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Minns Expresses Disappointment Over Court’s Ruling Against NSW Protest Laws

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IN BRIEF

  • A NSW court has struck down powers used to curb protest in the aftermath of the Bondi massacre.
  • NSW Premier Chris Minns has said his government is “obviously disappointed” in the decision and stands by the laws.

NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his government’s “obvious disappointment” following a court decision in NSW that invalidated powers used to restrict protests after the tragic events at Bondi.

The contentious legislation, pushed through NSW parliament in December, granted the police commissioner the authority to ban residents from seeking permits for demonstrations in key Sydney locations for up to three months following a terrorist incident.

This legislation left demonstrators at risk of being detained for obstructing traffic or pedestrian flow if they took to the streets in protest.

Minns defended the laws, citing the need to uphold order and peace after two assailants attacked a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in mid-December, resulting in 15 fatalities. However, several activist groups opposed the measures and challenged the state government in court.

‘A blunt tool’

On Thursday, Chief Justice Andrew Bell ruled that the laws imposed an “impermissible burden” on the implied constitutional right to free communication on governmental and political matters.

“The (declaration) scheme is a blunt tool,” he wrote in his NSW Court of Appeal decision.

“It is not enough that the legislature perceived the need for strong action to preserve the cohesion and safety of the community…

“The system of government established by the Commonwealth constitution does not permit the state to pursue such an objective by authorising the executive to impose such a sweeping and indiscriminate restriction on all public assemblies.”

A group of activists and legal representatives, including a man wearing a keffiyeh around his shoulders, speak at a press conference held outside a courthouse while protesters hold signs and a Palestinian flag in the background.
Palestine Action Group spokesperson Josh Lees said the result was “a big win for everyone who cares about the right to protest, who cares about democracy in New South Wales”. Source: AAP / Dan Himbrechts

The NSW government will be forced to pay costs to Palestine Action Group and Blak Caucus, which could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As the judgment was handed down, supporters donning traditional Palestinian keffiyehs let out whoops and cheers, patting the lawyers on the back and thanking them for their work.

“This is a big win for everyone who cares about the right to protest, who cares about democracy in New South Wales, and, of course, who cares about a free Palestine,” Palestine Action Group spokesperson Josh Lees told reporters outside court.

Though the restrictions are no longer in place, they were not eased until February, about a week after police violently broke up a Town Hall protest opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s trip to Australia.

During the crackdown, dozens of attendees were pepper-sprayed while others were beaten and arrested by police.

The event was also policed under a major events declaration that gave authorities powers to clear the area at their determination.

Minns says government ‘obviously disappointed’ by decision

Asked about the laws ahead of the court’s decision, Premier Chris Minns continued to back them.

“I’m not saying there wasn’t clashes, I’m not saying it wasn’t difficult, and I don’t regret moving that legislation at all,” he said.

“It’s tricky when you’re introducing changes to legislation like that because there’s a necessary infringement on constitutional principles.

“But there are other constitutional principles: the right of individual citizens to go about living their life free of intimidation, persecution or violence.”

Minns said his government was “obviously disappointed” by the court’s decision and continued to stand by the laws.

“This was in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack our country has seen,” he said.

“We believe it was necessary and important for Sydney at the time.”

Activists’ lawyer vows to keep fighting ‘anti-democratic laws’

Greens MP Sue Higginson said the court’s decision was an indictment on Minns’ performance, saying he bore responsibility for police brutality at the February protest.

“This is a real reminder of how our state premier Chris Minns has failed the people, has failed to understand his job and has failed our democracy,” she told reporters.

The NSW government’s attempts to block a pro-Palestine rally at the Sydney Harbour Bridge and allow police to move on protesters who affect a person’s ability to enter or leave a place of worship were previously struck down by the courts.

Nick Hanna, a solicitor working for Palestine Action Group, said this pattern was likely to continue.

“If they keep passing anti-democratic laws, the people of the state will keep challenging them,” he said.

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Shocking NFL Shakeup: Top Female Reporter Fired Over Dianna Russini Celebration

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Shocking NFL Shakeup: Top Female Reporter Fired Over Dianna Russini Celebration

USA Today has parted ways with NFL reporter Crissy Froyd following her harsh remarks directed at fellow journalist Dianna Russini, who recently resigned from The Athletic amid controversy.

This Tuesday, Russini made headlines by announcing her departure from the New York Times-owned platform. Her exit comes on the heels of explosive allegations suggesting an affair with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, claims that both parties have firmly denied.

The speculation intensified last week when images surfaced showing Russini, 43, and Vrabel, 50, seemingly enjoying each other’s company. The photos, taken at a luxurious $2,500-per-night retreat in Sedona, Arizona, captured the pair embracing, lounging by the pool, and sharing laughter.

In the wake of Russini’s resignation, Froyd, who was covering both the NFL and college football for USA Today SMG, made a pointed remark. She suggested that Russini’s resignation was coerced, stating, “I’m sure you were told to submit this or that you’d get fired instead.”

Continuing her criticism, Froyd added, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. We know who you really are and what you’ve been up to for years. It does so much detriment to women in sports who have done things the right way.”

Yet in light of her damning public criticism of Russini, USA Today confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Froyd’s contract has been terminated ‘effective immediately’.

USA Today reporter Crissy Froyd has been fired for celebrating Dianna Russini's Athletic exit

USA Today reporter Crissy Froyd has been fired for celebrating Dianna Russini’s Athletic exit

Russini left The Athletic this week amid allegations of an affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel

Russini left The Athletic this week amid allegations of an affair with Patriots coach Mike Vrabel

‘Her recent statements do not reflect our commitment to professionalism or uphold our principles of ethical conduct,’ the statement added.

Froyd has reacted to her shock dismissal in an interview with TMZ, admitting it has left her ‘beyond distraught’.

‘I struggle to understand the positioning here after that was published, but that apparently I as an independent contractor cannot make my own statements on my own social media accounts.’

Froyd has stressed that she does not have a ‘vendetta’ against Russini, nor was she ‘actively waiting for the perfect moment’ to call her out. Instead, the fired reporter felt she ‘could finally say something without being the only one.’

However, she has been axed by USA Today after a decade with the publication.

‘I am looking forward to what is next and I do walk away with my head held high,’ Froyd added. ‘Have I become a martyr? We will see. But I hold zero regret and am beyond proud of my accomplishments.’

As well as her explosive online post, Froyd doubled down on her sentiments about Russini in a statement provided to the Daily Caller, in which she made a series of allegations.

She said: ‘From fights with other reporters in Chili’s parking lots about hooking up with married NFL coaches to everything else, it is almost certainly all true. It was the worst kept secret in the NFL reporting world for a while.

Russini was pictured hugging Vrabel and lounging poolside with the coach at an Arizona hotel

Russini was pictured hugging Vrabel and lounging poolside with the coach at an Arizona hotel

Froyd, who covered the NFL and college football for USA Today SMG, brutally told her fellow female reporter: 'Don’t let the door hit you on the way out'

Froyd, who covered the NFL and college football for USA Today SMG, brutally told her fellow female reporter: ‘Don’t let the door hit you on the way out’

‘Someone once propositioned me to have Dianna potentially be my mentor. I declined because I knew what she was about and her track record.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to Russini for comment on Froyd’s allegations. 

Russini has not responded to public comments, and said this week that ‘everything’ she has to say about the matter is referenced in her resignation letter.

Froyd, who graduated from LSU in 2021, has been accused of hypocrisy in recent days because she had a relationship with former college quarterback J.T. Daniels.

On that subject, she explained: ‘Alright, so, you probably have seen a lot of people coming after me. I’ll be transparent and I would love to use this as the greatest example.

‘I had a strong relationship with former QB JT Daniels that, as anyone would imagine under those circumstances, did include multiple sexual encounters and there was a lot involved. 

‘However, JT and I didn’t begin that relationship until after he was out of football. I can honestly say I have never slept with a player or coach for professional gain. Dianna cannot say the same. That’s where the difference is.’

Russini insists she and Vrabel were at the resort in Arizona with larger groups of people

Russini insists she and Vrabel were at the resort in Arizona with larger groups of people

Both Russini and Vrabel issued statements confirming the March 28 interaction but have denied any improper conduct, with Vrabel specifically calling the story ‘laughable.’ 

Russini told Page Six she and Vrabel were at the resort with larger groups of people. 

But on Tuesday, Russini resigned from The Athletic, while standing behind all of her work from her 15-year career at the publication, ESPN, and other outlets.

A defiant Russini insisted that her resignation does not mean she crossed the line with Vrabel.

‘I do so [resign] not because I accept the narrative that has been constructed around this episode, but because I refuse to lend it further oxygen or to let it define me or my career,’ she said.

‘I have covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I have ever published.

‘When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism. For that I am grateful.’ 

Justice Served: Man Sentenced for Murdering Ex-Girlfriend During Cancer Walk

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Justice Served: Man Sentenced for Murdering Ex-Girlfriend During Cancer Walk

Inset, top to bottom: Jackson Hopper (SCSO) and Ellie Young (GoFundMe). Background: The parking lot where Hopper fatally shot Young (SCSO).

A Tennessee man, aged 28, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for the murder of his former girlfriend. The crime took place as the victim, a 22-year-old medical student named Ellie Young, was participating in a cancer walk.

Jackson Hopper will spend 40 years in a state correctional facility, following a plea agreement with prosecutors. He admitted to second-degree murder in connection with Young’s tragic death in 2024, according to records from the court.

During the sentencing on Wednesday, Judge Carlyn L. Addison spoke directly to the grieving family, acknowledging the profound and lasting impact of the tragedy.

“The devastation for both families is immeasurable. The trauma that will continue is, again, immeasurable,” Judge Addison expressed, as reported by local Fox affiliate WHBQ. She explained that accepting the plea deal was a step towards allowing the family to heal, sparing them the anguish of enduring a full trial.

Prosecutors emphasized that the decision to accept the plea was to prevent the family from reliving the harrowing details of the incident in court, as noted by local ABC affiliate WATN.

Monica Timmerman, the chief prosecutor on the case, outlined key evidence during the proceedings, including surveillance footage from Shelby Farms Park, where the fatal shooting took place.

“He turned around, went back to the victim, and shot her a sixth time,” she said. “The medical examiner’s report confirmed that all six were to victim Ellie Young’s head.”

Timmerman also emphasized that the plea deal would prevent Young’s family from having to relive her murder during trial.

“While no amount of time in prison will ever be enough to achieve justice for Ellie Young, we are pleased for the Young family that they can put this criminal matter behind them and celebrate the amazing life of Ellie without having to relive the trauma of her murder,” Timmerman told the court.

An attorney for the family echoed the prosecutor’s sentiment, saying the outcome “spares them the additional trauma of having to get on the stand at trial and having CSI evidence that would, unfortunately, show things that they would never be able to recover from,” according to local CBS affiliate WREG.

Hopper’s defense attorney acknowledged the gravity of the case after sentencing. “After 49 years of practicing law, it never gets easy,” he said. “Cases like this, it’s tragic, and if we could turn back the hands of time, this would be a case that you would want to turn back the hands of time on.”

As Law&Crime previously reported, the shooting happened on Oct. 19, 2024, in the parking lot of the visitor center at Shelby Farms Park following a breast cancer walk hosted by the American Cancer Society. Witnesses said Young had just returned to her Jeep when a white SUV pulled in behind her.

“A white Honda CRV with a Kentucky Temp Tag pulled behind the victim’s Jeep,” police wrote in a probable cause affidavit. “The male white driver of the Honda CRV fired two shots into the back of the Jeep occupied by the victim. The victim came out of the Jeep Wrangler and the male white suspect fired at least one more shot into the victim as she lay on the ground. The suspect then re-entered the white Honda and left the scene.”

Several of the victim’s family members arrived at the scene shortly after police and advised investigators that Young had recently broken up with her boyfriend, whom they identified as Hopper, and a BOLO (be on the lookout) was issued for the Honda CRV.

Law enforcement officers spotted his vehicle in a neighboring county and attempted a stop, but Hopper refused to pull over and led deputies on a chase that stretched across multiple jurisdictions. Officials said he drove recklessly, at times heading into oncoming traffic and attempting to strike officers, before deputies used a PIT maneuver to bring the pursuit to an end.

Officers took him into custody after the crash, though authorities said he initially resisted arrest.

Hopper still faces additional charges in other counties tied to the chase.

Expert Predicts Potential 8-Cent Fuel Price Surge for State

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Expert Predicts Potential 8-Cent Fuel Price Surge for State

A fire that broke out on Wednesday night at the Viva Energy oil refinery has led to a significant reduction in fuel production. Diesel and jet fuel output have dropped to 80% of typical levels, while petrol production is down to 60%. The timeline for repairs remains uncertain.

David Leaney from the Australian National University reassured that despite the incident, the company’s supply, which accounts for half of Victoria’s fuel, should remain stable.

ANU supply chain expert David Leaney has tipped a rise in prices in Victoria. (Today)

“The crucial factor here is that Viva will compensate by purchasing additional fuel on the international market and importing it to cover the shortfall,” he explained.

Nonetheless, Leaney noted that residents of Victoria might experience higher fuel prices, as Viva’s international purchases will be based on spot prices rather than long-term contracts.

Spot prices can be as much as 8 cents per litre higher than contract prices, and Leaney suggested that this increase “could potentially” be reflected in retail fuel prices.

An oil refinery in Geelong was hit by a massive fire, causing concerns it could impact Australia's already critical fuel supply.
An oil refinery in Geelong was hit by a massive fire, causing concerns it could impact Australia’s already critical fuel supply. (A Current Affair)

“When would that happen? Fairly soon, as soon as those replacement contracts are in place,” Leaney said.

Any price increase could be expected to last at least a couple of weeks.

Earlier this morning, Viva chief executive Scott Wyatt said the costs imposed by the fire would be “absorbed” and not passed on to the consumer.

“Except for this fire, costs were actually trending down, and the number of petrol stations out of fuel were trending down – two really good trends,” Leaney told Today.

“With the exception of Victorian motorists over the next two to four weeks, I think we can see petrol prices fairly stable.”

He said another good sign was the government’s securing of additional fuel supplies, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese touting the success of bringing in 100 million litres from overseas.

That amount of fuel is, however, typically what Australia consumes in just 1.3 days – but Leaney said the bigger picture was showing improvement, with fuel reserves trending up from 32 days at the beginning of the crisis, to close to 40 now.

“These are good trends and it is important that we’ve got those supplies shored up,” he said.

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Elderly Man Attacked in Unprovoked Upper East Side Assault: NYC Police Seek Suspect

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Elderly Man Attacked in Unprovoked Upper East Side Assault: NYC Police Seek Suspect

In a shocking outburst of violence on the Upper East Side last week, an elderly man was brutally attacked by an unknown assailant, police reported.

The unsettling incident occurred in broad daylight around 5:20 p.m. on Friday. The 75-year-old victim was standing in front of a grocery store on York Avenue near East 83rd Street when he was approached by a stranger. An argument ensued between the two, according to police accounts.

During the confrontation, the attacker allegedly shoved the senior citizen to the ground, as detailed by the NYPD.


The brute cornered the 75-year-old victim on York Avenue near East 83rd Street around 5:20 p.m. Friday, authorities said. 
The brute cornered the 75-year-old victim on York Avenue near East 83rd Street around 5:20 p.m. Friday, authorities said.  NYPD

Following this, the aggressor launched into a vicious assault, repeatedly punching and kicking the elderly man, before fleeing south on York Avenue on foot.

Despite the violence of the attack, the victim sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.

It was not immediately clear what the fight was over.


The alleged attacker shoved the elderly man and dealt repeated blows, cops said.
The alleged attacker shoved the elderly man and dealt repeated blows, cops said. NYPD

Video shows the suspect walking in the store wearing a gray hat, a pair of shades, a blue jacket and black pants. 

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). 

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at on X @NYPDTips.

Meet Emmely Elgersma: Rising Star of Interior Design Masters 2026 Shines with Innovative Style

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Meet Emmely Elgersma: Rising Star of Interior Design Masters 2026 Shines with Innovative Style

Emmely Elgersma Biography – Emmely Elgersma Wiki

Emmely Elgersma, a versatile talent from the Netherlands, now thrives in London as a designer, sculptor, ceramicist, artist, and football coach. Although she hails from the Netherlands, her formative years unfolded in the serene landscapes of rural Nottinghamshire. She later relocated to London to pursue her passion for Textile Design and Fine Art. Emmely is making her mark as a contestant on BBC’s Interior Design Masters 2026.

Her intrigue with repurposing materials was sparked during an early job in a Bloomsbury shop owned by the daughter of the creator of Bagpuss and Clangers. There, she honed her skills in transforming so-called ‘rubbish’ into captivating window displays. This hands-on experience, filled with improvisation and creativity, became the foundation of her sculptural philosophy.

Emmely’s artistic journey included a residency at the Sarabande Foundation, established by the iconic Lee Alexander McQueen. This opportunity granted her a studio near the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Her work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as Christie’s, Saatchi Gallery, Selfridges, and the London Design Festival. Her collaborations extend to renowned brands like IKEA, TikTok, End of the Road Festival, Paynter Jacket, Johnnie Walker, and Sandqvist.

In the spring of 2025, she will join an artist residency in South Korea as part of Korea’s International Craft Festival, allowing her to further explore sustainability and innovation in design. Meanwhile, Emmely is eagerly awaiting word from the Guinness World Records regarding her attempt to create the largest papier-mâché sculpture ever.

In 2020, Emmely achieved her FA Level 1 coaching qualification, paving the way for her roles as a coach for Spurs and Juventus and as a manager for The Tate Workers football team. She holds an MFA from Chelsea College of Arts, obtained in 2017, and completed her BA (Hons) in Textile Design at Central Saint Martins in 2012.

Interior Design Masters 2026

Emmely Elgersma is a contestant on Series 7 of Interior Design Masters on BBC One, presented by comedian Alan Carr, with interiors expert Michelle Ogundehin as head judge. The show follows 10 designers as they reimagine eight incredible spaces from beach huts to castle hotels. Emmely describes her design style as creative, uplifting and playful.

Emmely applied to be on Interior Design Masters to “push myself creatively and learn more about interior design.” She told the BBC: “I’m a sculptor and designer, so I’ve always been interested in spatial design. When you make sculpture you naturally think in a very three-dimensional way prioritising mood, emotion and how people experience a space.

“I also create a lot of furniture pieces and love finding beauty in everyday objects. Interior Design Masters felt like the perfect way to push myself creatively and learn more about interior design, without having to go back to university and spend a ridiculous amount of money.”

Speaking about what viewers can expect, Emmely said: “I think this year is a real mix of designers from very different and unique backgrounds. Our styles are completely varied, which makes it really exciting to watch, I would walk around the spaces and be like wow so many varied approaches to the same space we all had been given, so I think viewers will definitely have their favourites.”

Instagram

Emmely Elgersma’s Instagram handle is @emmely.

Final Trailer for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Unveils New Story Insights and In-Depth Character Exploration

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Final Trailer for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Unveils New Story Insights and In-Depth Character Exploration

As the much-anticipated release date of May 22 approaches, the final trailer for the upcoming “Star Wars” film delves deeper into its storyline, spotlighting pivotal characters and thrilling battles that are sure to captivate audiences.

LOS ANGELES — Get ready for an exhilarating ride featuring speeder bikes, AT-ATs, and an adorable, yet mischievous, green baby causing a stir among the Anzellan people!

In an exciting development for fans, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” marks the first “Star Wars” film to hit theaters in seven years. The latest trailer provides an enticing glimpse into the film’s allies and adversaries.

The preview teases more action-packed scenes with familiar faces like Embo, the bounty hunter from the animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and Zeb Orrelios, a Rebel captain who earnestly wishes Mando “good luck.”

Fans will also be thrilled to see Mando, played by Pedro Pascal, remove his helmet. He delivers a poignant line: “The old protect the young, and then the young protect the old,” adding depth to the film’s narrative.

Sigourney Weaver appears as Colonel Ward, wearing the classic orange Rebel pilot uniform after disembarking from an X-wing fighter.

Jeremy Allen White also stars as Rotto the Hutt, a member of the species made famous by Jabba the Hutt in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”

The trailer closes with the familiar Mandalorian pledge, “This is the way,” followed by a silhouetted shot of Grogu.

“The Mandalorian and Grogu” premieres in theaters May 22.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Lucasfilm, Disney+ and this ABC station.

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Tragic Murder-Suicide: Ex-Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax Accused in Wife’s Death Amid Contentious Divorce, Police Report

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Tragic Murder-Suicide: Ex-Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax Accused in Wife’s Death Amid Contentious Divorce, Police Report

In a tragic turn of events, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is alleged to have fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis shared details during a press conference, revealing that the couple’s teenage children were home at the time of the incident on April 16. According to Davis, Justin Fairfax reportedly shot Cerina in the basement of their residence shortly after midnight. He then moved to an upstairs bedroom, where he allegedly used the same firearm to end his own life.

“This is a high-profile case with a deeply tragic nature,” Davis remarked on the incident. “It represents a significant fall from grace for a family that appeared to have many positive aspects. The tragedy is compounded for their children, who have lost both parents and were present in the home during these devastating events.”

The couple’s teenage son made a distress call to 911 amidst what Davis described as a “very chaotic situation.”

Police arrived swiftly at the scene, where both Justin and Cerina Fairfax were pronounced dead.

“Our victim services division, like they always do, is leaning into the to the family, the surviving relatives, the children in particular,” Davis said. “We’ll do everything we can for them.”

According to Davis, the couple was going through a “messy” divorce at the time of incident. 

Justin—who had returned to work as an attorney after serving as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor—had recently been served paperwork associated with an upcoming court proceeding, which Davis said “apparently led to this incident.”

“Apparently, the paperwork indicated when he was next to appear in court,” Davis explained. “That may have been a spark. You know, detectives will figure that out.”

Police said they have footage from cameras placed throughout the home, which show what happened that night.

Davis said Cerina, a dentist, installed the cameras inside the home at some point during the divorce proceedings.

It wasn’t the first time police were called to the home. In January, Justin alleged that his wife had assaulted him. At the time, investigators relied on the cameras to refute Justin’s claims.

“We reviewed those cameras and we corroborated that the alleged assault never occurred,” Davis said during the press conference. “So there was no arrest made.”

It was the only known call for service to the house, Davis said.

“The family was going through, seemingly a very tough time with the separation, with the divorce,” Davis said.”I can only imagine the stress that the parents felt, the kids felt, and the other family members as well.”

The couple’s two children are now in the care of relatives.

While in office, two women came forward in 2019 to publicly accuse Justin of sexual assault in alleged incidents occurring in 2000 and 2004, per The New York Post. Justin insisted both incidents had been consensual.

He lost a bid for governor in 2021.

Achieve Elite Core Strength: Hold a Bridge for This Long After 50 and Transform Your Fitness

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Achieve Elite Core Strength: Hold a Bridge for This Long After 50 and Transform Your Fitness

When it comes to building a robust core, one of the most effective exercises you can incorporate into your routine is the basic bridge. This seemingly simple move is a powerhouse for enhancing core stability, which is crucial for overall body strength.

A strong core is the backbone of physical independence, aiding in longevity and making everyday tasks and chores feel effortless. The basic bridge exercise specifically targets the pelvic muscles, hamstrings, glutes, and deep core muscles. Importantly, it does so without putting excessive stress on the neck, unlike some other core exercises. By regularly practicing this move, you can also improve your posture and stability. As you advance, you can experiment with variations to concentrate on particular muscle groups and further enhance your performance.

To truly gauge the strength of your core, the bridge exercise serves as an excellent benchmark. We consulted with Carly Harvey, a seasoned personal trainer, online coach, and Clubbercise instructor at Champneys. Harvey explains that maintaining a bridge position for an extended period, particularly after the age of 50, can classify your core strength as “elite.” With a focus on lifestyle transformation through balance rather than restriction, Harvey is certified to train women going through peri/menopause, further emphasizing the importance of tailored fitness approaches.

Developing a strong core and glute muscles not only enhances balance and mobility but also contributes significantly to back health. By supporting your body effectively, you pave the way for improved physical well-being.

The Importance of Core Strength

woman with a strong core
Shutterstock

Having a solid core and strong glute muscles improves your balance, mobility, and back health by ensuring your body’s well-supported.

“This enables better pain free movement as weak glutes and core put pressure on the lower back causing discomfort and reduced mobility. Having better pelvic control hugely improves stability and balance, which means less chance of falls or injury,” Harvey adds.

What Makes the Glute Bridge Hold an Effective Test of Core Strength?

woman doing virtual workout outdoors, glute bridges, concept of the best trainers on YouTube
Shutterstock

According to Harvey, this exercise is a stellar choice for testing your core strength and stability.

“Maintaining this position with good form and technique (keeping the spine neutral and hips level while pushing through the glutes and not the back) challenges pelvic control and stabilizes the core,” Harvey explains. “Doing this exercise post-50 is important to keep the body safe and stable as you age, using the muscles that support real-life movement, balance and stability.”

The gluteus maximus, hamstrings, erector spinae, and deep ab muscles are mainly activated during the glute bridge hold. These muscles are essential when it comes to daily movements like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and keeping the body stable.

If You Can Hold a Bridge This Long After 50, Your Core Strength Is Elite

If you’re able to hold a glute bridge for 90 seconds or more at the age of 50+, this is considered “elite” performance

“This signifies a higher level of core and posterior strength than is expected for this particular age group,” Harvey notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

close-up of woman doing glute bridge
Shutterstock

Common mistakes during the glute bridge include pushing through your back rather than your glutes, which can cause reduced glute activation and overextension of the spine. In addition, avoid uneven hips and pushing more through one side over the other. Make sure your knees maintain alignment throughout the exercise.

UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson Faces Security Vetting Hurdle: Implications for Diplomatic Role

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UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson Faces Security Vetting Hurdle: Implications for Diplomatic Role

Peter Mandelson, a Labour Party heavyweight with ties to scandal, was initially denied security clearance but still managed to secure the role of British Ambassador to the United States. This controversial appointment has sparked urgent demands for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign if he misled Parliament regarding the decision.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under fire for allegedly deceiving both Parliament and the public about appointing Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to Washington. This issue has unfolded into one of the most significant political scandals of the current British government, prompting rival parties to call for Starmer’s resignation.

There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the Prime Minister’s knowledge of the situation. Official statements claim he was unaware that Mandelson’s security clearance had been denied by the security services, a decision that was ultimately overruled. The reasons behind Mandelson’s initial rejection remain unclear. This scandal, which has been developing over several months, has already led to the resignation of the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, known for his opposition to Breitbart News. McSweeney’s departure appears to be an attempt to shield Starmer from further scrutiny.

The British newspaper The Guardian, which is left-leaning but not necessarily supportive of Starmer, reported on Thursday that according to multiple sources, the vetting process for Mandelson’s appointment was incomplete when the Prime Minister announced him as the future ambassador in 2025. The vetting concluded with a rejection on January 28th of that year, a decision that was subsequently overturned by the Foreign Office, allowing Mandelson to assume the position.

This revelation suggests that the British government’s security protocols were bypassed—a move that, while technically allowable, is extremely rare. It appears to have been done to avoid the political fallout from retracting the ambassador’s appointment after it had been publicly announced.

When the United States published fresh tranches of Jeffrey Epstein emails earlier this year, Mandelson’s name featured heavily. While Mandelson’s association with Epstein was long known, and before Starmer decided to make him ambassador, the emails appeared to show the relationship between the two men was deeper and longer-lasting than previously publicly known, and appeared to display that lies had been told.

Mandelson is now being investigated by police for alleged charges of misconduct in public office over emails that appeared to show him emailing confidential British government documents to Epstein while Mandelson was a government minister under Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

When Starmer was called upon to defend his decision to appoint earlier this year when the Epstein emails were released, he said several times that Mandelson had been vetted by the security services and that he’d gotten clearance. These remarks were interpreted at the time as a clear bid by the Prime Minister, and others who spoke for him, to shuffle the blame onto the security vetting process. For instance, Starmer had said in February that there was “security vetting carried out independently by the security services, which is an intensive exercise that gave him clearance for the role, and you have to go through that before you take up the post.”

When Starmer came to power after the last UK General Election, it was on a platform promising probity, thoroughness, and a ‘buck stops here’ model of accountability. Indeed, as leader of the opposition, Starmer had previously made absolutely clear that he believes that a Prime Minister who misled the House of Commons should resign, which is precisely what he is now accused of doing.

Brexit pioneer and leader of the country’s top-polling political party Nigel Farage was among the first of those calling on Starmer to now resign over the scandal. He said: “Keir Starmer said in February that the security services had given Mandelson “clearance for the role”. Now we discover that he has blatantly lied, the Prime Minister should resign.”

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said “we now know” that Starmer misled Parliament and that accordingly he should now take “responsibility”. The hard-left Green Party also called for him to step down, and said in their statement:

Keir Starmer has lied and lied again over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson and he must resign. Starmer told parliament ‘due process’ had been followed. This report makes clear that was untrue.

He has tried to blame the vetting process, when in fact it is reported that a decision was taken to ignore a failed vetting. We need answers on what and when Starmer and David Lammy knew about this decision to overrule the vetting report.

The Greens also called for the reason Mandelson failed vetting to be revealed. While it is evident his relationship with Epstein was a national security risk, it’s by no means clear if that was the only skeleton in the closet unveiled by the security services during that process.

Much depends on whether the Prime Minister and those close to him can convince the country that, despite being in charge of the country and having intervened to make Mandelson ambassador against normal practice, that the whole process of vetting, its reporting, and then it being overruled was done secretly without their ever being told.

 
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