Monday, 26 October 2026

World

A smartphone with a digital lock on a school desk
Greece social media ban

Greece bans social media for children under 15

The law takes effect on 1 January 2027, with platforms responsible for age verification.

An empty courtroom in Sydney
Trial testimony

Friend testifies: Lamarre-Condon said 'I killed people'

At a Sydney trial, the accused's friend described how Beau Lamarre-Condon confessed to the murders of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, while the defence argues it was self-defence.

Government building under a cloudy sky
Camm resigns

Amanda Camm resigns as Queensland minister

Resignation follows months of pressure over child protection and domestic violence prevention; replacement expected later on Friday.

Audience at a political rally in Iowa
Iowa Politics

Trump defends attack ad in Iowa and tells supporters: 'I am on the ballot'

Trump said he encouraged Ramaswamy to keep the ad running, while Republican candidate Ashley Hinson called for it to be pulled.

The US government building in Washington
Investigation

Lewandowski under criminal investigation over alleged government earnings

The probe was launched following a criminal referral from the Department of Homeland Security’s internal oversight, first reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Headquarters of the technology company with stock charts
California tax

Meta grants Zuckerberg new shares over California tax

The eight-year deal does not change his control of the company but allows him to more easily monetise his shares.

Gloves hold a vial in a PCR laboratory
Measles

West Coast demands CDC validation of rapid measles test

California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington are asking the CDC to approve a high-throughput measles test and publish a protocol after their initial request was rejected.

The damaged tanker at sea with a helicopter in the background
Black Sea attack

Croatian deck officer missing after drone attack on Black Sea tanker

A week after the attack on the Wine Trader, the officer remains missing; a second Croatian seaman has been rescued and discharged from hospital.

Servers with red warnings in a dark room
Pay gap

NCSC warns of recurring incidents as 32 government services go offline

Whitehouse: no signs PHP vulnerability exploited; ONS: pay gap 6.8 per cent; Starmer among key participants in inquiry

Nighttime student protest with placards
Serbia pre-elections

Serbia on the eve of elections: students call for turnout with song

Extraordinary parliamentary elections are held on Sunday, 25 October, with students running on their own electoral list.

A tanker in the strait, with smoke and warships visible
Strait of Hormuz

Seven tankers damaged in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian state TV cites Revolutionary Guard statement on four attacked ships and three damaged by mines.

Exterior view of the court in Queensland
Sam Wood

Sam Wood seeks release via Queensland Supreme Court

Former reality TV star and Melbourne wellness influencer, charged with assaulting and strangling his wife, to remain in custody for at least a month.

The property where evidence and custodians were found
Victorian wildlife

Victorian antique shop owner fined $10,000 for illegal wildlife trade

Glenn Richard Rollo pleaded guilty to 13 charges after more than 700 illegally prepared and frozen native animals were found on his property.

Whale carcass on rocks between beaches
Sydney

Coogee and Maroubra beaches closed after whale carcass washes ashore

Whale carcass stranded on rocks between two beaches in Sydney's eastern suburbs; Randwick Council working on removal with respect for the Bidjigal people.

Damaged glass and police tape at the entrance
Security incident

Man charged after threats at Beazley's office

Police arrested a 56-year-old near the Perth office; bail was denied, and the minister says the threats are not the first.

Parliament House with security barriers
Security report

Security agencies to review protection of MPs' homes and offices

Australian parliamentarians are seeking greater protection following the attack on Helen Haines, though a comprehensive security review is not yet expected.

A political rally with a speaker and an audience
Ohio Ad

Vance defends controversial ad and tells Republicans to stop whining

US Vice President says he finds it 'a bit disgusting' to hear criticism from his own party over a spot in which a Democratic candidate's mother calls her daughter a liar.

Workers with passports in front of a building
Indian workers

US freezes PERM: eight tech firms barred from permanent hiring of foreigners

The suspension affects Microsoft, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and HCL Technologies, among others, and impacts both new and pending applications.