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"Stern warning": William Tyrrell's foster mother abused outside court

William Tyrrell's foster mother has been targeted in wild scenes outside court as she left the inquest into the child's disappearance, as another woman was seen "hurling abuse at her". When leaving court on Monday afternoon, the woman, who is unable to be named, was abused and heckled by an unknown female, as Counsel Assisting Gerard Craddock SC informed NSW Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame. "There is no place in civil society for that at all," he told the inquiry. "It is particularly terrible in these circumstances." He asked the coroner to "remind people in attendance that orderly conduct is required. That sort of conduct could amount to being punishable by contempt of court". Coroner Grahame said, "That is very disappointing. If that person is in this court now they should be warned (the court) can take action." "That sort of behaviour must not occur. I'm just disturbed by that sort of behaviour. I use a stern warning. Please behave." The incident was revealed at the beginning of the second day of the resumed inquest into the disappearance of the three-year-old boy 10 years ago. The inquest is probing the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-corpse-disposal-theory-tested-in-william-tyrrell-inquest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">police theory</a> that William Tyrell's foster mother buried his body in bushland after he fell from a balcony and died on the morning he vanished from Kendall, on the NSW mid north coast, in September 2014. Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Broadway star files for divorce amid Hugh Jackman rumour

Broadway star Sutton Foster has filed for divorce from her screenwriter husband, Ted Griffin, after ten years of marriage. The 49-year-old actress filed for uncontested divorce in New York County Supreme Court on Tuesday, according to Page Six. The pair got married in Santa Barbara in 2014, and adopted their daughter Emily three years later. Page Six reports that rumours about Foster's marriage being on the rocks began circulating in Broadway circles when she starred in The Music Man alongside Hugh Jackman. They also said that multiple sources have claimed the pair have fallen in love. “They are 100 per cent together and are in love and want to spend the rest of their lives together,” a source previously told Page Six. The publication claims that their relationship is going strong, but they have been staying out of the public eye and keeping it under wraps. “They are still together,” a source told Page Six. “They go out of their way to hide it, but it’s common knowledge.” Jackman filed for divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness, after 27 years of marriage, in September 2023. Furness and Jackman released a joint statement at the time, saying: “We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.” Neither Jackman or Foster have commented on the reports. Image: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/ Shutterstock Editorial

Relationships

"Police have done nothing": William Tyrrell's foster mother speaks out

William Tyrrell's foster mother has issued a rare statement, slamming the police investigation into the disappearance of the toddler. In her first public comments in two years, the woman - who cannot be identified - has been insistent on denying any involvement in William's disappearance despite being at the centre of a dedicated Strike Force team. She claimed police had “gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media” as they built a case against her, since she was publicly outed as the current person of interest for Strike Force Rosann detectives in 2021. As <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/done-nothing-william-tyrrells-foster-mother-issues-statement/news-story/0503f8940a3bad2bb2648c38bc44e288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> continue their investigative podcast into William's disappearance and the subsequent investigation, the foster mother has slammed the authorities for the way they have handled the high-profile case. She said, “I believe that if the police had properly investigated this case, instead of persecuting me, they may well have found the person responsible for William’s disappearance.” She went on to reiterate she believes the three-year-old was taken from her mother’s yard in Kendall in September of 2014 and that she has “no idea who took William, or what happened to him”. “For the past five years, the police have done nothing to try to discover who took William, and what has happened to him," she said. “Instead, they have concentrated all their efforts on trying to build a case that I was in some way to blame for his death, and the disposal of his precious little body." “They have gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media.” She went on to say she loved William “as much as any mother could love her child … if not more”. She said, “It did not matter one bit that he was not connected to us biologically. William made my life complete; I loved him fiercely. I just loved being his ‘mummy’.” “Never ever for a moment did I regret becoming a foster mother”, she said, adding the family was “and still are … connected as one”. “It’s challenging to have hope and build plans for the future when our hearts remain shattered and in pieces,” she said. “All I can hope for is that some person who knows something comes forward.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Hamish Blake receives Order of Australia

Hamish Blake has received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) during a "humbling" ceremony at NSW's Government House. The comedian and presenter shared photos of the special day on Instagram, beaming alongside his wife Zoe Foster Blake. "OMG this guy got his OAM!" Zoë shared alongside a photo of Hamish with his new Medal of the Order of Australia. She described "a humbling ceremony, full of amazing people showing up and bettering the world". On Instagram, Hamish shared a sweet photo from the day, captioning the photo, "Very honoured to today receive my OAM next to my life MVP and always BOG." Blake was one of 737 Australians on this year's King's Birthday honours list, celebrating a wide array of people across dozens of industries who have made a difference in society. Hamish received his award for his service to the arts as an entertainer and to the community. After learning about his award, Hamish said, "I am of course extremely honoured, and now feel very guilty I didn't even get the King a birthday present." Governor-General David Hurley congratulated those who were recognised, saying, "Some names are well-known, but the vast majority are not – they are people who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a difference in our community. Image credits: Instagram

Hamish Blake reveals single most life-changing interview moment

Hamish Blake has revealed the A-list celebrity's candid answer to an interview questions that had a profound impact on his perspective. The radio and TV host appeared on the latest episode of the ABC program The Assembly, in which celebrities appear in front of a classroom of Australian university students, all of whom are autistic and studying journalism, and have permission to ask whatever questions they want. After Blake's extensive career, student Silas was keen to ask about what celebrity had the biggest impact on him. “You’ve interviewed a lot of people over the years, what answer to a question has most changed your perspective on life?” Silas asked a clearly-impressed Blake. “Ooooh … really good,” he responded. “We had Richard Branson on [Hamish and Andy], and one of the guys on our radio show, Jack, he basically said to him, ‘You are a billionaire. Can we just go downstairs to the ATM, can you give me a thousand dollars? It’s nothing to you but it will change my month’.” Blake went on to explain that the British entrepreneur gave a surprising response that has stayed with him ever since. “He was like, ‘I’ll tell you what – there’s something I’d give you all my money for’, and Jack’s like, ‘really?’ and [Richard] goes, ‘your age’. “I was like, that’s interesting. Jack was 22, and we were like, ‘What do you mean by that?’ and he said, 'I’d happily be broke and 22 than a billionaire and 68’, or whatever he was at the time.” Blake said the answer had "always stuck with him" and given him a new appreciation for ageing and freedom. “It’s true. I think that it will be true for all of us. As we get older, you’re like, ‘OK, money’s thing in life, a tool that can certainly take some bad situations and discomfort away, but it’s not happiness’. It’s nowhere near the exhilaration of getting to live, and all the best stuff is free,” he said. “I think about that all the time … That always stuck with me, that idea that we’ve got something immediately available to us, that in the future we’d give all our material possessions for.” Image credits: ABC

Pilot identified after horror helicopter crash

The young pilot who died after his helicopter plummeted into the roof of a Cairns hotel has been identified. Blake Wilson, a 23-year-old from New Zealand, was flying the twin-engine chopper for only a few minutes before it crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Far North Queensland. Wilson had been celebrating a farewell party with co-workers just hours before the horror incident. Nautilus Aviation, the company that owned the helicopter, confirmed the pilot had worked for them as a ground crew member for about four months and had been celebrating one final day with colleagues before moving to another air base. In an updated statement on Tuesday night, police said initial investigations suggested Mr Wilson, who died at the scene, was the sole occupant of the helicopter at the time of the crash. Following his tragic death, Nautilus Aviation issued a statement saying, “We would like to address rumours regarding a gathering of some Nautilus Aviation employees, including off-duty pilots, on Sunday night.” “We can confirm this event did occur and was a privately organised send-off for the individual involved in Monday morning’s incident, who was recently promoted to a ground crew position at another one of our bases." While the company did not identify the pilot the time, they did reveal they held a New Zealand pilot’s licence. “Although the employee held a New Zealand CPL (H) pilot’s licence, they have never flown in Australia or for Nautilus Aviation and were not authorised to fly Nautilus Aviation helicopters,” company statement read. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the individual’s family and all who have been affected by this tragedy and continue to offer our support to our employees during this very challenging period.” Mr Wilson had moved from New Zealand to Cairns for his flying training to follow his dreams of being a pilot at Christchurch Helicopters. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Hilarious reason why Hamish and Andy are "banned for life" from Olympic village

It's not easy to get banned from the Olympic village, but somehow Andy Lee and Hamish Blake have managed to do just that. Despite being warned to “not to talk about this ever”, Andy threw caution to the wind during an interview with Triple M's The Rush Hour With Leisel Jones, Liam & Dobbo on Tuesday. He explained that he and Hamish copped the ban from the International Olympic Committee after an incident during the 2012 London games. “Hamish and I were given the honour of speaking to the (Australian) Olympians before it started,” Andy began. “There’s a lot of applications and security you have to fill out to get into the Olympic village … and someone who filled out the forms put my birth date as that day’s date," he continued. Despite that fact that it was clearly an admin error, the authorities refused entry to the duo on the day of the speech. Funnily enough, a quick-thinking Aussie came to the rescue and managed to sneak him in. “I won’t name who, but someone on the team said, ‘Hey, I can bring an outfit out. You look a little bit like one of the high jumpers,’” Andy recalled. “Suddenly I went through on someone else’s (pass) and we snuck in, which was obviously a huge breach of security at a time when they were trying to prove that security was tight.” Hamish and Andy delivered their speech and mingled with all the athletes, but their little lie was called out 90 minutes later, when the security team realised they'd been tricked. “They dragged us and put us in separate rooms and there was a lot of interrogation,” Andy said. “We were … just tight-lipped, and then the head of security came in.” In another stroke of luck, the head of security turned out to be an Aussie, who recognised the duo. “He went, ‘Hamish and Andy, what are you guys doing here?’ We explained, and he was more understanding,” the comedian said. However, because of their actions, the Australian Olympic team was also punished, with some of their visitor passes revoked. “That’s why I wasn’t really proud of what happened,” Andy said. “I hate the fact that some people missed out.” The IOC also made it clear to the duo that they weren't welcome back to the village. “We had to agree to be banned for life,” Andy recalled to the amusement of the Triple M hosts. Liam Flanagan jokingly suggested to Andy: “I think the campaign needs to start here. We need the ban lifted for Brisbane 2032!” To which he replied: “or, (we could try) another sneak in … let’s double down!” Images: Instagram

Travel Trouble

Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

As a society, we've become increasingly judgmental. We tend to judge not only others but ourselves as well. From a person's physical appearance to their actions, we criticise and judge everything. Everyone is too fat, too thin, too old, or too young, creating an environment where nothing seems to be good enough. This constant pattern of judgment is now harming our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When we judge, we compare ourselves to others, leaving us emotionally vulnerable. Through this judgement, we seek to establish a sense of security and control over our lives and surroundings, often without even realising it. However, by increasing our emotional resilience and sense of control, we become consciously aware of this behaviour and can take steps to change it. So, is it possible to become less judgemental? As an educator and researcher, I developed an Emotional Resilience language (ER). It introduces simple changes that can reduce judgment, foster empathy, compassion, and personal responsibility, and bolster emotional intelligence and resilience when integrated into everyday life. Using a driving metaphor, ER simplifies the intricate world of emotions, providing an innovative way to integrate emotional vocabulary into daily life. It enhances understanding and establishes new neural pathways and healthier thought patterns. The following outlines the initial steps of ER, which can effectively manage judgement towards yourself and others. Though the changes may appear simplistic, they are instrumental in establishing lasting transformation. 1. Removing judgement towards how you or others may feel: Instead of labelling emotions as good or bad, view them as rough or smooth emotional roads. Just as roads serve different purposes, so do emotions. Rough emotions build resilience, while smooth emotions promote well-being, removing the need to lift everyone off a rough road. This makes it easier to recognise and accept emotions without feeling like a failure when things aren't going smoothly. You don’t know why someone is on a rough road, so resist the temptation to judge them. 2: The metaphorical steering wheel in ER represents emotional control and the power of choice in navigating life's challenges. As in a car, you should be the only one controlling your emotional steering wheel. Rather than judging yourself and others, this logical approach empowers you to regain control over your focus, emotions, and destination. Just because someone else is on a rough road doesn’t mean you must join them, fostering resilience and responsibility. 3. Shifting judgement and blame to responsibility involves removing phrases such as "You are making me angry, " which inadvertently hands your emotional steering wheel to others. Replace it with, "I am choosing to feel angry in response to this situation." This subtle alteration, substituting "making" with "choosing," helps reclaim ownership of your steering wheel rather than relinquishing control to external factors. Assigning blame—"It's your fault, it's the government's fault, it's my partner’s fault"— leaves you feeling like a victim, and you then resort to judgement and retaliation to regain control. 4. The importance of taking control: Understanding that judgement cannot be contained nor emotional resilience built when you are out of control on either road is crucial. Out-of-control scenarios activate the amygdala, the brain's fight, flight or freeze mode, disabling the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thinking and creativity. It is only possible to discuss a situation once the involved parties have regained control and can access the thinking part of their brain. Therefore, regaining control is essential for reducing judgement, as then you can have productive discussions that help maintain emotional well-being. This includes your conversations with yourself, which can often be the harshest! ER helps reduce judgement by developing your emotional resilience. Awareness of the emotional state of yourself and others fosters emotional intelligence, while learning to regain control builds resilience. Recognising that navigating rough emotions is crucial for growth alleviates the pressure from always needing to be on a smooth road and judging yourself and others if they aren’t. It shifts focus from dwelling on challenges and comparing yourself to others to being able to understand and manage your responses. Incorporating language changes into daily life builds new neural pathways, creating new thought patterns that reduce judgment and blame. By avoiding the tendency to judge yourself or others, you take back control of your reactions to people and circumstances. This leads to better mental and emotional well-being and fosters positive relationships with yourself and others. Does this mean you will never judge again? Of course not. You’re human. It’s what you do with the judgment that can make all the difference. Dr Jane Foster is a leading educator, researcher, presenter and author of It’s In Your Hands; Your Steering Wheel, Your Choice. Combining her educational skills with neuroscience and positive psychology, Jane equips people with strategies to help build emotional resilience and manage their daily stresses, successfully changing perspective and creating new neural pathways. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au</a> Image: Getty

Mind

Hamish Blake shares major health scare

Hamish Blake has shared the details of a drastic health that resulted in surgery and a series of stitches on his face. The TV presenter took to Instagram to share the news with his followers, revealing that he had to have a skin cancer cut from his forehead. While he was quick to make a joke about the procedure, calling it a “mini-facelift”, he followed up with a serious message for his followers. Sharing a close-up photo of the stitches in his forehead, he wrote: “Got a mini facelift! I love it!” “I’m doing the other side in a few weeks. #love #tinylift #bitbybit.” But in the second photo, he wrote, “OK not really ... This is my reminder to anyone who needs it (ie: everyone) to get your skin checked every six months.” He added, “By the way, everything is totally fine, but glad she got caught very early).” After a particularly harsh summer, Hamish Blake joins a long line of celebs who have battled skin cancers, while reminding Aussies to keep on top of their routine skin checks. <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hugh-jackman-s-health-scare" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hugh Jackman</a> had two biopsies after doctors became concerned that he may have skin cancers on his nose. While the tests came back clear, the Hollywood legend issued a warning to his followers, saying if his scare “reminds even one person to put on sunscreen with a high SPF, then I’m happy.” Journalist and news presenter <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/deb-knight-urges-influencers-to-stop-glorifying-tanning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deb Knight</a> also issued a recent warning about “glorifying tanning” after sharing the results of her annual skin check up. Knight shared a series of photos showing the sun damage on her skin, writing, "Got off pretty lightly from my annual skin check. Just a few barnacles zapped but nothing serious this time round.” "Timely reminder to get your skin checked and protect it from the sun in the first place," she added, before tagging two melanoma treatment specialists and the Melanoma Institute Australia. Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram

Caring

Update on Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's terrifying break-in

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have revealed details of the terrifying break-in at their rental home in Woollahra, while the couple and their two children, Rudy and Sonny, slept. The thief, identified as Daniel Booth, broke into the couple's four-bedroom home in December 2021 and stole the keys to their Land Rover and Zoe's bag which contained the keys to her Tesla, $1000 in cash, and her designer wallet. Booth was arrested hours later, with the help of a tracking device installed in the stolen Land Rover, and faced Sydney Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to a raft of charges related to a crime spree which occurred at the time, including a few other stolen vehicles and bags. Booth also admitted to groping a female Corrective Services officer while in custody before telling her: "Sorry miss." In 2018, Booth was serving a jail sentence for robbery with a serious weapon, and was released on parole in late 2021 before committing his Sydney-wide crime spree only weeks later, before getting arrested again after stealing from the Blakes. Crown prosecutor Maeve Curry revealed that the thief has been complaining of "paranoia and delusional thoughts" over the past 18 months, so the sentencing judge would have to balance "the community's interest in protection and also in punishment being imposed' against the difficulty of 'his personal circumstances'." Judge Donna Woodburne will sentence Booth in February 2024. He will remain behind bars until he returns to court. Image: Getty

Legal

William Tyrrell's foster mother pleads guilty to assault

William Tyrrell's foster mother has been found guilty of assaulting a child. The 58-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Parramatta’s Local Court on Monday morning alongside her husband. She entered guilty pleas to two counts of common assault relating to a child, who is not William. Despite her plea, she plans to fight the charges after also pleading not guilty to two counts of intimidation. Her husband, 56, has pleaded not guilty to one count of common assault and one count of intimidation. The court heard details of the incidents that took place between January and August 2021, with the foster mother previously trying to have the charges in question withdrawn on mental health grounds. The couple will face a contested hearing before Magistrate Susan McIntyre, with the hearing expected to last five days. William was only three years old when he vanished from his foster grandmother’s house at Kendall on the NSW mid North Coast on September 12th 2014. The case attracted national attention and has become one of the state’s most notable cold cases. No one has been charged over William’s disappearance and suspected death, and his foster parents have continued to deny any wrongdoing. Image credits: NSW Police <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px;"> </div>

Legal

Socceroos legend slams Prince William's "patronising" Matildas remark

Craig Foster has slammed Prince William's "patronising pat on the head" for the Matildas after their defeat in the England v. Australia Women's World Cup semi-finals. Foster, a Socceroos legend and staunch supporter of Australia becoming a republic, reacted angrily to Prince William’s attempt to congratulate the Matildas in the wake of their 3-1 defeat against the Lionesses. Shortly after the game, Prince William sent a message to both teams. “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses — on to the final!” William wrote to the official Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter account after the tense semi-final came to a close. “Commiserations to the Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W” King Charles also chimed in on the messages of support, and was full of praise for both teams. “My wife and I join all our family in sending the mighty Lionesses our warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the World Cup, and in sharing our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said. “While your victory may have cost the magnificent Matildas their chance for the greatest prize in the game, both teams have been an inspiration on and off the pitch – and, for that, both nations are united in pride, admiration and respect.” But Foster, who is the co-chair of the Australian Republican Movement, saw through the royal family's messages and didn't want to hear their condescending messages of support and praise. “You’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament. Not a word for Australia. Not that we expect it. We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat,” Foster tweeted. “Support the Lionesses & let us get on with our business, mate.” Foster's message welcomed a mixed reaction, with many agreeing with his sentiment and reinforcing the notion of Australia becoming a republic, while others thought it was obvious that William would be barracking for England, as he is president of Britain’s Football Association. One person simply added to Craig's tweet saying, "What a weird take on a quite gracious sentiment." Image credits: Getty Images

News

Police recommend charges against William Tyrrell's foster mother

Detectives believe they have gathered enough evidence to bring charges against William Tyrrell's foster mother after his disappearance nine years ago. Reports from 9News shared that detectives handed a brief to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) earlier this month with evidence against William's foster mother, who cannot be named, recommending she be charged with perverting the course of justice and interfering with a corpse. Police have ben investigating the potential cause of William's disappearance in 2014, with allegations there was a deadly accident at their family home in Kendall on the NSW Mid North Coast, and the then-three-year-old's body was disposed of by his foster mother. The 58-year-old has long denied any involvement with William's disappearance. It now remains up to the DPP to give advice on whether the woman should go before a court, with any charges beginning a lengthy legal process. A judge or jury would then need to decide whether the evidence was sufficient to prove any charges. William Tyrrell was last seen alive at his foster family's home in Kendall in September 2014, with last Tuesday marking what would've been his 12th birthday. Since his disappearance, there have been many theories over the past nine years with suspects targeted then cleared, and an inquest put on hold. A new team of homicide detectives reviewed the case in 2020, but found no new evidence or remains. Since then, police have quietly been building evidence in support of allegations that William's foster mother covered up his accidental death and disposed of his body. The potential charges include perverting the course of justice and interfering with a corpse, with the latter charge carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years behind bars. Image credits: NSW Police

News

ChatGPT and other generative AI could foster science denial and misunderstanding – here’s how you can be on alert

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gale-sinatra-1234776">Gale Sinatra</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-california-1265">University of Southern California</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbara-k-hofer-1231530">Barbara K. Hofer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a> Until very recently, if you wanted to know more about a controversial scientific topic – stem cell research, the safety of nuclear energy, climate change – you probably did a Google search. Presented with multiple sources, you chose what to read, selecting which sites or authorities to trust. Now you have another option: You can pose your question to ChatGPT or another generative artificial intelligence platform and quickly receive a succinct response in paragraph form. ChatGPT does not search the internet the way Google does. Instead, it generates responses to queries by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/05/07/ai-beginners-guide/">predicting likely word combinations</a> from a massive amalgam of available online information. Although it has the potential for <a href="https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/05/how-generative-ai-changes-productivity">enhancing productivity</a>, generative AI has been shown to have some major faults. It can <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ai-platforms-like-chatgpt-are-easy-to-use-but-also-potentially-dangerous/">produce misinformation</a>. It can create “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/business/ai-chatbots-hallucination.html">hallucinations</a>” – a benign term for making things up. And it doesn’t always accurately solve reasoning problems. For example, when asked if both a car and a tank can fit through a doorway, it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/14/technology/openai-new-gpt4.html">failed to consider both width and height</a>. Nevertheless, it is already being used to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2023/01/17/cnet-ai-articles-journalism-corrections/">produce articles</a> and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/19/technology/ai-generated-content-discovered-on-news-sites-content-farms-and-product-reviews.html">website content</a> you may have encountered, or <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/21/opinion/chatgpt-journalism.html">as a tool</a> in the writing process. Yet you are unlikely to know if what you’re reading was created by AI. As the authors of “<a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/science-denial-9780197683330">Science Denial: Why It Happens and What to Do About It</a>,” we are concerned about how generative AI may blur the boundaries between truth and fiction for those seeking authoritative scientific information. Every media consumer needs to be more vigilant than ever in verifying scientific accuracy in what they read. Here’s how you can stay on your toes in this new information landscape. <h2>How generative AI could promote science denial</h2> Erosion of epistemic trust. All consumers of science information depend on judgments of scientific and medical experts. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02691728.2014.971907">Epistemic trust</a> is the process of trusting knowledge you get from others. It is fundamental to the understanding and use of scientific information. Whether someone is seeking information about a health concern or trying to understand solutions to climate change, they often have limited scientific understanding and little access to firsthand evidence. With a rapidly growing body of information online, people must make frequent decisions about what and whom to trust. With the increased use of generative AI and the potential for manipulation, we believe trust is likely to erode further than <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/">it already has</a>. Misleading or just plain wrong. If there are errors or biases in the data on which AI platforms are trained, that <a href="https://theconversation.com/ai-information-retrieval-a-search-engine-researcher-explains-the-promise-and-peril-of-letting-chatgpt-and-its-cousins-search-the-web-for-you-200875">can be reflected in the results</a>. In our own searches, when we have asked ChatGPT to regenerate multiple answers to the same question, we have gotten conflicting answers. Asked why, it responded, “Sometimes I make mistakes.” Perhaps the trickiest issue with AI-generated content is knowing when it is wrong. Disinformation spread intentionally. AI can be used to generate compelling disinformation as text as well as deepfake images and videos. When we asked ChatGPT to “<a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/ai-platforms-like-chatgpt-are-easy-to-use-but-also-potentially-dangerous/">write about vaccines in the style of disinformation</a>,” it produced a nonexistent citation with fake data. Geoffrey Hinton, former head of AI development at Google, quit to be free to sound the alarm, saying, “It is hard to see how you can prevent the bad actors from <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html">using it for bad things</a>.” The potential to create and spread deliberately incorrect information about science already existed, but it is now dangerously easy. Fabricated sources. ChatGPT provides responses with no sources at all, or if asked for sources, may present <a href="https://economistwritingeveryday.com/2023/01/21/chatgpt-cites-economics-papers-that-do-not-exist/">ones it made up</a>. We both asked ChatGPT to generate a list of our own publications. We each identified a few correct sources. More were hallucinations, yet seemingly reputable and mostly plausible, with actual previous co-authors, in similar sounding journals. This inventiveness is a big problem if a list of a scholar’s publications conveys authority to a reader who doesn’t take time to verify them. Dated knowledge. ChatGPT doesn’t know what happened in the world after its training concluded. A query on what percentage of the world has had COVID-19 returned an answer prefaced by “as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021.” Given how rapidly knowledge advances in some areas, this limitation could mean readers get erroneous outdated information. If you’re seeking recent research on a personal health issue, for instance, beware. Rapid advancement and poor transparency. AI systems continue to become <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/01/technology/ai-google-chatbot-engineer-quits-hinton.html">more powerful and learn faster</a>, and they may learn more science misinformation along the way. Google recently announced <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/10/technology/google-ai-products.html">25 new embedded uses of AI in its services</a>. At this point, <a href="https://theconversation.com/regulating-ai-3-experts-explain-why-its-difficult-to-do-and-important-to-get-right-198868">insufficient guardrails are in place</a> to assure that generative AI will become a more accurate purveyor of scientific information over time. <h2>What can you do?</h2> If you use ChatGPT or other AI platforms, recognize that they might not be completely accurate. The burden falls to the user to discern accuracy. Increase your vigilance. <a href="https://www.niemanlab.org/2022/12/ai-will-start-fact-checking-we-may-not-like-the-results/">AI fact-checking apps may be available soon</a>, but for now, users must serve as their own fact-checkers. <a href="https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-januaryfebruary-2023/plausible">There are steps we recommend</a>. The first is: Be vigilant. People often reflexively share information found from searches on social media with little or no vetting. Know when to become more deliberately thoughtful and when it’s worth identifying and evaluating sources of information. If you’re trying to decide how to manage a serious illness or to understand the best steps for addressing climate change, take time to vet the sources. Improve your fact-checking. A second step is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000740">lateral reading</a>, a process professional fact-checkers use. Open a new window and search for <a href="https://www.nsta.org/science-teacher/science-teacher-mayjune-2023/marginalizing-misinformation">information about the sources</a>, if provided. Is the source credible? Does the author have relevant expertise? And what is the consensus of experts? If no sources are provided or you don’t know if they are valid, use a traditional search engine to find and evaluate experts on the topic. Evaluate the evidence. Next, take a look at the evidence and its connection to the claim. Is there evidence that genetically modified foods are safe? Is there evidence that they are not? What is the scientific consensus? Evaluating the claims will take effort beyond a quick query to ChatGPT. If you begin with AI, don’t stop there. Exercise caution in using it as the sole authority on any scientific issue. You might see what ChatGPT has to say about genetically modified organisms or vaccine safety, but also follow up with a more diligent search using traditional search engines before you draw conclusions. Assess plausibility. Judge whether the claim is plausible. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2013.03.001">Is it likely to be true</a>? If AI makes an implausible (and inaccurate) statement like “<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2022/12/23/fact-check-false-claim-covid-19-vaccines-caused-1-1-million-deaths/10929679002/">1 million deaths were caused by vaccines, not COVID-19</a>,” consider if it even makes sense. Make a tentative judgment and then be open to revising your thinking once you have checked the evidence. Promote digital literacy in yourself and others. Everyone needs to up their game. <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-be-a-good-digital-citizen-during-the-election-and-its-aftermath-148974">Improve your own digital literacy</a>, and if you are a parent, teacher, mentor or community leader, promote digital literacy in others. The American Psychological Association provides guidance on <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/social-media-literacy-teens">fact-checking online information</a> and recommends teens be <a href="https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/health-advisory-adolescent-social-media-use">trained in social media skills</a> to minimize risks to health and well-being. <a href="https://newslit.org/">The News Literacy Project</a> provides helpful tools for improving and supporting digital literacy. Arm yourself with the skills you need to navigate the new AI information landscape. Even if you don’t use generative AI, it is likely you have already read articles created by it or developed from it. It can take time and effort to find and evaluate reliable information about science online – but it is worth it.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204897/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gale-sinatra-1234776">Gale Sinatra</a>, Professor of Education and Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-california-1265">University of Southern California</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/barbara-k-hofer-1231530">Barbara K. Hofer</a>, Professor of Psychology Emerita, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/middlebury-1247">Middlebury</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/chatgpt-and-other-generative-ai-could-foster-science-denial-and-misunderstanding-heres-how-you-can-be-on-alert-204897">original article</a>.

Technology

5 reasons why you should consider fostering a pet

Becoming an animal foster carer is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do in life. Usually through no fault of their own, some pets find themselves in dire need of a home, and if you have room in your house (and in your heart), here are five reasons why you should help them out. 1. You’re saving a life and offering a second chance Part of the reason why shelters rely on foster care so much is that they simply don’t have the space to provide a temporary home for the pet themselves. By taking in downtrodden four-legged friends, you’re easing the strain on local rescues, saving a life and giving animals a second chance. 2. You’re helping prepare the pet for its new home Many shelter animals have had rough lives and potentially spent time living on the streets. You have the opportunity to help them adapt to life at home, where they’ll be fed, exercised, socialised and loved. 3. There’s no commitment If you like the idea of having a pet but can’t commit to owning one long-term, fostering is a great way to still have them in your life. It’s also a fantastic first option for people who have never owned a pet but always wanted to. After all, you need to make sure you can handle it before you jump right in! There’s also a lot less of a financial commitment. Generally, the rescue group will cover vet costs and all you need to provide is food and lots of love. 4. It’s good for your health Countless studies have proven that pet ownership (particularly dogs) can significantly improve both your physical and mental health. Knowing they’re relying on you to maintain their own health is the best motivation to look after your own. 5. It’s good for your social life Want to make new friends? Foster a dog! Not only will you gain a four-legged friend, but any dog owner will attest to the fact that people love stopping to gush over your canine pal. You can also attend meet-ups with other pet owners or make new friends at dog-friendly beaches and parks. Image credits: Getty Images

Family & Pets

Robert Blake dies at 89

Actor Robert Blake has died at the age of 89. In a statement released on behalf of his niece, Noreen Austin, said that Blake had died from heart disease, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles. The former child actor was renowned for two reasons. His Emmy-winning role in the 1970s television series Baretta made him a household name among actors of his generation. More notably, he became known as the defendant in a murder trial of his wife. Born Michael James Gubitosi in 1933 in Nutley, New Jersey, his father was an Italian immigrant, and his mother was an Italian-American who wanted their three children to get into show business. When Blake was 2, he was performing with a brother and a sister in a family vaudeville act called The Three Little Hillbillies. In 1961, he and actress Sondra Kerr married and had two children, Noah and Delinah. They divorced in 1983. He met his second wife, Bonny Lee Bailey, in 1999, at a jazz club where, ironically, he went to escape loneliness. "Here I was, 67 or 68 years old. My life was on hold. My career was stalled out," he said in an interview with the Associated Press. Blake told the outlet he had no reason to dislike Bakley. "She took me out of the stands and put me back in the arena. I had something to live for.” When Bakley gave birth to a baby girl, she named Christian Brando, son of Marlon, as the father. However, DNA tests pointed towards Blake. Blake first saw the little girl, named Rosie, when she was two months old and immediately became the focus of his life. He married Bakley because of Rosie. "Rosie is my blood. Rosie is calling to me," he said. On the day Balkey died, Blake was dining with her at a neighbourhood restaurant in Studio City, California, in 2001. Bakley was fatally shot outside the restaurant. Blake claimed she was shot when he left her in the car and went back to the restaurant to retrieve the handgun he had mistakenly left behind. Police were initially baffled, and Blake was not arrested until a year after Bakley died. The story of their strange marriage made waves soon after, from the child it produced and its violent end all played out in court. While imprisoned and awaiting trial in 2002, Blake told the Associated Press in an interview that he lamented his change in status with fans nationwide. "It hurt because America is the only family I had," he said. The actor was adamant that he had not killed his wife. Prosecutors claimed that he planned to kill his wife to get sole custody of their daughter Rosie and that he had tried to hire hitmen for the job. However, the evidence was not substantial, and a jury rejected that theory. In March 2005, a jury ultimately acquitted him of the murder. However, in November 2005, a civil jury found him liable for her wrongful death. Blake was then ordered to pay Bakley’s family $30 million, a judgement which sent him bankrupt. When he was young, Blake starred in the Our Gang comedies and acted in the classic film, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. His career peaked in 1975-78 with the cop series, Baretta. He starred as a detective who carried a pet cockatoo on his shoulder and was keen on disguises. He won an Emmy in 1975 for his portrayal of Tony Baretta, although behind the scenes, the show was riddled with disputes involving the temperamental star. He is, however, perhaps best known in Hollywood due to his major role in the film In Cold Blood. Blake gained a reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actors but also one of the most difficult to work with. He later admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug addiction in his early life. Once a wealthy man, Blake spent millions on his defence and ended up living on social security and a Screen Actor’s guild pension. In a 2006 interview with the Associated Press, a year after being acquitted, he said he hoped to restart his career. "I'd like to give my best performance," he said. "I'd like to leave a legacy for Rosie about who I am. I'm not ready for a dog and fishing pole yet. I'd like to go to bed each night, desperate to wake up each morning and create some magic." Image credit: Getty

News

"Our Berty boy has died": Zoe and Hamish mourn the passing of beloved cat

Zoe and Hamish Blake are mourning the death of their beloved cat just days after their <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/inside-hamish-and-zoe-foster-blake-s-insane-10th-wedding-anniversary-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10th wedding anniversary</a>. The skincare mogul shared the devastating news to Instagram with a series of photos with their pet cat, Meowbert. “Our Berty boy has died. In his sleep, on his favourite chair. How fortunate we were to share his life, to have his company, his affection, his energy and presence with us every day,” her caption began. “Sixteen years of exquisite companionship, affection, sweet little paw pads and the specific and lovely knowledge that the smallest heartbeat in our family was always nearby.” Zoe then revealed that she and Meowbert fell in love with Hamish at the same time, making his passing more difficult. “Oh, I will miss him deeply! He sat on my desk as I wrote, he moved around from apartment to apartment with me in my twenties,” she continued. <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/CmIs04tPrIV/?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/CmIs04tPrIV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ZOË FOSTER BLAKE (@zotheysay)</a> </div> </blockquote> “He fell in love with Hamish at the same time I did, he permitted our babies to pat and tug and chase him, he allowed me to cuddle his soft, arthritis-riddled body every morning...There was no finer feline, no cuter face, no better friend. “Vale Meowbert.” Several of the couple’s friends and followers offered their condolences following Meowbert’s death. “I’m so sorry to hear this news, what a lovely companion,” one wrote. “Oh Zoe.I’m so sorry. What a wonderful friend he was to you. I’m so glad I met him !! He had the BEST life. Sending big love,” another commented. “Oh Zo, I’m so sorry. What a beautiful Berry boy he was. Sending love!” someone else wrote. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Inside Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake's insane 10th wedding anniversary party

Hamish and Zoe Foster Blake have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in style. The power couple threw a Swinging Sixties-inspired party with the theme “1964 wedding” at their stunning $9 million mansion in Sydney. With a guest list of high profile celebrities including comedian Andy Lee and radio host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli, the party sure was a banger. The loved up couple dressed up as newlyweds with Hamish donning a light blue suit with a cigar and Zoe in a mini sleeveless wedding dress. It seems like no expenses were spared either with the party featuring a tiered wedding cake, as well as authentic table settings, glassware and décor. Hamish took to Instagram to share a glimpse of the fun party, joking that he and Zoe got married in 1964. “58 years ago in 1964 my trillion carat wife @zotheysay and I tied the knot but I swear to god babe, it only feels like 10. xx 😘 (PS heckava night),” his caption read. “Our 10-year wedding anniversary party. The theme was ‘1964 Wedding’ for no other reason than it seemed very fun, and we love Mad Men. (Also, each other! Very much!),” Zoe’s caption read. She included another post revealing who was there: “Our party theme of ‘1964 Wedding’ left it wide open: we had six brides and grooms, two priests, wedding singers, numerous bridesmaids, and several drunk uncles. And a lot of fake cigarettes.” All their posts were inundated with congratulations from friends and fans. Images: Instagram

Relationships

William Tyrrell’s foster mother accused of lying

A senior detective has accused the foster mother of missing boy William Tyrrell of lying about his whereabouts. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Downing Centre Local Court, accused of lying to the NSW Crime Commission. The charges are not related to William Tyrell who went missing in 2014 from a home on the NSW mid-north coast in 2014. Instead, the woman is being questioned about whether or not she lied about hitting a child in her care with a wooden spoon. “I have formed the view (she) knows where William Tyrrell is,” Detective Sergeant Andrew Lonergan told the court, 7News reported. Her Barrister John Stratton SC said the police charged her for allegedly lying to “break her spirit”. “Our main objective is to find out where William Tyrrell is,” Lonergan responded. The court heard some audio recordings in which police allege the woman is hitting a child with a wooden spoon. The child can be heard threatening to call the police if the woman didn’t stop hitting them. A woman can be then heard telling the child to “stand up” three times. “Where’d you put the wooden spoon?” the court heard a woman on the recording say. The audio then plays some pleading, screaming and cries from a child before the woman allegedly tells the child to turn around and smacks them. An intercepted phone call later plays and the woman is telling her husband: “She’s still going on about it”. The hearing continues. Images: 7News

Legal

William Tyrrell's foster parents charged with property fraud

William Tyrrell's foster parents are facing charges of property fraud, after being accused of getting someone to make "dummy bids" at an auction in Sydney. The couple, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will each face one count of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and will face court in October. They have been accused of getting a person to deliberately make fake bids on a property in December 2020, in order to unfairly drive the price up. These charges have no relation to the case of their missing three-year-old foster child, who was last seen wearing a Spider-Man suit in the garden of his foster grandmother's home in Kendall on the NSW mid-north coast in 2014. "Strike Force Rosann detectives issued Future Court Attendance Notices (FCAN) to a 55-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman," police said in a statement. "It will be alleged in court the pair organised a third party to falsely bid for a property at an auction in December 2020." The maximum penalty for dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception is 10 years in prison. Image credits: Shutterstock / NSW Police

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"Stern warning": William Tyrrell's foster mother abused outside court

Broadway star files for divorce amid Hugh Jackman rumour