Latest News Stories
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Mark McVeigh appointed Essendon AFL coach after contentious selection process
Mark McVeigh has been appointed as Essendon’s new senior coach on a three-year deal, ending a contentious selection process that divided fans over whether James Hird should return. McVeigh, a former Essendon player and Sydney Swans assistant coach, was chosen unanimously by the board after a rigorous process involving Hird, Jaymie Graham, and Murray Davis. The appointment follows Essendon’s worst season in history (2-21), surpassing previous lows like the 1933 (2-16) and 2016 top-ups (3-19) seasons. McVeigh, who played 232 matches for Essendon and was part of the 34 players suspended in 2016 for doping offences, brings extensive coaching experience, including interim roles at GWS Giants in 2022 and contributions to the Swans’ 2019 and 2024 grand final runs. Hird, a fan favorite and former Essendon coach, expressed disappointment at missing out, though he has been contacted by other AFL clubs about potential roles. The club’s president, Andrew Welsh, emphasized unity and a forward-looking approach, while some fans and analysts interpreted the decision as a subtle critique of Hird’s lack of recent coaching experience. McVeigh’s focus will now shift to rebuilding Essendon’s standards and game model ahead of pre-season, with key players like Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridley expected to depart.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Mark McVeigh signed a three-year deal as Essendon’s new senior coach
- McVeigh played 232 matches for Essendon after being chosen with pick No.9 in the 1998 national draft
- Brad Scott was sacked as Essendon coach on May 25
Today
Zak Butters announces departure from Port Adelaide as restricted free agent
Zak Butters, a 25-year-old three-time John Cahill Medallist and dual All-Australian, has informed Port Adelaide he intends to leave the club as a restricted free agent to return to Victoria. Butters, who debuted in 2019 and played 156 matches for the Power, announced his decision on Monday, though he has not yet nominated a preferred club among the contenders Geelong, Western Bulldogs, Richmond, and Collingwood. Collingwood has been confirmed out of the race. Port Adelaide, which finished 10th in the 2026 season, will facilitate the trade while securing the best outcome for the club. Butters cited personal reasons, including spending more time with family, as the driving factor behind his decision. The club has historically matched offers for departing stars to maximize draft capital, and industry sources suggest they may demand multiple first-round picks in negotiations. Butters' departure marks the end of an era for Port Adelaide, which has struggled with player availability and trade negotiations amid a turbulent 2026 season.
Alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman in Brookfield, Brisbane, and community response
Multiple news sources report the alleged rape of a 23-year-old woman in Brookfield, Brisbane, during an early morning walk around 6.33am on Thursday. The victim was attacked near Brookfield Rd bridge, dragged into nearby bushes, and fled across a creek to raise the alarm. A 32-year-old man from Raceview was charged with six counts of rape and additional offenses after police followed his car and obtained dashcam footage. The community responded with a solidarity walk of over 1000 people on Sunday, while the accused is due to appear in court on Friday with the matter adjourned until September 18. Police urge anyone with dashcam footage from between 5:45am and 6:45am on Thursday to come forward. The incident has sparked discussions about safety and community responses to violence against women.
US-Canada trade war escalates after failed tariff deal negotiations
The US and Canada have escalated a trade war after failing to reach a tariff deal by a deadline of August 22, 2026. The US imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, including products like hockey sticks and tongue depressors, which cover about 5% of Canada’s annual exports to the US. Canada responded by vowing to retaliate 'dollar for dollar' with tariffs effective September 8, targeting US steel, dairy, and other sectors. Both sides blame each other for the breakdown, with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney rejecting the US’s final terms as unfair and uneconomic, while the US accused Canada of walking away from a favorable deal. The collapse of negotiations has raised concerns about the future of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which governs $2 trillion in annual trade. The trade war has deepened tensions between the two allies, with Trump making inflammatory comments about annexing Canada and Carney warning that Canada will not accept deals at any price or deadline. The economic and political fallout is expected to be significant, with both countries preparing for prolonged conflict.
Lindsay Clancy murder trial: postpartum psychosis defense vs. prosecution rebuttal
The trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children in January 2023, centers on whether she suffered from postpartum psychosis, a rare condition affecting up to two women per 1,000 births. The defense argues Clancy, who was 36, was not criminally responsible due to severe mental illness, citing expert witnesses like Dr. Phillip Resnick, who compared her case to Andrea Yates’ 2001/2006 trial. Prosecutors rebutted this claim, with witnesses like Dr. Avram Mack testifying Clancy retained capacity to understand the wrongfulness of her acts despite depression. Family members testified Clancy struggled with mental health for months, messaging her mother in October 2022 about her distress and texting her mother-in-law on November 30, 2022, about medication fears. Hundreds of women protested outside the courthouse on Thursday, advocating for maternal mental health support. Closing arguments were scheduled for Tuesday, with Clancy facing life without parole if convicted or commitment to a psychiatric facility if acquitted by reason of insanity. The case has reignited debates about postpartum care, with one in seven women experiencing postpartum depression, though psychosis remains far rarer.
Adam Reynolds retires from NRL after 323 games and 15 seasons
Adam Reynolds officially retired from the NRL after being ruled unfit to play by Brisbane Broncos medical staff, ending his 15-season career with 323 games. Both sources confirm his retirement follows persistent calf injuries and a concussion earlier in the season. Reynolds won premierships in 2014 with South Sydney and 2025 with Brisbane, scoring over 2,500 points. While 7NEWS highlights his 2021 grand final loss with South Sydney and his 2023 losing grand final with Brisbane, ABC notes his State of Origin career and his confirmation of 2026 as his final year. The two sources differ slightly on his career points, with 7NEWS listing 2,500 and ABC listing 2,598.
Prince Harry steps down from African Parks board amid human rights abuses allegations
Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks following the charity’s 2025 admission that its rangers committed human rights abuses in Congo-Brazzaville’s Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Both sources confirm Harry served as president for six years before joining the board in 2023 and remains a supporter of the organization. The abuses, including allegations of beating, rape, and torture, were reported by indigenous communities, with the Guardian specifying waterboarding and forest access restrictions. African Parks acknowledged the abuses and improved safeguarding measures. Harry’s departure coincides with his family’s relocation to the UK after six years in California, with his children aged seven and five. The Guardian notes African Parks manages over 20m hectares across Africa and was founded 26 years ago, while 7NEWS highlights Harry’s 2016 elephant translocation project in Malawi.
Death of Ann Marie Smith due to NDIS neglect and legal proceedings against Integrity Care directors
The death of Ann Marie Smith, a 54-year-old woman with cerebral palsy, in April 2020 exposed severe neglect while she was under the care of Integrity Care SA, an NDIS provider. Smith was found in squalid conditions in her Kensington Park home after being confined to a cane chair for more than a year, leading to her death from malnutrition, septic shock, and organ failure. Former co-director Amy June Collins, 46, pleaded guilty to reckless conduct, while Smith’s carer, Rosa Maria Maione, was jailed for at least five years and three months in March 2022 for manslaughter by criminal neglect. The case against co-director Alison Maree Virgo was dropped, and Integrity Care was deregistered in April 2025. Both sources agree on the timeline of key events, including Collins’ upcoming sentencing hearing in September, but differ on whether Collins’ lawyer blamed the carer entirely or if Collins admitted failures in oversight. The family’s victim impact statements emphasize the need for stronger protections for vulnerable NDIS clients.
Australian man charged with murder of Thai teen in Pattaya, claims self-defence
Three news articles cover the case of Simon Peter Carman, a 45-year-old Australian truck driver accused of murdering 17-year-old Thai teenager Tunchanok Donhomla (nicknamed 'Cake') in Pattaya in June 2026. Carman claims self-defence after alleging Tunchanok attacked him with a knife during an argument over money, though police and forensic evidence—including DNA matches and CCTV footage—strongly implicate him. Tunchanok’s body was found suffocated and stuffed in a suitcase near train tracks on June 27, 2026, two days after she was last seen alive with Carman. He was arrested at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport while attempting to flee to Australia. Thai police concluded their investigation in late August 2026, handing the case to prosecutors with an indictment deadline of September 18, 2026. Carman faces life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted. While both sources agree on key facts, discrepancies exist in the exact charges filed and minor details about Carman’s interactions with Tunchanok, such as the alleged financial agreement. Tunchanok’s family seeks justice, with her father rejecting Carman’s apologies and demanding the harshest punishment, while Carman maintains his innocence and claims he acted in self-defence.
Albanese pushes AI datacentre reforms amid state opposition and energy concerns
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing for national legislation to regulate AI datacentres, aiming to address energy consumption, water use, and community impact while ensuring economic benefits are shared widely. The proposed rules, to be discussed at national cabinet on Wednesday, include tough copyright protections for creatives and standards for security and skills development. Datacentre electricity demand is projected to surge from 5 to 34 terawatt hours by 2035-36, raising concerns about grid strain and pollution. Opposition from Queensland premier David Crisafulli and NT chief minister Lia Finocchiaro highlights state resistance to federal mandates, particularly on renewable energy requirements. Albanese also faces challenges from Liberal-National leaders and debates over the national gun buy-back, which lacks broad state support. Meanwhile, the government insists WA’s GST arrangements will remain unchanged, costing taxpayers over $6bn annually, and Albanese will emphasize AI’s role in national sovereignty and security at a Business Council event on Tuesday.
Drone drug smuggling into Townsville Correctional Complex
A 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with a drone used to deliver over $1 million worth of drugs, including methylamphetamine, GBL, prescription drugs, and other contraband, into Townsville Correctional Complex on May 17. The drone was intercepted by authorities, and the man faces multiple charges, including supplying dangerous drugs and drone-related offences, with his court appearance scheduled for Tuesday. This follows a previous incident in 2022, where a drone carrying illicit substances was found, and a man was charged in 2023. Both sources agree on the core details of the May 17 incident and the charges, though they differ slightly on whether the drone was intercepted over or inside the facility.
US escalates economic sanctions against Iran and its trade partners amid stalled military campaign
The US has intensified economic sanctions against Iran under 'Operation Economic Outcast,' aiming to isolate Tehran by cutting off its financial and trade connections. The campaign, framed as an unprecedented effort akin to the second world war’s D-day landings, targets countries and entities facilitating Iranian oil transactions, particularly China, which remains Iran’s largest trading partner. Both sources confirm the war has reached the six-month mark without a military or diplomatic breakthrough, following an attack last year that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The US has already sanctioned nearly 60 entities linked to Iran’s nuclear, missile, and oil sectors, while the UAE suspended trade with Iran last month. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with the US blocking Iranian oil exports and aiding 15 to 20 ships transiting the strait nightly, though shipments are at roughly half the prewar volume. Iran has vowed retaliation, including potential cyber or military strikes, while experts warn economic pressure may force a limited deal rather than total capitulation. The US’s shift from military to economic strategy risks escalating tensions, especially as China’s role as Iran’s key trade partner complicates efforts to enforce sanctions.
Sydney Airport safety incidents involving Qantas flights under investigation
Multiple safety incidents at Sydney Airport involving Qantas flights are under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday, when two Qantas planes nearly collided on taxiway Lima just after 8am, with one flight stopping to avoid a collision. This follows a series of incidents in just over three weeks, including a July 27 incident where a Qantas 737 was cleared to cross a runway while a QantasLink flight was landing, and another where a Jetstar crew member was injured after a near-collision with a Boeing 777. Airservices Australia has reported these incidents to the ATSB and is reviewing operational procedures to maintain safety. Both sources agree the incidents involved conflicting instructions to flight crews, though ABC details additional incidents involving Virgin and Jetstar flights, which 7NEWS does not mention. The ATSB has classified these as safety incidents rather than serious incidents but is investigating potential common factors.
Former snooker champion Graeme Dott convicted of child sex abuse
Former world snooker champion Graeme Dott, aged 49, was convicted of sexually abusing two primary school children in Scotland, one girl between 1993-96 and one boy between 2006-10. The five-day trial at the High Court in Glasgow heard testimony from both victims, now in their 40s and late 20s, describing abuse including inappropriate touching, exposure, and sexual acts. Dott was found guilty on Monday after a majority verdict, with sentencing deferred until September 29. Both sources agree on the timeline of abuse, the trial duration, and Dott’s conviction, though ABC highlights his suspension in April 2025 and ranking as number 56, while the Guardian focuses on the trial’s procedural details and Dott’s denials. The case has led to his removal from snooker associations and a requirement to register as a sex offender.
Record-breaking ocean temperatures and climate impacts in 2026
In August, global ocean temperatures hit a record high of 21.1 degrees Celsius, surpassing previous peaks typically observed in March and April. Both the ABC and the Guardian attribute this anomaly to a strong El Niño event, which is intensifying warming alongside long-term climate change. Scientists warn of severe consequences, including destabilized weather patterns, threats to marine ecosystems, and increased extreme weather events. The ABC highlights a prior record in March 2024 and projects El Niño’s peak between November and January, while the Guardian emphasizes the tripling of marine heatwave days since the early 1990s and the urgency of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. Data from Copernicus and satellite records since 1979 underscore the unprecedented nature of the crisis.
Yesterday
England cricketer Brydon Carse investigated after handcuffs incident outside Derby nightclub
England fast bowler Brydon Carse is under investigation after being seen in handcuffs outside a Derby nightclub on Saturday night, 22 August, though he was not arrested or charged. The incident occurred five days after captain Joe Root urged players to be role models, amid ongoing off-field controversies including Harry Brook’s Stg 30,000 fine for an altercation in Wellington during last winter’s Australia tour and reports of drinking during the mid-Ashes trip to Noosa. Carse, England’s leading wicket-taker in last summer’s Ashes, was dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan starting next week at Lord’s, with the ECB confirming an investigation into possible disrepute. The case follows similar incidents involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson in June, who were dropped from the New Zealand Test series after breaking a team curfew. Carse previously served a three-month suspension in 2024 for historic betting offences. While sources agree on the core facts, discrepancies exist in details like Brook’s fine amount and the exact timing of the Pakistan Test, with some outlets stating it begins Thursday and others next week.
Victorian premier Ben Carroll announces cost-saving measures for Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced significant cost-saving measures for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project, aiming to reduce its total cost by 6% to about $32.3bn from a maximum $34.5bn. The government plans to cut $1bn in unnecessary additions, including underground station interchanges and pedestrian bridges, and will conduct an independent technical review to identify a further $1bn in savings. Both sources agree that tunnelling will proceed, with contracts worth $14.5bn already signed. Opposition leader Jess Wilson has pledged to pause and review the project if elected in November. The federal government has contributed $6bn, including $3.8bn in May’s budget, while the state has allocated $11.8bn. Carroll has also signaled a shift in priorities, emphasizing projects like Airport Rail Link over SRL, though the impact on the project’s cost-benefit ratio remains unclear. The SRL Community Projects Fund will end after the current round, and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority will be absorbed into the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority.
French tourist dies in Death Valley after heat exposure and car mishap
A 68-year-old French tourist died in Death Valley National Park after becoming stranded in extreme heat following a car breakdown. Both sources confirm the victim and a companion walked 1.3 miles (2km) across salt flats, with the companion reaching help while the victim succumbed to the conditions. Temperatures were reported as either 116F (47C) or 46C, with the Guardian noting the victim was found 1.5 miles from Badwater Road. The Guardian also identified the victim as Pierre Michel Formosa and provided additional details about the rescue operation, including the involvement of park rangers, a sheriff’s deputy, and a helicopter. Both articles emphasize the dangers of Death Valley’s heat, remoteness, and lack of cell service, urging visitors to carry sufficient water and plan routes carefully. The Guardian additionally notes that July was the hottest month ever recorded in the US, with other heat-related deaths reported in June.
Indigenous teen wrongfully arrested at gunpoint on bus in Canberra, November 2025
In November 2025, a 17-year-old Aboriginal boy identified as Jay was wrongfully arrested at gunpoint on a bus in Canberra’s Woden area after police mistook him for a suspect in an aggravated burglary. The incident lasted just under 4 minutes, with officers realizing their error less than 90 seconds after arresting Jay. Despite this, police conducted an inappropriate and seemingly unlawful search of Jay before releasing him. The Commonwealth and ACT Ombudsman’s subsequent 130-page report found no evidence that Jay’s Aboriginality led to increased use of force but criticized the lack of a clear definition of ‘racial profiling’ within the AFP. The report made 8 recommendations, with 5 accepted in full and 3 in principle. Jay’s family expressed ongoing distress, emphasizing the need for ACT Policing to rebuild trust with Indigenous communities. Both sources agree the incident has had lasting repercussions for Jay, his family, and the relationship between police and the ACT’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Wildfire near Reno, Nevada, forces evacuations and emergency response
A fast-moving wildfire, named the Hawk fire, began on Saturday northwest of Reno, Nevada, and rapidly expanded to over 13,000 acres by Sunday morning. Authorities ordered evacuations for about 90,000 residents, with nearly 42,000 under immediate evacuation orders and an additional 45,000 in a warning zone. The fire was 0% contained, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, and caused at least six injuries, including three first responders. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, mobilizing 400 personnel, including helicopter crews and 60 National Guard troops. Schools, roads, and power were disrupted, with nearly 10,000 homes and businesses losing power and at least 20 road closures in effect. The University of Nevada’s Reno campus, with 24,000 students, remained outside the evacuation zone, though classes began on 24 August. The fire follows recent wildfires in the region, with ABC noting it is the third largest in the area in the past two weeks and part of a nationwide surge of over 50,000 wildfires this year.