NSW Central West leaders have criticized the state government's $10,000 payments for businesses impacted by the Great Western Highway closure as "pathetic." They are demanding more substantial support and a clear timeline for repairs to the Mitchell's Causeway, which has been closed since March.
The future of the Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter remains uncertain as administrators continue negotiations with a preferred buyer consortium. A key member withdrew, creating a funding deadline, but a recent meeting provided a temporary reprieve, allowing workers to keep their jobs for now.
Melton, a rapidly growing and young area in Greater Melbourne, faces severe under-resourcing of its public libraries. Despite high demand and a significant birth rate, the region is served by only two libraries, leading to overcrowding and safety concerns. Advocacy groups highlight chronic underfunding, with state government contributions failing to keep pace with population growth.
New UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis will review a controversial defence investment plan (Dip) and may seek more funds from the Treasury. This follows the resignation of the former Defence Secretary John Healey over funding disagreements, casting a shadow over the upcoming G7 summit.
An Ebola outbreak in the DRC's Ituri province has seen 676 cases and 136 deaths. Four nuns caring for an infant who died from the virus have fallen ill. Frontline workers face supply shortages and conflict hinders response, while travel restrictions are criticized.
Bengaluru police registered a criminal case against US-based The Timothy Initiative and six individuals for allegedly funding over Rs 95 crore towards Naxalism and conversions, bypassing Indian financial regulations using foreign debit cards.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc) is crucial for global climate regulation. Despite its importance, monitoring efforts are underfunded and threatened with discontinuation, particularly due to proposed budget cuts in the US. This lack of data hinders understanding and preparedness for potential climate shifts.
The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc) is vital for global climate regulation. Despite its importance, monitoring efforts are underfunded and at risk of discontinuation, particularly due to proposed budget cuts in the US, leaving society unprepared for potential drastic climate shifts.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed ongoing government discussions on defence funding following the resignations of Defence Secretary John Healey and junior minister Al Carns over spending concerns. The delayed defence investment plan is being re-examined.
New Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the government must increase defence spending to meet rising threats, despite fiscal constraints. His predecessor resigned over insufficient funding for the defence investment plan.
The UK government is investing £132.5m in after-school clubs to offer alternatives to social media for under-16s, as new restrictions on platform use are anticipated. The funding aims to boost mental health and reduce loneliness among young people.
PhD students in Australia are facing financial hardship due to low stipends, with rates falling below the poverty line. A recent report recommended increasing stipends to $50,000, but the government has not committed to the changes, sparking concerns about equity and Australia's research capacity.
Early childhood educators in Australia are experiencing burnout due to low pay and lack of support. Funding for a federal pay rise is set to expire, causing concern among workers and providers about future stability and retention.
Australians with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosed after 65 are ineligible for NDIS, facing insufficient aged care funding. Glenn Rowan, 78, pays $7,000 weekly for care, stating inadequate support pushes patients towards early euthanasia.
Labour Defence Secretary John Healey resigned Thursday, citing the Prime Minister's failure to adequately fund the defence budget. Healey publicly stated the PM's decisions put the country at risk, a move seen as a severe blow to the government's credibility and security record. The dispute stems from a commitment to increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, a promise made without securing the necessary funds.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger expressed concern over potential French funding cuts to the joint Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank project, warning it could significantly slow down development. He also questioned the project's future due to the long timeframe and recent cancellation of a joint fighter jet program.
Jeff Bezos' AI startup Prometheus has secured $12 billion in Series B funding, reaching a $41 billion valuation. The company aims to revolutionize global manufacturing by creating an 'artificial general engineer' to accelerate the design and production of physical goods, compressing timelines from years to potentially months.
Russia claims its long-standing assertions about US-funded biolabs in Ukraine have been confirmed by declassified US documents. The documents, revealed by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, detail US funding for over 120 biolabs globally, including more than 40 in Ukraine, some conducting research on dangerous pathogens.
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revealed on Thursday that the US has funded over 120 biological labs in more than 30 countries, many handling hazardous pathogens with limited oversight. A policy shift under President Trump will end federal support for gain-of-function research globally. Declassified intelligence also indicated over 40 labs in Ukraine handled Soviet-era biological warfare pathogens. Separately, Gabbard rescinded previous assessments on 'Havana Syndrome,' citing flawed analysis.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over military spending disagreements, accusing PM Keir Starmer of risking national security. Starmer admits he must "turn things around" after poor election results, while the US expresses concern over UK defence contributions.
French AI startup Mistral AI is reportedly in early discussions to raise approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion), which would value the company at around €20 billion. This significant funding round would nearly double its previous valuation and positions Mistral as a key European alternative to US tech giants.
Right-wing US officials and investors claim China funds anti-data center protests, citing OpenAI's report on Chinese-origin accounts spreading anti-data center messages. Experts are skeptical, suggesting foreign interference amplifies existing US tensions over data centers and AI.
A senior US official stated that a US-Iran deal includes dismantling Iran's nuclear program and ending its funding of terrorist groups. The official described it as a "performance-based deal," while Iran previously insisted on the release of frozen funds and denied funding terrorism.
The G7 and France are prioritizing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the 2030 deadline, facing geopolitical and financial pressures. Official Development Assistance (ODA) saw a historic 23% drop in 2025, with a further 6% decrease estimated for 2026, largely due to the dismantling of USAID.
