That’s a wrap. Thanks for following the AFR’s live coverage this Thursday, May 22, 2025. We will have more for you in the next live news coverage.

Here are some of the stories we covered today:

• Israeli embassy worker shot in attack near US Jewish museum: At least one Israeli embassy worker was among a group of people targeted in a fatal shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC.

• Nations pause plans to abandon Coalition after Ley agrees to reconsider policy demand: The Nationals have “paused” their decision to abandon the Coalition following an agreement by Liberal leader Sussan Ley to convene a meeting of her MPs and Senators to discuss the Nationals’ policy demands.

• Disaster recovery funding activated for affected LGAs: Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain says disaster recovery funding arrangements have been activated for local government areas in the natural disaster zone.

• Natural disaster declared, authorities brace for ‘bad’ 24 hours: Premier Chris Minns says he is bracing for more bad news in the next 24 hours after declaring the NSW flooding event a natural disaster.

• Nationals first threatened to abandon Coalition over Price defection, leaked letter reveals: A leaked letter from Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie written 10 days ago reveals the party first threatened to abandon the Coalition due to anger over the defection to the Liberal Party of Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.

• Evacuations urged as hundreds rescued amid vast deluge: Tens of thousands of people are isolated, while hundreds have been rescued from disastrous flooding as intense rainfall continues.