Betts shoe retailer closes half its stores

Sydney artist's miniature masterpieces go viral

Sydney-based artist Werner Bronkhorst creates large-scale textured paintings featuring miniature figures, including World Cup soccer players, rock climbers, tennis players, and Formula One themes. The South African-born artist has amassed nearly 2 million Instagram followers, with one post reaching over 100 million views. His work, which takes weeks to dry and features figures requiring one to three hours each to paint, was recently exhibited in Los Angeles with 11 World Cup-inspired pieces. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Bayeux Tapestry arrives in London with billion-dollar insurance

The Bayeux Tapestry, a 1,000-year-old embroidered masterpiece nearly 70 metres long, has arrived at the London Museum from Bayeux, France. The medieval fabric depicts the Battle of Hastings and the death of King Harold in 1066. The historic transfer required over a year of planning and carries insurance coverage of 1.5 billion dollars, with 40,000 French citizens signing a petition against its departure while 80,000 British visitors have already purchased tickets. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Commonwealth Games opening ceremony highlights

The Commonwealth Games opening ceremonies have evolved from the modest Empire Games in Sydney 1938 with 500 athletes to spectacular productions featuring giant mascots, cultural icons and theatrical performances. Australian host cities have created memorable moments including Brisbane's 13-metre Matilda the kangaroo in 1982, Melbourne's flying tram landing at the MCG in 2006, and the Gold Coast's whale-watching spectacle in 2018. Glasgow prepares to host its opening ceremony, continuing the tradition of host cities showcasing their culture and identity to the world. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Master builders boss reveals death threats amid housing crisis

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn is calling for a federal building watchdog and stronger action against construction union corruption, revealing she has received death threats. Building costs have surged 50% in five years, contributing to Labor's 1.2 million housing target falling short, with only 980,000 dwellings now forecast by June 2029. The industry body is also pushing for Pacific Islander tradies to address worker shortages adding 15% to construction costs. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers dies aged 89

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as cricket's greatest all-rounder, has died aged 89, just days before his 90th birthday. The West Indies legend set a test innings record of 365 not out in 1958 at age 21 and made history by hitting six sixes in an over, long before the T20 era. Sobers had deep connections to Australia, living in Melbourne, marrying local Prue Kirby, playing for South Australia, and earning praise from Sir Donald Bradman who called him the greatest cricketer, cemented by a legendary 1972 innings. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.