A major Ukrainian drone strike targeted Moscow early Friday, hitting an oil refinery and other sites in what Kyiv described as its largest aerial assault on the Russian capital since the invasion began. The attack underscores escalating tensions as the war enters a new phase.
Australia
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson confirmed she had a conversation with newly elected Farrer MP David Farley after he contradicted party policy on immigration and the flying of the Aboriginal flag. Hanson described the talk as necessary to align Farley with party lines.
The Albanese government has offered concessions on its proposed capital gains tax changes, but analysts say the adjustments are more a tweak than a major backflip. Net overseas migration fell to 301,000 last year, the lowest since mid-2022 but still above pre-pandemic levels.
Billionaire Gina Rinehart suggested Australia should offer Elon Musk free islands in northern Queensland to build satellite launch facilities, aiming to attract investment.
World
Iran announced plans to introduce maritime fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route. In southern Lebanon, Israel and Hezbollah exchanged attacks, threatening the US-Iran peace deal.
In the UK, a secondary school teacher was jailed for life for sexually abusing and murdering an adopted baby boy. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called for urgent economic reforms to overcome a crisis worsened by the US oil blockade.
Cambridgeshire police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy fell into a crocodile enclosure.
World Cup
Jack Snape analyzed how the Socceroos can beat the USA using judicious substitutions, while David Squires offered a satirical take on the tournament. South Africa equalized late against Czechia for a 1-1 draw. Lionel Messi's family appealed for humanity amid reports about his father's health.
Elye Wahi, under investigation for match-fixing, was denied a visa for Canada. Key matches today include Canada vs Qatar and Mexico vs South Korea.
In-depth
Media-shy financier Stephen Feinberg, now deputy secretary of defense, has quietly gained extraordinary influence over US military spending, raising questions about his role in the Pentagon.
Not the news
Melbourne band Temper Trap returns from a long hiatus with a fourth album, Sungazer, out next month. The band discussed how the music industry has changed, spurred by a TikTok cover that reignited their touring and recording plans.
Sport
Thousands of Knicks fans celebrated the team's NBA championship with a ticker-tape parade in New York. England faces a tough position at the end of day two of the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval. The US Open golf tournament was disrupted by bad weather.
Media roundup
Gold Coast residents await a police crackdown on ebikes. Coogee shark attack victim Leah Stewart remains in critical condition. Five caravan manufacturers have collapsed, leaving the industry in crisis.
What's happening today
KPMG executives appear before a parliamentary committee in Canberra. Western Australia marks 70 years since nuclear tests at Montebello Islands. A public hearing continues into the 2023 Whitsundays helicopter crash that killed four.
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