Latest News Stories
Sorted by number of sources covering the story
Today
WHO declares Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Congo/Uganda an international health emergency
The World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a 'public health emergency of international concern' on May 18, 2026, after 80–88 de...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda a 'public health emergency of international concern' on May 18, 2026.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
- As of May 17–18, 2026, there were 80–88 suspected deaths and 246–336 suspected cases reported in the DRC’s Ituri province.
Queensland Stafford by-election results and implications for Labor and LNP
The Queensland Stafford by-election, triggered by the death of independent MP Jimmy Sullivan in April 2026, saw Labor’s Luke Richmond narrowly defeat LNP’s Fiona Hammond with 51.2% of the two-party pr...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The by-election was triggered by the death of former independent MP Jimmy Sullivan, found dead in his home in April 2026.
- Labor candidate Luke Richmond defeated LNP candidate Fiona Hammond in the Stafford by-election, winning 51.2% of the two-party preferred vote (700 votes ahead).
- Labor suffered a 4.1% swing away from it to the LNP after preferences, reducing its margin to 1.2%.
Fatal house fire in Ballarat's Wendouree investigated as crime scene
A 62-year-old man died in a fatal house fire at a block of units on Marigold Street in Ballarat's Wendouree suburb on May 18, 2026, around 6:30 AM. Neighbors called emergency services and attempted to...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- A 62-year-old man died in a house fire at a block of units on Marigold Street, Wendouree, Ballarat, on May 18, 2026, around 6:30 AM local time.
- Emergency services were called to the fire after neighbors used a fire extinguisher to suppress flames and a neighbor attempted to break a window to rescue the man, but thick smoke prevented entry.
- The man was found alone, unresponsive, and was taken out of the unit by firefighters but could not be revived by paramedics.
Seven affordable canned foods under $3 recommended by a dietitian for cost-effective nutrition
Two Australian news outlets, SMH and THEAGE, published nearly identical articles in May 2026 highlighting seven affordable canned foods under $3 that a dietitian recommends for cost-effective nutritio...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Canned beetroot maintains most of its natural nutrition, including high antioxidant content and nitrate, which may help lower blood pressure.
- Canned tomatoes are higher in lycopene when cooked, with premium options containing at least 65% tomatoes for better nutrition and flavor.
- Canned legumes offer 60% beans per can, providing plant-based protein and dietary fiber for as little as $1 per can.
Yesterday
Qantas flight diverted after passenger allegedly bites flight attendant
A Qantas flight QF21 from Melbourne to Dallas was diverted to Tahiti on May 17, 2026, after a passenger allegedly bit a flight attendant during an 18-hour journey. The passenger, described as disrupti...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Flight QF21 from Melbourne to Dallas was diverted to Tahiti’s capital Papeete on May 17, 2026, due to a disruptive passenger allegedly biting a flight attendant.
- The passenger was issued a no-fly ban by Qantas and met by local Tahitian authorities upon arrival in Papeete.
- The flight resumed to Dallas after refueling, arriving several hours late on Saturday morning (AEST).
Five Italian divers die in Maldives cave diving accident; recovery efforts suspended due to weather
Five experienced Italian divers, including a mother and daughter, died in a cave diving accident in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, on May 16, 2026, while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 metres. The vi...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Five Italian divers died in a cave diving accident in Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, on May 16, 2026, at a depth of about 50 metres (164ft).
- The victims were identified as Monica Montefalcone (associate ecology professor at the University of Genoa), her daughter Giorgia Sommacal, marine biologist Federico Gualtieri, researcher Muriel Oddenino, and diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti.
- Benedetti’s body was recovered on May 16, 2026, near the mouth of the cave, while the remaining four divers are believed to be inside the cave, which consists of three large chambers connected by narrow passages.
Drone strike near UAE nuclear plant escalates regional tensions amid stalled Iran talks
A drone strike near the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on May 17, 2026, sparked a fire outside the facility’s perimeter, with authorities confirming no injuries or radiation impact. The UAE’s Minis...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- A drone strike triggered a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra area on May 17, 2026, hitting an electrical generator outside the inner perimeter.
- The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reported that three drones entered the country from the western border direction, with one striking the generator.
- No injuries or impact on radiation levels were reported, and the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) confirmed the plant’s safety was unaffected.
Two US Navy jets collide and crash at Idaho air show; all crew safely eject
Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on May 17, 2026. All four crew member...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on May 17, 2026.
- Four crew members (two pilots per aircraft) safely ejected and parachuted to the ground; all were unharmed and being evaluated by medical personnel.
- The crash occurred about 50 miles (80 km) south of Boise, near Mountain Home Air Force Base, during a demonstration by the EA-18G 'Vikings' Growler Demo Team.
Ronda Rousey returns to MMA after 10-year hiatus to fight Gina Carano in a high-profile comeback bout
Ronda Rousey returned to mixed martial arts after a decade-long hiatus to face Gina Carano in a highly anticipated comeback bout on May 14, 2026, in Los Angeles. The fight, promoted by Jake Paul’s Mos...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Ronda Rousey defeated Gina Carano via armbar in 17 seconds at an MMA event in Los Angeles on 2026-05-14 (or weekend of that date).
- Rousey had not fought in almost 10 years before this bout, and Carano had not fought in 17 years.
- The fight took place at an event promoted by Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), co-owned by Jake Paul, and was the first MMA event for Netflix.
FBI Director Kash Patel faces scrutiny over snorkeling trip at USS Arizona and misuse of government resources
FBI Director Kash Patel is under intense scrutiny for participating in a snorkeling excursion near the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii in August 2025, where over 1,000 US Navy sailors and Marines are e...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Kash Patel, FBI Director, participated in a snorkeling excursion around the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii in August 2025 during a two-day stop as he returned from official visits to Australia and New Zealand.
- The snorkeling trip lasted 30 minutes, with Patel swimming in the vicinity of the USS Arizona, which holds the remains of over 1,000 US Navy sailors and Marines who died at Pearl Harbor in 1941.
- Nine other people joined Patel on the snorkeling trip, which was coordinated by the military and described in government emails as a 'VIP snorkel'.
Labor’s budget backlash: primary vote slump, broken promises, and shifting voter preferences
The Australian federal government’s primary vote dropped to 29% after its May 2026 budget, which broke election promises on negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts. Polling by Resolve Politic...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Labor’s primary vote slumped 3 percentage points to 29% after the budget, with Coalition support steady at 23% and One Nation rising 2 points to 24%.
- 36% of voters said their view of Labor was damaged by breaking promises on negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts, while 14% said it improved and 31% said it didn’t change.
- Angus Taylor leads Anthony Albanese as preferred prime minister 33-30, with 37% undecided, after Albanese’s lead was 38-22 in February.
Deadly Bangkok train-bus collision kills 8, injures 35; investigation and charges underway
A freight train collided with a public bus at a rail crossing in Bangkok on May 16, 2026, killing eight people and injuring between 32 and 35 others. The bus was stuck at a red light, preventing safet...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Eight people were killed in the collision between a freight train and a public bus at a rail crossing in Bangkok on May 16, 2026, around late Saturday afternoon.
- Thirty-two to thirty-five people were injured in the crash, with all eight fatalities confirmed to be passengers on the bus.
- The collision occurred near an airport railway station in central Bangkok, specifically near the Makkasan station area.
Suspicious death of a woman in Hobart’s New Town, police investigation ongoing
Police in Hobart are investigating the suspicious death of a woman found at a New Town residence on May 17, 2026, after being deceased for weeks. The body was discovered in the corridor of a house on ...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- A woman’s body was found at a house on Lissadell Court, New Town, Hobart, on May 17, 2026, around 4:00 PM Saturday
- The woman is believed to be in her 60s and has not been formally identified
- A man in his 50s was arrested and remains in police custody
Australia’s elite gather for Murdoch Children’s Research Institute 40th anniversary gala
Australia’s business and political elite gathered on May 17, 2026, at Melbourne’s State Library to mark the 40th anniversary of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, a paediatric research organiz...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute on 2026-05-17 at Melbourne’s State Library
- The institute was founded in 1986 by Professor David Danks and Lachlan Murdoch’s grandmother, with major support from Rupert Murdoch
- Sarah Murdoch, co-chair of the institute, arrived through a back entrance and welcomed guests in the lobby
Fatal shark attack on Rottnest Island spearfisher Steven Mattaboni
Steven Mattaboni, a 38-year-old father of two from Perth’s northern suburbs, died on May 17, 2026, after a shark attack while spearfishing at Horseshoe Reef near Rottnest Island. The incident occurred...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Steven Mattaboni, 38, was killed by a shark while spearfishing off Rottnest Island on May 17, 2026, at Horseshoe Reef.
- The attack occurred at approximately 9:55 AM local time on Saturday, May 17, 2026.
- Mattaboni was bitten on the lower leg and suffered 'horrific' injuries before being pulled onto a boat by friends.
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 with Dara and Bangaranga
Bulgaria secured its first-ever Eurovision victory in 2026 with singer Dara and the song Bangaranga, a folk-infused pop anthem inspired by traditional kukeri rituals. The win took place in Vienna, whe...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Dara (Bulgarian singer) won Eurovision 2026 with the song Bangaranga
- Bulgaria won its first Eurovision victory in 70 years, joining in 2005 after sitting out the last three editions (2023–2025)
- The 2026 Eurovision final took place in Vienna, Austria, hosted by ORF (Austrian broadcaster)
Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria wins, Australia's Delta Goodrem places 4th
Eurovision 2026, held in Vienna for its 70th anniversary, crowned Bulgaria's DARA as the winner with the song *Bangaranga*, scoring 516 points. Australia's Delta Goodrem placed 4th with *Eclipse*, del...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 with DARA's song *Bangaranga*, scoring 516 points.
- Australia placed 4th with Delta Goodrem's *Eclipse*, scoring 287 points.
- Israel placed 2nd with 343 points, Romania 3rd with 296 points.
Older
Victoria’s unconstitutional donation laws crisis ahead of 2026 state election
Victoria faces a political funding crisis after the High Court struck down its donation laws in April 2026, leaving no caps, disclosure rules, or foreign donation bans in place ahead of the November e...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The High Court struck down Victoria’s donation laws on April 2026, declaring them unconstitutional and creating a regulatory vacuum with no donation caps, foreign donation bans, or disclosure requirements.
- Victoria’s state election is scheduled for November 2026, six months after the High Court ruling.
- The previous donation cap was $4,970 per candidate over a four-year term, but the High Court’s ruling removed all limits and disclosure rules.
Copper theft surges, disrupting infrastructure and costing millions in Australia
Copper theft has surged across Australia, causing widespread disruptions to infrastructure, public services, and communities in both Queensland and Victoria. In Queensland, authorities report 51 theft...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Copper theft is costing Queensland councils millions of dollars in repair bills, with authorities warning it disrupts essential infrastructure like lighting, communications, and community facilities.
- Queensland Police have reported about 51 copper theft incidents in the southern region (Ipswich and Toowoomba) in the six months to May 2026.
- Queensland introduced legislation in 2026 to strengthen penalties for metal theft, including new offences for possession of stolen metal and additional obligations on scrap metal dealers.
Trump's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool color change sparks lawsuits and controversy
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, ordered by President Donald Trump, has sparked legal challenges and public backlash. The project involves repainting the pool’s dark gray basin in a bl...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a lawsuit to halt the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation, citing violations of the National Historic Preservation Act.
- The reflecting pool's renovation involves replacing its dark gray basin with a blue industrial-strength coating, described as 'American flag blue' by Trump.
- The project's initial cost estimate was $1.8 million, but it has since ballooned to $13.1 million ($18.3 million AUD equivalent).