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Ex-tropical cyclone Koji brings record-breaking rain and severe flooding to Queensland, with major warnings active for several rivers. River levels surge, causing widespread damage and forcing residents to evacuate. More heavy downpours and storms are expected, keeping communities on edge as officials urge preparedness.

Australias Prime Minister Announces Tough New Laws Against Hate Groups Following Deadly Terror Attack In response to a deadly terror attack in Bondi, Australias Prime Minister has introduced stringent new laws targeting hate groups. These laws allow the government to label certain groups, with organizers, supporters, and recruiters facing up to fifteen years in prison, and members up to seven years. The new legislation also creates crimes for publicly promoting or inciting racial hatred, carrying five-year sentences. Aggravated cases, such as those involving preachers or targeting children, face even harsher penalties. The rules aim to prevent hate speech that incites fear of violence based on race, color, or ethnic origin. The Prime Minister has declared January 22nd a national day of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast and events focused on light, unity, and remembrance for the victims. The package also includes gun reforms, such as a national buyback, stricter imports on certain firearms and ammunition, tougher background checks, and requiring owners to be citizens. The Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of unity against division.

US stocks surged to new highs, driven by Walmarts shift to Nasdaq and upcoming earnings season. Despite Fed probe, investors remain calm. Consumer staples and tech led gains, but financials slid on Trumps proposed credit card rate cap.

Kevin Rudd, former Australian PM, is leaving his role as US ambassador a year early to become Asia Societys global president. His tenure was marked by strained relations with Trump due to past criticisms, but hes praised for his diplomatic efforts, including securing a critical minerals deal and progress on AUKUS pact. His departure signals a shift in Australias Pacific alliance.

Australias Albanese condemns Irans brutal crackdown, calls for democratic change; Irans Australian community feels helpless amid internet blackout; Trump warns Iran, Iran responds with war readiness but openness to talks; fears grow as death toll rises, world stands with protesters.

Queensland faces severe flooding, with three rescued from surging waters and communities bracing for more rain. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of heavy downpours in central coast, Capricornia, central highlands, and Bowen Basin coal fields. Eungellas roads buckled, and livestock losses mount, with up to 50,000 missing. Premier Crisafulli praises locals resilience but warns of grazing industries massive blow. More rain and storms expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, piling pressure on recovering areas.

Fifty years after eight-year-old Eloise Worledges disappearance from her Beaumaris home, Victoria, a massive search and investigation ensue. Despite extensive efforts, no trace of her is found, leading to the belief she was murdered. Now, a one million dollar reward is offered for information leading to her remains or the identification of her killer, hoping to finally solve this cold case.

Novo Nordisks VP predicts oral weight-loss drugs to capture a significant portion of the GLP-1 market by 2030, challenging earlier assumptions. This shift is driven by evolving patient behavior in the consumer-driven obesity market. Novos new oral drug targets underserved groups, potentially opening up new audiences. Analysts debate the long-term impact, but the global market for weight loss solutions is projected to reach $150 billion by 2030, reshaping the approach to obesity treatment.

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