Sherman Oaks Notre Dame confirmed on Wednesday that 6-foot-7 Tyran Stokes, considered the No. 1 high school basketball player from the class of 2026, has withdrawn from school.
Stokes arrived last season from a Northern California prep school and helped the Knights reach the Southern Section Open Division championship game and the Southern California Regional final.
His departure could produce changes in national TV game plans for Notre Dame. The Knights are still expected to be one of the top teams in Southern California with San Diego State commit Zachary White and top junior NaVorro Bowman.
Stokes leaving Notre Dame makes Sierra Canyon the Mission League preseason favorite.
Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in New York City’s mayoral race was built on a promise of hope and political change, a message that is resonating loudly with the people in Uganda, where he was born.
The 34-year-old leftist’s decisive win in the United States’ largest metropolis on Wednesday was celebrated by many in Uganda’s capital Kampala, the city where Mamdani was born in 1991.
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For many Ugandans, the unlikely rise of Mamdani – a young Muslim with roots in Africa and South Asia – in the world’s most powerful democracy carries an inspirational message in a country where an authoritarian leader has been ruling since even before Mamdani was born.
Uganda’s 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term in January elections as he looks to extend his nearly 40-year rule. He has rejected calls to retire, leading to fears of a volatile political transition.
“It’s a big encouragement even to us here in Uganda that it’s possible,” Joel Ssenyonyi, a 38-year-old opposition leader in the Parliament of Uganda, told The Associated Press.
He said that while Ugandans, who are facing repressive political conditions, had “a long way to get there”, Mamdani’s success “inspires us”.
Ugandan opposition politician Joel Ssenyonyi [File: Luke Dray/Getty Images]
Mamdani left Uganda when he was five to follow his father, political theorist Mahmood Mamdani, to South Africa, and later moved to the US. He kept his Ugandan citizenship even after he became a naturalised US citizen in 2018, according to AP.
The family maintains a home in Kampala, to which they regularly return and visited earlier this year to celebrate Mamdani’s marriage.
‘We celebrate and draw strength’
While Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, has vowed to tackle inequality and push back against the xenophobic rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, opposition politicians in Uganda face different challenges.
Museveni has been cracking down on his opponents ahead of next year’s elections, as he has in the lead-up to previous polls.
In November last year, veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has stood against Museveni in four elections, and his aide, Obeid Lutale, were abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, before being arraigned in a military court in Kampala on treason charges. The pair have since repeatedly been denied bail, despite concerns raised by the United Nations’ human rights officials.
Tens of supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, led by 43-year-old entertainer Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, have been convicted by Uganda’s military courts for various offences.
“From Uganda, we celebrate and draw strength from your example as we work to build a country where every citizen can realise their grandest dreams regardless of means and background,” Wine wrote on X as he sent his “hearty congratulations” to Mamdani.
Robert Kabushenga, a retired Ugandan media executive who is friendly with the Mamdani family, told AP that Mamdani’s win was “a beacon of hope” for those fighting for change in Uganda, especially the younger generations.
Describing the new mayor-elect as belonging to “a tradition of very honest and clear thinkers who are willing to reimagine … politics”, Kabushenga said Mamdani’s victory underlined that “we should allow young people the opportunity to shape, and participate in, politics in a meaningful way”.
Okello Ogwang, an academic who once worked with Mamdani’s father at Kampala’s Makerere University, said his son’s success was an instructive reminder to Uganda “that we should invest in the youth”.
“He’s coming from here,” he said. “If we don’t invest in our youth, we are wasting our time.”
Anthony Kirabo, a 22-year-old psychology student at Makerere University, said Mamdani’s win “makes me feel good and proud of my country because it shows that Uganda can produce some good leaders”.
“Seeing Zohran up there, I feel like I can also make it,” he said.
HER sixth album Brat topped the charts and won her five Brit Awards, but Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over it because it is so out there.
In a new interview, she explained: “I think when I was making it, I wasn’t thinking about the response at all.
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Charli XCX feared her label was going to drop her over her Brat recordCredit: GettyCharli was speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her podcastCredit: Getty
“I actually made this record being like, ‘OK, I’m just going to do this one for me.
“And maybe I’m going to get dropped by my label and that’s fine’.
“That was kind of the headspace that I was in.
“There’s a lot of luck with timing and the way that culture is moving.
“I think when I released this record, it’s like people were wanting something that felt very real and messy.
“And I think that’s just the way that culture was swinging.”
Charli previously suggested she was going to have a lengthy break from music following the success of the record, released in June last year, but she has now teased that she’s working on “inherently different” tracks.
The Guess singer continued: “I’m really interested to see what comes next in pop culture, especially in the music space, what people are craving.
“I really like to work in contrast. I think whatever I do next will just inherently be different to Brat because that’s what feels natural.
“I’m exploring a lot of stuff with strings at the moment, which I’m really enjoying and I haven’t really worked in that space before.”
And with a series of movies on the way — including Faces Of Death and I Want Your Sex, Charli said she is committed to becoming an actress.
Speaking to Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop podcast, she said: “I’ve been making music since I was 14.
“And don’t get me wrong, I love making music, but I think there was just a point where I was kind of like, OK, I really need to exercise my creativity in a different way.
“I don’t actually really listen to that much music ever. I never really have.
“But what I am doing is I’m always watching films.”
And Charli also reflected on the prospect of starting a family, having mused on her indecision about becoming a mother on her song I Think About It All The Time, which was on the Brat album.
The Brit, who wed The 1975 drummer George Daniel in July, said: “There is, I think, still a bit of stigma perhaps around women who don’t really want to have children, you know, and I think for me it’s like I’m always swinging between the two.
“Right now, I’m on the side of, like, actually I’m not sure that that is for me, but that could go back.”
BENSON BACK
Benson Boone performs at London’s O2 ArenaCredit: Getty
BENSON BOONE shook off illness and returned to the stage for a killer sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena.
The American singer had to cancel his gig in Birmingham on Saturday after struggling with his voice but he was on song on Monday when he sailed through tracks including Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else, Young American Heart and Mr Electric Blue along with a cover of Coldplay‘s Sparks.
Welcoming out his friend and photographer McLean Long to the stage armed with a T-shirt cannon, Benson said: “Every night I sing one song that is a cover song.
“I love this song very much, so we’re going to have a friend come out and help us figure out which song we’re singing.”
Another poignant moment in the evening came when Benson performed In The Stars, which he wrote as a tribute to his great-grandmother who died aged 96.
Benson said: “I think the loveliest thing about this song is this is a song about me, about my life.
“My experiences, somebody that I know, something I felt, something I went through, but when you listen to it it’s no longer about me, it’s about you.”
RITA’S A PINK LADY
THERE was no missing Rita Ora in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts Awards, but it was Jessie J who stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston‘s I Have Nothing.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday night, Jessie referenced her breast cancer diagnosis and said: “This is one of my favourite songs to sing. There is no hiding in this song. It’s very exposing.
Rita Ora dazzled in this pink dress at the Music Industry Trusts AwardsCredit: PAJessie J stole the show with an amazing rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Have NothingCredit: GettySinger Olly Murs also performedCredit: Getty
“This year has changed my whole world – my perspective, what battles I’m going to pick.
“You know, death comes knocking at your door and you kind of dance and f***ing kick it away.
“It just changes everything.
““I will say this, I don’t care how old you are or how long you have been doing this, enjoy your f***ing life.
“Be kind to each other.”
Ashley Tabor-King, founder of Global Media, whose radio stations include Heart and Capital, was honoured on the night, with video messages from Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
Rita flew in especially from Los Angeles to perform, and Olly Murs was there for a night out after becoming a dad for a second time.
“Albert is nine weeks old now,” Olly said.
“Another one next year? We are happy with two at the moment.
“Who knows, in a few years’ time we will see.
“I have got time next year to spend a bit more time with the family.
“It has been a busy few years.”
KATY HAS A POP AT BLOOM
Katy Perry is returning with a new singleCredit: Getty
KATY PERRY is returning with a new single tomorrow and it sounds as though it will hint heavily at her split from Orlando Bloom.
The Roar singer announced the track Bandaids last night, following a tricky year which saw her break-up with the English actor after almost a decade, and start dating ex-Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.
Insiders have claimed she worked on it with top writer and producer Cirkut, who worked on her No1s Part Of Me and Roar, as well as Greg Kurstin, who co-wrote Adele’s heartbreak singles Hello and Easy On Me.
Last night, Katy played the latest show on her Lifetimes tour in Paris, ahead of the end of the 91-show jaunt next month.
Liam Gallagher, pictured, and brother Noel got one over on touts in AustraliaCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
OASIS have scored another victory over the vile ticket touts – this time in Australia.
Thanks to the Major Events law in Victoria, scalpers were shut out of their three sold-out shows there.
The rules in the Australian state means that anyone flogging tickets for more than ten per cent above face value at an event protected by the Major Events Act faces a fine of up to £270,000.
In a statement, Noel and Liam Gallagher‘s management team told me: “It’s great to see Victoria’s Major Events declaration doing exactly what it’s meant to – Viagogo can’t list our Melbourne shows – and that’s a huge win for real fans.
“When government and the live industry work together, we can stop large-scale scalping in its tracks.
“We’d love to see other states follow Victoria’s lead so fans everywhere get a fair go.”
The success of the law means that the 180,000 tickets sold for the shows in Victoria went to genuine fans for the right price.
The brothers will play two more shows in Australia this week, with back-to-back sold-out gigs in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, before they take their Oasis Live 25 tour to South America.
COLDPLAY OFF TO CHURCH
Chris Martin is playing a one-off intimate show for charityCredit: EPA
IF you missed out on Coldplay tickets earlier this summer then fear not.
The band’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland have announced a one-off, intimate show on Wednesday, December 3, in aid of War Child and Crisis.
But it will be even harder to get in than catching one of their ten nights at Wembley, as it will take place at Hackney Church in East London, with a public ballot for 150 pairs of tickets is now open online.
Last year Chris and Jonny’s Hackney Church performance raised £350,000 for charity.
I’m sure kind-hearted fans will dig deep again this year.
ED-ING WHERE IT BEGAN
Ed Sheeran performs his Billions Club Live setCredit: Supplied
ED SHEERAN headed back to Dublin for a special concert to celebrate his songs which had clocked up more than one billion streams.
And he had plenty to pick from, with the star performing hits including Thinking Out Loud, Castle On The Hill, I See Fire and Galway Girl.
The gig saw the 2,000 fans packed into Industries Hall at the Royal Society Dublin going wild – and I got to join them after my lovely friends at Spotify flew me out on Monday.
Speaking at his Billions Club Live set, Ed said: “The reason I wanted to do it in Dublin is this is the place where I decided I wanted to be a singer- songwriter when I was a kid.
“It’s a special place for me with my family but it’s also a special place for me musically.
“I feel like this is where it all began.”
Ed also used his time on stage to remind the crowd that he last headlined Glastonbury back in 2017, which makes me think he’s a sure-fire bet to return to Worthy Farm in 2027 to mark ten years.
ARIANA GRANDE was forced to miss the world premiere of Wicked: For Good in Brazil last night after a safety issue with her private jet.
She was on board her plane to fly to Sao Paulo yesterday but had to get off when a fault was found, leaving her “beyond devastated” because there was no other way to make the journey in time.
LIV Golf events will be extended to 72 holes from 2026, putting them in line with the sport’s established tours.
The Saudi Arabia-backed circuit began in 2022 with 54-hole events and the unconventional format of events played a role in players being denied official ranking points.
Most LIV events have been played from Friday to Sunday but will now be contested from Thursday of tournament weeks – apart from a Wednesday start for February’s LIV Golf Riyadh.
“LIV Golf is a player’s league,” said the former world number one. “We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft.
“Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully, and, if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”
Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points play a key role in determining entry into golf’s four majors.
LIV Golf players have slid down the rankings with Rahm now 71st in the world while Dustin Johnson, another former world number one, is 604th.
“Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tournaments we’ve all grown up playing,” said Johnson. “I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds.”
Bryson DeChambeau, who is also on the LIV tour, added: “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward.”
For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of stroke play.
The team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative individual stroke play scores determining the team result.
“The move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players, and delivers more of the world-class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants,” said LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil.
“The most successful leagues around the world – IPL, EPL, NBA, MLB, NFL – continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different.”
A frequent traveller has shared his top tips for anyone heading off on a city break – and it’s all about the luggage you use
If you don’t travel often you may not know these tips(Image: Getty)
When you’re jetting off on an autumn city break, there’s one crucial travel hack you absolutely must know about. If you’re not a regular flyer, you might assume the smartest way to pack is with a suitcase – but you’d be completely wrong.
Actually, one seasoned traveller is encouraging everyone to abandon their suitcases in favour of backpacks. Netflights chatted with Karl Loudon from PR firm Rise at Seven about his essential travel advice.
Karl jets off at least twice monthly for business and knows airports like the back of his hand, reports the Express.
His number one suggestion was that anyone embarking on a city adventure should opt for a backpack instead of a suitcase.
He said: “A wheelie trolley case always feels like a clever idea, but they end up being a pain when travelling in cities.
“Travelling with a backpack that complies with the airline’s luggage allowance allows you to pack plenty inside it, and it is much more practical to travel with.
“Find backpacks online titled ‘MLC’ (maximum legal carry on), which are the best luggage to use.”
For those with both hand luggage and checked baggage, Karl also suggests always stashing an extra T-shirt in your carry-on.
Aircraft seats can be tight, accidents occur and you don’t want to arrive at your destination looking dishevelled and feeling uncomfortable.
If you’re jetting off for work, don’t forget that your laptop can double up as a power bank, saving you precious luggage space.
Karl said: “When travelling, organise your cables prior to flying. Remember, you might not need a power bank when travelling, as your laptop is one giant power bank, which many travellers forget about.”
Resist the urge to flop onto your hotel bed as soon as you arrive at your destination. Instead, stretch your legs with a brisk walk to shake off the travel fatigue and get your bearings.
If you’ve been on a long-haul flight, this simple trick can help alleviate jetlag and reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Frequent flyers should be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis, but regular stretching and exercise can help keep it at bay.
