TRANSCRIPT
- A US judge dismisses the manslaughter case against Alec Baldwin
- Russia accuses Australia's security agencies of fuelling paranoia
- Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic set to meet again in a Wimbledon final rematch
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A US judge has dismissed the manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin, over the shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchens on the set of the film 'Rust'.
Baldwin's attorney had argued misconduct, saying that prosecutors had withheld evidence from the defence.
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer found that the prosecutor's actions were indeed prejudicial. This means the case cannot be filed again.
Mr Balwin cried upon hearing the decision, and climbed into an car outside the New Mexico courthouse without speaking to media.
Special prosecutor Kari Morrissey says she's disappointed, but respects the decision.
"We did everything humanly possible to bring justice to Halyna and to her family and we're proud of the work that we did. Again, we disagree with the court's decision but we have to respect it."
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Russia is accusing Australia's security agencies of using "theatrical tricks" to fuel "anti-Russian paranoia".
It comes after two Russian-born Australians were arrested for allegedly trying to access classified defence information for Moscow.
The Russian Embassy in Canberra says the press conference held by Australia's federal police and spy agency chiefs yesterday was a deliberate attempt to incite paranoia.
In that briefing, ASIO head Mike Burgess, addressed Russia's spies around the world directly, encouraging them to defect.
"I want to speak directly to the operatives of Russian intelligence services. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Petrov defections to Russian spies gave ASIO and our closest allies, the name of Russian assets in Western countries. If you want to share your secrets, please reach out. ASIO is always listening."
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Water data reveals nearly 100,000 Melbourne homes were vacant or underused in 2023.
These could accommodate Victoria’s social housing wait-list twice.
Prosper Australia’s study used data from Melbourne’s three water retailers across 233 postcodes and 31 council areas.
It found over 27,000 homes were empty and over 70,000 were barely used.
Empty homes used no water daily, while underused ones used up to 50 litres.
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Israeli forces have pulled back from parts of Gaza City after a week-long offensive that rescuers say left dozens dead.
It comes as ceasefire talks in Qatar and Cairo ended without success, according to the BBC.
US-backed mediators were trying to finalise a peace deal to free the remaining hostages taken by Hamas in the 7th of October attack.
Hamas has accused Israel of stalling, and sabotaging this round of negotiations.
In Israel, protesters and relatives of hostages marched across the country, calling for an agreement to release the hostages after nine months of war.
Allen Rosenberg says there's widespread support for a deal.
"We’ve heard quite often that there was a deal on the table and each time it was basically Netanyahu who broke the deal. Right now, as far as the public and Israel understands, all the military people, the army, the Mossad, the Shin Bet, they all say we can make the deal."
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Australia's favourite TV shows will be watched by people across the Indo-Pacific thanks to a federal government initiative aimed at boosting ties.
The multi-million dollar strategy will see shows like Lego Masters and Home and Away broadcast overseas.
The ABC will receive over $40 million over five years to create new content and support its partners in Asia and the Pacific.
It's part of a broader strategy, as geopolitical uncertainty grows across the region.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong explains what the government hopes to achieve.
“We’re delivering on Labour's election commitment to have a broadcasting strategy that will help foster media skills in our region, help us tell more of Australia's story and deepen Australia's ties across the Pacific, Southeast Asia and South Asia. There are three key areas where our government will focus our efforts. Firstly, the creation and distribution of compelling Australian content that engages with audiences in the region. Second, enhancing access to trusted news and media and finally, strengthening regional media capacity and capability.”
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In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will meet again in a Wimbledon final rematch.
Alcaraz overcame another sluggish start to blast past Daniil Medvedev in the opening semi-final, losing the first set for the third time this championship.
Djokovic, who defeated Italy's Lorenzo Musetti, now has the chance to avenge his five-set final loss last year.
It sets up a huge day of sport for Sunday - the Wimbledon final just hours before Spain take on England in the European football championship final.
Alcaraz says it will be a fun day for Spain supporters.
"It's going to be a really good day for Spanish people as well, you know with the Euro Cup. I didn't say Spain is going to win. I'm just saying that it's going to be a really fun day."
