Politics ·
The Productivity Commission has condemned attacks on its integrity after Western Australia's premier referred to the independent advisory body as 'east coast clowns' following a scathing report on the state's GST arrangements. Commissioner Angela Jackson called the personal attacks unacceptable and expressed disappointment that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out GST changes.
World · 3 sources ·
A devastating fire broke out early Wednesday in the neonatal nursery of a major state hospital in Islamabad, killing at least 14 newborn babies.
Business ·
NPR's Planet Money has released a quick global economic quiz based on big ideas gathered during its World Tour series. Participants must complete eight questions to earn their Summer School diploma.
World ·
The Sudanese army's reliance on an armed coalition for battlefield gains against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) raises concerns that defeating the RSF will fragment Sudan's conflict rather than bring peace.
World ·
An Indian jewellery advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon celebrating the Hindu festival of Rakhi has been pulled following backlash over her outfit, though the actor has defended the commercial.
Sports ·
Manchester United's Fernandes and Manchester City's Shaw have been named the PFA Players of the Year following standout domestic campaigns.
World ·
The United States has threatened Iran's partners with secondary sanctions, an economic measure where third-party countries that engage in trade with a sanctioned nation face penalization themselves.
Politics ·
An auditor general report tabled in parliament has revealed that the Victorian Labor government secretly placed a levy on all public transport fares in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria starting in January 2025. The hidden fare increase was implemented to help fund the controversial Suburban Rail Loop and other Big Build projects, raising questions about Premier Ben Carroll's knowledge of the tax while casting doubt on whether the project's first stage can be completed on time or within budget.
World ·
A police sergeant in South Korea has been arrested following the discovery of bodies on a holiday island, amid growing allegations that the officer lied to families and prematurely closed missing persons cases.
Environment ·
Dozens of civil society groups are urging the UK government to increase support for walking and cycling to rapidly decarbonise transport, the country's highest-emitting sector, following severe summer heatwaves and wildfires.
Sports ·
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz were eliminated in the US Open mixed doubles quarterfinals after losing to the pair of Cobolli and Bencic. Following their victory, Cobolli and Bencic will face married partners Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the upcoming semifinal match.
Business ·
India is importing 1 million tonnes of sugar after domestic prices jumped by nearly 40%, threatening the country's peak season for sweets.
World ·
Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on a new temporary maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a deputy foreign minister.
Business ·
Retailer Target has pulled a children's Halloween costume from store shelves and issued an apology after social media users criticized the garment for evoking racist minstrel caricatures.
World · 2 sources ·
At least 47 people were killed and more than 50 others were kidnapped during a violent weekend gang attack in Kenscoff, a community nestled in the hills above Port-au-Prince. According to the UN, homes were set on fire, and a gang leader has threatened to kill the hostages if authorities kill any gang members while attempting to secure the area.
World ·
Iran is calculating that global economic fallout combined with concerns from Republicans facing midterm elections will pressure United States President Donald Trump into a political retreat.
World ·
A fireworks facility in Tultepec, Mexico, was struck by two explosions, creating a dramatic mix of flames and secondary blasts.
U.S. News ·
A massive natural gas leak near Saxon, Wisconsin, triggered evacuations for nearby residents after a truck struck a pipeline.
World ·
Iranian lawmakers are considering legislation that would criminalize contact with foreign media and international groups for journalists, researchers, and ordinary citizens. Rights groups warn the move aims to isolate Iranian society from the rest of the world following recent crackdowns and anti-government protests.
World ·
Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, has been targeted in another drone strike carried out by Ukraine.
World ·
Animal rights activists in France are launching petitions and protests calling for a ban on Alpine marmot hunting, citing climate crisis impacts and accusing hunters of killing the animals for sport.
World ·
Yorgen Fenech, a 44-year-old businessman on trial for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, testified in court for the first time since his arrest seven years ago, denying any involvement and claiming he was framed by police.
World ·
A major debate is unfolding inside Iran regarding the strategic value of the Strait of Hormuz as neighboring Gulf countries plan alternative pipelines to bypass the waterway. Although the office of Iran's supreme leader recently framed the chokehold as a pillar of its security order equivalent to possessing a nuclear weapon, analysts warn its diminishing economic leverage could leave the country vulnerable to upcoming U.S. sanctions.
World ·
At least 27 people, including four children, were killed in Sudan's South Kordofan region following attacks attributed to SPLM-N rebels, according to statements from the Sudan Doctors Network.
Business ·
China has initiated its largest ever automobile recall, affecting more than four million vehicles manufactured by prominent companies including Tesla, XPeng, and Xiaomi.
World ·
Typhoon Narra has brought widespread flooding to southern China, submerging homes and forcing more than 15,000 residents in Chongzuo to evacuate as water levels exceeded a 2008 record high. Heavy rains are expected to continue across southern China and Vietnam, while Typhoon Saudel moves toward Japan and Taiwan.
Business ·
Elon Musk's SpaceX is preparing to construct a $100 billion launch facility in Louisiana, which will serve as the company's largest site to date with rocket launches planned for 2029.
World ·
Following a wave of deadly attacks targeting Ukraine's petrol pumps by Russia, fuel companies are urging customers not to linger at filling stations while Ukraine continues targeting Russia's refineries.
Technology ·
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has testified in defense of Meta in a child safety trial where four states allege the tech giant designed Facebook and Instagram to hook children and lied about the risks.
World ·
Teenagers in China are seeking out mind-numbing prescription drugs to escape reality due to intense fears of failure, according to a teenager who spoke to the BBC.