Number of suspected modern slavery victims surges to record high

World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso is confronting former Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales in court over an alleged non-consensual kiss after Spain's victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup final. The trial could lead to Rubiales facing up to four years in prison if found guilty. The incident sparked outrage and protests, with Hermoso and prosecutors seeking a prison sentence and damages, while Rubiales maintains the kiss was mutual. Full Article

Luka Doncic thanked fans and the Dallas community after being traded to the Lakers, with his father criticizing the Mavericks for secrecy and hypocrisy in orchestrating the deal. Mavericks cited Anthony Davis' defense and Doncic's conditioning concerns as reasons for the trade, despite his popularity and charitable work in Dallas. Fans protested the trade outside American Airlines Center, with security cleaning up vandalism directed at Mavericks GM Nico Harrison. Full Article

Marcus Rashford is unlikely to play for Manchester United again after joining Aston Villa on loan, while Newcastle United consider a move for Justin Kluivert. Arsenal is targeting Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams as a priority signing. Additionally, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has signed a pre-contract agreement with Flamengo for the summer. Full Article

The 2025 Yahoo Sports Fantasy Baseball Catcher Preview highlights a deep pool of backstops, led by William Contreras, with other top options including Adley Rutschman, Salvador Pérez, and Will Smith. MLB managers are giving catchers more playing time, resulting in increased depth at the position. Sleepers like Austin Wells, Sean Murphy, Joey Bart, Gabriel Moreno, and Iván Herrera offer potential value in the later rounds. The top-12 catcher draft rankings feature names like Cal Raleigh,...

Your support of The Independent allows for in-depth coverage of critical issues like reproductive rights and Big Tech. Donations help fund on-the-ground reporting and ensure that quality journalism is accessible to all. Meanwhile, former UFC champion Israel Adesanya has accepted his recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov, dismissing claims of an early stoppage and expressing his determination to return to the octagon. Full Article

Chelsea forward and Australia captain Sam Kerr went on trial in a London court for racially abusing a white police officer during a drunken dispute with a taxi driver, where she called the officer "f---ing stupid and white." Kerr, who has Indian ancestry, pleaded not guilty to one count of racially aggravated harassment, with her lawyer arguing that her words were a comment on power and privilege. Despite scoring 199 career goals and being Australia's...