The Latest Breaking News from Mark Brown

The recent shootings of three college students of Palestinian descent in Vermont’s largest city come as the small rural state, often ranked as one of the safest in the country, is grappling with a spike in gun violence

Findings from an extensive review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have been released with ideas on how to transform it. Led by co-chairs Bruce Bonyhady and Lisa Paul, the review heard from around 10,000 people before making 26 recommendations with 139 supporting actions. Presenting their findings, co-chairs wrote:

Anthony Albanese has stepped quickly into stride on the Cook Islands as he prepares for crunch talks with Pacific Islands Forum leaders.

At a time when the Pacific is the focus of increasing geopolitical pressures and tensions, New Zealand is unable to speak with a clear, authoritative voice, writes Marc Daalder

Australia’s Aukus submarine deal and Japan’s discharge of Fukushima waste makes the issue a priority as leaders gather in Cook Islands

Climate change and rising strategic competition among issues facing leaders at region’s most important political gathering

With a Week 5 matchup between the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins on tap, we go behind enemy lines for a chat with Dolphins Wire.

Manasseh Sogavare hits out at US after skipping Biden summit as $200m in funding for Pacific nations draws criticism for ‘trying to play catch up’

Biden said his administration is requesting Congress approve $200 million in new assistance for the region, including financing to help the islands prepare for climate and natural hazards.