Key Points
- A fourth death in northern New South Wales floods
- Australia consults the US over Harvard deportations
- Challenges ahead for top seeds at the French Open
TRANSCRIPT
A man in his 70s has been found dead in a submerged car near Coffs Harbour, bringing the flood death toll in New South Wales to four, with several people missing.
His vehicle was spotted by a passing motorist about 30 kilometres northwest of the town this morning.
Authorities have yet to confirm his identity.
Since Thursday, severe flooding has triggered 1,535 calls for help and 177 rescues, according to the SES Deputy Commissioner, Damien Johnson, who gave this update this morning.
"Sadly, there's a number of people that have lost their lives as a result of this severe weather event, and our condolences go out to friends and family of those that have lost their lives. There are a number that are still missing as well, and that search continues. And our thoughts are for those communities out there that have been affected by this major and significant weather event. It's going to take some time. As we know, Australians and New South Wales people are resilient, we will get through this, and we will be there to support you."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is travelling to flood-affected areas today.
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Liberal MPs have expressed broad support for reuniting with the Nationals, though concerns linger over the latter’s policy demands.
Both parties have delayed announcing their shadow cabinet line-ups as talks continue.
During a virtual party room meeting last night, Liberal leader Sussan Ley said there was strong backing to remain in coalition, but not at any cost.
The Nationals are pushing for commitments to nuclear energy, divestiture laws, a regional investment fund, and improved phone coverage.
One Liberal source says that none of the proposals were deal breakers, but M-Ps remain cautious about unclear costings and the risk of signing what they call, a blank cheque.
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Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza for the first time in weeks, but shortages remain severe.
Palestinian officials say just 100 trucks carrying food and medical supplies entered on Wednesday local time, far below what's needed.
Some southern bakeries have reopened using U-N-supplied flour, but many trucks remain stuck at the border.
The Palestinian Red Crescent fears crowds may loot incoming aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says a new distribution zone will soon allow U-S companies to deliver food safely in military-controlled areas.
"Ultimately, we intend to have large safe zones in the south of Gaza. The Palestinian population will move there for their own safety, while we conduct combat in other zones, and receive humanitarian aid there without Hamas interference. In the meantime, we authorised letting trucks enter Gaza to provide for immediate needs. Yesterday, I think 100, more than 100 trucks went in. More will come in today."
Israel imposed the blockade in March, accusing Hamas of diverting aid, claims Hamas denies.
The UN says a quarter of Gaza’s population faces famine.
According to health officials, at least 29 people, including children, have died from starvation in recent days.
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Officials are working to understand how the ban on international student enrolments at Harvard University will impact Australians studying there.
The Trump administration revoked the university's ability to enrol international students and is forcing existing students to transfer to other schools or lose their legal status.
Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd posted on X [[former Twitter]] that the Embassy is working to obtain further details from the U-S government.
"We are monitoring closely developments at Harvard University in relation to the administration’s statement this afternoon on the future enrolment of international students. I know this will be distressing for Harvard’s many Australian students. The Embassy is working with the United States Government to obtain the details of this decision so that Australian students can receive appropriate advice."
Mr Rudd adds that he intends to engage with the U-S administration on the impact this decision will have on Australian students and their families both at Harvard and at other campuses across the United States.
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According to a University of Queensland study, Australians are swearing less online than expected, ranking below the U-S and UK in global profanity use.
Researchers analysed over 1.7 billion words from online content across 20 English-speaking countries, tracking 597 vulgar words using computational linguistics.
Despite Australia’s reputation for colourful language, lead researcher Martin Schweinberger suggests Aussies may reserve swearing for in-person conversations.
He notes many might find the findings surprising, as profanity and slang are often embraced as part of Australian culture, even in tourism slogans like “so where the bloody hell are you?” asked by model Lara Bingle.
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To tennis, and Alex de Minaur faces a challenging first week at the French Open, with a potential quarter-final clash against rival Jannik Sinner looming, if he can get that far.
The draw has offered little relief for Australia’s 15-strong contingent.
In the women’s bracket, Maya Joint and Ajla Tomljanovic will meet in a first-round clash dubbed a 'battle of the generations'.
It comes just days after the two face off in the Morocco Open semi-final on Friday, Joint's first W-T-A semi-final and Tomljanovic’s 10th French Open campaign.
Ninth seed de Minaur, a quarterfinalist in 2023, could meet Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the third round, with Britain’s Jack Draper likely awaiting in the last 16.
