World
Global affairs and geopolitics
Greece bans social media for children under 15
The law takes effect on 1 January 2027, with platforms responsible for age verification.

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.

Amanda Camm resigns as Queensland minister
Resignation follows months of pressure over child protection and domestic violence prevention; replacement expected later on Friday.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Seven tankers damaged in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian state TV cites Revolutionary Guard statement on four attacked ships and three damaged by mines.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.