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"I believe he is alive": Father of young man who jumped off cruise ship speaks out

<p>The father of the young man who jumped off a cruise ship on its way to Florida has spoken out, saying he believes his son is still alive. </p> <p>While the Liberty of the Seas was travelling back from the Dominican Republic on its way to Florida, 20-year-old Levion Parker <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/young-man-who-jumped-off-cruise-ship-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jumped overboard</a>. </p> <p>The ship was reportedly about 90km off the southern most island of the Bahamas when the young man, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, jumped overboard in the early hours of the morning. </p> <p>Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing how a young man took a spontaneous plunge from one of the ship's decks, despite the desperate pleas and helplessness of his father and brother who stood witness to the impulsive act.</p> <p>After days of searching, the US coast guard called off their search for the young man. </p> <p>Now, Legion's father Francel said he believes his son is still alive. </p> <p>“As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him. I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive,” Mr Parker told local Florida paper, the <a href="https://www.yoursun.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Sun</em>, </a>on Wednesday.</p> <p>Francel went open to say that he threw six life rings off the ship in hopes of saving his son before the vessel was able to come to a stop about 20 minutes later.</p> <p>When news broke onboard of the tragedy, travellers reported that many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to spot the young man in the water.</p> <p>Levion was reportedly “drunk” on the night of the incident, although details around this are unclear as the minimum age to consume alcohol on Royal Caribbean ships on voyages from North America or the Caribbean is 21.</p> <p>“We don’t drink,” Levion’s father Francel said. “I’d like to know how my son was served so much alcohol.”</p> <p>Francel, who owns an air-conditioning business, was invited, together with his family, aboard the ship as guests of Florida-based air-conditioning wholesalers Tropic Supply to mark the company’s 50th anniversary.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Young man who jumped off cruise ship identified

<p>The young man who <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/his-family-was-horrified-young-man-jumps-off-cruise-ship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jumped overboard</a> from a Royal Caribbean cruise has been identified as 20-year-old Levion Parker. </p> <p>Parker, a former high school footballer from Florida, was onboard the Liberty of the Seas with his family when the incident occurred, as the vessel was making its way back to the US after a four-day cruise to the Dominican Republic. </p> <p>The ship was reportedly about 90km off the southern most island of the Bahamas when the young man, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, jumped overboard in the early hours of the morning. </p> <p>Witnesses recounted the harrowing scene, describing how a young man took a spontaneous plunge from one of the ship's decks, despite the desperate pleas and helplessness of his father and brother who stood witness to the impulsive act.</p> <p>A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/20yo-who-went-overboard-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-identified/news-story/ebeef7b2ed03d828b5a6efbd2a8ebfe1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> the ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who took over the search. </p> <p>“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share,” the spokesperson said on Monday.</p> <p>Fellow travellers on the cruise were alerted to the tragedy during breakfast a few hours later, as many stood along balconies starring into the sea in the hopes of finding the man. </p> <p>A passenger took to Reddit to post about the heartbreaking incident said they became aware of the tragedy when the captain "announced it over the PA system while we were at breakfast and the entire room went silent.” </p> <p>Levion’s father Francel Parker, who owns an air-conditioning business, was invited, together with his family, aboard the ship as guests of Florida-based air-conditioning wholesalers Tropic Supply to mark the company’s 50th anniversary.</p> <p>The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for the missing young man.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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"His family was horrified": Young man jumps off cruise ship

<p>What was meant to be a voyage of leisure and joy turned into a nightmare in the early hours of Thursday morning when a young man made a fateful decision to leap overboard, leaving passengers and crew stunned and grieving.</p> <p>The incident occurred as Royal Caribbean's colossal 18-storey <em>Liberty of the Seas</em> cruise ship navigated the waters between Cuba and the Bahamas' Grand Inagua Island. <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/04/04/us-news/royal-caribbean-cruise-horror-as-20-year-old-man-jumps-overboard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to the New York Post</a>, witnesses recounted the harrowing scene: a young man took a spontaneous plunge from one of the ship's decks, despite the desperate pleas and helplessness of his father and brother who stood witness to the impulsive act.</p> <p>Passengers onboard shared their accounts, describing the chilling moments leading up to the tragedy. Bryan Sims, one of the witnesses, told the <em>New York Post</em> he had spent time with the young man and his brother in the ship's hot tub until the early hours of the morning. "He was pretty drunk," Sims said, noting the jovial atmosphere that abruptly transformed into shock and chaos.</p> <p>The young man's declaration to his father, followed by his abrupt jump, left bystanders reeling in disbelief: “As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us," Sims continued. "His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess. When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” </p> <p>Deborah Morrison, another passenger, echoed the sentiments of shock and horror that rippled through the ship. "His family was horrified. Just beside themselves," she recounted. “There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately.”</p> <p>In a statement addressing the tragic incident, Royal Caribbean affirmed its commitment to providing support to the family, while respecting their privacy during this difficult time. </p> <p>Amy Phelps Fouse, another passenger onboard, attested to the sombre atmosphere that enveloped the ship in the wake of the tragedy. Despite the uncertainty that lingered, she commended Royal Caribbean for their transparency and compassionate response to the situation.</p> <p><em>More to come.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Royal Caribbean</em></p>

Cruising

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Jumping castle operator in court over Hillcrest tragedy

<p>A jumping castle operator who was charged over the 2021 <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/children-killed-in-hillcrest-tragedy-identified-amid-overwhelming-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hillcrest Primary School tragedy</a> is expected to face court for the first time.</p> <p>Six children, Peter Dodt, Jye Sheehan, Jalailah Jayne-Maree Jones, Zane Mellor, Addison Stewart and Chace Harrison, were killed when the inflatable castle was lifted into the air on December 2021. </p> <p>The students were enjoying the end-of-year celebrations with their classmates on the oval of the school in Devonport in Tasmania's northwest, when the tragic incident occurred. </p> <p>Rosemary Anne Gamble, the operator who worked for Taz-Zorb - the company who supplied and set up the castle - was charged in November after failing to comply with workplace health and safety requirements. </p> <p>It is alleged that the castle was tethered at four of its eight anchorage points and the pegs  recommended by the manufacturer, or a suitable alternative, weren't installed properly. </p> <p>According to court documents, seven students were on the castle when it became dislodged and airborne due to a "significant" weather event, causing them to fall from a height of about 10 metres.</p> <p>A few others were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/heartbreaking-detail-as-mother-of-jumping-castle-victim-speaks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reportedly</a> injured, with one nearby student being struck by the blower attached to the castle. </p> <p>It is alleged that Gamble failed to ensure the anchorage system was sufficient to prevent the castle from lifting, and failed to ensure there were pegs at each anchor point as per the manufacturer's instructions. </p> <p>It is also alleged that Gamble failed to provide adequate information, including manufacturer's operating manual to the two workers she was in charge of at the time. </p> <p>She is expected to face the Devonport Magistrates Court for the first time on Friday. </p> <p>Preparations for the coronial <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/update-on-inquest-into-hillcrest-primary-deaths" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inquest</a> was put on hold because of the criminal charges. </p> <p><em>Image: Twitter/ ABC News</em></p>

Legal

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Teen lifesaver's heroic rescue after cliff jump

<p>A teen lifesaver has been praised for her heroic effort to rescue three boys stranded in a cave, after a cliff jump went wrong. </p> <p>With temperatures soaring up to 37C near the coast in Sydney, many locals decided to go to the beach to escape the heat. One group of teenage boys decided to go cliff jumping over the Warriewood Blowhole, north of Manly. </p> <p>But, things started to go wrong when one 15-year-old boy slammed his head on the water after diving from the cliff, leaving him semi-unconscious. </p> <p>As his two friends clambered over rocks to move him into a cave below the cliff, the trio quickly became stranded as waves pounded the rocks. </p> <p>Lifesaver Saskia Rundle Towbridge, 16, was quick to jump into action, hopping into the rubber duck and bravely manoeuvring her way through rough waves to rescue the boys. </p> <p>“The waves were pretty big, especially when I was coming in,” she told <em>Nine</em>. </p> <p>“I got thrown up against them, and the cord of my rescue tube was stuck on the rocks, so I was being battered for about two minutes.”</p> <p>She eventually made it onto the rocks and was able to swim the boys back to the boat.</p> <p>The injured teen was treated by lifesavers before an ambulance was called, as he was disoriented and couldn't remember where he was. </p> <p>The 15-year-old was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital and is in a stable condition. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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Darryl Somers jumps the gun with major Dr Chris Brown announcement

<p>Darryl Somers, the man who made <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> a glittering extravaganza of dance and dazzling outfits, has decided to take centre stage once again.</p> <p>After months of speculation about Dr Chris Brown taking over the hosting reins, Somers took it upon himself to make a rogue announcement on his Facebook page that was about as expected as a cha-cha-cha in a tango.</p> <p>Rumours have been swirling for some time now about Channel Seven's big reveal, scheduled for their upfronts event, a time when media executives and TV buffs gather to find out what fresh television delights are in store. But Somers, always one to seize the spotlight, decided to drop the bombshell himself.</p> <p>"Hi All, Just want to confirm the speculation that I will not be hosting Dancing With The Stars in 2024. Seven let me know recently that they have signed Chris Brown to the network full-time, and amongst his commitments, he will be hosting DWTS," Somers wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>In a heartfelt message, Somers went on to share his gratitude for the 20-year journey he's had with <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>, dating back to 2004. He's completed ten series, with his last one being a "huge ratings success". And what better way to pass the torch than with a mirror ball, the symbol of dancefloor triumph, presented personally by Somers to Chris Brown.</p> <p>Somers also expressed his fondness for his co-host, Sonia Kruger, and the judges, Todd McKenney and Mark Wilson. It seems that while he will miss the sequins and glitter, he's "now unencumbered to pursue the projects [he] put on hold during Covid and shall have some exciting news on that score early next year." We can't wait to find out what Somers has hidden up his well-tailored sleeves. </p> <p>But let's not forget the man of the hour: Dr Chris Brown. Not only will he be grooving to the tunes of <em>Dancing with the Stars</em>, but he's also going to be hosting a brand new show titled <em>Dream Home</em>. It's not about dreaming of a dream home; it's about couples turning a run-down shack into a palace, all while winning some cold hard cash. If we know Brown, he's probably going to charm the participants into renovating their homes with just a smile and a stethoscope.</p> <p>Before all of this unfolded, there was speculation that Brown might take over for Kochie when he retired from <em>Sunrise</em> after 21 years – but of course that Big Chair went to Olympian Matt Shirvington.</p> <p>In the world of Australian television, the tango of hosting changes continues, with Somers' premature announcement adding an unexpected twist. It seems that even after 20 years of dancing with the stars, you can still surprise everyone with a perfectly timed leap and a graceful pirouette into the unknown.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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World’s oldest skydiver dies after record-breaking jump

<p dir="ltr">Just weeks after becoming the oldest person to complete a tandem skydive, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner has passed away. </p> <p dir="ltr">On October 1st, the Chicago native <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/104-year-old-woman-becomes-world-s-oldest-skydiver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke a world record</a> by jumping out of a plane with a professional skydiver. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her incredible display of bravery captured global attention, with her amazing feat being recognised by the Guinness World Records association. </p> <p dir="ltr">Less than two weeks after her historic freefall, Dorothy passed away peacefully.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement to <em><a href="https://people.com/inspiring-104-year-old-woman-dies-1-week-after-becoming-world-oldest-skydiver-8349727" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em> magazine, Skydive Chicago and the United States Parachute Association confirmed the news of her death. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened by Dorothy’s passing and feel honoured to have been a part of making her world-record skydive a reality,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Skydiving is an activity that many of us safely tuck away in our bucket lists. But Dorothy reminds us that it’s never too late to take the thrill of a lifetime.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are forever grateful that skydiving was a part of her exciting, well-lived life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her legacy is even more remarkable because of the attention the world gave to her inspiring story.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to a close friend of Hoffner’s, Joe Conant, the Chicago record-breaker passed away peacefully in her sleep. </p> <p dir="ltr">He also told the <em><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-dorothy-hoffner-skydive-chicago-obituary-20231010-bebci7alezdvnmrc4advc7lnm4-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Tribune</a></em> that despite her 104 years, her death was unexpected.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It came as quite a shock,” Conant said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She gave an incredible amount of her spirit and life to all of us, and it inspired all of us.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: ABC 7 Chicago / Skydive Chicago</em></p>

Caring

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Tourist faces $10k fine for jumping into iconic harbour

<p>Footage surfaced online of the man leaping from Opera Bar, just a few metres away from the Opera House.</p> <p>While his jump was certainly surprising, what shocked viewers was the hefty fine the tourist could be slapped with following his return from the water.</p> <p>Security helped the man back over the harbour ledge before telling him the risky stunt could see him $10,000 poorer.</p> <p><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7235491102143401234&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7235491102143401234%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo03m1enFIeAeQNC0aCDgjQIXDXzvbjDTIIabA4%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DoWRm%252BIslhOfB81xvrV77sRxfWog%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>“Well there's a very good reason why you've never seen anyone jump into the sea from the Opera House... I'll show you why,' Future Travellers said in a TikTok clip.</p> <p>In a second TikTok, the young man is seen talking to a group of police officers.<iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7239141948261534984&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7239141948261534984%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fbc76967996de4cefb23cfe5e6930fddc_1685494092%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DSY8QPztxLxbP%252FPfYm4itGUmYloE%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p>However, a number of viewers commenting about the eye-watering fine also noted it was the least of the swimmer’s worries.</p> <p>"I'm a Sydney gal and it's not the $10,000 that scares me, it's the huge bull sharks that lurk in those waters,' one person wrote.</p> <p>“It’s a busy shipping lane and if it was full of floating tourists the ferries couldn't run,” another said.</p> <p>“I'm sure if he got run over by ferry his family would be suing NSW government for compensation,” a third added.</p> <p>Others were skeptical of the large fine.</p> <p>The official fine for swimming around the Opera House is a maximum of $1,100 with the law stating a person must not “swim to and enter on any part of the Opera House premises or swim from any part of those premises”.</p> <p>Several others were impressed by the young man’s jump and slammed NSW for being a “nanny state”.</p> <p>“Welcome to Sydney, please do not do anything,” one person remarked.</p> <p>“This guy is an absolute legend,” another wrote.</p> <p>'Only $10,000 per dip? It's probably cheaper to live in the harbour than some apartments. Sign me up,' a third joked.</p> <p>“Australia has a fine for everything,” another claimed.</p> <p>Earlier footage of the risky trick was shared alongside a montage of the tourist showing his British mum around Australia.</p> <p>The first video left viewers astounded with one writing, “In all my life living in Sydney I've never seen anyone jump in at the opera house!”</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Body language expert weighs in on Prince George

<p>Prince George has stunned fans by stepping out ahead of his family during the annual Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.</p> <p>9-year-old George was accompanied by his parents - the Prince and Princess of Wales - and his siblings, seven-year-old Princess Charlotte and four-year-old Prince Louis. And while in 2022 the young royal stood between her parents as they made their way into the service, all eyes were on George in 2023 when he took the lead and strode a step ahead of them. </p> <p>And now, body language expert Judi James - who took note of George at both the 2021 and 2022 services as well - has spoken to<em> The Daily Mail </em>about what she believes the 9-year-old’s new “grown-up dynamic” means - both for himself, and the future of the British royal family. </p> <p>“At this Easter service there was a status step-up from George, who walked ahead to lead his family into the service,” she explained, “showing a newly grown-up dynamic from the five Wales’ when it comes to royal outings.</p> <p>“George used to be the one holding his father’s hand and looking rather timid, but here it was Charlotte walking in alongside William, while Kate held Louis’s hand beside them.”</p> <p>Judi went on to note that even this line-up “had its own upgrade”, outlining how Charlotte had appeared to check in on her younger brother, before sharing “a beam of pride at his impeccable behaviour.”</p> <p>“On the way out of the service it was Charlotte mirroring her mother, walking beside Kate and offering her own shy wave to the crowds in a gesture that showed who she takes her own lead from,” she continued. </p> <p>“Louis was a very different boy from the playful, fidgety young royal <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/adorable-prince-louis-upstages-entire-royal-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we saw at the Jubilee</a>. Walking beside Kate he looked serious and confident, offering a level stare at the crowds of fans and well-wishers, who seemed to have saved a special cheer for this mother and son duo.</p> <p>“Kate looked down at Louis with a grin of pride before smiling back up at the crowd, as though sharing her admiration for his grown-up behaviour. Louis even appeared to look down to straighten his tie as he entered the chapel.”</p> <p>Judi circled back to George while discussing the family leaving the service, noting that George was the first to exit, and that he demonstrated initiative when he set out “shaking hands without any prompting.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, many fans just couldn’t believe how quickly the young royal had grown before their very eyes, taking to social media in the wake of the service to voice their surprise. </p> <p>“How grown up does Prince George look today?” wrote one. </p> <p>“Can't believe how much Prince George has grown up,” said another. “He will be as tall as Prince William soon.”</p> <p>“It has been wonderful to see him grow in confidence as well as height,” someone agreed.</p> <p>Another noted that George bore a strong resemblance to Charles Spencer, and that the “Spencer genes are currently running strong.”</p> <p>While others couldn’t forget the rest, declaring “​​Princess Charlotte &amp; Prince Louis too! They are so adorable!”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Sonia Kruger gets “death stares” after “jumping the fence” at the Oscars

<p dir="ltr">Sonia Kruger has shared her experience reporting at this year’s biggest showbiz event- the Academy Awards.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a cheeky video shared to the <em>Sunrise</em> Instagram account, the reporter revealed that she was getting dirty looks from other media outlets who were stuck in the “pig pen” and blocked off from the A-list celebrities.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You can see that everybody has now been corralled behind what we call in television, I think the technical term for this is pig pen,” the reporter said in her live coverage.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now the weird thing is, we have exclusive access to be out here on the carpet so we are getting death stares from these people who are like, 'Why is Australian television allowed on the carpet like this?’” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Sunrise</em> team also shared their surprise at Kruger’s coup at the prestigious event.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sonia Kruger has jumped the fence where the rest of the media is forced to stay,” they stated in the caption.</p> <p dir="ltr">The reporter landed interviews with various A-list stars including Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Baz Luhrmann and Miles Teller.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 57-year-old rocked the red carpet in a gorgeous sparkly lilac dress and looked half her age.</p> <p dir="ltr">Although she looked stunning, the TV star chose to report in comfort, rocking a pair of fluffy slippers.</p> <p><em>Images: Sunrise, Instagram</em></p>

TV

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“All power to him”: Amanda Keller reveals why Chris Brown is jumping ship

<p>After Dr Chris Brown <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/the-doctor-is-out-chris-brown-changes-the-script" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his departure from Channel Ten</a> to join rival network Channel Seven, his former <em>Living Room</em> co-star spoke candidly about the situation on WSFM’s Jonesy &amp; Amanda, while delivering a dig to the network.</p> <p>Brown’s career move has come after 15 years at Channel Ten, with his time at Seven set to begin on July 1. Chris will still star alongside friend and co-host Julia Morris for 2023’s <em>I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!</em> before departing for the rival network.</p> <p>Chris is only one on a list of notable TV personalities to jump ship from Ten, with fellow <em>The Project</em> hosts Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson, and Peter Helliar already having severed ties. </p> <p>It is reported that Chris’ new contract is worth a staggering $1m a year for two years. </p> <p>“Chris Brown has provided Australians with warmth and compassion as the resident vet on <em>Bondi Vet</em>, treating animals large and small,” said a 10 spokesperson. “He has served up a multitude of uplifting, inspiring and hilarious stories with Amanda, Barry and Miguel on <em>The Living Room</em> couch and Chris, along with Julia Morris is contracted to the upcoming season of <em>I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!</em> which will be back on screens and back in the South African jungle in April.” </p> <p>And now Keller, who co-starred with Brown on Ten’s <em>The Living Room</em> before the award-winning program was “rested” for 2023, said the network’s unwillingness to renew the lifestyle show for this year was a “risk”.</p> <p>In October, Keller had revealed the cast was “sad” to be taking a break from the show, and that it was a network decision to temporarily halt filming.</p> <p>“I said at the time, this is the risk you take as a network. None of us are on contracts, they haven’t rested the show and retained us on contract,” Keller said today on WSFM’s Jonesy &amp; Amanda.</p> <p>“So as Chris said, ‘I’m working one month a year on television’,” Keller said.</p> <p>“In terms of television, he’s doing <em>I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here</em>, which pretty much goes for a month, and then he has 11 months where he’s looking for a TV project.”</p> <p>Keller also gave more details about what Brown will tackle once he moves to Seven.</p> <p>“He’s got ideas for his own programs and Channel 7 have said come and do it over here and all power to him,” Keller said.</p> <p>“Why would Chris not jump somewhere where he’s offered a variety of work for a year?”</p> <p>Chris launched his television career with Channel Seven, starring on <em>Harry’s Practice</em> and putting his skill as a vet to the test in 2003. The role earned him a Logie Award nomination for “Most Popular New Talent”. </p> <p>Of Chris’ return to the network, Seven West Media CEO James Warburton said, “we are very pleased to welcome Chris back to Seven. It’s been too long.</p> <p>“Chris is one of the most popular and recognised people on Australian TV, bringing warmth, intelligence and a great sense of humour to everything he does. We can’t wait to have him on board and to announce the great new content he will star in.”</p> <p><em>Images: TV Tonight / Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Big jump in e-scooter injuries following Melbourne trial

<p>With many Australian states reviewing the laws around electric scooters, new data from Victoria suggests more can be done to prevent serious injuries.</p> <p>Data from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit shows a doubling in the number of scooter injuries in the state this year.</p> <p>Some 427 people attended emergency departments with injuries from e-scooters in 2021/22, a 234% increase on the previous year.</p> <p>The data comes from 38 Victorian public hospitals with 24-hour emergency departments. Around a third of the emergency department presentations were admitted to hospital. </p> <p>Reflecting trends seen in Queensland, the majority of Victorian e-scooter injuries involved males (68% in 2021/22), with head and neck injuries common. </p> <p>Younger people aged 10 to 39 consistently made up more than 70% of emergency department presentations in 2020/21 and 2021/22.</p> <p>But urban transport specialists say e-scooters should still be taken seriously as a method of transport which offers environmental and health benefits.</p> <p>Professor Hussein Dia from Swinburne University, an expert in future urban mobility, argues it’s important to consider the broader benefits offered by micromobility transport options, particularly as an alternative to private car use for shorter commutes, and for connecting people to nearby public transport.</p> <p>“I think we need to take them seriously because they can make a big difference in terms of reducing congestion, improving livability in our cities, because they can be accessed very easily, and also they can be a force for a good change in reducing emissions.”</p> <p>“Transport contributes around 18% of [greenhouse gas emissions], particularly road transport and specifically private vehicles. So, the more we move people out of private vehicles towards public transport, e-bikes and e-scooters, the better for everyone. And then also, let’s not forget about the health benefits. But we need to prioritise safety,” he says.</p> <p>Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit data shows there were more than 11,400 emergency department presentations related to cycling injuries, more than 5,500 for motorbikes, and more than 7,600 related to cars in 2021/22. While e-scooter injury numbers are relatively small in comparison to these other transport modes, it’s difficult to compare statistics directly given the lack of information on the proportion of trips made by e-scooter.</p> <p>Transport accidents are the third highest cause of serious injuries and fourth highest cause of deaths, 2019-20 data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows. Car occupants and motorcyclists experienced the highest rates of serious injuries and deaths. </p> <p>Dia says while each city is different in terms of its infrastructure and transport policies, a UK study found e-scooters were five times safer than bicycles and nine times safer than motorbikes. </p> <p>Professor Mark Stevenson, an expert in transport and public health at the University of Melbourne, says when e-scooters and e-bikes replace car trips this reduces air pollution in the form of particulate matter from car tyres and combustion.</p> <p>Stevenson says injury data typically doesn’t distinguish between regulated use of e-scooters as part of the trial in Melbourne, and illegal or unregulated use. This is an important distinction because vehicles in the trial have safety measures in place such as speed limitations and helmet requirements.</p> <p>“If we embrace them and also ensure that we can deliver a safe transport infrastructure for them, we could see enormous utility out of these vehicles, one that will deliver in spades,” he says.</p> <p>The year-long trial of 1,500 rent-and-ride e-scooters operates in the inner city councils of Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip. To date, Melburnians have taken more than a million trips on e-scooters according to the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria.</p> <p>Private e-scooters remain illegal to use in public spaces, including roads and footpaths in Victoria. It’s estimated 100,000 e-scooters are privately owned in Victoria, according to reports in The Age.</p> <p>A spokesperson for Neuron, one of the companies participating in the Melbourne trial, says its vehicles include safety technology that controls where e-scooters are ridden and parked, and how fast they can travel.</p> <p>“Safety is our top priority, we have a robust rider education program focused on ensuring riders know the rules and how to ride and park responsibly. We run regular safety campaigns and ScootSafe events and deploy ‘Safety Ambassadors’ to city streets to engage one-to-one with riders and the general public,” the spokesperson says.</p> <p>According to the Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, the most common injuries were fractures (35%), dislocations or sprains (11%) or open wounds (11%) in 2021-22.</p> <p>Most injuries occurred as a result of people falling from e-scooters (81%), 7% collided with a car or van, 1% collided with a bicycle, and 1% with a pedestrian.</p> <p>Queensland recently introduced new rules and penalties for e-scooters in an effort to improve safety, and South Australia looks set to reform e-scooter laws in 2023.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/cosmos-briefing/victoria-e-scooter-injuries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Petra Stock.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“No-one is safe”: Nat Barr and Kochie jump out of their skin after spooky prank

<p dir="ltr"><em>Sunrise </em>hosts Nat Barr and David ‘Kohie’ Koch have been the latest victims of some Halloween shenanigans.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a two-part video, a Channel Seven employee can be seen donning a <em>Scream </em>mask before going around scaring people at Brekky Central, including Barr and Koch.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-05518cdc-7fff-3528-3db1-e477a6ea9870"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s Halloween time! Watch me scare the crew,” the caption of the first clip read.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkEf9ZjByde/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkEf9ZjByde/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">After frightening two producers, the prankster crept up behind Edwina Bartholemew and Mark Beretta, who were sitting at their desks.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Oh s**t!” Bartholomew exclaimed.</p> <p dir="ltr">Beretta let out a small scream and wheeled his chair away, shouting, “Far out!” before bursting into laughter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Switching to a <em>Friday the 13th </em>hockey mask and a fake bloody knife, the employee went on to give <em>The Morning Show</em> hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies a fright.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sneaking up behind their chairs, the employee tapped Gillies on the shoulder, prompting her to squeal in terror and throw her papers on the floor when she saw them.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b249727-7fff-80ef-53c7-8d5f54be4c63"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“Could we get some adult diapers to studio one please?” Emdur joked, unaffected by the prank.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/edwina-scary.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Edwina Bartholemew gets the fright of her life during a Channel Seven employee’s Halloween pranks. Images: @sunriseon7 (TikTok)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">In part two of the prank, the employee went back to wearing the <em>Scream </em>mask to frighten Barr and Koch.</p> <p dir="ltr">“No one is safe 🎃🎃,” they captioned the clip.</p> <p dir="ltr">In it, the masked employee can be seen appearing behind the couch Barr and Koch are sitting on while discussing a story about Lindsay Lohan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Koch was the first to spot the figure, shouting in horror while Barr screamed and moved away.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Whoa! Oh f**k!” he shouted. “Oh f**k. Why would you do that? Oh f**k.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d9bba3f2-7fff-a35e-3c9f-12ee12d47bb2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“I guess you can’t use that take,” Nat joked to the producers.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkHD89dhwda/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkHD89dhwda/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sunrise (@sunriseon7)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">In a third clip, shared on the show’s TikTok page, the scarer dons a horrifying green witch mask and enters a lift to terrify even more <em>Sunrise </em>employees.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I may not have a job after this so @MarkBeretta will take over 😂,” they captioned <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sunriseon7/video/7158370910477552897?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7112642336690570754" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the third clip</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The first victim, a woman from the wardrobe department waiting to get on the lift, leaps back and lets out a small scream when she sees the masked employee, before laughing and bringing another coworker over to have a look.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m not getting in the lift!” she says, walking quickly away as the lift doors close.</p> <p dir="ltr">The next victim is one of the producers, who screams “Don’t do that!” and slaps the prankster, with a second producer putting her hands in front of herself and wheeling her chair back when she spots the employee.</p> <p dir="ltr">The trio of clips went down a treat with viewers on Instagram and TikTok, with many finding them hilarious and saying they made their day.</p> <p dir="ltr">Koch’s daughter, Georgina, commented: “I cannot stop watching this.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gotta love Halloween,” one viewer wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sorry guys, but that was so funny,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f14146a1-7fff-df73-53f9-1439e5d94f39"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @sunriseon7 (Instagram)</em></p>

TV

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Energy companies warn of further jump in power bills

<p>Energy company bosses have warned cost of living pressures will increase, with power bills set to soar by 35 percent by next year. </p> <p>"Next year, using the current market prices, tariffs are going up a minimum 35 percent," Alinta Energy chief executive Jeff Dimery told The Australian Financial Review's Energy &amp; Climate Summit.</p> <p>The summit was told that tight supply issues and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have put pressure on wholesale prices and international commodity markets.</p> <p>The early closure of coal-fired power stations is also creating a rocky transition to renewable energy, bumping up power bills. </p> <p>Under the predicted 35 percent rise by 2023, the average quarterly power bill in South Australia would be $514, in New South Wales $480 and for Victorian consumers $430.</p> <p>This predicted rise is another blow to Aussies struggling with cost of living pressures, after there was an increase of up to 18 per cent in household tariffs on July 1st. </p> <p>The winter prices were increased due to the war in Ukraine, and the resounding pressure on the global energy market. </p> <p>Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen told the conference that transitioning to renewables remains the best way of bringing down power costs and household bills.</p> <p>Labor pledged its policies would result in power prices falling by 2025 during this year's federal election campaign.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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TV hosts face backlash for alleged "queue jumping" to see the Queen

<p>Claims that a disabled woman in the queue to view the Queen lying in state was moved aside to make way for UK TV hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been denied.</p> <p>ITV has responded to the accusation made against the posts, in a recently deleted tweet.</p> <p>"This is a photo taken by my sister's husband yesterday after he had queued with my sister, their 10-year-old daughter and my disabled mum for 13-plus hours," it read.</p> <p>"My mum was ushered out of @hollywills and @schofe way so they could #queuejumpers without even a thanks #schofieldgate #queuejumping."</p> <p>Responding to the accusations, an ITV representative said, "This Morning asked Phillip and Holly to attend Westminster Hall to make a report on the Queen lying in state as part of a wider piece around the death of the monarch."</p> <p>"They followed all restrictions and guidelines and attended the media area, entering via the media centre door, in a professional capacity alongside many other broadcasters and media. They neither jumped the queue nor took anyone's place in the queue."</p> <p>Since the claims emerged that the pair "queue jumped" during Queen Elizabeth II's lying in state period, thousands have signed a petition calling for the duo to be fired, as members of the public including celebrities like David Beckham, waited hours in the line to enter Westminster Hall.</p> <p>Willoughby and Schofield have since addressed the controversy on air, saying they would "never jump a queue."</p> <p>"Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists, we were given official permission to access the hall," Willoughby said.</p> <p>"The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back. In contrast, those paying respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause."</p> <p>"None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen."</p> <p>"We of course respected those rules. However, we realise that it may have looked like something else, and therefore totally understand the reaction. Please know that we would never jump a queue."</p> <p>Following claims the pair were not on the media accreditation list to see Her Majesty, an ITV representative explained they were accredited via their production team and "Holly and Phillip continue to have our full support."</p> <p>About a quarter of a million people viewed Queen Elizabeth's coffin ahead of her state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19th.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Little Louis' heartbreaking comment about "Grannie"

<p>As mourners gathered outside Windsor Castle to pay their tributes to Queen Elizabeth, Kate, William, Harry and Meghan reunited in a show of solidarity. </p> <p>As they spoke to heart-broken Britons about the Queen, Kate revealed the devastating comment her son Prince Louis made after hearing about the Queen's death. </p> <p>Kate spoke of the touching anecdote while meeting people on the Long Walk, with 28-year-old Banita Ranow hearing the new Princess of Wales tell the children next to her what her 4-year-old son said.</p> <p>She said Kate told the children, “Louis said ‘at least Grannie is with great grandpa now’.”</p> <p>Ms Ranow said the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge was “welling up” as she spoke to the children.</p> <p>Ms Ranow, along with several others who attended the makeshift memorial, said it "so beautiful to see" the reunion of the Cambridges and the Sussexes in the wake of the Queen's death. </p> <p>She said, “I felt so emotional and I felt the Queen would have loved it. I just hope in the future they remain like that and that the brothers come together, and the families.”</p> <p>It was William and Kate’s first engagement under their new titles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the first time they have appeared in public with Harry and Meghan since the National Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s Jubilee in June.</p> <p>A royal source said the Prince of Wales asked his brother and his wife to join them in viewing the tributes, as they all inspected tributes to Queen Elizabeth and met with well-wishers at the gates of Windsor Castle. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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You could become King of this medieval castle

<p dir="ltr">You could become a lord or lady of your very own medieval castle, after the sprawling home in Rochester, Minnesota hit the market for just $2.5 million ($AUD 2.5 million).</p> <p dir="ltr">The sprawling property, complete with 26 rooms, a wine cellar, hot tub, and its very own pub, was built in the 1990s and has been <a href="http://www.signaturesir.com/property/detail.php?market=MI_REALCOMP&amp;mlsn=20221030870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> on Zillow and Signature Sotheby’s International Realty.</p> <p dir="ltr">Enclosed by a wrought-iron fence, the 567-square-metre home also boasts two gated towers, a drawbridge, arched windows and soaring ceilings.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other highlights include timbered and mirrored walls, ceilings covered in artwork, chandeliers, and a red-carpeted grand staircase in the foyer, as well as a portcullis, five fireplaces and an elevator.</p> <p dir="ltr">Each of the seven bathrooms - which outnumber the five bedrooms - is decorated with statues, marble details, and gold railings.</p> <p dir="ltr">The listing describes the home as “the perfect private palace”, which took over a team of international artisans over six years to construct.</p> <p dir="ltr">The castle is 18 metres tall - rising above a standard four-storey building - and comes with a few surprises, including secret rooms and passageways, as well as a hidden staircase.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-72b1bd5d-7fff-c7e1-b784-7270e9687ea7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Signature Sotheby’s International Realty</em></p>

Real Estate

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Slytherin and secure your very own castle

<p>Die-hard fans of Harry Potter will be flocking to Chicago, after a magical home listed on Zillow resembles a Hogwarts Castle.</p> <p>Going for a cool $US669,999 ($AUD974,878), the five-bedroom, three bathroom property is hard to miss.</p> <p>Featuring steel turret roofs, wrought iron gate and bold orange brick facade the home has been on the market for a while now.</p> <p>Known as a “Bridgeport Castle”, the very unique property is larger than it looks, occupying three levels, over 167-square-metres.</p> <p>Built in 1890, the home contains a living room with a fireplace on the main level, a formal dining room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.</p> <p>On the lower level is another family room, laundry room, two bedrooms, gym and bar.</p> <p>Public records show the quirky abode was last sold for $US285,000 ($414,687) in 2004.</p> <p>Take a look at this unique property below.</p> <p><em>Images: Domain</em></p>

Real Estate

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“I am here to kill the Queen”: Crossbow assassin charged

<p>A man from the UK has been charged after storming the grounds of Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow. </p> <p>Jaswant Singh Chail allegedly told a police officer, "I'm here to kill the Queen", before being apprehended and handcuffed.</p> <p>The 20-year-old assailant is being charged under the Treason Act with intending to "injure the person of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, or to alarm her majesty".</p> <p>He has also been charged with threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.</p> <p>The incident took place at the royal residence west of London on Christmas Day 2021, when the Queen was staying at the castle. </p> <p>Prosecutors allege the former supermarket worker from Southampton in southern England was wearing a hood and a mask and carrying a loaded crossbow with the safety catch off.</p> <p>His attempts to kill the Queen were immediately thwarted and he was taken into police custody. </p> <p>Prosecutor Kathryn Selby said the Supersonic X-Bow weapon allegedly carried by Chail had the potential to cause "serious or fatal injuries".</p> <p>Prosecution lawyers maintain Chail wanted revenge on the British establishment for its treatment of Indians and sent a video to about 20 people claiming he was going to assassinate the Queen.</p> <p>Prosecutors also allege that the man had tried to join the British Army and the Ministry of Defence Police in order to get close to the Royal family to carry out his revenge plan.</p> <p>Charges under the Treason Act of 1842 are rare, with the last person charged and convicted in 1981. </p> <p>The man in question, Marcus Sarjeant, was charged under the act after firing blank shots at the Queen as she rode on horseback in the Trooping the Colour parade in London.</p> <p>He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Supplied</em></p>

Legal

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An Italian lodge jumps the Swiss border

<p dir="ltr">The borders in the European Alps have been the source of some strange happenings recently, including a border-jumping ski lodge.</p> <p dir="ltr">Refugio Cervino, a two-storey lodge built on the Italian side of Theodul Glacier, has been slowly moving towards Switzerland - and its international movement has called its ownership and national boundaries into dispute.</p> <p dir="ltr">The border between Italy and Switzerland has previously been defined at the boundary of the Theodul drainage divide, the point where melted water either flows south to Italy or north towards Switzerland.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, rising temperatures have changed the flow of water.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, two-thirds of the Refugio sits in Switzerland while the remaining third is in Italy, and has become a subject of diplomatic negotiations.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Agence France Presse, a compromise to redraw the boundaries was reached last year - but that doesn’t stop the ever-increasing glacier melt.</p> <p dir="ltr">Swisstopo, which stays on top of the official boundaries of the Confédération Helvétique, will be changing the boundaries in 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We agreed to split the difference," chief border official Alain Wicht told AFP.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though international surveyors have previously been brought in to determine where the boundary should sit previously, Mr Wicht says the Refugio is a sensitive issue as the Theodul Glacier is “the only place where we suddenly had a building involved”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Swiss have taken a more neutral stance in the debate, but the Italians are unwilling to part with the building without compensation, </p> <p dir="ltr">"The refuge remains Italian because we have always been Italian," Refugio’s caretaker, 51-year-old Lucio Trucco, says.</p> <p dir="ltr">For now, the refuge will be an enclave of Italy within Switzerland until the borders are changed.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3d7b9463-7fff-3769-cf91-d68e9a97682f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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