Australia’s second-most-populous state, a parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Eilish McColgan has withdrawn from Glasgow 2026 after a London Marathon toe injury revealed a stress fracture. She is now focusing on recovery and potential future targets, while Megan Keith will carry Scotland’s hopes in the women’s 10,000m.
Netball at the Commonwealth Games ends with Jamaica stunning Australia 46-45; Jamaica and New Zealand will contest the gold, while England faces Australia for bronze. The Hydro will be converted to a concert venue for Simple Minds after the final netball matches.
The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games have concluded, with Scotland securing 39 medals and finishing fifth. The event moved forward after Australia pulled out, with Glasgow delivering a scaled-back, sustainable Games using existing venues and prioritising legacy. The ceremony featured Simple Minds and Delta Goodrem, while India will host the centenary edition in 2030.
Northern Ireland and Wales finish Glasgow 2026 with notable success across bowls, cycling and track events. NI claims multiple golds in bowls and boxing, while Wales is led by Emma Finucane’s four golds in cycling and a strong track team performance.
Telstra’s nationwide outage has disrupted mobile and internet services, including emergency calls. Investigations are underway, welfare checks have been conducted, and ministers vow accountability as the company investigates the cause and outlines reforms.
More than 80 firefighters and about 30 trucks have contained a fire at a single building on Victoria Street, Richmond. The blaze affected adjacent shopfronts; the premises was unoccupied. Victoria Police are investigating a ram raid and arson. Thick smoke has prompted VicEmergency alerts and road closures.
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.
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have opened under a tightened format after Victoria dropped out. About 3,000 athletes from 74 nations compete across 10 sports at four venues, with opening ceremonies staged at the OVO Hydro and a reduced schedule, while broadcasters outline rights and streaming options.
Commonwealth Games highlights from Glasgow 2026 include Duncan Scott defending his 200m medley title, Stephen Clegg adding silver in 100m freestyle, and Katie Shanahan upgrading to silver in the 200m backstroke at Tollcross. The Scots claim a strong medal haul as home fans roar.
England’s track and field team has seen a wave of withdrawals from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Johnson-Thompson and Hodgkinson among those pulling out to prioritise the European Championships in Birmingham. Replacements are named; the team cites injuries and scheduling as reasons.
Glasgow has stepped in to host the Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia, withdrew due to spiralling costs. The 10-sport programme includes six para sports and will take place across four venues, with Josh Kerr featuring at Scotstoun Stadium. Live coverage will be on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
The 23rd Commonwealth Games are underway in Glasgow, running 23 July to 2 August with 74 associations competing across 10 sports and 215 medal events, including six Para sports. Athletes vie for medals in events ranging from athletics to weightlifting, as organisers stage a compact, ten-sport programme.
ABS officials say personal data from Census night will remain confidential. Names and addresses are protected by law, with identifiers separated early and destroyed after processing. Access to secure buildings is coordinated to minimise disruption, while fraud warnings accompany the countdown to Census day on August 11.
Gerry Kelly, a veteran Northern Ireland broadcaster, has died at 77. He hosted UTV’s The Gerry Kelly Show and BBC Radio Ulster programs, mentoring future broadcasters. Colleagues remember him as a larger‑than‑life figure with warmth and professionalism, leaving a lasting impact on Northern Ireland’s media landscape.
Wildfires are generating pyrocumulonimbus clouds, creating their own weather and complicating firefighting. Reports from independent and BBC/France 24 coverage describe fire-generated thunderstorms, lightning, and unpredictable winds as heatwaves persist across Europe and North America. Scientists warn climate change is increasing these events’ frequency and intensity.
Rushed by the last-minute pullout of Victoria, Glasgow 2026 has redefined the Commonwealth Games with a lean, sustainable blueprint. The event is proving adaptable for future hosts while keeping 74 nations engaged and celebrating a compact, inclusive model.
Since detections began this year, Australia has recorded its first mass mortality event among seabirds off South Australia, with cases expanding to Victoria and New Zealand. Authorities warn wildlife losses are likely to climb as the virus moves through migratory bird populations and wild animals.