It's Friday! Here are this week's big stories and some that you might have missed
The big headlines
- The Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has released its first report, which includes 14 recommendations. Prime minister Anthony Albanese announced the Royal Commission after the terror attacks in Bondi last December. The government is set to take up all recommendations, which include implementing a gun buyback scheme and employing a national counter-terrorism coordinator.
- The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the official cash rate to 4.35 per cent in an attempt to curb inflation. It is the third cash rate hike this year, and fully reverses the three rate cuts made in 2025. The RBA has identified the US-Iran war’s effect on inflation as the reason for the increase.
- The deadlock between the US and Iran continues. US president Donald Trump has paused Project Freedom, a military operation escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, just one day after announcing it. Meanwhile, Israel has launched the first strikes on Beirut since the ceasefire with Lebanese group Hezbollah was announced almost a month ago.
What else happened this week?
Israeli army 'killing like we haven't killed since 1967'
Bluth admitted to discrimination by Israeli troops, who shoot Palestinian stone-throwers but not Jewish ones. (Wikimedia Commons)
In comments from a closed forum leaked to Israel’s Haaretz newspaper, the West Bank Israeli army chief, Major General Avi Bluth, compared the Israel army’s killing and maiming of Palestinians to the 1967 war against Arab states, which resulted in the West Bank and Gaza permanent occupation .
Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship
People contract the virus after contact with infected mice or rats or their droppings. (Wikimedia Commons)
Three people onboard luxury cruise ship MV Hondius have died after contracting hantavirus, a rodent-borne illness.
Families linked to Islamic State return to Australia
The group boarded flights in Damascus (above) nearly two weeks after leaving the Al Roj camp. (Shutterstock)
Thirteen Australian women and children connected to Islamic State fighters landed in Sydney and Melbourne this week. Three women were arrested upon arrival.
Illegal cigarette trade puts tobacco industry at risk
Illegal tobacco sales account for between 50 and 60 per cent of the Australian tobacco market. (Shutterstock)
Tobacco giant Philip Morris warned that the illegal cigarette trade could wipe out legal products by 2030 in a closed-door Senate hearing on Monday.
Silvey pleads guilty to possessing child exploitation material
Silvey is best known for his books Jasper Jones, Honeybee and Runt. (Wikimedia Commons)
Australian author Craig Silvey has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child exploitation material. Most of his titles have been removed from school reading lists.
Aus coalmine emissions more than double official estimates
Climate and energy analysts said the findings are a wake-up call for Australia. (Wikimedia Commons)
A new International Energy Agency report has revealed that methane emissions from Australian coalmines are more than two times the official government estimates reported to the UN.
Press freedom falls to 25-year low
The findings raise concerns about global criminalisation of journalism. (Shutterstock)
The World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, has placed more than half the world’s countries in the bottom two categories for press freedom.
Government to dedicate funding to fuel security
The details of the fuel security package will be outlined in next week’s budget. (Unsplash)
The Labor government is set to announce a $10 billion fuel security package which will include financial support for fuel companies and a 1 billion litre fuel reserve.
Art and fashion collide at Met Gala
Actress Maya Hawke (centre), wearing Prada, was one of the attendees at the event. (Wikimedia Commons)
Celebrities descended on New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday for the annual Met Gala. This year’s theme was Fashion is Art.
And now for some good news
David Attenborough turns 100
Attenborough has been producing and presenting documentaries for more than 70 years. (Wikimedia Commons) Sir David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday today. The famed British naturalist is renowned for producing wildlife documentaries, such as Planet Earth and The Blue Planet, and for his environmental activism.
