'My autistic sons have taught me so much'Trump brings back government by social media‘Don’t know if I’ve been that pumped’: Kokkinakis shines as Australia roar into Davis Cup semis after US upset

Former President Jimmy Carter left one last parting gift for president-elect Donald Trump after his death at 100 on Sunday. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , the American flag should fly at “half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.” This means that on Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, all flags will be at half-staff in honor of the late president. The longest-living U.S. commander-in-chief, Carter died at his home in Plains, Georgia, his son, Chip, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday. Trump sent his condolences to Carter’s family in a Truth Social post Sunday, writing: “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.” He added: “Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.” One last gift from Jimmy Carter, all flags will be at half-staff on Inauguration Day pic.twitter.com/vQsl8wlrXY Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continue to bolster the box office’s holiday performance, with both films raking in over $60 million this week. After an initial disappointing opening weekend, Disney’s prequel to its beloved tale bounced back over the Christmas stretch, bringing in a domestic total of around $63.8 million since Wednesday. Meanwhile, Sonic 3 trailed slightly behind with an estimated gross of $60.4 million since Christmas. As both films continue to perform well domestically and overseas, other new releases like Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu also found surprising wins at the holiday box office—with the vampire flick posting $40.3 million during its five-day opening. Elsewhere, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet, A Complete Unknown , is also on course to gross $23.3 million over the five-day Christmas stretch, while Nicole Kidman’s raunchy erotica for A24, Babygirl , reported a $7 million five-day opening. Wicked also continues to defy gravity, posting a global gross of $634.4 million and surpassing Mamma Mia! as the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation of all time. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Boxing Week sales are still in full swing, folks! As an avid J.Crew fan , I can honestly say that the brand’s discount-laden factory store (the brand’s online outlet) is a great way to get high-quality wardrobe staples without the big price tag. J.Crew Factory always offers discounts up to 40 percent off J.Crew, but for a limited time, you can unlock even more savings from already discounted items. Right now, J.Crew Factory is offering 70 percent off clearance items with the code SALE70 at checkout. Now’s the time to invest in evergreen staples like jeans and office-friendly blazers while they’re half off, or grab a few outwear essentials to round out your cold-weather lineup. The sale also includes tons of denim for just $50, pure cotton crewneck T-shirts for $20, and even new arrivals like NYE frocks and cashmere items. And the sale is not just for women; the gents’ and kids’ sections are equally full of additional savings. President Joe Biden let slip last year that former President Jimmy Carter asked him to give his eulogy—over a year before he died. Biden, 82, revealed the request after Carter, then 98, entered hospice care at his longtime home in Plains, Georgia in February 2023. “He asked me to do his eulogy,” Biden told a crowd of donors at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser about one month later. But Biden quickly caught himself, telling the donors “excuse me, I shouldn’t say that.” Carter died on Sunday, over two months after turning 100, his family confirmed. Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Biden reflected on his decades-long relationship with the former president. “I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years, it dawned on me,” the president said. “He used to kid me about it, that I was the first national figure to endorse him in 1976 when he ran for president.” Biden did not comment again on the proposed eulogy when he addressed the public. The president said he would be ordering a state funeral for Carter—the first since the death of former President George H.W. Bush in 2018. Kieran Culkin once got Mark Ruffalo high while on the job after switching out a prop joint with the real thing. In a profile with The Guardian published Saturday, Culkin recalled the prank his 17-year-old self concocted while starring alongside Ruffalo in an off-Broadway play in 2000, and explained that he “just watched” as Ruffalo took a draw of the “fake” joint before passing it to his co-stars on stage. “I’m like, ‘I thought this was a good prank. I’m stupid. Oh my God, I’m so sorry.’ But actually, they loved it,” Culkin remembered. “Mark says, ‘I haven’t smoked pot in 10 years; the second half’s going to be so much fun.’ There was this other actor who had never smoked pot in her life. She goes, ‘Is this what being high is? This is lovely.’ And then Phyllis Newman comes in and goes, ‘I haven’t smoked pot since the 1960s. Thank you, darling.’” The Succession star proceeded to express that he was “17 and stupid” and added, “I’m 42 now. I know better. I’m not going to try to get anyone high on stage.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. If you’re looking to revamp your at-home fitness lineup ahead of 2025 and don’t have hours to commit to exercising each day, allow us to introduce you to the CAROL Bike . The science-backed and AI-powered fitness bike is engineered to give you maximum results in the shortest time possible—and by the shortest time, we mean as little as five minutes. In fact, according to the brand, the CAROL bike is “proven to deliver double the health and fitness benefits in 90 percent less time compared to regular cardio.” Free Returns | Free Shipping Not only is it a huge time-saver, but the CAROL Bike is also designed to be personalized to the rider’s individual fitness levels, goals, and preferences, making the workouts easy to follow, time-efficient, and super effective. CAROL’s AI and Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) technology optimizes the workout to your ability and fitness level, so every second matters. The personalized, optimal resistance levels are automatically adjusted as you work out—at exactly the right time—making the most efficient workouts easy to follow. “ CAROL Bike is designed to maximize training efficiency, with the shortest, most effective workouts, backed by science. And new rider-inspired features that give riders more flexibility to exercise their way,” says Ulrich Dempfle, CEO & Co-Founder at CAROL. You can try the CAROL Bike for yourself risk-free for 100 days, and the brand offers free shipping (7-10 business days) in the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is now the oldest living former U.S. president after Jimmy Carter’s passing at 100 on Sunday. Born in 1946, Trump is 78 years old—and is followed by George W. Bush, also 78, who was born just 22 days later. Bill Clinton, 78 himself, was also born in August 1946. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, 82, is now the oldest living U.S. president and will be the oldest former president after Trump’s inauguration in January next year. Barack Obama is the youngest living former president at 63. Carter’s death was confirmed by his son Chip in a statement to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday. He died at his home in Plains, Georgia at 3:45 p.m. after entering hospice care in February 2023. Trump remembered the longest-living U.S. president in a Truth Social post Sunday, writing: “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Loved ones of Hudson Meek, the teen actor who died in a car accident last week, gathered to celebrate his life on Saturday. The “celebration of life” service, held at a Baptist church in Homewood, Alabama, was livestreamed on the Baby Driver star’s Instagram. Several of the loved ones shared their favorite memories of the 16-year-old, and a choir sang in tribute. Fans expressed their appreciation for the service and their condolences in the comment section. “Wonderful celebration of Hudson’s life,” wrote user @melindaeubankswest, while @jeanniecmom added, “Praying for Hudson’s family at this difficult time. Fellow teen actor Grace Culwell shared in the comments that she was in attendance, writing: ”Such a beautiful service & so glad we were able to be there. Sending so much love & prayers to you all.” Meek died on Dec. 21 in from injuries sustained during a fall from a moving car on Dec. 19 in his hometown, Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Meek was known best for appearing in the 2017 crime movie Baby Driver alongside Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx. A post shared by Hudson Meek (@hudsonmeek) Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were spotted enjoying themselves at Jeff Bezos ’ holiday party at a high-end sushi restaurant in Colorado, on Saturday. The power couple appeared smiling and holding hands in photos, published by Page Six, that showed them departing the gathering at Matsuhisa’s location in Aspen. Their invite came after Bezos traveled to Mar-a-Lago earlier this month to bend the knee to her father, President-elect Donald Trump. Saturday’s event appeared to serve as a date night for Trump’s eldest daughter and his former adviser after they attended his Mar-a-Lago Christmas gala earlier this week alongside their three kids. The pair kept it casual for the gathering—Kushner wore a dark-teal button-down and black slacks, while Trump donned a brown suede dress, a tan leather jacket, and a pair of high-heel boots. Page Six reported that actor Kevin Costner also made an appearance at the party after being spotted earlier with Jennifer Lopez at a different nearby spot, although she was not at the Amazon founder’s event. Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sanchez shot down rumors last week that they had married in the same resort town where the gathering was held. Two Sasquatch hunters were found dead after they went missing while searching for the mythical beast on Christmas Eve . The men, aged 37 and 59, were found after a 60-strong volunteer search and rescue team joined authorities in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State . They had intended to be home for Christmas Day, but a family member reported them missing to Skamania County authorities after they didn’t return by the morning. Police said the harsh weather conditions and their ill-preparedness for the forest contributed to the men’s deaths. Seven law enforcement agencies and the Coast Guard used canines, drones, ground teams and helicopters to locate them. “Their exhaustive search efforts resulted in bringing family members home to their loved ones,” the sheriff’s office said of the search teams. The force extended their “deepest sympathies and condolences to the families” involved. Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. 2025 is quickly approaching, and there’s no better way to celebrate the new year than with 2024’s cocktail du jour—the espresso martini. It’s the perfect way to toast 2025 with sophistication, flavor, and an energy boost. Think you can’t make the buzzy beverage at home because you’re not a bartender? Think again. You can create this beloved cocktail effortlessly with just a cocktail shaker, fresh espresso, vodka, coffee beans, and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur . It all starts in the land Down Under—Australia. Mr Black sources its ingredients, including 100 percent specialty-grade Arabica coffee, from local farmers and cooperatives. The liqueur is then slowly brewed with purified cold water to preserve its delicate, complex flavors. The result? A bittersweet masterpiece with bold flavor, balanced sweetness, and a lasting coffee kick. Its rich, coffee-forward taste is a crowd-pleaser, and the sleek bottle design adds a touch of elegance to any bar cart. Making an espresso martini is simple. Combine Mr Black , vodka, and freshly brewed espresso in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until cold. Then, strain the mixture into a martini glass and finish with three coffee beans as a garnish. Skip the champagne toast this year and ensure you stay awake for the countdown to 2025 with a Mr Black espresso martini. Andy Cohen’s biggest gripe with CNN star and New Year’s Eve partner-in-crime Anderson Cooper? Cooper’s annual giggle fit. Cohen explained to People why the anchor’s unceasing laughter adds extra chaos throughout their annual special. “Well, [it’s] that I have to be the straight guy,” Cohen said. “Literally, he’s in a puddle of giggles for the last 90 minutes of the broadcast, and I’m the one that’s hitting all the commercial breaks.” Cohen said he turns “into Mr. CNN for the last 90 minutes” while Cooper becomes “Mr. Bravo.” “It’s a very funny role reversal,” the Bravo star said. The longtime friends have hosted the CNN event together since 2017 after former co-host Kathy Griffin was booted in the wake of backlash for posing with a mask depicting the severed head of Donald Trump. Cohen and Cooper have found themselves in various antics since then— some alcoholic , some not —leading to Cooper’s own frustrations with the Bravo host. Cooper joked on Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live earlier this month that he constantly worries about “who [Cohen’s] gonna insult and what the clean up on aisle 3 is gonna be in the morning.” Billionaire businessman Charles Dolan, who founded HBO and Cablevision and whose family owns Madison Square Garden and a number of New York City sports teams, died on Saturday—he was 98. Dolan created Cablevision Systems Corporation in 1973, merging several small Long Island cable TV systems, according to the New York Times . At the time, the company served just 1,500 customers. But when he sold it for $17.7 billion in 2015, it supplied cable TV to over three million households in the New York metropolitan area, the Times reported. He also launched HBO in the early ’70s—it was at the time a pioneering cable TV channel that offered feature-length movies with no commercials. After his death, Dolan’s family will continue to be a powerful and influential force in the worlds of media and sports. His son Patrick is the owner of Newsday , the Long Island-based newspaper he and Charles bought in 2016. The family also owns MSG in New York City and the professional sports teams that play there, the NHL’s Rangers and the NBA’s Knicks. All three entities are led by Dolan’s son James.By Associated Press LINCOLN, N.H. (AP) — A 44-year-old New Hampshire man has died while hiking in the White Mountains after falling in icy conditions, according to state officials. The state’s Fish and Game Department said Saturday that Christopher Huyler of Littleton New Hampshire had not returned from hiking on Coppermine Trail area in Franconia. Huyler had called his wife early in the day to say he was heading out of the area, after checking conditions on a trail of the winter skiing season. A search involing around 20 rescuers was started late Friday and Huyler’s body was located early Saturday at an elevation of 2,800 feet. Authorities said Huyler had “suffered a significant fall in icy terrain” but provided no further details. They said Huyler was equipped for the hike, including wearing what are called micro spikes, and was an “avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed New Hampshire’s White Mountains in all seasons.” Fish and Game officials used Huyler’s death to remind the public that winter conditions have arrived in the mountains and that hikers should be prepared for their trek with 10 essential items — map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, as well as a knife. Be civil. Be kind.Now that former President Donald Trump has won the US presidential election, should President Yoon Suk Yeol practice golf and get used to hamburgers? By indulging in Trump’s favorites, can President Yoon win the US leader's heart and build a bromance with him for the sake of South Korea’s national interests? Unfortunately, these seemingly playful questions have become a serious topic lately in Seoul’s political and diplomatic circles. That is because as the most powerful leader in the free world, Trump can either help or hurt Korea in the most powerful ways. Korea’s security, trade and perhaps entire future very much depends on this man across the Pacific. US presidents have always been important for Korea. And in critical issues of security and economy, US policies have been generally predictable. Depending on which party holds power, Korea could prepare relatively well for a power change in Washington. But the first Trump presidency from 2017 to 2021 was anything but predictable. Like a loose cannon, he introduced many surprising, impulsive and unconventional policies that disrupted the existing world order and shook the global security and economic landscape. He downplayed the value of alliances and sometimes heaped praises on opponents. His love for strongmen, which at times led to bromances, was a particular shock. The list of Trump’s bromances, especially with strongmen, is quite long. During the recent campaign, he said he had “fallen in love” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. “I think he misses me,” Trump said of Kim, a tyrant oppressing his population of 25 million with absolute terror. Trump once said he can solve the thorny problem of North’s nuclear weapons development by having hamburgers with Kim. In fact, Trump was the first and only US president who ever met a North Korean leader. Although their two summit meetings failed in the end, Trump still boasts his personal rapport with Kim. Another notable strongman with whom Trump has a certain bromance is Russian President Vladimir Putin. Having called Putin “a genius,” Trump insists that he can end the war in Ukraine in a day using his personal relations with the Russian leader. As a former businessman who boasts of his negotiation skills, Trump believes he can be an efficient broker between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His view of diplomacy is nothing but the give-and-take of business transactions. There are many other authoritarian leaders Trump is fond of. He often praises Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his populist anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Argentine President Javier Milei is another Trump favorite. Milei’s libertarian ideology of an unregulated market economy, among others, is exactly what Trump hopes to pursue during his second term. There is also Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, another tyrant accused of masterminding the murder of a dissident journalist, who has amicable relations with Trump. One doesn’t have to be an autocrat to win the Trump's heart. His latest bromance is of course with Tesla founder Elon Musk. Having thrown full support behind Trump’s successful campaign, Musk has now become Trump’s “First Buddy,” who has almost dictated the formation of the president-elect’s new cabinet. After the election, Musk spent a few days with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, greatly influencing Trump’s policies. Trump’s reward for Musk’s help is to name him head of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency that is going to ax federal government jobs and budgets to cut costs -- a project the two hatched together during the campaign. For Korea’s President Yoon, however, there is another bromance he needs to study to become friends with Trump. Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo is known as one of very few western leaders to have enjoyed a Trump bromance. But it didn’t come easily for the late Abe. He made tremendous efforts to win the US leader's trust from the day Trump was elected in 2016. Fully acknowledging the importance of the US and its president for the security and economy of Japan, he visited President-elect Trump in New York even before his inauguration to the ire of the outgoing Democratic US administration. Once Trump was president, Abe was the first foreign leader he invited to Washington to meet with him. Abe didn’t just meet Trump. He studied every aspect of the president meticulously to forge long-lasting chemistry with him. Knowing that Trump is a golf addict, Abe presented him with a set of gold-plated golf clubs. In return, Trump invited Abe to his Florida golf course for a near full-day rounding. Among their meals were of course the hamburgers Trump enjoys most. When the new Japanese Emperor Naruhito was enthroned in 2019, Trump was invited by Abe and given the full red-carpet treatment. Together, they watched a Sumo wrestling match as good friends would do. Thanks partly to the bromance, the Trump administration’s policy toward Japan was generally favorable. While Trump doubted and even detested US alliances with some European countries, Japan was largely spared such troubles. In the decadesold case of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens, Trump continued to support Japan’s position, demanding action from the North. Abe’s vision of an Indo-Pacific security partnership was implemented as an official policy by Trump who viewed it as an efficient way to check China’s rise. President Yoon might be able to forge some degree of friendship, if not a bromance, with Trump if he works as hard as Abe did. There are some potential opportunities. When Yoon visited Washington last year for a summit meeting with President Biden, he impressed his host by singing the famous pop song "American Pie" at a White House dinner. Yoon’s personal gesture was positively accepted by Biden. With the more precarious and unpredictable Trump, Yoon may have to muster some more dramatic and touching gestures, including eating hamburgers and playing golf. Lee Byung-jong Lee Byung-jong is a former Seoul correspondent for Newsweek, The Associated Press and Bloomberg News. He is a professor at the School of Global Service at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. -- Ed.Bombers GM Walters sees no need to blow up roster despite another Grey Cup loss WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press Nov 26, 2024 2:11 PM Nov 26, 2024 2:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Winnipeg Blue Bombers general manager Kyle Walters speaks to media about the season and their upcoming plans at his year end press conference at the Blue Bomber stadium in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports 13-year-old cricketer Suryavanshi can become India's latest T20 batting sensation Nov 26, 2024 2:30 PM Court rejects request to sideline San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender Nov 26, 2024 1:39 PM Another Rose looks to blossom with Canadian women's soccer team in camp in Spain Nov 26, 2024 1:35 PM Featured Flyer

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NoneA bag of heroin and 15 pints of lager. This is what a typical day looked like for Steve Wyatt at the height of his alcohol and drug addiction. It was a nightmare he endured for 22 gruelling years until he finally found hope through an unlikely source – the art of restoring furniture. A stint at a farm retreat gave the 47-year-old the inspiration he needed to turn his life around for good. He now runs his very own vintage furniture restoration store. READ MORE: It was just a routine test that turned his life upside down But Steve will never forget his spiral into despair. He was just a child when he first started hanging out with the wrong crowd, paving the way for the struggles he would face in the future. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol from a very young age, Steve can recall getting drunk at the age of 12 and regularly sniffing glue and smoking cannabis. Having left school with no qualifications, Steve enrolled at a food college with aspirations to become a chef. Steve, pictured far right, in the 90s (Image: Steve Wyatt) But his life began to unravel when he was introduced to Birmingham’s rave scene – a thriving subculture that dominated the 90s. “It was massive and drug-fuelled,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “I had friends who were DJs, doormen and drug dealers. “It escalated from there very quickly. By the time I was 16 or 17, I had a criminal record for burglary. I was stealing from my parents and others to fund the lifestyle. For eight or nine years, it was mainly drinking, ecstasy and smoking weed.” Despite his party lifestyle, Steve found work as a chef and eventually relocated to Glasgow at the age of 23. But everything took a tragic turn when he was introduced to heroin shortly after arriving in the city. Steve's drink and drug use spiralled out of control (Image: Steve Wyatt) “After two weeks, I was taking it every day just to function and go to work,” he said. “My alcohol use was so bad that I was waking up shaking and sick, drinking eight to 15 pints of lager a day. “When I started using heroin, I'd wake up with a hangover, smoke a bag of heroin and it would lift the hangover. I found a way to get through the day, but it all unravelled quickly.” Steve can recall running out of heroin while visiting his family for a holiday – going on to experience the gruelling effects of withdrawal for the first time. “I couldn’t move off the sofa for two days,” he said. “I took myself to A&E and told my family I was using heroin.” Steve checked himself into rehab for the first time and left after six months – only to relapse and use heroin the day he was released. Steve (Image: Steve Wyatt) It was a vicious cycle Steve, originally from Poole, Dorset, found himself in over the following 10 years. “I spent three years in prison, three years on the streets and four years total in rehab,” he told the MEN. “I lived on the streets in Bristol for three years in a hostel and sold the Big Issue. People were dying every day and I probably know three or four who were murdered. I had a knife pulled on me and was spat at.” Sadly, despite being supported by his loving family, Steve tried to get clean through rehab 20 times still couldn’t break free from his addiction. But a seed of hope was planted when Steve stayed on a farm owned by a Christian community in a bid to get clean – an experience that would later help him turn his life around. Steve hit rock bottom (Image: Steve Wyatt) “Part of the programme was restoring furniture,” he added. “I worked in a spray shop and did deliveries. It ingrained discipline in me and sowed a seed for change.” Taking crack cocaine and returning to the streets of Bristol shortly after leaving the retreat, it would take Steve another 10 years to finally overcome his addiction. As his life continued to spiral out of control, Steve was also charged with possession of Class A drugs and counterfeit money and threatened with jail time. But he was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence with the condition he continued with his rehabilitation treatment. “I started injecting crack and heroin again and ended up on the streets of Bristol,” he added. “Every time I used, it got worse and the consequences grew. It left me with two choices – live or die.” In March 2014, Steve was introduced to a 12-step rehab programme in Birmingham and learnt the tools to continue on a positive path to recovery. Steve managed to turn his life around (Image: Steve Wyatt) After moving to Dorset, he started restoring mid-century furniture from his back garden, working four jobs tirelessly to keep himself focussed and clean. Steve now says learning how to restore antique furniture is the passion that saved his life. “Furniture restoration gave me purpose and direction,” he added. “After coming out of addiction for 22 years, I was left with a big void. Before, I was raising money for drugs, buying drugs, using drugs but I later applied that theory to furniture. “Restoring the furniture and then selling the furniture. I took that negative behaviour and turned it into something positive.” Steve later moved to Poole, and in 2020, was presented with a life-changing opportunity to open his own shop with Legal & General’s KINGLAND scheme. The first project of its kind in the country saw Legal & General help revitalise the high street with support from partners like Nest Pensions. Ten new entrepreneurs, including Steve, were given fully equipped units to start their businesses with no rent or business rates for two years. Steve now helps others (Image: Steve Wyatt) Nest pensions helped to fund the regeneration project and its contribution to KINGLAND means that its 13.3 million members have helped to support Steve and other small businesses to thrive. Steve eventually opened his own store – Restored Retro – describing it as a turning point in his journey. The pandemic and cost of living crisis were tough challenges, but nearly four years later, Steve says his business is thriving. With more clients and a larger stock of restored furniture, he was even able to expand into the unit next door in 2023 – doubling the size of his store. Steve has so far restored and sold over 1,700 items of furniture and recently secured a coveted partnership with premium British furniture brand, G Plan. “I'm really proud of myself,” he said, “I've worked extremely hard. There are times that I've wanted to give up, but I've kept going. It’s the shop that has really kept me going, even on the days that I've not been able to see the success myself.” Some of Steve's restored furniture (Image: Steve Wyatt) Steve now speaks at local prisons – he plans to visit facilities across Greater Manchester in the future – and continues to help other addicts and their families with their recovery. “The ripple effect when it comes to addiction is huge,” he added. “It’s an incredibly hurtful illness that impacts almost everyone in an addict’s life. But that also means that positivity and hope spreads like wildfire among those affected. “That’s what is so amazing about the story with my shop. Hundreds of people whether they work for Legal & General, have a pension with Nest, or were employed to renovate the street where my shop is, have all contributed in a small way to helping me change my life. Nest members should be so proud of what they’ve allowed me to achieve. “My next ambition is to create a sustainable business model where I employ ex-prisoners to help them integrate safely back into society. “This has only been imaginable due to partners such as Legal & General and having investments from Nest pensions. I battled for twenty-two years and didn’t give up. Every time you fail, you get back up and keep fighting. I will do all in my power to share my skills and things I have learned along the way to show that life is worth living. “Addiction is not a pretty place to be in, and through my recovery I have put into practice three key principles: being open minded, honest, and to show willingness. I apply these daily in my business.”

Michael Jordan has sold his Chicago mansion. Pictures: Getty/Realtor via Compass The buyer of Michael Jordan‘s discounted Chicago mansion has come forward to identify himself as a longtime fan of the basketball legend. Lincoln, NE, native John Cooper has revealed himself as the lucky new owner of Jordan’s 5200 sqm mansion in Highland Park, which has sold for $14.9m (US$9.5m), after an almost 13-year stint on and off the market. Speaking to the Lincoln Journal Star, Mr Cooper, 42, who has lived in the Chicago area for the past 10 years, revealed that he had admired the property for some time before deciding to put in an offer. He ultimately scored an incredible discount on the nine-bedroom, 19-bathroom home , which first came on the market in 2012 for $42.9m (US$29m). RELATED Michael Jordan’s ‘abandoned’ $22m mansion in TikTok drama Michael Jordan buys his second trophy home in Florida for $26m The iconic 23 adorns the front gate. Pictures: Realtor Michael Jordan’s home was at the centre of a TikTok scandal after a user claimed to have broken in and filmed it. Picture: Realtor “I remember seeing the home for sale and thinking how cool it would be for the person that buys the home,” Mr Cooper told the Lincoln Journal Star. “My favourite player to watch was always Jordan. He made shots that seemed impossible, and he got it done on defence, too.” Mr Cooper has wasted no time moving into his new home and has already hosted his own birthday party at the property – which, of course, included a game of basketball with friends on the property’s indoor court, as well as some golf on its putting green. He plans to retain most of the mansion’s unique amenities to ensure Jordan’s legacy remains. The NBA legend’s home naturally has a full-sized basketball court Picture: Realtor Michael Jordan in action in the 90s. (Photo by VINCENT LAFORET / AFP) “I’ll announce some exciting plans for the property in January. I do not have any major renovation plans. I will honour the property’s legacy. This place is great just the way it is,” Mr Cooper told the Lincoln Journal Star. The father of three added that he does not foresee the mansion becoming a primary residence for himself and his family, but expects he will use it regularly. The mansion went viral on social media in 2024, after it was revealed that the abandoned 2.83ha property was in a state of disrepair. There are nods to the basketball legend throughout the property. Picture: Realtor The home’s large gym. Pictures: Getty/Realtor/Compass In the footage, the indoor basketball court appears to have had significant flooding, while the kitchen was seemingly trapped mid-renovation, with cupboard doors on the ground and pieces of wood and trash throughout the room. The largely empty house also had chairs, beds and couches in the rooms, though it was clear there hadn’t been many tenants, if any, in years. The home did see an influx of interest in recent years, perhaps due to Jordan’s 2020 Netflix documentary “The Last Dance”. MORE NEWS Inside Aussie designers’ dream homes Wild AI prediction for Aussie homes Billionaires, celebs behind Aus’ biggest salesAllar puts critics on mute, keeps winning for Penn StateJet crash disaster in South Korea marks another setback for Boeing

Vikings place LB Ivan Pace on injured reserve and sign LB Jamin Davis off Packers practice squad

Republicans rally around Hegseth, Trump's Pentagon pick, as Gaetz withdraws for attorney generalKansas once required voters to prove citizenship. That didn't work out so wellEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL