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Car thief found guilty after running over young "hero" cop

A man high on methamphetamine who killed a young police officer during a chaotic pursuit in Perth has been found guilty of manslaughter, bringing a painful but long-awaited moment of justice for a grieving family and police force. Reagan Ainslie Chown, 25, was convicted in the Supreme Court on Tuesday for the death of Constable Anthony Woods, 28, who was fatally injured on June 8, 2023, after being dragged under a stolen vehicle in the Perth suburb of Ascot. Constable Woods – described by colleagues and loved ones as a rising star and a true hero – had only just completed his probationary training when he was killed in the line of duty. The courtroom was heavy with emotion as the jury returned its guilty verdict after less than three hours of deliberation. Woods’ family members sobbed openly, clinging to each other as the decision was read. “We’re just overwhelmed. We’re absolutely so happy with the verdict,” said his mother, Natalie Woods, fighting through tears outside the courthouse. “It’s been a huge year-and-a-half and I just want to thank all the police and detectives and everyone that’s been there for us. Now we can let him rest and start just living his memory the best way we can.” Chown had tried to shift the blame, claiming Constable Woods had “put himself in a dangerous position” and that he had lost control of his body during the incident. But police leaders and prosecutors strongly rejected the defence. “Anthony was a hero to all of us,” said WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch. “I reject any notion that Anthony should not have done what he did. He did his job. He never got to go home from his shift that night.” Blanch called the suggestion that Constable Woods was at fault “offensive and disgusting”, adding that the entire police force – often referred to as the "blue family" – had been mourning deeply since the tragedy. “But today is a small piece of justice,” he said. The court heard that Chown and two accomplices were fleeing police in a stolen Holden Cruz when they entered a cul-de-sac. As Constable Woods opened the driver's side door and attempted to arrest Chown, the officer deployed his Taser. In the chaos that followed, Woods fell and was dragged under the vehicle. He died days later from cardiac arrest caused by mechanical compression injuries. Prosecutor Justin Whalley said Chown had meth in his system at the time and was still in possession of the drug. Chown had earlier admitted to stealing the car and reckless driving, but pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. Constable Woods was laid to rest in a funeral attended by more than 2,000 mourners at Optus Stadium, including officers from around the country. The service was a solemn tribute to a man whose bravery and dedication touched the lives of many. “We will never stop missing him,” Constable Woods' mother said. “But today, we found a little bit of peace.” Chown is due to be sentenced on July 3.

Legal

Another Aussie traveller found dead in Thailand

A 41-year-old Australian man from South Australia has been found dead in the waters off Freedom Beach in Phuket, three days after he was reported missing by his wife while on holiday. According to Thai authorities, the man was last seen on May 7, prompting a search effort after his disappearance. His body was discovered on the morning of May 10 by the chief lifeguard during a routine patrol. The lifeguard spotted the body drifting about 20 metres from the shore amid strong surf conditions. Officers from Karon Police Station responded to the call and retrieved the body using ropes due to the rough seas. The man was found wearing only black underpants, and emergency responders pulled him to shore for formal identification. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wiwat Chamnankit confirmed that the man had been in Thailand since April 20. He told local outlet Asia Pacific Press that the victim’s family has been notified. “We believe that the sea currents were too strong for him to swim back to land,” Lt. Col. Chamnankit said. “Tourists should not go in the sea during these conditions when there are strong waves, unless they are with an experienced guide.” The body has been transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. This incident marks the second death of an Australian tourist in Thailand within the past week. On May 3, 22-year-old Melbourne man Corey Walsh died after jumping from a tour boat near the popular snorkelling area of Koh Racha Yai. Authorities said he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before repeatedly entering the water. Walsh was pulled from the sea unconscious and unresponsive. Despite efforts by tour conductors and emergency responders, he was pronounced dead at Chalong Hospital. No illegal substances were found on board, though empty alcohol bottles were recovered. These back-to-back tragedies come after the drowning of Chinese tourist Zhang Xiaohan, 30, who was scuba diving near Kabakan Island in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. She was swept away by strong currents while attempting to retrieve her GoPro camera. Her body was later found 88 metres underwater, near a known diving route. Image: Asia Pacific Press

Travel Trouble

“Mum always found the joy”: Beatrice and Eugenie open up on royal divorce

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have spoken candidly about the impact of their parents’ divorce and the enduring strength of their mother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York. Appearing on the "Lessons from our Mothers" podcast, hosted by Isabella Branson and Cressida Bonas – actress and former girlfriend of Prince Harry – the royal sisters shared heartfelt reflections on their upbringing and the lessons imparted by their mother during challenging times. Beatrice recalled the difficult period during their parents' separation, which began in 1992 when she was just eight years old and Eugenie was six. Despite the emotional turmoil, she remembered it as a time still filled with positivity and a sense of adventure, thanks to their mother’s optimistic spirit. “Mum's ability to sort of jump into any situation,” Beatrice said, was something she admired and now emulates. “There was always an adventure to be had. Even during some of the harder times through divorce and through challenging moments… she had an ability to kind of jump into things with two feet.” She added that those early memories are precious and formative: “It's this sort of way with which she just brought that joy to moments.” Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, affectionately known as "Fergie", were married in 1986 and formally divorced in 1996. Long naval deployments and conflicting responsibilities are believed to have contributed to the breakdown of their marriage. In a 2007 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Fergie explained, “I wanted to work; it's not right for a princess of the royal house to be commercial, so Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could go off and get a job.” Despite the separation, the couple have maintained a close relationship, cohabiting in separate wings of the Royal Lodge since 2008. They often refer to themselves as the "happiest divorced couple", setting a rare example of post-divorce harmony. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Missing mum of two found after 60 years

In a stunning breakthrough to one of America's longest-running cold cases, a woman who disappeared more than 60 years ago has been found alive and well – living in another state and expressing “no regrets” for leaving her past behind. Audrey Backeberg was just 20 years old when she vanished on July 7, 1962, from her home in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, where she lived with her husband, Ronald Backeberg, and their two young children. Her sudden disappearance launched a decades-long search that ultimately went cold – until now. In a press release issued Thursday, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ms Backeberg had been located alive following a renewed investigation into her case earlier this year. “Through diligent investigative work, which included a thorough re-evaluation of all case files and evidence, combined with reinterviewing witnesses and uncovering new insights, the Sheriff’s Office is now able to report that Audrey Backeberg is alive and well,” the department announced. The cold case was reassigned in March to Detective Isaac Hanson, who led the breakthrough investigation. His review included interviews with old witnesses, analysis of historical evidence, and a key lead involving a relative’s Ancestry.com profile. “That was pretty key,” Hanson told WISN, describing how the online genealogy database helped him trace public records that eventually led to a current address. Once the address was identified, Hanson contacted the local sheriff’s department in the area. “Ten minutes later, she called me,” he said. In a 45-minute phone conversation with Detective Hanson, Ms Backeberg confirmed her identity and shared that she left her family to escape what she described as an abusive and dangerous home environment. “She sounded happy. Confident in her decision. No regrets,” Hanson said. Just days before her disappearance in 1962, Ms Backeberg had filed a criminal complaint alleging that her husband had beaten her severely and threatened her life. Despite this, the couple remained in the home together, with their children. On the day she vanished, Audrey reportedly left to collect a paycheck from her job at a woollen mill – but never returned. Rumours and conflicting accounts emerged over the years, including claims from a 14-year-old babysitter who said she saw Ms Backeberg hitchhike to Madison and take a bus to Indiana. Later, the same individual, when re-interviewed as an adult, claimed Audrey may have ingested pills before departing and might have connected with local construction workers. For decades, her family believed Audrey would never willingly abandon her children. Her husband reportedly spent years chasing leads, but no trace of her was ever found – until now. While authorities have not disclosed the state where Ms Backeberg currently resides, Detective Hanson said she had been living safely and independently all these years. “She just moved on from things and led her life,” he said. Authorities have closed the case with the confirmation that Audrey Backeberg left of her own volition and was not in danger at any point during the six decades she was missing. Images: Wisconsin Police

Family & Pets

Grandmother arrested after two boys found dead

A regional New South Wales community is in mourning after the bodies of two young boys, aged six and seven, were discovered in a home in Coonabarabran on Monday afternoon. Police were called to the property at around 2:00pm following reports of welfare concerns. Upon arrival, officers from the Orana Mid-Western Police District found the children deceased inside the home. A 66-year-old woman, who is known to the children, was arrested at the scene and taken to hospital for assessment. She remains there under police guard. Authorities have confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident and say there is no ongoing threat to the public. A crime scene has been established at the residence, and an investigation is underway. Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are assisting local police as part of Strike Force Darnum, which has been formed to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Earlier police reports indicated the children were aged eight and 10, but they later confirmed the correct ages as six and seven. The deaths have sent shockwaves through the Coonabarabran community and beyond. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his condolences, describing the situation as "heartbreaking". “What has occurred is terrible and, as a state, we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” Minns said in a statement. “I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers. I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event.” The investigation continues, with police urging the public to allow space for the family and the community to grieve. Images: 9News

Legal

Bestselling novelist found murdered on her houseboat

Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that a murder investigation is underway after bestselling German author Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg. Fröhlich, 58, whose novels have frequently topped Germany’s bestseller lists, was discovered by her son early Tuesday morning on her moored houseboat along the Holzhafen bank of the Elbe River in the Moorfleet district. According to police, initial forensic evidence suggests she died violently between midnight and 5:30am. "Relatives found the 58-year-old woman lifeless on her houseboat and alerted the fire brigade, who were only able to confirm the woman’s death," a police spokesperson told local media. "After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence." Local broadcaster NDR, citing police sources, reported that Fröhlich had been shot. Investigators have appealed to the public for witnesses who may have noticed suspicious activity around Fröhlich’s distinctive long cerise-coloured houseboat. Divers have been deployed to search the Elbe River, amid speculation that the murder weapon may have been discarded there. Authorities have declined to release further details, citing the ongoing investigation. They are examining whether the suspect may have been someone known to Fröhlich. Fröhlich began her career as a journalist, founding a women’s magazine in Kyiv, Ukraine, before returning to Germany where she contributed to major publications such as Stern. She made her literary debut in 2012 with My Russian Mother-in-Law and Other Catastrophes, a humorous novel inspired by her own cross-cultural experiences, which earned a spot on Der Spiegel’s bestseller list and was later translated into French. Her subsequent novels, including Death is a Certainty (2016) and Skeletons in the Closet (2019), both published by Penguin, were praised for blending humour, family dynamics and sharp social commentary. News of Fröhlich’s death has shocked the literary community, where she was celebrated for her witty and insightful storytelling. Image: Penguin

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Beloved Aussie athlete found dead at just 19

A tragic loss has shaken the Australian sports community following the discovery of 19-year-old triathlete Audrey Griffin’s body in a New South Wales creek. Griffin, a beloved athlete from the Central Coast, was found partially submerged in Erina Creek on March 23 - a discovery that came just weeks after she had competed in the ANZCO Foods Half Ironman event in Taupo, New Zealand. NSW Police confirmed Griffin’s body was located between the Punt Bridge and Pateman Road in Green Point, near Gosford. She was last seen at around 2am at the Gosford Hotel on Sunday morning, with her disappearance reported later that day. Authorities then found her body at around 5pm. A police spokesperson stated, “Following inquiries, police attended a creek along the Central Coast Highway, where they located the body of the woman in the water. A crime scene was established, and inquiries into the incident are underway by officers attached to the Brisbane Water Police District. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.” Reports indicate that Griffin was fully clothed when found, and a preliminary autopsy has listed drowning as the cause of death. Despite initial concerns, The Central Coast Express Advocate reported that her family was informed that her death is not being treated as suspicious. Griffin was an active member of the Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club, Terrigal Sharks Rugby League Club and a former vice-captain of Central Coast Sports College. However, her passion for triathlons stood out, with Seven News reporting that she completed the Half Ironman on March 1 in a time of 6:40:32, securing 23rd place in her age group. A makeshift memorial has been established near the creek, with flowers and messages of love from those who knew her. Friends and loved ones took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. One person wrote, “A beautiful girl and treasured by a lot of people! Always had a smile on her face. We will miss you. Rest peacefully.” Another friend posted, “She touched the hearts of so many people and always had a smile. Her laugh was contagious, and her goofy self always made us laugh.” As the investigation continues, the local community remains in mourning over the tragic loss of a young athlete with a promising future. Images: Facebook

Caring

200 unexploded WWII bombs found underneath playground

Almost 200 unexploded bombs dating back to World War II have been unearthed from beneath a children's playground in the north of England. The discovery was made in Scotts Play Park in Wooler, Northumberland, with 176 bombs recovered and fears that more could be discovered. The first of the devices, which still contain a charge, were found in January and was followed by much larger finds in the following weeks. It is believed the area was used as a Home Guard training ground during the war, and the explosives were buried at the end of Second World War in 1945. After two bombs were recovered by the British Army, the local parish council was then advised that a full survey of the area was required. “I never thought as a parish councillor I’d be dealing with bomb disposal,” Conservative councillor Mark Mather said, as reported by the <a title="www.bbc.com" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0821yqr4wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC.</a> “It’s quite something to think the children have been playing on bombs and it’s been a really challenging situation. “We’ve only cleared about a third of all the park and we could still find another pit with more bombs in.” The bombs were first discovered in January after the parish council received a grant to build a fully inclusive playground to be added to the existing area. While digging foundations at the site on January 14th, the first bomb was found, with another 150 explosives being found in the following two days. Experts from the local Barracks confirmed the first device was a training bomb and the UK’s Ministry of Defence said a full site survey was needed. “They are called practice bombs so they’re not live,” Mather said. “But they do still carry a charge and were found with the fuse and contents intact so they could be hazardous." “The story we’re getting from locals is that Wooler was a centre for Home Guard training and officers came here from all over the country. After the war it looked like they just buried all the ordnance in one of the pits.” Image credits: Wooler Parish Council

Travel Trouble

"RIP brother": Deceased officer found in police station identified

The NSW police officer who was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/officer-found-dead-at-police-station" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead at a Sydney police station early on Monday morning</a> has been identified as Senior Constable Mark Hobson, 52. His body was discovered at Sydney Police Centre on Goulburn Street in Surry Hills. Authorities have revealed that they are now treating his death as a suicide, and a critical investigation is currently underway. Senior Constable Hobson began his policing journey in 1996 when he started training at Goulburn Police Academy at the age of 24. Three years later, he officially joined the force as a probationary constable. Over the course of his career, he spent time working in the State Technical Investigations Branch. His father, Ian, is a retired sergeant, and it is understood that another male relative also served in the police force. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station and expressed her condolences. “It was a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” she said. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family. Every support will be made available for staff and family affected by this tragedy.” Tributes have since poured in online from colleagues and friends. One former officer who worked alongside Hobson described him as a “nice young man”. “(He was) always helpful (and) assisted operations with major jobs,” he wrote. “RIP brother.” Another tribute expressed deep sorrow: “So, so awful. I just wish he could have seen through the mist.” “It does get better, I promise.” A report will be prepared for the coroner. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Images: Facebook

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Officer found dead at police station

A senior constable has been found dead inside the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills, shocking colleagues and prompting a critical incident investigation. The 52-year-old officer’s body was discovered early Monday morning at the station on Goulburn Street. According to a police statement, initial inquiries indicate the death is not suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. “This is a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” the statement read. “A critical incident investigation is underway.” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station on Monday to support grieving colleagues and pay respects to the fallen officer. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family,” Commissioner Webb said. “Every support will be made available for staff and family impacted by this tragedy.” The circumstances surrounding the officer’s death remain under investigation. Authorities have not released further details, citing respect for the officer’s family and the ongoing inquiry. Images: Facebook

Legal

Aussie TV and theatre legend found dead at age 67

Australian TV and theatre legend Nicholas Eadie has died at the age of 67. Eadie, who was known for his work on multiple shows, including Cop Shop and Underbelly, died in Sydney on Wednesday, with his friend and fellow actor Will Conyers confirming the sad news in a social media post. “Vale, Nicholas Eadie, 1958 – 2025,” he wrote. “I send my deepest sympathy to all those that were touched by this very special artist and human being.” According to the Daily Mail, Eadie's body was found at his home, although no cause of death has been given. Many of Eadie’s industry colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to him following the news of his passing. Actor Rhys Muldoon, who worked with Eadie a “number of times” wrote that he was “shocked” at the news, describing him as “a great actor” and “one of life’s best scallywags”. Toby Schmitz, who appeared in Underbelly alongside Eadie, also paid tribute to him on X. “Bon voyage Nicholas Eadie. An actor thrumming with savvy truth, dangerous wit; a thrilling artist,” he posted. Theatre manager Les Solomon spoke of his devastation at the loss of the “magnificent” Eadie, describing him as “one of Australia’s finest actors”. Eadie’s career began shortly after his graduation from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in Sydney in 1980. He landed the role of Constable Sam Phillips on Channel Seven’s Cop Shop, and stayed on the series for two years. Across the following decades, he appeared in many well-known Australian film and television productions, including A Country Practice, Return to Snowy River, Halifax FP and Vietnam, which he starred in alongside Nicole Kidman. Eadie was also a successful theatre actor, starring in A Midsummer Nights Dream and The Taming of the Shrew, among many others. Image credits: IMBD / news.com.au

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Days of our Lives star found dead at age 39

Days of our Lives star Francisco San Martin has been found dead at the age of 39. The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles home, with news of his sudden passing prompting tributes from his heartbroken co-stars. Camila Banus, who played his on-screen sister Gabi, wrote on Instagram, “Pepe, what can I say but I love you and rest in peace, my friend. Love you mucho mucho mucho. I wish I had told you more.” The actor moved to the US from Spain when he was a child, and went on to pursue a career in acting and modelling. He starred on Days of Our Lives between 2010 and 2011, before also going on to enjoy roles in projects like 2013 movie Behind the Candelabra, CW show Jane the Virgin, and US soap The Bold and The Beautiful in 2017. “Very, very sad. I am a bit in shock, as I saw Francisco at my gym most every day,” tweeted Journalist Michael Fairman. Fans also shared their heartbreak, with one posting, “So sad to hear about the death of Francisco San Martin, a star from Days of Our Lives and Jane the Virgin. He was only 39! His contributions to television will never be forgotten.” Image credits: NBC/AFF-USA/Shutterstock Editorial

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Aussie grandmother found guilty of importing drugs into Japan

Australian grandmother Donna Nelson has been found guilty of importing two kilograms of methamphetamine into Japan, despite her claims that she was the victim of an online scam. The 58-year-old was convicted of the crime by a panel of three professional judges and six members of the public in a decision delivered in Chiba, Tokyo on Wednesday. She has been sentenced to six years in jail, with the 430 days she has already served to be deducted from her time behind bars and she was also fined $10,400. Nelson and her team have two weeks to launch their likely appeal. “I believe this is a very unreasonable decision. We need to talk with Donna but we will fight until the end, until she gets freedom,” her lawyer Rie Nishida said outside the court. “She’s devastated but she’s a strong woman so we will discuss and prepare for the next fight.” Nelson, a prominent Indigenous leader, has maintained her innocence and told the court last month she had no idea the drugs had been hidden in her luggage by a man she thought was her boyfriend. She picked up the travel bag during a three-stop in Laos and claimed she had been tricked into believing it was a sample case he needed for his fashion business in Japan. Nelson started her online romance in 2020, and after several failed attempts to meet in person, her love interest bought her a flight ticket to Japan, which included the Laos stop where an acquaintance of his delivered the bag. She was supposed to meet up with the man in Japan but he never showed, according to prosecutors. Nelson was arrested at Tokyo's Narita Airport in January 2023, and later charged with violating the stimulants control and customs laws. Prosecutors acknowledged the case is linked to a romance scam but accused Nelson of smuggling the drugs, claiming she knew the contents of the suitcase. Nelson's daughters hoped the years of messages between Nelson and the romance scammer would show the court she had no idea about the meth, but the court ruled that she ignored too many red flags about the man she had met online and she should've been suspicious enough to not carry the suitcase for him. The judges said they accepted she was deceived and sympathised with her, so she received a lighter sentence than others given for the same offence. Prosecutors in Japan had initially asked for her to be thrown in jail for 20 years and fined $31,000 if found guilty. Outside court, Nelson's daughter Kristal Hilaire said six years in a Japanese prison away from home and family was in no way a “lenient” sentence. Her loved ones have also launched a GoFundMe to “free our mum and bring her home, where (she) belongs”. They stated that their “beloved” mother “was duped by her partner into carrying a bag into Japan which contained drugs”. “Our Mum had no knowledge of this, and we maintain that she is a victim of a crime and not a criminal,” they continued. Image: 7News

Legal

"Gone too soon": Mother's heartbreaking tribute after son found dead in Bali

A distraught mother has paid tribute to her teenage son who was tragically found dead in a pool while on holiday in Bali. Aston Looker, an 18-year-old model from Sydney, was found unresponsive by an unknown resident in a swimming pool at a residential complex on the popular Indonesian island. While Mr Looker's cause of death has not been released, the teenager's heartbroken mother, Sydney designer Amanda Lennon, paid tribute to her son in an emotional Instagram post. She said she misses her son “every day, every hour, every minute and every second,” and that he is in the “arms of angels now”. “My supermodel son is in heaven we love you forever,” Ms Lennon wrote online. “We love your cheeky personality and amazing looks but most of all you humour." “Your mum will never ever forget you my favourite person in the universe. Aston you are gone too soon and mourning your death that was too soon.” In a statement sent to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/incidents/sydney-teenager-aston-looker-found-dead-in-pool-in-bali/news-story/969d3b237d272ceac62da0127642adf0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Mr Looker’s death, which occurred in August. “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man who died in Bali,” the statement read. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family.” Family friend Victoria Montano posted about the death of Mr Looker, saying the 18-year-old was “one taken too soon”. She wrote in a tribute posted to Instagram, “The juxtaposition of Aston's masculinity and vulnerability was capped off by his mother Amanda’s favourite thing about him. A finely tuned perfectly timed sense of humour. The ability to be witty and humble all at once. Not many could make you laugh like this young man.” Image credits: Instagram <p style="box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">

Travel Trouble

Remains of missing couple found 44 years later

US police believe they have located the remains of Charles and Catherine Romer, a couple who went missing more than four decades ago. Human remains were found submerged in a Georgia pond, inside a Lincoln Continental, a vehicle similar to the one that belonged to the New York couple who disappeared in 1980. “The vehicle is similar to the description of a vehicle that Charles and Catherine Romer were believed to be driving when reported missing in April 1980,” police said. A human bone was found in the submerged vehicle that was located in a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and Interstate 95, police said. The car was found by a sonar team from Florida, and is being drained to determine if there are additional remains. The Glynn County Police department is collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Retired oil executive Charles Romer, 73, and his wife Catherine, 75, vanished while travelling home from Miami Beach, Florida in 1980. At the time, police expressed concerns about potential foul play as Catherine was wearing about $81,000 worth of jewellery. Image: Facebook

Legal

A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists know what caused it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matej-lipar-1372667">Matej Lipar</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched into the barren landscape. The find intrigued scientists, including my colleagues and I. Upon closer investigation, we realised the scar was created by a ferocious tornado that no-one knew had occurred. We outline the findings in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ES24023">new research</a> published today. Tornadoes are a known threat in the United States and elsewhere. But they also <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2016.03.011">happen in Australia</a>. Without the power of technology, this remarkable example of nature’s ferocity would have gone unnoticed. It’s important to study the tornado’s aftermath to help us predict and prepare for the next big twister. <h2>Australia’s tornado history</h2> <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-05381-8">Tornadoes</a> are violent, spinning columns of air that drop from thunderstorms to the ground, bringing wind speeds often exceeding 200 kilometres an hour. They can cause massive destruction – uprooting trees, tearing apart buildings and throwing debris over large distances. Tornadoes have been reported on every continent except Antarctica. They most commonly occur in the Great Plains region of the United States, and in the north-east region of India–Bangladesh. The earliest tornado observed by settlers in Australia occurred in 1795 in the suburbs of Sydney. But a tornado was not confirmed here by Western scientists until the late 1800s. In recent decades, documented instances in Australia include a <a href="https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/tornado-murray-river-townships-victoria-2013/#:%7E:text=Tornado%20%2D%20Murray%20River%20townships%2C%202013&text=At%20approximately%208.00pm%20on,border%20of%20New%20South%20Wales.">2013 tornado</a> that crossed north-east Victoria and travelled up to the New South Wales border. It brought winds between 250–300 kilometres an hour and damaged Murray River townships. And in 2016, a severe storm produced <a href="https://theconversation.com/severe-thunderstorms-are-sweeping-through-southern-australia-but-what-makes-a-thunderstorm-severe-241555#:%7E:text=In%202016%2C%20huge%20rotating%20supercell,after%20taking%20down%20six%20towers.">at least seven tornadoes</a> in central and eastern parts of South Australia. It’s important for scientists to accurately predict tornadoes, so we can issue warnings to communities. That’s why the Nullarbor tornado scar was useful to study. <h2>A whirlwind mystery</h2> The Nullarbor Plain is a remote, dry, treeless stretch of land in southern Australia. The man who discovered the scar had been using Google Earth satellite imagery to search the Nullabor for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24267-0_11">caves</a> or other karst features. Karst is a landscape underlain by limestone featuring distinctive landforms. The discovery of the scar came to the attention of my colleagues and I through the collaborative network of researchers and explorers who study the Nullarbor karst. The scar stretches from Western Australia over the border to South Australia. It lies 20 kilometres north of the <a href="https://www.nma.gov.au/defining-moments/resources/trans-australian-railway">Trans-Australian Railway</a> and 90 kilometres east-north-east of Forrest, a former railway settlement. We compared satellite imagery of the site over several years to determine that the tornado occurred between November 16 and 18, 2022. Blue circular patterns appeared alongside the scar, indicating pools of water associated with heavy rain. My colleagues and I then travelled to the site in May this year to examine and photograph the scar and the neighbouring landscape. Our results have been <a href="https://doi.org/10.1071/ES24023">published today</a> in the Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=315&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/633465/original/file-20241121-17-bx4uhg.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=395&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="map of Australia's southwest coast with dots showing recorded tornadoes" /><figcaption>Map showing tornado events in Western Australia and South Australia between 1795 and 2014. The location of the tornado scar in the study is shown with a red dot. Source: Severe Thunderstorm Archive/Australian Bureau of Meteorology</figcaption></figure> <h2>What we found</h2> The scar is 11 kilometres long and between 160 and 250 metres wide. It bears striking patterns called “cycloidal marks”, formed by tornado suction vortexes. This suggests the tornado was no ordinary storm but in the strong <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19720008829">F2 or F3</a> category, spinning with destructive winds of more than 200 kilometres an hour. The tornado probably lasted between seven and 13 minutes. Features of the scar suggest the whirling wind within the tornado was moving in a clockwise direction. We also think the tornado moved from west to east – which is consistent with the direction of a strong cold front in the region at the time. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/622894/original/file-20241002-20-xzi4qn.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=428&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="spiralling masks in dry earth" /><figcaption>‘Cycloidal marks’ in the tornado scar, caused by multiple vortexes. Google Earth satellite imagery</figcaption></figure> Local weather observations also recorded intensive cloud cover and rainfall during that period in November 2022. Unlike tornadoes that hit populated areas, this one did not damage homes or towns. But it left its mark nonetheless, eroding soil and vegetation and reshaping the Earth’s surface. Remarkably, the scar was still clearly visible 18 months after the event, both in satellite images and on the ground. This is probably because vegetation grows slowly in this dry landscape, so hadn’t yet covered the erosion. <h2>Predict and prepare</h2> This fascinating discovery on the Nullarbor Plain shows how powerful and unpredictable nature can be – sometimes without us knowing. Only three tornadoes have previously been documented on the Nullarbor Plain. This is likely because the area is remote with few eye-witnesses, and because the events do not damage properties and infrastructure. Interestingly, those three tornadoes occurred in November, just like this one. Our research provides valuable insights into the tornadoes in this remote and little-studied region. It helps us understand when, and in what conditions, these types of tornadoes occur. It also emphasises the importance of satellite imagery in identifying and analysing weather phenomena in remote locations, and in helping us predict and prepare for the next big event. And finally, the results are a stark reminder that extreme weather can strike anywhere, anytime. <hr /> Hero Image: Author supplied/Google Earth This article has been amended to clarify that a reference to early tornado observations relates only to the period after British colonisation.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239867/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matej-lipar-1372667">Matej Lipar</a>, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-man-scouring-google-earth-found-a-mysterious-scar-in-the-australian-outback-and-now-scientists-know-what-caused-it-239867">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found

Isla Bell's mum, Justine Spokes, has paid tribute to the "kind" and "gentle" teenager, after remains believed to be the 19-year-old's were found at a waste management facility in Melbourne's south-east. Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home about 6pm on October 4 and made final contact with her friends on October 7. At the time, her mother made a heartfelt plea for her return, saying: "We just can't wait to hold you bub, we love you so much and we just want to know you're safe, my darling." On Tuesday afternoon, police arrived at a facility in Bentleigh East, after receiving a tip-off that a white van was seen dumping a fridge believed to be connected to the investigation. The found the yet-to-be-formally identified remains at the facility. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/men-charged-after-remains-found-following-teen-s-disappearance" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two men have been charged</a> over the death of the 19-year-old, and documents released by the court on Wednesday revealed that she was allegedly murdered in St Kilda East, the same day she was last in contact with her loved ones. Police allege a 53-year-old man, who she was believed to be staying with a few days prior to her death, attacked her inside his apartment, and a 57-year-old man helped him hide her body in the fridge. They also allege the 53-year-old man initially denied knowledge of the fridge, but eventually admitted to transporting Bell's remains after she died at his house, but claims he did not know how she died and denied any involvement. In a statement to The Age, Bell's mother said her daughter is "cherished forever and suffering no more". "I am so sorry I could not protect you, that your experience of the world was cruel and unsafe," Spokes said. "Despite your challenges, you lived bravely, stood up for what was right and remained the kindest human, the gentlest soul. "May your (alleged) murderer murder no more. With the deepest love and respect, your Mumma." Image: Nine News

Family & Pets

Men charged after remains found following teen's disappearance

Two men have been charged over the disappearance of 19-year-old Isla Bell, after human remains were discovered by police. The teenager was last seen leaving her home in Brunswick, in Melbourne’s inner-north, on October 6th at about 6pm, prompting a widespread police investigation. On Tuesday, authorities made the grim discovery of human remains in Dandenong, south-east Melbourne, after 46 days of searching for the 19-year-old. Missing persons squad detectives arrested three men on Tuesday after executing search warrants at two properties in Bentleigh East and Mulgrave. A 53-year-old St Kilda man has been since been charged with murder, while a 57-year-old Hampton man has been charged with assist offender (murder). A 63-year-old Mulgrave man was released pending further inquiries. After Isla went missing, her friends and family launched an online campaign to find her as they posted daily pleas for information. “There has been no activity on her bank account. No activity on her social media. Her phone has not pinged to any towers,” they posted in an update to the Help Us Find Isla Bell Facebook page on Sunday. “It’s hard not to think the worst given the situation and the concerning circumstances in which she disappeared.” Image credits: Facebook

Legal

Teen found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mum

A teenager has been found not guilty of murdering Brisbane mother Emma Lovell, with her heart-broken widow shedding tears at the verdict. The now 18-year-old faced trial on the allegation that he had seen a knife in his co-offender's hand and knew he was armed when the pair broke into the Lovell home on Boxing Day in 2022. The main offender fatally stabbed Emma and hurt her husband Lee in the struggle that followed. With the case largely dependant on crucial split-second CCTV, Justice Michael Copley ruled he could not "be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the accused knew the other teen was in possession of the knife". The teenager was found not guilty of Ms Lovell's murder or manslaughter and also acquitted of unlawful wounding, but was found guilty of burglary and assault in company. Outside the court, Lee Lovell became emotional as he told reporters, "I'm not feeling too great at the moment - the verdict was a joke. I don't feel justified for Emma one bit." "You try and do the best you can for her and I don't feel I've been able to do that." Mr Lovell said legislation needed to be changed in order for victims and their families to have justice. "You are a part of killing someone and you get a burglary charge. What does that say for anyone going forward," he said. "We are the ones with a life sentence now." Image credits: Facebook

Legal

Nearly 200 chemicals linked to cancer found in everyday food packaging

A new study has uncovered the alarming amount of potential carcinogens in food packaging and plastic tableware. Researchers from the Food Packaging Forum found that nearly 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer are being used in food packaging, with dozens of these carcinogens able to find their way into the body. “There is strong evidence that 76 known or potential breast carcinogens from food contact materials recently purchased all over the world can be found in people,” study co-author Jane Muncke said. “Getting rid of these known or suspected carcinogens in our food supply is a huge opportunity for cancer prevention.” Muncke is managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a non-profit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland focusing on science communication and research. The study, published last month in the journal Frontiers In Toxicology, compared a list of potential breast carcinogens to a list of chemicals that have been found in food contact materials to find out which of the potential carcinogens could be getting into people's diets. Of the 189 potential mammary carcinogens in food contact materials, with 143 of these found in plastics and 89 found in paper or cardboard. Of the recently detected chemicals found in food packaging, 40 have already been classified as hazardous by regulatory agencies around the world. Another research scientist, Jenny Kay, from Silent Spring Institute an organisation focused on the link between chemicals, women's health, and breast cancer said: “So many of these chemicals have already been classified as human health hazards, yet they are still allowed to be used in food contact materials thus allowing them to migrate into the food we eat." Early-onset breast cancer rates in women younger than 50 have been increasing, and experts said the trend cannot be explained by genetics alone. “Many of the mammary carcinogens are hormone disruptors, too, and many of the chemicals on our list can also damage DNA," Kay said. “Consumers should not have to keep track of all of the scientific literature on what chemicals to avoid. It should be on regulators to recognise the danger and take action.” The Consumer Brands Association, which represents the consumer products industry, said its members adhered to the US Food and Drug Administration’s evidence-based safety standards. “Packaging exists to protect and keep food safe for consumption,” the association’s senior vice president of product policy and federal affairs Sarah Gallo told CNN. “The FDA reviews and approves food contact substances through their science and risk-based system before they go to market. “The agency’s post-market review also provides continuous safety analysis and regulation of the approved substances.” Image: Shutterstock

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Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found

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Nearly 200 chemicals linked to cancer found in everyday food packaging

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