- rippledmind

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ― C.S. Lewis

Penny Wong sets the ball rolling
Australia’s chief diplomat has touched down in Washington, where a meeting could set the stage for talks between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump.
‘Bugger off’: Albo rejects Trump ‘snub’
Anthony Albanese is insisting he has a “respectful” relationship with Donald Trump as months drag on without a meeting in sight.
‘Fast enough?’: Ex-spy chief’s key question
A former spy chief has revealed what he thinks the “real issue” with Australia’s defence spending is.
‘Don’t know’: Chilling truth about Iran
The head of the agency responsible for controlling nuclear weapons has made a chilling admission in just three words: “We don’t know.”
Awful sight aid worker ‘will never unsee’
He has been to countless warfronts, but it’s the cries and screams of children in pain that have gotten to UNICEF spokesman James Elder.

Taiwan’s President Takes on China, and His Opponents, in Speaking Tour
Lai Ching-te is ramping up his warnings about China’s threat to Taiwan. Critics say he is stoking divisions, and risking blowback from Beijing.
How the Hottest Place in India Survives
7:30 p.m., 37° C, 99° F
Tuesday Briefing
The sliding U.S. dollar.
How Lisa Laurén’s Artsy Childhood Inspires Her Sought-After Animal Heads
A sought-after textile artist applies a can-do spirit from her artsy childhood in a Swedish commune to creating animal costume heads for performers. They cost from $2,500 to $3,500.
Political Rivalry in Zambia Extends to Funeral of Former President Edgar Lungu
The burial site of Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s former president, has become the latest conflict in a relationship marred by hostility

Update on major airport amid ‘bomb cyclone’
Sydney Airport has given a major update on its operations after a “bomb cyclone” wreaks havoc for travellers along the east coast.
Beloved Play School actor dies at 86
Tributes have begun to pour in for a beloved Australian actor and original Play School presenter following his death aged 86.
‘Ridiculous Mexican standoff’ killing
A man has lost his appeal after a “ridiculous Mexican standoff” ended in tragedy, with his life sentence upheld for fatally shooting another man.
91km of Sydney coastline face ‘bomb cyclone’
Millions of residents along a 91km stretch of the NSW coastline have been urged to stay indoors - with the worst of the freak weather system “yet to come”.
Soy milk, rice cakes branded ‘junk food’
One Australian state has officially labelled fortified soy milk and rice cakes as “junk food” as part of a controversial ad ban that also targeted ham sandwiches.