06/19/24 - The News

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Albania's football fortress: Build it and success will come

June 19, 2024 0
Albania qualified for UEFA EURO 2024 in style, winning their qualifying group on the back of impressive home form: three wins and a draw, with seven goals scored and none conceded.



They did so at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, which opened in 2019. The stadium has quickly become a formidable football fortress, propelling Albania's men's national team to just their second-ever EURO appearance.

Albania's 12th player

"It has everything that a team needs to perform on the field," said Albania captain Berat Djimsiti, explaining how the venue has given players an added edge.

"The infrastructure is better, making it much easier for us and for the fans to spread their energy and support. It's like we have a 12th player that motivates and pushes us forward. It's played a big role in our journey."
Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, agrees, adding: "The modern facilities and professional environment have significantly boosted player morale and performance. The stadium's top-tier training facilities have allowed for more effective preparation and recovery, while the passionate home support has created an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, providing our players with a psychological edge."


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ARMED SUSPECT WANTED IN OKLAHOMA HOMICIDES LAST SEEN IN MORRILTON

June 19, 2024 0

 Arkansas State Police and other local law enforcement agencies are working to apprehend a Birmingham, Ala., man wanted in multiple homicides. Stacy Lee Drake, 50, was last seen on foot outside a motel in Morrilton and is believed to be armed and dangerous.



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Virginia Primary 2024: John McGuire, Bob Good locked in Republican congressional cliffhanger

June 19, 2024 0

 One of America’s most conservative congressmen was locked in a tight renomination battle against an opponent endorsed by former President Donald Trump in Virginia’s primary election Tuesday.



Rep. Bob Good, who chairs the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, is seeking a third term representing Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, but state Sen. John McGuire has mounted a strong challenge that highlights frictions in the party.

Ballots remained to be counted, and the close margin made the race too early to call. Virginia observes the Juneteenth holiday and isn’t expected to count votes Wednesday as a result. McGuire led Good by 327 votes, or 0.52 percentage points, out of 62,495 ballots counted as of 12 a.m. Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Democrats in northern and central Virginia chose nominees to replace popular incumbents who aren’t seeking reelection. In House District 7, Eugene Vindman won a crowded Democratic primary to try to hold the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor in 2025, while Republicans chose Derrick Anderson.

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