Wall St closes lower at end of holiday-shortened week

New research suggests that one in three Australians would consider taking on a 40-year mortgage to reduce their monthly repayments, despite experts warning that this could lead to hundreds of thousands more in interest costs. While only four lenders in Australia offer 40-year loans, these options are primarily targeted towards first-home buyers. Although extending the loan term may lower monthly repayments, it could significantly increase the overall cost of the mortgage, with Finder's head of...

Ukraine is in the fourth year of a brutal war with Russia, facing uncertain support from the US as troops fight against relentless enemy advances. Despite tensions between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskiy, US officials have engaged in direct talks with Russia, excluding Kyiv and Europe. With European leaders visiting to commemorate the conflict, Zelenskiy is navigating complex relationships to secure vital military assistance and pursue a potential peace deal amid escalating tensions. Full Article

Gemma Sisia was inspired to leave a legacy of helping children in sub-Saharan Africa after watching Live Aid in 1985, eventually founding the St Jude school in Tanzania. Despite facing resistance from her family, she married a Tanzanian safari driver and overcame obstacles to build the school from scratch. Gemma's determination and skills inherited from her upbringing on a farm enabled her to fulfill her dream and make a difference in the lives of many...

Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a category 1 storm, has formed off Queensland, prompting meteorologists to track its potential path towards the coast. The storm, located 840 kilometers east-north-east of Cairns, is forecasted to strengthen to a category 3 by Tuesday, moving away from the coast initially but expected to turn towards the south on Wednesday. Uncertainty remains regarding its future path, with the risk of it veering back towards the central or southern Queensland coast later...

Kid Rock has reportedly split from his fiancee Audrey Berry after nearly eight years together, with sources revealing the breakup happened late last year. The musician, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, had largely kept their relationship out of the spotlight. The news comes after Kid Rock was seen with Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert in Washington DC, sparking speculation about his romantic life. Full Article

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is hopeful that a players-only meeting following a 4-0 loss to Japan will help the team regroup and deliver a stronger performance against the United States. The team had a honest discussion after the defeat, aiming to address their performance and regroup for the upcoming game. Sermanni plans to rotate the lineup and is focused on getting the best out of talented player Mary Fowler. Full Article