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Amazon Workers Report Disturbing Workplace Conditions Near Deceased Individual

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Amazon Workers Report Disturbing Workplace Conditions Near Deceased Individual


In a troubling incident at an Amazon facility in Oregon, workers have claimed they were directed to maintain their tasks even as a colleague lay deceased on-site, according to recent reports.

The incident occurred on April 6, when a 46-year-old employee collapsed and died on the second floor of the warehouse. The individual was performing duties as a “tote runner,” a role that involves moving tall stacks of yellow plastic bins onto carts and transporting them through the warehouse’s extensive corridors. These bins are then filled with products and prepared for shipment.

One employee, who called emergency services, described the dire situation to the dispatcher, saying, “We have an associate here who I believe is probably dead. This person does have extensive blood coming from their head. They are very blue looking.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, several workers reported being told to continue their regular duties, which included collecting totes, picking items, and loading them for delivery. Another employee recounted a manager instructing them to “turn around and not look” at the scene, urging them to “get back to work,” indicating that only management or the safety team should handle the situation.

Several employees acknowledged being instructed to continue fetching totes, picking items off shelves and loading them onto trucks for delivery as the man lay dead. Another employee said a manager told them, “It has to be management or safety team,” and to “just turn around and not look. Let’s get back to work.”

First responders arrived on the scene, which led to the area where the worker lay eventually being closed off.

After the incident, Amazon released a statement in part saying: “When our onsite team was notified, three CPR certified team members, including two from our on-site safety team, provided CPR and deployed an automated defibrillator until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived shortly after. The area where the incident occurred was cordoned off while our safety teams and EMS cared for our employee, which was their top priority. Nothing is more important than the safety of our employees, and our team focused on ensuring our employee received the care he needed, protecting his privacy, and ensuring the safety of everyone onsite instead of distracting from those efforts by focusing on immediately evacuating other areas of the building in those early moments. Shortly after this event occurred, employees were sent home with pay for the rest of the day.”

The worker’s cause of death has yet to be identified.

Dr. Sandra Lee Opens Up About Stroke Experience During ‘Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out’ Filming

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Famed celebrity dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, widely recognized as Dr. Pimple Popper from her viral social media videos, disclosed that she experienced a stroke while filming the latest season of her Lifetime show, Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out.

Dr. Lee, in an interview with People magazine, recounted that the stroke happened on November 20 while she was working with patients at her office in Upland, California. Despite noticing several symptoms, she didn’t suspect a stroke until the following day.

“Initially, I thought I was having a hot flash because I suddenly became very sweaty and felt out of sorts,” she explained. That night, while staying at her parents’ home, she experienced increasing restlessness, “shooting pains,” difficulty sleeping, and had trouble descending the stairs.

Lee added, “I would extend my hand, and it would just slowly fall. I found it challenging to articulate and enunciate. I thought to myself, ‘Could I be having a stroke?'”

On her father’s advice, Lee headed to the emergency room, where an MRI confirmed that she had suffered an ischemic stroke.

“It was just a shock,” she said. “As a physician I couldn’t deny that I had slurred speech, that I was having weakness on one side, but I was like, ‘Well, this is a dream, right?’ ”

dr. sandra lee
Photo: Kayla Oaddams/Getty

“What essentially happened is I had a part of my brain that died,” she said.

Lee underwent physical and occupational therapy for two months, putting a pause on filming for Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out Season 2.

The celebrity dermatologist shared she was particularly concerned about regaining control of her hands to perform surgery. “I don’t like that I don’t have total control of my left hand or the grip wasn’t as strong. If I feel like I’m not at my best—it’s very scary,” she said.

But Lee notes she is “pretty much back to normal” now and has already returned to her practice. “It really makes you realize how precious life is,” she said.

After acknowledging that her blood pressure and cholesterol were “not under control” and she was experiencing “a lot of stress” at the time, Lee added, “In Asian cultures in particular they don’t tell people they’ve had a stroke because it can be seen as a sign of weakness. I want to get the word out that if you have symptoms like I had, make sure you see your doctor. Take care of yourself.”

Lee called the experience a “blessing in disguise,” adding, “It reminds you to take better care of yourself.”

Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out Season 2 premieres on Lifetime April 20.

RBA Deputy Sounds Alarm on Looming ‘Stagflation’: What You Need to Know

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RBA Deputy Sounds Alarm on Looming ‘Stagflation’: What You Need to Know
From the fallout from the war in the Middle East, to rising inflation and increasing unemployment, there’s no denying the current economic outlook is bleak.

One of Australia’s leading economists has sounded an alarm about an unusual economic condition that the nation hasn’t faced since the 1970s.

During a recent address in New York, Andrew Hauser, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), highlighted the threat of stagflation—a term he referred to as a “central banker’s nightmare.”

Here’s a breakdown of what stagflation entails and its implications for Australians.

RBA deputy governor Andrew Hauser.
RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser. (Louise Kennerley/AFR)

Stagflation is a term that merges two economic issues: stagnant growth and rising inflation. It occurs when the economy stalls, yet living costs continue to climb.

The term was first introduced in 1965 by British politician Iain Macleod during a parliamentary speech, where he described the UK’s economic state as “the worst of both worlds.”

Today, global energy shock, typified by the fuel crisis, coupled with creeping inflation in a number of developed countries including Australia has thrust stagflation back into the spotlight.

Has Australia experienced stagflation before?

Australians experienced a stagflation crisis for the first time on record in the late 1970s.

Across the decade, twin oil embargoes in the Middle East triggered soaring fuel prices across the globe, which contributed to skyrocketing inflation and a collapse in economic growth.

Jobs were slashed as a result, and recession eventually followed in 1982.

It’s important to note that stagflation does not have a quick fix – it was almost a decade before the initial energy shock in 1973 actually eventuated in recession in Australia.

1970s fuel crisis
The 1973 global fuel crisis triggered a stagflationary shock in Australia. (Nine)

Is Australia at risk of stagflation again?

The Australian economy is experiencing some of the factors that lead to stagflation.

Since the start of the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, the global oil benchmark Brent crude price has risen more than 50 per cent, sending fuel prices and supply costs at home through the roof.

At the same time, Australia’s annual inflation rate remains above the RBA’s target band of 2 to 3 per cent.

fuel crisis
Since the start of the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, the global oil benchmark Brent crude price has risen more than 50 per cent, s (Nine)

The unemployment rate also rose to 4.3 per cent in February, up from 4.1 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released modelling on the potential impact of an ongoing oil shock on the global economy.

The IMF warns the war could spark an energy crisis on an “unprecedented scale” that may trigger a global recession.

Neither a recession nor a stagflation crisis is guaranteed, but senior economists are clearly planning for the worst.

In simple terms, stagflation can decrease purchasing powers and chips away at household savings, diminishing consumer spending.

It’s also difficult for economists to correct, meaning economic impacts such as falling employment and even recession can drag on for years, as seen during the 1970s stagflation episode.

Can the RBA stop stagflation?

Hauser referred to stagflation as a “central banker’s nightmare” because it is difficult to control, mainly because fighting inflation can further weaken the economy.

Essentially, the RBA is trapped between lifting interest rates to combat inflation and cutting interest rates to protect jobs.

That means next month’s federal budget and the RBA’s next interest rates meeting will be pivotal.

Two people on the phone walking in opposite directions outside the Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney. The photo is taken with a deliberate blur.
The Reserve Bank is tipped to hike the cash rate for a third consecutive time when it meets in the first week of May, (iStock)

The Reserve Bank is tipped to hike the cash rate for a third consecutive time when it meets in the first week of May, so efforts to combat rising inflation are under way.

But the RBA’s best hope is that the war ends soon and oil prices retreat.

If a peace agreement is reached by the end of June, economic growth in Australia would still be slashed by more than half to 0.7 per cent, pushing unemployment to more than 5 per cent for the first time since 2021, according to Deloitte modelling conducted for the Australian Financial Review.

But, Hauser noted, navigating economic challenges is how central bankers make a living.

“You know, the stagflationary shock: inflation up, activity down. Judging the balance between those two is, I guess, how we earn our money,” he said.

Heartwarming Reunion in Danville: 64-Year-Old Australian Discovers Birth Mother

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Heartwarming Reunion in Danville: 64-Year-Old Australian Discovers Birth Mother


DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Ronald Konkel is still in disbelief after fulfilling a lifelong aspiration. At the age of 64, he finally had the opportunity to meet his biological mother in person on Tuesday.

“It’s like something straight out of a Hallmark movie or a television drama,” Konkel said, reflecting on the emotional reunion.

Shocking Twist: Wife Erases Key Footage in DoorDash Driver Shooting Incident

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Shocking Twist: Wife Erases Key Footage in DoorDash Driver Shooting Incident

GOSHEN, N.Y. (AP) — In a recent twist to a controversial case, the spouse of a New York resident convicted of shooting a lost DoorDash driver has confessed to erasing footage from their doorbell camera documenting the event.

Forty-six-year-old Selina Nelson-Reilly, hailing from Chester, entered a guilty plea for evidence tampering on Friday, as reported by the local district attorney’s office. This development follows closely on the heels of her husband, John Reilly III’s conviction for assault. Reilly had fired shots at the driver’s vehicle in May 2025 when the driver attempted to leave their premises.

At that time, Reilly served as Chester’s highway superintendent, a town situated approximately 60 miles (95 kilometers) north of Manhattan. He claimed he was protecting his family from driver Alpha Barry, who allegedly tried to enter their home. However, Barry’s testimony contradicted this, stating he only asked to charge his phone. As a result of the shooting, Barry required emergency surgery and part of his small intestine had to be removed, according to the prosecution.

The day following the shooting, state police investigators visited the Reilly home. During their inquiry, Nelson-Reilly denied any knowledge of the incident, as detailed in Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler’s statement. Despite this, she proceeded to delete 17 doorbell camera recordings after the investigators departed.

Prosecutors revealed that Nelson-Reilly subsequently texted a friend, confirming she had permanently erased the footage.

Some clips from their doorbell camera nevertheless still emerged after the shooting, with one showing the driver walking up to Reilly’s front door with a plastic bag. Another showed the driver apparently back in his car, as Reilly left the home with a handgun and fired a shot into his lawn, saying, “Go.” As the driver made a three-point turn in the driveway, the footage appeared to show Reilly shoot at the car.

Nelson-Reilly’s plea agreement calls for her to be put on probation for one year and complete 200 hours of community service, according to Hoovler’s office. If she does that, she will be allowed to return to court and have a felony count of tampering with physical evidence vacated, while being sentenced on the misdemeanor count of attempted tampering with physical evidence.

If she fails abide by the plea bargain conditions, she could face up to four years in state prison, prosecutors said.

Her husband faces up to 25 years behind bars on the top assault charge when he is scheduled to be sentenced May 18. He remains in custody, and his attorney has said they plan to appeal the conviction.

Nelson-Reilly’s attorney, Andrew Jason Proto, did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.

Chrissy Teigen & Daughter Luna Shine Among Celebrities at Glamorous Fashion Awards 2023

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Chrissy Teigen & Daughter Luna Shine Among Celebrities at Glamorous Fashion Awards 2023

Chrissy Teigen recently spent a delightful day with her daughter Luna, mingling with celebrities at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Awards held in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old model made quite an impression at the event, dazzling in a bronze bralet accompanied by a sleek white blazer and matching trousers.

Her hair cascaded effortlessly over her shoulders, and she completed her stylish ensemble with a chic pair of heels.

Luna, who is ten years old and the daughter of Chrissy and her husband John Legend, looked charming in a black dress complemented by matching shoes.

Brooks Nader also graced the occasion, captivating attention in a shimmering silver strapless dress paired with black heels.

Chrissy and Luna also posed for a photo with Brooks’ sisters Sarah Jane and Mary Holland. 

Chrissy Teigen enjoyed a family day out with her daughter Luna as they mingled with the stars at The Daily Front Row's Fashion Awards in Beverley Hills on Tuesday

Chrissy Teigen enjoyed a family day out with her daughter Luna as they mingled with the stars at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Awards in Beverley Hills on Tuesday

The model, 40, looked incredible at the event where she turned heads in a bronze bralet paired with a white blazer and matching trousers

The model, 40, looked incredible at the event where she turned heads in a bronze bralet paired with a white blazer and matching trousers

Chrissy’s husband John previously said their children are following in his footsteps by learning to play the piano, with Luna developing an additional passion for singing. 

Along with Luna, the couple are also parents to Miles, seven, Esti, three, and two-year-old Wren.    

Appearing on This Morning last year, John was asked by co-host Craig Doyle: ‘The kids, do they play, do they sing?’

‘So Luna and Miles both take piano lessons,’ John revealed. ‘Luna is definitely more into music than anyone.’

He explained how his daughter gets involved in a variety of music-related activities, including a recent performance at school.

‘She takes piano lessons, she takes a vocal lesson every Saturday and then she was in the school musical, she played young Nala in The Lion King and she really loves to sing,’ John said.

Aside from music, John’s daughter is creative in other ways and likes to make things too.

He added: ‘She can dance and she can do all of it and she’s also very visually creative so she likes to draw and create these structures.

Brooks Nader was also in attendance at the event where she turned heads in a silver strapless dress and black heels

Brooks Nader was also in attendance at the event where she turned heads in a silver strapless dress and black heels

Chrissy and Luna also posed for a photo with Brooks' sisters Sarah Jane and Mary Holland

Chrissy and Luna also posed for a photo with Brooks’ sisters Sarah Jane and Mary Holland

‘She built a dollhouse for my youngest daughter out of cardboard boxes and she just likes to design and build. She’s very creative.’

The singer gushed how him and his wife Chrissy try to encourage their children to be more artistic.

‘Both me and their mother are very creative and we love music so we just try to encourage them to explore and try different things and be as creative as possible,’ John said.

Earlier in the conversation, John opened up about how Chrissy cried when she first heard his hit song, All Of Me.

‘I sang it to her quietly, I was like I want you to hear this song, I just wrote it for you, we were engaged at the time, she cried the first time she heard it,’ he gushed.

Though he laughed that the reaction isn’t always quite as strong now. 

Heatwave Intensifies: Summerlike Temperatures and Hazardous Beach Conditions Hit Coastal Areas

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Heatwave Intensifies: Summerlike Temperatures and Hazardous Beach Conditions Hit Coastal Areas


ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is experiencing a spell of calm weather with temperatures gradually climbing as the week progresses. While the inland forecast promises sunshine and warmth, the coastal areas tell a different story, presenting hidden perils.

Dominant high pressure systems are ensuring that skies remain mostly clear, minimizing the likelihood of rainfall throughout the week.

As the days go by, the winds are expected to ease slightly, yet gusts could still reach speeds of 10-15 mph.

Temperatures are set to rise, reaching the upper 70s to mid-80s, with some locations further inland potentially hitting the upper 80s.

Despite the pleasant weather inland, the coastline poses significant risks. Persistent swells are creating a hazardous environment with a high threat of dangerous rip currents. Earlier this week, these conditions proved fatal with two tragic deaths reported in Cocoa Beach on Tuesday. This serves as a stark reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable nature, even when the weather appears serene.

WEEKEND

Through the rest of the week and into the weekend, the dry pattern holds with a steady warming trend. Highs will climb into the upper 80s and low 90s inland by Friday and through the weekend, with temperatures nearing record levels in Leesburg. Coastal areas will stay a bit cooler, in the low to mid 80s, thanks to the sea breeze.

NEXT WEEK

Looking ahead to early next week, a weakening cold front will move through late Sunday into Monday. This will bring a small chance for a few showers, breezy afternoon winds, and a slight cooldown. Temperatures will fall back closer to normal, with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s and overnight lows in the upper 50s to 60s.

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Husband Freed After Wife Mysteriously Goes Overboard in Bahamas

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Husband Freed After Wife Mysteriously Goes Overboard in Bahamas

An emotional interview with the husband of a woman who disappeared after falling overboard in the Bahamas was abruptly halted when his lawyer stepped in.

Brian Hooker, 58, burst into tears during a vulnerable interview with CBS News after he was released from police custody on the island in connection with his missing wife, Lynette, 55. 

“I won’t be able to stop looking,” Hooker shared with CBS, expressing his intention to reconnect with search and rescue teams to locate his missing wife.

Through tears and removing his glasses, he added, “I’m going to need someone with more authority to tell me to stop.”

Hooker confessed that he has avoided social media since the day before the tragic incident.

When questioned about the challenges he has faced since his wife vanished, Hooker struggled to hold back tears, prompting his lawyer, Terrel Butler, to intervene and request the interview’s conclusion.

Before the interview ended, Hooker was asked the question on everyone’s mind: Does he believe his wife is still alive? 

Hooker regained his composure and said he believed she was. ‘I’ve been told that people have lasted in the Bahamas after falling overboard for days and even weeks,’ he began. 

Brian Hooker (left) became emotional while speaking about his wife's disappearance in an interview with CBS News, pictured above

Brian Hooker (left) became emotional while speaking about his wife’s disappearance in an interview with CBS News, pictured above 

Lynette Hooker, 55, (left) disappeared after she went overboard in the Bahamas on April 4. Her husband, Brian Hooker (right), told authorities that he attempted to save her and later called for help

Lynette Hooker, 55, (left) disappeared after she went overboard in the Bahamas on April 4. Her husband, Brian Hooker (right), told authorities that he attempted to save her and later called for help 

In a televised interview, pictured above, Hooker's attorney, Terrel Butler (right) directed the journalist to conclude his line of questioning after her client became visibly upset

In a televised interview, pictured above, Hooker’s attorney, Terrel Butler (right) directed the journalist to conclude his line of questioning after her client became visibly upset 

‘There are so many islands, there are so many sandbars, little atolls and spits of land. Of course you think about alternatives to that, but I’m not really capable of just turning away from this.’

Lynette disappeared on April 4 when the couple set out in a small dinghy from the island of Elbow Key to their 50-ft yacht, Soulmate, anchored about a mile away. 

Chaos soon erupted when Lynette was tipped overboard in high winds and took the kill-switch key attached to her, according to Hooker’s account of the events to the police. 

Hooker told Bahamian authorities that he fought to reach her, but she was blown away from him.

He added that he battled for nearly eight hours with one paddle to reach shore in Marsh Harbor on the neighboring island of Great Abaco, ditching his dinghy near a boat yard and seeking help there.

Hooker was taken into custody four days later, but the Royal Bahamas Police Force announced on Monday that he was released without charges being filed. 

‘I am happy to see that justice is really working in this country. They had no evidence and they had no choice but to release him,’ his lawyer said. 

‘It’s unfortunate that they’ve had to exhaust the entire investigative period to come to the conclusion.’

Hooker was taken in for questioning by the Royal Bahamas Police Force after his wife, pictured above disappeared

Hooker was taken in for questioning by the Royal Bahamas Police Force after his wife, pictured above disappeared 

He did not speak to reporters as he walked out of Bahamian police custody on Monday evening, surrounded by paparazzi, while his attorney replied ‘no comment’ to all questions about the case.

The American, from Onsted in southern Michigan, wore a white shirt and long black pants and spoke only to say ‘excuse me’ as he walked through the press pack.

Hooker was seen making a phone call to a family member in the police station moments before he left.

Royal Bahamas Police Assistant Commissioner Advardo Dames confirmed on Tuesday that Hooker is still under the microscope as a suspect in the case.

‘At this time Mr Hooker was interviewed and he was released from custody and the matter is still being investigated,’ Dames told the Daily Mail.

Dames also revealed that Hooker is free to leave the Bahamas, adding: ‘He has no restrictions on his travel.’

Police Commissioner Shawna Knowles noted that Hooker can still be extradited back for questioning at a later date if he does return to the US.

‘If he leaves the country, and we need to see him again, we do know that our US counterparts will assist us with that,’ Knowles told NBC Today.

Officials from the US Coast Guard have opened an investigation separate from the one being conducted by authorities in the Bahamas.

Lynette, pictured above in a social media post, reportedly had the kill-switch key attached to her when she fell overboard, according to Hooker

Lynette, pictured above in a social media post, reportedly had the kill-switch key attached to her when she fell overboard, according to Hooker 

During the investigation, CBS obtained audio from a phone call on April 7 between Hooker and a friend, where he recalled the harrowing details of Lynette’s disappearance. 

‘She basically just bounced off the dinghy in the middle of a little blow, like 20-something knot winds that popped up,’ Hooker said. 

‘We weren’t wearing life jackets. It was sundown, and the sun set like basically 10 minutes after she fell over.

’The wind blew us apart so fast that I think, I think she tried to swim back to the sailboat, back to our sailboat which was probably, I don’t know, 1,000 yards or something. But the waves were three foot.

‘I yelled to her that I lost an oar, and then I threw the anchor out, anchored the dinghy, and just, yeah, I yelled. I couldn’t see her anymore because the moon had not risen yet.’

‘By the time I got the anchor set, I was probably a quarter to a half a mile away from her, and I decided that I had to go get help. But I could not get to the island, so I paddled.

‘And it was a cascade of failures, and it’s something I’m never going to forgive myself for. We stayed too long, we left too dark, all kinds of s—. No life jackets. I f—ing threw the dinghy out last— the anchor out last — instead of first. Can’t really explain it, you know?’

The couple, pictured above in a social media post, have been married for over two decades and frequently sail around the Caribbean

The couple, pictured above in a social media post, have been married for over two decades and frequently sail around the Caribbean 

The Hookers have been married for more than 20 years and chronicled their adventures sailing around the Caribbean on their Sailing Hookers Facebook page.

They posted videos in 2023, showing the moment they purchased their boat, Soulmate, in the coastal town of Rockport, Texas, before cruising through the Gulf of Mexico from the port town of Kemah, Texas.

Lynette’s daughter, Karli Aylesworth, told NBC News that it is unlikely her mother would ‘just fall’ off the boat, saying she was an experienced sailor.

The couple has a contentious past, with both accusing each other of assault in 2015, according to a Kentwood, Michigan, police report obtained by NBC.

Hooker, who was intoxicated and bleeding from the nose, told police his wife had struck him multiple times in the face, the report said.

He told officers Lynette was also drunk. She was arrested and spent the night in jail. A warrant was denied because it wasn’t clear ‘who started the assault.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hooker’s representation for additional comment.  

Sag Harbor Mayor Tom Gardella Stands Firm Amid Controversy Over Alleged Homophobic Remark

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Sag Harbor Mayor Tom Gardella Stands Firm Amid Controversy Over Alleged Homophobic Remark

The mayor of Sag Harbor Village on Long Island is standing firm amidst demands for his resignation following an alleged homophobic comment made on social media. Despite mounting pressure from fellow board members, Mayor Tom Gardella is refusing to step down.

The controversy erupted last month when Gardella reacted to a video posted by Rebecca Chavez, an animal rights activist from Texas. The clip featured Chavez, her wife Deanah, and their dog dancing to Jon Secada’s 1992 hit “Just Another Day.”

In response, Gardella commented, “What’s that thing in the background? A guy. A girl? Some creature?” His words have drawn widespread condemnation.

Since assuming office in July 2023, Gardella has faced a barrage of criticism over the remark, which is currently under investigation. Nevertheless, he remains resolute in his decision not to resign, according to a report by the Sag Harbor Express.

In a meeting on Tuesday, members of the Sag Harbor Village board urged Gardella to reconsider his stance and resign from his position.

“I will not resign from the office of mayor,” he said in Tuesday’s board meeting. “That is not going to happen. You have me confused with somebody else. I’m not the guy that runs from a crisis. I’m the guy who runs into it.

“The residents of this village came to me and asked me to lead them. And I hope I can lead us out of this mess and at some point be able to work together with the board.”

After sharing the video, Chavez, the CEO of the Yacqui Animal Rescue center, then spotted the alarming comment, telling News12, “Comparing someone to a creature or a thing kind of took me back a little bit, and that’s what made me dive a little bit deeper. It’s a little surreal.”

Chavez said the comment made her wife feel “lesser than a human being,” Newsday reported.

She then took a deeper dive, where she learned Gardella, who served in the US military as an imagery analyst during the Cold War, is the mayor of Sag Harbor.

She found the mayor’s Facebook page and the profile picture matched his private Instagram account.

“This is a Master Class in pettiness and accountability. If you’re going to comment mean things, please be prepared for the consequences,” she said.

“You are a Mayor for the city of Sag Harbor, New York. I would expect an elected official and Christian man like yourself to behave better. Maybe we need to send him a few emails to remind him that his behavior is unbecoming of a public servant.”

Gardella, an ex-fire chief involved with extinguishing the December 2016 Main Street blaze, apologized for the comment — but Chavez wasn’t convinced by its sincerity.

“They always make an apology after the fact,” she said.

“So for me, his apology is not genuine.”

Erica-Lynn Huberty, a resident, claimed Gardella’s apology was “disingenuous.”

“I don’t believe it for a minute. I think he’s sorry he got caught,” she told News12.

Deputy Mayor Edward Haye said the comment “disparaged members of the LGBT community.”

“Sag Harbor has long prided itself being a welcoming and a tolerant village, and those values deeply matter to us both as members of the village board and as residents,” he said.

“While the comment appears to have been made on a personal social media account, it has understandably caused concern and hurt within our community.”

Farmers Warn of Imminent 20% Price Surge on Essential Groceries: What Shoppers Need to Know

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Farmers are sounding the alarm about the potential for a significant 20% increase in food prices, as they grapple with the possibility of cutting back on production due to fuel shortages.

Farmer associations have highlighted the consequences of supply chain disruptions stemming from ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which are escalating manufacturing and transportation costs, thereby hindering daily farming operations.

Diesel, an essential resource for Australian agriculture, is used extensively to operate machinery, power irrigation systems, and transport goods. Prices have recently surged to a national average of approximately $3.20 per litre, as reported by the Australian Institute of Petroleum.

Farmers on the frontline

The meat and dairy sectors are expected to feel the pinch first, given their products’ limited shelf life necessitating swift delivery from farms to stores. Nonetheless, farmers warn that fruits and vegetables won’t be far behind in experiencing similar challenges.

National Farmers Federation President, Hamish McIntyre, noted the timing is particularly challenging as farmers are entering peak periods for planting and harvesting, both of which demand increased diesel usage. In industries like dairy and seafood, daily fuel consumption is vital to keep products moving efficiently.

“Farmers are price takers, which means rising fuel cost are largely absorbed on farm and cut into already tight margins. However, other parts of the supply chain will inevitably pass increased costs onto consumers,” he said.

“We don’t want to speculate what this will mean for families at the supermarket, but if things don’t turn around quickly and farmers are forced to cut production or scale back plantings, it is reasonable to expect that it could lead to pressure on food prices.”

Rear view of young woman carrying shopping basket, choosing cheese, standing in front of produce aisle in supermarket
It takes 10 litres of milk to make 1 kilogram of cheese. Source: Getty / Oscar Wong

As Australia relies on imported fertilisers, disruptions to global supply routes have pushed prices higher while limiting availability.

Ben Bennett, the President of Australian Dairy Farmers, told SBS News that while industry production has been steadily retracting over the last twenty years, for a multitude of reasons, one of the main issues is that there simply isn’t enough money.

“It’s ideal if we can grow as much pasture as we can, it’s the cheapest form to feed our cows … so these doubling in costs are significant because we’ve really got no way to mitigate that, we’re the price takers.”

The potential 20 per cent increase cited by Bennett factors in both the financial margins of farmers and supermarkets.

He explained that farmers are unable to alleviate the high costs of diesel and fertiliser on their own, and while they won’t shut down completely, they won’t be able to continue at the rate they are.

Urea, a highly concentrated nitrogen fertiliser that is commonly used by farmers for their crops, has soared in price and could climb higher, as much of its global supply comes from the Middle East.

“In Western Australia, there are less than 100 dairy farmers and if they don’t get nitrogen to put on their paddocks to grow the grass for cows to feed, they’re going to lose stock,” Ben said.

He added that with the shortage of diesel, it may not even be possible to transport product interstate.

Action is wanted now, not later

The flow-on effect of these shortages may also mean that farmers have to consider reducing the national heard.

If this were to happen, Bennett said, not only will there be less dairy products but the price of them will increase.

“We’re better off to put a bit of money back toward the farmer now to ensure we don’t have an alternative situation, which will be, I think, a far bigger impact on the consumer.”

He said food price increases will help offset the current financial strains that farmers are facing.

A herd of black and white dairy cows stands in a fenced enclosure on a grassy farm.
Ben Bennetts said that many people are leaving the dairy farming industry due to lack of finances and resources in the sector. Source: Getty / Oleh Slobodeniuk

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the government is working day and night with farmers, fishers and producers to help manage the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.

“We’ve taken immediate action to help safeguard Australia’s food production system, and to support our farmers, fishers and producers – including to help get fuel and fertiliser into our regions,” she said in a statement.

“The Albanese Labor Government has practical support that is always available to ensure Australia’s farmers, fishers and producers can access the support they need.

“Our government will never leave farmers behind who are facing hardship.”

Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, she rejected the suggestion food prices would rise by 20 per cent.

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