Categories
Australia

NSW Young Liberals roast former minister Alex Hawke in federal election review

NSW Young Liberals roast former minister Alex Hawke in federal election review

SUPER EXPENSES BLITZ

The peak body for the $1.6 trillion superannuation sector launched a media blitz this week to “set the record straight”.

Stephen Jones has his eye on the super through.

Stephen Jones has his eye on the super through.Credit:shakespeare

Senior media manager for the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees Gary West on Monday emailed letters to the editors of the Australian Financial Review, The Australian, Herald Sun and TheAge.

It was in response to a backlash following Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones‘draft regulations to overhaul super laws that force disclosure of payments. Under the plan, super fund expenses will no longer be itemized, but displayed in aggregate.

Predictably, the move infuriated the super warriors, with Liberal senator Andrew Bragg quick to label the policy an attempt to hide money and union payments.

Pointy penned columnists were justifiably sent into a spin, with the super sector among the most impenetrable players in big finance.

But in the letter, AIST chief executive eve scheerlinck says there has been a misunderstanding. The current regime is actually onerous and avoiding “hundreds of individual line items” is better for accountability and member engagement.

This is a little hard to swallow, following the expenses scandal at EISS Super last year, where this masthead revealed outrageous sums had been spent on lavish parties, overseas junkets, questionable charity donations, luxury cars and non-disclosure agreements.

If there truly is a misunderstanding, West and Scheerlinck are going to have to do a better job of explaining it. Because super funds moaning about admin burdens and confused members to justify less transparency doesn’t quite cut it.

BEN MIGHTIER THAN THE FORD

Sydney’s favorite shock jock 2GB’s ben fordham filled the airwaves on Monday with the downside of ditching the cashless debit card and chocolate giant Mars’ apology to China after accidentally listing Taiwan as a country.

But he certainly did not write a 15-paragraph news story for Australian detailing Foreign Minister Penny Wong‘s response to China’s aggression.

For about 20 minutes, the website editors over at Holt Street got their Bens confused, when they listed Fordham as the journalist for the news story written by defense correspondent Ben Packham.

Eagle-eyed readers began emailing the paper to inquire about the mix-up. Is Fordham two-timing News and Nine, which owns 2GB and this masthead? The radio star said he was n’t aware of the byline bungle but is happy to take credit for Packham’s work from him, which he reads regularly.

“Can I invoice the OZ?” I have texted CBD.

For the salary Fordham’s on, you’d hope the Oz editors are more careful next time. It might just be their most expensive four-letter slip up.

Grollo’s day in court

You would think a property tycoon would know a thing or two about the importance of paying your loans on time.

Alas, Grocon Chief Executive Daniel Grollo must have skipped this class at business school and is now being sued by the Bank of Queensland for defaulting on his home loan.

The property identity stopped paying debts on his $12 million mortgage in February, a few months before Grocon went under, according to court documents filed last month.

Grollo’s company Grocon was behind Melbourne’s most iconic skyscrapers – the Crown, Eureka and Rialto Towers – and now the developer is focused on build-to-rents through a new company.

But he’ll have to find time in his busy schedule, fighting creditors and launching new projects, to prepare for his court hearing scheduled for August 26.

He’s being represented by Johnson Winter and Slattery partner Joseph Scarcella, who doubled up as a strategic advisor through Grocon’s administration.

It’s not the only court Grollo is preparing to face after launching a legal stoush with Infrastructure NSW over the handling of his waterfront projects in Barangaroo.

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Hopefully his court diary is better managed than his mortgage repayments, if the bank’s claims are to be believed.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here.

Categories
US

Trump says FBI raiding his Mar-a-Lago home

Trump says FBI raiding his Mar-a-Lago home

The FBI is raiding Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump’s resort home in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said Monday evening.

In a lengthy statement, Trump said his residence is “currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents.”

The raid was “unannounced,” Trump said.

The FBI did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment on Trump’s statement.

These are dark times for our Nation, as my beautiful home, Mar-A-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, is currently under siege, raided, and occupied by a large group of FBI agents. Nothing like this has ever happened to a President of the United States before. After working and cooperating with the relevant Government agencies, this unannounced raid on my home was not necessary or appropriate. It is prosecutorial misconduct, the weaponization of the Justice System, and an attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don’t want me to run for President in 2024, especially based on recent polls, and who will likewise do anything to stop Republicans and Conservatives in the upcoming Midterm Elections. Such an assault could only take place in broken, Third-World Countries. Sadly, America has now become one of those Countries, corrupt at a level not seen before. They even broke into my safe! What is the difference between this and Watergate, where operatives broke into the Democratic National Committee? Here, in reverse, Democrats broke into the home of the 45th President of the United States.

The political persecution of President Donald J. Trump has been going on for years, with the now fully debunked Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, Impeachment Hoax #1, Impeachment Hoax #2, and so much more, it just never ends. It is political targeting at the highest level!

Hillary Clinton was allowed to delete and acid wash 33,000 E-mails AFTER they were subpoenaed by Congress. Absolutely nothing has happened to hold her accountable. She even took antique furniture, and other items from the White House.

I stood up to America’s bureaucratic corruption, I restored power to the people, and truly delivered for our Country, like we have never seen before. The establishment hated it. Now, as they watch my endorsed candidates win big victories, and see my dominance in all polls, they are trying to stop me, and the Republican Party, once more. The lawlessness, political persecution, and Witch Hunt must be exposed and stopped.

I will continue to fight for the Great American People!

The raid came hours after Politico reported that attorney John Rowley, a former federal prosecutor, is now representing Trump in talks with the Department of Justice about executive privilege issues related to the department’s investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

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Categories
Business

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp (NWS) profits nearly double, revenue jumps

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp (NWS) profits nearly double, revenue jumps

Panuccio said the company would continue to manage costs amid ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures.

“We will take necessary action to address those pressures, including pricing adjustments, together with our ongoing focus on cost management,” Panuccio said. “Visibility on advertising remains limited across the businesses and we continue to expect foreign exchange headwinds, given the current spot rates for the Australian dollar and pound sterling compared to the prior year.”

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson revealed the company's latest results.

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson revealed the company’s latest results.Credit:Reuters

Subscription video revenues fell $US46 million ($65.9 million) – or 2 per cent – due to a $US61 million impact from foreign currency fluctuations. Streaming revenues – predominantly from Kayo and Binge, more than offset revenue decline from Foxtel’s traditional broadcast product. The streaming subscription revenue makes up about 20 per cent of total subscription revenues in the fiscal year.

Foxtel’s traditional broadcast product has 1.5 million residential subscribers, a decrease from 1.7 million in 2021, and 242,000 commercial subscribers, a slight increase on the previous year.

Kayo has 1.3 million paid subscribers – just 188,000 less than the number of residential subscribers – while Binge has 1.2 million. Total paid Foxtel subscribers was 4.4 million for the full year, compared to 3.9 million. The company’s news-focused streaming service, Flash, has 11,000 paid subscribers.

earnings [before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation] for subscription services were flat for the year due to an $US8 million impact from foreign currency fluctuations. Expenses were flat as higher sports and entertainment programming costs were offset by the absence of the $US57 million negative impact seen in the first half of fiscal year 2021 caused by deferred programming costs.

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ASX-listed REA Group was one of the key drivers of growth for News Corp, with full-year revenue for its digital real estate services segment increasing by 25 per cent to $US1.741 billion. REA Group’s revenue increased by 37 per cent to $US1 billion, driven by growth in financial service revenues and higher residential depth revenues.

The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.

Categories
Technology

Best Samsung Galaxy A53 deals and prices of August 2022

Samsung Galaxy A53

If you’re one of the many shoppers trying to track down the best Samsung Galaxy A53 deals, you’re in luck: we’ve got all the best offers of the month collected below. If you’re unfamiliar, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the latest in Samsung’s A series, a lineup of affordable smartphones that masterfully balance value with reliable performance and premium features.

Since it hit store shelves last Spring, the A53 has reigned as one of the best mid-range devices that money can buy, and it’s not unusual to find deals that make the cheap Android phone even cheaper. That said, given its newness, don’t expect a ton of straight deals (although we’ll place them below if we find them). Instead, you’ll mostly see offers from retailers and wireless carriers that require some kind of action on your part, such as adding a new line or trading in an older device.

If none of these deals pique your interest today, check back in later: we’ll be updating this list of deals about once a week. Looking for something a little more premium? We also have a regularly updated list of Samsung Galaxy S22 deals.

Samsung Galaxy A53 deals of the month

While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to protect your new device with a quality Samsung Galaxy A53 case.

Categories
Sports

Kelsey-Lee Barber wins javelin gold

Kelsey-Lee Barber wins javelin gold

Barber’s stunning last throw of 64.43m overshadowed the fact that the woman she overtook for gold was a fellow Australian Mackenzie Little.

Barber with silver medalist and compatriot Mackenzie Little.

Barber with silver medalist and compatriot Mackenzie Little.Credit:David Ramos

Little was thrilled with silver but must wonder what more she needs to do. Twice she threw personal bests. The first came after Barber had set down the mark for the field with the first throw of 63.52m. Little had never thrown that far in her life.

“I threw two personal bests and I can’t get better than that. I’m absolutely thrilled,” she said.
“We always know (Kelsey-Lee) is there. She’s not out until the last round so I knew I had to be there too. I asked for the crowd for the first time and that was so fun to have the crowd involved.“

When the moment demanded it, Little went big. She threw 64.03m with her first attempt and jumped into the gold medal place. She threw even bigger with her fifth of her at 64.27m, laying down the challenge to Barber.

Little has been here before. At the world championships a fortnight ago, she was sitting in the medal positions until she was squeezed out to fifth in the last round. Here, she threw bigger again and won silver.

Australia's Declan Tingay won silver in the men's 10,000 race walk.

Australia’s Declan Tingay won silver in the men’s 10,000 race walk.Credit:Getty

Meanwhile, on the track, Declan Tingay won silver in the men’s 10km race walk, unable to sustain his pace when the gold medalist, Evan Dunfee of Canada, broke in the last lap and pushed hard, opening up his gait and getting the judges twitchy with their yellow paddles.

Dunfee glanced at the judges with 100 meters to go and raised his arms in the air when he realized he wasn’t going to be penalized. I won in 38:36.37.

“Evan has built a career off that. It’s what he’s known for,” said Tingay, who finished in a personal best time of 38:42.33.

“I knew it was happening. In some ways, it’s unavoidable. When Evan wants a medal, he’s going to get it. I don’t think I’m at the stage in my career where I can hold off a walker like that.”

Asked if he had any concerns about Dunfee’s technique on the final lap, Tingay replied “absolutely not”.

“You are going to attract more attention from the judges when you kick away like that. In some ways, it’s a gamble you take. You pit your technique against the judges and, honestly, that’s half of the event,” he said.

At the final change of the women’s 4x100m relay Australia was in the frame for a medal. In third place they were meters ahead of Jamaica. The problem was Elaine Thompson-Herah was running last for England.

The five-time Olympic gold medalist ran down Australia’s Na Anang in the last five meters to win bronze by 0.08 seconds. Nigeria and England won gold and silver, respectively.

“That was insane,” Anang said. “I knew that we were in a good position, in a medal position, and I thought ‘legs, you’ve just got to take me as fast as you can’. Unfortunately her personal best of her is a whole second faster than mine. We were kind of hoping that Elaine might be tired after the 100 and the 200 but she didn’t run the heat and I guess that was to save her for the final.”

At any other Commonwealth Games, hurdler Michelle Jenneke would have won a medal – probably gold. These games, she was drawn next to the world record holder, who smashed the games’ record.

Michelle Jenneke competing in the 100m hurdle heats.

Michelle Jenneke competing in the 100m hurdle heats.Credit:Getty

Nigerian Tobi Amusan ran 12.3s over the 100 metres, eclipsing the previous record of 12.65s. When you consider Jenneke ran 12.68s, you might think she’d take a medal –but she ran fifth.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

Categories
Australia

Weevils in caves, fish, and an ant that ‘babysits’ caterpillars among 139 new species classified by CSIRO

Weevils in caves, fish, and an ant that 'babysits' caterpillars among 139 new species classified by CSIRO

The CSIRO has released details of more than 136 new species of animals and three plants identified in the past year.

The new species include four fish, 117 insects, 11 jumping spiders, three plants, a frog, a millipede, an earthworm, and a marine trematode — a parasitic flatworm.

The trematode was found inside a fish.

Close up of sucker mouth.
The oral sucker of Enenterum petrae under microscope. Baby Petra doesn’t know how lucky she is.(Supplied: Daniel Huston/Zootaxa)

Now called Enenterum petraeit was named after the baby daughter of its identifier, Petra.

David Yeates, director of the CSIRO’s Australian National Insect Collection, said choosing a favorite out of the newly identified species was a bit like being asked to “choose a favorite child”.

However, he said one of the most interesting is a species of ant — now known as Anonychomyrma inclinata — which “babysits” the caterpillars from one of Australia’s rarest butterflies, the bulloak jewel butterfly.

An before
The newly named ant Anonychomyrma inclinata is the ‘obligate attendant’ for the rare and beautiful bulloak jewel butterfly Hypochrysops piceatus.(Supplied: CSIRO/Jon Lewis)

“The ants carry the little caterpillars out from under the bark of the bulloak tree to feed on the soft tips of the leaves or needles at night; they carry them out and then back,” Dr Yeates said.

It’s a symbiotic relationship, where the ants protect the caterpillars from other ants, and get something in return, he said.

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Categories
US

Medical Procedure Prevents Travel to Testify in Georgia

Medical Procedure Prevents Travel to Testify in Georgia

  • Rudy Giuliani said a recent procedure prevented him from flying to testify before a grand jury.
  • But local prosecutors in Georgia pointed to evidence he’d traveled recently.
  • A judge is holding a hearing Tuesday on Giuliani’s request to delay his grand jury testimony.

A week before Rudy Giuliani was set to appear before a grand jury in Georgia, his lawyers contacted local prosecutors to inform them that a recent medical procedure would prevent the former New York City mayor from flying to Atlanta, according to court records.

But his request to delay the Tuesday grand jury appearance was met with little sympathy from the office of Fanni Willis, the Fulton County district attorney investigating former President Donald Trump’s efforts to flip his 2020 election loss in Georgia. Willis’ office responded instead with receipts — and a tweet from New Hampshire — suggesting that Giuliani was, in fact, having no trouble traveling.

In a court filing Monday, local prosecutors in Georgia said they had obtained records showing that Giuliani had “purchased multiple airline tickets with cash, including tickets to Rome, Italy, and Zurich, Switzerland,” for flights between July 22 and July 29. ( Willis’ office stopped short of stating that Giuliani took those flights.)

“All of those dates were after the witness’s medical procedure,” a prosecutor wrote, referring to Giuliani, on the eve of his scheduled grand jury appearance.

“Finally,” the prosecutor added, “in light of the letter provided to the district attorney suggesting that the witness is not cleared for air travel, the district attorney offered to provide alternative methods of travel for the witness, including bus or train fare. ” The filing included a screenshot of an August 1 social media post picturing Giuliani in New Hampshire.

Rudy in NH tweet

A tweet showed Rudy Giuliani in New Hampshire after undergoing an unspecified medical procedure.

Fulton County district attorney’s office


A Fulton County judge responded by setting a 12:30 pm hearing Tuesday on Giuliani’s “emergency” request to delay his grand jury appearance. A lawyer for Giuliani, William H. Thomas Jr., declined to comment.

In a separate court filing Monday, Thomas conceded that Giuliani had traveled from New York to New Hampshire following his unspecified medical procedure. But he emphasized, in italics, that Giuliani made the trip “by a private car in which he was the passenger.”

Pointing to a doctor’s note, Thomas said it was “air travel that he was not cleared for.” But Willis’ office, he wrote, “remained firm in their refusal to agree to a continuance.” Thomas added that Giuliani would appear virtually before the grand jury, but Willis’ office has demanded in-person testimony.

“It is important to note here that Mr. Giuliani is [sic] no way seeking to inappropriately delay, or obstruct these proceedings or avoid giving evidence or testimony that is not subject to some claim of privilege in this matter,” Thomas wrote. “Stated another way, he is and has been willing to cooperate in this matter subject to any ethical obligations that may preclude that cooperation.”

Fani Willis raises her eyebrows

Fulton County Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis in recent weeks has been moving quickly to secure additional testimony in her Trump investigation.

AP Photo/Ben Gray, File



Fani Willis’ aggressive moves

The court files Monday shed light on a dispute between local prosecutors in Georgia and Giuliani’s lawyers in the buildup to his scheduled appearance before the grand jury investigating Trump and his allies’ election interference in the state.

As part of the inquiry, local prosecutors are examining a now-infamous phone call Trump made to Georgia’s secretary of state, Brad Raffensberger, urging him to “find” enough votes to reverse his loss to Joe Biden.

Willis has moved aggressively in recent weeks. In addition to winning a court battle forcing Giuliani to testify before a grand jury, her office de ella has pursued fake electors who supported Trump and subpoenaed Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, prompting legal observers to view the Georgia investigation as among the most perilous for the former president.

Following the 2020 election, Giuliani was among the former president’s allies who participated in a scheme to create slates of so-called alternate slates of pro-Trump electors in key battlegrounds states including Georgia. Court filings have revealed that Willis’ office informed all 16 pro-Trump voters in Georgia that they could face charges in connection with the criminal investigation.

In December 2020, Giuliani appeared in person before a pair of committees in Georgia’s state legislature, where he spent hours peddling false conspiracy theories about election fraud. “You cannot possibly certify Georgia in good faith,” he reportedly told lawmakers.

The House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol has also highlighted Giuliani’s efforts in Georgia. In June, one of the committee’s public hearings featured testimony from Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, a former Georgia election official, who was the target of a conspiracy theory Trump and Giuliani spread alleging that she processed fake ballots for Biden.

“It’s turned my life upside down. I no longer give out my business card… I don’t want anyone knowing my name,” Moss said, in emotional testimony before the House January 6 panel. “I don’t go to the grocery store at all. I haven’t been anywhere at all. I’ve gained about 60 pounds. I just don’t do anything anymore.”

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Business

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday 9 August 2022

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday 1 August 2022

Smiling man with phone in wheelchair watching stocks and trends on computer

Image Source: Getty Images

On Monday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) started the week with the smallest of gains. The benchmark index rose 5 points to 7,020.6 points.

Will the market be able to build on this on Tuesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to fail

The Australian share market is expected to open the day lower on Tuesday following a subdued start to the week on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is poised to open the day 13 points or 0.2% lower. On Wall Street the Dow Jones rose 0.1%, but the S&P 500 and NASDAQ both dropped 0.1%. The latter was up as much as 1.5% at one stage.

NAB Q3 update

the National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price will be on watch today when the banking giant releases its third quarter update. According to a note out of Morgan Stanley, its analysts are expecting the bank to report a quarterly cash profit of $1.8 billion. This will be a 5.9% increase on the previous corresponding period. Elsewhere, Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) and REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) are due to release their full year results this morning.

Oil prices rise

It could be a decent day for energy producers including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) after oil prices pushed higher on Monday night. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is up 1.8% to US$90.63 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price has risen 1.6% to US$96.746 a barrel. Positive economic data out of China and the United States boosted prices.

OZ Minerals ‘in play’

the OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) share price rocketed 35% higher yesterday after the miner received and quickly rejected a $25.00 per share takeover bid from BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP). However, the team at Bell Potter don’t believe this is the end of the story. It said: “[W]e expect a higher cash bid from BHP as the deal makes strategic sense and […] believe the scarcity of comparable assets in comparable jurisdictions makes the chances of a competing counter-offer reasonable.”

Gold price higher

gold miners Evolution Mining Ltd. (ASX: EVN) and Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) could have a decent day after the gold price pushed higher overnight. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.75% to US$1,804.20 an ounce. The softening of bond yields and the US dollar gave the precious metal a lift.

Categories
Technology

Battery percentage finally returns to iOS 16 and it’s hideous

Battery percentage finally returns to iOS 16 and it's hideous

Apple released the iOS 16 beta 5 today and with it comes the long-awaited return of battery percentage to the status bar. Unfortunately, it’s ugly as hell and unreadable to boot.

Previously, battery percentage appeared to the left of the battery icon. However, Apple removed it starting with the iPhone X because there wasn’t enough space to cram it in thanks to the notch. To find out battery percentage, you currently have to swipe down to Control Center. In iOS 16, Apple’s “solved” that issue by having the figure appear within the battery icon.

(If you’ve updated to the latest version of the beta and don’t see it, that’s because it’s not enabled by default. To turn it on, you have to go to the Battery menu in Settings and flip on the Battery Percentage toggle The option also appears to be unavailable on the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone 13 mini. This might change with future beta releases, but they’s the breaks for now.)

It looks like an eyesore — something you’d see on a phone circa 2011. From a distance, it kind of looks like the number on a sports jersey, and not in a good way. However, I recognize that’s my personal aesthetic taste. My biggest issue is this new battery percentage figure also has functional problems as well.

Because the number appears within the battery icon, it has to appear fully charged at all times for readability. So even if you’ve got a paltry 10 percent battery left on your phone, the icon itself still looks full. In the few hours I’ve had this feature on, it’s admittedly caused my brain to short circuit. A full battery icon that reads 55? That just borks the visual cues we’ve all become accustomed to.

The whole purpose of the battery icon is to understand quickly, at a glance, how much juice you have left. Unfortunately, the “full” battery plus the teeny tiny numbers aren’t easy on the eyes. That’s especially true if you already have poor vision. It doesn’t help that it’s always been hard to read the status bar if you happen to use a light background. Of course, not everyone will have this issue. If you have 20/20 vision, it likely won’t bother you much. I happen to have severe astigmatism and nearsightedness, and a few Focus Mode lock screens with light backgrounds. I can’t tell you how many times I misread the 50 percent battery figure as 5G instead.

This is not fine. I can’t read this at all.
Screenshot: Victoria Song / The Verge

Compare all this to the depleting battery icon. While the numberless icon doesn’t tell you exactly how much battery you have left, it’s so easy to figure out a rough ballpark. It’s an intuitive design that hardly needs any explaining. It’s small consolation, but at least the battery icon still changes colors when you enable low-power mode or plug in your phone. The former turns the icon yellow, while the latter turns it green with a lightning symbol next to it. (Charging also happens to make the battery icon and numbers bigger, and thus, way more readable! Why not do this for the regular mode too?!)

It almost feels like Apple subjected us to this on purpose. The company is known for its meticulous control over product design — regardless of whether the changes it makes are what the people want. (RIP headphone jack.) Apple decided with the iPhone X that we didn’t need battery percentage in the status bar. It gave us what it deemed to be a satisfactory solution with Control Center. But we all clamored for Apple to restore battery percentage in the top right corner of our phones, and this is what we got.

I’ll likely go back to turning the battery percentage off. The depleting battery icon, after all, works in the vast majority of situations. And the next time my battery gets dangerously close to zero, I’ll heave a heavy sigh as I swipe down for Control Center, mourning what could’ve been.

Categories
Sports

Australian cycling tactics blasted by England’s Anna Henderson after Georgia Baker’s Commonwealth Games gold medal

Australian cycling tactics blasted by England's Anna Henderson after Georgia Baker's Commonwealth Games gold medal

An English cyclist beaten to gold by an Australian in the Commonwealth Games time trial has taken aim after losing out again in a “rubbish” road race won by “boring” Aussie tactics.

Three days after finishing runner-up to Grace Brown, Anna Henderson finished 24th as Georgia Baker took gold in Sunday’s 112km contest.

Watch Australia take gold and bronze in the push to the finish

Stream Seven’s coverage of the Commonwealth Games 2022 for free on 7plus >>

Baker and fellow Australian Sarah Roy, who won bronze, immediately posed for celebratory photos with teammates Brown, Alexandra Manly, Ruby Roseman-Gannon and Brodie Chapman.

But while several riders from other nations congratulated Baker and Roy, others were far from impressed.

Henderson vowed to be active and launched a series of attacks in the race – only to be continually threatened by Brown and Brodie Chapman, and her frustration showed afterwards.

“It was a rubbish race. The Australians had a really boring race plan,” the 23-year-old said.

“The Australians just played it really boring, didn’t really make a show of it.

“As a rider like me sometimes you’re going to get marked out. We made a break but unfortunately it came back. I was a bit disappointed today.”

Chapman was unaware of Henderson’s criticism when she took the high road and credited the Englishwoman for her challenges.

“Anna was insanely strong,” the 31-year-old Aussie said.

“She definitely put the sting in everyone’s legs today.”

Australia’s tactics may have been ruthless but they were also faultless, providing Baker with the opportunity to win her third gold medal at Birmingham 2022 following two victories inside the velodrome.

She joins the great Kathy Watt as the only Australians to win gold on the road and track at the same Commonwealth Games.

Baker, Manly, Roy, Brown, Roseman-Gannon and Chapman won as a team. Credit: Alex Whitehead/AAP

EVERYEVENT: Check out the full Commonwealth Games schedule

TALLY MEDAL: Every gold, silver and bronze at Birmingham 2022

LATEST RESULTS: Detailed breakdown of every event at the Games

“I’m pretty happy – it was a whole team effort and I’m just so proud I could pull it off for the team,” Baker said.

“The girls led me out beautifully.”

Australia had several winning options and fellow sprinter Alex Manly was originally their protected rider.

But a change to the finish straight meant they committed to Baker, which was confirmed on the road with 20km left.

“The way Australian cycling is developing and moving forward, we should be able to do this more in the future,” said Baker, who rides on the road for the Australian BikeExchange-Jayco team.

Australia’s ruthless tactics were also faultless, putting two riders on the podium. Credit: David Davis/AP

Roy’s bronze was a satisfying turn after finishing fourth in her only track event last week.

The 36-year-old, like Baker, was more than happy to benefit from the Australian group’s teamwork.

“We didn’t have to worry about anyone in the team, we all could trust each other 100 per cent,” Roy said.

“It’s exactly what you want in a team.”

– with APA

Just like Tokyo 2020 on Seven, there will be one destination to watch every epic feat, every medal moment, every record attempt and every inspiring turn from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

7plus is the only place to watch up to 30 live and replay channels of sport, see what’s on when, keep up to date with the medal tally, create a watchlist to follow your favorite events and catch up on highlights.

Aussie Caldwell hauls in stunning 1500m bronze.

Aussie Caldwell hauls in stunning 1500m bronze.

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