US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing for a "generational investment" of nearly $1.5 trillion for 2027 military spending, a 44% increase, while also seeking emergency funds for the ongoing, unpopular Iran war. This comes despite a previous order for budget cuts and questions about $75bn in unobligated funds from a prior bump.
Lower Saxony approved French Framatome's plan to manufacture Russian-designed nuclear fuel rods in Lingen, Germany, despite federal concerns over Russian involvement. The approval comes with strict conditions, including barring Rosatom/TVEL employees from the plant.
Anthony Albanese will announce expanded paid work experience in healthcare at Labor's national conference. Australia's military is training in old-school navigation for cyber-attack resilience, Penny Wong will warn China, and a national emergency siren test is scheduled. Global news includes an oil surge, France's heatwave deaths, and pressure on Zelenskyy.
New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani reaffirmed support for the ICC, urging federal authorities to execute an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits in the fall. This follows Mamdani's earlier "war criminal" remarks, sparking debate among officials and advocates.
The Australian federal government will expand its paid student placement program to 10 new fields, including physiotherapy and clinical psychology, starting July 2027. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce this at the Labor national conference, where delegates will also debate increasing taxes on gas exports, winding back fuel tax credits, and the party's position on Israel and Palestine.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the city lacks independent legal authority to execute an ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he called a "war criminal." Mamdani urged the federal government to join the ICC and enforce the warrant, while Netanyahu's presence in NYC is deemed unwelcome.
Australia will conduct a national test of its new AusAlert emergency system on Monday, emitting a siren from most phones. The federal government proceeds despite state concerns over landline reach and warnings from domestic violence campaigners for "safe phone" users to power off devices to avoid exposure.
Google's Debug initiative seeks US government approval to release 32 million sterilised male mosquitoes in California and Florida to combat disease-carrying females. An expert reflects on a successful Australian trial that suppressed Aedes aegypti populations, offering insights into the safety and efficacy of the approach.
Australia's housing policy has a rich history of public investment, initiated by various governments over nearly 30 years, to address housing affordability and social needs. Despite challenges and resistance, these interventions significantly boosted home ownership and eased rental pressures, influencing current tax reforms.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced a September 15, 2026, lease sale for 2,840 acres in Wayne National Forest, opening it to fracking for the first time. This move, aligning with past administration policies, faces environmental opposition and legal challenges, while the government initiates a 30-day public protest period.
Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and his son Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, are charged with kidnapping two U.S. Forest Service workers at gunpoint with an AR-15 rifle and grenades for 15 hours near Mount Shasta, California. The hostages were safely released after extensive negotiations involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Women on temporary Australian visas experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) face significant hurdles, as perpetrators are often visa sponsors. The Department of Home Affairs' provisions require proof of a "genuine" relationship, which is difficult for survivors of coercive control, potentially forcing them to stay in abusive situations or leave the country.
The United States is experiencing converging crises in election security, public health, and environmental protection. The Trump administration's policies, including federal workforce cuts, reduced funding for agencies, and rollbacks of environmental regulations, are exacerbating these issues, leading to disease outbreaks and increased vulnerability to environmental disasters.
A briefing to BHP investors by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) warns Australia's federal fuel tax break, worth $622m to BHP, is delaying the miner's decarbonisation efforts. The ACCR suggests removing the tax break would make electrification projects financially viable, raising questions about BHP's climate commitments and transparency.
Australia has significantly increased visa fees, with some up by 200%, drawing accusations of exploiting international students and permanent residents. Critics argue the move makes Australia less competitive and treats migrants as revenue sources, while the government cites migration management and the value of visas.
Polestar's decision to exit the US market by 2027, due to a rule banning Chinese-made connected vehicle software, leaves thousands of owners and dozens of dealers facing uncertainty about vehicle service, software updates, and resale value. Unlike bankruptcies, this exit is government-mandated, leaving stakeholders vulnerable.
The FCC is reviewing the E-Rate program, which provides discounted internet to schools and libraries. Educators fear funding cuts could force districts to cover tens of thousands in monthly costs, impacting essential services and student access to 21st-century education.
Eight men have been indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges for allegedly planning a drone and sniper attack on a UFC event at the White House. The plot, which aimed to destabilize the government, involved amassing weapons, explosives, and drones.
The US Department of Agriculture revised down beef export sales for late June by 90%, citing incorrect data. This follows previous data inaccuracies and staffing losses, eroding trust among traders and farmers.
The US has escalated tensions with Iran, Donald Trump vowed to hit the country 'hard again tonight.' Australia is still reeling from a nationwide Telstra mobile network outage. In UK politics, Nigel Farage faces Count Binface in a byelection, while New South Wales won the State of Origin decider.
Trump Accounts, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allow Americans under 18 to invest in their future. The accounts receive seed money from the government and private donors, with potential uses for education or homeownership.
A federal report identifies telemarketers, advertising staff, and accountants as most exposed to AI job displacement. While widespread losses haven't occurred, the government plans to regulate AI and support workers with training.
Telstra, powering 25m mobile services, experienced a major outage blamed on a time-keeping server issue. The Australian government dismissed foreign interference speculation and launched an investigation. Services have largely returned to normal.
Kalshi traders are betting on low probabilities for the US government taking a stake in OpenAI or Anthropic this year, with odds under 30%. However, they see higher chances for stakes in quantum computing firms Rigetti Computing and D-Wave Quantum, and semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries, with odds over 60%.
