Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will transform a two-kilometre stretch of Oxford Street into a celebration of diversity and inclusion this weekend. Almost 10,000 marchers and 170 floats will parade from Hyde Park to Moore Park, a route now officially on the National Heritage Register. For the first time, Metro and Rail services will run 24 hours to transport partygoers throughout the night.

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Hillary Clinton testified before a congressional committee for six hours, denying any connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former Secretary of State stated she never met Epstein, flew on his plane, or visited his properties, whilst labelling the deposition a political distraction from President Trump's actions. Democrats have called for the release of documents allegedly detailing sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump that were excluded from the publicly released Epstein files, whilst the Department of Justice reviews whether files were improperly withheld.

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US and Iran nuclear talks in Geneva have concluded with officials announcing significant progress, though few details have been released. The USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier has positioned itself off Israel's coast, completing the largest US military buildup in the region since the 2003 Gulf War. Iran has released state television footage of military rehearsals and warned of devastating consequences if the US launches strike action, while both sides await President Donald Trump's response to the negotiation outcomes.

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Reverend Jesse Jackson's remains were transported through Chicago streets in a procession that ended at Rainbow Push headquarters, the civil rights organisation he founded. Hundreds gathered for the memorial service as family members mourned and the public paid their respects. This marks the first of several memorial services honouring the late civil rights leader.

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Sydney experienced severe flash flooding with more than 100 millimetres of rain falling within three hours, triggering 42 priority rescues and nearly 500 emergency calls. Western suburbs including Fairfield and Lidcombe were among the worst affected, with around a dozen residents evacuated as water surged into homes and streets transformed into rivers. Emergency crews responded to drivers trapped on submerged roads while major routes were shut down during the evening commute.

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The federal government has placed conditions on more than 60 childcare centres across Australia since August for failing to meet quality and safety standards. Half were given until February to improve, with nine centres potentially facing the loss of taxpayer funding, while 19 have already achieved compliance. Personal devices like mobile phones are now banned in childcare centres.

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A 16-year-old boy faces court charged over his alleged involvement in an underworld kidnapping in Sydney's west, where four masked men abducted a 53-year-old man outside a tobacconist in Mount Pritchard. The victim was held hostage for two days at a property in Dural before heavily armed police stormed the location. Police continue searching for the four men captured on CCTV during the abduction, with investigators believing the teenager was not among those who carried out the kidnapping.

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A drunk driver lost control on Chapel Street in Windsor, Melbourne around 10pm, striking an 18-year-old woman and a 63-year-old man, leaving both seriously injured. The 33-year-old driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by nearby business owners who restrained him until police arrived. He was taken to hospital as a precaution and is expected to face charges.

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Children of two ISIS brides held in a Kurdish-controlled camp in Syria could potentially gain Australian citizenship through their deceased Australian fathers, who were Islamic State fighters, pending DNA testing. Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley has formally resigned from Parliament, triggering a by-election in the New South Wales seat of Farrer, which includes the city of Albury. Multiple parties including the Teals, Nationals, One Nation and Liberals are expected to contest the seat.

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Commonwealth Bank has called in police to investigate up to $1 billion in potentially fraudulent home loans, with documents allegedly created using AI forgeries. The bank has stated that no money has been lost, as the exposed loans are being paid down by borrowers and are secured against properties. The revelations emerge as the bank announces plans to expand artificial intelligence use within its operations.

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