Government faces fuel price pressure as Middle East crisis deepens

The Albanese government is navigating choppy waters as the Iran war sends fuel prices soaring. Beyond the immediate pain at the bowser, there's growing scrutiny over how Australia manages its relationship with the United States and its unpredictable president. It's a genuine stress test for the administration.

Love Machine nightclub destroyed in suspicious fire

The notorious Prahran venue has been gutted by a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Thursday morning. Neighbouring businesses were also damaged in the blaze. Police are treating it as suspicious.

Fashion icon's $23 million estate sparks legal battle

The late Perri Cutten's longtime partner has launched court action, claiming he wasn't adequately provided for in the celebrated designer's will. The estate dispute is now headed to court.

IOC bans trans women from female Olympic events

The International Olympic Committee has announced major changes, with athletes' gender now determined by a one-time gene-screening test. The decision will reshape competition categories across Olympic sports.

Cyclone Narelle threatens remote WA with 275km/h winds

The massive storm system is gaining strength as it barrels toward the WA coast and could become the first cyclone in 20 years to make landfall across three Australian states and territories.

African nations ration power and dilute petrol amid oil crisis — The disruption in oil supplies from the Iran war has caused widespread shortages and mounting concerns across several African countries.

via BBC World

Drone strikes kill 28 civilians in Sudan — A market in North Darfur and a truck carrying civilians in North Kordofan were hit as the civil war approaches its fourth year.

via The Guardian World

Colour — Hands-On Science Exhibition

Scienceworks, Spotswood, until 26 Jan 2027

Mind-bending fun exploring how we see colour, plus Lightning Room and Planetarium favourites.

Play School: Come and Play!

ACMI, Federation Square, until 12 Jul 2026

Interactive celebration of 60 years — perfect for sharing nostalgia with the grandkids.

Children's Garden Nature Play

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, until 31 Dec 2026

Paddle in the rill, explore bamboo forests, nature crafts — open daily these holidays.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens, 1 Apr to 25 Oct 2026

Melbourne-exclusive showcase of 150+ objects from the Roman Imperial period — kids under 16 free.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

King Street, Melbourne CBD, until 31 Dec 2026

Penguin Playground with real snow, jellyfish exhibit, and massive 2.2-million-litre Oceanarium.

Collingwood Children's Farm

18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford, until 31 Dec 2026

Working farm 4km from the CBD with friendly animals and heritage gardens on the Yarra.

Bay of Fires

Drama · ABC iview

Marta Dusseldorp stars in this gripping Tasmanian thriller about a corporate whistleblower who flees to a small coastal town with her teenage daughter, only to discover the locals harbour dangerous secrets. The stunning Tasmanian scenery provides a beautiful backdrop to this well-crafted drama that explores themes of reinvention and community.

The Crown (Final Season)

Drama · Netflix

The acclaimed royal drama concludes with its sixth and final season, covering the tumultuous period of the late 1990s including Diana's final years and the aftermath of her death. Imelda Staunton delivers a masterful performance as the older Queen Elizabeth II, bringing dignity and complexity to this beautifully produced historical series.

When watching dramas, do you prefer Australian stories or international productions?

A girl fell off a 15-metre ladder but didn't get hurt. How?

Answer revealed at the bottom of today's edition.

✏️ Today's Featured Game

Crossword

10 clues · ~3 min