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TRANSCRIPT:
- US democrats vow to have all Epstein files released, after reports key records were knowingly withheld...
- Key childcare safety reforms come into effect today, across Australia...
- Australians gather in Las Vegas for the N-R-L season opener.
The Democratic party caucus will spend the coming days looking at unredacted versions of documents, as the United States Justice Department reviews whether it has improperly withheld some documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Several American news outlets have cited inconsistencies in the number of records of interviews from a woman who making accusations against now-president Donald Trump.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says his party will put an end to what he has described as a massive cover-up.
He says they will ensure all information about peadophile financier Jeffery Epstein's powerful associations reaches the public.
"We're here today to put a shot across the bow with the Department of Justice and the Trump administration that we are going to reveal this massive cover-up. We will not rest. It's an all-out oversight effort. We're going to pull on every thread. We're going to chase every lead. We'll talk with whistleblowers. We will get to the truth."
The Federal Government is reportedly modelling a potential tax policy change for property investors.
Six years ago under former leader Bill Shorten, Labor attempted to scrap negative gearing altogether and the proposal is believed to have lost that federal election for the party.
Now the government is considering limiting the key tax concession for property owners to two properties, in a bid to narrow growing generational wealth inequality and give prospective first home buyers a better chance of entering the housing market.
Labor MP Mark Butler has told Channel 7 the potential move would address key issues - but that it may not eventuate as part of May's federal budget.
"Many of these options, some of which departments might be modelling up, I don't know,I know my department models a whole range of options leading into the budget that never see the light of day. But you know, we can't comment on every piece of idle speculation as we do the hard work of preparing a budget that is in the interest of Australians, including young Australians. "
Iran's foreign minister says the latest round of nuclear talks with the US have brought the countries closer to an agreement - but that there are still obstacles to overcome.
The high-stakes negotiations are being monitored closely in the Middle East, as the US builds up a military presence in the region and both countries have threatened strikes.
The US has issued an ultimatum to Iran that it must abandon its nuclear program or face attacks, accusing it of planning to make nuclear weapons - which the nation denies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says his country has outlined its own demands for sanctions relief.
“During these several long and very intensive hours, we made good progress and very seriously entered into the elements of a possible agreement, both in the nuclear field and in the area of sanctions. On some issues, we have now become very close to an understanding; on certain other issues, we still have differences of opinion.”
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced a new feature that would alert parents and guardians when a minor repeatedly searches for terms linked to self harm or suicide.
The popular social media site Instagram has announced it is introducing the notifications for Australian parents in the coming weeks.
The social media company that owns the platforms Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, is under increasing pressure to minimise harm to minors, with policy reforms and actions being taken across the world.
A California woman is testifying in a trial against Meta and Youtube today suing the social media giants for social media addiction and harm to her mental health as a child.
Streaming service Netflix has refused to raise its offer in a bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery, saying the deal is no longer financially attractive.
The move puts rival entertainment company, Paramount Skydance, in a position to take over the Hollywood giant.
Unlike Netflix's bid, Paramount wants all of Warner's operations, including networks like CNN and Discovery.
That would put CNN under the same roof as Paramount's C-B-S and combine two of Hollywood's last five remaining studios.
To sport now,
Football season is about to begin again, with both the NRL and AFL season openers happening this weekend.
In AFL, the Sydney Swans will take on Carlton on Sunday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The first games of the Rugby League season will be played in Las Vegas on Saturday, where the Cowboys play against the Newcastle Knights, before the Dragons and Bulldogs take the field.
Former Cowboys player and NRL great Brent Tate has told Channel 7 that the match, which will be viewed by 15,000 Australians who have made the trip, could go either way.
"Both teams had underwhelming seasons last year, they'll want to get off to a good start. I know the Cowboys certainly do. And Justine Holbrook, the coach at the Newcastle Knights will want to kick his season off to a positive start."
