POLITICS & POLICY

The U.S. Air Force is implementing a striking new paint scheme for the presidential aircraft fleet, including the next-generation Air Force One jets, featuring a palette of red, white, dark blue and gold — a design championed by President Donald Trump that breaks from the iconic light blue and white livery in place since the Kennedy administration more than six decades ago.

As Americans observe Presidents' Day on Feb. 16, 2026 — officially Washington's Birthday — the legacy of George Washington endures as the nation's foundational figure.

Presidents' Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, delivers a mid-winter three-day weekend for millions of Americans. Officially known as Washington's Birthday in federal law, the holiday honors George Washington and has evolved to celebrate all U.S. presidents.

A leaked immigration policy by the Liberal Party seeks to ban migrants from Gaza, Somalia, and certain parts of the Philippines.

Australia's food ministers are expected to take a step closer to making mandatory nutrition labels a reality.

Conservative lawmaker Sanae Takaichi led Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a resounding landslide victory in the February 8, 2026, general election, securing a historic supermajority of 295 seats in the 465-member House of Representatives and ending more than a year of political uncertainty that followed the LDP's 2024 snap-election setback.

A high-profile critic of China, Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in jail in a landmark national security trial.

President Donald Trump on Friday removed a video from his Truth Social account that included a racist clip depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, following intense criticism from Democrats, Republicans and civil rights leaders.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a new security treaty in Jakarta

In an all-hands meeting with Apple employees, CEO Tim Cook promised that he will lobby Washington regarding immigration.

Ryan Wesley Routh, the 59-year-old Hawaii man who opened fire on former President Donald Trump during a golf outing in September 2024, was sentenced to life in federal prison without parole on Feb. 5, 2026, concluding one of the most high-profile political violence cases in recent U.S. history.

A restored angel fresco bearing a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was painted over and effectively "scrubbed" from a historic church wall on the orders of the parish priest, following days of political controversy, clerical dismay and public curiosity that drew crowds to the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed that the Afghan embassy located in Canberra will close on June 30, 2026.

Australia and Indonesia have agreed to their commitment to strengthening the creative community, as well as security.

The importance of the new Framework for Strategic Defence Coordination (FSDC) signed in December, aiming to elevate the 'Special Strategic Partnership' between Australia and Japan, was proven almost immediately.

Donald Trump has sent invitations to the leaders of multiple nations to be part of the so-called "Board of Peace" in Gaza.

The United States has announced that it will suspend immigrant visa processing for a total of 75 countries. Is Australia on the list?

A worker in Ford's plant in Michigan has been suspended after he heckled US President Donald Trump during the latter's visit.

Lawyers on behalf of Randa Abdel-Fattah has threatened defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.

Australia expanded its world-first under-16 social media ban to include Reddit and Kick, effective December 10. Nine platforms—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, and Kick—face AU$49.5M fines for non-compliance. WhatsApp and gaming platforms are exempt.

Australia's government introduces comprehensive environmental reform legislation promising A$6.9 billion annual economic benefits through faster project approvals while establishing a new National Environmental Protection Agency. The landmark bill faces political challenges requiring crossbench support.

Former Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao has been pardoned by Donald Trump, wiping his criminal record for a US anti-money-laundering conviction and potentially paving the way for Binance to resume US operations.

A Belfast judge on Thursday acquitted a British ex-paratrooper of killing unarmed civilians during the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, a verdict condemned by victims' relatives and Northern Ireland's political leader.

Brandishing bamboo sticks and chanting patriotic hymns, thousands of uniformed men parade in central India, a striking show of strength by the country's millions-strong Hindu ultranationalist group.

SpaceX has disabled more than 2,500 Starlink internet devices at suspected scam centres in Myanmar, where online fraud operations have thrived. The move follows reports that Starlink receivers were widely used to facilitate illegal activities, including romance and business scams targeting foreigners.

The International Court of Justice said Wednesday that Israel was obliged to ease the passage of aid into Gaza, stressing it had to provide Palestinians with the "basic needs" to survive.

US Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

In Pakistan, where gender affirmation surgery was recently legalised, Bunty is one of the few trans women who could afford to get it done safely.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with US Charge d'Affaires John McNamara to discuss anti-drug strategies and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The meeting comes after tensions with Donald Trump over aid, tariffs, and drug policy enforcement.