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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Thousands of ABC staff will walk off the job this week for the first time in 20 years after rejecting the national broadcaster’s latest pay offer.
Employees were informed today that 60% did not approve the proposed enterprise agreement, which included a 10% salary increase over three years and a $1,000 sign-on bonus.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) revealed that over 75% of the workforce participated in the vote, following extensive negotiations between ABC management and union representatives.
Staff were notified today that 60 per cent of employees voted against a draft enterprise agreement. (Christopher Pearce)
The ABC has a workforce of approximately 4,500 individuals.
As a result of the vote, a 24-hour protected strike is set to commence at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
“CPSU members do not take the decision to strike lightly. The overwhelming participation in this action highlights their frustration with the negotiation process,” stated Jocelyn Gammie, ABC Section Secretary.
“ABC staff work hard to provide high quality services for the Australian community. They deserve to be treated with respect and that means a decent pay offer and fair agreement.”
“The last thing union members want to do is inconvenience loyal ABC audiences by disrupting programming and services, but key bargaining claims remain unresolved,” Gammie added.
“Unless the ABC put a fair offer on the table, disruptions are inevitable.”
The last major industrial action to take place at the broadcaster was in 2006, when ABC staff stopped work nationwide for 24 hours.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) also represents ABC staff.
Nine.com.au has contacted the ABC for comment.
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A new trend in shaving technology is gaining traction across the United States, as a range of ‘gentler’ shaving tools, including electric devices that mimic the single-blade style, are becoming increasingly popular. These tools promise a closer shave with reduced risk of ingrown hairs.
Traditionally, many men and women have relied on multi-blade razors. While effective, these razors can strip away the skin’s protective barrier and slice hair beneath the skin’s surface, leading to bumps, redness, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Additionally, these blades tend to accumulate dead skin cells after just one use, potentially increasing the chance of infection.
In contrast, single-blade shavers—handheld tools designed to trim wet hair on the face or body—are gaining favor because they cut hair just above the skin’s surface, significantly lowering the likelihood of developing those pesky and painful ingrown hairs.
Some of these devices are powered electrically, allowing the blade to cut even further away from the skin, thereby minimizing irritation even more effectively.
Dermatologists often suggest these single-blade options for individuals who experience skin irritation or ingrown hairs as part of their shaving routine, highlighting their benefits for those facing such challenges.
But these devices are not without their own risks, with some saying they may be more likely to cause nicks and cuts that, in serious cases, may leave scars.
Some users are already coming forward to report irritation, nicks and discomfort from these shavers, including one individual who wrote online after using a popular electric single-blade shaver: ‘Am I the only one who has irritated skin after shaving with [a single-blade razor]?
‘I don’t have a lot of facial hair, so the shaver shouldn’t have any problems with my stubble. I shave every day… I have reddened skin on my neck and chin, and I can see light cuts.’
Shown above is an individual who posted on Reddit to warn that a single-blade razor had left him with cuts on his neck
The above shows marks on the neck of an individual who said they occurred while he was using a single-blade razor to shave
A second warned: ‘I started using [a single-blade] a few months ago because I always ended up with an irritated neck using regular razors. However, it gives me nicks… It always leaves some nicks.’
And a woman, who shaved her legs with a single-blade razor, added: ‘[The single-blade razor] almost took my damn leg off. Do not use this unless you are some kind of expert shaver.’
Single-blade razors have been around for centuries.
In modern years, they were largely replaced by multi-blade razors, which can deliver a closer and smoother shave, but reports suggest many are now turning back to using the single-blade design to avoid skin irritation and redness.
It is not clear what proportion of Americans use a single-blade razor compared to a multi-blade design, but it appears they are growing in popularity.
Single-blade razors cost about $30 for a single handheld reusable shaver, $40 for an electrified version, or less than $1 for a disposable device.
Single-blade razors are reusable, although customers are generally urged to swap out the blades every two to three months.
Recently, more individuals have been shifting toward using single-blade razors, reports suggest (stock image)
The above photo shows an image of a single-blade razor priced at around $30. The blade is inserted into the middle section of the razor (stock image)
With standard multiblade shavers, the devices range in price from $30 to $60, but customers are told to change the blades after every five to 15 shaves.
Using blades for longer than recommended raises the risk of skin redness and irritation due to dull blades scraping the skin. It also raises the risk of dead skin and shaving products building up in razors, which could cause an infection.
Dr Luke Maxfield, a dermatologist in Tennessee, told the Daily Mail: ‘With the single-blade, the risk of ingrown hairs is actually less, but you are also more likely to cut yourself.
‘With the multi-blade, you, in a sense, have a little less control, because the angle is predetermined based on the build, and it has features to catch you and prevent a cut if you are not paying attention.
‘This is not the case with a single-blade, which makes it a bit more of a learning curve.
‘This means you’re much more likely to be accidentally cutting yourself when you first start using the devices, although, if you are experienced, there’s nothing to say you would be more likely to cut yourself than with another razor.’
Maxfield, who uses a multi-blade razor for his face and single-blade for his neck, added that the cuts raised the risk of infection or, in severe cases, scarring on the face.
He said the risk of suffering a cut due to the razor was not strong enough for people to shy away from them if they were suffering from skin redness, ingrown hairs, and thought that the single-blade might benefit them.
The above shows bumps and redness on the skin, which the user said occurred after he used a single-blade razor
Dr Mona Foad, a dermatologist in Ohio, added to Daily Mail: ‘Even though a single blade may be gentler on the skin, it still needs to be used carefully.
‘One of the biggest things to keep in mind is to avoid repeated passes over the same area, since that can create irritation, compromise the skin barrier and increase the likelihood of razor burn.’
Both dermatologists recommended that people shave using a clean, sharp blade, and change their razor blades regularly.
They recommended shaving on well lubricated skin, such as that covered by shaving gel, which can improve the shave and lower the risk of scrapes or cuts.
They also said that shavers should not be stored in the shower or by the bath, saying this raised the risk of them rusting or picking up bacteria that could cause complications.
Razor burn is a common condition where the skin becomes temporarily red and irritated after someone shaves the hair on it.
Rhysa Phommachanh, a health and skincare expert at Landys Chemist, told Daily Mail: ‘It’s important to note that no shaving method is completely risk-free.
‘Skin irritation can occur when going over the same area multiple times.
‘As [single-blade] razors trim hair at the surface rather than below it, some users may find they need to go over certain areas more than once to achieve a closer finish, which can increase the likelihood of irritation if not done carefully.
‘It’s therefore important to shave gently and avoid applying too much pressure.’
Experts advise using masks, over-the-counter remedies, and seeking medical advice if your allergy symptoms disrupt sleep, work, or school.
ATLANTA — For millions of Americans, allergy season spells discomfort as pollen from trees, grass, and other plants triggers symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, and persistent sneezing and coughing.
Your location, specific allergies, and lifestyle can significantly influence the severity of your symptoms. While climate change is contributing to longer and more intense allergy seasons, experts also highlight that treatments have become more effective in recent years.
Here are some expert-recommended strategies to manage allergy symptoms, potentially allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without discomfort.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America releases an annual list ranking the most challenging cities for allergy sufferers, considering factors such as pollen levels, the use of over-the-counter medications, and the availability of allergy specialists.
New cities top the list of ‘allergy capitals’
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists.
This year, the top five cities are: Boise, Idaho; San Diego; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Provo, Utah; and Rochester, New York.
Pollen helps plants reproduce — and makes us miserable
Pollen is the powdery substance made by seed-producing plants and trees that is part of their reproductive process. Earlier in the spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. After that, grasses pollinate, followed by weeds in the late summer and early fall.
Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.
Here’s how to track pollen levels
Pollen trackers can help you decide when to go outside. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology tracks levels through a network of counting stations across the U.S. Counts are available at its website and via email.
The first step is to try to avoid pollen altogether
The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. Keep the windows in your car and your home closed, even when it’s nice outside.
If you go outside, wearing long sleeves can keep pollen off your skin to help ward off allergic reactions, said Dr. James Baker, an allergist at the University of Michigan. It also provides some sun protection, he added.
When you get home, change your clothes and shower daily to ensure all the pollen is off of you — including your hair. If you can’t wash your hair every day, try covering it when you go outside with a hat or scarf. Don’t get into bed with your outside clothes on, because the pollen will follow.
It’s also useful to rinse your eyes and nose with saline to remove any pollen, experts said. And the same masks that got us through the pandemic can protect you from allergies — though they won’t help with eye symptoms.
How to relieve allergy symptoms
Over-the-counter nasal sprays are among the most effective treatments for seasonal allergies, experts said.
But patients often use them incorrectly, irritating parts of the nose, said Dr. Kathleen May, an allergist at Augusta University in Georgia. She suggested angling the nozzle outward toward your ear rather than sticking it straight up your nose.
Over-the-counter allergy pills like Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec are helpful, but may not be as effective as quickly since they’re taken by mouth, experts said.
If your allergy symptoms are impacting your quality of life, like causing you to lose sleep or loose focus at work or school, it might be time to consider making an appointment with an allergist. Some medications can train your immune system not to overreact to allergens.
Some remedies for allergy relief that have been circulating on social media or suggested by celebrities — like incorporating local honey into your diet to expose yourself to pollen — have been debunked.
Dr. Shyam Joshi, an allergist at Oregon Health and Science University, said that’s because the flowers that bees pollinate typically don’t contain the airborne pollen that causes allergy symptoms.
Is allergy season changing?
Winters are milder and growing seasons are longer as the climate is changing, meaning there’s more opportunity for pollen to stay in the air, resulting in longer and more severe allergy seasons.
Last year was one of the most intense allergy seasons on record, particularly in the Southeast U.S.
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A chilling mystery unfolded on Thanksgiving Day in 1995, when a man was discovered dead in his car, nearly frozen, and seemingly the victim of a bungled robbery. However, the key to unraveling the case lay in an unexpected place—a salami sandwich—which exposed a web of deceit and a lethal love triangle.
On November 23, 1995, rather than preparing a festive meal, Stella Lacy found herself making an urgent call to 911 from her home in Schenectady, New York. Her husband, Paul Lacey, had been missing since the previous night around 11:30 p.m. Stella recounted to the dispatcher that Paul had been in the kitchen when she went to bed, but by morning, he was gone and unreachable.
“It was very odd that Uncle Paul wouldn’t be at Thanksgiving,” said Paul’s niece, Nathalia Bowman, recalling the unsettling day during a March 15 episode of Oxygen’s “Snapped.” “His life revolved around family.”
As police delved into the case, they interviewed Stella at home, where Paul’s cousin, Ron Faulkner, was temporarily residing. They learned that on the eve of Thanksgiving, Paul and Ron had gone out for some last-minute shopping, returning home by 11 p.m. Their neighbor, Calvin Smith, had also stopped by for a visit, and Stella noted that when she retired for the night, all three men were together.
Police questioned Stella at home, where Paul’s cousin Ron Faulkner was temporarily living, and learned that on Thanksgiving Eve, Paul and Ron went to the store for last-minute groceries, returning home at 11 p.m. That’s when neighbor Calvin Smith stopped by to say hello and, when Stella went to bed, all three men were together.
When police asked Stella about any factors that could have contributed to Paul’s disappearance, she came up empty. The couple did struggle with finances and they were in debt, said Stella, however she insisted that Paul wouldn’t leave her and their children, ages 9, 7, and 16 months.
A few days later, Paul’s dead body was found inside his 1986 Volvoparked against traffic on a one-way street only three blocks from home. Paul’s rings and wallet were missing and his pants pockets were turned inside out. Police suspected it was a robbery, until they saw that Paul’s neck bore two rounds of ligature marks—as if he had been strangled with a rope.
“Strangulation is not a typical means of death in a robbery case,” Carol DeMare, a retired reporter for Albany’s Times Union told Snapped. “People who strangle other people usually have a personal relationship—it could have been by someone who was close to him.”
It wasn’t long before the police found Stella’s story inconsistent. Whereas Stella initially reported that Paul never came upstairs to bed, she now recalled that the couple had gone to bed together—after Paul had eaten a salami sandwich. This time around, Stella also omitted mention of neighbor Calvin Smith on the night Paul vanished.
Paul’s autopsy results—homicide due to strangulation—were eye-opening.
Despite Stella’s claim that Paul had eaten a sandwich that night, the contents of his stomach were empty, which suggested that Stella might have lied to police. Then, an anonymous tipster reported that Paul wore eyeglasses, yet none were found in the car. Police had to wonder: Did Paul really die in his car?
Ron, Stella and Calvin were questioned at the police station—and their testimonies broke the case.
A Deadly Love Triangle
Stella admitted to police that her marriage was far from idyllic. Not only had the Laceys filed for bankruptcy due to Paul’s overspending, he had two life insurance policies worth $50K.
Further incriminating Stella was her admission of infidelity: She and Ron were having an affair, with the first anniversary of their relationshipfalling on Thanksgiving Day. Stella claimed she and Ron hated Paul and had even daydreamed about life without him. Stella said she never took the idea seriously—until Ron cooked up a plan.
According to Stella, she and Paul were in bed on Thanksgiving Eve when Ron called to Paul that he had a phone call downstairs. Shortly after Paul left the bedroom, Ron entered and asked Stella to come downstairs. Stella said she found Ron and Calvin in a room together—along with Paul who lay face-down on the floor, dead from strangulation.
Everyone then sprang into action.
Stella said she instructed Calvin to flush the rope down the toilet and retrieved Paul’s clothing and shoes. After all three dressed Paul, Ron and Calvin carried him to the car and drove a few blocks away. The men removed Paul’s rings and money from his pocket to make the crime scene appear like a robbery, while Stella stayed home to clean up.
The men also confessed to Paul’s murder.
Ron conceded that he was in love with Stella and wanted Paul out of the picture, so he fabricated a phone call to Ron, asking Calvin to hide behind a door with a rope.
“Calvin just pulled as hard as he could for a couple of minutes,” James Horton, a retired New York State police senior investigator told Snapped, “and Ron actually jumped on top of Calvin and put more weight on Paul.”
“As he’s dying,” Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy told Snapped, “Ron leans forward, kisses Paul on the forehead, and tells him, ‘I’m sorry, but everyone can now be at peace.’”
“She Was the Puppet Master”
Calvin told police that Stella convinced him to participate in the murder by promising him $100 upfront, along with a portion of Paul’s life insurance payout and proceeds from the sale of his rings.
Stella, Ron and Calvin were arrested and charged individually with murder, tampering with evidence and conspiracy. Police, however, believed that Stella was largely at fault.
“Stella manipulated them both into doing it,” said Horton. “She was the puppet master.”
In August 1996, Stella went on trial for the murder of Paul Lacy, while Calvin and Ron, potentially facing the death penalty, accepted plea deals. Calvin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, while Ron pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The men were each sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
Stella’s attorneys argued that she didn’t have prior knowledge of or participate in Paul’s murder, only helping to dispose of the body. Calvin, however, testified that Stella ordered him to make Paul’s murder look like a robbery and that she desired him dead before Thanksgiving.
Stella was convicted of criminally negligent homicide, tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution. She was sentenced to 10 to 32 years in prison.
A man facing accusations of killing a pregnant woman and her unborn child on her commute in Washington state has been acquitted due to insanity.
Cordell Goosby faced charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder for the tragic shooting of 34-year-old Eina Kwon and her unborn baby in June 2023, an attack that also left her husband, Evan Sung Kwon, wounded during an unprovoked incident in Seattle.
Kwon, who was eight months pregnant with her second child, suffered four gunshot wounds, including hits to her chest and head, while the family was stopped at a red light on their way to operate their Japanese eatery.
Authorities apprehended Goosby later, where he reportedly surrendered with his hands raised, confessing, “I did it! I did it!” according to court records sourced by Fox News.
On Saturday, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office approved the ruling of not guilty by reason of insanity for Goosby, a decision his defense team had secured just a day prior.
The ruling means that while he admits carrying out the brutal attack, he will not be held criminally responsible because of his mental state at the time.
His defense pursued an insanity plea prior to trial, with both a defense expert and an independent expert hired by prosecutors concluding he was legally insane at the time of the shooting.
Goosby will be committed to the custody of the state Department of Social and Health Services for treatment at a psychiatric hospital, such as Western State Hospital, according to KOMO News.
Cordell Goosby (pictured), accused of fatally shooting a pregnant woman and her unborn baby on her way to work in Washington, was found not guilty by reason of insanity
Goosby allegedly shot 34-year-old Eina Kwon (left) and her unborn child to death in June 2023, leaving her husband, Evan Sung Kwon (right), injured in the random attack
Kwon and her husband were in her white Tesla, stopped at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street on their way to work at their Japanese restaurant, Aburiya Bento House
Surveillance footage captured Goosby running toward the family’s car with a gun in hand (pictured)
‘This does not mean that Mr Goosby will be released to the streets now, a week from now, or in the immediate future,’ the office stressed in a statement.
He could be locked in a psychiatric hospital for life, with officials repeatedly reviewing whether he remains a threat.
Any attempt to loosen restrictions or set him free would have to clear multiple layers of scrutiny – prosecutors, a judge and a state safety panel.
Ultimately, the court now holds full control over whether Goosby will ever be granted unconditional release.
The ruling comes more than two years after Goosby gunned down the pregnant mother in a broad daylight attack described by then-Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell as an ‘unimaginable tragedy.’
On June 13, 2023, Kwon and her husband were in her white Tesla, stopped at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Lenora Street on their way to work at their restaurant, Aburiya Bento House.
Witnesses described Goosby randomly running toward the family’s car with a gun in hand before firing through the driver’s side window.
Carliss Todd, who works close by, told KIRO News at the time that he heard three or four gunshots and saw a man sprinting away with a large rifle.
Kwon, who was eight months pregnant with her second child, was shot four times – including in the chest and head (family pictured)
Goosby (pictured) will be committed to the custody of the state Department of Social and Health Services for treatment at a psychiatric hospital
Responding officers described Goosby as appearing to be in the midst of a crisis at the time of his arrest
A nearby worker told KIRO News at the time that he heard three or four gunshots and saw a man sprinting away with a large rifle (pictured)
‘An unknown gunshot rang out, and instinctively, the husband tightly embraced his wife. Despite feeling no pain due to the suddenness of the incident, he realized that the objects hitting his arm were bullets,’ friend Dong Won wrote in a GoFundMe.
‘Thinking he had successfully blocked all the randomly flying bullets, he turned to look at his wife and noticed that she had been shot and was in critical condition,’ he added. ‘He frantically tore his clothes to stem his wife’s bleeding.’
In the aftermath of the shooting, another bystander said they saw an injured man, believed to be Kwon’s husband, lying in the street.
In court papers, prosecutors wrote: ‘In a short span of time, he fired a gun in the victim’s car window, striking the victims inside the car,’ according to Fox.
‘After firing all the bullets he had in the gun into the victims’ car, he turned and ran from the scene,’ they added, noting that he also got rid of the weapon. ‘The defendant’s actions left a family and community shattered.’
Kwon was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where doctors performed an emergency cesarean section in a desperate bid to save her unborn child.
The restaurateur was pronounced dead shortly after giving birth and her baby died a short time later. Her husband, who was shot in the arm, was released from treatment soon after.
‘Sung was able to hold his beautiful daughter for a quick moment to say goodbye,’ Won said in the fundraiser.
Bodycam footage obtained by KING 5 News showed Goosby telling officers after the shooting that his life was ‘in danger’ (pictured)
At the police station, Goosby said: ‘I blacked out with everything, so it was kind of like a blur’ (pictured)
Pictured above is a memorial set up at the family’s restaurant
‘Doctors were able to remove the bullets from his arm, but fragments scattered inside could not be removed,’ he added. ‘Fortunately, the bones and nerves were not affected.’
Authorities quickly found Goosby, who allegedly claimed he fired at the couple’s Tesla because he thought they had a gun, though surveillance footage showed him running up to the window with his arm extended.
‘As he approached the vehicle, smoke could be seen coming from either the handgun he was firing or from the shattered glass window of the vehicle,’ Won wrote.
Because of his criminal record as a convicted felon in Illinois, Goosby was prohibited from owning a gun, and officials later claimed the weapon he used on the Kwons had been stolen.
He allegedly also admitted to officers that he had long struggled with mental health issues, with responding officers describing him as appearing to be in the midst of a crisis at the time of his arrest.
Bodycam footage obtained by KING 5 News showed Goosby approaching officers after the shooting, repeatedly telling them his life was ‘in danger.’
In footage captured at the police station, Goosby said: ‘I blacked out with everything, so it was kind of like a blur.’
Documents previously obtained by The Daily Mail revealed that he had been arrested in Illinois on multiple drug and weapons charges, as well as for theft.
In court papers, prosecutors wrote: ‘In a short span of time, he fired a gun in the victim’s car window’
Kwon (pictured with husband) was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where doctors performed an emergency cesarean section. Both she and her baby passed away
Goosby (pictured) was previously arrested in Illinois on multiple drug and weapons charges, as well as for theft
Goosby’s ruling means that he admits to carrying out the attack, but will not be held criminally responsible because of his mental state (pictured: Kwon and her husband)
During this week’s ruling, officials emphasized that some individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity in serious felony cases – including homicides from decades ago – remain confined in state hospitals, according to KOMO.
Prosecutors confirmed they would have gone to trial if their expert had ruled that Goosby was sane at the time he carried out the deadly attack.
They explained that under state law, a homicide charge cannot be applied to an unborn child unless the baby is born alive, and there was not enough evidence to pursue manslaughter since Goosby may not have known Kwon was pregnant.
When it comes to addressing hip dips and the surrounding fat, a seasoned personal trainer with over 35 years of experience suggests that standing exercises may be more effective than floor work for individuals over the age of 45.
Drawing from my extensive experience as the director and fitness educator at TRAINFITNESS, I’ve had the opportunity to work with countless women over 45. A frequent concern that arises is the appearance of hip dips and the fat that accumulates around them. Despite the plethora of advice circulating on social media, much of it is misguided and fails to yield desired results. Allow me to clarify what truly works.
Hip dips are the natural indentations that occur between the hip bone and the upper thigh. It’s important to understand that their presence is entirely normal and not indicative of one’s fitness level. The so-called “hip dip fat” refers to the fat that tends to settle around this area and becomes more apparent as we age.
Why Hip Dip Fat Is So Stubborn
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For individuals over 45, hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause significantly impact fat distribution. As estrogen levels decrease, the body begins to store more fat around the hips, thighs, and lower abdomen. Moreover, fat cells in these regions become more resistant to breakdown. Compounding the issue, metabolism slows by approximately 2–8% per decade starting at age 40, leading to a reduced caloric burn at rest.
After 45, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause shift where your body stores fat. Oestrogen levels drop and your body starts storing more fat around your hips, thighs and lower abdomen. The fat cells in these areas also become more resistant to being broken down. Your metabolism slows by about 2–8% per decade after 40, which means your body burns fewer calories at rest.
The biggest mistake people make is thinking they can spot reduce this area. You cannot target fat loss in one specific part of your body. Doing hundreds of side leg lifts or hip abductions won’t burn the fat around your hip dips. Your body decides where it loses fat, and it’s largely determined by genetics and hormones.
The second mistake is focusing only on cardio. While cardio burns calories during the session, it doesn’t do much after you’ve finished. Women over 45 need to build and maintain muscle mass because we lose about 3–8% of our muscle per decade after 30. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, which means fewer calories burned throughout the day.
The third mistake is doing exercises lying down. Most floor exercises for hips don’t actually create enough resistance to stimulate real change. They might make the area feel like it’s working, but they’re not challenging enough to build muscle or burn significant calories.
Why Standing Beats Floor Work
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Standing exercises work your entire body at once. When you’re on the floor doing leg lifts, you’re only moving one limb. When you’re standing, your core has to stabilise your torso, your supporting leg has to hold your weight, and your working leg has to move against gravity. This burns more calories and builds more muscle.
Standing exercises also improve your functional fitness. We don’t spend our daily lives on the floor doing leg lifts. We stand, we walk, we climb stairs, we reach for things. Training in standing positions makes you stronger for the movements you actually do, which means better balance and more confidence in daily activities.
For women over 45, standing work is also easier on your joints. Getting down and up from the floor repeatedly can be hard on knees and hips. Standing exercises let you work just as hard without that stress.
Standing routines build bone density better than floor work, too. Weight-bearing exercises send signals to your bones to stay strong — especially important after 45 when bone density naturally declines.
And standing exercises can be progressed more easily. You can add weights, change your stance width, increase your range of motion or adjust your speed. Floor exercises are much harder to increase in complexity once you’ve mastered them.
Side Step Squats
This exercise works your glutes, outer thighs and core while burning calories. The lateral movement targets the muscles around your hips, and the squat position engages your entire lower body.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, outer thighs, core
How to Do It:
Stand with feet hip-width apart
Step your right foot out to the side about two feet
Bend both knees and push your hips back like you’re sitting into a chair
Keep your chest up and your weight in your heels
Push back to standing and bring your feet together
Repeat on the left side, alternating for 90 seconds
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your knees collapse inward — they should track in the same direction as your toes
Don’t just drop straight down — your hips should move back and down, not just down
Don’t rush through it — slow down and control the movement; you should feel your outer thighs and glutes working.
Standing Side Leg Raises with Pulse
This exercise directly works the muscles on the outside of your hip and thigh. The pulse at the top keeps the muscle under tension for longer, which builds strength and burns more calories.
Muscles Trained: Hip abductors, outer thighs
How to Do It:
Stand tall with your feet together
Shift your weight onto your left leg
Lift your right leg out to the side about 12 inches off the ground
At the top, pulse up and down in a small range (about 2 inches) for three pulses
Lower your leg back down with control
Do 45 seconds on each side
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t lift your leg too high — this causes you to lean your torso to the opposite side, taking the work out of the target muscles and putting it into your lower back
Don’t swing the leg — the movement should be controlled both up and down
If you’re losing balance, hold onto a chair or wall with one hand.
Curtsy Lunges
Curtsy lunges work your glutes from a different angle than regular lunges. They also challenge your balance and work your inner and outer thighs at the same time.
Step your right foot back and across behind your left leg like you’re doing a curtsy
Bend both knees and lower down until your back knee is close to the floor
Keep your front knee over your front ankle
Push through your front heel to stand back up
Alternate legs for 90 seconds
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t let your front knee cave inward — keep it aligned with your toes
Don’t step back too narrowly — the wider you step, the more you’ll work your glutes
Don’t lean forward — keep your chest up and your core engaged
If you’re struggling with balance, reduce your range of motion or hold onto something until you build strength.
Lateral Step Ups
This exercise combines strength and cardio. It works your glutes, thighs and core while getting your heart rate up. The stepping motion also improves your functional fitness for stairs.
Muscles Trained: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, core
How to Do It:
Stand next to a sturdy step or box about knee height
Place your right foot on the step
Push through your right heel to lift your body up onto the step
Bring your left foot up to meet your right
Step back down with your left foot first, then your right
Do 45 seconds leading with your right leg, then 45 seconds leading with your left
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t push off with your bottom foot — the work should come from the leg on the step, not the leg on the ground
Don’t use momentum — control the movement both up and down
Don’t start with a step that’s too high — begin lower and progress as you get stronger; if your knee comes past your toes at the bottom, the step is too high.
Standing Hip Circles
This exercise works your hips through their full range of motion. It strengthens the muscles around your hip joint and improves mobility, which tends to decrease after 45.
Muscles Trained: Hip flexors, glutes, hip abductors and adductors
How to Do It:
Stand on your left leg with your right leg lifted slightly off the ground
Draw circles in the air with your right knee, making them as large as you can control
Do 45 seconds clockwise, then 45 seconds anticlockwise
Switch legs
Avoid These Mistakes:
Don’t make the circles too small — challenge yourself to make them larger while keeping your torso stable
Don’t let your hips shift around — your standing hip should stay stacked over your ankle
Don’t hold your breath — keep breathing normally throughout
Hold onto a wall or chair if you need support for balance.
How to Structure Your Routine
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Do this routine as a circuit, moving from one exercise straight into the next with no rest between exercises. This keeps your heart rate up and burns more calories in a short time.
Start with a brief warmup: march in place for 30 seconds, do some arm circles and a few gentle hip rotations. This gets blood flowing to your muscles and reduces injury risk.
Work through all five exercises in order. The total work time is 7.5 minutes. After you finish the last exercise, walk around for 30 seconds to a minute to bring your heart rate down gradually. Don’t sit down immediately.
Do this routine 4–5 times per week for the best results. Your body needs rest days to recover and build muscle. Three times per week is the minimum to see changes, but more frequent sessions will give you faster results.
You can do this routine on its own or add it to the end of a walk. It works well as a finisher after cardio, or on days when you’re doing upper body work.
After about four weeks of consistent training, progress the routine. Add light ankle weights or small dumbbells, increase your range of motion on each exercise, move more slowly to increase time under tension, or add an extra round of the circuit if you have time.
What Results to Expect
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In the first two weeks, you won’t notice any visual results — but you will feel the difference. The workouts will become easier, your balance will improve, and you’ll feel more energised throughout the day. That’s how you’ll know your muscles are getting stronger.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e
After a month, you might notice your pants sitting slightly better on your hips and thighs. The area will feel a bit tighter when you press on it. Going up the stairs or getting in and out of your car will probably become easier, and your posture will likely improve without you even noticing.
After two months, other people will probably start to notice that you look different. Your lower body will be taking shape, your hips and thighs will be more toned, and the fat around the hip dips will feel tighter. With consistent exercise and managed nutrition, some fat loss around the area is realistic.
After three months, you’ll start to notice an actual change in muscle tone. Your legs will be stronger, your balance will have improved markedly, and the muscles around your hips will be strong enough to make the hip dips less noticeable — even if they’re still there.
Keep in mind that hip dips are part of your bone structure. Results will vary from woman to woman. The goal isn’t to remove a part of your anatomy that’s meant to be there — it’s to strengthen your muscles and reduce the fat around the area. Some women will notice significant results, others moderate results. Either way, if you’re stronger and healthier than when you started, that’s a real win.
The Nutrition Factor
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You cannot out-exercise a bad diet. This 7-minute workout burns around 50–70 calories — less than a small banana. Exercise will make you more muscular and fitter, but it won’t remove fat on its own. To lose fat around your hip dips, or anywhere else, you need to be in a calorie deficit. That means consuming slightly fewer calories than your body uses each day. A deficit of 300–500 calories per day will result in a slow and sustainable loss of around 0.5–1lb per week.
Once you’re over 45, you need more protein. Aim for around 0.8–1g of protein per lb of body weight per day. Protein helps you maintain or even build muscle, which keeps your metabolism higher. It also keeps you full, making it easier to stay in a deficit. Good sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese and legumes.
Cut down on processed foods and added sugars. They provide a lot of calories for very little nutrition and they won’t keep you full. Focus instead on whole foods — vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. They provide more nutrition per calorie and will keep your energy levels more stable.
Drink plenty of water. Sometimes you can feel hungry when you’re actually just thirsty. Aim for around 2 litres per day, more if you’re exercising or it’s hot.
Don’t cut your calories too low. This will slow your metabolism, cause you to lose muscle alongside fat, and leave you feeling tired and irritable — which you won’t be able to sustain long term. A moderate deficit you can stick to is always better than a severe one you can’t.
Fat loss isn’t always linear. Some weeks you’ll notice changes and some weeks you won’t. All that matters is the trend over months, not over any given week. Consistency is everything — with both exercise and nutrition.
Tragedy struck over the weekend in Minnesota as NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children perished in a house fire, the NHL confirmed on Sunday.
For the past ten years, Pierce, aged 37, was a dedicated correspondent for NHL.com, focusing on the Minnesota Wild.
“Our hearts are utterly shattered by the loss of Jessi and her children,” expressed Bill Price, NHL.com’s vice president and editor-in-chief. “Jessi’s dedication to her family and the game of hockey shone brightly in her work with us. Engaging and passionate, she was an absolute pleasure to converse with and collaborate alongside. Her absence will be profoundly felt.”
Saturday morning, emergency responders were called to a blaze in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Alerted by neighbors who saw flames erupting from the roof, firefighters arrived to find an adult, three children, and a dog inside the house—all of whom had sadly passed away, according to the White Bear Lake Fire Department. The department withheld the victims’ identities in their statement released Saturday.
The cause of the devastating fire remains under investigation.
“Out hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy. We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson said in the statement.
The Minnesota Wild mourned her loss on social media Sunday.
“Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as an ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL,” the social media post said.
Minnesota is known as the “State of Hockey,” and the Wild have had one of the biggest fan bases since their inception in 2000. The North Stars had moved to Dallas to become the Stars in the early 1990s.
The initial findings from an autopsy on a 20-year-old University of Alabama student suggest that his death was due to accidental drowning. The student had vanished during a spring break trip to Barcelona, and local authorities have shared their preliminary conclusions.
James “Jimmy” Gracey was discovered in the Mediterranean Sea several days after disappearing in the early hours of last Tuesday. His sudden absence prompted an intense search by the Catalan police. According to a report submitted to a local judge, there were no indications of foul play. However, the complete findings are expected to be released on Thursday, as reported by the Spanish newspaper El Periódico.
Gracey, originally from Elmhurst, Illinois, had been enjoying a night out with friends at a renowned nightclub situated in Barcelona’s Port Olímpic district, a vibrant area adjacent to the sea.
A spokesperson for the police informed Fox News that Gracey’s phone was discovered in the possession of an individual known to the authorities due to previous offenses. After investigation, it was determined that this person had not interacted with Gracey and was charged with “illegal possession of another person’s belongings” instead.
University of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey, aged 20, was tragically found deceased in Spanish waters after being reported missing on Tuesday. (James Breeden for Fox News Digital, Gracey family)
On Thursday, Gracey’s wallet was found floating in the water. Police finally recovered Gracey’s body from the water near the nightclub where he had been on Friday afternoon.
Gracey, 20, was last seen at the Shoko nightclub in Barcelona, Spain, on March 17 during a trip overseas to visit friends during spring break.(Pau Venteo/Europa Press via Getty Images)
According to the newspaper, security camera footage shows Gracey walking by himself onto a dock near the Shoko club and falling in the water.
The preliminary autopsy report points to drowning as the cause of death with multiple injuries to the body consistent with repeated hitting against breakwater rocks, possibly during a swell.
Mossos d’Esquadra’s first line of investigation is reportedly accidental death.(James Breeden for Fox News Digital)
The police spokesman told Fox News that the investigation is ongoing and that their first line of investigation is accidental death. He noted that Gracey’s wallet was found intact with money, credit cards and documents, which lessen the likelihood of foul play.. They also confirmed the preliminary autopsy report did not indicate Jimmy suffered injuries prior to drowning.
Fox News is still waiting on confirmation of Spanish media claims and on whether Gracey’s body was found with his gold chain and rhinestone cross.
A Hungarian tourist reported being robbed of her gold necklace in the same area where Jimmy was last seen alive the night before the American student went missing.
Solly Boussidan is an international journalist covering Latin America for Fox News Digital. He has previously covered international affairs, war, finance and travel for several U.S. and international outlets. He is currently based in Brazil.
The comic book community is mourning the loss of a truly unique talent. Sam Kieth, known for his groundbreaking creation of The Maxx and his early contributions to The Sandman, passed away at the age of 63. His death follows a struggle with Lewy body dementia, a debilitating brain disease that causes cognitive issues, hallucinations, and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Kieth was born on January 11, 1963, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and rose to prominence in the 1980s with an artistic style that stood apart from conventional superhero comics. Though he initially worked on Marvel titles featuring characters like Wolverine and the Hulk, Kieth was drawn to more surreal, psychologically intense, and emotionally complex narratives than the usual superhero stories.
His distinctive approach reached its pinnacle in 1993 with The Maxx, an Image Comics series that quickly garnered a cult following. The narrative, which blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, centers on a homeless man who believes he is a powerful protector in an alternate universe. Its themes of trauma, identity, and fractured reality resonated deeply with readers and led to an animated adaptation that helped cement its standing in pop culture.
Prior to The Maxx, Kieth had already left a significant mark by helping to launch The Sandman with Neil Gaiman. His work as the artist for the first five issues helped establish the series’ dark, gothic aesthetic, laying the visual foundation for what would become one of the most celebrated comic series ever.
Kieth’s later projects demonstrated his vast creative versatility. He both wrote and illustrated Batman: Secrets, featuring the infamous Joker, and he was involved in Batman/Lobo: Deadly Serious (2007), which eventually led to Lobo: Highway to Hell (2009), penned by Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian.
His graphic novels — including Arkham Asylum: Madness and Batman: Through the Looking Glass — found especially strong readership in bookstores, while Arkham Dreams delivered an unexpected crossover between Batman and The Maxx for DC Comics.
Outside of DC, Kieth’s credits included work on Judge Dredd for 2000 AD, as well as illustrating 30 Days of Night for IDW Publishing, which also published The Hollows before it later moved to Image. Whether in mainstream superhero worlds or indie-leaning projects, Kieth’s work always carried his unmistakable imprint.
In the final decade of his life, Kieth largely stepped away from the spotlight, due in part to legal disputes over The Maxx and ongoing health issues. Even so, his influence never faded — living on in a body of work that refused to color inside the lines and helped redefine what comic storytelling could look like.
In a decisive move, Saudi Arabia has expelled the military attaché and four other staff members from the Iranian embassy, declaring them persona non grata. This action, announced by the Saudi foreign ministry on Saturday, highlights escalating tensions between the two nations.
The ministry’s statement pointed to ongoing aggressive acts by Iran, which it claims have targeted Saudi territory. Since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Saudi Arabia has reportedly been the target of numerous Iranian missile and drone attacks. Fortunately, most of these attacks have been successfully intercepted, according to Saudi authorities.
In its statement, the Saudi foreign ministry warned that Iran’s persistent aggression could lead to a deeper escalation, with potentially serious ramifications for both current and future bilateral relations. The ministry emphasized that these attacks infringe upon Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, threaten civilian safety, jeopardize economic interests, and compromise diplomatic missions within the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has condemned these actions as violations of United Nations resolutions and international law, emphasizing that they also contravene the principles of good neighborliness. The Kingdom’s firm response underscores its commitment to defending its national interests and maintaining regional stability.
Iran was targeting Saudi Arabia’s “sovereignty, civilian sites, civilians, economic interests, and diplomatic missions within the Kingdom”, the statement said, calling it a violation of UN resolutions, international law and “the principles of good neighbourliness”.
On Wednesday, the Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom reserved the right to act militarily against Iran and any trust with Tehran had been shattered following recent attacks.
Saudi Arabia and Iran re-established diplomatic ties in 2023 as part of an effort to calm tensions after years of enmity that saw them back opposing political and military factions in the region.
The US-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent attacks on Gulf neighbours have disrupted oil and natural gas exports from the Middle East and forced production stoppages.
