TRANSCRIPT
- Australia says it stands with Ukraine, after a heated exchange between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump
- Pope Francis suffers a breathing crisis in hospital
- And in the NRL, the Jillaroos prepare to play in a historic Test match against England
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he hopes the relationship with US President Donald Trump can be salvaged - after a heated exchange at the White House.
The leaders had been meeting to sign a deal to provide the US with access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
The shouting match unfolded in front of reporter and TV cameras, after Mr Trump said Ukraine would have to make "compromises" in a truce with Russia.
Mr Zelenskky insisted that a lasting security guarantee must be part of any ceasefire deal.
He was told to leave before the minerals deal was signed.
In an interview with Fox News, Mr Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants peace but needs to be in a strong position in a potential peace agreement.
"You know, just a ceasefire without security guarantees, this so sensitive for our people. I'm speaking like a president of a people who are in this struggle three years, and they just want to hear that America (is) on our side and that America will stay with us, not with Russians. With us. That's it. But I'm sure that it will be. This (minerals agreement) is the first step to security guarantees."
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Canada, France, Germany and Britain have been quick to reiterate their support for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia also remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine.
"We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs, not just on Ukraine, but throughout that region."
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Clubs Australia has welcomed the Albanese government's pledge to apply a two-year freeze to the indexation beer poured from the tap in pubs.
The duty rates for beer are normally adjusted twice a year using a calculation based on the most recent inflation figures.
The executive director of Clubs Australia, Rebecca Riant, says the excise had increased 83 times since it was introduced in 1983.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the plan is to implement the measure from August to assist with cost-of-living pressures.
The Coalition says it would match the pledge, but says the measure would provide only modest relief.
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Pope Francis has suffered a setback to his health.
A statement from the Vatican says he experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis, much like an asthma attack.
The pontiff was put on a ventilator, after also suffering from a vomiting episode, followed by a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.
Over the past few days, the Pope's health appeared to improve.
The Vatican says Francis has remained alert and well-oriented throughout the ordeal.
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Muslims in Australia begin observing the holy month of Ramadan.
Marking the occasion is one of the country's biggest food festivals: Lakemba Nights.
More than a million people are expected to attend, with the event kicking off this weekend.
Concerns have grown over the commercialised nature of the event, with fears that what was once a community-driven initiative has lost its spiritual essence.
Imam Ibrahim Dadoun, from United Muslims of Australia, says the event has grown over the last two decades.
"So it provided a place for people to go and get something to drink, something to eat - especially after fasting a long day. And now, it has attracted a lot of people from around the country. And it has unfortunately become a lot more commercialised as opposed to what the intention of Ramadan. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing. But it definitely has its contentions and issues that come along with it."
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Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the Sydney Mardi Gras tonight.
Now in its 47th year, the parade features 200 floats and 11,000 marchers.
This year's theme is: FREE TO BE.
These people have already found a spot to view the parade.
They say they can't wait for it to begin.
Female voxie: To celebrate with my partner. It would be a really nice night to just be joyous - and enjoy the love from everyone. Not marching this year, but have in past years. But we're excited to dance the night away!
Male voxie: The community in Darlinghurst is incredible. It is good to see the vibe. Everyone is around. Everyone is happy.
Group voxie: Happy Mardi Gras!
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And to sport, the Jillaroos are preparing to take on England this weekend, as part of the NRL's expedition back to the United States.
The two teams will face each other in Las Vegas.
It is their first encounter in eight years since the 2017 World Cup when the Jillaroos secured a resounding 38-0 victory.
Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner says the team is looking forward to the historic Test match - and the chance to elevate women’s rugby league on a world-class stage.
