Latest News Stories
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Sydney Swans scandal involving suspended players and police sexual assault investigation
The Sydney Swans are facing a major crisis after five players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice — were suspended for the rest of the AFL season for breaching club standards following a post-game incident at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 17 after the Swans’ round 23 win over Essendon on August 16, is under police investigation for alleged sexual assault involving three women. Victoria Police have interviewed four of the five players, with Riley Bice now treated as a witness rather than a suspect. Police believe they have identified all seven people in the room at the time of the alleged incident and do not expect further updates for about eight weeks. The Swans are preparing for a qualifying final against Brisbane Lions at the SCG on Saturday, with coach Dean Cox focusing on the team’s performance while maintaining contact with the suspended players for their welfare. The club has apologized for the distress caused and emphasized that the suspensions are separate from the police investigation, though the scandal has already impacted the team’s culture and premiership hopes.
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- Five players — Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice — were suspended for the rest of the AFL season for breaching club standards
- The alleged incident occurred in a room at East Melbourne’s Pullman Hotel in the early hours of August 17
- Victoria Police have spoken to four men as part of the investigation, with one of the original five players (Riley Bice) not formally interviewed
Today
Death of Gloria Steinem, feminist icon, at age 92
Gloria Steinem, the pioneering feminist journalist and activist, died aged 92 at her home in New York City. Born in Ohio in 1934, she grew up in challenging circumstances, including her mother’s mental illness, which influenced her lifelong advocacy for women’s rights. After graduating from Smith College in 1956, she traveled to India and later worked as a journalist, gaining fame in 1963 for her undercover exposé as a Playboy Bunny, which revealed exploitative working conditions. Her feminist activism began in earnest in 1969 after attending an abortion speak-out, leading her to co-found Ms. Magazine in 1971 and the National Women’s Political Caucus the same year. Steinem became a global symbol of the women’s movement, advocating for reproductive rights, workplace equality, and social justice, while facing criticism for her visibility and perceived contradictions. She married David Bale in 2000 and remained active until her death, speaking at the Women’s March on Washington in 2017 and publishing her memoir *My Life on the Road* in 2015. Her legacy includes reshaping feminist discourse, though debates persist over her role in the movement and her evolving stances on issues like transgender rights.
Missing Australians in Nepal floods and search efforts
Multiple articles cover the devastating Nepal floods that left at least 38 Australians missing, including a Western Sydney couple, Venkatraman Balakrishnan, 52, and Chitra Venkatraman, 46, who were part of a tour group of 47 people near the Tibet border. The flood struck last Wednesday, with some group members' phones pinging as late as 2:30pm Nepal time, raising hopes some may still be alive. Families, including the couple's son Akash Venkatraman, 22, and relatives of other missing Australians, are desperately searching for answers, with some hiring 4WDs to reach affected areas despite dangerous conditions. Over 5,000 people are reported missing in Nepal and Tibet, with more than 1,200 confirmed dead. The Australian government has offered search and rescue assistance, but families express frustration over limited information and slow response, urging authorities to intensify efforts before attention wanes. The Gyirong Port area, where some were last believed to be heading, was reopened on Wednesday, allowing rescue equipment to be brought in.
Wallabies' No 10 selection tussle and Argentina Test matchup
The Wallabies are navigating a competitive No 10 selection battle ahead of next year’s World Cup, with Ben Donaldson earning his first start in two years against Argentina in Mendoza. Coach Les Kiss has benched Carter Gordon despite his fitness, citing a need to evaluate all contenders. The team is seeking five-straight wins for the first time since 2021, following a tight victory in the first Test of the series. Donaldson’s return marks his first Test since a heavy 67-27 loss to Argentina in 2024, while Ryan Lonergan remains a consistent starter at scrum-half. Kiss has reshuffled the squad, with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii forming a new centre pairing, and Filipo Daugunu making his first start of the season on the wing. The team’s focus is on refining game management and kicking execution ahead of the World Cup, with a cultural shift under Kiss emphasizing player trust and balance between training and off-field activities.
Yesterday
Darius Boyd appointed as new Queensland Maroons coach after Billy Slater's exit
Darius Boyd has been appointed as the new Queensland Maroons coach after Billy Slater’s departure following a State of Origin series defeat. Boyd signed a two-year deal and will lead the team into the 2027 Origin series, marking a shift to rookie coaches on both sides as Matt King takes over NSW. Boyd’s playing career included 17 tries in 28 Origin matches between 2008 and 2017, and he previously coached the Queensland Under-19s to series wins over the past two years. His appointment reflects a trend of Origin coaches lacking NRL head coaching experience, with Boyd’s background in state pathways and assistant roles under Kevin Walters. While some sources highlight his past controversies and mental health advocacy, the focus remains on his ability to build on Queensland’s legacy and prepare for the upcoming series.
Alastair Clarkson sacked by North Melbourne with one year left on contract
Alastair Clarkson was sacked by North Melbourne on September 2026 with one year left on his contract, shocking both the coach and the football community. Clarkson, who had led Hawthorn to four premierships, was appointed in August 2022 to stabilize the struggling club after back-to-back wooden spoons. Despite improving the team’s culture and winning nine games in 2026 (finishing 14th), the club cited confusion among players, gaping holes in the game plan, and a lack of belief in his ability to lead them forward. Clarkson was informed of his dismissal on Tuesday night by Sonja Hood and Todd Viney, who also fronted a media conference the following day outlining their reasons. Clarkson’s payout of around $500,000 reflects six months of his $1.2 million 2027 salary. The club will now begin a search for a new coach, with no specific targets named yet. Clarkson’s departure has sparked debate about the modern AFL’s treatment of senior coaches, with figures like Chris Fagan and Luke Beveridge criticizing the lack of patience and constant scrutiny.
Fremantle's 32-point loss to Hawthorn in qualifying final
Fremantle suffered a crushing 32-point loss to Hawthorn in Thursday night's qualifying final at Perth Stadium, ending their perfect 12-0 home season and dropping them from premiership favourites. The Dockers scored just 40 points, their lowest of the season, while Hawthorn dominated with a 10.12 (72) to 5.10 (40) victory. Fremantle's three-headed forward line struggled, managing only two goals, while Hawthorn's defence and midfield, led by Nick Watson and James Sicily, controlled the game. The loss marks Fremantle's third in their past four games and leaves them facing a tough home semi-final against either Carlton or Geelong next week. Hawthorn, now two MCG wins away from their 14th premiership, showcased relentless pressure and intensity, with Watson's two goals and 19 disposals proving decisive. Fremantle's captain Alex Pearce acknowledged the disappointing performance, emphasizing the need to return to their best form for the next challenge.
Alan Jones on trial for 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching against six men
Alan Jones, an 85-year-old former 2GB breakfast radio host, is on trial in Sydney for 22 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching against six men, with allegations spanning from 2003 to 2020. The trial, now in its fourth week, has centered on testimony from Ray Hadley, Jones’s former rival and colleague, who disclosed that one of the alleged victims, Complainant C, confided in him in 2019 about being assaulted by Jones in 2008. Hadley testified that he signed a secret contract in late 2018 or mid-2019 to replace Jones as breakfast host, with a $4 million salary, but the deal fell through, and Jones re-signed for two more years in May 2019. Text messages between Hadley and others revealed derogatory remarks about Jones, including homophobic slurs, and defence barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC has argued that Hadley’s animosity and desire to 'destroy' Jones fueled the allegations. The defence has also suggested the case is a 'trial by media,' driven by rivalry and jealousy between the two broadcasters.
Australia’s Coalition proposes 80% tobacco excise cut to combat illicit trade
Australia’s opposition Coalition is proposing an 80% cut to tobacco excise, reducing the price of a packet of cigarettes from about $30 to $6, alongside legalizing and regulating vapes and nicotine pouches. The move aims to combat the illicit tobacco trade, which controls over half of all sales and has seen nicotine consumption rise by about 30% since 2021. Public health experts, including the Australian Medical Association and Labor’s Tanya Plibersek, strongly oppose the plan, warning it could increase smoking rates and undermine decades of tobacco control efforts. The Coalition argues the policy will reduce profits for organized crime, with Parliamentary Budget Office modelling suggesting it could boost tax revenue by about $8 billion over four years. One Nation’s earlier proposal of a 75% excise cut appears to have influenced the Coalition’s stance, as both parties seek to address the black market’s dominance. Meanwhile, law enforcement challenges persist, with violent incidents like firebombings linked to the tobacco trade, and the illegal vape market remaining a significant issue.
US-Iran escalation after wedding strike kills civilians and sparks retaliation
The articles cover a sharp escalation in the US-Iran conflict after a US missile strike killed at least four people, including a four-year-old boy, and injured 68 at a wedding in Hormozgan province, Iran. The strike, which occurred on Tuesday night local time in Kuhestak or Sirik, prompted Iran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on US bases in Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq’s Erbil. The US denied targeting civilians, claiming it struck Iranian military sites after Iran attempted to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway carrying at least 20% of the world’s oil supply. The conflict, which began on February 28, saw a temporary ceasefire in April but has since reignited, with both sides accusing each other of war crimes, including a previous US strike on a girls’ school in Minab that killed 156 people. Iranian officials condemned the wedding strike as a deliberate attack on civilians, while US President Donald Trump threatened further escalation, including renaming the Strait of Hormuz the 'Trump Strait' and vowing to 'totally wipe out' Iran if it retaliated. The articles also highlight the economic impact of the conflict, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil supplies and contributed to inflation.
Man rescued after being trapped inside a San Francisco garbage truck
A man was trapped inside a Recology dumpster truck in San Francisco early on Wednesday morning after being dumped into the back during a collection. Bystanders alerted authorities after hearing screams, prompting firefighters to manually dig through the compacted trash to rescue him. The operation involved 25 firefighters and took over two hours according to 7NEWS, with the man pulled to safety around 7am. Both sources confirm the man suffered crush injuries and was transported to a hospital. The Guardian notes one firefighter was injured during the rescue, while 7NEWS highlights the man’s conscious state and the use of an intravenous drip to prevent crush syndrome. Authorities suspect the man may have been searching for items in waste areas, with Recology calling the incident unusual.
Teen sentenced for animal cruelty involving swan with vape in Perth
Two boys, a 16-year-old and a 13-year-old, were involved in an incident of animal cruelty near Perth where they tormented a black swan with a vape and other actions. The 16-year-old was sentenced to a four month community-based order on Thursday after blowing vape fumes into the swan’s beak and later dumping its body in bushland. Both sources agree the incident was captured on video and shared online, with the older boy claiming he was showing off to his younger friend. The younger boy’s sentencing is pending later in September. While both articles describe the cruelty, ABC provides additional details about a second swan involved and the boy’s motivation tied to social media streaks, while 7NEWS emphasizes the timeline of the incident occurring in July and the swan’s body being hidden for two weeks before discovery.
Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks faces job threat in elimination final vs. Western Bulldogs
The core story revolves around Adelaide Crows coach Matthew Nicks facing intense pressure ahead of Saturday’s elimination final against the Western Bulldogs, with his job reportedly on the line if they lose. Nicks, in his seventh year as senior coach, has only made the finals twice and last won a final in 2017, with his contract extending until the end of 2027. Both sources agree the stakes are high, with Adelaide’s strong win-loss record of 33-13 over the last two years contrasted by their inability to secure a finals victory under his tenure. The Bulldogs, led by Luke Beveridge, are highlighted as a formidable opponent, having won a flag from seventh place 10 years ago and dominated clearance stats in recent finals. Key players like Izak Rankine, in a standout seven-game run, and 36-year-old Taylor Walker, playing his final game, add narrative depth. While 7NEWS emphasizes internal club dynamics and comparisons to past coaches, ABC focuses on tactical challenges, including Adelaide’s struggles with clearance differential and the Bulldogs’ historical finals success under Beveridge.
Maltese court acquits businessman Yorgen Fenech in journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder trial
A Maltese court acquitted businessman Yorgen Fenech in 2026 of masterminding the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb in October 2017 at age 53. The verdict, delivered by an 8-1 majority, left her family and anti-corruption campaigners seeking justice, as five others had already been convicted for their roles in the assassination. Caruana Galizia’s work exposed high-level corruption in Malta, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat in January 2020 amid protests. A July 2021 judicial report found the state created an atmosphere of impunity that enabled the murder, while prosecutors alleged Fenech paid €150,000 via a middleman, Melvin Theuma, to silence her. The trial revealed attempts to sabotage the investigation, including leaks from political figures, and highlighted Fenech’s ties to Keith Schembri, Muscat’s former chief of staff, who is also facing charges. Despite the acquittal, the case remains a landmark in Malta’s fight for press freedom and anti-corruption reforms.
Global bond market surge and inflation concerns drive record-high yields
Global bond markets are experiencing a sharp sell-off as yields surge to multi-decade highs, driven by inflation concerns and rising debt levels. Australia’s 10-year bond yield has reached 5.2%, the highest in more than 15 years, while Japan’s 10-year bond yield hit 3% for the first time since 1996. Both sources agree this marks the highest bond yields since before the global financial crisis, signaling widespread economic unease. The ABC adds specific details, including Australia’s gross national debt surpassing $1 trillion and the US government debt burden exceeding $US40 trillion, while noting the US 30-year Treasury yield hit 5.2% for the first time in 19 years. The Guardian emphasizes the global nature of the bond market shift, linking it to deflationary trends in Japan and broader inflation pressures.
Firebombing of a tobacco shop in Melbourne’s west leaves two men critically injured
Two men were critically injured after a firebombing at the Boss Tobacco shop in Melton, Melbourne’s west, early Thursday morning. The incident, caught on CCTV, shows a ute reversing into the shop before flames engulfed two individuals, one of whom was left severely burnt and airlifted to hospital. Police are searching for the second man, who fled the scene with burns to his hands and feet. The white ute used in the attack was later found abandoned and alight on the Western Highway in Hopetoun Park. Authorities treat the fire as a targeted attack, possibly linked to organised crime, and urge witnesses to come forward. TheAge notes this follows a pattern of arson attacks, including a fatal incident in February 2025 and an injury in March, while ABC highlights the extreme danger of such crimes to both offenders and the public.
Six-year-old boy's death linked to scurvy and vitamin C deficiency in 2024
A six-year-old boy named Connor Dean died in 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest during general anaesthetic at Queensland Children’s Hospital, with scurvy caused by severe vitamin C deficiency identified as the most likely underlying factor. Connor, who had Down syndrome and a repaired heart defect from 2018, weighed 14.1kg at the time of his death. His parents reported he was limping and in pain in July 2024, leading to hospital admission, but doctors initially failed to diagnose his vitamin C deficiency, which was later confirmed with blood tests showing levels below 1 micromole a litre. Both sources agree the multivitamin he was taking lacked vitamin C, though the manufacturer denied it contributed to his death. The coroner ruled Down syndrome as a contributing factor but did not address the multivitamin’s role in her conclusions. Connor’s case highlights systemic failures in detecting and treating severe vitamin deficiencies in children with complex health needs.
Guy Pearce stars as Rupert Murdoch in new film Ink at Venice Film Festival 2026
The film Ink, starring Guy Pearce as Rupert Murdoch, premiered at this year's Venice Film Festival and explores Murdoch's early career in Britain, particularly his acquisition of The Sun in the late 1960s. Both sources confirm Murdoch, now aged 95, is 'very happy' with Pearce's portrayal, though the film takes a more sympathetic view of his early business life. The film is based on a play by James Graham that ran between 2017 and 2019, and it contrasts with other portrayals like HBO’s Succession, which focuses on Murdoch’s later family conflicts. The ABC highlights Murdoch’s five marriages and six children, while the Guardian emphasizes the film’s setting in 1969 and Murdoch’s visits to the play’s performances in the West End and Broadway. Both agree the film reflects Murdoch’s role in transforming British media, though the Guardian notes his eventual shift to digital media.
Older
Pauline Hanson’s security threats, political rhetoric, and One Nation’s rising popularity
Pauline Hanson has escalated her claims that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s rhetoric incites violence against her, citing increased security from two or three federal police to as many as a dozen officers. She references the July murder of British politician Ann Widdecombe, charged with a politically motivated killing, as a warning about divisive language. One Nation’s recent wins—including the Secret Harbour byelection victory and a 30% Newspoll primary vote—have fueled tensions, with Albanese labeling the party 'dangerous' during a Queensland Labor conference speech. Meanwhile, threats against MPs have surged, with nearly 40 charged since September last year and AFP spending a record $523 million on protection in 2024-25. Hanson’s security concerns contrast with past controversies, including a 2024 racial discrimination breach and her party’s ties to extremist rhetoric, as critics accuse her of politicizing threats for gain. The Coalition trails in polls, while the Greens have dropped to 13%, highlighting One Nation’s rising influence.
Tiger Woods pleads no contest to reckless driving after March 2026 Florida crash
Tiger Woods is changing his not guilty plea to no contest in a Florida DUI case following a March rollover crash near his Jupiter Island home. The crash occurred shortly before 2pm on 27 March when Woods’s vehicle clipped a truck on a 30mph road, overturned, and he was arrested for driving under the influence and refusing a urine test. Though a breath test showed no alcohol, Woods had two pain pills in his pocket and exhibited signs of impairment. He later pleaded no contest to reckless driving and refusing testing, with his license suspended for five years and fines imposed. Woods has a history of crashes, including a 2021 Los Angeles incident and a 2009 SUV crash into a fire hydrant. He has not competed in PGA Tour events since July 2024 and remains a 15-time major champion, last winning the 2019 Masters. The case highlights ongoing struggles with prescription medications and his career setbacks.