Trump seeks urgent meeting with Putin, Rubio says
Source: Rubio in an interview with CBS News, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Rubio expressed his belief that a personal meeting between Trump and Putin is the only way to progress negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
He noted that Trump has publicly proposed such a meeting.
"The mechanics of setting that kind of meeting up would require a little bit of work, so I can't say that's being planned as we speak in terms of picking a site and a date. But the president wants to do it. He wants to do it as soon as feasible," Rubio said.
Background:
US President Donald Trump said on Friday 16 May that he "may" call Russian leader Vladimir Putin to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
Trump also believes that Putin is tired of the war and insists that a peace agreement requires his direct involvement.
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Bunnings rolls out new checkout feature, Trump laughs at Zelensky response to journalist, children targeted as crackdown rolls on
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Tuesday. Bunnings and Flybuys have announced a new way shoppers can save as they checkout. Find out more below. Donald Trump has met with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, with the US president giving security guarantees to Ukraine if a deal to end the war with Russia is secured. The meeting was starkly different in tone from their previous Oval Office encounter in February, where Zelensky was repeatedly berated by Trump in front of media. Police are continuing to crackdown on e-bikes across the country, with authorities in Brisbane targeting children along a popular track. Read more below. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. WA premier says baby may have been in stormwater drain for two weeks We bring you an update now from WA's premier, who has said the baby found dead in a stormwater drain could have been there for two weeks before the body was spotted. The horrifying discovery of the infant was made in Alexander Heights in Perth's north on Monday afternoon. "The mother of that child must be incredibly distressed," WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters on Tuesday. Police say they are seriously concerned about the mother's health and welfare, and stressed it was a priority to identify and locate her. It is understood tradies found the body while cleaning the drain on Monday, in what Mr Cook described as a "horrifying scenario". "Those workers that discovered the child's body were confronted with the most distressing of circumstances," he said. "My heart goes out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible series of events. "This goes to the heart of everyone's sense of humanity, a small child whose life has passed under tragic circumstances." WA Police confirmed the investigation into the grim discovery remained ongoing. It is believed the child was a newborn and was placed in the drain, Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said. "There is no evidence to suggest the little boy was washed through the drain," he said. Police are still attempting to determine the exact age of the child. With AAP Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 MP's bold plan to offer migrants $9k to leave Australia Queensland MP Garth Hamilton says Australia should consider paying jobless migrants up to $9000 to leave the country as a way of curtailing rising immigration levels. The Liberal backbencher said the policy was not politically divisive, and said similar approached had worked in 'left-wing governments in the EU' like France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. Quoting figures between $6000 to $9000, he said the payment would 'give people a pathway home' and labelled the move as a 'reasonably compassionate and fair approach'. 'The reality is, a lot of migrants who are coming over here aren't finding work, they aren't finding their housing,' he told 2GB on Tuesday. 'They aren't finding that things were as rosy as they'd hoped because of the high immigration policies that we've employed, things haven't quite been working out.' He said high immigration was impacting housing availability, rent, lines at hospitals and schools and warned Australia needed to 'address it now'. Speaking directly on the housing crisis, he said: 'We're not going to build our way out of this problem'. Read more from NewsWire here. What is the productivity roundtable and why does it matter? You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra One year anniversary of coffee attack that shocked Australia nears The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. Two children inside home where woman found dead A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire New wall along footpath causing drama on the Gold Coast Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Grim rain record broken for Sydney Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Flybuys rolls out checkout savings at Bunnings Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Tragic details after baby found in drain Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Australia slams Israel's 'unjustified' visa move Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Trump laughs at Zelensky's suit joke Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Children targeted in e-bike crackdown Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Trump makes big promise to Ukraine Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. We bring you an update now from WA's premier, who has said the baby found dead in a stormwater drain could have been there for two weeks before the body was spotted. The horrifying discovery of the infant was made in Alexander Heights in Perth's north on Monday afternoon. "The mother of that child must be incredibly distressed," WA Premier Roger Cook told reporters on Tuesday. Police say they are seriously concerned about the mother's health and welfare, and stressed it was a priority to identify and locate her. It is understood tradies found the body while cleaning the drain on Monday, in what Mr Cook described as a "horrifying scenario". "Those workers that discovered the child's body were confronted with the most distressing of circumstances," he said. "My heart goes out to everyone involved in this horrible, horrible series of events. "This goes to the heart of everyone's sense of humanity, a small child whose life has passed under tragic circumstances." WA Police confirmed the investigation into the grim discovery remained ongoing. It is believed the child was a newborn and was placed in the drain, Senior Sergeant Stephen Cleal said. "There is no evidence to suggest the little boy was washed through the drain," he said. Police are still attempting to determine the exact age of the child. With AAP Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 MP's bold plan to offer migrants $9k to leave Australia Queensland MP Garth Hamilton says Australia should consider paying jobless migrants up to $9000 to leave the country as a way of curtailing rising immigration levels. The Liberal backbencher said the policy was not politically divisive, and said similar approached had worked in 'left-wing governments in the EU' like France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. Quoting figures between $6000 to $9000, he said the payment would 'give people a pathway home' and labelled the move as a 'reasonably compassionate and fair approach'. 'The reality is, a lot of migrants who are coming over here aren't finding work, they aren't finding their housing,' he told 2GB on Tuesday. 'They aren't finding that things were as rosy as they'd hoped because of the high immigration policies that we've employed, things haven't quite been working out.' He said high immigration was impacting housing availability, rent, lines at hospitals and schools and warned Australia needed to 'address it now'. Speaking directly on the housing crisis, he said: 'We're not going to build our way out of this problem'. Read more from NewsWire here. Queensland MP Garth Hamilton says Australia should consider paying jobless migrants up to $9000 to leave the country as a way of curtailing rising immigration levels. The Liberal backbencher said the policy was not politically divisive, and said similar approached had worked in 'left-wing governments in the EU' like France, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. Quoting figures between $6000 to $9000, he said the payment would 'give people a pathway home' and labelled the move as a 'reasonably compassionate and fair approach'. 'The reality is, a lot of migrants who are coming over here aren't finding work, they aren't finding their housing,' he told 2GB on Tuesday. 'They aren't finding that things were as rosy as they'd hoped because of the high immigration policies that we've employed, things haven't quite been working out.' He said high immigration was impacting housing availability, rent, lines at hospitals and schools and warned Australia needed to 'address it now'. Speaking directly on the housing crisis, he said: 'We're not going to build our way out of this problem'. Read more from NewsWire here. What is the productivity roundtable and why does it matter? You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra You will have heard plenty about productivity and the government's roundtable to help fix what it says is a deep-rooted problem spanning several decades. But what exactly is the issue and what will the three-day meet help to do? AAP has broken all that down for you below. What is the Economic Reform Roundtable? A three-day event aimed at lifting living standards primarily by boosting productivity, which has stagnated in Australia and other western countries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised it will deliver long-lasting change to the government's economic agenda What is Productivity? It's about squeezing more from less, allowing wages to grow and helps build things better and faster, such as homes and clean energy infrastructure Why is it important? Productivity has been in decline since 2016, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Treasurer Jim Chalmers has said the roundtable will make the economy more productive over time, helping to lift living standards and make people better off The summit follows the Reserve Bank Of Australia downgrading productivity growth from one per cent to 0.7 per cent Ideas on the agenda Documents leaked before the summit suggest the government will consider cutting red tape to boost housing supply The Productivity Commission is calling for reduced regulation for artificial intelligence, while unions are calling for greater protections of workers from the risks of AI Proposals for tax reform, including calls from Independent MP Kate Chaney to increase Goods and Service Tax to 15 per cent A push from the Australian Council of Trade Unions for a four-day working week. What are some concerns? Leaked Treasury advice raised concerns that the outcomes of the roundtable have already been pre-determined The government has already ruled out large changes to tax like negative gearing. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien warned the summit would be a "privileged talkfest" without the chance of meaningful outcome Who is on the guest list? About 30 participants including leading economists, employers, business groups, unions and civil society representatives Prominent names include Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock, Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood, economist and policy adviser Ken Henry, independent MP Allegra Spender and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey Some of the sectors represented include banking, universities, mining and superannuation The summit will run from August 19 to 21 at Parliament House in Canberra One year anniversary of coffee attack that shocked Australia nears The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. The mother of the baby who made global headlines a year ago when a stranger threw hot coffee in his face is pleading with authorities to not let the man allegedly behind the attack escape accountability. Luka, nine months old at the time, had the hot drink thrown in his face in a Brisbane park on August 27 last year. The alleged offender fled Australia to China and no significant updates on investigations has been provided by police. Luka's mother has since taken to social media to say she does not want to wait another year for justice. "He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns," she wrote, according to the ABC. "Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him — and of the justice that still hasn't come." Queensland Police told the ABC it is committed to securing justice for the family however criminal lawyer Glen Cranny SC told the public broadcaster without a reciprocal extradition agreement, it would be difficult to achieve. Two children inside home where woman found dead A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire A woman has been found dead at a home in regional Victoria, where two children were inside at the time. Police were called to Christie Ave in Cobram - about 260km north of Melbourne - at about 5am on Tuesday. The body of a 32-year-old woman was found inside. Two young children - both unharmed - were also inside the home. A 45-year-old man, who police say was known to the woman, has been arrested. 'Detectives from the Homicide Squad are headed to the scene and will interview the man in relation to the woman's death,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. - NewsWire New wall along footpath causing drama on the Gold Coast Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Construction in the front yard of a property on one of the Gold Coast's most exclusive streets is causing quite a stir – but council says the owners have done nothing wrong. The property on Hedges Avenue, which runs along the coastline in Mermaid Beach, has undergone extensive changes recently and developers have opted to build a wall right up to its boundary. But that has severely restricted access for pedestrians, and with added fencing while construction occurs, it has forced people into the road. Councillor Nick Marshall ordered an investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the community but it turns out the owners are well within their rights. 'Neither the builder or the owner have actually done anything wrong because the boundary line for the property is just 80cm off the road and, at some point, the road was widened and the path crossed into the boundaries,' he said, the Gold Coat Bulletin reported. Grim rain record broken for Sydney Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Well those in Sydney won't be too surprised to learn that its been the wettest August in 27 years. And while it's been a miserable few years in terms of rain, the past six-year period has actually broken an unwanted record. Analysis from the ABC's meteorologist Tom Saunders shows that the period from January 2020 to now is the wettest six-year stretch seen since records began at Sydney's Observatory Hill in 1858 – and there's still four months to go. Saunders says there has been stronger and more frequent winds from the east, bringing more moisture in from the Tasman Sea, and said it could lead to Sydney and other parts of the east coast shifting to wetter climates over time. Flybuys rolls out checkout savings at Bunnings Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Those with a Flybuys account will be pleased to learn they can now opt to use their points at the checkout in Bunnings. "Whether it's potting mix, power tools, or prepping for a weekend DIY project, members can unlock value when they shop in-store, with every 2,000 points equivalent to $10 off, applied directly at the checkout," Bunnings and Flybuys announced on Tuesday. The option will commence today across Australia following a successful trial in WA, and mirrors a system successfully rolled out by Coles previously. Tragic details after baby found in drain Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Police have launched a major investigation after a baby's body was discovered inside a stormwater drain in Perth's northern suburbs. Tradesmen cleaning the drains on La Salle Road made the tragic discovery in Alexander Heights at about 1pm on Monday. The baby was 'just days old' and found wrapped in a sheet, The West Australian has reported. A police spokesman said multiple resources had been sent to the location as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is understood ambulance crews were initially called but were stood down. Police also issued an emergency alert on Monday evening to all Perth maternity hospitals with concerns for the welfare of the mother. Detectives remained at the scene late on Monday, after police spent the afternoon doorknocking nearby residents. It has been reported a large portion of the road remained blocked off to the public well into Monday evening. - NewsWire Australia slams Israel's 'unjustified' visa move Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has slammed Israel's decision to revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority as 'unjustified'. Her counterpart in Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, announced the move overnight in response to Australia cancelling a visa for a far-right Israeli MP. It is the heaviest blow to the bilateral relationship, which has been severely strained by the Albanese government's opposition to large-scale civilian suffering in Gaza. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said in a statement. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine. 'We will continue to work with partners as we contribute international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.' Read more from NewsWire here. Trump laughs at Zelensky's suit joke Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Donald Trump couldn't help but laugh. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who of course is a former comedian, took control in the White House on Monday (local time), just months after a difficult encounter with Trump where he was heavily criticised in front of the cameras. One of Trump's qualms that time was Zelensky's attire. His olive green military-style outfit was called out by suit-wearing Trump, and some reporters in the room appeared to share the opinion a more formal outfit was needed. Zelenskiy's garb at that February meeting featured in a disastrous session with Trump in which the two leaders bickered and the Ukrainian president was escorted out of the White House early, without lunch. On Monday, backed by European allies, Zelensky showed up for his talks with Trump wearing more formal attire, with Trump visibly impressed. A reporter who had asked Zelensky in February why he was not wearing a suit complimented the Ukrainian leader on the attire he chose for his latest visit. "You look fabulous in that suit," the reporter said. Trump chimed in: "I said the same thing". Clearly far more comfortable with proceedings, he managed to get a cheeky last response to the journalist. "You're wearing the same suit," he told the reporter, drawing laughter from the room. "I changed." You can watch the moment below. Children targeted in e-bike crackdown Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Children are the target of Queensland Police's latest e-bike crackdown as momentum to get to grips with their illegal use continues to grow nationally. Police in Brisbane have launched Operation X-ray Stamp this month to target the illegal and dangerous use of e-scooters and e-bikes along the city's popular Kedron Brook Bikeway. "With many offences involving children, the operation strongly focuses on educating both children and their parents about their responsibilities and the consequences of allowing their child's illegal use of these devices," Queensland Police said on Tuesday. 'The main issues we see with e-scooters and e-bikes include unlicensed driving of unregistered vehicles, speeding, dangerous driving such as swerving in and out of pedestrians, and illegal modifications," Senior Sergeant Saskia Toohey said. 'Our focus is on education and engagement, but the QPS will take enforcement action, including issuing fines or confiscating non-compliant devices, if necessary, to stop unsafe behaviour." So with the latest effort to get to grips with the issue, we're asking you if you think authorities are doing enough when it comes to the illegal use of e-transport. Have your say below. Trump makes big promise to Ukraine Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here. Donald Trump has told President Volodymyr Zelensky the US would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. Trump made the pledge during an extraordinary summit at the White House, where he hosted Zelensky and a group of European allies days after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska and months after a disastrous Oval Office meeting that saw Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly criticise the Ukrainian leader. A peace deal appeared far from imminent, however. Just before the talks began, Russia's Foreign Ministry ruled out the deployment of troops from NATO countries to help secure a peace deal, adding complications to Trump's offer. Both Trump and Zelenskiy said they hoped Monday's gathering would eventually lead to three-way talks with Putin. The Kremlin has not yet publicly accepted such a meeting, and it remains to be seen whether Putin, whose forces have been slowly grinding forward in eastern Ukraine, is prepared to sit down with Zelenskiy or make meaningful concessions. Read more here.
Bloomberg
19 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Putin-Zelenskiy Possible Meet, UK Yield Tops Truss High, Desert Ski Resort Woes
Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: (1) US President Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin and urged the Russian leader to begin making plans for a summit with Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after meeting the Ukrainian president and European leaders at the White House on Monday. (2) The Trump administration is in discussions to take a stake of about 10% in Intel Corp., according to a White House official and other people familiar with the matter, a move that could see the US become the beleaguered chipmaker's largest shareholder. (3) The yield on long-dated inflation-linked bonds surpassed the highs seen during the gilt-market meltdown three years ago, the latest unwanted market milestone for the UK government. (4) The Treasury is examining the possibility of replacing stamp duty and introducing a new tax on the sale of UK homes worth more than £500,000 ($676,000), according to the Guardian. (5) Apple will no longer be forced to provide a so-called backdoor to American users' data to the UK government, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said in a post on X on Monday. (6) In 2022, Saudi Arabia announced one of its most ambitious endeavours to date: a sprawling ski resort in the heart of the dry Middle Eastern desert. It's becoming one of the most difficult tests yet of the kingdom's ability to pull off Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's grand ambitions
CNN
19 minutes ago
- CNN
Zelensky changed his tactics for Trump this time — and his outfit
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House on Monday, he spoke with a familiar figure – a right-wing reporter who had famously called out his choice of attire during Zelensky's contentious meeting with President Donald Trump earlier in the year. This time, however, the tone – and the clothing – was markedly different. 'You look fabulous in that suit,' said Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit who works for MAGA streaming startup Real America's Voice. 'I said the same thing,' Trump remarked, turning to Zelensky and telling him: 'Isn't that nice? That's the one that attacked you last time.' Zelensky, wearing a sharp black field jacket, black shirt and black slacks, quipped to the reporter: 'You are in the same suit. I changed, you did not.' It might seem like an innocuous exchange – but Zelensky's change in wardrobe reflects the shift in tactics he's taken in the months since that disastrous meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated the Ukrainian president, calling him disrespectful and ungrateful in front of the world's cameras. The blowout argument in the Oval Office was over various things: the American leaders accused Zelensky of standing in the way of a peace agreement with Russia, while Zelensky expressed disbelief at the notion of diplomacy with the country that had invaded Ukraine. But before all of that, it was about Zelensky's outfit. Since the war began, Zelensky has become known for his military-style shirts, typically in army green or black, and cargo pants. It's the outfit he's worn in the many televised national addresses and speeches he's delivered throughout the conflict – as if to remind his audience they were looking at a wartime leader. Widely regarded as a gesture of solidarity with Ukrainian troops, the outfit has become synonymous with Zelensky. But when he showed up in his usual minimalist garb to the White House in February, Trump was instantly displeased. 'Oh, you're all dressed up,' he remarked sarcastically, as he greeted Zelensky and shook his hand. It felt particularly pointed from Trump – a showman and former television host who has meticulously cultivated his image over the years, from his customary suit and tie to his love of all things gold (a color that now covers the White House, from gold cherubs in the Oval Office to gold figurines on the mantle). Before the Oval Office meeting devolved into a shouting match, Zelensky was asked by the reporter, Glenn, why he was not wearing a suit in the United States' highest office. 'I will wear a costume after this war will finish, yes,' Zelensky said, responding in English. 'Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better. I don't know, we will see. Maybe something cheaper. Thank you.' Things went south from there. But almost immediately afterward, Zelensky went into damage control – publicly thanking Trump and the United States for their support of Ukraine, and working to repair his relationship with the president. He has been coached by some European leaders on how to better approach his counterpart – with many of those leaders showing up on Monday at the White House in a show of Western unity and support. During subsequent encounters with Trump this year, Zelensky also wore more formal clothing, including at the Vatican for Pope Francis' funeral and at a NATO summit in the Netherlands. Ahead of Monday's meeting, US and Ukrainian officials discussed Zelensky's attire – with the understanding he should not arrive wearing his usual military-style clothing, said a European official. It appears their move has paid off – with even Glenn taking a conciliatory tone after Trump praised Zelensky's new look. 'I apologize to you,' Glenn said, referring to their February interaction. 'You look wonderful.'
