Local stories, community first — Melbourne and beyond.
The Melbourne Storm's NRL finals campaign faces an uphill battle after a tough loss to the Sydney Roosters. This defeat was compounded by a suspected season-ending Achilles injury to star winger Will Warbrick, adding to their ever-growing casualty list.
Australian authorities have escalated their travel advisory for Laos following a tragic mass poisoning incident that claimed the lives of two Australians and four other tourists. The updated warning highlights risks of crime, methanol contamination in alcoholic beverages, and a lack of transparency within the Lao justice system, sparking outrage among victims' families.
A prominent Member of Parliament for the Liberal Party has been formally disendorsed, effectively ending her candidacy for the upcoming state election following a contentious internal dispute. This political blow coincides with revelations that the MP is facing potential bankruptcy due to substantial legal costs.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming faces the prospect of bankruptcy as a key financial backer demands repayment for her successful defamation case. This latest development intensifies the deep divisions within the party, with her political future also hanging precariously.
Melbourne has climbed into the AFL's top four after a commanding victory over North Melbourne, though the win was overshadowed by a serious rib injury to defender Daniel Turner. Later in the evening, Collingwood took an early lead against arch-rival Carlton at the MCG, while West Coast prepared to host the formidable Brisbane Lions.
Cronulla-Sutherland faces a critical challenge at home against Newcastle, with fourth position on the NRL ladder hanging in the balance. Both teams have significant lineup changes, including late outs for the Sharks and the return of a Blues star for the Knights.
Geelong secured a crucial victory over St Kilda to solidify their finals contention, but the win was overshadowed by a potentially serious ankle injury to star Max Holmes. Meanwhile, a losing St Kilda eagerly anticipates the long-awaited return of key forward Max King to bolster their ailing season.
A 32-year-old man faces a litany of serious charges following a dramatic fire at a Spotswood law firm and a shooting at an Altona North tobacco store. The arrest comes after an extensive investigation into the two separate but linked incidents in Melbourne's inner west.
Emergency services are conducting an extensive search for a 53-year-old man who went missing after his canoe capsized in the Goulburn River. The incident occurred near Ghin Ghin, north-west of Yea, prompting a multi-agency response.
A new retail landscape is emerging in Geelong as a major international thrift chain prepares to open its doors, prompting local charity-run op shops to consider the potential shift in donations and customer traffic. The arrival of the 'thrift superstore' sparks both anticipation and apprehension across the community.
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