NEWS

Firefighters in Victoria are taking advantage of cooler conditions to strengthen containment lines around a dozen major bushfires that have scorched vast tracts of land, destroyed homes, and claimed at least one life.

Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney saw major AUKUS progress: PMB Defence supplying batteries for Australian and UK submarines, 11 Australian companies qualified for US supply chains, combat system team formed, and $159 billion maritime investment confirmed. But critics warn current defense spending isn't enough.

Commonwealth Bank won its fourth CHOICE Shonky Award for refusing to refund $270 million in illegal fees charged to 2.2 million low-income customers on Centrelink payments between 2019-2024. ANZ refunded $47.9M; CommBank paid just $25M to Indigenous customers and refused the rest.

Australia supplies 74% of the world's zirconium reserves, critical for nuclear fuel rods and hypersonic missiles. Chinese firms now control major Australian mines despite AUKUS security partnership. Investigation reveals 300% increase in China's zirconium exports to Russia since Ukraine war began.

Mahindra's Australian aircraft subsidiary MAAPL has been officially liquidated, ending a 15-year venture that began with a $175 million acquisition in 2009. The company received AUD 3.025 million in the liquidation process, marking the complete exit from aircraft manufacturing Down Under.

China and the U.S. are holding fresh trade talks in Malaysia as Vice Premier He Lifeng meets Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Both nations express optimism about resolving tensions, with Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump expected to meet in South Korea next week to discuss broader economic cooperation.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Dovile Sakaliene resigned after a dispute with Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene over the country's military spending plans. The disagreement centered on Lithuania's commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to defence as tensions with Russia remain high.

When Jonathan Shen and Chris Hwang first started experimenting with handmade snacks out of a tiny DIY pop-up booth in Singapore, they never imagined one of their biggest wins would come years later, in the form of a nationwide rollout in Australia across 650 Woolworths and Metro stores.

Shapewear has long been shadowed by misconceptions—most notably, that it's uncomfortable, restrictive, and only for special occasions. However, these shapewear myths are being confidently challenged by brands like Shapermint, which are redefining what shaping essentials can be.

As Australia's wellness market grows, the International Institute for Complementary Therapists is bringing structure and credibility to an industry traditionally overlooked by regulators and insurers.

With the Albanese government re-elected, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is set to proceed as planned from July despite criticism from the Coalition, which labelled it a "poorly designed" and unfair tax on families.

A vast bloom of toxic algae is killing more than 200 species of marine life off the southern coast of Australia, scientists and conservation groups say.

India and Pakistan accused each other Thursday of failing to control their nuclear weapons, calling on the world to monitor their neighbour's arsenal just days after their most serious military confrontation in two decades.

Gaza rescuers said at least 29 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Wednesday as negotiations took place in Qatar for the release of hostages still held in the war-battered territory.

On average, households plan to spend AU$7,500 on energy-efficient upgrades over the next five years, which could add up to more than AU$80 billion nationwide. About 50% of Australians want to make their homes eco-friendlier, driven mostly by a desire to reduce energy costs.

Three suspected rebels were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday in a gun battle with soldiers, the army said, the first since an attack on tourists last month brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.

A months-long Israeli blockade is worsening acute malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, medical charity Medecins du Monde warned on Tuesday, accusing Israel of using hunger as "a weapon of war".

A mother of two boys and one girl, Bailey sought a second daughter and worked with Gender Selection Australia (GSA) to connect with California-based doctor Daniel Potter, who specializes in gender selection and genetic disease screening.

Donald Trump on Sunday defended plans to receive a new Air Force One as a gift, after reports he will accept a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar despite strict rules on presents for US presidents.

Russia fired more than 100 drones at Ukraine overnight, Kyiv said Monday as it awaits the Kremlin's response to Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin this week.

The long-anticipated launch is Australia's first orbital attempt in 50 years and positions Gilmour Space as a serious contender in the global commercial space race, aiming to rival giants like Elon Musk's SpaceX.

The discounted items include popular choices like chicken schnitzels, Greek yoghurt, frozen berries, and 2-litre bottles of Coca-Cola. According to Woolworths CEO Amanda Bardwell, the average price reduction will be around 10%.

In today's world, Leo warned in his homily to assembled cardinals, there are places or situations where "it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied".

Faced with fresh flight safety problems at a major US airport, the Trump administration is set Thursday to unveil a modernized air traffic control system.

An Australian woman accused of triple murder sent her children to the movies before serving up a toxic mushroom lunch that killed her guests, a court heard on Thursday.

While Karenia mikimotoi is not directly toxic to humans, it can cause flu-like symptoms such as skin irritation, sore eyes, and breathing difficulties after exposure. Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering affected waters.

Last month, President Trump chose not to exempt Australia from a 10% tariff on most imports, adding strain to U.S.-Australia ties that were already affected by the earlier 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum.

A woman who died after eating a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms told a doctor it tasted "delicious", a court heard Wednesday, as her Australian host faced triple murder charges.

Cardinals will on Tuesday begin moving into the Vatican accommodation where they will stay during the conclave, on the eve of their historic, secretive meeting to elect a new pope.