High court scraps Victorian political donation laws that created loophole for Labor and Coalition 15. April 2026 (04:50) Section of state’s electoral act that introduced caps on political donations but carved out an exemption for major parties ruled unconstitutionalFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe high court has ruled Victoria’s political donation laws are unconstitutional, in a move that has been described as “enshrining a level playing field”.The unanimous decision, handed down by Australia’s highest court on Wednesday, struck out an entire section of Victoria’s electoral act that introduced caps on political donations but carved out an exemption for major parties. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Air New Zealand's economy Skynest bunk beds set for launch 15. April 2026 (04:07) Passengers can book a four-hour session in the bunk beds from May for Auckland-New York flights but airline cautions against smuggling in childrenEconomy passengers on Air New Zealand’s ultra-long-haul flight between Auckland and New York can book a spot in the airline’s bunk-bed style sleeping pods from May, which will take to skies in late 2026.In what the airline says is a world first, six full-length, lie-flat sleeping pods, are squeezed into the aisle of the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The pods, known as “Skynest”, will include fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting and kit with eye-masks, skincare, earplugs and socks. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sheinbaum vows to ‘defend Mexicans at every level’ amid anger at Trump over migrant deaths 15. April 2026 (03:50) Sheinbaum has recently been taking a firmer stance with the US, defying pressures where other countries have cavedThe Mexican government has voiced concern about the deaths of its citizens in US custody, with Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum also pushing back against the Trump administration’s decision to impose an energy blockade on Cuba.The progressive Mexican leader has walked a careful line with Trump for more than a year, addressing provocations with a measured tone and meeting US requests to crack down on cartels more so than her predecessors, in an effort to offset threats of tariffs and US military action against gangs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US DoJ files for overturning January 6 convictions for far-right groups’ members 15. April 2026 (03:33) Filing seeks to overturn seditious conspiracy charges of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members who laid siege to US Capitol in 2021The US Department of Justice has requested that a federal appeals judge overturn convictions for members of far-right groups Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, who were previously found guilty of seditious conspiracy in connection with the violent siege of the US capitol in 2021.Jeanine Pirro, the Donald Trump-appointed US attorney for the District of Columbia, signed separate motions on Tuesday to vacate convictions for a slew of individuals, including the Proud Boys’ leaders Ethan Nordean and Joseph Biggs as well as Stewart Rhodes, a former attorney who founded the Oath Keepers’ militia. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
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