CNET News Digest
Daily News • Saturday, 31 January 2026
Australian Open 2026 LIVE updates: Is history repeating? Sabalenka roars back from a set down, Rybakina battling in thrilling finale
Follow live as we bring you all the updates from day 14 of the Australian Open.
Sabalenka forces title decider
Aryna Sabalenka snags her elusive break late to claim the second set 6-4 and force a decider for the Australian Open title.
‘Extraordinary’: Sabalenka stuns in defensive rally
In an extraordinary display of defensive craft and end-range volleying, Aryna Sabalenka wins a crucial point with a forehand winner.
Prominent builders battle to stay afloat
Dozens of new homes are up in the air after Beechwood Homes battles to stay afloat.
Alleged fake casting agent charged with child prostitution
A 57-year-old Sydney father faced court, accused of luring young actors with fake opportunities in exchange for sexual favours.
Rybakina dominates early to secure first set
Remaining ice-cool, Elena Rybakina polishes off the opening set and takes charge of the women’s singles final.
Bill Gates in premium Open seats, far from nosy Epstein files questions
It had been going swimmingly for the billionaire, who was back at the Australian Open to watch the men’s doubles final.
Rybakina powers her way to early break of Sabalenka’s serve
Elena Rybakina grabs the early break in the Australian Open women’s final.
Queensland charity founder faces court
The founder of a well known Gold Coast charity supporting the homeless has fronted court accused of sexually assaulting multiple women.
MJF is pro wrestling’s scumbag champ and wouldn’t have it any other way
The AEW world champion heads Down Under for the first time for two major events and speaks about Aussie fans vs. US fans, his Jewish heritage and – almost – learns about State of Origin.
This suburb’s residents fight for their last patch of undeveloped open space
Two councils and more than 100 residents have teamed up to block a proposal to turn Point Cook’s last major undeveloped site into an industrial park.
‘I feel like everything’s changed’: Kids in bushfire-ravaged Victoria are returning to school
In many blackened towns, families are still putting out fires, mourning euthanised farm animals and defending their homes as preppies and school kids prepare for their first days of school on Monday.
Violent brawl takes over Adelaide street
Residents of a beachside Adelaide suburb have been forced to lock themselves inside their homes to avoid a violent brawl that broke out on their street.
Pat Cummins out of T20 World Cup, no late call-up for Steve Smith
In a move which further highlights the boldness of Australia’s decision to have him ready for the Ashes, Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, which starts in Colombo next weekend.
Australian Open women’s final tonight
World number one Aryna Sabalenka will be chasing redemption when the Australian Open women’s final gets underway in Melbourne.
Two women described encounter with alleged triple murder
Two of the last people to come face-to-face with alleged triple murderer from NSW, Julian Ingram, have spoken about their encounter.
Actress Catherine O’Hara dies, aged 71
Dozens of characters, unforgettable one-liners and a lot of heart, that’s how actress Catherine O’Hara is being remembered after her sudden death at the age of 71.
BBQ explosion injures five people at caravan park
Five people, including two children, have been injured by an exploding barbeque on the NSW South Coast.
Smoke engulfs Sydney, resulting in poor air quality
Sydney has been left under a thick haze with winds pushing smoke from bushfires burning on the NSW Mid North coast.
Andrew pictured looming over woman in latest Epstein files
Jeffrey Epstein also offered to introduce the former Prince Andrew to a “beautiful” 26-year-old Russian woman, emails released by the US Justice Department reveal.