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Tottenham’s £400m Transfer Revolution: De Zerbi Praises Board’s Ambitious Vision

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Tottenham’s £400m Transfer Revolution: De Zerbi Praises Board’s Ambitious Vision

Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has affirmed that the club’s executives have stayed true to their recruitment commitments as they edge closer to securing a deal for Manchester City’s Savinho, potentially valued at a staggering £85 million.

De Zerbi emphasized that Tottenham’s pursuit of talent is far from over, revealing an active interest in Omar Marmoush, also affiliated with Manchester City, and a keen desire to bring in Cody Gakpo from Liverpool.

If these transfers materialize, Tottenham will have invested nearly £400 million in nine new signings this summer, signaling a significant shift in strategy for a club frequently criticized for being reluctant to splash out on player acquisitions.

“What we are striving for is not merely for the coach,” De Zerbi stated. “It’s for the club, for our fans, for the rich history, the pride, and the stature of Tottenham Hotspur. This is a pivotal moment; we must completely revamp the atmosphere.”

Reflecting on his seven matches at the end of last season, De Zerbi cherished their victorious escape from relegation, particularly with the decisive win against Everton on the final day, which he described as ‘perhaps the pinnacle of his football career’.

Roberto De Zerbi thanked Tottenham's board for fulfilling their promise of backing him

Roberto De Zerbi thanked Tottenham’s board for fulfilling their promise of backing him 

He promised to set ambitious targets after two years of Spurs finishing 17th but could not set them yet.

‘Now is not the right moment,’ said De Zerbi. ‘Now is the moment to think about Brentford, to complete the transfer market and then to follow the first two targets – to find the soul of the team and the style of play.

‘Then we can fix what target you want without arrogance but also with big ambitions because this is Tottenham, not another smaller team.

‘When we have finished in this transfer market, for a long time we don’t need many things and we can work all together in the right condition, in the right direction, to build step by step something special, or anyway to go to compete for the top of the table.

‘Not maybe now. Or maybe yes, I don’t know. But we have the squad enough to play in every stadium in the right way.’

De Zerbi confirmed Micky van de Ven as his new captain with four vice-captains in order, Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and Archie Gray.

Van de Ven and Porro are not available for Brentford. Davies is unlikely to start and Maddison is not a certain starter after a minor preseason injury so 20-year-old Gray could lead Spurs out.

De Zerbi also said Lucas Bergvall, who told the club he wanted to leave earlier in the summer amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, had changed his mind and was committed to staying.

‘He wants to stay and we have no problem,’ said the Spurs boss. ‘He’s a top-potential player.’

Others could leave before the end of the month. Pape Matar Sarr is wanted by Galatasaray. Destiny Udogie has admirers in Italy and Spurs have an excess of left backs. Richarlison, with one year left on his contract, or Dominic Solanke are among others who could leave if Marmoush comes in to compete at centre forward.

Teenage winger Mikey Moore is expected to join Cologne on loan when wingers Savinho and Gakpo sign.

De Zerbi wants a competitive squad of 21 or 22 players and will not guarantee anyone a place in his team.

‘I love speaking clearly,’ said the 47-year-old Italian. ‘Today is the August 21 and every one of those players knows the squad. If one of them doesn’t want to accept the competition inside the dressing room, they can leave.

‘I try to be honest and take decisions to find the best first XI, but the players have to accept if we want to become better, to compete for the top of the table, 11 players are not enough, 15 players are not enough.

‘If you analyse Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, Milan, there is a big competition inside the dressing room.’

Unlock Sinestro’s Secrets: Essential Guide Before Watching Lanterns

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Unlock Sinestro’s Secrets: Essential Guide Before Watching Lanterns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dczp8otrIMU[/embed>

Often drawing comparisons to the legendary rivalry between Joker and Batman, Sinestro stands as the ultimate antagonist to Green Lantern Hal Jordan. In HBO’s upcoming “Lanterns” series, Ulrich Thomsen takes on the role of this formidable foe. While the extent of Sinestro’s involvement in the series remains unclear, an intriguing moment from the “Lanterns” trailer shows Hal Jordan, portrayed by Kyle Chandler, appearing to seek Sinestro’s counsel. This invites speculation about Sinestro’s potential impact on future Green Lantern narratives. For further insights, be sure to watch Looper’s video embedded above.

Sinestro made his first appearance in “Green Lantern” #7, published in 1961, crafted by John Broome and Gil Kane. The storyline unfolds with the abduction of Valdale’s entirety, leading Hal Jordan to discover, with a little help from the Guardians of the Universe, that Sinestro is the mastermind. Once a stellar member of the Green Lantern Corps, Sinestro becomes a tyrannical ruler on the planet Korugar with the aid of his power ring. Hal eventually confronts Sinestro, securing the release of Valdale’s citizens by trapping him within a force bubble.

Sinestro frequently finds himself at the heart of pivotal Green Lantern arcs. Notably, during the “Emerald Twilight” saga, Hal Jordan’s transformation into the malevolent Parallax leaves a trail of chaos in the aftermath of Coast City’s demise. The Guardians release Sinestro from captivity to confront Hal, resulting in a confrontation that culminates with Hal killing Sinestro, marking a point of no return. Despite apparent demises, Sinestro often resurfaces. His return in “Villains United” includes the formation of the Sinestro Corps, which serves as a foil to the Green Lantern Corps. He distributes yellow rings to individuals capable of wielding great fear in contrast to the Green Lanterns’ willpower.

Ulrich Thomsen’s Sinestro should be an improvement over previous ones

In the Green Lantern universe, power rings allow wielders to construct hard-light manifestations, driven by pure will and determination. Contrastingly, the yellow rings of the Sinestro Corps are fueled by fear. Sinestro specifically enlists those capable of spreading terror, making their constructs nightmarish visions that exploit deep-seated fears. This manipulation of terror serves as a stark contrast to Hal Jordan’s will-driven abilities, setting the stage for epic confrontations.

All of this means that Sinestro is a formidable foe. But based on the “Lanterns” trailer and what we know of the series so far, it seems unlikely he’s the big bad and will instead have a more muted presence. Hopefully, that sets the stage for a more sizable role in the DCU in the future, since it wouldn’t be difficult for Ulrich Thomsen to be the best Sinestro we’ve had in live-action so far. 

Charlie Callas played Sinestro in the NBC series of TV specials, “Legends of the Superheroes,” which was a live-action version of “Super Friends.” But the show was far too campy for its own good. Then there’s Mark Strong’s version in 2011’s “Green Lantern,” who’s one of Hal Jordan’s (Ryan Reynolds) allies in the film. However, the ending of “Green Lantern” teases his descent as he adorns a yellow ring, setting him up as the main villain in a sequel that never came to fruition. 

What makes Sinestro interesting is that there’s some good in him (or at least there was), and since he and Hal have worked together at some point, there’s a begrudging respect between the two. If you want to learn more about Sinestro, check out Looper’s video at the top of this article. 

Chicago Braces for Friday Storms: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued with Radar Updates

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Chicago Braces for Friday Storms: Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued with Radar Updates

Residents of Chicago, brace yourselves for some turbulent weather ahead as there’s a likelihood of severe storms rolling into the area this Friday.

Currently, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for LaSalle County, effective until 8 p.m.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Gainesville Burglar Caught in the Act: Man Arrested After Climbing Through Window for Cash Theft

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Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mose Emanuel Bryant II, aged 39, finds himself behind bars after being apprehended early this morning. He faces allegations of breaking into an apartment at Sweetwater Square with the intent to steal cash, an incident that reportedly took place back in April.

According to a Gainesville Police Department officer, the resident of the apartment discovered his home had been burglarized on the morning of April 7. Around $2,000 in cash mysteriously vanished from his bedroom closet at Sweetwater Square, located at 3101 NE 15th Street. The resident recalled leaving his bedroom window ajar the previous night to let in some cool air, and he had briefly stepped outside to chat with neighbors. He returned to his apartment at approximately 2:20 a.m.

Investigators shared that surveillance footage from the apartment complex revealed two individuals lingering behind the victim’s apartment. Bryant was identified as one of these individuals. The video reportedly captured him pushing open the rear window and entering the apartment. Just a few minutes later, the footage shows him exiting the apartment and driving away.

The victim reportedly identified Bryant as the boyfriend of one of his neighbors. Bryant’s truck, captured on the security video, further supported this identification, according to the victim.

A warrant for Bryant’s arrest was issued on April 27, and he was arrested on August 21.

Bryant has been charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and grand theft. He has nine felony convictions (two violent) and 14 misdemeanor convictions (four violent), and he has served five state prison sentences, with his most recent release in February 2026. Judge Joy Danne set bail at $200,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shed Love Handles Fast: 4 Standing Moves for 60+ Fitness

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Shed Love Handles Fast: 4 Standing Moves for 60+ Fitness

Elevate your home workout routine and transform your core with these dynamic standing exercises, designed to strengthen and shape your midsection.

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As we age, stubborn fat around the lower abdomen and hips often becomes a persistent challenge. For many, these “love handles” appear due to decreased physical activity, hormonal changes, and a waning metabolism—truly frustrating. One thing remains certain: these love handles demand action if they’re to disappear.

According to Domenic Angelino, MS, MPH, CSCS, CPT, Chief Exercise Scientist at FitCraft, “Love handles are fat deposits that lie just beneath your skin atop your muscles. Building larger muscles won’t remove them; they’ll merely stretch over a wider area, reducing visibility slightly. Ultimately, the best strategy for tackling love handles is engaging in exercises that swiftly burn calories, making fat loss more achievable.”

In our conversation with Angelino, he disclosed the optimal approach to tackling these persistent fat pouches. To set you on the right path, he presents four effective standing exercises that promise to tackle love handles more efficiently than your standard gym workout routine after 60.

Angelino elaborates, “Standing exercises targeting the core are generally simpler compared to their counterparts requiring you to lie on your back. They also provide the advantage of prioritizing calorie expenditure, which is far more effective at reducing body fat and minimizing love handles than solely focusing on muscle training.”

With this in mind, let’s explore four effective standing exercises that can help reduce body fat and strengthen your midsection.

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Standing High Knee March

“This exercise is a great blend of burning a lot of calories and involving your abdominal muscles. You’ll go through a relatively large range of motion as you lift your legs up with each step. This allows it to target your muscles in a way that can increase their strength,” Angelino tells us.

  1. Stand tall with your feet placed shoulder-width apart and your knees soft.
  2. Make sure your spine is long and your arms are crossed high in a “genie” position.
  3. Then, lift one knee up toward your chest.
  4. Lower it.
  5. Lift the other knee up toward your chest.
  6. Continue to alternate in a marching fashion.

​​

Standing Cross-Arm Toe Touch

“This exercise is helpful because it allows you to work on your flexibility while also using your core muscles to lift your body back up from a bent forward position. It’s great because it’s highly functional and achieves multiple important things at once, making it very time efficient,” Angelino explains.

  1. Start standing tall with your feet placed hip-distance apart and arms reaching out to your sides.
  2. Activate your core and maintain slightly bent knees.
  3. Hinge at the hips and allow your torso to slightly rotate as you reach your right hand down toward your left foot.
  4. Use control to return to standing.
  5. Repeat on the other side and continue to alternate.

12-Minute Standing Ab Routine That Shrinks Belly Pooch After 50

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Standing Jog In Place

“This is a great exercise for burning a lot of calories. Because it doesn’t involve bringing your legs through a large range of motion, you can take a lot of steps before you get tired and burn out,” Angelino says. “Your core helps stabilize you while you jog, and this will translate to helping strengthen core muscles that are important for daily activities like walking.”

  1. Begin standing tall with your feet hip-distance apart and arms at your sides.
  2. Activate your core and maintain a tall chest.
  3. Start to alternate taking quick steps in place, lifting one foot and then the other.
  4. Gradually pick up the pace until you are jogging in place.
  5. Continue to do so for the prescribed time.

8 Bodyweight Moves That Burn Belly Fat Faster Than HIIT After 45

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Goblet Squat

“This might seem a bit unconventional for the goal here, but it’s effective at increasing core strength by targeting your lower back muscles while you’re essentially transitioning from sitting to standing,” Angelino explains. “It helps you get used to using your core muscles to keep your back upright in a healthy way, strengthening them in a way that can reduce back pain. This exercise involves using free weights, like a dumbbell or kettlebell, and that means you can keep progressing as you get stronger.”

  1. ​​Stand tall with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  2. Grasp a dumbbell or water bottle with both hands, holding the weight in front of your chest with your elbows pointing down and tucked in.
  3. Hinge at the hips and bend your knees to squat, keeping the weight in place.
  4. Squat as far as you can with a straight back.
  5. Push through your heels to return to the starting position.

Former Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Pleads Guilty to Charges in Newborn’s Tragic Death

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Former Kentucky Cheerleader Laken Snelling Pleads Guilty to Charges in Newborn’s Tragic Death

Laken Snelling, once a cheerleader for the University of Kentucky, has admitted guilt in the tragic death of her newborn son, pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter.

As reported by NBC affiliate WLEX, the 22-year-old made her plea on August 21. In addition to manslaughter, Snelling confessed to charges of abusing a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the birth of the infant.

During a courtroom appearance captured on video by Court TV, a visibly emotional Snelling recounted the sequence of events that unfolded nearly a year prior when she gave birth.

“I was under significant emotional stress, and the baby came unexpectedly,” she tearfully acknowledged. “Rather than helping him, I ended his life. Afterwards, I cleaned up and kept it to myself,” she continued, admitting to depriving her newborn of oxygen.

Newborn Was Reportedly Found in Trash Bag

On the morning of August 27, 2025, officers responded to a distress call about an unresponsive infant at a home on the 400 block of Park Avenue, arriving at the scene around 10:30 a.m.

When officers arrived, they located the infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The location was Snelling’s off-campus home, and officers went to investigate after her roommates found the infant, according to reporting by People.

The newborn was reportedly found wrapped in a towel inside a trash bag that had been hidden in Snelling’s closet.

Four days later, on Aug. 31, Snelling was arrested in connection with the infant’s death on allegations including abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.

The Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the infant had been born alive, according to the Lexington Police Department. The medical examiner determined the baby’s cause of death was “asphyxia by undetermined means.”

On March 10, 2026, police announced that a Fayette County grand jury indicted Snelling on an additional charge of first-degree manslaughter.

Under Snelling’s plea agreement, prosecutors recommended that she serve 10 years for the first-degree manslaughter charge.

Prosecutors recommended an additional three years for the remaining charges, bringing the recommended sentence to a total of 13 years.

Snelling is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16.
 

Heartbreaking Tragedy: Allegedly Intoxicated NJ Mom’s Boating Accident Claims Son’s Life on Memorial Day

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Heartbreaking Tragedy: Allegedly Intoxicated NJ Mom’s Boating Accident Claims Son’s Life on Memorial Day

One dead, three missing after boat sinks near Alcatraz

In a heartbreaking incident near Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, a boat capsizing resulted in one fatality and left three people unaccounted for, triggering a large-scale search operation involving multiple agencies. As reported by senior correspondent Claudia Cowan, the tragedy unfolded when a 49-foot cabin cruiser carrying 20 individuals for a memorial service capsized due to challenging marine conditions.

A New Jersey woman, aged 59, faces allegations of intoxication while steering her boat, which led to a crash on Memorial Day, tragically claiming the life of her 28-year-old son.

Jennifer L. Pearson, aged 59, has been charged with several offenses, including death by vessel, a second-degree charge; operating a vessel under the influence; reckless operation; lacking a boating safety certificate; and failing to maintain a proper lookout, as per a statement from New Jersey State Police.

On Memorial Day, approximately at 5:45 p.m., Pearson was navigating Barnegat Bay near the Brant Beach Yacht Club in Long Beach when she purportedly collided her 23-foot center console with a channel marker. This impact hurled her son, Gunnar Pearson, and his girlfriend into the water, as described in documents obtained by NJ 101.5.

Gunnar Pearson succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital. Four additional individuals incurred minor injuries and received medical attention. Jennifer Pearson turned herself in at the New Jersey State Police Troop C Tuckerton Station on Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to police reports.

Jennifer Pearson booking photo

Jennifer L. Pearson, 59, was charged with death by vessel, a second-degree charge; operating a vessel under the influence; reckless operation of a vessel; operating a vessel without a boating safety certificate; and failure to have proper lookout in the Memorial Day crash. (Ocean County Jail)

According to court documents cited by NJ 101.5, Pearson’s blood alcohol level registered between .09 and .12, just above the legal limit of .08. Investigators detected the smell of alcohol when she arrived to speak with them, and she told them she had consumed two alcoholic drinks earlier that afternoon.

Pearson is being held at the Ocean County Jail.

Gunnar and Jennifer Pearson

Gunnar Pearson, 28, died in the hospital from his injuries after the Memorial Day crash. (Jennifer Pearson/Facebook)

According to an online obituary, Gunnar, who was described as “kind, funny, and deeply caring,” had recently completed renovations on his first home in Forked River.

He was also described as an avid outdoorsman who loved skiing, fishing, boating, running and hunting.

“He found his greatest joy in spending time with those he loved — whether at home, on the beaches of Long Beach Island, on the ski slopes of Stratton, Vermont, or during family vacations in Maine. These moments together meant everything to him and will remain treasured by those who were fortunate enough to share them,” the obituary said.

New Jersey shore town island community on Barnegat Bay

Several bayside locations remain under advisory due to elevated bacteria levels detected during recent water quality testing. (iStock)

Police said the fatal crash remains under investigation.

Tragedy Strikes Myanmar: Monastery Retreat Bombing Claims 14 Lives

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A devastating air strike by Myanmar’s military has claimed the lives of 14 individuals participating in a meditation retreat at a Buddhist monastery in the Sagaing region, according to an opposition group and local residents.

This tragic event is part of an ongoing pattern of lethal aerial assaults aimed at both anti-government forces and various ethnic armed factions within the nation.

These attacks frequently result in civilian casualties, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Just two weeks prior, a United Nations report revealed an increase in the military’s use of inexpensive aircraft – such as motorized paragliders and gyrocopters – to intensify aerial assaults against opponents.

This report, from the UN-established Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), provides insight into a yearlong investigation concerning possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Myanmar’s military, its militias, and opposing armed groups.

Myanmar’s military government did not immediately respond to either the UN probe. In the past, the military has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists.

The monastery attack occurred on Friday in Swel Le Oh village in Myaung township, about 75km west of Mandalay, the country’s second largest city, according to Nway Oo, a spokesman for the Civil Defence and Security Organisation of Myaung Township, or CDSOM.

Nway Oo said 14 people, including three women, were killed and 20 others were wounded when a jet fighter dropped a bomb in the compound of the village’s monastery.

A villager who spoke on condition of anonymity also confirmed the death toll to the Associated Press.

Bombs dropped

The villager said the jet fighter dropped two bombs 15 minutes apart, with the second bomb damaging a house near the monastery where more than 100 people were on a week-long retreat.

The villager, whose mother-in-law was killed in the air strike, said that people fled to a nearby community after cremating bodies of the victims.

The BBC’s Burmese-language service and Myanmar’s media outlets, including Myanmar Now, reported the death toll at between 10 and 14.

They also posted photos and videos showing what they said was the aftermath of the strike, with images of bodies.

The military did not immediately comment.

NFL Star’s Shocking Domestic Incident: Baby Endangered as Car Window Smashed

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NFL Star’s Shocking Domestic Incident: Baby Endangered as Car Window Smashed

Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman faces legal troubles following his arrest in June, as detailed in court documents recently acquired by TMZ. The incident, which allegedly involved the mother of his child, has come to light months after the fact.

The arrest, which happened over two months ago, is making headlines after being largely under the radar till now.

Authorities reported that Bateman allegedly wielded an object to smash the windshield and the driver’s side window of a 2021 Mercedes-Benz. This vehicle, belonging to the victim, was damaged around 6 a.m. on June 3, in Georgia, according to TMZ’s findings.

Rashod Bateman has been with the Ravens for five seasons.

Rashod Bateman has been with the Ravens for five seasons. Getty Images

Disturbingly, their 3-month-old child was reportedly in the back seat of the car during the incident, escalating concerns about the situation’s severity.

The arrest warrant further details that shards of broken glass resulted in several small cuts on the woman’s face, adding to the gravity of the allegations.

Bateman’s attorneys said he surrendered to the Walton County Sheriff later that same day.

“It is unfortunate that a personal family situation has been taken completely out of context for sensational reasons,” Bateman’s lawyer, Jordan Siev, told TMZ. “We will let the court process play out and the facts will come out at that time.”

Bateman has continued participating with the Ravens throughout training camp in anticipation of the 2026 NFL season.

Rashod Bateman (7) was reportedly involved in a domestic incident on June 3.

Rashod Bateman (7) was reportedly involved in a domestic incident on June 3. Getty Images

“We are aware of the situation involving Rashod and have been in direct communication with him,” said the Ravens in a statement. “We notified the league office and have been cooperating throughout the process. As this is a pending legal matter, we will not have further comment.”

Bateman, 26, was the Ravens’ first-round pick in 2021, selected at No. 27 overall.

The Minnesota alum has recorded 157 catches for 2,147 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in five seasons with Baltimore.

Last year, despite appearing in 13 games and making 12 starts, he only finished the year with 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

His best season came in 2024, where he ended the year with 45 catches, 756 yards and nine touchdowns.

Bateman agreed to a three-year extension worth $36.75 million last summer, with $20 million in guaranteed money.

Trump Urges South Carolina Supporters to Vote as if He’s on the Ballot

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Trump Urges South Carolina Supporters to Vote as if He’s on the Ballot

In a spirited appeal to his loyal supporters in South Carolina, Donald Trump urged them to imagine he is on the ballot and cast their votes for Darline Graham for a full term in the US Senate.

Trump made an appearance in Myrtle Beach to campaign alongside Graham at a critical rally, aiming to secure her victory in the face of a strong challenge from Congressman Ralph Norman. This Tuesday’s runoff election for the South Carolina Republican Senate seat is drawing close attention.

“It’s crucial that you turn out and vote,” Trump emphasized while encouraging support for Graham. “We’re counting on every South Carolina patriot to head to the polls and back Darline Graham.”

Trump pointed out a trend where Republican voter turnout diminishes when he himself is not a candidate on the ticket.

“What I’m really asking is for you to pretend that I’m on the ballot again. It’s essential. Just act as if it’s my name there and come out to vote,” he implored.

Trump spoke about his second term accomplishments, mocked ‘Dumocrats’ opposing him and chuckled as a heckler was removed from the crowd. 

He also declared that he considers the Strait of Hormuz ‘an American territory’ amid the still ongoing tensions with Iran.  

Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, was appointed to temporarily fill her brother’s seat after his death and is now seeking a full six-year term. 

Trump has backed her, persuading her to run before her formal announcement – turning the runoff into an unusually direct test of his influence over South Carolina Republicans.

After Lindsey Graham’s passing, Trump threw his full support behind Darline, urging her to step forward and carry on her brother’s legacy in the Senate

After Lindsey Graham’s passing, Trump threw his full support behind Darline, urging her to step forward and carry on her brother’s legacy in the Senate

Representative Norman seized on the opportunity to call out Graham on her lack of security knowledge on X writing the state 'deserves a candidate who understands foreign policy'

Representative Norman seized on the opportunity to call out Graham on her lack of security knowledge on X writing the state ‘deserves a candidate who understands foreign policy’

Darline Graham admitted she is not well versed on the topic of national security when asked by moderator Greta Van Susteren about whether Taiwan and the South China Sea represented national-security issues

Darline Graham admitted she is not well versed on the topic of national security when asked by moderator Greta Van Susteren about whether Taiwan and the South China Sea represented national-security issues 

Graham led Norman in the initial August 11 primary vote, but failed to clear the 50 percent threshold necessary to avoid a runoff. 

She pumped her fist and danced a little bit as she walked on stage to music, then outlined her record serving South Carolinians as the head of a state agency.

She responded to those who argue she doesn’t have enough experience to serve in the U.S. Senate.

‘Now, the critics say I shouldn’t run for the Senate. They say I’m not a politician. You know what I say? Guilty as charged,’ Graham said.

She drew parallels with Trump, who has endorsed her, saying he was never elected to any office before he became president

‘I think he’s done a damn good job,’ she said.

Graham urged people to vote for her in Tuesday’s runoff election against Rep. Ralph Norman ‘and take 10 friends with you.’

The winner will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November, with Republicans heavily favored in the traditionally red state.

But Graham’s campaign suffered a damaging blow earlier this week.

During Tuesday’s televised debate, she was asked about US security involving Taiwan and the South China Sea and acknowledged that she was ‘not that informed’ on national-security issues.

The answer immediately became the defining moment of the debate, handing Norman an opening to argue that voters need a more experienced senator.

‘South Carolina deserves a Senator who understands Foreign Policy. I’m a peace through strength supporter! No more forever wars!’ he wrote on X.

Graham has defended the response as a willingness to learn, arguing that South Carolina voters are more concerned with issues closer to home, including the economy and health care. 

Trump also defended the remark when asked about it by the press earlier Friday. 

‘She’s very smart. She’s into the price of groceries. She is going to do what the military wants, and really what the president wants. She understands that national security is my thing. I thought it was a very honest answer,’ he said.  

But the episode has intensified scrutiny of her qualifications at precisely the moment her campaign needs to reassure Republican voters.

Graham also stumbled on the affordability crisis, telling the debate audience that 50 million people in South Carolina were living paycheck to paycheck. The state has around 5.5 million residents.

Graham has been racing to introduce herself to voters across South Carolina while repeatedly insisting she is ‘not a politician.’

The Trump loyalist has made his agenda central to her pitch, frequently highlighting her support for his policies and his endorsement of her campaign. 

She has also pointed to her years running a state agency as proof she is ready for the job.

Among the priorities she has put front and center are Trump’s push for tougher border security and the SAVE Act, the Republican-backed voting bill that would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has also backed Graham, while Representative Russell Fry, who finished third in the August 11 Republican primary, endorsed her ahead of the August 25 runoff.

Trump’s endorsement hasn’t been a guaranteed ticket to victory this election cycle, with a string of his hand-picked candidates falling at the Republican primary hurdle.

Among the biggest names to stumble were Mike Lindell, Andy Ogles and Cory Mills, underscoring the limits of Trump’s influence.

Trump’s previous endorsement of Pamela Evette in the South Carolina governor’s race also raised questions about his political judgment. 

Though he initially backed Evette, once polls indicated Wilson with an advantage, Trump scurried to offer a late dual endorsement, which critics saw as a move to save face.
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