Sydney in the news now: antisemitism and security probes loom after Bondi events; global cyber- and war-crime chatter also pops up. Most need a refresher: Sydney is NSW’s capital, Australia’s biggest city, hugging Sydney Harbour.
Several Iranian women football players have left Australia for Iran amid ongoing regional tensions. Initially, six players and a support staff member stayed in Australia on humanitarian visas, but now only two players remain in the country. The rest have decided to return to Iran, citing personal and political reasons.
The Iranian women's football team left Australia for Kuala Lumpur after arriving for the Asian Cup. Some players accepted asylum visas, while others returned to Iran amid concerns over their safety and political pressure. The team is now waiting in Malaysia to fly home or seek asylum, amid diplomatic tensions.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke faced heckling during Eid prayers at Lakemba Mosque, amid tensions over Australia's stance on Israel-Gaza conflict. Protesters called them 'genocide supporters' over Gaza war, with some security intervention. Albanese described the event as 'positive' despite disruptions.
Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach last December, killing 15 people. Inspired by Islamic State, he and his father planned the attack for months. Akram faces 59 charges, while his family fears vigilante violence. Courts rejected a gag order to protect relatives' identities.
As global oil shocks intensify, cities like Copenhagen and Sydney are expanding bike infrastructure. Copenhagen's cycling rates surged after the 1970s oil crisis, and today, Sydney sees record bike use and sales, driven by rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.
Airliners carrying Australian women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group have landed in Australia.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a former Australian Special Air Service corporal and Victoria Cross recipient, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to the deaths of five unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He was arrested at Sydney Airport and will appear in court on June 4. These charges follow a 2020 military report alleging unlawful killings by Australian special forces.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crimes related to the killing of civilians in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until at least June 4, 2026. The charges follow a lengthy investigation into alleged unlawful killings by Australian special forces, with Roberts-Smith's civil case previously finding credible evidence against him. The case marks a rare instance of a former elite soldier facing criminal prosecution for overseas war crimes, raising questions about accountability for military conduct.
Since the Iran war began in February 2026, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have driven global fossil fuel prices higher and exposed vulnerabilities in energy supply. Europe is accelerating plans to reduce fossil fuel dependence, while China has solidified its dominance in renewable energy manufacturing, exporting record volumes of solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles. This shift is reshaping global energy geopolitics.
Reports indicate that antisemitic attacks have increased across multiple continents in 2025, with deadly incidents in Australia, the US, and Britain. The year has seen the deadliest violence since 1994, driven by lone actors often motivated by extremist ideologies, despite a slight overall rise in incidents compared to 2024.
Harry and Meghan have arrived in Australia for a four-day private visit, focusing on mental health, veterans, and community resilience. Their trip includes private engagements, paid events, and support for charitable causes, with some police costs covered by Australian taxpayers. This marks their first visit since 2018, emphasizing advocacy and private activities.
Ben Roberts-Smith, a decorated Australian soldier, has been charged with five counts of war crime murder related to alleged killings of unarmed Afghan civilians between 2009 and 2012. He has been granted bail as his trial is expected to take years. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations and maintains his pride in his service.
The ACCC has accused Woolworths of using the Prices Dropped campaign to disguise price hikes, alleging 266 products were involved between 2021 and 2023. Coles and Woolworths face questions about timing, real savings, and the impact on shoppers. The case is ongoing in Federal Court.
Forty years after the 1986 reactor explosion, memorials and visits are being held across Ukraine and internationally. Former liquidators have returned to the site and residents have been holding vigils, while Kyiv has warned that Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly flown near the plant and damaged its protective shelter last year.
Indigenous protocols are being defended by leaders who label Welcome to Country as a long-standing cultural practice, while disruptions at Anzac Day dawn services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are condemned by veterans and politicians. Opposition figures suggest the ceremony is overused, triggering debates about national identity. The events are shaping by-election discourse in NSW’s Farrer seat.
A mix of developments in education tech coverage shows parents and teachers weighing AI and device policies, from New York City's DOE AI plan feedback to classroom device bans and AI tool adoption in schools; reports contrast parental concerns with educators’ perceived benefits, while researchers assess effects of ability grouping in maths.
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.
Australia has moved to ban the National Socialist Network, now renamed, under a new law allowing designated hate groups to be outlawed. The move follows the Bondi Beach antisemitic attack that killed 15 people. The ban criminalizes support, funding, training, recruitment and directing the group, with penalties up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The government says the measure targets the group’s ability to organise and grow, amid ongoing legal challenges.
A 38-year-old man has died after a 4m white shark bit him while spearfishing near Horseshoe Reef, Rottnest Island, west of Perth. He was taken ashore but could not be revived. Police will prepare a coroner’s report; beaches remain open as authorities urge extra water caution.
Public hearings in Australia’s Royal Commission are examining antisemitism and security at the Bondi Beach attack site. ASIO has tied Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to two antisemitic attacks, prompting the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador in August 2025. The inquiry focuses on police security at the Hanukkah event and the broader spike in antisemitism since 2023.
A father and son have launched a vending-machine venture at a Wellington community centre, sharing profits with the venue. The operation began after the son, Landon, proposed the idea and sourced a spot; initial costs included machine purchase, credit reader, and starter stock. The venture aims to teach entrepreneurship while profits are currently reinvested.
A 35-year-old woman has been bitten by a three-to-four-metre shark about 30 metres from Coogee Beach, Sydney. She remains in hospital in stable condition. Beaches were closed for 24 hours as drones and shark-spotting measures were deployed. Authorities say the incident will intensify calls for safety measures.