Midday News Bulletin 18 May 2024

Julian Assange set to return to Australia later today after pleading guilty to espionage charges, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosts Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele in Canberra, Queensland Maroons hoping to end State of Origin Series tonight at the MCG.

In this bulletin, Labor Senator Fatima Payman crosses the floor in a historic vote against her party; violent protests erupt in Kenya following the approval of a new tax bill; and in football, Netherlands future in Euro in jeopardy after shock 2-3 loss to Austria.

Julian Assange's wife releases a video message thanking supporters following his release from prison; A former Jetstar pilot convicted of one of two counts of murder and in the NRL, Latrell Mitchell recalled to the Blues Origin team for the first time since 2021.

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange leaves the UK after a plea deal with the United States; Four people found dead inside a Melbourne home and in football, Colombia has beaten Paraquay 2-1 in the Copa America.

Death toll rises after attacks in southern Russia; Victoria to trial pill testing of illicit drugs; and in cricket, Australia's T20 World Cup hopes hanging by a thread after shock defeat to India.

Two teens charged over the Adelaide shopping centre lockdown; Saudi Arabia says more than 1,300 people have died during the Hajj pilgrimage and in football, Hungary boot Scotland out of the European Championship with a dramatic stoppage-time goal.

Six policemen and an Orthodox priest have been killed by gunmen in southern Russia; search underway for teenagers who triggered the lockdown of a shopping centre in Adelaide; and in cricket, more weight placed on the match against India to keep Australia's T20 World Cup title hopes alive.

Federal opposition unable to say how much nuclear would contribute to the energy mix; Police investigating after a vehicle tries to ram an officer in Sydney's Inner West; And in cricket, Australia's Twenty-20 World Cup campaign in jeopardy after a shock loss to Afghanistan.

An industry body says the cost of Peter Dutton's nuclear proposal could be up to $600 billion; Russian guided bombs strike an apartment building in Kharkiv; Ajla Tomljanovic reaches first WTA grass-court final at Birmingham Classic.

Israeli airstrikes kill 42 people in Gaza City; Labor politicians condemn Peter Dutton's nuclear energy policy; South Sydney fear Campbell Graham may miss the entire 2024 season.