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Sydney and surrounding regions are experiencing an extreme heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 43 degrees Celsius. Extreme fire warnings have been issued for several areas. Vulnerable populations are at risk, and officials urge everyone to check on neighbors and family. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor time, and seek cool spots to beat the heat. Stay informed and safe.

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Former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov meets with Palestinian officials as Trumps Board of Peace for Gaza takes shape. The board, set to guide Palestinian technocrats before handing over to the PA, is a key part of Trumps plan to end the Israel-Hamas war. However, challenges remain, including Israels opposition to Hamas involvement and Hamas demand for full control of Gaza.

Yemens Southern Transitional Council faces internal strife as UAE-backed factions seize territory, leading to a split within the group. The councils leader flees to Abu Dhabi, while a delegation announces disbandment. Saudi Arabia reacts positively, promising a conference, but local authorities ban protests. This drama exposes deeper rifts in the Saudi-UAE alliance, once united against Iran-backed Houthis. Yemens future remains uncertain amid old regional rivalries and Saudi border watch.

Four emergency-level bushfires rage across Victoria, with two in central Victoria, one near Wodonga, and another east of Melbourne. Three people remain unaccounted for as firefighters battle unpredictable flames fueled by strong winds. Communities near the fires are on high alert, with evacuations in place. Latest updates show slight progress in central Victoria, but wind shifts pose challenges. Emergency services urge everyone to stay informed and avoid risky areas as crews work to protect lives and homes.

Australias property market, known for consistent growth, may see slower expansion in 2026 following an 8.6% surge in 2021. CoreLogic research indicates national price rises could slow to 5% or less due to high house prices relative to incomes and prolonged higher mortgage rates. However, demand is expected to continue breaking records, albeit at a slower pace. Lower-priced homes in the bottom quarter of the market are gaining traction, driven by first-time buyers seeking affordable options amid tight rentals and new government deposit guarantees. This shift is drawing mainstream demand away from pricier segments due to debt levels and lending limits. Regional cities like Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane have outperformed Sydney and Melbourne recently, but they also carry risks. Adelaide has the highest risk of a market pullback due to high value-to-income ratios and weaker migration. Meanwhile, buyers priced out of city centers are flocking to cheaper regional spots, causing short-term booms that could leave late investors exposed. Melbourne presents a potential bargain, with the third-most affordable capital prices and room for growth, despite soft interstate moves. Sydneys growth eased late last year, but luxury records could soon be shattered again. Government initiatives for denser housing aim to alleviate supply shortages, but developers prioritize profitability over faster approvals. With rate cut hangovers, buyer schemes, and slowing migration ahead, the market remains resilient yet tempered, setting the stage for varied outcomes across the country.

Southern Australia experiences record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures soaring above forty degrees Celsius in South Australia and Victoria. Eastern New South Wales braces for peak temperatures on Saturday, while eastern New South Wales faces scorching winds, low humidity, and extreme fire danger warnings. A southerly buster brings relief to Melbourne and the Illawarra, with Sydney to follow. Meanwhile, Queensland prepares for a tropical low that could become a cyclone, dumping heavy rain and causing flood watches from Innisfail to Cape York.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service (SES) is now recruiting short-term volunteers, known as volunteers for a day, to aid in disaster relief. Inspired by Japanese community hubs, the SES partnered with the MidCoast Community Flood Response group during last Mays record floods, equipping over 1200 volunteers with training, gear, and insurance. This initiative, started by seven friends, has sparked interest, with 500 people applying to join the SES permanently. Research shows these local volunteers recover faster from disasters with fewer mental health issues. Officials see this flexible, episodic volunteering as the future, transforming New South Waless six million residents into potential disaster helpers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, led by former High Court Justice Virginia Bell. The commission will investigate antisemitism, security gaps, and ways to boost law enforcement and social cohesion. An interim report is expected by April 30, 2026, with the final report on the first anniversary of the attack.