Ukraine denies attack on Russian ships in Black Sea
Kyiv has said Ukraine never has, is not and never will attack any civilians vessels or objects.
International News
National on track to govern in latest New Zealand poll
New Zealand Labour's popularity is sinking, with one pollster saying their result in a Roy Morgan poll is the worst by an incumbent government in 32 years.
France to start evacuations from Niger
After an attack on its embassy and the grounding of commercial flights, France plans to evacuate its citizens from Niger following its seventh military coup.
Historic heat: Phoenix hits 31st straight day of 43C
The extreme heat scorching Phoenix has continued to set records as searing temperatures bake the US southwest.
Russian missiles hit Zelenskiy’s hometown, four killed
Russia has launched further attacks on southern Ukraine, including in Kryvyi Rih, where at least four people were killed including a girl and her mother.
Niger coup leaders say France is planning strikes
The French foreign ministry has not confirmed or denied suggestions its forces are planning strikes to free Niger's detained president Mohamed Bazoum.
Mourners bury dead in Pakistan after massive bomb blast
Hundreds of mourners have attended funerals in Pakistan after a massive explosion killed at least 54 people at an election rally for a pro-Taliban cleric.
Russia claims Ukrainian drones downed in Moscow attack
Moscow's mayor says Russia has thwarted an attempted Ukrainian drone attack on the city amid reports of damaged buildings.
WikiLeaks’s Assange accused of ‘very serious’ crime: US
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he knows Australia wants Julian Assange's release, but that he is accused of "very serious criminal conduct".
US’s Blinken calls for ousted Niger president’s release
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in Australia for high-level talks, has called for the immediate release of ousted Niger President Mohamed Bazoum.
Apartments, security service hit in Ukraine’s Dnipro
Missile strikes have damaged an apartment complex and a security service building in Ukraine's Dnipro, injuring nine people, according to Ukrainian officials.
Trump says he handed over security tapes
Donald Trump plans to continue his 2024 presidential campaign no matter what but insists there was no wrongdoing in his handling of security tapes.
Trump ‘asked staffer to delete Mar-a-Lago footage’
Donald Trump is facing accusations that he and aides asked a staffer to delete camera footage at his Florida estate in a bid to block investigators.
Niger coup supporters set fire to ruling party HQ
Police have used tear gas to disperse supporters of a coup in Niger after some protesters ransacked the headquarters of the ruling political party.
Ukrainian forces ‘recapture’ strategic village
A video posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Telegram channel shows Ukrainian soldiers celebrating the capture of Staromaiorske in the southeast.
European Central Bank raises key rate to historic high
The European Central Bank bank has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point - its ninth consecutive hike.
Coastal cities shut as China braces for Typhoon Doksuri
Typhoon Doksuri is expected to make landfall on China's southeast coast early on Friday after it lashed the northern Philippines, killing five people.
Greece PM says climate change ‘not an excuse’ on fires
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis says Greece must reform its firefighting and fire prevention policies and do more to alleviate the effects of climate change.
Niger president vows to save democracy after coup
Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, toppled in a military coup, has taken to social media to vow to protect "hard-won" democratic gains.
Ukraine commander says Russian missile barrage repelled
Ukrainian officials say Russian missiles have targeted the regions of Kyiv, Khmelnytskiy and Kirovohrad while their forces are set to receive 1700 drones.
Irish singer Sinead O’Connor dies aged 56
Irish singer Sinead O'Connor, known for topping the charts around the world with the 1990 song Nothing Compares 2 U, has died at the age of 56.
US Fed raises rates to highest level in 22 years
The US central bank has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, saying inflation in the country remains elevated.
Closer defence, easier travel on trans-Tasman agenda
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has been playing host to Anthony Albanese for two days in Wellington.
Spacey acquitted of all charges in UK sex offence trial
A London jury has acquitted US actor Kevin Spacey on sexual assault charges stemming from allegations by four men dating back 20 years.
Putin to discuss Ukraine with African leaders: Kremlin
A Kremlin official says Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Ukraine with the leaders from 17 African countries at a summit in St Petersburg.
Israel’s Netanyahu takes hit in polls as crisis deepens
Israel's long-serving right-wing leader Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a hit in the polls as the country's judicial crisis deepens amid mass street protests.
Trans-Tasman leaders eye easier movement after NZ talks
Anthony Albanese has landed in New Zealand for a two-day visit to discuss regional security, trade and football with counterpart Chris Hipkins.
Greece sees some respite as stubborn wildfires rage on
Greek broadcaster ERT says 10 per cent of the island of Rhodes' land area has burned while two pilots have died after their plane fighting wildfires crashed.
China replaces foreign minister after one-month absence
Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has been removed from his post after seven months in the job and been replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi.
Sudanese general warns Kenya against sending forces
Sudanese General Yassir al-Atta has forcefully rejected the idea of a regional bloc sending peacekeepers into the country.
Russia talks of retaliation for ‘Ukraine drone strike’
Russian authorities say the army "reserves the right to take harsh retaliatory measures" after two suspected Ukrainian drones attacked buildings in Moscow.