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TRANSCRIPT
A heavily armed rapid response police unit has been made a permanent part of the New South Wales police force, amid rising concerns over hate-driven violence and terrorism threats.
About 250 officers will form the expanded Operation Shelter, which was originally created in 2023 to counter antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The unit will patrol major public spaces, places of worship and protest sites across Sydney using long-range firearms and rapid-response vehicles, supported by a 24/7 operations centre.
NSW Premier Chris Minns says the move reflects changing security risks and the need for a more proactive policing model.
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Two men have been arrested over the alleged mistaken-identity kidnapping of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in northwest Sydney, after human remains believed to be his were found in bushland near Pitt Town.
The 29-year-old man from Kenthurst and a 24-year-old man in Castle Hill are now being questioned as investigators continue to probe the alleged abduction, which occurred when three men stormed the elderly man’s home and bundled him into a car two weeks ago.
Authorities believe the intended target was a relative of underworld-linked Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan who lived on the same street, and have condemned the alleged offenders' recklessness in targeting the wrong person.
Police had repeatedly urged the kidnappers to release Mr Baghsarian, who required daily medication.
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Police have completed searches of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home in southeast England following his arrest last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The probe is linked to allegations surrounding his ties to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
It follows US-released documents that appeared to show Mountbatten-Windsor may have shared confidential government material with Epstein while working as a UK trade envoy, allegations he denies.
Police say the inquiry will continue, urging witnesses or former staff with information to come forward as political and public scrutiny of the case grows.
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Katherine Short, the 42-year-old daughter of actor and comedian Martin Short, has died at her home in the Hollywood Hills.
Local media reports indicate that authorities are treating her death as an apparent suicide.
The Short family has released a statement asking for privacy, saying they are devastated by the loss and will remember her for the light and joy she brought to others.
Short was a social worker with qualifications in psychology and mental health support, and largely lived a private life away from the spotlight.
If you require help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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In football,
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt have dumped last season's finalists, Inter, out of the European Champions League with a remarkable two goals to one win in Milan.
Under sustained pressure, the visitors struck in the 58th minute through Jens Petter Hauge [[yens pett-err how-gerr]] with Haakon Evjen [[HOH-kon EV-yen]] putting the result beyond doubt in the 72nd minute, guiding a precise effort into the far bottom corner.
Alessandro Bastoni pulled a goal back for Inter in the 77th minute, but it proved too late to alter the fate of the Italian giants, who lost five-two on aggregate.
Bodo/Glimt will now play either Manchester City or Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16 next month.
