Midday News Bulletin 15 June 2024

Millions of dollars of illegal tobacco seized in a cross-border bust; An inquiry into Facebook's decision not to renew contracts with Australian publishers and U-S golfer Lexi Thompson claims the first round of the Women's PGA in Washington.

An Australian among the hundreds to die in intense heat during this year's Hajj pilgrimage; Canadian actor Donald Sutherland has died at the age of 88 and concern over England's Euro 24 prospects after a one all draw with Denmark.

Police commend two young girls for their bravery; Penny Wong commits more money for communities in landslide-ravaged Papua New Guinea; Ash Barty makes a return to Wimbledon.

The federal government accuses Peter Dutton of arrogance over his nuclear power plans; More Australians falling behind on mortgage payments and in sport, the Australian triathlon team named for next month's Olympics

The head of Hezbollah in Lebanon threatens Cyprus; Hundreds of heat-related deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage and in sport, Erriyon Knighton to compete in US Olympic running trials despite testing positive for a banned substance.

A man arrested after the fatal shooting of a woman in north Queensland; North Korea and Russia sign a groundbreaking military pact; Germany advances to the Euros final 16 after an historic defeat of Hungary.

Coalition's nuclear energy plan criticised for lack of detail; Federal MP Josh Burns issues a plea for respectful debate, after his Melbourne office is vandalised and in tennis, Alex de Minaur suffers a shock loss at Queen's.

The Coalition proposes to build seven nuclear reactors; Vandals attack the electorate office of Labor MP Josh Burns and in tennis, Alex de Minaur suffers an upset loss at Queen's.

A delegation of senior Australian officials heads to PNG; Benjamin Netanyahu says the US is working to cancel restrictions on weapons supplies; An Australian teenager becomes the youngest male gymnast to qualify for an Olympic trampoline event.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang optimistic about growth areas in the relationship between China and Australia; Interest rates left on hold at 4.35 per cent and Australian diver Melissa Wu says she is elated to make history.