Home Blog Page 372

Aston Villa Targets Zion Suzuki Amid PSG Collapse, Arne Engels Joins West Ham

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Aston Villa Targets Zion Suzuki Amid PSG Collapse, Arne Engels Joins West Ham

The thrill of the transfer window is upon us once more. Open until September 1, this period promises a flurry of activity as clubs aim to secure standout signings for the upcoming season.

Here’s a look at today’s key updates from Simon Jones and the team at Daily Mail Sport…

Villa plot swoop for Suzuki as PSG deal crumbles 

Aston Villa has reopened negotiations for Parma’s goalkeeper, Zion Suzuki, after his proposed transfer to Paris Saint-Germain fell through.

Zion Suzuki has rekindled talks with Aston Villa after his Paris Saint-Germain move fell through

Zion Suzuki is back in talks with Aston Villa following the collapse of his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Although Emiliano Martinez is Villa’s first-choice keeper, he has caught the eye of Juventus despite expectations that he would remain with the club after the World Cup.

The Italians fell short in their initial offers for Martinez and have been discussing a loan for Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham and Ederson at Fenerbahce.

Villa, meanwhile, are wrapping up the signing of Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid, and Halmstad BK have expressed their interest in Villa striker Rory Wilson.

City close to Bouaddi deal

Manchester City are close to concluding talks for Lille’s £85million-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as Barcelona press to sign Rodri.

Bouaddi, the 18-year-old Morocco international, started on the bench for Lille in their friendly at Everton yesterday and coach Davide Ancelotti confirmed negotiations.

Lille have been fighting to keep the midfielder for one more season, but City and the player want to seal a move now, which is expected to come at a premium.

‘Of course, there are negotiations,’ admitted Ancelotti. ‘There is interest from so many clubs. He is a really, really good player and I hope that he is going to stay with us!

‘He is incredibly intelligent on and off the pitch, he is really mature. He is 18-years-old but he looks like he is 32 when he is on the pitch. He’s going to be one of the best midfielders in Europe for the next 10 years.’

The teenager’s arrival at City would help offset the loss of Spain captain Rodri who is set in a move to Barcelona.

The Spanish champions have made a third proposal worth around £60m for the 30-year-old and hope that City agree on a compromise to sell.

City maintain an interest in midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite Chelsea’s Friday’s deadline passing without the necessary £120m bid being made. Tottenham are also expected to make an offer for City winger Savinho.

Newcastle’s talks progress with Benfica’s Dedic

Newcastle are advancing in talks to sign Bosnia right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica.

Talks are continuing over a £30million fee for the 23-year-old and he is expected to arrive on Tyneside on Sunday.

The 23-year-old played under coach Matthias Jaissle at RB Salzburg.

Newcastle have also considered going back into the market for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha as they search for a midfielder.

Palhinha has interest from Aston Villa and Benfica but Bayern only want a permanent sale not a loan.

Newcastle are advancing in talks to sign Bosnia right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica

Newcastle are advancing in talks to sign Bosnia right-back Amar Dedic from Benfica 

Spurs reach agreement with Boro for Phillips

Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips is ready to complete his protracted move to Middlesbrough.

The deal was held up last weekend after concerns over his medical. However, following further tests and discussions, the clubs have reached an agreement.

He is due on Teesside this weekend to finalise his switch to the Riverside.

Boro kick off their Championship campaign at home to Lincoln City today.

Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips is ready to complete his protracted move to Middlesbrough

Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips is ready to complete his protracted move to Middlesbrough

Coventry bolster attack 

Coventry City are in talks with Fenerbahce over a £21million deal for striker Sidiki Cherif.

As well as agreeing to sign Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, manager Frank Lampard wants Cherif who was a target for Crystal Palace and Wrexham in January.

The 19-year-old scored three goals in 14 games for Fenerbahce.

Benfica offer for Harwood-Bellis rejected

Southampton have rejected a £17.5million offer from Benfica for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

The Portuguese side, coached by Marco Silva, turned to the 24-year-old after initial interest in Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo who wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Benfica are considering an improved offer with Harwood-Bellis interested in the move.

Benfica are considering an improved offer for Saints' Harwood-Bellis after having their initial bid of £17.5million rejected, while the 24-year-old is interested in the move

Benfica are considering an improved offer for Saints’ Harwood-Bellis after having their initial bid of £17.5million rejected, while the 24-year-old is interested in the move

Forest sign former Fulham goalkeeper Benda

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of former Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda.

The 27-year-old is being brought in to replace the departed Angus Gunn as third-choice. He had spells on loan at Feyenoord and Millwall last season.

Eagles sign £21m right back Khalaili

Crystal Palace have completed the £21million signing of Union Saint-Gilloise full-back Anan Khalaili.

Khalaili’s move to Inter Milan fell through earlier this summer over a health issue, but he passed his medical with Palace last weekend.

The 21-year-old is being brought in to provide competition for Daniel Munoz at right wing-back.

However, there is no guarantee that the £20m-rated Colombian will stay beyond this summer amid interest from the likes of Tottenham and Everton. He has two years left on his deal.

Khalaili, who has won 16 caps for Israel, said: ‘I’m happy to be here, I’m excited, and I can’t wait to start.

‘I’ve followed the Premier League. It’s a new challenge for me, and I’ve followed Crystal Palace for a long time. I’m happy to be here.’

Khalaili's move to Inter Milan fell through earlier this summer over a health issue, but he passed his medical with Palace last weekend

Khalaili’s move to Inter Milan fell through earlier this summer over a health issue, but he passed his medical with Palace last weekend

Gourna-Douath ‘excited’ to join Tigers

Hull City have finalised the £3.5m transfer of French defensive midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from RB Salzburg.

The deal is worth £2.9m guaranteed, plus add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract, becoming the club’s 10th summer signing.

Gourna-Douath said: ‘I’m really happy because it was such a long journey from the first phone call until I signed. I’m so excited to get started.

‘I’m really happy to have this experience. I got a chance to play in the Champions League, Serie A and Ligue 1.

‘I’ve learned a lot and I’m really happy to put this experience on the pitch in the Premier League. The Premier League is the dream of all footballers. Now, I have a chance to play in the Premier League, so I am excited to play.’

Leeds agree £6.8m move for Eveldi 

Leeds United have agreed a fee with Borussia Monchengladbach for Nico Elvedi.

The deal is understood to be worth an initial £6.8m plus add-ons.

The central defender was left out of Gladbach’s squad for today’s friendly against Aston Villa.

His arrival would open the door for Sebastiaan Bornauw to join Hamburg.

Gladbach have also negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on. 

Black Cats ink Methalie deal 

Sunderland have reached a full agreement with Toulouse to sign 20-year-old full-back Dayann Methalie.

The fee is understood to be £26million including add ons.

Methalie has agreed a five-year contract.

West Ham break Championship record for Engels 

West Ham have signed Belgium international Arne Engels from Celtic for a Championship record £22 million.

Engels has joined West Ham on a five-year deal, as the East London side attempt to make an immediate return to the Premier League.

The versatile midfielder adds creativity to the Championship outfit and is renowned for his set-piece delivery.

He is not, however, eligible for their second-tier opener against Burnley tomorrow and will have to wait until next weekend’s home game against Charlton to make his debut.

Celtic have doubled their money on Engels, who they bought from German club Augsburg two years ago.

West Ham have broken the Championship transfer record with the signing of Arne Engels

West Ham have broken the Championship transfer record with the signing of Arne Engels

Engels, capped four times by Belgium, said: ‘It’s a really nice project to come into and try to go back to the Premier League. That’s the big goal.

‘That’s everybody’s goal and it’s just up to me to hopefully help the team with it and, together with the supporters, to get some wins.

‘Hopefully, we’ll see that it’s going to be a good year then and I’m looking forward to the next ones.

‘I’m just looking forward to meeting all the fans at London Stadium. I’m looking forward to this challenging season, but hopefully we can make it a really good one, so let’s go for it!’

And the best of the rest…

FOREST have signed former Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda.

SUNDERLAND have reached agreement with TOULOUSE to sign 20-year-old full-back Dayann Methalie for £26m including add ons.

Méthalie has agreed a five-year contract.

LEEDS UNITED have agreed a £6.8m fee plus add ins with BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH for Nico Elvedi. The deal opens the door for Sebastiaan Bornauw to join HAMBURG.

Gladbach have also negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on.

LIVERPOOL remain in positive talks for PARIS ST GERMAIN winger Bradley Barcola.

Southampton and SHEFFIELD UNITED are interested in FEYENOORD defender Anel Ahmedhodzic.

BRENTFORD have signed midfielder Darwin Guagua, 18, from Independiente del Valle and will loan him to Mérida.

UDINESE, CELTIC and HAMBURG are talking to BLACKBURN about goalkeeper Balazs Toth.

RANGERS have completed the loan signing of left-back James Penrice from AEK ATHENS.

HULL CITY have signed Joe Gelhardt from Leeds for £6.5m and finalised the £3.5m transfer of Lucas Gourna-Douath from RB Salzburg.

The deal is worth £2.9m guaranteed plus add-ons and a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

WATFORD forward Nestory Irankunda has completed his £17million move to SPORTING LISBON where he has signed a five-year deal and has a release clause of £68.5m.

CARDIFF have re-signed Calum Scanlon on loan from LIVERPOOL for the season.

Click below for all the transfer developments over the last few days…

FRIDAY: Djed Spence completes £30m move to Inter Milan

THURSDAY: Chelsea waiting for Fernandez bid

WEDNESDAY: Man United target Carlos Baleba on Newcastle’s radar 

TUESDAY: Roy Keane’s son-in-law linked with move to Portugal

MONDAY: West Ham interested in free agent Jamie Vardy

Prince Harry Halts Diana Fund Contributions to Sentebale

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Prince Harry Halts Diana Fund Contributions to Sentebale

Prince Harry has taken a heartfelt step by redirecting his Diana legacy funds from the long-standing recipient, Sentebale, to Elephants Without Borders, a dedicated African elephant conservation charity. This marks a shift from his ongoing commitment to Sentebale, the charity he established to aid orphans in memory of his late mother.

Alongside his brother William, Harry shares the annual proceeds from the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. This year, instead of continuing the tradition of supporting Sentebale, he chose to back Elephants Without Borders in Botswana, highlighting his enduring passion for wildlife preservation.

In recognition of his generous gesture, the charity has named two elephants after Harry’s children, Archie and Lili. This tribute symbolizes both his personal and philanthropic connections to the cause.

Dr. Mike Chase, the charity’s founder, expressed his appreciation, noting the Duke’s unwavering support throughout their two-decade friendship. He considers Harry’s involvement as a ‘tremendous honour’ that strengthens their shared conservation mission.

The funds have been effectively utilized to affix satellite-tracking collars on two illustrious elephants in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Each collar, chosen by Archie and Lili, adds a personal touch to the initiative; Archie went with a blue one, and Lili opted for purple. This act enhances both conservation efforts and a family legacy.

Dr Chase told The Telegraph that he was ‘deeply grateful’ for the support through the Diana Memorial Fund and hoped the Duke’s ‘very strong passion for the Okavango Delta, Botswana, its people, and its wildlife’ would be inherited by his children.

‘It means a great deal to us and to the elephants we are working so hard to protect,’ he said.

‘We wanted to pass on that legacy to the kids, in the hope that his passion for Okavango and Botswana would rub off on them, and to allow them to monitor the elephants in real time across the world.’

Prince Harry has donated his Diana legacy funds to an African elephant charity instead of long-term recipient Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in her memory to help orphans

Prince Harry has donated his Diana legacy funds to an African elephant charity instead of long-term recipient Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in her memory to help orphans

The prince, who now shares the annual income of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund with brother William, opted to switch his donation to Elephants Without Borders in Botswana after years of supporting Sentebale

The prince, who now shares the annual income of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund with brother William, opted to switch his donation to Elephants Without Borders in Botswana after years of supporting Sentebale

The Duke of Sussex with founder of Elephants Without Borders Dr Mike Chase, during a tree planting event with local schoolchildren, at the Chobe Tree Reserve, Botswana, in 2019

The Duke of Sussex with founder of Elephants Without Borders Dr Mike Chase, during a tree planting event with local schoolchildren, at the Chobe Tree Reserve, Botswana, in 2019

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund was founded shortly after her death in 1997 and was closed in 2012. It is now legally controlled by the Royal Foundation.

Although it no longer actively fundraises, it still receives some legacies and donations. An agreement was made to divide future proceeds between the two brothers for charities of their choosing when Harry and Meghan quit royal duties in 2020.

Annual accounts filed by the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, show Sentebale has received £43,866 from the Diana fund since 2020, with the last payment of £16,743 made in 2024.

The latest accounts reveal that in 2025, for the first time, Prince Harry’s share, which was then £5,432, went to Elephants Without Borders.

Meghan, who enjoyed a romantic break to Botswana with Prince Harry shortly after they met, when the pair joined Dr Chase in tracking and tagging the animals on World Elephant Day, has also previously donated to the charity, giving her fee for narrating the Disney film Elephant to them.

The charity switch follows Harry’s explosive and very public fallout with Sophie Chandauka, Sentebale board chairman, which has led to him being sued for defamation.

Ms Chandauka has accused him of ‘operational disruption and reputational harm’ to the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support young people living with HIV and Aids in Lesotho and Botswana by conducting an ‘adverse media campaign’.

A court action was filed in the High Court against Harry and another former trustee, Mark Dyer, in March this year.

Harry has rejected the allegations as ‘offensive and damaging’.

Once so close to Harry’s heart, he even gave Sentebale an extra donation of £1.2million from the profits of his no-holds-barred memoir Spare.

But a bitter public power struggle ensued for control over the charity after a dispute with Sophie Chandauka which led to Prince Harry and his fellow founder Prince Seeiso along with a group of trustees resigning from the charity in March 2025.

However, the Charity Commission strongly criticised all sides when it published a report into the row, rapping them for playing out the dispute in public.

The regulator said all trustees contributed to a ‘missed opportunity’ to sort out the issues, potentially causing wider damage to the charity sector by eroding public confidence.

Pictured: Prince William meets with his new housemaster Dr. Andrew Gailey at Eton College, accompanied by Prince Charles, Diana Princess of Wales and Prince Harry

Pictured: Prince William meets with his new housemaster Dr. Andrew Gailey at Eton College, accompanied by Prince Charles, Diana Princess of Wales and Prince Harry

Prince William lends a hand to rangers lifting the head of Kenya bull elephant tranquilised from a helicopter co-piloted by the Duke to allow the fitting of a new radio tracking collar in 2016 in Lewa, Kenya

Prince William lends a hand to rangers lifting the head of Kenya bull elephant tranquilised from a helicopter co-piloted by the Duke to allow the fitting of a new radio tracking collar in 2016 in Lewa, Kenya

However, while it acknowledged ‘the strong perception of ill treatment’ felt by some parties involved, it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity, which Ms Chandauka had alleged.

A source said in August 2025 that Harry had been left emotionally devastated by the events, after 19 years of working with the charity.

In a statement when the case was filed, Sentebale said it was seeking the court’s ‘protection’ because its work had been undermined ‘following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm’.

It said Prince Harry and Mark Dyer had been ‘identified through evidence as the architects of that adverse media campaign’, adding:

‘Sentebale has experienced the adverse media campaign as false narratives circulated through the media about the charity and its leadership, attempts to undermine its relationships with staff, existing and prospective partners, and the forced diversion of leadership time and resources into managing a reputational crisis not of the charity’s making.’

When the case was filed, a spokesman for Prince Harry and Mark Dyer said the charity should be focusing its efforts on the communities supported by Sentebale, rather than pursuing legal actions.

Francesca Farago Defends Herself Against Unfair Body Shaming

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Francesca Farago Defends Herself Against Unfair Body Shaming

Francesca Farago is refusing to let negativity dim her sparkle.

The 32-year-old Too Hot to Handle star took to TikTok on Thursday, August 13, responding to critics who made disparaging remarks about her physique.

“The baddest b****es don’t comment on other women’s bodies,” she wrote alongside a video of herself joyfully playing in her garden with her 15-month-old twins, Locket and Poetry, whom she shares with her fiancé, Jesse Sullivan. “Especially those that are postpartum,” Farago emphasized.

Additionally, she addressed a baseless comment accusing her of having an eating disorder.

@francescafarago

♥️✨

♬ original sound – ADÉLA

“Ppl don’t get a free pass to have EDs and blatantly show them on platforms where younger people and teens/kids are watching because they’re postpartum,” the comment read. Farago replied, “This is such a dangerous take.”

She continued, “Me simply existing in my body & posting my normal life is not promoting an ED. I’m not sharing weight-loss tips. I’m literally just existing. Women do not owe the internet a certain body size in order to be allowed to exist publicly.”

This isn’t the first time Farago has asked social media users to stop commenting on her physique. In July, she wore a tie-dye sweatshirt and gray sweatpants while dancing in her house. “How I need to dress on social media from now on so people stop commenting on my body,” she captioned the post. “Let’s give it a rest shall we♥️.”

Teddi Mellencamp Stars Who've Hit Back Against Body Shamers

There’s no shame in loving your body. Thankfully, more Hollywood stars than ever before are preaching that message, and they won’t let body-shaming comments slide anymore. Lizzo has been vocal about trying to help people accept all body sizes. “I want to normalize my body. And not just be like, ‘Ooh, look at this cool […]

Farago also addressed comments claiming that she looks tired, keeping it real in her response by writing, “Also to the ppl saying I look tired… ya I am tired lol? I’m a mom. I haven’t slept properly in two years and my daughter has been sick for a month & been in the hospital 4 times recently so yeah we’re exhausted. :).”

Farago welcomed her twins in November 2024. She is also the stepmom of Arlo, 18, whom Sullivan, 36, shares with Isaiah Silva.

Trump-backed cryptocurrency World Liberty Trust achieves historic US bank status

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Trump-backed cryptocurrency World Liberty Trust achieves historic US bank status

A national bank regulator, appointed during Donald Trump’s presidency, has given part of the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture provisional approval to form a bank charter. This strategic move could unlock access to larger clientele and potentially increase profitability.

This development marks a historic milestone in the U.S., as it is the first instance where a company linked to the family of a sitting president has attained bank status. This decision has raised eyebrows among Democratic lawmakers who worry about possible conflicts of interest.

On Friday, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency revealed in a letter that World Liberty Trust Co.—38% owned by a Trump-connected entity and some family members—has been authorized to issue stablecoin cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar.

Previously, World Liberty Financial, the entity backing the conditionally approved trust, depended on the third-party crypto firm BitGo for a stable digital currency. The new approval enables the Trump family’s business to bypass intermediaries and provide the service directly.

While digital currencies, such as Bitcoin, usually exhibit extreme price fluctuations, they tend to be less attractive for organizations engaged in large-scale transactions.

Crypto tied to more stable values, like the U.S. dollar or the price of gold, can be more attractive to big spenders and can be “marketed for use as a means of making payments, transmitting money, or storing value,” according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The decision allows the Trump-linked business to act as a bank, issuing digital currency to clients for transactions. Clients would exchange the U.S. dollar for the stablecoin, with profits going directly to the Trump family’s crypto business.

SpaceX Set to Launch Falcon 9 Rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
SpaceX Set to Launch Falcon 9 Rocket from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base

In a cloak-and-dagger operation, SpaceX is poised to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from California on Saturday night, setting the stage for a mysterious military mission.

Dubbed USSF-366, the operation remains shrouded in secrecy, with details about the payload inside the two-stage rocket closely guarded.

The launch is slated for a liftoff at 6:50 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base, located in Lompoc.

Should weather or technical issues arise, SpaceX has earmarked a backup opportunity on Sunday at 2:38 p.m.

Speculation from spaceflight analysts suggests the mission could involve deploying a suite of military satellites destined for low-Earth orbit.

SpaceX announced late this week that it would serve as the launch provider for the US Space Force mission.

Despite the cloak-and-dagger nature of the payload, SpaceX plans to livestream the launch beginning about 10 minutes before liftoff.

The 230-foot Falcon 9 will haul the mysterious payload into space before its booster attempts to stick the landing on SpaceX’s drone ship, Of Course I Still Love You, in the Pacific Ocean.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!
California Post App: Download here!
Home delivery: Sign up here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

The controlled landing allows SpaceX to recover and reuse the booster for future missions.

SpaceX said people in those counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, although what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.

Former Detective Faces New Charges Following Cold Case Investigation After Serving Partial Sentence

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Former Detective Faces New Charges Following Cold Case Investigation After Serving Partial Sentence

A former vice detective from Los Angeles, who was notably sentenced to 102 years in prison for a string of rapes years ago but gained parole in 2020 due to changes in California law, has found himself back in custody this week, officials confirmed.

Michael Douglas Brambles, aged 77, faces serious charges, including kidnapping for the purpose of robbery while wielding a firearm, linked to an alleged robbery and sexual assault case, as detailed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

Adding to the gravity of the accusations, Brambles is additionally charged with several aggravating factors. These include committing a crime of intense violence, targeting a particularly vulnerable victim, executing the crime in a manner that indicated premeditation and professionalism, and demonstrating violent behavior that poses a significant threat to public safety, according to statements from the district attorney’s office.

Mug shot of Michael Douglas Brambles

Michael Douglas Brambles, 77, is charged with kidnapping to commit robbery while personally using a firearm in connection with an alleged robbery and sexual assault, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office; Lou Benoist/ AFP via Getty Images)

Authorities allege that Brambles entered Arabella’s Boutique located in Thousand Oaks, California, just as an employee known as SW was locking up for the evening. Reportedly, he pointed a handgun at her, compelling her into the store’s backroom. There, she was bound and subsequently sexually assaulted, marking a chilling return to criminal activity.

He is also accused of stealing from the business before he left.

The sexual assault allegations cannot be charged because the statute of limitations has passed.

Shortly after the crime, Brambles was identified as a suspect, but he was already being prosecuted for a string of robberies and sexual assaults.

He was convicted on 26 counts, including 18 armed robberies and multiple sexual assaults.

After being sentenced to 102 years, SW’s case was dismissed, which she agreed with, believing he would spend the rest of his life in prison.

But he was able to apply for parole in 2020 under a California law that allows elderly inmates to apply.

Victim called SW speaks at press conference

Victim SW speaks at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office press conference this week. (Ventura County District Attorney’s Office)

At his parole hearing, Brambles denied sexually assaulting any women besides the cases he had already been convicted for in Los Angeles County.

While examining SW’s cold case as part of the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office investigators realized he had been paroled.

Brambles was arrested on Wednesday and is being held in Ventura County on $2 million bail.

“A few months ago, when investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office contacted me, I was shocked to hear not only that this man was walking free, but that he had been out of prison for six years,” SW said at a press conference this week. “The justice that I and his other victims deserved was denied when he was only required to serve a fraction of the sentence he earned. I am thankful to have this opportunity now to seek justice for myself and for his other victims.”

Ventura County DA's office

The Ventura County District Attorney’s office in California. (Ventura County District Attorny’s Office/Facebook)

Brambles faces a maximum sentence of 12 years to life if convicted.

“Without her courage, bravery and resolve to once again face the person who allegedly attacked her, we would not be here today,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said of SW at the press conference. “Despite the passage of time and the long road ahead, SW is committed to seeing Michael Brambles held responsible for these violent accusations from 32 years ago, and so are we.”

Is Now the Perfect Time for Homebuyers as Investors Retreat from the Housing Market?

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

While fewer investors are putting their money into the housing market, some experts argue this trend may not be the government victory it’s portrayed to be.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics highlights a significant dip in investor participation in the housing sector during the June quarter.

This drop in investor loans has reached its highest level since September 2022.

On Friday, Treasurer Jim Chalmers hailed the lending figures as positive evidence that Labor’s reforms to negative gearing and the capital gains discount are successfully redirecting the market towards first-time homebuyers, even before these policies are fully implemented.

However, experts caution that this decline in investor activity does not necessarily equate to a surge in first-time homebuyers, which the government’s property tax reforms aim to encourage.

‘Not surprising’ but not the whole picture

The number of investor loans fell 8.6 per cent in the June quarter, while first-home buyer loans fell a comparatively lower 2.9 per cent, according to ABS data released on Friday.

Independent property researcher Cameron Kusher said ABS’ latest lending data was not surprising and reflected a typical knee-jerk reaction to policy changes.

“Across both the number and the value, the biggest falls in lending over the quarter were for investors, which is not really a surprise when you consider the tax changes that have happened,” he said.

A graph showing the evolving mix of housing finance.

The pullback lines up with what major banks have been reporting in their own lending figures, with CBA and NAB both reporting a 15 per cent drop in mortgage applications last quarter, while Westpac saw a 20 per cent drop.

The tax changes were announced in the May budget but aren’t set to formally take effect until 1 July 2027. So, this quarter’s fall was a reaction to the announcement itself, not the policy in action.

Kusher expects a bigger fall in investor lending in the future.

“We may actually see a larger fall when we get to the next quarter, when we see the full impact of a whole quarter of these changes,” he said.

Both Kusher and Real Estate Group’s economist Luc Redman say investors have not retreated entirely, rather they have changed strategy.

They are still keen on residential property but the type of property they’re chasing has shifted. They are now eyeing properties that have strong rental growth, or yield.

“Early evidence post-budget suggests that investors are enquiring more towards units that tend to have a higher yield and a lower entry point … compared to prior, when investors would be looking at houses that have stronger prospects of capital growth,” Redman told SBS News.

Two places, Tasmania and the ACT, didn’t see drops in investor interest — which Kusher said could be a sign they’re moving toward properties with good rental returns relative to purchase price.

A graph showing housing finance composition by state.

“I think the fall in new investment will potentially have a flow-on effect to the rental market where rental supply will tighten and landlords will have more scope to put up rents,” Kusher said, though he noted there wasn’t evidence of that happening “just yet”.

Both experts hesitate to call this a permanent retreat for investors.

“It is likely that this won’t be the case forever,” Redman said.

“Once yields return to more attractive levels, we would expect investors to return to the market at a new equilibrium,” he said.

“In the short term in particular, there will probably be a higher proportion of owner-occupier purchases in the market until we see yields rebalance and investor sentiment return … [separately] the structural undersupply of dwellings means prices will continue to increase over the long run, albeit more modestly than recent price growth.”

Kusher says at least two to three quarters of data will be needed before drawing any meaningful conclusions, meaning the next quarterly release will be a better indication of investor behaviour as it will be the first to reflect a full three months under the new environment.

A win for first-home buyers?

The policy case for the tax changes rested on the idea that pushing investors out would clear space for first-home buyers.

But the numbers haven’t quite shown that yet, Kusher says, adding that two things may be happening.

First-home buyers do not directly replace all the investors who have retreated — first-home buyers do not entirely fill the gap as they are a smaller group of buyers than investors. Secondly, first-home buyers, like investors, are also in a “wait and see” mode.

“There’s an assumption that if you don’t have an investor, you have a first-home buyer. That’s not always the case. Not everyone that’s currently renting is in a position to buy a home,” Kusher said.

Investors make up about 40 per cent of the residential market, but first-home buyers have never been that large a group, he added.

“So, if you’re discouraging investors and trying to encourage first-time buyers, you’re probably going to struggle to see an uplift in first-home buyer lending offset the weakness in investor lending — and that’s certainly what we’ve seen,” Kusher said.

He notes that some first-home buyers may be falling into a “trap” of trying to time a falling market but warns “picking the bottom of the market” is incredibly difficult.

“I think what these [tax] changes have done more than anything else is just damaged sentiment around the housing market,” he said.

Dodgers Announce Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback Timeline Post Injury

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Dodgers Announce Shohei Ohtani’s Comeback Timeline Post Injury

Shohei Ohtani, the remarkable two-way player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is showing promising signs of recovery as he prepares to rejoin the pitching rotation.

On Friday, Ohtani stepped onto the mound for his first bullpen session in almost a month, marking a crucial milestone in his comeback journey. According to manager Dave Roberts, the next phases for Ohtani include another bullpen workout, followed by facing live hitters in batting practice, provided everything progresses smoothly.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws in the outfield.

The Dodgers have revealed their plan to ramp up Shohei Ohtani before returning to the mound. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“Then,” Roberts confidently stated, “I would expect him back in a major league game.”

Before his pause, Ohtani was delivering an extraordinary performance reminiscent of a Cy Young contender, boasting a remarkable 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts over 85.2 innings this season. Unfortunately, a combination of knee and biceps injuries interrupted his impressive streak, temporarily sidelining his dual-threat capabilities.

If everything continues on a positive trajectory, it seems likely that Ohtani will be ready to make his return to the rotation in the coming weeks.

While the rotation certainly misses Ohtani, his absence has also caused problems for the Dodgers bullpen. The overtaxed unit has gone from eight to seven relievers, a factor in the recent poor performance from Dodgers relievers.

Ohtani is not the only Los Angeles starter nearing a return, though. Also on Saturday, Roberts shared that Tyler Glasnow will require just one more rehab start before re-joining the rotation. Glasnow looked dominant in his most recent triple-A start.

Ohtani, the pitcher, hasn’t made a start for the Dodgers since July 3. But Ohtani, the hitter, has continued grinding.

Shohei Ohtani

Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani has been dealing with a knee and biceps injury. Wally Skalij for CA Post

The Dodgers two-way star is hitting .290 with 27 home runs, 74 RBIs and a .930 OPS. There have been several questions surrounding Ohtani’s performance at the plate in 2026, particularly surrounding the taxing workload of a dominant pitcher.

Though Ohtani’s offensive numbers haven’t been as strong as his first two seasons with the Dodgers, his success as a two-way star has put him at the forefront of the MVP race.

1...371372373...4,696Page 372 of 4,696