Australian News

1. Geopolitics / Diplomacy:

   • The US and Europe face escalating tensions as Donald Trump claims NATO troops "stayed back" from Afghanistan frontlines, drawing sharp rebuke from UK PM Keir Starmer, who demands an apology. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Trump's claims about NATO troop actions in Afghanistan spark global outrage, with European leaders questioning US reliability as an ally. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Ukraine, Russia, and the US hold first trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi to explore peace negotiations amid ongoing war. 👉 abc.net.au

2. Australia / Politics:

   • The Australian Coalition government collapses as Nationals MPs defect, leaving Opposition Leader Sussan Ley defiant but facing pressure to step aside. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com
   • Andrew Hastie emerges as a potential Liberal leadership challenger amid growing calls for Ley to resign. 👉 theguardian.com
   • A disturbing letter threatening violence on Australia Day is being investigated by police, with communities on high alert. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au

3. Crime / Justice:

   • A manhunt for Julian Ingram, accused of killing three people (including a pregnant woman) in Lake Cargelligo, NSW, enters its third day with police expanding the search area. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • A fifth man is charged in a Sydney-based child abuse ring, highlighting ongoing investigations into organized exploitation. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding, accused of running a transnational drug trafficking operation, is arrested after a prolonged manhunt. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

4. Health / Environment:

   • Severe heatwave conditions hit southeast Australia, with temperatures nearing 50°C in some areas, prompting fire warnings and health alerts. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Tropical Cyclone Luana intensifies off Western Australia, threatening coastal communities with heavy rainfall and strong winds. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • A coroner’s autopsy reveals Piper James, a 19-year-old Canadian backpacker found dead on K’gari (Fraser Island), likely died from drowning with injuries consistent with dingo bites. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

5. Sports / Entertainment:

   • The Australian Open faces extreme heat challenges, with organizers adjusting schedules to protect players like Naomi Osaka and Novak Djokovic. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Steve Smith leads the Sydney Sixers to the Big Bash League final, delivering another match-winning performance. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Rose Byrne and Jacob Elordi receive their first Oscar nominations, marking a milestone for Australian actors in Hollywood. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

6. World / Global:

   • TikTok finalizes a deal to avoid a US ban, averting a potential shutdown just before Donald Trump’s deadline. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • US officials unveil multi-billion-dollar plans to rebuild Gaza, proposing luxury real estate developments amid ongoing conflict. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Ten bodies are found from an Indonesia plane crash that lost contact mid-flight, with the search ongoing for survivors. 👉 abc.net.au

7. Disasters / Hazards:

   • A landslide in New Zealand’s Mount Maunganui leaves two dead and children missing, with rescue efforts continuing. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au
   • Four shark attacks in 48 hours on Australia’s east coast raise concerns, though experts emphasize sharks are not to blame. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com
   • High country landmarks in Victoria are wrapped in foil to protect them from nearby bushfires. 👉 abc.net.au

8. Economy / Business:

   • The Australian dollar hits a 15-month high as global markets react to US-China tensions and inflation data. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Courier service Sendle collapses, leaving customers stranded and businesses scrambling for alternatives. 👉 abc.net.au
   • A financial advisor is jailed for stealing over $1 million from clients, highlighting ongoing fraud risks. 👉 abc.net.au

9. Technology / Social Media:

   • US officials reveal plans to deploy copycat drones in the Middle East, mirroring Iran’s Shahed kamikaze models. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Prince Harry’s legal battle with the Daily Mail continues as he seeks to "slay dragons" in court, though critics question its impact. 👉 abc.net.au
   • Viral videos of a bull shark in Brisbane River spark debates about AI-generated content, though experts confirm its authenticity. 👉 abc.net.au

10. Human Interest:

    • A rural council rules that "flanno" (flannel shirt) fashion is acceptable for business attire, sparking lighthearted debate. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Perth’s $290 million film studios are complete but lack productions, raising questions about Australia’s film industry future. 👉 abc.net.au
    • A man is rewarded $100,000 for solving a "chaotic" problem after moving to Australia, highlighting the country’s unique challenges. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

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