World Cup Final: Spain vs Argentina
The biggest World Cup ever reached its crescendo as Spain and Argentina chased glory in an epic final matchup in New Jersey. Lionel Messi's Argentina faced Lamine Yamal's Spain in a clash of football heavyweights. Meanwhile, a Bukayo Saka hat-trick sealed a 6-4 win over France in the third-place playoff, securing England's best World Cup finish since 1966.
US Airstrikes in Iran
The US launched fresh airstrikes to "swiftly punish" Iran after American soldiers were killed in Jordan. Israel threatened a "full force" response if Iran fires missiles towards it. The US may send more warplanes to the Middle East. Zohran Mamdani is exploring whether Benjamin Netanyahu can be arrested if he visits New York.
Facial Recognition Technology Controversy in WA
Western Australian police are trialling real-time facial recognition technology that can scan hundreds of faces a minute, cross-referencing them against a database of people of interest. Critics raise privacy and discrimination concerns.
Wellbeing Poverty on the Rise in Australia
Nearly 2.2 million Australians live below the wellbeing poverty line, with the share reporting "very low life satisfaction" doubling over the past decade. The initial surge came during 2020's Covid lockdowns and has persisted amid soaring cost of living.
Other Headlines
Parents were assured asbestos-contaminated play sand posed low risk based on supplier's own assessment. AI use by government departments will face tough rules. Social media companies may be forced to identify anonymous accounts accused of online vilification in Victoria. The National party's Bridget McKenzie claimed conservatives are at war against "leftwing globalists."
Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in the US as part of a UK police investigation into sexual offences. Russia launched one of its biggest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least six. The rise in surrogacy abroad leaves more babies at risk of statelessness. In Italy, "free beach" campaigners fight back against mafia and profiteering.
FIFA looks set to announce record revenues from this summer's World Cup. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey opens in Australia, with hopes it could revive cinema. A new album from Amy Shark delivers the best work of her career.
Sport
Collingwood brought Carlton back down to earth in AFL. Kimi Antonelli tightened his F1 title grip with Belgian Grand Prix win. Ryan Fox won the Open Championship. Jonas Vingegaard crashed out of the Tour de France. England took the India ODI series after Ben Duckett's ton.
