Illegal fireworks spark multiple fires in Melbourne’s north-west

Israel's defence minister Israel Katz announced a major expansion of the military operation in Gaza, aiming to seize large areas of the enclave and add them to Israel's security zones. The Israeli military has issued evacuation warnings to Gazans, with the 36th division set to participate in the operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated calls for Hamas to disarm and emphasized the application of military pressure to secure the release of remaining hostages, as efforts...

Elite Australian rules football is experiencing a shift in player demographics, with Collingwood set to field their oldest team in VFL history led by veteran Scott Pendlebury. Despite this, young talent from the 2024 draft class is making an impact early in the season, showcasing future promise. The pressure on young players to perform is evident, with expectations high and challenges faced in transitioning to the professional level. Full Article

A driverless metro train running from Chatswood Station had an open door in a crowded carriage, with two individuals blocking access and a sign indicating the door was out of service. The Sydney Metro, which opened in 2019, operates between Tallawong and Sydenham with speeds up to 100 km/h in tunnels and 110 km/h on the surface track. Sydney Metro has been contacted for comment on the incident. Full Article

An Israeli air strike in Beirut's southern suburbs killed four people, including Hezbollah official Hassan Bdeir, who assisted Hamas in planning a terror attack. The strike tested a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, leading to tensions in the region. Lebanese officials condemned the attack, calling for diplomatic solutions and action against terrorist groups operating in Lebanon. Full Article

Richmond forward Rhyan Mansell has been found guilty of rough conduct and will serve a three-game ban after pushing St Kilda defender Liam O'Connell into a marking contest, resulting in a concussion. The AFL Tribunal rejected the Tigers' arguments and deemed Mansell's actions as breaching his duty of care as a player. This case was seen as a test after the AFL issued a memo warning players against such behavior, with the force of Mansell's...

A display in a Wagga Wagga shopfront showed Peter Dutton and other prominent figures in Nazi uniforms, drawing criticism from Michael McCormack. NSW Police found the display did not breach laws around prohibited symbols after speaking to the shop owner, Michael Agzarian, who stated his intention was not to upset anyone. The poster was later changed to include a pixelated version of McCormack, and Agzarian said the shop-front displays rotated every couple of days. Full...