Insurgents lift curfew inside Syrian capital Damascus

Progress on gender equity in Australia’s ASX300 companies has stalled, with 18 firms lacking any women in executive roles and a third of these based in WA. Chief Executive Women urges linking gender targets to executive pay to enhance accountability, as only 44% of companies have set such targets, despite evidence that rigorous targets significantly improve gender balance. Want More Context? 🔎

A US federal appeals court has upheld a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against Donald Trump for defaming E Jean Carroll, rejecting his claim of presidential immunity. The court confirmed an $83.3 million award for reputational damage and a separate $5 million verdict for defamation and sexual assault, stemming from Carroll's allegations of an attack in the 1990s. Want More Context? 🔎

West Coast will hire retiring Geelong player Mitch Duncan as an assistant coach for the 2026 season, following staff changes under first-year coach Andrew McQualter. Duncan, a dual premiership player who announced his retirement after 16 years, will aid the club's rebuilding process as it faces challenges with a young and inexperienced midfield. Want More Context? 🔎

Gillon McLachlan, the former AFL CEO, is a potential candidate to return as chair of the commission alongside Eddie McGuire and Peter Gordon, amid a rebellion from club presidents against the current succession process led by outgoing chairman Richard Goyder. Tensions escalated after Goyder proposed four candidates without proper consultation, sparking significant backlash from multiple club leaders. Want More Context? 🔎

Triple murderer Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years for the murders of three former in-laws and the attempted murder of another, serving her time in a maximum security prison under restrictive conditions. Since her conviction in July 2024, she has spent most of her time isolated in her cell, with limited interaction and access to other inmates. Want More Context? 🔎

A report for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation recommends a $126 billion investment in shared renewable energy infrastructure in the Pilbara over 25 years, potentially saving Australia more than $30 billion by avoiding duplication among mining companies. The Pilbara, responsible for a significant portion of WA's and Australia's emissions, could benefit from coordinated planning to reduce land use and facilitate investment. Want More Context? 🔎