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Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch dead at 67
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. The man convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio in the Northern Territory in 2001 has died. Bradley John Murdoch, who was serving a life sentence for the backpacker's murder in 2001, was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019. Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch has died, aged 67. AFP PHOTO/David HANCOCK He was transferred from the Alice Springs Correctional Centre to palliative care earlier this year. He died overnight at Alice Springs Hospital, aged 67. Murdoch was convicted of killing the British backpacker on July 14, 2001. Falconio was travelling with his girlfriend Joanne Lees in a Kombi van along the Sturt Highway, north of Barrow Creek between Darwin and Alice Springs, when another car stopped alongside them and motioned to them to pull over. When the Kombi van pulled over, Murdoch shot Falconio in the head. Murdoch then tried to kidnap Ms Lees, pulling her out of the van and binding her wrists with cable ties before forcing her in the back of his vehicle. While Murdoch went back to his vehicle, Ms Lees managed to escape and hid in the bushes for several hours before she flagged down another driver. Mr Falconio's body has never been found. British backpacker Peter Falconio and his girlfriend Joanne Lees. Murdoch was found guilty of murder in December 2005, and was sentenced to life in jail with a non-parole period of 28 years. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial and tried to overturn the convictions on two occasions, but both were unsuccessful. Murdoch would have been eligible for parole in 2032, but the NT's introduction of 'no body, no parole' laws in 2016 meant he would only have been released if he revealed the location of Mr Falconio's body. Last month, the NT Police Force (NTPF) announced a renewed appeal and $500,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of Mr Falconio's remains. Acting Commissioner Mark Grieve said despite the years that passed, it was 'never too late to reach out and at least start that conversation'. In a statement released on Wednesday morning, NTPF said they remained committed to 'resolving this final piece of the investigation'. 'It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch has died without, as far as we are aware, ever disclosing the location of Peter Falconio's remains,' the statement read. 'His silence has denied the Falconio family the closure they have so long deserved. 'Our thoughts are with the Falconio family in the United Kingdom, whose grief continues. 'We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that could lead us to Peter Falconio's remains to come forward, no matter how small the detail may seem.' Originally published as Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch dead at 67
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
BYD, Chery caught in $185m Chinese EV subsidy scandal
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring. Followed categories will be added to My News. Two of China's largest electric vehicle manufacturers, BYD and Chery, have been caught up in a multimillion-dollar subsidy scandal after a government audit revealed they improperly claimed more than $80 million in taxpayer funds. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, shows that from 2016 to 2020, the automakers received public subsidies for more than 13,000 vehicles that failed to meet official requirements. Preliminary results published late last month show Chery had applied for approximately 240 million yuan (approximately AUD $51 million) in funding for 8,760 electric and hybrid vehicles that did not qualify. MORE: EV boss calls for end to ute incentives BYD electric cars waiting to be loaded to the car carrier BYD "Shenzhen", which will sail to Brazil from the Taicang Port in Suzhou, in China's eastern Jiangsu province. (Photo by AFP) / China OUT BYD had 4,973,143 million yuan (approximately AUD $30 million). Both car brands accounted for close to 60 per cent of the total improper claims. The audit assessed more than 75,000 vehicles from more than a dozen automakers. In total, more than 21,700 vehicles across multiple brands were deemed ineligible accounting for 864.9 million yuan (approximately AUD $185 million) in questionable subsidies. No formal allegations of fraud have been made but the audit did flag issues such as missing supporting documents and failure to meet minimum mileage thresholds required under the phased out EV incentive scheme. Under the subsidy program, the Chinese government had previously offered generous cash rebates of up to 60,000 yuan (AUD $8400) per electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, paid directly to manufacturers, who were supposed to pass on the subsidy to their customers as a discount on the purchase price. MORE: Jet on wheels delivers wild luxury Chery had applied for approximately 240 million yuan (approximately AUD $51 million) in funding for 8,760 electric and hybrid vehicles that did not qualify. Picture: Supplied However, this did not always happen correctly. Regulators were particularly sceptical of dealer practices and sales strategies, calling out 'zero kilometre used cars', brand new vehicles registered to dealers and resold as used stock to inflate sales figures. The Ministry has not confirmed whether any of the funds flagged in the audit have been repaired or deducted from future payments. Chery denied the allegations and has said it acted transparently and said the audit only involved subsidy applications that had not yet been paid out. BYD has not yet commented. Originally published as BYD, Chery caught in $185m Chinese EV subsidy scandal
Courier-Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Man City breaks Premier League record with £1b Puma kit deal
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News. Manchester City have signed a blockbuster new kit deal with Puma worth a reported £1 billion ($2.05 billion) over the next 10 years. City's extension of their contract with Puma ranks as the largest kit manufacturing partnership in Premier League history. Having agreed a £65 million per year deal with the German company in 2019, City's new arrangement is believed to be worth a £100 million per year until 2035, according to British media reports. That figure shatters the £90 million per year deal signed by Manchester United with Adidas in 2023. FOOTBALL LATEST Arsenal face battle race to sign Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze Dwarfism scandal erupts at Barcelona star's 18th bday party Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reported to have kit deals worth in excess of £100 million per year. 'We joined forces with Puma with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons,' City Football Group chief executive Ferran Soriano said. 'Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we have enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally.' Puma chief executive Arthur Hoeld added: 'Puma's partnership with Manchester City has been a great success both on and off the pitch. 'Trophies, a perfect stage for our performance products and commercial success were exceptional.' City's massive deal comes after the club's first season without major silverware since 2016-17. Pep Guardiola's men finished third in the Premier League after winning the title for the previous four seasons. They also suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace and crashed out of the recent Club World Cup in the last 16 against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal./mw Originally published as Premier League giants Manchester City land $2 billion kit sponsorship deal with Puma
Courier-Mail
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Mattel opens adults-only Uno club at Las Vegas Palms Casino with strict gambling restrictions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. The stakes have well and truly been raised for a simple game of Uno. The popular family game played by people as young as seven will make its controversial debut in Sin City on Friday in a wild shift from the dining table to the dealer's circle. Game owners Mattel have given the green light to a 'Uno Social Club' above the gaming floors at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas off the Nevada strip, with plans to expand to more gambling locations. Slamming down the cards in frustration after copping a draw four won't exactly be the classiest move at the decked out venue, with players treated to dedicated game hosts shuffling the decks — ensuring no cheating. The room will also feature a private bowling alley, pool table and plush lounges. Different variations of the classic game will be on offer on different tables from July 18-20 and there'll be no children in sight at the exclusive event, with only participants over 21 allowed. But there's a catch. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Guests wanting to gamble on the games, despite the venue, won't be allowed. The decision is part of Mattel's main objective to provide an 'elevated social experience' at casinos instead of real money games. Las Vegas Uno Social club features private playing tables. Photo: Palms Casino Resort. The room features multiple tables, a private bowling alley, a pool table and lounges. Photo: Palms Casino Resort. 'We created Uno Social Clubs to reimagine what game night can be—bringing people together for real-world fun, connection, and a bit of friendly competition,' said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel. 'The Uno Social Club in Las Vegas is just the beginning, and we're excited to see how these new experiences inspire players to show up, play hard, and make unforgettable memories.' Uno is also not an approved game at gaming venues and any gambling would be considered a violation in the eyes of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Entry to the event was based on the winners of a social media hashtag competition run by Mattel earlier in the year. Influencers were invited to test out the space recently, but as per the casino rules were not allowed to place bets on games. '(G)ood thing there was no betting,' influencer itszuose, who boasts 134,000 Instagram followers said, 'bc I would've lost a lot of money.' The thought of the wildly popular game enjoyed by children and adults alike arriving at casinos is a scary thought for some. The exclusive club kicks off from July 18. Despite a strict ban on betting on the games, there are fears it's now just one step away. 'Vegas just trying to ruin lives,' one Instagram user said. 'Losin 500k cz u (sic) forgot to say Uno.' 'If y'all thought gambling addiction was bad now, when this is official gambling rate might go up especially for average people,' another said. 'What's next? Coin toss?' Earlier this year Yaamava Resort and Casino in California duped users online as part of an April fool's joke by announcing a real-money Uno table game at their venue, with tongue-in-cheek warnings to 'please use Draw 4's responsibly.' But the main question on everyone's mind: 'Can you stack +4 on +4?' One thing for sure, some clarity on the hugely divisive rules will be much needed ahead of play. Originally published as Beloved game Uno is set to debut in one Las Vegas casinos with plans for more, but there's a catch
Courier-Mail
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
'Such entitlement!': Sydney local fuming over parking fail
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Finding a parking spot can be tricky at the best of times. But, in that struggle, you wouldn't be blamed for misreading a sign or two. Unfortunately, one Sydney driver has been caught out for doing just that. But, social media thinks it might not actually be their fault. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Image: Reddit. RELATED: Aussie's shocking find after being pulled over 'Do these people not read the sign?' A Sydney Reddit user has taken to the platform to expose a driver in Kogarah. The poster said that almost daily, someone who is not driving an EV is blocking the EV charger - and they're at their wits' end. 'Every day, someone is blocking the EV charger in Kogarah,' the poster complained. 'Do these people not read the sign? Calling the council gets the rangers out there quickly for an easy fine, but the station is virtually always occupied by a non EV…' RELATED: 'They have no permits': Aussie fuming over parking act 'Such entitlement!' Commenters on the post shared their frustrations, calling these drivers entitled. 'Who parks somewhere and doesn't check the signage?' said one person. 'I feel for you here!' another shared. 'Such entitlement!' said a third. 'Where is a parking officer when you need one? That's a $2200 ticket,' another agreed. Would you know this spot was for EV charging? Nope! I would park there... Duh, read the signs! Cast your vote It may not be their fault However, not everyone was so sure it was the drivers' faults, saying it was instead a lack of signage that's causing the issue. 'I wonder how many people don't even see the signage,' one person pointed out. 'If I was in a hurry, I'd glance at the '1hr' and not take in the other information. I wonder how many I've been accidentally parked in front of,' another said. 'I couldn't work out what OP was pointing out at first and just thought it was an electrical box,' said another. 'Til I read the comments I had no idea what the issue was, super not clear it's for EVs,' a fourth agreed. Some even shared suggestions for the local Council to take on board. 'A bit of coloured paint on the road like most other kerbside EV charging locations would help,' one person recommended. 'The other ones usually have lines marked out on the road. That would be a good start,' said another. 'If this happens all the time at this particular location, then the signage needs improving,' another agreed. 'In my area the EV charger spots on the street are labelled 'No Parking - Excepted While Charging'. Your council needs to change the signage,' another said. Kidspot has contacted Georges River Council for comment. Originally published as 'Such entitlement!': Sydney local fuming over parking fail
