The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is monitoring potential price gouging as fuel prices surge across the country, with economists warning oil price increases could push inflation above 5%. Australian actors Rebecca Gibney and Debra Lawrence have posted bare-faced selfies in solidarity with Rachel Ward, who faced online criticism for her appearance in a video. New research reveals 92% of Brisbane residents rate their quality of life highly, compared to 82% in Melbourne and 70% in Sydney.

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is monitoring potential price gouging as fuel prices surge across the country, with economists warning oil price increases could push inflation above 5%. Australian actors Rebecca Gibney and Debra Lawrence have posted bare-faced selfies in solidarity with Rachel Ward, who faced online criticism for her appearance in a video. New research reveals 92% of Brisbane residents rate their quality of life highly, compared to 82% in Melbourne and 70% in Sydney.

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979 teenagers from 12 schools gathered at Xavier College Oval in Melbourne to simultaneously dunk themselves with icy cold water, setting a new world record for the largest ice bucket challenge. The event was organised by Fight MND, the charity created by Neale Daniher, last year's Australian of the Year and former AFL star and coach. The previous world record of 920 participants was held by a group in South Korea.

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Activewear giant Lululemon has been fined more than $700,000 by ACMA for spam email breaches. The fitness brand sent more than 370,000 emails containing marketing content without an unsubscribe option between December 2024 and January 2025. Lululemon has paid the fine and must report compliance improvements on a regular basis.

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The AFL is implementing a major overhaul of its illicit drug policy, replacing the current urine testing model with hair testing and removing the three-strike system. AFLW players will be included in drug testing for the first time under the new policy. The changes are still being finalised between the AFL and the league's Players Association.

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Qantas has announced a 5% increase in international airfares due to rising jet fuel costs, with no guarantee prices will drop when fuel costs stabilise. Passenger loads on flights to Paris and London are up 15% compared to last year as travellers seek routes avoiding the Middle East. Multiple airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa are temporarily suspending Middle East operations, with Cathay Pacific charging over $39,000 for business class seats from Sydney to London in April.

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The United States has launched its most intense bombing campaign against Iran since the conflict began, with widespread strikes hitting Tehran, Isfahan and Qaraj. Iran's missile capabilities have reportedly decreased to 10%, though the regime continues launching attacks across the Gulf region, killing one woman in Bahrain. Two additional Iranian women's football team members have refused to return home, joining five teammates who are now under Australian protection on humanitarian visas.

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Two men fired several shots at the US consulate in Toronto using a single handgun before fleeing in a white Honda SUV. The RCMP has labelled it a national security incident with potential to escalate to a terrorist incident. People were inside the building at the time, but no injuries were reported.

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A southwestern Sydney TAFE college went into lockdown after multiple students reported seeing a woman carrying what appeared to be a gun on campus. Police searched Campbelltown TAFE and later seized a water pistol from a 16-year-old girl, with no charges laid at this time.

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The United States has issued warnings of its most intensive day of strikes on Iran, with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirming the largest wave of aerial bombardment since the conflict began 10-11 days ago. President Donald Trump has hinted the conflict could end soon while threatening to increase aggression twentyfold if Iran continues blocking oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian leaders have responded with a direct warning to Trump on social media.

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