Armed robber jailed for 35 years allowed to opt for assisted dying

Kym Allen Parsons, a bank robber known as the 'bicycle bandit', has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for 11 armed robberies in South Australia. Due to his terminal cancer, his sentencing was expedited to allow him access to assisted dying, a legal option in South Australia. Justice Sandi McDonald condemned his actions as morally reprehensible, highlighting the fear he instilled in his victims. Despite his apology and promise to repay stolen money, victims like Rose Lindner feel justice has not been served, as Parsons can choose to end his life on his terms.

Antarctic English speakers create unique vocabulary

Research by Dr. Steph Kaefer from the University of Canterbury reveals the development of a unique Antarctic English vocabulary among English-speaking stations in Antarctica. The study highlights distinct colloquialisms used by different national groups, such as 'fidlet' for new arrivals by Britons and 'fingies' by Americans. The research explores how these terms emerge and evolve, emphasizing the creation of opaque words to foster community identity. This linguistic phenomenon reflects the isolated, confined, and extreme environment of Antarctica.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Ties the Knot after Years of Delays

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern married Clarke Gayford at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. The private ceremony was officiated by Grant Robertson and attended by notable guests including Chris Hipkins and Peter Gordon. Ardern's popularity rose during her leadership but waned due to dissatisfaction with her Covid policies. Since resigning, she has written a book and joined Prince William's Earthshot Prize as a trustee.

Lucky escape for fisherman as 12ft crocodile leaps into his boat

Richard Brookman, a 45-year-old fisherman, had a narrow escape when a 12ft saltwater crocodile leapt into his boat with jaws open at St Helens Beach, Queensland. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening after Brookman noticed the crocodile swimming past. He managed to force the crocodile back into the water by retrieving his anchor, causing the animal to overbalance. Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science are investigating the unusual behavior and may relocate the crocodile. The incident has added to the ongoing concerns and discussions about crocodile attacks and safety in northern Australia.

Lucky escape for fisherman as 12ft crocodile leaps into his boat

Richard Brookman, a 45-year-old Australian fisherman, narrowly escaped a potentially dangerous encounter when a 12ft saltwater crocodile leapt into his boat with open jaws at St Helens Beach, north of Mackay, Queensland. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening after Brookman noticed the crocodile swimming past. He managed to evade the crocodile by stepping over it and retrieving his anchor, causing the animal to overbalance and fall back into the water. Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science are investigating the unusual behavior and may relocate the crocodile if found. The incident has reignited discussions about crocodile management and public safety, as attacks have become more frequent in northern Australia.

Lucky escape for fisherman as 12ft crocodile leaps into his boat

Richard Brookman, a 45-year-old Australian fisherman, had a narrow escape when a 12ft saltwater crocodile leapt into his boat with jaws open at St Helens Beach, north of Mackay, Queensland. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening after Brookman noticed the crocodile swimming past. He managed to force the crocodile back into the water by retrieving his anchor. Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science are investigating the unusual behavior and may relocate the crocodile. The incident has added to the ongoing debate about crocodile attacks in northern Australia, with some calling for a cull following increased frequency of attacks.

Lucky escape for fisherman as 12ft crocodile leaps into his boat

Richard Brookman, a 45-year-old fisherman, had a narrow escape when a 12ft crocodile leapt into his boat at St Helens Beach, Queensland. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening after Brookman noticed the crocodile swimming past. Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Science plan to investigate the crocodile's behavior, which is considered atypical and concerning. This event comes amid increasing crocodile attacks in northern Australia and discussions about authorizing wildlife rangers to issue fines for safety violations.

New Zealand could scrap funding for sports that allow trans athletes to compete against women

New Zealand's government, led by a conservative coalition, is considering withholding taxpayer funding from sports organizations that allow transgender athletes to compete against women at the grassroots level. The policy, driven by the New Zealand First Party, aims to ensure fair competition and is supported by the National and ACT parties. While the policy targets amateur sports, it has sparked concerns among transgender athletes, like champion mountain biker Kate Weatherly, who fear exclusion. The government plans to invest $9.3 million into community sports clubs, with funding contingent on compliance with the new policy. Chris Bishop, the sport and recreation minister, acknowledges the complexity of the issue and aims to work with sporting bodies to address it.

New Zealand could scrap funding for sports that allow trans athletes to compete against women

New Zealand's conservative coalition government, led by the New Zealand First Party, is threatening to withhold taxpayer funding from sports bodies that allow transgender athletes to compete against women at the grassroots level. The policy aims to ensure fairness and safety in women's sports but has sparked controversy, with critics like transgender athlete Kate Weatherly arguing it could exclude transgender individuals from participating in community sports. The government plans to invest $9.3 million into community sports clubs next year, and clubs that do not comply with the new policy may lose this funding.

King and Queen plan to visit Australia in 2024

King Charles and Queen Camilla are planning a visit to Australia in 2024, potentially around the time of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. This visit, yet to be confirmed by Buckingham Palace, will be their first since 2018 and could serve as a measure of republican sentiment in Australia following Queen Elizabeth's death. The visit is strategically planned to align with Canberra's parliamentary schedule.