Australia

Injury-plagued St Kilda forward Max King, 24, remains optimistic about returning to play in 2025 after suffering a knee injury during a practice match, which has sidelined him for the entire season. Despite undergoing a second arthroscope last month and facing uncertainty in his recovery, King expressed hope that he is on the right path and is no longer "guessing" about his return. At a recent event honoring late St Kilda champion Danny Frawley, he acknowledged the difficulties of not playing but feels supported and sees "light at the end of the tunnel" for his potential contribution to the team's...

SummaryRichmond coach Adam Yze downplays the significance of the Tigers being favorites against West Coast, emphasizing their preparation for a challenging match despite the Eagles' winless record. Yze acknowledges the competitive spirit of former Richmond players Liam Baker and Jack Graham, who now play for West Coast, and highlights the need for the Tigers to respect their opponents. Defender Noah Balta, returning for consecutive games, aims to improve after a rusty performance, with Yze expressing confidence in his ability to handle the pressure and contribute effectively. Full Article

SummaryPort Adelaide forward Willie Rioli has withdrawn from Saturday's Showdown against Adelaide amid an AFL investigation into allegations of threats made to opponents over the past two seasons. Although Rioli faced no penalties for a recent incident involving a Western Bulldogs player, he has a history of similar incidents that were resolved internally. Following discussions with the league and Port Adelaide management, Rioli trained with teammates but ultimately decided to make himself unavailable for the upcoming match. Full Article

Gold Coast Titans coach Des Hasler insists that sidelined star David Fifita remains a crucial part of the team's plans despite recent challenges, including Fifita's reserve grade demotion and ankle surgery. With the Titans struggling at the bottom of the NRL ladder, Hasler is under pressure to achieve finals qualification to secure his position beyond 2026. He emphasizes the importance of winning games to silence critics and expresses confidence in the team's ability to improve, stating their relationship is strong and focused on moving forward. Full Article

Paris Saint-Germain secured a spot in the Champions League final by defeating Arsenal 2-1 at home, advancing with a 3-1 aggregate score. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring in the 27th minute, followed by Achraf Hakimi's goal in the 72nd, despite PSG missing a penalty earlier, while Bukayo Saka's late goal for Arsenal proved insufficient. PSG, aiming for their first Champions League title after a previous final loss in 2020, will face Inter Milan, who edged past Barcelona, as they pursue a treble under coach Luis Enrique. Full Article

Sudan's army reported that its anti-aircraft systems intercepted drones targeting the naval base in Port Sudan, amidst ongoing assaults by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that have damaged crucial infrastructure. This marks a shift in the conflict, which began in April 2023, as Port Sudan had previously remained relatively calm, serving as the army's stronghold after the RSF advanced through Khartoum. The situation has drawn international concern, particularly regarding accusations against the UAE for supporting the RSF, which the UAE denies, and the UN highlights the humanitarian crisis as the world's worst. Full Article

Catholic cardinals have entered the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave for electing a new pope following Pope Francis' death last month. A total of 133 cardinal electors will take an oath of secrecy before casting their votes, with the first ballot expected soon; voting may continue for several days until a two-thirds majority is achieved. There is no clear favorite among the candidates, although Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are seen as front-runners, while discussions highlight the need for unity amidst the Church's diversity. Full Article

Volvo has revived the XC70 as a plug-in hybrid crossover, utilizing its new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) aimed at extended range hybrid drivetrains. CEO Hakan Samuelsson emphasized that the XC70 serves as an appealing option for those not ready for full electric vehicles, featuring a claimed EV range of 200km based on China's CLTC standard. Set to launch in China with potential expansion to other markets, the XC70 is part of Volvo's strategy to adapt to local preferences and enhance their electrified vehicle offerings by 2030. Full Article

Australians have attempted to claim outrageous tax deductions, including luxury clothing, swimwear for a truck driver, and gaming consoles, all of which were denied by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). As the 2025 tax period approaches, the ATO warns against exaggerated claims and will scrutinize work-related expenses, particularly those related to working from home and side hustles. Taxpayers are advised to ensure their claims meet strict criteria and can be substantiated with proper documentation. Full Article

Councillors' Pay Rise ConsiderationCouncillors of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will deliberate on a proposed pay rise, following the State Administrative Tribunal's approval for increased pay rates for the 2025-26 financial year. Decisions regarding these increases will occur within the next two months, with remuneration levels set during the budget process, reflecting previous resolutions to maintain meeting fees at the 75th percentile. Additionally, the new CEO, Andrea Selvey, has a total remuneration of approximately $339,000, with any potential increases tied to her performance review in June 2025. Full Article