Home Blog Page 1538

Weekend Heatwave Alert: Rising Temperatures and Humidity with Potential Storms Ahead

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Residents of the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry should brace for a shift to hotter, more humid weather this weekend.

The early part of next week is expected to bring an increased chance of showers and storms as deeper moisture sweeps into the region.

Saturday morning is set to start off on the cooler side, with partly sunny skies and low temperatures dipping into the lower to middle 60s across most areas.

As the day progresses, temperatures are anticipated to rise rapidly, reaching the 70s and 80s by midday. By afternoon, highs are projected to peak in the lower 90s, while coastal regions will experience slightly milder conditions, with temperatures in the mid to upper 80s.

Sunday afternoon is likely to mirror Saturday’s weather, with highs climbing into the lower 90s. However, the increased humidity will make it feel even warmer.

Heat index values will get hotter over the weekend with conditions feeling like the mid 90s by Sunday and early next week.

A high-pressure center that has kept the region very sunny and dry is moving to the east and will help to promote a southeast to south breeze.

The increase in moisture will eventually lead to some showers and storms developing early next week as the next frontal boundary slowly moves into the southeastern U.S.

A few scattered showers or isolated storms are expected Monday through Thursday. Temperatures will remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s. The heat may support a few isolated strong storms, though organized severe storms are not expected.

Madonna Sparks Buzz: Are Butt Implants Behind Her Electrifying Performance at 67?

0

Madonna has reignited rumors of possibly having a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) or butt implants.

The 67-year-old icon turned heads with her curvaceous figure during a lingerie-clad performance at the Gay Pride event in New York on Thursday.

Fans were quick to observe that the Material Girl’s posterior appears noticeably fuller, contrasting with her still-slim legs and waist.

Photos from earlier in Madonna’s career show her with a considerably smaller behind, even during her peak fitness in the early 2000s.

Social media buzzed with comments after her performance, with one user remarking, “She looks good from the front, but what happened to her bum?”

‘Now why would Madonna go and get a BBL? It looks like a diaper!’ wrote another.

Madonna reignited speculation that she may have had a Brazilian butt lift during a wild performance in New York on Thursday

Madonna reignited speculation that she may have had a Brazilian butt lift during a wild performance in New York on Thursday

The 67-year-old raised eyebrows with her voluptuous curves while delivering a lingerie-clad performance for Gay pride

The 67-year-old raised eyebrows with her voluptuous curves while delivering a lingerie-clad performance for Gay pride

Madonna has never confirmed or denied getting a BBL, instead chalking the conversation around her appearance down to ‘ageism and misogyny’.

But that hasn’t stopped people from speculating, with rapper 50 Cent even accusing the pop legend of getting a ‘bad BBL’.

Fans first wondered if Madonna may have had butt implants after she flaunted her changing shape during a handful of performances back in 2019.

Daily Mail has contacted Madonna’s representative for comment. 

In addition to shocking fans with her unexpected curves, Madonna also sent jaws dropping following a dangerous stunt in Times Square.

The death-defying moment happened while the 67-year-old was performing at her surprise Pride concert on a stage that was elevated high above the audience.

A clear railing was placed at the edge, presumably for safety reasons – but the songstress daringly swung one leg over the protective barrier.

In a dizzying shot on the livestream, her global viewership could see Madonna suspended above the crowd, partly onstage and partly dangling over the rail. 

Madonna's behind appeared much slimmer during this red carpet appearance in 2011

Madonna’s behind appeared much slimmer during this red carpet appearance in 2011

The pop legend flaunted her athletic frame and petite backside during a 1987 performance

The pop legend flaunted her athletic frame and petite backside during a 1987 performance

The 67-year-old shocked the world when she showed off her bulbous backside at the 2021 VMAs

The 67-year-old shocked the world when she showed off her bulbous backside at the 2021 VMAs

Madonna often flaunts her curves on social media, which has only further fueled rumors that she may have enhanced her physique

Madonna often flaunts her curves on social media, which has only further fueled rumors that she may have enhanced her physique 

Fans breathlessly shared their reactions to X, where one exclaimed: ‘Madonna, no, don’t!’

Dressed in pink and blue corsetry and a set of thigh-high boots, Madonna performed a selection of records from her upcoming album Confessions II. 

Her setlist consisted of the new songs I Feel So Free, Bring Your Love, Love Sensation, Get Together, I Love New York and Hung Up.

She was also accompanied onstage by English DJ Stuart Price, whose history with her dates back to her original Confessions on a Dance Floor album in 2005. 

Price is also serving as a producer on Confessions II, which is slated for release on July 3, the same day Taylor Swift is reportedly marrying Travis Kelce.  

Madonna previously confronted criticism about her appearance in a lengthy Instagram post hitting out at ‘ageism and misogyny.’

She complained that we live in a ‘world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45 and feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.’

Madonna flung her leg over a safety railing during her while Times Square performance

Madonna flung her leg over a safety railing during her while Times Square performance

The pop icon sat on Stuart Price's DJ deck as she performed for the crowd

The pop icon sat on Stuart Price’s DJ deck as she performed for the crowd

The star continued, declaring that she wasn’t about to start apologizing for ‘any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start.’

At the time, the Like a Prayer singer said that while she felt she has been ‘degraded’ since her earliest days of fame, ‘I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come.’

Earlier this week, Madonna put on a daring display in a racy video she posted to kick off Pride Month.

In a racy video shared to Instagram, the Like a Virgin icon suffered a wild nip slip which she had to censor with a black bar in order to comply with the app’s strict content rules. 

In the video, Madonna was smoking and crawling around on the ground as her cleavage spilled out of her top.

‘You know what, see a f***ing boob,’ she said nonchalantly before getting up close to the camera to blow a kiss. ‘Happy Pride! Happy Pride.’

Shocking Assault: 70-Year-Old Suspect Allegedly Attacks Disabled 21-Year-Old

A startling incident unfolded in Massachusetts when a heated dispute over access to a town’s boat ramp led to a 70-year-old man’s alleged attempt to take the life of a younger man on crutches. The accused, Steven Dana, now faces serious charges including attempted murder, two counts of strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery on a disabled person.

Man arrested after allegedly strangling other man at lake

Background: Cellphone footage of the fight that resulted in the arrest of Steven Dana (Benjamin Osmanovic/WBZ). Inset: News footage of Steven Dana in court on June 4 (WBZ).

This alarming confrontation took place on a Wednesday and quickly drew the attention of the Hopkinton Police Department. Officers responded to an urgent call just before 7 p.m., only to discover upon arrival that the entire incident had been recorded on video, offering crucial evidence.

The altercation reportedly began when Dana confronted 21-year-old Matt Duffy, along with his friends, over their use of the town’s boat ramp. The ramp, as per local regulations, is restricted to residents of Hopkinton, Massachusetts. The situation escalated after Dana approached the group, as captured in a video by Duffy’s friend, Benjamin Osmanovic. In the footage, Dana can be heard telling them, “It’s time to go.”

Events took a violent turn when Dana descended a hill to confront Duffy, who was using crutches due to injuries from a motorcycle accident. The video, cited by police, shows Dana slapping Duffy across the face, tackling him to the ground, and then allegedly holding him underwater in a forceful manner.

Dana then came down a hill and confronted Duffy, who was using crutches at the time after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash. In the video, police said Dana was seen slapping Duffy in the face before tackling him to the ground and “forcefully holding” him underwater.

Duffy told WBZ, “I couldn’t use either of my arms or my leg as they were both broken, and I was just praying that he let go or my friends pull him off of me.” Duffy’s friends were able to pull Dana off of him, and police viewed Osmanovic’s video when they arrived. Dana was placed under arrest.

As of Thursday, Dana was still in custody at the Hopkinton Police Department and was being held without bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned in court on Friday. His next court date was not available.

High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Burke County: Suspect Captured by RCSO and BCSO


AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has successfully apprehended a man wanted on multiple felony charges after a dramatic chase unfolded on Friday morning. The individual, identified as 37-year-old Christopher Enoch Chance, was sought by authorities in connection with several serious offenses, including rape, sodomy, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, as per Burke County warrants.

The sequence of events began earlier in the week, on June 2, when investigators from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office were called to Doctors Hospital following reports of a sexual assault. The subsequent investigation led to warrants being issued for Chance’s arrest.

The chase came to a head on June 5, when law enforcement, including deputies and US Marshals, attempted to detain Chance on Windsor Spring Road at Spirit Creek Road. In a bid to escape, Chance reportedly fled the scene in a vehicle. The pursuit turned frantic as Chance crashed the vehicle and tried to evade capture on foot.

His attempted escape was short-lived, as authorities eventually caught up with him in the vicinity of Ashton Drive and Ardwick Drive. Chance allegedly tried to break into a residence during his flight but was apprehended before he could succeed. He now finds himself in the Charles B. Webster Detention Center, facing additional charges related to the chase from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Chance was later apprehended near the area of Ashton Drive and Ardwick Drive, after allegedly attempting to gain entry into a residence. He is currently being housed in Charles B. Webster Detention Center on charges from RCSO related to the pursuit.

According to the BCSO, Chance will then be transferred to the Burke County Detention Center, where he is charged with Rape, Incest, Sodomy, False Imprisonment and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime.

Burke County officials said Chance was released in December of 2025 after serving approximately 20 years for an aggravated assault that took place in Virginia.

Champaign County Sheriff Anticipates New Statewide Board Appointments with Optimism


URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Sheriff has recently been selected to serve on two prominent statewide boards. Sheriff Dustin Heuerman expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to collaborate with these groups, aiming to gather insights that could enhance services in Champaign County.

This opportunity has been in the pipeline for about two years since Governor JB Pritzker’s Office initially contacted Heuerman regarding positions on the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) and the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA).

New Jersey School District Criticized for ‘Offensive’ Watermelon Imagery on Juneteenth Menu

0

Families in a New Jersey school district were incensed when a cafeteria menu for June featured a controversial watermelon graphic for Juneteenth, leading school officials to denounce the image as racially insensitive and call for swift corrective measures from the district’s food-service contractor.

The menu, prepared by Sodexo for Montclair Public Schools, included the graphic that ignited complaints from a wide array of individuals, including students, families, staff, and members of the community.

Superintendent Ruth Turner expressed that the menu’s viewers were “hurt, disappointed, and offended” by the graphic’s juxtaposition with June 19, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States.

Turner criticized the image, labeling it “inappropriate, insensitive, and inconsistent with the values of Montclair Public Schools,” and emphasized that its association with Juneteenth was “offensive and unacceptable.”

The district reported that once the issue came to light, administrators acted promptly, reaching out to senior Sodexo executives to insist on accountability and demand immediate corrective measures.

According to Turner, Sodexo was ordered to remove the image and issue a revised version of the June menu.

The district also said it would work with the company to review internal procedures and expectations governing materials distributed to students and families.

“All materials shared with our school community must be reviewed through a lens of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect,” Turner said.

The controversy erupted just months after Sodexo took over food-service operations across the district.

District-linked materials announcing the partnership said Sodexo began operating in Montclair schools on Jan. 5.

Families were promised that their children would be served fresh ingredients, nutrition-focused meals and “culturally responsive menu options.”

The watermelon image immediately drew scrutiny because of the fruit’s long and complicated history in American racial stereotypes.

In a statement, Turner explicitly referenced the historic use of watermelon imagery to demean black Americans, saying the association made the menu graphic particularly troubling when paired with Juneteenth.

The district credited community members with bringing the matter to administrators’ attention.

It is unclear who first noticed the image or exactly when complaints were first lodged.

Nor is it clear who designed the graphic, who approved it for distribution, or whether it appeared districtwide or only on certain school menus.

Sodexo apologized after the controversy became public.

The company said it “deeply regret[s] the usage of culturally insensitive imagery on our June menu” and insisted the intent had been to highlight a seasonal item that had been served regularly during the spring.

“We take this situation very seriously,” the company said.

Sodexo said the issue was addressed through internal protocols and pledged to reinforce its service standards, operating procedures and approval processes.

The company did not publicly identify the employee or employees responsible for creating or approving the graphic.

No disciplinary action has been publicly announced.

Revitalize Your Core: Top 5 Standing Exercises to Tone Your Belly After 60

Five effective standing exercises to tackle apron belly after 60.

Dealing with an apron belly, particularly after the age of 60, can be challenging. This type of belly tends to sit lower on the abdomen, altering how clothes fit and potentially making your core feel less supported in everyday activities. While many seek a single exercise to target this issue, the true solution lies in a mix of calorie-burning activities, muscle-strengthening exercises, and consistent movement.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply target fat loss in one specific area like a remote control. Fat reduction occurs when you burn more calories than you consume over time. Meanwhile, exercises that build strength and power help develop lean muscle, providing a firmer, more athletic appearance as your body fat decreases.

To effectively address apron belly, I recommend exercises that involve the entire body. These should engage your legs, hips, core, shoulders, and even your grip. Activities like running intervals, squat to presses, carries, sled pushes, and medicine ball slams are particularly beneficial. They not only elevate your heart rate and work large muscle groups but also require your midsection to brace intensely during movement. This holistic approach offers greater benefits compared to slow, isolated abdominal exercises alone.

For apron-belly goals, I like exercises that engage the whole body. Your legs, hips, core, shoulders, and grip should all have a job. That’s why running intervals, squat to presses, carries, sled pushes, and medicine ball slams can be so effective. They raise your heart rate, train large muscle groups, and force your midsection to brace hard while you move. That combination gives you more return than slow, isolated ab work alone.

Running or Jogging Intervals

Running or jogging intervals helps firm an apron belly by increasing calorie burn and improving conditioning without needing a long workout. Short bursts of faster movement raise your heart rate, while recovery periods help keep the session manageable. Your core also has to stay active to support your posture and keep your stride controlled. Compared with traditional weight training, intervals bring a stronger cardio effect, which can help support fat loss when paired with nutrition and consistent strength work.

Muscles Trained: Glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, core

How to Do It:

  1. Start with 3 to 5 minutes of easy walking.
  2. Pick up your pace into a light jog or run.
  3. Hold the faster pace for 20 to 60 seconds.
  4. Slow down to a walk for 60 to 90 seconds.
  5. Repeat the interval pattern for your planned time.
  6. Finish with a few minutes of easy walking.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 8 to 12 rounds of 20 to 60 second intervals. Rest for 60 to 90 seconds between each round.

Best Variations: Walk-jog intervals, hill intervals, incline treadmill intervals

Form Tip: Keep your stride short, land softly, and stay tall through your torso.

Dumbbell Squat to Press

The dumbbell squat to press trains your legs, glutes, shoulders, arms, and core in one smooth movement. Your lower body drives the squat, your upper body finishes the press, and your midsection has to brace through the entire rep so your back doesn’t arch as the weights move overhead. That total-body demand makes the exercise a strong choice for body-composition changes because more muscle gets involved at once. It also carries over to standing, lifting, reaching, and moving with more strength throughout the day.

Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, shoulders, triceps, core

How to Do It:

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold dumbbells at shoulder height.
  2. Brace your core and keep your chest lifted.
  3. Lower into a squat by bending your hips and knees.
  4. Drive through your feet to stand tall.
  5. Press the dumbbells overhead as you finish standing.
  6. Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height with control.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps. Rest for 60 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Bodyweight squat to reach, single dumbbell squat to press, slower tempo squat to press

Form Tip: Keep your ribs down as you press overhead.

Farmer Carry

Farmer carries train your grip, shoulders, upper back, glutes, and core while your body works to stay tall under load. Holding weights in both hands forces your midsection to brace with every step, which gives your core a practical strength challenge. Carries also raise total-body demand without requiring complicated technique or high-impact movement. For apron belly goals, they’re useful because they build muscle, improve posture, and add loaded movement that supports calorie burn.

Muscles Trained: Core, grip, shoulders, upper back, glutes

How to Do It:

  1. Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand.
  2. Stand tall with your shoulders down and back.
  3. Brace your core before you start walking.
  4. Walk forward with steady, controlled steps.
  5. Keep your chest lifted and your posture strong.
  6. Set the weights down with control when the carry ends.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 carries of 30 to 45 seconds. Rest for 60 seconds between each carry.

Best Variations: Heavier farmer carries, slower farmer carries, trap bar carries

Form Tip: Walk tall and don’t let the weights pull your shoulders forward.

Sled Pushes

Sled pushes train your legs, glutes, calves, shoulders, and core while giving your conditioning a serious boost. Your lower body drives the sled forward, while your midsection stays braced to keep your torso strong and stable. The movement can be joint-friendly because there’s no jumping or pounding, yet the effort builds quickly once the sled gets moving. That makes sled pushes a great option for firming an apron belly through high-output work that still builds lower-body strength.

Muscles Trained: Quadriceps, glutes, calves, shoulders, core

How to Do It:

  1. Load a sled with a weight you can push with control.
  2. Place your hands on the sled handles.
  3. Lean slightly forward and brace your core.
  4. Drive through your legs to push the sled forward.
  5. Take steady, powerful steps.
  6. Stop when you reach your target distance.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 6 to 10 pushes of 15 to 25 yards. Rest for 60 to 90 seconds between each push.

Best Variations: Light fast sled pushes, heavier strength pushes, low handle sled pushes

Form Tip: Keep your core tight and drive through the balls of your feet.

Medicine Ball Slams

Medicine ball slams train your core, shoulders, lats, hips, and legs while giving you a powerful conditioning hit. Raising the ball overhead and slamming it down forces your midsection to transfer force from your upper body through your hips and legs. The movement also lets you train power without needing heavy weights. For apron belly goals, slams work well because they combine calorie burn, core engagement, and full-body effort in a way that feels athletic and satisfying.

Muscles Trained: Core, shoulders, lats, glutes, quadriceps

How to Do It:

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a medicine ball.
  2. Brace your core and lift the ball overhead.
  3. Rise slightly onto your toes as you reach tall.
  4. Slam the ball toward the floor with force.
  5. Squat down to pick the ball back up.
  6. Reset your posture before the next rep.

Recommended Sets and Reps: Perform 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps. Rest for 45 to 60 seconds between each set.

Best Variations: Overhead slams, rotational slams, lighter speed slams

Form Tip: Use your whole body to slam the ball, not just your arms.

How to Make Standing Exercise Help Firm an Apron Belly

woman dumbbell presses to get rid of armpit pooch
Shutterstock

Firming an apron belly takes a plan that blends calorie burn, lean muscle, and strong core engagement. These exercises help because they engage more of your body than isolated ab training. The goal is to move with enough effort to challenge your heart, muscles, and midsection while keeping the routine repeatable.

  • Use intervals wisely: Running or jogging intervals can help increase calorie burn, but they don’t need to be all-out sprints. Keep the pace challenging and sustainable enough to repeat consistently.
  • Train big movements: Squat-to-presses, sled pushes, and slams engage several large muscle groups. More total muscle involvement usually means a stronger training effect.
  • Carry heavy with control: Farmer carries teach your core to brace while you move under load. That helps your midsection feel stronger and more supported.
  • Keep nutrition aligned with fat loss: Apron belly changes occur as overall body fat decreases. Protein, consistent meals, and portions that match your goals matter as much as the workout.
  • Progress without turning every session into a beatdown: gradually add weight, reps, distance, or a few extra intervals. Hard work helps, but consistency drives the real change.

A firmer midsection after 60 comes from more than hammering your abs. Build the routine around movement that burns energy, trains muscle, and teaches your core to brace under real effort. That’s where these standing exercises earn their place.

References

  1. Pandey, Arvind Kumar et al. “Histological and biochemical study of the superficial abdominal fascia and its implication in obesity.” Anatomy & cell biology vol. 49,3 (2016): 184-188. doi:10.5115/acb.2016.49.3.184
  2. Paoli, Antonio et al. “Effect of an Endurance and Strength Mixed Circuit Training on Regional Fat Thickness: The Quest for the “Spot Reduction”.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,7 3845. 6 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18073845

Security Breach: Fake Boarding Pass Forces Plane Back to Gate—What You Need to Know

0

A man from Houston is now facing felony charges after allegedly using a fake boarding pass to board a United Airlines flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This incident led to the plane being forced to return to the gate, according to court documents obtained by News Media.

Identified as Abdulrahman Oluwatumike Oriyomi, 25, he stands accused of disrupting operations at a critical infrastructure facility related to the events of May 18, as per a criminal complaint filed in Harris County.

Prosecutors have requested a bond of $25,000, stating that the incident caused a significant delay of nearly three hours for a fully booked flight. This also triggered responses from several agencies, including the Houston Police Department, FBI, Houston Airports, and the TSA.

“The Defendant delayed a flight for 3 hours with a full plane,” prosecutors mentioned in a motion examined by News Media.

Travelers lining up at a TSA checkpoint inside George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston

Travelers line up at a TSA checkpoint at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Lekan Oyekanmi/AP Photo)

According to the complaint, Oriyomi entered Bush Airport and passed through a TSA checkpoint before attempting to board a flight bound for Los Angeles.

Investigators allege Oriyomi first attempted to scan a boarding pass at one gate but was unsuccessful. He then walked through the airport before approaching another gate where United employees were checking passengers’ boarding passes.

The complaint alleges Oriyomi waited until airline employees were distracted before proceeding down the jetway and boarding United Flight 469.

Passengers gather at United Airlines gate to board plane

United Airlines present their boarding passes to a gate agent as they board their plane at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

A passenger told investigators Oriyomi initially sat next to her before moving around the aircraft. The witness later realized the seat had already been assigned to another passenger, according to the complaint.

The aircraft had already begun taxiing away from the gate when flight attendants were notified that someone was inside a restroom on board.

Flight attendants eventually made contact with Oriyomi and determined he did not have an assigned seat on the flight. A flight attendant later checked the passenger manifest and allegedly discovered no authorized passenger was listed under the name Oriyomi had provided.

The plane returned to the gate, prompting a response from multiple law enforcement and security agencies.

Investigators later reviewed a boarding pass image recovered from Oriyomi’s phone and determined it appeared fraudulent because key information and a QR code were missing, the complaint states. A Bush Airport representative concluded the document was fake, according to the filing.

Investigators determined Oriyomi could not have obtained a valid boarding pass without first paying for his reservation, according to court records reviewed by News Media.

United Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner taking off with landing gear extended against clear blue sky

A United Airlines aircraft is seen in flight. Court documents allege a Houston man boarded a United flight at George Bush Intercontinental Airport using a fraudulent boarding pass. (iStock)

Prosecutors also requested several bond conditions, according to court records reviewed by News Media, including surrendering any passports or travel documents, avoiding Bush Intercontinental Airport and other airports, refraining from possessing firearms and submitting to electronic monitoring if ordered by the court.

It was not immediately clear whether all requested bond conditions were ultimately imposed.

Court records reviewed by News Media did not immediately identify an attorney representing Oriyomi.

United Airlines, Houston Airports and the Transportation Security Administration did not immediately respond to News Media’s requests for comment.

The case is pending in Harris County’s 180th District Court.

<!–>

–>

Australian Influencer Considers Legal Action Following Controversial Video Dismissal

0

IN BRIEF

  • Spencer has previously drawn criticism online over other social media content and commentary.
  • Broadcaster Brooke Blurton urged followers not to engage with or further amplify the videos online.

A content creator who found herself at the center of controversy following a video that leaned into racist stereotypes is now contemplating legal recourse after being dismissed from her job.

Lisa Jane Spencer, who identifies as a comedian, gained attention for releasing several provocative videos featuring the branding of an SBS current affairs program. The public broadcaster swiftly distanced itself, reporting the posts and making a clear stance against all forms of racism.

Following the backlash, Spencer announced her intention to seek legal counsel after her employer, Victoria’s Peninsula Hot Springs, terminated her employment abruptly on Wednesday.

The wellness retreat issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the online circulation of posts from their former employee. They emphasized their disapproval, stating that they do not “support or endorse content that is inconsistent with our values or our commitment to inclusion, respect, and cultural safety.”

The wellness retreat said it was aware of the posts “circulating online from a former employee” and it did not “support or endorse content that is inconsistent with our values or our commitment to inclusion, respect and cultural safety”.

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

“We want to acknowledge and sincerely recognise the concern and disappointment that has been expressed, particularly by members of First Nations communities, community partners and those who have reached out to us directly,” it said in a statement posted on social media.

Spencer accused critics of doxing — releasing someone’s personal information without their consent — where she worked as she took aim at her former employer.

“The Peninsula Hot Springs say they are inclusive of all people… But this is completely incorrect,” she wrote on social media.

“They cater more to certain types of people than others. “I will be seeking legal advice.”

Spencer’s latest video — posted as National Reconciliation Week concluded on Wednesday — featured a fictional First Nations character and drew widespread criticism for its portrayal of Indigenous identity and culture.

Versions of the videos, which featured the branding for SBS Insight, were removed before later being re-uploaded to her social media page in an altered form.

SBS said the content was not produced, endorsed or authorised by SBS.

“SBS is aware of posts being shared on social media featuring unauthorised use of SBS logos. The posts and individuals are in no way associated with our content and have been reported,” an SBS spokesperson said.

“SBS unequivocally condemns all forms of racism and recognises the damaging impact it has on individuals, communities and social cohesion. Such views have no place in Australian society.”

The public broadcaster said it was committed to telling the stories of Australia’s diverse communities, exposing the harms and impacts of racism, and amplifying the voices, experiences and perspectives of First Nations peoples and multicultural communities across the country.

Media personality Brooke Blurton also responded to Spencer’s video, saying it was important to understand that the content should not be dismissed as humour.

“It’s about actually recognising the real impact that this has and continues to have on communities, on families, but especially young people who are already facing massive amounts of discrimination and prejudice every day,” she said.

Blurton also urged followers not to engage with or further amplify the content online.

Spencer has defended her videos and rejected criticism that the content was racist, arguing viewers should “take the joke and laugh”.

“I don’t make jokes at Aboriginal people. I make jokes about all kinds of people,” she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Spencer’s widely criticised and condemned video comes amid a senate inquiry into racism, hate and violence against First Peoples, which is currently being conducted by the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

Evidence already presented to the inquiry reveals growing concern about the scale of racism and hate experienced by First Nations people particularly online, with many submissions highlighting social media as a significant source of harm.


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

How San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is Leading with Common-Sense Policies for Urban Triumph

0

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie interpreted Tuesday’s election results as a clear directive: prioritize outcomes over political maneuvering.

In just 16 months since taking office, Lurie has overseen a wave of renewed optimism in San Francisco. The city, once criticized for its liberal policies, has seen reductions in minor crimes and a decrease in large homeless encampments, while its downtown area shows signs of revival after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I believe the atmosphere is now one of hope and optimism,” Lurie shared with The Post in a Friday interview at City Hall. “Voters are eager for the supervisors and the mayor to collaborate on pragmatic solutions to our challenges.”

A Chamber of Commerce survey reveals that 64% of San Franciscans now feel the city is heading in the right direction. This marks a significant shift from 2024, when the city’s leadership faced widespread public dissatisfaction.

For years, San Francisco’s image was tarnished by public drug use, rampant theft, and corruption scandals. However, a shift led by moderate voters—and heavily supported by tech industry leaders like Ripple chairman Chris Larsen and venture capitalist Michael Moritz—led to the removal of several progressive officials.

Lurie, 48-year-old heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, unseated former mayor London Breed in 2024 on a promise to upend the status quo.

The newbie mayor has sought to balance the city’s shaky multibillion-dollar budget while approving raises for cops and fighters, partly by trimming back the city’s hefty nonprofit contracts that have totaled more than $1 billion annually.

While Lurie noted he’s still relatively new to the job, he offered one suggestion to fellow elected officials: Focus on results.

“That’s the only advice I would share with anybody in any elected position — focus on where you are governing,” he said.

“The city of San Francisco, the people deserve a mayor and a board of supervisors that are focused on getting results and delivering common sense, reasonable policies,” Lurie added.

On Tuesday, San Francisco voters easily reelected two moderate supervisors — Stephen Sherrill and Alan Wong, both endorsed by Lurie — and appeared to reject Proposition D, a so-called “Overpaid CEO tax” that would have slapped extra levies on companies with large pay disparities between top execs and the median local worker.

Six years ago, San Francisco voters approved a similar measure by huge margins — but times have changed, according to the mayor.

While results aren’t final for union-backed prop Prop. D, Lurie said San Franciscans are fatigued with union and business interests waging war at the ballot box.

“It’s just not a way to govern a city,” he said.

Two other propositions, an earthquake safety bond and a measure adding lifetime term limits for local elected officials, were leading as of Friday.