Latest News Stories
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Qantas QF122 flight diverted due to suspected engine fire from Queenstown to Sydney
A Qantas flight QF122 from Queenstown to Sydney was diverted to Christchurch on Saturday due to a suspected engine issue shortly after takeoff. Multiple sources reported flames coming from the left engine, with bystanders and passengers witnessing the incident. The aircraft landed safely in Christchurch, and Qantas confirmed the pilots handled the situation professionally. Passengers were provided accommodation and support, with some rebooked on alternate flights. While most sources agree on the diversion and safe landing, discrepancies exist regarding the exact time of departure and landing, with The West and ABC reporting an earlier time than SMH and Guardian. The cause of the engine issue remains under investigation, with 7News citing a possible bird strike.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Flight QF122 departed Queenstown for Sydney on Saturday
- The flight was diverted to Christchurch due to a suspected engine issue after takeoff
- Flames were observed coming from the left engine shortly after takeoff
Today
Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa eruption disrupts flights and airspace
Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on Saturday, forcing Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta to suspend operations due to volcanic ash. Both the Guardian and ABC report that 209 flights were affected, with over 22,000 passengers impacted according to the Guardian. The eruption was loud enough to be heard 700km away, and authorities prohibited ships from approaching within a 3km radius. The Guardian notes the airport was closed until 1.30pm local time on Sunday, while ABC states the suspension was extended to 9:30am after an initial halt until 5:30am. The eruption also disrupted activities in Sumatra and Java, with ashfall causing eye irritation and cancellations of domestic flights to Bali, as reported by the Guardian. The volcano’s activity is linked to the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatoa, which killed 35,000 people, and a prior eruption in December 2018 mentioned by ABC.
Manhunt after alleged axe attack in Tyers, Victoria, leaves three injured
Three people were allegedly attacked with an axe in Tyers, Victoria, around 12:30pm, with the suspect fleeing on foot. Police describe the attacker as a man in his 50s, known to the victims, and warn he may still be armed with an axe and handsaw. The victims, including an elderly man and woman, were critically injured and taken to hospital, with ABC and 7NEWS reporting airlifts to Melbourne. The Guardian adds specific ages for victims—one man in his 70s, another in his 40s, and a woman in her 70s—but this contradicts other sources. A large-scale search is underway, with police urging the public to call Triple Zero (000) if they spot the suspect. The Guardian notes the search began 'yesterday' and continues 'on Sunday', while ABC and 7NEWS do not specify these dates.
Victoria’s $550m Western Freeway upgrade announced amid federal funding delays
Victoria’s state government has committed $550 million to upgrade the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs, addressing long-standing congestion and safety concerns. The funding follows a $1 billion federal pledge announced in March last year, though delays due to paperwork stalled initial works until May, when $50 million was released. Both sources confirm the project will include 30 kilometres of new lanes, upgraded interchanges at Hopkins Road, Ferris Road, and Leakes Road, and a consistent 100 km/h speed limit. Premier Ben Carroll framed the investment as a priority for Melbourne’s growth regions, where traffic is projected to rise significantly by 2031. The Age highlights a cost shortfall in the federal commitment and past advocacy by local councils and federal member Sam Rae, while ABC emphasizes rapid population growth in Melton (6.61 per cent annually) and calls for additional transport solutions like new train stations. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, with planning already underway.
Swans captain Callum Mills' knee injury and Sydney's finals push
The Swans captain Callum Mills suffered a serious knee injury in the first quarter of a match against Brisbane on Saturday, likely ruling him out for the rest of the finals series. The injury occurred during Sydney's 53-point qualifying final win at the SCG, which put them one game away from the AFL grand final. Mills, a 29-year-old with a 197-game career marked by injuries, had previously missed the Swans' 2024 grand final loss and faced setbacks in the 2024 season, including a shoulder injury from a 'Mad Monday' wrestling contest and a hamstring issue in the season decider. The team is navigating a challenging situation with five players, including stars like Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, serving club-imposed bans due to behavioral issues tied to the Pullman Hotel scandal. Despite the absences, Sydney's forward line performed strongly, with Logan McDonald leading with six goals and others contributing significantly. The Swans will now face either Fremantle or Geelong in a preliminary final at the SCG, with a crowd of 37,261 watching their improbable premiership push. Mills' injury adds emotional weight to the team's journey, as they aim to overcome past grand final losses and the fallout from the scandal.
Yesterday
Gloria Steinem, feminist icon, dies aged 92; life and legacy overview
Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist activist and journalist, died aged 92 on Wednesday 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 later advocacy for women’s rights. After graduating from a women’s liberal arts college in 1956, she traveled to India and later pursued journalism, gaining national attention in 1963 for her undercover exposé as a Playboy Bunny, revealing the exploitative conditions of the club’s workers. Her feminist activism began in earnest in 1969 after attending an abortion speak-out, which she described as a turning point. She co-founded Ms. Magazine in 1971 and the National Women’s Political Caucus the same year, becoming a leading voice in the second-wave feminist movement. Steinem’s work spanned decades, including protests against apartheid in 1984, co-founding key organizations, and advocating for reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice. She married David Bale in 2000 and remained active in public life until her death, speaking at events like the 2017 Women’s March on Washington. Her legacy includes groundbreaking journalism, activism, and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, though she faced criticism for her public persona and occasional missteps, such as her 1998 support for Bill Clinton amid sexual harassment allegations. Steinem’s life and work continue to inspire movements for gender equality worldwide.
Jumping castle injuries in Victoria and NSW from wind incidents on 2026-09-05
On 2026-09-05, two primary-school-aged children were rushed to Geelong University Hospital with upper body injuries after a jumping castle flew into the air during a party at a home on Lower Duneed Road in Mount Duneed, Victoria, shortly before 11am. Emergency services, including Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedics, responded to the scene, where multiple other children escaped injury. The incident occurred amid strong winds, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of gusts exceeding 90km/h in the region. Separately, ABC reported five children were hospitalized across two incidents, including three in NSW, where a boy and a girl suffered head injuries and an infant was treated for minor injuries. The tragedy follows a 2021 incident in Tasmania where six children died and three were seriously injured after a jumping castle lifted into the air, with a coronial inquest scheduled for later in September 2026.
Aryna Sabalenka halts US Open match due to cannabis smell; players advance to fourth round
Aryna Sabalenka halted her US Open match against Kamilla Rakhimova to complain about a strong cannabis smell on court, a recurring issue at Flushing Meadows due to New York’s legalization of recreational cannabis. Despite the distraction, Sabalenka won 6-3, 6-4 and advanced to the fourth round, where she will face Taylor Townsend. The incident highlighted the challenges players face with the smell drifting into the stadium, particularly on windy days. Other notable fourth-round advancers include Carlos Alcaraz, who returned from injury, and Jessica Pegula, who rallied from a slow start to defeat Leylah Fernandez. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, is aiming for a third consecutive US Open title to retain her No. 1 ranking, though she faces pressure after a recent dip in form. The cannabis smell issue has become a common talking point at the tournament, with players like Sabalenka urging fans and staff to be more mindful of smoking near the courts.
Australian athlete Cameron Myers wins Diamond League 1500m final in Brussels
Australian athlete Cameron Myers, a 20-year-old, won the men's 1,500m at the Diamond League Final in Brussels with a time of 3:30.14, defeating Olympic champions Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Cole Hocker. Myers, who set a national record of 3:28.00 in June and won the mile at the Prefontaine Classic in July, also finished second to Josh Kerr in the mile at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. His victory came after a strong season, including a win at Berlin’s ISTAF meet less than a week prior. Other Australian athletes performed well, with Kurtis Marschall finishing third in pole vault at 5.82m, Lachlan Kennedy running 9.99 in the 100m, and Rose Davies finishing fourth in the women's 5,000m. The event was notable for Ingebrigtsen’s controversial comments about the race and competitors, while Myers celebrated his first Diamond League final win as a highlight of his career.
Alex de Minaur's early US Open exit and Dane Sweeny's upset win
Alex de Minaur suffered a shock second-round exit at the 2026 US Open, losing in straight sets to Botic van de Zandschulp, marking his earliest defeat in New York in five years. The Australian, who had reached the quarterfinals the past two years, struggled with unforced errors and serve issues, leaving wildcard Dane Sweeny as the sole Australian remaining in the singles draw after his upset victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios accepted a one-month suspension for cocaine use, reducing a three-month ban, while de Minaur’s form downturn continued after his Wimbledon loss in July. Sweeny, ranked 123 and standing at 170 centimetres, celebrated his first top-20 win, having returned from a multi-month break two years ago after a form slump.
Deadly two-vehicle crash on Bass Highway, Tasmania, with three dead and two critically injured
A deadly two-vehicle crash occurred on the Bass Highway near Elizabeth Town, Tasmania, about 2pm on Friday. Three people died at the scene, including two women in a Chery and one man in an Isuzu D-MAX. Two men in the Isuzu were critically injured, with one flown to Royal Hobart Hospital and the other taken by ambulance to Launceston General Hospital. The injured passenger was later transported to Hobart on Saturday morning. The crash blocked the Bass Highway for hours, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause. Police have urged motorists to take care while the road has reopened.
Riverfire 2026 fireworks event in Brisbane during Brisbane Festival
The Riverfire 2026 event in Brisbane, part of the Brisbane Festival running until September 26, featured a spectacular fireworks display along the river, drawing an estimated 500,000 attendees. Both sources confirm the event included an additional sixth fireworks barge and was impacted by ferry service disruptions due to industrial action. Military flyovers, including the C-17A Globemaster III and F/A-18F Super Hornet, were part of the festivities, with ABC specifying their times at 4:52pm and 5:20pm respectively. The fireworks began at 7pm, with ABC detailing extensive road closures, including the Victoria Bridge from 4pm until 10pm, the Goodwill Bridge from 4pm to 8pm, and the Story Bridge from 6:30pm to 8pm. ABC also noted 11 entry points at South Bank and a dedicated accessible viewing area at Kangaroo Point Cliffs with a capacity of 300 people, while 7NEWS highlighted extra bus services providing 36,500 trips and the event's connection to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
US envoys visit Moscow and Kyiv to revive Ukraine-Russia peace talks amid ceasefire agreements
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on September 5, 2026, to revive stalled peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began five years prior. Both sides agreed to a temporary ceasefire, with Russia halting strikes on Kyiv for three days and Ukraine pausing air strikes during the envoys’ visit. The envoys are expected to travel to Kyiv on Sunday, marking their first visit to the Ukrainian capital. Despite the ceasefire, recent weeks have seen intensified aerial attacks, including Russian strikes on Kyiv’s airports and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and military facilities. The conflict remains deadlocked along a 1,250-kilometer front line, with both sides suffering casualties and economic disruptions. The visit follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new peace proposal, though details remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, humanitarian attacks on medical supply depots and civilian infrastructure continue, raising concerns about escalation.
Violent incident at Merrigum Caravan Park involving two men, one death, one injured
Police are investigating a violent incident at Merrigum Caravan Park in Victoria after a man died and another was seriously injured in the early hours of Saturday. Emergency services were called just after 3am Saturday to reports of an assault, where two men were found injured and unresponsive. One man died despite police performing CPR, while the other was taken to hospital in stable condition. Homicide detectives and the Major Crime Scene Unit are now processing the scene. ABC notes the park is 30km west of Shepparton and specifies the time as 3:10am, while 7NEWS states it is 200km north of Melbourne. ABC also reports a separate stabbing incident at the same park in May, which 7NEWS does not mention.
Suzie Miller's play *Strong is the New Pretty* about AFLW's formation and its 2026 premiere
Suzie Miller’s play *Strong is the New Pretty* dramatizes the seven-year struggle to launch the AFLW, premiering in 2026 during the league’s 11th season. Both the ABC and the Guardian confirm the play’s focus on overcoming sexism and misogyny within the AFL, with the ABC emphasizing the 2017 inaugural season and grand final, while the Guardian highlights a 2015 exhibition match as pivotal. The play fictionalizes real figures like Sam Mostyn and Jan Cooper, blending humor and satire to depict the AFLW’s formation. The ABC notes the play’s ties to Miller’s attendance at the 2017 grand final and under 9s games, while the Guardian links it to recent Sydney Swans scandals and Samantha Lane’s 2018 book. Both sources agree on the play’s 80-minute runtime and its role as a celebratory yet critical reflection on gender equity in sports.
Queensland farmer Darryl Young convicted of triple murder and attempted murder at Bogie cattle station
Darryl Valroy Young, a 63-year-old Queensland farmer, was convicted of the triple murder of Mervyn Schwarz (71), Maree Schwarz (59), and Graham Tighe (35) on August 4, 2022, at his Shannonvale Station property near Bogie. The victims were lured to the property under the pretense of resolving a dispute over stolen calves, which escalated into a shooting spree. Young, dubbed the 'Beast of Bogie,' was also found guilty of attempting to kill Ross Tighe, Graham’s brother, who survived the attack after being shot in the stomach. The trial, held in Townsville Supreme Court, heard testimony from Ross Tighe, who described witnessing the shootings and fleeing the scene. Young’s defence argued there was no scientific evidence linking him to the crime and suggested Ross Tighe’s credibility was questionable, even proposing he could have been the shooter. The jury deliberated for days before returning a guilty verdict on the murder charges, with a majority finding Young guilty of attempted murder. The case highlights tensions over livestock disputes in rural Queensland and raises questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
Older
Death of former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski at 67 after cancer battle
Former Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski died in Brisbane on September 2026 at age 67, months after retiring due to a battle with stage four lung cancer diagnosed in February 2025. A career officer since 1980, Gollschewski served as Queensland’s 21st commissioner from April 2024 until his retirement in early 2026, leaving behind a legacy of leadership during crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, major floods, cyclones, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Despite a grueling 18-month cancer journey, he returned to work in September 2025 after treatment before stepping down to prioritize health. His family described him as a determined leader who gave his all to policing, family, and hockey, while colleagues and officials praised his strategic vision, integrity, and contributions to community safety. Gollschewski was honored with the Australian Police Medal, the Order of Australia, and the King’s Birthday Honours for his service. His death leaves a void in Queensland’s policing history, with tributes highlighting his role in reforming the service amid challenges like rising demand, workforce instability, and public safety concerns.
Russian drone attack on Ukraine's SBU headquarters escalates war
Russian forces launched a drone strike on Ukraine’s SBU intelligence headquarters in central Kyiv on Friday, marking a significant escalation in the four-and-a-half-year war. The attack, which injured at least seven people, targeted the building opposite St. Sophia Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was condemned by Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha as a deliberate escalation. Kyiv has faced relentless drone and missile attacks for over a week, with the SBU strike occurring just two days before a planned visit by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The SBU, responsible for high-impact operations like last year’s Operation Spiderweb, vowed a 'tangible response,' while international partners urged condemnation of Russia’s actions. The strike also raised concerns about Kyiv’s ability to protect critical infrastructure amid Russia’s intensified campaign. Separately, the Guardian reported unrelated developments, including political tensions in Serbia over the funeral of war criminal Ratko Mladić, scheduled for Monday, and far-right gains in Germany’s upcoming election, while also detailing economic shifts like Volkswagen’s planned job cuts.
Forklift fire at Brisbane commercial site injures multiple people
A forklift fire at a commercial site on Anton Rd in Hemmant, Brisbane, injured multiple people and sent five patients to hospital. Both 7NEWS and ABC report the blaze involved shipping containers, with three people suffering smoke inhalation. 7NEWS details two women with severe burns, one in life-threatening condition, while ABC notes one patient with life-threatening burns to the chest, head, and face, and another with serious burns to the arms. The time of the incident differs slightly, with 7NEWS reporting about 10.50am and ABC reporting about 11am. Evacuations included over 100 workers and nearby businesses, according to 7NEWS, while ABC focuses on the ongoing firefighting efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to more containers.
Jarome Luai's PNG trip and Wests Tigers contract transition
Jarome Luai’s recent trip to Papua New Guinea while still contracted to the Wests Tigers has sparked debate. Both sources confirm Luai will play his final game for the Tigers on Sunday, after which he will join the PNG Chiefs in 2028, marking his transition from a four-time premiership winner to the inaugural NRL franchise’s marquee player. The Tigers, now in their 15th consecutive year out of finals and ranked 15th-placed, have faced criticism over Luai’s dual commitments, with ABC noting his promotional role in PNG while still earning a seven-figure salary. SMH details how Luai’s trip followed a 24-10 loss to the Cowboys and included a medical examination for a leg injury, while ABC highlights the financial and promotional aspects of his PNG visit. Contradictions arise over Luai’s immediate future, with SMH suggesting a direct move to the Chiefs in 2028, while ABC states he will first join Parramatta in 2027 on a one-year deal before the Chiefs. Both sources agree Luai’s move has been a distraction for the struggling Tigers, though coach Benji Marshall defends Luai’s actions as his personal time off.