Coalition MPs are divided over proposed tougher gambling laws, with a meeting revealing that five MPs support stricter regulations, while four caution against excessive restrictions that could drive gamblers to illegal overseas operators. Labor's legislation aims to limit online gambling advertising with possible changes including restricting ads to three per hour on broadcast TV between 6am and 8.30pm, and the discussions are ongoing between the Coalition and Labor, as well as the Greens. Following recommendations from a 2023 parliamentary inquiry led by the late Peta Murphy, Labor is under pressure to move forward and enact more stringent rules on gambling inducements and advertising.
President Donald Trump is shifting back to a strategy of financial sanctions against Iran, claiming that years of economic pressure have not succeeded, but recent military actions have placed Iran's economy under significant strain. He asserted that Iran is facing extreme financial distress, with a claim of 300% inflation, while the U.S. aims to leverage this situation to demand compensation in peace talks. The ongoing conflict has affected global oil supply, as roughly 20% of it transits through the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump's administration has named its new campaign against Iran "Operation Economic Fury."
The UK government's decision on whether to extract oil and gas from the Jackdaw and Rosebank sites has become a significant climate test, as both sites are under scrutiny amid ongoing heatwaves and drought conditions in England. Rosebank is projected to contain 300 to 500 million barrels of oil and 1% of current gas demand, while Jackdaw could produce around 40,000 barrels per day, potentially displacing 2% of UK gas imports over its lifecycle. This decision will reflect Andy Burnham's government stance on climate issues, which has been silent since he took office.
A former lobbying firm, Beckington, allegedly created a fake administrative assistant named “Jessica” to facilitate illegal donations for the factional Liberal group known as the Reformers, which advocates for conservative policies. Consultant Jeremy Greenwood testified that he could not recall details about certain transactions but admitted to making a $12,000 payment to Jean-Claude Perrottet, the brother of former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, whom he described as a “favourite friend.” The inquiry is examining whether Beckington accepted prohibited donations through fake invoices, with some payments amounting to $5,500 for consulting fees also noted.
Matilda Davis, a mother of two disabled children, died by suicide at the age of 36 after struggling for years with the overwhelming stress of caring for her son Jude, who has significant disabilities. Two days before her death, she expressed feelings of exhaustion and anxiety, and shared a study indicating that over 40% of parent-carers had considered suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reform in the social care system. Experts have pointed out that Matilda's tragic death is emblematic of the systemic failures in support for disabled children and their carers, emphasizing that real action is necessary to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Hundreds of residents in nine blocks of flats in Tower Hamlets, London, have been without regular running water for over seven months, with some families unable to cook, clean, or flush toilets. The housing association Poplar Harca has been criticized for delays in addressing the issue, asserting that water supply pressure levels are fluctuating, while residents suspect nearby building developments may be to blame. As a temporary solution, residents, including vulnerable individuals, have been advised to use public showers while facing long wait times for assistance and limited alternative options from their landlord.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has maintained the official cash rate at 4.35%, cautioning that falling house prices could slow income growth and that it may consider further rate hikes if necessary. Headline inflation is currently at 3.8% and is not expected to return to the target of 2.5% until late 2027, with predictions of economic growth holding at about 1.4% over 2026. Home loan applications have dropped by 20% since mid-May, and many borrowers are ahead on their repayments, with seven in eight holding almost a year’s worth of repayments in offset and redraw accounts.
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) reported a net loss of $238 million in Q2 2026, with revenues of $1.7 million, largely due to $190.4 million in unrealized losses on digital assets. Despite an 89% increase in revenue year-over-year, TMTG's total losses for the first half of 2026 reached $644 million against revenues of $2.5 million. The company has expanded its offerings, including the controversial Truth API subscription service, which has attracted 10 clients paying $60,000 to $100,000 per month, although visitations to its Truth Social platform fell by over a third in July compared to the previous year.
a facility that has a refining capacity of 120,000 barrels per day, following a drone attack that resulted in a massive fire at tank number 402-T, which contained about 4.5 million litres (1.2 million gallons) of gasoline. The National Oil Corporation warned that continued attacks could lead to a declaration of force majeure and the suspension of operations at the refinery. The security situation in Libya remains precarious, with rival governments and armed groups exerting influence despite a ceasefire established in 2020.
Alan Jones, an 85-year-old former radio host, has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching against six complainants. One alleged victim, referred to as J, told his brother that while Jones’s actions weren't "too bad," they included inappropriate touching and kissing, and he reported the assaults to the police in 2024 after Jones's arrest. The trial features over 70 witnesses, with J revealing he feared repercussions and a loss of support if he disclosed the abuse earlier, despite feeling uncomfortable with Jones’s behavior.
Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore has unveiled the design for a new 4,500 square meter public plaza opposite Town Hall, a project that has been in planning for over 40 years, with a budget of $150 million. The project involves demolishing seven buildings, with demolition expected to begin in 2028 and completion aimed for 2031. While the plaza is designed to enhance city life and provide gathering spaces, concerns have been raised by business advocates regarding the disruption caused by the demolition in the CBD, which is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, 2026, resulting in at least 111 fatalities, with over 87 injuries and around 1,600 buildings damaged, including at least 61 that completely collapsed. The quake, the strongest recorded in Colombia this century, centered in San Jose del Palmar, affected multiple cities including Cali, Pereira, Quibdo, and Manizales, and was felt in neighboring Ecuador and Panama. Emergency efforts are underway as more than 2,000 people have been reported missing, predominantly in Cali and Pereira, as authorities continue to search for survivors trapped under rubble.
Colombia has recognized Israel's claim of sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, making it only the second country to do so after the United States. The announcement came shortly after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office, emphasizing Israel's right to defend its sovereignty, a decision he coordinated with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. This recognition follows a history of Israel's control over the Golan Heights, which it captured in the 1967 Six-Day War and officially annexed in 1981, a move that the UN and most of the international community continue to reject.
President Trump has requested compensation from Iran for damages he claims they've caused over a 50-year period, in response to Tehran's demand for war reparations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas. He alleged that 52,000 people have been killed in Iran in the past four months, while Iranian protests have resulted in approximately 3,117 deaths according to their reports, with the US-based HRANA citing around 7,000 deaths including 6,500 protesters. Trump's demands complicate ongoing negotiations with Iran and Oman regarding the strait's access, which has been effectively blocked since the beginning of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28.
Donald Trump used a secret flight to depart from Turkey last month due to a credible assassination threat from Iran, involving an elaborate deception where he hid in an airport catering cart to board a smaller military plane, the C-32A, instead of the publicly visible Air Force One. The operation took place after he publicly announced he would be using the old Air Force One, while in reality, he left Ankara with the intention of maintaining his safety amid escalating tensions with Iran. Trump's actual flight arrived in Britain at approximately 10:20 PM local time, with reporters believing they were accompanying him on the older Air Force One, but he later disembarked from the older jet at around 10:56 PM.
Australia is set to begin vaccinating native bird species in captivity against H5 bird flu, with the rollout expected to start in the coming days and weeks. The vaccination program will prioritize endangered captive species, including the orange-bellied parrot and regent honeyeater, while plans to vaccinate wild birds are complicated by the need for two doses. As H5 bird flu spreads, with recent mass mortalities reported in South Australia and Victoria affecting various species like silver gulls, the federal government will shift from daily updates to focusing on major mortality events.
North Carolina Republicans have selected state lawmaker Jennifer Balkcom to replace Chuck Edwards, who withdrew from the race after a sexual harassment investigation uncovered his inappropriate conduct towards female staffers. Balkcom will compete against Democrat Jamie Ager in the November elections for the 11th congressional district, a race that may be competitive given the district's history and current political climate, including Trump's prior 10-point win. The Republican nomination process saw Balkcom triumph over five other candidates in the first round of balloting.
At least 132 people have died and over 480 have been injured following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Colombia, with the epicenter near San José del Palmar in Chocó province. The earthquake caused significant destruction, resulting in 65 collapsed buildings in Pereira alone, and left many people trapped, particularly in the metropolitan area where at least 40 deaths were reported. A state of emergency has been declared, with a curfew implemented in affected areas, as authorities assess the damage across numerous cities including Cali, Manizales, and Quibdó.
Victoria will ban suppression orders for convicted rapists as part of a pledge by Premier Ben Carroll, aiming to close loopholes that allow high-profile offenders to conceal their identities in court. This commitment follows the cases of Ralph Carr and Tom Silvagni, who had their identities suppressed for almost three years and 18 months, respectively, on mental health grounds. The proposed amendments to the Open Courts Act will ensure that suppression orders prioritize victim survivors instead of convicted criminals.
A young girl and her mother discovered a stranded humpback whale at Wathumba Creek in K'gari, Queensland, Australia. The whale managed to self-release on the afternoon of Sunday, August 9, as confirmed by the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. They advise the public not to touch or interfere with stranded marine animals and to report such incidents immediately.
On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order proposing significant changes to the US childhood vaccine policy, including separating the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three individual shots and allowing more separate appointments for vaccinations. The order recommends that the federal government support 11 core childhood vaccinations and advises states to review their vaccine requirements for school enrollment, although such mandates are largely set by individual states. Public health experts have criticized the order, emphasizing that spaced vaccinations could leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases and noting that there is no scientific evidence supporting the benefits of splitting the MMR vaccine.
Wisconsin's 2026 primary election, scheduled for August 11, will feature significant races for governor and two congressional seats, drawing national attention. The election season resource, Wisconsin Vote, provides candidates' information and resources for voters. Meanwhile, ongoing legislative issues and state-level clashes between progressive and establishment Democrats are shaping the political landscape in Wisconsin.
Trump Media & Technology, which owns the Truth Social platform, reported a $238 million loss in the second quarter and has announced a pivot back to social media after exploring ventures like crypto and online betting. The company is launching a paid service called Truth API, charging between $60,000 to $100,000 monthly for early access to Trump's posts, having already signed up 10 customers, primarily high-frequency trading firms. Despite the losses, the company posted $1.7 million in revenue—more than double from the previous year—and has $1 billion in debt due by 2028, with over $400 million in cash and short-term investments on hand.
WWE is making efforts to promote Joe Hendry's concerts and CM Punk will be appearing at an NXT live event. The article also discusses the advancement of Penta in the World Heavyweight Title Tournament and the ongoing narrative around various wrestlers like Solo Sikoa and Bayley. Additionally, it highlights the anticipation surrounding upcoming matches and reactions from fans and wrestlers alike.
Seventy years ago, Sophie Williams-de Bruyn participated in a march of about 20,000 women protesting against apartheid pass laws, a pivotal moment in South Africa's liberation. During the recent National Women’s Day commemorations, it was noted that despite progress in political representation and women's rights, many women still face economic insecurity and gender-based violence, with police reporting 9,782 rapes and 12,590 sexual offences between January and March 2026, equating to about 108 reported rapes a day. The event highlighted the discrepancies between the political advancements made since the 1994 democratic elections and the ongoing challenges faced by the majority of women in South Africa.
Jackie, a beloved bald eagle known from a livestream at California's Big Bear Lake, died at the age of 14 after suffering from a mysterious illness, including severe anemia, and had been under treatment since mid-July. She garnered a large following since the livestream began in October 2015, and many viewers became emotionally invested in her life, particularly during the pandemic when her nesting activities captured widespread attention. In response to her legacy, the Friends of Big Bear Valley initiated a $10 million campaign to purchase 63 acres of land near her nest to protect the habitat she inspired many to advocate for.
Ceuta's Mayor-President Juan Jesus Vivas has called for the urgent detention and expulsion of thousands of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in the Spanish territory after a recent mass crossing from Morocco, estimating that between 8,000 and 11,000 migrants remain despite government claims of only 2,500. A surge from Morocco at the end of July saw around 80,000 irregular migrants attempt the crossing, with Spanish authorities quickly returning 70,000 within two days. The situation has led to protests from 5,000 local residents, as those remaining, including hundreds of unaccompanied children, struggle to access basic necessities, straining Ceuta’s resources.
Jackie, a bald eagle who became an online star through the Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, died on Monday after weeks of veterinary treatment from Ojai Raptor Center due to injuries and underlying health issues. Despite intensive care, including efforts from a veterinary team and specialists, her condition deteriorated, leading to her death. Jackie, who hatched in spring 2012, had been mate to Shadow since 2018, and the center noted her passing will be felt by the thousands of followers who supported her journey.
Nvidia has partnered with major financial institutions, including Apollo, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs, to raise $500 billion for AI infrastructure, treating AI hardware as a new asset class. Major companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have collectively invested over $1 trillion in AI projects over the past three years, significantly increasing demand for Nvidia's chips, which has driven the company's stock market value up fivefold during that time. The funding will support the construction of new data centers and factories for AI chips, with industry leaders noting that modern computing is a critical infrastructure asset with the potential for substantial economic growth.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is questioning whether the Trump administration used Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to surveil her and her constituents after an HSI agent was allegedly stationed outside her town hall meeting in Richfield, Minnesota, without prior coordination with local law enforcement. The agent, parked in a Ford Explorer, was found by a Richfield police officer to have mismatched license plates and initially identified as security before revealing she was conducting an undercover drug operation. Omar's inquiry raises concerns about the potential for ICE to monitor political opponents, as she demands answers regarding the agent's presence and knowledge of the town hall event, amid ongoing protests and scrutiny of ICE's operations in Minnesota.