Were the new‑look Commonwealth Games the way of the future?

The new-look Commonwealth Games wrapped up in Glasgow this morning (Australian time) with plenty of questions about the stripped-back format and what the future may hold for the event. The 2026 games were originally awarded to the Australian state of Victoria before it baulked at the costs.

Trump claims Iran talks will start Monday, and other Middle East developments

CAIRO (AP) – After calling off a fresh round of strikes against Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that new talks to wind down the war would start Monday, even as Iranian officials claimed their diplomatic efforts were focused on neighboring nations.

Victoria Approves Major New Gas Project to Boost Local Supply

Victorian industries are set to gain access to more locally produced and affordable gas following approval of a major new offshore development. The Victorian and Federal Government have approved the production licence for Amplitude Energy's Annie Gas Field Project in the Otway Basin, paving the way for new gas supplies to enter the Victorian market.

Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia kills one and injures dozens

Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia kills one and injures dozens, authorities say

Top US admiral warns against coercion, says no nation will dominate Indo-Pacific

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – The head of U.S. Pacific Command said Monday that coercive actions by China and other actors are challenging regional stability, warning the United States will not allow any nation to dominate the Indo-Pacific.

10 Million Litres Of Diesel Secured For Victorian Farmers

The Victorian Government has secured a 10 million litre diesel reserve to strengthen fuel security for the state's agricultural sector. The strategic reserve is designed to ensure farmers can access fuel during times of major disruption, giving regional communities greater certainty ahead of the winter growing season.

 

US stocks near record as falling oil prices ease Wall Street's worries

NEW YORK (AP) - The U.S. stock market rallied to the edge of its all-time high on Monday. The S&P 500 jumped 1.5% and is just 0.1% below its record set earlier this summer. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which measures a narrower slice of the U.S. stock market, climbed 693 points, or 1.3%, to an all-time high, while the Nasdaq composite leaped 2.1%.

Iran déjà vu: Trump once again threatens massive escalation against Tehran only to walk back

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has played this hand before during the 5-month-old Iran war. It starts with a grim warning to Tehran that the Republican president is on the cusp of ordering U.S. forces to “obliterate” its power plants or seize key parts of its oil industry if its leaders don’t quickly agree to U.S. terms to end the war.

Fed Square To Host Socceroos World Cup Screenings

The Victorian Government has stepped in to ensure Socceroos World Cup matches will be shown live on the big screen at Fed Square this year. The move comes after Melbourne Arts Precinct decided not to host public screenings of the matches - a decision the Government has now reversed.