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Derryn Hinch, journalist and senator, dies aged 82 after long illness
Derryn Hinch, the outspoken journalist, broadcaster, and former senator, died aged 82 between 4am and 5am on Friday after a long battle with infections following a fall last year. Known as the 'Human Headline,' Hinch was a polarizing figure in Australian media for over six decades, beginning his career as a cadet journalist at The Taranaki Herald in 1960 at age 15. He moved to Australia in 1963 and became a prominent figure in radio and television, hosting shows on 3AW, 3XY, and later television programs like Hinch and The Midday Show. Hinch was also a senator from 2016 to 2019, serving a three-year term before losing re-election. His crusade against sex offenders led to multiple legal troubles, including 12 days in jail in 1985, five months of home detention in 2011 and 2012, and a 50-day prison sentence in 2014 instead of paying a $100,000 fine. Hinch was married four times, including to actress Jacki Weaver, and was known for his bold opinions, catchphrases like 'That’s life,' and unapologetic approach to journalism and politics. His legacy includes a complex mix of controversy, advocacy, and a fearless pursuit of stories that others avoided.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Derryn Hinch died aged 82 between 4am and 5am on Friday morning in his Melbourne home
- Hinch died after a long battle with infections arising from a fall last year
- Hinch was a senator from 2016 to 2019, serving a single half term of three years before losing re-election in the 2016 poll
Today
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady addresses national outage crisis and its fallout
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady returned to Australia on Friday after cutting short an overseas holiday to address a major national outage that began early on Wednesday morning. The crisis, which disrupted calls, internet, payments, and trains, led to 639 failed Triple Zero calls by Thursday morning. Brady apologized for the outage, which was caused by a software fault in Telstra’s time-telling systems, incorrectly reporting the date as November 2006. Telstra’s chief financial officer, Michael Ackland, managed public communications during Brady’s absence. The outage has raised concerns about Telstra’s network reliability, despite its market capitalization of over $55 billion and share value growth under Brady’s leadership since September 2022. Telstra has also faced criticism for job cuts, including a proposed reduction of 400 roles in February, with many outsourced to India, and sustained price hikes of $12 per month for core plans since August 2024. The incident has prompted investigations into backup system failures and potential compensation claims, with Telstra acknowledging the broader impact on the community.
Missing 13-year-old girl's remains found in Victorian bushland; suspicious death investigation ongoing
Police in Victoria have discovered human remains believed to be those of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, who went missing from Donald, a town of 1500 people located 280 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. The remains were found late on Thursday afternoon in bushland west of Byrne Street, following an extensive search involving police dogs, specialist search-and-rescue officers, and SES crews. The investigation is treating the death as suspicious, and a warrant was executed at a residential property in Donald shortly after 11am on Friday. Theage reports that a 16-year-old boy from Swan Hill has been arrested and is being interviewed, with two women, a 53-year-old from Donald and a 55-year-old from Melbourne, assisting police. Locals describe the situation as shocking, with the tight-knit community expressing concern and grief. Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
France defeats Morocco 2-0 in World Cup 2026 quarter-final
France defeated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final, securing their place in the semi-finals for the third consecutive tournament. Kylian Mbappé scored the first goal after missing a penalty in the first half, while Ousmane Dembélé added the second to seal the victory. Morocco, despite being the first African team to reach two World Cup quarter-finals, struggled without their injured striker Ismael Saibari. The match took place on July 19 in Boston, Massachusetts, with Mbappé leaving the game with 13 minutes remaining due to an ankle injury. France’s next challenge is against Spain or Belgium in Dallas on Bastille Day. The victory highlighted France’s attacking prowess and ability to grind out results, with Mbappé leading the Golden Boot standings with eight goals. Morocco’s manager acknowledged France’s superior quality, while France’s manager praised Mbappé’s leadership and mentality. The match was played in hot conditions, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees.
Bonnie Tyler, singer of Total Eclipse of the Heart, dies aged 75
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for her powerful voice and iconic 1980s hits like *Total Eclipse of the Heart* and *Holding Out for a Hero*, died aged 75 in Portugal after being hospitalized in May for emergency intestinal surgery. She rose to fame in 1983 with *Total Eclipse of the Heart*, which topped charts globally, and had earlier success with *Lost in France* in 1976 and *It’s a Heartache* in 1977. Tyler’s career spanned decades, including a 2013 Eurovision appearance where she placed 19th, and she was awarded an MBE in 2023. Her music, including re-recordings and collaborations, continued to resonate, with *Total Eclipse of the Heart* surpassing 1 billion streams and video views. Born Gaynor Hopkins in Wales, she underwent throat surgery in 1976 that shaped her signature vocal style, and her life included a long marriage to Olympic judo competitor Robert Sullivan. Despite health struggles, she remained active until her death, with plans for a [DATE UNVERIFIED] tour celebrating her 1976 hit.
Trump switches to older Air Force One amid Iran tensions and Qatari jet controversy
Donald Trump switched from the new Qatari-gifted Air Force One to the older aircraft for his trip from Turkey to England, citing a desire to showcase the new jet to US troops. Both sources confirm the $400m Qatari jet was gifted last year and used for his trip to Turkey, marking its first international flight. Security concerns about Iran were raised, with Trump stating he is 'number one on the kill list for Iran' and the US launching strikes on more than 80 Iranian targets this week. The Guardian notes the switch occurred during a NATO summit in Ankara, while ABC reports the Secret Service urged the change as a precaution. ABC also details cost disputes over the jet’s refurbishment, estimating between $400m and over $1 billion, and highlights delays in Boeing’s next-generation Air Force One planes, now expected by mid-2028, four years behind schedule.
Ebola outbreak in DRC spreads rapidly amid conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on health workers
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever, caused by the rare Bundibugyo variant, with 1,759 cases and 600 deaths recorded by 8 July. The outbreak, declared on 15 May in Ituri province, has spread to Uganda (20 cases, 2 deaths), Tshopo, Haut-Uélé, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where 3.3 million displaced people live. Conflict, aid cuts, and attacks on health workers—including 10 Red Cross volunteers injured—are worsening the crisis. The Africa CDC warns cases are doubling every 28 days, with a 34 percent fatality rate. Both sources agree the outbreak is severe, but ABC provides additional details on treatment trials, lab capacity, and funding needs, while the Guardian emphasizes the impact of conflict and aid reductions.
Brown huntsman spiders identified as fastest spider species based on 2021 research
Scientists from the UK and Germany analyzed the speeds of more than 250 spider species, including data from 2021 research by Dr Christofer Clemente, to determine the fastest spider. The brown huntsman spider Heteropoda jugulans reached a top speed of 3.59 m/s, which was recorded for only a fraction of a second, with an average sustained speed of 2 m/s. The study found that medium-sized spiders like the brown huntsman, with a mass of about 1 milligram, were faster than both smaller and much larger species, such as the 51-gram salmon pink bird eater. The research used high-speed cameras and grid paper tracks to measure speeds, incorporating data from 162 directly tested species and 96 from earlier studies. While the brown huntsman was identified as the fastest, scientists noted that other species may yet be faster and that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
FIFA red card controversy and corruption in Australian sport
Both articles discuss the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban after a red card last week, following a phone call between Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Balogun was allowed to play in the US’s next match against Belgium, which Belgium won 4-1. The articles highlight broader concerns about corruption and commercialization in sport, including FIFA’s multibillion-dollar TV rights deals and the introduction of two mandatory hydration breaks to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in ad revenue. The Belgian team’s social media post 'Overturn this' underscored public frustration with the perceived interference in sporting decisions. The pieces also critique the intersection of culture, business, and sport, arguing that treating sport purely as a commercial enterprise risks exploiting fans’ emotional attachment and undermining its cultural significance.
Australia's H5N1 bird flu outbreak in migratory and local seabirds, July 2026
Australia is experiencing its first confirmed outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain, primarily detected in migratory seabirds since late June [DATE UNVERIFIED]. As of July 10, [DATE UNVERIFIED], there are 12 confirmed cases, including the first detection in a local Australian seabird—a greater crested tern in South Australia—which marks a shift from previous cases involving only migratory birds from the sub-Antarctic. The virus has not spread to commercial poultry or caused mass mortality in wildlife, though authorities are implementing enhanced surveillance, including aerial surveys and expanded testing. Experts warn that the detection in local seabirds signals potential for wider transmission among native species, raising concerns for vulnerable populations like the Eastern hooded plover. The risk to public health remains low, but the poultry industry is on high alert, with biosecurity measures reinforced across states. Australia’s strong biosecurity system has been credited with early detection, though the long-term impact on wildlife and agriculture remains uncertain.
Deadly wildfires in southern Spain amid record heat and evacuations
Two news sources report that a deadly wildfire in southern Spain killed 12 people in Almeria, with about 150 firefighters battling the blaze amid scorching temperatures. Both sources confirm six injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, and note that 50 people were evacuated to a cultural center. The fire may have started after a power line fell, and Spain’s Military Emergencies Unit was expected to join the response. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced in May that Spain would deploy its largest-ever summer wildfire response, reflecting growing concerns about extreme heat and prolonged fire seasons. The Guardian highlights that 393,000 hectares burned in Spain in 2025, while ABC notes that almost 400,000 hectares burned last year, marking record wildfire activity. ABC also details additional fires in eastern Spain and near Costa Brava, with evacuations and heat records contributing to the crisis. Both articles emphasize the role of climate breakdown in intensifying wildfire risks globally, with the season now lasting about two weeks longer on average.
The Rolling Stones release their 25th studio album *Foreign Tongues* in 2026
The Rolling Stones released their 25th studio album *Foreign Tongues* in [DATE UNVERIFIED], marking their second album of original songs in 18 years after 2023’s *Hackney Diamonds*. Both albums were produced by Andrew Watt and feature a mix of blues, rock, and politically charged lyrics, with Mick Jagger at 82 leading the band’s core trio of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood. The album includes posthumous drumming from Charlie Watts, who died in 2021, and guest appearances from legends like Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, and Bruno Mars. Songs reference the band’s history, including their late 1960s albums and disco hits like 1978’s *Miss You*, while also addressing modern issues such as Elon Musk and global unrest. Critics note the album’s energy and emotional depth, though it does not surpass the band’s iconic 1960s and 1970s work. The Guardian emphasizes the album’s creative risks and political themes, while the ABC highlights its technical execution and revival of the band’s late-career momentum.
Secret wonders of the world: hidden, underrated landmarks and sites
Both articles highlight underrated global wonders, focusing on lesser-known landmarks like the Darvaza Gas Craters in Turkmenistan, which were accidentally ignited in 1971 after a drilling collapse and have burned continuously since, though scientists noted in 2025 that the flames were weakening. They also feature Hashima (Battleship Island) in Japan, abandoned in 1974 after its coal mine closed, and the Kelpies in Scotland, towering 30-metre steel horse sculptures. The High-Heel Wedding Church in Taiwan, a 17.8-metre-tall structure made of 300 blue-tinted glass panels, is another highlight, commemorating women affected by blackfoot disease. Both sources agree on key details like dates, measurements, and historical events, presenting a consistent narrative about these hidden sites.
Australian man convicted of trafficking 17yo girl into sex work from Indonesia
A 45-year-old Australian man, Surya Subekti, was convicted of trafficking a 17-year-old girl from Indonesia into Sydney’s sex industry. Subekti, who worked as a manager at Coles and Krispy Kreme, orchestrated the girl’s entry with fake documents, controlling her for 53 days while forcing her into 10-12 hours of sex work daily. The victim suffered severe physical and psychological trauma, including a sexually transmitted infection and panic attacks. Subekti pleaded guilty to organising the girl’s entry and causing forced labour, with maximum penalties of 25 years and 12 years respectively. He was sentenced to six years and five months in jail, with a non-parole period of four years and five months, while his co-offender, Elton Valentino, received a shorter sentence. The case was part of Operation Mirani, an AFP-led investigation launched in December 2022 targeting human trafficking. Both sources agree on the core facts but differ slightly on timelines and sentencing details, such as Valentino’s potential release date in August this year.
Kaylee McKeown withdraws from Commonwealth Games due to illness
Five-time Olympic gold medallist Kaylee McKeown has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to glandular fever, a decision she described as 'gutted' but necessary for her health. Both sources confirm she will also miss the Pan Pacific Championships and had qualified for the 100m and 200m backstroke events, though the ABC notes she dropped the 200m individual medley. The Games begin in 13 days, from 23 July to 2 August, and Australia is sending a team of 59 athletes, aiming for a 15th top spot on the medal table in 23 Commonwealth Games. McKeown’s absence is a major blow, as she won six medals, including four golds, at the 2022 Birmingham Games, and her withdrawal leaves Australia with a 59-strong swim team. The Guardian adds that she was a flag-bearer in Paris in 2024 and that Australia won 65 medals in Birmingham, three short of their record gold haul at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. Both sources emphasize her health as the priority, with hopes for her recovery ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Pianist Jayson Gillham loses discrimination case over Gaza comments and cancelled concert
Classical pianist Jayson Gillham lost a discrimination case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) after suing over the cancellation of his 15 August 2024 concert. Gillham had dedicated a performance to more than 100 Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli forces, stating their targeting was a war crime. The MSO cancelled the concert, citing a policy against personal political statements on its stage without approval. Justice Graeme Hill ruled the cancellation was not due to Gillham’s beliefs but to avoid reputational harm. The MSO argued Gillham’s remarks caused distress and violated its custom of neutrality on sensitive issues. Gillham’s claims under workplace discrimination laws were dismissed, and the ABC noted he was in the United Kingdom after the ruling, while the Guardian focused on the legal reasoning behind the MSO’s actions.
Cruz Hewitt's rise at Wimbledon 2024 junior tournament
Cruz Hewitt, a 17-year-old Australian tennis prodigy and son of former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, is making headlines at Wimbledon [DATE UNVERIFIED] as he advances through the junior boys’ singles tournament. Hewitt, the 14th seed and second-highest-ranked 17-year-old male player, defeated New Zealand-born German Jamie Mackenzie in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 on court 12, securing his place in the quarter-finals. His father won Wimbledon 24 years prior, adding to the family’s legacy. Hewitt’s powerful play, including eight aces without a double fault and a clutch save at 15-40 in the second set, has drawn comparisons to his father’s style. The match took place on court 12, and his previous win over French 14th seed Mathys Domenc led to a crowd surge between courts seven and eight, with fans including Roger Federer’s twin daughters and a brother. Hewitt’s maturity and composure, including apologizing for net cord calls despite no lets in juniors, have been noted. His father, a two-time Grand Slam champion, was late to the match due to an invitational doubles win with Fabio Fognini but cheered his son’s inside-out forehand winner that sealed triple match point. Hewitt aims to win the boys’ singles title, marking what may be his final junior event, and has already triumphed in a warm-up exhibition at the Hurlingham Club.
Wally Funk, aviation pioneer and oldest woman in space, dies at 87
Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to travel to space, died aged 87 on Wednesday evening in Grapevine, Texas. She was born on 1 February 1939 and dedicated over seven decades to aviation, becoming one of the Mercury 13 female pilots in 1961 who underwent the same rigorous tests as NASA’s male astronauts but were never selected. Despite being told she couldn’t become an astronaut due to her gender, she persisted, eventually flying to space in 2021 at age 82 aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket, setting a record as the oldest person to launch into space at the time. Her legacy includes being the first female flight instructor at a US military base, logging over 19,600 flying hours, and inspiring generations of women in aviation and space exploration. Both sources confirm her death was announced on Thursday by her caregiver, Duff O’Dell, and highlight her determination to overcome gender barriers throughout her life.
Far-right protest disrupts Indian PM Modi’s visit to Australia
A far-right agitator, Hugo Lennon, disrupted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia by gatecrashing his Melbourne hotel after midnight on Thursday. Lennon shouted anti-Modi and anti-India slogans from a balcony around 12:30am, before being removed by police. He later led a small protest group to Marvel Stadium, where they hurled racist abuse for two hours. Modi arrived in Melbourne at 10.30pm Wednesday, hours before Lennon’s actions. Police confirmed a 22-year-old man also shouted political statements at the hotel around 12:30am and was moved on without incident. The protest was largely drowned out by Indian-Australian drumming groups celebrating Modi’s visit. Lennon’s actions are part of a pattern of far-right disruptions, including incidents during the 2025 federal election. The Australian Federal Police issued a warning to a young person who made a death threat toward Modi last week, with the source identified and spoken to on July 3. Lennon and his collaborator Mitch Hobbs organized the protest, with known neo-Nazis like Michael J Nelson involved. Security measures remain high throughout Modi’s trip.
Tadej Pogačar dominates stage six of the 2026 Tour de France, crushing rivals on the Tourmalet climb
Tadej Pogačar delivered a dominant performance on stage six of the 2026 Tour de France, winning by 2 minutes and 38 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard on a 186-kilometre route from Pau to Gavarnie-Gèdre. His solo attack on the Col du Tourmalet, a 17-kilometre climb, shattered the peloton, leaving only 16 riders by the midway point. Pogačar’s lead over Vingegaard grew from under half a minute to over two minutes, effectively ending Vingegaard’s title hopes with 15 stages remaining. The race leader, Torsten Traeen, crashed on the descent and finished 30 minutes behind, while Pogačar extended his overall lead. With 23 stage wins, including 11 in the Pyrenees, Pogačar is now the fifth-most prolific stage winner in Tour history and is favored to claim his fifth overall title on July 26 in Paris. Both sources highlight Pogačar’s unparalleled dominance, comparing his performance to legends like Eddy Merckx and Usain Bolt, while noting the psychological and physical toll on rivals.