Harry Sekulich

The body of 18-year-old Australian hiker Lily Hooper was recovered from Nattai National Park after an eight-day search involving about 1,000 people. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns initially told a parliamentary hearing that Hooper had been found alive, but corrected the statement within 30 minutes after officials confirmed she was deceased. The error briefly led Hooper’s parents to believe she was alive. Minns and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon apologised, while police and emergency services investigate the miscommunication and review their protocols. A post-mortem examination will formally confirm Hooper’s identity and determine her cause of death.

The body of 18-year-old Australian hiker Lily Hooper was recovered from Nattai National Park after an eight-day search involving about 1,000 people. A mistaken report by New South Wales officials initially said she had been found alive, briefly giving her parents and the public false hope before the statement was corrected. Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon apologized, while police began investigating the communication failure and reviewing search protocols.

At least 17 people were killed and more than 40 injured in overnight Russian attacks on Kyiv, which damaged residential buildings, warehouses, a children’s hospital and industrial facilities. Ukrainian officials said the capital’s air defenses failed to intercept any of the Russian ballistic missiles and attributed the deaths to a shortage of defensive missiles. Ukraine relies heavily on US-supplied Patriot systems, but American stocks have been depleted by wider military demands and deliveries to Ukraine have declined. Kyiv officials appealed for more support as the attacks caused power outages, while both sides continued accusing each other of targeting civilians amid stalled peace efforts.

The United States has criticized reported Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase as an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability. Syria and Turkey also condemned the attacks, while Israel said the strikes were intended to prevent Syria from violating a security status quo by allowing Turkish troops near Aleppo. No injuries were reported. The dispute comes amid Turkey’s military support for Syria’s post-Assad government, Israel’s continuing strikes in Syria, and US efforts to promote diplomatic talks between Israel and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Several Sydney Swans players have been referred to Victoria Police following an alleged incident at a hotel in East Melbourne after the team’s win over Melbourne. Police are investigating a reported sexual assault, but say the exact circumstances and number of players involved have not been established. Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich said the club was shocked and disappointed, while declining to comment on possible arrests or specific allegations. The AFL has acknowledged the investigation as Sydney prepares for its final regular-season match before the finals.

Police arrested a Somali man in his 20s on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing at Stanwell Hotel, an asylum-seeker accommodation site in Staines near Heathrow Airport. A man in his 30s suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital. Armed officers assisted with the arrest, and police said they were not seeking anyone else connected to the incident.

At least three people, including a child, were killed and three others injured in overnight Russian ballistic-missile strikes east of Kyiv. The attacks come as Ukraine warns that supplies of Western air-defense interceptors, particularly US-made Patriot missiles, have fallen significantly. President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking additional support from the United States and Europe while building ties with Serbia. The report also covers Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries, tensions involving Russian-linked vessels, and a drone explosion in Bulgarian airspace that raised concerns about the war spreading beyond Ukraine.

US forces conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets after President Trump declared a temporary ceasefire over. CENTCOM reported hitting intelligence facilities, military infrastructure, underground weapons depots, and maritime capabilities, while Iran retaliated by targeting US partners in the region, damaging infrastructure in Kuwait. Jordan intercepted multiple missiles, and Bahrain also reported thwarting attacks. Commercial shipping largely stopped through the Hormuz Strait, raising global energy concerns. Iran claimed US strikes hit civilian infrastructure, which the US denied. BBC verification confirmed damage to a bridge in Hormozgan, where local officials reported casualties. The US also destroyed an IRGC surveillance tower at Chabahar as regional tensions continued escalating.

The United States conducted airstrikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night following President Donald Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire had ended. CENTCOM reported targeting surveillance positions, military logistics sites, underground weapons depots and maritime capabilities, while Iran responded with attacks on US allies including Kuwait. Regional states such as Jordan and Bahrain claimed to have intercepted Iranian missiles, and commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has largely halted amid escalating tensions. Iran accused the US of striking civilian infrastructure, which Washington denied, while independent verification confirmed damage to a bridge in Hormozgan province. The US also destroyed a control tower in Chabahar said to be part of an IRGC maritime surveillance network, as diplomatic efforts to restore talks remain stalled.

US forces carried out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets after President Donald Trump ended a temporary ceasefire. The attacks focused on surveillance sites, logistics infrastructure, underground weapons stores and maritime assets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed two tankers were hit by mines, a statement the US dismissed. Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles, while explosions were reported in several Iranian cities. Iran claimed strikes on US facilities across the Gulf, which Washington denied. Local authorities in Hormozgan province reported seven deaths and significant infrastructure damage, including a destroyed bridge verified by BBC teams. The White House insisted US operations targeted only military sites as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate.

The UK government fully nationalised British Steel to safeguard domestic steel production, protect thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe, and maintain the country’s ability to produce virgin steel. Ministers said the move was necessary after years of financial uncertainty under Chinese owner Jingye, which is now seeking compensation that may be limited or denied. Legislation passed this week enabled the takeover, with the government citing economic security and the protection of critical national infrastructure. Officials warned that allowing the company to collapse would eliminate the UK’s last remaining primary steelmaking capacity. Industry figures welcomed the decision, though significant long‑term investment will be required to stabilise and modernise the business.

Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed pride and disappointment after England’s 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. William praised the team’s effort and belief, calling it the most complete England side in a tournament, while Starmer said their passion made the country proud. Argentina’s two late goals secured their place in the final against Spain after Anthony Gordon scored for England early in the second half.

Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman, has died at 78. Her long political career included serving as MP for Maidstone, ministerial roles in John Major’s government, and a term as a Brexit Party MEP. Known for her strong socially conservative views and prominent support for Brexit, she also gained wide public recognition through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Tributes from figures including Nigel Farage and James Murray highlighted her impact on British politics and public life.

Russian missile strikes on Kyiv killed at least ten people and injured dozens, hitting residential buildings across multiple districts as rescue operations continued. The attack occurred shortly before a NATO summit where Ukraine seeks commitments for additional long-range air‑defense weapons. Zelensky warned of further large‑scale strikes and urged Western partners, including the US, to expedite missile supplies and production licences. Russia claimed to be targeting military and energy sites in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks, while Ukraine accused Moscow of deliberately hitting civilian areas.

Chinese pastor Jin Mingri, founder of the underground Zion Church, has been released from prison in China and has arrived in the United States following months of detention amid a major crackdown on unregistered religious groups. His family expressed gratitude to Donald Trump and credited intervention from Xi Jinping. Rights group ChinaAid confirmed his release while noting that many others, including members of the Zion Church, remain imprisoned. Western lawmakers welcomed the development, which followed US pressure during Trump’s visit to Beijing. The case unfolds against a backdrop of continued Chinese government repression of unsanctioned Christian communities and recent mass detentions.