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Forecasts predict record-breaking heat for Friday and Saturday, putting Victoria and South Australia on high alert. Authorities warn that the combination of high temperatures and gusty winds makes fires highly unpredictable and fast-moving.
Australia was among the first nations to usher in 2026, with the annual spectacular fireworks display taking place in Sydney.
The assault, which struck Australia’s Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration, claimed 15 lives and left many more injured, making it the country’s deadliest shooting since 1996. In addition to the murder charges, Akram faces 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to kill and one charge of displaying a symbol associated with a banned terrorist group.
One of the suspected gunmen was also killed. A second gunman was in critical condition, and police were investigating whether a third attacker was involved, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a press conference.
Police also say at least 11 others are also injured, including two police officers.
The company confirmed on Monday that age checks have already started, coming just weeks before Australia’s December 10 deadline that will require platforms to shut out all users under 16.
The tech giant said it has started informing users it believes are aged between 13 and 15 that their accounts will be shut down. Notifications are being delivered via emails, text messages, and in-app alerts.
The US and Australia have been working on these issues since Trump's first term, but Albanese said the latest agreement would take the partnership to the "next level".
The 33-year-old was shot dead in a "targeted" attack in Riverstone, a suburb in Sydney's northwest on Wednesday evening, according to New South Wales Police. A short time after the shooting, two cars were found on fire in different locations – a hallmark of recent organised crime hits that have rattled the city.
Last month Patterson, 51, was jailed for life with no chance of release for at least 33 years, for murdering three relatives and trying to kill another with a toxic mushroom meal.
Earlier last month, Patterson was sentenced to life in jail after a jury found her guilty of killing three relatives and attempting to kill another by serving them a toxic beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms.
The coordinated announcements mark a significant shift in Western foreign policy, as more governments seek to revive the long-stalled two-state solution and respond to growing international concern over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.