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Three Aussie men may face death penalty over fatal Bali shooting

<p>Three Australian men have been arrested by Indonesian police over <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/new-details-emerge-after-aussie-shot-dead-in-bali" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a deadly shooting</a> at a villa on the resort island of Bali that left one Australian dead and another seriously injured.</p> <p>Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, stating the men had “prepared and executed” the shooting, which took place just after midnight on Saturday at Villa Casa Santisya near Munggu Beach in Badung, north of Kuta.</p> <p>“We have arrested three suspects,” Adityajaya said, adding that the men face charges of premeditated murder. If convicted, they could face the death penalty under Indonesian law.</p> <p>The incident claimed the life of 32-year-old Zivan Radmanovic and left another Australian, 35-year-old Sanar Ghanim, seriously wounded. Radmanovic was shot in a bathroom where police later recovered 17 bullet casings and two intact bullets.</p> <p>Radmanovic’s wife, Gourdeas Jazmyn, 30, told police she awoke to her husband’s screams shortly before midnight. She hid under a blanket as she heard multiple gunshots, later finding Radmanovic dead and Ghanim critically injured. Ghanim, who was also beaten during the attack, was taken to hospital and has since been released under police supervision. He is considered a key witness in the case.</p> <p>Authorities initially arrested one of the suspects at Soekarno-Hatta airport near Jakarta as he attempted to leave the country. The two others were detained abroad with the assistance of Interpol in South-East Asia, although police have not revealed where those arrests took place.</p> <p>Officers seized a nine-millimetre firearm, a motorcycle, and two cars believed to have been used in the suspects’ escape.</p> <p>Police have not disclosed a motive for the crime and say investigations are ongoing. Adityajaya noted that a fourth suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the attack, may still be identified.</p> <p><em>Images: Singapore police / 9News</em></p>

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"Mona Lisa moan": Mass tourism causes shutdown of The Louvre

<p>The Louvre Museum, global icon of art and culture, stood eerily silent on Monday as striking staff forced its sudden closure, leaving thousands of bewildered tourists stranded beneath its iconic glass pyramid.</p> <p>In a dramatic scene rarely witnessed at the world’s most-visited museum, the very people entrusted with preserving and presenting humanity’s greatest artistic treasures – from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo – walked off the job in protest at what they describe as dangerous overcrowding, chronic understaffing, and decaying infrastructure.</p> <p>“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped Kevin Ward, 62, a visitor from Milwaukee, as he waited in an unmoving queue. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”</p> <p>The walkout came without warning during a routine internal meeting, as gallery attendants, security staff and ticket agents jointly refused to take their posts. While the Louvre has closed its doors in the past – during wars, the pandemic, or in isolated strikes — rarely has it done so so abruptly, leaving crowds with tickets in hand and nowhere to go.</p> <p>Monday’s strike follows a wave of anti-tourism protests across southern Europe just a day earlier, where thousands in cities like Venice, Lisbon and Barcelona rallied against what they say is the destructive impact of mass tourism.</p> <p>Inside the Louvre, workers say they’ve reached a breaking point. “We can’t wait six years for help,” said gallery attendant Sarah Sefian, referring to President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” rescue plan announced earlier this year. “Our teams are under pressure now. It’s not just about the art – it’s about the people protecting it.”</p> <p>The Mona Lisa lies at the heart of the storm. Around 20,000 visitors daily cram into the Salle des États to glimpse da Vinci’s masterpiece – a scene more akin to a rock concert than a contemplative art experience. “You don’t see a painting,” lamented Ji-Hyun Park, 28, visiting from Seoul. “You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out.”</p> <p>Macron’s ambitious plan promises a dedicated Mona Lisa room, a new Seine-side entrance, and a modernised visitor experience by 2031. Yet staff argue that these promises mask a deeper crisis, with state funding for the Louvre’s operations shrinking by more than 20% over the past decade even as visitor numbers have soared.</p> <p>“We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here,” said Sefian. “Scratch the surface and the financial support gets worse every year.”</p> <p>Louvre president Laurence des Cars, in a leaked memo, described parts of the building as “no longer watertight” and warned of dangerous temperature fluctuations that could threaten priceless artworks. She characterised the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal,” citing limited bathrooms, poor signage and few rest areas, exacerbated by the pyramid’s greenhouse effect in summer heat.</p> <p>By late Monday, workers said they might briefly reopen a limited “masterpiece route” – offering access to the Mona Lisa and other highlights – but the full museum is expected to remain closed until at least Wednesday.</p> <p>As the Louvre teeters between record-breaking crowds and crumbling infrastructure, staff and visitors alike are left grappling with an unsettling reality: France’s most cherished cultural treasure is struggling to cope with the very popularity that makes it world-famous.</p> <p>Images: Instagram / Pexels / Mahmut</p>

Travel Trouble

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New details emerge after Aussie shot dead in Bali

<p>An Australian man has been killed and another wounded in a shocking shooting at a villa in one of Bali’s most popular tourist regions.</p> <p>The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the Badung area, just over 10 kilometres north of Kuta, when gunfire erupted inside the accommodation.</p> <p>Zivan Radmanovic, 32, who had strong ties to Melbourne, was identified as the man who died at the scene from gunshot wounds. His wife, who was in the villa at the time, was unharmed but witnessed the attack. Another Melbourne man, Sanar Ghanim – aged in his 30s and previously jailed over a non-fatal shooting in Melbourne – was also shot and taken to hospital for treatment.</p> <p>Badung Police chief Arif Batubara confirmed the details, telling media: “A shooting incident has happened. There are two victims, both Australian nationals. We cannot yet determine the motive for this shooting and also who the perpetrator is until our investigation is complete.”</p> <p>According to a police statement cited by the ABC, Mr Radmanovic’s wife awoke shortly after midnight to the sound of her husband’s screams. She reported seeing a man wearing a bright orange jacket and dark helmet shoot her husband in the bathroom before fleeing. Moments later, she heard further gunshots and Mr Ghanim’s cries for help.</p> <p>Witnesses said they saw a man on a scooter wearing a green ride-hailing jacket and face covering, speaking in what they described as a strong Australian accent, saying: “I can’t start my bike.”</p> <p>No arrests have been made, and police say investigations are ongoing.</p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the families. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “DFAT stands ready to provide consular assistance to another Australian injured in the same incident.”</p> <p>Mr Ghanim, who remains in hospital, is known to have links to the Melbourne underworld and has a child with the stepdaughter of slain crime figure Carl Williams.</p> <p><em>Images: 9 News / Facebook</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Bloodbath": Mass defection at Channel 7 as top reporters jump ship

<p>Channel 7 is facing a growing crisis, with three of its prominent journalists abruptly resigning to join rival Network 10 in what’s being dubbed a “bloodbath” in the newsroom.</p> <p>Senior 7News Sydney reporter Bill Hogan, seasoned foreign correspondent Amelia Brace, and Denham Hitchcock – a key figure in the network’s flagship current affairs show <em>Spotlight</em> – have all defected, according to <em>The Australian</em>. The trio will join a new long-form investigative unit at Network 10, led by head of broadcast news Martin White.</p> <p>Brace and Hitchcock reportedly began their new roles on Monday, leaving Seven’s Martin Place offices just hours after resigning. Hogan is expected to follow suit after completing a three-week notice period.</p> <p>Network 10, owned by US media giant Paramount since 2017, is bolstering its news division with a renewed focus on in-depth investigative reporting. The initiative is seen as an effort to compete with established programs such as the ABC’s <em>Four Corners</em>, Nine’s <em>60 Minutes</em> and Channel 7’s own <em>Spotlight</em>.</p> <p>Brace, whose new role comes with a reported $270,000 salary – a $50,000 jump from her Seven pay – bid farewell to colleagues last Friday with a candid message.</p> <p>“It feels off to not have an official ‘last day’ to say goodbye,” she said, “but it’s best for me to just fade away for now. Stand up for yourselves, and each other… and think of me every time you have to find a f**king case study.”</p> <p>Hitchcock’s move adds another layer of drama. Having returned to <em>Spotlight</em> in February after a sabbatical spent sailing with his family, he now departs again – this time for what he calls a full-circle moment. His father once worked at Channel 10, and Hitchcock shared his enthusiasm in a social media post.</p> <p>“Well, here we go. I’ve switched channels,” he wrote. “But also in a way – I’ve come full circle. I grew up watching my father on Channel 10 News every night. I had a bunk bed with Eyewitness News stickers all over it – and can still sing the theme song.”</p> <p>As the talent exodus accelerates, questions are mounting about the future of Seven’s news strategy – and whether the network can stem the flow of high-profile losses.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram, Network 10</em></p>

TV

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Manhunt underway after 65-year-old woman killed in drive-by shooting

<p>A police manhunt is underway in Sydney’s south-west after a woman was fatally shot in a brazen drive-by attack overnight.</p> <p>Emergency services were called to a home on Dickens Road in Ambarvale about an hour south-west of the Sydney CBD at around 11pm on Monday night, following reports of gunfire. A 65-year-old woman was found with a gunshot wound to the leg and died at the scene despite efforts to save her.</p> <p>According to police, the shots were fired from an unknown vehicle that fled the area shortly after the attack. The home was peppered with bullets, with at least 10 yellow bullet-casing markers seen on the road outside the property.</p> <p>Two other occupants – a 21-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man – were inside the home at the time but were not injured.</p> <p>Detectives from the local police command and the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are investigating the incident. On Tuesday morning, police vehicles remained at the scene as forensic teams combed the area for clues.</p> <p>Authorities have appealed to the public for information, stating that community cooperation will be crucial to identifying the perpetrator.</p> <p>“This is a shocking incident, and we’re asking anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area to come forward,” police said.</p> <p>Witnesses or anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the shooting are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC News screenshots</em></p>

Legal

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Robert Irwin trades khakis for undies in bold new shoot

<p>Move over, crocodiles – there’s a new reptilian threat to Australian wildlife, and yes . . . you guessed it: it’s Robert Irwin’s python. </p> <p>The 21-year-old wildlife warrior and noted khaki enthusiast has undergone a full-scale metamorphosis, trading in his signature cargo shorts for something a little more… breathable. That’s right, Robert Irwin is now an underwear model</p> <p>The <em>I’m A Celeb</em> co-host has been unveiled as the latest face (and torso) of Bonds Underwear, joining Australian rapper Tkay Maidza in a new campaign aimed at expanding the brand’s reach in the US. And reach it certainly has – thanks to a campaign that features Irwin draped in snakes, a strategically placed spider... and very little else.</p> <p>Since going live at midnight on the Bonds Instagram account, the photos have sent the internet into a tailspin. Some fans were quick to declare the campaign “iconic” and “hot”, while others are grappling with the existential crisis of finding Steve Irwin’s son attractive. “I feel dirty,” one commenter admitted, presumably before closing their laptop in shame.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_D93lsD3j/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BONDS (@bondsaus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Morning show hosts, meanwhile, are struggling to keep it together. <em>Today</em> host Sarah Abo, upon seeing the revealing images, was left flustered on-air, musing about Irwin’s “python”. “It is quite long, isn’t it?” she remarked, before realising what she had just said and attempting to backpedal – unsuccessfully.</p> <p>In a strategic move to maximise thirst levels, Bonds has launched the campaign in the US alongside a <em>People</em> magazine interview, in which Irwin confirmed that, yes, he is single. “I’m single. It’s funny, I’m at this point in my life where I’m like, I’m so open to that, but I’m just waiting for the stars to align,” he told the outlet, prompting an immediate rush of applications from hopeful admirers worldwide.</p> <p>And while this is far from Irwin’s first foray into the world of high-fashion photoshoots – he’s previously graced the pages of <em>GQ</em> and <em>Stellar – </em>this marks the first time we’ve seen quite so… much of him.</p> <p>One thing’s for certain: Steve Irwin wrestled crocodiles, but Robert Irwin is wrestling with the internet’s thirst.</p> <p>Crikey, indeed.</p> <p><em>Images: Bonds, Instagram</em></p>

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12 dead in mass poisoning at ski resort

<p>The bodies of 12 people have been found dead in a luxury ski resort in Georgia after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. </p> <p>The bodies of 11 Indian nationals and one Georgian national were discovered on Saturday at a ski resort in Gudauri, in the north of the Caucasus country, according to local police.</p> <p>Authorities confirmed that “preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies,” which were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian food restaurant at the ski resort.</p> <p>“An oil-powered generator was turned on after the building lost electricity” on Friday, police said, which is believed to be the source of the poisoning. </p> <p>The identities of the victims were not immediately released but they are presumed to be employees of the restaurant, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry. </p> <p>The deaths are being treated as negligent manslaughter, as autopsies have been ordered to determine the actual cause of death, while authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.</p> <p>The Indian Embassy in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi said it was "committed to providing all possible support" to the bereaved families and that it was working to repatriate the bodies of the 11 Indian nationals.</p> <p>Gudauri, lodged high up in the Caucasus Mountains close to the border with Russia, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, offering a cheaper alternative to Europe's main resorts in the Alps.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Foreign victims killed in mass methanol poisoning identified

<p>The victims of the mass methanol poisoning in Laos have been identified, with the death toll now rising to six. </p> <p>Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American man James Louis Hutson, 57, were among those who died after a group of backpackers consumed alcoholic drinks spiked with methanol in the party town of Vang Vieng.</p> <p>Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, had already been named as two Melbourne teenagers who lost their lives last week while on their gap year, along with British woman Simone White, 28.</p> <p>Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel, which has been closed since November 14th, just days after the incident occurred. </p> <p>It is understood that the two Danish and American victims were also staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel.</p> <p>Ms Coyman and Ms Sorensen were reportedly found unconscious on the bathroom floor on November 13th after they had been out drinking the night before. </p> <p>Mr Hutson was reportedly found unconscious in his bed on November 13th after staff noticed he had not come out of his room. </p> <p>All three tourists died in the following days in hospital. </p> <p>Dr Yaher, who first treated Ms Bowles in Vang Vieng, claimed she went from a state of confusion to a coma in just half an hour after consuming the methanol-laced beverage. </p> <p>The doctor told <em>The Times</em> she was confused and fatigued, and didn’t know what had happened when she arrived at his small one-storey hospital at 2am.</p> <p>“We treated her symptomatically,” he told the publication.</p> <p>“We put her on an IV drip and gave her vitamins. But after 30 minutes she had a seizure and went into a coma. I was so surprised. We gave her CPR, because she had difficulty breathing, and we intubated her and referred her to Vientiane.”</p> <p>The Laos government released a statement on Saturday expressing sympathy and condolences to the families of the tourists who died, saying an investigation was underway and promised to “bring the perpetrators to justice according to the law”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Trump escapes second assassination attempt

<p>Former president Donald Trump has escaped a second assassination attempt while playing golf at his private club in Florida. </p> <p>According to local authorities, a Secret Service agent was one hole ahead of Trump when he spotted a rifle barrel sticking out of the fence, which was later found to be an AK-47 with a scope, at the Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach on Sunday. </p> <p>The Secret Service opened fire on the suspect, who fled the scene only to later be pulled over on the highway and taken into custody. </p> <p>The FBI said Trump had been the subject of “an apparent assassination attempt” at his Florida golf club.</p> <p>Officials at a media briefing after the incident said a witness took a photo of the suspect's car as he fled the scene, helping authorities track him down. </p> <p>The Secret Service officer who was on the course and spotted the weapon was praised for doing a “fantastic job”.</p> <p>“What they do is they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time towards where the [former] president was at, and he was able to spot this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engaged that individual, at which time the individual took off,” the Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.</p> <p>“In the bushes where this guy was is an AK-47 style rifle with a scope, two backpacks – which were hung on the fence that had ceramic tile in them and a GoPro, which he was going to take pictures with.” </p> <p>Trump posted an update on his social media platform to assure his supporters he was unharmed in the attempted assassination. </p> <p>“There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumours start spiralling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” he wrote.</p> <p>“Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER! I will always love you for supporting me.”</p> <p>The attempted shooting comes just months after Trump was injured during another assassination attempt in July while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

News

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Brave bystanders praised after mass Sydney stabbing

<p>New details have emerged after multiple people were stabbed following a car crash in Sydney's south, on Sunday. </p> <p>Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Princes Highway and Old Bush Road at about 9am after receiving several triple zero calls about a crash. </p> <p>A 58-year-old man, who was known to police for "a number of matters" and suspected of carrying out the wild attacks, was allegedly found running from the scene by officers. </p> <p>He was later pursued on foot, tasered and taken into custody, and remains in Liverpool Hospital in serious condition, as he appeared to have inflicted a number of injuries to himself before the police arrived. </p> <p>A policeman was also injured during the arrest after the alleged offender stabbed him on his arm. </p> <p>A woman in her 40s, was allegedly being assaulted by the man as he drove, and is believed to be the partner of the alleged offender. </p> <p>“They were in a domestic relationship, there is no history that we are aware of, there is no apprehended violence orders between the two but definitely domestic related,” Superintendent Donald Faulds told a press conference on Sunday afternoon. </p> <p>“We believe the female was being assaulted in the car while the male was driving the vehicle at the same time.</p> <p>“A number of witnesses mentioned the car was driving quite erratically at the time and we believe that’s when the assault was occurring in the car and as result they then collided with another vehicle.”</p> <p>The female passenger was transported to hospital and is in a critical condition. </p> <p>Three other people were also injured, after they had rushed over to the accident to help. </p> <p>It is alleged that he had a box-cutter. </p> <p>“A number of members of the community stopped to assist occupants from both those vehicles,” the Superintendent said. </p> <p>“As community members were assisting one of the females out of one vehicle, a male got out of that vehicle. He was armed with what we believe to be a box cutter.”</p> <p>One witness reportedly told radio station 2GB that he saw a man get out of the car appearing to be armed with a box cutter, yelling “I’m going to kill you”.</p> <p>A NSW spokesman said of those injured, one male patient had sustained slash wounds to his arms and his neck and has been taken to Liverpool Hospital and is now in a serious but stable condition. </p> <p>A woman in her 40s was taken to St George Hospital with multiple stab wounds and is in critical condition. Another woman was hospitalised in a serious condition with a stab wound to the abdomen. </p> <p>The police officer sustained a large laceration to his arm and is in a stable condition. </p> <p>Superintendent Faulds praised the brave bystanders who went to assist those in the crash, without knowing what was about to unfold. </p> <p>“Amazing work, they’ve just turned up thinking it was a normal motor vehicle accident so they’ve obviously have gone to render assistance to both people and then they were faced with a male armed with a box cutter, quite frightening but very brave on those peoples’ behalf,” he said. </p> <p>He has asked the community to reach out to Crime Stoppers or Sutherland Police if they have any information about the incident. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

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Olympic disaster as Nine publishing staff stage mass walkout

<p>Nearly all journalists employed by Nine Entertainment newspapers – more than 90 percent – are going on strike just as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are about to commence. This includes 20 reporters already on the ground in Paris, significantly impacting coverage of the event.</p> <p>The strike, beginning Friday July 26 and lasting for at least five days, follows a vote by staff at Nine's key mastheads – <em>The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review, WAtoday, </em>and<em> Brisbane Times</em>– who overwhelmingly supported the industrial action. The decision comes after failed negotiations over annual pay rates between union representatives and Nine Entertainment management.</p> <p>During a crucial meeting on Thursday, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/more-than-90-per-cent-of-nine-publishing-staff-walk-off-the-job-on-eve-of-2024-olympics/news-story/1bb81c607dbae8c7756e9726d085e45c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au reported</a> that a 3.5 percent annual pay rise offer from Nine executives, up from the existing 2 percent, was rejected by journalists. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), representing 90 percent of the journalists, deemed the proposal insufficient amid ongoing inflation and recent announcements of significant job cuts, including 90 positions from the publishing division.</p> <p>The strike, coinciding with the Olympic Games' opening, poses a substantial challenge for Nine, which holds exclusive broadcast rights to the event in a $305 million deal. The company has assured the public that plans are in place to maintain production and distribution during the walkout, with "skeleton staff" working in local newsrooms.</p> <p>In a statement, Nine's publishing managing director, Tory Maguire, expressed disappointment over the union's decision while still committing to continued negotiation: "While it is disappointing the union has elected to proceed with industrial action, we can confirm comprehensive plans are in place to ensure the production and distribution of Nine Publishing mastheads will not be impacted and our readers will continue to have access to unrivalled coverage of the Paris Olympics."</p> <p>The situation is further complicated by concerns among staff over job security and the potential use of artificial intelligence in journalism, exacerbating fears of further job losses.</p> <p>Should the strike threaten to extend beyond the initial five days, the financial implications for Nine are substantial. The network, having invested over $120 million in this year's Games, faces potential losses amid high production costs and declining advertising revenue.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine Entertainment</em></p>

Legal

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“This is the guy”: Shocking new footage of Trump shooting released

<p>New footage has emerged from the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, as investigations continue into the shooting. </p> <p>Graphic new bodycam footage has shown local authorities speaking to a Secret Service agent after the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was gunned down at a Trump rally. </p> <p>The footage shows the moment authorities climbed onto the roof where Crooks was positioned, and captures the moment police identify the shooter as a suspicious person. </p> <p>One man, who appears to be a Secret Service agent, tells a Beaver County Emergency Services Unit (ESU) officer that Crooks’ body appeared to be the person who was previously reported to them for suspicious activity. </p> <p>“So this is the guy,” the agent says, as the Beaver County ESU officer replies, “This is him.”</p> <p>The ESU officer also says a police sniper took photos of Crooks, including of him on a bicycle, according to the footage.</p> <p>“That’s the sniper that sent the original picture and seen him come from the bike and set the book bag down and then lost sight of him,” the officer tells the apparent Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Crooks’ gunfire grazed Mr Trump’s ear and hit three rally-goers, killing 50-year-old volunteer firefighter and married father-of-two <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, before the gunman was quickly shot and killed by a Secret Service agent.</p> <p>Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley a Republican, called on the Secret Service to release more information to the public about the attempted assassination as the federal law enforcement agency faces fierce criticism over security failures at the rally. </p> <p>“Federal agencies, particularly the Secret Service, have failed to be transparent with the American people,” Mr Grassley said in a statement.</p> <p>“This assassination attempt is a matter of substantial public interest, and the public’s business ought to be public.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Beaver County ESU / Bethel Park School District</em></p>

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Elon Musk tops donations as millions raised for Trump shooting victims

<p>In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, a groundswell of support has emerged from celebrities, business leaders, Republican Party notables and countless regular Americans for those affected by the event that left Trump injured, one man dead, and two others in critical condition.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/president-trump-seeks-support-for-butler-pa-victims" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe campaign</a>, initiated by Trump's top finance person, Meredith O'Rourke of Tallahassee, initially set a goal of $1 million. However, by Monday morning, donations had already far surpassed this target. As of Monday evening, the online fundraiser had amassed over $4.6 million from more than 60,000 donations.</p> <p>Prominent figures have made substantial contributions, with tech mogul Elon Musk donating $100,000 in two instalments late on Monday, while the Ultimate Fighting Championship and its president, Dana White, each contributed $50,000.</p> <p>Meredith O'Rourke, the organiser of the fundraiser, said that the collected funds would support the victims and their families, aiding in recovery and providing assistance to those in mourning. "This is about coming together as a community to help those who have suffered from this senseless act of violence," O'Rourke stated.</p> <p>Among the victims is volunteer fire chief <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-victim-identified-at-trump-rally-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Corey Comperatore</a>, aged 50, who was praised by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a hero who shielded his wife and daughter during the shooting. Two other individuals remain in critical condition as they recover from their injuries.</p> <p>Here are some of the notable donors who have contributed to the "Butler PA Victims GoFundMe" campaign:</p> <p><strong>Elon Musk:</strong> $100,000. The Tesla CEO, X (formerly Twitter) owner, and SpaceX founder, now a Texas resident, has a significant presence in Florida due to regular launches from Cape Canaveral.</p> <p><strong>Kenneth C. Griffin:</strong> $100,000. The founder and CEO of multinational hedge fund Citadel LLC, Griffin, is a Daytona Beach native who maintains a home in Miami.</p> <p><strong>Governor Rick & Ann Scott:</strong> $50,000. Rick Scott, the former governor of Florida, has been serving as a U.S. senator from Florida since 2019.</p> <p><strong>Kid Rock:</strong> $50,000. Versatile musician and entertainer Kid Rock is renowned for blending rock, hip-hop, and country genres, delivering energetic performances and chart-topping hits over a career spanning more than two decades.</p> <p><em>Image: GoFundMe</em></p>

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"Hero" victim identified at Trump rally shooting

<p>A former Pennsylvania volunteer fire chief has been named as the man who got caught in the crossfire of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally. </p> <p>While Trump was delivering a speech to supporters in a small town in the state of Pennsylvania, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks was stationed on a rooftop near the event armed with a sniper. </p> <p>Crooks  fired multiple rounds on the former president and spectators, missing Trump, before he was ultimately killed by a Secret Service sniper.</p> <p>Caught up in the crossfire was 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, who died at the rally while trying to protect his daughter from the shooting. </p> <p>Comperatore's sister Dawn Comperatore Schafer took to Facebook to pay tribute to her brother and praise his heroism in his final moments. </p> <p>“The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero that shielded his daughters,” she wrote on Facebook.</p> <p>“His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable,” she added.</p> <p>Comperatore’s wife, Helen, said her husband was as a “real-life superhero” who protected them. </p> <p>“Yesterday, what [was meant to] be such an exciting day for my husband, especially, turned into a nightmare for our family,” Helen wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“What my precious girls had to witness is unforgivable,” she added. “He died the hero he always was.”</p> <p>Comperatore’s daughter, Allyson, echoed her statement, calling her father “the best dad a girl could ever ask for” as she mourned his sudden death. </p> <p>Allyson said that when the gunshots rang out, Comperatore quickly threw her and her mother to the ground to try to protect them after Trump was shot.</p> <p>“He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us,” Allyson wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>“And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you.”</p> <p>Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also hailed Comperatore, who was an avid Trump supporter, as a local hero and has ordered flags to be flown half staff in his honour. </p> <p>“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said. “Corey was the very best of us.”</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-allyson-after-tragic-loss??fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1AbXfAyX9lw5cZpb1v3op6jM42CFcYObgctlnjT0JokJZAkCMzXjREWkU_aem_e473Brl2b31I68lZxNcpIg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> page to support Helen and Allyson has already raised more than $890,000. </p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe/Xinhua News Agency/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Urgent investigation into potential cancer cluster after mass diagnosis

<p>An urgent investigation has been launched into a potential cancer cluster after five women from the same workplace all developed cancer. </p> <p>Liverpool City Council confirmed five staff members working at its Moore Street office building, in Sydney’s southwest, were diagnosed with thyroid cancer within three to five years of each other. </p> <p>Four of the five workers are taking part in an urgent investigation by the NSW Department of Health, while sixth worker who has reported a thyroid condition has also opted out.</p> <p>The staff members were all working on the sixth floor of the office building, which has since been shut down upon the commencement of the investigation, with workers being relocated to other floors. </p> <p>Jenny Havilah, who works on level six of the building and was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, told <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/liverpool-council-cancer-cluster-investigation-three-staff-diagnosed-thyroid-cancer/75ef3ccd-1ca6-4b41-b3b5-8c614886f093#:~:text=Liverpool%20Council%20has%20made%20the,were%20%22well%20and%20working%22." target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="75ef3ccd-1ca6-4b41-b3b5-8c614886f093#:~:text=Liverpool%20Council%20has%20made%20the,were%20%22well%20and%20working%22." data-tgev-label="national" data-tgev-metric="ev">9News</a></em> she was concerned for her colleagues' health and safety. </p> <p>“It certainly sounds very sinister,” she told the outlet when asked about how three of her workmates who sat five metres apart were experiencing the same health issue. </p> <p>“I’m worried about my colleagues, not just on the sixth floor (but) that worked in that building.”</p> <p>“I had my thyroid and some lymph nodes removed and I’ll get the results in a week or so.”</p> <p>In a statement, Liverpool City Council said it was taking the matter “very seriously”, and have employed a third-party environmental health consultant while the NSW Department of Health undertakes a separate epidemiological investigation.</p> <p>“The decision to relocate staff is in response to the council’s high level of concern for the welfare of its staff,” the council said. </p> <p>“Our thoughts are with those affected and we wish them a prompt recovery.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine News </em></p>

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Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

<p>A 16-year-old boy has been shot dead by police after he stabbed a man in the carpark of a Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday night. </p> <p>WA Police were called to the hardware store in south Perth, which was closed at the time of the incident, after they received a call from the teen saying he was going to commit acts of violence. </p> <p>A second emergency call was then made a short time later after the teenager stabbed a man in the carpark, in what appears to be a random attack. </p> <p>Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when they arrived on the scene, they found a 16-year-old armed with a large kitchen knife.</p> <p>Commissioner Blanch said the boy lunged at officers with the knife and was shot, and died a short time later in hospital.</p> <p>The man who was stabbed, who is in his 30s, is recovering in hospital and is believed to be in a serious but stable condition.</p> <p>The police commissioner and WA Premier Roger Cook held a press conference on Sunday morning and described the incident as "extremely confronting".</p> <p>They said the boy was "running around a car park, armed with a knife" when police arrived. </p> <p>"They [WA police] exited their vehicle and were confronted with a male alone with a large kitchen knife," Commissioner Blanch said.</p> <p>"Two officers drew their tasers and one of the officers drew his firearm. They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not."</p> <p>Mr Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online, saying at the press conference, "I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone."</p> <p>"Members of the WA Muslim community, who were concerned by his behaviour, contacted police prior to the incident and I thank them for their help."</p> <p>It was also said the boy's family was cooperating with police.</p> <p>Commissioner Blanch said the incident was not being labelled as a terrorist attack at this stage.</p> <p>"It certainly has the hallmarks of one [but] the reason why I would declare it as a terrorist act going forward — it's about timing," Commissioner Blanch said.</p> <p>"That's something that we can work towards as we find out more information from the motivations behind this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC / Shutterstock</em></p>

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Verdict delivered over fatal Rust shooting

<p>The armourer on the set of the film <em>Rust</em> has been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. </p> <p>Halyna Hutchins, who was 42 and a mother to a young son, died after being fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Western movie in October 2021. </p> <p>Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger.</p> <p>Now, armourer Hannah Gutierrez has been found guilty, with the jury hearing that Gutierrez, 26, had been ultimately responsible for the use of live rounds on set. </p> <p>Over a 10-day trial in New Mexico, the court heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules by leaving guns unattended on set, and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave the weapons around.</p> <p>“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday.</p> <p>“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.” </p> <p>The judge remanded her in custody ahead of her sentencing, which is not expected before next month, as she faces up to 18 months’ prison.</p> <p>Despite Baldwin long claiming his innocence over the shooting, ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way.</p> <p>His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Heroic fan tackles deadly shooter at victory parade

<p>Three people have been taken into custody after a deadly shooting at a Super Bowl victory parade, where one person has died. </p> <p>At least 21 people have suffered injuries, nine of which being children, at the parade in Kansas City, following the Kansas Chiefs victory over the San Francisco 49ers.</p> <p>As one of the shooters opened fire in the crowd, one heroic football fan was captured on video tackling the gunman to the ground. </p> <p>The video also shows panicked crowds fleeing the sounds of the gunfire, as police ran towards the commotion.</p> <p>Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves confirmed in a second update to media that one person had died after 22 people had been shot.</p> <p>“We have three persons detained and under investigation,” she said.</p> <p>“We are working to determine if one of the three is the one that was in that video where fans assisted police.”</p> <p>She added that “right now we do not have a motive, but we are asking those who may potentially have any kind of information, a witness or video, to contact police”.</p> <p>At an earlier briefing, Ms Graves said she was “angry at what happened today”.</p> <p>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said, “The celebration was marred by a shooting. This is absolutely a tragedy.” </p> <p>Witness Kade Collins, who attending the parade with his dad, described the ordeal to local news station Fox 4 KC.</p> <p>“We heard 10 to 12 gunshots, but we thought they were fireworks, so we didn’t really panic at first or get too worked up. But then everyone started screaming and took off running,” Mr Collins said.</p> <p>Mr Collins said his dad saw police tackle a suspect after the crowd saw the gunman. </p> <p>“When we were walking out, there was someone pointing and saying, ‘He’s right there, he’s right there’, and police ran to the guy the crowd was pointing at and tackled him and put him in handcuffs,” he said. “Everyone took off running and screaming.”</p> <p>The Kansas City Chiefs said in a statement that all players, coaches, staff and their families were “safe and accounted for”, while sharing their condolences for those who were impacted by the shooting. </p> <p>“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said.</p> <p>"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City ... We thank the local law enforcement officers and first responders who were on-scene to assist.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; 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; vertical-align: baseline;"> </p>

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“It turned to tragedy”: Three people dead after mass drowning

<p dir="ltr">Three people have died and another is in critical condition after drowning at the popular Phillip Island beach in Victoria. </p> <p dir="ltr">Emergency response teams were quick on the scene on Wednesday afternoon after four people were unresponsive after being pulled from the water at the beach notorious for dangerous rips. </p> <p dir="ltr">The victims are a man in his 40s and two women in their 20s, while another woman in her 20s is fighting for her life after being airlifted to hospital. </p> <p dir="ltr">An eyewitness told <em>7News</em> it was a “horrible” situation that unfolded. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The family was really upset,” the witness, Alex Tzatzimakis, said. “There seemed to be a group of 10 people who came here for a really nice day. Obviously it turned to tragedy.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She said that family members of the victims were crying and consoling each other, while beachgoers who pulled the bodies from the water attempted to perform CPR. </p> <p dir="ltr">One man could be heard wailing, <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/bass-coast/emergency-services-converge-on-forrest-caves-beach-phillip-island/news-story/1c8708162bf57f6f97c23e4306aedb2a">according to the <em>Herald Sun</em></a>, “I told them not to go – I should have been there.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The incident is understood to have occurred at Forrest Caves, a popular tourist destination on Phillip Island known for its sea caves, but is also an unpatrolled beach known for its dangerous rips. </p> <p dir="ltr">Locals have reacted to the horrific drowning, with many admitting they would not ever attempt to swim in the hazardous waters. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s treacherous out there,” one person wrote on Facebook. “Definitely not a swimming beach. Only if you are a strong swimmer and understand rips.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“So, so sad,” a second wrote. “Great surfing beach but not a swimming beach.”</p> <p dir="ltr">A third said, “If the island is going to be pushed so hard as a tourist destination there will be more and more incidents.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Drownings around Australia have risen this summer, with many people flocking to less busy unpatrolled beaches to escape the summer heat. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the days before the fatal Phillip Island drowning, Surf Life Saving Australia CEO Adam Weir told <em><a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/tragic-summer-high-number-of-drowning-deaths-on-australian-beaches/video/a66cc0032dfe6482f9d7e023179de36c">Sky News Australia</a></em> the issue is “very concerning”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve had 33 drowning deaths around the country so far,” Mr Weir said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we’ve still got a month to go in summer, so it has been a tragic summer.”</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 18pt;"><em>Image credits: 9News</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-3041d316-7fff-6761-69a3-b703dcdbba4d"></span></p>

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Alec Baldwin facing new charges over fatal Rust shooting

<p dir="ltr">Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for a second time over the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie <em>Rust</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Hollywood legend has been indicted by a grand jury in New Mexico over the death of the 42-year-old cinematographer, who was hit with a live bullet that had been loaded into a prop gun for a scene. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The above named defendant did cause the death of Halyna Hutchins by an act committed with the total disregard of indifference for the safety of others,” the indictment obtained by <em><a href="https://nypost.com/2024/01/19/news/alec-baldwin-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-over-rust-shooting/">The Post</a> </em>read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Baldwin has long denied the charges, and has stood by his claim that he did not pull the trigger on the day of the accident. </p> <p dir="ltr">Baldwin had previously been charged with the same crime by the Santa Fe district attorney in January 2022.</p> <p dir="ltr">He pleaded not guilty at the time, but the case soon fell apart and the charges were dropped in April that year after it was determined that further forensic testing needed to be done on the weapon that fired the bullet.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the case being dismissed, the DA was clear that the door would be left open to refile the charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prosecutors have also charged <em>Rust</em> armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who oversaw the weapons on the movie set, with the same crime.</p> <p dir="ltr">She has also pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. </p> <p dir="ltr">If convicted, Baldwin could face up to 18 months in prison.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-72916b43-7fff-6f42-edfa-da16ccff7698"></span></p>

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