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Proven Squat Duration in Over-55s Indicates Exceptional Lower-Body Strength

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Proven Squat Duration in Over-55s Indicates Exceptional Lower-Body Strength

Squat holds are a powerhouse workout for your calves, quads, and glutes.

For those seeking an exceptional lower-body exercise that enhances functional strength, metabolism, bone density, and joint stability, incorporating squats into your fitness routine is a wise choice. This dynamic, multi-joint exercise engages your entire lower half, targeting not only the calves, hamstrings, glutes, and quadriceps but also fortifying your spine through compressive loading.

As we get older, squats become even more beneficial by improving the functional strength necessary for daily activities such as carrying groceries, sitting and standing, and navigating stairs. Squats also serve as a solid indicator of lower-body strength. If you’re curious about your own lower-body prowess, especially past the age of 55, you might want to test how long you can maintain a squat hold.

If You Can Hold a Squat This Long After 55, Your Lower-Body Power Is Top-Tier

Squat exercise of senior woman training at home, front view. Old happy lady squatting with arms stretching forward and smile, active sport workout in carpet in living room. Rehab, wellness concept
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To determine the ideal squat hold duration for individuals over 55, we consulted Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, a Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgeon based in the New York City area. Dr. Okubadejo, known for his expertise in spinal health and fitness, is also the founder of 360 Dynamized Core, a company that develops innovative, spine-safe core fitness products and routines.

“Anything over 90 seconds in a deep squat is solid for this age group. After 55, hip and ankle mobility naturally decline, so hitting 2 minutes puts you well above the average,” explains Dr. Okubadejo. “Anything under 30 seconds usually signals some mobility work is needed, while 60 to 90 seconds lands right around average.”

How To Do Squats

  1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart on the floor.
  2. Extend your arms ahead of you or place your hands on your hips.
  3. Bend at the knees and hips as you lower into a squat.
  4. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  5. Press through your heels to rise back up to standing.

What Makes a Static Squat Hold an Effective Measure of Lower-Body Strength?

woman squatting next to lake, concept of standing workouts for women to lose weight
Shutterstock

A traditional squat allows you to bounce, rush, or compensate—a squat hold does not. Your calves, quads, and glutes have no other choice but to continuously work, which is what building muscular endurance is all about.

“It also has a way of surfacing problems people don’t know they have. Tight hips will rotate. Stiff ankles will lift your heels. A weak posterior chain will tip you forward,” Dr. Okubadejo tells us. “None of that shows up on a leg press because the machine handles stability for you. The squat hold doesn’t handle anything for you. Most lower-body demands aren’t one-rep efforts. Climbing stairs, hiking, getting up from the floor repeatedly, these all require muscles that can work for sustained periods under load. A hold trains and tests exactly that. It’s not a perfect measure, but as a field test with no equipment, it’s difficult to beat for the information it gives you.”

Strong Lower-Body Endurance Translates to Better Mobility, Balance, and Fall Prevention

Portrait of mature woman stretching her arms and looking away at gym. Beautiful woman performing yoga in warrior pose, Virabhadrasana.
Shutterstock

According to Dr. Okubadejo, muscles that are able to hold tension for a longer period of time give your joints more support during daily movement. Weak legs are one of the main reasons why older adults become less physically active.

“Better quad and glute endurance means you can catch yourself when you trip instead of going down,” Dr. Okubadejo notes. “Balance relies heavily on the ankles and hips staying strong enough to make constant small adjustments. Falls after 55 are often less about bad luck and more about the body not responding fast enough. Building that endurance buys you more time before your body starts making those kinds of mistakes.”

Flo Milli and G6Reddot Mark Son Sixx’s First Birthday Celebration

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Flo Milli and G6Reddot Mark Son Sixx’s First Birthday Celebration

Today marks a joyous occasion for Flo Milli and her partner, music producer G6reddot, as they celebrate the first birthday of their son, Sixx.

Flo Milli took to Instagram to express her heartfelt emotions, saying, “I can’t believe my baby boy turns 1 today. Wishing the happiest Birthday to you! You have changed us in so many ways and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for us. We love you BaBa.”

G6reddot also shared his excitement and affection, posting a tribute that read, “Happy zday to my twin 1 years old today already.”

The couple welcomed their son, Sixx, into the world on April 7, 2025. Since embracing motherhood, Flo Milli has openly shared how the experience has shifted her focus and transformed her life.

Flo Milli and G6reddot welcomed their son, Sixx, on April 7, 2025. Since becoming a mom, Flo Milli has been candid about how the experience has reshaped her priorities.

“It definitely made me go harder, because now I got somebody to not only look after, but I have to set an example to show you can do anything you put your mind to, whether it’s music or not, like you can make it,” she said in a previous interview with Billboard. “I think it’s just more of me being more hands-on and 10 times more serious about my work.”

“It’s been great,” she added of motherhood. “Everything, plus more than I expected from it. It’s just cool having a mini-you.”

As Sixx continues to grow, Flo Milli said she has enjoyed watching each new stage up close, from early milestones to his developing personality.

“It’s just such a blessing. I literally love my son so much. It’s fun and I can’t wait — well, I can wait, because I don’t want him to grow up,” she said. “Whenever we’re able to go to theme parks and all types of stuff like that, I love doing stuff like that, so it’s been fun so far. It’s just cool watching a baby grow. They literally grow every two days and they do something new. Like, it’s just amazing.”

Flo Milli also said her son influences her music.

“Before, it was just like, ‘Okay, I was doing it for myself, and I love music.’ But now it’s like, okay, I’m doing it for myself and somebody else, and I got to do it even better now. So, yeah, it just really made me be more passionate.”

 

Photo Credit: Flo Milli Instagram

Is Your Town on the List? Experts Reveal 12 Commuter Areas Facing Plummeting House Prices and Rising Costs

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Is Your Town on the List? Experts Reveal 12 Commuter Areas Facing Plummeting House Prices and Rising Costs

Living in a ‘commuter town’ has traditionally been seen as an ideal way to strike the elusive balance between career and personal life.

This lifestyle allows individuals to benefit financially from city jobs while enjoying the tranquility and extra space that these suburban areas provide.

It’s no surprise that homes in such locations often come with a higher price tag, promising a solid return on investment when it’s time to sell.

Yet, some of the UK’s most popular commuter towns are witnessing a dip in property values, driven by soaring mortgage rates and a resurgence of office-based work.

“The post-pandemic race for space is now just a distant memory,” says property expert Jonathan Rolande in a conversation with Property Mail.

‘The combination of a return to normal working life with the cost of living crisis and higher than expected interest rates has pushed prices downward in previously booming locations.

‘I hear the same line from buyers: “We loved the extra space, but the fixed rate has ended and the train fares are horrific”.’

‘When borrowing costs rise, people get focused on money, with the commute feeling less like a lifestyle choice, and more like a monthly expense that could be avoided.’

So which locations have taken a hit – and where might you bag a bargain? With the help of the latest data from experts, we take a look at the commuter hotspots with savings of up to 29 per cent.

12. Richmond – 2.4%

The area is home to Kew Gardens (pictured), Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Park

The area is home to Kew Gardens (pictured), Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Park

Home to London’s largest royal park, as well as Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace, Richmond has also become a place of pilgrimage for fans of the hit TV comedy Ted Lasso. The borough was also named ‘happiest place to live’ in Great Britain by a 2023 Rightmove study. 

However, despite the fact that there are fast, regular 20-minute trains to Waterloo, prices in Richmond have still dropped: according to Land Registry, there’s been a 2.4 per cent dip, making the average £795,023.

BUY IT: This lovely terraced house has four double bedrooms, a spacious living room, a modern kitchen with a pantry and additional storage. There’s also scope for loft extension. Available with Chestertons Richmond from £800,000 (chestertons.co.uk).

11. Cambridge – 2.5%

The famous student city is full of cobbled streets and historic buildings, and there are plenty of good cafes too

The famous student city is full of cobbled streets and historic buildings, and there are plenty of good cafes too

While known traditionally for its buzzy student population and world-famous university, Cambridge is also a top commuter spot.

It’s easy to see why: the city is compact and pretty, with cobbled streets and historic buildings, and there’s a strong cultural and foodie scene, too.

And while Cambridge has previously topped lists of the UK’s ‘least affordable’ places to buy, the average price of properties has recently dropped to £476,755 – a fall of 2.5 per cent, according to Garrington Property Finders – meaning there’s many a bargain now to be found.

BUY IT: Close to the city centre, this 1930s, end-of-terrace three-bedroom house with a patio garden is available with Sharman Quinney from £475,000 (sharmanquinney.co.uk).

10. Lewes – 2.8%

Lewes is a charming commuter town with medieval streets, old English churches and even its own castle

Lewes is a charming commuter town with medieval streets, old English churches and even its own castle

There’s no doubting the charm of life in Lewes, with its medieval streets, old English churches and tiny twittens (a Sussex word for alleyway).

Surrounded by the South Downs and not far from the coast, there’s plenty of access to the great outdoors – while direct trains to Victoria come in at just over an hour.

Despite these myriad selling points, though, Garrington can reveal that property prices in the area have plunged by 2.8 per cent, or £10,183, making the average home in this sought-after spot just £356,087. 

BUY IT: On the corner of Lewes’ iconic high street, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom lower ground floor apartment has its own private entrance surrounded by a small yard, and is available with Your Move from £360,000 (your-move.co.uk).

9. Watford – 3.3%

Watford has a bustling town centre and fast train links to London – a shopper's delight

Watford has a bustling town centre and fast train links to London – a shopper’s delight

With exceptionally fast train links – as little as 14 minutes into London Euston – Watford has always been an easy sell for commuters wanting to keep a foot in the capital without paying London prices.

Meanwhile, a 2022 report by property consultant Dataloft found Watford was happiest place to live in the East of England.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been enough to stave off a drop in prices: the area has seen a 3.3 per cent drop, making the average home £392,605 – a loss of around £13,311, according to Garrington Property Finders.

BUY IT: A spacious, newly decorated two-bed house is available with Warren Anthony from £399,950. It features a brick-built garden room, currently deployed as a storage and utility room with a washing machine (warrenanthony.co.uk).

8. Maidenhead – 3.4%

Maidenhead has wonderful riverside pubs and restaurants, and it even has its own tube stop on the Elizabeth Line

Maidenhead has wonderful riverside pubs and restaurants, and it even has its own tube stop on the Elizabeth Line

Crowned ‘The Royal Borough’, Maidenhead has plenty to offer locals, including wonderful riverside pubs and restaurants, heritage sites and a thriving arts centre.

The market town also offers easy access to the M4 and the Chiltern Hills, and, as of 2022, has its own tube stop; it takes 25-40 minutes to get into central London via the Elizabeth Line.

But even these superb transport links haven’t been enough to stop prices falling in the area. According to Garrington Property Finders, there’s been a 3.4 per cent drop in house prices here, meaning the average property now sits at £561,684.

BUY IT: A short walk from the River Thames, this four-bed house offers a modern kitchen/diner and a spacious garden in a quiet cul-de-sac, and is on sale from £550,000 with Coopers Residential (coopersresidential.co.uk).

7. Reigate – 4.1%

Reigate, which is 19 miles south of London, is a medieval market town with plenty of independent shops and pubs

Reigate, which is 19 miles south of London, is a medieval market town with plenty of independent shops and pubs

At the foot of the North Downs, this medieval market town is bursting with independent shops, pubs and beautiful parkland – yet lies only 19 miles from London, which is why it has traditionally been such a magnet for commuters.

However, according to Garrington and the Office for National Statistics, prices have dropped by 4.1 per cent, bringing the average down to a more reasonable £463,759.

BUY IT: This two-bed, semi-detached family home has a sizeable back garden and great parking out front. For those who won’t be making the commute every day, the two outbuildings could be repurposed as a suitable remote working office. Available with White and Sons from £450,000 (whiteandsons.co.uk). 

6. Brighton – 4.8%

Brighton attracts celebrities and non-celebrities alike with its hip cultural scene and coastal charm

Brighton attracts celebrities and non-celebrities alike with its hip cultural scene and coastal charm

Beloved by celebrities such as Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), Brighton has a great deal going for it, including a hip cultural scene, a seaside setting and a laidback atmosphere. It also offers an extremely attractive commute to London – under an hour by train. 

However, in the last few years, Brighton has seen average property prices drop from £425,129 to £404,874 – a £20,255 or 4.8 per cent dive, according to data from Lloyds and based on its own mortgage data.

BUY IT: A purpose-built penthouse apartment with two double bedrooms and two bathrooms located in the uber-popular New England Quarter of Brighton is available from £310,000 with Phillips and Still (phillipsandstill.co.uk). 

5. St Albans – 5.3%

St Albans, only 20 minutes away from London St Pancras, boasts a lively market and beautiful green spaces such as Verulamium Park

St Albans, only 20 minutes away from London St Pancras, boasts a lively market and beautiful green spaces such as Verulamium Park

This picturesque cathedral city is only a 20-minute rail journey from London St Pancras Streets – but is a world apart from the gritty inner workings of the capital.

St Albans is sprinkled with Roman remains, has a lively market and lovely green spaces such as Verulamium Park. And, while still one of the more expensive places to buy outside of central London, average prices have fallen by 5.3 per cent, to £609,646.

BUY IT: A three-bed bungalow – including a loft conversion – with off-street parking, a garden and no onward chain, is available from £625,000 with Ashtons (ashtons.co.uk). 

4. Chester – 6.4%

Chester has charming cobbled streets, historic architecture and easy connections to Liverpool and Manchester

Chester has charming cobbled streets, historic architecture and easy connections to Liverpool and Manchester

Named one of the world’s most welcoming cities by Booking.com, Chester has it all: charming cobbled streets, historic architecture and easy connections to Liverpool and Manchester (plus a two-hour rail connection to London).

However, according to research from Lloyds Banking Group (looking at the 12 months ending October 2025), house prices in the region have fallen by a whopping 6.4 per cent in the cathedral city.

As a result, it’s now one of the UK’s top areas for property value decline, with prices at an average of £340,415.

BUY IT: A three-bed semi-detached property with a large lounge (complete with brick fireplace), and a modernised kitchen/diner is available with Beresford Adams from £340,000 (beresfordadams.co.uk).

3. Bracknell – 13.9%

The Lexicon Shopping Centre in Bracknell makes an admirable effort to decorate for Christmas

The Lexicon Shopping Centre in Bracknell makes an admirable effort to decorate for Christmas

In the heart of leafy Berkshire, Bracknell Forest was voted one of the ‘best places to live’ in the country, according to last year’s UK Better Lives Index.

However, despite such an accolade, this commuter town has still seen a drop in prices. According to data analysed for the Telegraph by property firm TwentyCi, there has been a decrease of approximately 13.9 per cent, or £67,181, making the average approximately £386,000.

BUY IT: This three-bed, end-of-terrace house has a dining room that opens onto a garden, and is tucked neatly into a quiet cul-de-sac. It’s available with Prospect from £385,000 (prospect.co.uk).

2. Weybridge – 21%

Weybridge has 'outstanding' Ofsted rated schools and walkways by the River Thames for a midday stroll

Weybridge has ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rated schools and walkways by the River Thames for a midday stroll

With its tree-lined roads, ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rated schools and strolls by the River Thames, this affluent Surrey town has always had huge commuter appeal. Just 17 miles from London, the average rail journey into the capital is a rapid 50 minutes.

However, while properties remain on the expensive side, Weybridge has seen a huge drop in prices in recent years. Between 2024 and 2025, the average price fell from £827,283 to £651,690 – a decline of more than £175,000, or 21 per cent, according to property firm TwentyCi.

In fact, while the town has attracted the likes of Sir Elton John and John Terry over the years, Weybridge’s decline is the steepest in a list of 228 commuter towns within 60 miles of London.

BUY IT: This three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached property is available from £650,000 with Martin Flashman & Co. Close to the River Thames, it features a landscaped garden as well as off-street parking (martinflashman.co.uk).

1. Leatherhead – 28.6%

Leatherhead, which is only 39 minutes from Waterloo, enjoys picturesque countryside

Leatherhead, which is only 39 minutes from Waterloo, enjoys picturesque countryside

The gateway to the beautiful Surrey Hills, historic market town Leatherhead enjoys outstanding countryside and is just 39 minutes from Waterloo. Plus, if you’re after a far-flung break, it’s only a 25-minute drive to Gatwick or around 37 minutes to Heathrow.

However, according to TwentyCi, prices in the area have been plunging. With a drop of 28.6 per cent year-on-year between 2024 and 2025 (from £872,190 to £622,435), the market has shifted significantly in the area – meaning this could be the optimum time to buy.

BUY IT: This three-bedroom, two-bathroom semi-detached bungalow with a huge driveway is available with Yopa from £625,000 (yopa.co.uk).

Carl Radke Discloses Reasons for Not Being Invited to Join ‘In the City

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Carl Radke Discloses Reasons for Not Being Invited to Join ‘In the City

Carl Radke recently opened up about why he wasn’t invited to participate in the new reality series, In the City, and he also disclosed how much he actually appeared on the show. Meanwhile, Amanda Batula highlighted the main differences between In the City and its predecessor, Summer House.

Carl Radke Reveals Why He Wasn’t Asked to Join In the City, and Shares How Much He Filmed, Plus Amanda Batula Dishes on Biggest Difference between In the City and Summer House

Credit: Bravo

Last year, Bravo introduced the idea that some familiar faces from Summer House would be featured in a new spinoff set in Manhattan. Currently, it appears that the focus is on Lindsay Hubbard, Amanda, and her estranged husband Kyle Cooke, as they navigate their ongoing divorce. Just recently, Amanda and her fellow Summer House star West Wilson made headlines with their controversial relationship announcement.

During a conversation on Morgan Pop Talks, Carl explained his absence from the main cast of In the City.

“You’ll catch a brief appearance from me, as far as I know. I did do some filming with them,” he shared. “However, it seems like the show is really concentrating on the next phase—those who are married or have children, rather than single individuals.”

“You’ll see a glimpse of me, as far as I know. I did film with them a little bit. But listen, they were really focused, it seems like, on the next chapter. [People who are] married or you have a child or whatever’s going on. Less single people,” he said.

“It was more of the couples and the inner dynamics of living in Manhattan. So that wasn’t necessarily where I fit in at this point,” he added. “Yes, launching a business in Brooklyn, all those things might be interesting, but who knows if there’s a season two? I would love to be a part of it. But if they don’t want me to be, I’m still going to cheer and show up for everything they asked me to. I’m so proud to be a part of this network.”

Carl said he still loves Summer House.

“And if I’m not a part of it, that’s all good,” he continued. “But I’m just proud that they’ve gotten the spin and they can continue to do it. Because … 90 percent of reality shows don’t make it past [season] one. … We’re on season 10 and then now another spinoff. It’s incredible. Like we’re so lucky.”

Speaking to Marie Claire Mag, Amanda addressed the difference between Summer House and In the City.

“It’s actually a group of existing friends … There is some familiar faces, which you guys will have to wait to find out [who],” she said. “And then a lot of new faces … and people that you guys are just going to fall in love with. But the main difference between Summer House and In the City is it’s about that next chapter in life, that next phase.”

“So Summer House is partying in the Hamptons. We’re there on the weekend. We’re getting drunk. It’s hookups. It’s a lot of singles. In the City is more relationships. It’s couples. It’s people in different phases of their life,” she said. “You have Lindsay, who’s navigating being a single mother. You have Kyle and I going through [what] we’re going through. You have people dating, people married, people in interesting relationships.”

MyPillow Founder Faces Daily Fines as Contempt Order Fails to Compel Sanctions Payment, Smartmatic Informs Judge

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MyPillow Founder Faces Daily Fines as Contempt Order Fails to Compel Sanctions Payment, Smartmatic Informs Judge

MyPillow CEO and founder Mike Lindell speaks to reporters at his MyPillow factory in the Minneapolis suburb of Shakopee, Minn., on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, as he launches his campaign for the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

Smartmatic has informed a federal judge that Mike Lindell, CEO of MyPillow, has yet to pay any of the sanctions imposed on him, despite being held in civil contempt two weeks ago. The company highlighted this in its recent communication with the court.

In a concise three-page document submitted to U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, Smartmatic pointed out that on March 24, Lindell was mandated to pay $56,369 in sanctions by Tuesday, April 7. The order stated that failure to comply would result in a $500 daily fine for continued noncompliance.

As of the deadline, Lindell has not made any payments concerning the sanctions for what have been deemed “frivolous” claims against Smartmatic, the company reported to Judge Nichols, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

“Smartmatic’s counsel met with Lindell’s legal team before the April 7, 2026 deadline set by the court. To date, Lindell has not fulfilled the payment obligations nor signed the agreed-upon escrow agreement,” the notice detailed. “Consequently, Lindell is now liable for a civil contempt penalty of $500 per day.”

Details of Lindell’s increasing financial difficulties in relation to the Smartmatic case have been slowly emerging over time.

As Law&Crime reported in detail after Nichols warned Lindell that “further contempt sanctions” would be coming if he didn’t have a good explanation for nonpayment, Lindell repeatedly claimed an “inability to pay” in sealed documents on his financials.

Smartmatic said the hundreds of thousands of dollars contributed to Lindell’s legal defense funds and Minnesota gubernatorial campaign funds — and his $14.8 million in assets — all showed that he chose not to pay out of “disregard for this Court’s orders, rather than genuine financial hardship.”

When the pillow mogul and 2020 election conspiracy theorist with substantial civil liabilities countered by claiming to have a “negative $18.7 million” net worth, Smartmatic’s attorneys answered that Lindell spent $187,037.87 in campaign funds to buy copies of his own book “What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO” from his own company MyPillow Inc. — just to give the books away.

In the end, Nichols determined that Lindell had the money and spent it elsewhere, rather than paying the sanctions as ordered by the court — and he has the assets.

“That Lindell prioritized spending in other legal proceedings over this case—despite those proceedings taking place after the Court ordered him to pay Smartmatic for filing frivolous counterclaims against it—does not excuse his failure to pay here,” the judge stated.

On a separate front in federal court, FedEx recently made a move to collect millions from Lindell for failing to pay shipping debts, claiming he made false promises so he would be allowed to continue “shipping on credit.”

Last summer, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee entered a default judgment in FedEx’s favor — finding MyPillow liable for $8,809,056.31 and Lindell for $2,677,933.31 in compensatory damages, plus costs and postjudgment interest at “4.08% yearly” — after the defendants did not respond.

Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Murder of Beloved Local Figure ‘Pop Terry

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Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Murder of Beloved Local Figure ‘Pop Terry

The exact cause of the alleged altercation at a state housing complex in Padbury remains unknown.

Police were called to the scene following reports of a disturbance shortly after 6:20 p.m. local time (8:20 p.m. AEST) and discovered a 69-year-old man suffering from critical injuries.

A West Australian man is behind bars tonight accused of murdering a 69-year-old in the Perth suburb of Padbury. (9News)

Despite receiving immediate first aid and being transported to Royal Perth Hospital, the man did not survive.

A 39-year-old man from Geraldton, located approximately four hours to the north, was taken into custody at the scene.

Throughout the day, homicide investigators and forensic teams meticulously collected evidence from the residence, including a mobile phone.

Neighbours said they regularly heard a couple yelling at the house and were frequently called to the property.

“I came home because my wife called me because the police knocked on the door, saying that something’s happened down the road,” neighbour Jamie Tonus said.

“… [It’s] really shocking, because, like I said earlier, young families everywhere, people our age, all pretty nice people, and I didn’t think something like that would happen on this street.”

It’s unclear what sparked the alleged assault inside a state housing property in Padbury. (9News)

A relative posted a message online.

“I’m so sorry pop Terry I wish I was there to help you it was a real horrible way for you to leave us all,” they said.

Police Minister Reece Whitby said his thoughts were with the family’s and the loved ones of the dead man.

“I understand it was a very confronting scene for police and first responders,” he said.

The 39-year-old man from the Geraldton suburb of Wonthella was charged with murder and due to front Joondalup Court tomorrow.

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Opinion: Anthony Albanese’s Surprising Success – What He Got Right

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Opinion: Anthony Albanese’s Surprising Success – What He Got Right

Anthony Albanese has not magically transformed into a remarkable prime minister due to the ongoing fuel crisis. However, this situation has compelled him to demonstrate leadership under pressure, and thus far, he has managed it more adeptly than many anticipated.

The government’s initial significant intervention occurred following the national cabinet meeting on March 30. In response to the crisis, they announced a temporary halving of the fuel excise from 52.6 cents per litre to 26.3 cents for three months. Additionally, they implemented a three-month reduction of the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero.

Throughout his tenure, Albanese has often appeared less formidable than the office he holds, his standing bolstered by an unpopular and fragmented opposition. The current fuel crisis presented a risk that the public might perceive him as merely reacting to unfolding events—a perception that could be damaging for a leader already viewed as somewhat passive.

Despite these challenges, Albanese’s handling of the crisis has shown a capability that some may not have expected, suggesting a potential shift in public perception regarding his leadership abilities.

Early on, the risk for Albo during the current fuel crisis was that the public would conclude he was merely reacting to events, which is never a good look for a leader who already carries more than a hint of passivity about him.

But after a shaky start, the PM has done all the right things to substantively manage this situation. Earlier in March, Labor had already relaxed fuel quality standards for two months, a move that added 100 million litres a month to domestic supply.

Yes, the opposition pushed for an excise cut first, but it couldn’t help tying the cut to slicing funding out of ideologically contested green initiatives, such as scrapping the Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for electric vehicles, cutting green hydrogen projects and freezing the home battery scheme.

Albo was never going to do any of that, but he didn’t let that context prevent him from instituting an excise cut simply because the Opposition suggested it first.

Anthony Albanese didn’t become a great leader overnight - but the fuel crisis forced his hand, and the Prime Minister has stepped up under pressure, rolling out tax cuts and supply measures to steady the nation, writes PVO.

Anthony Albanese didn’t become a great leader overnight – but the fuel crisis forced his hand, and the Prime Minister has stepped up under pressure, rolling out tax cuts and supply measures to steady the nation, writes PVO.

Policy Reversal and Leadership Decision 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers had said only days earlier that Labor wasn’t considering such a move, but Albo tossed him to the curb, which was the right thing to do.

The PM halved the fuel excise, then pushed the states and territories to give up the GST windfall that higher prices would otherwise have handed them.

That took the total reduction to 32 cents a litre – meaningful for ordinary motorists.

The extra GST agreement with the states and territories was worth about 5.7 cents a litre on top of the 26.3-cent excise reduction, cutting almost $23 from the cost of filling an average tank.

Just as importantly, the government has not treated the excise cut as though announcing it was enough.

The ACCC was put on notice to make sure retailers passed it on. There is no point boasting about relief if the market pockets the benefit.

By leaning on the regulator and making clear that fuel companies would be watched closely, the government showed it understood that policy design and policy delivery are not the same thing.

Across the Tasman, prices have become much more prohibitive for ordinary motorists, with fewer direct measures to cushion the blow.

As fuel prices bite, Anthony Albanese has moved to halve excise and secure supply.

As fuel prices bite, Anthony Albanese has moved to halve excise and secure supply.

Public Sentiment and Ongoing Cost Pressures 

Australians are not exactly cheering at the bowser, and no sensible commentator would pretend this crisis has been pain-free.

But there is a reason the mood here has shifted from panic to frustration, while in New Zealand the problem looks even more punishing for households.

The more impressive part of Albo’s handling of this crisis so far has been on the supply side.

Making sure we don’t run out of fuel is more important than keeping prices down. Australia’s vulnerability is structural. We import most of our refined fuel — around 90 per cent – and we have spent years leaving ourselves exposed to exactly this sort of external shock.

At the height of the squeeze, the government pointed out that Australia had reserves covering 39 days of petrol, 29 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel, underlining just how thin the margin for error had become.

Albo didn’t create this weakness. In fact, our fuel reserves are as low as they are because, when he was Energy Minister, Angus Taylor lowered the savings threshold.

Securing Fuel Supply Through Regional Partnerships 

The government’s effort to secure supply from Singapore and get broader assurances from regional partners is the difference between flailing and governing. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has been able to point to contracted volumes coming in through April and into May.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader has been reduced to glib photo ops, pumping petrol with colleagues gathered around the bowser, looking on as though they are worried he might be putting petrol into his diesel engine.

Which PR flack decided that was a good stunt? The optics fail was compounded by the fact the government had already moved on excise, state GST and supply guarantees.

Even One Nation has failed to get the traction it might once have expected from a cost-of-living crisis tied to national vulnerability and elite failure.

Usually, a moment like this should be fertile ground for populists. Instead, the PM has been active enough, visible enough and practical enough with his actions to stop the crisis becoming a political failure too.

That doesn’t mean Albo has suddenly redrawn the political map. Labor’s primary vote polling and the PM’s personal support continue to be weak, even if the opposition’s standing in the polls is much worse.

But Albo’s handling of the fuel crisis has denied his opponents the political opening they badly needed.

Trump Administration Revokes Federal Support for Transgender School Policies, Initiates Investigation in Los Angeles

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Trump Administration Revokes Federal Support for Transgender School Policies, Initiates Investigation in Los Angeles


The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation targeting the public schools in Los Angeles. In a swift move, they have also withdrawn federal support for policies related to transgender student protections, challenging these policies at a federal level.

The Justice Department is currently scrutinizing the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest educational system, over its policy permitting school officials to keep a student’s gender identity confidential from their parents. This investigation was prompted by a lawsuit from parents who claim they were unaware of their child’s transition at school and were excluded from decisions impacting the student’s care and mental health.

Adopted in 2019, the district’s guidelines instruct staff to prioritize a student’s safety and well-being before deciding whether to inform parents. These guidelines allow students to use their chosen pronouns, access facilities based on their gender identity, and receive support from the school without automatically notifying parents. The Justice Department’s letter, dated March 25, informed the district of the investigation concerning these policies.

Federal officials have specifically highlighted the parental rights issues brought up in the lawsuit.

The complaint centers on a student, referred to as Dylan, who expressed a desire to transition at school. School staff did not inform Dylan’s parents but instead implemented a support plan within the school environment. This included the use of preferred pronouns and connecting Dylan with school-based resources, all while the parents remained unaware.

“Parents have a fundamental right to the care, custody and control of their children, including the right to direct their children’s upbringing and education,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement.

According to the complaint, the student at the center of the case, identified as Dylan, disclosed plans to transition at school, but staff did not notify the parents and instead helped carry out a support plan inside the school. That included allowing different pronouns and connecting the student with school-based resources while keeping the parents unaware.





“The secrecy policy isolated Dylan rather than helping him. It did not expand educational access or reduce stigma; instead, it cut him off from those best equipped to address his distress and mental health risks, depriving him of the stability parental involvement provides,” the complaint states.

The administration also moved to undo prior federal enforcement tied to transgender student protections, terminating civil rights agreements with several school districts and a college that had been required to follow those standards. Those agreements were negotiated under earlier administrations and tied to interpretations of Title IX that treated gender identity as a protected category.

The department said it will no longer enforce those settlements, affecting districts in Delaware, Washington state, Pennsylvania, and California, as well as Taft College. It is the first time the federal government has canceled civil rights agreements of this kind that were previously negotiated.

Officials said the decision aligns with broader efforts to challenge policies that allow (male) transgender students to participate in girls’ sports teams or access shared locker rooms and facilities based on gender identity.





“Today, the Trump Administration is removing the unnecessary and unlawful burdens that prior Administrations imposed on schools in its relentless pursuit of a radical transgender agenda,” Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a written statement.

The administration has also filed lawsuits in California and Minnesota over similar policies and opened additional civil rights investigations into schools and universities, extending that scrutiny across multiple states.

With federal civil rights agreements rescinded and new investigations underway, school districts across the country are now navigating these policies without federal cover, and the legal fights are already underway.


Editor’s Note: Do you enjoy RedState’s conservative reporting that takes on the radical left and woke media? Support our work so that we can continue to bring you the truth.



Inside the Enigmatic Connection: Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott’s Relationship Journey

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Inside the Enigmatic Connection: Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott’s Relationship Journey
Christopher Abbott wears a white shirt and a hat and stands with Aubrey Plaza. She wears a blue and white dress.

Spotlight on Celebrities

Actors Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott have shared a long-standing connection over the years. Let’s delve into the journey of their relationship, which has recently taken an exciting turn.

Published on

This month, Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott delighted fans with the announcement that they are expecting their first child together. The pair, known for keeping their personal lives under wraps, have been friends for several years. Here’s a closer look at the evolution of their relationship.

Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott have worked together on two projects

Their on-screen chemistry first caught attention in 2020 when they co-starred in the film Black Bear. Building on that dynamic, the duo reunited three years later for an Off-Broadway production of John Patrick Shanley’s play, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea. Director Jeff Ward, who worked with them on Black Bear, was confident that their compelling connection would translate seamlessly to the stage.

“From Black Bear, it was clear that it was going to be electric. There was no ‘getting to know you’ section,” he told The New York Times. “There’s just something about the way they match up.”

Plaza described Abbott as her ideal scene partner.

“He cares but he also doesn’t care; it’s the best recipe for me for a scene partner,” Plaza said. “It’s fun and it’s also good and it’s also safe. I like to just throw things out the window also and laugh and mess around and not take it so seriously. It’s a hard combo to come by.”

Abbott said he felt similarly about his co-star.

“We’re both unafraid to be ugly and weird and strange,” he said.

He noted that when they performed each night, his goal was to entertain his scene partner.

“We’re doing this play every night for an audience, but I think you also have to do it for each other,” he said. “We want to entertain the audience, but I personally want to entertain Aubrey.”

They were first linked in 2025

Plaza was previously married to Jeff Baena. They separated roughly four months before his death in January 2025.

In July 2025, gossip site Deux Moi caught Plaza and Abbott together at the Chatham Berry Farm in New York. That same year, they attended a Knicks game together. In 2026, Abbott accompanied Plaza to Paris Fashion Week.

Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott are expecting a baby together

While Plaza and Abbott have been spotted together, they had not previously confirmed a romantic relationship. This changed in April 2026, when they confirmed that they are expecting a child together.

“It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year,” a source told People, adding that “they feel very blessed.”

This will be both Plaza and Abbott’s first child.

Homeless Encampments Impact California’s Scenic River Areas Near Gavin Newsom’s Residence

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Homeless Encampments Impact California’s Scenic River Areas Near Gavin Newsom’s Residence

Governor Gavin Newsom remains steadfast in his efforts to combat homelessness, asserting that he won’t ease up in his pursuit of solutions. However, his detractors urge him to address the alarming state of Sacramento’s riverbank encampments, as recently unveiled photographs reveal.

Photos obtained by the California Post showcase the aftermath left by homeless camps last month along Sacramento’s Steelhead Creek. The images depict makeshift dams constructed from shopping carts and piles of debris, including bicycles, tires, a baby stroller, cardboard, and trash bags.

Steelhead Creek’s oversight involves a complex web of local, state, and federal entities, notably including the state’s Department of Water Resources.

Despite the unsettling visuals, Newsom’s office highlighted a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness on Wednesday, announcing over $145 million in fresh funding aimed at tackling California’s persistent homelessness issue. The governor emphasized that his administration is “producing real results.”

However, not everyone shares this optimistic view.

Steve Maviglio, a Democratic political strategist, called out the governor’s office on social media Wednesday while posting a picture of trash along the American River — and he doubled down in an interview with The Post.

“Literally, this is a human and environmental tragedy in the governor’s backyard, and we’ve got nothing but finger-pointing and zero action,” Maviglio told The Post.

He added that state Assemblymembers Angelique Ashby and Maggy Krell have implored the governor’s office to take greater action with little effect.

“If this were a highway underpass, Gov. Newsom would be there in five minutes for a photo-op,” Maviglio said.

In 2024, Newsom joined Caltrans workers to clear out a homeless encampment in Los Angeles County in a made-for-TV appearance as he wore Ray-Ban aviator shades.

Newsom’s new round of funding to address homelessness will go to eight regions — Lake, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Solano, Yolo and Yuba counties — in an effort to move people off the streets and into interim and permanent housing, as well as provide supportive services. 

“We’re making critical investments through programs to help local communities expand housing, strengthen services, and better support people experiencing homelessness,” Newsom said in a statement.

“But just investing money is not enough — we have to invest in programs and local governments that are producing real results.”

Local environmentalists say Newsom should also take a closer look at holding his own departments accountable.

David Ingram, president of the River City Waterway Alliance, noted that his group has fished out 3.85 million pounds of trash and debris from rivers and creeks since it started organizing cleanups in 2023. 

The haul for Steelhead Creek alone has included 724 shopping carts, 897 tires, and 172 mattresses.

“I’d say 90-95% of the debris we remove is from homeless encampments,” Ingram said, adding that the health of Steelhead Creek is vital for repopulating the local chinook salmon population.

“Ultimately, some of the state policies that came down from the top ranks created some of these problems in the first place,” he added. “The state should be more involved in trying to abate some of the problems.”

Joseph Countryman, a member of the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, was furious during a recent meeting when informed of how local waterways are being inundated with trash, feces and other debris — and no agency is stepping up to the plate to solve the issue.

“We’ve seen significant damage to the levees, we’ve seen defecation and urination in the river itself, untreated,” Countryman said. “These are things I personally can’t accept.”

He added, “The problem is it’s multi-jurisdictional. It’s a really complex thing, and I am 100% for finding our way through the maze and removing the homeless from the floodways.”

Ryan Endean, a spokesperson for the state Department of Water Resources, issued a statement to The Post saying the agency “does not have general authority over illegal dumping, encampments or abandoned property.” 

“That responsibility typically falls to local city or county agencies unless a condition directly impacts flood control infrastructure or significantly obstructs flood flows.”

Endean and Tara Gallegos, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, did not respond to pictures of the trash and debris along the banks and inside the water of Steelhead Creek.

Gallegos told The Post in an email that the state has cleared 21,103 encampments on “state right of ways” since 2021, adding that Newsom’s office has “provided unprecedented financial support and partnership to local communities.”

Ingram suggested that these investments are important for addressing California’s “humanitarian crisis,” but he’d like to see the governor’s office and Sacramento’s city and county agencies act on homeless encampments with greater unity and urgency.

“In our opinion,” he said, “progress is still not fast enough, and there are still large encampments causing issues in terms of pollution and infrastructure damage.”
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