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Death of Blanche d'Alpuget, writer and widow of Bob Hawke
Blanche d'Alpuget, the acclaimed Australian author, journalist, and widow of former prime minister Bob Hawke, died aged 82 on Wednesday, September 8, from complications of influenza. Born on January 3, 1944, she was a prolific writer known for her biographies, novels, and essays, including the groundbreaking 1982 biography of Hawke, which won the NSW Premier’s Award. She first met Hawke in 1970 in Jakarta and began a relationship with him in the late 1970s, despite both being married at the time. They married in 1995 after Hawke’s divorce from his first wife, Hazel, and remained together until his death in 2019. D’Alpuget’s work spanned political biographies, historical fiction, and novels like *Monkeys in the Dark* (1980) and *Turtle Beach* (1981), which won literary awards. She was also known for her advocacy, wit, and fearless approach to life, continuing to write and travel into her 80s. Her final message emphasized love as humanity’s highest calling. Tributes from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and others highlighted her literary contributions and enduring influence on Australian culture.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Blanche d'Alpuget died aged 82
- She died on Wednesday, September 8
- She died from complications from influenza
Today
Radiohead announces 2027 Australian and Japanese tour with ticket registration details
Radiohead has announced a 2027 Australian tour marking their first visit in 15 years, featuring 16 shows across Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney in May and June. The tour also includes five shows in Japan, their first in 19 years, with dates in June. Ticket registration for the Australian shows opened in September 2026 and closes on September 10, with a ballot-like system limiting fans to four tickets per city. The band’s last Australian tour was in 2012, and their last studio album was 2016’s A Moon Shaped Pool. Ticket prices range from $199 for standing general admission, with a $2 charity donation included. The tour follows a 2025 European tour and Thom Yorke’s solo shows in Australia in 2024, one of which ended in controversy. Fans must register to access tickets, with purchase windows opening on September 15, 2026, and accessibility tickets available until September 28.
Andrew Hastie vs Pauline Hanson over 'traitor' cartoon and Roberts-Smith war crimes case
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, a former SAS captain, has escalated a feud with Pauline Hanson and One Nation after the party published a cartoon repeatedly calling him a traitor for testifying against Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith in a 2022 defamation case. Roberts-Smith was later charged with five counts of war crime murder related to his service in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. Hastie, who served twice in Afghanistan, distributed 19 pages of his military records, including a 2012 review praising his service, and accused One Nation of attacking veterans who uphold the rule of law. Hanson denied calling him a traitor but said she would call him a 'wanker' and refused to remove the cartoon. Hastie ruled out legal action due to One Nation’s backing by Gina Rinehart but vowed to make the political fight costly. One Nation won a state by-election in Western Australia’s Secret Harbour seat this month, overlapping Hastie’s federal seat of Canning, which they aim to target in the 2028 election. Hastie’s colleagues, including Angus Taylor, have also condemned the cartoon, with crossbencher Jacqui Lambie calling Hanson a 'bloody coward' for attacking a veteran.
Norway's King Harald V funeral and national mourning
Norway held a state funeral on 9 September for King Harald V, who died on 28 August at the age of 89 after a 35-year reign. The funeral, attended by global royals including Prince William and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, featured a 21-gun salute and a 13-day national mourning period. Over 46,000 people visited the royal chapel to pay respects, and crowds lined the streets as the coffin was carried from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. King Haakon VIII succeeded his father and took an oath of allegiance last week, while Queen Mette-Marit, recovering from a June lung transplant, attended the funeral. The monarchy remains popular, with 72% of Norwegians supporting it despite recent scandals involving the royal family. The event highlighted Harald’s legacy as a modernizing and inclusive monarch, with tributes emphasizing his down-to-earth nature and dedication to Norway.
AI researchers warn of existential risks from superintelligence, call for urgent regulation
Multiple AI researchers, including Jacob Coxon, a 28-year-old former Anthropic and OpenAI employee, have resigned or spoken out this week warning that artificial superintelligence could pose an existential threat to humanity. Coxon and others at Anthropic, including Evan Hubinger, stated there is a greater than 10% chance AI could 'kill all humans' by the end of the decade, prompting calls for urgent global regulation. The warnings came as MPs in Westminster convened a session on Monday to discuss AI risks, with figures like Beatrice Fihn, a 2017 Nobel peace prize winner, emphasizing the need for international controls. Meanwhile, over 1,300 AI employees signed a July statement urging governments to develop tools to 'pace' AI development, and politicians like Bernie Sanders have pushed for legislative action. Concerns about AI alignment, safety, and unchecked development have intensified, with some researchers arguing that current efforts lack responsible oversight.
Australia’s proposed social media algorithm opt-out laws and Meta’s legal settlements
Australia’s government is pushing for new laws requiring social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithmic feeds, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announcing the plan on Tuesday. The move follows a US court case where Meta settled for US$18 billion after 29 US states accused its platforms of being addictive, though the company denied wrongdoing. Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, warned that removing algorithms would flood users’ feeds with brand content, reducing engagement and satisfaction, as brands post more frequently than individuals. While chronological feeds are already available globally, uptake remains low, with Mosseri estimating usage in the 'low single-digit percentages.' The proposal aligns with stricter EU and Dutch regulations, including a Dutch court order in October 2025 to make chronological feeds the default. Meta’s recent $23 billion settlement further influenced Australia’s push, though Mosseri maintains Instagram is not clinically addictive, distinguishing it from colloquial usage of the term.
Arrest of a man charged with historical child sexual abuse linked to Adelaide’s Magill Training Centre
Police have charged a man with 55 historical sexual abuse offences against 29 known victim-survivors linked to Adelaide’s now-defunct Magill Training Centre. The alleged crimes occurred between 1978 and 2003, with the man having access to the facility but not employed there. The investigation, launched in 2023, led to his arrest by Task Force Libero, marking the first arrest in the probe. Sources differ on his age, with the Guardian reporting 78 and ABC reporting 73, and on the formal establishment date of the investigation, with the Guardian specifying March 2025 and ABC only noting 2023. Both agree the man will face court for multiple charges including rape and sexual abuse of children.
OpenAI claims AI solves Navier-Stokes Millennium Prize Problem amid controversy
OpenAI announced solving the Navier-Stokes Millennium Prize Problem using about 10,000 AI agents over 88 hours, sparking controversy. Mathematician Tristan Buckmaster alleged his work with Levent Alpöge at Anthropic may have influenced OpenAI’s breakthrough, though neither source confirms data misuse. Both articles agree the problem is one of seven Millennium Prize Problems worth $1m, but differ on timing details, with ABC pinpointing key dates in August and September while the Guardian uses broader references like 'last week.' OpenAI’s claim follows earlier progress on a problem proposed 80 years ago and coincides with broader debates about AI ethics, including a July hacking incident and calls for bans on 'superintelligence.'
Philippines ferry fire leaves dead, missing, and rescued passengers
A ferry named MV June Aster caught fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines, killing at least five people and leaving more than 80 missing or unaccounted for according to both ABC and the Guardian. Rescue efforts saved 42–43 individuals, with the Guardian reporting 43 rescued and ABC specifying 38 passengers and four crew among them. The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was heading for Coron. ABC notes the fire occurred 2.2 kilometres offshore on Wednesday evening, while the Guardian does not specify the exact time. Discrepancies exist in the total number of passengers and crew, with the Guardian listing 117 passengers and 17 crew (total 134) and ABC citing 134 total without a breakdown. Both sources agree the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tate brothers' extradition fight and legal battles across US, UK, and Romania
The Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan, are facing extradition from the US to the UK after being arrested in Miami on 18 July. Both are dual British-US citizens accused of serious crimes, including rape, sex trafficking, and human trafficking. A US judge denied their bail request in a 30-page order, citing flight risks, while the UK has until 16 September to provide evidence for extradition. Separately, Romanian prosecutors have indicted them for trafficking minors, money laundering, and other charges, with investigations ongoing since December 2022. The brothers deny all allegations and remain in US detention while legal battles unfold across jurisdictions.
Ancient betel nut use in Sulawesi linked to 25,000-year-old drug evidence
Archaeologists discovered fossilized teeth in Sulawesi, Indonesia, showing evidence of betel nut use dating back as far as 25,000 years, making it the oldest known example of human drug use by at least 3,000 years. Two individuals, one aged between 16,000 and 25,000 years and the other 6,300 to 7,600 years old, exhibited deep tooth grooves linked to sucking betel nuts, likely for pain relief. Traces of arecoline, the psychoactive compound in betel nuts, were found on the teeth, confirming their use. Both sources agree this practice predates agriculture and may have caused long-term dental damage, creating a cycle of pain and addiction. The study, published in *Science Advances*, suggests betel nut use could stretch back even further, possibly to Neanderthals, though direct evidence remains scarce.
Apple unveils foldable iPhone Duo and new iPhone 18 Pro lineup under new CEO John Ternus
Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, during a keynote event on September 1, marking the first major product launch under new CEO John Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook. The Duo features a 7.6-inch display that is 80 per cent larger than the iPhone 18 Pro and supports Apple Pencil, a feature previously exclusive to iPads. Pricing for the Duo varies between sources, with SMH stating $3499 and ABC stating $US1,999 ($2,770 AUD), while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start at $2099 and $2299 (SMH) or $US1,199 and $US1,299 (ABC). The Duo will go on sale October 23, with pre-orders starting October 16 at 11pm AEST. Analysts note foldable phones remain a niche market, accounting for less than 5 per cent of global smartphone sales. Apple also announced price increases for older models, such as the iPhone 17 and 17e, and discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 Plus. The event highlighted Apple’s focus on AI advancements in Siri while emphasizing privacy and security. Ternus’s leadership transition was overshadowed by the Duo’s unveiling, with analysts suggesting the device could redefine foldable phones if Apple expands the market beyond its current niche.
Victoria's roads in poor condition due to privatisation and funding gaps
Victoria’s state roads are in crisis, with nearly half in poor or very poor condition as of 2024, up from 39 per cent in 2021, according to the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office. Both ABC and THEAGE report that the decline outpaces repairs, with the Department of Transport and Planning estimating $3 billion a year is needed to maintain current conditions. The upcoming November 28 state election has made roads a key issue, with Labor pledging to double pothole repairs this year and bring maintenance back in-house after decades of privatisation starting in the mid-to-late 1990s. The Coalition has countered with a $5 billion over four years plan to repair and rebuild roads, though neither party has committed to the full $3 billion annual funding. Former VicRoads staff blame privatisation for neglecting maintenance, while rural areas like Loddon Mallee and Hume face the worst conditions, with 69 per cent and 57 per cent of roads in poor shape respectively. Both sources agree the gap between defects recorded and repairs has more than doubled between January 2025 and January 2026, highlighting a growing backlog.
Targeted gangland shooting of boxing coach Louis Meehan in Sydney’s Punchbowl
Two news sources report that Louis Meehan, a 32-year-old boxing coach, was fatally shot on Wednesday evening in the carpark of the Punchbowl Community Centre in Sydney’s south-west. The attack, described as targeted, occurred around 5:50pm and was the third such incident in the city over the past week. Police confirmed Meehan was known to them and linked to the Alameddine crime gang through online posts, though ABC suggests a possible outlaw motorcycle gang connection. The shooting followed a government crackdown on organised crime announced on Monday, which came two days after mistaken identity killings of two individuals, 23 and 40, in Sydney’s west. The NSW government’s third significant crackdown in two years was announced amid rising tensions between the Alameddine crime family and the Coconut Cartel. Police Minister Yasmin Catley had previously denied the violence was out of control, but the premier acknowledged community fears were justified. The stolen silver Lexus sedan used in the attack was later found intact in Bass Hill, differing from typical staged kill cars. Witnesses, including schoolchildren, were present during the shooting, and police expanded the crime scene to gather evidence.
Netanyahu denies warnings of October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks amid election scrutiny
Both ABC and the Guardian report that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was warned by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed about an imminent Hamas attack before October 7, 2023, but denied the warning and threatened legal action against Haaretz for publishing the claim. The warnings came either 10 days or a week and a half before the attack, depending on the source, and Netanyahu dismissed the report as an 'absolute lie'. The October 7, 2023 attack, which killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, remains a central issue in Israel’s October 2023 elections, with opposition leaders accusing Netanyahu of ignoring warnings and bearing responsibility for the failure. Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza resulted in more than 73,650 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza Health Ministry figures cited by both sources. ABC additionally notes a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025 and ongoing violence, including Israeli air strikes in September 2026, while Guardian focuses on the immediate aftermath and political fallout.
Yesterday
Trial of three men accused of killing Australian brothers and American friend in Mexico in 2024
The articles cover the trial of three men—Jesús Gerardo, Irineo Francisco, and Ángel Jesús—accused of killing Australian brothers Jake Robinson (31) and Callum Robinson (32), and their American friend Carter Rhoad (33) in April 2024 during a surfing trip in Baja California, Mexico. The parents, Debra and Martin Robinson, traveled from Perth to attend the trial, which began in Ensenada on April 28, 2024, and is expected to run for more than four weeks. Prosecutors seek 210-year sentences for each accused, with an additional 168-year sentence for Jesús Gerardo, who is also charged with forced disappearance. The defendants rejected plea deals offering sentences between 47 and 52 years. The ex-girlfriend of one of the accused, Ari Gisell Silva, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year for her role in the incident. The trial is a judge-only proceeding, with the judge presiding remotely due to a last-minute change. The victims were camping and surfing when they were attacked, and their bodies were found in a well. The FBI cooperated with Mexican authorities in locating the bodies, and the trial has faced challenges, including witness intimidation and delays.
Deadly school-run crash kills seven children in Melbourne’s west
A single-vehicle rollover crash west of Melbourne killed two children, 11-year-old Ossama El Hawli and seven-year-old Sarah El Hawli, after a 34-year-old woman driving an eight-seater 4WD lost control at the intersection of Nerowie Rd and Parwan-Exford Rd around 4:30pm on Tuesday. Seven children were in the vehicle, including five others who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Sarah died at the scene, while Ossama was airlifted to hospital and died overnight. The driver remains under observation. Emergency services responded with multiple helicopters and paramedic crews, and the Australian Islamic Centre confirmed the children were beloved members of their community, with funerals scheduled for Thursday. Police are investigating the crash, which occurred during a school run, and have ruled out speed, drugs, or alcohol as factors. The crash has deeply affected the local community, particularly the families of the victims and the school they attended, Al Iman College in Melton South.
Ben Shelton defeats Carlos Alcaraz in US Open quarter-final after epic five-set match
Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a historic US Open quarter-final match that lasted four hours and 28 minutes, finishing at 3.33am local time on the 10th day of play. The match, which started on Tuesday night and finished on Wednesday morning, was the fifth-latest finish in grand slam history and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match winning streak in grand slam tournaments. Shelton, seeded eighth, will now face Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals, ensuring at least one American representative in Sunday’s final. The match was marked by intense rallies, with Alcaraz vomiting before the final set and Shelton’s powerful serve and athleticism proving decisive. This victory is Shelton’s biggest career win, making him the first American to defeat Alcaraz at a major. The US Open has not seen an American men’s champion since Andy Roddick’s victory in 2003, adding significance to the potential title run for Shelton or Tiafoe.
LIV Golf files for bankruptcy, seeks restructuring and player-first model
LIV Golf, the breakaway tour launched in 2022, filed for bankruptcy protection in the US on Tuesday, marking a dramatic shift after losing funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) this year. The tour, which spent billions luring top players like Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson, now seeks restructuring with a player-first ownership model and aims to resume competition next year. Key details include a $49.6 million bankruptcy loan from PIF, liabilities between $500 million and $1 billion, and assets between $100 million and $500 million. LIV Golf’s top three creditors are owed over $5 million each, and the tour plans to play 10 events in 2027, each worth $10 million, with a 75-player field. The 2026 season ended early due to cancellations, and the majority of staff were laid off this month. LIV Golf has secured $300 million in sponsorship contracts from 2027 until 2029, with plans to host events in Australia, including Adelaide’s Kooyonga Golf Club next year and North Adelaide Golf Course in 2028. The future of LIV Golf hinges on player retention, renegotiation of contracts, and securing new investors, with uncertainty surrounding the role of Saudi Arabia and the pace of court proceedings.
Elena Rybakina becomes world No 1 after US Open semifinal win over Zheng Qinwen
Elena Rybakina secured the world No 1 ranking after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the US Open semifinals, becoming the 30th player in WTA history to achieve the feat. She overtook Aryna Sabalenka, who had held the top spot for 99 successive weeks, in a match that marked Rybakina’s first US Open semifinal appearance after previously losing in the fourth round last year. The win followed her Australian Open triumph in January, her second Grand Slam title after Wimbledon four years earlier. Both sources confirm that all four top seeds—Rybakina, Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula—reached the semifinals for the first time in 51 years. Rybakina will next face Gauff, who defeated fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, while Sabalenka and Pegula will compete in the other semifinal. The Guardian highlights Rybakina’s recovery from an Achilles injury and her dominant form this year, while ABC notes the late finish of the men’s final at 3:33 am and Sabalenka’s quest to avoid a major-less season.