BTN Newsbreak 24/06/2025
Early this morning, President Donald Trump announced on social media that Israel and Iran have agreed to a "complete and total" ceasefire that would begin later in the day. The post came soon after Iran launched missiles at a US Military base in Qatar, in retaliation for the US bombing three of Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend. The news of a ceasefire was welcomed by leaders around the world. In the hours leading up to President Trump officially announcing the ceasefire had begun, Iran launched a number of deadly attacks on Israel. However, many are hoping President Trump's declaration of a ceasefire will now lead to a more permanent end to the fighting.
SOCIAL MEDIA BAN
Australia's eSafety Commissioner wants YouTube to be added to the government's social media ban. The ban is set to come into effect in December of this year, but some of the details are still being hashed out. YouTube was initially going to be part of the ban, but then was made exempt, with the government saying it helped young people access education and health support they needed. But now E-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant wants the government to reconsider.
LAB GROWN MEAT
Food regulators say we're now allowed to eat meat made from a lab, and surprisingly, it doesn't look as weird as you'd think. The meat on that plate was created by Sydney company Vow. They collected individual cells from a Japanese Quail, which is a small bird, without harming it, and put them in a large tank of liquid like this one. It's turned into a paste, which then gets made into a meat product. Meat has been made this way for over a decade, but only handful of countries like Singapore and the Netherlands approved it as safe for sale. After a 2 year approval process, this quail meat from Vow has been approved in Australia, and could hit restaurant menus in a couple months. So is it something you'd be keen to try?
LARGEST DIGITAL CAMERA
First to the air with the world's largest digital camera at an observatory in Chile, designed to help us learn more about space. This animation has been made from the camera's first 1,100 images, revealing around 10 million galaxies.
WHALE TOOLS
Now to the sea where some very clever Orcas, who for the first time ever, have been caught on camera using tools! Yep, these two whales have rolled a bunch of kelp together, which scientists believe they designed to help groom each other.
FINKE CRASH
And finally to... land. Yeah these guys were recently racing in the Northern Territory's Finke Desert Race, when their car took a tumble. Now, they've released footage of the crash from inside the vehicle. No-one was injured at all, thank goodness, and the drivers involved say it's all thanks to careful planning and safety systems.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News AU
an hour ago
- Sky News AU
President Donald Trump signs 'Big, Beautiful Bill' into law as United States celebrates Independence Day
President Donald Trump has signed his landmark 'Big, Beautiful Bill' into law on an historic Independence Day for the United States. The mega tax and spending bill cleared its last hurdle on Thursday after narrowly passing the US Congress with 218-214 votes. On Friday Trump staged an outdoor ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, where hundreds gathered in unison including White House aides, members of Congress, and military families, to support the President's landmark moment, following a tumultuous battle. Military jets soared overhead in salute as the President rejoiced in his victory. The stealth bombers and fighter jets resembled those that took part in the recent US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. After a speech that included boastful claims about the ascendance of America on his watch, Trump signed the bill, posed for pictures with Republican congressional leaders and members of his cabinet, and waded through the crowd of happy supporters. The controversial bill is expected to fund Trump's immigration crackdown, make his 2017 tax cuts permanent, and is expected to knock millions of Americans off health insurance. "I've never seen people so happy in our country because of that, because so many different groups of people are being taken care of: the military, civilians of all types, jobs of all types," Trump said at the ceremony, thanking House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune for leading the bill through the two houses of Congress. "So you have the biggest tax cut, the biggest spending cut, the largest border security investment in American history." The bill represents a dramatic realignment of the federal government's role in American life, shifting resources from the social safety net and investments in clean energy and reorienting them to finance trillions of dollars in spending on tax cuts. Despite concerns within Trump's party over the bill's hefty price tag and its hit to healthcare programs, in the end just two of the House's 220 Republicans voted against it, following an intense overnight standoff. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin predicted the law would cost Republicans votes in congressional elections in 2026. "Today, Donald Trump sealed the fate of the Republican Party, cementing them as the party for billionaires and special interests - not working families," Martin said in a statement. "This legislation will hang around the necks of the GOP for years to come. This was a full betrayal of the American people. Today, we are putting Republicans on notice: you will lose your majority." -With Reuters
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Synagogue fire sparks evacuation, protesters target Israeli restaurant in Melbourne
A suspicious fire at an East Melbourne synagogue has forced those inside to flee through the rear of the building, with Premier Jacinta Allan slamming the 'disgraceful behaviour'. Police also responded to a protest targeting an Israeli restaurant in the city's CBD near the same time. An unknown man entered the grounds of the Albert St synagogue at about 8pm, pouring a flammable liquid on the front door and setting it alight before fleeing on foot, police say. Firefighters attended the scene and the fire was contained to the entrance. Police have confirmed about 20 people were inside the synagogue at the time of the incident and were forced to escape through the rear entrance. No injuries were reported. An arson chemist will examine the scene and police are reviewing CCTV and other evidence. The motivation behind the incident is still being investigated. 'Police are engaging with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure appropriate supports are in place,' Victoria Police said in a statement. 'There is absolutely no place in our society for anti-Semitic or hate-based behaviour.' In a separate incident, about 70 protesters gathered on Swanston Street about 5.30pm to demonstrate against police presence at public rallies. Police said a smaller group then split off just after 8pm and walked to a restaurant on Hardware Lane and began shouting offensive chants. The front door of popular Israeli restaurant Miznon was smashed during the chaos. Police were called to the scene and directed the group to leave. A 28-year-old from Footscray was arrested for hindering police and released on summons. Others were identified for possible follow-up. 'Victoria Police is disappointed with the actions of protesters in the Melbourne CBD on Friday night,' police said in a statement. 'Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.' Miznon confirmed they were still planning to open on Saturday. Ms Allan has labelled the synagogue fire as anti-Semitism, saying it had 'no place in Victoria'. 'Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of anti-Semitism,' Ms Allan said. 'This is disgraceful behaviour by a pack of cowards,' she said. 'That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent.' Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said he was 'angry' and 'dismayed' about Friday's events. 'The criminal attacks on Israeli businesses in the CBD and the East Melbourne Synagogue are shocking, and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,' Mr Reece said. 'I am angry and dismayed that once again our community is confronted with the despicable and racist actions of a few people. My thoughts are with the Jewish and Israeli communities, who are hurting deeply after these vile attacks. 'Everyone deserves the right to enjoy the most basic human acts, like practising your faith or enjoying a meal, without being attacked or vilified.' Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin called for those responsible to face the 'full force of the law'. 'These events are a severe escalation directed towards our community and clear evidence that the antisemitism crisis is not only continuing, but getting worse. We urge all sides of politics and all Australians to condemn these deplorable crimes,' he said. 'Those who chant for death are not peace activists. Those who would burn houses of prayer with families inside do not seek an end to war.'
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discuss US weapons for Ukrainian defence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed air defences with his US counterpart, agreeing to work on increasing Kyiv's capability to "defend the sky" as Russian attacks escalate. He said in a message on Telegram he discussed joint defence production, as well as joint purchases and investments, with Donald Trump on Friday. Ukraine has been asking Washington to sell it more Patriot missiles and systems that it sees as key to defending its cities from intensifying Russian air strikes. Kyiv had warned that a decision by Washington to halt some shipments of weapons to Ukraine would weaken its ability to defend against Russia's strikes and battlefield advances. Germany said it was in talks to buy Patriot air defence systems to bridge the gap. One source briefed on the call said they were optimistic that supplies of Patriot missiles could resume after what they called a "very good" conversation between the presidents. US outlet Axios, citing unnamed sources, reported the call lasted about 40 minutes, and that Mr Trump told Mr Zelenskyy he would check what US weapons due to be sent to Ukraine, if any, had been put on hold. Mr Zelenskyy, speaking later in his nightly video address, said he and Mr Trump agreed to "arrange a meeting between our teams to strengthen air defences". "We had a very detailed discussion on joint production. We need it, America needs it," he said. The conversation came a day after Mr Trump said he had a disappointing call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia pummelled Kyiv with the largest drone attack of the war hours after Mr Trump's conversation with Mr Putin on Thursday. Mr Zelenskyy called the attack "deliberately massive and cynical". Mr Trump spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday, according to Spiegel magazine, citing government sources on Friday. The two leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, including strengthening its air defences, as well as trade issues, Spiegel reported. Kyiv previously received Patriot batteries and ammunition from the US in the form of aid under former president Joe Biden. Mr Trump criticised Mr Biden for sending weapons to Ukraine without getting anything in return. Since taking office, he has overseen a dramatic shake-up of relations with Kyiv. Reuters
