Iran has rejected signing a peace deal with the United States, despite President Donald Trump's hopes for an agreement to coincide with his 80th birthday. Tensions remain high in the region with ongoing Hezbollah attacks on Israeli cities, Israeli strikes on Lebanon causing civilian casualties, and continued activity at the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar and Pakistan are serving as intermediaries in negotiations between the US and Iran, though the Iranian regime is taking a hardline position in talks.

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Scientists have declared that chocolate tastes better when stored in the fridge, citing enhanced flavour and a crisper snap when breaking the block. The finding reignites the longstanding debate between fridge and pantry storage preferences. Television presenters discuss their personal chocolate storage habits, from freezing mint slices to keeping chocolate at room temperature.

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The Chocolate Trees in Yarra Glen, Victoria, has been attracting 1.2 million visitors annually since 2012, producing over 300 tonnes of chocolate per year. The popular Yarra Valley destination features elaborate chocolate displays, including one-metre chocolate bars and various confectionery products. Morning weather conditions across Australian cities include showers for Cairns at 26 degrees, partly cloudy skies for Melbourne at 18 degrees, and sunny conditions for Darwin at 32 degrees.

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Kirsten Tibballs, known as the Queen of Chocolate, demonstrates how to make a chocolate caramel and peanut tart featuring a cookie dough base with cornflakes and peanuts, a crunch layer, stretchy piped caramel, and vanilla cream topping. The dessert uses Belgian chocolate with high cocoa content and will be featured at the Good Food and Wine Show at Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 19th to 21st. The tart combines multiple textures and techniques including caramelisation and chocolate tempering.

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A teen drama series combining hockey and romance has reached 36 million viewers in its first 12 days, breaking viewership records worldwide. Off Campus depicts healthy relationships, positive friendships, and non-toxic masculinity, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional dramatic narratives. Clinical psychologist Shuktika Bose explains the series resonates because it shows the kinds of supportive, honest relationships people want but rarely see portrayed in media.

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Teachers at a prominent Perth high school are proposing to reduce school terms from 10 weeks to nine weeks, arguing that additional holidays would reduce student burnout and improve academic performance. The proposal raises questions about balancing student wellbeing with parental work schedules and the broader purpose of education. Debate centres on whether schools should prioritise academic output, teach resilience, or accommodate family logistics.

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A 35-year-old woman is fighting for life in critical but stable condition after being attacked by a 3.5-metre great white shark at Coogee Beach, Sydney. Off-duty lifeguard Charlie Verco, 24, was training nearby when he heard screams and witnessed the shark attack. Despite the danger, he paddled towards the injured swimmer, held her head above water while she lost consciousness, and brought her safely to shore where medical professionals could treat her.

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The Federal Government has confirmed it will not extend the fuel excise cut beyond 30 June, meaning petrol prices will rise by at least 32 cents per litre, potentially up to 40 cents. The excise cut cost more than $2 billion for three months and successfully helped reduce inflation. Commentators debate whether extending the measure would benefit families struggling with cost of living pressures or worsen inflation and lead to higher mortgage rates.

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A 17-year-old has been charged with four offences after allegedly dragging a police officer 20 metres while attempting to flee arrest at traffic lights in Villawood, Sydney. In a separate incident, a police officer was injured when the driver of an allegedly stolen car accelerated towards and struck him following a pursuit that ended in a crash at Bass Hill. Both incidents occurred within 24 hours, marking a dangerous period for New South Wales police.

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Police managed protesters at a One Nation fundraising event in South Melbourne where Pauline Hanson announced her intention to work with the Coalition to defeat Victoria's Labor government at the November election. The event was relocated from Moonee Ponds due to protest threats, with demonstrators forcing Hanson to exit through a back door. New polling shows Victorian Labor's primary vote has dropped to 21%, falling behind both One Nation and the Coalition, suggesting a possible change of government.

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