Lucas Findley's property in North West Queensland successfully planted cotton after floods, showcasing the region's cropping potential. A $5.3 million government and industry investment aims to expand cotton, grain, and pulse production by 2035, diversifying traditional cattle country.
The Albanese government's approval of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project extension in Western Australia faces a federal court challenge from conservation groups, testing Australia's environment law and international climate obligations.
Fitness influencers associated with Gencore Global, a UK wellness brand, are promoting illegal steroids and performance-enhancing drugs through an underground Telegram network. The network, rebranded as Anabolic By Nature, was initially called Rohm. Experts warn of a blurred line between fitness culture and illegal drug promotion.
Manchester United has identified a site approximately 350m northwest of Old Trafford for a new 100,000-seater stadium. The club acquired a 25-acre site, currently partly a go-kart track, as part of a multi-billion pound regeneration project for the Trafford Wharfside area.
MPs are urging Darren Jones to run against Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership to avoid a "coronation." Jones is reportedly reluctant but will consider Burnham's economic plans, including public control of utilities. Concerns exist about Ed Miliband potentially becoming chancellor under Burnham, which could trigger a negative market reaction.
Historically, women have been prominent in film editing, often seen as subordinate roles. However, experts highlight their crucial creative contributions and skill, challenging the notion of editing as unskilled labor and noting the ongoing imbalance in creative leadership positions.
Andy Burnham officially launched his Labour campaign for the Makerfield by-election, urging a fresh approach to politics. The Green candidate withdrew hours after announcement due to past social media posts, and the Liberal Democrats selected their candidate. Defence secretary John Healey demanded transparency from Nigel Farage over a £5m gift amid Russia-linked concerns.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to return to Parliament after Makerfield MP Josh Simons agreed to step aside. Burnham's path to leadership has been fraught with failed attempts and rejections from MPs.
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsAcross the UK, house prices are rising faster in the north of the country, and falling parts of the South.Halifax reports:Northern Ireland still leads UK annual house price growth, with average prices up +7.6% over the past year to £224,851.Scotland also recorded strong growth, rising +4.0% annually to an average price of £222,448.Wales has seen property price growth continue to slow, now +0.7% on annual basis, taking the typical home value to £230,952.The North East of England saw prices rise +4.5% over the year to £183,445, while the North West recorded annual growth of +3.4%, with the average home now costing £248,945.By contrast, the southern markets continue to see prices fall. The South East led declines, with prices down -2.0% year‑on‑year to £383,044, while London saw average values fall by - 1.4% to £536,051.“After a strong start to the year, recent global developments have added a greater degree of uncertainty to the outlook. In particular, higher energy prices have fed into inflation expectations, prompting markets to reassess the path for interest rates – a shift that has already pushed up borrowing costs for many buyers.“This understandably leads to more caution among some households, with the cost-of-living once again front of mind and extra thought being given to planned property moves. Continue reading...
Storm Stacey, a 22-year-old British motorcycle racer, wears a top hat at circuits as a conversation starter about mental health, honoring his father who died by suicide when Stacey was 13. Racing gave him purpose after the tragedy, and his mother used her last money to fund his 2019 season, which nearly earned him the British Superstock 600 title. He won his first British Superbike race in 2024 and will debut at the North West 200 in May 2026 with Batham's Racing, while advocating for men to speak openly about their feelings.
