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Backlash erupts as Isaac Heeney claims Sydney Swans’ biggest honour and receives standing ovation from supporters in the room
Isaac Heeney has won the Sydney Swans’ Bob Skilton Medal for the third consecutive year, sparking significant internal and external backlash. The controversy centres on awarding the honour to Heeney amid sexual assault allegations involving dancers at an August gathering attended by him and other players. Heeney did not attend Thursday’s awards ceremony, instead appearing…
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Hochul appoints Letitia James to oversee Cornell rape investigation
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor to oversee the Cornell rape investigation, saying new information had raised serious questions about how the case was handled. Hochul said she had lost faith in Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten’s ability to oversee it fairly. The case concerns a…
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California woman charged after minivan ran over puppy in Santa Ana
A 75-year-old woman in California was arrested after surveillance footage showed her minivan running over a nine-month-old puppy in Santa Ana on 8 September. Police say the case matters because the footage helped investigators identify the driver, who now faces animal cruelty and abandonment charges. Police said Hahn Nguyen put dog food beside a wheel…
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Greens pick David Shoebridge as leader despite concerns over his appeal
Australia’s Green Party has elected David Shoebridge as its new leader, succeeding Larissa Waters who stepped down on health grounds. The former barrister defeated Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi in the leadership contest, making Pauline Hanson the only female leader amongst Australia’s major and minor parties at federal level. The 55-year-old’s elevation drew criticism from…
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Australian truck driver jailed for buying livestreamed abuse of 25 children
An Australian truck driver has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for facilitating the sexual abuse of 25 children, including some with severe disabilities, through purchasing livestreamed abuse material from the Philippines. The case highlights the global nature of online child sexual exploitation and how international law enforcement agencies collaborate to identify, prosecute and…
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Sydney nurses challenge validity of charges over alleged threats to Israelis
Two Sydney nurses accused of threatening to kill Israeli patients on social media have launched a constitutional challenge to the High Court of Australia against the validity of their charges. Ahmad Nadir, 28, and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 27, argue that the charges unlawfully burden their implied right of political communication. The challenge could substantially delay…
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California law requires robotaxi firms to assist locally during emergencies
California has passed a law requiring autonomous vehicle companies to provide local support when their robotaxis break down or interfere with emergency services. It aims to improve safety and response times after incidents in which robotaxis disrupted traffic, entered crime scenes or obstructed first responders. The law, Senate Bill 1246, requires remote drivers to be…
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Putin warns arms suppliers to Ukraine while threatening nuclear retaliation against NATO
Vladimir Putin has escalated rhetoric by labelling countries supplying Ukraine with weapons as “a threat” whilst claiming Russia is “not threatening anyone.” Speaking at Moscow’s Valdai Discussion Club, the Russian president warned that Russia would use nuclear weapons if NATO countries attempted to isolate Russian territories including Kaliningrad and Murmansk. This represents an escalation in…
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TfL investigates worker filmed handing out pro-Palestine sticker at station barriers
A London Underground worker was filmed handing a commuter a pro-Palestine sticker at station ticket barriers, after the commuter said he had heard her shout “Free Palestine”. Transport for London said it would investigate the circumstances, as its rules prohibit staff from political activity and distributing political material while on duty. The sticker featured the…
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Three men charged after attacks on two women in Sydney homes
Three men have been arrested after police linked two violent home invasions in Sydney’s south-west, in which two women were attacked. The incidents, occurring two days apart in Arncliffe and Bankstown, prompted a combined investigation that led to the suspects being charged with multiple serious offences within 48 hours of the second attack. A 31-year-old…