As polls suggest the far-right AfD could win Saxony-Anhalt's state elections, cultural institutions fear threats to artistic freedom, historical remembrance, and state funding.
Dozens of women accuse convicted rapist Ralph Carr of abusive behaviour, Australia's $50,000 parent visa process faces criticism for lengthy delays and applicant deaths, and Donald Trump's Board of Peace issues a contract for a military base in Gaza
Loke announced his resignation as Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman following a central executive committee meeting, stating it is the right time for new leadership.
One Nation announced army veteran Warren Pickering as its Victorian state election leader and Pakenham candidate, aiming to govern independently. The party plans to reveal policies within a month, focusing on farmers, crime, and corruption, while denying access to some media outlets.
Pauline Hanson's One Nation announced its first Victorian state election candidates while banning ABC and Guardian reporters from its press conference, citing past exclusions. The party, which has seen a surge in polls, will field candidates in every seat and release policies soon.
Pauline Hanson's One Nation announced eight candidates for the Victorian state election, including former Liberal members and an animator. Hanson notably denied access to ABC and Guardian reporters at the press conference, citing "spin" and "gotcha moments," preferring Rebel News.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas's call for donation bans highlights national issues. PM Albanese faces questions over a donor dinner, while Opposition Leader Taylor is linked to an ICAC probe. New federal rules aim for more transparency but won't solve current problems.
Daniel Andrews supports new Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, citing his ability to win the November election. Carroll's first act includes introducing legislation to abolish group voting tickets (GVTs) and announcing a royal commission into the construction sector amid corruption allegations.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan faces a leadership challenge within her party just four months before the November state election, driven by dire polling and internal discontent over her handling of alleged corruption in the Big Build program.
Wisconsin Democrats urge the state elections commission to allow voters to cast new absentee ballots after candidates dropped out and re-entered the chaotic gubernatorial primary race, potentially invalidating thousands of votes already cast.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned senior officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, and members of agency boards, that they must resign from their positions if they intend to campaign for political parties, to prevent weaponizing their official roles against allies in his unity government.
Darcy Byrne, Labor mayor of Sydney's Inner West Council, is leading a grassroots movement to curb gambling harm, advocating for fewer poker machines in NSW clubs. He compares the poker machine lobby to the US NRA and discussed his successful motion at the NSW Labor conference.
In Johor's state election, voters like Koo prioritize rising living costs and job opportunities over party loyalty or China-linked investments. The focus is on whether the local economy can support residents, with housing prices and cost of living being primary concerns, potentially shifting the traditional Chinese vote.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned state election officials they could face criminal charges for knowingly allowing noncitizens to vote or remain on voter rolls. The letters, sent to all 50 states, are part of the Trump administration's effort to tighten election rules, though critics argue the threat is based on unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud.
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold federal funding from states and warning election officials of arrest if they don't remove noncitizens from voter rolls. This action, seen by critics as an attempt to interfere with elections and undermine confidence, comes ahead of crucial midterm elections.
Days before the Johor state election, a crypto-powered prediction market, Polymarket, shows Barisan Nasional (BN) with a 92.8% chance of winning the most seats. Over $25,000 has been bet on the outcome, with caretaker leader Onn Hafiz Ghazi also favored to retain his chief minister position.
Punjab's AAP government passed a new law to strengthen punishment for sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib. However, the Akal Takht, the highest Sikh religious body, has objected to administrative provisions, not the penalties, arguing they encroach on religious institutions' domain.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim plans to negotiate higher durian prices with Chinese PM Li Qiang during his upcoming visit to China, responding to local growers' complaints about low prices due to a bumper harvest.
Sahra Wagenknecht's populist-left party, BSW, has offered to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to challenge mainstream parties. The move, particularly targeting eastern Germany, aims to break the 'firewall' against the AfD and potentially siphon voters.
Martin Reichardt, a senior lawmaker for Germany's far-right AfD, is under pressure after a photo allegedly showing him making a Nazi salute surfaced. Reichardt denies the gesture was a joke, but two witnesses claim otherwise. The revelation comes ahead of crucial state elections where the AfD leads polls.
Ethnic divisions are surfacing in Malaysia's Johor state ahead of the July 11 election. Malay-nationalist Barisan Nasional (BN) is seen as trying to limit the influence of the Chinese-dominated Democratic Action Party (DAP), creating friction within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has accused colleague Matthew Guy of assault at a community event, causing turmoil for the party five months before the state election. Guy vehemently denies the allegation and is considering defamation action, while Victoria Police investigate the reported incident which occurred on May 23 in Sunshine.
Australians lost over $37m in romance scams, prompting questions about bank and dating app liability. Concerns rise over the environmental impact of Australia's growing datacentre industry. UK PM Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to step down, potentially paving the way for Andy Burnham. Iran suspends peace talks with the US after Trump's threats.
Australians lost over $37m to romance scams in 18 months, raising questions about bank and dating app responsibility. Concerns also arise over the environmental cost of Australia's growing datacentre industry. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer is reportedly poised to step down.
