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Revolutionary Missile Defense System Enhances Rapid Response Capabilities

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Revolutionary Missile Defense System Enhances Rapid Response Capabilities


Next-Generation Missile Defense at Mission Speed

Lockheed Martin is pushing the boundaries of integrated air and missile defense by leveraging AI-driven systems, open architecture, and cutting-edge technology. These innovations are designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of detecting, deciding, and responding to rapidly evolving threats.

As missile threats continue to develop at an unprecedented pace, defense systems must be able to see, assess, and react with unparalleled speed. In a recent presentation, Lockheed Martin executives detailed how the future of missile defense is being transformed by next-generation integrated systems. These systems employ AI-driven decision support and open architecture, seamlessly connecting capabilities across land, sea, air, and space. By combining decades of experience with the latest technological advancements, Lockheed Martin is paving the way for the future of national security, ensuring the protection of vital interests.

Breaking: Shocking Revelations in James Harden’s Gun Arrest as Mugshot Surfaces

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Breaking: Shocking Revelations in James Harden’s Gun Arrest as Mugshot Surfaces

A traffic stop in Houston early Saturday morning resulted in the arrest of NBA star James Harden, local authorities confirmed.

The Houston Police Department disclosed to The California Post on Monday that Harden was stopped around 3 a.m. for a traffic violation on a downtown Houston street.


James Harden holding a basketball during an NBA game.
Cleveland Cavaliers’ James Harden during the first half of Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals NBA basketball playoffs series against the New York Knicks, May 21, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

During the stop, “The driver of the vehicle identified himself as James Harden,” a police spokesperson stated, adding that the athlete was subsequently arrested for the unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Court records reveal that Harden had a handgun in his car, which was visible and not secured in a holster. He was officially detained at 3:41 a.m. and charged with a misdemeanor for unlawful weapon possession.


Mugshot of James Edward Harden.
James Harden was arrested at 3:41 a.m. on Saturday in Houston.

A mugshot released by the Houston Police Department on Monday shows Harden dressed in a black T-shirt, displaying a serious expression.

Harris County records show Harden was released from jail on bond later Saturday morning and given an arraignment date of June 22.

However, the records also show that hearing date was rescheduled on Monday to Aug. 3.

Harden, according to the records, has hired high-powered Texas attorney Rusty Hardin to represent him in the case. Hardin has previously repped several famous professional athletes, including Deshaun Watson when the NFL quarterback was accused of sexual misconduct by multiple massage therapists.

Messages to Hardin and his office for comment on Harden’s case were not immediately returned.

Harden, a former Los Angeles Clipper who currently plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has deep ties to Houston — he played nine seasons with the Rockets earlier in his NBA career.

Sources told The Post he had been out at a local hookah lounge with a large group of his friends before his arrest occurred.

Trump’s Reaction Under Scrutiny After Fighter’s Offensive Slur Against Michelle Obama

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Trump’s Reaction Under Scrutiny After Fighter’s Offensive Slur Against Michelle Obama

During a recent UFC event held at the White House, former President Donald Trump reportedly gave a slight smile after a fighter made a controversial statement about Michelle Obama. The incident occurred on Sunday as the fighter, Josh Hokit, participated in a post-fight interview following his victory over Derrick Lewis.

Hokit, who had just left the Octagon to present Trump with a necklace, returned to the ring for his interview with Joe Rogan. As he basked in the spotlight after his second-round triumph, he took the opportunity to express gratitude to Trump, saying, “Shout out to Trump for having the courage to put this event on.”

He continued by praising his faith, declaring, “If I’m going to say anything, there’s only one person more incredible than the Incredible Hulk, and that’s my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.”

Hokit then shifted his focus, calling out fellow fighter Alex Pereira with an unusual challenge. However, it was his final remark that truly caught the crowd off guard. “And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” he shouted, eliciting a mixture of cheers and jeers from the audience.

‘And lastly, Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?’ Hokit yelled down the microphone, shocking the audience, which responded with a mix of cheers and jeers. 

CNN reported that Trump was spotted showing a ‘half smile’ after Hokit made the remark as a mixture of cheers and boos were heard. 

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Obama for comment. 

UFC fighter Joe Hokit says Michelle Obama is a man while being interviewed after his victory at Sunday's Freedom250 event in Washington, DC

UFC fighter Joe Hokit says Michelle Obama is a man while being interviewed after his victory at Sunday’s Freedom250 event in Washington, DC 

The comment concerning her gender is a conspiracy theory typically used by right-wing antagonists against Obama

The comment concerning her gender is a conspiracy theory typically used by right-wing antagonists against Obama

Trump is seen here being gifted a chain by Hokit following his UFC win

Trump is seen here being gifted a chain by Hokit following his UFC win 

The official UFC X page shared an eight second clip of his post-fight interview but cut the moment he spoke about Obama. 

It’s not the first time Hokit has hurled the insult.

At a UFC event in January, he also called WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner a man. 

At the time, UFC CEO Dana White said of the Griner slur: ‘I heard about it. I didn’t see it, I don’t love it.’ 

Neither White nor the president has commented on Hokit’s remark about Michelle Obama. 

The main fight of the event, which coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday, saw American Justin Gaethje beat Georgian-Spanish Ilia Topuria in the fourth round. 

The two fighters began their walkouts from the Oval Office at the event to mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence.

Afterwards, Trump and First Lady Melania entered the blood-spattered Octagon cage to congratulate a jubilant Gaethje, who wished the president a happy birthday.

‘Beyond anything you could imagine,’ Trump, who is due to head straight to the G7 summit in France, told reporters when asked how the evening went.

The remark about Obama came after the president himself came under fire earlier this year for posting a racist video to Truth Social that depicted former president Barack Obama and Michelle as apes. 

The AI video shows the faces of the former president and first lady imposed on the bodies of apes, followed by The Tokens’ song The Lion Sleeps Tonight. 

Dana White walks alongside Donald Trump from the White House to the South Lawn

Dana White walks alongside Donald Trump from the White House to the South Lawn 

Trump is seen here alongside Justin Gaethje following his championship fight at UFC 250

Trump is seen here alongside Justin Gaethje following his championship fight at UFC 250 

The clip focused on his accusations of fraud during the 2020 election and belonged to a pro-Trump account on X but was reposted by Trump on his platform. 

It sparked widespread condemnation across the political divide. Trump removed the video, and later told reporters: ‘I looked at it. I didn’t see the whole thing. I gave it to the people, they posted it.’ 

He said he ‘didn’t see’ the section of clip where the couple were portrayed as apes. 

‘What I saw in the beginning was really strong. It was about fraudulent elections. 

‘Anytime I see that stuff and it’s credible, you put it up. I didn’t do it. This was done by someone else. It was a re-truth but that was a very strong truth.’ 

Trump also said that the staffer the White House alleged posted the video will not be fired.

He was then asked if he would apologize.

‘No, I didn’t make a mistake,’ he said. 

He also touted his relationship with the black community during his two terms as president.

‘Black voters have been great to me. I’ve been great to them and I am, by the way, the least racist president you’ve had in a long time, as far as I am concerned.’ 

Unlock Your Fitness Potential: 6 Essential Strength Drills for Those Over 60

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Unlock Your Fitness Potential: 6 Essential Strength Drills for Those Over 60

Successfully executing these drills with proper technique indicates good physical movement in everyday activities.

Strength drills are highly favored by personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. These exercises often incorporate resistance movements, bodyweight activities, and a variety of tools like bands, gliders, and free weights. They’re fantastic for burning fat, building muscle, enhancing bone density, and boosting metabolism. Moreover, this form of training fortifies your joints, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. Focusing on these aspects becomes increasingly vital as you age.

We consulted an expert to discuss effective self-assessments for individuals over 60.

“When considering physical fitness after 60, the focus shifts from how much weight a person can lift to how effectively they move in daily life. The best strength drills for healthy aging evaluate one’s strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and control. These abilities are crucial for maintaining independence, confidence, and a high quality of life over the long term,” explains Corry Matthews, a Fitness, Nutrition, and Hormone Health Expert, Former Professional Bodybuilder, and co-founder of Strength & Grace Fitness. She specializes in coaching women, particularly through perimenopause and menopause, focusing on sustainable weight loss and hormone health.

“When we think about being ‘in good shape’ after 60, it’s less about how much weight
someone can lift and more about how well they move through everyday life. The best strength drills for healthy aging assess the ability to move with strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and control. These are the skills that help maintain independence, confidence, and long-term quality of life,” Corry Matthews, Fitness, Nutrition, Hormone Health Expert, Former Professional Bodybuilder, and the co-founder of Strength & Grace Fitness, where she coaches women—especially throughout perimenopause and menopause on sustainable weight loss and hormone health, tells us.

Below are six strength drills to try—if you can do them, you are considered to be in good shape.

Sit-to-Stand

“This is one of the best indicators of lower-body strength and independence. It measures
leg strength, balance, and mobility—skills essential for everyday tasks like getting out of
a chair, car, or bed,” Matthews shares.

  1. Begin seated at the front of a sturdy chair, feet under your knees.
  2. Lean forward just a bit.
  3. Try to stand up without using your knees, hands, or additional support.
  4. Use control to slowly sit back down.

Single-Leg Balance Hold

“Balance naturally changes with age, and single-leg stability is important for walking,
climbing stairs, and preventing instability during daily movement,” Matthews tells us.

  1. Stand tall on a flat surface with your feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides.
  2. Shift your body weight onto your left foot.
  3. Lift your right foot off the ground.
  4. Activate your core while keeping your shoulders stacked over your ribs and your hips level.
  5. Hold the single-leg balance with your eyes closed, 10 to 30 seconds.
  6. Repeat on the other side.

Farmer’s Carry

“This drill measures grip strength, core stability, posture, and real-world functional strength. Carrying groceries, luggage, or household items requires this type of practical strength,” Matthews explains.

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
  2. Start walking forward, keeping your torso still and maintaining a tall posture.

Wall Pushups

“Upper-body strength supports daily activities like pushing doors, getting up from the
floor, lifting objects, and maintaining shoulder health,” Matthews says.

  1. Start standing tall, arms-length away from a wall.
  2. Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the surface.
  3. Engage your core and bend your elbows to lower your chest toward the wall.
  4. Press back up to the starting position, keeping the movement slow and controlled.

Step-Ups

“Step-ups assess lower-body strength, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance while reflecting real-life movement patterns like climbing stairs or curbs,” Matthews notes.

  1. Begin by standing tall, facing a 12 to 18-inch box or sturdy platform.
  2. Place your left foot firmly onto the surface, keeping your core engaged and chest tall.
  3. Press through your left heel to lift your body until your left leg is straight and you’re standing on the surface.
  4. Use control to lower back to the start position.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

Standing Overhead Press

“Maintaining shoulder mobility and strength is essential for daily independence—from putting dishes away to reaching into cabinets or carrying items overhead,” Matthews notes.

  1. Stand tall, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level, palms facing inward.
  2. Press the weights overhead, fully extending your arms.
  3. Use control as you lower the weights to shoulder height.

Florida Driver Caught with 34 Open White Claws After Speeding Stop

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Florida Driver Caught with 34 Open White Claws After Speeding Stop

In a surprising turn of events in Pasco County, Florida, a routine traffic stop for speeding escalated into a more serious situation, as reported by authorities. A Florida man found himself facing a slew of charges following the incident.

Conor Parady, a 33-year-old resident of San Antonio, Florida, was stopped by the Florida Highway Patrol late on a Friday night. The stop occurred shortly after 10:45 p.m. as Parady was driving north on Interstate 75.

Updated:

PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida man was pulled over for speeding on Friday, but ended the night with much more serious charges, according to authorities.

The Florida Highway Patrol said 33-year-old Conor Parady, of San Antonio, was pulled over just after 10:45 p.m. on Friday while driving northbound on Interstate 75.

(Florida Highway Patrol)

He flew past a state trooper while going over 90 mph in a Honda Civic, FHP said.

When the trooper pulled over the driver, he noted that Parady was “heavily intoxicated.”

In addition, he had 34 open containers in his vehicle — a pile of White Claw cans — in his passenger seat.

Parady was arrested under suspicion of DUI and was booked into the Land O’ Lakes Jail with a blood alcohol content of 0.177, more than double the legal limit, FHP said.

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Carter Page’s Lawsuit Against James Comey

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Supreme Court Declines to Hear Carter Page’s Lawsuit Against James Comey

Left: In this Nov. 2, 2017, photo, Carter Page, a foreign policy adviser to Donald Trump”s 2016 presidential campaign, speaks with reporters following a day of questions from the House Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Page, who was the target of a secret surveillance warrant during the FBI’s Russia investigation says in a federal lawsuit filed Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, that he was the victim of “unlawful spying.” (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite). Right: Former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation James Comey laughs while addressing a gathering at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics’ JFK Jr. Forum in Cambridge, Mass., Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa).

The U.S. Supreme Court has dismissed the lawsuit brought by former Trump campaign advisor Carter Page against ex-FBI Director James Comey and several others. The court provided no explanation for its decision to reject the case, which centered on allegations of “unlawful surveillance.”

In the list of orders issued on Monday, it was noted that Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson abstained from participating in the deliberation or ruling on Page’s case. Her recusal was attributed to her previous judicial role in the lower courts of Washington, D.C.

Despite this, the court simply stated, “The petition for a writ of certiorari is denied.”

Page initiated legal action in 2020 against Comey, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, and former FBI officials Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, and Kevin Clinesmith, among others.

The suit was brought after the DOJ inspector general investigating Crossfire Hurricane issued a criminal referral against Clinesmith. His admitted alteration of an email used to renew a FISA warrant on the former Trump 2016 campaign adviser was a boon for special counsel John Durham’s investigation of the Russia probe, but the guilty plea led to no prison time — and other high-profile prosecutions failed.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit had previously determined that Page’s claims were “time-barred.” In response, Page’s legal team argued in December that merely suspecting he was under secret investigation was insufficient to start the clock on the statute of limitations for his claims.

“In holding that those suspicions were sufficient, and sufficient as a matter of law, the D.C. Circuit denied him a judicial forum and set a rule that all but guarantees that a person surveilled by the government faces the expiration of the relevant limitations period before he has enough information to survive a motion to dismiss,” the petition said. “That decision was wrong, and this Court should grant the petition to clarify—either on plenary review or through summary reversal—that federal claims alleging illegal surveillance do not accrue based only on a plaintiff’s uninvestigable suspicions of wrongdoing.”

“It cannot be that surveillance claims are too speculative until they are untimely,” Page’s petition added.

Despite that assertion, the Supreme Court saw no need to clarify anything.

Stephen A. Smith Claims ‘Karmelo Anthony’s Actions Were Fatal for Austin Metcalf

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Stephen A. Smith Claims ‘Karmelo Anthony’s Actions Were Fatal for Austin Metcalf

Stephen A. Smith has made his stance crystal clear regarding the Karmelo Anthony case.

During a recent episode of his podcast, Straight Shooter, Smith did not hold back, declaring, “Karmelo Anthony is guilty of murdering Austin Metcalf. There’s no other way to put it.”

Anthony was found guilty of murder after the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, back in April 2025. He received a 35-year prison sentence.

Stephen A. Smith was seen attending a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at the Crypto.com Arena on March 6, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Smith also took aim at Anthony’s defense team’s argument that Anthony acted in self-defense when he killed Metcalf.

The deadly altercation on that fateful April day started when Anthony entered another team’s tent at a high school track meet. Metcalf and his twin brother, Hunter, approached Anthony, who was sitting under their team’s tent. The brothers asked him to leave as it was not his team’s tent.

Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf with Kuykendall Stadium track in Frisco Texas

Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murdering Austin Metcalf at a track meet at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco, Texas. (KDFW)

The ESPN commentator also said, “How does that justify Karmelo Anthony pulling out a knife?”

Smith also mentioned in his podcast that he was “not happy” with the makeup of the jury for the Anthony case.

“I’m not happy with the sentencing because I’m not happy with the jury — 18 jurors, about six minorities, none of whom happen to be Black? I don’t believe that’s being judged by a ‘jury of your peers’,” he said.

Karmelo Anthony depicted in a court sketch during his trial in Collin County, Texas

A court sketch shows Karmelo Anthony during his trial in Collin County, Texas, where he was convicted of murder in the 2025 stabbing death of Austin Metcalf on June 9, 2026. (Pat Lopez)

The jury for the trial was comprised of 12 jurors with six alternates, totaling 18.

Karmelo Anthony standing in a courtroom during his trial in Collin County, Texas.

Karmelo Anthony stands in a courtroom during his trial in Collin County, Texas, on June 9, 2026, shortly before jurors were sent to deliberate. (Pat Lopez/Unknown)

However, throughout the podcast, Smith still maintained his stance on the case that has brought about controversial divide and racial undertones.

“You know what really hits home for me?” he paused.

Stephen A. Smith standing on set in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX

ESPN commentator and executive producer Stephen A. Smith is on set in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 7, 2025. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)

He went on to say, “I think it would hit home for any parent who sends their child to high school — is fully aware that they’re competing in track, and they get a call or a knock at the door, and they’re told that their child is never, ever coming home again.”

News Media has reached out to Smith for comment.

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Rams Icon Eric Dickerson Weighs in on Aaron Donald’s Potential Return

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Rams Icon Eric Dickerson Weighs in on Aaron Donald’s Potential Return

The prospect of Aaron Donald potentially rejoining the Rams is capturing the imagination of NFL enthusiasts this offseason.

With the high-profile acquisition of Myles Garrett, the excitement surrounding a Super Bowl hosted in Los Angeles, and Donald himself dropping subtle hints about a return, speculation about his comeback is reaching fever pitch.

However, not everyone is sold on the possibility.

Eric Dickerson, a Rams icon and Hall of Fame running back, has a straightforward stance on the matter: he believes Aaron Donald should remain in retirement.

In a conversation with TMZ Sports at LAX, Dickerson expressed his admiration for Donald, acknowledging he’d relish seeing the dominant defensive tackle don the No. 99 jersey again. For many Rams fans, the vision of Donald joining forces with Garrett is tantalizing.

Still, Dickerson believes the best move is walking away while nothing is left to prove.

“I’d love to have Aaron back but I think they can win without him,” Dickerson said. “Would I love to have him? Hell yeah.”

The reasoning is straightforward.

Donald retired following the 2023 season as one of the most decorated defensive players in NFL history. He won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, earned eight First-Team All-Pro selections, made the Pro Bowl in every season of his career and capped it all with a Super Bowl championship.

Few players have ever left the game with a resume that complete.

“Stay retired. Enjoy retirement, man,” Dickerson said. “What does he have to prove? He’s got nothing to prove.”

That stance puts Dickerson in a surprisingly small group.

Earlier this week, ESPN insider Adam Schefter said a Donald comeback now feels “more likely than not,” citing growing belief around the league that the Rams’ acquisition of Garrett could be enough to lure him back.

Donald added fuel to the speculation himself after telling Pat McAfee the trade “for sure got me thinking.”

Even former teammate Cooper Kupp jokingly admitted he texted Donald to tell him not to come back.

“I don’t care how old he is,” Kupp said. “Aaron Donald is Aaron Donald.”

That’s exactly what makes this conversation so difficult.

Donald was still playing at an elite level when he retired. If he returned, he would immediately join a defense featuring Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson on a team many already view as a Super Bowl contender.

The temptation is obvious.

Dickerson just believes some endings are already perfect.

And Aaron Donald’s might be one of them.

Why Heidi Montag Calls Spencer Pratt Her Ultimate Inspiration: A Heartfelt Revelation

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Why Heidi Montag Calls Spencer Pratt Her Ultimate Inspiration: A Heartfelt Revelation

Just a week after Spencer Pratt’s official exit from the Los Angeles mayoral race, his wife, Heidi Montag, has spoken out to express her deep admiration for her “hero.”

Initially, Pratt, aged 42, held a promising second place in the primary election, nearly securing a spot in the impending run-off. However, this changed when progressive contender Nithya Raman surged ahead, ultimately knocking him out of the competition.

Pratt, who first gained fame as a reality TV star, decided to enter the political arena following the loss of his family’s Palisades home in last year’s devastating wildfires. His campaign was fueled by dissatisfaction with the current local government.

Until recently, Montag had remained silent about her husband’s electoral defeat. But on Sunday, she broke her silence on X, sharing her heartfelt sentiments.

“I couldn’t love my husband more and be more proud of him. What an inspiration, what a hero,” Montag tweeted, showcasing her unwavering support.

Pratt had remained in second place in the election until last Sunday, when Raman pulled ahead as California officials continued to count mail-in ballots.

Heidi Montag broke her silence on her husband Spencer Pratt's mayoral loss with a message gushing about her 'hero'

Heidi Montag broke her silence on her husband Spencer Pratt’s mayoral loss with a message gushing about her ‘hero’

The following night, the Associated Press announced that Raman will advance to a runoff election against incumbent Democrat Mayor Karen Bass – officially making Pratt the loser.

In California, the top two vote-getters advance to a November runoff election regardless of party.

Pratt, who once appeared on the reality television show The Hills, shook up the race, turning it into a vengeance campaign against Bass after losing his $3 million home in last year’s Palisades fire.

He got a boost from user-created AI videos and his own team’s creative ads, in which the reality veteran pledged to be a change agent to tackle the city’s massive homeless problem.

Over the course of his campaign, Pratt drummed up plenty of celebrity support.

Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer was among the Hollywood supporters, telling Fox News Digital: ‘He’s the only guy that’s a real option’.

Dennis Quaid echoed his sentiments, as when asked why he was supporting Spencer, he told Fox: ‘Why? What are you talking about? Why? Just look around, man.’

Katharine McPhee and David Foster helped Spencer raise funds for his race, throwing him a fundraiser earlier this year.

Montag expressed her adoration for her husband a week after he officially lost the race to become LA's next mayor

Montag expressed her adoration for her husband a week after he officially lost the race to become LA’s next mayor

Montag and her husband have had a bone to pick since losing their home in the LA wildfires last year

Montag and her husband have had a bone to pick since losing their home in the LA wildfires last year

Pratt received celebrity support from the likes of Katharine McPhee, David Foster, Selma Blair, and Paris Hilton

Pratt received celebrity support from the likes of Katharine McPhee, David Foster, Selma Blair, and Paris Hilton

The couple rose to reality infamy on MTV's The Hills

The couple rose to reality infamy on MTV’s The Hills 

Meanwhile, Selma Blair assured Spencer he had her vote, commenting ‘voted’ under his post, while Paris Hilton penned a supportive ‘LFG’ and Diplo wrote ‘please.’

By the time Election Night rolled around on June 2, Pratt voiced his confidence that he would make the runoff race.

‘She knows it’s on,’ Pratt said of Bass when addressing reporters outside of Don Antonio’s, a Mexican restaurant, where he and wife Montag were holding a private watch party with family members and supporters.

‘I hope she’s ready. I literally could not be more excited,’ Pratt added.

Spencer announced his plan to run for mayor on the one-year anniversary of the fires. 

Mayor Karen Bass will be fighting to retain her position in the election

Mayor Karen Bass will be fighting to retain her position in the election 

Councilwoman Nithya Raman overtook Pratt in the polls last week, crushing his chances of becoming the next mayor of Los Angeles

Councilwoman Nithya Raman overtook Pratt in the polls last week, crushing his chances of becoming the next mayor of Los Angeles

‘The system in Los Angeles isn’t struggling, it’s fundamentally broken,’ Spencer said when announcing his campaign in January. 

‘It is a machine designed to protect the people at the top and the friends they exchange favors with while the rest of us drown in toxic smoke and ash.

‘Business as usual is a death sentence for Los Angeles, and I’m done waiting for someone to take real action.

‘That’s why I am running for mayor. And let me be clear, this just isn’t a campaign, this is a mission, and we’re gonna expose the system.

‘They intentionally let us burn before, during and after. There was no accountability. It was gross negligence. They let this happen.

‘It wasn’t a natural disaster or something that was unavoidable. It was their fault, and we need the accountability we deserve.’

From Refugees to World Cup Stars: The Inspiring Journey of Socceroos’ Nestory Irankunda and Mo Toure

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In brief

  • Socceroos players Nestory Irankunda, 20, and Mohamed Touré, 22, migrated to Australia as refugees from Africa.
  • They are among six players of African descent, reflecting Australia’s cultural diversity.

Two decades after the Socceroos’ “Golden Generation” captured the hearts of Australians, the spotlight is now on two remarkable talents who may soon become the new faces of Australia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 pursuit. These rising stars, Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Touré, both have compelling stories that extend beyond the football pitch.

Nestory Irankunda, aged 20, and Mohamed Touré, 22, represent the vibrant future of Australian soccer. Both athletes, having journeyed to Australia as refugees—Irankunda from Tanzania and Touré from Guinea—are making waves in the soccer world. They honed their skills at Adelaide United before taking their talents to England’s Championship, showcasing their potential on an international stage.

In a time when anti-migrant rhetoric is alarmingly on the rise, these young athletes stand as a testament to the multicultural fabric of Australia. Their journey and success story, alongside their teammates, echo the diversity of the Socceroos’ current 26-man squad, which includes players from at least 15 different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This diversity reflects a modern Australia, where nearly a third of the population is born overseas, highlighting the positive impact of migration on the nation.

Touré, known for his impressive physical prowess and speed, is set to take on a pivotal role as lead striker. His recent performance has been nothing short of impressive, with a standout 2025-26 season at Championship club Norwich City, where he netted nine goals in just 11 matches.

Touré, known for his physical strength and pace, will assume the role of lead striker after enjoying a breakout 2025-26 campaign with Championship side Norwich City, scoring nine goals in 11 matches.

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Touré was born in a refugee camp in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, where his parents spent 14 years after fleeing war in Liberia, before migrating to Australia when he was seven months old.

The pair, as well as teammate Awer Mabil, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp to South Sudanese parents and also played for Adelaide United, are part of the UNHCR’s “Gamechanging Team”, a symbolic line-up of players with a refugee or displacement background.

For Touré, wearing the Socceroos’ jersey represents freedom.

“[Australia] was the land that gave us opportunity, that lent us a helping hand,” he said.

“I never imagined my career trajectory to take me to a World Cup and play for Norwich as a refugee.”

Irankunda said it was hard to believe young black men could become the face of football in Australia, a country where sport is deeply woven into the national identity.

“It’s crazy, because who would have thought?” he told the Australian Associated Press.

“Now that it’s happening, everybody’s like: ‘wow’. But I never thought it would be possible, maybe one day, but not this early.”

A successful tournament will almost certainly catapult the pair to national stardom, following in the footsteps of Golden Generation players such as Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Irankunda’s personal hero, Tim Cahill.

“For me, one of my people that I looked up to, I don’t know if people count him as a black person, but I’d say Tim Cahill,” Irankunda said.

“He was coloured [of Samoan background], so of course I looked up to him, and just the way he played.

“To this day, I’ve never met him, but that’s one of my biggest dreams, to meet him and have a conversation with him, because what a player, top player.”

Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania to Burundian parents before settling in Australia as a baby.

He is one of six Socceroos of African heritage, alongside Touré (Guinea and Liberia), Lucas Herrington (Zimbabwe), Jason Geria (Uganda), and Awer Mabil and Tete Yengi (both South Sudan).

“It’s crazy to have us all here together from African backgrounds,” Irankunda said.

“It’s great, and it’s great for the African community.”

Known for his blistering pace, explosive long-range strikes and trademark back-flip celebration, Irankunda has emerged as one of Australian football’s brightest prospects.

In 2024, he joined German giants Bayern Munich from Adelaide United for a record A-League transfer fee reportedly worth $5.5 million.

Chasing regular game-time, he joined English Championship side Watford last year, scoring four goals in his debut season.

Coach Tony Popovic faces a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday’s opening group match against Türkiye (2pm Sunday AEST), weighing whether to start Irankunda or unleash him from the bench as an impact player.

The winger is a far more complete player than the 16-year-old who burst onto the scene, a transformation he credits in part to Popovic.

Popovic selected Irankunda in his first camp in charge in November 2024, then didn’t pick him again for nine months.

Since returning to the fold last August, Irankunda has been a fixture and has worked tirelessly with Popovic on the defensive side of his game.

“He’s made me work for it. He’s made me earn it,” Irankunda said.

“He does so much for me that people don’t even know of.

“He’s made me want to run more, defend for the team. If it wasn’t for him, I’d still be a lazy player.”

Ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match, the Socceroos released a video where each spoke of where they were born, painting a picture of an incredibly multicultural team.

“No matter where you come from, football is for everyone,” each Socceroo said one by one.

— With additional reporting by Australian Associated Press.

You can watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ live, free and exclusive on SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
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