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Whales were happier during the COVID pandemic when humans weren't around, scientists find

Scientists find eastern Australian humpback whales benefited from a reduction in human activity on the ocean during the first year of the pandemic, recording lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 
A whale splashes around

Daughter of man killed in suspected arson attack in Melbourne's west joins calls for information

Two Sunshine North men were killed when the factory they were sleeping in was destroyed by a fire that police believe was deliberately lit.
A factory fire

Five quick hits — Aussies spoil the Murray party, Kokkinakis fearing the worst, Fritz gives opponent a send-off after win

All the emotions come out at Wimbledon on day four, with Aussies spoiling the Murray party, Thanasi Kokkinakis fearing the worst after another injury, while American Taylor Fritz fires up at an opponent after his victory.
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Tennis player Andy Murray stands on Centre Court at Wimbledon, with arms raised acknowledging the crowd.

analysis:Two major stories explain the rise of Labour in the UK: the first is Britons' disillusionment with the Tories

Amid a period of global instability, the apparent Labour landslide shows the UK has lurched to the centre-left while much of Europe is moving to the right. Two major stories are now emerging.
A man stands behind a lectern inside in front of a red banner that says '5 missions for a better future'

Horse trainer Darren Weir receives two-year ban for using an electrical device on horses in 2018

The Victorian Racing Tribunal disqualifies Darren Weir from racing for another two years for using an electronic shock device known as a jigger on three horses.
Trainer Darren Weir stands with three of his horses

Teens aboard tall ship rescue capsized kayaker from crocodile-prone Queensland waters

A group of young sailors spending their school holidays on an eight-day tall ship voyage have helped pluck two stranded kayakers from dangerous waters near Hinchinbrook Island.
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A tall ship passing a mountainous island.

Australian man sentenced to rehabilitation in Indonesia after possessing drugs in Bali

Troy Smith, who was arrested in April after police found methamphetamine in his hotel room in Bali, is sentenced to six-month drug rehabilitation by an Indonesian court.
Troy Smith sits in a courtroom.

Man convicted of plotting to kidnap, rape and murder UK television presenter Holly Willoughby

The Essex security guard meticulously planned how he would kidnap the This Morning presenter from her home — even going as far as to purchase a kidnap kit for the purpose. 
A woman on a red carpet with a black and red sparkly dress

Horse therapy helps heal trauma and improve wellbeing for First Nations youths

Athena Perkusich says her special bond with a horse helps her connect and relax. She is among thousands of young people benefiting from an equine program in the Kimberley.  
A girl with brown hair standing next to a white horse.

'Historic homecoming': New York's The Met returns 14 looted sculptures to Cambodia

The sculptures were looted from the country during a period of war and unrest and their return is like welcoming home the souls of ancestors, Cambodia's culture minister says. 
A Cambodia statue of a Buddha.

From remote dust bowls to the world stage, SA surfers on the long road to go pro

Some of the state's most talented surfers are creating serious ripples on the national and international competitive circuit, but the path to compete at the highest levels is a costly one and there's little government support.
a teenager on a surfboard crouches in a tube

Penrith Panthers release controversial centre Taylan May

Centre Taylan May has parted company with Penrith, bringing to a close a bitter backroom feud between the NRL club and the troubled player.
Taylan May wears headphones

The entrepreneurial generation: Why Gen Z-ers want to work for themselves

Bianca Purdie moved straight into nine-to-five work after school but soon burnt out. Now the owner of her own business, like four in five Gen Z-ers, she says she would rather work for herself.
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Young woman dressed in black holding a large camera, sitting on a bed and smiling.

Polls said Keir Starmer was 'incompetent'. He looks set to win the UK's election anyway

They were criticised for their "cautious" strategy, but Sir Keir Starmer and Labour orchestrated what is expected to be a landslide victory through being the "least unpopular" options.
Updated
A man in a suit smiling and looking on, seen from close up.

We're not the fireworks 'fun police', say authorities after NT cracker night crackdown at outback border

Authorities patrolled a remote part of the Queensland-Nothern Territory border this week following the NT's "Cracker Night", and say many people are unaware of the jail time they could face.
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police pose next to fireworks

US federal investigation opens into 2021 Chinese doping cases in run-up to Olympics

Weeks before the Paris Olympics, World Aquatics confirms a US criminal investigation is underway into the cases of 23 Chinese swimmers who failed doping tests in 2021 but were allowed to continue competing. 
A person unfurls a large Chinese flag at a stadium, many photographers are seen in the background

Brisbane's oldest house has a $6 million renovation, courtesy of taxpayers

The derelict Newstead House heritage museum was shut to the public in 2021 for repairs, but it is ready to hold a grand reopening.
A woman sits on a lawn next to a house

Hospital plan delayed, and for cancer patients like Howard the decision is nothing short of 'devastating'

Busselton resident Howie George was relieved that the new hospital planned for his home town would include an oncology unit. He's been left crushed by the project's delay.
Man wearing hat sitting on park bench

live:ACCC warns east coast could face gas shortfalls by 2027, ASX lower

The Australian share market is trading lower on Friday, while a report by the ACCC has warned that the eastern states could face a gas shortfall by 2027 — a year earlier than it had previously predicted. Follow live.
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A gas flare

Fallout from live sheep export ban continues as door left open on more support for those hit

In an interview with Stateline WA, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt insists the federal government's $107 million transition package is "significant", but says discussions will continue with the state government to determine what is needed. 
sheep pic

Tour de France stage decided by a photo finish, relegation

A dramatic conclusion at the Tour de France sees a sprint contender relegated and the stage win in Dijon decided by a photo finish. 
A sprint finish at the Tour de France, with cyclists across the road, the rider on the far right will be the winner.

Triathlete, 75, would have been a victim of Australia's 'silent killer' if not for quick-thinking strangers

Greg Messer collapsed and clinically died — for more than 15 minutes — after a cardiac arrest in October 2020 following a triathlon swim,  but the actions of those nearby who knew CPR saved his life.
Updated
Greg Messer and Nicola Wellings in the water at Hervey Bay's Torquay Beach

'There will be recriminations': Britain set to dump government after 14 years, exit poll predicts

Britain's ruling Conservative Party appears set to be thrown out of government after 14 years, with an exit poll predicting it is facing a devastating and historic defeat. 
Updated
A man and a woman walk out of a building smiling, with electoral signs also visible

British man carrying Legend of Zelda sword in public as a fidget toy faces jail time

Anthony Bray, 48, from Nuneaton, east of Birmingham, says he bought the 20 centimetre replica sword online as a fidget toy.
A composite image of a man and a sword next to a ruler

'Uncivilised, lazy, violent': Arrernte leader says narratives around Aboriginal people in Alice Springs must change

With election day just months away in the Northern Territory, a prominent Indigenous leader is calling on politicians — and the media — to change the narrative around Aboriginal people.
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A phot of an Indigenous man looking directly at the camera with Indigenous mural in background.

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