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The Actor Originally Considered for the Role of Syndrome Prior to Jason Lee

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The Actor Originally Considered for the Role of Syndrome Prior to Jason Lee



“The Incredibles” remains a standout achievement in Pixar’s filmography, even two decades post-release. Garnering a remarkable 97% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, this animated superhero film has solidified its reputation as one of Pixar’s early triumphs, clinching an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Surprisingly, Jack Black was nearly cast in the film to voice Syndrome, the antagonist on a mission to eliminate superheroes.


Syndrome smiling and shooting a laser out of his finger in

Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Jack Black, famed for his roles in “School of Rock” and “Nacho Libre,” was initially approached by director Brad Bird to lend his voice to the flamboyant character of Syndrome. Known for his dynamic voice work, Black seemed a perfect fit. However, he sought more depth in the character and requested a script rewrite before committing to the project.

The actor, known for “School of Rock” and “Nacho Libre,” was originally offered the role by the film’s director Brad Bird. Syndrome is certainly a larger than life character, which fits the mold for Black’s voice acting style. However, he didn’t think Syndrome had enough depth, and asked Bird about rewriting the role before he’d sign on.

Pixar has crafted numerous villains that audiences love to despise, such as Randall (Steve Buscemi) from “Monsters, Inc.” and Sid (Eric von Detten) from “Toy Story.” Yet, Syndrome is often hailed as the archetype for Pixar’s antagonists, though some argue he wasn’t the true villain of “The Incredibles.” According to Collider, he tops the list of best Pixar villains, while Cinema Blend deems him the most abhorrent of them all.

Syndrome’s motives, indifference to collateral damage, and relentless ambition make him a formidable adversary. While viewers root against him, his charisma and rich backstory add layers of complexity, showcasing him as a well-crafted villain. Interestingly, he wasn’t initially intended to be the main villain of “The Incredibles.”

Syndrome is one of the best Pixar villains of all time


Jack Black with a quirky expression at an April 2026 event.

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Reflecting on his decision, Jack Black has expressed regret over declining the role, telling Capital FM it was a learning experience. “I learned a valuable lesson because then the movie came out, and it was one of the best movies ever made,” he admitted. “I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?!'” If Black had accepted, Syndrome would have sounded different, yet he would likely remain among the most iconic villains in Pixar’s cinematic universe.

When considering his motives, lack of empathy over the collateral damage his antics cause, and the lengths he’s willing to go to to come out on top, he easily edges out the others. You’re rooting against him, but he’s also incredibly charismatic and has an intriguing backstory, making him a complex, well-written villain, though he wasn’t the original villain of “The Incredibles.” 

Jack Black regrets turning down the role, telling Capital FM that it was a teaching moment for him. “I learned a valuable lesson because then the movie came out, and it was one of the best movies ever made,” the actor said. “I was like, ‘Why was I being so difficult?!’” Had Black not turned it down, Syndrome would have a totally different sound, but he would probably still be the best villain in the Pixar cinematic universe.



Nationwide Alert: Utz Potato Chips Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

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Nationwide Alert: Utz Potato Chips Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Utz Quality Foods has issued a recall for certain Zapp’s and Dirty brand potato chips over concerns of possible salmonella contamination linked to one of their ingredients.

The recall, announced on May 4 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, involves a seasoning ingredient containing dry milk powder, which may be contaminated with salmonella. This bacteria can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Although there have been no reported illnesses associated with these products, the precautionary recall is a response to a recall from the ingredient supplier due to the potential salmonella threat, as stated by the FDA.

The FDA advises consumers to avoid consuming these products and to dispose of any they may have in their possession.

For further inquiries, customers can reach Utz at 1-877-423-0149, available from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET.


While there are no reports of illness related to the product, Utz is recalling the chips because its ingredient supplier issued a recall due to the salmonella risk, the FDA said. 

“Consumers who have these products should not eat them and should discard any products they may have,” the agency said. 

Customers with questions can call Utz at 1-877-423-0149, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 6 pm ET. 

Below are the recalled potato chips:

Recalled potato chips (Table)

Edited by

Alain Sherter

Tragic Fall Claims Life of Hiker on Beloved California Trail

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Tragic Fall Claims Life of Hiker on Beloved California Trail

A rescue mission in Southern California ended in tragedy on Saturday afternoon when a hiker plummeted into a steep ravine on the rugged Mount Wilson Trail and was later found deceased.

The Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team reported that they received an emergency call at approximately 1:51 p.m. The call was about a hiker who had fallen off the trail near a notoriously difficult “fixed rope” section, a part of the trail where climbers often use anchored ropes to help them navigate the steep and challenging terrain.

Rescue teams, assisted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Air 5 helicopter medical unit, managed to locate the man about 30 feet below the trail in a rocky ravine.

Despite the first responders’ efforts to administer lifesaving procedures, the hiker was declared dead at the scene, according to the rescue team.

rescuers overlooking ravine on Mount Wilson trail

The tragic incident involved a man who fell 30 feet from a “fixed rope” section of the Mount Wilson Trail and was subsequently pronounced dead, as confirmed by rescuers.

Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity or whether the circumstances that led to the fall involved a medical emergency.

The Mount Wilson Trail, known for its narrow paths and exposed drop-offs in several sections, was temporarily closed as crews worked to recover the body, which was carried off the mountain later that evening.

Mount Wilson Trail above Sierra Madre with San Gabriel Valley in the background

The Mount Wilson Trail is seen above Sierra Madre with the San Gabriel Valley in the background. (iStock)

Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, Sierra Madre Police and Fire departments, Arcadia and Pasadena fire crews and Los Angeles County Fire.

personnel with the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team

Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including the Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team, Sierra Madre Police and Fire departments, Arcadia and Pasadena fire crews and Los Angeles County Fire. (Sierra Madre Search and Rescue Team/Facebook)

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urged the public to use caution on the trail, particularly in technical sections that require careful footing and proper equipment, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Tennessee Legislature Proposes New Congressional District Maps in Special Session

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Tennessee Legislature Proposes New Congressional District Maps in Special Session


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In an effort to address concerns over the state’s congressional map, lawmakers have gathered in Nashville for a special session of the Tennessee General Assembly. This session, initiated by Gov. Bill Lee on May 1, highlights the need to reassess the boundaries of Tennessee’s congressional districts to ensure they truly represent the preferences of voters across the state.

Governor Lee emphasized the importance of this review, as the current congressional map features only one out of nine districts represented by a Democrat—Congressman Steve Cohen, who serves parts of Shelby and Tipton counties in West Tennessee. The session, which spans three days, provides a platform for lawmakers to consider new legislative proposals, aiming to enhance the fairness and accuracy of the district lines.

Although the session was scheduled to commence in the afternoon, legislators wasted no time in preparing for the discussions. Several bills have already been filed, most notably by Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a Republican from Crossville. However, Democratic House Caucus Chair John Ray Clemmons of Nashville has also put forth a proposal for consideration.

Among the filed legislation, Speaker Sexton’s bill stands out. It proposes to temporarily lift the requirement that candidates for the United States House of Representatives must meet the residency criteria outlined for state senators and representatives in the Tennessee constitution. This change is suggested to apply specifically for the 2026 election, signaling a potential shift in candidate eligibility.

Filed by Speaker Sexton, the bill as introduced “suspends application of the requirement that candidates for United States house of representatives meet the residency requirements for state senators and representatives contained in the Tennessee constitution for the 2026 election.”

Sexton’s bill, as introduced, “removes [the] prohibition on changing congressional districts between apportionments,” allowing for redistricting not following a Census.

This bill, also by Sexton, “removes the prohibition on changing congressional districts between apportionments,” specifying it applies to Title 2, Chapter 16 of the Tennessee Code Annotated and Chapter 742 of the Public Acts of 2026.

HB 7004, also filed by Sexton, is a repeat of HB 7003, according to the Tennessee General Assembly website.

Also filed by the Speaker, this bill “makes appropriations sufficient for the payment of any lawful expenses of the second extraordinary session of the 114th General Assembly” and “makes other appropriations related to such extraordinary session.”

The lone bill filed by a Democrat, HB 7006 “revises the boundaries for congressional districts in this state.”

Per the text of the bill, it outlines the nine congressional districts of Tennessee, reversing the most recent congressional redistricting that split Davidson County into three separate districts. The districts are comprised as (* – indicates a portion of the county is in this district):

  • District 1: Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union*, and Washington counties
  • District 2: Anderson, Blount*, Knox, Sevier, and Union* counties
  • District 3: Blount*, Bradley, Hamilton, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Polk, Rhea, and Roane* counties
  • District 4: Rutherford*, Sumner*, Williamson, and Wilson counties
  • District 5: Davidson County, and Rutherford* counties
  • District 6: Bedford*, Bledsoe, Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, Dekalb, Fentress, Franklin, Grundy, Jackson, Macon, Marion, Moore, Morgan, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Roane*, Scott, Sequatchie, Smith, Sumner*, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, and White counties
  • District 7: Bedford*, Cheatham, Dickson, Giles, Hardin*, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Robertson, Stewart, and Wayne counties
  • District 8: Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin*, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Shelby*, Tipton, and Weakley counties
  • District 9: Shelby* County

Shortly after the House bills were filed, Senate companion bills also appeared on the general assembly’s website. As of 10 a.m. Senate bills 7001, 7002, 7003, and 7004 were filed by TN Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin).

Tigers Dismiss Triple-A Manager Over Unspecified Violation

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Tigers Dismiss Triple-A Manager Over Unspecified Violation

The Detroit Tigers have dismissed the manager of their Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens, citing a “violation of club policy” as the reason for this decision.

Gabe Alvarez, who was in the midst of his second season at the helm of the Mud Hens, was relieved of his duties. The specifics of the policy breach were not made public by the organization.

In the wake of Alvarez’s departure, hitting coach Mike Hessman will step in as the interim manager.

Alvarez, 52, originally joined the Tigers’ system in 2022, initially taking charge of the Double-A Erie Seawolves. Under his leadership, the Seawolves secured two Eastern League championships, and Alvarez earned the title of Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2023.


The Tigers fired Triple-A Toledo manager Gabe Alvarez on Tuesday.
The Tigers fired Triple-A Toledo manager Gabe Alvarez on Tuesday. X/@MudHens

The 52-year-old was hired by the Tigers in 2022 to manage the Double-A Erie Seawolves. whom he led to two Eastern League titles. He was also named Eastern League Manager of the Year in 2023.

He was promoted to manage Toledo after the 2024 season.

A former third baseman and outfielder, Alvarez appeared in 81 games for the Tigers from 1998-2000 and also made 11 appearances for the Padres in 2000, his last time playing in the majors.

He hit .222 with a .646 OPS, seven home runs and 33 RBIs in 92 career big-league games.

Alvarez was a second-round pick by the Padres out of USC in the 1995 draft and was later taken by the Diamondbacks in the 1997 expansion draft, but Arizona then traded him to the Tigers.

Hessman is known for hitting 433 home runs in the minor leagues, the record for the minors in the United States.

He appeared in 109 major league games, including 32 games for the Mets during the 2010 season.

He hit 14 MLB home runs while also playing for the Braves and Tigers.

The Mud Hens are currently 17-16 and sit in fourth place in the International League West division.

Breaking: New Regulation Caps Student Loan Forgiveness Credits, Impacting Borrowers Nationwide

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Breaking: New Regulation Caps Student Loan Forgiveness Credits, Impacting Borrowers Nationwide


The Department of Education has implemented new adjustments to how student loan repayments are managed, specifically affecting eligibility for loan forgiveness credits.

These adjustments focus on income-driven repayment plans, which are designed to tailor monthly payments according to a borrower’s income and family size. After making payments for 20 or 25 years, borrowers may qualify to have any remaining loan balance forgiven.

Previously, under the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, there were up to six different income-driven repayment options available to borrowers.

Going forward, the options will be streamlined to just two: the existing Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan and a newly introduced Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

The traditional IBR plan will remain an option only for those who have completed their borrowing prior to July 1, 2026. All other borrowers will be required to use the RAP.

While both plans offer student loan forgiveness, RAP requires 30 years in repayment before a loan is eligible for discharge, compared to 20 or 25 years for IBR. However, for some borrowers, RAP may have lower payments than IBR.

RAP also has an interest subsidy intended to limit balance growth from excess interest accrual, which IBR does not have.

In the past, payments credited toward student loan forgiveness transferred between plans. That way, switching plans would not reset the clock on getting student loans discharged.

However, new regulations state that RAP payment credits will not transfer.

For borrowers, that works out like this: If someone is making payments under IBR and switches to RAP, those IBR payments will still count toward the student loan forgiveness term.

But if that borrower wanted to switch back to IBR from RAP for any reason (like IBR’s cap on payments or the shorter loan forgiveness term), those payments made under the RAP plan will not count toward the timeline for student loan forgiveness.

The longer a borrower remains in RAP, the more it could cost them if they decide to switch back to IBR.

The change comes as the Education Department has been pressuring borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans that are being eliminated to choose a different plan.

If borrowers whose current plan is ending don’t choose between IBR and RAP, they will automatically be placed in a standard plan, which may have unaffordable payments and doesn’t qualify for student loan forgiveness.

Veteran Bus Driver Bravely Navigates Unprecedented Central IL Dust Storm

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Veteran Bus Driver Bravely Navigates Unprecedented Central IL Dust Storm


In Clinton, Illinois, a sudden dust storm turned an ordinary day into a nerve-wracking experience for one school bus driver and her young passengers. On Monday, while navigating Central Illinois roads, driver Jennifer Gharrett found herself thrust into a situation of zero visibility with 70 children on board, each relying on her to guide them safely home.

Gharrett, who has been with the Blue Ridge school district for nearly two decades, described the ordeal as the most challenging of her career. What began as a routine route quickly transformed into a harrowing journey when fierce winds whipped up dense clouds of dust. “I’ve driven through blizzards and tornadoes, you name it,” Gharrett explained, “but I’ve never encountered anything quite like this.”

The dust storm began to manifest while she was near Farmer City. Initially, the sky merely appeared cloudy, but conditions rapidly deteriorated as she continued through the Village of Mansfield toward Illinois Route 136.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Surprising Truce: The Inside Story of Their Resolved Feud

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Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Surprising Truce: The Inside Story of Their Resolved Feud

Initially seeking $300 million, Blake Lively ultimately walked away with nothing following the resolution of her legal battle with Justin Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer.

The Daily Mail has learned that Lively settled her lawsuit without receiving any financial compensation, despite alleging that a ‘smear campaign’ had cost her significant earnings and disrupted her career prospects.

Sources affiliated with Baldoni expressed their delight over the outcome, which left them free from any financial obligation to Lively, providing a significant victory for their side.

The unexpected conclusion to the legal dispute came just two weeks before the case was set to be heard in a New York court.

The shock twist came after the case was settled just two weeks before it was due to go to trial in New York.

In a joint statement, both sides said that the filming of the movie ‘presented challenges’ and that Lively’s ‘concerns deserved to be heard.’ 

Blake Lively was pictured arriving at the Met Gala on Monday, just hours after news about her surprise settlement with Justin Baldoni broke

Blake Lively was pictured arriving at the Met Gala on Monday, just hours after news about her surprise settlement with Justin Baldoni broke 

Baldoni's camp is said to be 'ecstatic' with how the case was resolved, likely due to the fact that it ended with no financial payout

Baldoni’s camp is said to be ‘ecstatic’ with how the case was resolved, likely due to the fact that it ended with no financial payout

But there was no apology, only a call for everyone to move on ‘in peace’.

The lack of a financial settlement is a sharp contrast to Lively’s requests to be compensated for the damage to her reputation and film career.

The former ‘Gossip Girl’ star claimed in court documents that she lost as much as $40.5 million due to being branded a ‘mean girl’ and a ‘bully’.

She claimed in court filings that she missed out on up to $87.8 million in lost acting and endorsement opportunities.

Up to $143.5 million more was supposedly lost in profits from Lively’s haircare and alcohol range after the controversy over the film

Baldoni’s lawyers called these claims ‘pie in the sky’ figures and said that Lively’s reputation was already damaged due to her own actions.

Lively's team alleged that she lost tens of millions in endorsements after a smear campaign following the release of 2024 movie It Ends With Us. This was denied by Wayfarer Studios, owned by Baldoni

Lively’s team alleged that she lost tens of millions in endorsements after a smear campaign following the release of 2024 movie It Ends With Us. This was denied by Wayfarer Studios, owned by Baldoni

The actress, 38, finally reached a settlement with Baldoni¿s production company, Wayfarer Studios, as well as his PR agency, over claims of retaliation and breach of contract relating to 2024 movie It Ends With Us

Despite behind-the-scenes tensions that have flared on and off set, both stars on Monday said they hope to move forward ‘constructively and in peace’

It is unclear who pays the multi-million legal bills for each side, however Lively can count on support from her husband Ryan Reynolds, who is worth a reported $400 million.

Baldoni has been supported throughout the trial by his friend, entrepreneur Steve Sarowitz, who co-founded Wayfarer and is worth up to $3.4 billion through his payment processing company.

Baldoni’s personal net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $8 million thanks to his share of the profits from It Ends With Us, which made more than $350 million in worldwide box office receipts.

The Daily Mail understands that Lively was the sticking point to a potential settlement even though her team were urging her to end the case months ago.

According to Mitchell Jackson, a PR who represents controversial figures like the influencer Clavicular and right wing provocateur Candace Owens, Lively’s team likely wanted to settle because she had far more to lose than Baldoni.

‘Could it have gotten any worse for Blake Lively?’ he said. ‘The only way would have been to go to trial.

The settlement marks the end of a two-year legal battle over the fallout from the 2024 movie and comes two weeks before the case was set to go to trial

The settlement marks the end of a two-year legal battle over the fallout from the 2024 movie and comes two weeks before the case was set to go to trial

‘Her career is already in a coffin and a trial would have thrown the nails in it and put it in the ground.

‘The biggest mistake she made was when she got his talent agency to drop him,’ he said, referring to the decision by WME to split with Baldoni in 2024.

‘Then he had no work, so he had nothing to lose and he could burn the house down.

‘Look at Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. He had nothing to lose either’.

Lively’s celebrity friends will be ‘relieved’ as they ‘don’t want to be dragged into it’ any more than they have already been.

But it will be a hard road back for Lively herself, Jackson said.

Their joint statement in full 

The end product – the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. 

Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind.

We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard. 

We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments. 

It is our sincere hope that this brings closure and allows all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.

‘It’s clear Blake Lively doesn’t have a sense of humor about herself and the only way forward is to have a sense of humor, but she won’t do it,’ he said.

‘She wants to play the victim card but she’s not the victim.

‘The way to recover, if she was smart, she would fire her Hollywood PR people because she has approached a 21st century problem with a 20th century way of handling it.

‘She should do some outrageous things to rehab herself like going on SNL and play Pam Bondi.

‘She needs to make fun of herself. Do an ad campaign with Amber Heard as it would make people’s heads spin.

‘She needs to change the conversation about herself’.

According to Jackson, Baldoni is in a ‘tougher spot’ given the dearth of acting jobs and few people wanting to take a risk on him.

But the best solution for both of them would be to make a sequel to It Ends With Us as it would be ‘huge’, Jackson said.

Unfortunately Baldoni’s lawyers have already poured cold water on that idea.

RBA’s Last-Minute Rate Decision: What It Means for Your Finances

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in brief

  • All four big banks expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to hike rates on Tuesday.
  • A 0.25 percentage point hike in May would result in higher monthly repayments of $91 on a $600,000 mortgage.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) faces a challenging decision as it prepares for its Tuesday announcement. Most economists predict that the cash rate will likely be raised to 4.35%.

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed that inflation surged to its highest point since the beginning of 2023 in March. This increase is partly attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has exerted significant pressure on prices.

A potential increase of 0.25 percentage points in the official cash rate would elevate interest rates from 4.1%, reverting them to levels seen in 2024.

This anticipated hike could negate the benefits of the previous three rate reductions, resulting in increased mortgage repayments for homeowners.

According to an analysis by financial comparison site Canstar, a 0.25 percentage point rise on Tuesday would mean an additional $91 in monthly payments for those with a $600,000 mortgage.

If the RBA decides to increase the cash rate, it will be the third hike this year, totalling a $272 rise in monthly repayments on a $600,000 mortgage compared to 2025.

Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall told SBS News a rate increase would create “significant pressure” for borrowers.

Tindall explained the board will be looking to reduce inflation to below 3 per cent.

The March figures showed inflation surging from 3.7 per cent to 4.6 per cent.

The RBA targets a 2-3 per cent inflation band and uses interest rate increases to cool discretionary consumer spending. Banks pass on the cash rate rise to borrowers, and mortgage payments increase as a result.

In light of rising costs and overseas conflict, Tindall said a hike could tip financially vulnerable Australians over the edge.

“The last (RBA) board decision was split five to four. If one person around that board table last time around had a different view, we might’ve ended up with potentially a hold rather than a hike,” Tindall said.

“I can only imagine it’ll be yet another split decision that comes down to the wire because of these competing factors.”

Confidence drops as repayments increase

Tindall said that consumer confidence has been falling in 2026, driven by tough and uncertain economic conditions.

This has resulted in a market slowdown, with people being more cautious about buying or selling property.

Current homeowners would be the most impacted in the short term by an anticipated hike.

A chart showing how monthly repayments could change
Source: SBS News

“A cash rate hike could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” she said.

“For new borrowers, who potentially might not have even been expecting any cash rate rises after last year’s drops, they could have a wake-up call.”

Australians with a larger mortgage debt will pay more over the lifetime of their mortgage.

A homeowner with $800,000 in debt would pay an additional $363 each month, and those with $1 million in debt would owe $453 more in monthly repayments.

Rate hikes have also affected buying power.

An individual borrower with an average full-time wage of $106,950 will be able to borrow an estimated $11,700 less if an RBA rate rise materialises on Tuesday.

A chart showing how buying power has been affected by rate hikes
Source: SBS News

Combined with the previous February and March rate hikes, this borrower would be $36,500 worse off.

While all four big banks expect a hike on Tuesday, Westpac does not expect the cash rate hikes to stop there, forecasting two further 0.25 percentage hikes in June and August.

Risks of another rate hike

While the RBA is tipped to raise rates once again, financial services firm Betashares’ chief economist David Bassanese said it could be reluctant to do so.

“Much will depend on how long the Iran conflict persists and whether the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed,” he said.

“A more serious energy squeeze could emerge if the Strait is not reopened within the next month as existing oil inventories begin to run down.”

United States President Donald Trump said a project will start on Monday to help stranded ships leave the Strait of Hormuz, but offered few details.

Around 20 per cent of global oil exports ordinarily travel through the Strait.

Another risk the RBA may need to consider, Bassanese added, is “potential fallout” for the property market from changes to tax incentives in the upcoming budget.

“A combination of reduced tax incentives and multiple rate hikes could knock the wind out of the housing market, with negative wealth effects for household demand,” he said.

For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.

Comedian Faces Backlash Over Controversial Joke on High-Profile Murder Case

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Comedian Faces Backlash Over Controversial Joke on High-Profile Murder Case

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article includes the image of a deceased person.

A comedian has been widely condemned and dumped by his local Aussie rules club for a “deeply offensive” social media video about the alleged murder of five-year-old Northern Territory girl Kumanjayi Little Baby.
South Australia Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People Dale Agius labelled Alex “Shooter” Williamson’s social media post, which has since been deleted, as a cruel and racist attempt to exploit the alleged murder for “cheap laughs”.

The Willunga Football Club, located approximately 40 kilometers south of Adelaide, has taken decisive action against a comedian for comments that cannot be legally repeated. Initially suspending the individual, the club ultimately decided to revoke his registration entirely.

Alex “Shooter” Williamson has deleted a post he made about Kumanjayi Little Baby. (Alex Williamson/Facebook)

“We want to emphasize that the remarks in question are utterly unacceptable and do not represent the values we uphold,” the club declared in a statement shared on social media and its official website.

“We recognize the pain and distress caused by these comments, especially to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as well as to the broader public,” the statement continued.

Agius praised the club’s condemnation, highlighting the important role sporting clubs play in regional communities, and called on people to respect the call by senior Warlpiri elder Robin Japanangka Granites – the girl’s grandfather – for this to be a time of Sorry Business.

“What Mr. Williamson posted cannot be classified as comedy or humor, nor did it serve any beneficial purpose,” said Agius in a statement released earlier this evening.

“It was cruelty dressed up as a joke, wielded against a community already grieving. 

” … to roleplay a conversation with the man charged with her murder, is not a punchline. It is racism dressed up as comedy. 

Kumanjayi Little Baby (Supplied)

“It tells Aboriginal children and their families that their lives, their deaths, and their grief are sport for others entertainment.”

The proud Kaurna, Narungga, Ngadjuri and Ngarrindjeri man said the comments had no place in the public domain at any time and were “unconscionable” in the current context.

“I stand absolutely firm: there is no context, no comedic framing, no claim of ‘just having a laugh’ that makes this in any way acceptable,” he said.

Both the club and Agius described the comments as “deeply offensive”.

The SANFL backed the club, saying Williamson wasn’t someone it wanted in the league.

Agius called for the broader political, legislative and systemic context of the five-year-old’s death to be fully examined at the appropriate time.

Jefferson Lewis was unconscious when he was arrested by police in Alice Springs. (Mark Malbunka)

“The death of Kumanjayi Little Baby did not occur in isolation,” he said. 

“Her family lived with the realities faced by too many families in remote and regional Australia: overcrowded housing, limited services, and the daily pressures of deep poverty and disadvantage.”

Indigenous advocate Karen Beasley said Williamson should apologise to the family.

“The way I look at it, nobody in their right mind would have made that joke,” she said.

” … there was just no remorse how he giggled towards the end and thought it was just so funny.

Williamson hasn’t commented on the controversy beyond reposting an article about the club dumping him.

“BAHAHAHAHA this headline is a proper spinout,” he said on Instagram Stories.

“Closest I’ll feel to playing AFL.”

He didn’t respond when 9News went today to his parents’ house, where he’s been living.

Jefferson Lewis, 47, has been accused of murdering the  five‑year‑old girl near the outback town of Alice Springs. 

Jefferson Lewis faced court in the Northern Territory today. (NT Police)

He was expected to appear in Alice Springs Local Court on Tuesday via video link from custody in Darwin but his appearance was excused. No application for bail was made, and the case was adjourned to July 30. 

The alleged killing horrified the tight‑knit community, which spent anxious days scouring creek beds and scrub for the missing girl before her body was found in bushland outside the town five days after she disappeared.

Kumanjayi – the name used in line with cultural tradition after her death – vanished from a home in a town camp, triggering a massive land and air search across central Australia.

Lewis was arrested at another Alice Springs town camp after being beaten unconscious by locals.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy told ABC’s 7.30 it was important to remember Kumanjayi was very loved by her family, who were in deep mourning and did not want her death to be turned into a political fight.

She also backed National Children’s Commissioner Sue‑Anne Hunter, who said children cannot be safe in overcrowded or rundown houses and that governments still had “a hell of a lot of work” to do to keep Aboriginal children safe.

Candlelight vigils for Kumanjayi are planned for Thursday and mourners have been asked to wear pink, her favourite colour, as the community comes together to grieve and remember her short life.

For 24/7 crisis support run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contact 13YARN (13 92 76).

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