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Illinois AG Kwame Raoul Highlights Privacy Risks Linked to Data Brokers and Government Surveillance

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CHICAGO — A pressing alert has been issued by Illinois’ chief legal authority, spotlighting potential vulnerabilities in privacy due to existing loopholes.

Your personal information, ranging from vacation destinations and phone locations to shopping habits and internet searches, is being traded by private data brokers. This data also encompasses political inclinations and healthcare details, raising concerns as it’s sometimes accessed by federal agencies, posing a threat to individual privacy.

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Digital privacy specialists and the Illinois Attorney General caution that federal capabilities to scrutinize private life details are unprecedented. This is largely due to the commercialization and AI-driven analysis of personal data.

In response, the Attorney General is advocating alongside others for congressional action to seal these loopholes, which they assert infringe on personal privacy and could violate Fourth Amendment rights.

“Large-scale data presents significant risks and power to those who wield it,” stated Ben Zhou, a computer science professor at the University of Chicago, highlighting the critical nature of this issue.

He told the I-Team while most of that data is not connected to your identity when it is bought and sold, any entity, including the government, using powerful artificial intelligence models could potentially draw specific conclusions about who you are simply based on your daily activities.

“Once you have multiple dimensions of data, you can sort of break anonymity fairly quickly, ” Zhou added. “Whether it’s used for advertising or tracking locations or identifying political affiliations, whatever it is that you may want, everything that we do in our lives is basically out there.”

It’s why Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he and 16 other attorneys general are asking Congress to close loopholes allowing the federal government to buy bulk data on Americans without a judicial warrant. He said federal agencies have already purchased billions of records enabling them to track an individual’s movements, routines, and daily lives.

“With the use of AI, profiles can be created and data can be collected that would otherwise require a warrant.” Raoul said.

He said it’s time for the federal government to update outdated privacy laws and mandate the deletion of unlawfully collected data.

“Members of Congress are very concerned about federal investigative agencies bypassing constitutional protections,” he explained.

Zhao emphasized the potential for misuse or even misidentification of profiles is alarming, because even best-in-class AI models make mistakes.

“Just errors that are just flat out, you know, made from thin air, accusing people of specific patterns that they’ve done or things that they bought or activities they’ve taken part in, and it could just all be wrong,” he warned. “The negative consequences on people’s lives could be really, really severe.”

Both Zhao and Attorney General Raoul say this should not be a partisan issue because privacy rights affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.

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Emily Bustamante Shares Heartfelt Journey of Raising Her Nonverbal, Autistic Daughter

Emily Bustamante recently opened up about her daughter, Journey Jackson, sharing that she and rapper Fabolous are navigating the challenges of Journey’s autism.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Emily explained, “My daughter Journey is autistic. She is nonverbal and experiences sensory processing difficulties. Additionally, she was born with PHACE syndrome, a rare congenital condition.”

Photos: Emily Bustamante Instagrm

Although glimpses of her family life have appeared on social media over the years, Emily had kept this particular aspect of their story private until now.

“I have kept this part of my life away from the public eye for quite some time,” Emily expressed on Instagram. “Not due to embarrassment, nor a lack of love, but because certain journeys hold a sacred space in our lives.”

Emily shared that raising Journey has transformed her in profound and indescribable ways.

“She experiences the world differently. She’s changed me in ways I still can’t fully put into words. There have been moments of fear. Moments of learning. Moments where I had to become stronger than I ever imagined. But more than anything… there has been LOVE.”

The timing of her decision to speak out was intentional as today, April 2nd, is recognized as World Autism Day.

“On World Autism Awareness Day..I’m choosing to share this openly. Because visibility matters and so does she. If you’d like to follow along as I share more about her journey and autism awareness.”

 

She also pointed followers to @aspecialjourneyorg, where she plans to continue documenting Journey’s experience and raising awareness for Autism. The Instagram bio for the organization reads, “Supporting children with autism & complex diagnoses. Advocacy • Awareness • Community Founded by @emilyb_.”

Emily shares three children — Jonas, Johan, and Journey — with Fabolous. She is also mom to Taina Williams from a previous relationship.

Josh Dallas Advocates for Bex and Shane’s Romance on ‘Hunting Party’ – Here’s Why Fans Can’t Wait!

Fans of The Hunting Party are eagerly invested in the potential romance between Bex and Shane. Among those cheering for this love story is Josh Dallas, known for his role on Manifest alongside Melissa Roxburgh.

“I’m well aware of the buzz around them. I was on set, and I must say I’m a big supporter of this pairing,” Dallas, 47, shared exclusively with Us Weekly regarding the fictional duo. “I truly hope this unfolds, as it would be amazing to see.”

Dallas encouraged the NBC series to embrace the “slow burn” approach between Bex (played by Roxburgh) and Shane (portrayed by Josh McKenzie). Roxburgh, 33, echoed this sentiment, expressing to Us that “slow burns are fantastic” for developing onscreen relationships.

“What keeps viewers hooked from episode to episode is the suspense and intensity of the storyline, along with the chaos caused by these killers,” she explained. “But the lingering question in viewers’ minds is, ‘Will they or won’t they?’ That’s what makes a compelling love story,” she added.

TV Couples Who Took a Very Long Time to Get Together

Such anticipation can indeed be worthwhile. From the slow-budding romance of Stiles and Lydia in Teen Wolf to the eventual connection between Joyce and Hopper in Stranger Things, numerous TV series have masterfully crafted relationships that take time to blossom. The beloved MTV show, which aired from 2011 to 2017, explored the life of a high schooler who transformed into a teenage werewolf after being bitten, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

The Hunting Party, which premiered in 2025, is a crime procedural about investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers in the country. The twist? The criminals escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.

Roxburgh’s character is an ex-FBI agent recruited to the task force due to her reputation as a profiler who caught the world’s most dangerous serial killers. After a past connection with Oliver (Nick Wechsler), who was killed off at the beginning of season 2, viewers have focused all their attention on Bex and Shane.

The Hunting Party
Ralph Bavaro/NBC

“As far as the characters go, I am always cheering for the history and the relationships where it’s like they’ve been through so much together,” Roxburgh previously told Us in February 2025. “If they do build this love story and love triangle, Shane is safe and he’s very calm and cool waters. We have the bad boy who murdered someone and he had a reason. We have the person who didn’t murder someone. We’ll see.”

Elsewhere on the show, Roxburgh was able to reunite with Dallas after Manifest in the Thursday, April 2, episode of the hit NBC series.

TV Ships

Fan-favorite TV couples like 9-1-1’s Buck and Eddie, The Bear’s Sydney and Carmy and Tracker’s Colter and Reenie — or Billie — deserve to finally get together on screen in 2026. Based on Jeffery Deaver‘s novel The Never Game, Tracker has viewers tuning in each week to see their favorite fictional survivalist — a.k.a Colter […]

“I couldn’t have been more thrilled with this character. He’s diabolical, of course. But it was just so juicy and delicious to be able to play somebody whose moral code was so, so different from anything that I’ve ever played before,” Dallas recalled. “But putting that aside, just to be back on the screen and back on set with Melissa was the real high point for me.”

Roxburgh “tried to get Josh on the show” several times before the right role came along.

“I’ve been trying to get him on the show for a long time and then finally he was free,” she shared with Us. “We have been talking back and forth about when that might happen. There was one other episode — I won’t say which one — that we had tried to get him for.”

She concluded: “This was a perfect match for him because his killer is a shoemaker. I know that Josh Dallas likes nice clothes so we got him for the good stuff.”

The Hunting Party airs on NBC Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET and new episodes are available to stream on Peacock the next day.

Infamous Hitman Linked to SoCal Murder Scheme Discovered Dead in Prison Cell

A notorious figure from Southern California, convicted for his involvement in a 2002 contract killing that led to the death of a 44-year-old man from Orange County, has passed away in prison at the age of 50, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Armando Macias, who lived in Lancaster, was just 35 when he became part of the plan to abduct and murder David Montemayor, according to an announcement from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

Unraveling ‘The Pitt’ S2E13: Dr. Robby’s Shocking Sabbatical Decision Explained

The latest episode of HBO Max’s The Pitt, titled “7 PM,” delivers a shocking revelation about Dr. Robby, played by Noah Wyle, shedding light on his deeply rooted trauma.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Pitt Season 2, Episode 13, now available on HBO Max.

In this gripping installment, tensions reach a boiling point as head charge nurse Dana Evans, portrayed by Katherine LaNasa, confronts Dr. Robby about his increasingly erratic and unprofessional conduct. Robby’s actions, which include harshly criticizing Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) and Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif), along with making unsettling remarks regarding Orlando Diaz’s (William Guirola) suicide attempt, have raised alarms. Dana doesn’t hold back, comparing Robby’s behavior to that of a child in need of a time-out.

Robby’s response is immediate and defensive. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, you’re not my mother,” he retorts.

Unfazed, Dana responds, “Yeah? Well, too bad. You need one.”

Then, Robby reveals a key part of his troubled lore.

“No, I had one,” he says. “She left. I don’t need another one. What I need is someone who can actually run this place while I’m gone.”

Dana immediately picks up on the fact that Robby finally explained why he was raised by his religious grandmother: his mother abandoned him as a child. She apologizes and says she didn’t know.

“Nobody knows. Who needs to know? Who gives a fuck?” Robby replies.

Dana then tells Robby she thinks he ought to just leave and start his sabbatical ASAP as it’s clear he needs a break. Robby then goes through a long list of concerns he has about what he’s leaving behind, that includes his buddy Duke’s (Jeff Kober) health, Dr. Al-Hashimi’s (Sepideh Moafi) competence, Langdon’s (Patrick Ball) addiction issues, Whitaker (Gerran Howell) as housesitter, Javadi’s (Shabana Azeez) future, Mohan’s (Supriya Ganesh) mommy issues, and even Dana’s own mental state.

“We’ll all manage until you come back,” Dana argues. “We always do.”

Then, Robby ominously says, “Yeah? What if I don’t come back?” and he walks away, leaving a shellshocked Dana looking on in horror.

So what is going on with Dr. Robby? What does this latest reveal tell us about his mental state? Will Dr. Robby be coming back from his sabbatical?

Robby (Noah Wyle) looking at motorcycle in 'The Pitt'
Photo: HBO Max

The Pitt Season 2 Episode 13 Ending Explained: Is Robby Planning to Die?

Welp, the very end of this week’s The Pitt confirms that Robby is not in a great mental health state. So much so, he might be planning on his three month motorcycle tour of North America with the intention of perishing in an accident. At least, that’s the chilling subtext of his conversation with Dana.

Robby’s death wish is something that has been teased since the opening sequence of The Pitt Season 2. This new season of the HBO Max hit started with the emergency department doctor flagrantly weaving through traffic on his motorcycle without a helmet. Friend and hospital psychologist Dr. Caleb Jefferson (Christopher Thornton) has repeatedly tried to get Robby to address his mental health and, just last week, Dr. McKay told Robby that she was picking up on a weird vibe from him. This came after telling him about friends she used to have during her years addicted to drugs who sought the limit and found it.

Last season on The Pitt, we saw Robby have a panic attack during the Pitt Fest mass casualty event. The traumatic day coincided with the fifth anniversary of the death of Robby’s mentor and father figure, Dr. Adamson. Now, we know that Robby was abandoned by his mother, meaning when he lashed out at Mohan for her panic attack, he was most definitely projecting onto his subordinate.

There are only two episodes left in The Pitt Season 2. Will someone be able to reach Robby before he hops on his bike and potentially makes a critical mistake?

If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Admits to Sexual Abuse of Teen on Montana Reservation, Faces Legal Consequences

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In Billings, Montana, a former federal law enforcement officer admitted guilt on Thursday to charges of sexual abuse. Prosecutors assert that Murrell Deela raped a 14-year-old girl, who was intoxicated at the time, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation and attempted to hide his actions.

According to the prosecution, Deela, who was serving as an officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, came across the young girl at a gas station located on the reservation in southern Montana in August 2024.

When the girl tried to flee, Deela allegedly used a “takedown maneuver” to restrain her, placed her in the back of his patrol vehicle, and transported her to a dimly lit park where the assault took place, as detailed in court records.

Following the assault, Deela reportedly drove the girl to her grandmother’s residence. The following day, she reported the incident, according to the documents.

Subsequently, when investigators requested Deela to retrieve video footage from his patrol car from the night in question, he claimed that the vehicle had been destroyed in a fire, the court documents reveal.

Investigators determined the fire had been intentionally lit, and Deela’s fingerprints were the only ones found on the vehicle, the documents said.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs conducts law enforcement on Native American reservations across the U.S.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Justin Gerken said in a statement that the outcome of the case reflected the victim’s courage in coming forward. Gerken described Durrell’s actions as “a betrayal of everything law enforcement stands for.”

The sexual abuse charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also pleaded guilty to lying to investigators, which carries a maximum of eight years in prison.

However, Deela could serve a shorter sentence under a plea deal with prosecutors.

A sentencing date before U.S. District Judge Bill Mercer was not immediately scheduled.

Joseph and Jim Bob Duggar Make Headlines: Duo Spotted After Joseph’s Release on Bail

Joseph Duggar, with a beard and mustache, in his mugshot

News Update

Jim Bob Duggar recently traveled to Panama City, Florida, to secure the release of his son, Joseph Duggar, from jail. Although Joseph is expected to return to Florida by April 20, he has already been seen making his way back to Arkansas.

Joseph Duggar has been released on bail following his arrest on charges of child molestation in Tontitown, Arkansas. The allegations led to his extradition to Florida, where the incident reportedly took place. After appearing before a judge in Florida, Joseph was granted bail, which was promptly settled by his father, Jim Bob Duggar. Joseph’s release was swift, occurring just hours after his arrival in Florida, and he has since been seen in public.

Joseph Duggar spotted at a Florida airport after making bail

Though Joseph Duggar is temporarily free, he is subject to specific conditions while he awaits trial. The accusations of lewd and lascivious conduct could result in severe penalties, but the former reality TV personality has been permitted to reside at home for now. On March 31, Joseph faced Judge Tracy Smith shortly after reaching the state. His legal team successfully argued for bail by emphasizing his status as a first-time offender, which the judge subsequently approved.

There wasn’t much of a delay in processing the alleged sexual predator, either. Jim Bob Duggar, who was on hand at the hearing, posted bail quickly, and his son was released from lockup that same afternoon. While some critics assumed Joseph might stay in Florida to await his next court date, he was spotted at an area airport, set to fly. A Reddit user posted photos of the pair set to fly. In the photos, taken around 3 pm on March 31,  Jim Bob and Joseph Duggar are seen getting ready to board a flight while holding food at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, a busy airport in Panama City, Florida.

It appears the father-son duo made quick work of leaving Florida. While it’s unclear exactly where they were headed, it is presumed they were returning to Tontitown, Arkansas. As a stipulation of his release, he has agreed to stay away from his unnamed victim. He also ordered not to have any unsupervised contact with minors. While the Duggars generally fly their own planes, it looks like they went the commercial route for their return home.

Where are Joe and Kendra’s kids?

While Joseph Duggar will need to be back in Florida on April 20 for a hearing, he also has an additional matter in Arkansas to address. He and his wife were both charged with endangering the welfare of a child and false imprisonment. While the charges are unrelated to his Florida crimes, they have reportedly led to the four children the couple shares being removed from the home.

Official court documents stated that Kendra Caldwell is not to have contact with her unnamed victims until at least April 29. She returns to court on that date. While several outlets suggested she was still caring for her children, jailhouse calls between Joe and Kendra make it clear that the children are not with her. In one call, she reveals she’s “heard” they are doing well. It is unclear who is currently caring for them. Kendra has been moved from her home and is staying with someone in a private location. She and Joe were careful not to reveal where she had been moved to in the recorded calls. It is unclear whether they’ll return home together.

This is a developing story.

Tragic Discovery: Coral Springs Vice Mayor Found Dead, Husband Suspected in Gruesome Crime

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The spouse of Coral Springs Vice Mayor has been arrested following the discovery of her fatal shooting within their Florida residence.

Stephen Bowen, aged 40, is charged with premeditated murder and altering or destroying evidence related to the death of his wife, Nancy Metayer Bowen, as detailed in a probable cause affidavit obtained by Oxygen.

Nancy Metayer Bowen’s lifeless body was found in the master bedroom on the second floor, “enshrouded in blankets and black garbage bags,” according to the document. Her colleagues had grown worried when she failed to attend several meetings scheduled for the morning of April 1.

Coral Springs Police Chief B. Mock expected to see the vice mayor at a 9 a.m. commission meeting, which she missed, in addition to an earlier engagement that day.

Noticing the unusual absence and lack of communication about her missed commitments, Commission Relationship Manager Luwam Ghermay reached out to Bowen via text to inquire about his wife’s whereabouts, as stated in the affidavit.

Finding it unusual that she had not contacted anyone about the missed events, Commission Relationship Manager Luwam Ghermay texted Bowen to ask if he knew where his wife might be, according to the probable cause statement. 

“Hey Luwam,” Bowen allegedly replied, “texted her. She is not picking up.”

He went on to tell Ghermay that her car was not at home.

As a result, Coral Springs Police sent officers to the home to conduct a welfare check. A neighbor reported seeing Metayer Bowen around midnight the night before out walking her dog.

Bowen’s parents arrived at the home a short time later and told investigators that they hadn’t spoken to their son since the afternoon before, when he allegedly told them that he’d had “a panic attack at work” and was planning to speak to Metayer Bowen that night, per the court records.

Although the couple did not have a key to the home, an officer observed “explosive-like damage” to the exterior of the home, according to the report, that “was consistent with damage caused by projectiles.”

Stephen Bowen Arrested After Nancy Metayer Bowen’s Body is Found

Using license plate readers, police found Bowen’s F-150 in a parking lot and began to surveil him. Officers allegedly saw him giving another man—later identified in the report as Leslie Washington Jr.—a bag that was “consistent with a firearm-carrying case,” per the court records. 

Then, at 1:51 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a call from Bowen’s uncle Owen Small, per the records, who reported that his nephew had come to his home earlier that day and told him he had done “something” to his wife and that she “was not alive.”

Using this information, police felt they had enough evidence to enter the couple’s house, authorities wrote. Inside, they found Metayer Bowen’s body in an upstairs bedroom. 

Bowen was taken into custody at 2:35 PM on April 1 and invoked his right to counsel. Washington—who had also allegedly collected ammo from Bowen along with the gun bag—told investigators that as Bowen was being arrested, he allegedly heard him say “Oh s–t, they’re here for me.” 

After the arrest, detectives also spoke with Small, per the document, who provided more detail about his encounter with his nephew around 10 a.m. that morning. He told police that Bowen had knocked on his door and asked him to hold his shotgun for a couple of weeks.

Small told investigators that Bowen allegedly confessed to shooting his wife, noting in the probable cause statement that, “Stephen Bowen explained that he shot her three times with a shotgun the previous night and then slept downstairs.”

When Small asked why he killed his wife, he allegedly replied that he “couldn’t take it anymore.” 

He is currently being held without bond on the murder charge, according to jail records. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.

Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen Remembered By Colleagues, Family

As news of Metayer Bowen’s death spread, many have expressed their condolences to the family of the vice mayor, who made history in 2020 by becoming the city’s first Black woman and first Haitian American elected to represent Coral Springs. 

“We are heartbroken to share that Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer has died. She was more than a public servant, she was a light in our community,” Coral Springs Police wrote on Facebook. “Her leadership was grounded in compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to others. Her impact on Coral Springs is immeasurable, and her loss leaves a void in our hearts.”

Rep. Jared Moskowitz also posted on X, calling her  “one of the nicest people” and an advocate for her community.

“I’m in shock. I was just with her on Saturday,” he wrote. “She just buried her brother. She was about to announce she was running for Congress.” 

Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen also spoke out, according to CBS News, writing, “She served her community with dedication and heart, and the impact of her dedicated public service will be felt across Broward County.”

In response to the tragedy, Metayer Bowen’s family released a statement on Instagram, describing the politician  as a “cherished member of our family,” who was committed to helping others.

“While many knew her as a leader and advocate, we knew her as a sister, a daughter, and a friend whose warmth and laughter filled every room,” they wrote in part. “Her legacy will live on not only in the policies she helped shape, but in the countless lives she touched.”

Discover 5 Metabolism-Boosting Bedtime Snacks for Effective Fat Loss After 55

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Feeling peckish before bed is a common dilemma, but reaching for the right type of snack can actually be beneficial, especially as we age. According to Tara Collingwood, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, choosing snacks wisely after the age of 55 can aid in managing weight, supporting metabolism, and preserving muscle mass. “Muscle loss and blood sugar shifts can complicate weight management post-55. Opting for a bedtime snack rich in protein and fiber can help maintain muscle, enhance sleep, and control hunger, all contributing to gradual fat loss,” Collingwood advises. While no snack will magically torch fat overnight, the right choices can aid in muscle maintenance, metabolic support, and stable blood sugar levels, all of which play a role in fat loss. Here are five snacks recommended for those looking to support their metabolism and manage weight as they age.

One of Collingwood’s top recommendations for a bedtime snack is Greek yogurt topped with chia or flax seeds. “Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle overnight—this is crucial since muscle mass significantly impacts metabolism as we grow older,” she explains. “Incorporating chia or flax seeds adds a dose of fiber, which helps keep blood sugar levels steady while you sleep. This combination not only promotes fullness but also curbs late-night cravings,” she adds.

Another approach to boosting metabolism for those over 50 is through routine physical activity. For instance, engaging in a 12-minute standing strength routine can revitalize your metabolic rate. These exercises are designed to cater to the needs of older adults, focusing on enhancing muscle strength and endurance without the need for extensive equipment or space.

Greek Yogurt with Chia or Flax Seeds

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Greek Yogurt with Chia or Flax Seeds is the first bedtime snack that Collingwood recommends. “Greek yogurt provides protein that supports muscle maintenance overnight, which is important because muscle plays a key role in metabolism as we age. Adding chia or flax brings fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar while you sleep. This combo supports satiety and prevents late-night hunger,” she says.

Cottage Cheese with Berries

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Cottage Cheese with Berries is her second pick. “Cottage cheese is rich in slow-digesting protein, which can support overnight muscle repair. That matters later in life, when preserving lean mass helps support fat loss over time. Berries add fiber and antioxidants without excess sugar,” says Collingwood.

A Small Protein Smoothie

scoop of protein powder next to a strawberry smoothie with whole strawberries
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Another option? A Small Protein Smoothie. “A light smoothie with protein powder, milk or soy milk, and fiber-rich ingredients can support muscle recovery overnight without feeling heavy before bed. This works well for people who don’t want to chew late at night,” she says.

Apple Slices with Nut Butter

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Apple Slices with nut butter are another great snack before bed. “Fiber from fruit paired with protein and healthy fats helps prevent nighttime blood sugar dips that can disrupt sleep and lead to next-day cravings. Sleep quality and blood sugar stability are key to weight management,” Collingwood states.

Handful of Nuts with a Protein Source

hands pouring jar of nuts and dried fruit
Shutterstock

Handful of Nuts with a Protein Source is another solid choice for a pre-bedtime snack. “Nuts provide healthy fats and some fiber, but pairing them with a protein source like yogurt or milk helps keep the snack balanced and more filling.  Portion control matters here, small but satisfying,” says Collingwood.

 

Trump Commits to Resolving US-Iran Tensions as Albanese Stands by National Address

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivers an address to the National Press Club in Canberra. He stands behind a brown lectern with the blue backdrop of the press club behind him. He wears a dark suit with a red patterned tie and rounded glasses on his face.

In a significant address to the National Press Club in Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation’s economic resilience. Against the backdrop of a challenging global climate, Albanese introduced what he termed an “economic resilience program,” designed to support key sectors of the economy.

Central to this program is a substantial financial commitment from the government. “We will make available $1 billion in interest-free loans for manufacturing and fuel businesses grappling with the economic repercussions of this conflict,” Albanese announced. This initiative targets crucial players in the economy, including truck drivers, freight companies, and producers of fuel and fertilizers.

Albanese emphasized the critical role these industries play, not only as casualties of the ongoing global crisis but as pivotal components of Australia’s strategy to navigate through these turbulent times. “These firms are not just being affected by this global crisis. They are essential to Australia getting through this crisis as well,” he asserted, underscoring their importance in the country’s economic resilience plan.

“These firms are not just being affected by this global crisis. They are essential to Australia getting through this crisis as well.”

The Economic Resilience Program will provide zero-interest loans to fuel, fertiliser, and other critical supply chain businesses impacted by market disruptions, according to an official government release.

It is part of a broader $6.15 billion package being brought forward, which also includes a $5 billion Net Zero Fund — originally due to open mid-year — to support new manufacturing investment and energy efficiency in hard-to-abate sectors, as well as a $150 million Forestry Growth Fund for timber processing and housing construction.

He said that while he couldn’t “eliminate the pressures the global crisis will impose”, his government can “be a buffer against the worst of it” — including positioning Australia as a destination for new jobs through the National Reconstruction Fund, permanent free TAFE, and “new incentives” for apprentices.

— Alexandra Koster