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The federal Liberal Party's infighting and fears over dire polling are coming to a head now that Angus Taylor's finally revealed he's challenging Sussan Ley for the leadership.She's the first woman to lead the party and is less than a year into the job of opposition leader as the Coalition tries to find its way after being thumped at the last election.There's been a flurry of front bench resignations and the vote's expected to take place either tonight or tomorrow morning, but it remains unclear whether moderates who previously supported Sussan Ley will defect to Angus Taylor who's more conservative.US attorney general Pam Bondi has clashed with Democrats at a congressional hearing, where she was questioned over the censorship of names in the Epstein files.She says she's "deeply sorry" for what victims of Jeffrey Epstein have gone through, but refused to apologise for errors and questionable redactions in the documents.Survivors say they'll keep fighting to expose Epstein's alleged accomplices.And Victorian premier Jacinta Allan has resisted calls for a royal commission, after a scathing report found billions of dollars were funnelled from taxpayers to bikies, gangland figures, and even killers on state-run construction sites where she was the responsible minister.She says any allegations of corrupt behaviour were referred to the relevant authorities.The premier says any misuse of taxpayer funds haven't been proven, and has refused to probe the matter further.

Actor James Van Der Beek, best known as the titular character in teen drama Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48.

Liberal leadership hopeful Angus Taylor's confirmed he's running for the top job, following his resignation from the front bench yesterday.In a video posted to social media, Mr Taylor's outlined the reasons why he's running for the Coalition and opposition leadership.He says the country's in trouble, and the Liberal party's lost its way.Sussan Ley's expected to announce a party room meeting either tonight or tomorrow morning.Dire polling that shows One Nation overtaking the Coalition means some MPs desperately want a new direction.Meanwhile the race for deputy leader of the federal Liberal party is also underway.Victorian senator Jane Hume will put herself forward, and shadow energy minister Dan Tehan is reportedly considering running.Moderate Tim Wilson is also an option, with sources saying he may even be positioning himself as a third option for leader.And Melbourne University says there's no place for racism and violence, after threatening remarks about the Israeli President were spray-painted at its Parkville campus.The words "death to Herzog" were sprayed in black letters on a wall at the university, before it was quickly removed by cleaners this morning.The university says it stands against anti-Semitism and will refer the matter to police.Isaac Herzog's visit has sparked nationwide protests and even clashes with police in Sydney due to anger about Israel's conduct in Palestinian territories.

Federal Liberal MP Angus Taylor has confirmed he's running to be leader of the Liberal Party in a video posted on social media.The shadow defence minister says the country is in "trouble" and the Liberal Party "has lost its way".A spill's been requested for the federal Liberal leadership, but there's no confirmation about when the meeting will occur, amid a flood of speculation about who'll put their hand up to lead the Coalition.Angus Taylor was first to quit his role on the front bench and is widely seen as Sussan Ley's most obvious challenger.Polling that points to a catastrophic wipe-out of the Coalition has been placing intense pressure on Ms Ley.The United States attorney general is facing heavy scrutiny by a House of Representatives panel, about her department's handling of millions of documents related to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.In a heated exchange, Pam Bondi has refused to answer questions about why no other co-conspirators have been indicted so far.  She told the panel US President Donald Trump's name appeared countless times in the files but he hadn't committed any crime.She told survivors she was deeply sorry for Epstein's abuse.And an emergency flood warning remains current for Alice Springs following intense rainfall overnight causing rivers to swell.The Todd River that runs through the town is normally bone dry but locals say they've never seen it so high.NT authorities say dangerous thunderstorms with locally intense flooding is currently occurring and it is too dangerous to travel.

A spill's been requested for the federal Liberal leadership, but there's no confirmation about when the meeting will occur, amid a flood of speculation about who'll put their hand up to lead the Coalition.Angus Taylor was first to quit his role on the front bench and is widely seen as Sussan Ley's most obvious challenger.Moderate inner-city MP Tim Wilson is also an option and it's also emerged Jane Hume will run to be deputy.Polling that points to a catastrophic wipe-out of the Coalition has been placing intense pressure on Sussan Ley.The United States attorney general is facing heavy scrutiny by a House of Representatives panel, about her department's handling of millions of documents related to the late sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.In a heated exchange, Pam Bondi has refused to answer questions about why no other co-conspirators have been indicted so far.  She told the panel US President Donald Trump's name appeared countless times in the files but he had not committed any crime.She told survivors she was deeply sorry for Epstein's abuse.And an emergency flood warning remains current for Alice Springs following intense rainfall overnight causing rivers to swell.The Todd River that runs through the town is normally bone dry but locals say they've never seen it so high.NT authorities say dangerous thunderstorms with locally intense flooding is currently occurring and it is too dangerous to travel.

Federal Liberal MPs Phil Thompson and Jess Collins have requested a spill of the leadership of the Liberal party, after intense speculation at a time of devastating polling.Last night, Angus Taylor resigned as shadow defence minister in what was widely seen as a precursor to a challenge.Four Liberal MPs have now resigned from Sussan Ley's frontbench.The ABC understands Jane Hume will nominate for deputy leader once a spill is declared.The disgruntled moderate has sat on the back bench since being dumped from shadow cabinet by Sussan Ley in May.Dire polling that shows One Nation surging past the Coalition has put pressure on her leadership.It's a sad day for some older millennials who loved Dawson's Creek as teenagers in 90s.The star of the show James Van Der Beek has died from colorectal cancer aged 48, leaving behind his wife and six children.In the lead up to his death, he spoke about his diagnosis as a way to raise awareness of the type of cancer that's becoming more common in otherwise healthy middle age adults.And Australia's Jakara Anthony has suffered heartbreak in her quest for back-to-back gold medals in women's moguls skiing .. finishing last in the final at the Winter Olympics in Italy.But 2022 silver medallist Scotty James has reason to be happy, after he posted the best score in qualifying for the mens snowboard halfpipe final.Fellow Aussie Valentino Guseli is also through to the 12-athlete final qualifying sixth.

There’s been a flurry of activity in Canberra as Coalition MPs jostle for an imminent leadership spill.Angus Taylor has quit the front bench and it’s expected he’ll challenge Sussan Ley to be opposition leader, although he hasn’t called for a spill meeting just yet.Liberal MP Claire Chandler is the first of Angus Taylor’s backers to resign from the front bench with more expected to come. The ABC understands Jane Hume will nominate for deputy leader once a spill is declared.The disgruntled moderate has sat on the back bench since being dumped from shadow cabinet by Sussan Ley in May.Dire polling that shows One Nation surging past the Coalition has put pressure on her leadership.It's a sad day for some older millennials who loved Dawson's Creek as teenagers in 90s.The star of the show James Van Der Beek has died from colorectal cancer aged 48, leaving behind his wife and six children.In the lead up to his death, he spoke about his diagnosis as a way to raise awareness of the type of cancer that's becoming more common in otherwise healthy middle age adults. And Australia's Jakara Anthony has suffered heartbreak in her quest for back-to-back gold medals in women's moguls skiing .. finishing last in the final at the Winter Olympics in Italy.But 2022 silver medallist Scotty James has reason to be happy, after he posted the best score in qualifying for the mens snowboard halfpipe final.Fellow Aussie Valentino Guseli is also through to the 12-athlete final qualifying sixth.

Attention in the nation's capital is focused on whether Angus Taylor will call a spill to try depose opposition leader Sussan Ley, after he quit the front-bench last night.Tasmanian Liberal senator Claire Chandler has also resigned from the shadow ministry, following Angus Taylor to the backbench.Mr Taylor says the Liberals are in their worst position in 80 years but he hasn't yet formally called for a spill.His supporters say he has the numbers to win but one MP who's in Sussan Ley's camp says Angus Taylor's expected challenge is ill-prepared and under-cooked.Dire polling that shows One Nation overtaking the Coalition has sparked panic and calls for change among MPs.An American actor best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson's Creek has died age 48.James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023.His family say he met his final days with courage, faith and grace.Van Der Beek's performance in Dawson's Creek in the 90s made him a major celebrity at the time.And in the winter Olympics, Scotty James has started his quest for Gold by reaching the final in the snowboard halfpipe along with fellow Australian Val Guseli.James was the top qualifier and is looking to improve on his silver four years ago.But in disappointing news, Australia's defending champion Jakara Anthony finished eighth after slipping during her run in the women's moguls super final.

A showdown to decide the leader of the Coalition is imminent after Angus Taylor quit the front bench last night.Supporters of the shadow defence minister say he has the numbers to defeat Sussan Ley, who's been opposition leader since the Coalition's thumping federal election defeat and lately she's faced devastating polling.Angus Taylor still hasn't asked for a spill meeting but that's expected to come today.Ms Ley's supporters say the fact he didn't immediately ask for a spill is a sign he still needs time to gather support.A large police presence is expected in Melbourne as Israel president Isaac Herzog continues his trip to Australia to comfort victims of the Bondi terror attack.Protesters have been arguing it was inappropriate to invite him to Australia given genocide allegations levelled at Israel, which it strenuously denies.Victoria Police have been granted special powers under the terrorism act to search members of the public and seek identification from them in anticipation of protests in Melbourne.Clashes between police and demonstrators in Sydney have sparked fierce debate about whether authorities were too heavy handed.And American actor James van der Beek has died at the age of 48.The family of the actor best known for his portrayal of Dawson in the hit 90's teen drama Dawson's Creek have posted on his social media accounts saying he met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.Van der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and he leaves behind his wife Kimberley and six children.

A challenge to the Liberal leadership is imminent after shadow defence minister Angus Taylor resigned from the shadow front bench last night.But it's important to note, he didn't call for a spill, but that request is expected to come today.While some MPs have declared support for him, it remains to be seen if it'll be enough for him to topple Sussan Ley.Angus Taylor says the Liberal Party is in the worst position since 1944 when it was formed.Recent polling shows a devastating slump in support for the Coalition.There's expected to be a large police presence in Melbourne today ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to the city.The Israeli leader is in Australia to comfort victims of the Bondi attack but pro Palestine activists have been protesting, arguing he isn't welcome given Israel's conduct in Gaza and the West Bank.Victoria Police say the force has been granted special powers under the terrorism act to help control the crowd.It comes after violent clashes between demonstrators and police in Sydney caused outrage.The Prime Minister's delivering his annual update on progress towards closing the gap between First Nations people and and non-Indigenous Australians today, and new health funding will be a key part of it.He'll announce new commitments worth hundreds of millions of dollars from the states and Commonwealth.Aboriginal community organisations will receive funding to upgrade poor infrastructure and money will also go to on country maternal care programs.Canada's prime minister has called for national unity in the wake of a school shooting that's killed at least 10 people, including the suspected shooter.A tearful Mark Carney has paid tribute to victims and their families impacted in the community of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia.Exactly what happened isn't yet clear.Seven of the victims were found at the school, while another two people were found at a nearby residence.And some disappointing news in the Winter Olympics, Australia's defending champion Jakara Anthony has finished eighth after slipping during her run in the women's moguls super final.The 27-year-old had topped the standings in the opening run of the finals, but came unstuck during her second effort in Livigno in Italy.Meanwhile Scotty James will begin his quest for gold in the snowboard halfpipe this morning.

Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

Liberal Angus Taylor has resigned from Sussan Ley's shadow ministry ahead of an expected leadership challenge.The outgoing Shadow Defence Minister walked into Ms Ley's office just after seven-PM to hand in his resignation.Speaking to reporters, Mr Taylor said the Liberals are at their weakest point since World War Two, he says that's a confronting reality the party cannot ignore.Canadian authorities believe a woman is responsible for a mass shooting in British Columbia that's left ten people dead, including the shooter.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say eight people were killed at a high school in the small town of Tumbler Ridge - while two others were found dead at a nearby home.Police say they're are investigating how the victims are connected to the shooter, and the motive remains unclear.There will be a large police presence in Melbourne tomorrow, ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit - following days of activism around the country and a violent police crackdown on protesters in Sydney.The Victorian Supreme Court has granted police special powers to search people and vehicles in areas visited by the President.Deputy police Commissioner Bob Hill says these special powers will not relate to a planned protest in front of Flinders Street Station. 

Supporters of Angus Taylor say he's preparing to quit the federal Opposition front bench, to challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership.Mr Taylor has not made any public statements this week, but his backers have been encouraging him to move against Ms Ley before parliament rises tomorrow.Conservatives are agitating for change, after weeks of chaos and infighting, combined with a string of poor polls.Canadian authorities believe a woman is responsible for a mass shooting in British Columbia that's left ten people dead, including the shooter.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say eight people were killed at a high school in the small town of Tumbler Ridge - while two others were found dead at a nearby home.Police say they're are investigating how the victims are connected to the shooter, and the motive remains unclear.There will be a large police presence in Melbourne tomorrow, ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit -- following days of activism around the country and a violent police crackdown on protesters in Sydney.The Victorian Supreme Court has granted police special powers to search people and vehicles in areas visited by the President.Deputy police Commissioner Bob Hill says these special powers will not relate to a planned protest in front of Flinders Street Station. 

Police in Canada say a mass shooting in the western province of British Columbia has left at least ten people dead, and dozens injured.They say six of those killed were found in a high school in the small town of Tumbler Ridge, about a thousand kilometres north of Vancouver.Two others were found in a house in the town and another died on the way to hospital, according to authorities.Police also say the suspected shooter, who is a woman, appears to have died from a self-inflicted injury.The Israeli president has described his visit to Australia as very emotional.Isaac Herzog has been greeted with a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Canberra and has visited the Israeli Embassy.He's now arrived at Parliament house, where he's been met with a large crowd of protesters chanting loudly from the lawns.The Australian Border Force says it took ten days between intercepting the attempted importation of a child-like sex doll and executing a search warrant at the home of a Perth man, now convicted over planning to abduct a child.The ABF and WA Police began an investigation in mid-2024 when Jason William Forbes tried to import the doll into the country.It led to a search warrant being executed at Forbe's home in the southern Perth suburb of Baldivis where they found extensive research and planning relating to the abduction of a child, including modifications to his home and vehicle.

Canadian authorities say a shooting at a school and home in British Columbia has left ten people dead, including the suspect.Six people were found dead inside the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, two others at a local residence and another person died while being transported to hospital.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police says more than 25 people are injured, including two with life-threatening injuries.The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he's raised the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom with the Israeli president during talks this morning.Ms Frankcom was among seven aid workers killed by an Israeli drone strike in Gaza, which the Israeli Defence Force described as a "grave mistake" caused by "mistaken identity".Her family has called for an independent investigation, and says no-one has been held accountable for the deaths.US authorities have confirmed they've detained person for questioning in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.The 84-year-old mother of US Today Show host Savannah Guthrie has been missing from her Arizona home for 10 days.Police believe she was abducted.Earlier today the FBI released photos and videos of a masked person appearing to tamper with a security camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door, on the night she disappeared. 

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of popular US television host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared on February 1. 

Hundreds of people have gathered on the lawns in front of Parliament House in Canberra to protest the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.Several federal politicians have joined the crowd, including ACT senator David Pocock and Greens leader Larissa Waters.As with other visits of international leaders, the Israeli flag is flying side-by-side next to the Australian flag on flag poles in front of Parliament House.Several in the crowd are holding Palestinian flags and posters with anti-Israel slogans.Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg says any frontbenchers plotting against leader Sussan Ley should resign today.Liberal MP Angus Taylor is expected to resign from the frontbench as soon as today, paving the way to mount a leadership challenge against Ms Ley.Senator Bragg says he believes Ms Ley still holds a majority and that she should be allowed to get on with her job.Multiple US media outlets are reporting that a person has been detained for questioning in relation to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.The 84-year-old mother of American Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie has been missing from her Arizona home for 10 days.Police believe she was abducted.Earlier today the FBI released photos and footage of a person appearing to tamper with a security camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door, around the time she disappeared.