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Donald Trump nominates David Brat as US ambassador to Australia after 15-month vacancy
Donald Trump has nominated former Republican congressman David Brat as the next US ambassador to Australia, ending a 15-month vacancy left by Caroline Kennedy’s departure in November 2024. Brat, a con...
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- Donald Trump nominated former Virginia congressman David Brat as US ambassador to Australia on April 28, 2026.
- The US ambassador to Australia post has been vacant since November 2024, when Caroline Kennedy left Canberra.
- David Brat served two terms in Congress (2014–2018) representing Virginia’s 7th district before losing to Democrat Abigail Spanberger.
Ben Roberts-Smith’s girlfriend calls Andrew Hastie a 'traitor' amid war crimes trial
Ben Roberts-Smith’s girlfriend Sarah Matulin publicly called former SAS soldier and potential war crimes witness Andrew Hastie a 'traitor' on his Anzac Day Instagram post on April 27, 2026, before del...
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- Sarah Matulin, Ben Roberts-Smith’s girlfriend, commented 'Yeah you’re a traitor' on Andrew Hastie’s Instagram post on April 27, 2026, which was later deleted.
- Andrew Hastie posted an Anzac Day photo on April 26, 2026, captioned: 'Remembering the fallen, honouring our veterans and ADF – a responsibility for all Australians, young and old. Lest We Forget.'
- Sarah Matulin stated via Roberts-Smith’s lawyer Karen Espiner that her comment was 'a mistake to make that comment in a public forum and wasn’t done with Ben’s knowledge.'
Trump administration demands Kimmel’s firing over 'widow' joke amid assassination attempt fallout
Three news outlets report that Donald and Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after his April 25, 2026, joke comparing Melania to an 'expectant widow' during a monologue about...
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- Jimmy Kimmel made a joke on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on April 25, 2026, calling Melania Trump an 'expectant widow' in a monologue about the Trumps' connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Donald Trump and Melania Trump both called for Kimmel’s firing by ABC and Disney on April 28, 2026, after the joke, citing 'hateful and violent rhetoric'.
- The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a shooting occurred on April 27, 2026, was the 'third major assassination attempt' against Trump in two years, per the White House.
Australia’s new 2.25% levy on tech giants for news content funding
Australia’s Labor government introduced the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI) on April 28, 2026, imposing a 2.25% levy on digital platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok unless they negotiate payment de...
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- Australia’s Labor government proposed a 2.25% levy on Australian revenue of digital platforms (Meta, Google, TikTok) unless they sign deals with news publishers, replacing the Morrison government’s News Media Bargaining Code (NMBC).
- The new scheme, called the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), offers tax offsets of 150%–170% for platforms that enter commercial agreements with publishers, reducing their effective tax rate to ~1.5%.
- Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Google have criticized the levy, with Meta calling it a ‘government-mandated transfer of wealth’ and Google rejecting it as ‘unnecessary’ despite existing deals with 90+ news businesses.
Sabastian Sawe breaks two-hour marathon world record in London 2026
Sabastian Sawe made history on April 26, 2026, by becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours, clocking 1:59:30 in the London Marathon. His time shattered the previous world record of 2:0...
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- Sabastian Sawe ran the London Marathon in 1 hour 59 minutes 30 seconds, breaking the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
- Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia finished second in 1:59:41, also breaking the two-hour barrier.
- Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finished third in 2:00:28, also under the previous world record.
King Charles III's state visit to the US amid strained US-UK relations and security concerns
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting the US for a four-day state visit beginning April 29, 2026, amid strained relations between the UK and US, particularly over the Iran war and Trump’s cr...
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- King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting the US for a four-day state visit starting April 29, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
- The visit follows a shooting incident at a Washington press gala on April 26, 2026, where Donald Trump and other US officials were likely targets.
- Donald Trump has publicly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him 'not Winston Churchill' and dismissing UK aircraft carriers as 'toys'.
UK parliamentary inquiry warns of AUKUS submarine delivery risks
A UK parliamentary inquiry released on April 28, 2026, warned that 'shortcomings and failings' in funding, political leadership, and infrastructure threaten the delivery of the AUKUS submarine pact, d...
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- The House of Commons Defence Committee released a report on April 28, 2026, warning of 'shortcomings and failings' in the UK's ability to deliver AUKUS submarine commitments.
- The report states that UK political leadership for AUKUS has 'faded' and calls on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take a more visible role to prevent the pact from being derailed.
- The UK's submarine fleet is at its smallest in living memory, with only one attack-class submarine (HMS Anson) available in February 2026, which was recalled to the Middle East due to war in the Gulf.
Five-year-old Aboriginal girl Sharon Granites missing from Alice Springs town camp; police suspect abduction by Jefferson Lewis
Five-year-old Sharon Granites went missing from her home in Old Timers town camp, Alice Springs, on Saturday night, April 25, 2026, around 11:30pm. She was reported missing by her family at approximat...
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- Five-year-old Sharon Granites (also referred to as Sharon) went missing from her home in Old Timers town camp, Alice Springs, on Saturday night (around 11:30pm).
- Sharon was reported missing by her family at approximately 1:30am on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
- Police are searching for 47-year-old Jefferson Lewis, who was recently released from prison and was staying at the same residence where Sharon went missing.
CFMEU administrator Mark Irving resigns amid corruption reforms and leadership upheaval
CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC resigned on April 27, 2026, after nearly two years leading the union’s reform amid corruption scandals. His departure follows the resignation of his deputy, Zach Smi...
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- Mark Irving KC resigned as CFMEU administrator on April 27, 2026, citing a need for a unionist to lead the rebuilding phase.
- Irving was appointed administrator in August 2024 amid revelations of widespread corruption, criminality, and violence in the CFMEU.
- Michael Crosby, an experienced union leader, will take over as the new CFMEU administrator, with Irving remaining as senior counsel.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon apologizes after Indigenous players take offense at training comment
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon faced backlash after a comment during training, where he referred to a play by Indigenous players as a 'brotherboy connection', which upset Bradley Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-M...
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- Ross Lyon made a comment at training calling a play by Indigenous players a 'brotherboy connection', which upset players including Bradley Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
- Lyon offered to consider stepping down as coach after the incident, telling players he 'misjudged' the moment and took 'full responsibility'
- The comment was reported by journalist Caroline Wilson on Channel 7's *Agenda Setters* on April 27, 2026
Author convicted of producing child abuse material in erotic novel, sentenced to community order
Lauren Mastrosa, a 34-year-old author, was convicted in February 2026 of producing, possessing, and disseminating child abuse material in her erotic novel *Daddy’s Little Toy*, which depicted an 18-ye...
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- Lauren Mastrosa (34) was sentenced on 2026-04-28 in Blacktown Local Court to an 18-month community corrections order for producing, possessing, and disseminating child abuse material in her novel *Daddy’s Little Toy*.
- Mastrosa pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2025 and was found guilty in February 2026.
- The novel involves an 18-year-old female protagonist role-playing as a toddler in sexual scenarios with a 45-year-old man, described as her father’s friend.
PNG Chiefs secure marquee NRL signings ahead of 2028 debut
Papua New Guinea Chiefs have secured two marquee signings ahead of their 2028 NRL debut, with Alex Johnston becoming the first player to commit to the expansion side on a one-year tax-free deal worth ...
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- Alex Johnston will join PNG Chiefs on a one-year tax-free deal worth $325,000 in 2028
- Jarome Luai met with PNG Prime Minister James Marape and senior club officials during a visit to Port Moresby on April 27–28, 2026
- Luai is contracted to Wests Tigers until 2029 but has exit clauses allowing him to join PNG Chiefs in 2028
30th anniversary of Port Arthur massacre and its lasting impact on Australia
Australia marked the 30th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre on April 28, 2026, with solemn ceremonies honoring the 35 victims and 23 wounded in the 1996 tragedy. Survivors, families, and politic...
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- 35 people were killed and 23 were wounded in the Port Arthur massacre on April 28, 1996.
- The massacre occurred at the Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania.
- A memorial ceremony was held on April 28, 2026, marking the 30th anniversary, attended by around 160 people, including survivors, families, and community members.
Dolphin spotted in Melbourne's Yarra River, April 2026
A lone adult bottlenose dolphin was spotted in Melbourne’s Yarra River in late April 2026, surprising locals and delighting onlookers. Experts from the Dolphin Research Institute, including David Donn...
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- An adult bottlenose dolphin was spotted in the Yarra River as far up as Herring Island at South Yarra and near Hoddle Bridge at Richmond
- The dolphin appears to be in good health and behaving normally, likely following prey into the river
- David Donnelly from the Dolphin Research Institute stated the dolphin is most likely chasing prey and not in distress
Global military spending hits record $4T in 2025, driven by wars and geopolitical tensions
Global military spending hit a record $4 trillion in 2025, marking the 11th consecutive annual increase and a 41% rise over the past decade, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Ins...
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- Global military spending reached nearly $US2.9 trillion ($4 trillion AUD) in 2025, the highest ever recorded, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- The United States, China, and Russia accounted for more than half of global defence expenditure in 2025, with a combined total of $US1.48 trillion.
- Global military spending has risen for the 11th consecutive year, with a 41% increase over the past decade.
Train collision in Indonesia near Jakarta kills multiple, injures dozens
Two trains collided near Bekasi Timur station, about 25 kilometers from Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 28, 2026, killing at least four people and injuring dozens, though the Guardian later reported seve...
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- Two trains collided near Bekasi Timur station, about 25km (15 miles) from Jakarta, Indonesia
- The crash involved a long-distance train and a stationary commuter train
- The long-distance train crashed into the last, women-only carriage of the commuter train
Marios Fitzroy cafe celebrates 40th anniversary with cultural and culinary significance
Marios, a Fitzroy cafe founded in 1986 by Mario Maccarone and Mario De Pasquale, is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a Melbourne institution. The two 'Marios' opened the restaurant in a rundown Bru...
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- Marios Fitzroy opened in 1986 on Brunswick Street, Melbourne
- The two founders are Mario Maccarone and Mario De Pasquale, both nicknamed 'Mario'
- Marios is known for its no-booking policy and all-day breakfast service, including late-afternoon/evening breakfast
Death of Nedra Talley Ross, last surviving Ronettes member, aged 80
Nedra Talley Ross, the last surviving member of the iconic 1960s girl group the Ronettes, died at age 80 on April 27, 2026, at her home. Born in Manhattan in 1946, she formed the Ronettes with her cou...
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- Nedra Talley Ross died aged 80 on April 27, 2026, at home in the morning
- Nedra Talley Ross was born in Manhattan in 1946
- Nedra Talley Ross was a founding member of the Ronettes alongside her cousins Ronnie Spector (Veronica Bennett) and Estelle Bennett
Rock climber dies after fall at Organ Pipes, Mount Arapiles, Victoria
A 24-year-old rock climber from New South Wales died after falling at Organ Pipes near Mount Arapiles in western Victoria on April 28, 2026, around 11:30 AM. The incident triggered a multi-agency resc...
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- A 24-year-old woman from New South Wales died in hospital after falling at Organ Pipes near Mount Arapiles on Monday, April 28, 2026, around 11:30 AM
- Emergency services including SES volunteers, paramedics, and Air Ambulance Victoria conducted a high-angle rescue, winching the climber to a nearby paddock for over an hour of advanced life support treatment
- The climber was flown to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne with critical upper-body injuries and died overnight
Northern beaches e-bike hit-and-run incident and related illegal e-bike activity in Sydney
A 38-year-old man was charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident in North Curl Curl on April 28, 2026, after allegedly striking a 15-year-old e-bike rider at the intersection of Abbott Road and...
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- A 38-year-old man was charged with driving furiously and causing bodily harm, negligent driving, and driving while his license application was refused after allegedly hitting a 15-year-old e-bike rider in North Curl Curl on April 28, 2026.
- The incident occurred at the intersection of Abbott Road and Pitt Road in North Curl Curl, with police called just after 4:30 PM on Monday, April 28, 2026.
- The 15-year-old boy was airlifted to Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick with serious leg injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition as of April 29, 2026.