The latest round of job cuts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will proceed despite the Australian government announcing an additional $387 million in funding in last week's federal budget. Scientists have sounded the alarm, warning that the cuts will put vital modelling relied upon by government, industry, and farmers at risk, and would leave Australia unable to contribute data to global climate reports.
Homelessness Initiative in Adelaide
In Adelaide, a new online platform called Street Connect is helping rough sleepers by allowing concerned locals to make an online notification by dropping a pin on a map. This alerts outreach workers who can then check on homeless individuals and connect them with support services. The program, run by the Salvation Army, aims to ensure that homeless people are seen and helped.
Ebola Outbreak Concerns
Global health leaders are considering whether experimental vaccines or medicines still in development could be used to combat Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the WHO for being "a little late" in identifying the deadly outbreak. Meanwhile, the WHO is mobilizing 4.7 tonnes of medical supplies and emergency kits to support affected areas.
NDIS Funding Cuts Impact
Government analysis has revealed that funding cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would disproportionately affect Australians with visual impairment, psychosocial disability, and Down syndrome. The analysis highlights the potential negative impact on the most vulnerable groups.
Other News
Car Parking Spaces
According to Grattan Institute research, Australia risks squandering $5.2 billion by building 86,000 more unwanted car parking spaces in the next five years.
John Laws Estate Auction
The estate of radio legend John Laws will be auctioned next month, featuring 600 lots from his collections of fine art and luxury collectibles.
Middle East Crisis
Donald Trump has again threatened Iran, stating that the US may launch new attacks if Tehran continues to refuse concessions. He is turning to Middle East allies as a deal to end the Iran war proves elusive.
Russia-Ukraine War
A NATO jet shot down a drone over Estonia, in what appears to be the latest case of Russian jamming diverting long-range Ukrainian drones into NATO territory. Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing for a state visit, just four days after Trump left China.
Jamaica Police Shooting
Authorities have launched an investigation after CCTV footage of a woman's fatal shooting by police at a protest over police shootings sent shockwaves across Jamaica.
De-Extinction Efforts
Scientists are skeptical as "de-extinction" company Colossal Biosciences claims it is a step closer to resurrecting New Zealand's flightless moa after creating an artificial eggshell.
Michelle Obama in Australia
Michelle Obama delivered veiled but sharp remarks on the state of the US political system during the first event of an Australian speaking tour in Melbourne. She told the crowd that she hopes to teach children that accumulating wealth and assets is not a measure of happiness, noting that she knows many billionaires who are not happy.
Tony Albert Exhibition
Artist Tony Albert has spent decades collecting racist "Aboriginalia" – cups, tea towels, playing cards, and figurines depicting Aboriginal people created by non-Indigenous people. His new exhibition at Sydney's MCA, "Not A Souvenir," highlights the commodification and misrepresentation of First Nations people.
Sports
Football
Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time since 2004 after Manchester City drew 1-1 at Bournemouth. Chelsea defeated Tottenham 2-1, leaving Spurs at risk of relegation. Southampton has been kicked out of the Championship playoff final over a spying scandal.
Cycling
Jonas Vingegaard failed to snatch the pink jersey as Filippo Ganna triumphed in the Giro d'Italia stage 10 time trial.
Tennis
Carlos Alcaraz has been ruled out of Wimbledon due to a wrist injury.
Cricket
Brisbane Heat has offered to be one of the first teams to play a BBL game overseas, opening this summer's tournament in India.
Basketball
Victor Wembanyama's 41-24 double-double silenced the Oklahoma City Thunder in game one of the NBA West Conference finals.
Media Roundup
Sydney's Bankstown Airport could be redeveloped into a mini-city of 30,000 homes, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Football Australia may slash 20% of its workforce as it faces another massive financial loss, reports the Age. Vanuatu's prime minister has suggested that both Australia and China are "undermining" his country, ABC News reports.
What's Happening Today
- NSW: A public hearing is scheduled in the parliamentary inquiry into fertility support and assisted reproductive treatment.
- ACT: Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson is due to give a budget reply speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.
- Sport: The Matildas squad is expected to be announced for their upcoming friendly against Mexico.
