Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump reinstates Iranian port blockade

Oil surges most since 2020, stokes inflation fears

The S&P/ASX 200 has closed flat, despite Donald Trump saying the US would reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20 per cent toll fee. As a result, crude prices surged in their biggest one-day increase since 2020. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Marcus Today senior market analyst Henry Jennings. The latest consumer sentiment reading by Westpac and the Melbourne Institute has shown confidence rose to 83.9 in July, as lower petrol prices and easing interest rate expectations provided some relief for households, though pessimists still outnumber optimists. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan. The S&P/ASX 200 has closed flat, despite Donald Trump saying the US would reinstate a blockade on Iranian ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20 per cent toll fee. As a result, crude prices surged in their biggest one-day increase since 2020. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Marcus Today senior market analyst Henry Jennings. The latest consumer sentiment reading by Westpac and the Melbourne Institute has shown confidence rose to 83.9 in July, as lower petrol prices and easing interest rate expectations provided some relief for households, though pessimists still outnumber optimists. For more, Stephanie Youssef spoke with Westpac senior economist Matthew Hassan.

'World's most prestigious retirement home': Does the US Congress have an age problem?

The current US Congress is the third oldest in history, with senior Senators increasingly holding on to the job for longer. With the recent death of Lindsey Graham and hospitalisation of Mitch McConnell, the debate has revived around an age limit for Congress, which the majority of Americans support. With the recent death of Lindsey Graham and hospitalisation of Mitch McConnell, the debate has revived around an age limit for Congress, which the majority of Americans support.

Tech platforms told to fix 'sextortion' blind spots

A warning - the following story contains elements that may distress some people Australia's eSafety Commissioner is sounding the alarm about sexual extortion online, after receiving more than 2,000 complaints in just six months. It's prompted renewed demands for big tech to do more to prevent young people being blackmailed on digital platforms. The issue has also reignited the broader debate about how to regulate social media and emerging AI. A warning - the following story contains elements that may distress some people Australia's eSafety Commissioner is sounding the alarm about sexual extortion online, after receiving more than 2,000 complaints in just six months. It's prompted renewed demands for big tech to do more to prevent young people being blackmailed on digital platforms. The issue has also reignited the broader debate about how to regulate social media and emerging AI.

Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump reinstates Iranian port blockade

The United States has launched fresh strikes on Iran, as the battle over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes intensifies. Donald Trump has reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping, after two oil tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran is warning it will not allow the United States to take control of the strategic waterway. The United States has launched fresh strikes on Iran, as the battle over one of the world's busiest shipping lanes intensifies. Donald Trump has reinstated a blockade on Iranian shipping, after two oil tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz.   Iran is warning it will not allow the United States to take control of the strategic waterway.

Tributes flow for 'gentleman' honorary Aussie, Sam Neill

Tributes have poured in to remember revered actor Sam Neill, who died on Monday at the age of 78. The New Zealand star had become beloved for his roles in a range of Hollywood and Australian films, including Jurassic Park, My Brilliant Career, and The Dish. Tributes have poured in to remember revered actor Sam Neill, who died on Monday at the age of 78. The New Zealand star had become beloved for his roles in a range of Hollywood and Australian films, including Jurassic Park, My Brilliant Career, and The Dish.