Warning for Australians as Laos authorities ban brand of vodka, whisky after methanol deaths

Meta is working to restore operations "back to normal" after users worldwide reported difficulties accessing Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads since 4.30am AEDT. Downdetector has received over 150,000 complaints regarding these platforms, with Facebook experiencing an outage that affected user sign-ins. Meta has issued a statement acknowledging the technical issue and apologizing for any inconvenience, while their "status and outages business products" page confirms the disruption, with engineering teams investigating the issue impacting message...

Syrian rebels have lifted the curfew in Damascus to encourage people to resume work and rebuild Syria after Assad's fall. The rebels warn of pursuing those involved in past atrocities, including burning Assad's father's mausoleum. The new government faces challenges of stabilizing the country, securing aid, and addressing the needs of millions of displaced refugees, while navigating international concerns about terrorism and minority rights. Full Article

The North Melbourne AFLW premiership team has made significant moves in the trade period, acquiring Richmond's Eilish Sheerin and Fremantle's Ariana Hetherington to strengthen their midfield and forward line. Sheerin's versatility and strength are expected to bolster the Kangaroos' already dominant defensive structure, led by Emma Kearney and Nicole Bresnehan. Other notable trades include Melbourne's Tayla Harris staying put and St Kilda adding youth and experience with new recruits Charlotte Baskaran, Amber Clarke, and Nicola...

The federal government in Australia has eliminated $3 billion in HECS-HELP debt by changing how indexation is calculated, resulting in former students with an average debt of $27,000 receiving a credit of around $1200. Legislation passed the Senate to backdate the indexation change to June 2023, providing refunds to those who paid off their debt in 2023 or 2024. The Albanese government plans to further reduce student debt if Labor wins the upcoming federal election,...

The Ladies' Lounge exhibit at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) will reopen for a celebratory "victory lap" after winning a legal battle against a man who claimed it was discriminatory. The lounge was closed in April after a complaint, but the Supreme Court of Tasmania overturned the ruling and allowed it to reopen from 19 December to 13 January for a final month of celebration. Women will be served by butlers, receive...

North Melbourne AFLW premiers have strengthened their undefeated 2024 team by acquiring Richmond star Eilish Sheerin on the final day of the trade period, trading their first-round pick for the two-time All-Australian midfielder. St Kilda's Grace Kelly reunites with her sister at Adelaide, while GWS's Nicola Barr joins the Saints in a three-way trade, showcasing a day of significant player movements in the AFLW. Additionally, Essendon's Ash Van Loon heads to Sydney and Swan Ella...