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Former Australian Child Star Dies in California Wildfire
Rory Callum Sykes, a former child star from Australia, tragically lost his life when the Los Angeles wildfires ravaged his family’s Malibu estate earlier this week. According to his mother, Shelley Sykes, Rory, 32, was at the family’s 17-acre Mount Malibu TV Studios property when it was engulfed by flames on January 8.
Shelley Sykes, heartbroken by the loss, shared the devastating news on social media on Thursday, describing her son as “beautiful” and “wonderful.” She recounted the harrowing moments leading up to his death, explaining that she had been trying to douse the wildfire cinders on the roof of their home with a hose. However, due to a lack of water pressure, she was unable to stop the fire. Sykes recalled her son urging her to leave the property, saying, “Mom, leave me.” She added that, despite her broken arm and the physical limitations, she could not leave him.
Rory Sykes was born blind with cerebral palsy on July 29, 1992, but became an inspiration to many for his courage in overcoming disabilities. He co-founded the Happy Charity, an organization dedicated to offering “Hope, Happiness & Health to those that are Hurting.” Through surgeries, therapies, and relentless determination, Rory regained his sight and learned to walk, all while continuing to travel and speak about overcoming adversity.
“He still enthused about traveling the world with me, from Africa to Antarctica,” Shelley Sykes shared. She described him as a gift born on both her and his grandmother’s birthday. Rory, who had lived in Australia, the UK, and the US, became well-known for his speeches on disability and perseverance.
Rory Sykes also worked as a professional speaker and consultant for organizations like the Tony Robbins Foundation and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. In a 2003 appearance on Australian television show Mornings with Kerri-Anne, Rory spoke about his trip to the United States to speak at a Tony Robbins motivational conference. “It doesn’t matter what happens to you in life, it’s what you do about it that counts,” he told viewers.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed the death, stating that they were working closely with local authorities to assist the family. A spokesperson for the department expressed condolences, saying, “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
The loss of Rory Sykes, a beloved figure who inspired so many, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving a legacy of hope, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
News
Two Dead, Nearly 200 Injured as PSG Title Celebrations Turn Violent Across France

What began as jubilant celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League victory ended in violence and tragedy in parts of France, with two people killed and nearly 200 injured during street festivities that spiraled out of control.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the southwestern town of Dax during a PSG street gathering, while in Paris, a man died after his scooter was struck by a car amid the crowded celebrations. Both incidents are currently under investigation.
The unrest followed PSG’s dramatic win in Munich, where the club secured its first-ever Champions League title, marking a milestone in French football history. While fans across the country took to the streets to celebrate, several areas descended into violence.
According to the French Interior Ministry, a total of 294 people were arrested nationwide as of 2 a.m. Sunday. Of the nearly 200 injured, 21 were police officers—18 of them in Paris alone. One officer remains in a medically induced coma after being struck in the face by a firework.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence in a statement on social media. “True PSG fans are celebrating a magnificent achievement. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement,” he said. “It is unacceptable that people cannot celebrate without being endangered by a violent minority.”
Despite the unrest, the majority of gatherings were peaceful, authorities noted, with large crowds celebrating the historic win in cities including Marseille, Lyon, and Lille.
The PSG squad returned to Paris from Munich on Sunday afternoon aboard a Qatar Airways charter flight, arriving at 4 p.m. The team is expected to continue celebrations in the capital with tens of thousands of fans, under heightened security measures.
The violent turn of events has reignited debate in France over crowd control during major sporting celebrations, and how best to ensure public safety without dampening national enthusiasm.
PSG’s Champions League triumph marks a defining moment for the club, which has long pursued European glory. As the team prepares for a hero’s welcome, officials are urging fans to celebrate responsibly and respect public safety.
News
Ukraine Launches Major Drone Assault on Russian Airfields, Hits Over 40 Strategic Bombers

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for a large-scale drone strike on four Russian air bases over the weekend, targeting dozens of strategic bombers across vast swaths of Russian territory — from Siberia to the Arctic.
According to Ukrainian officials, the operation, codenamed “Spiderweb” (Pavutyna), was launched on June 1 and struck 41 long-range bombers stationed at airfields in Russia’s Ryazan, Ivanovo, Irkutsk, and Murmansk regions. The attack is being hailed by Kyiv as one of its most ambitious and far-reaching strikes since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia,” a senior SBU official said, noting that the operation was specifically designed to cripple Moscow’s airstrike capabilities. “This is a large-scale special operation aimed at destroying enemy bomber aircraft.”
The four airfields targeted were Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, Ivanovo in central Russia, Belaya air base in Irkutsk — over 4,000 kilometers from the front lines — and Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula near the Arctic, roughly 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
Ukrainian officials described the complex logistics of the operation, which involved covertly transporting drones deep into Russian territory, hiding them until the time of launch, and remotely executing the strikes. While specific details remain classified, Ukraine previously revealed it had developed drones with a flight range of up to 3,000 kilometers, enabling long-range operations like this.
Satellite imagery analyzed after the attack shows the presence of several high-value Russian aircraft types at the affected bases, including the Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160, and A-50 radar planes. These aircraft have been central to Russia’s long-range missile campaign against Ukraine.
The Tu-22M3, for example, is capable of carrying Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles at speeds exceeding Mach 4. The Tu-95, a Cold War-era bomber once designed to carry nuclear weapons, has been retrofitted to launch conventional cruise missiles. The A-50 aircraft provides airborne radar surveillance and target coordination for Russian forces.
The scale of the strike underscores Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities and signals a shift in Kyiv’s strategy to disrupt Russian air operations at their source. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had held meetings with the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, along with the General Staff and SBU, to coordinate further defense and counter-offensive planning.
There has been no immediate official response from Moscow regarding the extent of damage caused.
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