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Stranded Twice: The Harrowing Tale of a Trucker’s Diesel Dilemma on Remote Highways

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Stranded Twice: The Harrowing Tale of a Trucker’s Diesel Dilemma on Remote Highways
Truck drivers are facing dangerous situations as diesel shortages in Australia’s remote outback leave them stranded on isolated stretches of highway.
Long-distance driver Robert Cook has been stuck twice on his Melbourne to Perth run, first for over 24 hours on the Nullarbor Plain and again in Keith in South Australia’s south-east.
Cook waited hours alongside five other drivers for a fresh supply of diesel to be delivered to a remote fuel station on SA’s Limestone Coast yesterday evening.
Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage
Long-distance driver Robert Cook has been stuck twice on his Melbourne to Perth run. (Supplied)

After covering nearly 500 kilometers, he hadn’t encountered a single service station with diesel fuel available.

“Some of the guys I’ve been speaking to have said, ‘Look, we’re thinking about hanging our keys up’,” Cook, who runs his own heavy haulage company Helco Group, told Nine.com.au.

“I’ve had to take two trucks off the road. It’s been a real challenge,” he shared.

Cook mentioned that after refueling late yesterday, he might only reach Brisbane before needing to fill up again, provided he drives “conservatively.”

The expense of diesel for Cook’s routine journey from Melbourne to Perth has skyrocketed, jumping from $5,000 to $10,000.

At some petrol stations, the price of diesel has surged to over $3.15 per litre.

Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage
A line of trucks waiting for a fresh delivery of diesel in SA. (Supplied)

Although the ballooning price of keeping his trucks on the road is not the biggest problem.

Careful fuel management is crucial even without a global oil crisis – at one point, there is a 192-kilometre gap between fuel stops on the Nullarbor, which is among the longest straight stretches of road in the country.

Cook is now worried for the safety of his drivers.

“I tell our drivers, minimum 20 to 30 litres of water, enough canned food and stuff… because our trucks have microwaves and inverters, so they’re completely self-reliant,” he said.

“It can go south very quickly, especially out there in the summertime.

Cook is on the road for a job with freight carrier Loadshift.

Loadshift’s Operations Coordinator Alex Randall said drivers like Cook are being left “high and dry”, despite trucking companies being the backbone of Australia’s supply chain.

“There’s no system telling them which servos have fuel and which don’t. They’re driving blind,” Randall said.

“What makes this even worse is that a third of trucks on Australian roads are running empty at any given time. “

Truck driver Robert Cook warning over diesel shortage
Fuel costs for Cook’s regular Melbourne to Perth run have now doubled from $5000 to $10,000. (Supplied)

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) and Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) have also warned surging diesel prices have now reached “deadly” new heights.

The unions have called on the government to pass emergency laws to keep truck drivers in business.

“Businesses are at imminent risk of collapse and workers are under deadly pressure because there are huge retailers and other clients out there refusing to pay their fair share for skyrocketing fuel costs,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said.

“The federal government must act now to put in place emergency powers to ensure the industry can cope with the current crisis – otherwise we will see more transport workers die on our roads, more businesses go under, and our supply chains at breaking point.”

The time spent waiting for diesel to arrive has put Cook almost two days’ behind schedule.

He warned the knock-on impact is not “sustainable” and that prices will inevitably rise across the board.

“The problem is that we have to pass that on to somebody, and unfortunately, it’s going to be the consumer,” he said.

“It’s double for us, it’s going to be double for them, just to stay afloat. It’s going to affect a lot of people, like, without a doubt.”

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Spartanburg Teen’s Bond Denied in Stepfather’s Tragic Death: Latest Court Update

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Spartanburg Teen’s Bond Denied in Stepfather’s Tragic Death: Latest Court Update


In Spartanburg County, South Carolina, a courtroom recently became the stage for a tragic family drama, as it was decided that 17-year-old Deondre Smith-Jefferson would remain behind bars. The teenager is accused of fatally shooting his stepfather, Lidarrell Cheeks, during a heated argument earlier this week.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office received an urgent call on the morning of March 23, at precisely 6:24 a.m. Responding officers rushed to Thomas Alley in the Moore community, where they were met with a grim scene. There, they discovered 32-year-old Cheeks, who had been critically wounded by a gunshot. Despite their efforts, Cheeks succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the location.

Smith-Jefferson was swiftly apprehended and now faces serious charges related to the incident. The bond hearing provided a deeper insight into the events leading up to the shooting, as Anthony Leibert from the Spartanburg County Solicitor’s Office shared details from the suspect’s mother’s account of that fateful morning.

As the community grapples with this devastating event, the case continues to unfold, with many seeking answers and justice for a family torn apart by violence.

  • Murder
  • Possession of a weapon during a crime
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm

During the bond hearing, Anthony Leibert, with the Spartanburg County Solicitor’s Office, relayed parts of the summary the suspect’s mother gave to police the morning of the shooting.

According to Smith-Jefferson’s mother, her husband, Cheeks, walked her outside to her car as she prepared to leave for work. She told her son he needed to get an Uber to work instead of their usual routine of her dropping him off.

Cheeks turned to walk back inside, and once he was in, she heard a loud noise.

“She went back into the residence and saw [her husband] on the floor. She said it had been a good morning; there was no arguing going on,” Leibert said. “She does not know why her son shot her husband.”

After the hearing, 7NEWS spoke exclusively to the victim’s family, who told us they’re living a nightmare.

April Watkins, Lidarrell Cheeks’ aunt, said they hoped to hear the judge deny bond, but it doesn’t change that they lost someone.

“We [weren’t] expecting to wake up yesterday morning at the crack of dawn to nobody saying that Lidarrell had passed away. I got the call, on the way to taking my kids to school, that I needed to turn back a while because of the situation,” April Watkins, Lidarrell Cheeks’ aunt, said.

Cheeks’ mother, Jacqueline Williams, said her son is survived by his four children and will be missed by all of his family.

“He’ll never call me and say ‘Ma, you look good, keep doing what you’re doing.’ I won’t hear his car ride by my house anymore and call and say, ‘Lidarrell, is that you?’” Williams said. “My son was a person, too. Yeah, he did things; he wasn’t perfect, but he was a person.”

When discussing her experience over the past 24 hours, Williams said there is a lot of discussion on social media about what happened and the circumstances that led to her son’s death.

Investigators said the shooting stemmed from a family dispute and confirmed they’ve responded to the house where the victim and suspect lived for domestic disputes in the past.

During the hearing, the solicitor’s office presented the judge with past family court documents, but they will be filed for Smith-Jefferson’s future hearings.

The Smith-Jefferson’s first court appearance is May 21 at 9 a.m.

Ex-PBL Educator Charged with New Allegation of Child Solicitation

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Ex-PBL Educator Charged with New Allegation of Child Solicitation


In Ford County, Illinois, the legal troubles of a former teacher have intensified. Paul Meuser, once a physical education and driver’s education instructor at Paxton-Buckley-Loda, now faces an additional criminal charge. This recent development adds to his existing charges of attempted criminal sexual assault and attempted grooming. At 72 years old, Meuser, a resident of Buckley, is now also accused of indecent solicitation of a child, a serious Class 2 felony.

Initially, Meuser was charged with two counts of attempted criminal sexual assault and one count of grooming, classified as Class 2 and Class 4 felonies, respectively. The latest charge compounds his legal challenges, painting a more concerning picture of the allegations against him. Despite a petition submitted to deny Meuser’s pretrial release, the timeline for a decision regarding his detention remains unspecified in court documents.

These allegations have prompted action from the school district. Jon Kilgore, the interim superintendent of Paxton-Buckley-Loda, detailed that Meuser was placed on administrative leave on March 8, shortly after the Ford County Sheriff’s Office initiated its investigation. Meuser chose to resign on March 11, and a warrant for his arrest was issued in the days that followed. However, the alleged incidents reportedly occurred several years prior to this administrative action.

Queen Camilla Explores the Transformative Impact of Reading in New Documentary

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Queen Camilla Explores the Transformative Impact of Reading in New Documentary

On March 26, 2026, it was announced that Queen Camilla is set to feature in a documentary that delves into the “life-transforming power” of literature.

The 78-year-old royal, who launched the Queen’s Reading Room during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a fervent advocate for the joys of reading. In this upcoming BBC special, she will share her personal passion for books and reflect on the influence they had on her late father, Major Bruce Shand.

Queen Camilla at her Reading Room anniversary celebration

Queen Camilla at her Reading Room anniversary celebration

At a reception held at Clarence House on Wednesday, March 25, Camilla expressed her excitement about the project: “I’m thrilled to reveal our collaboration with the BBC and Blink Films for a significant documentary that will highlight how books can change lives—drawing from my own experiences and those of my father. Filming is underway this evening right here.”

The event celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Queen’s Reading Room, with Queen Camilla accompanied by her husband, King Charles. Also present were the Duchess of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, who is Princess Anne’s husband, and a host of celebrities including Stanley Tucci, Sir Derek Jacobi, Celia Imrie, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Osman, Jeffrey Archer, and Jojo Moyes.

The reception was held to mark the fifth anniversary of the Queen’s Reading Room, and saw the queen joined by her husband, King Charles, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne’s husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and famous faces including Stanley Tucci, Sir Derek Jacobi, Celia Imrie, Sigourney Weaver, Richard Osman, Jeffrey Archer and Jojo Moyes.

The queen expressed her amazement at the way her initiative has grown from a lockdown reading list to an online book club, then a registered charity which runs a podcast, hosts an annual literary festival and has commissioned research.

She said: “I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life better.

“Since then, it has expanded beyond anyone’s wildest dreams (especially mine!): filling over 22,000 seats at our annual festival; becoming a charity; forging partnerships with local organisations that combat domestic violence and homelessness; donating thousands of books; and creating literary content for our global digital audience of 12 million from 184 countries.”

Alien actress Sigourney praised the queen for her encouragement of reading and said her advocacy have felt like a “personal” message to pick up a book, prompting her to follow the recommendation to explore MM Kaye’s epic novel of British-Indian history The Far Pavilions.

She said: “Luckily, I didn’t know how big it was because I read on Kindle and I’m having the best of time.”

The BBC have promised the “powerful” documentary – which is produced in partnership with the Open University – would feature a “special and intimate contribution” from the queen, as well as other stories from people whose lives have been changed by the joy of books.

They said: “In a special and intimate contribution, Queen Camilla reflects on her lifelong love of literature, sharing the childhood experiences that first sparked her passion for reading and the comfort she still finds in books.

“These include personal recollections of her father, Major Bruce Shand, and his experience being held in a German prisoner of war camp; when reading reinforced a lifelong enthusiasm for the written word, which he later imparted to his daughter.”

And Suzy Klein, head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV, hopes the documentary will help change lives by encouraging people to read.

She said: “We are especially delighted that Her Majesty the Queen, a devoted reader and champion of literature, is at the heart of this celebratory new project exploring the power of great books to change lives for the better.

“The simple act of opening the pages of a book can be one of the most powerful and transformational choices we can make.

“Books aren’t trying to distract us or sell us anything. Instead, they take us outside our own problems and challenges to a whole new world – one we can see in our mind’s eye.

“And the power of that different point of view can deeply change our perspective on ourselves – as demonstrated by the moving, emotional stories of the contributors to this special documentary.”

The programme will be broadcast on BBC Two later this year.


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Huw Edwards’ Luxury Home Price Drop: A Post-Drama Real Estate Opportunity

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Huw Edwards’ Luxury Home Price Drop: A Post-Drama Real Estate Opportunity

Huw Edwards, a former BBC newsreader who fell from grace, has slashed the asking price of his £4.75 million home in an attempt to offload it amid his divorce from Vicky Flind.

The couple listed their six-bedroom detached residence in Dulwich, South London, for sale in October 2024, following Flind’s decision to end their marriage to the controversial broadcaster.

Initially, the couple had acquired this expansive property for £1.85 million back in 2006, several years after tying the knot.

However, the home remained unsold, likely hindered by Edwards’ 2024 conviction related to indecent images of children.

Throughout 2025, estate agent Pedder attempted to attract potential buyers by lowering the price, but eventually, the property was taken off the market altogether.

And in the midst of a new Channel 5 drama portraying Edward’s downfall, it is once again back on Rightmove as a ‘featured property’ at the reduced price of £3,850,000. 

It is understood the mortgage on the property has been fully paid off, meaning a sale will give him a bumper pay-day, especially as he is now without his £475,000-a-year BBC salary.

In a bid to drum up interest in the Dulwich home, it was originally described as ‘a substantial detached mid-century family house’ with ‘exceptionally spacious living accommodation’.

Boasting six bedrooms, three bathrooms, as well as three reception rooms, an office and a library, a double-length garage and a large garden, the sprawling property covers more than 4,000sq ft.

Pictured: Disgraced ex-BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, 64, arriving at Westminster Magistrates in 2024

Pictured: Disgraced ex-BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, 64, arriving at Westminster Magistrates in 2024

His six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market in October 2024 after Edwards' wife, Vicky Flind, filed for divorce

His six-bedroom detached property in Dulwich, south London, was put on the market in October 2024 after Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, filed for divorce

Now estate agents have said they were willing to accept £3.85million for the property following several reductions

Now estate agents have said they were willing to accept £3.85million for the property following several reductions

The description read: ‘Set on one of Dulwich’s most desirable residential roads, this substantial six double bedroom detached mid-century family house.

‘The property has been tastefully renovated and extended by the current owners and with a gross internal area of 4,239 sq ft offers extensive living accommodation arranged over three floors.’

It also described the now £3.85million south London home as being ‘ideally located’ near both Dulwich Village and West Dulwich, near several ‘outstanding’ schools, colleges, as well as restaurants, shops and pubs.  

The average price of a home on the same road in the last year stood at £1,965,000, down 18 per cent on the previous year. 

It was also nearly down by half from the street’s previous peak in 2019, according to Rightmove.

It comes after Edwards and his ex-wife split, and he had left their home in July 2024 ahead of his court case over child pornography images. 

Since the court case, Edwards is understood to have been dividing his time between a small flat in Wandsworth, southwest London and another in southwest Wales.

The former BBC anchor was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence in September 2024 after he admitted charges of making indecent images of children.

Yesterday, Edwards dramatically broke cover to the Mail ahead of a Channel 5 drama, produced by Wonderhood, depicting his downfall.  

Insiders also exclusively revealed to our senior showbusiness reporter Codie Bullen several aspects of the disgraced star’s ‘deluded’ life in exile. 

A new two-part show titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes, will air this evening.

Unlocking Savings at the Pump: How Ethanol Could Lead to Cheaper Fuel Prices

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In brief:

  • Australians are being encouraged to use ethanol-laced fuels as petrol prices soar.
  • Australia currently offers E10 fuels, but could look at E15 or E20, levels on offer in countries like the United States.

Amidst the escalating petrol prices crippling Australian drivers, the government is urging a shift towards ethanol-blended fuels as a potential relief measure. This move comes as officials deliberate over enhancing ethanol production to alleviate financial pressure on consumers.

Recent data from the fuel monitoring platform, Motormouth, revealed a concerning trend on Wednesday, with diesel prices exceeding $3 per liter across all major cities, Darwin being the only exception. This sharp increase has ignited widespread concern among motorists nationwide.

Fuel shortages further compound the issue, as more than 500 petrol stations grapple with stockouts of at least one fuel type. In response, the national cabinet is scheduled to reconvene next week to chart a course of action aimed at stabilizing the situation.

In a bid to address these challenges, the government has implemented several alterations to fuel standards, including adjustments to diesel specifications and a temporary hike in sulphur content. Additionally, emergency fuel reserves have been released to the market. Despite these efforts, there remains mounting pressure for more comprehensive solutions to bolster supply.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has acknowledged that one of the strategies under consideration involves increasing the ethanol content in fuel supplies. This proposal is seen as a viable step towards not only easing consumer costs but also enhancing fuel availability across the nation.

Chris Bowen in a dark suit and a floral tie.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has made several tweaks to fuel standards as he responds to the fuel crisis. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

“There’s suggestions around ethanol, which we’re looking at, but I’m not in a position to announce them, or indeed say that they might happen, because you’ve got to work these things through carefully,” he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

“Could it play some potential role? Many things could.”

Australia currently offers E10 fuels, but could look at E15 or E20, levels on offer in countries like the United States.

What is ethanol inside E10 fuel?

Ethanol is a grain alcohol that can be used as a petroleum replacement.

It’s made from the byproduct of the production of sugar cane, wheat or sorghum feedstock grain.

E10 is a biofuel that contains a 10 per cent mixture of ethanol and is generally cheaper to produce. This is reflected in its price at the bowser.

The latest NRMA fuel price report revealed average E10 at 227.6 cents per litre, Premium 95 at 245.5 and Premium 98 at 254.3 cents per litre.

How can it affect your car?

Ethanol has a high octane rating, giving it the ability to resist engine knock and allowing it to burn better than gasoline.

Bioenergy Australia CEO Shahana McKenzie told SBS News the high-octane burning is why it’s used for a lot of supercar racing.

The highest of these is E85 — a specialty biofuel offered in a limited number of stations for compatible cars — which McKenzie says allows you to “accelerate very quickly”.

Ethanol is considered hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water and causes corrosion, often leading to damage in older engines or cars.

It also runs through the fuel tank and can loosen any scale or buildup that is already in there.

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury busted assertions that it would drastically reduce your mileage, referring to tests on three vehicles a few years ago.

“We found one was pretty much the same, there was a slight decrease compared to the petrol in another and a slight increase in one,” he told SBS News.

“It was all very much within the margin of error, it’s not like people were losing hundreds of kilometres on a tank.”

He said motorists should check their fuel caps but concludes “most cars in Australia can use E10, and if they can, we would encourage people to use it.”

Could we boost production?

McKenzie said Australia’s two ethanol refineries are not operating at their capacity, allowing the industry to support scaling up.

She estimates that if the government were to mandate more ethanol to enter the market, close to half a billion litres of additional annual capacity could be added to the Australian market.

While ethanol is highly flammable, the concentration levels in our fuels are lower than in other countries.

Both McKenzie and Khory point overseas to Brazil and the United States, where E15 or E20 is more readily available.

“You can’t get fuel in America without ethanol blended in it, and in a number of states, and the number of states is growing, you can’t get ethanol in it with less than 15 per cent,” Khoury said.

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Enhanced Security Measures Implemented on ‘Harry Potter’ Set Following Death Threats Against Paapa Essiedu for Snape Role

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Enhanced Security Measures Implemented on ‘Harry Potter’ Set Following Death Threats Against Paapa Essiedu for Snape Role


HBO has implemented stringent security measures for its “Harry Potter” reboot after a disturbing incident involving threats against a cast member.

Paapa Essiedu, a Ghanaian-English actor known for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the series, has been the target of alarming threats since he joined the production last year.

Casey Bloys, the head of the network, revealed that they were prepared for such reactions and had proactively established safety protocols.

“When working with major franchise shows, especially one like this with a fervent fan base, there are always strong opinions and potential risks,” Bloys explained in an interview with Variety.

“For projects of this nature, we anticipated possible issues and implemented comprehensive training and best practices for managing social media interactions. We also have a robust security team in place. Regrettably, this situation was anticipated, and we’ve taken every precaution to ensure safety,” he added.

Severus Snape was famously portrayed as a white character by Alan Rickman in the blockbuster “Harry Potter” films, sparking a wave of racially charged backlash when Essiedu landed the role in 2025.

In the books, Snape is the ultimate dark wizard vibe — sallow-skinned, greasy-haired, icy-eyed, feared by students but secretly loyal and deadly smart.

Recently speaking to The Times, Essiedu admitted the abuse he gets is constant.

“I’ve been told, ‘Quit, or I’ll murder you,’” he said. “The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ 

“While I hope I’ll be okay, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in “Harry Potter”. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”

However, Essiedu said he hasn’t reported any of the online threats.

“I don’t think some 17-year-old boy being put in jail for two weeks for threatening to murder me would actually make me feel any better,” he said.

Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the “Potter” films, slammed critics as racist and praised Essiedu as “one of the best actors” he’s ever seen.

“I’ve seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they’re being is racist,” Isaacs said at Fan Expo Denver in July 2025.

The new “Potter” series, due in 2027, is already tangled in wider controversy around creator JK Rowling and her outspoken views on transgender issues — a firestorm that’s driven a wedge between the author and several stars of the original films.

In a sharp contrast to Rowling’s views, Essiedu made clear where he stands.

He told The Times that he believes “artists in the trans community have a right to be treated with dignity and should be able to work without being intimidated.”

In May 2025, Rowling refused calls from her own supporters to fire Essiedu, saying she doesn’t have the power to dump the actor and wouldn’t use it even if she did.

“I don’t believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine,” Rowling wrote on X.

Campus Unites in Tribute: Overflowing Memorials Honor Beloved Student Jimmy Gracey with Church Service and Fraternity Vigil

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Campus Unites in Tribute: Overflowing Memorials Honor Beloved Student Jimmy Gracey with Church Service and Fraternity Vigil

The University of Alabama community and members of the Theta Chi fraternity have come together this week to pay tribute to James “Jimmy” Gracey, whose life was tragically cut short during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain. The remembrance began with a crowded memorial mass and continued with a heartfelt vigil organized by Gracey’s fraternity brothers.

On Tuesday evening, the Theta Chi fraternity house in Tuscaloosa became a gathering place for hundreds of students and friends as they honored the memory of the 20-year-old junior. The event drew a large crowd, with many attendees visibly moved as they celebrated the life of their “vibrant” friend.

Jimmy Gracey’s impact on those around him was clearly evident as mourners congregated under a tent on the fraternity’s lawn, while others stood nearby, participating in the solemn yet loving tribute. The university community continues to cope with the profound loss of a young man who touched many lives with his presence.

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

Mourners attend a vigil for Jimmy Gracey held at the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

Mourners gathered under a tent on the lawn of the home while an overflow crowd stood and watched the proceedings. 

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

A vigil for Jimmy Gracey was held at the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

Speakers, including the international president of Theta Chi Fraternity, Toby Roth, offered heartfelt tributes to Gracey, while grieving students looked on. University of Alabama President Peter Mohler was also in attendance, according to a local report. 

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

A speaker addresses mourners at the vigil for Jimmy Gracey that was held at the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

“Jimmy was always smiling — like, just a big smiler,” one speaker said. “And Jimmy was so compassionate. I mean, he was really compassionate for the guys in his fraternity. For the Theta Chi guys, specifically those living in the house, anytime music got turned on, you knew you would see Jimmy come out dancing in the hallway.”

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

Mourners attend a vigil for Jimmy Gracey held at the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

“Something that attests to his integrity is one, he was one of the guys I would always say yes to when he asked to use my car. Whether that was to get a Cook Out shake, Jimmy John’s sub, or just to go get a haircut… My gas tank was always a little more full than when I left it the last time I drove. That was the kind of guy Jimmy was. You never needed to say anything, you know.”

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

Mourners attend a vigil for Jimmy Gracey held at the Theta Chi fraternity at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

Mourners at a memorial vigil for Jimmy Gracey standing together

Toby Roth, international president of Theta Chi, speaks to the media after a vigil for Jimmy Gracey held at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Gracey died last week while on spring break in Barcelona, Spain. (Dana Mixer for Fox News Digital)

A Catholic mass was held Monday evening at St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa, home to the school, and featured standing room only attendance. 

“The church was absolutely packed, which was such a blessing and a gift, to see the impact that one person can have on so many,” Avery Jung, a University of Alabama junior, told The Crimson White, the school’s newspaper. 

Priest and alter server at Catholic mass light incense

A priest lights incense in the St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, during a March 23, 2026, memorial mass for Jimmy Gracey. (Oswin Colley/The Crimson White)

“Jimmy was one of the most incredible guys I’ve ever met,” said Reagan McCloskey, one of Gracey’s fraternity brothers. “There’s so much to be learned from Jim, but the aspect of his life that stands out to me the most was that he cared about others more than himself.”

Young men in suits stand behind lectern in Catholic church after mass

Members of Theta Chi at the University of Alabama, Jimmy Gracey’s fraternity, speak from a lectern after a memorial mass on March 23, 2026. (Oswin Colley/The Crimson White)

Police are currently not pursuing criminal charges in the case, pending the autopsy and a toxicology report, as previously reported by Fox News Digital.

Gracey vanished after a night out with friends in the early morning of March 17. He was partying at the city’s popular Shoko nightclub before he disappeared, sparking a fervent search and global media attention.

Authorities located his body in a marina close to the club on Thursday.

Local police said a preliminary autopsy indicates that the college junior’s death was likely accidental.

Young men in suits gather outside a university of alabama church

Jimmy Gracey’s fraternity brothers gather outside St. Francis of Assisi University Parish in Tuscaloosa on March 23, 2026. (Oswin Colley/The Crimson White)

“Everything points to an accidental death, although we are not disclosing details regarding how the events unfolded,” a spokesperson for the Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional Catalan police, previously said.

The police said that Gracey’s wallet with his money, credit cards and other documents were found along with his body, signifying an accident instead of a targeted attack.

His cellphone was recovered when authorities arrested an unnamed individual known to them for previous criminal charges. Officials determined the individual was not involved in Gracey’s disappearance.  

A local Spanish news outlet, citing police sources, said authorities have video of Gracey walking alone toward the dock at Port Olimpic before falling in the water. No such video has been released.

Gracey was beloved by his Theta Chi fraternity brothers, and served as the organization’s chaplain and philanthropy chairman.

Jimmy Gracey wearing a pink "Bama" polo shirt in an undated family photo

University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, pictured in an undated family photo. The 20-year-old was reported missing during a trip to Barcelona, Spain, on March 17. (Gracey family)

“These roles reflected who he was at his core: a young man of deep faith, genuine care for others, and an abiding commitment to his brothers and his community,” the fraternity said in a statement. “He was exactly the kind of man Theta Chi aspires to build—a Resolute Man.”

Meanwhile, in a heartfelt tribute on a memorial page created by friends of the Gracey family, Gracey’s parents shared a story of his exemplary character, calling him “vibrant.” 

“A shining example of his character was reflected during a hockey game when Jimmy was about 10 years old. He liked hockey. He LOVED competition. And he REALLY LOVED winning,” the tribute says. “At that age, he had a rocket of a shot. He was in a tight game. He had the puck. He wound up and let it fly. No one ever stopped his shots…except this time. Instead of getting angry and slamming his stick on the ice, he skated over to the opposing goalie and gave him a fist bump. An ‘atta boy’ for stopping a missile. The ultimate sign of hockey respect. Jimmy knew he was beaten and respected the heck out of the other goalie for doing it…at ten years old when a temper tantrum still would have been accepted. Then, he went home and practiced his shot.”

Peter D’Abrosca is a reporter at Fox News Digital covering campus extremism in higher education. 

Follow Peter on X at @pmd_reports. Send story tips to peter.dabrosca@fox.com.

Man Confesses to Altering Social Media Images for Sextortion of Mother and Daughter

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Man Confesses to Altering Social Media Images for Sextortion of Mother and Daughter
A man has admitted sending AI-manipulated intimate images to eight women – including a mother and daughter, and two sisters – in an attempt to extort real explicit photos.
Benjamin Michael Jomaa took the innocuous social media photos of the women and used technology to turn them into explicit faked images.

A 32-year-old man altered a vacation photo of two sisters in Thailand, making it look as if they were topless, and then sent the manipulated image to them via Facebook, according to court documents from his case in New South Wales.

Benjamin Jomaa departs Gosford Local Court wearing a mask. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP VIDEO)
Benjamin Jomaa departs Gosford Local Court wearing a mask. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP VIDEO) (AAP)

Accompanying the doctored image were explicit messages to each sister, in which he threatened to publish the photos online unless they provided him with actual explicit images.

“Respond or you will regret it,” warned the sales assistant in the messages detailed in the court records.

The man employed a similar tactic to target a mother and daughter. He took images from their Facebook profiles and edited them to falsely depict nudity.

This act falls under “sextortion,” a form of extortion where someone is coerced into compliance through threats of releasing private or sexual content.

Another woman received a number of very graphic descriptions of Jomaa’s fantasies about her along with a demand to perform a sex act for him.

He was motivated to extort intimate images out of the victims for his own sexual gratification, police say.

The 32-year-old has admitted targeting eight women over seven months, leaving them deeply concerned the deepfake photos would be published online.

According to the agreed facts, the edited photos appear real and would not arouse suspicion.

Jomaa faced Gosford District Court today after pleading guilty to 17 offences, including eight counts of using a carriage service to send sexual material knowing the recipient did not consent.

He was expected to face sentencing but the matter was adjourned to allow the magistrate to read all of the relevant information.

The Ettalong Beach resident will instead learn his fate in April.

After previously defying attempts to photograph him, he ducked his head and attempted to obscure his identity as he entered and exited the courthouse.

When Jomaa was arrested in May, police found all of the photos – both edited and original – in a hidden folder on his phone.

He was charged two months before the NSW government introduced a bill to specifically ban AI-generated sexual imagery.

Under the laws, editing a photo to create an intimate image of someone while being reckless as to their consent carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment.

Calls for Reform: TSA Airport Delays and the Case for Passenger Rights Amid Security Fees

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Calls for Reform: TSA Airport Delays and the Case for Passenger Rights Amid Security Fees

For several weeks, exasperated travelers across the United States have found themselves mired in lengthy security lines at airports. The reason? Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, inundated with work, have been operating without compensation. This has led to significant delays for those trying to catch flights.

This isn’t the first instance where TSA funding, which plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of Americans, has become a pawn in a congressional tug-of-war, currently centered on immigration enforcement debates.

It’s a situation that doesn’t have to persist.

In truth, such a scenario should never have occurred, not even once.

The irony lies in the fact that both taxpayers and travelers have already contributed to the cost of transportation security—not through their taxes, but via their plane tickets.

The federally mandated Passenger Security Fee, first levied after the 9/11 terrorist attacks to help fund TSA screening activities, has more than doubled since its inception.

Today, it adds an $11.20 charge to every round-trip ticket purchase — more than $4.5 billion in 2025 alone.

The fee is one of multiple government-mandated add-on charges, including a ticket excise tax, flight segment fees and passenger facility charges, that add taxes of 15% to 30% on every airline ticket you buy.

And while the lion’s share of Passenger Security Fee revenue was supposed to stay with TSA, Congress has chosen to divert much of it to feed an already fattened hyena.

Bipartisan Budget Acts passed in 2013 and 2018 funneled huge chunks of Passenger Security Fee proceeds away from TSA and into the Treasury’s general fund, where it can be spent in any way government officials want.

Congress deceptively portrayed that decision as a matter of “deficit reduction,” but we can see how well that’s worked.

If these resources had remained with TSA where they belonged, the agency could have built up an emergency fund to help tide these essential workers over during government shutdowns.

Or maybe the cash could have enabled technology investments to speed passengers through checkpoints all year round.

Airlines would be on solid moral, if not legal, ground to pull out of this charade and simply stop collecting the Passenger Security Fee.

They are not responsible for this mess: The blame belongs at the big, bloated feet of our federal government.

To do right by taxpayers, who are now literally paying $11.20 apiece to wait in line, Congress and President Donald Trump have four choices.

First, they can stop squandering Passenger Security Fee revenues on unrelated federal programs.

This means repealing the provisions from the 2013 and 2018 laws that allow these shenanigans, requiring the funds to be directly spent on TSA operations and investments and capping the fee so taxpaying travelers aren’t gouged for government services.

The only permissible diversion of any collections should be a small share for TSA’s Inspector General, which should oversee fee collections and ensure TSA uses the funding properly.

Another option is to turn over passenger security to airports and other private entities.

Private security contracts, overseen by government regulators, are commonplace in many countries — and are already used at some US airports.

TSA has frequently embarrassed itself with security lapses, poor equipment choices and the padded personnel budgets that often accompany slapdash federal agency expansions.

Alternatively, Congress could repeal the Passenger Security Fee entirely and fund the forward-facing portion of TSA’s responsibilities only through general revenues.

That would at least give taxpaying travelers a break on ticket prices.

One final option: Congress could fulfill its 2013 and 2018 claims.

Change the name to the “Special Deficit Reduction Fee” and require the revenue to go directly to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, to trim down the $39 trillion in borrowing our government has foisted on future generations of taxpayers.

It’s not particularly fair or logical to have air travelers help clean up Washington’s profligate spending habits — but at least it would be more honest than picking their pockets for something that doesn’t shorten airport security lines.

In fact, both the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and bipartisan legislation in Congress called the SAFEGUARDS Act already propose to end the underhanded Passenger Security Fee diversion.

This is no longer about ICE enforcement, or immigration policy in general, or the separation of powers — it’s about our money.

Get to work, Washington.

Pete Sepp is president of National Taxpayers Union.
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