A northeastern Australian state, large, diverse, with Brisbane as its capital.
NHS services face ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves intensify, with A&E attendances rising and infrastructure strains highlighted by officials. Hospitals report equipment failures in heat, and authorities warn of greater risks to the vulnerable as climate-related health demands grow.
Taylor Farms has pulled jalapeño-containing products across 26 states after Coast Citrus Distributors recalled peppers tied to a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 345 people in 27 states. The recall follows a Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce. Authorities say refunds are available and consumers should discard affected items.
A total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 has passed across Greenland, Iceland and parts of northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from Britain since 1999. Scientists have collected coronagraph and in‑flight data to study the Sun’s corona and short‑term atmospheric effects; safety warnings about direct viewing were widely issued.
The government has announced 43 transmission projects that will qualify for a new bill-discount scheme. Households within 500 metres of qualifying overhead lines will receive up to £2,500 off electricity bills over 10 years, with payments starting early next year and funded by a small charge on all bills. Many projects are in Scotland to carry wind power.
Dolphins off Australia’s east coast are using empty shells to trap prey, a behavior called shelling. The approach has been observed in Hervey Bay and Queensland’s Great Sandy Marine Park, with footage suggesting maternal transmission. Researchers say this adds to evidence of tool use in dolphins and may illuminate how humans evolved tool use.
The federal government and New South Wales have formalised a two-phase gun buyback following the Bondi attack, with costs shared between the Commonwealth and the state. NSW has tightened ownership limits and reclassified weapons, while other states weigh participation amid political resistance. The plan includes compensation for surrendered firearms and support for dealers and businesses.
A deep partial lunar eclipse has occurred, with about 96% of the Moon in Earth's shadow for observers across much of the Americas. The event followed a recent total solar eclipse and is part of a pair of celestial events that are visible under clear skies. The maximum viewing is around midnight EDT, with visibility shifting by location. NASA notes the Artemis II mission remains a backdrop to ongoing space activity.
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.
Bangladesh has delivered a stunning upset in Mackay as Mitchell Starc’s record start is not enough to prevent a Bangladesh victory. Starc’s five-for and Shoriful Islam’s 6-35 helped Bangladesh defend a low score, while Australia faltered in the batting order. The day ends with Australia chasing the game after Bangladesh’s 64 all out.
Diver incidents and open-water attacks have left several injured or seriously harmed. A Florida bull-shock rescue, an otter attack in Nevada, and a Sydney shark attack have spurred medical responses, fundraising and public safety warnings as authorities investigate.
National cabinet is moving to implement nationally consistent standards for datacentres to use 100% renewables with firming, while allowing exemptions if state-owned plants prove cheaper. Projects approved before the rules apply will stay under existing state laws. The move follows surging datacentre demand and aims to curb electricity costs while balancing local impacts.
Jai Arrow has been granted a one-off dispensation to return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for two final regular-season games after his May MND diagnosis, bringing his NRL career total to 180 and Rabbitohs count to 100.
In a landmark ruling, Australia’s Queensland court has ruled that two babies born from a surrogate pregnancy are not birth siblings for the purposes of surrogacy laws. The birth outcomes involve an anonymised couple and a separate couple, with parentage formalised for both sets of biological parents under the Surrogacy Act. The court emphasised unusual circumstances, noting both children were gestational twins but not birth siblings.
The Fitzroy River course has passed an independent technical assessment for Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoe sprint, with World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide endorsing the verdict. The Queensland government welcomes the outcome as Rockhampton prepares for 2032 events, while questions linger about crocodile presence and regional logistics.
The Olympic emblem has been officially launched: a pink cockatoo crest symbolising both the Olympics and Paralympics, with First Nations elements and a Queensland-inspired design. Officials say the emblems celebrate Brisbane’s lifestyle as the games approach, with the mascot to be revealed later.
The IUCN has classified 96% of the world’s shallow-water coral reef systems as critically endangered and warned of possible ecosystem collapse by 2075 if current warming continues. The assessment, presented at COP17, blames heat stress from climate change and adds that reefs still show pockets of resilience that stronger emissions cuts and local conservation can protect.
Italy-born chef Davide Tamburella has been dismissed from La Costa in Brisbane after repeatedly refusing to serve pineapple on ham-and-pineapple pizzas, citing cultural insult. The Fair Work Commission has heard the case, noting multiple refusals and business disputes tied to visa sponsorship. The restaurant closed in July amid rising costs.