$5.9 million to combat illicit tobacco, vapes in the NT
The federal government has given $5.9 million to the Northern Territory to "shut down sleazy, ridiculous shops selling illegal tobacco".

The federal government has given $5.9 million to the Northern Territory to "shut down sleazy, ridiculous shops selling illegal tobacco".

Brendon McCullum's "Bazball" era with the England Test team concludes, leaving a mixed legacy of exhilarating highs and painful lows. Appointed in May 2022 amidst a historic slump, McCullum's aggressive approach initially revitalized the team, leading to remarkable wins. However, the experiment devolved into recklessness, culminating in significant defeats and off-field discipline issues, particularly during the Ashes.

The Fair Work Commission ruled Scott Carlin's dismissal as National Trust of Tasmania MD was unfair and unreasonable due to lack of procedural fairness and valid reason. Carlin stated he revived the Trust and left a legacy.

The sentencing hearing for Daniel Billings, who pleaded guilty to murdering Molly Ticehurst, has been moved to September 3-4. This change allows forensic psychiatrist Olav Nielssen to provide evidence via video link, as he would have been unavailable on the original dates.

Iran is leveraging its geography, specifically the Strait of Hormuz, as a weapon against adversaries. The regime claims control over the waterway, leading to conflicting statements from Iran and the US regarding its status. Recent strikes and retaliatory attacks have heightened regional instability, with Iran citing a recent deal to assert its authority over the strait.

Iran is leveraging the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic weapon, leading to conflicting claims of its status (open/closed) by Iran and the US. Recent strikes and retaliatory attacks have heightened regional instability, with Iran citing a recent deal for safe passage as justification for its actions, while the US vows overwhelming force against any aggression.

Israel will hold elections on the last Tuesday in October, a vote seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's legacy. Current polls suggest his Likud party may not be the largest in parliament, facing challenges from new parties and criticism over war management and security failures.