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"Dad would be stoked": Robert Irwin chokes up over Australia Zoo breakthrough

<p>Robert Irwin has choked up in an emotional video, sharing a major milestone for Australia Zoo that had special meaning to his late father. </p> <p>The wildlife warrior shared the exciting video to Instagram, holding a tiny baby turtle that he was about to release into its enclosure for the first time.</p> <p>Dressed in his Australia Zoo khakis, Irwin explained the moment was “one of the highlights of my entire life, and one of the most special moments ever here at Australia Zoo,” as the turtle is an “Elseya Irwini,” a species of turtle first discovered by Robert’s father Steve Irwin in the early 1990. </p> <p>Some 30 years later, Robert explained that this is the first of this particular species hatched in any zoological facility or captivity, anywhere in the world.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyYGqjfPL11/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyYGqjfPL11/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"This is so surreal. All the stories from dad about how beautiful they are... I don’t get emotional about much,” Irwin said, choking back tears as he released the tiny turtle into its pond.</p> <p>“You tearing up? Your dad would be really proud, mate,” a voice could be hear telling Irwin off-camera. </p> <p>“Dad would be stoked with that... we did it,” he said.</p> <p>The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, with people flocking to comments to share how proud Steve would be of his wildfire warrior children. </p> <p>One person wrote, "Steve is looking down and crying tears of joy.. His heart is proud of not only the turtle, but with the fact that his legacy continued with same path he envisioned for his kids."</p> <p>Others were quick to encourage Robert and Bindi Irwin to keep carrying on their father's legacy with their conservation work at the zoo, while others said that they should "Name the baby turtle Steve". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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The Voice 2023 winner revealed in thrilling finale

<p>In a thrilling conclusion to The Voice's 12th season, Tarryn Stokes, a talented vocalist from Team Rita, emerged as the champion. The grand prize of $100,000 and a coveted recording contract with Universal Music Australia now belongs to her.</p> <p>Facing formidable competition in the final four, including Charlie Pittman (Team Guy), Ethan Beckton (Team Jason), and Ezra Williams (Team Jess), Tarryn, at the age of 40, seized the victory.</p> <p>The climactic showdown featured each of the top four contestants performing twice. First, they shared the stage with their respective coaches for a duet, followed by a solo performance.</p> <p>Tarryn's coach, Rita Ora, joined her in a mesmerising duet rendition of the timeless Tina Turner hit, "The Best". Tarryn returned to deliver a jaw-dropping solo performance of Eric Carmen's "All By Myself", a rendition deeply inspired by Celine Dion's iconic version. Her solo act stood out as the highlight of the night, solidifying her status as a deserving winner.</p> <p>Ezra Williams kicked off the evening with a captivating performance of Camila Cabello's "Don't Go Yet" and later shared an emotional, stripped-down version of Harry Styles' "As It Was" with coach Jess Mauboy.</p> <p>Ethan Beckton took the stage alongside his coach, Jason Derulo, for a stirring rendition of Lewis Capaldi's "Someone You Loved". Ethan later returned for his solo act, delivering Ed Sheeran's "Eyes Closed".</p> <p>Charlie Pittman's powerful performance of Shawn Mendes' "When You're Gone" set the tone for his evening. He and coach Guy Sebastian surprised the audience with a tropical-pop twist on Natalie Imbruglia's classic, "Torn".</p> <p>While Tarryn celebrated her victory with a $100,000 cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Australia, it's important to note that success in the music industry is not guaranteed. Last year's winner, Lachie Gill, failed to make an impact on the charts, and the last Voice winner to score a top 20 hit was Judah Kelly back in 2017. Diana Rouvas, the winner of Season 8, also faced disappointment when her winner's single failed to crack the ARIA top 500.</p> <p>Coach Rita Ora showered Tarryn with praise, highlighting her dedication and undeniable talent: "Tarryn's sacrificed time with her kids to make her dream come true. She is undoubtedly one of the best singers I've seen on a show like this."</p> <p>In response, Tarryn shared her inspirational message: "I want people to know that they can still pursue their dreams as parents."</p> <p><em>Image: Network Seven</em></p>

TV

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Huge cost of Ben Roberts-Smith trial revealed

<p dir="ltr">Various media organisations are paying for multiple witnesses’ legal bills in the defamation case against Ben Roberts-Smith. </p> <p dir="ltr">A former SAS patrol commander identified as Person 5 told the Federal Court that his $65,000 legal bill was being covered by billionaire Channel 7 boss Kerry Stokes. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Victoria Cross recipient told the court that Stokes stepped in when the witness was not receiving any support from the Australian Defence Force.</p> <p dir="ltr">Stokes however clarified that the bills were charged to his private company, Australian Capital Equity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kerry discovered Defence was not covering some of the witnesses’ legal expenses so he stepped into the breach,” his spokesman told <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/legal-bills-in-ben-robertssmith-case-may-be-100-million/news-story/71a68a0cb53e0842f6de89050feff79e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Person 5 is not the first witness to have his legal bills covered by a major company - and the bill for the ongoing defamation case against Nine is expected to reach a huge $100 million.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Roberts-Smith is suing Nine and its journalists over a series of articles claiming he committed war crimes in Afghanistan, bullied his squadmates and abused his “mistress”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Denying all the allegations, Mr Roberts-Smith insisted he only killed enemy combatants within the rules of war, did not cheat on his wife and he abhors domestic violence.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nine, who are fighting to prove that the allegations are true, have already covered the legal costs for former witnesses and soldiers who were brought up to give their statements.</p> <p dir="ltr">They have also paid the legal fees, sorted accommodation, and travel for Mr Roberts-Smith’s ex-wife, known as Person 17. </p> <p dir="ltr">Multiple witnesses who gave evidence while based in Afghanistan also had their legal feels covered by Nine. </p> <p dir="ltr">The hearing continues.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Legal

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Law & Order actor faces murder charge

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Actor Isaiah Stokes was indicted for murder on Friday by a grand jury in Queens, New York.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The former </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Law &amp; Order</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;"> actor is accused of fatally shooting a man who was sitting in a parked car in Jamaica, Queens, in February this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The defendant is accused of unloading nearly 11 shots during this brazen afternoon shooting,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a press release.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Gun violence is all too prevalent in our neighbourhoods. We will not allow it to become the norm.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stokes was called before Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Holder on a three-count indictment, charged with second degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prosecutors contend that video surveillance from February 7 shows Stokes exiting a car and approaching the driver’s side window of a parked Jeep, before allegedly firing 11 gunshots into the car and fatally injuring Tyrone Jones, 57.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No motive for the shooting has been reported by police.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stokes faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Representatives for Stokes declined to comment on the matter.</span></p>

Legal

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“Best innings I’ve ever seen”: World reacts to Ben Stokes historic Ashes performance

<p>No one, not even Ben Stokes himself, could believe what the all-rounder pulled off in Leeds on Monday morning.</p> <p>The star of the England cricket team managed to pull off one of the greatest innings international cricket has ever seen as he single-handedly sent England to its highest successful run chase in Test history, beating Australia by one wicket in a surprising turn of events.</p> <p>They were faced with a chase of 359 runs in the third Ashes Test, but the host country seemed to be losing a grip on obtaining a win, as they came crashing at 9/286. But then, in came Stokes, who dominated the scene with a 76-run 10th wicket partnership with Jack Leach to lead the team to victory.</p> <p>And the world reacted in a stunning way, as they watched the madness unfold.</p> <p>Not only were Stokes’ teammates stunned, but past players were also in a state of disbelief.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">I’ve seen some remarkable cricket moments in my life but that is the best I’ve seen in over 50 years. <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@benstokes38</a> saved the Ashes and gave a magical inspirational innings. Even better than his World Cup performance.<br />Well done <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECB_cricket</a></p> — Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffreyBoycott/status/1165649549035212812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 August 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Greatest knock of all time .... Must be .... <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@benstokes38</a> .... I LOVE YOU ....<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a></p> — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1165644392432095233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 August 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">Ben Stokes is one hell of a cricketer !!</p> — Nasser Hussain (@nassercricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/nassercricket/status/1165633136585256967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 August 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">I have no sister but if I did I’d want her to marry Ben Stokes.</p> — Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swannyg66/status/1165646306758602752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 August 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet tw-align-center" data-lang="en-gb"> <p dir="ltr">That was pretty special! <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@benstokes38</a> , that was ridiculous! Well done. Ashes alive and well.</p> — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1165645558968705030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 August 2019</a></blockquote> <p>On Twitter, Mark Waugh commended the player saying, “When Geoffrey Boycott says it’s the greatest Test innings he has seen in 60 years watching the game you know it’s the GREATEST.”</p>

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