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Achieve Superior Leg Strength After 60 with This Squat Benchmark

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Achieve Superior Leg Strength After 60 with This Squat Benchmark

Maintaining a robust lower body is vital as we grow older, supporting our independence and enhancing our quality of life.

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Reaching your sixties is a perfect time to step up your fitness game. Keeping muscle and bone strength intact becomes crucial for maintaining your vitality and well-being. Integrating squats into your exercise routine is a fantastic start. Squats are exceptional for building leg strength, enhancing mobility, and promoting healthy joint function. This single exercise targets key muscle groups such as the calves, core, glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings. These muscles play crucial roles in essential activities like standing, walking, balancing, and climbing stairs. Once you make squats part of your routine, there are numerous ways to push your limits. According to Dr. Andrew Gorecki, PT, DPT, FAFS, the Owner of Superior Physical Therapy in Traverse City, MI, and co-founder/CEO of MovementRx, being able to perform a significant number of squats post-60 is an indicator of exceptional leg strength.

Is Squat Count a Reliable Measure?

When it comes to those over 60, squat repetitions are a fantastic gauge of lower-body functionality. However, Dr. Gorecki clarifies that while it tests endurance, coordination, balance, and cardiovascular capability, it doesn’t specifically measure absolute strength. This test offers insight into the body’s comprehensive operative system, including hip and ankle mobility.

“That comprehensive view is precisely why this assessment is so valuable,” Dr. Gorecki emphasizes. “It evaluates the entire physiology that ensures someone remains capable in everyday activities, which is far more critical than a single attribute. Clinicians favor tests like the 30-second chair stand not for its precision in strength measurement. It’s that decline in repetition count signifies a systemic issue, closely linked to risks of falling, hospital stays, and a diminishing independence,” he explains.

Essentially, if you’re able to perform a lot of squats with solid form, you have functional lower-body strength that translates to real-life movement.

“If you can’t do many, the reason might be strength, mobility, balance, cardiovascular capacity, or knee pain from bad form. Sorting out which one it is matters for how to fix it,” Dr. Gorecki adds.

3 Daily Movements That Keep Your Body 10 Years Younger After 44

Why Are Squats a Valuable Assessment of Aging Function?

The squat pattern is embedded in basically everything older adults need in order to move seamlessly and remain independent.

“Getting off the toilet is a squat. Getting out of a chair is a squat. Getting out of a car is a squat. Picking up something off the floor is a squat plus a hinge. If any part of the squat pattern breaks down (ankle mobility, knee control, hip strength, core stability), all of those daily movements get harder,” Dr. Gorecki explains.

Squats also load the whole lower-body chain at the same time—the glutes, quads, hamstrings, core, hips, knees, calves, spine, and ankles. Testing the squat pattern serves as a solid functional test of the entire system.

“That’s why it’s so predictive of outcomes clinicians care about like fall risk and independence, and why it’s more useful than isolated strength tests like a leg extension max,” Dr. Gorecki notes.

If You Can Pass These 3 Drills, You’re Moving Better Than Most People at Any Age

What Squat Number Counts as Top-Tier After 60?

While there isn’t a universal squat benchmark for individuals over 60, we do have some numbers to work with.

According to Dr. Gorecki, “The 30-second chair stand test, developed by Rikli and Jones as part of the Senior Fitness Test battery, has actual normative data across age groups. That’s the closest thing to a legitimate benchmark.”

Here’s what to strive for, inspired by those norms as an anchor. In the 30-second chair stand test, the following serves as the “top range”:

  • Ages 60-64: 16 or more for men; 14 or more for women
  • Ages 65-69: 15 or more for men; 13 or more for women
  • Ages 70-74: 14 or more for men; 12 or more for women
  • Ages 75-79: 13 or more for men; 11 or more for women
  • Ages 80-84: 11 or more for men; 10 or more for women
  • Ages 85-89: 10 or more for men; 8 or more for women

Elite After 60?

“If someone can do 20 or more chair stands in 30 seconds at any age over 60, that’s elite. That number is roughly what fit adults in their 40s produce,” Dr. Gorecki explains. “If we’re talking about deep bodyweight squats (down to thighs parallel to floor, back up, no assistance), the counts are lower because the range of motion is bigger. A rough estimate for top-tier bodyweight squats in 60 seconds would be 25 to 30 for men, 20 to 25 for women. But I want to be honest, that’s an extrapolation, not a validated number.”

The goal shouldn’t be chasing a certain squat number. What matters more is whether the squat pattern is effective. For instance, if you’re able to get up from a seated position without pushing off with your hands, do 10 to 15 consecutively, and still feel stable, your lower body is working just fine.

“If you can’t, that’s not just a fitness problem. That’s an independence issue you want to address before it gets worse,” Dr. Gorecki adds.

Emergency Phone Alerts: Your Hidden Lifeline Uncovered

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This article contains references to family and domestic violence.

On Monday, 27 July, a vast number of mobile phones throughout Australia will ring out with a loud emergency alert as the country initiates a test of its new AusAlert system.

This comprehensive test aims to confirm that Australians can receive essential and potentially lifesaving warnings in cases of emergencies, ranging from natural disasters to public safety concerns and biosecurity threats.

However, advocates for family and domestic violence caution that this mandatory alert might inadvertently pose safety risks for some victim-survivors.

Hidden safety risks

The Immigrant Women’s Speakout Association in Western Sydney expresses significant concern that the alert could expose women relying on concealed emergency phones as a vital safety tool.

Its CEO, Maria Kissouri, says: “They need that phone in case of an emergency to be able to contact Triple Zero if they felt their life was threatened — that those women’s safety might be compromised as an unintended consequence of the AusAlert system.”

The organisation has supported migrant women experiencing domestic and family violence for more than 40 years.

A woman in a navy jumper is sitting at a desk in an office.

A 2021 national study of migrant and refugee women conducted by Monash University’s Migration and Inclusion Centre and the Harmony Alliance found one in three respondents had experienced family and domestic violence in the previous five years, rising to 40 per cent among temporary visa holders, who also reported much higher patterns of migration-related abuse and threats.

“What they experience after arriving in the country is abuse from their fiancé, their partner, or the person that they’ve just married,” Kissouri tells SBS News.

As the nationwide test alert approaches, advocates are working to contact victim-survivors who may face risks from the alert — but say they cannot contact some people directly because doing so could compromise their safety.

They’re also concerned the authorities haven’t provided information about the alert in enough languages.

“Where it’s safe to do so, [we’ve been] calling every woman that we’re aware of that has a safe phone and letting her know to have it switched off well before the alert is scheduled, or to give the phone to somebody else, if that’s possible,” Kissouri says.

“It’s often not possible, often people don’t have a safe person that they’ve disclosed the abuse to; many women share with us that we’re the first person that really knows just what’s going on for them in their home and for their children as well.”

A ‘direct and discreet’ approach

Katarina Carroll, deputy coordinator general for emergency management and response with the National Emergency Management Agency, says the agency has worked with community organisations to reach people who may be at risk, including through information translated into 19 languages.

A close-up of a woman's hands typing on a keyboard placed on a wooden desk.

“What people don’t see, and it is probably some of the most important work, is that work through our peak bodies of going to the victims directly and discreetly and having the conversation with them personally,” Carroll tells SBS News.

“That is incredibly important, and probably the safest way of doing this with victims of domestic violence.”

The alert test will take place at 2pm AEST on Monday, sending a critical alert to compatible mobile phones and smartwatches across Australia.

How AusAlert works

AusAlert is Australia’s new national emergency warning system, developed in response to a recommendation from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements following the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain says the bushfires exposed limitations in the previous SMS-based warning system, which relied on mobile coverage and the delivery of individual messages.

A woman in a black top and blazer is speaking into the microphones in the parliament.

Under AusAlert, there will be two levels of warnings: priority and critical.

Priority alerts are used for serious threats where conditions are changing. They will not override a phone’s Do Not Disturb or Silent settings, and users can choose to disable them.

The highest level, a critical alert, is reserved for situations where people face an immediate threat and urgent action is required.

The 27 July test will use this highest-level alert.

Because critical alerts are designed for life-threatening situations, they override silent mode or Do Not Disturb settings.

However, there are ways users can avoid receiving the test, McBain says.

If you don’t want that alert to disrupt or cause anyone in your family to feel unsafe, then turn off your device or switch it to airplane mode before the scheduled test time.

“We recommend you leave your device off for at least an hour after that scheduled test time as well.”

Concerns beyond the test

The Queensland-based charity DV Safe Phone has provided more than 20,000 phones to victim-survivors of domestic and family violence since it was established six years ago.

Founder and CEO Ashton Wood says the phones provided by the organisation are supplied switched off, and users are encouraged to keep them that way until they are needed.

“We suggest the safe phone is always turned off until you need it, so we’re not worried about the AusAlert for those types of conditions because the phones will be shut down, and AusAlert cannot get to a phone that’s been shut down,” he tells SBS News.

A person holding a smartphone displaying the AusAlert message.

However, Wood says there is still a risk for victim-survivors who have a hidden phone that is switched on without the perpetrator knowing it exists.

“That phone will definitely make a noise if it’s turned on and it’s not in flight mode, so even if it’s in silent mode or do not disturb or standard mode, it will make a noise,” he says.

DV Safe Phone says it has contacted the service providers through which it distributes phones, and that information about AusAlert is being included with phones as they’re handed out.

Advocates say the alert may also be distressing for other groups, including people living with disabilities, dementia or autism, to name a few.

AusAlert rollout

AusAlert is expected to be fully operational from October, ahead of the summer period when Australia typically records an increase in severe weather events, including bushfires, storms and floods.

The system will enable emergency services to send millions of messages in near real time.

“It’s one of a range of methods that emergency services will use to alert the community about incidents that are happening near them, in particular natural disasters,” McBain says.

“We obviously would recommend people keep in the loop with their local emergency services for a range of information.”

Balancing safety and access

Wesnet, the national peak body for domestic and family violence services, has provided 50,000 phones through its Safe Connections program.

Wesnet CEO Karen Bentley says people who may be concerned about receiving a critical alert will need to consider their own circumstances once the AusAlert system is operational.

“I think each person’s got to make their own decision about that,” she tells SBS News.

“Certainly, I think that if you’re in a risky situation, having access to a phone so that you can make a call to either emergency services or something is going to outweigh the risk, the possibility that there might be a critical alert.”

If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

The Men’s Referral Service, operated by No to Violence, can be contacted on 1300 766 491.

Fox News Highlights: Fetterman Labels Mamdani a ‘Clown’ Amid Antisemitism Debate

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Fox News Highlights: Fetterman Labels Mamdani a ‘Clown’ Amid Antisemitism Debate

In a heated exchange of words, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman labeled New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani a “clown” following Mamdani’s bold yet controversial call to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the Big Apple. Fetterman criticized Mamdani’s International Criminal Court-endorsed threat as sheer theatrics and urged the mayor to focus on pressing local matters instead of escalating international tensions.

Images capture a busy day in politics: Sen. John Fetterman, dressed for dialogue, converses with journalists in the Senate subway of the U.S. Capitol on June 2, 2026. Meanwhile, Mayor Mamdani is seen in New York City on May 12, 2026, before addressing the fiscal year 2027 budget. (Images provided by Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images)

john fetterman zohran mamdani split

Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City made headlines by calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes and insisting the federal authorities respond to an International Criminal Court mandate.

In a coinciding development, the Israeli Defense Forces disclosed that they had intentionally targeted Palestinian soccer players. According to the IDF, these individuals—comprising players, referees, and coaches—were collaborating with Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. The forces named 11 deceased players, with allegations linking some to the horrific October 7 massacre, and criticized the portrayal of these figures as innocent sports personalities while allegedly masking their terror affiliations.

The Israeli Defense Forces they deliberately targeted innocent Palestinian soccer players, exposing killed athletes, referees, and coaches as covert Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. The IDF revealed the identities of 11 dead players—including three allegedly tied to the brutal October 7 massacre—accusing critics of using sports stars to hide deadly terror ties.

A resurfaced clip of NYC’s socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked furious online backlash. Critics blasted the anti-Israel Mayor as “deranged” and out-of-touch, as he continues taking heat for skipping the city’s Israel parade and plotting a wild scheme to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York.

: A movie theater outside Portland, Oregon, is after it displayed a marquee advertising Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” with a provocative message critics are calling antisemitic. The Lake Theater and Cafe’s marquee read, “Before there were the Jews, there was… The Odyssey.” The marquee sparked outrage in the Jewish community, and critics claimed the message was historically inaccurate.

: Warren Cohn, CEO and founder of Rocketship PR and media adviser to the American Middle East Press Association, writes that Zohran Mamdani’s obsession with Israel is . “New Yorkers elected a mayor to obsess over New York, over crime, over housing, over sanitation, over schools,” not a country 6,000 miles away, Cohn writes.

“He’s just a clown to even say that, so he won’t try that. Just sit down and focus on other problems that they have in New York. That’s really not your purview. You and I know that. Sit down.” – Sen. John Fetterman on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

– Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here.

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Courtney Stodden Responds to ‘Seinfeld’ Star Jason Alexander’s Apology: Her Demands Revealed

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Courtney Stodden Responds to ‘Seinfeld’ Star Jason Alexander’s Apology: Her Demands Revealed

Courtney Stodden is calling for more than just an apology from “Seinfeld” alum Jason Alexander after he expressed regret for his actions during a 2012 sketch that involved inappropriate contact with her when she was a minor.

In an interview with Variety on Wednesday, the 31-year-old reflected on the moment Alexander, 66, issued his public apology. Stodden admitted feeling “very taken aback” by his remorse as she noted, “It’s not often that adults take accountability for their actions.”

“When I first heard about his public apology, I felt grateful,” Stodden revealed. “Recognizing a mistake is the first step toward meaningful change.”

Nonetheless, Stodden believes that real change demands more than words. She suggested that Alexander could demonstrate his commitment through concrete actions, such as advocating for anti-child marriage legislation.

To that end, Stodden encouraged Alexander to support AB 1267, a bill currently under consideration in the California Assembly that seeks to ban child marriage. Additionally, she urged him to consider donating to Unchained at Last, a nonprofit dedicated to ending child marriage.

Stodden — who was famously underage when she married 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchinson in 2011 — also called it “really frightening” that California allows minors to marry.

Earlier this week, Stodden put Alexander on blast for a controversial 2012 “Funny or Die” sketch, where the comedian repeatedly rubbed his phone across Stodden’s breasts while she was dressed in a skimpy bikini.

“Looking back now, I don’t see comedy,” Stodden wrote on Instagram Monday. “I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke.”

In response, Alexander told Page Six he “truly regret[s]” participating in the “inappropriate” sketch.

“But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden,” he added. “I offer her my sincerest apologies.”

Stodden told Variety she realized she was offended by the sketch years later while watching the scene from “Pretty Woman” where Alexander’s character assaults prostitute Vivian Ward, played by Julia Roberts.

“I was in shock,” Stodden said of seeing the scene. “It felt very close to home, and like he pulled from ‘Pretty Woman’ and thought it would be funny to recreate that with a child. I didn’t know he was going to be feeling me up on set.”

Stodden added that she “was very manipulated” into being groped in the skit when she was only a “child.”

“I really just trusted the adults around me, and this is the effect of that,” she shared. “Looking back on it, it’s really damaging.”

In a statement to Page Six about the sketch, Stodden said her reason for speaking out about her experience with Alexander “isn’t about revisiting the past for its own sake.”

Instead, Stodden said her goal is to “create a future where children are better protected and where adults in positions of power are held to a higher standard.”

Widower Faces IRS Nightmare After Reporting Unexpected Tax Refund

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Widower Faces IRS Nightmare After Reporting Unexpected Tax Refund

A conscientious widower found himself at odds with the Internal Revenue Service after they mistakenly issued him a hefty $20,000 refund. His attempt to rectify the error has instead spiraled into a bureaucratic nightmare.

Seventy-six-year-old Wilson Perry Kirby from Coopertown, Tennessee, faces the daunting prospect of losing his $930,000 farm. The IRS is threatening to seize it unless he forks over $2,575 in interest linked to their erroneous refund.

The ordeal started in May 2022 when Kirby received the unexpected check. Acting promptly, he enlisted an accountant to return the money and alert the IRS to their mistake.

Kirby, who struggles with technology, initially had the assistance of his late wife, Norma Jean, to try resolving the issue. Unfortunately, Norma Jean passed away in 2024, leaving Kirby to continue the battle alone.

Now, four years later, Kirby finds himself stuck in a seeming bureaucratic maze with no resolution in sight. However, steadfast in his conviction, he refuses to concede because he knows he has done nothing wrong.

‘She didn’t make a mistake,’ Kirby said of his accountant during an interview with WTVF. ‘I didn’t make a mistake, they made a mistake!’

Wilson Perry Kirby, 76, a Tennessee farmer, was accidentally sent a $20,000 refund from the IRS in May 2022. He immediately tried to return the funds but has not been able to

Wilson Perry Kirby, 76, a Tennessee farmer, was accidentally sent a $20,000 refund from the IRS in May 2022. He immediately tried to return the funds but has not been able to

Kirby has been warned he faces losing his $930,000 farm in Cooperstown, Tennessee, if he does not pay the IRS what he supposedly owes

Kirby has been warned he faces losing his $930,000 farm in Cooperstown, Tennessee, if he does not pay the IRS what he supposedly owes 

IRS bosses withheld Kirby’s most recent $1,800 tax refund and put it towards the total $4,300 interest they claim he owes on the wrongful refund. 

They also sent him a threatening letter claiming the farmer still owes $2,575 they say is ‘due immediately.’ 

‘You must pay your balance immediately or we may levy [seize] your property,’ the document stated. ‘If you don’t make your payment now, we’ll consider your noncompliance an active choice and you could face a levy.’ 

Kirby said he cried when he saw that his refund had been withheld and that ‘it hurt me.’

The desperate farmer says he has reached out to every lawmaker he can think of for help, without success.

‘I’ve tried the president, governor, mayor. They don’t mind asking you to vote for them, but when you need help you can’t get ahold of nobody. You have to talk to a dang computer,’ he said.

The IRS recently sent Kirby this notice demanding he pay interest on the refund the agency accidentally sent him and threatening to seize his property if he does not

The IRS recently sent Kirby this notice demanding he pay interest on the refund the agency accidentally sent him and threatening to seize his property if he does not

The widowed farmer has been driven to despair and frequently cries at the thought of losing the home where he has lived for decades

The widowed farmer has been driven to despair and frequently cries at the thought of losing the home where he has lived for decades 

Kirby said his wife, Norma Jean, was more tech-savvy than him and was helping him with his IRS dispute, but since she died in August 2024, he has been handling it largely on his own

Kirby said his wife, Norma Jean, was more tech-savvy than him and was helping him with his IRS dispute, but since she died in August 2024, he has been handling it largely on his own

An old family portrait of Kirby with his wife and their son

An old family portrait of Kirby with his wife and their son 

Kirby reached out to WTVF in May to plead for help, with Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn calling him after to say the tax fiasco ‘was settled.’ 

But then Kirby had his tax refund withheld and received the threatening letter warning he faced losing his home. He contacted WTVF again to share an update on the seemingly unwinnable David versus Goliath battle that he is fighting. 

The farmer tried going to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service in downtown Nashville earlier this month, but he said the appointment did not advance his case. 

‘I wish they would get it straightened out. And get one person to work on it,’ Kirby told WTVF. 

‘I’ve cried, I’m ’bout to cry right now. I don’t know what I’m going to do,’ he added. 

The IRS stonewalled the Daily Mail when contacted about the misery its officers continue to inflict on Kirby.

A spokesman said they couldn’t comment on the fiasco because of federal disclosure regulations and federal privacy laws.

Red Sea Attacks Propel Global Oil Prices to $100 a Barrel: What It Means for You

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Red Sea Attacks Propel Global Oil Prices to $100 a Barrel: What It Means for You

On Thursday, global oil prices soared past the $100-a-barrel mark amid intensifying conflicts in the Middle East. This escalation follows Iran-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen launching attacks on Red Sea shipping routes.

Brent crude, the benchmark for international oil prices, briefly reached $100.64 per barrel at 10:05 a.m. ET. This marked a notable jump of $6.57, or 7%, based on FactSet’s data. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate, the main U.S. crude benchmark, increased to $91.83 per barrel, reflecting a 5.8% rise.

Fuel prices at the pump are following the upward trend, with the national average for gas climbing to $4.09 per gallon on Thursday. This is a rise from $3.94 recorded just a week prior, according to statistics from AAA.

The stock markets reacted sharply to these developments, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average experiencing a 1% drop shortly after trading began on Thursday, shedding 74 points and 514 points, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite, known for its technology stocks, fared worse, losing 1.8%.

The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday. This action heightened threats to maritime shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical channel for approximately 7% of the global oil supply, as reported by Oxford Economics. This strait serves as a crucial passageway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, facilitating sea trade.

The surge in oil prices complicates the outlook for the Federal Reserve, which is set to make its next interest rate decision on July 29. Resurgent oil prices threaten to push inflation higher, which could place pressure on the Fed to keep rates steady — or even introduce a hike – to counter rising prices, experts say.

“Rate cuts investors were counting on for later this year look a lot less certain today than they did even a week ago, and then they were on shaky ground,” said Nigel Green, the CEO of investment firm deVere Group, in an email.

There’s now a 36% probability the Fed could increase its benchmark rate on July 29, according to CME FedWatch, which uses 30-day Fed Funds futures prices to estimate the central bank’s interest rate decisions. A week ago, that probability stood at about 11%, its data shows.

The war also showed other signs of intensifying, with the U.S. upping the number of refueling aircraft deployed to Israel. Open-source flight-tracking data also showed American B-1 bombers leaving the U.K. The U.S. has launched 12 consecutive nights of strikes on targets across Iran.

Treasury yields rose amid higher oil prices, with the 10-year Treasury climbing to 4.71%.

The last time global oil prices settled above $100 was on May 22, data from FactSet shows.

Edited by

Aimee Picchi

Arsenal Seals £34m Deal for Christos Tzolis as Newcastle Finds £30m Sandro Tonali Replacement: Transfer Highlights

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Arsenal Seals £34m Deal for Christos Tzolis as Newcastle Finds £30m Sandro Tonali Replacement: Transfer Highlights

It’s once again that exciting period in football – the transfer window is officially open until September 1. This time is crucial as clubs look to secure major signings to boost their squads for the upcoming season. 

Here are the latest updates from the day, brought to you by Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team…

Crystal Palace locked in Matsima talks 

Crystal Palace remains in active discussions to acquire center-back Chrislain Matsima from Augsburg.

The team is keen on enhancing their defensive lineup.

In a notable move, they have already secured Oscar Mingueza on a free transfer following his departure from Celta Vigo.

Gunners get their man 

Arsenal have completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34million

Arsenal have completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34million

Arsenal have completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34million.

The fee is a record for the Belgian Pro League.

The 24-year-old, formerly of Norwich City, scored 17 goals and added 23 assists in 36 league appearances last season.

Magpies swoop for £30m star 

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba.

The 20-year-old is due on Tyneside this morning for his medical after a fee around £30million was negotiated between the clubs.

The deal also includes a 15 per cent sell on clause for the France U20 international.

Bamba only made his breakthrough last season and has played just 18 league games but is highly regarded after his development through the France youth ranks.

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba (left)

Newcastle United have agreed a deal to sign Monaco defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba (left)

Saints stand firm on Charles fee 

Southampton risk pricing Shea Charles out of a move to the Premier League as they push for over £30million for the Northern Ireland international.

Fulham are the latest club to be rebuffed after they offered in the region of £24million for the 22-year-old.

The Cottagers believed they could strike a deal on the understanding Saints would accept £25m plus add-ons. However, the Championship side are demanding more.

Charles, who they bought from Manchester City in 2023, made 38 appearances last season and scored what looked to be the winning goal in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough only for the club to be excluded from the showpiece Wembley final as a consequence of ‘Spygate’, as exclusively revealed by Daily Mail Sport.

Leeds United had made the early running for Charles.

They also made three offers to Southampton which were subsequently rejected and are likely to consider other options.

Manchester City also hold a 15percent sell-on.

Saints are trying to build for the new season against the backdrop of head coach Tonda Eckert facing a suspension after he was charged with misconduct by the Football Association for his role in the Spygate scandal. He had until Tuesday to respond to the charges.

West Brom are also keen on Saints forward Cameron Archer.

Leeds in talks with City over Trafford move  

Leeds United are in talks to sign England international goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.

Trafford, who went to the World Cup this summer, only rejoined Manchester City from Burnley last summer but managed just four Premier League outings. 

Leeds are on the hunt for a new No 1 goalkeeper after Karl Darlow left for Manchester United.

Trafford came through City’s academy but, after making no first-team appearances, left for Burnley in 2023 after a series of loans. 

He rejoined last summer in a £31million deal – a record sum for a British goalkeeper. 

As Daily Mail Sport reported in April, Trafford was back on Newcastle United’s agenda to be their number one but they were aware it as becoming increasingly difficult amid competition and valuation last week.

Leeds are acting are losing Darlow. Illan Meslier has also joined Arsenal while Torino want Lucas Perri. 

They have asked about Zion Suzuki at Parma but are hopeful Trafford will join as he looks to cement his place as Jordan Pickford’s main rival to the England number one jersey.

Aston Villa and Spurs have also shown interest in Trafford but he sees an opportunity at Leeds to build his future.

Newcastle have also met Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth’s representatives who remains subject of offers from Coventry City and was also on Leeds’ radar. 

Leeds United are in talks to sign England international goalkeeper James Trafford (right)

Leeds United are in talks to sign England international goalkeeper James Trafford (right)

Young Reds stopper leaves on loan   

Liverpool goalkeeper Armin Pecsi has joined TSV Hartberg in Austria on a season-loan.

The 21-year-old, who made his senior international debut for Hungary last month, arrived at Anfield a year ago m.

He has been a regular for Liverpool’s U21s and was also included in the senior side’s matchday squad on five occasions.

Blues ramp up pursuit of Leverkusen teenager

Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović.

As previously reported by Daily Mail Sport, the exciting Bosnia international has had interest from Leeds United, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Atalanta.

Leverkusen sold the 18-year-old to Red Bull Salzburg last year but, after an impressive season, took up their option to buy him back this summer for £7million.

However, the winger made such an impression in Austria, and on international duty with Bosnia, that a number of Premier League and Italian sides have been enquiring to see if Leverkusen are willing to make a quick profit.

His value was initially around £18m but after he scored a spectacular long-range goal in Bosnia’s 3–1 group-stage win over Qatar at the World Cup, and Chelsea were alerted, his valuation is now closer to £30m.

Champions Arsenal, Aston Villa and Leeds United met his representatives for talks as have Napoli, Roma and Inter Milan from Serie A.

Atalanta were considered to be in pole position earlier this month but Chelsea and Xabi Alonso were made aware of the opportunity and are now looking to strike a deal.

They have moved Alejandro Garnacho to Aston Villa and see greater potential in Alajbegovic who was named in Bosnia’s squad for the World Cup and made a big impact in Group C against Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Born in Cologne to Bosnian parents, Alajbegovic is quick, skilful and can play across the front line.

His father and agent, Semin, was also a footballer, spending his entire career in Germany’s lower tiers.

Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović

Chelsea are stepping up their interest in Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegović

Harrison poised for MLS return

Leeds United are finalising terms with New England Revolution for the sale of Jack Harrison.

As Daily Mail Sport reported earlier this month the Revolution have been pursuing the 29-year-old this summer but were trying to navigate the required personal terms and fee.

The winger, who started his senior career with New York City, spent last season on loan at Fiorentina and has two years left on his contract at Elland Road.

Leeds are continuing negotiations with Manchester City over a fee for James Trafford.

The England goalkeeper is also expected to have a release clause in any contract he signs at Leeds.

City are also looking for a replacement should they agree terms.

Bettoni heads to Stamford Bridge 

Chelsea have confirmed Harrison Bettoni has joined from Wigan Athletic on a four-year contract 2030.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder was part of Wigan’s first team last season and appeared 27 times during a breakthrough campaign.

Chelsea beat off stern competition for his signature from Manchester City and AC Milan.

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

WEDNESDAY: West Ham star Crysencio Summerville set for £60m Saudi Arabia move despite Roma’s late attempt to hijack deal

TUESDAY: Fulham plot £24m bid for Southampton’s Shea Charles… after Leeds have three bids rejected 

MONDAY: New York meeting key to Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix move 

SUNDAY: Roma ponder new bid for £50m-rated Crysencio Summerville 

SATURDAY: Revealed: The figure Middlesbrough are set to pocket from Morgan Rogers’ move to Chelsea

Rhian Sugden Opens Up About Vernon Kay Scandal Revelation

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Rhian Sugden Opens Up About Vernon Kay Scandal Revelation

Rhian Sugden, once known for her time as a Page 3 model, has finally addressed the rumors surrounding her alleged involvement with DJ Vernon Kay, who was married at the time. Their paths crossed in a nightclub back in 2010, while Vernon was still with Tess Daly. Following their meeting, the two exchanged numbers and maintained contact through texts for about four months. Notably, Vernon was also exchanging messages with several other women during this period.

Vernon has always claimed that his messaging with Rhian and others was just friendly banter, asserting that he never behaved inappropriately. He publicly apologized to Tess for the situation. Earlier this year, Vernon and Tess announced that they were ending their marriage. In a joint statement, they mentioned, “After much consideration, and with a deep sense of care and respect for one another, we have made the decision to separate amicably.”

Now at 39, Rhian has candidly shared her side of the story in her newly released autobiography. She explained to The Mirror, “Of course there’ll be mention of him [Vernon, in the book] but I think people are expecting some wild revelation about a sordid affair that didn’t happen.”

She further expressed frustration by stating, “People get less of a sentence for murder. I’d understand if there’d been a full-blown affair, but there wasn’t. Yet somehow, nearly 20 years later, it’s still something that follows me around.”

She added, “I’ve spent years building a career and businesses that I’m incredibly proud of, and I’d much rather people talked about those than one chapter of my life that refuses to go away.”

Sources also claimed that the book “isn’t about reopening old wounds or settling scores”, adding: “Rhian and Vernon both moved on with their lives, but somehow it’s always Rhian whose name gets dragged back into the headlines.”

Back in 2020, Rhian said: “He just got away with it. It ruined everything for me. I felt like I was going up and up with my career and then that came along. I wish I’d never met him.”

Vernon apologised on BBC Radio 1 to his wife and called himself an “idiot” for his part in the messages.

He also shared his side of the story on I’m A Celeb, telling his campmates: “All that stuff is in the past, we’ve forgotten about that, we’ve moved on. It’s all gone. It’s disappeared.”

Dispatch Audio Reveals Officer’s Suspicion of Brooke Hanlon’s Death Minutes After Arrival

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Dispatch Audio Reveals Officer’s Suspicion of Brooke Hanlon’s Death Minutes After Arrival

Within moments of arriving at the tragic scene involving New Jersey psychotherapist Brooke Hanlon, a police officer quickly concluded that her death had “suspicious” elements. This detail emerges from recent dispatch audio unveiled during the investigation.

The audio, which People has secured, sheds light on law enforcement’s initial response on the evening of June 6. This was the night Brooke’s husband, James “Conor” Hanlon, dialed 911 after finding her unresponsive in their Chester residence.

In the span of just thirteen minutes post-911 call, and merely two minutes into the dispatch recording shared by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the initial responding officer identified it as a “suspicious death,” according to People’s report.

Shortly thereafter, the investigation was escalated to the major crimes unit, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Brooke was tragically found in the master bedroom, alarmingly injured from several stab wounds, and enveloped in blood, painting a chilling picture of the scene.

The dispatch audio began with a dispatcher telling deputies, “There’s a guy screaming and says he needs everyone’s help.” 

What Did Conor Hanlon Tell 911 Dispatchers About His Wife Brooke Hanlon’s Death?

A visibly upset Conor first called 911 around 4:30 p.m. 

“I just found my wife,” he said, according to audio of the call obtained by Mendham-Chester, NJ Patch. “I don’t know what’s going on. CPR, I need CPR instruction.”

When the dispatcher asked whether 35-year-old Brooke was still conscious, he replied, “Oh my God, there’s a laceration in her chest!”

The dispatcher took one more attempt to probe Conor for information before a distraught Conor replied, “Please, I don’t know…There’s blood. I need you here, I need you here immediately.”

The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that Brooke died of multiple sharp force injuries, listing her manner of death as homicide, according to a statement from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

No arrests have been made in connection to the case.

Conor has reportedly retained an attorney and has been communicating with authorities, according to Fox News.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Mark Chiarolanza told Oxygen July 23 that there had been no new updates to the case.

A spokesperson for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office also confirmed there were no updates.

Brooke Hanlon’s Sister Calls Murder “A Complete Nightmare”

Brooke’s sister Paige Haggerty told Fox News Digital the couple’s one year old child is being cared for by family members, describing the baby as “the only saving grace” in the tragedy.

As she explained, “We still have a piece of Brooke with us.”

She added that Brooke’s death has left her family devastated.

“It’s unimaginable. It’s a complete nightmare,” she said. “To lose a sibling is the last thing you would expect.”

Authorities are asking that anyone with information about the case call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-2900, the Chester Police at 908-879-5100, or Crimestoppers at 973-267-2255.

Shocking Footage Captures NYPD Takedown of ‘Anti-American’ Suspect in Federal Building Firebombing

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Shocking Footage Captures NYPD Takedown of ‘Anti-American’ Suspect in Federal Building Firebombing

Fiery surveillance video shows anti-ICE arson attack at Federal Plaza

In a recent development, prosecutors have unveiled surveillance footage purportedly capturing Andrew Arrabaca in camo pants and a helmet prior to an incident involving fireworks, gasoline, and a BB gun near 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. (Credit: US Attorney’s Office/Southern District of NY)

NEW YORK — The release of surveillance footage by federal prosecutors has brought to light an alleged arson attempt on a major government complex in New York City, which hosts various federal agencies, including the FBI and ICE.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Andrew Arrabaca from Poughkeepsie, is accused of orchestrating an attack at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan. Authorities claim he launched fireworks towards the building, then proceeded to pour gasoline on the steps, setting them ablaze.

Footage depicts a man, alleged to be Arrabaca, clad in camouflage and a helmet, maneuvering a cart adorned with an anti-ICE banner.

A man in black with a white helmet dumps an orange bucket of gasoline onto the steps outside the building

Arrabaca, a U.S. Army veteran aged 43, faces accusations of carrying out an “anti-government” and “anti-American” assault on the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. (Southern District of New York)

The suspect can be seen placing fireworks on the ground before firing them toward pedestrians outside. He reenters the frame with a BB or pellet gun and begins shooting before dumping a can of gasoline on the steps and lighting them on fire.

Before the video ends, the figure can be seen throwing a box into the flames, which investigators later said contained more fireworks.

The suspect stands near the flames as they erupt

Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, is accused of an “anti-government” and “anti-American” attack on the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. (Southern District of New York)

Federal officers arrived and arrested him at the scene.

At least one person was injured by explosive debris, suffering from a gash in the back of their head, according to court filings. Two other people suffered minor injuries.

Arrabaca is accused of carrying a slew of additional weapons and incendiary devices. He was initially accused of firing an Airsoft rifle, but prosecutors later said it was a BB or pellet gun, and photos show at least two on the ground after his arrest.

Weapons, including hatchets, BB guns and knives were seized from a cart with an anti-ICE banner on it

Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, is accused of an “anti-government” and “anti-American” attack on the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. (Southern District of New York)

“He is an anti-American, anti-government extremist,” James Barnacle, the assistant director in charge of the FBI New York Field Office, told reporters at a news briefing Monday. “We know that from what he said.” He added that Arrabaca allegedly “came armed, with bad intentions.”

According to the criminal complaint, Arrabaca allegedly told investigators he had been “motivated to act by anti-government beliefs, including a belief that government authorities were unlawfully harming people” and that he targeted the staircase because he knew it led to a busy entrance.

Weapons, including hatchets, BB guns and knives were seized from a cart with an anti-ICE banner on it

Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, is accused of an “anti-government” and “anti-American” attack on the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. (Southern District of New York)

Barnacle said Arrabaca is a former U.S. Army soldier who served from 2001 to 2005 as a missile system mechanic. Voter records show he has registered as a Democrat and a member of the left-wing Working Families party.

Three people suffered minor injuries in the attack.”Mr. Arrabaca was looking to injure people and harm people,” Barnacle said. “He had two axes, a hammer, a machete and three knives.”

A split image showing flames on the left and the suspect holding a pellet rifle on the right

Andrew Arrabaca, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran, is accused of an “anti-government” and “anti-American” attack on the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York City. (Southern District of New York)

He added that police also recovered six more fireworks, “some other destructive items” as well as anti-ICE literature. Authorities seized Arrabaca’s vehicle and were working to obtain a search warrant as Barnacle delivered his update Monday.

Arrabaca does not appear to have a criminal record prior to his arrest outside the building.

The Federal Building has long been a target for extremists, Barnacle said. It’s also one of the most secure locations in Manhattan, surrounded by barricades and road closures.
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