Melbourne News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Jetstar’s big baggage change starts Feb 2027: ditch the 7kg carry-on limit, get one free underseat bag (backpack/purse size) with every ticket. Pay $25–$52 for “Priority Carry-on” to bring a second, larger bag in overhead space + early boarding. No more gate weigh-ins — bags stay under 10kg but you lift them yourself. Babies get a free extra underseat bag. Overhead bags max out at 56x36x23cm. Checked bags unchanged. It’s all about simplifying travel, cutting delays, and letting you pay only for what you need.

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A fiery boat disaster in the English Channel left 150 migrants stranded—but all were rescued thanks to swift action by French and British coastguards. This wasn’t an isolated incident; authorities had been tracking the vessel since it left France near Boulogne-sur-Mer. With over 160 deaths recorded in similar crossings between 2018 and 2025, the peril is real—and growing politically. Just days before this rescue, the UK’s new Prime Minister vowed to crack down hard, promising tougher enforcement and safer routes to deter smugglers. Many of those risking everything are fleeing war or persecution from Eritrea, Afghanistan, Iran, or Sudan—often refu...

Three female lions at Tokyo’s Tama Zoological Park died in a shocking heatwave incident, suspected to be caused by heatstroke — the first such fatalities for the zoo’s lion population in 62 years. Autopsies revealed severe dehydration and organ failure, as temperatures soared near 39°C amid high humidity, which is especially dangerous for lions native to dry African climates. The zoo suspended public viewings and treated affected animals with water sprays and IV fluids, while closely monitoring the remaining 16 lions — none of which showed similar symptoms. This tragedy underscores how vulnerable even heat-adapted animals can be to sudden climate shifts, p...

A camel ride at Cable Beach in Broome turned chaotic when the animal bolted, tossing two tourists off—sending one woman in her 60s to the hospital and another to stable condition. The惊人的 moment was captured on video and going viral. The tour company called it a rare fluke, keeping quiet for privacy, but the incident serves as a wild reminder that even the most laid-back adventures can go sideways.

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A groundbreaking new treatment for hypertension is revolutionizing care at Royal Perth Hospital, offering hope to millions worldwide. Using a minimally invasive catheter procedure, doctors target overactive nerves in the kidneys and liver — a root cause of high blood pressure — without surgery. Patients stay awake during the two-hour session and often go home the next day. For Rebekah Pythian, who tried eight medications before joining the trial, the results were life-changing: a dramatic drop in blood pressure that slashes her risk of heart attack or stroke by 20%. With hypertension affecting one in three people globally and silently claiming millions of l...

An 82-year-old charity cyclist, Bob Montgomery, died just one day after completing a grueling 5300-kilometer bike ride across Australia with his 18-year-old grandson — a final, heroic push for motor neurone disease awareness and fundraising. Their journey, “Miles for MND: One Last Ride,” raised over $100,000 and honored Bob’s late cousin. Tragically, Bob suffered a medical emergency while driving with his wife, leading to a crash and his death that night. Loved ones and MND NSW hailed him as an inspirational force whose legacy of courage and compassion proves age is no barrier to making a profound difference.

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Naplan results reveal a troubling drop in reading and writing scores across most age groups in Australia, with one in three students failing to meet basic benchmarks. Participation fell due to industrial action in Tasmania and flooding in the Northern Territory, while technical glitches affected early writing tests. Despite Acara’s claim that national writing scores are unchanged, concerns mount as one in ten students now require extra support — unchanged since last year. Reading scores declined for Years 5, 7, and 9, though numeracy showed gains in Years 5 and 7, including progress among Indigenous students. Education Minister Jason Clare calls this “real challenges,” especial...

A 150-year-old statue in Maitland, Australia, once a horse hitching post and now known as the “little black boy,” sparks fierce debate over race, history, and public memory. Artist Osvaldo Budet confronts its legacy as a racist caricature through his exhibition “Monuments,” using coal ink to highlight its ties to colonial oppression. While the Mindaribba Aboriginal Council sees it as a symbol of racism, locals and the mayor defend it as a cherished community icon. The city’s warning sign on Budet’s show—“may cause offense”—but not on the statue itself, fuels accusations of censorship and double standards, leaving t...

Former Liberal finance minister Damien Tudehope’s political future hangs in the balance after he admitted sending a confidential parliamentary report on branch stacking to a key figure in the Reformers — a group at the heart of Icac’s Operation Rosny. The email, sent last year, breaches parliamentary rules and could be seen as corrupt conduct. Tudehope has stepped down from his shadow attorney general role and denies encouraging illegal donations, even as evidence shows money flowing through PR firms linked to him — tactics he admits may amount to concealment. His son also raised concerns about payments made by Catholic...

Pauline Hanson’s decision to bar major news outlets like the ABC and The Guardian from her campaign event—calling their reporting “rubbish” and “lies”—is a bold move that threatens democratic norms. By controlling who gets access, she undermines journalism’s role as a watchdog, risks skewing public perception, and sets a dangerous precedent for political accountability in an era already strained by institutional distrust.

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Sexual enhancement supplements marketed as “all-natural” are secretly packed with prescription drugs like Viagra and Cialis — a dangerous gamble for unsuspecting users. While the herbal claims lack science, the hidden meds actually work — but only under medical supervision. These drugs can dangerously interact with existing conditions and medications, especially heart drugs. With constantly shifting names and online sales making enforcement tough, experts warn that without massive regulatory upgrades, the problem will persist. Bottom line: Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement — even if it’s labeled “natural.”

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Queensland’s Women’s Office sparked controversy after scrubbing over 20 mentions of “gender” from its website — including key references to the gender pay gap — amid claims it was done at the behest of the Liberal National Party to avoid appearing “woke.” While government officials insist the changes were routine updates for a new economic strategy, former staffers allege they were pressured to remove the term because it was seen as too closely tied to LGBTQIA+ issues. Critics argue the edits erase essential feminist discourse and that the site’s new blue banner and slogan “delivering for Queensland” are blatant political branding — t...

Vehicles torched, property destroyed at Melbourne tech firm Lovitt Technologies—feds suspect far-left extremists with anarchist ties. Attack linked to opposition of F-35 jets used by Israel; perpetrators posted video claiming responsibility and how to build bombs. Police warn life sentences possible; public urged to come forward with tips or dashcam footage.

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Aussies love clean energy—but rural communities are fiercely resisting wind and solar farms, turning opposition into a surprisingly effective roadblock. With organized campaigns stoking real anxieties, the push for renewables faces a tough uphill battle: who’s standing in the way, and how do we unite everyone for a greener future?

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Granny Evil, Kath Pettingill, the ruthless matriarch of Australia’s most infamous crime family, died at 91 — leaving behind a legacy of blood, betrayal, and brutal resilience. Her six sons, including “Mr Death” Dennis Allen and acquitted cop-killer Victor Peirce, built an empire of murder, drugs, and police corruption. Kath herself survived being shot in the eye, orchestrated Operation Cyclops, and kept her family’s secrets even as they crumbled around her. Her story, eerily mirrored in Animal Kingdom, is now a chilling chapter closing on a violent Australian underworld.

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Brisbane’s first Panda Mart exploded into chaos as hundreds descended on the store, turning the opening into a frenzied shopping frenzy with prices starting at 40 cents — but not everyone left happy.

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A major corruption inquiry in New South Wales is unraveling a web of alleged illegal donations tied to party factional power plays, focusing on the Reformers’ push for conservative stances. Senior Liberal figure Damien Tudehope, though not accused himself, revealed how Jean-Claude Perrottet—brother of the former premier—used his vast social network to recruit members, crucial for preselection survival. Tudehope admitted speaking at Reformers’ events and possibly covering event costs, while also confirming he introduced hotelier Michael O’Hara, whose industry ties make donations suspect, to the faction. The probe continues to investigate whether these payments were legitimate political...

An 85-year-old man faces 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching in Sydney, with a student athlete now in his 40s stepping forward to testify after years of silence. The victim, who received over $100,000 from the accused over a decade, says he finally came forward to teach his own child right from wrong — and to honor what’s morally right, not for money. He described terrifying encounters on Jones’s farm, including being forced into showers, touched without consent, and manipulated into private acts — all while feeling paralyzed with fear. His message? Justice matters more than compensation — and he’s doing it b...

In a heartbreaking twist of fate, 82-year-old charity cyclist Bob Montgomery died just one day after completing an epic 5,200-kilometer ride from Broome to Bowral with his 18-year-old grandson Tom — a final, defiant push to fundraise and raise awareness for motor neurone disease. Bob, who’d raised over $100,000 in his sixth major ride for MND NSW, was still spreading his message hours before his fatal crash in Sydney. His legacy lives on through the “One Last Ride,” a testament to his unyielding spirit and the profound impact one determined soul can leave behind.

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Sydney’s ERs hit record-breaking levels as nearly 10,000 patients flooded emergency rooms in one day—driven by a brutal flu, Covid, and RSV surge. Health authorities are scrambling with a new command center to redirect non-emergency cases, extend hospital hours, and urge the public to use alternatives like Healthdirect or urgent care clinics. Low flu vaccination rates and a backlog of patients waiting for aged care or NDIS placements are worsening the crisis, with resuscitation bays overflowing. Officials warn this is a critical strain on the system—and public cooperation is essential to keep emergency rooms ready for true emerge...

Ben Carroll’s bold cabinet shake-up signals a new era in Victoria, slashing ministerial roles and eliminating portfolios like transport infrastructure and the Suburban Rail Loop — now under health, roads, and public transport ministers. He’s ditched cost-of-living and men and boys roles, insisting every portfolio must directly ease financial pressure on working families. Gabrielle Williams takes charge of gender equality and education, while Colin Brooks steps into the Treasurer’s role to navigate pay disputes with teachers and doctors. Paul Edbrooke gets a major boost overseeing police, emergency services, and crime prevention — a move designed to win over working-cl...

Early Tuesday morning, a gym in Taylors Lakes erupted in flames—thanks to a suspected arson attack—with a cleaner miraculously escaping unharmed. Police say two masked suspects fled in a car parked near a gas station, adding to the mystery. The owners are stunned, calling it unprecedented for their upscale neighborhood, but relieved no one was hurt. Fire crews contained the blaze in under 30 minutes. Security is now beefed up with 24/7 guards. This Genesis Health & Fitness location, part of a national franchise with 40+ gyms, previously housed another gym for over 35 years before closing earlier this year.

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Kmart’s $89 camera glasses are sparking privacy fears as tech experts warn they could be silently filming you everywhere. In Victoria, Montessori and Steiner schools are being phased out, raising alarms among parents worried about kids’ learning in a one-size-fits-all system. Meanwhile, Alan Jones faces serious legal trouble in Sydney, with his defense attacking the credibility of accusers. And on the environmental front, bird flu cases are spreading from South Australia to Victoria, causing more avian deaths — nature’s reminder that things can get wild fast.

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A suppression order has been lifted, finally allowing the truth about Ralph Carr to surface — the high-profile sports and entertainment manager convicted of rape and sexual assault. Once known for his flashy lifestyle and clients like Dustin Martin and Tina Arena, Carr’s empire was built on chaos and manipulation. Former staff describe a toxic, bullying environment, with one calling his behavior “revolting.” The conviction has reopened painful memories for women who worked for him, while Carr maintains his innocence and plans to appeal. His star client, Dustin Martin, has severed ties, calling the allegations shocking and confirming he was unaw...

Kyle Sandilands is back on air with a $12 million deal, while Jackie O fights an $82 million unlawful dismissal claim headed to court in October. Her legal team is calling in medical experts—including Dr. Justine Corry, a former clinical psychologist and “inner success coach” with a PhD but no current Australian registration—to testify about Kyle’s psychological impact. Corry, who previously appeared on Kyle’s show discussing his childhood trauma and anger triggers, also has a close relationship with Jackie O and her manager Gemma O’Neill, whom Jackie says “changed my life.” Corry even led a coaching session at a high...

Former NYC mayor Bill de Blasio is in Melbourne to help shape the city’s future, warning that with a projected population of nine million by 2050, it must define a unique identity—not just for growth, but for soul. Joining him at the Melbourne Assembly is urban thinker Carlos Moreno, whose “15-minute city” model is already influencing local planning. Together, they’ll tackle big issues: AI’s impact on jobs, climate adaptation for coastal cities, and how Melbourne can stay a global leader in culture and sport—all while sparking vital conversations about what kind of city we want to build next...

Sydney drivers are paying more, not less, despite government promises of toll relief. While a few smaller roads get modest cuts, big ones like Westconnex and NorthConnex remain unchanged — with prices set to rise by at least four percent annually. The state’s $1 billion investment in road expansions and settlements is fueling debate: critics say Transurban prioritizes profits over public interest, while the company argues deeper cuts would cost taxpayers dearly. With daily traffic soaring and tolls climbing, this isn’t the end of the story — just the start of a bigger fight over who pays what.

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Once a media titan with unmatched influence, Alan Jones now faces trial on 22 serious allegations—accusations of cash gifts, cars, inappropriate texts, and unwanted advances. His former power is stripped away as he sits in court, while his defense paints accusers as rivals and liars, and prosecutors reveal victims too afraid to speak up until now. One witness describes a chilling mix of support and fear, bound by financial dependence. The courtroom showdown is just beginning—and Jones insists he’s innocent.

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A Montessori program vital for students like Leah—whose medical needs make traditional schooling stressful—is being phased out as Victoria pushes for “explicit instruction” under a new government model. Critics warn this one-size-fits-all approach ignores diverse learning needs, de-professionalizes teachers, and erodes educational autonomy. Compounding the controversy, a damning independent report on the education research body behind the policy has been withheld by the federal government, sparking outrage over lack of transparency and raising alarms about evidence-based reform.

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Kmart’s $89 camera glasses are flying off shelves across Australia, sparking a privacy crisis as experts warn these affordable wearables could turn public spaces into surveillance zones — with no consent, no warning, and no legal guardrails in place.

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Barnaby Joyce’s One Nation party touts a monocultural Australia, yet in his own backyard, he quietly backed refugee resettlement in Armidale — sparking a clash between party dogma and local reality.

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Melbourne police are probing a violent assault at Camp Sovereignty where a 37-year-old protester was attacked by two strangers trying to extinguish a campfire, suffering facial injuries and receiving on-scene medical attention — another alarming incident in a site that has hosted Indigenous resistance since 2006.

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A major construction site collapse in Ultimo, Sydney, sent debris crashing onto Wattle Street and a nearby Shell station, injuring two workers—one in his 30s, the other in his 60s—both hospitalized in serious condition. Five others were checked out by paramedics with no injuries. Emergency crews and police rushed to the scene, evacuating nearby buildings and cordoning off the area as investigations begin into what caused the sudden structural failure. This dramatic incident serves as a sobering reminder of construction site risks—even with safety protocols in place. Updates are still coming as authorities assess damage and determ...

Dreaming of coastal living without breaking the bank? New data reveals hot spots along Victoria’s coast where buyer interest is surging—and prices are still under a million bucks. Indented Head leads with 79% more inquiries, while Newcomb and Dennington offer beach vibes for under $650K. For units, Portland’s skyrocketing demand (up 188%) and $325K median price make it national leader. Mornington Peninsula’s Capel Sound and Dromana, plus Wonthaggi and Newcomb, also show strong unit growth under $500K. Experts say this is a sign of future value—and winter’s slower market could be your perfect buying window.

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The Garma Festival just wrapped up in the Northern Territory, spotlighting the powerful Yolngu bunggal dance and bringing together clans like Gumatj and Galpu in a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Beyond the ceremonies, it’s a crucial national forum for Indigenous rights and future-focused dialogue, with federal ministers Penny Wong and Malarndirri McCarthy in attendance. From face-painting to intergenerational dancing, it’s a living archive of tradition — a defiant, dazzling testament to the enduring spirit of Arnhem Land.

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Melbourne’s housing crisis is colliding with heritage preservation in a fiery debate over turning St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — an old orphanage and protected school — into a 76-unit apartment tower, two stories taller than allowed. While the council calls it unlawful, the developer is bypassing local approval by heading straight to the state Planning Minister under a fast-track program meant to boost affordable housing. Critics fear this sets a dangerous precedent, sidelining community input and traditional planning rules. Supporters argue the site needs modern housing, as long as its character survives. With narrow streets and single-story neighbors, question...

Gambling giants allegedly dangled drugs, free stays, and escorts to lure high rollers—even as one massive gambler faced theft charges. Refugee advocates sound the alarm over rising homelessness among temporary visa holders after a young Nepalese student died sleeping rough. Fuel prices surge back above $2/litre as the government warns service stations not to exploit the tax cut’s end. In Victoria, new Premier Ben Carroll surprises by filling just one of three cabinet vacancies, hinting at strategic power plays ahead of the election. Meanwhile, NSW’s Transurban strikes a deal to ease Sydney’s toll chaos—with weekly cap...

Matt Canavan’s claim that 12 million hectares of land would be needed for renewables sparked backlash after experts revealed the figure was wildly inflated — the actual estimate from Net Zero Australia is just 2 million hectares. The original source included replacing fossil fuel exports, a broader scope not mentioned. Critics called the claim “plain wrong and plain silly,” noting the same report also quietly cited 5 million hectares for new forests — a detail conveniently omitted. Meanwhile, myths about renewables driving up prices or harming grid reliability are being debunked: price hikes stem from global fossil fuel costs, and reliability issues come from retir...

Alan Jones, the legendary 85-year-old radio host, is facing a dramatic 22-count trial for alleged indecent assault and sexual touching spanning nearly two decades — from 2003 to 2020 — involving six victims. The case, expected to last four months and feature 76 witnesses, centers on claims he targeted younger men in his professional and social circles. Jones denies all charges, calling them false. A major courtroom battle this week involved media access: Jones’s team sought to block coverage of in-camera testimony, but Judge Glenn Walsh denied it, citing that at least one complainant supported public reporting. The youngest victim, then just 17, will testif...

New South Wales is in the grip of a devastating crisis as record numbers of First Nations people die in prison custody, with two deaths already this month alone — including a 27-year-old who took his own life just three months into incarceration. His mother’s grief underscores the human cost behind the statistics, revealing a vibrant man full of love and passion for his family and sports. In just four months, First Nations people made up 41% of new prison entrants — the highest proportion ever recorded — while the overall prison population surged faster than in the previous four years combined. Despite...