Latest News Stories
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Deadly Nepal-Tibet flash flood disaster kills hundreds, leaves thousands missing
A catastrophic flash flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, triggered by a massive glacial collapse near the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The disaster killed at least 165 people and left over 1,000 missing, including 39 Australians, 177 Indians, 63 Americans, 33 Britons, and 25 Canadians. The flood, described as a 'tsunami of mud and debris,' swept away villages, roads, bridges, and hydropower projects, with survivors recounting harrowing tales of being rescued by clinging to trees or watching loved ones swept away. The US Geological Survey confirmed the seismic event was caused by a glacial collapse, not an earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.2. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but access is limited due to damaged infrastructure and the risk of a second flood from a barrier lake formed by the debris. The Australian government has pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid and confirmed 39 Australians are missing, with many believed to be tourists or pilgrims. Experts link the disaster to climate change, noting accelerated glacier melting and increased extreme weather events in the Himalayas, which is warming faster than the global average.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- At least 165 people have been killed in the Nepal-Tibet flash flood disaster, with the death toll expected to rise.
- More than 1,000 people are missing, including at least 34 Australians, 177 Indians, 63 Americans, 33 Britons, and 25 Canadians.
- The disaster was triggered by a massive glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border at 8.37am on Wednesday, which caused a wall of mud, water, and debris to sweep through villages.
Today
Lachie Neale's affair scandal with Tess Crosley and its impact on his marriage to Jules Neale
The articles cover the high-profile scandal involving Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale, his affair with former best friend Tess Crosley, and its devastating impact on his marriage to Jules Neale. The affair lasted four months and was discovered by Jules after she moved back to Perth, where she learned it was more extensive than initially believed. Jules publicly rejected claims the couple were working through issues in December last year, stating she had been betrayed. Lachie stepped down as co-captain in January, admitting he had let his family down. Tess Crosley, who had stayed silent for months, broke her silence in an interview, describing the last 12 months as chaotic and admitting she had made regrettable decisions. She accused Jules of breaking an agreement to stay silent and claimed she was bullied and received death threats. The scandal has drawn attention to AFL culture and the treatment of women, with Jules warning others about dating professional athletes and advising financial independence. The timing of the revelations, occurring on the eve of the AFL finals, has been seen as a distraction for the Brisbane Lions, though Lachie’s on-field performance has reportedly remained strong.
Meta settles US teen addiction lawsuit with $17bn–$23bn payout and platform changes
Meta has settled a landmark lawsuit with 29 US states over allegations that its platforms were designed to addict and harm children, agreeing to pay up to $17 billion or $23 billion and implement sweeping changes to Facebook and Instagram. The settlement, reached after a trial began last week in Oakland, California, includes default safeguards for teens such as daily usage limits, nighttime access blocks, and restrictions on notifications during school hours. Meta also agreed to ban cosmetic filters and limit social comparison features like 'likes'. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, accused Meta of violating federal laws by collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent and deliberately designing addictive products. While Meta denied wrongdoing, the settlement marks the first time the company has been forced to alter key features of its platforms. The agreement is seen as a potential precedent for other social media companies, with attorneys general pushing for industry-wide changes. The settlement also includes funding for mental health programs and digital counsellors for American children, though its long-term impact on teen online safety remains uncertain.
Queensland woman gives birth to twins with separate biological parents via surrogacy and natural pregnancy
A Queensland woman, acting as a surrogate for a couple named BNJ and DRJ, gave birth to twins in November 2025 after an embryo transfer in April 2025. The twins were biologically unrelated: one child was the result of the surrogacy arrangement, while the other was conceived naturally by the surrogate and her partner. The case was unique because Queensland surrogacy laws typically require twins from a surrogate pregnancy to be raised together. The court ruled the twins were not 'birth siblings' under the law, allowing the biological parents to raise the children separately. The surrogate, DZ, and her partner, FZ, had five other children, including one born in 2024. The intended parents, BNJ and DRJ, connected through mutual friends and social media, and BNJ was unable to conceive naturally due to being born without a uterus. The families agreed to raise the twins with openness about their origins and planned for them to know each other as they grew up. An independent counsellor found that separating the twins was not likely to cause psychological harm, provided both families offered stable and nurturing environments.
Federal government backdown on data centre renewable energy rules for Queensland and NT
The federal government faced a major backdown on its renewables-only plan for data centres after Queensland and the Northern Territory resisted the rules. National Cabinet met on Wednesday and agreed to exempt these two jurisdictions, allowing them to use coal, gas, or a mix of energy sources. The federal government initially threatened to legislate to enforce the renewables-only standard, but ultimately conceded to a more flexible approach. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro celebrated the decision, emphasizing their jurisdictions’ control over energy infrastructure. The federal government plans to legislate new national standards for data centres, including energy, water, and land use rules, early next year. The compromise follows weeks of tension, with Energy Minister Chris Bowen previously warning that Queensland’s proposal would increase electricity prices by 13 per cent. The agreement also includes provisions for gun law reforms, with citizenship now a condition for holding a firearm licence, and an additional $125 million allocated to address the H5 bird flu crisis. Despite the backdown, the federal government remains committed to ensuring data centres do not raise household energy prices or face community backlash.
Trump renames Lake Ontario as Lake America amid US-Canada trade war
Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, directing US federal agencies to update official maps and databases within 30 days. The move follows a similar order on the first day of his second term in office to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The renaming is part of an escalating trade war with Canada, after trade talks collapsed last week and Trump imposed up to 50% tariffs on Canadian imports. Canada retaliated with 25-50% tariffs on US goods, and Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected the trade deal as one-sided. Trump claimed Canada has exploited trade relationships for years, citing a $60bn trade deficit and false claims about tariffs on US agricultural exports. Canada will not recognize the name change, as it maintains its own place-names database, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated her state will not adopt the new name. The Guardian also notes Trump’s joke about potentially renaming the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while the ABC article focuses on the trade war’s broader implications and Trump’s pattern of renaming geographical features.
Death of Ratko Mladić, Bosnian Serb war criminal, aged 84, after life sentence for genocide
Ratko Mladić, the Bosnian Serb general known as the Butcher of Bosnia, died aged 84 in a UN detention hospital in The Hague after serving a life sentence for genocide. He was convicted in 2017 for orchestrating the 1995 massacre of at least 8,000 Muslims in Srebrenica, Europe’s worst atrocity since the Second World War. Mladić, who commanded Bosnian Serb forces during the 1992-95 war, was arrested in 2011 after 16 years on the run. His death was confirmed by multiple sources, including a UN official and Serbian media, with his son Darko Mladić reportedly traveling to The Hague. The war, which left over 100,000 dead and a million homeless, saw Mladić oversee the siege of Sarajevo and ethnic cleansing campaigns. His conviction in 2017 marked a key step in holding him accountable for crimes committed during the conflict, which began after Yugoslavia’s disintegration in 1991.
Wallabies vs Argentina Test match squad changes ahead of 2027 World Cup
The Wallabies are preparing for their Test match against Argentina on Sunday, August 30, with significant squad changes ahead of next year’s home World Cup. Coach Les Kiss has rotated the forward pack extensively, including Isaac Kailea’s first Test start since 2024, while retaining stability in the backline. Allan Alaalatoa will captain the team for the sixth time, replacing Harry Wilson, who has been rested. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, recovering from injury, will come off the bench. The Wallabies have a three-Test winning streak, including victories over Japan earlier this month, while Argentina faces this match with several key players unavailable. The Wallabies’ starting line-up features Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Harry Potter, Carter Gordon, Ryan Lonergan, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Alaalatoa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Isaac Kailea, with replacements including Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo de Lutiis, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Cale, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, and Suaalii. Argentina’s side includes Geronimo Prisciantelli, Rodrigo Isgro, Lucio Cinti, Faustino Sanchez Valarolo, Ignacio Mendy, Santiago Carreras, Simon Benitez Cruz, Joaquin Moro, Benjamin Grondona, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Francisco Moreno, Ignacio Ruiz, and Boris Wenger, with replacements Leonel Oviedo, Rodrigo Martinez, Tomas Rapetti, Efraín Elias, Juan Penoucos, Agustín Moyano, Nicolas Roger, and Matias Moroni.
Homicide investigation into death of 28-year-old woman in Perth's St James
Police in Perth are investigating the homicide of a 28-year-old woman found unresponsive with critical injuries at a home on Taree Street in St James on Wednesday night. A 38-year-old man known to the victim was arrested and is assisting with inquiries. ABC reports the man was charged with murder after the incident, which police allege involved family and domestic violence, while 7NEWS notes no charges had been laid at the time of their report. Neighbours described a heavy police presence at the scene, and detectives spent the following day questioning the suspect. The woman was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.
UEFA files criminal complaint against FIFA president Infantino over World Cup privatization scheme
UEFA and FIFA are locked in a legal battle over Gianni Infantino’s failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, which aimed to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors for $US4.2 billion, valuing the commercial arm at approximately $US20 billion. Both sources confirm UEFA is preparing criminal claims in Switzerland under Article 158 of the Swiss Criminal Code, seeking documents from US courts to support allegations of criminal mismanagement. Infantino announced the plan on July 28, naming Thrive Capital as the lead backer, but UEFA and member nations condemned the scheme as poorly structured and potentially enriching Infantino personally. While the ABC highlights threats of a World Cup boycott and Infantino’s eventual retreat from the proposal, the Guardian notes UEFA’s strategic withdrawal of the boycott while escalating legal pressure. Both agree the scandal has deepened divisions, with UEFA pushing for Infantino’s removal in March’s presidential election, though concerns remain about rallying global support outside Europe.
Missing pilot Bob Bramley's plane crash in Northern Territory's Gulf of Carpentaria
The story centers on the disappearance and presumed death of 23-year-old Tasmanian pilot Bob Bramley after his plane crashed in the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday. The aircraft, operated by Air Frontier, was en route from Gove to Numbulwar and failed to arrive at its scheduled landing time of 11:50am. Search and rescue teams located aircraft debris on Wednesday, refining the search area but facing challenges due to remote location and harsh weather conditions. Bramley was widely known for his 2019 solo circumnavigation of Australia at age 16, raising awareness for youth suicide prevention through his initiative 'Surviving Turbulence'. He had been working as a charter pilot in the Northern Territory for the past year and was nominated for Young Australian of the Year in 2021. Family and friends described him as courageous and passionate, while authorities continue to investigate the crash. Air Frontier has grounded its fleet of Beechcraft Baron aircraft as a precautionary measure.
Western Bulldogs granted Marvel Stadium training access for wildcard final
The Western Bulldogs are reacting with bemusement and frustration after the AFL granted Collingwood and the Magpies access to Marvel Stadium for training ahead of their wildcard final, despite the Dogs being long-term tenants unable to use the venue for main sessions. Coach Luke Beveridge described the situation as 'hilarious' and 'a crack up,' noting that the Bulldogs have been denied training access all season due to tenant restrictions, while other clubs like Collingwood and the Magpies were allowed to use the facility. The Bulldogs, who finished eighth on the ladder, will face Collingwood in a wildcard final at the MCG on Friday night, with key players Tim English and Aaron Naughton expected to return from injuries. The Bulldogs have shown resilience this season, winning seven of their seven close games by single-digit margins, and are motivated by the perceived unfairness of the training access decision. Meanwhile, Carlton coach Josh Fraser expressed confidence in his young players, including Rising Star winner Jagga Smith and Harry Dean, ahead of their wildcard final against Melbourne on Saturday. The story also highlights the Bulldogs' injury struggles, including the loss of Sam Darcy in April, and the ongoing speculation about Tim English’s future, despite his long-term contract.
Yesterday
Death of 16-year-old Sydney girl linked to suspected sexual strangulation during sex
All articles report the death of a 16-year-old girl from Sydney’s northern beaches on Tuesday night after emergency services responded to a welfare concern at Elanora Heights about 5.45pm on Sunday. The girl was found unresponsive and airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital, where she died two days later. Police are investigating the death as a suspected sexual choking act during consensual sex, with sources confirming the incident involved a male known to her. Multiple outlets highlight the role of pornography in normalizing sexual strangulation, citing research involving almost 5000 Australians aged 18 to 35, with some sources noting over half reported engaging in or witnessing the behavior. The Guardian emphasizes alarming statistics, including 61% of surveyed individuals seeing sexual strangulation in porn, while The Age and SMH stress the dangers and lack of safe methods. Calls for national education campaigns and stricter regulations on pornography appear across sources, with experts and politicians urging action to address the trend.
Yayoi Kusama, Japanese avant-garde artist, dies at 97
Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese avant-garde artist known as the 'polka dot queen,' died on August 14 at age 97 in Tokyo. Born in 1929, Kusama’s work was deeply influenced by childhood hallucinations of dots and flowers, which she began drawing as early as 1939. She moved to New York in 1958, where she gained recognition for her Infinity Nets paintings and controversial 'happenings,' including a 1966 Venice Biennale installation of 1,500 mirrored balls and a 1968 open letter to US President Richard Nixon offering to end the Vietnam War in exchange for sex. Despite her influence on artists like Andy Warhol, Kusama faced marginalization due to her gender, neurodivergence, and mental health struggles. She voluntarily entered a Tokyo mental hospital around 1977, continuing to create art from a nearby studio. Her late-career resurgence began in the 1980s, culminating in major retrospectives at Tate Modern in 2012 and the National Gallery of Victoria in 2024, which drew over 500,000 visitors, making it Australia’s most attended exhibition. Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, first created in 1965, became iconic, blending her hallucinatory visions with immersive installations. Her work, rooted in themes of self-obliteration and infinity, remains celebrated for its emotional intensity and cultural impact, despite debates over its commercialization and accessibility.
Tim Curry, star of *Rocky Horror Picture Show*, dies aged 80
Tim Curry, the British actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* (1975 film, 1973 stage debut), died aged 80. Born on April 19, 1946, Curry had a prolific career spanning film, television, and theater, including roles in *It* (1990) as Pennywise, *Clue* (1985) as Wadsworth, and *Annie* (1982) as Rooster Hannigan. He earned three Tony nominations for *Amadeus* (1981), *My Favorite Year* (1993), and *Spamalot* (2005), and won a Daytime Emmy in 1991 for voicing Captain Hook. Curry suffered a stroke in 2012, which left him with mobility issues, and published his memoir *Vagabond* in 2025. His final live-action film role was in *Stream* (2024). Sources agree on his birth year, key roles, and health struggles, though minor discrepancies exist in Emmy/Tony timelines and lesser-known roles. Curry’s legacy includes defining cult characters and a versatile career in entertainment.
Victorian government secretly raised public transport fares to fund Suburban Rail Loop
The Victorian government secretly introduced a 1 per cent levy on public transport fares in January 2025 to fund the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project, a 26km tunnel from Cheltenham to Box Hill costing up to $34.5 billion. The levy, approved in August 2021 and confirmed in December 2023 and November 2024 by the budget and finance committee, was not publicly announced and raised $6.5 million by February 2026. The auditor-general found the levy was the largest source of value capture revenue, expected to generate $4.8 billion by 2062, but its secrecy and lack of transparency led to public outrage. Premier Ben Carroll scrapped the levy in August 2026, creating an $8 billion funding shortfall, and announced $2 billion in savings to reduce the project’s cost to $33.3 billion. The SRL East project faces delays, with procurement processes for six stations delayed by one year and an early works package finished six months late, risking the 2035 completion date. The federal government has committed $6 billion, but the state sought $11.5 billion in value capture funding, leaving a $5.5 billion gap. The opposition has criticized the project’s secrecy and funding risks, with the Coalition pledging to review it if elected in November 2026.
Australian filmmaker Anthony Frith directs a mockbuster film in six days for The Asylum
Anthony Frith, an Australian filmmaker, directed *The Land That Time Forgot*, a low-budget mockbuster produced by The Asylum, in just six days. The film’s production was documented in *Mockbuster*, a critically acclaimed documentary that premiered in Australian cinemas on 27 August. Both articles highlight the extreme constraints of the shoot, including a minimal budget, rushed script, and last-minute fixes like upside-down Russian flags and a garage door mistaken for a battleship. Frith’s experience reflects The Asylum’s business model, founded in the late 90s, which prioritizes rapid, low-cost production to maximize profit. While the Guardian emphasizes the cultural and artistic aspects of mockbusters, ABC delves into the studio’s operational quirks, such as the six-day window adopted to avoid COVID testing costs, and the shift from human special effects artists like Glenn Campbell, who died in late 2024, to generative AI. Despite the film’s flaws, Frith views the experience as a valuable learning opportunity, akin to film school on steroids.
Powerhouse Parramatta CEO Lisa Havilah steps down amid governance probe weeks before opening
Lisa Havilah, CEO of Powerhouse Parramatta, stepped down weeks before the November 7 opening amid a government investigation into governance and procurement practices. Both the SMH and ABC confirm the opening date will not be delayed, with Abbie Galvin appointed interim CEO starting September 1 and Louise Herron named as strategic adviser. Havilah has led the $915 million project since 2018 or 2019, depending on the source, and the museum has faced scrutiny over pre-opening spending, including over $70 million in costs. The investigation, described as complex and ongoing for nearly a year, has prompted concerns about budget blowouts and mismanagement, though Havilah has denied any overruns. The Powerhouse Trust and NSW government have reassured staff and the public that operations will continue as planned, despite the unexpected leadership change.
NDIS fraud arrest of a 48-year-old man over $700,000 scheme
A 48-year-old man was arrested in Horsham after allegedly defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of $700,000 over a two-year period between June 28, 2024 and June 30, 2026. Police allege he created two businesses, submitted false invoices for services he did not receive, and transferred the funds into his own bank accounts. Authorities also suspect he dealt with property linked to the proceeds of crime. The man remains uncharged and will be interviewed by police. Both 7NEWS and ABC report the incident, with both sources confirming the same key details, including the amount defrauded, the timeframe, and the man’s age. The NDIS has reiterated its commitment to combating fraud, emphasizing that most participants use funding appropriately. Police have urged anyone with information about similar fraudulent activity to come forward.
Queensland introduces mandatory 12-month jail sentences for bail breaches
Queensland’s government is introducing mandatory 12-month jail sentences for offenders who breach bail and commit serious crimes, including 47 Adult Crime, Adult Time (ACAT) offences, affecting both youths and adults. The reforms, expected to pass by the end of 2026, will apply to offences like murder, manslaughter, and child sex crimes, with bail now requiring a high degree of confidence that a person won’t reoffend. Critics argue the laws breach human rights, strain overcrowded detention centres, and lack evidence of deterrence, while supporters claim they will protect victims and reduce repeat offending. The government forecasts a significant increase in prisoners, with plans to add 1,400 beds in the next couple of years, though unions warn of unsafe overcrowding and triple-ups in cells.