In the face of escalating restrictions on medical pathways for transgender youth globally and in Australia, Insight turns to members of the trans community to explore if the current balance is adequate. You can watch the Insight episode “Trans Medicine” on SBS On Demand.
US Forces Eliminate Alleged Narco-Terrorists in High-Stakes Caribbean Drug-Trafficking Operation
On March 25, U.S. military forces executed a lethal strike targeting a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of four individuals believed to be involved in narco-terrorism, as reported by the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).
SOUTHCOM announced on social media platform X that the operation was ordered by General Francis L. Donovan, the SOUTHCOM commander. The statement detailed that Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a decisive strike against a vessel linked to recognized terrorist organizations.
Intelligence assessments had identified the vessel as navigating through established drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean, confirming its involvement in narcotics operations. The operation resulted in the deaths of four male suspects, while U.S. military personnel remained unharmed, SOUTHCOM stated.
This action underscores SOUTHCOM’s intensified efforts to combat drug cartels, as it pledged to impose comprehensive pressure on these criminal groups, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military activities aimed at dismantling illegal drug networks operating along critical maritime pathways.
Footage of the operation captured a bright flash at the moment of the strike, illustrating the power of the kinetic action. (U.S. Southern Command)
Wednesday’s announcement brings the total number of people killed in the boat-bombing campaign, Operation Southern Spear, to around 163.
The campaign began in the Caribbean Sea on Sept. 2, and expanded into the eastern Pacific Ocean in October.
The U.S. military has conducted more than 45 strikes across the region since September.
The administration has faced scrutiny in recent months over the strikes, including from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has raised concerns about the lack of due process and the risk of civilian casualties.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump participate in a roundtable discussion on public safety at a Tennessee Air National Guard Base, Monday, in Memphis, Tenn. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)
“I look at my colleagues who say they’re pro-life, and they value God’s inspiration in life, but they don’t give a s— about these people in the boats,” Paul said in January.
“Are they terrible people in the boats? I don’t know. They’re probably poor people in Venezuela and Colombia,” he said.
President Donald Trump has said the United States is in “armed conflict” with Latin American cartels and has defended the strikes as a necessary step to curb drug trafficking, serve national security and save lives.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Bondi Shooting Suspect Allegedly Influenced by Islamic State Speech, Experts Reveal Potential Terror Links
In a recently unveiled speech from 2024, ISIS’s primary spokesperson has made a chilling call to action, encouraging followers to target individuals of Jewish and Christian faith. The message implored supporters to act with extreme violence, urging them to “kill them by the worst of means.”
In a paper published in the West Point Combating Terrorism Centre, two Australian scholars believe the speech titled “And Kill Them Wherever You Find Them” was a call to arms for renewed attacks by IS supporters on Israeli and Western targets, and claim the Bondi attack carried similar themes to the ones outlined in the speech.
“The speech included an explicit call to arms,” the report from Andrew Zammit and Levi J. West said, adding it was reminiscent of a similar speech in 2014 that preceded a spate of Islamic terrorist attacks across Europe.
The speech aimed to galvanize sympathizers to commit acts of terrorism within their own countries. It endorsed various violent tactics, advising perpetrators to “detonate explosives” and “shoot them with bullets.” This directive was clearly designed to embolden individuals to engage in such heinous acts.
Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, are accused of shooting and killing 15 people at Bondi Beach on December 14 last year, targeting a Hanukkah celebration.
During a recent incident, attackers reportedly lobbed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) towards a celebratory gathering. Fortunately, these devices failed to detonate before gunfire ensued.
Sajid was shot and killed by police, while Naveed was wounded and remains before the courts.
Experts analyzing the attack noted that several elements mirrored the directives outlined in the ISIS speech. It specifically urged followers to “pick easy targets,” aligning with the incident’s approach.
According to analysts, the speech’s explicit targeting advice was crafted to ensure that any resulting attacks would resonate with the movement’s strategic and ideological objectives. This highlights the ongoing threat posed by such extremist communications, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive countermeasures.
“[Followers were] being told to ‘target synagogues and churches over military targets… [and to] carry out daring and courageous operations targeting Jewish and Christian gatherings and neighbourhoods everywhere, especially in Crusader European countries,’” the report said, quoting some phrases from the speech.
The authors believe the Bondi Massacre is a consequence of IS’ plans for resurgence in the aftermath of the war in Gaza, saying the group wanted to “remobilise its transnational support.”
“[It] took care to not let the Israel-Palestine conflict overshadow the movement’s global revolutionary goals and wider range of enemies,” they said, saying the group wanted to renew attacks in the West, with a greater emphasis on attacking Jewish targets.
The Akram’s allegiance to IS is alleged by police in its statements of facts relying upon a video they filmed in October last year, where they stand in front of an IS flag and claim responsibility for an upcoming “Bondi attack”, evidence from the New South Wales Joint Counter Terrorism Team said.
The pair also travelled to the Philippines in November just before the attacks, which is alleged to have been done in their preparations for the attack.
An article in one of the organisation’s publications also acknowledged the attack, saying the Akram’s allegedly “answered the call and carried out the recommendations to target holidays and gatherings.”
“They armed themselves with the Prophetic methodology and set off without looking back, plunging unarmoured into the Hanukkah celebration and turning it into a scene of mourning,” the article said.
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Inside Martin Clunes’ Journey: How His Influential Wife Philippa Braithwaite and Their Daughter Stand by Him After a Challenging Past
Martin Clunes has garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the fallen news anchor, Huw Edwards, in his latest performance.
Building on the momentum from his acclaimed role in Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights, Clunes appears to be embracing a fresh phase in his acting journey.
At 64, the actor is most celebrated for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Ellingham in the ten-season run of the ITV series Doc Martin, which aired from 2004 to 2022.
Clunes is also well-known for his performances as Gary Strang in the BBC sitcom Men Behaving Badly and as William Shawcross in William and Mary.
While Clunes’ talent is undeniable, his success in the industry is significantly bolstered by the support of his exceptionally successful wife, Phillipa Braithwaite.
Ms Braithwaite has worked on major film and TV successes including her husband’s successful series, Manhunt and Doc Martin.
The TV power couple tied the knot in 1997, the same year Clunes divorced his first wife Lucy Aston.
Martin Clunes has been supported by TV power player wife Philippa Braithwaite and their anti-daughter Emily, pictured together in 2016, after escaping a ‘rotten marriage’
The TV power couple tied the knot in 1997, pictured, the same year Clunes finalized his divorce from first wife Lucy Aston
Speaking about the end of his marriage, he told the Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine in 2008: ‘I don’t know if I was searching for anything. Maybe I was.
‘I kind of found it without looking. When I met Philippa I was coming out of a rotten marriage, and was very resistant to the idea of getting involved again.’
In 1999 the pair welcomed their daughter Emily and the family live on a 130-acre farm in Dorset, where they keep a host of animals including cows, horses, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats.
While Ms Braithwaite, 61, is one of Britain’s most respected producers she keeps away from the public eye, keeping her personal life private.
Her first widely recognised breakthrough came in the 1994 when she was involved in feature film Staggered.
Four years later, she she secured one of the biggest projects of her career, the 1998 hit film Sliding Doors, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah.
The film achieved international success and grossed $67million against a $6million budget. It also significantly expanded Ms Braithwaite’s reputation, and opened the door to more television work.
In 1996, Clunes and Braithwaite founded Buffalo Pictures, with the aim of prioritising creative independence and sustainable production values.
The pair also challenged the London-centric production model, instead choosing to operate from the countryside.
Clunes has won unanimous praise for his chillingly accurate portrayal of disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards in a new Channel 5 drama charting his spectacular fall from grace
The couple worked together on Doc Martin, which ran for ten seasons between 2004 and 2022
The company is keen to champion environmental sustainability for film and TV.
Aiming to keep its carbon footprint as low as possible, Buffalo uses reusable water bottles, biodegradable snow and support local businesses.
The team also use an eco-friendly makeup department, with their makeup designer Alice Hopkins launching her own brand of non-toxic vegan skincare with plastic free packaging.
In 2004, the couple began working on Doc Martin together.
It ran for 79 episodes across ten seasons and was a huge ratings success for ITV.
As producer, Ms Braithwaite was was integral to the show’s success, overseeing all aspects including the storyline, casting and narrative consistency.
And she cast her husband again in their next project, the murder investigation drama Manhunt.
The first series focused on the true story of the death of French student Amelie Delagrange and the subsequent manhunt which led to the arrest of her murderer.
Serving as executive producer the show ran for two series and gave Ms Braithwaite the chance to explore darker material.
And the star is showing no signs of slowing down, producing mini-series Out There in 2025 and she has already been confirmed as an executive producer on her next project Best Medicine which is set to begin filming this year.
During the course of her career she has received multiple nominations, including two BAFTA nominations.
Residing in Dorset, their family life on the farm couldn’t be further from the world of showbiz.
And daughter Emily has chosen a life outside the industry, forgoing any potential nepo baby leverage to instead pursing a career as an Equine vet.
The 26-year-old is an event rider and is studying equine vet nursing at Hartpury University with her Instagram account dedicated to her riding.
The couple’s daughter Emily has chosen a life outside the industry, forgoing any potential nepo baby leverage to instead pursing a career as an Equine vet
Clunes was previously married to actress Lucy Aston and later described it as ‘rotten’
Clunes’ latest role as Huw Edwards is a departure from some of his past roles, and he recently said: ‘I never try to second guess what the audience will think, and I’ve never been confused with any of my characters, like people in soap operas are.
‘I think viewers just see an actor doing his best, and whether they approve or not is entirely up to them.
‘I’ve played a murderer before and I’m vile in Wuthering Heights, so this isn’t my first dark role, but I always just take work from what’s on offer, and I’ve never had a plan.
‘I’ve always been lucky enough to balance light-hearted jobs like Doc Martin with dramas in between. I’m not desperate to reshape myself – I’d play someone like Doc Martin again in a heartbeat.’
Jimmy Kimmel Criticized as ‘Elite’ for Controversial Joke on New DHS Chief Appointment
Jimmy Kimmel has faced criticism for his recent remarks about America’s working class, following his comments about the new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin. Kimmel referred to Mullin as an “unqualified plumber” during his show.
Markwayne Mullin, appointed by President Donald Trump to succeed Kristi Noem, who was ousted from the position, officially took office as the nation’s ninth DHS chief after being confirmed by the Senate with a 54-45 vote.
In his Tuesday night monologue, Kimmel addressed Mullin’s nomination. He described the Republican senator as both a “low-level MMA fighter” and a “plumber,” now entrusted with the critical responsibility of safeguarding the nation against terrorism.
Kimmel quipped, “Trump has a fresh batch of thinkers ready, including his newly confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne ‘Chuck Mike Bruce Dave’ Melon – Mullin,” adding a humorous twist to Mullin’s name.
The late-night host continued, “He’s the former senator from Oklahoma. Prior to his Senate career, Markwayne Mullin was a low-level MMA fighter and a plumber.”
‘That’s right. We have a plumber protecting us from terrorism now. It worked for Super Mario. Why not Markwayne?’
Before entering politics, Mullin had a brief career as a mixed martial arts fighter, retiring in 2012 with an undefeated 5-0 record.
He gained a reputation as a firebrand, earning induction into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and even challenging the Teamsters president to a brawl during a 2023 Senate hearing.
Jimmy Kimmel was slammed for mocking America’s working class after calling new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin an ‘unqualified plumber’
Mullin, Trump’s pick to replace ousted Secretary Kristi Noem, was sworn in as the nation’s ninth DHS chief on Tuesday
The Senate confirmed Mullin’s new position on Monday night following a 54-45 vote
As for plumbing, Mullin and his college bride took over Mullin Plumbing – his family business – after he delayed his studies due to his father’s illness, according to his biography.
Together with his wife, he spent the past 25 years growing the business into the region’s largest service company.
Undeterred, Kimmel only doubled down on his joke, branding the new face of DHS unfit for the role.
‘But honestly – I mean, if Trump is going to keep picking these unqualified people to run the department, why not have more fun with it?’ he said during the monologue.
‘I mean, next time instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security?’ he added. ‘At least we can get a concert out of it, right?’
His joke, however, appeared to fall flat with some in the political sphere, as posts condemning the comedian flooded X shortly after the segment aired.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz wrote: ‘I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians.’
Wyoming Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis responded sharply, writing: ‘The disdain for which the Democrats and Hollywood elites have for working-class Americans – and folks who step up to do important jobs for their country – is shameful. These people need help.’
Mullin had a brief career as a mixed martial arts fighter before retiring in 2012 with an undefeated 5-0 record
Mullin and his college bride (pictured now as wife, Christie Mullin) took over Mullin Plumbing – his family business – after he delayed his studies due to his father’s illness
During Tuesday’s monologue, Kimmel said: ‘I mean, next time instead of Markwayne, how about Lil Wayne for Homeland Security?’
In response to Kimmel’s comments, Sen. Ted Cruz (pictured) wrote: ‘I prefer plumbers to woke & unfunny comedians’
Representative Mike Collins did not take Kimmel’s comments lightly, criticizing the comedian in a lengthy post and accusing him of attempting to ‘demean’ men by calling Mullin a plumber.
‘The elites too often look down their noses at the blue collar, middle America,’ Collins wrote.
‘As if plumbing is something to be ashamed of or is somehow a lesser profession than a court jester turning tricks on late night commentary (comedy is dead),’ he added.
Collins said that calling a senator a plumber ‘doesn’t do him justice,’ noting that Mullin built a successful business in a competitive industry that provides jobs and food on the table for many families.
‘Plumbers, truckers, builders, tradesmen, etc built this country and continue to be a vital part of our economy’s backbone,’ the representative continued.
‘It’s not just jobs,’ he added. ‘It’s a spirit of actually using the sweat of your brow, determination and yes, intellect, to add in a productive way to America – a land of pioneers.’
‘Western civilization can’t survive without the men and women who provide blue collar services. Late night political commentary masquerading as comedy would never be missed.’
DHS even responded to the clip in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying: ‘DHS is too busy arresting gang members, terrorists, pedophiles, rapists, murderers, and other criminal illegal aliens to engage in this kind of silliness.’
Mullin challenged the Teamsters president to a brawl during a 2023 Senate hearing (pictured)
Representative Mike Collins (pictured) accused Kimmel of attempting to ‘demean’ men by calling Mullin a plumber
Ex-DHS Secretary Noem was spectacularly fired by Trump earlier this month
Ex-DHS Secretary Noem was spectacularly fired by Trump earlier this month after much scrutiny over her alleged affair with top staffer Corey Lewandowski, which both have denied, and other scandals.
The ‘last straw’ came when Noem told Senator John Kennedy under oath that she’d been given Trump’s approval for a $220million taxpayer-funded campaign designed to boost her national profile.
Trump announced her exit on Truth Social moments before stating that little-known Senator Mullin of Oklahoma would be nominated to become the next DHS Secretary.
On Monday, Mullin cleared the simple majority needed to be confirmed to his post.
Democrats John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico crossed party lines and sided with the majority of Republicans to approve the nomination.
During his swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump began reading Mullin’s bio before stumbling across a surprise: Mullin is Native American.
‘But as the only Native American… I didn’t know that,’ Trump said before glancing at Mullin.
‘I can tell you, he’s the only Native American in the Senate. How many have been there before you, do you know?’ the president asked, to which Mullin responded, ‘I think three.’
During his swearing-in ceremony, Trump was visibly surprised to find out that Mullin is Native American
Mullin with the leaders of the Cherokee Nation in 2019
Mullin seemed taken aback that Trump was unaware of his background, as the pair have appeared together at several events
Mullin inherits a DHS facing widespread criticism, including long airport lines and the deployment of ICE agents on Monday to assist with operations (pictured at LaGuardia)
‘I didn’t know all these things. I would have picked him faster. If I had known, I would have made a quicker decision,’ Trump replied.
Mullin seemed taken aback that Trump was unaware of much of his background, even though the two have appeared together at countless political and sporting events, often with his family.
He is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and has supported multiple legislative efforts to help Native Americans while in Congress.
‘I’m Cherokee, and I never knew I was special for being Cherokee until I came to DC, because where I’m from, everybody is Indian or wants to be,’ Mullin said in a 2025 press release.
Shortly after being sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi, he said that he would work with both Republican and Democratic states to ‘protect everybody the same.’
Taking charge of DHS, Mullin inherits a department under fire, with travelers nationwide facing long lines due to unpaid TSA staff, and ICE agents deployed to multiple airports on Monday to help manage the crisis.
Meanwhile, senators still remain deadlocked on a funding deal for the agency, which requires support from both Democrats and Republicans.
There was hope Monday evening that a deal had been struck, as Senator Katie Britt told reporters after returning from the White House that an agreement with Trump had been reached.
Urgent Amber Alert: Father Kidnaps 4-Year-Old Son Following Violent Assault on Ex-Wife
A man from California has been arrested following a disturbing sequence of events in which he allegedly assaulted his former spouse, abducted their 4-year-old son, and struck two pedestrians with his car while attempting to escape.
The episode triggered an Amber Alert on Monday evening, prompting authorities to urgently seek out 40-year-old Daniel Hutchens. According to the Monterey Police Department, a be-on-the-lookout alert was swiftly disseminated for Hutchens.
Reports indicate that Hutchens’ ex-wife, accompanied by their 4-year-old and 1-year-old children, was visiting Monterey shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday. Hutchens is said to have trailed them in a rental car. Once his ex-wife parked at a motel, he positioned his vehicle nearby.
In a shocking turn of events, Hutchens, reportedly masked, assaulted his ex-wife while she was outside her car, as per police statements. During the altercation, he forcibly took her watch and forced his way into her vehicle.
In the ensuing chaos, Hutchens seized the older child and hurried back to his rental car, whisking the child away as he fled the scene.
The ex-wife began yelling for help, and a nearby witness ran to Hutchens’ car to try to stop him. The witness opened the car door, but Hutchens said he had a gun and would shoot. As other witnesses began approaching, Hutchens “accelerated in reverse at a high rate of speed,” striking two pedestrians with the open car door and knocking them to the ground.
Officers in nearby Seaside spotted Hutchens’ vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but he fled, eventually turning onto US Highway 1 and hitting speeds over 100 mph. At one point, he even called 911 and threatened that he had a gun and would not surrender.
Hutchens also drove the wrong way on the highway and eventually exited into Castroville, where officers briefly lost sight of the vehicle. They soon found it abandoned, and witnesses reported seeing the driver flee the scene on foot with the little boy.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the search, with officers deploying drones to assist. Shortly after 10 p.m., 911 calls in Castroville reported a man walking with a child. The witnesses said they attempted to follow them but didn’t see where they went. Shortly before 10:30 p.m., a drone spotted the pair near North Monterey County Middle School.
Office converged and took Hutchens into custody. The boy was checked out by paramedics on the scene and was reunited with his mother.
Hutchens, a native of California, was charged with kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, felony evasion, and felony child abuse. He was ordered held without bail.
Arlington Family Seeks Justice After Tragic Loss of Beloved Father of Four: ‘A Heartbreaking Act of Violence
A Jacksonville family is fervently seeking justice after Tayvon Sellers, a cherished father of four, was tragically shot outside his Arlington apartment. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect responsible for this senseless act.
On an early Sunday morning, the life of Tayvon Sellers, known for his devotion as a father, brother, and fiancé, was abruptly cut short. The incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. on March 22 at the Gregory Cove Apartments located off Justina Road, as reported by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation reveals that Sellers, along with another individual, was outside the apartment complex when gunfire erupted. Sellers was discovered on the walkway and was rushed to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The other man, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, managed to drive himself to seek medical attention. As of now, no arrests have been made.
Raveen Smith, Tayvon’s younger sister, fondly remembers him as the heart and soul of their family, emphasizing the profound void his absence has left. The family’s plea for answers and accountability continues as they await developments from the ongoing investigation.
Sellers’ younger sister, Raveen Smith, described her brother as the heart of the family.
“That’s my best friend,” she said. “That’s my first love.”
Smith said her brother was full of life and laughter, known for his silly sense of humor and his love of family dinners every Sunday at their mother’s house.
“He was love. He is like, the epitome of it,” she said. “He woke up every day dedicated to changing his life so he could be there for his girls.”
Family members say Sellers had been engaged to his longtime partner, Beonca Allen, and was planning to get married in November.
“I woke up to this man every day for the last nine years,” Allen said through tears. “Please, please, speak up.”
The family is now urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
“We want you to go to somebody,” the family said. “Say something. Talk to these people. He was a father. He was a good guy, and he didn’t deserve any of this.”
“It was the devil’s work,” his younger sister added. “This was the work of evil.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active but has not released any new developments in identifying a suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call JSO at (904) 630-0500 or send an anonymous tip to JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.
Jacinda Ardern Embraces Australian Lifestyle with Relaxing Day at Sydney’s Iconic Beach
Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, is embarking on a fresh journey as she settles into life in Australia with her family.
This past Sunday, Ardern was seen unwinding on Manly Beach in Sydney, accompanied by her husband Clarke Gayford, their seven-year-old daughter Neve, and her mother, Laurell.
While Gayford and Neve took a stroll down to the water’s edge, Ardern remained on the sands with her mother, enjoying the pleasant beachside ambiance.
This sighting puts an end to recent rumors about their relocation, confirming that the move is indeed permanent.
An Ardern spokesperson has verified that the family has officially made Australia their new home.
‘The family has been travelling for a few years now,’ they said.
‘For the moment they are basing themselves out of Australia – they have work there, and it brings the added bonus of more time back home in New Zealand.’
The spokesperson said that basing themselves in Australia also gives the family the ‘added bonus’ of being able to spend more time in New Zealand than if they were living elsewhere overseas.
Jacinda Ardern (centre) was spotted sight seeing on Manly Beach with her family on Sunday
Jacinda Ardern (right) was joined by her mother Laurell (left) as the family went for a stroll
Jacinda Ardern (left) was joined by her husband Clarke Gayford (right) and daughter Neve
The spokesperson said that basing themselves in Australia also gives the family the ‘added bonus’ of being able to spend more time in New Zealand than if they were living elsewhere overseas.
Reports had circulated in February that Ardern and Gayford were quietly house-hunting on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
She was reportedly seen inspecting properties in coastal suburbs including Curl Curl and Freshwater, and dining at casual eateries in Dee Why.
The region, known for its sweeping surf beaches and affluent lifestyle, has a typical house price of more than $2.8 million.
It also includes Palm Beach, the picturesque filming location for the long-running Australian series Home and Away.
Ardern’s latest appearance came just hours before she took the stage at the All About Women festival at the Sydney Opera House.
Her appearance, held on International Women’s Day, was billed as an ‘intimate discussion’ with author Jamila Rizvi about Ardern’s political career and her memoir A Different Kind of Power.
Her decision to base herself in Australia places her among a growing wave of New Zealanders moving across the Tasman, with more than 60,000 doing so in 2025 alone.
Ardern (pictured) and her family’s beach outing took place hours before her Opera House talk
A spokesperson for Ardern (pictured) confirmed her family had made the move to Sydney
Ardern (right) and Gayford (left) have been looking at properties on the Northern Beaches
Gayford (right) and the couple’s daughter Neve (left) were seen getting close to the water
Ardern (right) spent periods living in both the UK and the United States before Sydney
Before this transition, Ardern lived a notably low-key life in Auckland’s Mt Albert electorate, remaining the local MP until April 2023 following her resignation as prime minister earlier that year.
She later spent long periods overseas while undertaking prestigious academic and advisory roles, which saw her live in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Her work included fellowships at Harvard and Oxford universities and a position on the Earthshot Prize board, which was founded by Prince William.
Ardern is currently in the midst of a speaking tour, delivering a series of events across Australia.
On Saturday, Ardern took the stage as the guest speaker at a Business Chicks event at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.
She appeared refreshed, sporting a warm summer tan and noticeably lighter hair.
She’s set to appear at the Melbourne Business Chicks event on Tuesday, where tickets for the now sold-out session started at $239 each, with VIP passes priced at $500.
Outside of speaking events, Ardern has also made her way down to the New South Wales south coast.
Ardern (pictured) was sporting a healthy tan and lighter hair while speaking in Sydney
Jacinda Ardern (pictured) will appear in Melbourne on Tuesday for a Business Chicks event
Ardern made an unannounced visit to a community expo in Gerringong last month, a seaside town south of Kiama.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald shared the surprise sighting on LinkedIn, writing that he had ‘long admired Jacinda’s leadership style, particularly her clarity, composure and ability to communicate in difficult moments.’
Transform Your Core: 5 Bed Exercises to Banish Belly Fat Faster Than Crunches for Those Over 60
Shedding belly fat doesn’t hinge on performing endless crunches—try these exercises for better results.
As you get older, particularly from your mid-30s onward, you might notice that your waistline isn’t as cooperative as it once was. The body begins to accumulate visceral fat in the abdominal area, and unfortunately, it’s quite adept at holding onto it. Coupled with the fact that burning calories becomes more difficult with age, this often leads to the infamous “middle-age spread.”
While crunches are a popular method for targeting the abdominal muscles, they are just one piece of the puzzle in a comprehensive core workout. We consulted with Karen Ann Canham, the CEO and founder of Karen Ann Wellness. With nearly 20 years of expertise as a Board-Certified Wellness Coach and Nervous System Specialist, Canham reveals that there are more efficient strategies to tackle stubborn belly fat. She suggests five bed exercises that can help streamline your midsection more effectively than crunches for those over 60.
For those eager to eliminate stubborn belly fat, crunches alone may not be the most effective solution.
Why Crunches Aren’t an Effective Go-to Solution for Burning Belly Fat
If you’re looking to melt pesky belly fat, crunches aren’t the most effective choice.
“Crunches don’t directly burn belly fat—and this becomes even more relevant after 60,” Canham stresses. “First, spot reduction isn’t physiologically effective. Fat loss happens systemically, not from the specific area being exercised. Crunches primarily strengthen the rectus abdominis, but they don’t significantly impact abdominal fat stores.”
In addition, after you hit 60, sarcopenia causes a reduction in lean muscle mass and slower metabolic rate. This makes it much easier to store fat and more difficult to get rid of it—especially in the abdominal region.
“Hormonal changes—including lower estrogen or testosterone and higher cortisol—shift fat storage toward the abdomen,” Canham adds. “Finally, crunches can increase intra-abdominal pressure without strengthening the deeper stabilizing muscles (like the transverse abdominis), which can actually make the abdomen appear more protruded if those muscles are weak.”
Flattening your belly calls for improved muscle tone, metabolism, and posture—not performing countless crunches. Below, Canham shares five bed exercises to add to your routine.
“These exercises focus on deep core activation, pelvic stability, and full-body muscle engagement, which are more effective for improving how the midsection looks and functions than high-rep crunches alone,” Canham says.
Supine Deep Core Breathing
- Lie flat on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the mattress.
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Take a deep breath in through the nose, allowing your lower hand to naturally rise as your belly expands.
- Slowly exhale through the mouth.
- Perform 2 sets of 8 to 10 slow breaths.
Dead Bugs
- Lie face-up on the mattress with your arms extended toward the sky and knees lifted and bent to 90 degrees.
- Press your lower back into the mattress as you gradually lower your left arm and extend your right leg.
- Return to the center.
- Then, lower your right arm and left leg.
- Continue to alternate.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps on each side.
Glute Bridges
- Lie flat on your back with bent knees and feet hip-width apart, arms at your sides with palms pressing into the mattress.
- Press through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
- Squeeze your buttocks, holding at the top for 2 seconds.
- Lower your hips back to the start position.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.
Lying Alternating Toe Taps
- Lie flat on your back with knees bent to 90 degrees and hips stacked over your heels.
- Keep your arms at your sides for support.
- Activate your core and press your lower back into the mattress.
- Gently lower your left foot toward the mattress, tapping your toes to the surface.
- Return to the tabletop position.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps on each side.
Side-Lying Leg Lifts
- Begin by lying on one side with your legs stacked, your head resting on your bottom arm, and your top hand placed on your hip.
- Lift your top leg upward.
- Hold it for a moment.
- Slowly lower.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Perform 2 sets of 10 to 12 reps on each side.
Detroit Judge Criticizes Woman for Attending Court via Zoom from Her Car, Raises Safety Concerns
In a recent online court hearing, a Detroit judge took issue with a participant who joined the virtual session from a moving vehicle, suspecting her of not being truthful about her driving status.
Kimberly Carroll was behind schedule for her virtual court appearance on Monday in Woodhaven. She faces allegations by LVNV Funding LLC, a company specializing in purchasing consumer debt, for an outstanding amount of $1,788.08. The hearing started with complications, as reported by Fox 2 Detroit.
Despite Carroll’s absence, Judge Michael McNally decided to proceed with the case, ultimately issuing a default judgment against her. The ruling required Carroll to pay the debt along with additional filing and service fees, even before she had joined the session.
Shortly after, a court clerk informed the judge that an unidentified iPhone user was attempting to access the Zoom meeting.
Once admitted and prompted to activate her camera, Carroll was revealed to be seated in a car, with a seatbelt fastened, as captured in video footage obtained by the news outlet.
“I was sitting in some room or something, and then I didn’t know I was just staring at myself,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
“You cannot be driving, ma’am,” McNally shot back. “What are you doing?”
“I’m not driving. I’m a passenger,” Carroll replied.
McNally, who is the longest-serving judge of Michigan’s 33rd District Court, said he would not hear cases from “people driving or sitting in cars,” prompting her to pull over.
“I’m sorry. I have an emergency. I’m going out of town for a family member, but I will have my driver pull over,” she said. “I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to be in a car.”
But McNally wasn’t convinced and began pressing her on whether she was actually the driver.
“Am I crazy, or does it not look like you’re driving that car?” he asked.
Carroll insisted she was not, but the judge kept probing.
“What side of the car are you on?” McNally asked, as she stumbled over her answer and said she was on the wrong side.
“How would you be on the left-hand side if you’re a passenger in the front seat? Am I missing something?”
“Left hand … right-hand side, I’m sorry,” Carroll replied.
“Yeah, the seatbelt’s coming out of the driver’s side. Now you’re lying to me, right?” he said.
When she denied it, the judge ordered her to show the driver.
“Hang on one second!” Carroll said, claiming she needed permission to film the driver, before abruptly getting out of the car.
“No, you weren’t on the passenger side. Do you think I’m that stupid?” McNally snapped.
He ended the hearing by re-entering the default judgment.
“You lied to me,” he said.
McNally then instructed his clerk to note that Carroll “was not available at the time and then was driving a car and telling the court she was not.”
As the hearing wrapped, Carroll had one last comment after climbing back into the “passenger side.”
“I signed in at 1:30, sir,” she said, prompting the judge to call her out again.
“You’ve got an attitude, I’ll tell you that,” McNally replied, before wishing her luck and ending the hearing.