shock

OSCARS host Conan O’Brien has taken a dig at Timothee Chalamet in his opening speech after the actor’s controversial comments about the arts.

The Marty Supreme star found himself facing serious backlash after claiming “no one cares” about opera or ballet.

Conan, 62, kicked off the Oscars with a dig at Timothee, 30, as he smiled and laughed next to girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who arrived at the show dressed to the nines in a slinky red gown.

He joked about heightened security amid ongoing uncertainty in the world, pointing to an unexpected source of tension.

The former late night TV host quipped: “Security is extremely tight tonight…I’m told theres concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”

He looked down at Timothee, who was giggling slightly.

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Kylie, 28, shifted slightly in her seat, smiling although she looked slightly uncomfortable.

Conan then added: “They are just mad you left out jazz!”

Later in the show, the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend host circled back with Timothee, seemingly trying to smooth things over.

“I’m vibing with Timothee right now, we’re vibing, right?!” he asked, looking down at the Willy Wonka actor.

The camera did not pan to the star, but it doesn’t seem like he was feeling the same vibe.

Conan added: “He doesn’t think so, alright!”

At this point, Timothee must be somewhat used to the blowback.

He’s been taking heat for his comment for days now.

The Oscar-nominee was chatting with Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas about efforts to preserve cinema back in February.

“I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore’,” he said.

“All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there,” he added.

Since then, he’s taken heat from ballet and opera stars, as well as other big figures in Hollywood.

Steven Spielberg, for example, disagreed vehemently.

According to Page Six, he said of the arts during a 2026 SXSW panel: “At the end of a really good movie experience, we are all united with a whole bunch of feelings that we walks into the daylight with, or into the nighttime with.

Biggest Oscar Nominees of 2026 Academy Awards

Everyone in Hollywood hopes to snag a nod on the industry’s biggest night but only few get that honor. Here are the nominees from the major categories of the 2026 Academy Awards:

Best Picture

• Bugonia
• F1
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams

Best Director

• Chloé Zhao — Hamnet
• Josh Safdie — Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
• Joachim Trier — Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Best Actor (Leading Role)

• Timothée Chalamet — Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio — One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke — Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan — Sinners
• Wagner Moura — The Secret Agent

Best Actress (Leading Role)

• Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
• Rose Byrne — If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Renate Reinsve — Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone — Bugonia
• Kate Hudson — Song Sung Blue

Best Supporting Actor

• Benicio Del Toro — One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi — Frankenstein
• Delroy Lindo — Sinners
• Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård — Sentimental Value

Best Supporting Actress

• Teyana Taylor — One Battle After Another
• Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
• Amy Madigan — Weapons
• Elle Fanning — Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas — Sentimental Value

Best Original Screenplay

• Bugonia — Yorgos Lanthimos & Will Tracy
• Marty Supreme — Josh Safdie & Ronald Bronstein
• One Battle After Another — Paul Thomas Anderson
• Sentimental Value — Joachim Trier & Eskil Vogt
• Sinners — Ryan Coogler

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Blue Moon — Richard Linklater & Glen Powell
• Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro
• Hamnet — Chloé Zhao
• The Secret Agent — Kleber Mendonça Filho
• Train Dreams — Clint Bentley & Greg Kwedar

Best Animated Feature

• Arco
• KPop Demon Hunters
• The Magnificent Life of Marcel Pagnol
• Zootopia 2
• The Night Gardener

Best International Feature Film

• The Secret Agent — Brazil
• Sentimental Value — Norway
• It Was Just an Accident — Iran
• Universal Language — Canada
• Sujo — Mexico

Best Documentary Feature

• The Alabama Solution
• Come See Me in the Good Light
• Four Daughters
• No Other Land
• The Perfect Neighbor

“And there’s nothing like that. It happens in movies, and in concerts. And it happens in ballet and opera, by the way.”

Timothee is nominated for two Oscars during the 2026 awards show.

He’s up for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme and Best Picture.

He will be up against Michael B. Jordan in Sinners; Leonardo DeCaprio in One Battle After Another; Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent; and Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon in the Best Actor category.

In Best Picture, Timothee is up against The Secret Agent, Bugonia, Train Dreams, F1, and Sinners.

The surge in oil prices triggered by the war in Iran is increasingly becoming a major concern for global central banks, which are closely monitoring the potential economic and financial consequences of the shock.

More than a week of conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy supply routes and pushed crude prices sharply higher, raising fresh fears about inflation. For policymakers already grappling with fragile economic conditions, the oil spike presents a complex policy dilemma.

Historically, oil shocks have posed a difficult challenge for central banks. Rising energy prices can drive inflation higher while simultaneously weakening consumer spending and business activity by raising costs. In such circumstances, policymakers face an uncomfortable choice: tighten policy to control inflation or ease financial conditions to support economic growth and employment.

The current situation could potentially produce both outcomes at once, creating a scenario where inflation rises even as economic demand weakens a combination that complicates monetary policy decisions.

Inflation Versus Economic Growth

Central banks traditionally respond to inflationary pressures by raising interest rates or maintaining tighter monetary policy. Some policymakers argue that responding quickly to inflation triggered by an oil shock can prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched and reduce longer-term economic damage.

Others, however, advocate “looking through” temporary energy-driven price spikes, arguing that aggressive tightening could unnecessarily damage economic growth. This approach gained prominence after the pandemic, when many central banks initially viewed inflation as temporary a judgment widely criticised in hindsight.

The decision facing policymakers now depends on several uncertainties, including how long the conflict lasts, how severely energy supplies are disrupted, and whether governments intervene with subsidies or price caps to protect consumers.

Given these unknowns, many central banks may prefer to adopt a cautious approach, waiting to see how markets and economic conditions evolve before making significant policy adjustments.

Financial Stability Risks Enter the Picture

Beyond inflation and growth concerns, central banks must also consider a third responsibility that has gained prominence since the global financial crisis: financial stability.

Senior policymakers worry that the oil shock could expose vulnerabilities that have been building in global financial markets for years. A large macroeconomic disturbance involving energy prices, inflation, interest rates and currency volatility could trigger a broader financial stress event.

Much of the concern centres on the growing role of “shadow banking” institutions, financial intermediaries operating outside traditional banking regulation. These entities have become increasingly important providers of credit to companies and governments.

One major area of focus is the rapid expansion of private credit funds, which now manage more than $3 trillion globally. These funds allow asset managers to lend directly to businesses, often outside the scrutiny of public markets or traditional banking standards.

Regulators worry that during a major shock, investors could rapidly withdraw funds from these vehicles, potentially creating liquidity problems for borrowers and spillover risks for banks that help finance or manage the funds.

Pressure in Bond and Repo Markets

Another major source of concern lies in government bond markets, where highly leveraged hedge funds have become increasingly active. Many of these funds use repurchase agreements, or “repo” markets, to borrow money and finance large trades involving government bonds.

These strategies often rely on exploiting small price differences between cash bonds and futures contracts, but they involve substantial leverage. While such activity can help smooth government financing, it can also create systemic vulnerabilities during periods of market stress.

The Financial Stability Board, which monitors risks to the global financial system for the G20, warned earlier this year that sudden deleveraging in repo markets could disrupt sovereign bond markets.

More than $16 trillion in repo transactions backed by government bonds were outstanding last year, with about 60% concentrated in the United States. A sudden withdrawal of leveraged investors could therefore have significant ripple effects across global financial markets.

New Fragilities: Stablecoins and Technology Stocks

Regulators are also monitoring emerging risks linked to digital finance. Stablecoins cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional currencies such as the U.S. dollar have grown rapidly and are increasingly investing reserves in government bonds.

With the stablecoin market now worth roughly $300 billion and expanding, any loss of confidence in these assets could trigger large-scale sales of the bonds that back them. Such an event could add stress to already volatile financial markets.

At the same time, some investors remain concerned about high valuations and heavy market concentration in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence sector, which could amplify market volatility during periods of economic uncertainty.

Analysis: Oil Shock Could Trigger Wider Financial Stress

The Iran war oil shock illustrates how geopolitical crises can interact with financial vulnerabilities to create broader economic risks.

Higher energy prices directly increase inflation and strain household finances. At the same time, they can force central banks to reconsider interest-rate policies, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs and greater volatility in financial markets.

Such conditions could expose weaknesses in highly leveraged sectors of the financial system, particularly in shadow banking, hedge funds and digital financial markets.

Although previous shocks including the economic turmoil following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not ultimately trigger a major financial crisis, policymakers remain cautious. The brief turmoil in the U.S. regional banking sector in 2023 demonstrated how quickly financial stress can emerge when economic conditions shift.

If oil prices remain elevated and central banks are forced to respond aggressively, the resulting tightening of financial conditions could amplify existing vulnerabilities across markets.

For now, the disturbances appear manageable. But the combination of geopolitical conflict, energy market disruption and financial fragility ensures that central banks will continue to watch the situation with increasing concern.

With information from Reuters.

A Married at First Sight Australia groom made an unexpected joke during his wedding vows

A Married at First Sight Australia star has been left in floods of tears after her groom’s “arrest” speech.

The popular dating programme has made its comeback to E4 for its 13th series, introducing a new batch of brides and grooms seeking romance.

The show tracks singletons from around Australia as they entrust their romantic futures to experts Mel Schilling, John Aiken, and Alessandra Rampolla. Each couple meets for the very first time at the altar, and following their “I do” moment, they’ll find out whether they’re genuinely compatible as they navigate their new relationship.

Over multiple weeks, the newly married couples will go on their honeymoon, before setting up home together and participating in numerous challenges.

Four ceremonies have taken place already, with lots of explosive moments unfolding in the opening two episodes. The most recent episode aired on Wednesday (March 11), with two more couples getting matched by the experts, reports OK!.

The first pair consisted of 35-year-old account manager Bec, who characterised herself as a social butterfly who’s never afraid of commanding attention.

She had previously been engaged, but called it off four months ahead of the ceremony, describing it as the most difficult decision she’d ever made, though she felt proud for leaving a situation that wasn’t suitable.

Bec was paired with 34-year-old businessman Danny, who has called Australia home for 12 years since relocating from the UK. Danny was searching for his “ride or die” partner, a strong woman who ignites passion within him and never fails to make him laugh.

Upon meeting at the altar, Bec and Danny appeared pleased with their pairing, with Bec even sharing a joke with Danny’s stripper best man, Will. However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as Danny began his vows.

Danny started by expressing his devotion to his family and promised Bec he would care for her. He then quipped: “I’m looking for a Bonnie and Clyde type of love. With that being said, if I ever get locked up in prison, I’d like you to bail me out.”

Bec immediately pulled back after hearing Danny’s remark, telling cameras: “He seems like a really lovely guy, but I’m a just bit nervous to be honest with you. I think he may have mentioned in his vows if he gets arrested and what not. I know I can be quite wild and fun, but I really want to settle down and it makes me worried.

“I want to be matched with someone that’s serious about being with their forever person, not someone that’s out getting hammered, acting a fool to the point of getting arrested. I’ve given up everything and you’re mentioning getting arrested in your vows. I wanted to come on here to find love and I don’t know whether or not he wants that.”

Bec then broke down in tears, adding: “I just want something serious. I don’t want to be with anyone that gets arrested.”

She later confided in a producer: “I can just feel it, it’s not going to work. He’s not my husband, no way.” After seeing a different side to Danny during the reception, Bec later apologised to her new husband, with the couple sharing a passionate kiss.

Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website

Coronation Street’s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap, leaving Eva Price and her entire family shaken when they discover what she has been doing

Coronation Street‘s Megan Walsh will finally be exposed in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap. The teacher, played by Beth Nixon, has been carrying out an illicit affair with her student Will Driscoll as part of a controversial storyline on the ITV soap.

Will arrived with his family last October to move into the Rovers Return, and it was quickly established that Megan was his athletics coach but there was a lot more to it than just that. Megan eventually moved to Weatherfield, got a job at the local secondary school and has even started up a relationship with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) as a cover-up.

But spoilers have now revealed that Megan’s “past will come back to haunt her,” leaving Will’s stepmum Eva Price (Cathertine Tyldesley) to discover the truth about what she has been doing.

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Megan’s flatmate Leanne also looks set to weigh in on the harrowing situation, as her own stespon Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) has worked out what his going on between Will and Megan, and has received multiple threats from the villainous teacher. After the bombshell scenes, this will also leave Daniel wondering where he stands as he potentially comes to realise that his entire relationship was a lie.

Just weeks ago, Corrie aired a flashforward episode that revealed that Megan is one of five potential murder victims, along with fellow villains Jodie Ramsey, Carl Webster, Maggie Driscoll, and Theo Silverton. So will this all lead to the ultimate downfall for Megan or will the teacher actually face prison time for her crimes?

Coronation Street boss Kate Brookes recently explained that she the story was a “very important” one to tell. She said: “It’s a very important story to tell and we want to be as truthful as possible. As part of that story Sam will end up getting embroiled in it all.

“Sam is semi-related to the pub family and he potentially gets wind that something’s amiss. We will see the lengths that Megan will go to manipulate Sam into keeping quiet. It’ll be massively detrimental to Sam’s wellbeing.”

Meanwhile, for actress Beth Nixon, Coronation Street marks her television debut but she had actually auditioned for other parts on the soap before landing the role of Megan. Speaking to York College, Beth shared that the casting team had seen Beth in several shows at her drama school: the Arden School of Theatre in Manchester, so she was “kind of on their radar.”

Revealing her past audition history, Beth explained: “But I’d auditioned for Corrie twice before – as a baddie both times of course – including for the role of Lauren.” Actress Cait Fitton ended up being cast as Lauren, making her debut in 2022, and has remained on the show since.

Beth added: “Then, earlier this year, my agent sent me a casting brief and explained it was for a paedophile, which is a bit crazy to play because they’re obviously not a redeemable character, so they can push it pretty far.” After sending a self-tape Beth attended a chemistry test with other actors who were being considered to play Will. She then performed a scene on the set at The Bistro – and it turned out the bosses were rather impressed with her.

Beth – who was working as a skin clinic manager before joining Corrie – said: “I was at work when my agent called me. I was upstairs as my colleague watched the desk and, when he told me I’d got it, everybody in the clinic could hear me screaming my head off and then I cried, because it’s been four years since I graduated and this is my first TV role.

“It’s been a hard time and I was really close to quitting, having a normal job and pursuing a different career, so this just came at exactly the right time and when I needed it.”

Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

March 10 (Asia Today) — President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday the government may prepare an early supplementary budget to cushion the economic impact of rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee said additional fiscal measures could be necessary to support small businesses, struggling companies and vulnerable households if global energy shocks continue.

“To provide fiscal assistance and support for small business owners and vulnerable firms, we may inevitably need an early supplementary budget,” Lee said.

Lee also called for targeted support for lower-income households rather than a blanket reduction in fuel taxes as oil prices surge.

The president instructed officials to accelerate additional financial and fiscal measures, including a petroleum price cap system, adjustments to energy taxes and direct assistance to consumers.

“We must mobilize all national capabilities to minimize the impact of external shocks on people’s livelihoods, the economy and industry,” Lee said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Koo Yoon-cheol said the government could potentially finance the supplementary budget without issuing new government bonds.

He cited improving conditions in the semiconductor industry and increased fiscal resources linked to stronger activity in the stock market.

Lee also addressed concerns over reports that United States Forces Korea may remove some air defense assets from the country amid the regional conflict.

“If you ask whether this seriously undermines our deterrence strategy against North Korea, the answer is no,” Lee said.

He acknowledged that South Korea had expressed opposition to the partial withdrawal of air defense systems but noted that the United States may reposition some assets based on its broader military needs.

Foreign media have reported that systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and Patriot missile batteries could be redeployed.

Lee emphasized that South Korea’s defense spending remains among the highest in the world and said the country’s military readiness remains strong.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260311010002954

Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan gave exact time people should have cough for before getting it checked

A BBC doctor has said that this week, two patients came to her with a cough, and it turned out to be a disease with no cure. Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan was speaking out about a chronic condition which 1.7 million suffer from – but hundreds of thousands more have without knowing.

And she explained exactly how long people should have a cough for before they get it checked out properly. Host Nick Knowles raised how a viewer had asked about COPD and cures he’d seen online, which claim it can be sorted out in 7-14 days. Because the weather has changed, people are also experiencing hayfever, and symptoms like a lingering cough or wheezing can be easy to dismiss.

Dr Punam said: “Over the last few years, I’ve been seeing more and more patients coming through to me and saying, ‘Look, I’ve seen this on social media or I’ve tried this’ and it has the potential to cause harm as well and there is a lot of misinformation and it can be really hard and you can see why adverts like this can be so appealing if you are somebody who’s living with COPD.

“So, for anyone who doesn’t know what that stands for, it stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s a term that we use to describe lung conditions that really make your breathing difficult. Now, the thing is if you do come across anything online, you’re not sure about it, always go to a trusted medical source.

“So, the NHS website’s a great place to start. Medical experts, speak to your doctor or your pharmacist before trying anything. Unfortunately, when it comes to COPD, it is a progressive lung condition, which means it can worsen over time. So, sadly, there isn’t a cure. Certainly, nothing over 7 to 14 days that’s going to make a difference.”

Dr Punam said the illness is often missed or just put down to ageing. She said: “Around 1.7 million people in the UK are currently living with COPD, but we believe that number is actually a lot higher. And that’s because the symptoms can develop over a long period of time and they tend to develop slowly . So, people tend to dismiss them or put it off to maybe it’s because I’m getting older. Maybe it’s because I’m unfit. COPD tends to be diagnosed when you’re like middle-aged or older adults, but it can affect anybody earlier as well.”

She said smoking is one of the most common causes. The two main problems within COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. She added: “And what’s really happening in the lungs during that is that it causes inflammation. It causes narrowing of the airways. It causes scarring. It affects the tiny air sacs in our lungs whose job it is to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream so that we can breathe properly. So of course, if those are damaged, it really does impact you long term.”

She said people should not ignore coughs – and gave an exact time people should get it checked out. Dr Punam said: “A lot of people do just sit on it and dismiss it. The earlier you get it diagnosed, the better it is because there are lots of things that we can do to support the symptoms.

“So, if you have a new cough that is persisting, I would say the rule of thumb is four to six weeks. If something is persisting beyond that time, it’s not going away. You don’t know why you’ve got it, so have a chat with your doctor because we can investigate that to look at the root cause, but don’t just dismiss it. Anything more than four weeks, a cough that you just don’t know why it’s there, get it looked at.”

Nick asked: “We’ve had hay fever as we’ve been hearing this week already this year. Is that a complication?” Dr Punam said: “Well, it is. Just this week, actually, I had two patients who have COPD who came in because they felt that their hay fever had started affecting them.

“The thing is a quarter of people that have got COPD will be sensitive to pollen. We’re loving spring – it’s around the corner. But with that, of course, pollen counts rise and if you’re sensitive to that, it can affect your breathing. So often I find people with COPD can get misdiagnosed, or maybe it’s just a flare-up of the condition or a chest infection, but actually, if you’re coughing a lot more, if you’re producing a lot more phlegm, you’re congested, now is the time.”

EVIL Dead actor Bruce Campbell has revealed he has cancer in an emotional Instagram statement.

The 67-year-old screen star told fans in the message “sorry if it’s a shock – it was to me too”.

Yet the Michigan-born horror actor was then quick to reassure them “fear not, I am a tough old son of a b***h”.

Bruce has revealed he has a “treatable but not curable” form of the disease and will need to take time away from work to recover.

The Hysteria! star wrote in a text post uploaded to his Instagram grid: “Hi folks these days when someone is having a health issue its referred to as an ‘opportunity’ so let’s go with that – I’m having one of those.

“It’s also called a type of cancer that’s ‘treatable not curable’.

“I apologize if that’s a shock, it was to me too.”

Bruce who was in cult flicks Crimewave and Maniac Cop added: “The good news is, I’m not going to go into any more detail.

“I’m posting this, because professionally, a few things will have to change – appearances and cons and work in general need to take [a] back seat to treatment.

“There are several cons this year summer [sic] that I have to cancel. Big regrets on my part.

“Treatment needs and professional obligations don’t always go hand-in-hand.

“That’s about it. I’m not trying to enlist sympathy – or advice – I just want to get ahead of this information in case false information gets out (which it will).

“Fear not, I am a tough old son-of-a-b***h and I have great support, so I expect to be around a while.

“As always, you’re the greatest fans in the world and I hope to see you soon!”

Fans were also quick to offer words of support for the science fiction TV star.

One insisted: “Cancer doesn’t stand a chance. Hail to the king, baby. We love you Bruce.”

A second put: “Sending you all the best, Bruce!”

A third posted: “You are loved and must feel the terrific support flooding your direction! You definitely have this!”

One then added: “Hail to the King, baby.”

Bruce is best-known for his role in the Evil Dead franchise, playing Ash Williams.

He is the only character to appear in each instalment of the series and battles a series of possessed creatures called Deadites, who have been taken over by the Kandarian Demon.

His stints in the Evil Dead movies saw him voted as the greatest horror movie character ever back in 2013.

His personal profile has rocketed thanks to his movie status, with many hailing Bruce a cultural icon.

In 2007, he featured in a parody of his movie career in My Name Is Bruce.

He previously told dvdtalk.com of filming the gory Evil Dead instalment and said: “In retrospect, it’s funny as hell.

“The last three days of shooting Evil Dead we never fell asleep. At the time we were just zombies.

“Various people would fall asleep in the middle of the woods and we’d find each other randomly.”

He added: “We didn’t even think we’d finish the movie, so there was none of this, ‘Wow, I hope we make a hit!’

“We were just hoping we’d get the hell out of Tennessee in one piece. We were wrecking rental cars, rental trucks, cameras, wrecking actresses and ourselves. Everything.

“We were getting poked, bitten, scrapped, and my brother fell off a cliff.

“It was a comedy of terror. That was the most terrifying part: making the movie.”

Kara Braxton, who won two WNBA championships during a 10-year career, has died at age 43.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of 2x WNBA Champion Kara Braxton,” the WNBA said in a statement Sunday. “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and former teammates at this time.”

No cause of death has been given.

Born in Jackson, Mich., along with twin sister Kim, Braxton played high school basketball at Jackson High for one season and at Westview High in Portland, Ore., for three seasons.

Braxton, a 6-foot-6 center-forward, played at the University of Georgia from 2001-2004, earning SEC freshman of the year and first-team all-conference honors in 2002. She averaged 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds a game during her three seasons with the Bulldogs.

“Rest in peace Kara,” Georgia basketball posted on X.

Braxton was selected by the Detroit Shock at No. 7 overall in the 2005 draft. She spent 5 1/2 seasons with the team, winning the WNBA championship in 2006 and 2008 and earning her only All-Star nod in 2007. She also played for the Phoenix Mercury from 2010-11 and the New York Liberty from 2011-14, finishing with career averages of 7.6 points and 4.7 rebounds a game.

New York Liberty’s Kara Braxton grabs the ball between Indiana Fever’s Tammy Sutton-Brown, left, and Tamika Catchings on Sept. 17, 2011.

(Mel Evans / Associated Press)

“We mourn the loss of Kara Braxton, a former Liberty player whose presence and passion left a lasting impact on our organization and the women’s game,” the Liberty wrote Sunday on X. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, teammates, and all who were touched by her spirit. Her impact will not be forgotten.”

Braxton is survived by her husband Jarvis Jackson and two sons, Jelani Thurman and Jream Jackson.

Thurman, a tight end who played three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina last month, posted a number of tributes to his mother on his Instagram Story, including a photo of her kissing him as a baby at a Shock media day photo shoot.

“imma miss my queen,” Thurman wrote to accompany another photo, which appears to show him as an older child wearing his mother’s No. 45 jersey to school.

Thurman also posted video of an interview from around the time Ohio State won the 2024 national championship in which he was asked what lessons he learned from his mother that helped get him to that point.

“Man, she taught me always go hard,” Thurman said. “There’s one goal, you know what you need to go to do.”

RUTH LANGSFORD has said her split from husband Eamonn Holmes was a “huge shock” and left her “devastated”.

The much-loved telly couple announced their separation in May 2024 after 14 years of marriage and 27 years of being together.

Opening up about the split, she told Daily Mail: “I had a very happy marriage. Of course you question yourself, ‘did I miss something, was I not aware, was I too busy?’ But there’s no point playing the blame game.

“I just didn’t think I’d find myself here, and I wasn’t strong at the start. I was broken. Broken heart. Broken dreams. We all have an image of how we think our life and future is going to be.

“This wasn’t mine. I was devastated. We had gone from being a couple, traversing the usual ups and downs of a marriage, to an abrupt end. It was a huge shock.”

Jamaica’s Mica Moore, from Newport in south Wales, finished four places ahead of Nicoll in 14th and was delighted with the outcome following her switch in 2022 from representing GB after claiming she had witnessed “damaging and offensive behaviour”.

Moore told BBC Sport: “I’m so happy. It has been a real tough journey to get here, it hasn’t been easy at all. I guess to me it is just a story of not giving up.

“I had a really difficult time with Great Britain and that is not secret at all and I’m just so proud I didn’t give up on myself and I’m so grateful for my family and friends for digging myself out of the trenches when it was really tough and just keep going. Moments like this make it really worth it.”

Moore began her sporting career as an athlete – representing Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games – before switching to bobsleigh.

Her grandfather, Venson Byfield, came to the UK in the Windrush generation and settled in Wales.

“It is a really proud moment,” she added.

“I’ve spoken a lot about my grandfather and how we came over with the Windrush generation and I never got the pleasure of meeting him, but my mum has told me so many stories about him and I just had that in my heart the whole time. I just wanted to make my family proud.

“They’ve supported me for so long. I’m 33 now so I’m quite old and they’ve never wavered in their support.

“I’ve just had the most lovely career because of them.”