• Sydney Sees Wettest Six-Year Stretch on Record
  • Nationals Leader Promotes Work From Home
  • Middle East War: The Latest Updates
  • Light Plane Crash-Lands on Sydney Golf Course
  • Polls Suggest Trump Still Shielding Labor
Netanyahu authorizes direct talks with Lebanon in boost to ceasefire efforts

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – In a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible” aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbors.

NSW Commits $1m to Combat Islamophobia

The New South Wales Government has pledged $1 million to address rising levels of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate across the state.

Does the Iran ceasefire mean the fuel crisis is over? Not even close

It might feel like a lifetime ago, but it was just last week analysts began talking about fuel rationing in Australia.  This week, that prospect seems less likely. A temporary ceasefire in the Iran war has been announced, even as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heads off to Singapore - a crucial refinery hub - to firm up fuel supplies.

 

Key inflation gauge remains elevated in February before Iran war

WASHINGTON (AP) – A key measure of inflation stayed high in February, before the war in Iran spiked gas prices, a sign that everyday costs were elevated even before the conflict began. An inflation gauge monitored by the Federal Reserve rose 0.4% in February from January, up slightly from the previous month.

Paramount president Jeff Shell stepping down amid legal battle

NEW YORK (AP) – Longtime media executive Jeff Shell is leaving Paramount, in a move that arrives amid a messy legal battle and the Skydance-owned company’s ongoing efforts to take over Hollywood rival Warner Bros. Discovery.

US economy grew a sluggish 0.5% in fourth quarter, downgrading previous estimate

WASHINGTON (AP) – The American economy, slowed by last fall’s 43-day government shutdown, grew at a sluggish 0.5% annual pace from October through December, the Commerce Department reported Thursday in downgrade of its previous estimate.

Middle East War: The Latest Updates

A tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire is faltering after Israel pounded Beirut and as Iran maintains its grip on the Strait of Hormuz while truce talks remain uncertain. Both Tehran and Washington are claiming victory and exerting pressure.

Netanyahu authorizes direct talks with Lebanon in boost to ceasefire efforts

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – In a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations with Lebanon “as soon as possible” aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbors.

Russia's internet crackdown leads to a spring of growing discontent

Several dozen people lined up outside a presidential administration building on a sunny spring weekend in central Moscow as police stood nearby and watched them closely. The people were lodging complaints about the government’s intensifying crackdown on the internet that has seen regular shutdowns of cellphone internet connections.

ROME (AP) – Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization was “truly unacceptable” and said any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. Leo urged Americans and other people of good will to contact their political leaders to demand they reject war and work for peace.