The Scoop: Today Show employee under fire for election reaction

A Today Show employee is facing backlash from industry professionals after a series of social media posts criticising the Queensland election outcome. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP

Tahnee Maxwell is under fire for her election reaction.

Today Show social media producer Tahnee Maxwell is facing backlash from industry professionals after a series of social media posts criticising the Queensland election outcome on October 26.

Following the announcement of David Crisafulli as the state’s new premier, Maxwell posted on her Instagram stories, referring to Crisafulli with derogatory terms and labelling Queensland a “racist bogan state.”

The posts, shared publicly on an account that identified her role with the Today Show, drew sharp criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of such statements from a media professional.

Maxwell has since removed her job title from her Instagram bio.

While Maxwell’s posts have now been deleted, they sparked conversation about the responsibilities of media professionals to maintain impartiality, particularly on public platforms.

“Journalists shouldn’t be posting this kind of commentary on their public profiles — it’s simply unprofessional, especially when their place of work is clearly visible,” one insider told Scoop.

Olympic legend announces fifth baby on the way

Seven time Olympic medallist and swimming great Libby Trickett has announced she will soon be a mother of five, revealing her pregnancy on social media on Friday.

Taking to Instagram with an ultrasound image, the 39-year-old mother of four shared her immense joy to be welcoming her fifth child in April.

“Luke and I are absolutely thrilled (and ever so slightly terrified) to announce that we will be welcoming Baby Trickett 5.0 into the world in April,” Trickett wrote.

“Poppy is already excited for another baby, Eddie thinks it will be a little boy, Bronte thinks it will be a little girl and Alfie keeps pointing to my tummy and saying ‘baby’ but really has no idea what’s he’s in for.”

Seven time Olympic medallist and swimming great Libby Trickett has announced she will soon be a mother of five, revealing her pregnancy on social media on Friday. Source: Instagram.

She then paired the post with a series of hashtags reading “we must be slightly unhinged or suckers for punishment. Probably both” and “I really, really promise this is absolutely it.”

Former Maroons star marries the love of his life

NRL star and former Maroons State of Origin player Joe Ofahengaue has shared photos from his wedding to long-time partner Sofi Leota, marking a major milestone in their 18-year relationship. The pair, who first met as high school sweethearts and attended their school formal together in 2011, celebrated their wedding on November 1 at The Island on the Gold Coast, joined by close friends and family.

Joe Ofahengaue and wife Sofi Leota at the high school formal in 2011. Photo: Instagram.

NRL star Joe Ofahengaue and former State of Origin player, 29, shares photos from fairytale wedding to long-term partner of 18 years Sofi Leota. Source: Instagram.

NRL star Joe Ofahengaue and former State of Origin player, 29, shares photos from fairytale wedding to long-term partner of 18 years Sofi Leota.

Leota’s journey to this moment has included significant challenges.

In 2018, at the age of 23, she was diagnosed with Grade 3 Invasive Breast Cancer. The diagnosis was a shock, and she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy later that year. Motivated to support others facing similar experiences, Leota, launched her blog 23 & Breastless, where she shares her story and offers insights to other young women dealing with breast cancer.

The couple have since welcomed three children — daughter Mila in 2020, son Ali in 2021, and their youngest, Leiana, in 2023

Stars come out to celebrate wildlife warrior

The Irwin family swapped their khaki for black tie on Saturday night as they celebrated the annual Steve Irwin Gala at The Star Brisbane.

Terri and Robert Irwin on the red carpet ahead of the Steve Irwin Gala dinner at the Star in Brisbane. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Held in celebration of the life and legacy of the original Wildlife Warrior himself, the gala was expected to raise big money for the Wildlife Warriors conservation charity which provides life saving treatment to animals harmed in traffic accidents.

Terri and Robert Irwin were all there, as was Robert’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here co-host Julia Morris, who MCd the event.

We hear guests were also treated to a visit from a few other Australia Zoo celebrities - of the animal kind!

The Irwins will host a similar event in Las Vegas next May, which is expected to attract a host of celebrities from across the US.

Legal firm leaves the Glitter Strip

The Gold Coast has lost its only nationally-branded law firm after MinterEllison ended its near 30-year association with the Glitter Strip this week.

Minter’s Goldy office rebranded as RedeMont on Melbourne Cup Day, ending a relationship that began in 1997 when it took over the shingle of long-running Coast firm Witheriff Nyst headed by prominent Coast legal eagles John Witheriff and Chris Nyst.

RedeMont managing partner Ken Petty said it was not a case of a major law firm abandoning the Coast.

“We’ve always been an independent partnership so the law firm hasn’t gone anywhere,” he told Sunday Scoop.

“It’s aligned to the whole story of this city becoming more mature and recognising in ourselves that independence is the best option for us.

“I don’t think it’s a loss for the city, I think it’s a gain. It’s recognition that we can operate on our own without that (national) brand.”

Petty said RedeMont had clients all over Australia and “these days people do work over video”.

“They don’t need the CBD location or network,” he said.

“People don’t really mind where you’re located – they just want good-quality service.”

Fanning swaps surfboard for soccer ball alongside football royalty

Gold Coast surfing legend Mick Fanning has returned to his sporting roots on the soccer pitch.

Fanning was a keen and very handy soccer player growing up before finding his feet on a board rather than behind a ball.

Three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning played in the Joga Bonito Tour with former Brazilian football superstar Ronaldinho and Australia's greatest player Tim Cahill (pictured) at Merrimac Football Club. Picture: Nathan Richter

He took to the field alongside Brazilian great Ronaldinho, former Socceroos star Tim Cahill and ex-Aussie fast bowler Brett Lee in a friendly at the Coast’s Merrimac Football Club last weekend as part of Cahill’s Jogo Bonito (‘The Beautiful Game’) tour.

Fanning, meanwhile, will be hoping to kick a goal when his and partner Breeana Randall’s stylish Tugun home goes to auction later this month.

They splashed $3m on the property, which boasts its own skate ramp, in 2021.

Popular baker reveals her secrets in new book

Brisbane’s favourite viral baking sensation, Brooke Bellamy of Brooki Bakehouse is all grown up, having officially upgraded from social-media star to number one best-selling author.

Bellamy released her first cookbook, Bake with Brooki this week, which promptly topped the Australian charts, selling out across the country.

Just months after the birth of her first child, Colette, Bellamy this week jetted around the country, delighting fans at book signings in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra Dymocks bookstores and at her flagship store in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, with dates yet to be announced for Adelaide, Perth, Auckland and Bellamy’s home

The cookbook, stocked by Big W, Kmart, Target, Amazon, QBD and Dymocks as well as internationally, sold out in all Brisbane stores on day one.

Bellamy revealed on her social media that the success of the book had well exceeded hers and her publisher, Penguin Random House Australia’s expectations for initial sales.

Within just hours of the book’s official release, dozens of Brooki fans were sharing snaps of their sweet treats, fresh out of the oven.