Melbourne Airport has unveiled $4.5 billion expansion plans including five new international gates, wider arrivals and check-in halls, with passenger fees expected to more than double from $35. Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced construction progress on the airport rail link, with Sunshine Station being redeveloped and new stations at Albion and Tottenham underway. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed determination to commence high-speed rail between Melbourne and Sydney via Newcastle, though no business case, funding or timeline has been established.

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Two men have been arrested over the kidnapping and death of Chris Baghsarian, whose body was discovered yesterday. Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Marks confirmed the remains were found at the property where Baghsarian was allegedly held hostage. Police believe more than three people were involved in the joint criminal enterprise and investigations continue to identify all participants.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was heckled by climate protesters during a speech at Crown Melbourne's Future Victoria business event, with two demonstrators demanding an end to coal and gas projects before being removed by security. The incident occurred less than 18 hours after the Prime Minister was evacuated from the Lodge in Canberra for three hours due to a bomb threat, which was later found to be unsubstantiated. The security threat may be linked to an upcoming performance by a New York-based Chinese dance company that has been targeted by Beijing.

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Troy Maskell has been found guilty of manslaughter for the second time following a Supreme Court retrial. The 42-year-old assaulted 73-year-old postmaster John Bourke at a service station on the Murray Valley Highway near Shepparton in August 2021, leading to Bourke's death in hospital two months later. Maskell had previously been jailed for eight years before being granted a retrial by the appeals court after a substantial miscarriage of justice was found.

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English comedian Russell Brand has pleaded not guilty to two additional sexual offences in a London court, denying accusations of rape and sexual assault from 2009, while also contesting charges related to four women between 1999 and 2005. A volcano northwest of Port Vila in Vanuatu has erupted, producing a three-kilometre ash plume with no immediate threat to homes or flights. In Huber Heights, Ohio, police apprehended a suspect who attempted to hide in a garbage bin after fleeing a traffic stop.

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Melbourne-born American TV host Savannah Guthrie has announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the whereabouts of her mother, Nancy, who was abducted from her home 24 days ago. The reward comes alongside a $500,000 donation to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement continues to investigate the case, including examining images of a masked man captured during the investigation.

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The United Kingdom has implemented new border control requirements for Australian travellers, mandating an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing $32 for entry. Dual Australian-British citizens face additional complications, requiring either a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement costing over $1,100. Qantas and Singapore Airlines have temporarily eased restrictions, allowing dual citizens to travel with a current Australian passport and an expired UK passport issued in 1989 or later.

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Former Prince Andrew faces unprecedented criticism in the British House of Commons, where MPs broke with royal convention to describe him as rude, arrogant and entitled. The debate centred on his conduct as trade envoy, with anecdotes emerging of him disparaging government achievements to foreign dignitaries, making controversial comments about the military, and demanding luxury accommodation. UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant delivered a scathing assessment as the government agreed to release documents relating to Andrew's role, which is currently under police investigation.

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Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history, speaking for one hour and 48 minutes about America's economy, tariffs, and potential conflict with Iran. The speech came four days after the Supreme Court struck down most of his reciprocal tariff agenda, ruling the import taxes on virtually every country illegal. Trump addressed the Iran situation, stating his preference for diplomacy while emphasising he will never allow the nation to possess nuclear weapons.

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Australia's latest inflation figures show headline inflation steady at 3.8% while underlying inflation has risen to 3.4%, remaining outside the Reserve Bank's target band of 2-3%. Treasurer Jim Chalmers attributes the stubborn inflation to federal government energy rebates, while Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson criticises government spending levels. The Reserve Bank board will meet on 16 March to decide on potential interest rate changes.

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