A firefighter has tragically died after being struck by a falling tree while battling bushfires north of Newcastle, marking the first fatality of the season. 👉7news.com.au👉abc.net.au👉9news.com.au
Ashton Hurn has been confirmed as the new leader of the SA Liberal Party following Vincent Tarzia's departure. 👉abc.net.au👉abc.net.au👉sbs.com.au
US alliance talks are ongoing as Australia hosts an annual defence conference, with senior federal and US ministers preparing for major talks in Washington DC. 👉au.news.yahoo.com
Australia refuses to repatriate its citizens from Syrian camps, despite a US warning that leaving them there "compounds risk to all of us." 👉theguardian.com
Social Media and Technology:
Australia is becoming a testing ground for a social media ban for young people, with new age-verification rules set to impact those under 16. Millions of teenagers are reportedly leaving platforms due to these and other concerns, with some migrating to lesser-known apps. 👉abc.net.au👉theguardian.com👉7news.com.au👉7news.com.au👉7news.com.au👉7news.com.au
The EU has fined Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) $210 million for breaching the bloc's social media law. 👉abc.net.au
China's dominance in technologies shaping the modern world, including AI, is a growing concern. 👉abc.net.au
Rory McIlroy has been praised for restoring prestige to the Australian Open golf tournament, even without lifting the trophy. 👉abc.net.au
The Russian recruitment of foreign fighters is increasing, with many ending up in what is described as the "Moscow meat grinder." 👉abc.net.au
The FIFA World Cup 2026 draw has placed Australia in a group with co-hosts. 👉sbs.com.au
Other News:
A global multi-level-marketing business selling water ionisers is facing accusations of predatory sales tactics resembling a pyramid scheme, with a new focus on Australian tradies. 👉abc.net.au
The Kremlin has praised Donald Trump's new national security strategy, stating it aligns with Russia's vision. 👉sbs.com.au👉abc.net.au👉au.news.yahoo.com
Christmas lights have returned to Bethlehem for the first time since the Gaza war began. 👉sbs.com.au
Exploitation fears have been raised regarding proposed changes to South Australia's government-funded aged care system. 👉abc.net.au
Perth residents are experiencing maggots and bad smells due to new bin rules for food and garden waste, despite council assurances. 👉abc.net.au👉9news.com.au
A cooperative has bought a building in Castlemaine, highlighting a "broken" property market and a move towards economic democracy. 👉abc.net.au
Reports of sexual abuse and exploitation within a Christian sect have emerged via a hotline, with over 200 alleged offenders identified. 👉abc.net.au
Cities 1,100 kilometers apart share a dark bond linked to historical clerical abuse and subsequent suicide deaths. 👉abc.net.au👉abc.net.au
Thousands of Afghans in Australia fear for their future amid secrecy surrounding the potential shutdown of the Afghan embassy. 👉sbs.com.au
Japan and Australia have urged calm after Chinese radar locked onto Japanese jets. 👉abc.net.au
The Australian Medical Association has warned of the eroding value of private health insurance. 👉sbs.com.au
The US fired on survivors clinging to a boat in Venezuela, with questions arising about who gave the order. 👉abc.net.au👉au.news.yahoo.com
The Kremlin has praised Donald Trump's national security strategy. 👉au.news.yahoo.com
The first-home owner's highest offer was declined, with the seller reportedly put off by a government shared equity scheme. 👉abc.net.au
Families are devastated amid fears of group home closures in Victoria. 👉abc.net.au
An analysis by Patricia Karvelas discusses Prime Minister Albanese's defense of Minister Anika Wells' travel expenses. 👉abc.net.au
The Australian government has sanctioned top Taliban leaders. 👉sbs.com.au
A legal challenge is underway against police designated area declaration for Melbourne's CBD. 👉abc.net.au
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has expressed concerns about China's military activities near the self-ruled island, calling for de-escalation. 👉theguardian.com
The "disgusting" late-night behaviour of some tourists on a popular Australian island is drawing anger. 👉au.news.yahoo.com
Netanyahu states that phase two of the Gaza peace plan is nearing completion, but key disputes remain. 👉sbs.com.au
The Federal government is considering a new childcare policy, with potential changes to funding models being discussed. 👉theguardian.com
Four countries are considering boycotting Eurovision over Israel's participation, with protests calling for SBS to boycott the event. 👉sbs.com.au