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RHOC Star Gina Kirschenheiter Discusses Emily’s Motives Questioning and Her Strong Stance on Heather

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RHOC Star Gina Kirschenheiter Discusses Emily’s Motives Questioning and Her Strong Stance on Heather

RHOC's Gina Kirschenheiter Reacts to Emily Telling Carmella She Questioned Her Motives and Hints Emily Was ‘Too Harsh’ on Heather, Plus She Shares Wedding Update

Credit: Bravo

Gina Kirschenheiter shared her thoughts on praise she received from Vicki Gunvalson during the latest episode of Watch What Happens Live. As the conversation unfolded, she also discussed Vicki’s ongoing tensions with newcomers to the franchise. Among the topics was Carmella Garcia, 44, and Gina also shared her perspective on whether Emily Simpson, 50, might have been too critical of Heather Dubrow, 57. Additionally, Gina revealed who she feels most connected to among her Real Housewives of Orange County colleagues, and provided an update on her relationship with Travis Mullen, 40, following their New Year engagement.

“[Vicki] genuinely appreciates me. She’s had nothing but nice things to say, and I believe it’s because I have a strong work ethic,” Gina disclosed in the August 6 broadcast of WWHL. “I have a lot of respect for her. Her accomplishments both in and out of the Housewives universe are impressive. Her insurance company, for instance, is very much legitimate. [And] I hold her opinions in high regard.”

“[Vicki] actually really likes me. She’s been saying such kind things about me. She likes me cuz I work,” Gina shared on the August 6 episode of WWHL. “I very much respect her. I think what she’s built is extraordinary and incredible, in the housewife world, but also outside of the housewife world. Like her insurance company is real. [And] I value her opinion.”

After watching as Vicki admitted she was proud of her and sees herself in her, Gina said that while she hadn’t told her that in person, she was “extremely flattered.”

“I love it, honestly, I love the way our relationship has evolved and the way that she sees me now,” she explained. 

Gina also said that because she and Vicki had made such progress, she had hope for a future reconciliation between Vicki and Carmella.

Following a bit of a hazing from Vicki, which came amid questions about Carmella’s career in real estate, and whether she was an actual developer, Gina said that it was either herself or Carmella who Vicki was harder on.

“Now I feel like it’s Carmella, but she did tell me I have no moral compass when I joined the show. It was rough,” Gina admitted.

Moving on to Emily, Gina said she didn’t care that Emily told Carmella that she had questioned her motives following the pricey Dior birthday gift she gave to Emily.

“It wasn’t that serious. It was something trivial. Do I love that she shared it? No. But whatever … because I did, I said all those things to multiple people, multiple times. So it was what it was,” she reasoned.

As for whether Emily was too harsh with Heather amid questions surrounding their friendship, Gina confirmed the two of them have “love for each other” before agreeing that Emily could’ve been softer.

“I’m a sucker for Heather when she gets upset,” Gina noted.

Then, after being asked if she was closer to Heather or Emily, Gina revealed, “I don’t think Heather would be surprised by this: Emily is literally like a sister to me. She’s a ride or die. We are just close in a way that’s different, honestly, than any of the other friendships on the show.”

“We’re really, truly best friends. She’s so important to me and we can bicker on the show or whatever, but we’re sisters,” Gina continued, adding, “But I love Heather and I respect Heather … She is a ride or die too. I love Fancy Pants. I really do.”

Also on the live broadcast, Gina confirmed that Travis had upgraded her ring from the prototype he previously gave her, and she added that she also got a bonus ring.

“When he first was designing this, he designed two rings, and I loved them both but I really didn’t want to change anything. So he also got me the other ring,” she revealed.

As for how Travis could afford to purchase both rings, she explained, “He has a full time job and I’ll tell you what, we’re crushing it in real estate, so houses bought these rings.”

Later, on the WWHL: After Show, Gina admitted that she and Travis do not yet have a wedding date — and won’t for a while.

“I’m not planning a wedding. Honestly, I’m taking my time,” she explained. “I want to get my kids through school, and then I feel like I can really focus on that. I do have other goals, like financially. I feel like I’m building a business, I’m making investments, I’m saving for college. That’s my focus right now, and then once I’m through that I’m gonna throw a rager.”

After agreeing that it could be 10 years before she and Travis say, “I do,” Gina confessed that she wasn’t sure how Travis felt about waiting so long.

“We’ll have to ask him because I tend to just go with my own ideas … I made all these decisions, and I clearly did not include him on any of them.”

She then dished on Travis’ friendship with her ex-husband, Matthew Kirschenheiter, 41, saying they get along “really well.”

“They’ll have bro days. They went and had a bottle of wine together that Matt had brought back for him from Italy, and they went, and they had it together and like, smoked cigars and like, bro-ed out. It’s like, weird but it works for us.”

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 20 airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Bravo.

Deadly Russian Strikes Overwhelm Kyiv’s Defenses, Killing 4 in Fierce Assault

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Deadly Russian Strikes Overwhelm Kyiv’s Defenses, Killing 4 in Fierce Assault

In a somber turn of events, four lives, including that of a young child, were tragically lost as Russian forces unleashed a barrage against Kyiv and its neighboring areas, according to local officials on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ukraine struck back by targeting another Russian oil refinery.

Kyiv’s residents find themselves in a relentless cycle of drone and missile onslaughts. The capital’s beleaguered air defense systems are straining under the pressure of Moscow’s ongoing four-year military campaign. Conversely, Ukraine’s strategic strikes on Russian oil sites have led to significant fuel shortages, inciting unease across the border.

Grandparents and grandson killed in Ukraine’s Kyiv region

In the latest round of attacks, a devastating blow came early Saturday when Russian drones took the lives of two grandparents and their 3-year-old grandson in the Brovary district, northeast of Kyiv. The assault left their home in ruins.

Others were not spared from this tragedy. Three family members and a neighbor who rushed to help are now receiving hospital care, as confirmed by local officials. The attack has left an indelible mark, reducing structures to debris and leaving vehicles in tatters.

In the heart of Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the grim news of at least one other casualty due to an attack involving six ballistic missiles, which targeted civilian infrastructure.

In its daily report, Ukraine’s air force said it had downed or intercepted 135 of 151 drones launched by Russia overnight. The attack also involved six ballistic missiles and other guided missiles.

Russia has relentlessly pounded civilian areas of Ukraine, even though Moscow insists its forces target only military facilities.

Moscow is exploiting Ukraine’s critical shortage of interceptors for the US-made Patriot systems, the sole air defense weapon in its arsenal able to shoot down ballistic missiles.

Zelensky has pleaded with other countries, especially the US, to send more of the ammunition made scarcer by the Iran war.

Failing that, he wants to make Patriot ammunition in Ukraine or win permission from Elon Musk to use his Starlink satellite communications system to guide strikes inside Russia that can hit its missile launchers.

Following the latest attacks, Zelensky appealed on X for more sanctions to “prevent the production of these ballistic missiles,” along with “anti-ballistic capabilities” and “interceptor missiles.”

Ukraine’s air defenses shot down around 5,300 drones and missiles last month, Ukraine’s defense ministry said Friday, just under 60% of the around 9,000 attack drones and missiles Russia fired in the same period.

Ukraine strikes a Russian oil facility

In Russia, five people were wounded when a fire broke out at the Ilsky Oil Refinery in the southern Krasnodar region due to debris from a falling drone, local officials said.

Ukraine’s almost daily long-range drone and missile strikes using domestically developed weapons have battered Russian oil facilities for months. The operation has brought a fuel crisis that is embarrassing the Kremlin.

Zelensky in Serbia for talks

The latest attacks came hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived Friday for his first official visit to Serbia, one of the few European countries that have maintained friendly relations with Russia despite its invasion of Ukraine.

“Important talks are scheduled for today and tomorrow,” Zelensky said Friday. He added that he will meet with Vucic and Serbia’s Prime Minister Djuro Macut.

“We will discuss expanding economic ties between our countries, relations with the European Union, and other areas where we can find practical opportunities that benefit our peoples, as well as security issues,” Zelensky said.

Donald Trump’s Vegas Visit Sparks Fascination Amid Enigmatic Appearance

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Donald Trump’s Vegas Visit Sparks Fascination Amid Enigmatic Appearance

In a startling yet subtly humorous turn of events, President Donald Trump arrived in Las Vegas sporting a new hairstyle that quickly became the center of online chatter. The internet lit up with speculation about his suddenly more luxuriant mane.

Trump was at the Red Rock Casino on Wednesday night, proudly highlighting his administration’s reported economic triumphs. But what truly captured the public’s imagination was not his speech, but the striking change in his hair’s volume.

Journalist Aaron Rupar took to social media platform X to remark on the situation: “Trump’s hair, uh, has a lot more volume than normal. Is Trump rocking a wig, or what the hell is going on here?” he posted, fanning the flames of curiosity.

This topic isn’t a new one for the president. He candidly confronted the issue back in 2018 during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland.

At that time, he humorously admitted, “I try like hell to hide my bald spot, folks. I work hard at it.” This acknowledgment only adds to the intrigue surrounding his latest hair transformation.

That same year, Trump’s physician revealed he takes a drug to tackle male-pattern baldness, USA Today reported.  

Yet, his fuller golden locks became the center of online discussions in the following days, as memes of Trump poured in. 

‘What on earth is going on with his hair? He really looks like his mother,’ one user joked.

As President Donald Trump appeared at the Red Rock Casino on Wednesday night to boast his administration's accomplishments, the internet exploded over his fuller looking hair style

As President Donald Trump appeared at the Red Rock Casino on Wednesday night to boast his administration’s accomplishments, the internet exploded over his fuller looking hair style

He previously addressed his bald spot in 2018 at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland

That same year, Trump's physician revealed he takes a drug to tackle male-pattern baldness

That same year, Trump’s physician revealed he takes a drug to tackle male-pattern baldness 

‘Mike Rogers is gonna be so jealous of Trump’s new head ferret,’ another quipped. 

‘It is odd. Doesn’t match the rest of his hair like the old Rubik’s cube sweep over thing,’ a third said. 

‘He appears to be wearing some roadkill that Bobby picked up,’ another comment read.

‘He’s grifted billions but still won’t splurge on anything that looks better than a dead ferret,’ one wrote. 

‘RFK Jr. must’ve have found him some fresh roadkill to glue to his head,’ another said. 

Edited photos of the president cropped up across social media, many featuring furry animals on top of his head including a ferret, a squirrel and a cat. 

Others jumped to support the president’s new look.

‘I’m not happy with President Trump, I think he lied to the people who voted for him, but I think the new hair fits pretty well. For being 80 years old the man is holding up pretty damn well,’ one user wrote. 

‘He’s talking about defeating a socialist movement in this country and you clowns are obsessed about his hair. Ridiculous,’ another user said. 

‘who cares.. you communists are all out talking about Trumps hair instead of how you are all communists now,’ a third commented. 

Besides the president’s new hairstyle, he championed his administration’s ‘Trump Accounts’ while on stage, which allows people to deduct up to $12,500 in qualified tip or overtime earnings from their taxable income in federal tax filings. 

Joint filers can deduct up to $25,000, and it can be claimed on top of the standard deduction without itemizing taxes. 

No tax on tips and overtime was passed as part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act in early July last year. 

Trump Accounts were passed on July 4, 2025, and came into effect on July 4 of this year.

The accounts function as a kind of custodial-style traditional IRA for minors. Parents of any US citizen under 18 can open one in the child’s name and contribute up to $5,000 to it per year.

The money is invested in mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track the S&P 500 or other equity indexes, with at least 90 percent going to US companies. The child gains access to the account and can begin withdrawing once they turn 18.

Any US citizen child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, who has a Trump Account opened in their name is eligible for a $1,000 seed deposit from the federal government.

The Daily Mail reached out to The White House for comment.  

Discover Lorenzo Lamas & Shauna Sand’s Model Daughter Now

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Discover Lorenzo Lamas & Shauna Sand’s Model Daughter Now

Lorenzo Lamas posing with his daughter Alexis Lamas at the premiere for

Frank Trapper/Getty Images

With striking looks inherited from their high-profile parents, it’s no wonder that Alexandra Lamas, the first child of Lorenzo Lamas and Shauna Sand, shines just as brightly. Following in the footsteps of her glamorous parents, Alexandra has gracefully stepped into the modeling world. Yet, she sets herself apart by vocally championing the values of inner beauty and self-love. Many remember Lorenzo Lamas as the charismatic heartthrob of the 1980s, captivating audiences on “Falcon Crest.” Meanwhile, Shauna Sand carved her niche in the ’90s as a celebrated Playboy Playmate. Given this star-studded lineage, Alexandra’s entry into the world of modeling feels only natural. Her journey so far boasts impressive highlights, such as features in renowned fashion publications like France’s Malvie Magazine and Moevir Magazine, not to mention gracing the cover of Pump’s Summer 2021 issue.

Shauna Sand frequently expresses her pride for Alexandra on Instagram, sharing glimpses of her daughter’s work with enthusiasm. Lorenzo Lamas, equally proud, refrains from focusing solely on Alexandra’s physical beauty. Instead, he regularly praises her intelligence, character, and strong work ethic. During a candid 2024 episode of the “Media Path Podcast,” the “Grease” star admitted, “I never told [my daughters] how beautiful they were, not because I didn’t want them to hear it, but because I knew that’s what they would hear for the rest of their life.” He believes their alluring appearance is merely genetic, emphasizing, “It’s completely genetic! We have nothing to be proud of. […] What we have inside is the most important thing.” Furthermore, Lamas takes pride in the fact that his daughters have succeeded in forging their individual paths.

Alexandra Lamas’ busy life is a balancing act

Modeling is just one part of Alexandra Lamas’ professional journey. She’s also spoken about using that experience to help others, and even became a holistic health coach at one point. While great genetics obviously helped her get into modeling, in a moving 2024 Instagram post, she admitted that she’d tried to avoid it for a long time, instead striving for something more “normal” than her parents,’ and grandparents,’ careers. Alexandra studied psychology, but she ended up getting an opportunity to model after graduating. While that was very exciting in a lot of ways, she clarified, “It also reignited the perfectionism and pressure to please that had long been ingrained in me since childhood. As my career took off, so did the internal battles I had long suppressed.” Sadly, that brought on unhealthy expectations and body image issues. 

Fortunately, as Alexandra went on to note, “Within this struggle, something changed. I started to recognize that the path I was on was not sustainable.” She added of her later decision to become a certified health coach, “Today, I channel my passion for health into helping other women navigate their own journeys of recovery.” Fast-forward to 2026, and Alexandra is a creative strategist, and continues to share her wisdom on balancing the different parts of oneself while healing online. In one Instagram post, she asserted, of being a creative, “If you’re a multi-passionate creative trying to build something meaningful, you’re not scattered, you’re powerful. The world doesn’t need another perfectly defined niche. It needs people brave enough to build something new.” The post included not just Alexandra’s words, but a selection of past photoshoots, too. She’s definitely forging her own path, and looking totally gorgeous while doing it.

Central Florida Faces County-by-County Surge of Diarrhea-Causing Parasite

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Central Florida Faces County-by-County Surge of Diarrhea-Causing Parasite

ORLANDO, Fla. – The microscopic parasite known as Cyclospora cayetanensis is making its presence felt across the United States, with a notable surge in cases reported in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This parasite is the culprit behind the intestinal condition “cyclosporiasis,” characterized by severe watery diarrhea which can sometimes result in violent, explosive bowel movements.

Health experts have pinpointed the spread of Cyclospora to the consumption of food or water contaminated by fecal matter.

In the United States, the CDC identified links between cyclosporiasis outbreaks and a variety of fresh produce items.

The outbreak season for cyclosporiasis officially begins on May 1 and is expected to continue until August 31.

Reported incidents ramped up significantly last month, though, with nearly 300 cases being reported statewide.

“The true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis was likely higher than the number reported,” the CDC’s website reads. “This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.”

Anyone who experiences symptoms of Cyclospora infection is urged to contact their healthcare provider, though health officials have assured that most people with healthy immune symptoms will eventually recover from cyclosporiasis even without treatment.

For more information on cyclosporiasis and its symptoms, visit the CDC’s website here.

Census Unveiled: Multicultural Communities See Beyond the Numbers

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Gia Lam, just 32 years old, welcomed her newborn son into the world in 2019. Tragically, a mere three days later, her lifeless body was discovered in her residence.

A March inquest by the Coroners Court of NSW classified Lam’s death as “preventable”. The investigation concluded she succumbed to a sepsis infection, a result of “multiple failures in diagnosing a urinary tract infection”.

Originally from Vietnam, Lam moved to Australia around 2010. During her hospital stay, language barriers presented challenges, as Vietnamese interpreters were reportedly unavailable “in certain situations”, noted the coroner’s findings.

Priyanka Rai, leading the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, expressed familiarity with “thousands of stories akin to this”.

“In this deeply distressing case, Gia attempted to convey her pain to the healthcare services,” Rai explained to SBS News, “but a communication breakdown unfortunately occurred.”

“She had a visit by a midwife who did note that she could smell something was off, but she put that down to hygiene, rather than actually trying to look for a clinical cause.”

Rai said decisions regarding the funding, availability and allocation of translating and interpreting services — including in healthcare — are informed by the Census of Population and Housing.

The upcoming Census will be held on Tuesday 11 August. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will collect data on a person’s ancestry, country of birth and whether a language other than English is used at home.

What is the Census?

According to 2021 Census data, an estimated 27.6 per cent of Australians were born overseas, and 48.2 per cent of Australians have a parent born overseas.

Emily Walter is a Census national spokesperson at the ABS and admits that “the Census asks lots of questions” about an individual or household.

But Walter told SBS Hindi that the survey is about “understanding who people are, their cultural background, information about their health and their education and their work status”.

“It’s all really important information for understanding the community’s needs.”

A man wearing a black knit and pants stands between white shelves filled with books inside a library.

Abbas Raza Alvi is the president of the Indian Crescent Society of Australia. He told SBS Hindi that he believes the Census form is “quite complex”.

It has up to 66 questions and “sometimes contains words in English that some people find hard to understand”, Alvi said.

Online information about the Census is available in 26 languages. People who speak a language other than English can also contact the free Translating and Interpreting Service, which provides access to interpreters who speak more than 150 languages.

How does Census data inform multicultural services?

Census data is used to inform decisions about language services, settlement support, transport, school catchment areas, health care, infrastructure, and business. It also maps and tracks the locations of various populations and key demographics.

This year, the Census will include two new optional questions (for respondents aged 16 or older) about a person’s gender identity and sexual orientation. That will be used to determine services for LGBTQI+ populations in Australia.

SBS broadcasts and publishes across more than 60 languages, using data from the Census to ensure its audio, digital, and television offerings reflect the country’s evolving demographics.

Researchers rely on Census data too. It’s used to study a range of topics including population demographics, economic trends and social issues.

Peter Doukas, chair of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia, told SBS News it’s important to ensure “that we can collect accurate demographic data about what makes up Australia”.

“That will include things like the kind of languages that are spoken at home and the contraction of some of the more legacy communities.”

What community leaders want changed

Question 17 of the Census asks where a person was born.

Countries listed on the Census form include Australia, England, India, New Zealand, the Philippines, Vietnam and South Africa. If a person is born in another country, they can specify this in the ‘Other’ field.

An ABS spokesperson told SBS Chinese that “the countries listed are the most commonly reported countries of birth in the 2021 Census”.

According to 2025 ABS data, an estimated 732,000 people in Australia were born in China. That’s an increase of 32,000 compared to 2024 statistics.

However, the spokesperson said China will not be listed as a separate response category.

“This is to encourage people to write in China, Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan in the ‘Other (specify)’ box.”

A crowd of doctors and nurses wearing scrubs in various shades of blue crowds around a person lying on a bed with a blue blanket in the emergency department.

Rai said she believes a question about English proficiency should be added to the Census.

“We need more granular data around not just country of birth, but English proficiency … that’s an important metric of defining what multiculturalism means.

“In health systems, we have data, for instance, in Western Sydney, we do have a large population that was born overseas. But we don’t know what their level of English proficiency is.”

She said that impacts funding for services, including hospital interpreters.

“It’s those experiences of feeling like nobody understands what you’re saying and your concerns are dismissed, [that] then feed into these ongoing issues where we already know multicultural communities don’t engage with preventative health, often have worse outcomes because they appear later.

“We can see why, because accessing care is so difficult.”

Heroic K-9 Stops Suspected Drunk Driver in Washington Standoff

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Heroic K-9 Stops Suspected Drunk Driver in Washington Standoff

In an intense 40-minute standoff that gripped Washington, a suspected impaired driver who persistently defied police orders was ultimately subdued when officers resorted to using a K-9 through the vehicle’s driver-side window. Freshly released body camera footage captures the dramatic scene.

On Thursday, the Vancouver Police Department unveiled both body and dash camera videos showcasing the gripping events from July 26. The footage highlights an exhaustive chase that concluded with K-9 Midas dramatically springing into the car to aid in securing the suspect’s arrest.

Officers were dispatched following a deluge of reports concerning a driver, appearing visibly impaired and reportedly unconscious at the wheel. Witnesses noted the individual was seemingly engaging in huffing behavior with compressed air cans while attempting to drive.

Upon tracking down the vehicle, law enforcement observed the driver relentlessly inhaling from a canister. A traffic stop was initiated, yet the driver exhibited no intention of yielding.

Video evidence reveals the suspect’s car as it struck a curb and accelerated in a desperate bid to escape, narrowly veering off into a residential yard at one point.

According to police, the driver’s actions posed an immediate danger to others on the road, prompting an officer to deploy a Grappler device that successfully brought the vehicle to a stop.

Even after the vehicle stopped, the driver refused repeated commands to get out, police said.

Officers spent more than 40 minutes communicating with the driver and evaluating multiple options to gain compliance, including a 40 mm less-lethal launcher and pepper balls.

Police said the driver continued inhaling from compressed air cans throughout the standoff and refused repeated commands to surrender.

After multiple warnings, officers deployed K-9 Midas through the driver’s side window.

The video shows officers quickly surrounding the vehicle after the K-9 entered the car before safely taking the driver into custody.

The suspect, Brandon Wells, was booked into the Clark County Jail on charges of attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, reckless driving and resisting arrest.

Trump Lashes Out at Homeland Security Chief as Tensions Flare

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Trump Lashes Out at Homeland Security Chief as Tensions Flare

Markwayne Mullin is currently feeling the heat from President Donald Trump, following a series of blunders that have caught unwanted attention.

Mullin secured his role in March when Trump appointed him as the successor to the outgoing Kristi Noem as the Department of Homeland Security Secretary. Just a month after Mullin’s appointment, Trump reshuffled his cabinet by dismissing Attorney General Pam Bondi and introducing Todd Blanche as her replacement.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, sources close to the situation indicate that Mullin might soon find himself at odds with Trump. These insiders claim that Mullin has deviated from Trump’s firm stance on border security, raising questions about his tenure.

The first notable slip-up occurred in late June. Mullin made a controversial appearance on CNN after a significant Supreme Court decision that greenlit Trump’s plan to terminate temporary protections for Haitian immigrants residing in the United States.

During this appearance with Jake Tapper, Mullin delivered remarks that seemed discordant with the administration’s script, suggesting that Haitians could pursue paperwork for permanent status or be assisted in returning to their homeland—a comment that didn’t sit well with some of Trump’s officials.

The secretary also drew annoyance from Trump when he pressed to cancel the Fourth of July fireworks show on the National Mall because there was lightning in the area. 

Trump appeared to lightly roast Mullin for suggesting they cancel during his speech that evening.

‘One of my very brilliant people backstage said, ‘Don’t worry about it, sir. We can do it maybe next week.’ ‘I said, ‘It doesn’t work next week.’ This is the big day. We want July Fourth. We’re not looking for July something else.’

Markwayne Mullin (pictured right) has become the latest cabinet member to draw the ire of President Donald Trump (pictured left) over a series of recent mistakes

Markwayne Mullin (pictured right) has become the latest cabinet member to draw the ire of President Donald Trump (pictured left) over a series of recent mistakes

Mullin (pictured) was confirmed in March after being named Trump's pick to replace ousted Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Mullin (pictured) was confirmed in March after being named Trump’s pick to replace ousted Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

Join the discussion

Is Trump right to demand absolute loyalty and toughness from his cabinet, or does it hurt his leadership?

As July wore on, DHS came under fire after two immigrants were killed in ICE-involved shootings in Texas and Maine in the span of a week. 

Mullin put a temporary halt to federal immigration officials stopping vehicles for check-ins. 

An administration official told WSJ that Trump was not made aware of the move before Mullin made it. Trump reversed the policy the next day via a Truth Social post. 

This past week saw another reported mistake from Mullin, as he spoke at a meeting of the National Governors Association in his home state of Oklahoma. 

Mullin drew criticism from the administration for saying that the idea of immigrants stealing American jobs, while ‘true in some industries, it’s not true for all industries.’

He added that immigration may be a way to fix some industries’ struggles with low labor-force participation rates. 

The Daily Mail reported of the MAGA revolt over the comments, as Trump ally Laura Loomer soon after called for the President to fire Mullin and said he hasn’t increased mass deportations. 

The torrent of criticism from the Trump-aligned spectrum included former Customs and Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, Laura Loomer, Tomi Lahren and Steve Bannon, among others, and came after Mullin used a speech in Oklahoma City to strike a more moderate tone on immigration.

The first gaffe came in late June, after the Supreme Court ruled Trump was allowed to end protections for Haitian immigrants living in the US. Mullin, in comments administration officials said were out of step, told Jake Tapper that some could potentially return to the US

The first gaffe came in late June, after the Supreme Court ruled Trump was allowed to end protections for Haitian immigrants living in the US. Mullin, in comments administration officials said were out of step, told Jake Tapper that some could potentially return to the US

The secretary also drew annoyance from Trump when he pressed to cancel the Fourth of July fireworks show on the National Mall because there was lightning in the area

The secretary also drew annoyance from Trump when he pressed to cancel the Fourth of July fireworks show on the National Mall because there was lightning in the area

Mullin’s reputation also took a hit following his praise of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, with whom he previously told Politico he shares a ‘real good relationship’ with.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, also a Democrat, praised Mullin’s remarks in Oklahoma City as a breath of fresh air from a senior Trump official. 

There has been an ‘absolute difference in what we have seen from the start of the [Trump] administration until now,’ he said.

But several hours after his speech, Mullin appeared to have gotten the message from Trump’s allies loud and clear. 

‘NO amnesty for illegal aliens. Ever,’ Mullin said on social media, apparently reneging on his earlier remarks. 

Mullin has also clashed with Trump allies over his pick for the new head of ICE, Lance Schroyer. 

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that his nomination has been indefinitely shelved despite Mullin’s protests. 

ICE officials balked at the idea, suggesting Schroyer lacks federal government or immigration experience. 

This past week saw another reported mistake from Mullin, as a spoke at a meeting of the National Governors Association in his home state of Oklahoma

This past week saw another reported mistake from Mullin, as a spoke at a meeting of the National Governors Association in his home state of Oklahoma

Mullin has also clashed with Trump allies over his pick for the new head of ICE , Lance Schroyer

Mullin has also clashed with Trump allies over his pick for the new head of ICE , Lance Schroyer

Tom Homan, the President’s border czar, has also reportedly objected to the pick.

Sources familiar with the ICE director search told the Daily Mail they are not aware of Mullin’s vetting of other candidates. 

Instead, sources say, Mullin tapped his ‘buddy’ and took his case directly to Trump without consulting two of the President’s top immigration advisers: Stephen Miller and Homan. 

A White House source insisted earlier this week that Schroyer remains President Trump’s nominee to lead ICE, and Congressional scheduling should not be interpreted as any personnel announcements.

The Daily Mail reported late last month that Schroyer’s confirmation appeared in doubt, with fresh scrutiny over his lack of experience and his personal baggage, according to eight current and former DHS officials. 

A senior administration official confirmed to WSJ that Trump is growing more and more frustrated with Mullin but has no plans to fire him. 

‘President Trump has confidence in his Cabinet to carry out the agenda the American people voted for,’ White House spokesperson Lauren Bis said in a statement. 

‘Thanks to President Trump’s leadership we have the most secure border in history, we are deporting record numbers of illegal aliens, we have cracked down on illegal alien fraud, and we are denaturalizing individuals who illegally procured American citizenship.’

Markwayne Mullin is sworn in during a hearing for the position of US Secretary of Homeland Security at the US Capitol, in March

Markwayne Mullin is sworn in during a hearing for the position of US Secretary of Homeland Security at the US Capitol, in March

A spokesperson for the DHS told WSJ that the administration is ‘one team and we have one fight.’  

Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico crossed party lines and sided with the majority of Republicans to approve the nomination, which was confirmed 54-45 in March.

However, Republican Senator Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, voted against the nominee due to their open hostility toward each other. Mullin had previously called Paul a ‘freaking snake’ – but later apologized.

Ex-DHS Secretary Noem was spectacularly fired by Trump earlier in March after much scrutiny over her alleged affair with top staffer Corey Lewandowski, which both have denied, and other scandals. 

The President lauded Mullin for his Native American roots and claimed the Senator ‘will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security’ in the Truth Social post announcing his pick to replace Noem.

Mullin has been a staunch ally of Trump’s policies during his time in Congress, and has appeared frequently on cable TV defending the administration’s agenda. 

He has represented Oklahoma in the United States Senate since 2023, and previously served in the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2023. 

Prior to entering politics, the Oklahoman had a brief stint as a mixed martial arts or MMA fighter. He left the sport with an undefeated 5-0 record and was later inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.

The senator is known as a firebrand and even challenged the Teamsters president to a brawl during a Senate hearing in 2023.

The Daily Mail has contacted the White House and DHS for comment. 

Matheus Nunes Reflects on Guardiola’s Man City Farewell, Right-Back Transition, and the John Stones Feud

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Matheus Nunes Reflects on Guardiola’s Man City Farewell, Right-Back Transition, and the John Stones Feud

A mere 18 hours after Manchester City clinched a nail-biting victory against Leeds in November, John Stones emerged at the club’s training ground with an unmistakable focus on teammate Matheus Nunes.

In a bond that might defy expectations, Stones and Nunes found camaraderie through humor. Nunes made it his mission to inject levity into their mornings, often jokingly attempting to irritate Stones over breakfast. Or as Nunes affectionately put it, to ‘p*** John off’.

This playful dynamic took an intriguing twist when Nunes, after a major error that helped spark an unlikely comeback by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal, found himself in Stones’s playful crosshairs. The blunder saw him mishandle possession inside the penalty box in a chaotic manner.

Stones seized the moment to playfully seek revenge, comforted by two facts: City’s last-minute victory, sealed by Phil Foden, and Nunes’s growing confidence as a right back, a position he had steadily come to embrace.

Initially, Nunes resisted Pep Guardiola’s decision to shift him to right back, struggling to come to terms with it for six long months in 2025. His frustrations were such that a departure from the club seemed like a possibility.

Matheus Nunes has transitioned from a midfielder to a right back at Manchester City

Matheus Nunes has transitioned from a midfielder to a right back at Manchester City

But once the Leeds gaffe came around, the 27-year-old was already comfortable in his new skin – any mental fragility gone – and now he heads into this Premier League as Enzo Maresca’s first choice. This comes after those closest to him had to cajole him into believing in a reimagined destiny while at his lowest ebb.

‘When I was playing as a winger, Bernardo [Silva] would call me Thierry Henry,’ Nunes says. ‘Then I played as a full back and he called me Cafu.

‘Bernardo and Ruben [Dias] were so annoying all the time, they were in my head constantly: ‘You were good there, you were good there. You need to accept it.’ And I was like, no, no, no, all the time.

‘I always told my friends that I wasn’t a full back. At a certain point you just have to see what the people are saying. You can’t be denying it for the rest of your life. If you do, maybe you miss your chance. Now I feel like a full back.’

Nunes struggled to countenance the switch from central midfield, where he had excelled at Wolves. During the process of shifting him into defence Pep Guardiola once said that Nunes wasn’t ‘clever enough’ to feature in the middle for City – comments he privately clarified with the player a day later.

The integration was not easy, Nunes in and out, bruised by mistakes during a derby defeat too – one of them glaring, under-hitting a back pass and then barging Amad over to concede a penalty in blind panic.

‘Individually I would say this is probably the most difficult game,’ he adds. ‘In my head after the game… when you do mistakes as a midfielder, you would never affect the game like that one. I did one mistake and it led to a goal, and then you end up losing the game and that’s all you think in your head, you know?

‘But it was not only that, it was me coming from a place where it was uncomfortable for me, a position where it was uncomfortable for me, not being able to accept it, because I wasn’t accepting it. In my head, it was ‘I’m not a full-back. I’m not a full-back’. That’s all I was thinking about.

‘I think in the Club World Cup, my mindset started to change. Oh, I can actually play good. I had maybe three or four games in a row and then the beginning of last season I started playing every single game. Then your head just flips and you can see it through.’

Nunes saw a psychologist during that transition and Guardiola ended up revealing that he observed elite potential in him as a defender. ‘If I didn’t change my mindset I would never have played good there and he would never have said stuff like that. He probably said that because he started to see what others couldn’t see.

‘Then actually seeing Pep during training, the way he believed in me, I felt there was a bit of a difference in the way that we interacted with each other. This stuff, you just feel it, it’s not something that I can explain. And once you start seeing all of this stuff, it changes the mindset. It was not easy, of course, but I had a decision to make: do I want to play or do I not want to play? And I wanted to play.’

Nunes begins to become emotional when Guardiola’s exit is raised. He talks about the video montage shown to players and staff – of Guardiola’s speeches and moments with the squad across a decade – when the manager officially announced his departure to the room.

Nunes offered a new insight into Guardiola's departure and said it was still difficult to talk about

Nunes offered a new insight into Guardiola’s departure and said it was still difficult to talk about

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Did Pep Guardiola’s position changes for players help City reach new heights or hold back their talents?

‘A lot of people were crying,’ Nunes says. ‘Pep held it together. He just wanted to get it over [quickly]. It became real that he was actually leaving. It’s difficult to talk about.

‘It’s very hard to say goodbye to someone who gave so much to us all. Someone who put the club to a level that seems unreachable again. What he did was unbelievable. A lot of things are going to change. I’ve never been in the club without him. It’s never easy to say goodbye.’

Adding Silva and Stones into that equation has made it a sombre summer for Nunes specifically.

‘Huge losses,’ he says. ‘If you look at it, John was a very important figure in the club. He was always a joker. The three of us were. I’m just being myself, and then I end up being a clown sometimes. What’s the point of life if you’re not having a laugh?’
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