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Australia's men's and women's rugby sevens teams have secured significant victories in the World Championship, with the women clinching the title in Bordeaux and the men winning the Valladolid leg. Key players like Maddison Levi and Henry Hutchison have been central to Australia's success.
The 2026 men's State of Origin series begins Wednesday night in Sydney, with Queensland defending the shield won in 2025. Kick-off is set for 8:05pm AEST at Stadium Australia, with the match broadcast on Channel Nine and 9Now. New South Wales has made a late halves change after Mitchell Moses was ruled out.
The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to endorse the International Court of Justice's landmark climate advisory opinion, with 141 nations in favor, 8 against, and 28 abstaining. Vanuatu-led resolution affirms legal duties to combat climate change, while opposition includes major emitters and Liberia's vote sparks domestic backlash.
Somaliland has announced it will open its embassy in Jerusalem, while Israel will establish a diplomatic mission in Hargeisa, according to the newly appointed ambassador Dr. Mohamed Hagi. The announcement builds on Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland in December 2025, deepening ties between the two territories amid regional concern.
Australia has committed $30 million in budget support to help Fiji cope with rising fuel prices, as negotiations on the Vuvale Union security and economic pact near completion. The agreement, which also covers cooperation on drug smuggling and border management, comes amid heightened competition with China for influence in the Pacific.
Hungarian PM Viktor Orban’s election loss has sparked comparisons to Israel’s political landscape, with analysts and politicians debating whether Benjamin Netanyahu faces a similar upset. While Orban was seen as Israel’s staunchest ally in Europe, his fall has highlighted Netanyahu’s growing isolation and domestic challenges.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele announced that Pacific leaders had invoked the Biketawa Declaration in response to looming fuel shortages, citing the Middle East crisis. However, confusion persists over whether the declaration was properly endorsed, as some leaders were reportedly not consulted. Fuel prices have risen, and some Pacific nations have already taken emergency measures.
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has driven up fuel costs in Pacific Island nations, with Papua New Guinea seeing price hikes of up to 70%. Heavy reliance on diesel and imported fuel, combined with supply disruptions, threatens food security, healthcare access, and economic stability across the region.
Ben Roberts-Smith, Australia's most decorated living soldier, has been granted bail after being charged with five counts of war crime murder over alleged incidents in Afghanistan. The court imposed strict conditions, including travel restrictions and a surety, after prosecutors raised flight risk concerns. Roberts-Smith denies all allegations and vows to clear his name.
Qantas has announced it will reduce domestic capacity and cancel services to Mount Gambier, citing surging jet fuel prices and falling demand. Virgin Australia has also trimmed domestic flights, while the ACCC monitors market behavior and regional communities face uncertainty.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm of the year, is expected to hit the Northern Mariana Islands on Tuesday with destructive winds and heavy rain. Guam is under a tropical storm warning, and emergency declarations have been approved. Forecasters warn of prolonged power outages and potential mudslides.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Maila has weakened from a category five to a tropical low as it approaches Queensland, but forecasters warn of heavy rainfall and flooding. The storm is expected to cross Cape York Peninsula early next week, just weeks after Cyclone Narelle devastated the region.
Zac Lomax is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Western Force against the Queensland Reds at Lang Park on Saturday. The former NRL star has a history of strong performances at the venue, and Reds hooker Matt Faessler expects him to handle the hostile crowd.
Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica has been discharged from Royal Melbourne Hospital after suffering a suspected stroke on Monday. He will begin inpatient rehabilitation and is expected to return to the club following his recovery period.