Midday News Bulletin 18 June 2024

Israel has bombed a densely-populated residential area of Lebanon's capital Beirut, Actor Maggie Smith dies aged 89 in London, Melbourne Storm secures a spot in the 2024 NRL Grand Final.

Penny Wong says the U-N's current course of action in the Middle East is not working; One dead after a category four hurricane makes landfall in the US; Thousands descend on Melbourne for this year's A-F-L grand final parade.

Talks underway in London on a formal AUKUS bilateral treaty; Concern mounting on vaccination rates as cases of Mpox hit record levels in Australia; Riding legend Grace Brown wins a second gold medal at the cycling worlds in Switzerland.

The Israeli prime minister has rejected a ceasefire with Hezbollah and told his military to keep fighting at full power, Jim Chalmers begins talks in Beijing, the first visit by an Australian Treasurer in seven years, The Brisbane Broncos sack coach Kevin Walters.

Australia joins calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon; One person feared to be missing after a fire in Brisbane; The Australian Diamonds name a 15 person squad for next month's Constellation Cup in New Zealand.

More travel warnings for Australians in Lebanon; Qantas travellers on alert for strike action as football final season begins; An Australian football coach concerned over a rising number of fixtures on the international scene.

Israel says air strikes in Lebanon may pave the way for a ground invasion, A report by consumer group Choice finds Aldi has the cheapest groceries, Former France and Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane announces his retirement.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong warns that Lebanon cannot be the next Gaza; U.S. President Joe Biden says there is still a possibility for a diplomatic solution between Israel and Hezbollah; Victoria police investigate a security breach that led to a ticketing disaster.

Anthony Albanese responds to suggestions the government is considering negative gearing changes; Penny Wong says there are too many Australians in Lebanon for the government to evacuate; Australia is beaten by England in the third men's one day international.

US president Joe Biden addresses the UN General Assembly for the last time; Victoria Police renew the search for the body of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy; and in cricket, Australia is beaten by England in the third men's one day international.