Updated September 8, 2026 — 7:04pm,first published September 8, 2026 — 9:30amyesterday 7.04pmToday’s headlinesBy We’re bringing our live blog to a close for the day, thank you for joining us. Here’s a recap of some of the day’s headlines:Dodgy barber shops, gift shops and clothing stores are the latest to be targeted by authorities in WA’s tobacco wars.A driver has had a lucky escape this morning after a sinkhole opened up underneath their car in Canning Vale.A five-year-old boy was struck by a car outside a Perth primary school this morning.WA Premier Roger Cook confirmed that seven companies had been shortlisted for the state’s Western Defence Forge which will develop WA’s defence-related manufacturing and supply chains.WA’s soon-to-be newest politician, Luke Herdegen, has arrived at Parliament House today to watch how the chamber and Question Time works from the public gallery before he is officially sworn in at a later date.But there was no warm welcome for the One Nation member, with a protest on parliament steps opposing his recent comments about domestic violence.A fundraiser for a Perth mother who was allegedly murdered by her partner in St James has already raised nearly $25,000 for her sister, who has taken over the care of her surviving three children.Mandurah locals are petitioning authorities to step in over escalating youth crime, after a tradie was allegedly knocked out during a confrontation with a group of teenagers last week.A fight over wages and redundancy entitlements is brewing amid negotiations over what is expected to be the final Premier Coal enterprise agreement with Yancoal’s Collie workers before the mine closes.Thank you again for tuning in today. We’ll see you back here tomorrow for more news you need to know. yesterday 6.40pmPremier Coal workers vote to strikeBy A fight over wages and redundancy entitlements is brewing amid negotiations over what is expected to be the final Premier Coal enterprise agreement with Yancoal’s Collie workers before the mine closes.Workers at the Collie mine have voted in favour of industrial action, which could include stoppages of more than 12 hours.Premier Coal supplies Synergy’s