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Biggest box office bombs revealed

The biggest box office bombs for 2023 have been revealed, with Disney dominating the list. New data from <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/05/biggest-box-office-bombs-2023-lowest-grossing-movies-1235902825/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadline</a> reports that four Disney films ranked topped the list of movies with the highest studio net loss for 2023. While the outlet reported that Disney typically “owns a majority of the year’s top 10 most profitable films thanks to Marvel movies,” that was not the case for 2023. According to their calculations, superhero film The Marvels had a studio net loss of $A358 million, after only earning the franchise $71 million at the box office in its opening weekend, their lowest number to date. In November 2023, Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed the box office blunder at The New York Times’ Dealbook Summit, saying that because the film was shot during covid, “there wasn’t as much supervision on the set, so to speak, where we have executives [that are] really looking over what’s being done day after day after day.” Deadline claimed that another reason why the film flopped was because it "was trying to thread storylines from Disney+ shows like Ms. Marvel," which wasn't as well-received by fans compared to other series like Loki and WandaVision. Iger shared the same belief, saying that Marvel’s mass of content on Disney+ "diluted focus and attention," contributing to the franchise's failure at the box office. The Marvels was followed by The Flash, a Warner Bros. and DC production with a $234 million studio net loss. Three other Disney films also made the list, with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny coming in third place with a $216 million net loss, followed by Wish with a $198 million loss and Haunted Mansion with a $117 million loss. Image: Getty

Movies

Kochie's thoughtful act for scam victim

David Koch has given back to a hard-working Aussie who lost her life savings to a convincing scam. For many years, scammers have been using the likeness of Australian celebrities to con people out of their money. Kochie is just one of many high-profile personalities who have had their identities used to run convincing scams, that thousands of people have fallen victim to. The former Sunrise host has often taken to social media to warn people of the illegitimate ads, but it hasn't been enough to stop the scammers in their tracks. In a special 7News Spotlight investigation, Kochie joined the team to lift the lid on the multi-billion-dollar scam industry in which fake advertisements featuring well-known celebrities have been used to con more than 600,000 Aussies. “It’s devastating because it’s my reputation on the line,” says Koch. “And these scams are so good, they’re so believable that people who trust me look at me and say, ‘Wow, I’m getting some comfort out of what this bloke is saying,’ and then are ripped off by some scammer from overseas.” Koch is desperately trying to stop this criminal act, saying, “I’ve reported it to the ACCC and ASIC. I’m part of an ACCC case against Meta at the moment surrounding these scam ads.” As part of the investigation, Kochie met Allison, who lost $250,000 when she invested her money in what she thought was a reputable company, fronted by who she believed to be the former Sunrise host. As an avid Port Adelaide supporter, she trusts Koch, who is also the Chairman of the football club. “Port Adelaide members are all part of a big family,” says Koch. “And the fact that these scammers use my association with the club to prey on members is just abhorrent.” After losing her savings, Allison has been struggling to make ends meet, and is on a payment plan so she can stay as a member of the AFL club she loves. After learning of her story, Koch himself has stepped in and ensured she has lifelong membership. “It’s the least we can do,” says Koch to Allison. “Because, football has got to be your haven.” Allison is just one of the many victims of complex scams in Australia, with reporter Sarah Greenhalgh believes millions of dollars have been illegally stolen. “The scammers successfully prey on these people’s unique vulnerabilities and the victims’ lives have changed forever as a result,” she says. Image credits: 7News Spotlight

Money & Banking

"It loses its value": Calls for the Last Post to be canned from Anzac Day footy

A radio host has called for the Last Post to be canned from the majority of Anzac Day football games, saying it has lost its meaning over the years, leaving people with "bugle fatigue". An Anzac Day AFL match has taken place every year at the MCG on Anzac Day since 1995, with Collingwood and Essendon going head to head year after year. It was the brainchild of then Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy who had also served in the Australian Army during his playing days for Richmond. The game started as a one off-match, which quickly snowballed into an entire round of games, while the NRL also joined in and created their own Anzac Day matches. Traditionally, each game starts with a ceremony of recognition of our veterans and a performance of the Last Post. before the game kicks off. The addition of the several extra games, all which begin with the Last Post, prompted radio host Greg 'Marto' Martin from Brisbane's Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux & Dan to call for The Last Post to be scrapped from all matches, except the annual fixture between Essendon and Collingwood. "Football has now turned [The Last Post] into a gimmick," he said. "Back in 1995 when Kevin Sheedy, the coach of Essendon, he said, 'Let's have an Anzac Day clash at the MCG,' I reckon it's the most… spine tingling three minutes or so." "97,000 at the MCG… not one person yelling out while that's being played and, the honour that they give to all serving soldiers and returned soldiers is quite extraordinary." "But now what's happened, as football always does, and I'm not just talking AFL I'm talking rugby league as well, they've taken a wonderful thing and they've gone, 'Oh that's good —'" Margaux interrupted saying: "How can we capitalise!" Marto continued, "So what's going to happen this week in all eight games of the AFL and all eight games of the rugby league… every single one of them will play this [The Last Post] and you'll get ANZAC - you'll get bugle fatigue." "We have to stop it somewhere." Margaux said, "It gets saturated, so it loses its value. They all think they are doing the right thing, but all they are doing is turning it into a mockery." The AFL has confirmed that all nine matches across round seven will hold special Anzac observance ceremonies ahead of each game, with AFL General Manager Commercial Peta Webster saying, "Anzac Day is one of our country's most important national occasions so I'd encourage all fans attending matches throughout the round to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and pre-match formalities that will no doubt be another moving tribute to the sacrifices of our past and present service men and women." Image credits: Getty Images

Travel Trouble

Outrage after grandma beaten at home by fake officers

The quiet neighbourhood of Girrawheen, Perth, has been rocked by a vicious assault perpetrated by three assailants disguised as police officers. The aftermath of this cowardly act has left an older couple traumatised and the community reeling with shock and outrage, with police releasing a graphic image of one of the victims in an attempt to help bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim of this brutal attack, 73-year-old Nannette, bore the brunt of the assailants' aggression, enduring a savage beating while her husband, Phillip, was bound and left traumatised inside their own home. The assailants, described as having olive complexions, fled the scene after ransacking the house and stealing jewellery of significant value. The image released by Western Australia Police, with Nannette's approval, was a stark portrayal of the brutality inflicted upon her. Police Commissioner Col Blanch condemned the attack in the strongest terms, expressing his disgust at the violence perpetrated against innocent civilians in their own home. “I saw the photo of the victim this morning, and it made me sick to my stomach,” Blanch said. “To have people at home suffer that type of attack is a disgrace.” Detective Inspector Gary Butler, visibly disturbed by the severity of the incident, highlighted the need for the community to come together to support the investigation and ensure that justice is served. "Violence of this nature is unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated," he said. The daughter of the victims also spoke out, shedding light on the harrowing ordeal her parents endured. She described her mother as a resilient individual who had recently battled cancer and was in the process of recovering. The attack has not only left physical scars but has also shattered their sense of security in their own home. “They tied my dad up, in their own home," she said. "So it’s not safe to come back.” Nannette, reportedly traumatised and in pain, requires medical treatment for her injuries. The psychological toll of such a traumatic experience is immeasurable, not only for the victims but also for their loved ones and the wider community. In the wake of this despicable act, Inspector Butler issued a plea for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. "We will not stop until these offenders are apprehended and placed before the courts," he said. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Images: WA Police | Nine News

Caring

Princess Kate's post-surgery pic ignites even wilder conspiracy theories

In a recent revelation that has the internet buzzing, Kensington Palace released a brand new photo of the Princess of Wales alongside her adorable brood, but it seems like the royal family might be playing with more than just thrones and crowns. The picture, meant to express gratitude to the public for their support during Catherine's recovery from abdominal surgery, quickly became a subject of speculation, leaving royal enthusiasts scratching their heads and raising eyebrows faster than you can say "corgi". The image, which features Catherine sitting and embracing her children – Prince Louis, Prince George and Princess Charlotte – in the scenic backdrop of Windsor, seems like a wholesome Mother's Day tribute at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, the cracks in this picture-perfect façade begin to show. Social media erupted with theories faster than a racehorse at Ascot. Some eagle-eyed observers speculated that the photo might have been the handiwork of artificial intelligence, citing suspiciously green grass and leaves in the dead of winter, a rarity even in England where the weather is as unpredictable as a teenage royal's romantic interests. "AI is that you?" asked one astute commentator on Instagram, voicing the suspicions of many. <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/p/C4U_IqTNaqU/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/p/C4U_IqTNaqU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> "Ummmmm, this photo looks doctored…" wrote another astute reader. "Catherine’s right hand around Louis is entirely blurry but the left hand around Charlotte, at the same distance to the camera, is not, and either is Louis’ jumper around the hand blurry. Also Charlotte’s dress, which is clothing her torso behind her arm, impedes on the sleeve at the wrist… the cardigan sleeve shows the dress in front of it, when it should only be behind. And Louis’ middle finger must be awfully long to be entirely wrapped around the next finger without being able to see the finger nail… it’s also blurry. I’m a keen photographer, and those are not true elements of a photo as taken." But wait, there's more! The absence of Catherine's wedding ring did not escape the notice of keen observers, prompting questions about the state of her marriage. "WHERE'S YOUR RING??!" demanded one fan, while another pondered, "no ring, tree in full bloom in winter, jeans after major abdominal surgery, face shape completely different from car photo." And if that wasn't enough to fuel the royal gossip mill, Prince Louis's peculiar finger-crossing gesture sent conspiracy theorists into overdrive. Is he sending secret messages? Or is it just further evidence that we're all living in a simulation run by an eccentric royal fan with a knack for Photoshop? Additionally, a subtle misalignment in Princess Charlotte's hand compared to her jumper sleeve raised clear suspicions of digital manipulation. As the speculation grew louder, four of the world's largest photo agencies – The Associated Press, AFP, Getty Images and Reuters – issued a "mandatory kill notice", on the image, effectively retracting it from circulation. The reasons cited varied slightly among the agencies, with mentions of "editorial issues" and inconsistencies in the photograph's details. The decision to retract the photo wasn't taken lightly; it's a standard protocol for picture agencies to withdraw images that have been significantly altered. The reaction on social media was swift, with royal watchers and media personalities dissecting the image for clues. Chris Ship, ITV News's royal editor, shared close-up sections of the photo, highlighting apparent discrepancies in Charlotte's sleeve, Prince Louis's jumper, and the background behind him. His commentary underscored the seriousness of the situation, questioning Kensington Palace – the source of the photo – about the authenticity of the image. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I’ve never been much of a conspiracy theorist but if <a href="https://twitter.com/AP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AFP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> & other picture agencies are concerned enough to remove it and ask clients to delete it, there are serious questions for Kensington Palace - which was the source of the photo. These appears to be the issues 👇 <a href="https://t.co/ifcSB9mUzu">https://t.co/ifcSB9mUzu</a> <a href="https://t.co/bH5gN9fJtJ">pic.twitter.com/bH5gN9fJtJ</a> — Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1766947758529822803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> Amidst the fervent speculation, Kensington Palace remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the allegations of photo manipulation. The lack of clarity has only fuelled the fire, leading to further conjecture about the intentions behind the controversial image. In a world where every pixel is scrutinised and every detail dissected, the royal family's attempt at a heartwarming family photo has turned into a comedic saga worthy of a Shakespearean farce. As the internet continues to buzz with speculation, one thing is for certain: when it comes to the royals, truth is often stranger than fiction. Or in this case, more digitally manipulated than reality TV. Image: Instagram

Caring

Police officer arrested amid search for missing men

A police officer has turned himself in over the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-officer-sought-in-connection-to-disappearance-of-two-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suspicious disappearance</a> of two men. Former Network Ten presenter 26-year-old Jesse Baird and his boyfriend 29-year-old Luke Davies were last seen on Monday, with police launching an extensive investigation into their disappearance. On Thursday, officers called for Constable Beau Lamarre to come forward as part of the investigation, believing he could hold valuable information. Now, on Friday morning, the celebrity blogger turned police officer presented at Bondi Police Station where he was arrested. The man was then taken to Waverley Police Station where he is assisting with inquiries, police said. During a press conference on Friday afternoon, a lead investigator confirmed the young officer has been charged with two counts of murder, while adding the families of the young men have been told the investigation is being treated as a homicide. Lamarre is an ex-partner of Baird and was a former celebrity blogger before joining NSW Police in 2020. Online the 28-year-old would often go by the pseudonym Beau London, creating accounts on social media and a celebrity blog page titled That's The Tea, where he posted selfies alongside celebrities such as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">An investigation began into Baird and Davies' disappearance after number of their personal items, including a watch, clothes, credit cards and keys were found by a worker in Club Cronulla, with blood stains present on the items. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Police have also searched two homes during their investigation - one in Balmain and one in Paddington - with officers "immediately" establishing a crime scene at the Paddington home after finding blood spatters. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">According to officers, a “significant” amount of blood consistent with a fatality and signs of a struggle were discovered inside Mr Baird’s Paddington home on Thursday afternoon. <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">Image credits: 9News / Instagram

Legal

Police officer sought in connection to disappearance of two men

A NSW police officer is sought in connection to the suspicious disappearance of two men, who haven't been heard from since Monday. Former Studio 10 host Jesse Baird and his boyfriend Luke Davies were last seen four days ago, with police launching an investigation into their disappearance. A number of their personal items, including a watch, clothes, credit cards and keys were found by a worker in Club Cronulla, with blood stains present on the items. Police have also searched two homes during their investigation - one in Balmain and one in Paddington - with officers "immediately" establishing a crime scene at the Paddington home after finding blood spatters. According to officers, a “significant” amount of blood consistent with a fatality and signs of a struggle were discovered inside Mr Baird’s Paddington home on Thursday afternoon. More personal items belonging to the couple were recovered from a skip bin 20 kilometres from the home in question. Police have called for Constable Beau Lamarre to come forward as part of their investigation, who is the ex-boyfriend of one of the men. Friends of Baird have revealed he previously expressed concerns he was being stalked by another man. Police confirmed on Thursday they wanted to speak to Constable Lamarre in relation to the case and were desperately trying to reach him. "Following inquiries, detectives are looking at a line of inquiry that a third person may be able to assist with the investigation," NSW Police said, in a statement. "Police are currently trying to locate him." Police have not said that the officer was involved in the disappearance, only that they would like to speak to him, as no arrest warrant has been issued. Image credits: Instagram

Legal

"Absolute original": The Office star dies aged 50

The Office star Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. The comedian shot to fame for his portrayal of oddball character Keith Bishop in the UK version of the sitcom, starring alongside Ricky Gervais. Tributes have flooded in for the star, led by his co-star Gervais. He wrote, “Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.” Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote The Office with Gervais, said he was “so very sad” to hear of the death of MacIntosh, who he described as a “lovely and uniquely funny man”. “I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him,” Merchant said in an Instagram tribute. “He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.” Ewen’s management team announced his passing, writing, “With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh." “His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home." “There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year.” His pal Ed Scott wrote, “I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh. “He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember.” Away from the popular sitcom, Ewen struggled to get roles and went bankrupt in 2016. MacIntosh teamed up with Gervais once more for a small role in After Life, and also had minor roles in Little Britain and Miranda. He also opened up on his health battles, revealing in 2022 he had been admitted to hospital, saying it was a "Bad times for me I’m afraid chums," while urging his fans to "Stay strong out there.” Image credits: BBC

Caring

War veteran loses $18,000 to Netflix scam

Shane Arnold, 71, was left with nothing after he fell for an elaborate Netflix scam, allegedly run by a teenager. The war veteran was robbed of $18,000 when he thought he was entitled to a refund after receiving a fake Netflix email. After he entered his personal banking details, the accused scammer allegedly used this information to call Arnold the following day claiming to be a security officer from Commonwealth Bank. "(It was) extremely convincing," Arnold told 9News. "He spoke in a posh English accent." Arnold was allegedly told by a 19-year-old, whose voice had been disguised with AI, that his account had been compromised and ordered to put his bank cards in a bag, to be collected by a driver. Hours later, the accused teen who is from Braybrook, Melbourne allegedly withdrew thousands of dollars from ATMs in Braybrook and West Footscray, and purchased dozens of gift cards from Kmart. He also allegedly filled up on fuel, bought a new iPhone, and some strawberry milk and ice cream. The teen has since been charged over the incident, but Arnold is still fighting hard to get his money back. "I've worked for 50-odd years to get that money," he told the publication, adding that he felt "like my heart had been ripped out". The senior also claimed that the bank was partly to blame, and has lodged a report to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) who are currently managing his case. Arnold added that Commonwealth Bank had only offered to reimburse him $1000, and said that everyone who'd been scammed deserved to have their money returned to them. "I hope all those people get their money back," he said. "None of them deserved to be scammed and none of them did anything wrong." Images: Nine News

Legal

Johnny Ruffo's partner shares heartbreaking post about grief

Johnny Ruffo's girlfriend has shared her first Instagram post of 2024, sharing how she is getting through since the loss of her partner. Tahnee Sims took to social media to share a selection of photos from the highlights of January and February, with the snaps showing her smiling and having fun with friends. In amongst the pictures of the good days, the 30-year-old posted a devastating quote about grief from novelist Anne Lamott, as she continued to struggle with the loss of Johnny. “You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never get over the loss of your beloved,” read the quote Sims shared on Sunday. “But this is also the good news." “They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up, and you come through." “It’s like a broken leg that never heals perfectly — that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” Friends and family flocked to the comments on the post to share their love and support for Tahnee. “So good to see you smiling again,” wrote Home and Away star Lynne McGranger, a close friend of Ruffo’s. “Loving seeing these happy moments. Am sure there are still lots of hard ones too, but focus on the positives and the future,” one follower said. “Stay strong, beautiful girl,” said a third. “He would want this.” Johnny Ruffo passed away on November 10th last year at the age of 35 after a long battle with brain cancer. Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

"It was devastating": Grandfather loses $1 million in scam before his death

A "vulnerable" and "lonely" grandfather lost over $1 million in a complex scam in the months before he died, with his son now issuing a warning to others. Adrian Heartsch was described by his family as a "frugal" man, who had no experience with online banking before becoming involved in the scam. “Unless he knew exactly what he was paying for – he wouldn’t pay for it,” his son Simon Heartsch told A Current Affair. “I said to him if somebody can scam you, they can scam anybody.” He soon connected with someone online, who called themselves a woman named Vida and charmed him with sweet talk and pet names, and soon earned his trust. “He wasn’t alone, but he was lonely. He had no company, he didn’t even have his dog anymore to talk to,” his son told ACA. “So I guess he’s vulnerable in that way.” The woman convinced Mr Heartsch to send her several Apple gift cards, claiming he would be given over $20 million worth of gold bars or gold bullion in return. She also promised the grandfather that she would come to Australia and live “happily ever after” with him. Simon only discovered the truth about his father's finance and the long-running scam when Adrian landed in hospital. “We brought up these emails that were just gobsmacking,” he said. “The story grew from $300,000 to $600,000 to up and up and up … over a million dollars.” The ruse had been going on for three years, and saw Mr Heartsch buy up to $10,000 worth of Apple gift cards from several shops in a single day. Simon said his father was “mortified” after learning the truth and didn’t want to pursue a case with the police. The scam cost the 77-year-old almost everything, robbing him of his savings, truck and caravan, leaving him with only his home. Shortly after, Mr Heartsch fell “sicker and sicker” as his health deteriorated, and he passed away a month after his family learned of the scam. “It was like all this was the nail in the coffin, it was devastating for him, his whole life savings he’s lost,” said Simon. Adrian's family went searching for answers, and with the help of a cyber security expert, discovered that the scammer was operating out of Ghana in West Africa. Following his father’s death, Simon urged others to watch out for loved ones who may be vulnerable to “horrible” scammers. “They’re ruining peoples’ lives. They’re speeding up people’s deaths,” he said. “They’re preying on the vulnerable.” Image credits: A Current Affair

Legal

“Unbelievably legitimate”: Deb Knight falls victim to popular scam

Deb Knight has shared how she fell victim to a popular scam, losing $1,200 while trying to get Taylor Swift tickets for her daughter's birthday. Like many people around Australia, the veteran journalist was eager to get her hands on tickets to the highly anticipated Eras Tour as a once in a lifetime surprise for her eight-year-old daughter's birthday present. After missing out on tickets through all official channels, Deb thought hope was lost, until a friend reached out to her. “A really good friend, who I’ve known all my life, contacted me and said, ‘do you still want Taylor Swift tickets?’” Knight told A Current Affair. “It was my daughter’s eighth birthday and getting my hands on these tickets would be the best present ever." “My friend put me in contact with her friend who had the tickets – or so I thought.” Knight had received a phone call from her close friend who said her cousin was selling tickets, but unbeknownst to everyone involved, the friend’s Facebook account had been hacked. Deb promised to pay half the cost of the tickets as a bond, then pay the rest after she had seen the tickets, which she said looked “unbelievably legitimate". Tech expert Trevor Long joined Deb on ACA, and noticed one major error about the fake tickets. “The difference is a genuine Taylor Swift ticket in an Apple Wallet right now does not have that barcode.” Alarm bells started ringing for the veteran journalist when the so-called seller said the payment had not come through, but by then it was too late. Deb contacted her bank but it was too late to get her $1,200 back, and her hunt to find Taylor Swift tickets continued. “I realised I’d been scammed. I felt sick to the stomach, absolutely humiliated. I also felt embarrassed and ashamed,” she said. “I was reluctant to speak publicly about this but I think we’ve got to. We have to normalise it so people feel there’s less of a stigma about it." “It happens to everyone, even Deb Knight – it’s disgusting, what’s happening, so something needs to be done.” Police have warned Swifties who missed out on tickets to the singer’s upcoming tour not to fall prey to ticketing scams, and only to purchase tickets through official channels such as Ticketek marketplace. Since tickets for the Eras tour went on sale last June, and subsequently sold out in record timing, Victoria Police said there had been more than 250 reports of ticketing scams for Taylor Swift shows alone. Image credits: A Current Affair

Money & Banking

Jackie O opens up on loneliness post-divorce

Jackie 'O' Henderson has opened up on being gripped with feelings of loneliness in the years following her divorce. Speaking with fans at Luke McLeod's book launch for Everyday Enlightenment on Thursday night, the 49-year-old admitted she is "desperate" to find love and companionship. After being single for over five years, Jackie said it feels like "something's missing" in her life. "I just really want to find someone. I can't find him and I'm sort of a bit lost at the moment," she said. When Luke asked why she was so desperate to get into a relationship, Jackie said she couldn't quite put her finger on it, but it felt like "a piece" of her was "missing". "I have a lot of love to give or I want that affection, that company. It just feels like there's something missing in my life," she added. Jackie went on to tell her fans that Luke had previously given a piece of advice that "changed my life". He said she was giving off too much "desperate energy", and if she really wanted to attract love in her life, then she needed to be grateful for what she already has. "I said to him, 'How am I meant to change what I want and need? I feel like I need that in my life and I really want that. I can't just switch that off,'" she admitted. Jackie has been adopting Luke's technique, and makes time every day to express gratitude for what she already has, and not for what she's missing. 'Now I'm at a place where I've almost gone the other way. I'm so happy being single and not looking for someone because I'm genuinely happy with my life,' she said. Jackie O separated from her husband Lee Henderson in 2018 after they married in 2003, with the pair now co-parenting their daughter Kitty. Image credits: Instagram

Relationships

"Too good to be true": Bank teller saves couple from losing $40k

A Tasmanian couple have been saved from losing $40k into an online investment scam after a bank teller noticed the red flags. The couple visited the NAB branch in Rosny, Hobart after their account was blocked during an attempt to transfer the money to an ‘online investment firm’ in Perth. The payment was the first of two instalments that they were set to pay the "firm" but NAB Customer Advisor Erin Bugg saved them from a massive loss. Bugg became suspicious of the firm after they promised a 12 per cent return on their term deposit and a guaranteed pay out if the firm went bust. “If there was a scam red flags bingo card, ‘online investment opportunity’ would be top of the list,” the NAB Customer Advisor said. “Immediately, alarm bells went off for me. It sounded like an investment scam and I was concerned this couple could lose their life savings.” The couple, however, insisted that they weren't being scammed so Bugg decided to look into the matter further and found a website and article about the firm. When she looked into the rates they offered she realised it “was literally too good to be true." “No one likes to be told they’re being lied to, especially when they feel like they’ve done all the right things. They had done their own research, and even spoken to the company on the phone,” she said. She added that "alarm bells" started ringing when the wife explained that a man from the firm kept calling her to thank her for the investment and encourage her to open an account. The couple then rang the "firm" in front of Bugg to try and convince her it was real. “I declined to speak to the ‘firm’, but I could hear them telling the customers, ‘Oh, NAB always flags us as a scam’,’” she recalled. NAB’s fraud team then informed them that the firm had a bank account at another bank, and to call the bank to confirm whether it was legit. After calling the other bank, they found that the account was not connected to the investment firm and suggested them to not transfer anything. “It was such a relief to hear from the customer that they’d avoided being scammed,” Bugg said. This comes after Scamwatch received over 7,000 reports of investment scams collectively costing Aussies over $275 million in the last year. Image: NAB

Money & Banking

Kyle and Jackie O's kind act for mother and daughter who got scammed

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O have given away their own tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, to a mum and her nine-year-old daughter, after the duo got scammed out of $1200. Sam, had attempted to purchase the concert tickets for her young daughter Charlie, but instead of getting tickets she got scammed and was left heartbroken. The radio stars were touched by their story, and immediately jumped into action to make the mother-daughter's day better. “Hi Charlie, Kyle and Jackie O have come to the rescue with free concert tickets. We are going to give you our tickets so you can go see her for free," Kyle told the nine-year-old. In a post shared on Instagram, Charlie was filmed bursting into tears when she realised she would be seeing her idol after all. “I couldn’t have a little sweetheart like you be so excited to see her but then have someone steal the tickets. So, you’re going to go see her,” Kyle added. The mother-daughter duo were filmed hugging each other in happiness. This comes after The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s (ACCC) Scamwatch received 273 reports of people being scammed while buying tickets to The Eras Tour via social media. Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

Deborra-Lee Furness breaks silence on life post-divorce

Deborra-Lee Furness has broken her silence on what life has looked like since her high profile split from Hugh Jackman. The Aussie actress has hit the press circuit promoting Force of Nature: The Dry 2, the sequel to the hit 2020 film, in which she’ll star alongside Eric Bana. Facing questions about her divorce, the 68-year-old finally broke her silence on how she has been dealing with life as a single woman. “It is kind of exciting,” she told <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/hook-ups-break-ups/deborralee-furness-on-life-without-hugh-jackman-frightening/news-story/dc4fa3f9e19c80ea9dada89a852e67c0">The Advertiser.</a> “You know what, change, transition, evolution is a little frightening, and we are all a bit scared of it, but I think it is probably our greatest gift.” Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman shocked the world in September last year when they announced they would be separating after 27 years of marriage. The couple released a joint statement at the time announcing they were going their separate ways and had decided to split to pursue “individual growth”. “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,” they said. “Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” They added that their family is their highest priority and that they will undertake “this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness”. The couple met in 1995 on the set of an Australian television show they both starred in, and married just one year later. Together they share two children, Oscar and Ava. Image credits: Getty Images

Relationships

AusPost customer faces extra charge for using cash

As conversations continue about moving to a cashless society, an Australia Post customer was outraged after being slapped with a charge for using cash. Brisbane resident Gerrie Hoogland shared her outrage after hearing about the supposed cash charge through a friend, who claims they were charged $2.20 for wanting to use cash to pay a bill. Hoogland recounted the story on X, formerly known as Twitter, to share the story, while asking if anyone else had encountered anything similar. She wrote, “A friend of my husband’s went to pay a bill at the Post Office last week. He gave them $82.00 in cash and they said they would have to charge him $2.20 for using cash.” “He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all. Is anyone else hearing more of this?” A number of Aussies took to the comments to call out Australia Post for being “shady”, with some calling the fee a “scam” and a “disgrace”. However the outrage towards Australia Post may be misplaced. <a href="https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/australia-post-customer-charged-220-for-using-cash---but-is-the-outrage-warranted-025519571.html">Yahoo Finance</a> has contacted the national postal service and understands the fee is set by individual billers, rather than Australia Post themselves. The fee relates to bills paid in person at an Australia Post outlet via Post Billpay and can apply to both cash and card transactions, and whether or not the fee is passed onto the customer will depend on the individual biller. In recent years, a number of billers charge an additional payment fee for bills paid in person, with some notable examples include telcos Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Image credits: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Disgraced police officer Roger Rogerson dies

Disgraced police officer and convicted murderer Roger Rogerson has passed away at the age of 83. The crooked ex-cop suffered a brain aneurysm in his cell at Long Bay prison in Sydney, where he was serving a life sentence for the murder of a 20-year-old, and died just days after. He was receiving end-of-life care at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick and died at 11pm on Sunday. Rogerson began his career in the police force at the age of 18 in 1959, and was known as one of the most decorated officers in New South Wales, before links to organised crime and corruption were uncovered. After rising through the ranks of the force and winning 12 commendation awards, he was found responsible for the 1981 fatal shooting of drug dealer Warren Lanfranchi, but was found to have been acting in the line of duty. However, Lanfranchi's girlfriend, Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, afterwards claimed Rogerson deliberately killed him over a drug dispute. Rogerson was also charged with the attempted killing of undercover officer Michael Drury in 1984, who turned down a bribe in exchange for evidence tampering in a heroin trafficking trial. Rogerson was acquitted of the charges in 1989, but he had been dismissed from the police service by then for depositing $110,000 in bank accounts under a false name. He was then jailed for four years for perverting the course of justice over that matter, and was jailed for another 12 months in 2005 for lying to the Police Integrity Commission. In 2014, Rogerson, and his fellow former detective Glen McNamara, were arrested over the execution murder of 20-year-old student Jamie Gao. Both disgraced officers were both found guilty in 2016 over the killing and handed life sentences, with Rogerson's final appeal over that conviction failing last year. Image credits: Nine - Under Investigation

News

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

A man has been fined after flouting the rules to get the perfect photo with a quokka at Rottnest Island. The tourist was visiting the popular nature reserve, off the coast of Western Australia, when he was tracked down by authorities after posting a photo of him holding the marsupial on Instagram, despite signs saying not to touch the vulnerable animals. "Feeding and touching quokkas is not permitted for the safety of visitors and the welfare of the animals," A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson told Perth Now. The unnamed tourist copped a $200 fine and an infringement was issued over the weekend, but the spokesperson said he was not evicted from the island. The Rottnest Island website also clearly states the rules against touching the furry animals. "It’s important, for their safety and yours, that you don’t touch the quokkas," the website read. Tourists are also warned that touching the marsupials can make them sick, spread disease and cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent. Samuel Cornell, a research fellow from UNSW, told Yahoo News Australia that these rules exist for a reason. "The rules are there usually to protect people's own safety, first and foremost. And then secondly, of course, we enact rules to protect the environment," Cornell said. "They are still wild animals, but because they're plastered all over social media and people are used to seeing pretty pictures with them, I think people then have this interpretation of them that they're just some fluffy, safe creature that you can just go up to and pick up." Cornell added that tourists flouting the rules is not just an issue in Rottnest Island, but "a problem across Australia," including popular tourists destinations like K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), Babinda boulders, and Wedding Cake Rock in Sydney. "Some people do just ignore rules or signs because they think they know better or they really want a photo in a certain place," he explained. "But there are a subset of people that will claim 'oh, I didn't actually see the sign or I wasn't really aware'". Images: PerthNow/ Getty

Travel Trouble

Elderly woman reduced to tears by irate postie

Australia Post is investigating an incident of extreme road rage, after a postie reduced an elderly woman to tears. The postman was driving a three-wheeled electric delivery vehicle on the Gold Coast on Monday morning, when an elderly woman almost struck him on a roundabout. The mailman then instructed the woman to pull over, and began berating her until she burst into tears. The altercation was filmed by a passerby, who attempted to intervene to assist the older woman, an 80-year-old named Kay. “You’re supposed to give way at the roundabout,” the man is heard yelling in footage of the incident aired by Nine News. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9NewsGoldCoast%2Fvideos%2F1680294369165021%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “You’re supposed to stop at the roundabout." “Why were you not seeing me?” Bystander Melissa Burrows ran to the aid of Kay, who was visibly upset by the altercation, with Burrows asking the postie to tone down his tirade. “She’s an older lady,” Ms Burrows is heard telling the postie. “She’s scared. Please stop.” “I didn’t see you,” Kay told the postie. Ms Burrows then threatens to call the police on the postie, who responds with a “go away”. “Leave her alone and let her go,” she said. “Can you just slow down next time, please?” the postie asks the elderly woman. “I’m so sorry I didn’t see you,” Kay reaffirms. Speaking to Melissa after the postie drove away, Kay said, “I didn’t even touch him, but I didn’t see him either. I can’t believe how he’s reacted.” Ms Burrows later told the broadcaster the incident was “absolutely horrifying” and a “tirade of incredible abuse”. Australia Post told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/motoring/on-the-road/tirade-of-incredible-abuse-furious-postie-unleashes-on-elderly-gold-coast-driver/news-story/2c9985732e80970951aa73a6f03e1988" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> an investigation will be conducted reviewing video captured before and after the incident. “Australia Post’s Electric Delivery Vehicles (eDVs) are equipped with on-board telematics which capture video footage and data designed to help keep our people safe on the roads,” a spokesperson said. Image credits: Nine News

Travel Trouble

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Biggest box office bombs revealed

Kochie's thoughtful act for scam victim

"It loses its value": Calls for the Last Post to be canned from Anzac Day footy

Outrage after grandma beaten at home by fake officers

Princess Kate's post-surgery pic ignites even wilder conspiracy theories

Police officer arrested amid search for missing men

Police officer sought in connection to disappearance of two men

"Absolute original": The Office star dies aged 50

War veteran loses $18,000 to Netflix scam

Johnny Ruffo's partner shares heartbreaking post about grief

"It was devastating": Grandfather loses $1 million in scam before his death

“Unbelievably legitimate”: Deb Knight falls victim to popular scam

Jackie O opens up on loneliness post-divorce

"Too good to be true": Bank teller saves couple from losing $40k

Kyle and Jackie O's kind act for mother and daughter who got scammed

Deborra-Lee Furness breaks silence on life post-divorce

AusPost customer faces extra charge for using cash

Disgraced police officer Roger Rogerson dies

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

Elderly woman reduced to tears by irate postie

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Biggest box office bombs revealed

Kochie's thoughtful act for scam victim

"It loses its value": Calls for the Last Post to be canned from Anzac Day footy

Outrage after grandma beaten at home by fake officers

Princess Kate's post-surgery pic ignites even wilder conspiracy theories

Police officer arrested amid search for missing men

Police officer sought in connection to disappearance of two men

"Absolute original": The Office star dies aged 50

War veteran loses $18,000 to Netflix scam

Johnny Ruffo's partner shares heartbreaking post about grief

"It was devastating": Grandfather loses $1 million in scam before his death

“Unbelievably legitimate”: Deb Knight falls victim to popular scam

Jackie O opens up on loneliness post-divorce

"Too good to be true": Bank teller saves couple from losing $40k

Kyle and Jackie O's kind act for mother and daughter who got scammed

Deborra-Lee Furness breaks silence on life post-divorce

AusPost customer faces extra charge for using cash

Disgraced police officer Roger Rogerson dies

Tourist fined after posting this one photo on social media

Elderly woman reduced to tears by irate postie

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