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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
EVANS, Ga. () – Lakeside High School’s marching band is on the cusp of an extraordinary milestone, as each practice session readies them for a landmark performance.
In just a few days, these dedicated students will leave their practice field behind and head to Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C. There, they will proudly represent the CSRA at America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The thrill of being chosen for this event is something student Tavanna Mindingalo vividly recalls. She remembers the excitement of the moment when the news was announced.
“I was with some friends when Mr. Whitmore appeared, decked out in red, white, and blue, holding a flag,” she recalled. “He shared the news with us, and I realized it was an amazing opportunity,” she said.
The journey to this point has been years in the making. According to Jared Best, Lakeside High School’s Band Director, the planning and preparation for this momentous trip were set in motion long ago.
“We had to get board approved two years ago,” he said. “We announced it to the kids spring of 25 that this was happening to give them time to plan and then we’ve been kind of strategic with some of the decisions around how the trip‘s gonna work.”
As the students prepare to head to Washington, Best said he hopes they remember the generations of band members who helped make this opportunity possible.
“I hope that my students can see that this opportunity that really this reward for the hard work that they’ve done also hinges a lot on the people that came before them,” he said.
Current drum major Samantha Smith said she understands the significance of carrying on that legacy and is grateful to those who came before her.
“I am fully aware that this was something that the past drum majors before me were able to help lead our brand to do great things like this and I’m just really grateful that I get to be a part of that,” she said.
From practice to the nation’s capital, Lakeside High School’s marching band says it is ready to make the community proud during the country’s milestone celebration.
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (WCIA) — State officials in Springfield are responding to significant news from Washington. On Monday morning, the Supreme Court announced a decision permitting states to include ballots that arrive after election day, provided they were postmarked before.
This decision may carry significant implications for voters in Illinois. Nevertheless, advocates emphasize that the debate surrounding vote-by-mail is far from concluded.
During typical election years, Barbara Kwiatkowsky and the League of Women Voters dedicate their efforts to voter education. However, in 2026, their focus has shifted toward developments within the country’s highest judicial body.
“We can finally breathe a bit easier. We had been anxiously anticipating this decision. I won’t sugarcoat the relief,” shared Kwiatkowsky, who serves as the Vice President of Issues & Advocacy for the Illinois League of Women Voters.
The case causing so much anxiety for the League of Women Voters was Watson vs the Republican National Committee. The RNC was arguing that a Mississippi law allowing ballots to be counted up to five days after polls close was violating federal law. That law sets the dates of election as the second Tuesday in November.
But the court disagreed, saying Election Day statutes in federal law say nothing about ballot receipt.
“The court has recognized, fundamentally, that state and local governments are responsible for running our elections, number one. And number two, that the states can set the rules for accepting mail in ballots, which have become increasingly the form that people use in order to vote,” said Ed Yohnka with the ACLU of Illinois.
So now those states who count postmarked ballots after Election Day — including Illinois — can continue on as normal.
“It just really reiterated and reinforced certainly everything that the league stands for, which is you know, registration of voters, education of voters, education of voters is very big, voter participation and accessibility,” said Kwiatkowsky.
But mail-in ballots are facing another challenge.
Last week, the US Postmaster General said he would fall in line with President Trump’s recent Executive Order to stop delivering any mail in ballots for states that haven’t turned over complete voter rolls to his administration. A federal court has issued an injunction, meaning the order isn’t in effect yet.
Yohnka thinks it’s a sign of things to come for the President.
“Just like the postal service, the White House and the President have nothing to do with overseeing elections in the United States. Specifically, that is granted to the states so you will see courts striking down, I think, any attempt to to implement that rule,” said Yohnka.
Vice President JD Vance highlighted a “silver lining” in the Supreme Court’s recent decision that opposed President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. He noted that the close 5-4 ruling signals that “the concept of birthright citizenship is hanging by a thread.”
During an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle, Vance expressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling was a “major, major mistake.” Vance pointed out that pregnant foreign nationals can come to the United States “on a vacation, give birth” and then their child and family “have the full benefits of American citizenship.”
Vance expressed the need to “continue to enforce the border” following the ruling. He described the Supreme Court’s decision as “very disappointing,” while acknowledging the importance of respecting it. He echoed Justice Alito and Thomas by suggesting that this ruling might encourage people to travel to the U.S., have a child, and subsequently gain full citizenship benefits for the family, which he called “a preposterous ruling.”
Despite the setback, Vance noted that many legal experts feared an even more lopsided decision, predicting outcomes of 7-2 or even 8-1 against them. He framed the 5-4 decision as a relatively positive outcome for conservatives.
Continuing his remarks, Vance emphasized that the narrow ruling suggests birthright citizenship is tenuously tied to the Fourteenth Amendment. This, he declared, calls for intensified efforts to refine the immigration process and closely monitor who enters the country. Moreover, he urged continued advocacy, citing past successes in reversing misguided judicial decisions.
Vance’s statements followed the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision, which went against Trump’s initiative to eliminate birthright citizenship.
– News’s Neil Munro reported that although the court’s decision was 6-3, Justice Brett Kavanaugh pointed out that “Trump and other politicians can change the rule via legislation”:
The decision was 6 to 3 against Trump, but Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued that Trump and other politicians can change the rule via legislation.
“Citizenship, then and now,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority, “was the right to have rights — to freely participate in our political community. The Framers of the Fourteenth Amendment extended that promise to ‘every free-born person in this land.’ We keep that promise today.”
The right applies even to foreign parents who sneak across the United States borders with Canada and Mexico, or who enter as temporary workers or tourists, Roberts insisted.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Trump stated in a Truth Social post that Congress “should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship.”
Dean Wade is embarking on a new chapter in Philadelphia, joining the ranks of the 76ers.
On Tuesday night, the free agent forward inked a lucrative four-year contract with the 76ers, reportedly worth $39 million, as shared by ESPN.
At the age of 29, Wade is turning the page on his tenure with the Cavaliers, where he evolved into a vital asset, renowned for his defensive prowess and shooting skills in the frontcourt. His journey began in Cleveland when he signed a two-way contract with the team back in 2019, having gone undrafted. Over the span of seven seasons, he firmly established himself on their roster.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson goes up for a shot as Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) defends during the first quarter. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Remarkably, Wade held the distinction of being the longest-serving player for the Cavaliers.
Leading up to Tuesday, the Cavaliers and Wade were engaged in ongoing discussions, trying to negotiate a fresh agreement ahead of the free agency period, though they ultimately could not reach a consensus.
But by late Tuesday afternoon, it became clear that Wade would hit the free agency market, and now Philly scopped him up on the first day.
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Philadelphia was expected to be one of several teams interested in acquiring Wade last week.
Wade’s defense made him an important piece of Cleveland’s rotation and allowed him to retain a consistent role there. His 6-foot-9 height and 6-foot-10 wingspan made it difficult for opposing guards and forwards to work around him.
Wade averaged 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds alongside 1.5 assists per game during the 2025-26 season, shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from 3-point territory.
Dean Wade goes to the basket as Chet Holmgren defends in the first half of the Cavaliers’ blowout loss to the Thunder on Jan. 19, 2026, in Cleveland. AP Photo/David Dermer
Wade started in 14 of the Cavaliers 18 playoff games this past season, where they reached their first Eastern Conference finals in eight years before being swept by the Knicks.
Wade only put up 4.4 points in 22.6 minutes per game in the playoffs, but his defense on stars like Scottie Barnes and Cade Cunningham made him a valuable piece of the Cavs’ run.
His plus-5.0 net rating was the highest among all Cavs players throughout the playoffs.
A Hollywood actress is now facing the possibility of prison for her involvement in aiding a convicted fraudster to escape justice.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, aged 63, admitted her guilt on Monday to charges of being an accessory after the fact. Her crime? Assisting her boyfriend, Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, a 64-year-old convicted fraudster, in evading law enforcement. Fritsch had manipulated investors, defrauding them out of a staggering $20 million through his software enterprise.
Known professionally as ‘Lucy Weist,’ Manera’s acting credits include appearances in “Blown Away” and “The Silencers.” Now, she could face up to five years in federal prison. Her charges stem from actions that include concealing Fritsch from the authorities, facilitating his refuge in Mexico, and financially supporting his escape to Germany, his homeland.
The U.S. Department of Justice noted that Manera was fully aware of her boyfriend’s federal wire fraud conviction from April 2025 when she chose to aid him.
Between 2014 and 2017, Fritsch orchestrated a scam that deceived investors through dishonest representations of his company’s financial health and the potential of an app named StarSite. The app, marketed as a tool for celebrities and influencers to profit from brand endorsements, was part of his elaborate deceit.
The fraudster made up a string of false claims to pique investors’ interest, boasting millions in revenue and looming deals with major media companies, including Disney.
He even managed to link celebrities to his company StarClub Inc – actresses Caitlin O’Connor and Elise Neal attended his promotional events, the New York Post reported.
Fritsch said he would use investors’ money to build out StarClub’s channels and technology – but instead used the millions to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Lucinda Jane Weist Manera, 63, pleaded guilty Monday after helping her convicted fraudster boyfriend flee the country
Lucinda Weist in Murder, She Wrote (1984) she has known roles in Blown Away and The Silencers
Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, 64, scammed investors out of millions by lying about his tech company’s financial performance
The fraudster enriched himself with luxury cars, including a McLaren and a Rolls-Royce, while also upgrading his yacht and renovating his Malibu mansion.
Fritsch was found guilty of wire fraud on April 3, 2025, and his girlfriend was in the courtroom when the verdict was read.
The 64-year-old was free on bond, with a June 2, 2025 hearing set on his potential remand into federal custody.
But on the day of the hearing, the fugitive boyfriend fled the US by car and crossed into Mexico to avoid being thrown behind bars.
From June to September 2025, Manera helped Fritsch evade apprehension and punishment, including lying to FBI agents that she hadn’t spoken to him within a day of his June 2 hearing.
The actress made at least 10 payments between June and September 2025, totaling about $7,475, to a third party, aware that Fritsch was hiding at that person’s home.
The loyal girlfriend also authorized a $534 charge on her bank account to cover Fritsch’s hotel stay in Mexico.
Manera knowingly assisted her boyfriend after his April 2025 federal wire fraud conviction
Michael Jackson and Fritsch, he was found guilty of wire fraud on April 3, 2025
Fritsch attends StarClub Inc’s Private Party hosted by Tyrese Gibson
US actor Wesley Snipes, German moderator Verona Pooth and Bernhard Fritsch attend the Bertelsmann Summer Party at Bertelsmann Repraesentanz
In September 2025, Manera searched the web for information on how Fritsch could leave Mexico and travel to Germany, which generally prohibits extradition of its citizens.
Fritsch was later sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison, fined $35,000, and ordered to pay $26,806,901 in restitution in October 2025.
Authorities are still requesting he surrender. US District Judge Dale S Fischer has set an October 5 sentencing hearing for Manera.
Significant changes are coming to the federal student loan system starting July 1, impacting millions of borrowers across the nation.
These adjustments will result in higher monthly payments for some Americans, particularly those with lower incomes. Additionally, there will be new restrictions on loan amounts for many borrowers.
Currently, about 43 million Americans hold student loan debt, collectively amounting to nearly $1.7 trillion, according to data from the Office of Federal Student Aid, which operates under the Department of Education.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon, whose mandate includes closing the department, has declared that the Trump administration will no longer allow U.S. taxpayers to shoulder debts that do not belong to them.
This sweeping overhaul is part of President Donald Trump’s trademark legislation, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, introduced last year alongside other executive orders aimed at reforming the Department of Education.
Here’s what borrowers need to know:
Fewer repayment options
Department of Education and education experts are touting the Trump administration’s student loan overhaul as the biggest change to the portfolio in decades.
One of the biggest changes is the end of a Biden-era repayment program called Saving on a Valuable Education or “SAVE.” There are currently about 7 million borrowers enrolled in that program, and now they will have 90 days to switch to a new plan to pay back their student debt.
The former “Vanderpump Rules” star revealed his engagement to pregnant partner Jordan Meyers through an Instagram post on Tuesday.
“We’re engaged!! I love you, adventures with you forever and ever,” he wrote, sharing a slideshow full of images featuring him and Meyers. “Thank you for making me the luckiest guy in the world. ❤️🔥.”
In the initial photo, the 34-year-old Kennedy is seen kneeling to propose to the 23-year-old Meyers, set against the beautiful backdrop of Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy.
Other images display Kennedy in casual chinos and a loosely buttoned white shirt, while Meyers stuns in a short red dress as they beam for the camera.
For Meyers’ post, she only shared shots of herself and the Italian estate where the proposal took place.
“Suddenly I’m left handed,” she captioned the upload.
Kennedy revealed Meyers’ identity earlier this month, over a month after reports first surfaced that the Bravo alum was expecting a baby with a mystery woman.
The couple, who made their red-carpet debut earlier this month, confirmed to People that Meyers was four months pregnant and they’d been dating for eight months total.
“We are thrilled to share that Jordan and I are expecting our first child together,” Kennedy told the outlet, noting that they’d “previously kept our relationship out of the public eye” but were “sharing it publicly” now.
Kennedy also explained that their family and friends have known about Meyers’ pregnancy news “for some time now,” but they waited to tell the world because they were focused on “building [their] relationship.”
Meyers, meanwhile, said she “instantly felt such a strong spark between us” when first meeting Kennedy, adding, “Watching our love story grow and preparing to become parents together has been the most incredible experience.”
Kennedy was briefly engaged to Raquel Leviss in 2021. Leviss is one-half of the massive “Scandoval” scandal — an affair between her and “Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval, who was dating Ariana Madix at the time.
He also dated Ally Lewber from 2022 to 2024 following Kennedy’s domestic violence arrest.
The DJ’s case was ultimately cleared by prosecutors.
Willson Contreras, the power hitter for the Boston Red Sox, faced ejection for a second straight game on Tuesday night following a confrontation with Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli at Fenway Park, which sparked a benches-clearing altercation.
The day began with Contreras joining his fellow Venezuelan players in fundraising efforts for earthquake victims in their country, only to later find himself embroiled in a fiery exchange after Cavalli struck him out in the fourth inning.
The reasons behind Cavalli’s actions remain unclear, but he was overheard shouting ‘Sit down bro’ at Contreras as the Red Sox player left the batter’s box.
The previous day, Contreras had drawn attention with an emphatic bat flip after hitting a three-run home run against Miles Mikolas, for which he later expressed regret. Whether this incident ties into Tuesday’s skirmish remains unknown.
Regardless, the words from Cavalli provoked Contreras’ ire on Tuesday night, and he had to be held back by his teammate and compatriot, Boston catcher Carlos Narvaez.
And when Contreras did slip away, he took the opportunity to launch his helmet in Cavalli’s direction.
Bosston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras apporaches the mound to confront Cade Cavalli, but is stopped by his countryman, Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz on Tuesday night
Willson Contreras tries to get to Washington pitcher Cade Cavalli on Tuesday in Boston
Cade Cavalli is restrained after having words with Boston slugger Willson Contreras
Although a few other shoving matches ensued, umpires gained control of the situation before ejecting Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Boston outfielder Nate Eaton and Mikolas.
And with that, Contreras entered Boston history by becoming the first Red Sox player to be ejected in two consecutive games. Not even the mercurial Carl Everett, who was once suspended for grabbing his crotch, was ejected from consecutive games.
Unfortunately for Contreras and the Red Sox, Boston’s bullpen imploded by surrendering all eight runs in the 8-1 defeat. Red Sox rookie hurler Payton Tolle is on the mound for the 1:35pm start in Boston while Washington will send Andrew Alvarez to the hill.
The 34-year-old Contreras has acknowledged struggling with the aftermath of the earthquake in Venezuela.
‘Everything that’s going on in Venezuela, it’s not easy to hide,’ Contreras told reporters after Monday’s win over Washington. ‘It’s not easy just to show up and play with everything that is going on in my country.’
The death toll from the twin earthquakes has risen to nearly 2,000 as aftershocks have eased in recent days.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said Tuesday that the earthquakes left more than 10,000 people injured and 15,000 displaced.
Boston bench coach Jose David Flores walks Willson Contreras back to the Boston dugout
Before the game, Red Sox teammates and native Venezuelans Willson Contreras (left) and Wilyer Abreu (right) raised money for their home country following its devastating earthquake
Interim manager Chad Tracy argues with umpire Vic Carapazza after the brawl
Contreras launched a 421-foot home run in the game before flipping his bat into the sky and shouting ‘Venezuela’ long before either the ball or his lumber had a chance to land.
‘I feel like I could be there helping people and I can’t do that,’ Contreras said. ‘And the homer just represents something that I pray to God for it to happen, because that’s the only thing I can do for Venezuela right now physically. And that’s why I was emotional.’
Contreras and Red Sox teammate Wilyer Abreu were both members of the Venezuelan team that won the WBC back in March.
This is not the first on-field confrontation of the season for Contreras, who has been hit by 14 pitches this season – more than all but two MLB batters. Days earlier, Contreras had words with New York Yankees Will Warren over some chin music. And prior to that, Contreras had a heated exchange with his brother William’s team, the Milwaukee Brewers, after being hit by a pitch in April.
Remarkably, it was the 24th time Contreras had been beaned by a Brewers pitcher.
Experiencing weak legs after reaching 60? Discover how these four wall-based exercises can help rebuild your strength and improve your ability to handle stairs and walking.
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Yoga offers numerous benefits beyond the age of 60, improving mobility, breathing, and balance while enhancing body awareness. While it’s excellent for easing joint stiffness, restoring leg strength often demands more targeted efforts. Engaging the muscles in your quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and hips through movements that mirror daily activities is key to regaining strength and stability.
Wall exercises present an ideal blend of challenge and support. They allow your legs to do the heavy lifting while you lean against the wall for assistance. This setup can make workouts more inviting if balance issues, knee discomfort, or low confidence hinder your performance during conventional lower-body exercises. Also, the wall serves as an excellent tool for immediate feedback on posture, depth, and control, helping refine your technique with less mental effort.
Wall-based lower-body exercises simplify strength training, offering an effective workout without diluting its impact. A simple wall sit can effectively engage your quads, while wall marches increase hip and single-leg control. Wall-supported split squats boost individual leg confidence, and wall hip hinges teach your glutes and hamstrings to better support your lower body. Together, these exercises enhance leg strength, aiding in climbing stairs, walking, standing, and navigating daily activities with increased assurance.
Wall Sits
Wall sits train your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core while your back stays supported against the wall. Holding the position builds strength and endurance through your legs without requiring repeated squatting. That makes wall sits useful after 60 because your legs have to stay active under tension, which carries over to standing longer, climbing stairs, and lowering yourself into a chair with more control. Compared with yoga, this move gives your legs a more direct strength challenge while still keeping the setup simple.
Slide down the wall until your knees bend comfortably.
Brace your core and keep your back against the wall.
Hold the position while breathing steadily.
Stand back up with control.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 20 to 30 second holds. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Higher wall sits, lower wall sits, wall sits with heel raises.
Form Tip: Keep your feet flat and your knees tracking over your toes.
4 Simple Exercises That Strengthen Your Muscles More Than Lunges After 50
Wall Marches
Wall marches target your hip flexors, quads, glutes, calves, and core while providing support as you shift weight from one leg to the other. Each knee lift asks the standing leg to stabilize while the lifted leg moves with control. That single-leg demand helps rebuild strength for walking, stairs, stepping over objects, and staying steady when your weight shifts. The wall provides enough support to move confidently while your legs and hips do the work.
Muscles Trained: Hip flexors, quadriceps, glutes, calves, core.
How to Do It:
Stand facing a wall with your hands lightly placed against it.
Step your feet hip-width apart.
Brace your core and stand tall.
Lift one knee toward your waist.
Lower your foot back to the floor with control.
Alternate legs in a steady rhythm.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per leg. Rest for 30 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Paused wall marches, slower wall marches, hands-free marches.
Form Tip: Stay tall and avoid leaning your chest into the wall.
Wall-Supported Split Squats
Wall-supported split squats target your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and core while also providing a little balance help. The staggered stance makes your front leg work harder, while the wall keeps the movement from turning into a wobble contest. This helps restore leg strength because each leg gets direct work through a useful range of motion, and your hips have to stay steady as you lower and stand. Stronger split squats carry over to stairs, stepping, walking, and getting up from lower positions.
Stand beside a wall with one hand lightly touching it.
Step one foot forward and one foot back into a split stance.
Brace your core and keep your torso tall.
Lower your back knee toward the floor with control.
Press through your front foot to return to standing.
Complete all reps, then switch sides.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per leg. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Shorter stance split squats, split squat holds, and assisted reverse lunges.
Form Tip: Use the wall for balance, not to pull yourself up.
5 Chair Exercises That Restore Knee Strength Faster Than Gym Sessions After 60
Hip Hinge to Wall
The hip hinge to wall trains your glutes, hamstrings, lower back, and core while teaching your hips to move with control. Reaching your hips back toward the wall gives you a clear target, which helps you learn the hinge pattern without guessing. That pattern matters after 60 because bending, lifting, walking uphill, and standing tall all rely on stronger glutes and hamstrings. Yoga can help you move better, but hip hinges give the backs of your legs a more direct role in strength building.
Stand about a foot in front of a wall with your back facing it.
Place your feet hip-width apart.
Brace your core and soften your knees.
Push your hips back toward the wall.
Tap the wall lightly with your hips.
Drive your hips forward to return to standing.
Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps. Rest for 45 seconds between each set.
Best Variations: Bodyweight good mornings, banded good mornings, dumbbell RDLs.
Form Tip: Move through your hips and keep your spine long.
4 Daily Exercises That Make Stairs Feel Easy Again After 60
How to Build Stronger Legs With Wall Support
Shutterstock
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Wall exercises work best when the wall helps you move better without taking the effort away from your legs. Keep your contact light, slow the reps down, and focus on feeling your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and hips do their share. The wall should give you confidence, not a free ride.
Use holds to build strength: Wall sits and split squat holds keep your legs under tension. That steady effort helps rebuild strength without needing heavy equipment.
Train one-leg control: Wall marches and split squats give each leg its own work. Single-leg control matters for walking, stairs, curbs, and balance.
Strengthen the back of your legs: Hip hinges teach your glutes and hamstrings to support bending and standing. Stronger hips can make your legs feel more powerful and your lower back feel less overworked.
Keep the range comfortable: You don’t need to slide into the deepest wall sit or longest split squat stance on day one. Start where the movement feels clean, then build from there.
Progress gradually: Add a few seconds to holds, add reps, slow the tempo, or reduce the amount of support you use. Small progressions keep the routine productive without making it feel overwhelming.
Wall work gives you a simple way to build leg strength without needing a yoga mat, gym machines, or a complicated routine. Use the support, keep your reps clean, and let your legs earn more strength one controlled set at a time.
References
García-Hermoso A, Cavero-Redondo I, Ramírez-Vélez R, Ruiz JR, Ortega FB, Lee DC, Martínez-Vizcaíno V. Muscular Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in an Apparently Healthy Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Data From Approximately 2 Million Men and Women. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Oct;99(10):2100-2113.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.01.008. Epub 2018 Feb 7. PMID: 29425700.
Zabarmawi J, Miller CT, Owen PJ, Mundell NL, Meny A, Aldhafri S, Banjar R, Alzahrani H. Efficacy of an acute bout of isometric wall squat exercise on pain sensitivity and clinical pain intensity in adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial in outpatient physiotherapy clinics in Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open. 2025 Dec 11;15(12):e103756. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-103756. PMID: 41381113; PMCID: PMC12699666.
The Socceroos have already thrilled millions of fans with their recent performance, securing a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. This result allowed them to advance to the World Cup Round of 32, a milestone achievement that sets the stage for their upcoming clash with Egypt on Saturday. The team is eager to build on their momentum and make further strides in the tournament.
As the team prepares for their match with Egypt, forward Tete Yengi expressed his expectations, highlighting the challenging nature of their next opponents. “Egypt will be an aggressive team, they’ll fight for everything,” Yengi remarked, setting the tone for a highly competitive encounter.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jackson Irvine articulated a broader ambition, suggesting they are primed for a historic run. “We’re ready to do something no Australian team has done before,” he stated confidently.
Irvine reflected on the team’s recent successes, noting, “Two World Cups in a row, two second places showcase the progress we’ve made. But this was our expectation.” His statement underscores the determination within the squad to exceed past achievements.
Determined to etch their names in history, Irvine emphasized the team’s focus on advancing beyond the current stage. “Now we’ve got to go and do something no Australian team has done before and win a knockout game,” he said in an interview with SBS, following their decisive draw with Paraguay. The Socceroos remain committed to raising the bar even higher as they continue their World Cup journey.
Yengi said the team would continue to work hard on the pitch and play a physical game.
“Physically, I think we’re superior to the other teams. So as long as we keep working on that and we show the rest of the game on the ball, we have top-quality players,” he said.
“Everyone on the pitch can hurt teams at any time.”
In Saturday’s knockout match against Egypt, the Socceroos could face Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, though it’s unclear if he’ll start after coming off against Iran with a hamstring injury on Saturday.
Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is yet to score but has created dangerous chances for Egypt so far.
Acknowledging the challenges from the two big-name players, the Socceroos’ 18-year-old rising star Lucas Herrington said the team is ready to “make history”.
“We all look forward to the occasion [against Egypt],” the defender said. “It’s now a chance to make history, so now we can’t wait, we are all ready.”
Making his World Cup debut during the Friday match against Paraguay, which he described as “the best moment of my life”, Herrington said he saw the match against Egypt as an opportunity for a young player like him to grow.
“It’s nice to verse players like [Salah and Marmoush], that’s where you want to be, that’s who you want to verse.”
Australia’s World Cup record
The Socceroos made the knockout rounds for a second consecutive World Cup and only the third time ever. The team have only ever won four matches in World Cups, one of these coming against an African side, and none against a South American side.
This year was not the first time the Socceroos would be drawn against the hosts in the group stages. Australia’s first successful journey to the World Cup came in 1974, when they were drawn against hosts West Germany, who defeated the Socceroos in their first-ever World Cup match. They then lost to East Germany, while claiming a draw with Chile.
Australia then had to wait 32 years to qualify again for the World Cup. In 2006, they secured a 3-1 win against Japan, claiming their first-ever goal and win at the tournament. In their second group stage match they lost to Brazil, but a 2-2 draw against Croatia in their final group stage match was enough to send the Socceroos through to the Round of 16.
Their-first ever foray into the knockout stages ended in pain, however, after eventual winners Italy won 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.
In the following three World Cup tournaments — in 2010, 2014 and 2018 — Australia failed to advance from the group stage.
During the most recent World Cup — Qatar 2022 — the Socceroos secured two wins in the group stage for the first time, against Tunisia and Denmark. The team lost 4-1 to France, but earned enough points to make it to the Round of 16.
Still, Australia couldn’t get past the hurdle of the fourth match in a tournament, as they were defeated 2-1 by Argentina, the eventual champions, in the Round of 16.
At 4am AEST on Saturday, the Socceroos will be hoping to make history. A first-ever knockout stage will mean reaching the Round of 16 for a second consecutive tournament and playing a fifth match at the World Cup.
Should they beat Egypt at Dallas Stadium inArlington, Texas, they will face either Argentina or debutantes Cape Verde.
You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
