Stories from Sydney · Australia

Australia's largest private child care operator will close up to 40 of its centres. One of Australia's largest childcare operators, G8 Education, announced plans to close dozens of its underperforming centres. Approximately 40 centres, representing nearly 10 percent of its locations, are earmarked for closure. Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson described the move as a potential circuit breaker if state governments engage in formal negotiations. Premier Roger Cook has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to begin these negotiations. Almost 10 per cent of underperforming education centres are being earmarked for closure. The specific number of centres identified for closure is 40. The company cited falling enrolments and rising costs as contributing factors to the decision. The operator manages brands including Head Start, Jelly Beans, and Cool.

Unions have cautioned that this year's annual wage review claim must exceed the initial 5% request. The report was issued from Aizawl. The risk specifically affects schools, churches, halls, and government buildings in the Lunglei district. Local officials noted that more than seventy instances of heavy rain have been recorded in the area. The report indicates an increasing risk of such geological events in the region. No specific casualty counts or immediate evacuation orders were mentioned in the report. Rockfalls and landslides are occurring in the Lunglei district of Mizoram. No specific casualty numbers or immediate damage assessments were provided in the report. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected in southern Brazil, specifically in the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. Multiple weather systems are acting jointly to produce localized storms.

A key witness has changed their evidence in a high-profile double murder case in Sydney. A 63-year-old woman was arrested in Sydney's inner west this morning in connection with a high-profile double murder trial. New South Wales police stated she was refused bail.

Former ACCC boss Rod Sims welcomed proposed news reforms but expressed concern that they do not cover artificial intelligence summarizing news articles. Sims is urging the government to target AI summarization in future regulatory actions.

NRL captain Jerome Luai will join the Chiefs for the 2028 season on a deal lasting up to three years. The 29-year-old player is contracted to the Chiefs for the 2028 and 2029 seasons with an option to remain in 2030. Luai, a four-time Premiership winner, will stay with the Tigers for the remainder of the current season and through 2027. The player will receive a tax-free deal according to the report. Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson stated that Luai was selected to lead the club's entry into the competition. The signing is described as being about more than rugby league. West Tigers player Jerome Luai has signed a multi-year contract with the PNG NRL franchise, the Chiefs. Luai will reportedly earn at least $1 million more over the course of the contract compared to his West Tigers agreement due to tax-free status in Papua New Guinea. He is set to become the face of the new franchise.

The mother of Beau Lamar Condon is facing charges in connection with the deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. The suspect allegedly used a police-issue Glock pistol to kill the two men at a home in Paddington. Homicide Squad detectives charged Colleen Lamar with allegedly attempting to influence a key witness to change their evidence. The charge of perverting the course of justice follows the 2024 deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. The case involves a former police officer's mother in the high-profile double homicide investigation. Her son, Beau Lamar Condon, is currently awaiting trial for an alleged double murder that occurred in February 2024. Lamar is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow. The report was provided by Chantel Alcoury. Police arrested 63-year-old Colleen Lamar in Balmain, Sydney's inner west, this morning.

An investigation into a Qantas flight that experienced a failure during takeoff found the engine was days away from its scheduled retirement. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737. The report details the mechanical failure occurred during the takeoff phase of the flight.

Player Lwai has decided to leave the Tigers mid-year despite having a good season. Lwai stated the decision was difficult for his family to consider given the timing. Tigers coach Benji Marshall expressed support for the player despite the move being hurtful to the team.

A commentator on ABC NewsRadio AU called for a national plan to eradicate poverty in Australia. The proposal includes robust measurement, clear targets, improved care affordability, and reduction of household debts.

Only 22% of Australians believe the next generation will be better off, according to recent data. Concerns are increasing regarding intergenerational inequality and gaps in workforce participation.