A northeastern Australian state, the country’s second-largest by area and a population hub anchored in Brisbane.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
The diphtheria outbreak in Australia has reached multiple states and territories, with the Northern Territory reporting hundreds of cases and at least one death. Health authorities warn vaccination rates are driving transmission, while Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected. Officials say cases are now decreasing after peaking earlier in 2026.
A 39-year-old man has died after a shark bite while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal, 28 miles off northeast Australia. He was rushed to shore but could not be revived. Several sources note a recent fatality near Rottnest Island and ongoing shark activity in eastern Australia.
A series of shark attacks off Australia’s east coast have left swimmers injured and beaches temporarily closed. Authorities are deploying drones and boosting surveillance as experts warn of rising incidents amid warming seas.
Federal student‑loan regulations have changed this week under the One Big Beautiful Bill and court rulings. The Education Department has rolled out new repayment plans, temporary interest‑rate cuts for autopay enrollees, and lifetime borrowing caps for graduate and professional students, while a federal judge has paused the department's narrowed definition of "professional degree," temporarily preserving wider borrowing access for many advanced‑health and other programs. Notices are going out to millions of borrowers who must pick new plans.
Researchers have identified a ballista spider in Australia that uses a spring-loaded silk trap to catch only the green tree ant. The mechanism is triggered by the prey, launching the ant into the spider’s web at extreme acceleration.
The SAVE income-driven repayment plan has ended and servicers have begun notifying roughly 7–7.5 million borrowers that they have 90 days from their notice to choose a replacement. New Department of Education rules that took effect on July 1 have created a Repayment Assistance Plan and a Tiered Standard plan, tightened graduate and Parent PLUS borrowing caps, and added a temporary autopay interest discount.
Six spherical pressure vessels thought to be fuel tanks from a foreign rocket have washed ashore at Forrest Beach, Queensland. Authorities warn more debris may appear and urge caution while they coordinate with international partners to identify the launching state.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised unequivocally for comments made on the Bush Deep podcast in which he said he would marry, shag and date Kylie Minogue. The remarks have drawn criticism from opponents and support from some allies. The government defends its record on gender equality as scrutiny continues.
A 35-year-old man has been identified as a suspect in a sweeping Childcare Centre abuse case. Police allege he produced child abuse material and filmed acts without consent across multiple centres. Authorities have contacted hundreds of families while continuing investigations and support services.