Home Blog Page 2278

Tamzin Outhwaite Shares Insight into Her Family’s Journey Following Daughter Flo’s Transition

0

Tamzin Outhwaite has shared her family’s experience of embracing her eldest child Flo’s transgender identity.

The former EastEnders star, aged 55, is a mother to 17-year-old Florence and 12-year-old Marnie. She shares her children with ex-husband Tom Ellis, from whom she separated in 2014.

Until July last year, Tamzin had not publicly discussed Flo’s identity. She disclosed that Flo first came out as transgender and began identifying as male when he was around 10 or 11 years old.

“It’s been a lengthy journey, a very long one, but we are in a wonderful place now,” she shared. “My main concern is his happiness, and currently, he is thriving, truly thriving.”

“I’m not permitted to speak about him [Flo] publicly. The only exception was on Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s podcast, Parenting Hell, as it happens to be his favorite podcast.”

‘So I was allowed to talk about him with both of those two, but I’m not allowed to talk about him anywhere else, and I respect that decision,’ she told The Mirror.

Tamzin Outhwaite, 55, has opened up about her family's journey to acceptance after her eldest child Flo, 17, came out as transgender (pictured in July 2025 together)

Tamzin Outhwaite, 55, has opened up about her family’s journey to acceptance after her eldest child Flo, 17, came out as transgender (pictured in July 2025 together)

Tamzin never spoken about Flo's identity until July last year, where she revealed he first came out as trans and identified as a boy when he was 'about 10 or 11'

Tamzin never spoken about Flo’s identity until July last year, where she revealed he first came out as trans and identified as a boy when he was ‘about 10 or 11’

In an appearance on the Parenting Hell podcast last year, Tamzin said: ‘I’ve got two kids. I did have two daughters and now I have a son and a daughter. That’s quite easy for me to say now, but it wasn’t maybe six or seven years ago.’

‘The maddest thing is I suppose that it’s not the most interesting thing about him,’ she said. ‘He’s an incredibly funny, intelligent boy, and I’m watching him grow into a wonderful human who’s very talented.

‘To see him thriving is just nothing but relief and joy for me really because there were some dark times.’ 

Tamzin recalled the period when Flo first came out as trans, which she remembers as a ‘very distressing time’. 

‘Until you’re going through it yourself with your child, it’s difficult to judge the situation,’ she said.

‘Initially, I would say, don’t be ridiculous. I didn’t say don’t be ridiculous but my mind went, “that’s ludicrous”. 

‘Working back from that with talking, family therapy, therapy on Flo’s side as well, talking with family and realising you’re not alone. 

‘I think if you push back on a kid, they’ll want to do the opposite of what their parent says. I didn’t say “you can’t be that”, but it was a distressing time. We worked together as a family and with outside help.’    

Rob Beckett, who co-hosts the podcast with Josh Widdicombe, said: ‘You can’t do everything to make them happy. It’s in them and there’s other things at play. Having to let things take their course…’

The actress is mother to Florence, 17, and Marnie, 12, with her ex-husband Tom Ellis who she split from in 2014

The actress is mother to Florence, 17, and Marnie, 12, with her ex-husband Tom Ellis who she split from in 2014

Tamzin said: 'I've got two kids. I did have two daughters and now I have a son and a daughter. That's quite easy for me to say now, but it wasn't maybe six or seven years ago'

Tamzin said: ‘I’ve got two kids. I did have two daughters and now I have a son and a daughter. That’s quite easy for me to say now, but it wasn’t maybe six or seven years ago’

Tamzin shares her two children with her ex-husband Tom Ellis (pictured together in 2012)

Tamzin shares her two children with her ex-husband Tom Ellis (pictured together in 2012) 

‘Yeah,’ Tamzin responded. ‘Time and action, but also being sensitive and, you know…. The whole LGBT community get a bit of a hard rap at the moment – it’s quite tough, I think. It is a hot topic.’

Josh said: ‘It’s almost like you’ve been in sync with that topic becoming a public debate,’ referring to the prominent discussion of trans issues in the media. 

‘Kind of, yeah. Every situation is completely different, every child is different,’ Tamzin said. ‘It really is less than one per cent of the population. 

‘There’s this big up in arms thing. It’s not that common, just because…. But I’m just so happy for him. 

‘I’m happy that we’re in a place and he’s in a place that he is just…. I mean, he’s an incredible actor. He’s desperate to be a comedy writer. I was only allowed to talk about it on this podcast.’

Tamzin told how her ex-boyfriend of six years, Tom Child, is still her ‘best mate’ and he is always in and out of the house.

‘[He] has been around for the whole of like Flo’s transitioning period, for the whole of Marnie becoming a girl that was discovering all sorts of stuff and boys, and so he is still a member of the family. We’ve been not together for over a year. 

‘The kids often say to him “When you meet someone, or even if you have, how are you going to explain this situation to your girlfriends?”‘

St. Johns County Altercation Leads to Arrest in Stabbing Incident, Authorities Report

0

Alton Hobbs, aged 37, is currently in custody, facing multiple charges related to an altercation that escalated into a stabbing on South Woodlawn Street.

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities have apprehended a man following an incident in St. Johns County where a fight led to a stabbing, as announced by the sheriff’s office on Friday afternoon.

The confrontation reportedly took place on South Woodlawn Street this past Wednesday.

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the altercation involved several individuals. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man who had sustained stab wounds, and he was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical care.

During the brawl, 37-year-old Alton Hobbs allegedly brandished a knife and inflicted stab wounds on the victim, according to the sheriff’s office.

Hobbs now faces charges of violation of probation, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and fighting.

The victim’s identity and the name of the individuals involved in the fight were not released.

Artemis II Captures Breathtaking First Images of Earth from Space: A New Era in Lunar Exploration

0

In brief

  • NASA has released images taken from inside the Orion spacecraft, including a full portrait of Earth.
  • The Artemis II crew are on a historic ten-day mission to loop around the Moon and back.

As the Artemis II crew embarked on their groundbreaking lunar expedition, NASA shared captivating images captured from within the Orion spacecraft. Among these was an impressive portrait of Earth, showcasing its vast blue oceans and swirling white clouds.

Following a series of intense activities, including a thrilling launch and a crucial engine burn propelling them on their historic path around the Moon, the four astronauts on board finally had a moment to relax. Despite this brief respite, they remained engaged in conducting a variety of equipment checks and experiments.

Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen expressed his amazement on Thursday, stating, “There has been a tremendous amount of disbelief for me; it’s just so extraordinary.”

He added, “I really like it up here. The views are extraordinary.”

Reflecting on the experience, Hansen remarked, “It’s really fun to be floating around. It just makes me feel like a little kid.”

An image of Earth taken through the window of a space craft. The Earth is partially obscured by the window.
An image of Earth taken from the Orion spacecraft on Friday. Source: NASA / AP

Hansen, who is on first journey to space, is on the crew with Americans Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman.

They are due to loop around the Moon early next week — a feat not accomplished in more than 50 years.

NASA official Lakiesha Hawkins praised the photographs taken by commander Wiseman, calling them “amazing” during a briefing on Friday.

“We continue to learn all about our spacecraft as we operate it in deep space with crew for the first time,” Hawkins said.

“It’s important to remind ourselves of that as we learn a little bit more day by day.

Astronauts in ‘great spirits’

Friday’s to-do list includes a CPR demonstration and medical kit checks, the US space agency said, as well as preparation for the scientific observations they’ll need to document when they are closest to the Moon on day six of their journey.

Four people inside a spacecraft floating in zero gravity
From left, Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialist Christina Koch and pilot Victor Glover on board the Orion spacecraft. Source: NASA / AP

NASA officials reported Friday that all systems were performing well, and that the astronauts were in “great spirits” and had spoken to their families.

The next major milestone of the approximately 10-day journey is expected overnight Sunday into Monday, at which point the astronauts will enter the “lunar sphere of influence” — when the Moon’s gravity will have stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth’s.

If all proceeds smoothly, as Orion whips around the Moon, the astronauts could set a record by venturing farther from Earth than any human before.

“There is nothing normal about this,” Wiseman said.

“Sending four humans 250,000 miles away is a Herculean effort, and we are now just realising the gravity of that.”

The Artemis II mission is part of a longer-term plan to repeatedly return to the Moon, to establish a permanent lunar base that will offer a platform for further exploration.


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

Nepal Investigation Uncovers $20 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting Mt. Everest Climbers Through Contaminated Food: Report

0

An alarming investigation has uncovered an elaborate insurance fraud scheme in Nepal, valued at nearly $20 million. The scam involves guides who allegedly orchestrate or fabricate emergency rescues in the mountains, sometimes by tampering with hikers’ meals near Mt. Everest, as detailed by The Kathmandu Post.

Nestled in the heart of Nepal, Kathmandu serves as the capital city and a hub for thrill-seekers aiming to conquer Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth.

Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

Following revelations of the fraud in 2018, The Kathmandu Post reported that the Nepali government responded by forming a fact-finding committee, which produced a detailed 700-page report and announced plans for reform.

Despite these efforts, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police took up the case again last year, only to find that fraudulent activities were on the rise.

Mount Everest

This photograph taken May 31, 2021, shows mountaineers lined up as they climb a slope during their ascension to the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. (Lakpa Sherpa/AFP via Getty Images)

The outlet indicated that the CIB probe points out two main fraudulent scenarios.

One involves guides suggesting to tired adventurers who do not want to walk back that if they feign illness, a chopper will pick them up, according to The Kathmandu Post.

The outlet reported that, in the other scenario, guides and hotel staff, according to the CIB probe, have been coached to scare trekkers at high altitude, where altitude sickness can occur. They allegedly claim that the trekkers are in danger of dying and that only immediate evacuation will spare them. 

In some instances, investigators discovered that Diamox (acetazolamide) tablets, utilized to prevent altitude sickness, were given in conjunction with excessive water intake to cause the symptoms that would give grounds for a rescue, the outlet reported. 

In at least one instance noted in the investigation, guides allegedly laced food with baking powder to cause people to be unwell, the outlet stated.

Mountaineers at Everest Base Camp

Tents of mountaineers are pictured at Everest base camp in the Mount Everest region of Solukhumbu district April 18, 2024, on the tenth anniversary of an avalanche that killed 16 Nepali guides.  (Purnima Shrestha/AFP via Getty Images)

Police recorded a case in which four individuals were picked up on one chopper flight, but insurance claims were filed as more than one separate rescue, the report noted.

The framework tying the system of mass fraud together was detailed in police interrogations, according to the outlet, which reported that hospitals shell out 20% to 25% of the insurance money to trekking businesses and 20% to 25% to chopper rescue operators in return for patient referrals. 

Trekking guides and their businesses get a boost from inflated invoices, the outlet suggested. In some instances, tourists are offered money to join in the scam, The Kathmandu Post added.

In the period between 2022 and 2025, investigators found a whopping 4,782 foreign patients serviced at implicated hospitals, with 171 cases verified as fraudulent rescues, the outlet reported. During that span, Era International Hospital raked in deposits of over $15.87 million for such activities and Shreedhi International Hospital got more than $1.22 million, the outlet reported.

Mountain Rescue Service carried out 171 fake rescues from an overall 1,248 charter flights, scoring around $10.31 million from insurers, the outlet reported, adding that Nepal Charter Service executed 75 fake rescues out of 471 flights, claiming $8.2 million. Everest Experience and Assistance was allegedly tied to 71 suspicious rescues out of 601 flights, with claims of $11.04 million.

Mountaineers Nepal

This photograph taken May 12, 2021, shows mountaineers as they climb during their ascent to the summit of Mount Everest in Nepal. (Pemba Dorje Sherpa/AFP via Getty Images)

CIB charged 32 people last month with offenses against the state and organized crime, the outlet reported, noting that nine individuals were arrested while others were said to be absconding.

Individuals from Mountain Helicopters, Altitude Air and Manang Air, which was rebranded as Basecamp Helicopters, as well as physicians and administrators with Swacon International Hospital, Shreedhi International Hospital and Era International Hospital were among the individuals who have been charged, the outlet indicated.

Controversy Unfolds: Pete Hegseth Allegedly Dismisses Army Officer Over Perceived Threat

0

Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny, labeled as ‘paranoid’ for allegedly dismissing the highest-ranking officer in the US Army due to feeling his own position was at risk.

General Randy George, who was appointed by President Biden, received orders to retire immediately on Thursday amidst swirling rumors that both Hegseth and Donald Trump were making significant changes to their teams.

The New York Post reported on Friday that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who was rumored to be on the verge of being dismissed, had a close relationship with George, which contributed to the decision to let George go.

Serving as Driscoll’s top aide, George’s removal is reportedly linked to Hegseth’s ongoing concern that Driscoll might replace him, a fear that has lingered since a notorious group chat scandal in March 2025.

“This situation is fueled by Pete’s growing insecurity and paranoia post-Signal-gate,” an insider explained. “Sadly, some of his closest advisors are exacerbating the situation instead of helping to ease tensions.”

The White House backed Driscoll in a statement last night and a source said Hegseth ‘can’t fire’ Driscoll for the time being. 

‘He is very concerned about being fired and he knows that Driscoll is one of the top contenders, or a natural contender, to succeed him,’ the source added.

The firing of George is an attempt to get rid of anyone perceived to be an ally of Driscoll, who is also said to be close to Vice President JD Vance.

Pete Hegseth has been described as 'paranoid' amid changes at the Pentagon and allegedly fired the highest ranking US Army officer because he felt he was 'threatened' by him

Pete Hegseth has been described as ‘paranoid’ amid changes at the Pentagon and allegedly fired the highest ranking US Army officer because he felt he was ‘threatened’ by him

Hegseth is said to be worried that Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll (pictured) will replace him. His closeness to General Randy George is the rumored reason he got fired

Hegseth is said to be worried that Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll (pictured) will replace him. His closeness to General Randy George is the rumored reason he got fired

‘Essentially Hegseth has frozen him out and tried to sideline him behind the scenes. Hegseth wants to fire him, but Vance has his back.’

A second source claims that Driscoll’s involvement in negotiations with Ukraine have Hegseth worried.

‘Pete got very paranoid about Driscoll talking behind his back to others in the military. 

‘It’s really gotten under Hegseth’s skin. He’s trying to make everyone around [Driscoll] suffer for no reason.’

Another administration official, who remained anonymous, said that if Driscoll were fired, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell is ‘pushing himself’ to replace him.

‘Sean is focused on the job he has now, as is Army Secretary Driscoll,’ a senior Pentagon official told The Daily Mail. 

‘It wouldn’t be out of line to speculate that Sean would be considered as a successor as he is one of the highest profile Army veterans serving at the top of Department right now, but both men are focused on serving the President and doing the job they have now.’ 

However, they added that Parnell lobbying for Driscoll’s job is ‘outsider spewing nonsense.’ 

When reached by The Daily Mail for comment, Parnell denied any conflict with Driscoll. 

US Army Vice Chief of Staff General Randy George was let go by Hegseth on Thursday

US Army Vice Chief of Staff General Randy George was let go by Hegseth on Thursday

The firing of George by Hegseth is an attempt to get rid of anyone perceived to be an ally of Driscoll, who is also said to be close to Vice President JD Vance

The firing of George by Hegseth is an attempt to get rid of anyone perceived to be an ally of Driscoll, who is also said to be close to Vice President JD Vance

‘Secretary Hegseth maintains excellent working relationships with the secretaries of every military service branch, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.’

A spokesperson for the White House backed Driscoll among several cabinet members who were said to be on the chopping block by anonymous sources.

‘President Trump has the most talented cabinet and team in American history. 

‘Patriots like Kash Patel, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Dan Driscoll are tirelessly implementing the President’s agenda and achieving tremendous results for the American people.’

Last night, following George’s departure, the Pentagon confirmed to the Daily Mail that two more high-level members of the Army had been fired: General David Hodne, head of the Army Transformation and Training Command; and Major General William Green Jr, the head of the Army’s chaplain corps.

Ousted General Hodne ran a department started by Biden-appointed General George, who was told to step down and take immediate retirement, CBS News reported.

A Pentagon official said: ‘We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.’

George is understood to have clashed with the Trump Administration’s vision for the Army.

Vice Chief of Staff General Christopher LaNeve, a former aide to Hegseth, will be the Army’s acting chief of staff. 

Another administration official, who remained anonymous, said that if Driscoll were fired, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell (pictured) is 'pushing himself' to replace him

Another administration official, who remained anonymous, said that if Driscoll were fired, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell (pictured) is ‘pushing himself’ to replace him

A spokesperson for the White House backed Driscoll among several cabinet members who were said to be on the chopping block by anonymous sources

A spokesperson for the White House backed Driscoll among several cabinet members who were said to be on the chopping block by anonymous sources 

Parnell described LaNeve as ‘a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience and is completely trusted by Secretary Hegseth to carry out the vision of this administration without fault.’

Hegseth’s decision comes as 50,000 US troops are deployed in the Middle East ahead of a possible ground invasion in Iran.

George was the senior-most uniformed officer in the Army – a four-star general and the 41st Chief of Staff responsible for organizing, training and equipping more than one million soldiers, though not a field commander directing tactical strikes.

George reported to General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Secretary Driscoll, the civilian head of the branch; and Hegseth, whose highest military rank was as an Army major.

George was confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning he is significantly short of completing the typical four-year term.

Hegseth has purged more than a dozen senior officers, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General James Slife and the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse.

George’s firing comes as the war in Iran remains extremely volatile with no end in sight.

Donald Trump vowed in a prime-time address Wednesday to bomb Iran ‘back to the Stone Ages’, claiming the conflict would wrap within two to three weeks. 

Oil prices spiked on the news as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s crude flows, remains strangled by the Islamic regime.

The Trump administration says that it is negotiating with Iran – claims which Tehran has rejected.

Trump has suggested in recent days he would be prepared to quit the war without securing the Strait, leaving it to Arab and European allies. 

The Pentagon has meanwhile furnished the President with audacious plans to seize Iran’s uranium with thousands of Marines and paratroopers now in the region.

Karren Brady Flaunts Impressive Weight Loss in Latest Family Photos

Baroness Karren Brady recently flaunted her impressive weight loss in a series of delightful family photos she posted on Instagram this past Friday.

The 57-year-old business mogul spent an enjoyable day at Chessington World of Adventures with her husband, Paul Peschisolido, 54, their daughter Sophia, and her grandchildren, all gathered to celebrate her grandson Leo’s second birthday.

In the cheerful pictures, Karren radiated happiness, showing off her newly slim physique in a chic brown wool coat as she posed warmly with her family.

She captioned the post: ‘We celebrated gorgeous Leo’s 2nd birthday at Chessington World of Adventures.

“He loved every single minute, especially the Gruffalo River Ride, while George took it all in from his pram (though it won’t be long before he’s joining in on the rides!),” she shared.

“Paul and I are very lucky to have special family days like these,” she added, punctuating her sentiment with a heart emoji.

Baroness Karren Brady continued to show off her weight loss as she shared sweet family snaps to Instagram on Friday (pictured with her husband Paul and their grandchildren Leo and George)

Baroness Karren Brady continued to show off her weight loss as she shared sweet family snaps to Instagram on Friday (pictured with her husband Paul and their grandchildren Leo and George)

It comes after Karren addressed the speculation surrounding her newly slimmed-down figure, after being hit by accusations that it was the result of weight loss medications.

She denied using the jabs and insisted her body transformation was achieved the old-fashioned way, through a controlled diet and regular exercise.

Speaking to The Sun about her weight loss, she claimed that asking questions about how she’d shed the pounds was an effort to ‘belittle’ her or ‘make her feel insecure’.

‘I’m not on Ozempic, but questions about women’s weight come up far more often than they should,’ she said. ‘I’d much prefer the conversation to be focused around my work.’

Karren went on: ‘Anyone can do anything they want to their own body. I have no problem with it at all. But people think they know something they don’t know, or they just presume.

‘And so what if I was? And what if I wasn’t? It would be my choice. I think the way people talk about women’s bodies is certainly an effort to belittle them or make them feel insecure.

‘I’ve been called too fat, too thin and everything in between. I’ve had a lifetime of it. All I want is to feel strong, physically and mentally.’

She previously admitted to losing as much as five kilograms before every Apprentice launch, ‘so I look my normal weight and I don’t look huge next to Alan [Sugar] as he’s so fit and healthy’.

The businesswoman, 57, enjoyed a fun-filled day out at Chessington World of Adventures with her husband, Paul Peschisolido, 54, daughter Sophia, and her grandchildren as they celebrated her grandson Leo's second birthday

The businesswoman, 57, enjoyed a fun-filled day out at Chessington World of Adventures with her husband, Paul Peschisolido, 54, daughter Sophia, and her grandchildren as they celebrated her grandson Leo’s second birthday

But Karren, who is the vice chairman of West Ham United, says Lord Sugar has been something of a health kick buddy.

‘He is great, he is very fit. He and my husband cycle when we go away on holiday. He is super fit himself, so if anyone is giving tips, it is him to me.

‘We went around Italy, which was lovely, on Lord Sugar’s boat. It was incredible. He is really lovely and has a wonderful family.’

A regular gym-goer, the mother of two insists she’s worked hard to incorporate frequent exercise into her hectic lifestyle.

‘You have to find the time to go, particularly as you get older,’ she said. ‘I have a very set routine that I do, but it’s mainly cardiovascular and weights, and I don’t mind the odd swim.

‘I go three or four times a week. I never have set days, because I’ve got a full-time job, then I have to go to the House of Lords often to vote, so I fit it in where I can.’

The businesswoman recently revealed that her weight loss was triggered by becoming a grandmother, after her daughter, Sophia Peschisolido welcomed sons, Leo and George.

Karren said: ‘I have been on a health kick, I became a grandma, and I wanted to be a fit, healthy grandma, so I started eating healthy and exercising.

It comes after Karren showcased her weight loss on Instagram on Friday, wearing a short-sleeved lace white blouse tucked into a bold pair of green trousers, finished with a Chanel belt

It comes after Karren showcased her weight loss on Instagram on Friday, wearing a short-sleeved lace white blouse tucked into a bold pair of green trousers, finished with a Chanel belt

Karren pictured in 2008

Karren pictured in 2008 

‘I haven’t joined [the Ozempic Club] – bloody hard work. It is okay losing it, it is keeping it off.

‘I have lost quite a bit – I don’t know, though, as I don’t weigh myself. I feel better for it. It is good because everything you put on fits.’

It comes as Apprentice candidate Kieran McCartney quit the show after back-to-back task failures – storming out of the boardroom before Lord Sugar could fire him.

Kieran, 27, lost the latest challenge to create a pet lifestyle brand and product, as well as his deal with Lord Sugar. 

During last week’s episode, the estate agent struck a dramatic ‘win or walk’ agreement with the business mogul, 79, after landing on the losing team in a live shopping channel task.

He said: ‘I’ve been project manager twice on the same task, if I stay in this process, I would like to be the project manager on task 10 to prove to you what I can do. If I lose, we shake hands, I walk out.’ 

Lord Sugar instead fired his rival, Conor Galvin, before granting Kieran his request – with a warning.

‘You wanted to be project manager,  you’ve got it,’ he said. ‘The bad news is, it’s got nothing to do with selling houses.’ Kieran stood firm, replying: ‘If I lose, I’ll walk.’

However, the pact spectacularly backfired when Kieran lost Thursday evening’s challenge, as his cat product failed to attract sales.

After missing out on a place in the final five and the chance to secure Lord Sugar’s £250,000 investment, Kieran said: ‘It was win or walk. I’m not a beg. I’m not going to beg for my place, a deal’s a deal and Lord Sugar hasn’t seen the last of me.’ 

Kieran added: ‘I think I am quite loud and out there, and I am quite an easy person to blame if it all goes wrong because I put my ideas out, whereas some people don’t get noticed as much. I could have stayed if I had fought for my spot.’

Alongside Kieran’s departure, his teammate Rothna Akhtar, who confessed to a fear of animals, was also fired from the process. 

Reflecting on her exit, she said: ‘It was disappointing in that immediate moment, but it wasn’t a complete shock because I was standing against Dan, who I knew had a really good business. 

‘I was in shock because I was so close to the final five, and I just felt this wave of disappointment. But slight relief because it’s an intense process. It was gut-wrenching when you’re so close to making final five.’

The Apprentice airs on Thursdays on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.

Fuel Supplies Restored, But Farmers Still Struggling to Keep Afloat, Warn Industry Leaders

0

Shifts in consumer purchasing patterns are intensifying the demand for diesel in Australia, prompting the nation to rely heavily on neighboring countries to maintain a steady flow of fuel tankers.

Although the challenge of meeting diesel demand persists, there are encouraging signs of increased supply movement both into and out of the country.

Petrol around Australia graphic
Almost 100 service stations across the country were restocked overnight and 312 are now out of diesel compared to 410 yesterday (9News)

Energy Minister Chris Bowen commented, “Fuel is being dispatched to service stations and farmers, while fresh supplies are arriving at Australia’s import terminals.”

Overnight, nearly 100 service stations received fresh supplies, reducing the number of stations out of diesel to 312 from 410 the previous day, with improvements noted nationwide. However, for the farming community, these measures are still insufficient.

“We are now five to six weeks into this conflict, and we’re operating on empty, merely scraping by,” stated Xavier Martin, President of NSW Farmers.

Australia’s emergency fuel stock levels remain stable at 39 days of petrol, 30 days of jet fuel and down just one day on last week to 29 for diesel.

Man filling up tractor
Despite the struggle to keep up with demand for diesel, there are signs extra supply is starting to flow in and out.   (9News)

Buying habits are changing with more people filling up their tanks more often.

Viva Energy’s Geelong refinery reported a 30 per cent rise in demand in the lead up to Easter this year.

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said Aussies were still “stockpiling”.

“Some of it is panic buying but it’s also industry and agriculture accessing their diesel and using it differently,” he said.

Farming
While a record amount of fuel is on its way to Australia from the United States, the prime minister is still leaning on suppliers closer to home. (9News)

While a record amount of fuel is on its way to Australia from the United States, the prime minister is still leaning on suppliers closer to home including a push to strengthen ties with Singapore which needs our gas.

“Anthony Albanese Penny Wong and myself have been in constant contact with our counterparts around the region, sharing notes about the crisis, sharing notes about helping each other through, getting assurances from other countries that they will be reliable energy suppliers just as we are reliable energy suppliers to them,” Bowen added.

Planning is also underway for a possible visit to Australia from Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

If locked in it could be another chance to secure some of its oil supply in exchange for our energy resources.

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

Revolutionize Healthcare: South Carolina Unveils New Online Portal for Reporting Facility Concerns


COLUMBIA, S.C. — In a bid to enhance the efficiency of reporting issues at licensed health care facilities, the South Carolina Department of Public Health has introduced a user-friendly online portal. This initiative aims to simplify the process for residents wishing to report concerns regarding various health establishments.

The newly launched portal encompasses a diverse array of facilities, ranging from nursing homes and dialysis centers to home health agencies and even tattoo and body piercing studios. By guiding users through a series of questions, the system assists the DPH staff in effectively addressing complaints. Moreover, it automatically populates essential facility details, such as license numbers and administrator contact information, thus reducing the burden on users.

With this system, officials hope to streamline complaint procedures, accelerate the investigation process, and ultimately enhance the safety and quality of care provided across South Carolina.

For those unable to access the online portal, the DPH’s Healthcare Quality office remains available to assist via telephone at 1-800-922-6735.

To learn more or to lodge a complaint, individuals are encouraged to visit the DPH’s “File a Complaint” page.

Ty Rodgers: Inspiring the Illini Off the Court With Unwavering Leadership


INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WCIA) — Two years after the Huskies eliminated the Fighting Illini in the Elite Eight, only one player from that Illinois team is still on the roster: Ty Rodgers.

That crushing defeat to UConn marked the last game Rodgers played for Illinois. Since then, he has spent a year as a redshirt and has been sidelined for the entirety of the 2025-26 season due to injury. Despite his absence from the court, the junior guard has continued to have a significant influence on the program.

Tragic Loss on ‘Drag Race Philippines’: Misua’s Passing Halts Production

0

The upcoming season of “Drag Race: Philippines” experienced an unexpected and tragic halt following the untimely passing of one of its cast members at just 27 years old. The production, already underway, has been paused in light of this loss.

Jayson Elvie Ty, known professionally as drag queen Misua, passed away in her sleep earlier this week. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, the impact of her loss reverberates through the drag community and beyond.

World of Wonder, the production company behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and its global editions, conveyed the heartbreaking news via social media. Their post honored Misua’s contribution to the show and highlighted the void her absence will leave.

“We are heartbroken to share that Misua, a talented Queen set to appear on season four of ‘Drag Race: Philippines,’ passed away in her sleep the morning of April 2,” the statement read, accompanied by a poignant image of Misua. “She brought light, artistry, and joy to those around her, and she will be deeply missed.”

The post further explained, “We have paused production to care for and support our cast and crew during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who loved her.”

“We are in contact with her family who have asked for privacy during this hard time.”

The post has attracted a flood of comments from other stars of the “Drag Race” franchise.

“Sending so much love,” wrote longtime US judge Michelle Visage.

“Devastating! Sending all my love to everyone involved,” wrote “Drag Race UK” contestant Blu Hydrangea.

“Sending so much love and light to Misua and her family,” wrote “Drag Race US” finalist Sapphira Cristal.

Fans of the franchise also asked World of Wonder not to edit whatever Misua might have filmed for this upcoming season out of the show, as a way to honor her legacy.

Misua’s family also shared a tribute of their own on social media, writing on Facebook: “Jayson was our dearly loved son, brother, friend, mentor, and most of all, Jayson is a star.

“He will be greatly missed by his loving family and close friends.”

Misua’s death comes weeks after a contestant from the Australian version of the show, “Drag Race Down Under,” died after a battle with cancer.

Maxi Shield, 51, was one of the most famous faces in Sydney’s LGBT nightlife, and rose to global fame after competing on season one of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under,” which aired in 2021.

The Sydney star, whose real name was Kristopher Elliot, died in February after being diagnosed with throat cancer.

She received a funeral procession down Oxford Street for her final send-off.