1. Victorian lockdown could be extended

Following 11 new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria on Monday, authorities have not ruled out an extension to the current lockdown which is currently scheduled to end on Friday, but said it was too early to know if an extension will be required. "The next few days remain critical, and I want to be really clear with everyone that this outbreak may well get worse before it gets better," acting Premier James Merlino said yesterday.

2. OECD upgrades growth forecast for Australia

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has predicted 5.1% GDP growth in Australia this year and 3.4% next year in its latest Economic Outlook, up from estimates of 4.5% growth in 2021 and 3.1% in 2022 made by the organisation in March. "Effective vaccination programmes in many countries has meant today’s Economic Outlook is more promising than at any time since the start of this devastating pandemic. But for millions around the world getting a jab still remains a distant prospect. We urgently need to step up the production and equitable distribution of vaccines," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría.

3. Russia issues warning about 'uncomfortable' signals for the US

Ahead of a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva on June 16, Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov warned that it would be sending the US "uncomfortable" signals as well as increasing its military presence at the country's western border. "The Americans must assume that a number of signals from Moscow ... will be uncomfortable for them, including in the coming days," Ryabkov told the RIA news agency according to Reuters.

4. Canberra has more karaoke bars than any other capital city

Canberra has the most karaoke bars out of all capital cities worldwide according to a Uswitch study highlighted by The Australian yesterday. There are 7.57 karaoke bars per 100,000 people, more than double any other capital city, and 'Shallow' by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper was the most popular song in the nation's capital as well as worldwide.

5. Wall Street closed for Memorial Day holiday

Australia will be without its usual lead in from the US today due to the Memorial Day federal holiday in the United States on Monday. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 17.90 points or 0.25% yesterday to 7,161.60 and futures indicate that the market will open lower today.