Latest news with #KatieJohnson
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Married At First Sight's Katie Johnson defends Ozempic use - but issues chilling warning about the popular weight-loss drug
Married At First Sight alum Katie Johnson has opened up about Ozempic use and the little-known dangers that come with taking it regularly. The reality TV star, 37, took to Instagram on Monday to defend her use of weight-loss drugs while also issuing a chilling 'warning' about their effects. 'I have to issue a major warning. If you are on GLP1 or if you know of anyone who is on GLP1, please send them this message,' she began. GLP1 receptor agonists are used to target a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels, appetite and digestion, and is an umbrella term that encompasses popular weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro and Ozempic. 'I've been learning so much about the GLP1 medication and it works. It does the job. You lose your appetite,' she told the camera. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'But what I didn't realise and what I didn't fully understand is that people are so unaware - through no fault of their own - that you are sending yourself into malnutrition,' she said. 'Not only will your body look for energy and eat away your muscles, but also your vitamins and your minerals that you get from nutrition are rapidly depleting. And people wonder why they've got symptoms. 'I am pro GLP1 if it's done right.' In the past, Katie has been transparent of her use of weight loss drugs. In May, she exclusively told Daily Mail Australia she initially tried Mounjaro in an effort to lose weight, but struggled with harsh symptoms, including fatigue and sickness. Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is often used for type 2 diabetes and also causes weight loss - much like Ozempic, which is also known as semaglutide. 'I didn't feel alive. I was shrinking physically, but I had no energy – no spark,' she said. She then resumed using Mounjaro, but this time she took it with a supplement which she says helped with side effects. 'It changed everything,' Katie said. 'I felt energised, excited to work out, and like I was finally living again.' The former MAFS bride revealed she has already dropped a dress size – and has two more to go until she hits her target. 'I'm not chasing a number. I'm chasing a feeling – health, strength, and pride in how far I've come.'
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Barrington Junior Women's Club awards scholarships to Barrington High School graduates
The Barrington Junior Women's Club (BJWC) has awarded three scholarships to Barrington High School graduates, recognizing their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and community service. According to a news release, the recipients were honored at a special scholarship dinner celebrating their accomplishments and dedication to making a difference in the community. BJWC is a not-for-profit organization of women from the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago dedicated to enriching the lives of women, children, and seniors in the Barrington area for over 85 years, the release said.. Through various fundraising events, BJWC raises funds to support local non-profits and provides scholarships to outstanding students. 'These scholarships represent the culmination of countless hours of planning and fundraising by our members,' Katie Johnson, Co-Chair of BJWC Philanthropy, said in the release. 'We are incredibly fortunate to have a generous community that supports our efforts, enabling us to invest in the future of these remarkable young individuals.' 2025 Scholarship Recipients: Hannah Kim – Janice Clarke Scholarship Winner: Hannah completed over 250 hours of community service, ranked in the top 5% of her class, held a part-time job working at the Garlands of Barrington, and held numerous leadership roles including positions in BHS RoundUp magazine, Barrington Buddies, and the BHS class board. Milana Carse – Community Service Scholarship Winner: Milana volunteered over 300 hours of community service, volunteered with the peer jury of Hoffman Estates, worked with Congressman Krishnamoorthi as an intern, authored publications focusing on the juvenile justice system, and competed at the International History Olympiad. Avery Ciaglia – Community Service Scholarship Winner: Avery dedicated over 200 hours of community service, volunteered as a camp counselor, was captain for the BHS girls' lacrosse team, held a part-time job a Nekter Juice Bar, and holds a leadership position for PACT (Peers All Coming Together). Katie Johnson added, 'Our Philanthropy committee reviewed the scholarship applications, and we were truly amazed by the dedication and hard work these students put in. Their ability to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and community service is extraordinary. They exemplify the qualities of leadership and commitment that we aim to foster.'
Skift
30-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hyatt Launches 'Unscripted' – Soft Brand for Upscale Indie Hotels: Exclusive
Hyatt's latest soft brand will enable independent hotels to join the group's loyalty program and get access to its booking system while keeping their local character. Hyatt Hotels on Friday will launch a new "soft brand" called Unscripted by Hyatt, targeting independent hotels that want access to the chain's marketing muscle while keeping their local, non-chain flavor. Katie Johnson, vice president and global brand leader, said in an exclusive interview with Skift that about 40 hotels globally are in talks to join the new brand. Most of this first wave of hotels will be conversions of existing independent properties rather than new builds. The launch of Unscripted puts Hyatt in direct competition with rivals chasing independent operators for inventory growth beyond traditional big-box hotels, as some customers seek "lifestyle" and boutiques instead. Johnson said Hyatt aims to stand apart in a few ways. One is that Hyatt has put together a team of experts who can act as consultants for hotel owners to improve their properties' performance. "These are colleagues with an owner's mindset who understand the independent space and how to care for these hotels, how to navigate the customer journey, how to deliver an experience that's unique but also to really ensure that the hotel has their fair share of demand in the market within that segment," Johnson said. The creation of Unscripted addresses a gap in Hyatt's lineup in the "upscale" segment, which is above budget hotels but below luxury resorts. "A flexible brand really didn't exist for us at Hyatt in the upscale segment to accommodate a lot of those owners that were looking for affiliation but with a little bit more flexibility," said Dan Hansen, Hyatt's head of Americas development. For independent hotel owners, joining a major chain offers access to loyalty program members who typically spend more per stay. "World of Hyatt has 56 million loyalty members that spend more money per room than any other loyalty program," Hansen said. The Unscripted brand name comes from a hotel in Durham, North Carolina, that Hyatt acquired as part of its 2022 purchase of Dream Hotel Group. That property currently operates under JDV, a soft brand that's one tier above in quality in the upper-upscale segment. Greater Flexibility Soft-branded collections have existed since 2008, when Choice launched its Ascend Hotel Collection. Unscripted by Hyatt will compete with Ascend and similar soft brands in the "upscale" category, such as Radisson Individuals, Accor's Art Series, and WorldHotels' Distinctive Collection. Compared to standard brands, soft brands involve fewer "brand standards," or rules from headquarters about things like the colors of curtains, what food is served at breakfast, or minimum requirements for event space. Properties can maintain much of their existing identity. Some owners will choose to display the Hyatt name heavily, while others may keep it to a minimum because they want to preserve the emphasis on the existing name. The challenge for any soft brand is balancing flexibility with quality control. Hotels carrying a major chain's name but operating with significant independence can create inconsistent guest experiences and disappoint customers who had expectations from the brand. "We compete at the highest end of any segment that we participate in," Hansen said, adding that the collection would only include hotels with assets and a room rate potential that's relatively above average. The launch of Unscripted reflects Hyatt's broader strategy of expanding in more hotel segments and markets, moving beyond its historic focus on luxury and full-service properties. For instance, Hyatt added more than 30 new lifestyle properties, worth about 3,500 rooms, in the year through the end of March. What am I looking at? The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE MAFS' Katie Johnson reveals how rape ordeal left her hiding behind her weight gain before she turned to weight-loss injections to reclaim her health: 'I was slowly killing myself'
Married At First Sight star Katie Johnson has bravely revealed the dark truth behind her journey to healing. The 37-year-old fan favourite candidly detailed the trauma of being raped before the age of 21, how it derailed her sense of self, and how it ultimately sparked a radical transformation of mind, body and soul. In an emotional sit-down interview at the Daily Mail Australia office, the 37-year-old social entrepreneur opened up about the moment her world came crashing down – and how her journey on MAFS triggered a reckoning that helped her begin to take back her power. Katie revealed she was just three months shy of her 21st birthday when a man she trusted violently raped her. 'I completely froze,' she said, her voice shaking. 'I was pinned down. I couldn't move a muscle or say a word. I couldn't fight for myself. I thought I was strong – but I froze.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'I had just launched my second remedial massage business. I had everything going for me, and then – in an instant – it was all gone.' Katie said she didn't leave her apartment for two weeks following the assault. When she finally did, it was to visit hospital for a severe urinary tract infection caused by internal damage. 'The nurse said, "It's just a UTI – it's not the end of the world." But I broke down and said, "No – I think I've been raped"' Katie said. Despite the hospital visit, Katie never underwent a forensic rape kit. She also didn't tell anyone for over a year. A psychologist told her pressing charges would 'probably look like your fault' due to the lack of evidence – a comment that caused her to spiral further into isolation and self-blame. 'For a long time, I couldn't even use the word "rape." I just called it "the event" because it was too painful to say,' she said. 'I didn't want to be that woman – the one people look at with pity.' Katie eventually told her family, but by then, she said the psychological damage had already taken root - impacting her career, her mental health, her confidence and especially her relationship with her body. 'I felt like if I stayed small and pretty and bright – I was a target,' Katie said. 'So I got bigger. I hid. I made myself less desirable, less visible. It felt safer to not shine.' The weight became her protection – a barrier between herself and a world she no longer trusted. And while she outwardly projected confidence and resilience, inside she was still 'fighting for air.' Even when she appeared on MAFS in 2025, she thought she was 'healed' – until she watched herself back on screen. 'I saw myself being triggered, affected by someone whose opinion shouldn't have mattered,' she said of her match on the show. 'That's when I realised – I still had work to do. My self-esteem wasn't where I thought it was.' Katie said the wake-up call came not from social pressure or looks – but a scan that revealed her visceral fat levels were dangerously high. Katie says her weight became her protection – a barrier between herself and a world she no longer trusted. And while she outwardly projected confidence and resilience, inside she was still 'fighting for air' 'My bio-age was older than my actual age. The fat around my organs was a massive red flag,' she said. 'That's when it clicked – I've been carrying this weight like a punishment. But I was slowly killing myself. That terrified me.' Determined to reclaim her health, Katie made a commitment to not just lose weight, but to truly live. 'This isn't about vanity,' she said firmly. 'It's about survival.' Katie initially tried weight-loss injections, including Mounjaro, but struggled with fatigue and sickness. 'I didn't feel alive. I was shrinking physically, but I had no energy – no spark,' she said. She then resumed Mounjaro with a supplement that she says helped with side effects. 'It changed everything,' Katie said. 'I felt energised, excited to work out, and like I was finally living again.' She's already dropped a dress size – and has two more to go until she hits her target. 'I'm not chasing a number. I'm chasing a feeling – health, strength, and pride in how far I've come.' Katie's transformation isn't just physical. It's emotional. Spiritual. Empowering. 'I used to sabotage myself. I used to think being at my best was dangerous,' she said. 'Now, I know it's safe to shine. And I have a right to.' The former MAFS bride now uses her platform to share her journey in raw, unfiltered honesty – helping other women feel less alone in their pain. 'I'm not here to tell anyone what to do. But I want to show them what's possible – when you take back control, when you choose yourself.' 'To anyone who's been through trauma – I see you. I feel you. I've been there,' Katie said. 'It's not your fault. It never was. Be gentle with yourself. Take it slow. Speak kindly to yourself. And remember – healing doesn't have a deadline.' Katie said she's now focused on continuing her wellness journey, documenting her progress online, and eventually – hiking a mountain and wearing a bikini again. 'I want to see myself and say, "You did that. You survived. You shined. You're finally home in your own body"' she explained. As for love? That's on the backburner – for now. 'My self-love cup is overflowing,' she smiled. 'And that's all I need.' If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vibrant New Addition to the JdV by Hyatt Brand - TOOR Hotel – Opens in Downtown Toronto
New upscale lifestyle hotel brings an elevated experience to the heart of Toronto CHICAGO, April 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of TOOR Hotel, a stylish new upscale lifestyle hotel in Toronto's lively Garden District. As the second JdV by Hyatt hotel in the city, and the third in Canada, TOOR Hotel expands the brand's presence in one of Canada's most dynamic destinations. Embodying the free-spirited essence of the JdV by Hyatt brand, TOOR Hotel offers a thoughtfully curated experience in its urban location at 203 Jarvis Street. With cultural landmarks like the Royal Ontario Museum and business hubs including the Financial District, the hotel serves as the perfect locale for exploring Toronto. Whether browsing vibrant markets or unwinding at Muse Bistro + Bar, guests can enjoy an experience that is distinctly "yours truly." "TOOR Hotel is a vibrant space where travelers can truly connect with the culture, diversity and energy of this remarkable city," said Katie Johnson, vice president, global brand leader for Hyatt. "From its bold design to its welcoming atmosphere, the hotel reflects the lively spirit of Toronto and the independent ethos of the JdV by Hyatt brand. We look forward to giving our World of Hyatt members another exciting destination to visit." Stay with Style in the City TOOR Hotel serves as a stylish gateway to Toronto with 232 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase breathtaking city and lake views, blending comfort with contemporary style. TOOR Hotel is owned and managed by Manga Hotel Group which is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Sukhdev Toor, president and CEO of Manga Hotel Group, and the namesake of TOOR Hotel, notes, "As Toronto continues to grow as a global destination, TOOR Hotel offers an elevated yet welcoming experience for guests. From the downtown positioning to our thoughtfully designed spaces and architecture, no detail has been spared. We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome travellers with the warmth of true Canadian hospitality." A Taste of Paris in Toronto Savor French-inspired cuisine at Muse Bistro + Bar, a modern European dining experience featuring bistro-style fare, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list. Guests can enjoy vibrant city views from the dining room; open daily for breakfast and dinner. For those who prefer a cozy night in, room service is offered seven days a week. Gather and Celebrate TOOR Hotel offers a variety of stylish event spaces, making it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate meetings, and social gatherings supported by joy-driven service. Garden Room: A bright, airy 255-square-foot space overlooking Toronto's city streets. Lake Room: A 277-square-foot boardroom on the mezzanine level of the hotel, conveniently located next to Muse Bistro + Bar, where guests can break out into larger groups. 14th-floor Terrace: Offers 2,715-square-feet of event space with stunning views of downtown Toronto. Muse on the Mezzanine: Accommodates up to 150 guests, Muse Bistro + Bar is a striking venue featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and French-inspired cuisine. Fitness With a View Guests can recharge in the state-of-the-art fitness studio, featuring Peloton bikes, rowers and top-tier equipment. Located on the 14th floor, the space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic city views, along with a terrace for fresh-air workouts or moments of relaxation. TOOR Hotel is joining the World of Hyatt program and is accepting reservations for stays from April 3, 2025 and beyond. For more information or to book a reservation, please visit or For a limited time, visit to save 20% off your qualifying stay or book for a minimum of 2 nights and receive $100 in food and beverage credit per stay. Terms Apply. To learn more about the JdV by Hyatt brand, please visit The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates. About Hyatt Hotels Corporation Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,400 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes brands in the Luxury Portfolio, including Park Hyatt®, Alila®, Miraval®, Impression by Secrets, and The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®; the Lifestyle Portfolio, including Andaz®, Thompson Hotels®, The Standard®, Dream® Hotels, The StandardX, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, JdV by Hyatt®, Bunkhouse® Hotels, and Me and All Hotels; the Inclusive Collection, including Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Hyatt Ziva®, Hyatt Zilara®, Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts, Sunscape® Resorts & Spas, and Alua Hotels & Resorts®; the Classics Portfolio, including Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Destination by Hyatt®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt Vacation Club®, and Hyatt®; and the Essentials Portfolio, including Caption by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Studios, and UrCove. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Mr & Mrs Smith, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar® DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit About JdV by Hyatt A community for the spirited, the light-hearted, the young-at-heart, the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods we call home. Embracing its namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand invites guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, inviting all to make each stay yours truly. Follow @JDVHotels on Facebook, Instagram, and X for news and updates. For more information, please visit About Manga Hotel Group Manga Hotel Group is one of the largest privately held hospitality companies in Canada specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of real estate. The company focuses on high-quality residences, independent hotels and hotels affiliated with brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, and InterContinental Hotel Group in Canada and the United States. Currently, Manga Hotel Group owns and operates 33 hotels with over 6,000 rooms and an additional 1,250 rooms in the pipeline. Manga Hotels has been acquiring, developing, investing in, and operating hotels for over 35 years. With expertise in strategic investments and the successful operation of the properties it owns and manages, Manga is a leader in the hospitality industry. It has extensive experience in the construction and development of real estate having built over a dozen properties and having renovated, repositioned, and rebranded numerous others. Visit for more information. About TOOR Hotel TOOR Hotel is an upscale urban hotel that offers a distinctive and inspired experience curated for the modern traveler. Backed by a history of excellence in hotel operations, TOOR Hotel is proudly Canadian and represents the values its citizens are known for globally – hospitality and approachability. Design-forward, comfortable, and memorable, TOOR Hotel features destination dining, valet parking, a 1,500- square-foot fitness center and yoga studio, a 3,000-square-foot southern terrace on the 14th floor, and an additional 1,100-square-feet of meeting and event space. Transforming Toronto's skyline, this upscale property provides the perfect setting for embracing the vibrant and diverse experiences the city has to offer. Stay with style in the city at TOOR Hotel. Visit for more information. Forward-Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements include statements about Hyatt's involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political, including geopolitical conditions and political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; our ability to successfully achieve specified levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and manage the Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Emily Sign in to access your portfolio
