POLITICS & POLICY

Taking a leap of faith to apply for an internship in the Big Apple proved fruitful for this young writer.

The high cost of living is putting more low-income Aussies at risk of falling into poverty, a report says. Poorer households are compelled to spend more of their income on essential goods and services due to price hikes on these non-discretionary items, such as food and electricity, a report by St Vincent de Paul Society says. As a result, households' health and education expenses are delayed, if attended at all.

Bell FX Currency Outlook: Volatility in the AUD has continued overnight; falling from a one-month high of USD1.0370 back down to USD1.0150 this morning, as investors' confidence in a Euro-zone solution faded.

U.S. stocks tumbled Monday, as fresh worries over the progress of Europe's sovereign debt negotiations spurred a sell off that erased Friday's gains.

MORNING REPORT (7am AEDT)US industrial production rose 0.2pct in September, in line with expectations as a gain in manufacturing production offset a drop in utility output. However the August reading was revised lower to show flat output.

The Industry Super Network (ISN) has expressed strong support to the Australian government’s proposals that require financial planners to disclose the fees and commissions they are receiving from their clients’ investments and superannuation accounts on an annual basis.

Chi-X, the competitor of the Australian Stock Exchange will finally operate on Oct. 31, according to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on Monday.

More Australian businesses are concerned with the economic picture in the US rather than what is taking place on the nation’s doorstep in Asia, a new study has revealed.

More than half of Australian mid-market companies are not properly prepared for persistent fluctuations in business conditions, according to the inaugural Commonwealth Bank Future Business Index.

Changes to the Australian government’s $1.2 billion First Home Saver Account (FHSA) have boosted the scheme after an underwhelming response during the first two years of its operation, mortgage broker Loan Market has revealed on Monday.

Oil, gas, coal and iron ore mines face possible destruction in the coming months, not to price fluctuations and the ongoing global fiscal crisis, but to a potentially brutal cyclone season brought by a returning La Niña.

It seems that Pippa Middleton is truly getting her way into the British superstar elite without the help of her sister, now that she's reportedly getting close with ex-Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell.

Zachary Quinto showed the skeletons in his closet by admitting that he is a gay man.

X Factor judge, Mel B, faces deportation scare in Australia due to VISA issues.

The lingering disagreement between the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPS) and the management of the leading airline in the country has already ruined travel plans of more than 60,000 passengers in Australia.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard had wanted to intervene in the country's biggest labor row involving Qantas and its three labor unions. However, the Prime Minister said those involved in the dispute are still willing to resolve the matter without the government. Qantas management claims it remains duty-bound to continue talks with the pilots’ union.

A French teacher has died of injuries from third degree burns after setting herself on fire in front of frightened students. The 44-year-old teacher, who had worked at Jean Moulin school for 10 years, was depressed over her relations with her students in her math classes.

When a The Duchess met a cancer patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital last week, she made sure to write a letter to this boy and Catherine surely delivered her promise.

The AUD has opened this morning above 1.0300 after another positive day on Friday on equity markets both in Europe and the United States, on the belief a recapitalization plan for European banks will be announced next weekend.

Why Kate Middleton and Prince William: New Age Practical Royals [PHOTOS]

Nazi leader Adolf Hitler did not die of suicide in Berlin in 1945, but he killed himself and died an old man in Argentina, a new book by British authors had claimed.

Australia’s building and construction industry has expressed concern following Thursday’s ruling by Fair Work Australia in ADJ Contracting Pty Ltd which upheld the legality of enterprise agreements regulating the engagement of independent contractors.

The Australian Government now looking at onshore options for processing asylum seekers following the defeat of its amendments to the Migration Act in Parliament.

The state government of New South Wales (NSW) had agreed to extend some portions of its proposed Dharawal National Park to BHP Billiton, in what seems to be a continuing winning streak for Anglo-Australian global miner.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have placed their influence into goodwill once more, as they were able to raise £625,000 for a child bereavement charity.

Australian Marriage Equality advocates are expecting Prime Minister Julia Gillard to announce an ALP conscience vote on same-sex marriage early this week.

Since Kate Moss launched her line in TopShop and Kate Middleton started visiting some of their retail stores, the chain has launched a brand new line inspired by the fashion icons.

The younger sister of Kate has morphed her fashion sense into a darker, rock chic vibe, and critics are loving the transition as much as her followers.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has admitted that her government’s people-swap arrangement with Malaysia is technically shelved by growing opposition from the Parliament, blaming the Liberals for the immigration debacle.