Latest news with #SpanishColonial-style
Sky News AU
7 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
'FFS': Football WAG and influencer Bec Judd urges Victorians to vote out Labor amid machete attacks and spiralling Melbourne youth crime
Rebecca 'Bec' Judd has issued a fiery call to action, urging Victorians to vote out the Labor government after a brutal machete attack unfolded at Northland Shopping Centre. The 42-year-old influencer and wife of retired AFL legend Chris Judd took to Instagram on Wednesday to express her outrage, after learning six of the seven young men arrested over the incident were out on bail at the time, including the alleged ringleaders. Reposting a Herald Sun article titled 'Accused ringleaders of Northland machete brawl were on bail', Judd wrote over a picture of the chaos: "Are we surprised. FFS." The mother-of-four then shared a follower's message: "How do we sack the Victorian state government?!" "It's pretty simple guys- STOP VOTING FOR THEM," she responded. While the next Victorian state election isn't due until November 28, 2026, Judd said she wants it to be sooner. "We can have a State Election next year (can we bring it forward?) where every Victorian has the opportunity to show them the door," she wrote. Never one to bite her tongue, the fashion mogul has long been critical of the state's response to youth crime, particularly in Melbourne's affluent bayside suburbs, where she lives with her family in a $7.3 million Spanish Colonial-style mansion. In 2022, Judd hit out at the government, then led by Premier Daniel Andrews, after a violent burglary occurred in her neighbourhood. "So sick of the rapes, bashings and home invasions at the hands of gangs in Bayside," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "The state government doesn't seem to care. We feel unsafe. "I personally know two women who have experienced home invasions in Brighton in the last few weeks while they were at home." Andrews dismissed her comments as "sweeping assessments", telling media, "I'm not interested in having an argument with Ms Judd." Judd continued to raise alarms the following year, after reports of a dog theft in her area sparked renewed fears for community safety. "Same s***. Different night," she wrote on Instagram. "And I'm well aware this isn't just happening in Bayside." She also encouraged her 752,000 followers to take action: "Write to your local MP and let them know if you have strong feelings on this issue." Judd has also drawn comparisons between her warnings and the state government's eventual crackdown. After Premier Jacinta Allan announced sweeping bail reforms in March, which she described as the "toughest" in the country, Judd reposted a throwback of her 2022 clash with Andrews, writing: "Gee, this aged well". "Imagine the lives that could've been saved," she added. "Imagine the terror experienced by so many Victorians that could've been stopped if the Dictator had acted when I called this out." Critics of Andrews gave him the moniker 'Dictator Dan' during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Melbourne endured some of the world's longest lockdowns. Judd, however, didn't let his successor off lightly either. She labelled the government's new bail laws "too late for many" but conceded it was "a start". "And mark my words, if the Government stuffs this up again, I will continue to let everyone to know about it," she wrote. In response to the Northland incident, Premier Allan fast-tracked a planned machete ban, originally slated for September, on Monday, announcing that it would come into effect immediately. "Those knives are dangerous weapons," Ms Allan said. "They have no place on our streets anywhere, and that is why I will introduce as many laws to get these dangerous knives off the streets." has contacted Ms Judd for comment.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
10 best family-friendly hotels in Texas
Interactive museums and street art. Hiking and horseback riding. Dinosaur tracks and early settlements. These Texas hotels give adults and kids easy access to all the state has to offer. And with on-site pools, tennis courts, and even TopGolf simulators, it's more than okay to just hang out on the property, too. Overlooking the famous River Walk, the 338-room, Spanish Colonial-style Omni La Mansión del Rio (which dates to 1852 itself) boasts an enviable perch in the heart of it all. From cooking classes to scavenger hunts to a courtyard pool, there's plenty for kids to do right on-site. Alternatively, hop on a 35-minute narrated river cruise showcasing the city's architecture and blend of cultures, or tour the Alamo, a Spanish mission where a key battle of the Texan Revolution was fought. ('Remember the Alamo' would go on to be a rallying cry during the Mexican-American War.) Good to Know: A children's museum with maker space, a bubble lab, and an outdoor play area, San Antonio's DoSeum is consistently ranked among the top attractions for kids. An opulent 1925 estate with stained glass windows and a stone fireplace, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is the ideal base from which to explore these sister cities' top museums. Among them are the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (best for older children and teens as it chronicles the assassination and contributions of President John F. Kennedy); and multiple museums dedicated to aviation. After a day out and about, return to the hotel's impeccable service and comforts, which means families are well taken care of—think cribs, baby monitors, bottle warmers, pint-sized robes, slippers, toys, and sweet treats. Good to Know: Dallas's Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre green space with a playground, interactive fountains, and food trucks selling everything from donuts to pizza, is a great spot for families. In western Texas, named for the Rio Grande's dramatic curve in flow, Big Bend National Park is synonymous with starry skies, limestone canyons, and desert wildlife. Families will love the easy hikes, ranger-led programs, and fossil discovery area. As for where to stay, consider the Old West-themed Lajitas Golf Resort, nestled among the mountains. The sprawling property offers a variety of room configurations, including two-bedroom suites in the remodeled La Cuesta building (next to the pool!) as well as standalone haciendas and cottages. Good to Know: The property maintains its own stables and equestrian center, so be sure to book a family horseback riding experience. (Related: 10 best things to do in Texas.) If you have plans to visit Galveston, then consider staying at Moody Gardens. A veritable playground for young and old, the complex features an aquarium, rainforest, and discovery museum (each housed within its own striking pyramid-shaped building), as well as a golf course and 428-room hotel. Beat the heat during the summer months, when Moody Gardens operates a manmade beach-cum-water park with a wave pool, lazy river, tower slides, and a splashpad. Remarkably, Moody Gardens is a non-profit as part of the education-focused Moody Foundation. Good to Know: Galveston Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, though free ferry transport is also an option. In Texas Hill Country, off Fredericksburg's Main Street, the new 105-room Albert Hotel feels inviting and cozy, seamlessly combining historic buildings with new construction just behind them. Families will appreciate the bunk bed-configured rooms, sunken limestone pool, and on-site artisanal market and deli, not to mention proximity to attractions such as the Pioneer Museum, where costumed docents take visitors back in time to the town's early days as a German settlement. Good to Know: Several nearby nature spaces, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, are great for short walks, getting out, and picnicking. Upon arriving at this 490-room ranch-style resort on the outskirts of Austin, visitors will quickly realize why guests rarely leave the property. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has an on-site water park; a corral with longhorns, horses, and pigs; biking trails; and archery and tennis to keep kids active and parents happy. Opt for one of the 450-square-foot double queen rooms with patio access or an 860-square-foot family suite with a dining area and sleeper sofa. Good to know: For those ready to step off-property, the McKinney Roughs Nature Park, with ziplining and UTV rides, is just minutes away. A boutique property in sleepy Glen Rose, an hour from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, La Palmilla features bright, whitewashed rooms with terracotta tiles and colorful textiles. For families, the property's two and three-bedroom casitas are a great fit with living and dining areas as well as full kitchens. Nearby, Dinosaur Valley State Park is the town's star attraction, with preserved dinosaur footprints (from the Cretaceous Age some 13 million years ago when central Texas was covered by a shallow sea) visible in the riverbed. Canoeing and fishing in the river are also permitted. Good to Know: Keep the prehistoric theme going at Dinosaur World, an outdoor park with some 150 life-size dinosaur replicas spread across 20 acres. (Related: Visiting Texas? Here's what the locals love.) Movie stars to former Presidents have stayed at the Hotel Paso Del Norte, originally opened in 1912. Stand in awe within the historic lobby topped with a blue-green stained-glass dome and walls made from gypsum from nearby White Sands. Request a room facing the Franklin Mountains. From hiking to the farmers market, El Paso has lots to offer, though families will want to hit nearby White Sand National Park, where kids can sled down powdery, soft dunes. Good to Know: El Paso boasts a vibrant art scene with several museums as well as dozens of murals celebrating Chicano heritage. Consider a walking tour through the Lincoln Park and El Segundo Barrio districts to catch some of the colorful street art. Spot quail, roadrunners, rabbits, and even coyotes from one of Doves Rest Cabins' 20 accommodations, all just three miles from the Palo Duro Canyon entrance. The cliffside SkyHouse cabin is notable for its spectacular views of the canyon floor, especially at sunrise and sunset, but also for its vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace, and terrace patio, not to mention its full kitchen and grill. Good to Know: The second-largest canyon system in the U.S., Palo Duro measures approximately 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. From hiking to horseback riding to birdwatching, there's plenty for families to do. A favorite among families for its attention to detail and service, the 404-room Four Seasons Hotel Houston, housed within a sleek downtown high-rise, recently unveiled a multi-million-dollar renovation, outfitting rooms and public spaces with custom-made furniture by Houston-based designer Eric Brand, as well as plenty of leather and brass accents. Along with the pool and children's amenities, the property's two Topgolf game simulator areas on the first floor are very popular with junior golfers. Good to Know: Bookmark a day to spend at NASA's Johnson Space Center, just beyond the city limits, to tour the mission control (used during the Apollo missions) and an astronaut training facility. (Related: Visiting Texas? Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Lone Star State.) Tanvi Chheda is a Mumbai-born, LA-based freelance writer who covers family travel. She loves seeing new places through her children's eyes. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, AFAR, OLTRE Magazine, Qantas Magazine, and Pasadena Magazine, among others.
National Geographic
07-03-2025
- National Geographic
10 best family-friendly hotels in Texas
Looking for a hotel that keeps both adults and kids in mind? These options across the state offer on-site water parks and bike trails, or easy access to nearby river cruises and dinosaur tracks. Families visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose should consider staying nearby at the hotel, La Palmilla. It's just one of 10 recommended family-friendly hotels to stay when visiting Texas. Families visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose should consider staying nearby at the hotel, La Palmilla. It's just one of 10 recommended family-friendly hotels to stay when visiting Texas. Families visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose should consider staying nearby at the hotel, La Palmilla. It's just one of 10 recommended family-friendly hotels to stay when visiting Texas. Families visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose should consider staying nearby at the hotel, La Palmilla. It's just one of 10 recommended family-friendly hotels to stay when visiting Texas. Interactive museums and street art. Hiking and horseback riding. Dinosaur tracks and early settlements. These Texas hotels give adults and kids easy access to all the state has to offer. And with on-site pools, tennis courts, and even TopGolf simulators, it's more than okay to just hang out on the property, too. Omni La Mansión del Rio, San Antonio Overlooking the famous River Walk, the 338-room, Spanish Colonial-style Omni La Mansión del Rio (which dates to 1852 itself) boasts an enviable perch in the heart of it all. From cooking classes to scavenger hunts to a courtyard pool, there's plenty for kids to do right on-site. Alternatively, hop on a 35-minute narrated river cruise showcasing the city's architecture and blend of cultures, or tour the Alamo , a Spanish mission where a key battle of the Texan Revolution was fought. ('Remember the Alamo' would go on to be a rallying cry during the Mexican-American War.) Good to Know: A children's museum with maker space, a bubble lab, and an outdoor play area, San Antonio's DoSeum is consistently ranked among the top attractions for kids. The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas-Fort Worth At Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, guests can sip cocktails near the outdoor firepit, located on the terrace of Mansion Restaurant. Photograph by Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek Parents and adult guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, a selection of wines, savory seasonal bites, and live music at Mansion Bar. Photograph by Kevin Marple/Marple Creative An opulent 1925 estate with stained glass windows and a stone fireplace, The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is the ideal base from which to explore these sister cities' top museums. Among them are the Perot Museum of Nature and Science; The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (best for older children and teens as it chronicles the assassination and contributions of President John F. Kennedy); and multiple museums dedicated to aviation. After a day out and about, return to the hotel's impeccable service and comforts, which means families are well taken care of—think cribs, baby monitors, bottle warmers, pint-sized robes, slippers, toys, and sweet treats. Good to Know: Dallas's Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre green space with a playground, interactive fountains, and food trucks selling everything from donuts to pizza, is a great spot for families. Lajitas Golf Resort, Big Bend National Park Lajitas Golf Resort, featuring Black Jack's Crossing Golf Course, is situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park, which makes the hotel's location an ideal home base for a family of outdoor adventurers. Photograph by Lajitas Golf Resort In western Texas, named for the Rio Grande's dramatic curve in flow, Big Bend National Park is synonymous with starry skies, limestone canyons , and desert wildlife. Families will love the easy hikes, ranger-led programs , and fossil discovery area. As for where to stay, consider the Old West-themed Lajitas Golf Resort, nestled among the mountains. The sprawling property offers a variety of room configurations, including two-bedroom suites in the remodeled La Cuesta building (next to the pool!) as well as standalone haciendas and cottages. Good to Know: The property maintains its own stables and equestrian center, so be sure to book a family horseback riding experience. ( Related: 10 best things to do in Texas .) Moody Gardens, Galveston Island If you have plans to visit Galveston, then consider staying at Moody Gardens. A veritable playground for young and old, the complex features an aquarium, rainforest, and discovery museum (each housed within its own striking pyramid-shaped building), as well as a golf course and 428-room hotel. Beat the heat during the summer months, when Moody Gardens operates a manmade beach-cum-water park with a wave pool, lazy river, tower slides, and a splashpad. Remarkably, Moody Gardens is a non-profit as part of the education-focused Moody Foundation. Good to Know: Galveston Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, though free ferry transport is also an option. Albert Hotel, Fredericksburg In Texas Hill Country, off Fredericksburg's Main Street, the new 105-room Albert Hotel feels inviting and cozy, seamlessly combining historic buildings with new construction just behind them. Families will appreciate the bunk bed-configured rooms, sunken limestone pool, and on-site artisanal market and deli, not to mention proximity to attractions such as the Pioneer Museum , where costumed docents take visitors back in time to the town's early days as a German settlement. Good to Know: Several nearby nature spaces, including Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park , are great for short walks, getting out, and picnicking. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Cedar Creek Upon arriving at this 490-room ranch-style resort on the outskirts of Austin, visitors will quickly realize why guests rarely leave the property. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa has an on-site water park; a corral with longhorns, horses, and pigs; biking trails; and archery and tennis to keep kids active and parents happy. Opt for one of the 450-square-foot double queen rooms with patio access or an 860-square-foot family suite with a dining area and sleeper sofa. Good to know: For those ready to step off-property, the McKinney Roughs Nature Park , with ziplining and UTV rides, is just minutes away. La Palmilla, Glen Rose Families searching for a hotel away from the busy Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area should consider staying at La Palmilla in Glen Rose, Texas. Photograph by Cindy Medick Photography A boutique property in sleepy Glen Rose, an hour from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, La Palmilla features bright, whitewashed rooms with terracotta tiles and colorful textiles. For families, the property's two and three-bedroom casitas are a great fit with living and dining areas as well as full kitchens. Nearby, Dinosaur Valley State Park is the town's star attraction, with preserved dinosaur footprints (from the Cretaceous Age some 13 million years ago when central Texas was covered by a shallow sea) visible in the riverbed. Canoeing and fishing in the river are also permitted. Good to Know: Keep the prehistoric theme going at Dinosaur World, an outdoor park with some 150 life-size dinosaur replicas spread across 20 acres. ( Related: Visiting Texas? Here's what the locals love .) Hotel Paso Del Norte, El Paso Movie stars to former Presidents have stayed at the Hotel Paso Del Norte , originally opened in 1912. Stand in awe within the historic lobby topped with a blue-green stained-glass dome and walls made from gypsum from nearby White Sands. Request a room facing the Franklin Mountains. From hiking to the farmers market, El Paso has lots to offer, though families will want to hit nearby White Sand National Park , where kids can sled down powdery, soft dunes. Good to Know: El Paso boasts a vibrant art scene with several museums as well as dozens of murals celebrating Chicano heritage. Consider a walking tour through the Lincoln Park and El Segundo Barrio districts to catch some of the colorful street art. Doves Rest Cabins, Palo Duro Canyon State Park Spot quail, roadrunners, rabbits, and even coyotes from one of Doves Rest Cabins ' 20 accommodations, all just three miles from the Palo Duro Canyon entrance. The cliffside SkyHouse cabin is notable for its spectacular views of the canyon floor, especially at sunrise and sunset, but also for its vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace, and terrace patio, not to mention its full kitchen and grill. Good to Know: The second-largest canyon system in the U.S., Palo Duro measures approximately 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. From hiking to horseback riding to birdwatching, there's plenty for families to do. Four Seasons, Houston A favorite among families for its attention to detail and service, the 404-room Four Seasons Hotel Houston , housed within a sleek downtown high-rise, recently unveiled a multi-million-dollar renovation, outfitting rooms and public spaces with custom-made furniture by Houston-based designer Eric Brand, as well as plenty of leather and brass accents. Along with the pool and children's amenities, the property's two Topgolf game simulator areas on the first floor are very popular with junior golfers. Good to Know: Bookmark a day to spend at NASA's Johnson Space Center , just beyond the city limits, to tour the mission control (used during the Apollo missions) and an astronaut training facility. (Related: Visiting Texas? Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Lone Star State.) Tanvi Chheda is a Mumbai-born, LA-based freelance writer who covers family travel. She loves seeing new places through her children's eyes. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, AFAR, OLTRE Magazine, Qantas Magazine, and Pasadena Magazine, among others.
