‘I didn’t believe it’: New crop of AFLW talent taken in first national draft

Australian officials are urgently seeking to confirm any impact on Aussies from the 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Vanuatu, with no tsunami threat to Australia reported. Damage to the US Embassy in Vanuatu has been observed, and DFAT is working to assess the situation while offering support. Widespread damage, collapsed buildings, and potential trapped individuals have been reported in Port Vila, with a significant aftershock following the initial quake. Full Article

In response to a rise in extremism at protests, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has proposed laws to ban face masks, balaclavas, glue, and chains, targeting flags of listed terrorist organizations and white nationalist groups, with a focus on safe access zones at places of worship to combat anti-Semitism. Police will have the power to search and dismantle protest tools, and wearing face coverings will be illegal to prevent "bad behavior" at mass gatherings. While protecting...

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a confidence vote, leading to the end of his government and triggering early elections due to economic challenges like rising energy prices, high inflation, and ailing industries. Scholz emphasized the need for public input on crucial issues facing Germany before the vote. Friedrich Merz is expected to replace Scholz, citing the chancellor's handling of the economic crisis as a reason for the no-confidence vote and the call for early elections....

People living near an uncontrolled bushfire in Ballarat were advised to evacuate as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which was still not under control late at night. The fire was moving towards Sawmill Road in Springmount. A relief center was set up for impacted residents. Victoria faced extreme heat and multiple fires, with temperatures reaching record highs. Thunderstorms and dry lightning posed additional fire risks. Fires broke out in various locations, including beneath the...

Police are intensifying their search for eight-year-old Molly Noonan-Medley, who was last seen in Woonona, south of Sydney almost seven weeks ago. Authorities believe she is with an adult known to her, prompting an immediate investigation by Wollongong Police District. NSW Police are appealing for public assistance to locate Molly, describing her as caucasian, 120cm tall, with blue eyes and blond/brown hair, while the woman she is believed to be with frequents Woonona, Wollongong, and...

ASIC has launched court action against HSBC, claiming failures at the major bank led to the loss of $23 million over four years. The lawsuit alleges HSBC failed to protect customers, with some losing their life savings. The regulator says HSBC had significant, widespread, and systemic shortcomings that resulted in customers being scammed. Delays in fraud investigations and slow responses to scam reports were also highlighted. This is the first time ASIC has taken legal...