After her post went viral, she was reported to police.
Taskin posted on social media again once she was released, saying she was detained and had to share a cell with prostitutes from the local area.
She said: “I spent one night in a cold, stuffy, unhygienic detention cell.
“One of the girls was crying at first because she got locked up in the detention cell, then she started laughing when she found out that I was Turkish and that I was there because of social media.
The content creator complained: “Someone please tell me that they played a prank on me and none of it is real.”
In 2021, Taskin was sentenced to five months in prison for posting erotic pictures online during her holiday in Amsterdam, including one of her riding a giant penis at the city’s Sex Museum.
MARRIED At First Sight UK is one for its matchmaking skills, but this new couple we didn’t see coming.
This MAFS couple have been secretly dating away from the public eye after one dealt with heartbreak from the series.
The Sun can exclusively revealed that Hannah Norburn – who appeared on the 2024 series, is dating the newly single Paul Liba.
Paul appeared on the 2023 version of the show, getting married to bride Tasha Jay.
The couple remained together after the show aired, but shocked fans when they announced they split after a year together in November 2024.
Tasha posted a statement online that read: “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Paul and I have decided to part ways.
“There isn’t any major reason, we have just come to terms with the fact that we are not right for each other.
“Paul is the loveliest guy I’ve ever met and I’m grateful for the time we’ve shared together and I’m glad that we can remain friends.
“I’m utterly heartbroken that I’m having to write this post, but it is best for both of us.’
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us as a couple. I hope you can now support us on our individual journeys.”
In comparison, Hannah had a disastrous time on MAFS, joining the show as a late bride and tying the knot with Stephen Nolson.
But despite initially seeming like a good fit, the pair’s relationship dissolved quickly – and it was only made worse when the girls of the group didn’t get along with her.
Hannah clashed with Polly Sellman after she was accused of flirting with Sionainn Carmichael‘s husband Ryan Livesey.
Things imploded when she found solace with another groom, Orson, even sharing a kiss with him after his marriage collapsed.
However, by the reunion she made a reappearance and was revealed to be dating Ryan outside of the experiment.
Their relationship didn’t last however, with the couple going their separate ways shortly after.
The Sun Online has contacted representatives for comment.
SIR Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to Donald Trump over Ukraine.
The PM has vowed British troops will help guarantee any peace deal brokered by the US President – but says the war-torn country cannot become an Afghanistan-style disaster zone.
Trump, who returned to the White House last month – branded the collapse of Kabul in 2021 “one of the greatest defeats in American history”.
And Sir Keir has urged the US not to make too many concessions with invading Russia.
He said any such resolution must be “lasting” and prevent tyrant leader Vladimir Putin from “coming again” for more territory.
It comes as the Labour leader heads to Paris for talks on how to respond to Trump’s launching of negotiations with Putin.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has touched down in Saudi Arabia and is due to meet Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov tomorrow.
Ukrainian leader Volodomyr Zelensky is expected in the Middle East state on Wednesday.
However, he has insisted he has no knowledge of the talks pencilled in for Tuesday.
He has insisted he will not accept a deal brokered between Washington and Moscow – with the US set not to invite any European leaders to the talks.
Sir Keir, meanwhile, says he will attempt to “bridge” any gap with the new White House.
Speaking in The Daily Telegraph, the UK PM laid out his plans, saying Ukraine’s future cannot be protected without security guarantees from Trump.
He referred to the chaos created as Trump’s previous successor Joe Biden ordered the withdrawal of American troops after decades.
Trump has heavily criticised the decision, but is said to have drawn up the original deal with the Taliban.
Sir Keir wrote: “We cannot have a situation like Afghanistan, where the US negotiated directly with the Taliban and cut out the Afghan government.
“I feel sure that president Trump will want to avoid this too.”
During a visit to Bristol today, the PM said: “I think what the US wants to achieve is lasting peace in Ukraine that aligns precisely with what we want in the United Kingdom, what Ukraine wants and what our European allies want.
“What we now need to do is to make sure that we work together on a plan that could get us to that point and that’s why it’s really important, I think, to focus first on the immediate questions in Ukraine, but also to look at the wider picture, which is now we are in this generational point, really, where we do need to step up across Europe in terms of our capability, our funding and our commitment to defence.
Because this isn’t just about Ukraine, it is about our own national security, and that’s why my message will be we’ve all got to step up across Europe.”
He went on to say: “It’s very important, after three years now of this dreadful conflict, to try to move forward. Of course we could have a resolution tomorrow if Russia, the aggressor, pulled back.”
DONALD Trump took to Truth Social after his chat with Putin to say...
“I just had a lengthy and highly productive phone call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects.
We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering, that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many!
We each talked about the strengths of our respective Nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together.
But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.
President Putin even used my very strong Campaign motto of, “COMMON SENSE.” We both believe very strongly in it.
We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations.
We have also agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately, and we will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now.
I have asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of the CIA John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Ambassador and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, to lead the negotiations which, I feel strongly, will be successful.
Millions of people have died in a War that would not have happened if I were President, but it did happen, so it must end. No more lives should be lost!
I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call, and for the release, yesterday, of Marc Fogel, a wonderful man that I personally greeted last night at the White House. I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!”
LOVE Island’s Ronnie Vint has made his feelings known about Ekin-Su and Curtis in a blunt discussion after leaving the villa.
Ronnie and Harriett Blackmore were dumped from the show just one day before the finale after a brutal twist.
After a public vote, the three lowest scoring couples – including Harriett and Ronnie – were left vulnerable for a dumping, and it was up to this year’s previous All Stars to decide who to boot.
Unfortunately for them, they were picked to leave, with Ronnie getting salty at former islanders Montel and Marcel over their decision as the results were revealed.
Speaking shortly after their elimination, the pair joined Amy Hart in the Beach Hut for podcast The Morning After, chatting about what went down.
In a frank discussion, Amy asked Harriett and Ronnie who they would pick if they were given that power, opening it up to all of the remaining couples.
Ronnie bluntly revealed Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Curtis Pritchard, hinting at his belief they were playing a game in order to remain on the show.
“I would have gone Ekin and Curtis,” said Ronnie, with Harriett agreeing.
When asked why, he explained: “Just for like, the whole journey and like, the last week or so, you’ve just made her your girlfriend. I just didn’t think that was the time to do it.
“Like we’ve seen the whole thing, they’d have to be my vote, because I think the other couples are stronger.”
Ekin and Curtis have been together throughout the majority of the show, with Ekin arriving to the show two days in as a bombshell.
When given the opportunity to recouple, he chose Curtis, and their relationship has continued to grow from there – despite some pretty brutal arguments.
In one awkward moment, fans were left in shock as Ekin chucked a drink over Curtis before storming away from him after he admitted his attraction to Danielle.
Despite this, Curtis asked her to officially be his girlfriend last week and she said yes, cementing their status for once they return to reality.
Maya Jama will return to the villa one last time tonight to crown the victors, with the public vote open now to pick your winner.
The couples up for the crown are: Curtis and Ekin-Su ; Grace Jackson and Luca Bish; Catherine Agbaje and Omar Nyame; Elma Pazar and Sammy Root and Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman.
THIS is the chilling moment a stalker neighbour collects listening devices he planted to spy on a woman in her own home.
Debbie Wearing, 67, had trusted William Nolan with a spare key so he and his wife could feed her cat while he was away.
But the 62-year-old took advantage and instead planted recording devices under a coffee table and in her bed as part of a sinister stalking campaign.
After Debbie discovered the bugs in her home in Birmingham, she set up a webcam in a bid to catch the culprit.
Footage shows Nolan rustling around under Debbie’s coffee table to collect the recording device.
The grandad appears to be growing agitated as he realises the bug is missing after Debbie removed it.
He then leaves the room to hunt out his other devices.
Nolan was jailed for 15 weeks at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court after he admitted stalking without fear, alarm or distress.
Debbie said: “To this day, I still don’t know why he did it.
“For me, for somebody to put a recording device on your headboard, there’s only one reason why they want to do that and that’s a sexual reason – something only a perv would do.
“You can’t trust strangers and my story goes to show sometimes you can’t trust the people around you.”
The stalking hell began back in 2020 when Debbie entrusted former security guard Nolan with a key.
At the time, the neighbours had lived next door to each other for around 30 years.
When Debbie returned home, she was eating dinner with her partner when he found a black plastic box taped under the table.
The widow initially thought it might be one of her grandson’s toys but was horrified to discover the truth following a web search.
Debbie went to West Midlands Police but was told with no sign of forced entry, she would need further evidence.
She decided to turn detective to catch the culprit – setting up the webcams and telling Nolan’s wife she would be out for the night.
Believing he was safe to enter the home, Nolan fell into Debbie’s trap and was caught red-handed searching for his spyware.
Debbie has now spoken out in solidarity for Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, who is the alleged victim of a six-year stalking campaign.
The Sun told how Kyle Shaw, 37, was charged with causing Shirley “persistent serious alarm or distress”.
He is due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on February 25.
Debbie said: “We’re a similar age and I really feel for her.
“It’s awful to hear that stalking is becoming more and more with celebrities but it helps everyday people feel less alone because they can sadly relate.
“I urge people to report it to the police as soon as you can and if they say to get evidence, be brave and do it.”
FOR many Brits, tackling mould or condensation in their homes during the winter months can feel like a constant battle.
But Dunelm is selling a £12.50 gadget that is the perfect solution, and there is a clever hack where you can get it for free.
Sign up to Quidco to get £15 bonus offer
The UniBond AERO 360º Moisture Absorber retails for £12.50 online at Dunelm and is an ideal budget-friendly dehumidifier to use around the house, especially if you regularly dry washing indoors.
This powerful little gadget is a game changer for any home, offering up to 90 days of freshness with just one refill tab.
Shoppers hoping to tackle damp, musty smells and excess moisture in their homes are flocking to Dunelm to snap up the inexpensive solution.
But bargain-hunters can pick one up for free thanks to cashback site Quidco’s latest bonus offer.
To bag one for free, sign up for a free Quidco account as a new member and spend a minimum of £5 or more at Dunelm.
Shoppers can then redeem an exclusive new member bonus of £15 to cover the cost of the compact moisture absorber, making your purchase free.
Sign up to Quidco to get £15 bonus offer
The UniBond AERO 360º helps to combat common winter household issues effectively by absorbing excess moisture and neutralising odours.
Boasting 360º air circulation, the device enhances results in all areas of your home and has a hassle-free setup.
The 2-in-1 technology utilises ultra-active crystals that absorb moisture and neutralise smells.
It’s also a little energy saver as it requires no electricity and allows you to place it in any room up to 20m².
Plus the built-in refill indicator ensures continuous moisture control, letting you know when to change the tab.
Shoppers have praised the compact device online, with some sharing that they have seen noticeable improvements.
One shopper shared: “Simple and avoids spillage. I bought it for a small bedroom with condensation on the window, and it has helped to reduce this.”
A second person wrote: “I’ve had this for a few weeks now, and there’s been a noticeable improvement. It genuinely does remove dampness and odours from the air/walls.”
Another user said: “It’s done a fantastic job in my son’s bedroom.
“He usually has condensation at the bottom of his window every morning. This has completely eliminated it.”
Chris Michael, Managing Director of Meaco shared the mistakes exclusively with Fabulous.
Savings on electricity bills – A tumble dryer costs approx. £1.50 per load to dry. A dehumidifier costs approx. £0.30. A £1.20 saving every time its used instead to dry the wet washing.
Savings on heating bills – Dry air is cheaper to heat than damp air. By removing the humidity the dehumidifier helps makes heating more efficient.
Prevents damp and mould – By reducing excess moisture from daily activities like cooking, washing, showering they help prevent mould, mildew and damp smells in the property, improving the living conditions for all the occupants.
Takes the chill out of the air – During the colder months of the year the dehumidifier removes the moisture in the air that causes chills.
Reduces condensation – They reduce condensation on windows and walls, protecting your home from damp-related issues.
Protects furniture and property – Helps prevent mould and damp caused damage to soft furnishings, wooden furniture, wallpaper, walls etc
Improves air quality – They remove airborne allergens such as dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions, improving overall air quality. Some models come with HEPA filters so that the dehumidifier can also be used for air purification, helping occupants who suffer from allergies.