In this bulletin, calls to protect whistleblowers as David McBride is freed on parole, revelations drones are flying over restricted Defence Force air space. And in cricket, local boy Jake Weatherfield opens for Australia against Bangladesh in Darwin.

For a few extraordinary minutes, day turned to night across parts of the world, as the Moon passed between the Earth and the Sun. For those beneath its shadow, the eclipse was not just a spectacle, but a reminder of how small we are in a much bigger universe.

New South Wales and the Commonwealth Government have agreed to provide a $2.5 billion bail out for the Tomago Aluminium Smelter over ten years. The smelter consumes around 10 per cent of power supplies in New South Wales, and had been facing closure due to rising energy costs.

New South Wales and the Commonwealth Government have agreed to provide a $2.5 billion bail out for the Tomago Aluminium Smelter over ten years.



The smelter consumes around 10 per cent of power supplies in New South Wales, and had been facing closure due to rising energy costs.


Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the bail out will support new renewable generation, and enhance the security of the state's grid.



Tomago Aluminium has agreed to invest an additional $1.1 billion.

In this bulletin, jailed Whistleblower David McBride released from prison, Tasmania records its first case of the deadly H5N1 bird flu. And in Sport, Socceroos star Lucas Herrington signs a five-year deal in the English Premier League.

Two Australians rescued from a burning ferry off Indonesia ; The government’s gambling reforms sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission; And in sport, Geelong awaits an AFL decision over its concussion waiver saga.

Tensions sharpen with Iran as the US says it has total control of the Strait of Hormuz; A One Nation candidate says being gay is a mental illness in a social media video; and in Rugby League, Brian To’o gets Penrith’s blessing for his move to the PNG Chiefs

Australia joins push for 24-hour notice of missile tests after short notice of Chinese launch in July; Ukraine hands US a fresh proposal to end war with Russia; and in Rugby, Tolu Koula targets elite status ahead of 100th NRL game

The death toll rises to 250 after Colombia’s powerful earthquake; Australia and Vietnam deepen military ties; And in football, Chelsea Women prepare for a high-profile clash with the A-League All Stars in Sydney.

In this bulletin, Colombia’s earthquake death toll climbs to at least 132, interest rates are on hold at 4.35 per cent. And in sport, test cricket returns to Darwin as Australia takes on Bangladesh.

In this bulletin, talks between Vietnam's president and Anthony Albanese, rollout begins for the first vaccines to protect birds against the H5 bird flu. And in cricket, the first test between Australia and Bangladesh is underway this week.