A streak of light illuminated the sky during the missile attack from Iran towards Israel as seen from Ashkelon. The Middle East crisis is again threatening to boil over as Israel's air defence systems intercept missiles fired by Iran in response to escalating airstrikes by Israeli forces against the suburbs of Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
Housing Market Cools but First-Home Buyers Still Squeezed
The housing market is cooling off after the government's changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount. However, that does not mean the obstacles confronting first-home buyers have vanished. A Sydney flat with a broken shower still costs nearly $1 million, highlighting ongoing affordability issues.
Alexander Zverev Wins French Open
Alexander Zverev has conquered the clay court at Roland Garros to win the French Open men's title, holding off Flavio Cobolli in a tense five-set final. Serena Williams played down a potential singles return before doubles at Queen's.
Australia News
High Court Justice Accuses Samuel Griffith Society of US-Style Judicial Stacking
High Court Justice Robert Beech-Jones has accused the Samuel Griffith Society of advocating for methods that would replicate US-style judicial decision-making, creating a new front in Australia's culture wars.
Priceless Yiddish Song Book Rescued from Recycling Bin
A priceless book of Yiddish songs from the Holocaust lay in a Sydney cupboard for decades. After almost being thrown in the recycling bin after its owner died, it has now been rescued.
New Bushland Park Created on Old Quarry Site
Sydney's newest bushland park has been created at the site of an old abandoned quarry atop an ancient volcano, transforming an industrial site into a peaceful green escape.
King's Birthday Honours
Among the recipients of top honours is former leader of the Australian Democrats Natasha Stott Despoja, recognised for her work on South Australia's royal commission into family violence.
Pauline Hanson Supports Ben Roberts-Smith
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson told a rally in support of Ben Roberts-Smith that the former SAS soldier charged with war crimes is a person she respects and admires.
World News
Middle East Crisis
Israel says Iran has launched missiles towards its territory after Tehran threatened to respond to escalating Israeli airstrikes against Beirut's suburbs. The UK is readying sanctions against Israel to deter proposed illegal West Bank settlement.
Russia-Ukraine War
A Russian drone has damaged a building used to store spent nuclear fuel close to the disused Chornobyl nuclear power plant, in what Ukraine's president called a deliberate attack. Volodymyr Zelenskyy met key allies in London as he aims to build on strikes against Russia.
US Defence Secretary Condemned for D-Day Comments
Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has been accused by historians and campaigners of grotesque stupidity after he sought to link immigration to the D-day anniversary.
World Cup Tensions with Iran
A diplomatic war of words has broken out over the US visa status for several members of Iran's 2026 World Cup delegation, with just days to go until the tournament kicks off.
Pope Leo Holds Mass in Madrid
More than a million people filled Madrid's streets to join Pope Leo in an open-air mass where the pontiff urged followers to dedicate themselves to the poor and those who suffer.
Air Fare Rises Inevitable
There are warnings air fare rises are inevitable as airlines around the world face spending an extra $140 billion on jet fuel this year after the US-Israel war with Iran choked off oil supplies.
In-Depth: Diphtheria Spreading in Remote Indigenous Communities
Australia is facing the largest outbreak of diphtheria, dubbed a disease of poverty, in living memory. For decades, the highly contagious and life-threatening bacterial disease was almost eradicated, but now it is spreading in remote Indigenous communities. Nour Haydar speaks with Sarah Collard and Douglas Smith about what is being done to stop the spread.
In-Depth: Endangered Spiny Crayfish Threatened by Climate Change
Australia's endangered spiny crayfish can be found in pockets across a massive range, from far north Queensland to South Australia, from rainforests to alpine bogs. Global heating is drying out the creeks they call home and making their habitats more susceptible to bushfires. Graham Readfearn speaks to those fighting to save this relic of Australia's ancient past.
Not the News: Australian Music Quiz
We have delved into all the ARIA charts since 1988 to find out who Australians cannot stop listening to. Australia's chart history reveals big changes to listening habits and highlights how local artists face a fight to be heard. Take our quiz to see how well you have kept up.
Sport
Tennis
Alexander Zverev has won his first grand slam after holding off Flavio Cobolli in a tense five-set French Open final. Serena Williams played down a potential singles return before doubles at Queen's.
World Cup
The Socceroos playing on football's biggest stage in my adopted country would normally have me racing to book tickets, but not this year, Tom Hawking writes.
Motorsport
Kimi Antonelli held his nerve to win a chaotic F1 Monaco GP after a late red flag, with Australian driver Oscar Piastri finishing fourth.
Football
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen is conscious after collapsing on the pitch during an international friendly.
Cricket
England ended New Zealand's brief resistance to seal victory at Lord's in the first Test.
Media Roundup
The surge in data centre investment in Victoria and New South Wales is eclipsing the economic impacts of Australia's early 2010s mining boom, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. A leading domestic violence expert is calling for abusive partners to be held to account for suicides sometimes called slow femicides, the Age reports.
What's Happening Today
Today is the King's Birthday public holiday in ACT, NSW, the Northern Territory, SA, Tasmania and Victoria. The selection trials for the Australian swim team for the Commonwealth Games are set to begin at Sydney's Olympic Park.
Brain Teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian's crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
