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Schools are reconsidering the widespread use of digital devices in classrooms, with some institutions returning to workbooks and handwriting as primary learning tools. Christian groups have protested the opening of the Divine Playhouse, a queer arts and theatre venue in Sydney located in a building that ceased operating as a church in 1932. China has introduced new regulations limiting the use of AI romantic companions, becoming the first country to restrict how human-like these AI bots can be in response to growing addiction among users.

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Schools are reconsidering the widespread use of digital devices in classrooms, with some institutions returning to workbooks and handwriting as primary learning tools. Christian groups have protested the opening of the Divine Playhouse, a queer arts and theatre venue in Sydney located in a building that ceased operating as a church in 1932. China has introduced new regulations limiting the use of AI romantic companions, becoming the first country to restrict how human-like these AI bots can be in response to growing addiction among users.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northern Giant Petrel found at Noosa Main Beach on the Sunshine Coast is being tested for bird flu after being collected by wildlife crews on Saturday. The bird is being held at Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue in Landsborough, where staff are taking strict biosecurity precautions while awaiting test results. This follows 13 confirmed bird flu cases across Australia since June, predominantly in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales.

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The United States has launched multiple waves of military strikes on Iranian targets in response to an Iranian drone attack on a merchant container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard retaliated with its own drone and missile attacks on US bases in neighbouring Gulf countries and claimed to have shut down the Strait of Hormuz, though both President Donald Trump and US Central Command have stated the waterway remains open. The escalation has caused oil prices to rise almost 4%, with Brent crude reaching approximately US$79 per barrel.

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At least 27 people have been killed and 63 injured in an explosive fire at a pub in northern Bangkok, Thailand, with 22 victims in critical condition. The inferno erupted shortly after midnight, with flames quickly engulfing the venue and trapping victims in bathrooms as they attempted to escape through the rear of the building. Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the scene and indicated the fire may have started in equipment near the stage where a band was performing.

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Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed following US military strikes on 140 Iranian targets, which were launched in retaliation for Iran's attack on a commercial vessel. The US Central Command disputes Iran's claim, stating the critical waterway remains open to all vessels, while President Trump warns of overwhelming force if shipping is attacked or Iranian aggression continues. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about potential impacts on global oil prices and fuel costs.

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The Albanese government is rolling out digital passenger cards at all Australian international airports and seaports over the next 12 to 18 months at a cost of $56 million. The system has been trialled on Qantas flights at Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne airports, and will expand to Adelaide and Perth by year's end before extending to all airlines. Border officials will gain better access to real-time data, improving both passenger convenience and border security.

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A Melbourne cafe on Mount Alexander Road in Essendon North was firebombed overnight, completely gutting the premises and causing damage to neighbouring businesses. The same cafe was targeted in a drive-by shooting on Friday, when multiple shots were fired and two men were arrested after police witnessed the incident. A dark-coloured SUV was seen leaving the scene before the firebombing, and the cafe owner has stated he has no idea why his business has been attacked twice in four days.

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An 81-year-old man was rushed to hospital with head lacerations and other injuries after armed intruders forced their way into his Punchbowl home around 1am. The alleged offenders remain at large while police investigate whether the Western Sydney property was deliberately targeted or if it was a case of mistaken identity. This incident marks the second attack on an elderly man in Sydney within 48 hours.

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A series of incidents across Australia includes an allegedly drunk driver crashing a Porsche SUV in Sydney's northern beaches, a suspected arsonist caught on camera torching a car in Perth's Alexander Heights, and Queensland police seizing over 100 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters under new legislation. A state funeral is being held at the Sydney Opera House for Professor Richard Scolyer, Australian of the Year and pioneering melanoma pathologist who died from brain cancer.

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