A voting machine firm suing Fox News now wants to probe Murdoch family trust fight
The new LNP government claims Cross River Rail will cost more than $17 billion and not be ready until 2029. Labor had promised Cross River Rail would be delivered with a budget of $5.4 billion, with most construction finished by 2025 and passenger services starting in 2026. But the LNP says when finished, the tunnel must be independently certified by the National Safety Regulator, which would take at least two years, and also pointed the finger at lost workdays due to industrial action. The government says $5 billion was “hidden” and included integration works to connect the tunnel with the existing rail network, stabling to park the trains, a new signalling system, buses to carry passengers while stations and tracks were being built, and additional maintenance equipment. But opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish accused Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg of “cooking the books”. “No government, business or person has included the cost of maintenance for the life of an asset when calculating the cost to build the project,” he said. “It’s also concerning that the new government isn’t committed to a 2026 opening of the project. “Also, adding the cost of buses to be used across the whole of south-east Queensland to the project is also laughable.” In a first for the state, Logan City Council has rolled out AI-powered surveillance systems at a town pool to safeguard against drowning. The technology at Gould Adams Park Aquatic Centre uses cameras focused on the pool to identify signs of struggle in the water, then sends real-time alerts on smart watches worn by lifeguards. Mayor Jon Raven said the alert system would give “greater peace of mind” to swimmers. “For those in our community who can’t swim or are not confident in the water – this could help save someone’s life,” he said. “While there’s no replacement for adequate supervision from parents, caregivers and lifeguards, this technology will be an extra layer of safety around pools.” The council said the cameras only detected generic behaviours, and could not capture facial or body imagery. It expected to continue rolling out the technology to other pools it managed across the next few years. Debate has kicked off in Queensland parliament over the government’s youth justice bill, with Labor trying – and failing – to have key parts delayed until early next year. Shadow attorney-general Meaghan Scanlon moved opposition amendments after the dinner break last night to address many stakeholders’ concerns about consultation lasting just days, and adverse outcomes. The amendments, voted down by the LNP and Katter’s Australian Party, would have returned more than a dozen clauses for “full and proper examination” by a committee. “While we acknowledge the outcome of the election and the policy that was taken to it by the LNP, that policy was in slogan and infancy form at best,” Scanlon said. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington accused Labor of simply trying to delay the laws and “laughing about victims ... about the people of Queensland who want to be safe in their homes over Christmas”. “All they want to do with this amendment is say to the people of Queensland, ‘Be afraid over Christmas. Be afraid on Boxing Day.’” Debate resumes today, with the bill set to pass by 5.30pm on Thursday with what Frecklington described as “technical amendments”, yet to be detailed, she would introduce to “strengthen and clarify the bill”. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered an extended defence of his response to antisemitism, in the wake of the terror attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne on Friday, and the vandalism in Sydney this morning. Facing criticism from the Coalition, including Liberal senator Jane Hume’s accusation that he had “emboldened and enabled” antisemtic crimes”, the prime minister detailed his initial response to the Adass synagogue firebombing. [On Friday], I’d been briefed by the AFP. I’d rung in to ... ABC Melbourne and responded publicly. We put out a statement. I’d spoken to Josh Burns, I’d spoken to Mr Spiegelman. I’d spoken to other Jewish community leaders as well. I visited a synagogue in Perth. On Saturday evening, we received a request for additional security funding, because the $20 million we had provided was almost expended. On Sunday morning, less than 24 hours later, I responded with support for $32.5 million of additional funding.” He continued that on Monday the National Security Committee met, and the authorities formally declared the firebombing an act of terrorism. The AFP operation Avalite was then formed and announced at a press conference. Albanese also pointed to other responses including the “landmark” ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols, and the appointment of Jillian Segal as the special envoy to combat antisemitism. “We criminalised doxxing, something that was called for, but which unfortunately, the opposition voted against,” Albanese said. “We now have legislation before the parliament to criminalise hate speech, including the urging or threatening, of course, or violence against other individuals or groups because of who they are and what their beliefs are.” Bringing the man believed to have seriously scalded a Brisbane baby with hot coffee to justice will likely be a “slow burn” after he escaped to an unknown country. The suspect reportedly came up behind a young mother at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner about midday on August 27, and tipped the contents of a Thermos on her nine-month-old boy before running away. Four days later – and just hours before investigators say they confirmed his identity – the man flew out of Sydney Airport to an unknown country. “That remains an active investigation, so you know that may well be a slow burn,” Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski told Brisbane Times yesterday. When asked for a rough time frame, he said it would be inappropriate to comment. “I can’t speculate on that. It’ll depend on the offender and our ability to identify, locate and bring him back to justice.” Labor Minister Clare O’Neil says reports that claimed the prime minister was heckled on his visit to the Adass synagogue in Melbourne on Tuesday were overblown. In an interview on Seven’s Sunrise , it was put to O’Neil that people yelled phrases at Anthony Albanese including “You’re late” and “Nice day for tennis,” referring to the tennis match Albanese played in Perth the day after the firebombing of the synagogue. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited the Adass Israel synagogue on Tuesday. Credit: Justin McManus “I’d just say I saw some of the reporting of that, I think, you know, some of those people weren’t even from that local community,” O’Neil said. “I was actually at the Adass synagogue a little bit later that afternoon speaking to members of the community. People were grateful that the prime minister was there, they were pleased to have him there and of course to see him make that commitment to help rebuild the synagogue there and to invest to try to rescue those sacred Torahs that have been damaged in the fire.” O’Neil said that while she was “sure there angry and upset people”, she did not think that was the “universal experience of having the PM there”. “The PM, in my view, has shown real leadership, he’s come to the synagogue, done the things people want a prime minister to do, he has made that commitment to rebuild the synagogue, has set up this task force to show we’re cracking down on any of this behaviour.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to the antisemitic vandalism in Sydney’s east, the second time the suburb of Woollahra has been targeted in a month. Albanese said the incident was an “outrage” and “another antisemitic attack”. He said he would be briefed by the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Avalite, the task force that was assembled this week in response to the Adass Israel Synagogue terror attack in Melbourne on Friday. “I stand with the Jewish community and unequivocally condemn this attack. There is no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also posted a statement to X, calling the attack an “abhorrent attempt to intimidate our Jewish community”. “It will not be successful,” Burke wrote. Don’t forget your umbrella today – the Bureau of Meteorology predicts more rain across Brisbane, this morning and this afternoon, following the downpour late yesterday, although it should be clearing by this evening. The top temperature isn’t expected to hit 30 degrees – warmer days are ahead, however. Here are the stories making the rounds beyond Brisbane this morning: The organisers of alternative music festival Good Things have been accused of ignoring allegations of sexual assault, harassment and anti-social behaviour – including men groping women, filming up girls’ skirts, and abusing those who turned down their advances. A group of Australian women who underwent hysterectomies after reporting severe side-effects from a permanent sterilisation device has lost a class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer , with a judge noting that chronic pelvic pain was common for many women. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called out the influence of News Corp’s alleged bias, warning colleagues during a cabinet meeting that Rupert Murdoch’s media empire was openly working to back Opposition Leader Peter Dutton . ‘An insult to the intelligence of the American people’: The alleged shooter of a CEO in the US has broken his silence after his arrest. Tourists at the famous monkey forest in Bali have been crushed to death by falling branches . New York prosecutors have filed a murder charge against Luigi Mangione, 26. In the hours since his apprehension, his baffling journey from star student to murder suspect has begun to come into focus. Good morning, thanks for joining us for Brisbane Times’ live news blog. It’s Wednesday, December 11, and we’re expecting more rain today and a top temperature of 28 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: A culture of discrimination in Queensland Police is making it harder to recruit and retain officers, according to a 236-page Queensland Human Rights Commission report which identified ingrained prejudice against female, Indigenous and minority officers. Premier David Crisafulli has moved to make good on his campaign promise there would be no changes to abortion laws under an LNP government: by stopping parliament from discussing the topic . What began as a trickle has become a flood, with Brisbane’s sunny climate, a vibrant hospitality scene and the looming Olympics luring Melbourne restaurateurs north . Dolphins forward Josh Kerr has declared Max Plath will go where Plath’s famous father could not, and help Queensland regain the State of Origin shield as early as the 2025 series.Save up to 50% on a Wide Range of Samsonite Luggage Pieces in Epic Black Friday Deals
By Conor Roche Chatter of Juan Soto signing with the Red Sox has seemingly risen on social media in recent days. Well, the recent odds have shown that Boston’s chances to sign Soto have improved. The Red Sox are listed at +300 to be Soto’s next team at BetMGM Sportsbook , giving them the third-best odds to sign the star slugger. The Yankees remain the favorite to sign Soto, holding -110 odds to retain him. The Mets have the second-best odds of signing Soto (+150) while the Blue Jays and Dodgers also have +300 odds. While Boston still trails both New York teams and has equal odds with two other ballclubs, its betting odds to sign Soto have vastly improved since the start of the offseason. The Red Sox were listed at +2500 at DraftKings Sportsbook to sign Soto in the first week of November, which was the eighth-highest among all teams at the time. In the time since then, the Red Sox were reportedly among a handful of teams to meet with Soto in Southern California. That meeting was “productive” and Soto was “impressed” by Boston’s presentation, MassLive’s Sean McAdam previously reported . The Red Sox were also just one of five known teams to have reportedly sent Soto a contract offer as well. Boston has also stepped up its efforts as it pitched Soto on his fit with the franchise (in terms of his fit at Fenway and with the ball club’s history), the New York Post ‘s Jon Heyman reported earlier in the week . More rumors emerged about the Red Sox’ pursuit of Soto on social media throughout the day on Thanksgiving, with some possibly signaling that he was leaning toward signing with Boston. However, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Soto remained unsigned . Whenever Soto opts to sign, the expectation is that he’ll receive one of the largest deals, if not the largest deal, in MLB history. Most prognosticators projected Soto to sign a contract worth at least $600 million over a minimum of 12 years ahead of free agency. Even though the Red Sox haven’t been too active relative to other big market teams in free agency over the last few offseasons. Some insiders expect the Red Sox to be more aggressive this offseason, though. “The Red Sox, after sleepwalking through the past few offseasons, have finally arisen and awakened, and they’re acting like a big market team should,” The Athletic ‘s and Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal said on “Fair Territory.” Boston also has the cap room to add a contract like the one Soto is expected to receive this offseason. It had roughly $70 million in available cap space before reaching the first luxury tax threshold entering the offseason, The Boston Globe ‘s Alex Speier projected in October . Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy has also hinted at the possibility of the team entering the luxury tax, which the would likely have to do if they want to sign Soto and add pitching help. “Even if it takes us over the [competitive balance tax],” Kennedy told The Boston Globe ‘s Michael Silverman earlier in November on the Red Sox’ potential spending this offseason . “Our priority is 90 to 95 wins, and winning the American League East, and winning the division for multiple years.” Signing Soto might not be a necessity for the Red Sox this offseason as they’re set to have an outfield logjam and are already a left-heavy lineup. But signing him would give them a talent they haven’t had since they traded Mookie Betts and would allow the team to be much more flexible with their roster. Boston would probably like Soto to make his decision sooner rather than later as it still has other areas of the roster to address. There have been reports that have indicated Soto is likely to make his decision by MLB’s winter meetings , which will take place from Dec. 9-12, if not sooner. Sign up for Red Sox updates⚾ Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during baseball season. Be civil. Be kind.
CCAR_McKie 10 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 8:15. GAST_FG Rickman 28, 14:07. GAST_Brock 19 run (Rickman kick), 8:38. CCAR_Courtney 5 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 4:16. CCAR_FG Hensley 43, :01. CCAR_C.Washington 18 run (Hensley kick), 10:56. GAST_FG Rickman 30, 7:06. CCAR_McKie 31 pass from Vasko (Hensley kick), 2:44. GAST_Brock 1 run (pass failed), :25. CCAR_Vasko 10 run (Hensley kick), 9:50. CCAR_FG Hensley 23, 8:33. CCAR_Fletcher 39 interception return (Hensley kick), 7:13. GAST_Fleming 6 pass from Lowe (Hurst pass from Lowe), 4:36. RUSHING_Coastal Carolina, Washington 20-124, Vasko 13-68, Bennett 8-43, Price 5-26, Lloyd 3-10, Taylor 1-5, Duplessis 1-1, (Team) 2-(minus 2). Georgia St., Brock 14-71, Veilleux 11-62, Lowe 3-47, Dukes 2-11, Beasley 3-11. PASSING_Coastal Carolina, Vasko 13-17-1-200, (Team) 0-1-0-0, Duplessis 0-1-1-0, Kim 0-1-0-0. Georgia St., Veilleux 15-26-4-205, Lowe 2-6-0-21. RECEIVING_Coastal Carolina, McKie 5-81, Tucker 3-31, Karr 2-35, Duplessis 1-41, Berrong 1-7, Courtney 1-5. Georgia St., Hurst 8-131, Dukes 3-15, Riles 2-26, Fleming 2-18, Brock 1-21, Milton 1-15. MISSED FIELD GOALS_None.
Will the Sukhna lake, a treasure of Chandigarh’s heritage and a beauty spot of global renown, be finally rid of proliferating weed at the regulator-end and the birding area (rowing canal)? A statement released by the UT administration on November 26 claimed that the annual de-weeding exercise had been upgraded with the induction of a machine (an “aquatic plant harvester”) hired from a New Delhi-based firm, Cleantec Infra. The stated purpose of the mechanical de-weeding was described thus by the Administration: “To maintain ecological balance and enhance scenic beauty” and to remove the obstruction to recreational activities such as ‘boating and water sports’.” So far, the UT engineering department hired de-weeding labourers. The weed shrivels in winter and the manual removal in the cold season works to lift the leaves and part of the stem. However, the roots of the weed run deep, estimated as embedded 3-4 feet in the silt deposits under the water. Since the weed is not uprooted by manual removal, it blooms and eats up the water surface with summer’s advent. As reported by this writer in these columns, the weed infiltrated the birding area canal in 2018 from the proliferation at the regulator-end. Unseen to most visitors and officials to the lake, the weed in the canal has currently covered more than 60% of the stretch, which used to host migratory birds in winter. Currently, the forests and wildlife department has employed five paddle boats with workers to remove the weed tops from the canal, which unfortunately also constitutes a disturbance to the paltry number of birds visiting the Sukhna this winter. Though the harvester promises much to the public, the fact is that its cutting depth has been set to a metre. It does not attack the roots but merely lengthens the “pruning” exercise undertaken by manual de-weeding. Cleantec Infra officials suggested to this writer that the administration could deploy more specialised machines in standing water, such as the “amphibious excavator”, to remove the silt in which roots are entrenched. Ideally, the drying up of the lake would afford a thorough de-silting but high precipitation levels have not been conducive to the exercise, the last being in 2010. Chief engineer CB Ojha told this writer: “The department will consider the use of excavators. We will consult the forest department on this issue.” On wings of a lovely surprise Small migratory birds, such as warblers, chiffchaffs and thrushes, can be quite bewildering to budding photographers. Their plumages change with the seasons and the sexes often look alike; not that the couple tends to confuse a spouse with a specimen from another species! Navjot Singh, an employee with the Chandigarh Housing Board, has taken to nature photography since 2021. He was out birding with Gagan Gyan at Chakki Modh (Himachal Pradesh) on November 3. As luck would have it, an agile bird with long wings and a particularly upright stance, when perched, came into their view. Both took its photos but mistook it as a common species, and hence did not post its photos on social media. They let matters rest there till Singh made a trip to Narkanda two weeks later. There, as he was casually showing his photographs to an accomplished bird guide, Himanshu Chaudhary, a startling revelation came his way. “Chaudhary identified the supposedly-common bird as a “rufous-tailed rock thrush”. It is a very rare bird in India, as it migrates in autumn and has been observed in some states such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Sikkim,” Singh told this writer. Though Singh does not have many years of experience in avian photography, his photographic record of a female thrush is part of an encouraging, emergent phenomenon. Such records from enthusiasts have led ornithologists to review the thrush as not a vagrant or a chance stray bird to India but a species which regularly passes through in small numbers. “Significant increase in number of thrush sightings outside Ladakh could be due to the increased number of birders covering suitable habitat of the species, and taking photographs during passage migration,” wrote C Abhinav and Piyush Dogra in the journal, “Indian Birds”. vjswild2@gmail.com