POLITICS & POLICY

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.

Elon Musk's America PAC is spending tens of millions of dollars on transgender policy ads targeting Democratic Senate candidates in several competitive 2026 midterm races.

President Donald Trump commemorated the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at the Pentagon, as ceremonies across the United States honoured victims, survivors and first responders.

Kuwait International Airport is operating through Terminals 4 and 5 after repeated attacks and temporary closures, but delays, prior flight approvals and security restrictions remain in place.

Former ambassador Sam Brownback is urging the Trump administration to assist Morse H. Tan, a former US envoy facing a South Korean criminal defamation case and months-long exit ban.

At the Telluride Film Festival, Bill Gates compared advanced AI to an alien invasion and urged the United States and China to cooperate on safety, despite significant geopolitical differences.

A Pew Research Center survey finds 83% of Americans born before 2001 vividly remember where they were on 9/11, while younger adults largely learn about the attacks through school.

AI researcher Jacob Coxon's resignation highlights concerns over AI's potential to cause human extinction, prompting U.S. lawmakers to push for urgent regulation to ensure safety and control over AI development.

Iranian ballistic missiles damaged U.S. military aircraft at a Jordanian air base, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The attack followed U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers.