Bird Flu Threatens 150 Australian Bird Species with Extinction
A potential bird flu outbreak presents a “very high risk” of extinction to 150 of Australia’s native and unique bird species, including Perth’s black swans and the fairy tern, according to recent assessments. The deadly H5N1 strain is of particular concern for species such as the red goshawk, shy albatross, and black swan.
France Heatwave Claims 40 Lives
France has recorded its highest ever daily average temperature as 40 people across the country drowned while swimming in unsupervised areas over the last few days. The heatwave engulfing Europe also swept the UK, straining public systems. Two wildfires broke out in Greenland earlier this month.
Karl Stefanovic Praises Far-Right Activist
Channel Nine TV presenter Karl Stefanovic praised UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s “tenacity” and “courage” in his latest podcast episode, which has since been removed from YouTube. The episode has drawn criticism for giving a platform to extremist views.
Labor’s Senate Tax Win Could Be Costly
The Australian government secured a crucial win by gaining support for its tax changes through the Senate. However, analysts suggest this victory may have dinged Labor’s chances of passing its NDIS reforms, potentially creating political costs down the line.
Andrew Hastie to Receive Extra Security
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie is set to receive extra security in what he believes is a response to a One Nation-fuelled campaign against him, including over his stance on the Ben Roberts-Smith war crimes allegations. The move underscores rising political tensions.
Greens Senator Calls for Datacentre Moratorium
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called for a moratorium on building and approving new datacentres in Australia, warning that the nation was “sleepwalking” into an AI crisis. She described the current situation as a “tech bro free-for-all.”
Miles Franklin Literary Award Shortlist Announced
The 2026 Miles Franklin literary award shortlist has been announced, featuring four first-time nominees, two of whom are debut novelists. The list is described as “grand and intimate,” showcasing emerging Australian literary talent.
Global Heatwave and Wildfires
High temperatures continue to affect Europe and beyond. France registered its highest ever daily average temperature, while the UK struggled with public systems under strain. Two wildfires broke out in Greenland earlier this month, highlighting the widespread impact of the heatwave.
UN Inquiry Finds Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza
An independent UN inquiry has found that Israel continues to commit genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza. The findings have drawn international condemnation and calls for accountability.
Anti-Ice Protesters Sentenced in Texas
A group of anti-Ice protesters have been handed sentences ranging from 50 to 100 years in prison after being convicted in Texas of terrorism charges. The severe penalties have sparked debate over the treatment of protesters in the US.
US Secretary of State on Strait of Hormuz
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that no country, including Iran, would be allowed to charge tolls for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over maritime rights in the region.
Tech Stock Sell-Off Accelerates
A tech stock sell-off has accelerated on global markets overnight as market attention turned to the future of AI companies. Investors are reassessing valuations amid uncertainty about the sector’s growth prospects.
Madonna Says Biopic Cancelled Over Budget Dispute
Madonna has said that a movie about her life that she was personally overseeing was cancelled after a budget dispute with the studio. “I’ve had a huge life, so I needed a big budget,” she said, explaining the project’s collapse.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets World Cup Record
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and became the first player ever to score at six World Cups as Portugal thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0. The achievement cements his legacy as one of football’s greatest players.
Trump to Present World Cup Trophy
Fifa has confirmed that Donald Trump will present the trophy to the World Cup winners. Meanwhile, Iran’s players will be allowed to travel early to the US for their match against Egypt in Seattle.
Full Story: How Worried Should We Be About Bird Flu?
As the H5N1 strain of bird flu lands on Australian shores, governments and wildlife experts are anxiously waiting to see if this is just the beginning. The threat to native species is significant, with 150 species at very high risk of extinction or major decline.
In-Depth: Brain Science and the Death Penalty
Scientist Kent Kiehl has convinced the US legal system he can find evil in prisoners’ brains with an MRI scan. His theories have been used by defence lawyers, with potentially deadly consequences, raising ethical questions about the use of neuroscience in court.
Not the News: The Killings at Parrish Station
Luke Buckmaster recommends The Killings at Parrish Station, a new series on Stan. While it might be a bit ridiculous, he says he couldn’t stop watching as a pair of detectives investigate the murder of four scientists in the outback.
Sport: Tomljanovic Criticises Doping Ban
Australian veteran Ajla Tomljanovic has described the lengthy doping ban administered to Marketa Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon singles champion, as a disgrace. The comment has stirred debate in tennis circles.
Cricket: Australia Thrash Pakistan
Australia have thrashed Pakistan by 113 runs in the women’s T20 World Cup at Headingley. Ben Stokes returned to the England set-up overnight following talks with coach Brendon McCullum.
NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa Expected First
AJ Dybantsa is widely expected to have his name called first in the NBA draft later today. Other young stars are also worth keeping an eye on as the draft unfolds.
Media Roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that motorists and schools have done well out of the NSW budget, while the Courier Mail says the LNP government is taking the axe to $500m of public spending in Queensland. The Age claims Victorian Labor has drawn up a list of 16 seats it could lose to One Nation in the state election.
What’s Happening Today
Monthly inflation figures are published at 11.30am, and the RBA’s deputy governor delivers the Douglas Copland Oration at 6pm. Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Ted O’Brien speaks at the National Press Club. The Ceda State of the Nation conference takes place at Parliament House in Canberra.
