TRANSCRIPT
- Donald Trump signs signature spending and tax bill in a July Fourth celebration in Washington
- Melbourne mayor condemns attacks on synagogue and Israeli restaurant overnight
- Fans gather in Lille ahead of the Tour de France departure
United States President Donald Trump says his landmark bill is for everyone, as he signed into law a huge package of tax and spending cuts in a ceremony at the White House.
It comes a day after the Republican-controlled House of Representatives narrowly approved the signature legislation of President Trump's second term.
B2 Spirit stealth bombers and F35 fighter jets flew over the White House as he prepared to deliver his Fourth of July address.
"What we've done is put everything into one bill. It's never happened before. It's the biggest bill of its type in history. We've never had anything like that before. Nothing like that they thought it would be possible to get passed. And actually, I liked it because we had so much in there that no matter who you are, there was something in that bill that would make your congressman or your senator or your congresswoman, much more importantly, raise their hand and support. Right..?"
The controversial bill is slated to add over $3 trillion US dollars to the national debt, raising concerns among both Democrats and Republicans.
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Israeli media reports say Israel has received Hamas' response on a Gaza ceasefire proposal and are examining the details.
Earlier today, Hamas said they submitted a ‘positive response’ to mediators on the U-S-brokered Gaza 60-day ceasefire proposal.
The Palestinian group says they are ready to immediately engage in negotiations on mechanisms for implementing the proposal.
It comes after US President Donald Trump's announcement this week of what he called the 'final proposal' for a 60-day ceasefire.
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The Mayor of Melbourne has condemned two alleged attacks on Melbourne's Jewish community which unfolded overnight.
It comes as a synagogue was set on fire, and an Israeli-owned restaurant was targeted by protesters.
Nick Reece spoke to Channel Nine saying it is a despicable act and is anti-semitic racism.
"I do know that the police have footage of the attack, and in the city of Melbourne we have a very extensive safe city camera network so we will be working cooperatively with police and I'm confident we will catch the offenders in this case and I hope we throw the absolute book at them."
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Australian actor Julian McMahon has died in the US state of Florida at the age of 56.
It's understood the actor was battling cancer, with reports attributing his wife Kelly confirming the actor's death.
The statement read: "With an open heart, I wish to share with the world that my beloved husband, Julian McMahon, died peacefully this week after a valiant effort to overcome cancer."
McMahon - best known for his roles as Dr. Doom in two Fantastic Four Movies - was born in Sydney in 1968.
His father was Billy McMahon, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1971 to 1972.
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Tour de France fans have gathered at the Grand Depart in France's northern city of Lille, as many place their bets on either Slovenian champion Tadej Pogacar and long-time Danish rival Jonas Vingegaard to win the race.
Defending Tour de France Champion Tadej Pogacar is aiming to win a fourth title at this year's race which gets underway in Lille today.
Ten Australians will take to the start line in all, with in-form sprinter Kaden Groves hoping to make a strong start.
The first stage is expected to suit the fast men.
Cycling fan Bill Hockensmith shares his predictions.
“(Tadej) Pogacar’s the one I love. Him and Jonas (Vingegaard) going back and forth for the last few years has just been fantastic. Young up-and-coming rider (Florian) Lipowitz, is he going to be in the mix? (Felix) Gall, is he going to get in the mix? These are guys that are really strong in the mountains – could they challenge in the GC?"
