9.32amPerth holidaymakers among those forced to flee Bali fireBy A popular Bali restaurant has been gutted by fire after flames rapidly engulfed the venue. Chez Gado Gado in Seminyak caught fire last night after a helium balloon reportedly popped. Perth tourists were among those forced to flee the blaze, saying “within seconds” the whole place was on fire.The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, but its understood there were no serious injuries. 9.32amAcross the nation and around the world By Here’s what’s making headlines across the nation, and around the world today: Defence Minister Richard Marles says Australia’s place in the AI race is the most critical moment for national self-reliance since World War II, as he heads to San Francisco to advance a $21 billion deal that would boost Australia’s stake in the technology’s development.The judge in the Erin Patterson trial was so concerned about whether the jury had been protected from outside influence during its deliberations that he instructed authorities to try to preserve CCTV from the regional hotel where jurors were sequestered for six days.A majority of the 43 Australians still missing after the devastating flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet were pilgrims on a journey to one of the most spiritually significant locations in the world.An aerial view shows debris and mud covering settlements following the floods.Getty9.32amToday’s weatherBy We’ll see out what’s been a very dry winter with a few showers today. The first day of spring will be clear but for the rest of the week we’re looking at showers on and off.9.31amWelcome to our live news blog By Good morning and welcome to our live news blog for this Monday, the 31st of August, 2026. Making headlines today, the fall-out from the resounding One Nation victory at Saturday’s Secret Harbour byelection continues. One Nation candidate Luke Herdegen at the polling booths on Saturday, with WA Premier Roger Cook and Labor candidate Georgia Tree in the background.Colin MurtyThe WA Labor government suffered a huge swing against it, its MP’s primary vote being almost halved.Former political candidate Kate Hulett said Labor deserved to lose the seat after offering up a candidate who lives 60 kilometres outside the electorate and currently lobbies for Woodside.1 of 1