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TRANSCRIPT
In this bulletin,
- Islamic State-linked Australian women face arrest on return from Syria
- Gaza health authorities say death toll from the war has risen
- And in sport, Arsenal reaches its first Champions League final in 20 years
The Australian Federal Police says some women linked to Islamic State group fighters will be arrested and charged when they return from Syria.
Four Australian women and nine children have booked flights from Damascus to Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the government is not assisting the group’s return.
Police say some returnees will face ongoing investigations, while the children will be offered community integration and therapeutic support.
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US President Donald Trump says a mission to move stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz has been put on hold, as talks with Iran continue.
In a post on Truth Social, he said Project Freedom would stop for now, but sanctions and port restrictions on Iran would stay in place.
The White House says the pause follows appeals from Pakistan and several other countries, while diplomats try to preserve the Middle East ceasefire.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US has completed its military operation against Iran.
He says Washington does not want another flare-up, and is now focused on reaching a peaceful outcome.
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Gaza health authorities say the death toll from the war has risen to more than 72, 600 people.
They say three Palestinians were killed and nine wounded in the past 24 hours.
The authorities say more than 172, 000 people have been injured since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023.
More than 800 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the ceasefire took effect last October.
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Three Northern Territory child protection workers have been stood down over the case of five-year-old Kumanjayi Little Baby.
Her body was found near the Old Timers town camp in Alice Springs last week, before 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis was charged with murder.
Child Protection Minister Robyn Cahill says she ordered a full brief after being told there were no concerns.
The government says legal restrictions prevent it from releasing further details about the department’s involvement.
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The federal Treasurer says the Reserve Bank’s latest interest rate rise will make life harder for Australians already under cost-of-living pressure.
Jim Chalmers says next week’s federal budget will focus on restraint, with savings measures and no large-scale stimulus.
The RBA says it lifted rates because inflation remains too high, and global instability is continuing to push up prices.
Dr Chalmers has rejected claims government spending is fuelling inflation.
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Australia will build a billion-litre emergency fuel reserve, as the war in Iran threatens global supplies.
The more-than-10-billion-dollar package will be included in next week’s federal budget.
It includes support for fuel companies to buy and store more diesel and jet fuel, and funding for a government-owned reserve.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it’s about protecting Australia’s energy sovereignty during the current crisis and beyond.
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Arsenal has reached its first Champions League final in 20 years, beating Atlético Madrid one-nil in London.
England star Bukayo Saka scored the only goal just before half-time, after Atlético goalkeeper Jan Oblak failed to hold a shot from Leandro Trossard.
The Spanish side pushed late, but substitute Alexander Sørloth missed a major chance to equalise.
Arsenal will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich in the final.
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