World

World news from every region: conflicts, elections, diplomacy, disasters and the people at the centre of them.

7548 articles · page 147 of 158 · The World front page

Australia

July Inflation at 3.5% Raises Spectre of Fourth RBA Rate Hike

Fresh inflation data showing Australian consumer prices rose 3.5% annually in July has reignited fears that the Reserve Bank will impose a fourth interest rate hike this year, with economists describing the figures as an 'unfortunate kick in the guts' for mortgage holders. The annual headline Consumer Price Index slowed from 3.8% in June but fell well short of the 3.2% forecast, casting doubt on hopes the central bank could avoid further tightening and stay on track to hit its 2.5 per cent target.

·3 min·5 sources
World

Pakistan suspends eight hospital officials after fire kills 14 newborns; inquiry faults fire safety

Pakistan has suspended eight officials from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad after an interim inquiry found a 'lack of fire safety protocols' contributed to a blaze that killed 14 newborn babies earlier this week, officials said Saturday. The suspended officials include hospital administrators and security personnel, according to reports. A criminal investigation has also been launched.

·2 min·9 sources
US Politics

Capitol Police Arrest Man After Guillotine Found in Pickup Truck Near Capitol Building

U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man on Tuesday after officers discovered a guillotine in the bed of an illegally parked pickup truck along East Capitol Street, near the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress. The arrest occurred on the eastern edge of the National Mall, prompting a swift law enforcement response and renewed scrutiny of security around federal landmarks.

·2 min
Geopolitics

Malaysia’s Anwar Sparks Debate on Non-Aligned Stance with Taiwan Remarks

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reignited debate over the country’s long-standing non-aligned foreign policy after making remarks on Taiwan that analysts say could signal a tilt toward Beijing. Delivered during a recent forum, Anwar’s comments — reported by Al Jazeera on Wednesday — prompted discussion among diplomats and observers about whether Malaysia is subtly shifting its position on one of Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints.

·3 min
Australia

WA Premier's 'East Coast Clowns' Jab Crosses a Line, Says Productivity Commission

The Productivity Commission has declared that Western Australian Premier Roger Cook crossed a line when he labelled its commissioners 'east coast clowns' in response to a damning report that described the state's Morrison-era GST floor deal as a $23 billion mistake. Commissioner Angela Jackson has condemned the personal attacks as 'unacceptable' while also expressing disappointment that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out any changes to the arrangement.

·3 min·3 sources
Australia

Antisemitism royal commissioner seeks extension for Bondi report amid community frustration

The commissioner of the Australian antisemitism royal commission, former High Court judge Virginia Bell, has requested an extension for the delivery of her report on the Bondi component of the inquiry, while directly addressing frustration from the Jewish community over the pace and scope of the probe. On the final day of hearings, the commission will call the father-in-law of a Bondi attack victim as its last witness.

·2 min·3 sources
Geopolitics

Trump Conditions Saudi Nuclear Deal on Normalization with Israel

The Trump administration has formally submitted a nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to Congress for review, but with a newly disclosed condition: the deal will only move forward if the kingdom joins the Abraham Accords and normalizes relations with Israel. The submission, required under the Atomic Energy Act, kicks off a 90-day congressional review period and injects a major diplomatic hurdle into an already contentious proposal.

·3 min·2 sources
Australia

RBA Rate Rise Back on Table as July Inflation Eases, but Not Enough

New figures released today show Australia’s inflation rate eased in July, but the decline was smaller than the Reserve Bank had hoped for, reigniting speculation that the central bank may be forced to deliver another interest rate rise. The monthly consumer price index indicator, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, fell to 3.8 per cent from 4.1 per cent in June, still well above the RBA’s 2–3 per cent target band.

·2 min·3 sources
World

Federal Judge Blocks Auction of Titanic Artifacts, Citing Threat to Collection’s Integrity

A federal judge in Virginia has blocked the planned auction of more than 100 artefacts salvaged from the RMS Titanic shipwreck, ruling that their sale poses an “apparent threat” to the collection’s long-term preservation and public access. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Rebecca Beach Smith, halts the auction by RMS Titanic Inc., the company holding exclusive salvage rights to the wreckage, pending further legal proceedings.

·3 min
US Politics

Appeals Court Blocks Trump FCC Order That Could Have Flooded Airwaves with Political Ads

A federal appeals court on Tuesday blocked a Trump administration FCC order that would have forced broadcasters to offer the lowest advertising rates to political parties and joint fundraising committees, a move that could have significantly increased the volume of political ads on television. The 2-1 ruling from the 4th Circuit came as a separate, preliminary Supreme Court order on mail-in voting is raising concerns about voter confusion, underscoring the unsettled legal landscape heading into the final stretch of the election campaign.

·2 min·2 sources