Qantas enters 'new chapter' with aircraft launch, Charlie Kirk suspect search continues as FBI releases CCTV of alleged gunman
Plus see a grandma's selfless declaration after winning $200,000 playing Lucky Lotteries.
Yahoo's live news blog for Friday, September 12 has now concluded. Qantas is taking bookings for two new aircraft it says will massively boost the customer experience. The national carrier will be rolling out its first two A321XLRs on September 25 offering customers wider seats and bigger windows.
The search for a suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk continues, with the FBI sharing CCTV of a "person of interest" escaping from a roof. Authorities believe they've found the weapon involved in the shooting which took place in front of thousands of people at a Utah campus.
See all of the day's updates below.
- FeaturedTom Flanagan
New CCTV vision released in search for Charlie Kirk suspect
The FBI has confirmed the suspect in the Charlie Kirk shooting is still at large, sharing new CCTV of a man running from a nearby rooftop and climbing down before fleeing.
New CCTV has been shared by the FBI of the Charlie Kirk suspect fleeing the Utah campus. Source: ABCUtah Governor Spencer Cox said authorities were doing whatever they can to ensure "this evil human being" is held accountable.
Authorities said the man was wearing a distinct t-shirt with an American flag and eagle on it. "We cannot do our job without the public's help right now," Cox told reporters, pleading for people to come forward if they have seen the man described.
He said more than 7,000 tips had been received so far, the most the FBI had received since the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
- Tom Flanagan
Rooftop view of suspected gunman revealed
Drone vision from Reuters shows the exact view police believe the suspected gunman had of Charlie Kirk's rally at Utah Valley University.
Marked by authorities, you can see imprints on the gravel roof where the shooter positioned himself.
The rooftop edge is about 130 metres to where right-wing activist Kirk was answering questions from students.
There were roughly 3,000 attendees as the gunman took a single shot. Source: Reuters - Australian Associated Press
Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell facing jail
A neo-Nazi leader is facing jail time after he was found guilty of intimidating police by hurling insults and threatening to publicly release personal information about an officer and his wife.
Thomas Sewell, 32, self-represented himself in a contested hearing against the charges at Melbourne Magistrates Court, which ran for more than a week.
He was arrested outside the court over a separate matter - an alleged attack on an Indigenous site - and taken into custody while the proceeding was happening on September 2.
The hearing re-commenced and Sewell continued to represent himself from behind glass in the court dock, flanked by security officers.
Thomas Sewell, leader of the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, speaks at the "March for Australia" rally in August. Source: GettySewell is accused of threatening to "dox" a police officer and his wife on podcasts in October and November last year, including threats to release personal information and wedding photos.
"I'm working out how to dox him because those doxing laws haven't come into effect yet," he told a podcast.
"Like his wedding photos, we've got it all downloaded, he's a f***ing idiot."
The police officer gave evidence to the hearing about feeling "highly anxious" over his and his family's safety.
"I didn't know what he was going to do with that information," he told the court.
The officer's wife did not give evidence in person to the hearing, but her statement was handed to the court.
"I felt really intimidated and threatened, I felt like we were in danger," she said.
Sewell claimed he was holding police to account and using his implied "freedom of communication" about public affairs when he spoke about the officer and his family.
However, magistrate Michelle Hodgson on Friday found Sewell guilty of police intimidation and rejected his arguments, finding he had targeted the private life of the officer.
Read more here.
- Tom Flanagan
Alarming China and Russia claim
There are growing foreign interference fears here in Australia, and authorities in the US say it's been an issue in the wake of the Charlie Kirk shooting death.
Utah Govermor Spencer Cox warned Americans Russian and Chinese bots are spreading online disinformation about Kirk's assassination in an attempt to "encourage violence."
"There is a tremendous amount of disinformation," Cox said. "Our adversaries want violence. We have bots from Russia, China, all over the world that are trying to instill disinformation and encourage violence. I would encourage you to ignore those."
Speaking to The Guardian Australia this week, Finland’s political state secretary for foreign affairs and defence Pasi Rajala claimed China and Russia are increasingly working “in tandem” to undermine faith in governance.
- Tom Flanagan
International recall for baby product
Well this is a bit alarming. When wiping a baby's eye, you hope whatever you're wiping it with is taking the bad stuff away, not adding it.
Bunjie probiotic baby eye wipes have been pulled from shelves after the ACCC said the package may not have been properly sealed during the manufacturing process, meaning a possible mould build-up inside the packaging.
The ACCC said there had been a number of "incidents" where a mouldy wipe had been used on a child.
The bamboo wipes - in packs of both 30 wipes (SKU BJ015) and 60 wipes (SKU BJ036) - were sold nationwide in stores and online between November 1, 2024 and September 1, 2025.
Consumers have been urged to stop using the product immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
"We’re so sorry for the worry this may cause, and we’re here to support you every step of the way," Bunjie said in a statement earlier this month.
A similar recall was issued for New Zealand customers last week.
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How much avocado the average Aussie eats
Australians on average ate 4.7kg of avocados in the last financial year, Avocados Australia has revealed.
That figure is down from the previous financial year, when it stood at 4.94kg, with Avocados Australia saying a lighter domestic supply the reason for the drop in consumption.
And exports also dropped due to the lighter crop, however CEO John Tyas says demand for Australian avocados is still high and growth in key export markets was still the focus.
“Australian avocados continue to be highly regarded by consumers in our overseas markets, and our export program will continue to work closely with our overseas partners, importers, retailers and food service businesses to showcase Australian avocados," he said.
- Australian Associated Press
Trump calls Albanese a 'good man'
US President Donald Trump has praised Anthony Albanese as a "good man" after the two leaders racked up their fourth one-on-one phone call.
The prime minister described his latest conversation with Trump more than a week ago as "really warm".
The US president was leaving the White House overnight on Friday, Australian time, when he made the comments about Albanese.
"He's a good man," he told a Nine correspondent.
The two leaders are yet to meet face-to-face since Trump returned to the White House. Source: GettyMr Albanese is yet to have a face-to-face meeting with Trump after their previously planned sit-down, on the sidelines of the G7 in Canada in June, was cancelled due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
The federal government is yet to confirm any new face-to-face between the pair when the prime minister visits New York later in September for the United Nations General Assembly meeting.
Trump has publicly remained positive about Mr Albanese, although tensions remain over tariffs imposed on Australian exports and a multibillion-dollar submarine deal under the AUKUS security pact.
Under the tariffs regime, Australian goods sent to the US attract a baseline levy of 10 per cent while importers of Australian steel and aluminium pay 50 per cent.
Responding to the US president's comments, Albanese said he's had "respectful relations" with Trump.
- Australian Associated Press
Former Virgin Australia CEO gets $50m payout
Former Virgin Australia chief executive Jayne Hrdlicka will receive more than $50 million in compensation for successfully flying the airline out of administration.
Ms Hrdlicka will get 10.3 million shares, worth $33 million at current prices, and has received $18.4 million in "other cash payments," Virgin Australia said in an annual report released on Friday.
That remuneration package reflects her key role for nine months of 2024/25, until her departure on March 13.
"During her tenure, Jayne successfully led the group's exit from voluntary administration, stand up of the airline during the COVID-19 pandemic and the transformation of Virgin Australia into a profitable and sustainable business," the annual report said.
Jayne Hrdlicka pictured with Anthony Albanese and and Rod Laver at the 2023 Australian Open. Source: GettyMs Hrdlicka also led Virgin Australia's deeper strategic partnership with Qatar Airways, which included it taking a 25 per cent stake in Virgin, the report noted.
The board of directors allocated her 10.2 million of the nearly 17 million shares available to her under Virgin's legacy management equity plan, with the stock released to her progressively over the next three years.
The report said that meant that Ms Hrdlicka earned a below-market annual compensation package for the first four years of her tenure, with her compensation heavily weighted to the period following a successful IPO.
That occurred in June, when Virgin returned to the ASX. Virgin shares were trading at $3.275 on Friday, up 12.9 per cent from their IPO price.
- Tom Flanagan
Aussie travellers warned over 'several outbreaks' overseas
Australian holidaymakers heading to Bali and other Southeast Asian countries are being urged to get the measles vaccination in the wake of a series of outbreaks in the region.
It comes after a second case of measles was detected in Cairns, and comes after the first case arrived in the Queensland city from Bali last week.
"There's a number of measles outbreaks at the moment in south-east Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, including Bali," Cairns Public Health Unit director Jacqueline Murdoch told the ABC.
Health authorities are scrambling to contain a possible outbreak, saying the latest case will have had several hundred close contacts.
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$14k jump for Aussie homes
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released the following graphic showing just how much property prices have risen across our states and territories in the past 14 years.
It comes after the ABS revealed the mean price of residential dwellings rose by $14,100 in the June quarter.
The biggest change since 2011 is Queensland's, with the state jumping from sixth most expensive to second. Brisbane is expected to overtake Sydney as the country's most expensive city by 2032, with a boom fuelled by the Olympic Games.
- Tom Flanagan
New photos of person of interest released in Charlie Kirk investigation
New photos have been released of the person of interest authorities are searching for in connection to Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Sources have told CBS News authorities believe they now have the name of the person of interest, however no arrest warrant has been issued.
Utah's Department of Public Safety says more than 200 tips from the public have been received, and police are looking at "multiple leads".
The person of interest police want to speak to. Source: Utah Public Safety - Tom Flanagan
Woman's selfless proposal after landing $200,000
While a Canberra woman has celebrated landing $200,000 playing Lucky Lotteries, it sounds like she's not going to be spending too much of it herself.
That's because the grandma has said she's going to dish it out to those around her who need it most.
“I’ll definitely spread the love and share it around. I’ve had a rough year, and I know plenty of other people have struggled too," she told lottery officials.
“I only need a bit for myself, but helping others is what it’s all about.
“I can give some to my family and my beautiful grandchildren. I have lots of friends who need help too. What a blessing!”
While sharing lottery wins with family is relatively common, with friends is less so. So what would you do? Let us know below.
- Tom Flanagan
Qantas taking bookings for 'exciting new chapter'
Qantas is continuing into its "new chapter" as it recovers from a controversy-laden period, accepting bookings today for two new aircrafts it says will drastically improve the in-flight experience.
The national carrier will launch its first two A321XLR aircraft on September 25, flying Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Perth, promising customers international flights with the aircraft are not far away. By mid-2026, Qantas says it will have seven of the aircraft type.
"These new aircraft will offer a more comfortable flying experience for customers, with wider seats, larger windows, fast, free Wi-Fi and overhead bins that allow for around 60 per cent more bags than the Boeing 737 they will replace," Qantas said.
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said the aircraft marks an "exciting new chapter" for the airline.
Roy Morgan research indicated earlier this year Qantas was regaining public trust after a difficult period during the pandemic, with CEO Michele Levine saying in June the airline was "clearly on the upswing".
A look inside the new aircraft Qantas is rolling out later this month. Source: QantasAdvertisementAdvertisement - Yahoo News Staff
Charlie Kirk shooting: FBI shares photos of person of interest
Authorities are continuing to search for a suspect in the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and ally to US President Donald Trump, who was fatally shot while he was speaking at a campus event in Utah on Wednesday (local time).
The FBI on Thursday released pictures of a person of interest in the shooting, and the images come after the FBI described the suspected gunman as a "college age" male who "blended in well" with students at the Utah Valley University event. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 (A$150,000) for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for Kirk's death.
A high-powered bolt-action rifle was recovered from a nearby wooded area, authorities said. They believe this is the weapon that was used in the "targeted" shooting that left Kirk dead.
We are asking for the public's help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
1-800-CALL-FBI
Digital media tips: https://t.co/K7maX81TjJ pic.twitter.com/ALuVkTXuDc— FBI Salt Lake City (@FBISaltLakeCity) September 11, 2025
Kirk, 31, was addressing the open-air crowd with some 3,000 people when a single shot rang out, striking the Turning Point USA cofounder in the neck.
Within hours, Trump announced Kirk's death on Truth Social. Trump on Thursday said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He also said later that he spoke at length to Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and that he planned to attend Kirk's funeral.
The hunt for Kirk’s killer took several twists and turns in the hours following the shooting. Initially, the university said a suspect was in custody, but that person was let go after being charged with obstruction of justice. Later, officials said a second suspect was taken into custody, but that person was also released.
Follow our live coverage on Kirk's death from the US here.
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