Australia news live: James Valentine’s colleagues pay tribute after death of broadcaster; rental vacancies at record low in most big cities 22. April 2026 (23:50) Robbie Buck and Wendy Harmer pay tribute to ABC radio presenter and musician who had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFriends and former colleagues of James Valentine say the much-loved musician and ABC radio presenter has died.On social media, former Triple J and ABC Radio Sydney presenter Robbie Buck wrote this morning:Vale to one of the greatest. The joyous, irrepressible & unbelievably sharp James Valentine has left us. What a wonderful human to have worked with. Thanks for all the laughs James. Godspeed.XLovely, clever man. You will be so missed! Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Israeli strike kills journalist after ongoing attacks blocked rescuers, Lebanon says 22. April 2026 (23:35) Amal Khalil had been buried in rubble after an Israeli strike that also injured another journalist, Zeinab FarajIsraeli strikes in southern Lebanon killed a journalist on Wednesday after rescuers were blocked from accessing the building where she was buried under rubble because of further Israeli fire, according to several witnesses.Amal Khalil was covering developments near the town of al-Tayri with the photographer Zeinab Faraj when an Israeli strike hit the vehicle in front of them. They ran into a nearby house, which was then also targeted by an Israeli strike, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
UK to pay France another £660m to curb Channel crossings 22. April 2026 (23:30) Three-year deal includes funding for a riot squad to ‘disperse’ people trying to board small boatsThe UK government has agreed to pay France another £660m to curb the number of asylum seekers travelling across the Channel, including plans to fund a riot squad to “contain and disperse” people trying to board small boats.Under a three-year deal to be signed on Thursday by the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, 1,100 enforcement, intelligence and military officers – an increase of 40% – will be employed to track down smuggling gangs and people seeking refuge. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Prediction site Kalshi fines three US candidates who bet on own elections 22. April 2026 (23:10) Disclosures come after firm tightened rules on insider trading, including candidates betting on own campaignsBefore he announced his Senate candidacy, a political hopeful in Virginia did something not so unusual in this day and age: he logged on to a prediction market exchange and wagered money that he would run. Then he ran. Then he bet on that too.The candidate and trader was Mark Moran, a former FBoy Island contestant who went viral recently for his campaign launch video. Investigators with Kalshi, the federally regulated prediction market exchange, found he placed two trades on their platform, the first in a market asking which individuals would seek public office in 2026, the second after he formally entered the race. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Teen whom singer D4vd is charged with killing died from penetrating wounds 22. April 2026 (22:43) Autopsy of Celeste Rivas Hernandez finally released after law enforcement had requested it be sealed in NovemberSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxCeleste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whom the singer D4vd is charged with killing, died from penetrating injuries, according to an autopsy report released Wednesday.Her death was ruled a homicide in the report from the Los Angeles county medical examiner’s office that had been blocked from release for months. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Inquiry clears Bristol school of antisemitism for postponing Jewish MP’s visit 22. April 2026 (21:34) Independent review into Bristol Brunel academy finds Damien Egan visit was postponed over safeguarding concernsAn independent inquiry into a Bristol secondary school that found itself at the centre of a media storm after postponing a visit by a local Jewish MP has found no evidence of antisemitism or influence from lobby groups.Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East and vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, was due to visit Bristol Brunel academy (BBA) last September to talk to students about democracy and his work in parliament. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Temporary protected status holders add $29bn to US economy, report says 22. April 2026 (21:30) The findings land before supreme court hearing on Trump bid to end protections for Syrians and HaitiansSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxTemporary protected status (TPS) holders, who have historically been protected from deportation due to safety concerns in their home countries, contribute around $29bn every year to the US economy, according to a new report published this week.The findings from this report, which comes from FWD.us, have emerged one week before the supreme court is set to hear arguments challenging the Trump administration’s attempts to strip TPS status from Syrians and Haitians. It also comes nearly one week since the House passed legislation to protect Haitian immigrants, whose protected status is at risk. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US saw record high of 5,668 books banned in libraries in 2025, says agency 22. April 2026 (21:18) Most-banned book was Sold, a 2006 novel by Patricia McCormick about sex trafficking in IndiaSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe American Library Association (ALA) has reported a record high in the number of books banned in US libraries.In 2025, 5,668 books were banned – representing 66% of the total number challenged – with an additional 920 censored through access restriction, such as relocation on the library shelves. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
HRT maker censured by UK regulator for ‘systemic failures’ that put patients at risk 22. April 2026 (20:18) Drug industry’s self-regulatory body criticises Theramex, producer of Evorel and Intrarosa, for ‘alarming’ breachesOne of the biggest producers of hormone replacement therapy has been censured by regulators for “systemic failures” that jeopardised patient safety.Theramex, the UK producer of HRT drugs Evorel and Intrarosa, was found to have breached fundamental compliance standards including not updating crucial prescribing information – in some cases for several years – and not making it clear that a drug must not be used during pregnancy. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Divisions emerge in Keir Starmer’s cabinet over his sacking of Olly Robbins 22. April 2026 (20:12) PM under increasing pressure over Mandelson vetting scandal as sources say ministers spoke up at tense meetingKeir Starmer is looking increasingly isolated over his handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal with divisions emerging in cabinet over his decision to sack the Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins.On another difficult day for the prime minister, the Guardian learned of concerns around the cabinet table, a senior minister refused to say the dismissal was fair and several mandarins called for him to be reinstated. One Labour MP called on Starmer to quit. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
