{
  "id": 2324854,
  "title": "Afternoon Update: Brethren church denies paying far-right activists to target election; Sydney Swans latest; and diamond-soled shoes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/afternoon-update-brethren-church-denies-paying-far-right-activists-to",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T07:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Guardian Australia",
    "slug": "the-guardian-australia",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/21/afternoon-update-friday-ntwnfb"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "The Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has denied allegations that it secretly paid far-right influencers to stage stunts targeting politicians during an appearance at a parliamentary inquiry into the 2025 election. In a separate development, Sydney Swans have confirmed that no other club representatives were present in the Melbourne hotel room where the team was staying. Additionally, a former Liberal MP has condemned the Coalition for backing gambling reforms that he says \"let down\" vulnerable Australians. The Catholic Schools NSW boss has been sacked following an appearance at an inquiry into alleged Liberal party corruption. Meanwhile, the case against police charged with using Taser and pepper spray on a vulnerable First Nations man has concluded. Finally, an alleged rapist has been arrested after returning to a Brisbane crime scene the same night.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "Sydney Swans coach and captain front media",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/sydney-swans-coach-and-captain-front-media",
        "published": "2026-08-21T07:15:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "Sydney Swans coach and captain front media",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/sydney-swans-coach-and-captain-front-media-2331603",
        "published": "2026-08-21T07:15:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}