News from November 10, 2025

Politics

Australia news live: Jay Weatherill named next high commissioner to UK; former radio host to lead ACT Liberals after leader and deputy step down

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Cait Kelly (now) and Nick Visser (earlier) 2 hours ago

Technology

Clawing back millions from top bosses isn’t easy but one bank just did it

It faces those shareholders again in December, so the bank needed to make a gesture that was unforgettably big. Across the broader community and the bank’s customer base there will be few tears shed for these pay punishments, given the limited tolerance for the eye-watering levels of remuneration granted to executives of many large companies. But the bonus pain didn’t stop with Elliott – it rolled downhill to another layer of ANZ’s senior management some of which have left the bank since Elliott’s departure. Even the new chief executive Nuno Matos, whose time post dated the bank’s misconduct issues, forfeited his short-term bonus as a measure of leading by example. That gesture is certainly one for the books.

Elizabeth Knight 2 hours ago

Technology

John Laws dined at one Sydney restaurant almost every day for 25 years

Though a longtime regular, Laws never had a specific go-to dish. “He would often have oysters, he would often have barramundi, but he would work his way through the menu,” Ackling says. Laws famously left his table at Otto to confront his radio rivals Darren Hinch and Bob Rogers, who were dining nearby at Salon Blanc. “He laid his hands on the table and said, ‘You are the two most despicable c---s I’ve ever met in this business,’” Roger said. Ackling recalls the incident, but insists it was the exception. “He was very generous with his time,” he says. “If there were listeners, they’d often talk to him and get an autograph and a photo, he was always very happy to talk to people.” He also tipped well and “was very generous to the staff,” Ackling says. For the first time in 25 years, Otto has now opened up bookings for table 53.

Erina Starkey 2 hours ago

Politics

Kukah and a nation of marabouts

Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi (1924 –1992) was shocked when he got to Mecca for the first time in 1955 and discovered that the city had no streetlights. Sheikh Gumi was an Islamic scholar and Grand Khadi of the Northern Region from 1962 to 1967. He was the father of Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, the man who makes waves today. Kaduna, from where the Sheikh took off to Mecca, had a power plant built there as far back as 1929. Street lighting was introduced to Lagos in 1898 – seventeen years after London had it. History says “the first, practical, public use of electricity” in London was in 1881; it was for street lighting. Every man’s story is a mirror of a part of the past; it is a window into the future of the world. ‘Where I Stand’ is the late Gumi’s autobiography. Gumi wrote on page 69 of that book: “I remember that during my first Hajj in 1955, there was not even electricity in the city of Mecca. The only electric lights were at the royal palaces and the Ka’aba. The streets were lit with oil lamps early in the evening every day, which were extinguished the following morning.” An entry in William Camden’s book of proverbs published in 1605 says “the early bird gets the worm”. In electricity and other certain matters, Nigeria was that bird. The English word, ‘headstart’ means “an advantage granted or achieved at the beginning of a race, a chase, or a competition.” If development was a race, Nigeria had a headstart over Saudi Arabia 70 years ago. Nigeria also had it over the UAE; Lagos had it over Dubai. The very first power generator came alive in Dubai in 1952. That was the moment the city first tasted electric light and shook hands with modernity. Dubai had its first hospital, Al Maktoum, in 1951; by 1979, it built its first skyscraper. When was Cocoa House, Nigeria’s first skyscraper, built in Ibadan? Mecca, the holy city that lit its streets with oil lamps in 1955 is today one of the world’s celebrated smart cities. Check the Smart Cities Index released in 2023, 2024 and 2025 by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). What makes a city the most livable in 2025? In its World Competitiveness Ranking, IMD lists Dubai as the fourth smartest city in the world, and Mecca the 39th out of 146 cities globally. Where are Nigerian cities? Check. In several areas, Nigeria started well. So, what happened to us? Or what has made a difference between our stunted growth and the grown/ growing nations? Quality of leadership and quality of ideas ruling. To be blessed with a good head is good, but a good head without character ruins. We say lack of character ruins good head. There is the story of a swift young man who was well ahead of his peers in all races. Well-endowed with talents but lacking in character, the fast-footed went for a race. His feet were swift, but his head grew heavy with pride and prejudice. He stumbled, fell, and was overtaken by all; even the lame boy he once mocked left him behind. Then elders started telling their children: “When a good head forgets character, it runs itself backward, and that is how great heads go bad.” That is how Nigeria’s Lagos which had electricity as early as 1898, became, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) 2025 report, the fifth most difficult city to live in globally (168th out of 173 cities). But are we doomed to forever run ourselves backward? I was in the audience at Dr Reuben Abati’s 60th birthday lecture and book launch on Friday in Lagos. I sat up when Bishop Matthew Kukah who delivered the birthday keynote, thoroughly trashed Nigeria for abandoning rational inquiry for magical thinking. Any country that abandons science for sorcery cannot be Saudi Arabia, cannot be United Arab Emirates and definitely cannot be Japan, or South Korea. It cannot have Copenhagen, the reigning best city to live in the world. Bishop Kukah mentioned “marabouts” as our country’s guardian angels and the instructors of our pilots. Kukah’s imageries and metaphors point at the “spiritualists” as the compass we deploy for our journey of destiny. Superstition rots a nation; irrational beliefs corrode critical thinking; it poisons policy decisions and stunts progress. So, when we search for our golden years, they are always in the past. It is the reason the future increasingly becomes like the moon, unattainable for the moon catcher. In the lecture entitled ‘Nigeria: Time to Reload’, Bishop Kukah made a striking connection between Nigeria’s underdevelopment and its deep entanglement with superstition, maraboutism, and the misuse of religion. He argued that one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s progress is the replacement of reason and science with fear, fatalism, and spiritual manipulation. For Kukah, this overdependence on marabouts, prophets, and self-styled miracle workers reflects a dysfuntional national mindset. Kukah warned that “all this idea of government by marabouts, shamans, all this blood of sacrifice of protective gear against enemies, slaughtering of cross-bred cows, donkeys, camels, cats with three legs, one eye, no tail, black tongue and so on, will not cut it.” They have never, and will not. The bishop observed and reminded us that Asian societies built their modernization on moral philosophy and scientific reasoning. He told us that those people drew on the teachings of Confucius, the Mahabharata, and the Japanese ethic of honour. He said Nigeria’s political and social life remained trapped in the orbit of primitive spirituality. He said we are a nation of shortcut takers and jilters of institutional solutions. With a dubious reputation of substitution of superstition for intellect, and of prophecy for planning, the only direction of the national vehicle is backwards. That is why everyone is leaving us behind in all spheres. Bishop Kukah’s recommendation is that for Nigeria to attain greatness, it must “reload” and rediscover its moral compass; it must rebuild national cohesion, and renew trust in democracy by learning from past mistakes, reclaiming ethical and cultural values, and forging a unifying national spirit rooted in justice, integrity, and shared purpose. He said we must retrieve our country from religious extremists, marabouts and merchants of spirits. What does it mean to have one’s destiny in the hand of conjurers and manipulators? What Kukah painted is a portrait of the black man trapped forever in the hole of nonsense. The black man outsources his life to men who claim to be God. He does it out of fear. Fear of visible man and invisible spirit. But, the value that is called excellence does not stay in the house of jitters. If you see a black man eating his pounded yam in the dark, it is not moderation, it is the fear of the world who always wants man to eat his pounded yam as boiled yam, soupless. Swiss linguist, Heli Chatelain, left the United States for Luanda, the capital of Angola, in the year 1885. He was twenty five years old when he was employed to assist missionaries in producing a grammar and a dictionary of a major language in that area. The man soon saw the moral nakedness of his hosts so much that by 1895, he was no longer in doubt on the reason for the black man’s backwardness: “No serious progress is possible as long as this belief and practice (witchcraft) exists,” Chatelain wrote in his ‘Causes of the Retardation of African Progress’, published in September, 1895. The Swiss told an interesting story: At a point between 1885 and 1895, he met a slave who learnt carpentry on a plantation in Luanda, Angola. The slave was one very intelligent man who laced his competence with diligence. He soon gained his freedom. In freedom, the carpenter quietly set to work on building a brand, and a business, and he was very successful. He became very rich and bought six or seven local houses. He made more money and bought two expensive stone houses which he rented out to white tenants. From the rent, the man’s riches blossomed and were in multiples. However, despite his wealth, the man moved about in shabby, ragged clothes. He constantly made excuses and told small lies to make people think he was not as rich as they believed. When asked by Chatelain why he behaved that way, he explained: “If I lived well and dressed nicely, people would become jealous, and their envy could bring me harm through witchcraft.” To reinforce his fears, the wealthy carpenter wasted a chunk of his wealth on powerful charms to protect himself from evil spirits which he thought his jealous enemies might send against him. The short narrative ends with the carpenter’s growth severely limited by his belief and his fears. Why is Nigeria increasingly left behind? Heli Chatelain told more than the carpenter story. There was no system of writing when he arrived his part of Africa in about 1885. His reading the why was that “a genius or innovator in Africa is almost sure to be accused of witchcraft and to suffer death.” He added that “if a man shows any spark of genius, either by an invention or more rational conceptions, his superior talents may be ascribed to an enlisted spirit.” Chatelain ended that point with a declaration that unless the rich was generous with his money “the man who dared to be richer than his neighbours” risked envy which “is as dangerous as revenge.” Anambra State governorship election was held on Saturday. I am almost certain that all candidates in that election were told by dibias that they would win. A winner has emerged. What happened to the ‘holy’ words of the seers? Governorship elections come up next year in Ekiti and Osun states. Marabouts have whispered to every aspirant in our states that they are the anointed one, the next governor. Already, tremors and quakes are rumbling the political landscape; old walls are cracking; familiar trees are losing their roots and branches. Even if the heavens were to fall, no aspirant would yield ground for another. Brothers will fight brothers; friends will square up against friends. None, not even the most hopeless among them, will step aside or step down. Each claims to have been told a vision that the crown is theirs to seize, take and flee with. You and I know that the ‘gods’ can only be right if each state were to have more than one ruler. But who will dare tell the desperate to pause and think before the storm comes for all? For the 2027 presidential election, keep an eye on the main opposition parties. You heard that in the ADC no one will step down for no one, no matter how old. The rumble in their jungle is rooted in spiritual assurances from marabouts in Niger, Senegal, Egypt and Morocco that each of them is the next president. Some of them take their hope from the same spiritual tray, yet the prophecy of electoral success is the same for all who bow before the seers. Keep an eye on the ruling party, the APC. No one is contesting the ticket with the incumbent president. But, if you find persons angling to be vice president and displace the incumbent number two, find out which dibia or cleric ‘sees’ for them. They know that the incumbent president will have only one running mate, yet all of them are sure that they will be that person. Robert J. Sternberg, the author of ‘Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid’, says “the stupid should wear signs so we know not to rely on them.” Are these smart politicians stupid for each of them to believe what the seers serially tell them? What is the meaning of stupidity? I read Lewis Anthony Dexter’s ‘Politics and Sociology of Stupidity’ (1962). The author writes about what to do to help the stupid get out of their stupid hole. He writes about introducing technology as a way of “teaching the stupid not to be stupid” or to be “less stupid.” But I also read the frustration of the author at the stupid insisting on remaining “fundamentally” stupid. As I listened to Bishop Kukah’s lecture on Friday in Lagos, my mind went straight to what a top politician from the north told me recently. The big man said to me that the real problem of Nigeria are the mystics; the seers, prophets and marabouts to whom politicians have outsourced the running of the country and its politics. Our husbands in the political parties seek and woo clerics as the real electorate. Your votes and mine are mere dummies set up to mask what the ‘gods’ have resolved to do on election day. After the election, the oracles rule, they dictate policies and projects; they decide who gets blessed, and who gets damned. They make and unmake the throne and those who sit on it. “That is where we are; the reason we are far behind our past,” the top politician told me. I believe him. Man won’t learn. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Banquo asks the witches to speak if they “can look into the seeds of time, / And say which grain will grow and which will not.” The seers speak to Banquo and more to Macbeth. They tell Macbeth he will be king, and he becomes king. But what is that that we read as the end of King Macbeth? ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

Lasisi Olagunju 2 hours ago

Entertainment

Farhan Akhtar Thought Career Was Over As Sridevi Fell While He Cleaned Floor: 'Main Kaun Hota Hu Girane Wala'

Before he became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, Farhan Akhtar was just a nervous teenager finding his way around a film set. But in 1991, during the making of Yash Chopra’s Lamhe, one unexpected moment nearly ended his budding career — when Sridevi slipped and fell right in front of him. Decades later, Farhan still remembers the heart-stopping incident vividly. At just 17, Farhan Akhtar was working as an assistant to cinematographer Manmohan Singh on Lamhe, starring Sridevi and Anil Kapoor. The film, known for its lavish sets and Yash Chopra’s signature romance, was in the middle of a high-intensity dance sequence when the incident happened. Revisiting the memory on Aap Ki Adalat with India TV, Farhan laughed and said, “Main kaun hota hoon Sridevi ko girane wala! (Who am I to make her fall?)” He then shared how it all unfolded. He recalled, “Unfortunately, such an accident did occur. I was Man Ji’s seventh or eighth assistant on Lamhe. It was a passionate dance sequence choreographed by Saroj Ji. While Sridevi was rehearsing, Manmohan Singh noticed a stain on the wooden floor and asked someone to clean it. Since I was closest, I ran to wipe it off.” In his hurry, he didn’t realise Sridevi was walking toward the same spot. “I was bent down, cleaning the stain and coordinating with Man Ji when she walked over, slipped, and fell. I still remember it in slow motion — Sridevi flying in the air and hitting the floor. The entire set froze. I thought, ‘This is it, my career is over.’” But instead of being upset, Sridevi’s reaction completely surprised him. “She just smiled and said, ‘It’s okay, it happens.’ Everyone followed her lead and started laughing. That’s when I finally breathed again,” Farhan said. The incident left such an impression that even after he moved on to advertising and later made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai, Farhan still credits Sridevi with shaping his early lessons in cinema and humility. “I will always be thankful to Sridevi — I truly believe I owe my career to her,” he added.

News18,Shreyanka Mazumdar 2 hours ago

Technology

Judge Accuses CBP Chief of Providing False Testimony Regarding Protester Assault

CHICAGO () In a significant legal decision on Thursday, a Chicago judge issued a preliminary injunction against federal immigration authorities, offering “complete relief” in response to their actions. The ruling also accused Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Border Patrol Commander leading “Operation Midway Blitz,” of providing false testimony. Judge Sara Ellis condemned the federal authorities’ use of force during the operation, which targeted protesters, clergy, and journalists, describing it as behavior that “shocks the system” and “shows no signs of stopping.” Ellis criticized Bovino’s videotaped deposition, where he discussed the methods employed by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz, including his own actions regarding the use of force.

Internewscast 2 hours ago

Politics

Female NSW MPs Allegra Spender and Kellie Sloane report death and rape threats after condemning neo-Nazi rally in Sydney

Allegra Spender and Kellie Sloane report threats to police, as premier says government is investigating whether ban on Nazi symbols should be expanded

Penry Buckley 2 hours ago

Sports

Jordon Hudson Avoids Meeting with Bill Belichick’s Daughter-in-Law

In a recent display of composure, Jordon Hudson and Jennifer Schmitt, Bill Belichick’s daughter-in-law, seemed to steer clear of any awkward encounters during the UNC game on Saturday evening. The pair, who have had their share of past tensions, maintained their distance throughout the event. Hudson, 24, was seen on the sidelines before the match against Stanford, where her 73-year-old partner, Belichick, played a pivotal role in guiding his team to a 20-15 victory. Choosing to watch the game from a separate suite, Hudson positioned herself away from Schmitt, who has previously voiced criticism of her. This strategic distance seemed intentional, avoiding any potential friction. At 35, Schmitt is married to Stephen Belichick, Bill’s son, who serves as the defensive coordinator at the University of North Carolina, working alongside his father. The dynamics between Schmitt and Hudson remain somewhat ambiguous, though tensions flared after Schmitt openly criticized Hudson following their awkward CBS interview in April. During the interview, Hudson had caused a stir by cutting in off-camera to prevent Belichick from answering a question about their first meeting. This incident triggered a wave of public criticism, leading former New England Patriots players Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski to speculate whether Hudson was acting in her capacity as Belichick’s unofficial spokesperson. Comedian Nikki Glaser stood up for Hudson, agreeing she was acting on behalf of Belichick. But spotting the clip and comment on Instagram, Schmitt wrote back: ‘Publicists act in a professional manner and don’t ‘storm’ off set delaying an interview.’ It was one of many critical comments that came off the back of that CBS interview – the broadcaster said that while they showed Hudson interfering once, she actually interrupted proceedings on several occasions. It led to one of Belichick’s ex-Patriots players, Ted Johnson, even going as far as to question if his old coach was ‘of sound mind’ to let Hudson have such an influence over his life. Belichick, meanwhile, insisted Hudson did what she was supposed to do in a PR capacity and that he had only agreed to speak to CBS about a book he was promoting, not his personal life. But the shot that would have hit closest to home definitely came from Schmitt. So with that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that nearly seven months later, they are still keeping their distance. But pictures show Schmitt having a great time cheering UNC on to victory as they beat another ACC rival on Saturday night in Stanford. After a disastrous start to the season, there are slow and steady signs of improvement for Belichick’s team. When Hudson appeared on the sideline before the game, she seemingly had a message to send to her long list of critics. She wore a necklace that read ‘Banned’, which has been interpreted as hitting back at reports UNC banned her from their facilities earlier this year. The college put out a statement denying those reports. Jennifer married longtime partner Steve back in 2017, with the couple tying the knot at the Siasconset Union Chapel in Nantucket. They’re also parents to four children; daughter Blakely Rose, eight, son Hayes William, four, daughter Quincy Grace, three, and son Rocco Joseph, two. Steve, 38, has followed his legendary father into coaching, spending 11 years as a member of his Patriots backroom staff before enjoying a brief stint as defensive coordinator for the Washington Huskies after his dad’s exit last year. And when Belichick made a dramatic move into college football with North Carolina earlier this year, his oldest son followed him and took on the role of defensive coordinator with the Tar Heels. UNC plays Wake Forest next Saturday afternoon.

Internewscast 2 hours ago

Entertainment

This Video Shows Why Kartik Aaryan Is Every Fan’s Favourite

It’s clear why Kartik Aaryan is a fan favourite. He never fails to make time for them, irrespective of how busy his schedule is. Recently, the actor was approached by a fan asking for an autograph. After signing the fan’s diary and handing it back, the woman asked him, “Can you do one more?” Kartik happily obliged. While Kartik was signing, the fan shared her family’s background and said, “My mom is a double Olympian and an Asian Games medalist.” Of course, Kartik Aaryan listened to her story with genuine interest. This moment caught the attention of his online family, who couldn’t stop praising him for his kindness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Kartik Aaryan And Ananya Panday Spotted At An Event Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday were recently spotted at the Skechers Walkathon 2025 event. With their upcoming movie, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, poised to win over fans, the actors warmly greeted the crowd. In a video shared on Instagram, they highlighted several light-hearted moments from the event. At the start of the clip, the stage host struggles to pronounce the film’s title. Kartik playfully steps in, breaking it down with a quirky formula, saying, “TM², TMT², M,” which cleverly translates to Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Reacting to it, a fan commented, “Best of luck, my favourites. Both are looking sooo cute. Best wishes to you all.” Another one said, “This Christmas has the best gift in store for us with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.” Kartik, Ananya Reveal New Poster From Their Upcoming Film View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan) Sharing the poster of their next film in a collaborative post on Instagram, the duo wrote, “I am coming again!! This time Christmas 25TH December.” The film is helmed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures.

Grace Cyril,New.storytailors,News18 2 hours ago

Entertainment

‘Aged Beautifully’: Rana Daggubati On Baahubali The Epic Re-Release, Hails Rajamouli’s Vision

Rana Daggubati is taking a walk down memory lane! As Baahubali: The Epic returns to theatres, the actor got a little nostalgic about the magnum opus that changed the face of Indian cinema. While promoting his upcoming film Kaantha, Rana opened up about watching the re-release and how it still feels just as grand and powerful a decade later. Recalling the experience of watching the extended 3-hour 40-minute version, Rana said it felt both nostalgic and awe-inspiring. “It is fun because that was the first story that was told to us. It was supposed to be one film at some point. It was just a long one film… it was just so amazing to revisit that and that we got to see it a decade later and still has aged beautifully, on the big screen,” he shared. Reflecting on the film’s cultural legacy, the actor credited Rajamouli’s ambition and creativity for setting new standards in Indian cinema. “In India you grow up with stories of mythology, stories of wars and gods and kings, and the only reference you have as a feature film is Baahubali… that this is how the warriors of Mahabharat could have been. The fact that it came on screen, with a vision of someone like Mr Rajamouli who pushed each boundary — that whole team just went all out to make that film. That’s something that will always be the largest impact of my life,” Rana said. Baahubali: The Epic is a re-release combining SS Rajamouli’s two monumental hits — Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017). The restored version features enhanced visuals and sound, offering audiences a renewed cinematic experience. The film stars Prabhas in dual roles, alongside Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, Sathyaraj, Rana Daggubati, and Nassar in pivotal performances.

Grace Cyril,News18 2 hours ago

Politics

Energy relief on the cards as cost of living bites

Australians could be delivered another subsidy within weeks by the Albanese government to reduce their power bills as signs grow that the Reserve Bank has finished with cutting official interest rates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday gave his clearest signal yet that the government is considering an extension to the $75 a quarter power bill relief that is due to end with the calendar year, in a move that would cost the budget up to $2 billion. The subsidy, which went to all households and many small businesses, was extended for six months in this year’s budget. Along with substantially larger state government subsidies, it helped push down electricity prices. Without those subsidies, electricity prices would have climbed by 22.2 per cent since mid-2023. Instead, they have lifted by 8.2 per cent.

Shane Wright 2 hours ago

Entertainment

She Started As Child Actress, Quit Acting At 15, Cracked UPSC To Become An IAS Officer

Talent truly knows no boundaries, and for some people, it flows in more ways than one. While many shine in academics or the arts, only a few manage to excel in both. One such inspiring story comes from the South Indian film industry, where a popular child star decided to walk away from fame to serve the nation. The former actress is HS Keerthana, a well-known child artist who captured hearts across Kannada cinema and television. Keerthana began acting at a very young age, sharing screen space with some of the biggest stars in the South. Her expressive performances made her a familiar face in households across Karnataka. She worked in popular daily soaps like Janani, Chiguru and Puttani Agent, among others. Despite being at the peak of her acting career, Keerthana had a different dream. At just 15, she decided to quit acting completely and focus on academics. Her goal was to become a civil servant and make a real difference in people’s lives. After years of hard work, dedication and resilience, Keerthana cracked the prestigious UPSC exam and joined as an Assistant Commissioner. She then served her probationary period for two years and took over the charge as the Assistant Commissioner in Mandya District, Karnataka Reports say she cleared the exam on her sixth attempt in 2020. Before that, she had also cleared the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) examination in 2011. In one of her interviews, she proudly shared that she wears her sixth attempt as a badge of honour. She said, “I wear my 6th ATTEMPT as a badge because that shows my perseverance and passion towards clearing this exam.” Interestingly, it was Keerthana’s father’s wish to see her become an IAS officer, and the former actress didn’t rest until she made it come true. Now, she is enjoying a quiet life away from screens, proudly serving the nation. Her story is a beautiful reminder that hard work always pays off.

Chirag Sehgal,News18,Sahas Mahapatra 2 hours ago

Technology

Pennsylvania state senator introduces bill legalizing flying cars

Where we’re going, we don’t need roads. A Democrat state senator in Pennsylvania introduced an oddball bill last Wednesday seeking to legalize flying cars that aren’t anywhere near being readily available for widespread public use. Sen. Marty Flynn is shooting his shot a second time after the same bill failed to pass during last year’s Pennsylvania General Assembly session. Flynn hit the ground running as early as January, where he announced in a memo that he would be reintroducing the bill even after it flopped. In the note, he explained he was looking for eager co-sponsors to help make Pennsylvania “one of the first states to introduce this revolutionary technology.” He managed to secure just two co-sponsors, according to the bill’s status tracker. In the memo, Flynn didn’t hesitate to admit that the “roadable aircraft” industry isn’t “fully realized,” but insisted that there is still a “significant need” for legislation like his to pave the way for urban and rural aviation technologies. “Across the nation, advanced air mobility — a rapidly evolving sector within aviation that encompasses a range of innovative aircraft, technologies, and infrastructure — has the potential to generate new revolutionary transportation options and transform how people access essential services, like emergency and medical services, goods, and mobility across urban, rural, and regional communities,” Flynn wrote. “As technology continues to advance, the integration of these types of vehicles requires forward-thinking legislation that addresses operating and equipment requirements.” The state legislator added that it’s important to start installing “key regulations” early in order to make sure flying cars “are integrated safely into existing traffic systems without causing disruption or safety hazards,” according to the memo. Other states and agencies have floated normalizing flying vehicles — and fast. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s Department of Transportation are advocating for the use of flying vehicles within the Sunshine State by the end of 2026. Minnesota and New Hampshire already passed legislation recognizing flying cars as legal vehicles, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also jumpstarted a flying vehicle pilot program in August. “The next great technological revolution in aviation is here. The United States will lead the way, and doing so will cement America’s status as a global leader in transportation innovation,” Duffy said in a statement at the time. In 2023, the Federal Aviation Authority approved Space X-backed Alef Aeronautics’ flying car for road and air testing. The car costs $299,000 — excluding additional pre-order deposits, according to its website. In March 2024, the company said it had reached roughly 2,850 preorders.

Caitlin McCormack 2 hours ago

Politics

Breaking Down Australia’s Upcoming Social Media Ban: What to Expect and How It Impacts You

Australia is set to make history as the first nation to restrict children from accessing certain popular social media platforms. This groundbreaking decision has sparked debate. Critics argue the measures are overly restrictive and express concerns about children finding ways to bypass the restrictions. Here’s a breakdown of how the new rules work and their implications for young Australians. Children under 16-years-old will be banned from several popular social media platforms soon. (Getty) The new regulations will prevent children under the age of 16 from opening accounts on platforms classified as “age-restricted.” These measures will carry legal weight following the passage of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 by the government in November last year. Moreover, parents will not have the authority to grant permission for their children under 16 to establish accounts on these affected platforms. Despite these changes, the government clarifies that the initiative is not a complete ban but rather a “delay” in allowing young users to create accounts. However, the government insists it is not a ban, rather a “delay” to having an account. “There is no perfect solution when it comes to keeping young Australians safe online,” Minister for Communications Anika Wells said in July. “But the social media minimum age laws will make a meaningful difference.” Communications Minister Anika Wells. (Getty) What sites are being banned for under 16s? You may be wondering what an age-restricted platform looks like. These are currently the platforms that will be hit by the ban: X (formerly Twitter) Reddit and Kick were both added to the ban last week, causing some controversy due to similar platforms being excluded from the list. According to the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, these platforms have been included in the ban because their “sole or significant purpose is to enable online social interaction between two or more users”. These platforms also allow users to post their own content and material, as well as allowing users to interact with all other users on the platform. For some platforms such as YouTube and Reddit, children under 16 will still be able to watch videos or view threads, as an account is not required to access them; however, they will not be allowed to create accounts, or to post comments or content on them. Children will still be able to access YouTube, but will not be able to create an account or post content onto the platform. (CFOTO/Future Publishing/Getty Images/File via CNN) What platforms can under-16s use? The government has clarified which platforms will still be fully accessible to children under 16-years-old. Popular streaming platforms Discord and Twitch have not been included in the social media ban despite both allowing users to connect with each other and content to be posted. Messaging platforms like Messenger and WhatsApp have also been excluded from the ban. Other well-known platforms to be excluded are: Google Classroom Steam and Steam Chat YouTube Kids The eSafety Commissioner has clarified the list is not final, and more alterations could be made before the ban begins. The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant clarified which platforms would and wouldn’t fall under the restrictions last week. (Kate Geraghty) When does the social media ban start? The social media ban begins in exactly one month on December 10. What will happen to me if I have a current account on an age-restricted platform? As it stands, accounts of children on impacted platforms will have to be removed or deactivated. Under the legislation, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to enforce this. This will vary between platforms given each have different circumstances, so there is no concrete method platforms must follow to ensure accounts are deactivated. However, they must prove to the eSafety Commissioner the steps they have taken are reasonable. Speaking to media on Monday, Wells said platforms have been provided with guidance on how to deal with children’s existing accounts, and make it clear there is a right of appeal if an account is banned. “They must communicate with users ahead of 10 December, they must use kind, empathetic language with the people who will be affected by the laws, and they must advise what the appeals process is,” she said. “If you are unintentionally caught up with this, despite you are someone who uses Facebook because you like to sell caravans on Marketplace, the social media companies must advise what the process is.” The eSafety Commissioner recommended against adding self-declaration of age for existing account holders, due to the ability of people to lie or circumvent this restriction. Wells also refused to give a specific date on when im[pacted platforms would need to inform users their accounts are being deactivated. ”We aren’t prescribing that specifically because this will look different for every social media platform,” she claimed. “We said as part of the regulatory guidance they must do it ahead of 10 December.” “I won’t name them, but I and the eSafety Commissioner are meeting with these platforms as frequently as we need.” Children will lose their accounts on age-restricted platforms from next month. (Nine) How will the social media ban be enforced? It will be up to the platforms themselves to enforce the new measures, with legislation putting them under heavy pressure to do so. If they don’t, serious financial penalties could hit platforms who fail to adequately enforce the new laws. This can include fines of up to $49.5 million. Platforms have been recommended to assess “age-related signals” to identify accounts which could fall foul of the ban; this includes how long an account has been active, whether an account interacts with content targeted at children, and visual checks such as age analysis of a profile photo of an account holder. Interestingly, children who are found to be accessing an age-restricted platform after the ban comes into effect will not be met with any punishment, nor will their parents or carers. This is because the government insists the law is about protecting children from harmful content on the platforms, and they believe punishment would have a detrimental impact.

Internewscast 2 hours ago

Sports

Tanking Nets ‘not good enough’ in Knicks embarrassment — with plenty of blame to go around

The Nets and Knicks aren’t just separated by five miles. And the East River. They’re on opposite ends of the basketball world. For the Knicks and Mike Brown, it’s all about reaching the NBA Finals. The rebuilding Nets aren’t about winning games, but the lottery. That chasm was put on painful display Sunday at the Garden. There is losing. There is even tanking. But then there is embarrassing. This was the last, the Nets suffering a 134-98 caning before a sellout crowd of 19,812 at the Garden. “Just not good enough,” said Jordi Fernández. “We want more and we want better. I’ll be the first one to demand that. And if we don’t get it, then obviously I’m the first one that’s got to take the blame. And I’ve got to look at myself in the mirror.” There was plenty of blame to go around after their worst loss of the season, and their most lopsided since their record 59-point loss on Jan. 15 versus the Clippers. The Nets allowed 54.5 percent shooting, and 17-of-37 from deep. They didn’t get back in transition and trailed by 18 in the first quarter. It never got better. Down 77-62 at the half, the Nets allowed the first 12 points of the second half, and never answered. “It was just not good enough,” Fernández said. “You’re down 15 going into the third. Obviously the first couple possessions right there are extremely important. They make a run, and yeah that’s deflating. That’s not what you want. It happened, and we’ve got to learn from it. We all need to grow really, really fast, because this is not what we want moving forward.” With Cam Thomas out due to another left hamstring strain, Michael Porter Jr. had 25 points. But Noah Clowney, who entered the game averaging 17.0 points over his past three games starting at power forward, had just four on 1-of-9 shooting and went 0-for-7 from deep. The offense was poor, but the defense was even worse, giving up a fast break layup — after a made free throw. “Those are the situations we want to grow, having attention, a level of attention and communication to all those things. And it’s not happening,” Fernández said. “Obviously I cannot go out there and coach every play and every action. “I know our guys have the ability to be way better, and we have very high expectations for our guys on how they work and how they compete. And there’s a lot of room to improve. So that’s the exciting part. From now to Game 20 to 30, 40 and all the way to 82 we want to see improvement. So, right now we’re in a good spot because it should be easy to improve this.” The Nets got dominated inside, with Karl-Anthony Towns having 28 points and 12 rebounds. CHECK OUT THE LATEST NBA STANDINGS AND NETS STATS Jalen Brunson had 19 points and seven assists against a Nets defense in abysmal disarray. Lottery pick Egor Dëmin had 10 points, four rebounds and three assists, looking more comfortable in the pick-and-roll. Fellow rookie Drake Powell flashed some unexpected offense with 15 points, going 3-for-3 from deep. “We shot ourselves in the foot, just, the way we started,” said Powell, who added Fernández’s postgame message was succinct. “Just to stay together. When adversity hits, you get to see who you really are and what you’re made of.” Day’Ron Sharpe left Sunday’s game with left hamstring tightness. The Nets did not offer any timeline or clarity on the severity of the injury. “No, there’s not been any testing. It’s just tightness. So we’ll do our evaluation and whatever we have to do,” Fernández said. “So we’ll see. But he played extremely hard.” Sharpe had 10 points and six rebounds in 12:11 against the Knicks. He played the final three-plus minutes of the third quarter and didn’t return for the fourth.

Brian Lewis 2 hours ago

Technology

Dark Humour Thrillers: 5 Fresh OTT Releases Worth Watching This Week!

Netflix has something truly special for viewers this week, bringing together an eclectic mix of films and series across genres, from heartfelt village tales to dark thrillers and intense family dramas. 1. Idli Kadai South star Dhanush shines in Idli Kadai, a grounded, heartwarming film about an educated man who leaves his well-paying job to start an idli shop in his village. His decision not only changes his life but also reflects the power of following one’s dreams. Through Dhanush and Nithya Menen’s moving performance, the film captures the charm of rural simplicity, the dignity of labour, and the fulfilment that comes from meaningful work. 2. Human In The Loop A powerful and unconventional story, Human in the Loop follows a tribal woman from Jharkhand who, after her divorce, begins working as a data annotator at an artificial intelligence centre to regain custody of her children. The film explores the intersection of technology and humanity, delving deep into themes of motherhood, identity, labour, and the emotional struggles of rural life in a modern world. 3. My Sister’s Husband This emotional family drama examines the fragility of relationships. It revolves around a newly married woman whose peaceful life turns complicated when her younger sister moves in with her. My Sister’s Husband captures how love, jealousy, and emotional dependency reshape familial bonds, keeping viewers hooked with its heartfelt storytelling and layered characters. 4. Ek Chatur Naar A dark comedy thriller with unexpected twists, Ek Chatur Naar tells the story of a young woman living in a slum who discovers a lost mobile phone belonging to a corrupt broker, and decides to blackmail him. What begins as a reckless game soon spirals into chaos, blending humour, suspense, and fear in equal measure. With its sharp wit and unpredictable turns, the film promises an edgy, entertaining watch. 5. Baramulla Set against the haunting backdrop of Kashmir, Baramulla follows an officer investigating a series of child disappearances. What starts as a routine case soon unravels into a dangerous web of secrets, fear, and moral dilemmas. The film’s chilling mix of social commentary, crime, and psychological horror keeps the audience deeply engrossed until the end.

News18,Parishmita Saikia 2 hours ago

Entertainment

Jelly Roll Spotted Soaking Up Sydney Sun: A Relaxing Moment on Hotel Balcony

Casually dressed in black shorts, the artist was spotted scrolling through his phone while relaxing. Jelly Roll was scheduled to perform in Auckland on Friday night, leaving many fans already at the venue disappointed when they learned the concert was canceled. The performer was seen scrolling through his phone as he relaxed in black shorts. Jelly Roll was due to perform in Auckland on Friday night and some fans were already inside the venue when they were informed the show would not be going ahead. Many disappointed fans flocked to social media to express their outrage after the last-minute cancellation. ‘Can’t believe you cancelled Auckland while everyone was already on their way to the concert. Beyond disappointing!!!’ one person wrote. ‘Jelly where are you man… thought we had something special and then you go cancel the concert,’ another said. ‘Could have saved a lot of us thousands in flights and accommodation,’ a third wrote, adding a sad emoji. ‘I get it but one hour before, really!!’ another added. The multi-platinum Nashville artist addressed fans directly across his social channels, sharing that he had pushed himself to perform in Auckland but was unable to overcome the illness. ‘Dear Auckland, I’ve done everything I can, I just can’t shake it,’ he wrote. ‘It breaks my heart, I’ve probably missed three shows in the last decade. I pride myself on showing up no matter what. Just couldn’t do it this time. Please forgive me.’ Jelly Roll touched down at Sydney Airport last month ahead of his first headline Australian tour. The acclaimed performer looked notably slimmed down as he made his way through the terminal, having reportedly lost 90 kilograms. The Wild Ones hitmaker has since played shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Earlier this month, Jelly Roll made headlines when he claimed he was ‘treated like a criminal’ at Louis Vuitton in Sydney. Many people reacted to the news en masse, claiming the US-born rapper, 40, only has himself to blame for the way he was allegedly treated at the upscale fashion house. Wearing a baseball cap backwards and dressed in his trademark sweats, the musician—real name Jason DeFord—was photographed outside the shop in the CBD. Appearing angry after the experience, the heavily tattooed Tennessee-born artist began: ‘Hey man, the Louis Vuitton in Sydney, legitimately just treated us like we were finna (sic) come in and rob that place. ‘I have never been looked at more like a crim… Listen, the last time I was looked at like a criminal this bad… I was an actual criminal this bad.’

Internewscast 2 hours ago

Politics

Fury as Indonesia declares late authoritarian ruler Suharto a national hero

Suharto presided over a period marked by rampant corruption, nepotism, censorship and allegations of mass human rights abuses

Kate Lamb and agencies 2 hours ago

Entertainment

Matthew Macfadyen has found another comically cringy loser in this sly Netflix drama

Death by Lightning ★★★★ It’s no accident this 19th century historical drama, which maps the intersecting paths of America’s 20th president, James Garfield (Michael Shannon), and his assassin, Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen), is full of contemporary references. There is an 1880 misinformation campaign, rank corruption and a vice-presidential candidate who drunkenly demands, “Music! Fighting! Sausages!” on a night out. The current shortcomings of power in the United States are nothing new, this limited series suggests, but nor are they unstoppable. What makes the timeliness resonate is the sly humour and sharp depictions. At just four episodes, as if Netflix were scared audiences would drift off, Death by Lightning smashes together the great-man-in-history portrait with a dreadfully-dodgy-man-in-history depiction. Garfield, a Civil War hero, is a retired congressman who goes to the Republican convention to nominate a colleague and gives such a stirring speech that he becomes the party’s presidential candidate. Guiteau is a felon, lickspittle lackey and perennial incompetent. The casting is chef’s kiss, with creator Mike Makowsky (Bad Education) and director Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic) leaning right into Macfadyen’s previous role as Succession striver Tom Wambsgans. Guiteau’s unctuousness is comically cringeworthy. Shannon, by contrast, is august and dedicated, but the actor, so often a memorable villain, carries a horrified weight. His Garfield is haunted by the possibility of frittering away his unexpected opportunity to effectively wield power.

Craig Mathieson 2 hours ago

World

Travelers Endure Tough Times at Orlando Airport Amid Ongoing Delays and Cancellations

ORLANDO, Fla. – Billy Kubarewicz has endured an exhausting day, having arrived at the airport at the crack of dawn, 5 a.m. to be precise. “It’s been relentless. Just one delay after another,” he expressed with frustration. His journey back to New Jersey has been repeatedly postponed, mirroring the setbacks he faced on his flight to Orlando. “Thursday was a complete loss,” Kubarewicz recounted. “We were scheduled to land at 8 a.m., but didn’t touch down until 5 p.m.” As the clock neared 9 p.m., a line of at least two dozen aircraft awaited departure on the taxiway. Passengers on one flight were informed they were 20th in queue, facing an hour’s wait due to staffing shortages in the air traffic control tower. “It’s a dire situation,” Kubarewicz remarked. “I can’t fault those choosing not to come to work. Why would anyone if they’re not receiving their paycheck?” Orlando International Airport officials confirmed they’ve cut around 130 flights since Friday to align with the FAA’s plan, all due to the shutdown. “We have family whose flight was canceled for tomorrow, so they’re impacted as well,” said Nicoletta Roeble. “It’s just a really frustrating, kind of helpless situation.” But relief could be coming soon—reports say the Senate is closing in on a deal to end the shutdown. Passengers like Bill Wilson and Nicoletta Roeble hope it happens before the holidays. “That would relieve the anxiety that people have,” Wilson said. “Especially if you already have anxiety about travel and getting to your gate on time.” Orlando International said 41 flights are being canceled Sunday. Those flights are determined by the airlines. If you are traveling, contact your airline for more information.

Internewscast 2 hours ago