Indian-Canadian actor Lisa Ray has publicly criticised Air India for refusing a medical waiver for her 92-year-old father despite submitting a doctor’s letter. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Ray accused the airline of lacking empathy after she was forced to cancel her travel plans due to her father’s ill health but was denied a cancellation fee waiver.
“Here we go again @airindia. My father is 92, unwell and I have to cancel travel due to his ailing condition. Submitted doctor’s letter and the waiver was denied? How is that possible? Where is the empathy from an airline that is claiming to care about passengers?” she wrote, tagging the airline’s official account.
Air India responded to her complaint, asking for more details and expressing sympathy for her father’s condition. “Dear Ms Ray, we empathize with your concern and wish your father a speedy recovery. Please help us with the email address from which you’ve written to us or the case ID (if any) via DM. We’ll look into it,” the airline replied.
However, Ray later posted a screenshot of her email exchange with the travel agency through which she had booked her ticket. The agency informed her that there was no provision for a medical waiver, contradicting her expectations. The email exchange also revealed that her father had been hospitalised at the time.
Reports suggest that Ray had booked a non-refundable ticket, which meant the travel agency, rather than the airline itself, rejected her request for a waiver. Despite this, her criticism has fueled a larger conversation about Air India’s customer service practices.
Ray’s frustration adds to a growing list of complaints from high-profile passengers about Air India’s services in recent months.
February 2024: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was assigned a “broken” seat on a flight from Bhopal to Delhi. He alleged that airline staff told him they had already informed the management about the faulty seat.
November 2023: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram criticised Air India over flight delays, stating there had been “practically no improvement” since the Tata Group took over.
October 2023: Actor Tillotama Shome slammed the airline for an 8.5-hour delay on a Mumbai-London flight, saying passengers were left uninformed.
December 2023: A Delhi-based journalist flagged an 18-hour flight delay in Milan that disrupted her travel plans and caused her to miss a key family event.
Grammy-winning composer Ricky Kej has repeatedly called out the airline for downgrading his business class seat and refusing a refund, stating that he had faced issues with Air India multiple times.
Despite these complaints, Air India has maintained that it takes customer feedback seriously and aims to improve its services. The airline has not issued an official statement on Ray’s case but has promised to review her complaint.
Mother’s Day is almost here, so it’s the perfect chance to spoil your mum and show her just how much she means to you.
Whether you want to treat her to afternoon tea, take a walk together through stunning spring gardens or spend a family day out at one of Kent’s biggest attractions, we’ve got you covered…
Raise a glass to Mother’s Day with fantastic days out. Picture: Balfour Winery/PA Photos
BALFOUR WINERY, Staplehurst
Give Mum a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the view with an afternoon tea at Balfour Winery. The dainty finger sandwiches and pastries will be paired with a selection of Balfour’s award-winning wines, and it’s all set against the backdrop of the 400-acre vineyard.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Balfour Winery in Staplehurst, near Maidstone. Book online here.
CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, Edenbridge
Why buy flowers for your mum when you can create a bouquet together? The floral workshops at Chiddingstone Castle will teach you how to make an arrangement using seasonal foliage and flowers, how to care for your flowers, and how to gift wrap your bouquet to take home. Then, when you’re finished, you can tuck into a traditional afternoon tea with live entertainment.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge. Book online here.
GREAT COMP GARDEN, Sevenoaks
Spend the afternoon strolling around Great Comp’s beautiful seven-acre garden. The open day is part of the National Garden Scheme and will welcome visitors to admire the site’s vibrant lawns, trees and shrubs, and spring flowers such as magnolias and hellebores.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at Great Comp Garden in Borough Green, near Sevenoaks. Adult entry costs £10, pay on the gate.
It’s the perfect time of year to spend quality time with the family at some of Kent’s biggest attractions. Picture: Hever Castle and Gardens
HEVER CASTLE, Edenbridge
The historic grounds of Hever Castle are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal with Mum. There’s a luxury afternoon tea in the oak-panelled Tudor Suite, with stunning views of the castle and its formal lawns, and you can walk it off as you explore the ground’s display of spring flowers including tulips, cherry and apple blossom, early rhododendrons, hyacinths, camassias and bluebells.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge. Book online here.
HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham
One of the country’s largest maritime attractions is throwing a special afternoon tea for Mother’s Day. The menu includes tasty treats such as finger sandwiches, cakes, scones and pastries, all served in the Mess Deck Restaurant. You can even upgrade to a mini Prosecco for £6.95 per person.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Book online here.
Mums go free at Howletts Wild Animal Park over the Mother’s Day weekend. Picture: Howletts
HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK, Bekesbourne
Visit Howletts, one of Kent’s biggest animal parks, and meet more than 390 rare and endangered animals. As you explore the park, you can find the county’s only giant anteater, the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and four adorable lion cubs – and the best part is, mums go free over the weekend.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury. Book online here.
INN ON THE LAKE, Gravesend
Robbie Williams has proved a hit with mums across the country and, although tickets to see the man himself might be a bit of a stretch, you can treat your mum to the next best thing. The Mother’s Day lunch at this hotel includes live music from a Robbie tribute act, so you can sing along to hits like Rock DJ and Angels in between mouthfuls.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at the Inn on the Lake in Gravesend. Book online here.
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a touch of class. Step aboard an authentic steam engine and enjoy an elegant cream tea as you travel through the Weald of Kent and Sussex countryside. The meal will include all the traditional elements such as warm scones, fruity jam and clotted cream.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Book online here.
Enjoy the sights of spring at Leeds Castle before tucking into a luxurious afternoon tea. Picture: Leeds Castle
LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone
Breathe in the fresh spring air with a visit to Leeds Castle’s blossoming gardens. This time of year is ideal for seeing daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms and magnolias as they bloom all over the grounds. Then, when you’ve worked up an appetite, you can head inside for an indulgent afternoon tea with hot drinks, scones and sandwiches.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone. Book online here.
MOUNT EPHRAIM GARDENS, near Faversham
If your mum loves nothing more than pottering around in the garden, why not help her get some green-fingered inspiration? The stunning 10-acre Edwardian gardens at Mount Ephraim will be open on Mother’s Day as part of the National Garden Scheme, boasting a Japanese rock garden, topiary, grass maze and spring bulbs.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at Mount Ephraim Gardens, near Faversham. Adult entry costs £10, pay on the gate.
PENSHURST PLACE, Tonbridge
Get crafty with a range of hands-on activities at Penshurst Place. Your family can spend some quality time together as you create your own Mother’s Day cards, get stuck into face painting and design a colourful plant pot collar. Kids can take their collars to the on-site Plant Centre and get 50% off a potted plant that they can then give to Mum as a gift.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge. Book online here.
Treat Mum to a thrilling safari followed by a relaxing afternoon tea in the Glass Orangery. Picture: Port Lympne
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE, Hythe
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a unique safari across Port Lympne’s Kentish savannah. It all starts with reserved seats on the safari truck and a trip through the 600-acre wildlife park where you can spot giraffes, zebras, rhino and more. Then, you’ll return to base and head to your afternoon tea in the picturesque Glass Orangery with a glass of Gusbourne wine, a mocktail for the kids and complimentary box of chocolate truffles to take home.
Details: Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30 at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe. Book online here.
RARE BREEDS CENTRE, Woodchurch
Snap up a bargain this Mother’s Day as mums go free at the Rare Breeds Centre. Visit the 100-acre farm and spend the day meeting and feeding animals, exploring the play parks and gardens, and following the outdoor trails. One parent or carer goes free per group, as long as there is at least one paying child. All you need to do is enter the discount code MOTHERSDAY at the checkout when booking your tickets online.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford. Book online here.
ROMNEY, HYTHE AND DYMCHURCH RAILWAY
Travel across the sweeping landscape of the Romney Marsh behind a steam locomotive as part of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway’s Mother’s Day celebrations. The special event includes a peaceful train journey with wonderful views, an afternoon cream tea in the Hythe Vintage Tea Room and a chance for mums to have a go at driving the trains at Hythe station.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Book online here.
WESTWELL WINES, Charing
If you and your mum enjoy the odd glass of vino, the pair of you can sample crisp whites, rich reds and refreshing bubbles at Westwell Wines. The day begins with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, followed by a guided tasting and tour around the vineyard. You will then sit down to a delicious three-course meal made with seasonal ingredients.
Details: Sunday, March 30 at Westwell Wines in Charing, near Ashford. Book online here.
You can also treat Mum to a round of mimosas and some smashed avocado on toast at these Mother’s Day brunches.
Professional home organisers Hayley Harrison and Gemma Abraham have revealed the simple ways that families can make their homes that bit more organised – and involve the children too
It’s time to get the whole family involved when it comes to sorting your house out(Image: KIKA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY)
Having an organised home is something many people want, but knowing where to start isn’t always straightforward. When day-to-day routines are filled with important work meetings, school pick ups and drops off and everything else in between, it can be especially hard to find time to show your home some TLC.
For leading home organisers Hayley Harrison and Gemma Abraham, this is something they know all too well. With five children between them, the pair, who are behind the business Organise-d, know first hand what it’s like to try and keep a home well organised while also navigating the challenges that come with parenting. However, with five years’ experience helping organise family homes – with celebrity clients including Kate Ferdinand and Billie Shepherd – the duo have some tips to make things that bit easier…
This incredible duo know how to turn your home into a showpiece – even with children around(Image: KIKA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY)
Get the whole family on board
A lot of children won’t necessarily jump at the opportunity to get stuck into organisation, but it’s important to get them on board in some capacity. “The number one most important thing is systems and number two is getting the whole family on board,” explains Gemma.
Hayley adds: “We’re very keen on getting everyone on board. When we work with families with children, just as we would in our own homes, we’re very passionate about getting the kids involved, no matter what age they are. It’s about getting them on board and making them proud of the space that they have.
“For instance, in a kid’s wardrobe we might make sure that everything is labelled and everything is put into sections. We use different tips and tricks to keep everything in sections, so it not only makes the parents’ lives easier, but it gives the child some ownership and some independence.”
While in the short term getting kids involved will help lead to a tidier space, the benefits are just as appealing long term. “As they grow up, we hope they have pride in their space and they know how to work within the systems that are put in place, which then sets them up for later life and stops them getting into a stage where they are just completely overwhelmed by stuff,” says Hayley.
Make everything visible
Bulk buy offers can be extremely appealing when shopping, but how many times have you got home and realised you have nowhere to store it? If this has happened, just know that you’re not alone.
“One other really good point about family life is that people tend to go for the deals and they bulk buy. It’s great, but sometimes it can be a problem as people buy in bulk to get it a bit cheaper but not many houses are set up for the volume of stuff that we bring in.
“We really need to talk to our clients about just buying what you need. For instance, if it’s a kitchen, don’t buy 25 tins of baked beans because you’re going to have a problem storing those. Buy what you need for a week or two,” says Hayley.
Bulk buying might seem like a good idea but means more storage is needed, say the clever duo(Image: KIKA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY)
When it comes to wardrobes too, really knowing what we already have can help put an end to unnecessary buying. “Lots of our clients say they kept buying and buying because they couldn’t find what they needed and actually we’ve changed their shopping habits as a result.
“Keeping everything as visible as possible, not having piles of things, not tucking things to the back of wardrobes for a rainy day, bring everything forward, make it so that you can see it all, and then it stops you from overbuying,” she adds.
Think about sustainability
When decluttering, Gemma stresses the importance of sustainability. While you might not have a use for an item anymore, consider whether it might be of value to someone else.
“I think sustainability is another one. Obviously it’s massive now and it’s something that we try to live and breathe. Another little tip is if you have kids in the pre-teen or teenage years, get them into Vinted or eBay,” says Gemma.
“Get them having ownership and understand that if they keep a pair of trainers in a pretty good nick, they could actually go on and sell them. They can earn pocket money through it.”
Sia shocked fans on Wednesday, when it was revealed that she secretly welcomed a child last year.
The singer, 49, filed for divorce from her second husband Dan Bernad, after 26 months of being married, and the court documents seen by DailyMail.com contained the unexpected news.
However, it was their child’s name — Somersault Wonder Bernad — that caused even more intrigue from fans.
Many questioned Sia’s decision to pick such a unique name, and wondered if Somersault — who was born on March 27, 2024 — would find it difficult to navigate social situations with the name.
‘LMAO like imagine going to school and saying hi my name is somersault BYE,’ one fan wrote on X.
‘Why are we naming children after gymnastics moves?’ another questioned.
Sia, 49, shocked fans on Wednesday, when it was revealed that she secretly welcomed a child named Somersault Wonder Bernad last year; seen in 2023
Others joked that any future siblings should get names equally as creative, with one writing, ‘If her next one isn’t named “Backflip,” I’m done’ and another adding, ‘Waiting for her next kid: Cartwheel.’
‘I’m all for unique beautiful names but somersault r we deada**’
‘Somersault, dinner’s ready☺️’ another joked.
Another fan wrote that the name choice brought him to tears.
‘Genuinely just sat and cried laughing at this for 15 minutes wtf do you mean your child is named SOMERSAULT.’
‘Celebs treat baby names like random word generators,’ someone else chimed in.
‘SIA got a kid named somersault wonder bread.’
‘Just found out Sia named her kid Somersault.’
‘Somersault is crazy like huh.’
Yet another wrote, ‘Sia called her baby somersault??? What.’
The singer filed for divorce from her second husband Dan Bernad, after 26 months of being married, and the court documents seen by DailyMail.com contained the unexpected news
Many questioned Sia’s decision to pick such a unique name, and wondered if Somersault — who was born on March 27, 2024 — would find it difficult to navigate social situations
Sia is asking for legal and physical custody of Somersault but will consider ‘visitation rights’ for Bernad.
The singer, born Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, filed on Wednesday after 26 months of being married. In the paperwork it is stated that she had separated from Dan only the day before.
Before marrying Bernad, Sia became a mom to two teenage boys in 2019. Both were 18 years old at the time and about to age out of the foster care system.
They started dating in December 2021 and married during an intimate ceremony in 2023 in Portofino, Italy.
In 2020 she told GQ she wanted to stay ‘single for the rest of my life’ following her 2017 divorce from golf documentarian Erik Anders Lang. They were wed for only two years.
The Australian performer’s hit songs include Chandelier, Titanium and Cheap Thrills.
The artist has also written the tunes Diamonds (for Rihanna), Wild Ones (with Flo Rida) and Pretty Hurts (for Beyoncé).
Sia married documentary filmmaker Lang at her home in Palm Springs, California, in August 2014.
At the start of her career Sia suffered enormous heartbreak which shaped her songs.
In the late nineties, Sia moved to London to be with her boyfriend Dan Pontifex. Several weeks later, while in Thailand, she received the news that Pontifex had died after being in a car accident in London.
Sia and Dan – whose relationship dates back to December 2021 (pictured) – seen in 2021
Sia is known for hiding her face with wigs; seen in 2023 in NYC
She returned to Australia, but received a call from one of Pontifex’s former roommates, who invited her to stay in London.
Her 2001 album Healing Is Difficult lyrically deals with Pontifex’s death: ‘I was pretty f***ed up after Dan died. I couldn’t really feel anything.’
In 2007 she said in an interview for The Sunday Times: ‘We were all devastated, so we got s***-faced on drugs and Special Brew. Unfortunately, that bender lasted six years for me.’
In 2008, she dated JD Samson and they split in 2011.
When asked about her sexuality in 2009, she said, ‘I’ve always dated boys and girls and anything in between. I don’t care what gender you are, it’s about people. … I’ve always been… well, flexible is the word I would use.’
Sia identified as queer on Twitter in 2013.
The star has admitted to suffering from depression, extreme lethargy and panic attacks.
In 2010, she had plans to commit suicide. She then joined Alcoholics Anonymous.
In 2019, Sia stated that she has Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. She has also claimed to have Grave’s disease.
In 2017 she divorced Erik Anders Lang (pictured in 2015) after just two years of marriage
Sia’s 2021 directorial debut Music with Maddie Ziegler (R)
The artist has also stated that she was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, that was rooted in childhood traumas including being sexually abused at the age of nine.
The artist spoke candidly about her weight gain due to medication and wanted to be honest with her fans ‘so she doesn’t contribute to the system that tells us we aren’t enough’.
Sia admission came in a post on the Elastic Heart songwriter’s X account.
‘I am insecure like most people and being in the public eye gives me anxiety, so I’ve made the choice to alter my appearance for my own confidence issues,’ she wrote.
The singer also revealed that the weight she gained while on medication was resistant to both exercise and thyroid medication, leading her to opt for liposuction.
‘Had to take a medication that made me put on a lot of weight that I just can’t shift with exercise or thyroid meds so I went in for lipo today,’ she posted.
‘Please know that I am so lucky to have the resources to change the way I look and that when you see me looking crazy foxy again that I want you to know it did not come from diet and exercise,’ she said.
Sia revealed she had surgery in a powerful message to her followers in 2023; seen in 2013
It comes just two months after Sia revealed that she had a face lift while addressing the audience at an awards ceremony; seen in November 2023 in NYC
Sia spoke of her own struggles with body image during the speech, mentioning how she often hides her face.
‘I’m a pop star that normally hides my face and doesn’t lie about s**t. I got an amazing face lift from Dr. Talei. He is incredible,’ she said.
‘He is doing so much good work — and not just for the pop stars of the world.’
Dr. Talei then heaped praise on the star.
‘I don’t know if you guys know how amazing Sia is as a person,’ he said.
Sia, who suffers from bipolar disorder, has spoken in the past about her body battles and admitted she ‘dieted like crazy’ to fit the ‘stereotype’ of a pop star.
On March 18, 2025, Bedros Kirkorov, the 92-year-old father of famed Russian pop singer Filipp Kirkorov, passed away, marking a significant loss for both his family and fans. His death followed a prolonged battle with numerous health issues, including double pneumonia and severe heart failure.
Bedros Kirkorov’s health had been deteriorating for some time, with complications from heart problems becoming apparent last year. Sources reveal that Bedros faced serious challenges, particularly in the final days leading to his death, which Filipp detailed in a heartfelt post on his Telegram channel.
“I am no longer a child. Today, March 18, 2025, at 15:37 my father, People’s Artist of Russia Bedros Kirkorov, passed away, but you will never leave my heart. Cherish every moment spent with loved ones,” Filipp wrote, underlining the deep personal loss he felt.
The cause of death was confirmed to be acute heart failure, as reported by Telegram channel Mash. In the days preceding his demise, Bedros was reportedly persuaded by his caregiver to forego traditional medical approaches in favor of Tibetan remedies, a decision that many now believe may have negatively impacted his recovery.
This caregiver administered treatments without the oversight of medical professionals. During the night of March 17 to 18, Bedros’ condition sharply worsened; he experienced significant shortness of breath, and there were signs of organ failure. Despite the caregiver’s attempts at administering injections and oxygen, the situation escalated rapidly.
Those close to Bedros were alarmed when they noticed his deteriorating health and emphasized that he should have been under proper medical supervision. Doctors were finally called around 14:00, but it was too late, and the family had to grapple with the reality of their loss.
Filipp’s daughter, 13-year-old Alla-Victoria, also shared her sorrow on social media, expressing her grief over her grandfather’s passing: “Today my grandfather left us. It is hard to say this. He will always be in my heart, and I will always remember him. Thank you for the love he gave me.” This sentiment echoes the thoughts of many who appreciated Bedros for the warmth and affection he showed to those around him.
Bedros Kirkorov lived with his family in a luxurious estate in the Moscow region, a lavish property that has been valued at around $12 million. The estate has served as a home not just for Bedros but for Filipp, his children Martin and Alla-Victoria, and Bedros’ devoted wife. The family spent many cherished moments in this space together.
The funeral for Bedros Kirkorov is scheduled for March 21, 2025, at the Troekurovsky cemetery in Moscow, where friends, family, and fans will gather to pay their final respects. This event offers a moment for those who admired Bedros and appreciated his contributions to Russian culture to honor his legacy and say goodbye.
In reflection, the last hours of Bedros Kirkorov were filled with suffering that many could not fathom. Reports indicate that traditional medicine was cast aside for alternative treatments that did not yield the hoped-for results, a decision believed to have significantly worsened his condition.
Filipp had recently expressed the importance of family, emphasizing how crucial these bonds are during difficult times. Now, he faces the gravest heartache of all—a loss that echoes through his family and fans alike.
These tragic circumstances surrounding Bedros Kirkorov’s health and passing bring to light the essential discussions about medical care and decisions many families grapple with when facing similar circumstances.
Ultimately, Bedros Kirkorov’s legacy will live on, not only through his son but through the memories and lives he touched throughout his career. A beloved figure in Russia’s cultural landscape, Bedros Kirkorov will be remembered for his music and the moments he shared with those who loved him.
On March 19, 2025, Susanna Reid comforted Leanne Ekland, a grieving mother, live on Good Morning Britain. The episode, hosted by Reid and Richard Madeley, turned poignant as they joined Leanne, who is mourning the loss of her son, Max Dixon, murdered as a teenager.
Max Dixon, the youngest of Leanne’s four children, was killed alongside his best friend Mason Rist, who was only 15-years-old at the time. The two boys were fatally stabbed by a group of teenagers just a short distance from Mason’s home, a fact that adds to the tragic nature of their deaths. During this moving segment, Susanna invited Leanne to share more about Max.
Overcome with emotion, Leanne broke down in tears. To support her, Susanna halted the show momentarily, offering her hand in consolation—an act of compassion emblematic of her role as a host who has often navigated sensitive subjects. “I knew you’d ask this,” Leanne said through her tears, yet Susanna assured her that they aimed to emphasize that Mason was more than just a victim. “We can talk about Mason after the show,” she offered, holding Leanne’s hand as emotional support.
Leanne then recounted her devastating experience of losing her son, openly discussing her grief. “Grief is supposed to bring you together. it’s not brought us together. I should never have had to choose my son’s coffin; I shouldn’t have to go to his funeral,” she said, revealing the emotional weight of her sorrow. Also in attendance was another grieving mother, Nikki Knight, who similarly lost her son on that tragic day.
The heart-wrenching nature of the situation was heightened when Leanne shared the moment she discovered her son Max was critically injured. “I said ‘no he’s not, he’s in bed’, then it hit me. I just screamed. They took me down to see Max. A lot of people stopped me to start off with, but I managed to get to him and sit down with him. I said, ‘Max, Mum’s here.’ He opened up his eyes. He knew I was there. He knew I was with him. He was so pale; he was cold, he kept saying to me, ‘Mum, I want to go to sleep.’” These recollections echoed the pain of a mother grappling with an unimaginable loss.
This isn’t Susanna’s first time offering compassion in the face of grief. Earlier in 2025, she also consoled Naomi Rees-Issitt, a mother mourning over the loss of her son Jamie Rees, who died three years ago due to a fatal cardiac arrest. Naomi has since campaigned for the inclusion of defibrillators in police vehicles, a direct response to her son’s untimely death.
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6 am on ITV1 and ITVX, where hosts like Susanna Reid illuminate the stark realities families face when dealing with tragic losses. The poignant stories shared by guests like Leanne and Naomi resonate with audiences, offering not only grief but also connection and understanding.
Google Wallet now has a built-in payment system for kids
Parents can monitor their child’s transactions and enforce limits
The update is rolling out over the next few weeks
Allowing your kids access to your phone’s wallet can be a surefire way to quickly lose your savings, but there are also times when you might want to let them in, such as when they need to use a digital library card. So, what can you do to get it right?
Well, Google thinks it has a solution of sorts. It’s just announced a new feature for Google Wallet that grants kids access to limited funds while ensuring that parents are still in control. The feature is being rolled out to users in the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Poland “over the next few weeks,” Google says.
According to Google’s press release, parents and guardians can “allow their children to access digital payments on their Android device with appropriate supervision.” In practice, that means “kids can use Google Wallet to securely tap to pay in stores and keep supported passes like event tickets, library cards and gift cards in one convenient place.”
The update comes with built-in parental controls. “A child’s payment cards can only be added with parental consent,” Google says, “and parents will receive an email whenever their child makes a transaction. Parents can also easily track recent purchases, remove payment cards and turn off access to passes right in Family Link.”
Financial independence
(Image credit: Shutterstock / sdx15)
This isn’t the first time Google has implemented a kid-friendly payment system with parental controls included. In the company’s Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch, for example, children can tap to pay for items, while parents can monitor purchases and reward their youngsters when chores are completed.
Apple also has a similar feature built into Apple Cash. Parents or guardians can view a child’s recent card transactions, choose who they can send money to, receive notifications when a payment is made, lock the child’s Apple Cash account, and more.
Financial literacy is a great life skill for children to have, so it makes sense to allow them some degree of independence here, as Google and others are doing. The built-in controls should go some way to reassuring parents, although each family will need to work out an arrangement that works best for them.
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Brittany Mahomes showed off her post baby body as she got ready to enjoy a workout session — just over two months after giving birth to her third child.
The Kansas City Chiefs WAG, 29, who is married to quarterback Patrick Mahomes, took to her Instagram Story to show off her incredible physique in a hot pink workout set.
The longtime couple — who were high school sweethearts and tied the knot in March 2022 — also share four-year-old daughter Sterling Skye and two-year-old son Patrick ‘Bronze’ Lavon Mahomes III.
The former soccer player shared a short boomerang clip of herself posing in front of the mirror in her home gym and showing off her outfit.
She sported a bright pink sports bra paired with matching leggings and sneakers.
Brittany Mahomes showed off her postpartum body as she got ready to enjoy a workout session — just over two months after giving birth to her third baby
The Kansas City Chiefs WAG, the wife of quarterback Patrick Mahomes , took to her Instagram Story to show off her incredible physique in a hot pink workout set
Over the post, she wrote: ‘How much pink is too much?’
On the same day, she also shared a clip of herself, reposted from her trainer Betina Gozo Shimonek’s Instagram Story.
Mahomes was doing squats while holding her toddler son in the air.
She looked radiant, sporting little to no makeup and with her platinum blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, as she got her sweat on.
Shimonek left a heart and giggling emoji as she admired Mahomes’ ‘cardio’ session.
On her repost, the mom-of-three wrote: ‘His mom told him to do this.’
In the clip, the toddler was seen wearing a black and red basketball outfit and adorably raised his arms up for his mom to pick him up.
Just a couple months ago, Mahomes welcomed her third baby with the three-time Super Bowl MVP.
In July, the couple announced they were expecting their third baby in a joint Instagram post.
This comes just over nine weeks since she welcomed a daughter named Golden Raye Mahomes with her husband — whose team lost in the Super Bowl last month
The longtime couple — who were high school sweethearts and tied the knot in March 2022 — also share four-year-old daughter Sterling Skye and two-year-old son Patrick ‘Bronze’ Lavon Mahomes III
On the same day, she also shared a clip of herself, reposted from her trainer Betina Gozo Shimonek’s Instagram Story. Mahomes was doing squats while holding her toddler son in the air
In the clip, the toddler was seen wearing a black and red basketball outfit and adorably raised his arms up for his mom to pick him up
In July, the couple announced they were expecting their third baby in a joint Instagram post
Just a couple months ago, Mahomes welcomed her third baby with the three-time Super Bowl MVP. The proud parents of three have been together since high school
The proud parents of three have been together since high school.
In September 2020, he proposed to her at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl ring ceremony.
Later that month, the pair announced that they were expecting baby number one.
They welcomed their first child, daughter Sterling, in February 2021.
Then, the pair got married on March 2022 and had their daughter as the flower girl at their wedding.
Atlético de Madrid was Real Madrid’s main rival in the last round of the Champions League’s round of 16. Despite the fact that the colchonero team had finished in a better position in the standings, they ended up losing to the blancos. This has sparked a series of debates over controversial decisions, but Kiko Matamoros has taken a different path.
In this case, it was due to a Father’s Day post by Atlético, where a child and his father are seen wearing the jersey. However, what stands out more is that they are downcast, and this is precisely what Matamoros highlights. Obviously, it is a rather clear mockery of Atlético de Madrid, where regardless of the match, happiness is ambiguous.
| Didac Aguirre
This is one of the clear mockeries that all Madridists and other sectors of fans have against Atlético. A team that, on more than one occasion, always ends up on the verge of victory and settles for it.
A Mockery of the Colchonero Team
Matamoros has shown no compassion, not even for Father’s Day, in a post of this nature to mock the colchoneros. In this case, it is because of this curious image, which even resembles a very particular meme.
Obviously, it has sparked a large number of comments through the same post, where Madridists mock them. Something that doesn’t seem likely to change, considering that they have lost the last two matches against Madrid and Barcelona.
| Didac Aguirre
Everything points to Atlético de Madrid, regardless of the context in which they do their things, ending up settling for what they have. Furthermore, the value and self-criticism within the institution, by their own coach, leave much to be desired.
Each to Their Own
While Real Madrid can celebrate Father’s Day without any problem with true champions and winners, Atlético has to settle for this. Once again, being complacent with their situation and demanding nothing from absolutely anyone.
CHONGQING – Duan Yi, 30, who was a homemaker for four years after giving birth, recently found a job at a flexible employment fair in Chongqing.
Previously, Duan ran a small shop, but was forced to shut it down due to economic issues. To boost her family’s income, she started looking for a job that would allow her to maintain a work-life balance. Her wish was granted on Friday at the special employment fair co-hosted by the Chongqing Employment Service Bureau, the human resources and social security bureau of Shapingba district and the women’s federation of Shapingba.
Today, Duan works as a data entry clerk for 500 yuan ($69) per day. She goes to the office if there is work to do, otherwise she stays at home and takes care of her son.
“I’m satisfied with this job and its flexible hours,” she said. “Now that I am back in the job market, I can acquire new skills and prepare for more promising career opportunities or entrepreneurial projects.”
About 100 companies offered 5,000 jobs at the fair, mainly in the intelligent automobile manufacturing industry and the service sector. Among these positions, more than 2,000 were “mother-friendly”, and about 600 job seekers expressed their interest in the positions.
Mother-friendly jobs are designed to accommodate women who are of legal working age and have caregiving obligations for children under 12 years old. The positions often involve flexible hours and adaptive management models, enabling mothers to balance work and childcare.
Li Fangsheng, a manager at Chongqing Youjipin Human Resources Management, said the company joined the employment fair to “find qualified personnel as soon as possible”.
The company needs a large number of service-oriented staff to work as restaurant servers, dishwashers and conference attendants, among other positions, for more than 10 high-end local hotels. The positions offer flexible hours, Li said, noting that compared with permanent ones, these jobs cost the company less.
“In the hospitality industry, we particularly welcome mothers to take advantage of the flexible working hours. As these women often have prior experience in tasks such as cooking, cleaning and housekeeping, they are ideal candidates,” he added.
Shapingba has organized several such employment fairs this year, providing more than 6,100 jobs to mothers, with their salaries ranging from 4,000 yuan to 13,000 yuan per month, according to the district’s human resources and social security bureau.
Tang Yun, deputy director of the Chongqing Employment Service Bureau, said that helping women balance employment and family responsibilities, especially childbirth and childcare, and building a mother-friendly employment environment are critical steps toward fostering a fertility-friendly society.
Chongqing hosted about 1,000 job fairs this year, offering 23,000 mother-friendly positions, Tang said, adding that it will regularly advertise job vacancies through an online platform and organize more special employment fairs to support women.
The number of newborns in China dropped for seven consecutive years before reporting increases in 2024. The country has implemented many policies in recent years to address the challenges.
Like Chongqing, many other Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jinan in Shandong province and Wuhan in Hubei province, have introduced measures to build a fertility-friendly society. Some cities have encouraged companies to set up baby care rooms and offer childcare services to create a mother-friendly working environment.
In 2022, the National Health Commission and 16 other departments issued a guideline on further improving and implementing measures to support proactive fertility policies, emphasizing the need to “advance institutional mechanisms that promote women’s employment and strengthen vocational skills training for female workers, particularly those reentering the workforce after childbirth”.
Qi Xiumin, director of Hebei Qixin Law Firm, said that “mother-friendly” positions aim to alleviate employment challenges faced by mothers, enabling them to achieve self-worth and economic independence while addressing structural labor shortages for businesses.
Qi suggested expanding eligibility to include all caregivers, including men with childcare duties and employment needs, ensuring equitable support for families. She also suggested diversifying roles and models by tailoring positions to meet regional and industrial demands.
It is also important to refine standards for position design, rights protection and integrating technical and managerial roles to ensure long-term sustainability, she added.
