Myanmar’s military government to release nearly 6,000 prisoners

Outgoing JB Hi-Fi CEO Terry Smart hopes for an interest rate cut to boost consumer spending, despite acknowledging it may take multiple cuts to see significant sales growth. The retailer reported a 5.4% increase in net profit to $462.4 million and announced Smart's retirement, effective early October, with Nick Wells set to take over; JB Hi-Fi shares fell 7.5% amid this transition. Want More Context? 🔎

Fremantle's Murphy Reid has seen his odds for the AFL Rising Star award shorten after a stellar performance against Port Adelaide, where he scored two goals and assisted teammates, while Adelaide's Daniel Curtin struggled, collecting only eight possessions. Reid's current odds are $3, trailing Curtin at $2 and ahead of Brisbane's Levi Ashcroft at $5, with the final two games of the season crucial for determining the winner. Want More Context? 🔎

Australia's Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is considering recognizing a Palestinian state, a move criticized by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as "disappointing." Albanese stated that the recognition is a matter of timing, with discussions involving leaders from France, the UK, Canada, and the Palestinian Authority, aiming for a decision potentially by the UN General Assembly in late September. Want More Context? 🔎

Teenager Luke Littler triumphed over Belgium's Mike de Decker 8-4 to win the Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, following victories against Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting. Littler, who lost in last year's final, expressed his delight at the win after a challenging season, and both players will next compete in the New Zealand Darts Masters. Want More Context? 🔎

Markets anticipate a cut in Australia's interest rates at the upcoming Reserve Bank meeting, driven by recent benign inflation figures. Although most economists support a 25 basis point reduction, RBA Governor Michele Bullock may temper expectations amid concerns about potential inflation risks and external influences from the US Federal Reserve's policies. Want More Context? 🔎

Australia and New Zealand Leaders' MeetingPrime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at a war memorial in Arrowtown, New Zealand, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations. Following productive talks in Queenstown, both leaders emphasized their friendship and commitment to collaboration on various issues before Albanese returned to Australia for further engagements. Want More Context? 🔎