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William and King Urged to Unite After Prince Harry Visits

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A royal commentator suggests that the key to the Royal Family’s stability lies in Prince William and King Charles collaboratively managing Prince Harry’s visits. The Prince of Wales reportedly has reservations about how Harry’s presence could impact the positive public image and crucial initiatives of the monarchy.

According to author Richard Fitzwilliams, who spoke with the Daily Mail, King Charles is likely eager to maintain a connection with his distant grandchildren, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, who reside in Montecito. Meanwhile, his successor exhibits a more cautious stance.

“A dispute between King Charles and Prince William would be the monarchy’s worst nightmare,” Fitzwilliams stressed, emphasizing the combined significance of the King and William’s familial unit to the monarchy’s continuity.

Despite the King’s understandable desire to engage with his grandchildren and the Sussexes’ personal silence, indirect communications continue to emerge, indicating ongoing tension.

Future plans clearly involve more visits, with the Sussexes keen for their children to spend time with their grandfather. Efficient arrangements for these visits, especially concerning hospitality and security, are expected to improve going forward.

In turn, Richard added, it may result in the King’s possible attendance at next year’s Invictus Games in Birmingham.

‘After all, he is the head of the armed forces and it undeniably is a valuable military charity.’

The expert also shared: ‘William showed public disdain for his (wayward) brother by playing polo with Catherine’s support on the day the Sussexes met the King and Queen.

‘If this was a one-off, few could object.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, author Richard Fitzwilliams said that while the King most likely wants to connect with his grandchildren Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five - who are an ocean away in Montecito - the heir is more wary

Speaking to the Daily Mail, author Richard Fitzwilliams said that while the King most likely wants to connect with his grandchildren Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five – who are an ocean away in Montecito – the heir is more wary

‘However, it is clearly part of a strategy. Harry and Meghan’s royal links mean everything, and Harry is wonderful with children.

‘Whilst appreciating his father’s approach, William is likely to be concerned about the effects of future visits. These are likely to overshadow the valuable work the monarchy is doing in the media.

‘It would be best if they happened privately with no one knowing and great progress might then be made, though that does not tend to be the Sussexes’ way.

‘Also, the idea of a form of “half in half out”, which Queen Elizabeth rejected, could be revived, according to reports, but it might be difficult to agree how this could be handled in practice.’

Richard stressed, however, that William and Charles must present a united front as the King’s future relationship with Harry progresses.

‘When there are disputes between families, reconciliation should always be welcomed. However, it often comes at a cost,’ he explained.

‘The Royal Family will bear in mind that the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death is coming up and Netflix would clearly like first refusal on anything the Sussexes were involved in to commemorate this.

The Royal Family's future relies on William and Charles having a 'joint approach' when it comes to Harry's visits, a royal expert has claimed. Harry in Birmingham earlier this month

The Royal Family’s future relies on William and Charles having a ‘joint approach’ when it comes to Harry’s visits, a royal expert has claimed. Harry in Birmingham earlier this month

Richard stressed, however, that William and Charles must present a united front as the King's future relationship with Harry progresses. William and Kate at the polo during Harry's visit

Richard stressed, however, that William and Charles must present a united front as the King’s future relationship with Harry progresses. William and Kate at the polo during Harry’s visit

‘There is a lot to play for and obviously we must hope one of the world’s most public family disputes is gradually resolved.

‘However, it is essential for the future of the monarchy that the King and Prince William agree a joint approach – both publicly and privately – on how this should be handled.

‘The optics of the way the King and William are handling this issue are fuelling reports, backed up by royal author Tina Brown last September, of serious divisions between them.

‘Since it is essential for the future of the monarchy that they speak with one voice on substantive issues, this is damaging for the monarchy and confusing for the public.’

He added: ‘Since the institution cannot afford deep divisions between them, perhaps Queen Camilla and Catherine will play a part in ensuring that, even if their priorities are different from the Sussexes’, that they present a more united front publicly.

‘If it was ensured that future visits by the Sussexes were private, that would obviously help.’

Ms Brown also said that Charles’s ‘alternation from his exasperating younger son is a constant heartache, made more painful by the fact that his paternal relationship with William, who was staunchly against his visit, is civil at best’.

She also suggested that ‘many in William’s camp considered the Highgrove rapprochement a reward for Harry’s manipulation and emotional blackmail’.

Karen Bass Tackles ‘Graffiti Towers’ Cleanup in Downtown L.A.

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Two neglected skyscrapers in downtown Los Angeles, often referred to as the “graffiti towers,” are finally undergoing a much-needed revitalization. However, Mayor Karen Bass is facing criticism for allowing the site to become a glaring representation of the city’s urban decay.

Detractors point to these skyscrapers as a clear indication of the city’s decline, highlighting issues such as homeless encampments, pervasive litter, rampant illegal drug use, and a general neglect of public nuisances under her leadership.

One particular news outlet delivered a harsh critique of Mayor Bass, who governs the United States’ second-largest city, only surpassed by New York.

“She let criminals run riot over $1bn skyscraper development for YEARS. Now LA’s mayor has the audacity to hail the clean-up of city’s infamous ‘graffiti towers,’” declared the Daily Mail in their Sunday headline.

The ambitious Oceanwide project began over a decade ago when a Chinese company, Oceanwide Holdings, acquired the plot opposite the Crypto.com Arena for a staggering $1.2 billion.

An aerial view of colorful graffiti spray-painted an abandoned real estate project in downtown Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The company planned luxury condos and a hotel on the site. However, work ceased in 2019 after the Chinese government cut back on overseas investments and Oceanwide ran out of funds.

The city has attempted to solve the matter in bankruptcy court, as the desolate towers remained empty for years while vandals scaled the structure and covered the development with floor after floor of huge tags.

The site also became a destination for thrill seekers who filmed stunts like base jumping and tightrope walking, resulting in dozens of arrests, news outlets have reported.

According to the Mail:

Mayor Karen Bass enhanced a police presence in the area and blocked off access to the towers in 2024, but the development stood as a visual reminder of LA’s economic woes. Signs of hope for an end to the madness came earlier this month when the city withdrew its objections to a modified bankruptcy plan proposed by a new buyer. Although the site was initially bought for $1.2 billion, the new buyer purchased the towers for $470 million.

With the incumbent mayor trying to hold onto her post in November’s general election against upstart city councilwoman Nithya Raman, Bass appears to be focusing on quality of life conditions that have led to the city’s decline for the past two decades.

“Oceanwide Plaza sits at the center of one of Downtown Los Angeles’ most important economic corridors, linking the Convention Center, Crypto.com Arena, LA LIVE, and the broader South Park district,” Bass said in a statement earlier in the week.

She continued, “Completing this project is about far more than finishing a building. It’s about restoring confidence, reconnecting a vital commercial corridor, and unlocking the economic potential of one of the city’s most strategic destinations ahead of a transformative decade for Los Angeles.”

Officials have been under pressure to clean up the streets ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city’s widespread street blight the leading issue in Spencer Pratt’s unsuccessful mayoral primary campaign.

KPC Development Co emerged as a potential buyer of the structures earlier this year, with the properties previously developing commercial properties in California and India.

Despite its interest to develop the towers into a hotel and residential structure, the sale had been stalled in bankruptcy court since April as the city struggled to agree on terms, according to the Mail.

“City attorneys withdrew their objections on Monday, conceding that KPC had agreed to ‘meaningful improvements’ that serve the interests of downtown residents,” the Mail reported.

Among the terms of the agreement was the immediate removal of graffiti within 30 days.

– contributor Lowell Cauffiel is the best-selling author of the Los Angeles crime novel Below the Line and nine other crime novels and nonfiction titles. See lowellcauffiel.com for more.

Discovering Chicago: A Hub for Innovative American Medical Cures

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Could a staggering $750 billion investment unlock the door to remedies for life-altering conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and various types of cancer? Lou Weisbach, a proactive Chicago entrepreneur, is wholeheartedly convinced of this potential. He leads the charge as a co-founder of The American Center for Cures, an ambitious project with monumental goals.

Their bold agenda seeks to assemble the funds and allocate them across 16 specialized teams tasked with focusing on these debilitating diseases. With a significant career history including a stint in the Bill Clinton administration, Weisbach is no stranger to initiatives of grand scale and importance.

“My journey with this began more than two decades ago with Dr. Rick Boxer, currently serving on the National Cancer Advisory Board,” Weisbach recalled. “We posed a straightforward, albeit ambitious question: If we genuinely aimed to conquer Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and breast cancer, what steps would be indispensable? Armed with just a blank page, we sketched out every conceivable action, only to realize that the existing framework back then—and even today—lacks the capacity to achieve these paramount goals.”

Back when the idea first emerged, attempts to pass supportive legislation hit a brick wall.

“The dynamics shifted recently, somewhat unexpectedly, due to changes under Donald Trump’s administration,” Weisbach explained. “Cuts to research funding served as a wake-up call, galvanizing American researchers to reconsider our proposal. It’s about having the U.S. Treasury sell $750 billion in bonds, with plans to issue $125 billion annually. The initial year’s interest cost would be $6 billion, increasing to $12 billion the following year. Imagine instilling hope in every American battling such diseases by assuring them that a dedicated team is working tirelessly, with minimal fiscal impact. Amidst our current national divisiveness, here’s a cause that unites us all, as everyone has felt the pain of watching loved ones suffer. Now there’s a strategy poised to make a difference,” Weisbach expressed with conviction. With resources and expertise synced, he believes progress could be swift, adding, “It’s time to seize every opportunity, and I’m confident the American Center for Cures is a step in the right direction.”

Part 1:

Could $750 billion lead to cures for diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many forms of cancer?

Part 2:

Could $750 billion lead to cures for diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s and many forms of cancer?

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Illegal Migration Backlash in South Africa: A Global Parallel

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In a mass exodus, more than 160,000 undocumented immigrants have departed from South Africa amid rising public demonstrations. Thousands of South African citizens have taken to the streets, demanding that foreigners leave the country, with frustration growing over the government’s management of border controls. This discontent echoes sentiments seen across Western nations.

A local South African organization has reported the staggering figure of up to 30 million undocumented immigrants residing in the nation. This number stands in stark contrast to South Africa’s documented populace of approximately 63 million. These undocumented immigrants are frequently blamed for escalating crime rates, seizing employment opportunities, and overwhelming public hospitals and educational institutions.

In areas such as Soweto, near Johannesburg, some groups have gone so far as to visit homes, issuing deadlines for immigrants to leave. Earlier this month, Reuters reported the arrest of 900 individuals during a day marked by nationwide protests. Although protests were largely conducted peacefully, some regions experienced violent outbreaks that necessitated police intervention. Tragically, one fatality was reported in the Johannesburg vicinity.

Anti-migrants protest in South Africa

During a demonstration in Pinetown, south of Durban, protesters from the March and March movement brandished banners and chanted slogans on July 16, 2026. (Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Images)

In response, some undocumented immigrants have opted to leave by bus or have been repatriated on flights organized by their home countries across Africa. On a June flight bound for Ghana, South African border authorities discovered that 321 out of 332 Ghanaians attempting to leave Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport were undocumented residents.

Up to five immigrants have been killed by protesters so far this year, but the most prominent anti-immigrant civic group in South Africa, the March and March movement, claims that it is against violence. It is their followers who march the country’s streets, often with large traditional sticks called knobkerries, “encouraging” foreigners to leave.

Their founder and leader, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, told News Media, “We’ve had enough,” claiming the number of illegal immigrants living in South Africa is “between 15 and 30 million, and that’s an arguable number because everyone is always debating what the actual number is.”

Illegal migrants South Africa

Undocumented migrants line up near a bus at the Durban Drive In in Durban, on June 29, 2026, preparing to leave before the camp will shut down and the operation will be transferred to the border with Zimbabwe. South Africans President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on June 25 to crush any attempts to destabilize the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week, amid a wave of xenophobia.  (Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images)

The number 30 million is contentious. The only official published figures are from a census taken in 2022 by Statistics SA, queried by some critics because the organization is controlled by the ANC government, under attack for reportedly causing the illegal immigration crisis and therefore seen to be benefiting from low statistics. The body claims there are up to 3 million immigrants in the country, but Ngobese-Zuma points out this figure includes people who have documents “they’re just using the numbers from those who were admitted to being in the country legally.”

Immigrants have frequently been seen running away when requested by officials, including Stats SA officials, to show their documents. The head of Statistics SA, Risenga Maluleke, even admitted to the local Eyewitness News that his officials don’t check information on the occasions that they can find immigrants, saying “when people say I was born outside South Africa, we take what they say because we have not had a way of proving it other than relying on what they say.”

fire in middle of street protest

Protesters start a fire in the streets of Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 30, 2026. (Reuters)

Ngobese-Zuma added, “The country is being invaded, and we decided to do something about it. There’s too much crime going on at the hands of foreign nationals. The actual truth is that a lot of them go unfound because nobody knows who they are. They’re not on record. Their fingerprints are not on the system. So there [are] a lot of cases actually that are outstanding when it comes to the issue of illegal immigrants.”

Statistics South Africa recently reported that the official unemployment rate for the country is 32.7%. Yet almost all illegal immigrants have found work here, with the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, admitting to the nation in a televised address last month, “Some employers hire undocumented immigrants because they pay them wages that are well below the minimum wage and make them work longer hours without due compensation.”

DHS ISSUES $84B IN FINES TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNDER TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

This led March and March’s Ngobese-Zuma to say, “The issue of jobs is also very important. In our community, where there’s the highest unemployment in the world, it only makes sense that South Africans are out there demanding that they be prioritized when it comes to employment.”

Several reports claim that in a local Johannesburg government hospital, built to offer practically free care to South Africa’s citizens, patients, even in the ER, have to wait up to 36 hours to be seen, because so many foreigners come to the hospital and use the facilities. At least one patient has died waiting to be seen at the Helen Joseph hospital, near to the center of the city.

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma

March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma leads a demonstration in Mtwalume, south of Durban, on July 9, 2026. (Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Iamges)

Ngobese-Zuma pointed out, “We have a welfare (health and education) system in the country, and currently people are flocking in from all over the African continent and the world to come and take advantage of these free things that they think are free when it’s actually taxpayers that are paying for it.”

Border controls are so lax that it’s said hundreds of thousands have simply waded across low rivers in some cases to enter South Africa, with crocodiles a bigger problem than police or immigration officials. Bribery and corruption at border posts is endemic. But following the public outcry, and perhaps significantly with local elections coming up, President Ramaphosa has now vowed to “crack down” on immigration issues. As of July 11, the government claims a total of 53,449 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and repatriation. 

This represents less than 0.2% of the illegal immigrants said to be in the country by March and March. Public pressure groups, and politicians such as Herman Mashaba, are calling on the government to do much, much more. Mashaba is president of Action SA, a small but campaigning party in South Africa’s parliament that has been battling illegal immigration for 10 years.

Mashaba told News Media, “Action SA is deeply frustrated by the government’s weak and reactionary response to South Africa’s immigration crisis, which is ultimately the consequence of three decades of ANC (the ruling party) failure to secure our borders,”

crowds of marchers walk through street

Anti-immigrant marchers walk through the streets of Johannesburg on the day of an unofficial deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for all undocumented migrants to leave, in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 30, 2026. (Reuters/Oupa Nkosi)

“Rather than presenting a meaningful shift in approach, which we believe must center on mass deportations and the urgent strengthening of immigration enforcement capacity, the government appears determined to simply repackage the same failed and outdated policies that have done nothing to address the consequences of weak border controls and chronic underinvestment in enforcing our immigration laws.”

“As in Europe, South Africans have turned against their government on immigration policy,” analyst Frans Cronje told News Media. Cronje, president of the Washington-based Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, added, “Polls conducted earlier this year ranked immigration as the second most pressing concern from South Africans behind unemployment. Overall, 23% of South Africans cited unemployment as the most pressing issue for the government to address, followed by 11.7% who cited immigration, 10.1% who cited corruption and 9.8% who cited crime.”

Cronje continued, “Black South Africans (82% of the population) were three times as likely as their White counterparts to see immigration as a problem for the government to address. Hostility toward immigrants runs very high with regular protest marches and threats and intimidation directed at immigrant communities who are accused of taking jobs and businesses from South Africans, and driving high levels of crime”.

South Africa’s president speaks at a podium inside the parliamentary chamber during a nationally televised address.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation address in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 12, 2026. (Rodger Bosch/Pool via Reuters)

Responding when asked why activists such as March and March are taking action, Ngobese-Zuma said, “It’s the government that should be the one that’s making sure that when people say that they don’t want certain people in their communities, they remove them before the communities remove them themselves. I think the government is complacent about not only the issue of immigration, our government is just complacent about a lot of things, especially that have to do with crime.”

Protests against immigrants have turned nasty in previous years. Sixty-two were killed in riots in 2008, and at least five in 2015.

Ngobese-Zuma agrees March and March members are gatvol – Afrikaans slang, politely put to mean completely fed up – telling News Media, “We don’t care which country comes forward and tells us that we are xenophobic. We’ve had enough, and nobody can tell us that we must now accept people staying in our country illegally.”

News Media reached out to the South African government, but did not receive a response.

Prince Harry’s Awkward Call to Meghan Markle Steals the Spotlight on ‘MasterChef Australia

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In an unexpected twist on “MasterChef Australia,” viewers were treated to a surprise appearance by Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex briefly joined the show via FaceTime to reach out to his wife, Meghan Markle, who was serving as a guest judge on the popular cooking competition.

During Sunday’s episode, as the Duchess of Sussex collaborated with fellow judges to critique the dishes served by the eager contestants, Harry made his surprise call into the studio, much to the delight of everyone present.

A member of the production crew approached Markle with the unexpected phone call and informed her, “We had a phone call to the studio.” Curiosity quickly turned to joy as the identity of the caller was revealed.

Initially appearing puzzled, Markle’s expression shifted to one of delight when she realized it was her husband, Harry. Her face lit up as she warmly greeted him with a heartfelt, “Hi, my love!”

The spontaneous cameo brought smiles and laughter to the judges’ table, including fellow culinary experts Poh Ling Yeow and Sofia Levin. In true Aussie spirit, Harry responded with a cheerful “G’day,” endearing himself further to the audience.

“My husband’s here,” the “Suits” alum told audience members, while showing them the phone.

The spectators shrieked and cheered in excitement as Harry, 41, waved, then joked, “What’s going on? Have I interrupted something important?”

“Well, we’re actually in the middle of tasting all the dishes,” Markle responded, while showing off the plates and gushing over her favorite bites.

The actress also introduced the “Spare” writer to the show’s contestants, including Aaron Kher, Casper Kenworthy and Petro Papathomas.

“It’s amazing,” she said, appearing giddy. “They’re so talented.”

“We wish you were here,” Markle continued, telling the judges that he was in Canberra, Australia, with veterans.

“Well, go and enjoy it. I’m very sorry to disturb you. All is well here. I’ll see you later,” the Invictus Games founder said before hanging up the call.

Several viewers online appeared to have enjoyed the “sweet” interaction, with one writing via X, “Wow, these two are so in love.”

“Prince Harry and Meghan will always do whatever it takes to show up and support one another and it’s one of the reasons their marriage is so successful,” another wrote, as a third chimed in, “Great moment! That’s a sweet marriage. Everyone present is going to recall this forever”

While several agreed it was a “cute moment,” other critics shared a different opinion, with one writing, “Absolute cringe.”

A second hater stated that they didn’t believe Harry “just happened to call a random phone number to talk” to Markle, with another agreeing it was “so fake.”

“So staged,” a fourth netizen added.

Markle stepped in as a guest judge for the competition series earlier this year while she and Harry were visiting Australia.

The couple, who wed in 2018, are the parents to Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. It’s unclear if the little ones joined them on the trip.

An insider told Page Six that Markle “had a great time” working on set alongside Poh and other judges.

Emma Roberts Weds Cody John in Stunning Idaho Ceremony

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Emma Roberts and Cody John have tied the knot.

After a two-year-long engagement, the couple said ‘I do’ in a romantic ceremony in Idaho, according to photos obtained by DeuxMoi. 

Roberts, 35, and John, 36, exchanged vows outdoors at the actor’s family estate in Sun Valley, per TMZ and Page Six.

Emma, who previously canceled her engagement to Evan Peters, was radiant in a bespoke white dress featuring asymmetrical sleeves, crafted by designer Monique Lhuillier, according to Vogue.

After the ceremony, she changed into a vintage after-party dress by the same designer.

Meanwhile, Cody donned a stylish brown suit for the occasion.

Daily Mail has contacted Roberts’s team for an official statement.

Emma Roberts and Cody John are officially husband and wife

Emma Roberts and Cody John are officially husband and wife 

A source told Page Six that the 45-minute nuptials took place outdoors in 95-degree weather. 

The outlet reported that Roberts’s five-year-old son Rhodes, whom she shares with  ex-boyfriend Garrett Hedlund, walked her down the aisle. 

The entertainer told Vogue about collaborating with Lhuillier on her gown, ‘I didn’t really know what I wanted.

‘I just knew that I wanted it to feel very vintage-inspired. I’m obsessed with antique books and treasure hunting, and I love collecting old ephemera, so I really wanted that to shine through in the dress.’

Roberts’s father is Eric Roberts, and her aunt is Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts.

Julia and her husband Danny Moder were in attendance for the wedding, and seen in photos shared by DeuxMoi on Sunday.

The American Horror Story star announced her engagement in 2024 with an Instagram post.

She flashed her diamond ring in a smiling snapshot with John, quipping in the caption: ‘Putting this here before my mom tells everyone.’

It was reported that Roberts's five-year-old son Rhodes, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Garrett Hedlund, walked her down the aisle; the now-newlyweds pictured in 2023

It was reported that Roberts’s five-year-old son Rhodes, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Garrett Hedlund, walked her down the aisle; the now-newlyweds pictured in 2023

The blonde beauty and her man confirmed their relationship in August 2022; seen in March 2024

The blonde beauty and her man confirmed their relationship in August 2022; seen in March 2024

She previously romanced her American Horror Story co-star Evan Peters; seen in 2018

She previously romanced her American Horror Story co-star Evan Peters; seen in 2018

The couple began dating in 2022, and John’s sparse Instagram profile is mostly made up of tributes to Roberts.

This past February he shared pictures of his then-fiancée and wrote, ‘You make everything magic. Happy birthday, Emma,’ to which she replied in the comments, ‘I love you.’

The now-newlyweds previously confirmed their relationship in August 2022 after they were seen kissing in New York City.

Days later, the duo made things Instagram official with a photo John posted of them sharing a kiss on a yacht.

The caption read: ‘sweet sweet.’

At the time, a source close to the pair told ET that New York native Roberts was ‘very content with Cody, and they’re enjoying their relationship and time together.

‘Their friends and family are happy for the both of them and think they make a great couple,’ the insider dished.

Since then, the low-key couple has managed to keep their relationship private. 

Top 6 Core Exercises to Boost Strength Faster Than Sit-Ups for Those Over 60

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For those seeking a stronger core at 60 and beyond, forget the sit-ups. Here are six home exercises that pave the path to better stability and strength.

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Achieving a robust core extends well beyond the quest for sculpted abs. Once you’ve crossed the age of 60, the interconnected muscles of your abdomen, lower back, hips, and pelvis form a vital foundation. These muscles enable you to stand tall, stride confidently, lift with ease, and maintain your balance throughout daily activities. Surprisingly, many still cling to the belief that repetitive sit-ups are the key to a powerful core; however, these moves often place undue strain on the neck and lower back, bypassing the crucial, deeper muscles that offer genuine stability.

Think of your core as your body’s internal support network. Whether bending to retrieve an errant sock, carrying a load of groceries, or navigating the morning rise from bed, these muscles play a critical role by stabilizing your spine long before your limbs spring into action. For this reason, I advise clients to engage in exercises that emphasize core stability and the ability to resist movement. This methodology nurtures practical strength that seamlessly transfers into your everyday actions.

With years of experience coaching individuals over 60, I’ve observed that the most resilient cores were crafted not through an endless barrage of crunches, but through consistent, functional exercises that target the entire midsection from a variety of angles. Discover six home exercises that fortify your core while enhancing posture, balance, and coordination. Incorporate them multiple times a week to build enduring strength and confidence that will serve you for years to come.

Bird Dog

Whenever someone tells me they want a stronger core without aggravating their back, bird dogs almost always become my first recommendation. This movement strengthens the deep stabilizing muscles surrounding the spine while also recruiting the glutes, shoulders, and hips. Instead of repeatedly bending the spine like a sit-up, it teaches your body to maintain excellent alignment as your limbs move. Clients often notice improvements in posture and lower-back comfort after just a few weeks of consistent practice. It’s one of the safest and most effective ways to build functional core strength after 60.

How to Do It

  • Begin on your hands and knees.
  • Extend your right arm forward.
  • Extend your left leg behind you.
  • Hold briefly.
  • Return with control.
  • Alternate sides for 10 repetitions per side.

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Dead Bug

The dead bug challenges your core to stabilize your spine while your arms and legs move independently. I use this exercise frequently because it closely mimics the way your core functions during walking and other daily activities. Clients often find it surprisingly challenging despite its gentle appearance, which highlights how much the deep abdominal muscles contribute to stability. Slow, controlled repetitions produce far better results than rushing through the movement. Better control here often translates into better movement everywhere else.

How to Do It

  • Lie on your back.
  • Raise your arms toward the ceiling.
  • Lift your knees to 90 degrees.
  • Extend one arm and the opposite leg.
  • Return slowly.
  • Alternate sides for 10 repetitions each.

Glute Bridge

Many people overlook the connection between strong glutes and a strong core. In reality, the hips and abdominal muscles work together during nearly every movement you perform. I include glute bridges because they strengthen the posterior chain while teaching the core to stabilize the pelvis. Clients often notice less lower-back discomfort and greater ease when standing up or climbing stairs after adding them to their routine. Strong hips create a stronger, more resilient core.

How to Do It

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent.
  • Place your feet flat on the floor.
  • Tighten your core.
  • Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line.
  • Lower slowly.
  • Perform 12 to 15 repetitions.

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Bear Plank Hold

One of my favorite ways to challenge the entire core involves asking clients to simply hold the right position. The bear plank activates the shoulders, abdominals, hips, and legs simultaneously while encouraging excellent spinal alignment. Unlike traditional planks, the hovering knees increase the demand on the deep stabilizing muscles without requiring long hold times. Clients usually feel their entire midsection working within seconds. It’s an efficient exercise that builds strength without a single sit-up.

How to Do It

  • Start on your hands and knees.
  • Place your hands beneath your shoulders.
  • Lift your knees one to two inches off the floor.
  • Keep your back flat.
  • Hold for 15 to 30 seconds.
  • Repeat 3 to 5 times.

Heart-Stopping 911 Audio Unveils Kyle Shanahan’s Terrifying Car Crash Experience

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Recently surfaced 911 dispatch audio casts a stark light on the dramatic car accident involving San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, indicating he was found “bleeding from the head” after the crash.

The accident, which occurred in Northern California, came to public attention this past Saturday. It left the revered coach with a host of injuries.

Shanahan, 46, found himself in a serious collision with an SUV near his Palo Alto residence on July 14. The impact resulted in multiple injuries, including a broken nose, three fractured ribs, a hand injury, and more than 40 facial stitches. He also endured a significant concussion.

Paramedics swiftly transported him to a local hospital where he received immediate care before being discharged on the same day. According to a bold ESPN report, the crash did not involve any drugs or alcohol, and the other driver walked away unscathed.

The California Post has released a brief segment of the dispatch audio, capturing the moment authorities were first made aware of the incident shortly after 6:13 PM.

‘You’re responding to an accident at Alma St. and Hamilton Ave,’ one officer says to the first responders.

911 audio after Kyle Shanahan's car crash appears to reveal he was 'bleeding from the head'

911 audio after Kyle Shanahan’s car crash appears to reveal he was ‘bleeding from the head’

Shanahan and Mandy share three children together, son Carter and daughters Stella and Lexi

Shanahan and Mandy share three children together, son Carter and daughters Stella and Lexi

‘It’s going to be a black Tesla vs. a blue Mercedes. There are reports of one driver bleeding from the head.’

Shanahan, who is married to and shares three children – son Carter and daughters Stella and Lexi – with wife Mandy, is reportedly ‘healing well’ but still suffering from symptoms related to the concussion, according to ESPN.  

As a result of his injuries, Shanahan will be limited in what he can do when the 49ers open their training camp this weekend ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

His longtime ally Chris Foerster, who serves as assistant head coach, will take on a bigger role in training camp with help from new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. 

The 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, told reporters on Saturday that he expects Shanahan to be healthy enough to coach the team in their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.

‘The timeline kind of takes care of itself. He’s got to meet certain markers,’ Lynch told reporters on Saturday. ‘But I think the expectation is that long before that he’ll be better.’

His week one opponent, Sean McVay, revealed he’s spoken to close friend Shanahan in recent days.

McVay, who worked with Shanahan for four years when they were assistant coaches with the Washington Commanders, revealed on Saturday he was ‘shaken up’ by the news.

Shanahan is expected to be able to coach the 49ers for their week one game on September 10

Shanahan is expected to be able to coach the 49ers for their week one game on September 10

He told reporters: ‘Most importantly, thank God he and the other person involved is okay. Perspective is everything. We talk about that all the time as coaches, and everybody goes through different things.

‘I think the most important thing is that he’s on the road to recovery. His wife Mandy, and he’s got a beautiful family, and I think any time that something like that happens, it shakes you up a little bit.

‘But most importantly, I have talked to him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family, and I know he’s got an incredible perspective on it all. And Kyle’s a stud.

‘I have as much respect for him as anybody and he’s a friend of mine, and I love him and hope that he’s going to have a great recovery.’

Shanahan, the son of legendary NFL head coach and two-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan, has been in charge of the 49ers since 2017.

He was poached after his Falcons offense led the league in points scored and helped the team reach the Super Bowl in 2016, when Atlanta infamously let a 28–3 lead slip to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Shanahan’s 49ers are once again considered among the contenders to win the NFC and reach the Super Bowl with a star-studded roster that includes Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Brock Purdy.