Five quick hits: Blues trounce Maroons in State of Origin II as Zac Lomax takes a ‘speccy’ at the MCG

President Trump expressed support for AUKUS after Australia paid $798m to the US as part of a deal for nuclear-powered submarines. Defence Minister Richard Marles met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to solidify the commitment, with Hegseth stating Trump backed the agreement. Marles emphasized the importance of AUKUS in enhancing Australian capability and strengthening American force posture in the region during his visit to the US. Full Article

The International Criminal Court called on member states to oppose US President Trump's sanctions, criticizing the move as an attempt to undermine its judicial work. European allies, including Germany and the European Commission, voiced support for the court. The White House issued the order in response to the ICC's arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza, drawing criticism from human rights groups and court officials preparing for potential sanctions....

Julianne Hough, previously intentional about dating, has adjusted her approach for 2025, embracing a more playful and fun attitude which has led to a joyful month. Despite wanting to build a family with a male partner, Julianne has admitted to being open about her sexuality. Content with her current state, she remains open to whatever the future may hold. Full Article

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) sacked former women's captain Laijipa Naulivou four days into her job as Director of Rugby after she made controversial remarks about gay women in rugby, stating they should be excluded from the team. Naulivou cited a report on lesbianism in European women's rugby as the basis for her comments. FRU terminated her position, emphasizing their commitment to professional standards and rejecting any form of discrimination, as the Wallaroos gear up...

The ABC is facing backlash for its legal battle with journalist Antoinette Lattouf, who was dismissed for sharing a post about Israel on social media. Lattouf claims unfair dismissal based on her political opinion and race, sparking demands for an apology and inquiry into the ABC's editorial independence. Community groups criticize the ABC's response, questioning its acknowledgement of Lebanese identity and calling for reforms to address systemic bias and uphold journalistic integrity, as concerns over...

Once thought to be extinct, the Gilbert's potoroo, Australia's most endangered marsupial, was rediscovered in 1994 near Albany, Western Australia after over a century. Conservation efforts by Australian scientists have led to an increase in potoroo numbers through the establishment of 'insurance populations', effectively saving the species from extinction. With an estimated 120 individuals left in the wild as of 2024, successful conservation strategies included fire management, predator control, climate change adaptation, and community support....