The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
News Sports Soccer

Soccer diplomacy: World Cup host Vladimir Putin gives Donald Trump a ball

By  Associated Press
   
SHARE Soccer diplomacy: World Cup host Vladimir Putin gives Donald Trump a ball
ap18197583613648_1.jpg

U.S. First Lady Melania Trump holds a soccer ball during a press conference after the meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, Monday, July 16, 2018. | Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

HELSINKI — Riding high after hosting a successful World Cup, Russian President Vladimir Putin brought a special gift to his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump: a soccer ball.

After a journalist asked a question at their joint press conference Monday in Helsinki using soccer metaphors, Putin pulled out a red-and-white ball and tossed it at Trump, at the neighboring podium.

Trump said he’d give it to his 12-year-old son Barron, a soccer fan. Then the U.S. president tossed the ball to his wife Melania, sitting in the front row.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Putin critic, tweeted: “if it were me, I’d check the soccer ball for listening devices and never allow it in the White House.”

Russia’s organization of the monthlong World Cup, which ended Sunday, won wide praise.

Next Up In News
Netflix looks to curb password sharing, considers ads
Aiming to predict COVID, future pandemics better, CDC opens infectious diseases forecasting center
Joliet farmers wrangle cows thrown from semitrailer after crash on Interstate 80
1 killed, 3 wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago
Obama relatives sue Milwaukee school alleging racial bias
Unmasked transit: Pritzker ends mask mandates in public transportation, airports
The Latest
Mónica Álvarez habla en una conferencia de prensa el miércoles en el centro sobre la legislación en Springfield que eliminaría las armas en casos de violencia doméstica. Su prima, Karina González, fue asesinada a tiros el año pasado junto con su hija en La Villita.
La Voz Chicago
Sheriff del Condado de Cook: Yo apoyo el Proyecto de Ley Karina para proteger a sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica
Actualmente, incluso cuando una superviviente puede demostrar ante un juez que está en peligro, la ley deja en manos de su agresor la decisión de entregar las armas. Esto es absurdo.
By Thomas J. Dart
 
Labar “Bro Man” Spann
Crime
Four Corner Hustler chief's conviction threatened by revelation from feds
The judge presiding over the case of Labar “Bro Man” Spann said prosecutors made an “extraordinary” disclosure about a sentencing promise made by one of their former colleagues.
By Jon Seidel
 
A rendering of a proposed domed stadium on the lakefront unveiled at Wednesday's news conference.
Bears
Bears reveal plans for $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development: 'This is not an easy project'
The plans, according to the team, will include additional green and open space with access to the lakefront and the Museum Campus, which Bears President Kevin Warren called “the most attractive footprint in the world.”
By Fran Spielman, Tina Sfondeles, and 1 more
 
USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Bears
A chance to wipe out 75 years of Bears quarterback futility with one simple announcement
If presumed No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is as good as advertised, Chicago won’t know what to do with itself.
By Rick Morrissey
 
A photo of fresh concrete sidewalk where the rat hole (inset) once was in Roscoe Village.
Roscoe Village
Chicago rat hole in Roscoe Village removed by city
The Chicago rat hole in Roscoe Village became a viral phenomenon in January. Officials say the concrete slab was preserved and its destination is being decided.
By Jessica Ma