Hi there. It's Tuesday, August 9 and you're reading The Loop, a quick look at today's news.
Let's start here: Olivia Newton-John has died
Some sad news to begin the day — British-born Australian singer and actress Dame Olivia Newton-John has died.
Here's what you need to know:
- The 73-year-old "passed away peacefully" in southern California surrounded by family and friends, according to a statement
- She won multiple Grammy awards over a five-decade career and was best known for her role as Sandy in the film Grease
- On her social media accounts, husband John Easterling described Newton-John as "a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer"
- Tributes are being shared by celebrities and fans alike, which you can follow on our live blog
Something you'll be hearing about today: Australia finished on top at the Commonwealth Games
Birmingham 2022 organisers have officially handed over the Commonwealth Games flag to regional Victoria at this year's closing ceremony, ahead of the 2026 event in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Gippsland.
Team Australia claimed a whopping 67 gold, 57 silver and 54 bronze medals, and Australia also became the first nation to have claimed more than 1,000 Commonwealth Games gold medals.
The result puts Australia at the top of the medal tally, beating out the likes of England, Canada, India and New Zealand for the top spot.
News while you snoozed
- New Australian tax figures have shown that 60 millionaires paid no income tax in 2019-20. They also reveal the country's richest and poorest postcodes — Australia's highest earners live in Perth, and the country's lowest incomes have been recorded in regional New South Wales. Here are the richest suburbs:
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Plenty of "NOOT NOOT" tributes have been shared for the original voice actor behind animated penguin Pingu, Carlo Bonomi, who has died aged 85.
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China's military has announced fresh drills in the seas and airspace around Taiwan, a day after the scheduled end of its largest ever exercises to protest against last week's visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Here's what Australia has been searching for online
- Leandro Lo. One of the most successful Brazilian jujitsu competitors, Leandro Lo, has been shot in Brazil and declared brain dead in hospital. Witnesses said Lo had a physical altercation with an off-duty police officer, prompting the officer to shoot him
- Adrien Rabiot. Manchester United have reportedly agreed on a deal to sign 27-year-old Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot for 15 million pounds ($26 million). While Juventus are happy to go ahead, United must get approval from the Frenchman's agent and mother, Veronique, before a deal can be completed
One more thing: Britney Spears and Elton John's collab is coming
Yep, you read that right.
Following reports that Britney Spears and Elton John were working on a new recording of John's song Tiny Dancer, the remake has now been confirmed, and it's coming soon.
The song, called Hold Me Closer, is expected to drop in the coming days.
You're up to date!
We'll be back this afternoon with more.
ABC/wires
