Subscribe
Home Blog Page 97

Bali Loses Top Spot as Australia’s Preferred Vacation Destination, with a Predictable New Leader Emerging

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Bali Loses Top Spot as Australia’s Preferred Vacation Destination, with a Predictable New Leader Emerging
<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

Amidst rising concerns over unrest in the Middle East, Australian travelers are shifting their focus to a different part of the world, with Japan emerging as their preferred Asian destination. For the first time, Japan has surpassed Bali in popularity, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Renowned for its vibrant cities, ancient temples, and world-class ski resorts, Japan is capturing the interest of Aussie tourists like never before. The statistics reveal that Japan has joined New Zealand and Indonesia as the top overseas destinations for Australians in February.

The data highlights that 113,460 Australians returned from brief visits to New Zealand, while 103,360 traveled back from Japan, and 101,630 arrived home from Indonesia. This marks a significant shift in travel trends, with Japan gaining momentum as a favored travel spot among Australians.

The most popular overseas destinations among Australians in February were New Zealand, Japan and the Indonesia.

The data revealed 113,460 Aussies returned from short trips across the Tasman, 103,360 came back from Japan, and 101,630 touched down from Indonesia.

It marks a 6.2 per cent year-on year increase in the number of Aussies travelling to Japan, and a 4.9 per cent drop in the number choosing to travel to Indonesia.

Indonesia has been sharing the top two spots with New Zealand since May 2022. 

Experts say the increased interest in Japan is down to a range of factors, with some pointing out that February is a great time to ski in Japan and nab a cheap flight. 

‘Japan has grown rapidly over the past three years and when consumers come home raving about their experience, that word of mouth spreads quickly,’ Flight Centre Travel Group leisure CEO James Kavanagh told news.com.au.

Japan has overtaken the Bali as the favourite holiday destination for Aussies (stock image)

Japan has overtaken the Bali as the favourite holiday destination for Aussies (stock image)

Bali has traditionally been incredibly popular with Aussies thanks to its location, great weather and close connections (stock image)

Bali has traditionally been incredibly popular with Aussies thanks to its location, great weather and close connections (stock image)

Flight Centre Travel Group leisure CEO James Kavanagh said this was largely due to word-of-mouth recommendations

Flight Centre Travel Group leisure CEO James Kavanagh said this was largely due to word-of-mouth recommendations

‘Friends and family recommendations remain the single biggest influence on travel decisions and Japan has benefited enormously from that.’

It’s consistent with the data shared by Melbourne-based travel company, Luxury Escapes, which said hotel booking data from January to March also showed growth.

‘Japan has been growing steadily for Australian travellers, especially since the first wave Niseko ski boom in 2005,’ Luxury Escapes CEO Adam Schwab told the publication.

‘The combination of skiing, incredible culture and a drastically weakening yen has meant that Japan has skyrocketed to the top of millions of Australians travel list and Luxury Escapes booking data also reflects this trend.’

It comes as the Australian dollar hit a 40‑year high against the Japanese yen in February, meaning Japan has transformed from one of the most expensive destinations to one of the best value.

Japan’s official figures indicate over one million Aussies travelled to the nation in 2025, an increase of 15 per cent on 2024.

The ABS data also revealed Aussies have began to shun the United States from their travel plans after travel to the US fell by 4.8 per cent for the year to February 2026. 

In February alone, there was a 9.7 per cent drop in Aussies heading over to the US. It’s understood the data was collected before the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28.

Australia’s Shift: From Eight Oil Refineries to Just Two

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

IN BRIEF

  • Just over two decades ago, Australia had eight oil refineries capable of meeting most of the nation’s fuel demand.
  • So, why have six of them closed since then, and how should Australia respond to ongoing supply challenges?

As flames engulfed one of Australia’s two oil refineries during an ongoing energy crisis, it prompted an urgent inquiry into how such a situation arose.

A significant fire erupted at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Victoria, late on Wednesday night, continuing to blaze into the early hours of Thursday before being extinguished, as reported by emergency services.

The blaze was triggered by an equipment malfunction that resulted in a leak, according to Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling in an interview with ABC Radio Melbourne.

Both Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Viva CEO Scott Wyatt acknowledged that this incident would affect gasoline production.

Wyatt noted that while the refinery was still producing fuel, it was functioning at a minimal capacity, with the full extent of the damage yet to be determined.

The facility has been operating since 1954, and supplies 10 per cent of the nation’s fuel, according to Viva Energy’s website. It can process 120,000 barrels of oil daily, generating fuel types including petrol, diesel, LPG and jet fuel.

Australia consumes roughly 1.15 million barrels of oil per day.

The other remaining oil refinery, Ampol’s Lytton facility, is located in Brisbane. The two facilities account for roughly 10 to 20 per cent of the country’s fuel supply.

Just over two decades ago, Australia had eight oil refineries capable of meeting most of the nation’s fuel demand.

So what happened?

From eight refineries to two

Most of Australia’s oil refineries were built in the 1950s and 60s, amid surging use of road vehicles and thus demand for fuel.

While the country was not entirely self-sufficient, the majority of supply came from domestically extracted and refined oil.

But from the 1990s, the rise of mega-refineries across Asia — combined with a range of other pressures — eroded the viability of the more costly domestic facilities.

A timeline showing the dates six of eight Australian oil refineries shut in the last twenty years.

“There’s the economics of scale, plus we weren’t producing so much oil,” Kevin Morrison, energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, told SBS News.

“Also, the type of oil product we were consuming was changing. We were becoming much more of a diesel-driving nation than petrol.

“We would have to invest in a lot to change that, so it was just sort of economically unsustainable.”

The sector shrank dramatically from 2003, when ExxonMobil closed its Port Stanvac refinery in Adelaide.

That was followed by the closures of five more refineries between 2013 and 2021, when BP shuttered the nation’s largest oil refinery, Kwinana, in Perth.

What role do domestic refineries play?

The Geelong refinery supplies more than 50 per cent of Victoria’s fuel, according to Viva Energy’s website, with Morrison saying that was where the impact of the fire was “going to be felt the most acute”.

Peter Anderson, director of APCO, which operates dozens of service stations across Victoria, told ABC Radio Melbourne that Viva Energy provides about 60 per cent of his supplies.

However, he said that, during previous supply disruptions due to maintenance issues, “they’ve always been able to come through with other suppliers from elsewhere, just bring it in by ship”.

Victoria’s energy minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the fire had not impacted diesel or jet fuel, and noted that petrol is easier to source replacements for than diesel.

A map of Australia showing the locations of the open and closed oil refineries.
Six domestic oil refineries have ceased operations since 2003. Source: SBS News

Together with Brisbane’s Ampol refinery, the domestic facilities account for roughly a third of Australia’s petrol consumption, with the rest imported.

“They’re very small by world standards, and they’re very old,” said Alison Reeve, energy and climate change program director at the Grattan Institute.

“The government has underwritten [the refineries] in order to get them to stay open,” she told SBS News.

“Part of that was so that they could produce fuel that can be used in modern cars, because the fuel quality that we use has changed over the years, and part of it was for fuel-security reasons.”

Almost 90 per cent of Australia’s daily fuel consumption is imported, much of it brought in as refined product from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Hussein Dia, professor of future urban mobility at Swinburne University of Technology, said that while supply would continue through international markets, the incident “adds pressure to an already tight and globally exposed fuel system”.

“This doesn’t mean people will run out of fuel tomorrow, but it does narrow the buffer we have to absorb shocks.”

‘A structural issue’

The war in the Middle East has driven unprecedented global oil shocks due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent US blockade of the critical shipping lane.

It’s also renewed scrutiny of Australia’s dependence on imported fuel and international supply chains.

“From a broader perspective, this highlights a structural issue,” Dia said of the fire.

“Australia has significantly reduced its refining capacity over recent decades, increasing reliance on long international supply chains,” he added.

“While those systems are generally reliable, events like this show how limited redundancy exists when something goes wrong locally.”

Morrison said Australia needs to accelerate its shift away from liquid fuels, with electrification of transport offering a pathway to greater energy security.

However, Reeve noted, much of electric vehicle and solar panel manufacturing also occurs overseas.

“Everyone’s energy systems are linked to each other,” she said, adding that the key challenge will be how to build stronger buffers into Australia’s energy system.

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

NETN Association of Realtors Reports Regional Median Home Price at $282K

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
NETN Association of Realtors Reports Regional Median Home Price at $282K


JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors (NETAR) has reported a notable rise in home sales across the Tri-Cities, with figures jumping over 10% in March.

Leading this impressive surge are Mountain City and Erwin. Mountain City experienced a remarkable 200% increase, with 12 homes sold, while Erwin saw a rise of over 166%, totaling 16 sales.

“The gains in the region’s volume markets are even more significant,” NETAR stated in a release. “These results, which span a variety of price ranges and locations, indicate a strong and persistent demand.”

In Johnson City, there was a 34% increase, with 98 homes sold, whereas Kingsport experienced a 5% rise, reaching 100 sales. The median price in Johnson City decreased by 5.4% to $353,325, and Kingsport’s median dropped 12.8% to $278,000.

Elizabethton and Blountville each recorded 25 sales, with increases of 19% and 13.6%, respectively. Blountville also boasted the highest year-over-year median price increase at 30.5%, bringing it to $399,755.

Bristol, TN, reported 34 sales, showing a 54.5% increase.

“The demand is there,” Amy Mitchell, President of NETAR, said. “Our market is working more toward being very balanced this year than it has in previous years. We do still have a shortage of homes, but we’re working on having more availability and buyers are still buying.”

The median price for homes in the region was $282,000.

“Up 4.4% from a year ago – a signal that pricing fundamentals remain intact even as individual markets diverge,” the release from NETAR said.

NETAR also reported small market declines.

Gray fell 56.2% on seven reported sales, and Rogersville dropped 52.2% with 11 reported sales.

Venezuelan Doctor’s Detention at U.S. Airport Disrupts Family’s Asylum Journey

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Venezuelan Doctor’s Detention at U.S. Airport Disrupts Family’s Asylum Journey


A Venezuelan man made a plea for asylum to U.S. officials on Thursday, during an interview that he had hoped would include his wife, a prominent doctor from South Texas. However, she was detained at the airport alongside their 5-year-old daughter.

Milenko Faria attended the interview at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office near Los Angeles. Meanwhile, his wife, Dr. Rubeliz Bolivar, remained in immigration detention in Texas, marking her sixth day in custody and preventing her from being present at the much-anticipated appointment, which the couple had awaited for over a decade.

Dr. Bolivar, known for her work in a medically underserved region, was apprehended by Border Patrol agents at McAllen International Airport on Saturday. At the time, she was with their daughter, who was born in the United States, and they were about to board a flight to join Faria for the asylum interview.

Bolivar’s detention marks the second arrest of a Venezuelan doctor in the area within a week. Just days earlier, on April 6, Dr. Ezequiel Veliz was taken into custody by Border Patrol at a checkpoint in South Texas. After spending around ten days in detention, Veliz’s attorney, Victor Badell, successfully arranged a bond hearing, leading to his release on Thursday after posting an $8,000 bond.

These arrests are linked to President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security has shifted its focus to less conspicuous arrests following a January enforcement sweep in Minnesota that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens.

Bolívar worked in the emergency room of a hospital in McAllen, city of about 150,000 in the Rio Grande Valley near the Mexican border, starting in June 2025, when she was accepted into her medical residency program.

The husband said that she arrived at the U.S. with a tourist visa in 2016, after graduating from medical school in her native Venezuela.

Before her authorized period of stay expired, she was included in the asylum application filed by her husband, he said. Both are also seeking a green card through an application for skilled workers, processed by Faria’s employer, a California company where he has worked as an information systems technician since 2019.

The couple was beneficiary of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela that shielded more than 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation. Trump terminated the protections for Venezuela, Haiti, Syria, Afghanistan, Nicaragua and other countries, a decision that has been challenged in federal court.

The Department of Homeland Security said that Bolivar was arrested because she was in the country illegally.

“She has overstayed her visa since 2017, nearly a decade, and had no legal status,” said DHS spokeswoman Lauren Bis.

Jodi Goodwin, an immigration attorney in South Texas, noted that around September or October 2025, she observed a change in policy regarding travel of individuals with pending applications before USCIS.

”It just became a very apparent trend where anyone that had some kind of application pending with USCIS, whether it was an adjustment of status or asylum, anything like that, they were going to be arrested,” said Goodwin.

Faria and Bolivar lived together in Santa Maria, California, until she moved to Texas in the summer of 2025 for her medical residency. He said he traveled every two months to visit his wife and daughter. The day of her arrest was the first time Bolívar had traveled since moving to Texas.

Bolivar was arrested by Customs and Border Protection officers before passing through transportation security screening, where she was asked to show her identification. She showed her driver’s license — bearing the “Real ID” endorsement required to domestic flights — and a work authorization valid until 2030.

She told them that she was adjusting status to a green card and was traveling to California for an asylum interview but the officer detained her after asking for her nationality and demanding that she provide proof of legal permanent residency, said Faria. He received text messages from his wife at the time she was being arrested.

Their 5-year-old daughter, a U.S. citizen, was also arrested and handed over to her grandfather 19 hours later. The girl is currently in California with her father.

The doctor was transferred to ICE custody on Sunday and is being held at El Valle Detention Facility in Texas.

She has asked several times why she was detained but has not received any response yet, Faria said.

Ezequiel Veliz, the other Venezuelan physician, came to the United States to become a doctor in 2018 under a tourist visa. His friend, Hector Ruiz, described him as a kind-hearted doctor who loves his pet cats and is devoted to his work.

Veliz adjusted his immigration status as a student and later as a doctor at a South Texas hospital in the Rio Grande Valley working under TPS. The pause in the protection status had immediate consequences on his two-year residency.

“He was one year and four months into that. He couldn’t continue working legally. He had to stop,” said Badell, his attorney.

He was waiting for a visa requested by the hospital when he was detained at a Border Patrol checkpoint traveling to Houston with his husband on April 6.

___

Copycat Concerns Amplify as Altman Attacker Cites Luigi Mangione

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Copycat Concerns Amplify as Altman Attacker Cites Luigi Mangione

A man from Texas has been charged with firebombing the residence of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Before the incident, he made online references to alleged murderer Luigi Mangione, raising concerns about potential imitation crimes, according to authorities.

Daniel Moreno-Gama, aged 20, mentioned “Luigi’ing some tech CEOs” during an online conversation with the creators of “The Last Invention” podcast. This information comes from The Wall Street Journal, which reviewed the message screenshots. Luigi Mangione stands accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan in December 2024.

In an interview recorded in January, Moreno-Gama spoke about his transformation from an online enthusiast to an activist deeply worried about the dangers of artificial intelligence, as reported by the outlet.

However, he later minimized his comments about Mangione and expressed his opposition to violence.

Daniel Moreno-Gama's attorney speaks to him in court

Daniel Moreno-Gama is shown in court alongside public defender Diamond Ward on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, Pool)

“I understand the frustration with a person who might advocate for that, but it’s not practical,” Moreno-Gama said, according to the outlet. “It’s not worth it,” he added.

Moreno-Gama is accused of traveling from Texas to San Francisco in a planned attempt to kill Altman. Early Friday morning, he allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s home, setting an exterior gate on fire before fleeing. No injuries were reported, and officials have not said whether Altman was home at the time.

Less than an hour later, investigators said Moreno-Gama arrived at OpenAI’s headquarters about three miles away, where he allegedly threatened to burn the building down and kill anyone inside. Surveillance video captured him throwing a chair at the glass doors, police said.

Split of Moreno-Gama and Luigi Mangione.

Left: Daniel Moreno-Gama is seen outside the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a surveillance image released by the Justice Department. Right: Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is seen in court. Moreno-Gama reportedly referenced Mangione. (DOJ; Photo by Curtis Means-Pool/Getty Images)

Authorities arrested him outside the building, where he was allegedly carrying a jug of kerosene, a lighter and writings expressing hostility toward artificial intelligence.

Sources familiar with the investigation previously told Fox News Digital the suspect had what they described as a manifesto, a multi-part document that included a list of AI executives and investors along with their names and addresses.

Moreno-Gama appeared in a San Francisco courtroom but did not enter a plea on multiple charges, including attempted murder. A judge granted a delay in his arraignment, and he is due back in court on May 5.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson wearing a suit and orange tie and suspect Luigi Mangione in court

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, left, pictured in a corporate headshot. He was killed on Dec. 4, 2024, outside a Manhattan hotel while on his way to a shareholder conference. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, is pictured in court on the right. (Steven Hirsch for New York Post via Pool)

The reference comes amid growing fears of copycat incidents tied to Mangione.

In a separate case, a California man is accused of deliberately setting an April 7 fire that destroyed a 1.2 million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario.

Prosecutors said the suspect, Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, of Highland, invoked Mangione while filming the fire and complaining about wages. Abdulkarim has pleaded not guilty.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This report has been updated to remove a photo from an unrelated court case.

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

Florida Man Allegedly Forces Girlfriend into Trunk of Her Vehicle, Authorities Report

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Florida Man Allegedly Forces Girlfriend into Trunk of Her Vehicle, Authorities Report

A Florida man is accused of forcing his girlfriend into the trunk of her car and assaulting her when she attempted to escape.

Travis D. Tillman Jr.

Inset: Travis D. Tillman Jr. (Miami-Dade Corrections). Background: The 7000 block of NW 177th Street in Miami, Florida, where Tillman allegedly assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend (Google Maps).

Travis D. Tillman Jr., 24, faces charges of kidnapping and battery in Miami. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, the incident began with an argument between Tillman and his girlfriend. During the altercation, Tillman allegedly “grabbed the victim by the arm, placed her in the trunk of her vehicle, and secured it shut.”

It is reported that Tillman then drove away while his girlfriend remained locked in the trunk. Upon reaching an apartment complex, he opened the trunk. As the woman attempted to exit, Tillman allegedly hit her multiple times in the face and body. Even after she managed to get out of the trunk, he continued to assault her, according to police.

After the attack, the woman re-entered the car with Tillman, and they left the scene. However, a vigilant security guard at the apartment complex located in the 7000 block of NW 177th Street observed the incident and notified the authorities. The guard also provided surveillance footage capturing the alleged attack.

The woman then got back in the car with Tillman and drove away from the scene, but an eagle-eyed security guard at the apartment complex in the 7000 block of NW 177th Street witnessed the incident unfolding and called the cops. He also showed them surveillance video of the alleged assault.

Cops pulled over the girlfriend and Tillman and arrested the suspect.

Post-Miranda, Tillman insisted it was the girlfriend’s idea to get into the trunk after a verbal spat.

“He advised that the victim stated that she did not want to be around him, at which point she stated she [would] rather be inside of the trunk and not in his vicinity,” cops wrote.

Tillman was taken to jail, where he is being held without bond. His next court date is set for May 6. The victim did not suffer any serious injuries and declined medical treatment.

Two months ago, the suspect was arrested for an incident last year in which he allegedly brandished a gun at a police officer on the set of a music video. He fled but was later arrested. He’s facing charges of aggravated assault, improper exhibition of a firearm and resisting an officer without violence in that case.

Dorit Clashes with Kyle and Erika Over Book Party Snub; Erika Unveils New Boyfriend in Fiery Showdown

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Dorit Clashes with Kyle and Erika Over Book Party Snub; Erika Unveils New Boyfriend in Fiery Showdown

The curtain falls on season 15 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, leaving behind not only a whirlwind of drama but also a question mark over some of the friendships. Dorit is taken aback by Sutton, Kyle, and Erika‘s decision to skip her book cover event, despite their ongoing tensions. She doesn’t hold back in expressing her disappointment. If even a grand event can’t mend these ties, one wonders if anything can. Are these friendships beyond repair?

RHOBH Finale Recap: Dorit Gets Into Heated Confrontation With Kyle and Erika After They Skip Her Book Party; Erika Hard-Launches Her Boyfriend, Kyle Shares She is Not Ready to End Marriage as Daughter Alexia Gets Married

While Dorit is hosting her event, Sutton is busy entertaining Erika over cocktails—a surprising sight given their tumultuous history. Sutton recounts her last encounter with Dorit, highlighting the friction between them.

But Dorit isn’t the only one facing challenges. Sutton is dealing with her own emotional turmoil after sending her youngest son off to college. Despite attempting to confide in Dorit, she finds herself belittled. Nevertheless, Sutton can’t help but wish she could secretly witness the happenings at Dorit’s party.

The event proceeds smoothly until an unfortunate mishap with Jennifer’s $40,000 purse. Meanwhile, Bozoma and Dorit are left speculating about Kyle’s absence. Bozoma is weary of justifying Kyle’s choices, and she points out that if Kyle truly cared about Dorit’s financial triumphs, she would have shown up. Despite the disappointment, Dorit still harbors a flicker of hope that Erika might make an appearance.

The party is going well until Jennifer’s $40,000 purse takes a spill and breaks.  That doesn’t stop Bozoma and Dorit from trying to figure out why Kyle chose not to attend.  Boz is getting sick of defending Kyle’s motives.  And, at the end of the day, if Kyle was truly concerned about Dorit’s financial situation, she would be there to celebrate her financial gains. But Dorit is still sort of holding out hope that Erika would be attending.  

Erika shares that she went back and forth about going to support Dorit, but once Dorit left her and Kyle in the Italian town + all the words exchanged at the dinner table + claiming that Boz treats her better = Erika opting out.  She has reached her limit and muses, “maybe PK isn’t wrong?”

Amanda, a self-proclaimed girls’ girl, realizes that this is a stream of revenue for Dorit, so she is happy to support her success. Amanda goes on to say how important it is to not rely on a man for financial support.

Before Dorit gets up to make her speech, she mutters that she is “surrounded by a bunch of f*cking c*nts.” Ooph.  Her two kids join her as she rambles about “grace and grit and choosing” herself.  Her children pull off the curtain and reveal THE book cover proving that Dorit is truly unburdened. Kathy jokes that this memoir will take the entire summer to read…

Dorit’s mind is blown that Amanda can show up to support her, but two of her closest friends cannot come to share this moment with her. FINALLY, after much ado, Dorit gives the floor to Boz, who announces her engagement. The ladies flip out over the ring (and the news) and Dorit is happy to share the excitement of the moment with Boz.

Kyle’s daughter Alexia’s wedding is impending and although it is such a joyous moment, the fact that she is no longer with Mauricio is weighing heavy on her. All of these big life moments happening are really rocking Kyle now that she is on her own. She opens up about her fears and worries and shares that she is not quite ready to pull the plug on her marriage.

The day after the book cover party, Rachel recaps with Dorit. Rachel realizes that Sutton, Kyle, and Erika missing the event was most definitely a statement. However, because Dorit and Kyle are not in a great place, it makes sense Kyle would skip the party. Dorit feels like Kyle always shuts her down any time she tries to have open dialogue with her. 

Dorit explains that she has a “deep pain in her heart” about the Erika of it all.  This friendship has been a decade long and Dorit wonders what she did to deserve the wrath of Erika (guess she forgot she called Erika a c*nt??).  Dorit muses that Kyle got in Erika’s ear and so therefore, their friendship is not as strong as Dorit once thought it was.

Kathy is having a garden party for her daughter, Nicky’s jewelry launch. The brand is called Theo Grace, after Nicky’s kids, and it is an EVENT.  Erika explains she didn’t go to Dorit’s party because she “didn’t want to” and Rachel lets her know that they were, indeed, talking about her there.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS Season 15 finale -Closing Chapters,” Kathy Hilton and Nicky Hilton — (Credit: Griffin Nagel/Bravo)

In the meantime, Boz tells Dorit that Erika went to Sutton’s house instead of her party and that Erika was trying to get Dorit’s attention. Dorit feels like what Erika did was the “ultimate friend betrayal.”

At Kathy’s party, Amanda joins Erika and Kyle on the sofa and shares that she went to Dorit’s because she is a woman who supports women. Erika FaceTimes her new man-friend John McPhee, and it seems like it is a hard launch.

Erika Jayne facetimes boyfriend John McPhee on RHOBH finale

Jennifer refers to the group of ladies as a “coven, a gathering of witches,” which tracks. And Dorit refers to them as the lion’s den, but corrects herself, claiming that she only sees cowards. Kyle audibly sighs when she sees Dorit making her entrance.

Boz gets congratulated by the ones just finding out about her engagement while Denise Richards chats with Dorit. Denise gives Dorit some sound divorce advice and then she dips out to go to Charlie Sheen’s premiere. It’s like she knew sh*t was about to go down…

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS  Season 15 finale  — Rachel Zoe, Denise Richards, Sutton Stracke, Amanda Frances, Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Natalie Fuller, Bozoma Saint John — (Credit: Griffin Nagel/Bravo)

Kyle breaks the ice and wishes Dorit well on her successful event.  She then goes on to say that even if things were great between them, it would have been a struggle for her to attend due to exhaustion (yet here she is at Kathy’s party, but I digress…). The fact that Dorit is not talking to her adds to it.  Kyle reminds Dorit that she always came to her defense, even when people said Dorit had a fake accent, but Dorit shuts that down, forcing Kyle to focus on the now.

Kyle cannot believe that Dorit is solely upset with her when everyone in the group has also said much of the same about Dorit’s behavior. Kyle lets Dorit know that she is not the enemy and demands that everyone speak the truth right now. Dorit claims that Kyle is getting a gang together to go against her.

Erika lets Dorit know she needs to tone it down and have a civil conversation.  She reminds Dorit that she called her a c*nt and that Dorit does not want to hear anything that she is saying.  Erika doesn’t want Dorit to keep giving it to everyone, but Dorit wonders who the real Erika really is.

Dorit refers to herself as a single mother who is hustling and reminds the world that she is looking for support during this trying time. Erika feels no remorse for skipping out on Dorit’s event and remains cool as a cucumber as Dorit reems her out.

Erika has most definitely gotten Dorit’s attention now-and it makes you wonder, who is the unburdened one now?? Dorit does not want this kind of friendship from Erika, and Kyle is over this unproductive conversation.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS  finale, Kathy Hilton, Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne, Natalie Fuller — (Credit: Griffin Nagel/Bravo)

Kyle worries that Dorit may lose all her friends when all is said and done.  She is tired of friendships being hard when she has other tough things going on.  Luckily, her daughter Alexia’s wedding was a bright spot.  Despite Dorit showing up for the wedding, it didn’t help fix the issues in their friendship Kyle and Dorit haven’t spoken since.

Rachel’s divorce is still pending and she is trying out a new romance, while Erika is also thriving with her boyfriend, John.  Despite the $25,000,000 trial looming over her, she is having a grand old time with her DJ career. 

Boz plans to have one more round of IVF while planning two different weddings on two different continents and  Sutton BROWN may become her official name in due time! Although Sutton may be struggling with her empty nest, there’s always her pets and Reba. Amanda is finally legally married, but is manifesting a big wedding and another NY Times best seller. 

Before the filming wraps, Sutton takes a minute to talk to Dorit. Dorit speaks so viscerally to Sutton and then she gives a fake-a*s apology. Sutton feels quite dismissed and she is over it, especially when Dorit tells Sutton to try to “wrap it up.” Dorit claims that what Sutton has to say is “irrelevant to” her and claims Sutton is now “out of lives,” aka she is giving her no more friendship chances.

Sutton tells Dorit that she has witnessed her treat her friends like dirt all summer, but Dorit states that she is not interested.  Dorit is on a mean-girl bender and can’t seem to stop.  She goes as far as mocking Sutton’s bow on her dress and sits smugly as Sutton leaves.

While Dorit’s divorce is still pending, she has lost more “dead weight” in her friendships.  For a woman claiming to be so “unburdened,” she sure is putting a lot of effort into these fights…Dorit claims the friendships are fractured right now, however anything can change.  Let’s see what the reunion brings.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RHOBH FINALE?

Australia’s South-East Braces for First Chilly Mornings of the Year

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Australia’s South-East Braces for First Chilly Mornings of the Year
Australia‘s south-east is bracing for a chilly weekend as a cold front brings near or below freezing temperatures.
Weatherzone reports this weekend will see the coldest nights to date this year with Thredbo in NSW expected to drop to -5 degrees.
Victoria‘s alpine resorts could see temperatures plummet to -3 degrees while even Melbourne could drop to 5 degrees tomorrow morning.
The nation’s south-east is in for its coldest weekend of the year so far. (Weatherzone)
Liawanee on Tasmania’s Central Plateau will reach -4 degrees on Sunday morning, Weatherzone reports.

Meteorologist Angus Hines from the Bureau of Meteorology noted that some regions are about to experience their first truly cold mornings of the year.

“The combination of high pressure over the south and south-east, paired with clear skies and minimal wind, is set to bring some very chilly temperatures over the next few mornings,” Hines explained.

Canberra is also set to dip below freezing early Sunday morning, possibly reaching -1 degrees.

By Monday, this cold front will extend into the Northern Tablelands, affecting areas like Guyra and Glen Innes.

Despite the drop in temperature, Hines mentioned that the south-east can expect sunny conditions.

“It’s going to be a bright and sunny day, but temperatures will be significantly lower compared to what we’ve seen throughout most of the week,” he added.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

Gainesville Man Faces Arrest After Facebook Post Reveals Stolen Gun, Unveils Drug and Firearm Charges

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

Staff Report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 23-year-old man, Keenon Jamal Richardson, was taken into custody last night following a traffic stop where authorities reportedly discovered a stolen firearm and 21 grams of marijuana.

On April 15, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy identified images of a stolen handgun posted on a social media account believed to belong to Richardson. These images displayed a Glock 43X with a serial number matching a pistol reported stolen on April 12. The social media account also featured photos of Richardson at the Hidden Oaks Mobile Home Park.

While conducting surveillance at Hidden Oaks, deputies observed Richardson entering a black vehicle that subsequently exited the neighborhood. The deputy noted that the vehicle exceeded the speed limit, traveling at 53 mph in a zone marked for 45 mph. Additionally, the car lacked a functioning tag light and failed to stop at a designated stop line at 9100 SW 8th Avenue. At approximately 9:15 p.m., the deputy initiated a traffic stop and identified Richardson as the front seat passenger.

The deputy noted a strong odor of both burnt and raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The driver admitted they had recently “smoked” in the car, but neither individual possessed a medical marijuana prescription. The driver also informed the deputy that a gun was located in the driver’s side door pocket.

A probable cause search of the car reportedly produced about 0.4 grams of loose marijuana flower bud on the floorboard on Richardson’s side; a tobacco leaf product that contained raw marijuana and weighed about 4.1 grams in the center console; a bag of raw marijuana weighing 21.2 grams behind the driver’s seat; the stolen Glock pistol next to the marijuana, loaded with eight rounds and with its grip toward the front, as if it had been hastily placed there; a holstered Smith & Wesson handgun in the driver’s side door pocket; and an additional Smith & Wesson magazine in the glove compartment.

Post Miranda, the driver denied knowing anything about the stolen pistol or the marijuana.

Post Miranda, Richardson reportedly denied at first that he knew anything about the marijuana (except for a “blunt”) or the stolen gun and said nothing in the car belonged to him; he also denied posting any recent photos of guns. When the deputy showed Richardson the pictures from his social media account, which reportedly included his “clearly visible face” and the stolen gun, he reportedly changed his story.

Richardson reportedly denied stealing the Glock pistol; he said he had bought it from an unknown person on social media for $300 earlier in the day, and he posted it on social media “to see what he could get for it.” He reportedly admitted bringing the pistol into the car and said it had initially been placed between his seat and the center console.

At the jail, Richardson reportedly provided consent for the deputy to search his phone, and he showed the deputy messages that corroborated his claim that he had purchased the Glock pistol from an unknown person on April 15. Richardson said the seller had told him the firearm was registered in the seller’s name and was brand new, which the deputy said was corroborated by messages between Richardson and his cousin.

The deputy reported that during the search of Richardson’s cell phone, he saw that a video of a bag of raw marijuana had been sent to the driver of the car, along with messages that discussed low-level marijuana transactions. Richardson denied selling any marijuana, but he admitted that he had delivered marijuana to the driver of the car that day, and he reportedly eventually admitted that the bag of marijuana found in the car belonged to him.

The deputy noted that Richardson was arrested in August 2025 for possession of another stolen firearm, but he believed Richardson “probably did not know this Glock was stolen.”

Richardson has been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, delivering a controlled substance (marijuana), and using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony. Richardson has a juvenile conviction from 2019 and two traffic convictions; he was arrested in 2024 for aggravated battery of a pregnant victim, but the charges were later dropped, and the 2025 stolen gun case can no longer be found on the court’s website. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $130,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Gavin Newsom Rallies Support Amidst Eric Swalwell Allegations: Urges Donations to Strengthen Campaign

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Gavin Newsom Rallies Support Amidst Eric Swalwell Allegations: Urges Donations to Strengthen Campaign

California Governor Gavin Newsom has urged his followers to contribute $35 to his political action committee in response to Rep. Eric Swalwell’s departure from Congress.

Swalwell, a Democrat, vacated his congressional seat on Tuesday following accusations of rape from a former female staff member. Additionally, three other women have claimed that he sexually harassed them.

In a fundraising email circulated on Wednesday, Newsom referenced Swalwell, who had been serving California’s 14th District in the Bay Area. A special election is scheduled on August 18 to elect his successor.

“The residents of California’s 14th District need prompt representation in the House, especially given the narrow Republican majority in Congress. I was determined not to grant Mike Johnson even a single extra day before filling this position,” Newsom’s email stated.

As reported by the New York Post, the email encouraged fellow Democrats to donate $35 to the Campaign for Democracy PAC, which is connected to Newsom.

Prior to the accusations against Swalwell, he was running in the gubernatorial primary and was quickly emerging as a front-runner in a crowded field.

Newsom had been silent about the sexual misconduct allegations until Sunday, hours before Swalwell withdrew from the California governor’s race.

‘As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously,’ Newsom said in a statement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom sent out a fundraising email in the wake of Eric Swalwell resigning from Congress over the sexual misconduct allegations. He asked fellow Democrats to send $35 each to his own political action committee (Newsom is pictured with wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom at White House dinner for the nation's governors on February 24, 2024)

California Governor Gavin Newsom sent out a fundraising email in the wake of Eric Swalwell resigning from Congress over the sexual misconduct allegations. He asked fellow Democrats to send $35 each to his own political action committee (Newsom is pictured with wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom at White House dinner for the nation’s governors on February 24, 2024)

Swalwell has been accused by five different women of varying levels of misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape. He strongly denies the allegations against him

Swalwell has been accused by five different women of varying levels of misconduct, ranging from harassment to rape. He strongly denies the allegations against him

Newsom’s wife, gender activist and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, has not said anything publicly about the accusations against Swalwell.

Earlier this month, she implied that President Donald Trump was sexist because the two most prominent people he has fired so far – former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi – were women.

Before Swalwell dropped out, Newsom refused to endorse anyone in the race to succeed him. He still does not plan to do so.

‘California has always benefited from a depth of talent and vision within our Democratic Party, and this upcoming race for governor is no exception,’ Newsom told the Post in a statement.

‘The field represents a diverse group of leaders who are deeply committed to continuing our state’s progress, and I have full confidence that voters will choose a candidate who reflects the values and direction Californians believe in,’ he added.

Privately, Newsom has commented on some of the candidates. According to CNN, he has said billionaire Tom Steyer would be too wishy-washy ideologically and believes former Rep. Katie Porter could cause a private sector contraction in California.

Swalwell, no longer a congressman or an actively running politician, has strongly denied the allegations against him and plans to fight them in court if necessary.

He is facing at least three different probes into his alleged conduct with women. A source confirmed to The Hill on Thursday that the Department of Justice has opened an investigation.

Pictured: Swalwell at a campaign stop part of his bid to be California's next governor on April 7, 2026. Three days later, the San Francisco Chronicle published an account of a former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice

Pictured: Swalwell at a campaign stop part of his bid to be California’s next governor on April 7, 2026. Three days later, the San Francisco Chronicle published an account of a former staffer who said Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice

Jeanine Pirro, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, set up a tip line to solicit information about allegations against Swalwell. 

‘If you hear about someone who was allegedly drugging, choking, raping victims, who has lived in this district for a significant period of time, I would expect there would be victims who might have information,’ Pirro said in a video posted to X.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegation that Swalwell drugged and raped a former staffer of his after a charity gala in New York City.

And after a fifth woman, Lonna Drewes, came forward to accuse Swalwell of raping her in a West Hollywood hotel in July 2018, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed it is investigating the report. 
1...969798...2,766Page 97 of 2,766

Subscribe for exclusive content

We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.

Subscribe

Copyright Newsfinal Publications.