POLITICS & POLICY

A New York Times analysis of Kansas court records found Senator Roger Marshall and his former obstetrics practice sued more than 700 patients, including 81 later arrested after missing court dates.

The Trump administration has begun mailing $500 refund cheques to more than 950,000 full-price ACA marketplace enrollees, while critics question the programme's timing and legal basis.

The NSA, US Cyber Command and other military agencies will support election security during the midterms, prompting scrutiny over the timing and limits of federal involvement.

Pope Leo XIV urged the United States, China and technology leaders to take warnings about artificial intelligence seriously, contrasting his position with President Donald Trump's scepticism.

Australia's Department of Defence is facing scrutiny after Dell Australia was recorded as an SME in at least 20 AusTender notices, potentially distorting federal procurement performance data.

President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, while mediators continued efforts to resume talks and oil prices remained elevated.

Bill Gates says advanced AI could amplify terrorist or hostile-state attacks and urges federal safeguards, monitoring and logging, while Mark Zuckerberg backs company-led safety measures.

Bill Gates said reaching a global agreement on artificial intelligence could be harder than Cold War nuclear arms talks, urging mandatory safeguards and rejecting claims that catastrophic AI risks are a hoax.

Climate advocates and investors are urging Australia to remove electricity generation's Safeguard Mechanism exemption, potentially imposing carbon costs on coal plants and reshaping power-market economics.

Iran has offered access for nuclear inspectors as part of a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but shipping disruption, violence and diplomatic uncertainty persist.

The US government has asked to intervene in X's appeal against a €120 million EU fine, intensifying a dispute over European regulation of American technology companies.

Donald Trump personally welcomed Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, where a B-1 bomber flyover drew attention after the US president visibly reacted to the noise during the ceremony.

Australia's dependence on imported refined fuel and limited domestic reserves leave essential industries vulnerable to maritime disruptions, prompting calls for greater storage, refining capacity and energy self-reliance.

Australia has launched the A$45 million PROGRESS programme in the Philippines, targeting offshore wind, carbon markets, infrastructure and inclusive economic development from 2026 to 2031.

Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade, while attacks and shipping disruptions continue.

The White House has launched a 24/7 YouTube stream branded 'Trump TV' days after barring reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House.

The NSW Government has released draft legislation requiring solar panel manufacturers and importers to fund end-of-life collection and recycling, as consultation runs until November 2026.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has launched Australia's campaign for a 2029–30 UN Security Council seat, with priorities including AI governance, online safety and Pacific climate resilience.

Social Security's maximum monthly benefit could increase to about $5,362 in 2027 if a projected 3.5% cost-of-living adjustment is confirmed by federal officials.

Technology policy experts warn that Australia's limited investment in domestic supercomputing and reliance on foreign cloud platforms could undermine AI development, data sovereignty and national security.

The Australian Government is reviewing restrictions on camera-equipped smart glasses in Commonwealth workplaces amid concerns about covert recordings, data leaks and potential espionage risks.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says lowering net overseas migration will create economic trade-offs, with farmers warning that limits on working holidaymakers could worsen labour shortages and raise food prices.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has unveiled regulatory changes aimed at reducing Australia's net overseas migration to 225,000 by 2028 after negotiations with the Coalition failed.

President Donald Trump has nominated Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham, to serve as US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, pending Senate confirmation.

An Electronic Frontier Foundation analysis found US police officers entered jokes, profanity and gibberish into Flock Safety search records, renewing concerns about oversight of its nationwide surveillance network.

Donald Trump interrupted Jensen Huang's interview at the All-In Summit to dismiss AI safety concerns as a "hoax", backing rapid development and warning that restraint could benefit China.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has intensified after a disputed tanker explosion, renewed attacks and the collapse of regional talks aimed at creating safer shipping routes.

Republican Wisconsin governor candidate Tom Tiffany and his pilot survived an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau after their plane lost power, suffering minor injuries.

Republican Wisconsin governor candidate Tom Tiffany and a pilot sustained minor injuries after their plane lost power and made an emergency landing on Lake Wausau.