Latest news with #Nicolle
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bizarre detail that saw Aussie woman 'jailed' in US amid Trump's border crackdown: 'What do you mean?'
An Australian former police officer with no criminal history and a valid visa has spoken out after being detained in the US and sent packing back to Sydney, in the latest example of the Trump administration's uncompromising border control measures. Nicolle Saroukos, from Padstow Heights in the city's southwest, has an American husband serving in the US military — but that still didn't stop immigration officials from jailing her for the night, searching her phone, luggage and "racially profiling" her, ultimately deciding to deny her entry into the country without clear reason why. Officers in Honolulu, Hawaii, stated that Nicolle had packed "too many clothes" for the planned three-and-a-half-week trip and even questioned her tattoos. "I said, 'what do you mean I'm going to prison?'" she told 9News in an interview aired Wednesday night. The 25-year-old's disturbing experience is one that has become increasingly common at airports across the US, with Australian travellers growing more and more cautious. Last month, Melbourne nurse Remi told Yahoo News she had just finished planning a "dream trip" to New York for Christmas with her husband later this year when she heard reports of travellers being detained and turned away at the border. "When we booked, we hadn't heard about this happening, and then all of a sudden, there were these different stories from travellers from Germany, Canada and Australia being pulled aside at the border. It's scary, especially as a person of colour," she told Yahoo. As for Nicolle, it was her third trip to visit her husband, Matt, a US Army lieutenant based on Oahu. The couple had married last December, and while her previous visits had gone smoothly, this time was very different. "[An immigration officer] went from completely composed to just yelling at the top of his lungs, telling my mother to go stand at the back of the line and to 'shut up,'" Nicolle told Hawaii News Now. "So I automatically started crying because that was my first response." Nicolle said a border officer told her she would be sent to "prison" overnight, not a detention centre. Fearing she'd be held with serious criminals, she was further distressed when officials, who claimed they'd contact her husband, failed to do so. She also described being subjected to a body cavity search, escorted through the airport in handcuffs, and taken to the Federal Detention Centre. Nicolle was told she wasn't under arrest, hadn't done anything wrong, and wouldn't face charges. But at prison, she was strip-searched and detained alongside women convicted of serious crimes, she said. Sharing a cell with another deportee from Fiji, Nicolle was also denied food for missing the dinner cutoff and wasn't allowed to contact her husband or mother. "My rights, as a human being, should be to contact at least one person," she said. "I found that so absurd." Nicolle's experience, along with a growing number of similar cases, has prompted travel experts to issue renewed warnings about the rising risks tied to travel to the US. Australians are being urged to be extra vigilant, as even minor paperwork issues can lead to major consequences. Travellers are advised to never book a one-way ticket, keep a printed copy of their itinerary on hand, and take particular care when completing their ESTA — the electronic visa waiver application required for most tourists. 🌼 Travelling mum highlights little-known feature at airports ✈️ The tourists whose dream holidays were destroyed by Trump's crackdown 🛫 Couple 'traumatised' over horrifying seating request on Aussie flight It's recommended that travellers lodge their ESTA as early as possible and double-check all details, as errors or inconsistencies can raise red flags at the border. Immigration lawyers also caution that US border officials may screen social media accounts during entry checks. In addition to securing the correct documents, Australians should familiarise themselves with all visa and transit requirements, including terms and conditions of the visa waiver program, to avoid unexpected detention or deportation. The federal government's Smartraveller website updated its advice to those travelling to the US last month. "Entry requirements are strict," it reported. "US authorities have broad powers to decide if you're eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The ‘underrated' 19p fruit that can reduce bloating, help you sleep faster and has ‘dual benefit' for the heart
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN apple a day? it's time to try something more exotic. When it comes to Brits' favourite fruits, strawberries, apples and bananas usually top the list. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Kiwis are over overlooked because of their unassuming brown, fuzzy exterior Credit: Getty 4 Kiwis are a great option for dealing with bloating or sluggish digestion Credit: Getty Alongside their bright colours, juicy texture and sweet taste, their high nutritional values offer a host of health benefits. But out of all the fruits, there's one often overlooked because of its unassuming, brown, fuzzy exterior, which doesn't immediately signal the nutritional value and delicious flavour it offers. The humble kiwi is starting to get the recognition it deserves, with nutritionists and health professionals on TikTok sharing why the fruit could change up your health game. And they also won't break the bank, with six kiwis from Tesco costing just £1.19 - 19p per fruit. According to Nicolle Cucco, nutrition expert at Muscle Booster, kiwi is one of the most underrated fruits when it comes to nutritional value. She explained: "Not only is it rich in vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, but it also contains a unique enzyme called actinidin, which plays a key role in aiding digestion. "It's a small fruit, but it delivers big benefits. "Most people don't realise just how powerful it can be for overall health." Nicolle listed the top six reasons to make kiwi a daily habit - and why your body will thank you for it. 1. Improved digestion Kiwi contains a natural enzyme called actinidin that helps break down protein and improve digestion - especially when eaten with the skin, says Nicolle. The 3-minute tummy massage to ease bloating, constipation and trapped wind She added: "It's a fantastic option for anyone dealing with bloating or sluggish digestion." 2. Better sleep 4 Studies have shown eating a kiwi an hour before bed can lead to falling asleep faster Credit: Getty Kiwi is one of the few fruits that naturally contains serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating sleep. Nicolle said: "Some studies even show that eating kiwi an hour before bed can lead to falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper rest." 3. Glowing skin Thanks to its high vitamin C content, kiwi helps boost collagen production, which is essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin. Nicolle added: "The antioxidants also help fight free radicals that can age your skin prematurely." 4. Stronger immunity Just one kiwi can give you more than 100 per cent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Nicolle said: "That makes it a powerful ally for your immune system, helping your body fight off colds and infections more effectively." 5. Heart health 4 Kiwis are high in potassium and fibre, which can help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels Credit: Getty Kiwis are rich in potassium and fibre, both of which support cardiovascular health. Nicolle explained: "Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, while fibre helps lower cholesterol levels - a double win for your heart." 6. Weight management Because they're low in calories and high in fibre, kiwis help keep you full and satisfied for longer Nicolle said: "That makes them a smart snack if you're trying to manage your weight or curb cravings throughout the day." To reap the most benefits... The biggest health hack when it comes to kiwis is to eat the whole fruit - including the skin. Nicolle advised: "Most people instinctively peel their kiwi, but what they don't realise is that the fuzzy skin is actually packed with additional fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients. "If you can get past the texture - which, for some, is similar to a peach - eating the whole fruit, skin and all, is one of the best ways to maximise its health benefits. "You're essentially doubling down on the goodness in every bite.' And for anyone looking to incorporate kiwi into their fitness routine, its quick-digesting natural sugars provide an energy boost pre-workout, while the vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties support recovery afterwards. Nicolle added: " It's also hydrating and rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce muscle soreness and oxidative stress caused by intense exercise. "Whether you're just starting out or training regularly, kiwi delivers nutrients your body can put to work fast.'
