Latest News Stories
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Japan earthquake kills 13, traps survivors in Kumamoto mall explosion
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture on Kyushu island on July 28, [DATE UNVERIFIED], at 4:27 pm local time, triggering a deadly explosion at the Aeon Mall, which killed at least 13 people and trapped survivors under rubble. The mall, reopened June 13, [DATE UNVERIFIED], after repairs from a 2016 quake, suffered structural collapse and an explosion suspected to be caused by a gas leak. Over 60 aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor at 5:08 pm, followed, with authorities warning of continued seismic risks for a week. Rescue teams faced a 'race against time' as they searched for missing individuals, including 10–30 mall employees and seven workers at a collapsed factory chimney. Power outages, road damage, and evacuations affected 300,000 people, while Japan’s military and relief agencies mobilized to support recovery efforts amid ongoing aftershocks and extreme heat.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- At least 13 people were killed, including two women in their 20s at the Aeon Mall, and 60+ aftershocks (magnitude 1–4) occurred
- The Aeon Mall in Kumamoto (200 shops) suffered an explosion after the quake, trapping people on its collapsed second floor; 10–30 employees were unaccounted for
- A gas leak was suspected as the cause of the mall explosion, though not confirmed
Today
Drone captures rare humpback whale birth off NSW north coast
A drone pilot named Alexander Forrest captured the fourth-ever recorded humpback whale birth on film, marking the first such footage taken by drone. The event occurred off the New South Wales north coast, with the calf taking its first breath and bonding with its mother. While the ABC and Guardian do not specify a date, the SMH reports the birth happened on Monday at 1pm, with the calf weighing about 1.5 tonnes. The mother whale was alone during the birth, and the footage was taken in compliance with NSW regulations. Researchers note the calf’s survival rate is between 67 to 87 per cent, and the humpback population has rebounded significantly from near extinction in the 1960s, with about 50,000 migrating this year compared to 7,000 in 2004. The footage will contribute to scientific understanding of whale birthing behavior.
Victorian Labor premier Ben Carroll announces royal commission into Big Build corruption
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll announced a royal commission into corruption in the Big Build construction projects as his first act after replacing Jacinta Allan, who served for 1036 days. The commission will investigate a multi-decade, $100 billion project, with estimates suggesting up to $15 billion in taxpayer losses due to criminal activity. The royal commission follows sustained pressure from Labor caucus members and integrity experts, who argue it is necessary to restore public trust. While Allan defended her government’s infrastructure achievements, she resisted calls for a royal commission, attributing cost blowouts to inflation and supply chain issues. The Guardian notes that a report by Geoffrey Watson SC found systemic corruption involving the CFMEU and organized crime, with allegations of up to 30% premiums added to project budgets. Opposition leader Jess Wilson criticized the royal commission as a 'fake' inquiry, demanding broader terms of reference and testimony from Allan and her predecessor, Daniel Andrews. The commission’s terms of reference and timing remain uncertain, with some experts suggesting it could influence the upcoming state election.
US-Iran conflict escalates after ceasefire breakdown with missile strikes and regional tensions
The US and Iran have resumed hostilities after a brief ceasefire, with Iran launching multiple ballistic missiles at US forces in the Middle East on Wednesday, targeting a base in Jordan. All missiles were intercepted, but the attack marks the first time Iran has struck US bases since President Donald Trump paused military operations last Friday. The US and Saudi Arabia responded with fresh air strikes in Iraq against Iran-backed militant groups, following drone attacks on US forces and Saudi energy infrastructure. The conflict has escalated in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran is demanding control over shipping routes, and in the Red Sea, where Iran-backed Houthis have announced a blockade of Saudi shipping. The US and Iran had held fire over the weekend after nearly two weeks of strikes, with oil prices briefly plummeting. Meanwhile, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, with the meeting lasting just over an hour, amid growing political pressure on both leaders. The ABC notes Australia’s fuel excise discount will end on Sunday night, while the SMH highlights tensions over Iran’s rejection of Oman’s proposal to share control of the Strait of Hormuz and Trump’s public rebuke of Netanyahu over war escalation plans.
FIFA plans to sell World Cup commercial rights to private investors
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed selling commercial rights to the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, through a $20bn company called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE). The plan, announced on Tuesday, aims to raise $4.2bn for development programs and increase annual funding for member associations from $8m to $20m, then $22m and $24m in subsequent cycles. The 2026 World Cup generated record revenues of over $15bn (Guardian) or about $12bn (ABC), emboldening Infantino to pursue further commercialization. UEFA and other European bodies have strongly opposed the plan, calling it an attempt to 'sell the soul of football' and warning of external pressures distorting the sport’s governance. Infantino’s previous 2018 proposal for a $25bn deal with SoftBank failed due to similar opposition, but he remains expected to be re-elected in 2027 for a fourth term ending in 2031. The plan requires approval from a majority of FIFA’s 211 member associations, with debates and decisions yet to be scheduled.
Europe's wildfires and heatwave crisis in summer 2026
Europe is facing a severe wildfire and heatwave crisis in summer [DATE UNVERIFIED], with blazes stretching from the Atlantic coast to the eastern Mediterranean. Two firefighters died in Greece on Wednesday while battling fires, and more than 330,000 people were evacuated across France and Spain, including a third of a million displaced in France and Spain combined. Temperatures soared to 38C in Bordeaux and 37C in Madrid, with forecasts of 40C later in the week. France’s Gironde region deployed over 2,200 firefighters and aircraft to combat fires covering 42,000 hectares, while Spain declared operational level 3 for wildfires near Madrid. Tens of thousands have since returned home in central Spain, but risks remain high due to extreme heat and drought conditions. The Guardian highlights Spain’s fourth heatwave and the EU’s coordinated response, while ABC details specific danger zones in France and the first recorded pyrocumulonimbus cloud in the country. Both sources agree on the severity of the crisis, though discrepancies exist in temperature reports and evacuation numbers.
Alleged cricket cheating scandal involving finger-clicking in North Yorkshire league match
A viral video of a North Yorkshire and South Durham Cricket League match between Saltburn 2nd XI and Norton 2nd XI on Saturday 25 July 2026 has sparked outrage over alleged cheating. The footage shows a fielder clicking his fingers to mimic the sound of the ball hitting the bat, leading to a batter being given out despite no contact. The incident, dubbed Clickgate or Clicky Ponting, has been shared millions of times across social media, prompting comparisons to past scandals like Sandpapergate. Saltburn won the game by 159 runs and were leading division two by 17 points. The league has launched a full investigation after a formal complaint, with the player accused, a 38-year-old named Brian Devine, reportedly suspended and facing sponsorship loss. The scandal has divided amateur cricket, with some calling for harsh punishment while others question the loudness of the click being audible from 30 yards away.
NSW Liberal Party factional warfare and corruption allegations involving ICAC hearings
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is investigating allegations of factional warfare and corruption within the NSW Liberal Party, focusing on a group known as the Reformers. Central to the probe is a 2021 document titled 'David Elliott shit sheet,' which allegedly contained damaging claims about former minister David Elliott, including an extramarital affair that he vehemently denies, citing his 30 years of marriage. Dylan Whitelaw, a former Liberal staffer, testified that he compiled parts of the document at the request of Reformers members Jeremy Greenwood and Christian Ellis, though he claimed it was part of standard factional conflict. The ICAC is also examining whether donations from banned donors, including $260,000 from Catholic Schools NSW, $150,000 from hotelier Michael O’Hara, and $2m from fugitive developer Jean Nassif, were used to target Elliott and remove then-building commissioner David Chandler. Whitelaw acknowledged the existence of secretive payments and factional motives but later suggested the document may have been influenced by Nassif’s interests. The inquiry has also scrutinized alleged financial contributions from federal opposition leader Angus Taylor, though he denies making any payments. Chandler resigned in July 2022 after an investigation, though he was later cleared of wrongdoing, raising questions about the Reformers' role in his removal.
Death of Glen Hansard in motorcycle crash at age 56
Glen Hansard, the Irish singer-songwriter and actor best known for fronting the band The Frames and winning an Oscar for the song *Falling Slowly* from the film *Once*, died aged 56 in a motorcycle crash. Both the Guardian and ABC confirm his death occurred in a crash, with ABC specifying emergency services were alerted shortly before 04:30 am. The Guardian notes his death happened early Wednesday morning in Lucan, Dublin, while ABC describes it as a single-vehicle collision in the west of Dublin. The Guardian states he won the Oscar in 2007, while ABC says it was in 2008, creating a discrepancy. Hansard’s career included notable works like the 2004 album *Burn the Maps* by The Frames and a Grammy-nominated solo album in 2016, as well as performances at Shane MacGowan’s funeral in 2023, according to ABC. The Guardian also highlights the 2011 stage adaptation of *Once*.
Matt Richardson's injury sidelines him from 2026 Commonwealth Games track cycling
Former Australian track cyclist Matt Richardson, who defected to England after the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been ruled out of the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to an injury suffered during the Keirin World Series in Japan. The announcement came just before the track cycling program was set to begin on Thursday in Glasgow, where Richardson was expected to compete in the men’s individual and team sprints. His absence cancels a highly anticipated showdown with former teammate Leigh Hoffman, who won 2022 Commonwealth Games gold and 2024 Olympic bronze in the team sprint alongside Richardson. The Australian team, now led by Hoffman and including young riders like 23-year-old Danny Barber, 22-year-old Ryan Elliott, and 20-year-old Tayte Ryan, will still face England in the team sprint, though without Richardson. The Guardian also noted other athletics events, including Olli Hoare’s reinstatement in the 1500m after a protest and Lachie Kennedy’s strong 200m heat performance (20.50) following his 100m silver medal. Both sources agree the rivalry between Australia and England remains a focal point of the Games, despite Richardson’s withdrawal.
NSW Land and Environment Court approves $3m seawall at The Entrance North despite opposition
The NSW Land and Environment Court approved a 90-metre seawall at The Entrance North, Central Coast, to protect beachfront apartment blocks from severe coastal erosion. The decision, made by Commissioner Joanne Gray, overturned the Central Coast Council’s refusal and may set a precedent for future seawall approvals in NSW. The seawall, up to 1.5 metres high, is intended to provide 60 years of protection and follows emergency works in 2025, including 15,000 cubic metres of sand and 6000 tonnes of rock. The project faced opposition from residents, surfers, and environmental groups, with over 100 submissions highlighting concerns about visual impact, beach access, and environmental harm. The court acknowledged the difficulty of securing seawall approvals under NSW planning laws, with the Central Coast Council arguing the seawall would create a visually dominating structure. Meanwhile, homeowners at nearby Wamberal Beach hope the ruling will influence future government responses to coastal erosion, though the council warned of setting an adverse precedent. The court also ruled that maintenance costs and agreements must be finalised by August 4.
Australia considers first new oil refinery in decades amid fuel security crisis
Australia is exploring the construction of its first new oil refinery in 60 years or decades, with the federal and Western Australian governments funding a $4 million pre-feasibility study. The proposal comes amid concerns over fuel security triggered by the ongoing Middle East war, which has disrupted global oil supplies and led to shortages in Australia. Currently, Australia imports about 90% of its liquid fuels, with only two refineries remaining in Brisbane and Geelong, down from eight refineries over two decades ago. The project, proposed by Perdaman, aims to address vulnerabilities exposed by the conflict, but experts argue it may be uneconomic and require government subsidies to compete with larger Asian refineries. The federal government has also announced a fuel security package worth $10.7 billion or $15 billion, depending on the source, to secure fuel supplies and build reserves. Meanwhile, WA has invoked emergency powers to manage fuel distribution, and the federal government has confirmed limited fuel stockpiles. Critics, including climate policy experts, argue the refinery would be outdated and counterproductive to Australia’s clean energy transition, while supporters highlight the need for greater energy sovereignty.
Murder-suicide involving Helena Wright and her children in South Australia's South East
Police in South Australia are investigating the deaths of Helena Wright, 36, and her 23-month-old daughter as a murder-suicide after their bodies were found in waters near Port MacDonnell on Monday. Wright’s three-month-old son remains missing, and search efforts have shifted to retrieval, with authorities confirming the child could not have survived. Wright attended a police station on Sunday 26 July and her abandoned car was found near Port MacDonnell on Monday, prompting the search. Both sources agree no evidence suggests another person was involved, and the case is under coronial investigation. The Guardian notes the baby’s chances of survival were deemed zero after three days, while the ABC specifies the search was called off at 4:30pm on Monday. The incident has shocked the community, with support services available for those affected.
One Nation party faces deregistration in Queensland over missing audited financial reports
One Nation Queensland Division Inc faces potential deregistration after failing to lodge three years of audited financial reports by the 18 August 2026 deadline set by the Office of Fair Trading. Both the Guardian and ABC confirm the party lodged annual returns for 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025 on 3 July 2026, but these lacked the required audited statements. Pauline Hanson, as president, and Sean Bell, as secretary, are exposed to financial penalties under Queensland’s Associations Incorporation Act 1981. The Guardian also highlights over $1m in unexplained missing assets from earlier returns, while the ABC notes the party’s late accounts threaten its incorporation. If the deadline passes, the regulator may issue infringement notices, fines, or a show-cause notice for cancellation. The party’s treasurer, Alex Jones, previously pleaded guilty in 2023 to electoral fraud involving a $24,000 claim and was fined $1,000.
Sydney M5 motorway tunnel closure due to faulty fan emergency repairs
Sydney’s M5 motorway eastbound tunnel was closed on Wednesday morning due to a faulty fan discovered during routine maintenance, causing major delays for commuters. The 25-year-old tunnel, one of 147 fans in the system, was shut after 5am after safety concerns led to the fan’s removal using a crane. Traffic backed up as far as 13 kilometres to Milperra, with both sources confirming delays extended over 10 kilometres. Transurban’s general manager, Denise Kelly, prioritized safety and informed Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison around 4.42am of the closure decision. Premier Chris Minns criticized the disruption, while Transport for NSW urged drivers to use alternative routes like the M8 motorway. The tunnel was eventually reopened shortly before midday, though the ABC noted ongoing efforts to avoid afternoon peak disruptions.
Controversial booing of Isaac Quaynor in AFL match between Adelaide and Collingwood
The core story revolves around the persistent booing of Collingwood player Isaac Quaynor by sections of Adelaide’s fanbase during a round 20 AFL match between the Crows and Magpies. The booing stems from Quaynor being the target of a homophobic slur by Adelaide’s Izak Rankine last August, an incident that led to Rankine’s suspension at the end of last year. Both sources confirm the booing also occurred during last year’s qualifying final between the teams, with Adelaide releasing a statement condemning the abuse. The ABC highlights the match’s significance, noting milestones such as Taylor Walker’s 699 career goals (one away from 700), Jordan De Goey’s 200th game, and Isaac Quaynor’s 150th game, while also framing it as a pivotal clash for both teams’ ladder positions. The Guardian focuses on the broader context of the booing, including comparisons to the Adam Goodes saga and the AFL’s cautious responses to fan behavior, with Collingwood coach Craig McRae directly criticizing the booing as 'nonsense.' The ABC emphasizes the match’s competitive stakes, while the Guardian delves into the psychological and social dynamics of the booing, including the self-defeating nature of targeting Quaynor, who thrives in such environments.
Banks overcharged customers due to mortgage offset account errors, ASIC finds
Australian banks have been found to have systematically failed in managing mortgage offset accounts, leading to customers being overcharged tens of millions of dollars in extra interest. ASIC’s review of eight major banks uncovered widespread issues, including manual errors, delayed fixes, and failures to detect or compensate affected customers. Over two years, banks paid $55 million in compensation, with ASIC warning the figure could rise as more cases are identified. The regulator found that 77% of failures went undetected by banks, with human error responsible for 86% of reported issues. Customers with offset accounts, which are supposed to reduce interest payments by offsetting savings against loan balances, were often unaware of the errors until ASIC intervened. The total savings held in offset accounts across Australia reached nearly $350 billion, highlighting the financial stakes involved. While banks like the Australian Banking Association have acknowledged the errors and compensated some customers, ASIC’s findings suggest systemic failures that could affect hundreds of thousands of borrowers.
Australia's inflation data and Reserve Bank rate decision outlook
Australia’s inflation data for June showed headline inflation easing to 3.8% in the year to June, down from 4%, reducing the likelihood of a Reserve Bank rate hike on 11 August. Both sources agree underlying inflation remained steady at 3.6%, with fuel prices falling 10.9% in June due to Middle East stabilisation. Economists are divided on whether the RBA will hold rates, with some suggesting a final hike in November to 4.6%, the highest in 15 years, while others believe rates will stay on hold. The Guardian highlights homebuilding costs rising 5.8% in three years and notes service sector inflation remains a concern, while ABC emphasizes persistent underlying inflation and risks from global oil prices and housing costs. Despite the decline in headline inflation, underlying pressures and service inflation suggest the RBA may remain cautious about further easing.
Teen sentenced to life without parole for 2024 Georgia school shooting
A 16-year-old named Colt Gray was sentenced to life without parole on Tuesday for his role in a 2024 school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where he killed two students and two teachers. Gray, who was 14 at the time, pleaded guilty on Friday to 55 counts, including murder, in the September 4, 2024, shooting. Both sources confirm the victims included two 14-year-old students and teachers aged 39 and 53. The case also involves Gray’s father, Colin Gray, who was convicted in March on 27 charges for providing the rifle used in the attack. Prosecutors argued Gray’s actions were driven by a desire for notoriety, while his defense highlighted his traumatic upbringing. The Guardian noted the shooting occurred near Atlanta, while ABC detailed specific charges against Colin Gray and references to Gray’s jailhouse calls weeks after the shooting.
Federal push for AI datacentre renewable energy rules faces state opposition
The federal government under Anthony Albanese is pushing for nationally consistent regulations requiring AI datacentres to use renewable energy, underwrite new power supply, and minimise water use, with plans to legislate binding standards despite opposition from Queensland and the Northern Territory. Both states rejected the proposals during an energy ministers’ meeting on Tuesday, arguing the rules hand excessive power to Canberra and could increase costs for consumers. Analysts warn datacentre energy demand could surge five-fold by 2035, reaching 10% of Australia’s total consumption and 20 terawatt hours by 2034-35, while water use in Sydney could hit 15% to 20% of the city’s supply. A mismatch between datacentre construction timelines (18-24 months) and renewable project delivery (three to five years) risks energy price spikes, with S&P Global estimating wholesale prices could rise by 25% if infrastructure fails to keep pace. Public opinion remains divided, with 61% concerned about energy demand impacts and 44% worried about water supply. The federal government plans to address these issues at a National Press Club event next week, followed by national cabinet meetings in August and another energy ministers’ summit in September, while opposition parties argue nuclear energy should be included as a viable option for powering datacentres.