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Tension Unfolds: Yhemolee and Rahman Jago Allegedly Avoid Each Other at Event

  • Reports indicate potential tension between Nigerian socialites Yhemolee and Rahman Jago.
  • The source of the tension is their attendance at the wedding of Abuja Car CEO Sadiq.
  • The wedding, held on April 12, 2026, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, was highly publicized.

Rumors swirling online indicate a potential rift between Nigerian socialites Yhemolee and Rahman Jago, spurred by their appearance at the much-anticipated wedding of Sadiq, CEO of Abuja Car. This opulent affair, held on April 12 at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, has been hailed as one of the year’s most significant social events, attracting a blend of political heavyweights, influential business figures, and entertainment stars, all amidst an atmosphere of sheer luxury.

The guest list for this extravagant celebration was nothing short of impressive. It featured Vice President Kashim Shettima, Seyi Tinubu, and a host of governors and senators. The event also saw attendance from notable public personalities and entertainers, including VeryDarkMan, Young Jonn, and Seyi Vibez, alongside popular figures like Shanks Comics, Josh2Funny, Ola of Lagos, and Sarkin Motors.

Blogger Cutie Juls, known for her insider scoops, has reported that Yhemolee and Rahman Jago, once considered friendly, appeared to maintain a noticeable distance during the festivities. Sources present at the event claim that the two deliberately refrained from engaging with each other despite sharing the same glamorous venue.

Eyewitnesses noted that Rahman Jago made his entrance accompanied by his entourage, whereas Yhemolee arrived separately with his own group. Throughout the high-profile gathering, observers pointed out that neither man extended a greeting nor acknowledged the other’s presence, stirring speculation about an underlying discord.

Eyewitness accounts further suggest that Rahman Jago arrived at the venue with his associates, while Yhemolee later entered separately with his own circle. Observers noted that both men attended the same high-profile gathering but did not exchange greetings or acknowledge each other publicly.

The apparent coldness between them has since sparked speculation on social media, with many questioning whether a fallout may have occurred and what could have led to the reported strain in their relationship.

Cutie Juls wrote, “Last night there was so awkward between Yhemolee and Rahman Jago at Sadiq’s wedding reception in Abuja. Rahama Jago came in with Sula and co and later Yhemolee came in with the CEO of Tokyo Nightlife. Rahman Jago and Yhemolee who were once friends seems to have some issues.

They avoided any sort of contact as if they’ve never met each other. Even when people were greeting each other, these two tactically avoided each other. Hmmm.. Told our amebo team to focus and get us first hand info should they at least say hi to each other but no, they didn’t. Hmmm. 👩‍🦯.”

See post below:

Read some comments below:

@official_val09:“Maybe because he started same business 🤔.”

@kezmangram:“Have you thought about why burna boy hasn’t visited YL store ? The beef is not just on Rahman Jago…..but with Burna too…… Yhemo Lee supported highfashion from the very beginning and same with burna too…….now YL store is open and no one wants to reciprocate……”

@dahcoochiehub:“Yhemo Lee lives big wiz so much wile rahman jago is a pure outisider he even stopped commenting on big wiz posts unlike him 😂 I don bring una my own amebo 🤣🤭.”

@_adelekedebbie:“I beg, normalize friendship breakups. It’s not a do or die situation, people grow, things change, and sometimes letting go is the healthiest choice. Ire o.”

@__ms_tee_:“Rahman don collect yhemo best friend 😂😂😂😂😂.”

@bigbaby_jane:“Awwwn all of a sudden it’s “normalize friendship breakup” cause 2 men are fronting attitude if it was women, different labels of “fake friends” would have filled the comments to suit narrative that women don’t love themselves. Emotional lots😂😂😂.”

China Condemns Hormuz Blockade as ‘Irresponsible’; Trump Signals Potential Peace Talks Revival

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In brief

  • China has criticised the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while calling for a permanent ceasefire.
  • US President Donald Trump hinted talks with Iran about ending the war in the Middle East could resume in the coming days.

China’s foreign ministry has criticized the United States for imposing a military blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, calling the action “dangerous and irresponsible.” According to Beijing, such measures are likely to heighten tensions and jeopardize a fragile ceasefire with Iran.

This statement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who told the New York Post that peace negotiations with Iran might resume soon, potentially taking place in Pakistan.

Addressing these developments on Tuesday, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, emphasized that a comprehensive ceasefire is essential for achieving lasting peace. He condemned the US blockade, which was initiated after unsuccessful peace talks with Iran.

“The blockade will only intensify confrontation, escalate tension, and threaten the already delicate ceasefire,” Jiakun stated. “Moreover, it endangers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Such actions are both dangerous and irresponsible.”

The US Central Command has reported that the blockade involves over 10,000 military personnel, more than a dozen warships, and numerous aircraft, and it took effect at midnight on Tuesday, Australian Eastern Standard Time.

“During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the ‌US blockade and ‌6 ⁠merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman,” the command said in a ⁠statement.

“The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the ‌Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

“US forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.”

It comes as Trump said talks with Iran could resume in the next two days, according to an interview with the New York Post.

“You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we’re more inclined to go there,” Trump told the newspaper.

Trump said Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was doing a “great job” on the talks.

“He’s ‌fantastic, and therefore it’s more likely that we go back there,” Trump said.

The initial round of talks over the weekend ended without an agreement on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which the White House said was a central sticking point.

Reuters, citing an unnamed source involved in the talks, on Tuesday reported that Iran and the US could return to the Pakistani capital as early as the end of this week, and that a proposal had been shared with both sides to resend their delegations.

“No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open,” a senior Iranian source said.

— With reporting by the Associated Press.


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JD Vance Faces Hecklers During Speech Criticizing Pope’s Stance on Iran

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During a speech in Georgia, Vice-President JD Vance faced a vocal interruption while criticizing Pope Leo’s comments on the Iranian conflict.

Addressing the audience at a Turning Point USA event, Vance found himself momentarily halted as an attendee loudly interrupted his critique of the Pope’s remarks on theological matters.

Vance took a moment to directly address the disruption, urging the heckler to remain silent so he could continue addressing a question.

The Vice-President was responding to the Pope’s ongoing denouncement of the war, which the pontiff described as “absurd and inhuman.”

While acknowledging the Pope’s advocacy for peace, Vance challenged his perspective, questioning whether divine approval could ever align with those who “wield the sword.”

He cited historic examples including the liberation of France from the Nazis and the freeing of Holocaust victims, arguing that in such cases the answer was ‘yes’. 

‘I think it’s very, very important for the Pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology,’ Vance said, before briefly breaking off to deal with the heckler. 

The Pope, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, had earlier insisted he had ‘no fear’ of the Donald Trump administration and would continue ‘speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel’. 

US Vice-President JD Vance was heckled mid-speech as he took aim at Pope Leo over his criticism of the war in Iran

US Vice-President JD Vance was heckled mid-speech as he took aim at Pope Leo over his criticism of the war in Iran

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, Vance was interrupted by a shouting member of the audience as he argued the pontiff should 'be careful when he talks about matters of theology'

Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, Vance was interrupted by a shouting member of the audience as he argued the pontiff should ‘be careful when he talks about matters of theology’

Vance said he respected the Pope's role as an advocate for peace, but pushed back on his stance, questioning whether God could ever support those who 'wield the sword'

Vance said he respected the Pope’s role as an advocate for peace, but pushed back on his stance, questioning whether God could ever support those who ‘wield the sword’

His remarks have set up an increasingly public clash with Trump allies over the conflict, as divisions deepen over the moral framing of the war. 

It comes as President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope Leo over his remarks opposing the war in Iran in a late-night post to his Truth Social page on Tuesday.

Pope Leo XIV has been vocally critical of the joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, prompting the president to hit back and suggest that the US-born pontiff stay out of politics – a message he doubled down on in his post.

‘Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable,’ Trump wrote on his social media platform Tuesday night.

His repudiation of the pope came as the US military announced that a military blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway has been ‘fully implemented,’ leaving trade coming into and out of Iran ‘completely halted,’ officials said Tuesday night.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, made the announcement on X amid reports that a Chinese tanker and another vessel were forced to make U-turns after passing through the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Oil tanker Rich Starry is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd. and became a target for US sanctions because it was used to transport Iranian crude.

After circling the area late on Monday and initially turning back, the 600ft long vessel passed through the waterway on Tuesday.

It then turned around and headed back to the Gulf at 11am UTC.

Rich Starry is a medium-range tanker that is carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, according to the data. It loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the UAE’s Hamriyah, the data showed.

Warehouse Blaze Captured on Film: Worker Cites Luigi Mangione in $500M Fire Incident

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A frustrated employee from the Inland Empire, accused of inflicting half a billion dollars in damage, cited the name Luigi Mangione while recording himself setting a warehouse ablaze. The incident, according to officials, was a protest against low wages.

Chamel Abdulkarim, 29, hailing from Highland, California, has been charged with intentionally starting the devastating fire on April 7 that consumed a 1.2 million-square-foot Kimberly-Clark distribution center in Ontario. Earlier this week, he entered a plea of not guilty to both federal and state charges, as reported by the authorities.

The Department of Justice’s criminal complaint reveals that Abdulkarim, employed at the site via a third-party logistics company, captured himself igniting several pallets of paper products during the early morning hours.

In the footage, he purportedly expressed his dissatisfaction with his pay, stating, “If you’re not going to pay us enough to [expletive] live… at least pay us enough not to do this,” as detailed in the DOJ affidavit.

Chamel Abdulkarim appears to smirk during court appearance in California warehouse arson case

Chamel Abdulkarim appeared in the San Bernardino County Superior Court, presided over by Judge Shannon L. Faherty, on April 13, 2026, in Rancho Cucamonga, California. (Frederick M. Brown)

Federal prosecutors say the flames quickly spread, collapsing the roof and leveling the entire facility, which stored household products like Kleenex and Cottonelle.

Investigators allege Abdulkarim later bragged about the destruction in texts and phone calls, including one message that read, “I just cost these [expletive] billions,” while railing against corporate profits and shareholders.

In a separate call, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Abdulkarim compared himself to Mangione — the suspect accused in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

“Luigi popped that muther——,” Abdulkarim said, according to the federal complaint, adding “a lot of people are going to understand.”

Chamel Abdulkarim allegedly set fire to California warehouse

Chamel Abdulkarim was charged in a warehouse arson in California. He filmed himself setting the facility on fire, authorities said. (Department of Justice)

Fox News contributor and former FBI special agent Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital that Abdulkarim seems to have used similar tactics as Mangione, calling it the “Luigi effect.”

“Luigi garnered a substantial amount of attention and empathy from many because of his ‘cause’ as a justification for his grievance,” she said. “Several are now copying him to one degree or another in an effort to gain that same level of attention and hero status.”

Abdulkarim “believes he was speaking and acting out on behalf of the American people” as he ranted about workers being paid enough to live.

“Chamel was proud to have cost over $1 billion to the company,” Parker said. “It is a troubling time in our society when offenders will go to all lengths no matter how destructive or evil to prove a point for their cause. 

“I refer to it as the ‘Luigi effect’ where offenders have learned to focus attention on their grievance through violence due to the sensationalization from online platforms and social media. Law enforcement and specifically the FBI will be digging into his behaviors and what led him down the path to violence. Turning to violence to settle a grievance is never the answer. He chose to carry out these awful crimes but he will not choose the consequence.”

Chamel Abdulkarim accused of California warehouse inferno

Chamel Abdulkarim was charged in a California warehouse arson that he allegedly filmed as he set fire to the facility, authorities said. (Department of Justice)

Prosecutors allege Abdulkarim acted “willfully, maliciously, and with premeditation” when he set the fire, conduct they say was carried out under circumstances likely to cause injury and massive property destruction, according to a San Bernardino County felony complaint.

The complaint charges him with aggravated arson, a top-tier felony, along with multiple additional counts of arson of a structure tied to the same blaze.

Authorities say the fire caused losses far exceeding $10 million, a key threshold that elevates the severity of the charge, while federal officials estimate total damage at roughly $500 million.

Chamel Abdulkarim appears in court in orange jail uniform in Ontario warehouse arson case

Chamel Abdulkarim appears in court after pleading not guilty in the Ontario warehouse fire case. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

“America is founded on free enterprise and capitalism… Anyone who attacks our values, our way of life, our system… we’re gonna come after aggressively,” Essayli said.

Aerial daytime image of a large warehouse on fire with flames and heavy smoke, as firefighters respond from the ground.

Firefighters battle a massive six-alarm blaze at a Kimberly-Clark warehouse in Ontario, California, on April 7, 2026, after authorities said the fire was intentionally set. (KTTV)

Abdulkarim was arrested about two miles from the scene shortly after the fire broke out. Roughly 175 firefighters responded to the six-alarm blaze, which is considered one of the most destructive warehouse fires in the region. No injuries were reported.

Chamel Abdulkarim mugshot following arrest in Ontario California warehouse arson case

Chamel Abdulkarim is accused of setting a massive warehouse fire in Ontario, California. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson blasted the alleged crime, calling arson “a real head-scratcher” and warning it puts lives, jobs and commerce at risk.

“I do not understand somebody… to displace people from their jobs, to ruin commerce, to get in the way of labor, to put people in physical harm,” Anderson said.

Abdulkarim is charged federally with arson of a building used in interstate and foreign commerce and faces multiple state felony counts that could significantly increase his prison exposure.

If convicted on the federal charge alone, he would face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors have also signaled the case involves aggravating factors, including the scale of destruction and potential danger to others.

School Reaches Settlement with Grieving Mother After Tragic Student Tree Planting Incident

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Inset: Christopher Kelly (The Oregonian/Kelly Family). Background: The area in Oregon where Christopher Kelly died while planting trees (WBKO).

The mother of an Oregon student who tragically passed away while fulfilling a volunteer requirement for school has reached a settlement after initiating a multimillion-dollar lawsuit.

As reported by The Oregonian, documents from the court reveal that Portland’s Central Catholic High School and the nonprofit group Friends of Trees have settled with Sarah Kelly, the mother of Christopher Kelly, who sued them for $29 million. The exact settlement amount remains undisclosed.

According to a press release from law enforcement in 2021, Christopher died in November of that year in Multnomah County. He was hit by a falling tree limb in the vicinity of Thousand Acres Dog Park at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, near Portland. The accident occurred while he was completing volunteer hours necessary for graduation, when a large piece of a black cottonwood tree fell from 52 feet above, striking him on the head.

The lawsuit claimed that after being hit, Christopher continued to plant trees but ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene once emergency responders arrived.

In 2024, Christopher’s mother filed a lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court, accusing Central Catholic High School and Friends of Trees of negligence. The complaint argued that they failed to protect the students from adverse weather conditions, despite forecasts predicting thunderstorms. It highlighted the lack of protective helmets for volunteers and the failure to move them to safety at the sound of thunder, as recommended by both the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

According to the filing, there were strong wind gusts and thunder reported 1 mile away from where the volunteers were planting trees. It reportedly noted that a group of students who were not properly dressed for the weather were huddled under a tent, and an arborist with Friends of Trees went to her car to get out of the elements. Christopher, who was a freshman, was allegedly planting trees with about 20 other students.

“Despite lifesaving efforts, the teenager did not survive their injuries,” police said in the 2021 press release.

Christopher’s obituary says he “died unexpectedly while he was volunteering.”

In a statement released after his death, Central Catholic said, “Our community was deeply saddened by the tragic death of freshman Christopher Kelly in 2021 and continues to share our sympathy with the Kelly family.”

According to Christopher’s obituary, the teen had been in foster care up until 2010, when he joined his adoptive family.

In addition to asking for donations to help “kiddos with learning differences,” the obituary asks that people who read it “please tell someone a dad joke” seeing as “Chris loved telling dad jokes.”

Gas Prices Decline Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict, Yet Remain Above Pre-War Levels

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On Wednesday, the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline stood at $4.108, as reported by AAA. This marks a slight decrease from the previous day’s average of $4.118.

In Washington, D.C., the decrease in gas prices comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding ceasefire negotiations with Iran and issues related to trade in the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently affected by a military blockade.

Despite the minor drop, current gas prices are still considerably higher than earlier this year and significantly above the rates seen at the same time last year. A year ago, the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. was about 94 cents cheaper.

The recent reduction follows a ceasefire agreement with Iran after the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel through which approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported, was closed. The situation remains complex due to the U.S. military’s blockade of ships trying to navigate the strategic strait since Monday, despite the ceasefire.

The recent dip comes after a ceasefire agreement with Iran, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly 20% of the world’s crude oil travels through. But a blockade of ships entering or leaving the strategic strait launched by the U.S. military on Monday has further complicated trade since the ceasefire.

Gas prices remained elevated across the country, with every state averaging at least $3.442 per gallon. The highest prices continue to be on the West Coast, led by California at $5.878, followed by Hawaii at $5.651 and Washington at $5.391. California, Hawaii and Washington are the only states with average gas prices at more than $5 per gallon. 

Meanwhile, the lowest prices were in the Great Plains and the South, including Oklahoma at $3.444, Kansas at $3.507 and North Dakota at $3.616.

Diesel prices also dropped by about 1 cent on Wednesday compared with Tuesday. The average cost of a gallon of diesel on Wednesday was $5.635, compared to $5.650 on Tuesday. Despite the decrease, diesel costs remain near record highs, continuing to put pressure on transportation and supply chains.

Why might prices differ from one gas station to the next?

Although the national average passed $4 a gallon, the price that drivers pay varies widely by state, city and station.

Taxes alone can create large gaps. California’s gas taxes and fees totaled about 71 cents per gallon last year, compared with roughly 9 cents in Alaska.

Distance from refineries, the type of retailer, the volume the location goes through, and whether there are other fuel options nearby also play a role.

Gas stations near competitors may choose to price gasoline competitively on large outdoor signs to attract drivers, hoping they’ll come inside and buy higher-margin items, said Neal Walters, a partner focused on energy at the global management consulting firm Kearney.

“It’s one of the only retail locations where you don’t have to go into the store to find out what you’re paying,” Walters said.

Why are gas and diesel prices elevated?  

Prices began to rise sharply after the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran on Feb. 28, which led to escalating tensions and military conflicts across the Middle East, where a large majority of global oil is sourced and distributed.

While not the sole factor for rising costs, volatile trade routes and other uncertainties in production have led to higher prices of crude oil, which is refined to make diesel, gasoline and jet fuel. 

Crude oil has surpassed $100 per barrel several times in recent weeks, driving higher fuel costs. Rising diesel and jet fuel prices are also expected to increase transportation and air travel costs, potentially pushing up prices for goods across supply chains.

Highest average gas prices ever? 

The record for the highest average price of a regular gallon of gas was set on June 14, 2022, with a national average of just over $5 during the early months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The highest recorded average gallon of diesel, $5.816, came just five days later on June 19, 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

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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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


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.