Sunrise

A two-month-old baby was stolen inside a car during a theft in Townsville, Queensland, with the alleged offenders telling the mother 'we're bad guys' when returning the infant. Seven cars were recovered and ten people arrested, including a 14-year-old girl, with at least one suspect released from detention on a supervision order prior to the incident. Federal MP Philip Thompson is demanding toughe...

The Reserve Bank of Australia has kept interest rates on hold at 4.35% after three consecutive rate hikes earlier in the year. RBA Governor Michelle Bullock states inflation remains too high, particularly with fuel price increases affecting other goods and services, though she hasn't ruled out future rate rises. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham discusses economic indicators including falling empl...

Research reveals dad jokes serve a psychological purpose beyond humour, creating what experts call "relational fusion" between fathers and children. These groan-worthy jokes help strengthen family bonds and play an important developmental role by teaching children to understand different perspectives and develop their own wit. The experience of enduring dad jokes becomes part of a child's upbringi...

One Nation has launched a 'Fire the Liar' television advertisement airing during State of Origin, following a viral fundraising campaign that has raised over $4 million. The ad targets Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor government, featuring clips of broken promises including the $275 power price reduction pledge. Environment Minister Murray Watt and National Senate Leader Bridget McKen...

The FBI has disrupted a terror plot targeting the UFC fight night at the White House. The plan allegedly involved using explosive-laden drones to strike nearby buildings and trigger a mass evacuation, steering crowds towards waiting snipers, with a second wave of attackers planned to storm the White House gates. Multiple arrests were made during the planning stages, with the plot uncovered through...

Exmouth in Western Australia offers exceptional stargazing conditions due to its minimal light pollution and remote location on Cape Range. The town of 3,000 people provides access to Ningaloo Stars tours, where visitors can observe celestial objects including Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, nebulas and globular clusters through portable telescopes. The region combines dark skies with pristine wa...

A Russian warship fired warning shots at a British-registered yacht in the English Channel after the vessel drifted offshore during foggy conditions. The couple in their 60s on board were unharmed and the yacht sustained no damage. The incident follows British authorities boarding a Russian oil tanker in the Channel, occurring amid heightened UK-Russia tensions over Britain's support for Ukraine....

South Australia faces a severe weather warning with heavy rainfall expected to bring significant flooding risks, particularly to Adelaide and the Lower Eyre Peninsula. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood warnings for areas including Port Lincoln, Cleve, Arno Bay and Woodena, with approximately 70 millimetres of rain forecast throughout the week and 30 millimetres expected in Adelaide. Unsea...

Australian Finance Minister Katy Gallagher discusses the potential extension of the fuel excise cut beyond its 30 June deadline, as petrol prices remain affected by conflict in the Middle East. The government faces ongoing criticism over its recent budget, particularly tax reforms and housing market changes, with many Australians expressing frustration about cost of living pressures. Gallagher def...

The United Kingdom is implementing a social media ban for children under 16, following Australia's lead. By spring 2027, restrictions will apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, as well as gaming and live streaming services. WhatsApp messaging service will be excluded from the ban, while Canada and France are considering similar measures. See omnystudio...

A two-day Senate inquiry into major tax reforms has concluded, with Labor considering fast-tracking exemptions for certain businesses from capital gains tax changes. NAB's head has urged the government to reconsider the changes, while small business advocates are calling for complete exemptions for all small businesses rather than selective carve-outs for niche sectors. Business owners report alre...

The Australian government is reconsidering its decision to end the fuel excise tax cut beyond the end of the month, following pressure from the tourism industry and concerns about petrol price increases ahead of July school holidays. Tourism bosses warn that a quarter of Australians would reconsider their holiday plans if petrol prices jump, while economists caution that extending the cut would co...

Australia's best pie and pasty competition and the national doughnut competition are taking place on the Gold Coast. Competitors are showcasing innovative doughnuts including savoury banh mi-filled doughnuts, allergen-free plant-based options using fresh fruit powders, and creative twists on traditional flavours. Judges evaluate entries based on appearance, dough texture, filling, glaze and overal...

A mum's viral social media post sparks debate about hosting etiquette after she complained about not being offered food during a lengthy visit to someone's home, receiving only tea upon arrival. The discussion explores different perspectives on when hosts should offer snacks or meals to guests, with opinions ranging from offering food before guests leave their cars to using the absence of food as...

A B-52 Stratofortress bomber crashed shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, north of Los Angeles. The aircraft, which typically carries a crew of five, left a large area of the airbase blackened and charred, resulting in the closure of the airfield and diversion of all inbound flights. The B-52 is one of the US Air Force's longest-serving aircraft, having been in ser...

The United States and Iran have agreed to a peace deal with an official signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. The agreement includes lifting the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, stopping all military operations, and 60 days of further negotiations about Iran's nuclear programme. Defence expert John Blackburn warns that normalising oil flow could take 12 to 18 months due to mine...

Zendaya and Tom Holland made their first joint red carpet appearance in five years at the Spider-Man film premiere in Madrid. The notoriously private couple, who confirmed their relationship in December 2021, are believed to be engaged or possibly married based on ring sightings and comments from Zendaya's stylist. Their last public appearance together on a red carpet was at the Spider-Man premier...

Perth will host a series of major sporting events including matches featuring Italian football clubs Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan in July and August, followed by a Springboks versus Wallabies rugby match in September. The Italian Festival of Football will include five days of carnival entertainment alongside the matches. A local mobile cannoli business, Filling the Love, showcases their por...

Toy Story 5 explores the relevance of traditional toys in an era dominated by iPads and screen time. The film addresses parental guilt around technology use while maintaining the franchise's emotional resonance. Australian entertainment reporter pitches 'Sherry', an Australian rules football, to stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack as a potential new Australian character for the franchise. S...

A two-day Senate inquiry is set to examine the government's budget proposals, including changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, amid warnings from business owners, economists and investors about potential negative impacts. Chief Economist Shane Oliver discusses concerns that the tax changes could particularly harm start-ups and tech companies with low initial capital, while potentially...

Nine former cast members of Married at First Sight Australia have told the BBC they were not informed about their partners' criminal histories, including drug and violence convictions. The participants are calling for stronger background checks and greater transparency in the matching process. Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia have issued a statement defending their protocols for participant s...

Australia is experiencing an unprecedented surge in shark attacks, with fatal incidents increasing more than threefold in the last five years. A Sydney woman is fighting for life after being mauled by a great white shark just 30 metres from shore at Coogee Beach, prompting questions about the effectiveness of New South Wales' $30 million annual shark management program. The state government is exp...

Pauline Hanson has surpassed Anthony Albanese as Australia's first choice for Prime Minister according to the Resolve Political Monitor poll, with a third of almost 2,000 Australians backing the One Nation leader. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce debate their respective parties' policies, including wage reforms, tax cuts, healthcare investments, and One Nati...

A stray cat wandered onto the stage during the final scene of a Russian ballet production of Romeo and Juliet in Turkey, interrupting the performance as it interacted with the actors. The feline walked across the stage during the climactic death scene, even taking swipes at Romeo's hair while he lay motionless on the floor. The unexpected interruption occurred during an actual performance, not a r...

Electric vehicle sales in Australia surged 150% in May compared to the previous year, now representing one in five new car sales. The Tesla Model Y became the country's top-selling car for the first time ever, while petrol and diesel sales dropped up to 30%. EV owners can save approximately $1,000 annually on running costs and 40% on servicing due to fewer moving parts, though challenges remain wi...