Andy Burnham's win in the Makerfield by-election signals a potential leadership challenge to Keir Starmer. Burnham's policies suggest a focus on public control of utilities, social care reform, re-industrialisation, and alternative education routes, while adhering to fiscal rules.
Former US NSA John Bolton cautioned against a US-China "G2" framework, calling it a "dangerous sidelining" of India. He emphasized the need for closer India-US strategic cooperation to counter China's growing influence and advocated for a deeper dialogue between Modi and Trump on the "Chinese threat."
Senator Pauline Hanson claimed Australian businesses are "tied" to lazy workers they "can't sack." Employment law experts and small business advocates debated this, with some agreeing the system favors employees and others stating clear processes allow dismissals.
The Supreme Court of India will examine a plea to create a national digital register for advocates, similar to Aadhaar, to combat the issue of fake lawyers. The Bar Association of India highlighted concerns that 35-40% of practicing advocates may lack genuine degrees.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's openness to winding back paid parental leave has drawn criticism from advocates, who argue it reflects an outdated economic and social model. The scheme, costing $5 billion annually, provides government-funded pay and superannuation for eligible parents.
Advocates in Central Australia are pushing for youth foyers, transitional housing models for vulnerable individuals aged 16-24, to combat persistently high youth homelessness rates. The NT has Australia's highest rates, with nearly 50% of its homeless population under 24.
A 68-year-old pensioner living in his car while waiting for social housing in WA has expressed frustration with the system, as government reforms are not expected to take effect until 2028. Advocates question if enough is being done to help those in urgent need before then.
A 68-year-old pensioner living in his car in WA criticizes the state's social housing waitlist reforms, set to take effect in 2028. Mark Unsworth, on the priority list for a year, feels "invisible" and questions the timeline, while advocates warn of risks to those waiting.
One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts has called for a complete ban on abortion, a stance differing from party leader Pauline Hanson's position of restricting abortions after 20 weeks. Roberts' comments emerged at a Brisbane Christian conference where anti-abortion groups discussed legislative changes and replacing politicians not aligned with their agenda.
Susan Morley, 61, is homeless and living in her motorhome on the Gold Coast for three years while awaiting social housing. A victim of fraud and a serious car accident, she joins a growing crisis of older Australian women facing homelessness due to financial hardship and rising costs.
Sir Ed Davey calls for Britain to rejoin the EU single market, arguing Brexit has failed and the world has changed since 2016. Public opinion has shifted, with polls showing a majority would reverse the outcome. The Lib Dem leader's stance faces political hurdles, particularly anti-immigration sentiment, but highlights a growing debate on reconnecting with Europe.
Ombudsman delivered a commanding performance to win the Prince of Wales's Stakes, beating last season's Oaks and Arc winners, Minnie Hauk and Daryz. Jockey William Buick eased the 11-10 favorite to a four-length victory, showcasing exceptional acceleration. Trainer John Gosden praised the horse's class and turn of foot, with the Juddmonte International at York a potential next target.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia and ASEAN nations jointly advocate for a fairer global governance system, respect sovereign equality, and do not impose their views on others. He highlighted shared moral values and recognition of cultural diversity.
China released a white paper advocating for "more just and equitable" global governance, particularly in emerging areas like AI and outer space. Top diplomat Wang Yi stated the current international system is at a "critical crossroads" due to multiple crises, emphasizing China's support for changes aligned with current realities rather than rebuilding the existing order.
Fifteen years after Gene Gibson's wrongful conviction, Aboriginal interpreters say they are still overlooked by WA Police. Despite speaking Pintupi, Gibson wasn't provided an interpreter for his initial interview, leading to a five-year prison sentence. A coronial inquest recommended further training for police on interpreter use.
Bengaluru police arrested Sharath, a water tanker driver, accused of strangling his 20-year-old wife, Anusha, after frequent domestic quarrels. He allegedly confessed to an advocate before fleeing, leading to the discovery of her body in their rented home.
The Trump administration has restricted access to Anthropic's advanced AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security concerns. This move, which bars non-citizens from using the models, has caused anxiety in the AI sector, with industry advocates fearing it undermines the president's executive order on AI and could lead to an ad hoc licensing regime.
Last-minute White House restrictions on Anthropic's AI model Fable have cast doubt on President Trump's 2-week-old AI regulation effort, industry experts say. The move, citing security concerns, led Anthropic to cut off access, contradicting the administration's promise of a light-touch approach and potentially politicizing AI development.
Environmentalists in Brisbane's bayside express concern over continued koala habitat clearing at Ormiston College, highlighting perceived loopholes in national environment laws despite recent reforms. The school's approved development involves clearing 600 trees, with plans to replant habitat trees, but the project was not federally assessed, raising fears of setting a dangerous precedent.
Victor Harbor resident Jackson Baker, who has neurofibromatosis and an intellectual disability, experienced severe respiratory issues due to South Australia's algal bloom. His mother, Kirsty Whitehead, criticized the SA government's "inaccessible" and "inconsistent" public health information, particularly the lack of "easy read" formats. A volunteer survey by The Algal Bloom Shed collected symptom data, revealing common issues like coughs and headaches, which were not fully reflected in official advice.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expresses support for complete global nuclear disarmament, citing the inevitability of destructive conflict if all nations pursue nuclear weapons.
Ohio lawmakers failed to pass Senate Bill 341, which would have ended child marriage by prohibiting 17-year-olds from marrying adults up to four years older. Despite bipartisan support and no public opposition, the bill stalled before the summer recess, outraging reform advocates.
A decade after successfully fighting a DEA ban, kratom advocates are now calling for a ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent extract with opioid-like effects. The industry faces internal friction as 7-OH products, often marketed as natural, cause withdrawal and overdoses, threatening the broader kratom market.
Hunter Biden has become an unlikely Democratic force on X, advocating for mental health, engaging with critics, and discussing populist issues. His self-deprecating humor and honest responses have garnered significant followers and even some Republican support, with some users suggesting he run for president in 2028.
