The Guardian · 21 Sept, 05:57
Siobhan McKenna, a former News Corp executive and close aide to Lachlan Murdoch, has been appointed as Australia's next consul general to New York. The surprise appointment has raised questions about potential connections between McKenna and conservative political networks.
Siobhan McKenna, a former News Corp executive and close aide to Lachlan Murdoch, has been appointed as Australia's next consul general to New York. McKenna previously headed News Corp's broadcasting division and played a central role in a contentious plan to amend a Murdoch family trust. She left News Corp late last year after two decades with the conglomerate. McKenna is set to start her new role early in 2027.
Why it matters: The appointment is significant because McKenna's background as a key strategist and trusted aide to Lachlan Murdoch, a vocal Labor critic, may raise questions about potential connections between McKenna and conservative political networks. The consul-general role is designed to promote Australia's economic interests in major global centres, making McKenna's appointment a notable development in Australia's diplomatic efforts. The choice of McKenna is seen as a surprise given her association with News Corp and Lachlan Murdoch.
2027 (start date of new role), 2025 (financial deal reached in Murdoch family trust dispute), 2024 (Nevada judicial officer's ruling), 2023 (Project Family Harmony originated), 54 (McKenna's age)
The word ‘visionary’ is often abused, but not in Siobhan’s case, as her ability to perceive the future from the haze-shrouded shapes on the horizon is nonpareil. She is irreplaceable. - Robert Thomson, News Corp global chief executive
The Guardian · 21 Sept, 05:56
One of Alan Jones's accusers had their allegation withdrawn, leaving five alleged victims. Jones still faces 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching.
One of Alan Jones's accusers, pseudonymised as F, had their allegation withdrawn by the prosecution in a Sydney court on Monday. The charge alleged Jones touched and squeezed the complainant's bottom, on the outside of his clothing, at a public function in September 2012. Jones still faces 21 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching, and has denied all charges. The trial, now in its eighth week, has heard evidence from three complainants.
Why it matters: This is significant because it updates the status of the trial against Alan Jones, a former broadcaster, who is facing multiple charges of indecent assault and sexual touching. The withdrawal of one allegation reduces the number of alleged victims to five, but Jones still faces a substantial number of charges.
5, 21, 22, 2012, 35
I know the kiss happened because I can’t get it out of my memory.
The Guardian · 21 Sept, 05:00
The Trump administration has deported over 25,000 migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to countries that are not their own through third-country national arrangements. This policy, which has been criticized by human rights lawyers, involves deporting individuals to countries where they often have no connections and may face persecution.
The Trump administration has struck 35 deals with countries around the world to deport migrants and asylum seekers to countries that are not their own. This policy, which has been operating mostly behind closed doors, has resulted in the deportation of over 25,000 individuals, with many being sent to countries in Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and the Caribbean. The administration claims to be focusing on removing criminals from the US, but many of those deported have no criminal history and had been granted permission to stay in the US due to credible fears of harm if sent home.
Why it matters: This policy is significant because it has been criticized by human rights lawyers as a way to circumvent US law, which prohibits sending individuals back to countries where they may face persecution. The policy has also raised concerns about the rights and safety of those being deported, as many are being sent to countries where they have no connections and may face harm. The policy's legality has also been challenged, with a US federal appeals court recently ruling that it was unlawful.
25,000; 35; $410m; 20,000; 5,000; 1,000; 2,000; 44; 15; $30m; $50m
NPR News · 20 Sept, 21:39
Ten lions were found dead in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, and poisoning is suspected to be the cause of their deaths. This incident raises concerns over wildlife poisonings in East Africa.
Ten lions were found dead inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular wildlife reserve in Tanzania. The cause of their deaths is suspected to be poisoning, although the exact circumstances are not yet known. The incident has raised concerns about the threat of wildlife poisonings in East Africa. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a well-known and protected region, making the incident particularly alarming.
Why it matters: The deaths of the lions are significant because they highlight the threat of poisoning to wildlife in East Africa. Wildlife poisonings can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and endangered species. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of conservation efforts in protected areas like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
10
NPR News · 20 Sept, 21:53
A federal immigration agent shot and injured a man in Austin, Texas. The injured person is in serious but stable condition.
A federal immigration agent shot and injured a man in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred on Sunday. The person shot is in serious but stable condition, according to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. The mayor made the statement during a press conference.
Why it matters: The incident is significant as it involves a federal immigration agent using force, which can be a controversial and sensitive topic, especially in the context of immigration policies and law enforcement practices. The condition of the injured person and potential implications of the incident may draw public and official attention.
Ars Technica · 20 Sept, 10:00
Ferrari has introduced the Purosangue, a new vehicle that the company calls an FUV, or Ferrari Utility Vehicle, rather than an SUV. The Purosangue features a 6.5L V12 engine, all-wheel drive, and a unique design with rear-hinged doors.
Ferrari has unveiled the Purosangue, a new vehicle that marks a departure from the company's traditional two-seat sports cars. The Purosangue features a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing 715 hp and 528 lb-ft of torque. It has an all-wheel drive system and a front-mid engined layout, with a 49:51 front-to-rear weight ratio. The vehicle has a unique design, with rear-hinged doors and a five-door configuration, including a rear hatch.
Why it matters: The Purosangue represents a significant shift for Ferrari, as it caters to customers who want a vehicle that can accommodate more than two passengers. The vehicle's design and features, such as the all-wheel drive system and rear-hinged doors, make it a unique offering in the market. Ferrari's insistence on calling it an FUV rather than an SUV also highlights the company's efforts to differentiate its product from existing categories.
715 hp, 528 lb-ft, 195.8 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, 62.6 inches tall, 118.1-inch wheelbase, 4,784 lbs curb weight
Ars Technica · 20 Sept, 11:07
Google's undercover analyst infiltrated the notorious hacker group TeamPCP, allowing the company to monitor and disrupt the group's supply-chain hacking spree that breached over a thousand companies.
The hacker group TeamPCP carried out a massive supply-chain hacking spree, tainting hundreds of open-source programs with malware and breaching over a thousand companies. Google's threat intelligence group infiltrated the group with an undercover analyst, allowing them to monitor the hacking spree from the inside and warn breach targets. The undercover analyst was part of the group's inner circle from almost the beginning of their campaign. Google followed a trail of operational security mistakes made by the group's members and passed on key identifying details to law enforcement, leading to the arrest and charging of two alleged members in Australia.
Why it matters: This infiltration is significant because it allowed Google to disrupt the group's attempts to exploit victims and prevent further breaches. It also highlights the importance of threat intelligence and undercover operations in combating cybercrime. The successful infiltration and disruption of TeamPCP's operations demonstrate the effectiveness of proactive measures in protecting against supply-chain hacking.
NPR News · 20 Sept, 17:29
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right party suffered a significant electoral defeat in two state elections, with the far-right Alternative for Germany party making substantial gains. Merz has vowed to press ahead with reforms despite the setback.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right party, the Christian Democratic Union, faced a major electoral setback in two state elections. The party lost ground, while the far-right Alternative for Germany party made significant gains. Merz has responded to the defeat by vowing to press ahead with reforms. The elections were held on September 20, 2026.
Why it matters: The electoral defeat is significant as it reflects a shift in the German political landscape, with the far-right Alternative for Germany party gaining traction. The outcome may impact the implementation of Merz's reform agenda and the overall stability of the German government.
Ars Technica · 20 Sept, 09:00
A team of researchers has measured the body temperature of a T. rex by analyzing its teeth, finding it to be around 36° Celsius, similar to that of a modern elephant.
Researchers led by Randon J. Flores and Robert A. Eagle, geochemists at the University of California, Los Angeles, used dental thermometry to measure the body temperature of a T. rex. They analyzed the teeth of the dinosaur and found its body temperature to be approximately 36° Celsius. This is similar to the body temperature of a modern elephant. This discovery provides new insights into the physiology of the T. rex.
Why it matters: This finding is significant because it helps to answer the question of whether T. rex used warm blood to power its activity. The discovery suggests that T. rex may have been endothermic, generating its own body heat like birds and mammals. This challenges previous views of the dinosaur as a sluggish, cold-blooded reptile.
36° Celsius