Donald Trump has abandoned plans to impose a toll on the Strait of Hormuz, opting instead for new trade and investment agreements with Gulf states. The waterway remains open to all traffic except Iran as the US blockade resumes. Ongoing strikes between the US and Iran continue to escalate as diplomatic efforts stall.

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Arthur's Seat on the Mornington Peninsula features a sky safari gondola system with 34 safari-style gondolas, each weighing 750 kilos and carrying up to eight passengers. The gondola ride reaches Tower 9, which sits 21 metres in the air, offering 360-degree views of Port Phillip Bay, Western Port Bay, and Melbourne. The gondolas feature removable windows for an open-air safari experience.

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Queensland is on alert for its potentially first case of bird flu after a sick seabird was rescued from Anusa Beach by twin animal rescuers Bridget and Paula Powers. The bird is currently being tested, with results expected within two weeks, and if confirmed would bring Australia's national toll to 14 cases. The Powers sisters are caring for the bird in a makeshift quarantine facility on the Sunshine Coast, taking full precautions to prevent potential spread to other wildlife.

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Queensland is on alert for its potentially first case of bird flu after a sick seabird was rescued from Anusa Beach by twin animal rescuers Bridget and Paula Powers. The bird is currently being tested, with results expected within two weeks, and if confirmed would bring Australia's national toll to 14 cases. The Powers sisters are caring for the bird in a makeshift quarantine facility on the Sunshine Coast, taking full precautions to prevent potential spread to other wildlife.

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Melbourne coffee company St. Ali is sending four baristas to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to serve coffee to over 250 Australian athletes throughout the competition. The initiative aims to provide Australian competitors with a taste of home and their preferred coffee orders during the Games. St. Ali CEO Lachlan Ward explains the logistics of transporting their coffee expertise internationally, including accommodating various milk alternatives and caffeine preferences for the athletes.

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An 80-year-old Perth grandfather lost $300,000 and his home to a romance scam after meeting someone on Facebook who requested money over three years. Romance scams are increasing in Australia, with technology like AI making them more sophisticated, including the ability to fake video calls. Private investigators report clients losing up to $90,000, often taking out personal loans or second mortgages, with scammers willing to wait months before requesting money.

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Queensland has introduced a major crackdown on illegal e-bikes and e-scooters following 17 fatalities since the beginning of 2025. Police have seized over 100 dangerous devices and issued more than 420 fines for offences including not wearing helmets and drink riding since new laws took effect in July. From the end of August, children aged 12 to 17 will require parental supervision or a licence to operate these devices, with fines ranging from $518 for not wearing a helmet to $7,000 for drink riding.

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Sam Neill, the acclaimed actor known for Jurassic Park, My Brilliant Career and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, has passed away at age 78. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023 and announced he was cancer-free in April, with reports indicating pneumonia played a role in his death. Tributes from colleagues including Steven Spielberg highlight Neill's reputation as a gentleman and decent human being, with his prolific career spanning big-budget Hollywood films, independent productions and television series across New Zealand, Australia and internationally.

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A Resolve political monitor poll reveals 61% of Australians support falling house prices, with majorities across all age, political and income groups including property investors, renters and homeowners. The poll also shows modest support for budget changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, though 42% remain undecided on these tax policies. Debate centres on whether public confusion stems from government messaging failures or lack of understanding about how the changes would tax individual investors at 25-47% compared to 10% for super funds and 15% for foreign investors.

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A restaurant in the United States has implemented a strict policy charging parents for damage caused by their children, including fines of $470 for a broken credit card machine, over $150 for graffiti on a tabletop, and $10 for a broken teacup. The policy requires children to remain seated and holds parents financially liable for all property damage. Panel discussion reveals divided opinions on whether parents should be charged for accidents versus intentional bad behaviour by their children.

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