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ACT follows NSW with plans to ban greyhound racing

The ban will begin on July 1, 2017.
ACT follows NSW with plans to ban greyhound racing

The Australian Capital Territory is set to follow New South Wales’ lead in banning greyhound racing.

“There is no future for this industry in the ACT,” the territory’s’ Chief Minister Andrew Barr wrote on Facebook.

“We will consider the findings of the NSW report before announcing a process to end the practice of greyhound racing in the ACT.

“It is untenable for the ACT Government to continue allowing, and financially supporting the practice of greyhound racing.”

It comes after NSW Premier Mike Baird wrote on Facebook his decision to ban the racing after a report revealed the mass slaughter of greyhounds, the use of “live baiting” and the “systemic deception of the public” concerning the number of injuries and deaths of dogs.

The ban will begin on July 1, 2017.

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Woman films dying boyfriend on Facebook

He was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop.
Woman films dying boyfriend on Facebook

WARNING: This story contains content which may be distressing for some readers.

A 32-year-old African American man has been shot and killed by police during a traffic stop in Minneapolis, America.

St. Anthony Police were reportedly conducting a traffic stop when an officer fired at least one shot at Philando Castile in the car.

His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, recorded the aftermath of the incident on live video.

She said Castile was shot five times as he sat at the steering wheel reaching into his back pocket for his ID.

In the video, she pleads with him to “stay with me,” as the camera pans across the car to Castile sitting in the driver’s seat with a T-shirt soaked in blood.

Story continued after video

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Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton has since spoken about the event, saying police wouldn’t have shot and killed Mr Castile if he’d been white, news.com.au reports.

“Would this have happened if the driver and the passengers had been white?” Gov. Dayton asked.

“I don’t think so.”

“I can’t say how shocked I am and deeply, deeply offended that this would happen to somebody in Minnesota,” he continued.

“No one should be shot in Minnesota for a taillight being out of function. No one should be killed in Minnesota while seated in their car.”

The White House has said President Barack Obama is “deeply disturbed” by reports of the police shootings.

And in a statement, St. Anthony Police Department confirmed that a St. Anthony Police Officer asked the couple to make a traffic stop.

“During the stop, shots were fired. One adult male was taken to the hospital. We have been informed that this individual is deceased,” they said.

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Duchess Catherine makes her Snapchat debut with Serena Williams

The young royal is certainly proving she's very fashionable when it comes to technology.
Duchess Catherine

Duchess Catherine has been credited with giving the monarchy a truly modern update, but her latest move is definitely a first.

The tech-savvy Duchess of Cambridge just made her very first appearance on Snapchat at Wimbledon.

Tennis star Serena Williams couldn’t believe her luck while meeting the mother-of-one and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, at the grand slam tournament so she decided to capture it on film.

And what better way to get the message out to millions of people, than to post it on Snapchat!

Check out Serena going total fan girl on Duchess Kate in the snapchat video below. Post continues.

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And instead of saying cheese, Serena chose something much more regal: “I’m with Royalty!” she said, beaming.

Duchess Catherine looked incredibly amused by the encounter, roping Sophie, Countess of Wessex in for the photo at the last minute.

The Duchess took time out to meet with many people on her day out at the tennis.

And the military personnel looked almost as thrilled as Serena!

Serena gushed about the meeting later.

“It was really nice to meet with them,” she confessed. “I actually didn’t know they were both here.

“It was really cool, we just had a chat about the matches.

“I was surprised – it was a good thing that I did not see that they were there, maybe I would have gotten a little nervous. But yeah, it was really cool.”

The Duchess and the Countess had a marvellous day out together.

And Kate’s look was glamorous as always.

Before the meeting, Kate had been in the royal box to watch Serena play, where she was surrounded by other celebrities keen to watch the match.

Right behind the young royal, was Barry Gibb of Bee Gees fame. Also in attendance were Downton Abbey’s Dame Maggie Smith and Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner, aka Sansa Stark.

Dame Maggie likes a bit of tennis!

Meanwhile Sansa… we mean Sophie, doesn’t look too amused!

Meanwhile, the dress that Kate rocked for the occasion will be familiar to many Australians.

The canary yellow outfit by designer Roksanda made its first appearance at the Sydney Opera House when she and Princes William and George visited Australia.

We recognise that dress! On the left is the dress in Sydney, and on the right is Wimbledon.

The Duchess has long been a fan of recycling her fashions.

Just this year, she’s recycled dresses she wore at Princess Charlotte’s christening, Zara Tindall’s wedding and various other fancy occasions.

We love a royal who knows how to live frugally!

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10 food switches your waistline will love this winter

These cold weather comfort foods are low in calories, hearty and healthy. Result!
Jessica Alba cooking

Between the uninviting weather outside, cravings for comfort food and a desire to lounge around and hibernate for the foreseeable future, it’s clear to see how winter weight gain can happen.

But, if you make a few simple switches to your routine now, you’ll sail through the season looking and feeling great.

We’ve scoured the shelves to find the 10 food swaps that your waistline will love this winter.

Bake a sweet potato pie like Chrissy

Switch one: Change potato for sweet potato

Higher in fibre and vitamins A and C, sweet potato is more desirable that Desiree (we couldn’t resist) when it comes to selecting a spud. They contain fewer calories and carbs overall making them a healthy and nutritious option for hot chips, roast potatoes, shepherd’s pie, soup and baked potato.

Switch two: Pick peppermint tea over hot chocolate

If you’re looking for a winter warming drink, make it a peppermint tea instead of an (admittedly delicious) hot chocolate. Herbal teas, such as peppermint, are far friendlier to the waistline, containing just one to two calories per serve, as opposed to hot chocolate’s 77 calories. Sold.

Miranda loves a cuppa!

Switch three: Stick with salads, just make ‘em warm

Summer salads needn’t be packed away with your swimsuits. Just make them fit for winter. An easy one that works as a hot lunch or side dish for dinner is a roasted vegetable salad. Bake some squash, sweet potato, red onion, Brussels, kale and beetroot. Then throw together and drizzle with olive oil.

Switch four: Snack on popcorn, not chips

Winter sees the return of our favourite TV families, which calls for snacks. Instead of working your way through a bag of chips (and 956 calories) per episode, pick at some plain, air-popped popcorn (that clocks in at just 31 calories) whilst you check out the latest pursuits of the Proudmans.

Liev’s market essentials: popcorn and hydrangeas!

Switch five: Pass over pasta for zucchini noodles

Pasta meals are quick and easy after a long day. But, one small change you can make is to switch the pasta base for zucchini noodles. You’ll save yourself around 114 calories per serve. Plus it’s easy to do on the cheese grater if you don’t have a fancy spiraliser. Spag bol with a twist coming right up.

Switch six: Go for poached pears instead of chocolate

Satisfy your sweet tooth with poached pears. They’re rich in fibre, vitamin C and folic acid making them a nutritious treat, particularly for pregnant women. Yes, fruit contains natural sugar, but it also has a higher nutritional value than chocolate. Disclaimer: we still eat chocolate. Just not every day!

Chrissy also loves some zucchini fries!

Switch seven: Choose chili over a pot pie

Looking for a winter dinner that’s hot, hearty and low on calories? Go for chili con carne. The classic, low-fat dish features about half the calories that a traditional pot pie does. The meal is also high in vitamin A, iron and vitamin B12; plus, if you serve it with brown rice, you’ll get extra brownie points.

Switch eight: Pick porridge over cereal

Breakfast cereal is a secret calorie hoarder, you know. An average bowl contains a huge 379 calories. Porridge, on the other hand, only features 50 calories. Harvard University has also said that it’s the key to a healthy heart. Plus, it’s delicious and warm and welcoming on a dark, grey wintery morning.

Oprah grows her own cauliflower!

Switch nine: Opt for kiwi fruits, not oranges

Cold and flu season has us all desperately topping up our vitamin C levels in a bid to ward off the sniffles. But you might be surprised to learn that one kiwi fruit gives you more than twice your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, making it a more powerful protector than oranges.

Switch 10: Trade in instant mash for cauliflower mash

Instant mash has its time-saving place, but at 97 calories per serve, it’s not exactly waist-friendly. Cauliflower mash by comparison is just as delicious and far more healthy and nutritious. Steam or boil it as you usually would, then mash and serve, keeping butter, milk and cream to a minimum.

Brought to you by ALDI. Take the Supermarket Switch Challenge today and discover high quality groceries at everyday low prices.

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Once Upon a Time actress Emilie De Ravin is engaged

The Aussie TV star debuted the sparkling rock on social media.
Emilie de Ravin

Australian actress Emilie De Ravin is engaged!

The TV star, famous for hit US shows such as Once Upon a Time and Lost, shared the news via social media to her fans and followers.

The mother-of-one posted a photo of herself holding up her hand to the camera, a gorgeous ring taking centre stage in the foreground.

In the background of the snap, Emilie couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

Emilie, pictured with Robert Carlyle, plays Belle on the smash hit series Once Upon a Time.

“So excited!!!” the 34-year-old captioned the picture.

“I love you Eric Bilitch!”

Check out Emilie chatting about playing everyone’s favourite peasant turned princess, Belle. Post continues.

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Emilie already shares a baby daughter called Vera Audrey de Ravin-Bilitch with her director fiancé.

The blonde Aussie currently stars as Belle in the long-running US TV series Once Upon a Time.

She previously starred as Claire in Lost.

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Keith Urban invites a fan onstage to jam

The country star was blown away when a superfan from the crowd took over the job of lead guitarist.
Keith Urban Rob Joyce

Now THAT’S a jam session!

While performing a show in New Hampshire on Saturday night, Keith Urban took a chance on a fan named Rob, who claimed that he could be the star’s “backup guitarist”.

The country star noticed a sign held up by a young woman near the front row of the audience. It read: “It’s my boyfriend’s birthday!”

After discovering that the young man’s birthday wish was to play onstage with his hero, Keith invited him up to realise his dream.

In a moment that would surely do the trick on its own, the New Zealand-born star passed Rob the guitar off his own back, to which he proceeded to play a flawless rendition of Good Thing.

Shocked by the fans incredible talent, Nicole Kidman’s husband joined in for what can only be described as the jam session to end all jam sessions!

Watch the miracle moment play out in the video below! Post continues…

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After the show, Keith, who was clearly still buzzing from the standing ovation that followed him as he departed the stage, uploaded a candid video to his official Facebook page, thanking Rob for the awesome time.

“Massive shout out of awesomeness to Rob who killed it tonight on the guitar,” he began with a laugh.

“Man – killed it. It was awesome and you played your ass off!”

See Keith’s message of thanks in the video player below!

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Curtis Stone talks about Masterchef

A happy family is this chef’s recipe for success!

Elena would love to head back to America and do some work experience for Curtis!

He has a killer line of cookbooks and kitchenware to boot but Curtis Stone says nothing compares to fatherhood. “It’s such a fun journey,” he says of being dad to Hudson, four, and Emerson, 20 months, who he shares with wife Lindsay Price.

“My boys, they change and grow 
up each day,” says the 40-year-old. “Hudson has started to push his own boundaries and wants to climb trees 
all the time. I’m also teaching him how to swim, which is the cutest thing.”

When he’s not busy running his LA restaurant, Maude, named after his grandmother, and appearing as a guest on MasterChef, the foodie enjoys cooking and gardening with his family.

“I take Hudson into the kitchen and 
sit him up on the bench and he loves to get involved,” says Curtis, who will join the MasterChef crew in California next week for an elimination challenge. “Now, they both sit up there while I’m cracking eggs, making breakfast. It’s so awesome. I love it!”

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Heartbreaking first and last pics of pets

After seeing this, you’ll want to hold onto your pet and never let go.

Pets are members of the family, with so much love for them that you heart feels like it could explode.

Losing them is heartbreaking but it will never outweigh the joys animals give over the years.

Here’s a look at the bittersweet moments of the first and last pictures of pets.

Make sure your own pet is nearby – you’ll want to hold onto them and never let go.

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Susan Sarandon: I love being in love

As she prepares to fly to Australia next month, the Oscar-winning actress talks to The Weekly Online about her Italian heritage, romance, hopes for the future and becoming a grandmother.
Susan Sarandon: sex symbol, outspoken activist and fun grandma

THE WEEKLY: Hi Susan, we’re looking forward to seeing you in Australia next month. Your participation in La Dolce Italia festival in Melbourne is a nod to your Italian heritage. How has your background and early life shaped the person you’ve become today?

“I discovered my Italian heritage in an active way, quite late because my mother was raised in foster care and institutions so she really didn’t have a sense of her heritage. My grandfather, from Sicily, was not in our lives growing up. When I went to college I lived with him for three years and heard opera 24/7. But my step-grandmother was not Italian.”

Congratulations on becoming a grandmother. How do you find it different from being a mother?

“Being a grandmother is so much easier. I have complete confidence in my daughter [Eva Amurri] as a mother – she is an empathetic, hands-on, smart, organized mom. Her priorities are perfect, so that allows me to love Marlowe almost worry-free. You realize as a grandmother how vigilant you are as a mother and how that constant multitasking and anticipation weighs on you. As a grandparent I just take orders. It’s just fun. I hope Marlowe continues to thrive when she joins the rest of the world when she is socialized. She’s such a sassy, smart, curious person; so confident and funny and pretty wild. I hope she hangs onto all that.”

What are your hopes for your granddaughter’s future? In this respect, what changes would you like to see in society?

“We have to address climate change and economic inequality in a much more serious fashion. This huge, ever-growing gap between the rich and the poor is really what divides us and makes us unsafe. We must put people before profit, encourage imagination, which leads to empathy and we have to encourage our kids to know they are the answer. To participate. To never lose their outrage. To be compassionate. To never settle.”

The representation of older women in the media appears to be changing, with confident and sexy women in their 60s and 70s appearing in beauty advertising campaigns. Yet many post-menopausal women feel like they can’t be openly sexual anymore. What’s your advice to women on sex, love and relationships in their later years?

“I don’t have any advice on love, sex and relationships now, nor have I had any in the past. I have always tried to keep my heart open and at the same time remain authentic. I love being in love. I’m good at it. So if I’m in a romantic relationship I still have plenty to go around. A little like in The Meddler – the movie I have out now. Transitions just mean you reboot and find joy in new definitions of yourself.*

Susan Sarandon will share stories about her life and career at a luncheon and evening presentation at La Dolce Italia festival on August 7 in Melbourne. For details visit ladolceitalia.com.au

Read the full story in the August issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly, on sale now.

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Mila Kunis admits she once hated Ashton Kutcher

It wasn’t exactly love at first sight for this Hollywood power couple…
Mila Kunis Ashton Kutcher

Today they’re the picture of love, but in a telling new interview, the Bad Moms actress reveals that she didn’t always have such fond feelings for the oh-so-charming Ashton Kutcher.

“We went through a period where I thought he was crazy,” Mila revealed in Glamour’s August issue.

“At the height of his career, I was like, ‘Ugh, I don’t like you. I don’t even know you anymore. You think you’re hot s — t.’”

The A-listers had a rocky relationship on set.

The 32-year-old went on to explain the tumultuous nature of their friendship, adding that they would go through “full friendship breakups” as a result of fights.

“We’d get back together and be like, ‘Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to overreact.’ ‘That’s OK.’ All the time. It truly is being married to your best friend. That’s a cliché; it’s cheesy. But it’s true.”

Fast forward seventeen years from the That ’70s Show days, and Mila and Ashton and happily married with a 19-month-old daughter and another one on the way.

Little Wyatt can’t wait to welcome a brother or sister!

Speaking of her secret to a healthy marriage, the brunette beauty says, “We can’t bullsh-t each other. I literally can’t lie to him.”

“He can call me out on everything, and I can do the same, because there’s nothing about the other person’s face that we don’t know.”

“We know when they’re acting, thus we know when they’re lying. Sometimes he’ll look at me, be like, ‘Really?’ And I’m like, ‘F–k.’”

Watch Ashton gush about his cheeky daughter’s first Easter! Post continues…

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Mila and the 38-year-old first met back in 1998 during their time on the beloved sitcom.

The duo stayed on-off friends before becoming one of Hollywood’s hottest items in 2012.

They tied the knot in July 2015 and are now the proud parents to 20-month-old daughter Wyatt Isabelle.

The expectant mum and her handsome hubby confirmed the news to People last month.

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