Category: Top Stories

Two police officers claim they were justified in repeatedly punching an NRL star in the face because he put his hand on a service firearm during a wild brawl in a tiki bar. Sergeant Evan Huw Prowse, 38, and Senior Constable Steven Lockwood Brown, 50, are fighting allegations they assaulted Canberra Raiders hooker Tom Starling during a 21st birthday outing in December 2020.  The now-26-year-old rugby league player had been with his parents and brothers Jackson, 29, and Josh, 24, at Shady Palms restaurant on the NSW Central Coast when his mother was allegedly insulted by a security guard. Canberra ... Read more

A man who allegedly broke into the home of television star Asher Keddie before being tackled by her husband while attempting to steal a motorbike has been bailed. James Powell, 44, is accused of breaking into a garage belonging to Keddie and her acclaimed artist husband Vincent Fantauzzo on the morning of December 28. The court was previously told while he was wheeling out a $40,000 Ducati Scrambler motorbike, with the helmet in hand, Keddie heard a noise before discovering the alleged thief and screamed for her husband. Acclaimed artist Vincent Fantauzzo and television star Asher Keddie. (The Sydney Morning ... Read more

Public health authorities are warning Victorians to be on alert as measles spreads through the community at a scale that hasn’t been seen in more than a decade. Of the 23 measles cases recorded in Victoria so far this year, almost half were transmitted locally. The highly contagious viral illness often causes cold and flu symptoms, a fever and a red, blotchy rash. The highly contagious viral illness often causes cold and flu symptoms, a fever and a red, blotchy rash. (iStock) In some cases, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. “Of the first 20-odd ... Read more

An international student allegedly murdered a flatmate found in a “body box” and impersonated her to steal more than $700,000, a jury has heard. Yang Zhao today pleaded not guilty to the murder of Qiong Yan, 29, in September 2020 at their apartment in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Hamilton. But he pleaded guilty to interfering with Yan’s corpse, which was found concealed in a toolbox on their riverside unit’s balcony almost 10 months after her alleged murder. Qiong Yan’s body was found in a toolbox on her unit’s balcony almost 10 months after her death. (Nine) Crown prosecutor Chris Cook ... Read more

Queensland man Joel Evans was seriously injured in a crash at Gillman Speedway at 3.20pm yesterday during round 3 of the 2025 ProMX championship. The event was abandoned and emergency services were called to the event. The 30-year-old was rushed to hospital, where he died last night. Tributes for the sporting identity came flooding in soon after the news. One person described his death as a “huge shock for the industry”, while another said Evans would ”leave a huge impact on people in this sport”. Last month, another rider was seriously injured. South Australia Police will be prepare a report ... Read more

A new study has found some shark bites may be an act of “survival instincts” rather than a planned attack. Scientists from Université PSL observed 74 shark bites in French Polynesia from 2009 to 2023 and concluded four were self-defence. “These bites are simply a manifestation of survival instinct, and the responsibility for the incident needs to be reversed,” Dr Eric Clua, the first author of the study, said. A shortfin mako shark. A new study has found some shark bites may be an act of “survival instincts”. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The Taronga Conservation Society of Australia found there were on ... Read more

A Sydney council plans to crack down on dumped supermarket trolleys by offering cheap “granny trolleys” to locals. Liverpool City Council is so sick of people dumping trolleys that it plans to start a trial to supply up to 500 personal two-wheeler shopping trolleys nicknamed “granny trolleys”. They would be sold to eligible residents such as pensioners and those without a car at a subsidised rate. Trolleys awaiting collection – or disposal – at the Liverpool City Council Depot in Sydney. (Supplied) Deputy Mayor Peter Harle said it was a retro solution to a newer problem. “While the law places ... Read more

Australia’s consumer watchdog is urging businesses to ensure card surcharges are in line with the law. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is encouraging businesses to review their surcharges to make sure the cost doesn’t exceed the cost of accepting card payments. Any card payment surcharges that apply should also be adequately disclosed up front. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is encouraging businesses to review their surcharges to make sure the cost doesn’t exceed the cost of accepting card payments. (Reddit) “Businesses need to ensure their customers know about any card payment surcharges upfront, and that they ... Read more

Paramedics treated the 69-year-old man for a gunshot wound to the right shoulder before he was flown to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition. Police have launched an investigation into the shooting and have seized three firearms for forensic examination. On Sunday, officers were told the man had died in Westmead Hospital. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Source link

North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has sent troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. US, South Korean and Ukraine intelligence officials said North Korea last year dispatched up to 12,000 troops to Russia. But North Korea had not confirmed or denied its reported troop deployments to Russia until Monday. North Korea has come out in solidarity with Russia after confirming it sent troops to the front lines of the Ukraine war. Pictured is Kim Jong Un meeting with his military members last year. (AP) In a statement provided to North Korea’s state media, ... Read more