Cauchi’s mass murders put harsh spotlight on failings of mental health and police systems

Funding shortfalls and inadequate services are letting down people in psychiatric crises, the Bondi Junction stabbings inquest hears

Joel Cauchi’s mother didn’t appear before the coronial inquest examining her son’s life and the day her son murdered six people at a popular Bondi Junction shopping centre. But her presence was often felt, taking shape in the form of notes she had written to his doctor or in a conversation with a police officer.

One of the most striking moments of the inquest was when Michele Cauchi, now in her mid-70s, was filmed via body-worn video camera on a police officer.

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‘Gut punch’: top shark expert quits Queensland advisory panel after LNP expands cull program

Exclusive: Colin Simpfendorfer’s resignation from working group comes as conservationists lash expansion of lethal program they say ‘does nothing to improve beach safety’

One of Australia’s leading shark researchers has resigned from his position of almost eight years advising the Queensland shark control program, as members of that scientific working group say they were “shocked” and sidelined by the state government’s decision to expand the lethal control of sharks.

Announcing an $88m shark management plan overhaul which would see shark nets and baited drum lines designed to kill target shark species rolled out at more beaches, and existing drum lines used more intensely, the primary industries minister, Tony Perrett, claimed this week that the Liberal National party’s strategy was backed by research.

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Wildfires burning across central Canada force more people to evacuate – The Seattle Times

  1. Wildfires burning across central Canada force more people to evacuate  The Seattle Times
  2. Military aircraft evacuates residents from fast-moving Canada fire  BBC
  3. What to Know About Canada’s Wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan  The New York Times
  4. Canadian wildfires force tens of thousands to evacuate  CBS News
  5. Recent Canadian wildfires are record-breaking – and will threaten US air quality for days  The Guardian
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Hamas suggests changes in response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Israel and US envoy reject group’s proposal to free 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for release of Palestinian prisoners

Hamas said on Saturday that it had submitted its response containing some amendments to a proposal presented by Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to mediators, the most concrete sign of progress towards a ceasefire since March.

The Palestinian group said in a statement that under the deal, it will release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in return for Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners – a change to the US’s latest proposal that will make it more difficult for Israel to resume fighting if talks on a permanent ceasefire are not completed by the end of the truce.

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Valerie Mahaffey, actor known for Northern Exposure and Desperate Housewives, dies aged 71

Emmy award-winning TV, stage and film actor also known for her role in Young Sheldon died of cancer

Valerie Mahaffey, the Emmy-award winning actor known for her roles on Northern Exposure, Desperate Housewives and Young Sheldon, died on Friday. She was 71.

Her husband, actor Joseph Kell, said in a statement to Variety: “I have lost the love of my life, and America has lost one of its most endearing actresses. She will be missed.”

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Gaza latest: 31 dead after Israeli forces attack near aid centre, says Hamas-run health ministry – BBC

  1. Gaza latest: 31 dead after Israeli forces attack near aid centre, says Hamas-run health ministry  BBC
  2. At least 31 Palestinians killed after Israeli forces open fire near Gaza aid distribution center, Palestinian officials say  CNN
  3. Dozens of Palestinians killed making their way to Gaza aid hub: Report  The Hill
  4. Over 20 Killed Near Aid Distribution Site in Gaza, Palestinian Health Officials Say  The New York Times
  5. How a US-backed body plans to handle Gaza's food distribution and why aid groups oppose it  AP News
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Hegseth, at Security Forum, Vows to Strengthen America’s Asian Alliances – The New York Times

  1. Hegseth, at Security Forum, Vows to Strengthen America’s Asian Alliances  The New York Times
  2. Hegseth Warns of ‘Devastating Consequences’ Should China Seek to ‘Conquer’ Taiwan  WSJ
  3. Pete Hegseth urges Asia to boost defence against China's 'imminent' threat to Taiwan  BBC
  4. Hegseth says the U.S. will reposition military amid threat from China  NPR
  5. Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression  ABC News
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