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Iconic singer reveals sad diagnosis

<p>Morten Harket, the iconic voice behind A-ha’s global smash "Take on Me", has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease – a progressive condition that may bring an end to his singing career.</p> <p>The 65-year-old Norwegian singer shared the news in a moving interview published on the band’s official website, explaining that although treatment has eased some of the condition’s physical toll, it has also affected his voice – the very heart of his artistry.</p> <p>“I don’t feel like singing, and for me that’s a sign,” Harket said candidly. “As things stand now, that’s out of the question.”</p> <p>For the past year, Harket has undergone deep brain stimulation, a complex treatment involving two surgeries to implant electrodes on both sides of his brain. The procedure delivers electrical impulses that help control tremors and muscle stiffness, but in Harket’s case, has also dulled his soaring vocal range.</p> <p>Despite the gravity of the diagnosis, Harket said he feels at peace with it. He credits his 94-year-old father for encouraging him to “use whatever works” in coping with the challenges of the degenerative disorder.</p> <p>“There’s so much to weigh up,” he said. “It’s a difficult balancing act between taking the medication and managing its side effects.”</p> <p>A-ha last toured in 2020 and played what may be their final show together in 2022 at the Hollywood Bowl. Harket said he has continued to work on new music but is unsure whether the songs will ever be finished.</p> <p>Still, in classic form, he offered fans words of hope rather than despair.</p> <p>“Don’t worry about me,” he said. “Spend your energy addressing real problems… and know that I am being taken care of.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"It's simple": Sussan Ley reveals stance on Welcome to Country

<p>Newly elected Liberal leader <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/sussan-ley-elected-first-female-leader-of-the-liberal-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sussan Ley </a>has called on her party to modernise and reconnect with contemporary Australian values following one of its worst electoral defeats in history.</p> <p>In her first press conference since defeating Angus Taylor for the leadership, Ms Ley pledged a fresh approach to politics, saying the Liberal Party must "respect, reflect, and represent modern Australia".</p> <p>“We have to meet the people where they are. And that’s what I am committed to doing and what I am determined to do,” she said. “I want to do things differently, and we have to have a fresh approach.”</p> <p>Ley described her election to the party’s top job as an “enormous privilege”, adding: “I am humbled. I am honoured. And I am up for the job.”</p> <p>The leadership transition follows a bruising election campaign that saw the Liberals suffer significant losses, prompting calls for renewal and deeper engagement with a changing electorate.</p> <p>Cultural recognition also emerged as a flashpoint during the campaign’s final days, with controversy over audience reactions to Welcome to Country ceremonies. Addressing the issue head-on, Ms Ley called for authenticity in cultural acknowledgements.</p> <p>“With respect to Welcome to Country, it’s simple: if it’s meaningful, if it matters, if it resonates, then it’s in the right place,” she said. “If it is done in a way that is ticking a box on a Teams meeting then I don’t think it is relevant. It actually diminishes the value of what it is.”</p> <p>On the issue of national symbols, Ms Ley said she frequently stands in front of the Indigenous flag but would prefer to see Australians united under a single banner.</p> <p>“We should unite under the one Australian flag, that is my firm view,” she stated.</p> <p>Ms Ley now faces the challenge of steering a divided and diminished Liberal Party toward renewal, with pressure mounting to appeal to a broader, more diverse Australia. Her leadership marks a potential turning point for the party as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its identity in opposition.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Royal reveal: Charles and Camilla's coronation portraits unveiled at last

<p>In a moment steeped in regal tradition, the official coronation portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla were recently revealed to the public at London’s National Gallery – two years after the historic coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.</p> <p>Marking a legacy that spans over 400 years, the portraits capture the monarchs in striking fashion, echoing a time-honoured custom that has long defined how sovereigns are remembered. The King, adorned in his robe of state and standing beside the gleaming Imperial State Crown, gazes solemnly from the canvas, his figure framed by the grandeur of the Throne Room at St James’s Palace.</p> <p>Unveiled personally by Their Majesties, the portraits will remain on display for a month before finding a permanent home within the halls of Buckingham Palace, according to an official statement.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Take a closer look at the Coronation State Portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla...</p> <p>Commissioned to mark Their Majesties' Coronation in 2023, the portraits were unveiled by The King and Queen at the National Gallery earlier today. Click to find out more.</p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1919724405887783082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>The unveiling comes during a challenging chapter in King Charles’ life. Now 76, the King has continued fulfilling royal duties while receiving treatment for an unspecified form of cancer, diagnosed in early 2024. Despite his health challenges, he sat for his portrait with characteristic grace and determination.</p> <p>The King selected renowned artist Peter Kuhfeld to create his portrait. “I have tried to produce a painting that is both human and regal,” Kuhfeld shared, “continuing the tradition of royal portraiture.” The result is a masterwork that balances solemn dignity with personal vulnerability – an image for the ages.</p> <p>Queen Camilla, resplendent in her ivory silk coronation gown, chose Paul Benney to paint her likeness. Standing beside a different crown, her portrait exudes strength and poise. Benney described his aim as showing “the humanity and empathy of such an extraordinary person taking on an extraordinary role”.</p> <p>This double unveiling rekindles a royal tradition dating back to the portrait of King James I in 1620 – a symbol of sovereign authority and cultural continuity. While historically used to assert power, today’s portraits serve as a testament to endurance, service and the deep personal commitment of the modern monarchy.</p> <p><em>Images: X (formerly Twitter), Royal Family</em></p>

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Pope Francis' cause of death and burial wishes revealed

<p>The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke followed by heart failure, according to an official statement released by the Vatican press office. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, with underlying health conditions also contributing to his death.</p> <p>In a statement signed by Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State, the Vatican revealed that Francis had suffered a previous episode of acute respiratory failure, along with arterial hypertension and type II diabetes.</p> <p>Pope Francis made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he delivered a brief Easter blessing to thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square. Unable to finish reading his address, the ailing pope sat as an aide delivered the rest of the speech, which called for peace in war-torn regions such as Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.</p> <p>Following his death, the Vatican also made public the burial wishes outlined in the pope’s will. Francis requested a simple burial in the ground at Rome’s Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – marked only with the Latin inscription <em>Franciscus</em>. This will be the first time in over a century that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican.</p> <p>According to the will, an anonymous benefactor has agreed to cover the costs of his burial.</p> <p>With the pontiff’s passing, the Catholic Church now enters a traditional period of mourning known as the Novendiales, lasting nine days. During this time, Pope Francis will lie in state as preparations for his funeral are made.</p> <p>The conclave – the sacred process to elect a new pope – is expected to begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following his death.</p> <p>Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, became the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope. His death marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, progressive stances and a deep focus on global humanitarian issues.</p> <p><em>Images: Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

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Hollywood legend reveals secret cancer battle

<p>Hollywood icon Anjelica Huston has opened up for the first time about her private battle with cancer, revealing she was diagnosed back in 2019 but is now celebrating four years of being cancer-free.</p> <p>The Oscar-winning actress, 73, shared that the diagnosis came as a “big shock” shortly after the release of <em>John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum</em>, in which she starred alongside Keanu Reeves and Halle Berry. While Huston chose not to disclose the exact type of cancer she faced, she expressed pride in overcoming the illness and praised her medical team for their care.</p> <p>“It came as a big shock, but it made me conscious of what I shouldn’t do, of places I shouldn’t go,” Huston told <em>People</em> magazine. “Sometimes you feel like you don't want to talk about it for the obvious reasons, but there's a lot to be said for talking about it and getting it out there and celebrating the fact that one's come through.”</p> <p>Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I managed to survive it, and I’m proud of myself.”</p> <p>Huston, best known for her roles in <em>The Addams Family</em>, <em>The Witches</em>, and <em>Prizzi's Honor</em>, comes from a legendary Hollywood lineage. She is the daughter of famed director and screenwriter John Huston and the granddaughter of Canadian star Walter Huston. Several of her siblings have also pursued acting careers.</p> <p>Her personal life has also captured public interest over the years. Huston famously dated actor Jack Nicholson, describing their relationship as an "emotional rollercoaster." In 1992, she married sculptor Robert Graham, who sadly passed away in 2008.</p> <p>Now, with her cancer battle behind her, Huston is embracing life with renewed appreciation and strength, inspiring fans worldwide.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Cause of fatal Sea World chopper crash finally revealed

<p>A catastrophic combination of radio failure and limited visibility led to the tragic mid-air collision of two Sea World helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023, a final investigation report has revealed.</p> <p>The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its long-awaited findings on Wednesday, more than two years after the accident that claimed four lives and left nine others injured at the height of the summer holiday season.</p> <p>According to the report, a critical inbound taxiing call from one helicopter, which was carrying five passengers, failed to transmit to a second helicopter preparing for takeoff with six people aboard. Investigators determined that a fault in the antenna of the first helicopter, VH-XKQ, prevented the transmission, despite the pilot having made the call. The faulty antenna had been an issue for several days prior to the crash.</p> <p>While the ground crew had earlier advised that the airspace was clear, by the time the second helicopter lifted off, that advice was no longer valid. The first helicopter had been waiting for a taxi call from the second chopper to ensure safe separation, but the call never came.</p> <p>“Neither pilot was aware of the existence of faults in the radio of VH-XKQ that likely prevented broadcast of the taxi call,” the ATSB report stated. Without functioning radio communications, neither pilot could pinpoint the location of the other aircraft, contributing to the fatal collision.</p> <p>The investigation also identified limited visibility from both helicopters and the pilots’ divided attention – focused partly on boat traffic and other aircraft in the area – as additional contributing factors. Sea World Helicopters’ safety systems, including radio calls, hand signals, and visual warning devices, were found to be inadequate. These shortcomings led both pilots to incorrectly assess the position of the other helicopter.</p> <p>Further compounding the tragedy, the ATSB found evidence that some passengers were improperly restrained, although it could not determine how this affected the severity of their injuries.</p> <p>The report also highlighted operational changes leading up to the crash. A week before the incident, the helicopters were swapped, and a year earlier, the helipads had been relocated – both changes that contributed to a breakdown in safety protocols and increased collision risk. The new aircraft lacked internal company radios, had no live traffic displays, and the pilots were unfamiliar with the systems, the report noted.</p> <p>The collision claimed the lives of pilot Ashley Jenkinson, 40, British tourists Ron and Diane Hughes, aged 65 and 57, and Sydney mother Vanessa Tadros, 36. Tadros’ 10-year-old son Nicholas survived but required extensive surgeries. Victorian mother Winnie de Silva, 33, and her nine-year-old son Leon were also hospitalised with serious injuries.</p> <p>Michael James, the pilot of the second helicopter, managed to execute an emergency landing despite suffering injuries from shattered glass. He passed away in June 2024 after a battle with cancer.</p> <p>The findings come as Shine Lawyers, representing several victims and families affected by the crash, prepare for civil proceedings. Claims of up to $925,000 per person have been lodged against Sea World Helicopters, and the release of the ATSB report is expected to inform further legal action.</p> <p>“This was such a profoundly unnecessary loss of life which must be prosecuted fully to ensure it never happens again,” said litigation specialist Roger Singh. “We will examine the findings of this report with a view to identifying other potential defendants and further damages which may be sought.”</p> <p><em>Images: ATSB</em></p>

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66-year-old woman reveals why she just gave birth to her 10th child

<p>In a remarkable turn of events, 66-year-old Alexandra Hildebrandt gave birth to her 10th child, a healthy baby boy named Philipp, on March 19 at Charité Hospital in Berlin. The birth, carried out via cesarean section, saw Philipp weighing in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces.</p> <p>Hildebrandt, a well-known human rights activist and the director of Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie Museum, insists that she conceived naturally, without the aid of fertility drugs, and faced no difficulties during the process.</p> <p>Baby Philipp joins an already large and diverse family, including siblings Svitlana (46), Artiom (36), Elisabeth (12), Maximilian (12), Alexandra (10), Leopold (8), Anna (7), Maria (4), and Katharina (2). Remarkably, eight of these children were born after Hildebrandt turned 53, all during her second marriage to former CDU politician Daniel Dormann.</p> <p>For Hildebrandt, having a big family is both fulfilling and fundamental. “A big family is not only something wonderful, but above all, it is important for raising children properly,” she told <em>The Today Show</em>. Despite her age, she has received only positive feedback from friends and family regarding her pregnancy and childbirth.</p> <p>Dr Wolfgang Henrich, Hildebrandt’s OB/GYN, described her pregnancy as “largely uncomplicated”. However, medical experts caution that pregnancies at such an advanced age come with significant risks. Dr Brian Levine, a fertility specialist based in New York City, notes that the biological likelihood of a woman conceiving naturally at 66 is extremely low. Additionally, the risks of hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm labor and chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome rise significantly with age.</p> <p>Hildebrandt is not alone in making headlines for late-life motherhood. In 2023, 70-year-old Safina Namukwaya from Uganda gave birth to twins via in vitro fertilisation using donor eggs and her husband’s sperm. Despite concerns about her age, Namukwaya expressed joy at her newfound motherhood, saying that age should not be a barrier to having children.</p> <p>As for Hildebrandt, she credits her lifestyle for her ability to conceive and carry a child at her age. “I eat very healthily, swim regularly for an hour, walk for two hours,” she shared in an interview with <em>Bild</em>. She also noted that she has never smoked, consumed alcohol or used contraceptives.</p> <p><em>Images: The Today Show</em></p>

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Beloved Neighbours star reveals his dying wishes

<p>Ian Smith has shared his final wishes after being told he has more time to live, despite battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>Smith, 86, was diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma and given a terminal prognosis in 2024. However, in a recent interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, he revealed he had defied expectations and was still going strong.</p> <p>"I'm going to die soon, but I seem to be defying the odds, which is good. I'm not unhappy about that at all," Smith said.</p> <p>The veteran actor recalled the moment he received the unexpected news in December last year, jokingly expressing his gratitude: "The knowledge is saying, 'Ian, you are going to die in March.' I almost gave in, and then on Friday the 13th, I got this good news and, you know what? I just had to say, 'Well, thank you, someone.'"</p> <p>Rather than dwell on his diagnosis, Smith is determined to make the most of the time he has left. While he admits he is still unsure of how best to spend it, one thing on his bucket list is buying a new car – specifically, an electric one.</p> <p>"I'm now thinking of buying a new car. That's not what you do if you're going to die in March," he said with a laugh. "I'm determined to have an electric car before I die. And I was speaking to a salesman. I said, 'Now, what about the delivery? Can you get to me before I'm dead?' And he was so shocked! I said, 'Come on, let's have a giggle.'"</p> <p>Smith has had a long and celebrated career in television, most notably for his role as Harold Bishop on <em>Neighbours</em>. First joining the show in 1987, his character quickly became a fan favourite. Over the years, he made several departures and returns, with his most recent appearance in 2024 before stepping away due to ill health.</p> <p>Jason Herbison, Executive Producer of <em>Neighbours</em>, spoke highly of Smith’s contributions to the show, saying, "The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn't love him more than we do."</p> <p>Beyond <em>Neighbours</em>, Smith also appeared in the cult series <em>Prisoner</em> and worked extensively in theatre since the 1950s.</p> <p>Smith has faced significant personal challenges over the years. His wife, Gail, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a marriage that spanned over 50 years. Additionally, Smith discovered later in life that he had been adopted. He was 54 when his adoptive mother, Connie, revealed the truth shortly before her passing. Smith eventually reunited with his biological mother, Peg Kline, who had been a victim of sexual assault at age 14. They maintained a relationship until her death in 2005, also from cancer.</p> <p>"Dying does change how you live," he said in a previous interview with The Guardian. "I feel like I have become more forgiving, more understanding."</p> <p>Despite his illness, Smith remains grateful for the life he has led. "I know I have cancer because doctors keep telling me I have it. I may get very sick again one day. But I have lived the most privileged life."</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Tragic final moments of Lilie James revealed at inquest

<p>The final moments of Lilie James, a beloved 21-year-old water polo coach, were captured on CCTV just minutes before she was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/tragic-new-details-emerge-in-alleged-murder-of-lilie-james" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brutally murdered</a> by her ex-partner, Paul Thijssen, inside a Sydney school. Shocking new details have emerged during a coronial inquest into the October 25, 2023, killing, revealing the calculated planning behind the horrific crime that shook the nation.</p> <p>Lilie was viciously attacked with a hammer in a bathroom at St Andrew’s Cathedral School in Sydney’s CBD. The inquest heard that Thijssen, 24, a fellow teacher at the school and Lilie's former boyfriend, meticulously stalked her and rehearsed the attack in the days leading up to her murder.</p> <p>Court proceedings detailed how Thijssen, a Dutch national, spent days stalking Lilie, watching her movements and even performing dry runs of the attack. CCTV footage played at the inquest showed him practising how to burst into the bathroom where he would ultimately kill Lilie. The court heard that he placed a “cleaning in progress” sign outside a different bathroom to manipulate her into using the one where he planned the attack.</p> <p>On the evening of October 25, Lilie was seen on CCTV chatting with Thijssen as she walked to the bathroom. Moments later, footage captured him switching a hammer to his right hand before charging inside at 7:14pm. While the attack itself was not recorded, Thijssen was seen lingering outside, seemingly listening to the aftermath, before locking the bathroom door to prevent entry. He remained inside for an hour and 12 minutes before leaving.</p> <p>After the murder, Thijssen took Lilie's phone and sent messages to her father, Jamie, pretending to be her.</p> <p>“Don’t ask why or call please come to the school now and pick me up,” he texted. When Mr James responded with concern, Thijssen continued the deception, replying, “All good just came (sic) trouble.”</p> <p>In a chilling turn, Thijssen later made a triple-0 call after driving to Diamond Bay Reserve in Vaucluse. Described by the operator as eerily calm, he reported the location of Lilie's body before refusing to disclose his identity. He ended the call with an unsettling message: “I think someone should just go in there before people arrive in the morning. Thank you.”</p> <p>At 11:59pm, CCTV captured Thijssen entering the reserve, where he later took his own life by jumping from a cliff. His body was discovered in the water 32 hours later.</p> <p>Police found Lilie's body around the same time they began searching for Thijssen. Due to the sheer amount of blood in her hair, officers initially mistook her for someone else, leading to early misinterpretations of the crime scene. A post-mortem examination later confirmed she had suffered at least 25 blows to the head and neck.</p> <p>The inquest also heard that Thijssen had a history of stalking behaviour, having previously followed another ex-girlfriend. Additionally, he had forged documents in an attempt to extend his Australian working holiday visa.</p> <p>Investigations revealed that in the six days leading up to Lilie's murder, he had driven to her house multiple times in a hired car, taken photographs of vehicles parked outside and tracked her movements. Further footage showed him buying a hammer and duct tape from a hardware store, though that hammer was later found unused in a school storeroom.</p> <p>The brutal murder of Lilie James has left the community reeling. St Andrew’s Cathedral School was closed for two days following the tragedy, and the inquest continues before Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan, seeking to provide further insights into how such a devastating crime unfolded.</p> <p><em>Images: 7News / Facebook</em></p>

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Tragic cause of death of 6-year-old Airlie Montgomery revealed

<p>The tragic cause of death of six-year-old Airlie Montgomery, who went missing on Sunday afternoon, has been revealed, with authorities believing she likely died from "misadventure" after a desperate search ended in heartbreak.</p> <p>Airlie, who was autistic and non-verbal, was found in the Shoalhaven River at the base of a nature reserve near The Grotto, a popular cliff-top hiking trail on the New South Wales south coast in North Nowra. She had wandered away from her family home earlier that afternoon, prompting an urgent search effort that concluded when her body was discovered just after 6pm.</p> <p>NSW Police have stated that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Airlie’s death, and it is being treated as an unfortunate accident. Her tragic loss has left the local community devastated, with Shoalhaven Mayor Patricia White describing Nowra as a “town in mourning”.</p> <p>“Words cannot describe how horrible this is,” Mayor White told <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>. “It’s an absolute tragedy.”</p> <p>Neighbours and community members, many of whom participated in the frantic search for Airlie, are struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking outcome. Cathy, a neighbour of the grieving family and the last person to see Airlie alive, recalled her as a joyful child who often played near her parents’ home. “She was a lovely little thing, non-verbal, but a happy girl always smiling and blowing kisses when she saw you,” Cathy shared with <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>.</p> <p>“Except yesterday she was crying, no one knows why… and then I didn’t see her. She must have gone over the edge above The Grotto.”</p> <p>Airlie’s father, Corey Montgomery, visited North Nowra Public School on Monday to collect his daughter’s belongings, leaving with a bunch of pink flowers in her memory. Her mother, Katie Amess, was too distraught to speak, receiving support from neighbours in the wake of the tragedy.</p> <p>The NSW Department of Education expressed its condolences in a statement, saying it was “deeply saddened” by Airlie’s death. “Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected,” the statement read. “We are providing support to students and staff and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed.”</p> <p>Authorities have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner to determine the exact circumstances of Airlie’s death.</p> <p>As the community mourns, tributes continue to flow for the young girl whose life was tragically cut short.</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

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Gene Hackman's cause of death revealed

<p>The cause of death of legendary actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, has finally been confirmed, more than a week after they were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/sad-new-details-emerge-in-gene-hackman-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener">discovered in their Santa Fe home</a>.</p> <p>The couple was found deceased in their residence on February 26, prompting an investigation by authorities. </p> <p>Dr Heather Jarrell, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, disclosed at a press conference that Hackman succumbed to cardiovascular disease, with advanced Alzheimer’s disease being a significant contributing factor. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, died around seven days earlier from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare infectious disease contracted through exposure to rodents and their excrement. Authorities found evidence of rodent intrusion in the couple’s home, believed to be the source of Arakawa’s infection.</p> <p>Based on her movements and email communications, Dr Jarrell determined that Arakawa likely passed away on February 11, while Hackman is believed to have died on February 18. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that Hackman was likely at home with his deceased wife for seven days before his own death.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell noted that Hackman was in "very poor health", and it was unclear how he managed in his final days without his wife's assistance. Given his advanced Alzheimer’s, Jarrell suggested that it was possible he was unaware that his wife had passed away.</p> <p>“There was no food in his stomach, which means he had not eaten recently, but he had no evidence of dehydration,” she stated.</p> <p>Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe and often fatal respiratory disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, it begins with flu-like symptoms and rapidly progresses to serious lung and heart complications. The best prevention is avoiding contact with rodents and properly managing rodent-prone areas.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell’s findings confirmed that Hackman had severe heart disease, with evidence of multiple prior heart attacks and chronic high blood pressure. A full-body post-mortem examination showed no signs of trauma. He tested negative for COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses, as well as hantavirus and carbon monoxide poisoning.</p> <p>Similarly, Arakawa’s autopsy revealed no external or internal trauma. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of hantavirus, ruling it as the cause of her death. Other tests for respiratory viruses and toxins returned negative results.</p> <p>Dr Jarrell said that there were “no other significant natural disease findings” in either case, and that all medications found in the home were taken as prescribed and did not contribute to their deaths.</p> <p>The tragic passing of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa marks the end of an era for Hollywood, with fans mourning the loss of the two-time Academy Award-winning actor. Hackman, known for his roles in <em>The French Connection</em>, <em>Unforgiven </em>and <em>The Royal Tenenbaums</em>, retired from acting in 2004. The couple had been residing in Santa Fe for many years, enjoying a quiet life away from the public eye.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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"Critical": Cyclone Alfred's new landfall location revealed

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">New forecasts reveal that Tropical Cyclone Alfred is set to make landfall in Brisbane’s northern suburbs as it turns "directly" towards Queensland’s coast. The cyclone, upgraded to a category two system overnight, is expected to shift westward on Tuesday evening, putting Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast at risk.</p> <p>As of Tuesday morning, Cyclone Alfred was about 560km east of Brisbane. Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Jonathon How indicated that landfall is expected between late Thursday and Friday.</p> <p>“The location of landfall will be critical because we are expecting to see the worst of the impacts, or most significant impacts, on the southern flank of the cyclone,” Mr How said.</p> <p>Areas likely to experience severe weather include Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Northern Rivers, with heavy rainfall expected across multiple regions. The Sunshine Coast may receive 200mm to 400mm of rain, while the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers could see extreme downpours between 500mm and 700mm.</p> <p>Southeast Queensland and northeastern NSW residents, particularly those between Tewantin and Grafton, have been advised to prepare for damaging winds up to 120km/h starting Wednesday. Heavy rainfall, potentially causing "dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding," is forecast from Thursday into Friday.</p> <p>Despite possible fluctuations in the cyclone’s intensity, the Bureau of Meteorology expects Alfred to remain a category two system upon landfall.</p> <p>Energex regional field delivery general manager Kev Lavender urged residents to prepare for potential power outages lasting up to three days.</p> <p>“We are ready to respond to any impacts from severe weather when it is safe to do so,” he stated, noting that strong winds and floods could extensively damage the electricity network.</p> <p>Residents of North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay Islands face the risk of being cut off from the mainland. With ferry services being suspended, many must decide whether to stay or evacuate. The last scheduled ferry departures from Victoria Point and Coochie were planned for Tuesday, with potential resumption on Friday, depending on weather conditions.</p> <p>SeaLink Bay Islands also announced possible service disruptions on Tuesday and additional cancellations on Wednesday and Thursday as the cyclone approaches.</p> <p>Coastal areas between Sandy Cape and Yamba have been warned about abnormally high tides and "significant beach erosion" caused by damaging surf. Multiple flood watches are in effect for rivers and catchments across both Queensland and New South Wales.</p> <p>Experts warn that sustained damaging winds and prolonged heavy rainfall could cause major property damage.</p> <p>“These damaging to destructive winds will be sustained over quite a long period of time, meaning we could see quite significant damage to properties and also trees,” Mr How explained.</p> <p>Supermarkets have already seen a surge in demand, with reports of empty shelves and water selling out across multiple Queensland suburbs. Essentials like milk and bread are also in short supply. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli urged supermarkets to keep shelves stocked and encouraged residents to prepare by gathering water, spare batteries, and phone chargers.</p> <p>NSW Premier Chris Minns stressed the importance of heeding emergency warnings and avoiding unnecessary risks, particularly driving through floodwaters.</p> <p>“We hope for the best, but we prepare for the worst,” Mr. Minns said, acknowledging that the cyclone warning brings back memories of the devastating 2022 Lismore floods.</p> <p>With widespread flooding and severe weather expected, authorities are urging all residents in the affected regions to remain vigilant, stay informed, and prepare for potentially significant disruptions in the coming days.</p> <p><em>Image: Windy.com</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Jackie O reveals how she lost her driver's license

<p>Jackie O has revealed the simple road rule she broke that cost her her drivers license many years ago. </p> <p>The KIIS FM host revealed live on air that after she was wearing her seatbelt incorrectly, she lost her license. </p> <p>"I always wear it over me, but it was just that one day because I had got a tan," Jackie explained to her listeners on Monday morning.</p> <p>Jackie O said she was put on a 12-month good behaviour period, which means she had been driving with one demerit for a year.</p> <p>However, in the final week of her restriction, she lost the point just days before earning all her points back.</p> <p>"I got through the whole year by one week and then lost it," she said.</p> <p>Jackie then confirmed she lost her license two weeks ago and said she was struggling not being allowed to drive. </p> <p>The 50-year-old said she first struggled with not having a license after she had been gifted a trip to the Blue Mountains by her friend Gemma O'Neill for her 50th birthday.</p> <p>But she questioned how she was going to travel to her weekend away, which is more than 110km away from her home in Sydney's eastern suburbs, now that she is unable to drive herself there.</p> <p>"Gemma – my best friend – she's given me a weekend away to a silent retreat," she said live on air.</p> <p>"I'm gonna have to catch the train because it's to the Blue Mountains and I don't have my licence!"</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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Best hotels in Australia revealed

<p>The <a href="https://www.forbestravelguide.com/award-winners" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Forbes Travel Guide</a> has announced the winners of the Star Awards, with nine hotels and experiences in Australia being named in the list.</p> <p>Every property in the running for the awards is visited by highly trained inspectors who provide an evaluation based on up to 900 objective criteria.</p> <p>According to Forbes, the Star Rating system "emphasises service because your experience at a hotel, restaurant or spa goes beyond looks".</p> <p>Over 2000 hotels, experiences, restaurants and cruises were named on the global list, with nine Aussie winners featuring in the prestigious list. </p> <p>The only property in the country to receive a 5-star accommodation rating in the 2025 Forbes Travel Guide was Crown Towers in Perth. </p> <p>Touted as "the pinnacle of Perth luxury", Forbes described the property as "Perth's most extravagant stay. Exuding understated glamour."</p> <p>In the spa category the Crown Spa Perth, which is tucked away in Crown Towers Perth, was awarded 4-stars for its "unbridled opulence".</p> <p>The Darling Sydney has once again received recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide for the ninth consecutive year, while The Darling's "world class" spa was also featured. </p> <p>Check out the list below.</p> <p>9. The Langham - Sydney</p> <p>8. Park Hyatt - Sydney</p> <p>7. Park Hyatt - Melbourne </p> <p>6. Capella - Sydney</p> <p>5. Como The Treasury - Perth</p> <p>4. The Darling Spa - Sydney</p> <p>3. The Darling - Sydney </p> <p>2. Crown Spa - Perth</p> <p>1. Crown Towers - Perth</p> <p><em>Image credits: Crown Hotels</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333;"> </p>

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"Why are you attacking my dad?": I'm A Celeb finalist reveals behind-the-scenes heartbreak

<p>The emotional on-air reunion between <em>I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here</em> contestant Matty J and his wife, Laura Byrne, along with their two children, Marlie-Mae and Lola Ellis, was a heartwarming moment <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/abrupt-viewers-stunned-by-i-m-a-celeb-winner-s-reveal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">during Sunday’s finale</a>. However, behind the scenes, Byrne has opened up about the significant challenges she faced while participating in the momentous event.</p> <p>In the lead-up to the finale, Byrne undertook an exhausting journey from Sydney to South Africa with their two young daughters. Speaking on the <em>Life Uncut</em> podcast, she detailed the arduous travel experience, which involved “three separate flights” and 24 hours of transit. “That in itself was really hard," she said. "It was like 24 hours by the time we got door to door. Midnight transfer with two children who were absolutely f***ing ropable.” </p> <p>The long journey was only the beginning of the difficulties though. Upon arrival, Byrne and the children had to share a single room with inadequate sleeping arrangements, all while preparing for a demanding day on set.</p> <p>Byrne also revealed that the experience of managing two young children on a chaotic production set was overwhelming. “I felt like I was the emotional buffer between the children and production … I felt like I’d just been flogged for days. It was hard. It was really hard for me,” she said.</p> <p>During the finale, Matty J and his fellow top three contestants – <em>Big Brother</em> star Reggie Bird and retired NRL player Sam Thaiday – were reunited with their families before participating in the final challenge. While this was an exciting moment for viewers, it was an emotionally challenging experience for the family.</p> <p>Matty J recalled the moment he had to part ways with his children soon after reuniting. “When we had our reunion, it was maybe half an hour I think where we had time together and then they’ve got to pull us apart,” he said. “The kids don’t get it, the kids don’t understand. They’re like, ‘I’ve just met my dad, and then I’ve got to go.’ And then we did that trial where we had to have s**t poured on our heads, and Lola’s in tears being like, ‘Why are you attacking my dad?’”</p> <p>Byrne explained that their children were repeatedly reunited with their father, only to be separated again. This happened three times – during the initial reunion, the final trial and then the announcement of the winner. The constant cycle of emotional reunions and abrupt separations took a toll, particularly on their youngest daughter, Lola.</p> <p>After the winner was announced, Byrne and the children expected Matty J to return home with them, but he was kept on set for several more hours. “They kept Matt on set until 6 o’clock and we went home earlier. And it was so hard on Lola particularly,” Byrne revealed. “And then I had to deal with her big emotions around ‘Why is my daddy not coming home?’ And it felt like this unfair false start.”</p> <p>She admitted that the combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation and trying to manage the emotional needs of their children made the experience incredibly difficult. Byrne also shared that she had been against Matty J’s participation in the reality show right from the outset. “I wasn’t a supporter of it in the first place,” she admitted, reinforcing that the experience had only confirmed her concerns.</p> <p>Even Matty J himself struggled with the demands of the show. He confessed that he broke down early in his time at camp, an emotional moment that wasn’t shown on TV. “I just burst out crying, and I was like, ‘I f**king cannot do this,’” he recalled, explaining that a moment of solitude while washing dishes left him questioning his decision. “What have I f**king done? This is a nightmare.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">It appears that, for the Byrne-Johnson family, what seemed like a joyful televised reunion was, in reality, a deeply exhausting and emotional ordeal.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Network 10</em></p>

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Maggie Smith's son reveals her final moments

<p>Dame Maggie Smith's son Toby Stephens has shared details of the last few weeks of his mother's life, and how he wasn't by her side when she passed away. </p> <p>Toby and his brother Chris Larkin announced the death of their famous mother, revealing she died peacefully in hospital in September 2024 at the age of 89.</p> <p>Stephens, who is also an actor, has now opened up about Maggie's last weeks, telling <em><a href="https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/toby-stephens-acting-mother-maggie-smith-zd0979rf8?region=global" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Times</a></em> that he was filming a movie in New Zealand when his mother died. </p> <p>Despite her health troubles, Smith encouraged her son to take the role in the horror movie Marama, as he explained, “She was in hospital. She was supposed to be coming out, but the last two years of her life had been a decline: she would get worse, then she would get better, then she would get worse.” </p> <p>“So I said, ‘Look I’ve got this film,’ and before I could even ask her, she said, ‘Go do it. God, you don’t want to hang round here, I’m fine.’”</p> <p>However, when Stephens arrived in New Zealand, he was informed by hospital staff that his mother’s condition would not improve, as he said, "But it could take two months, two weeks, they didn’t know."</p> <p>Soon afterwards he started filming the movie, his mother stopped being able to communicate.</p> <p>“I’d spent hours and days sitting with her at home and in hospital over the course of two years, and there was nothing I had left unsaid,” Stephens said.</p> <p>Maggie Smith died on September 27th, the day before Stephens finished filming.</p> <p>His wife, actress Anna-Louise Plowman, and their three teenage children were all with her at the hospital the day before she died.</p> <p>Maggie's other son Chris Larkin was at Smith’s bedside for her final moments, as Stephens said, “I was so sad not to be with him.”</p> <p>“I found that very difficult, but she was no longer aware. And it allowed me some space to actually get my head round what had happened.”</p> <p>Elsewhere in the interview, Stephens said he had been touched by the response to his mother’s death and the number of people who remembered her for her earlier roles.</p> <p>He added, “The thing that really got me was: it’s very rare that you have actors that everyone likes."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Colorsport/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p> </p>

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Jack the Ripper's identity revealed after 137 years

<p>A major breakthrough in the Jack the Ripper case could have identified the notorious serial killer after 137 years of mystery. </p> <p>Jack the Ripper terrorised the streets of London in 1888, with police believing he was responsible for the brutal rape and murders of at least five women – known as the Canonical Five – but could very well have committed at least six more.</p> <p>The victims, who were all brutally slain between August and November 1888, were Mary Nichols, 43, Annie Chapman, 47, Elizabeth Stride, 44, Catherine Eddowes, 46, and Mary Jane Kelly, 25.</p> <p>Police, historians and crime buffs have long questioned the real identity of the serial killer, and despite a long list of potential suspects, investigators have not been able to definitively pin down a single suspect to the crimes.</p> <p>However, new evidence has emerged in the case, leading to a possible answer. </p> <p>Self-proclaimed ‘Ripperologist’ and British author Russell Edwards purchased a shawl belonging to one of the victims, Catherine Eddowes, which contained blood and semen back in 2007.</p> <p>Years later, the shawl was put through rigorous forensic testing where it was found to contain DNA from two separate people.</p> <p>One of them matched a descendant of the female victim, while the other matched the descendants of a Polish immigrant, who would have been around 23 at the time of the murders.</p> <p>Upon discovering this male’s name, Edwards was able to reveal the true identity of the infamous‘Jack the Ripper’: Aaron Kosminski.</p> <p>“Considering his DNA is on the shawl that was at the murder scene and he was named, I have never considered anyone else to be the Ripper,” Edwards told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/we-may-finally-know-the-true-identity-of-jack-the-ripper-after-137-years-of-mystery/news-story/14f22046597546a64113567752d972c9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“I have, however, looked into every other suspect in order to eliminate them. The DNA work was a huge four-year process. We had to bypass the issue of contamination, plus many other hurdles."</p> <p>“It was a voyage of discovery, with many twists and turns. The adventure was thrilling from beginning to end and I was lucky to experience it.”</p> <p>Edwards said that when he discovered the DNA from the shawl matched, he was absolutely elated to have made such a breakthrough.</p> <p>“When we matched the DNA from the blood on the shawl with a direct female descendant of the victim, it was the singular most amazing moment of my life at the time,” he said.</p> <p>“We tested the semen left on the shawl. When we matched that, I was dumbfounded that we actually had discovered who Jack the Ripper truly was.”</p> <p>Born in Kłodawa in central Poland, Kosminski moved to England with his family as a child and eventually began working as a barber in London’s Whitechapel district.</p> <p>Medical records show that he had suffered from mental illness since at least 1885 and had spent time in various ‘lunatic asylums’ around London, with his condition reportedly taking the form of auditory hallucinations, a fear of being fed by other people, as well as a refusal to wash or bathe.</p> <p>He later died in 1919 at age 53.</p> <p>The descendants of Jack the Ripper’s victims are now calling for police to do an immediate investigation into Aaron Kosminski to make Edwards’ findings official.</p> <p>Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of victim Catherine Eddowes, said that it would “mean a lot” to her and her family to put an end to this 137-year-old mystery.</p> <p>“The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalised, it has gone down in history as this famous character,” the 53-year-old told the <em><a title="www.dailymail.co.uk" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14234461/Descendants-Jack-Rippers-victims-DNA-breakthrough.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p>“It has all been about him, this iconic name, but people have forgotten about the victims who did not have justice at the time."</p> <p>“What about the real name of the person who did this? Having the real person legally named in a court which can consider all the evidence would be a form of justice for the victims. We have got the proof, now we need this inquest to legally name the killer."</p> <p>“It would mean a lot to me, to my family, to a lot of people to finally have this crime solved.”</p> <p>Despite the excitement over the new evidence, some have cast doubt on the findings.</p> <p>The research has not yet been published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal, which means that the claims cannot be independently verified or the methodology scrutinised.</p> <p>Under UK law, it is up to the attorney general to approve a further inquest into the Jack the Ripper case, with Attorney-General Michael Ellis refusing the request two years ago, saying there was “not sufficient new evidence” to support an inquest.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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"Abrupt!": Viewers stunned by I'm A Celeb winner's reveal

<p>After a gruelling month of bug-eating, celebrity bonding and questionable jungle hygiene, Season 11 of <em>I’m A Celebrity! … Get Me Out of Here</em> wrapped up in a fashion so abrupt that even the credits seemed caught off guard.</p> <p>And the winner is…</p> <p>Sam Thaiday! The former Brisbane Broncos NRL player has joined an elite group of reality TV champions, becoming the sixth man (and fourth pro athlete) to claim the jungle crown. A remarkable feat, though fans barely had time to process it before the show’s ending hit like an unexpected power outage.</p> <p>Thaiday’s victory was followed by what can only be described as the world’s fastest television sign-off. No emotional speech, no teary gratitude, no dramatic last look at the jungle – just the words “Sam Thaiday wins” and a sudden, jarring cut to whatever program followed (presumably an infomercial about knives that never go dull).</p> <p>Viewers, understandably, were left bewildered. Social media reactions ranged from “abrupt” to “anticlimactic”, with one user likening the finale to “watching the season finale of Game of Thrones, only with fewer dragons and more termites”.</p> <p>Adding to the mystery, Thaiday, fellow contestant Matty J and host Julia Morris were spotted arriving at Sydney Airport earlier on Sunday – while the live finale was still airing. Either they had access to a teleportation device, or <em>I’m A Celeb</em> filmed multiple endings, choose-your-own-adventure style, before hastily selecting the right one based on viewer votes.</p> <p>This wouldn’t be the first time reality TV pulled such a move, but it does raise a few questions – like, did Sam even know he won? Or was he as surprised as everyone else when he touched down in Sydney to find himself suddenly more famous?</p> <p>Thaiday’s triumph capped off a season filled with unexpected eliminations – Dave Hughes and Sigrid Thornton among them – and some genuinely emotional moments. The final three, including two-time Big Brother champion Reggie Bird and former Bachelor star Matty J, had their families visit in the finale, leading to a lot of misty eyes and possibly the jungle’s first recorded case of a crocodile shedding tears out of sympathy.</p> <p>While Thaiday took the title, Bird remained a sentimental favourite. Ahead of the season, she revealed that her $250,000 winnings from her 2022 <em>Big Brother</em> victory had gone toward staying afloat rather than securing her dream home. “I feel like I’m a mouse in one of those spinning wheels," she told news.com.au "I just can’t get off this vicious circle.” A brutally honest assessment that may also apply to viewers endlessly watching reality TV finales that don’t quite deliver the dramatic payoff they expect.</p> <p>She also spoke about the harsh reality of the housing market: “I went to the bank to get a loan and couldn’t, because you need to borrow well over half-a-million dollars to buy a house on the Gold Coast, and I don’t have a job. No-one wants to employ me because of my vision. I’ve been trying to get a job, but I just can’t get any work, so I can’t get a loan.”</p> <p>It’s a sobering reminder that even reality TV winnings can’t always buy real-world security. And perhaps a sign that the true ultimate survival challenge isn’t the jungle – it’s the Australian property market.</p> <p>As for Thaiday, whether his jungle win translates to bigger opportunities remains to be seen. But if nothing else, he now has bragging rights as the man who won <em>I’m A Celeb</em> so decisively, the show itself barely had time to process it.</p> <p><em>Images: Network Ten</em></p>

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Driver reveals "surprising" way he got out of $410 seatbelt fine

<p>An Aussie driver who copped a $410 fine and three demerit points after their passenger made a common seatbelt move has revealed how they argued his way out of the ticket. </p> <p>Numerous motorists have been fined in recent weeks over the little-known road rule, where the driver could be penalised if a passenger reclines their seat too far back. </p> <p>Aussie lawyer Hayder Shkara argued that the rule is  "step too far" as well-rested passengers can help curb the growing rate of fatalities by taking over from fatigued drivers on long car trips.</p> <p>Shkara shared the story of how one of his followers had successfully overturned the seatbelt fine and demerit points on social media. </p> <p>"He applied for a review with the police, and he actually got approved," Shkara said.</p> <p>"In his review he focused on the fact that car manufacturers were allowed to import these vehicles with the ability to recline in the first place, and that if there was an actual issue with the vehicle in terms of its design, it should have been stopped at the importation basis.</p> <p>"[He] said to the police that they were practicing safe driving protocols by changing drivers and making sure that one driver was rested and at police actually withdrew the fine. He didn't have to pay anything, and he didn't get any demerit points."</p> <p>Shkara told<em> Yahoo</em> that "normally applications for review in traffic offences are extremely difficult to be successful in and there is a low margin of success." </p> <p>"What is the purpose of seat belts? It is for driver and passenger safety. But we all know that fatigue is a big problem for drivers, so if drivers are switching in and out, I believe that the safer thing to do is for one driver to have proper rest so they can continue to drive safely."</p> <p>He said he would also encourage others who receive a fine for the same offence to try and appeal their case, as the "review doesn't require you to pay any legal fees and it is worth a shot."</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Centre for Road Safety/ TikTok</em></p>

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