IS-linked Australian mother and daughter remanded in custody over Syrian slavery charges 08. May 2026 (05:41) Kawsar Ahmad, 53, and Zeinab Ahmad, 31, set to apply for bail in Melbourne as Janai Safar, 32, due to face Sydney court on separate charges including joining a terrorist organisationTwo Australian women charged with committing crimes against humanity including slavery offences during the rule of Islamic State in Syria have faced a Melbourne court.Kawsar Ahmad, 53, also known as Abbas, and her daughter Zeinab Ahmad, 31, were arrested by officers from the Victorian joint counter-terrorism team at Melbourne airport on Thursday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Communications minister Anika Wells repays $10,000 in incorrect travel expenses 08. May 2026 (05:33) Anthony Albanese rejects calls for Wells to resign over the breaches, saying she had done the right thing and had also apologisedFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe communications minister, Anika Wells, has repaid more than $10,000 for incorrect travel claims, identified amid controversy about her use of taxpayer-funded entitlements.In a statement released on Friday, Wells said an audit by the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority identified four mistakes in her claims dating back to Labor’s 2022 election victory, worth a combined $8,092.89. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Julie Bishop resigns as Australian National University chancellor 08. May 2026 (05:28) Former foreign minister steps down early as finance minister Katy Gallagher says embattled institution must continue ‘rebuilding trust and confidence’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe former foreign minister Julie Bishop has tendered her resignation from the position of chancellor at Australian National University (ANU).Bishop tendered her resignation yesterday evening, a spokesperson for ANU said. The university’s council has agreed that its pro-chancellor, Dr Larry Marshall, will act in her role until a permanent appointment is made independently, in line with recommendations from the university regulator. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Labour losses pile up in England local elections as Reform UK makes gains 08. May 2026 (04:56) Reform runaway winners in north-east, likely pushing Labour into opposition in Hartlepool, with other losses for Starmer in Chorley, Wigan, Redditch and TamworthElection 2026 live: latest news updatesFull results from England, Scotland and WalesThe scale of the electoral challenge facing Labour was laid bare overnight as the party haemorrhaged councillors at the local elections and Reform made significant gains.Keir Starmer’s party went into Thursday’s local elections expected to lose up to 1,850 councillors, with senior figures describing the contest as “tough”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump-ally Roger Stone condemned for providing lobbying services to Myanmar’s military junta 08. May 2026 (02:57) Stone being paid $50,000 a month to ‘rebuild’ relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed governmentUS lobbyist Roger Stone, a longtime friend and ally of Donald Trump, has been condemned for accepting $50,000 a month to “rebuild” relations between Washington and Myanmar’s military-backed government.Myanmar’s leaders have been internationally isolated since seizing power in a coup in 2021, and have repeatedly been accused of atrocities that may amount to war crimes. Activists say the military rulers, which recently held widely condemned “sham” elections, are now trying to reassert themselves abroad. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia news live: federal budget to include $64bn in savings and ‘reprioritisations’; Australia’s hantavirus risk ‘very low’, health department says 08. May 2026 (02:45) Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the budget will be taking the challenge of inflation ‘very seriously’. Follow updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDavid Attenborough at 100: ‘I had thought I would celebrate quietly’In a dose of good news, Sir David Attenborough is 100 today. The veteran broadcaster said he expected to celebrate quietly, but expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he had received. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
2026 election results: latest from local, Scottish and Welsh votes 08. May 2026 (02:34) From devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales to councils and mayoralties in England, find out what happened in your areaLatest news updates and analysis from election night Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘The greatest ambassador for life on Earth’: Tributes paid to David Attenborough on his 100th birthday 08. May 2026 (01:52) Naturalist says he has been ‘overwhelmed by greetings’ as milestone is marked with event at Royal Albert HallDavid Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” for his centenary on Friday and thanked wellwishers “most sincerely”.
The naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday quietly. Instead, the milestone will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall broadcast on BBC One, featuring music from his programmes as well as stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.In a recorded audio message shared on Thursday night, Attenborough said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Solomon Islands to get new leader after PM ousted in no-confidence vote 08. May 2026 (01:50) Jeremiah Manele toppled after months of political upheaval in the nation seen as one of China’s closest partners in the Pacific Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele lost power in a no-confidence vote in the South Pacific country’s parliament, ending months of political uncertainty.Parliament was adjourned to allow the governor general to make arrangements for the election of a new prime minister. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US-Iran ceasefire under threat after exchange of strikes in strait of Hormuz 08. May 2026 (01:38) Donald Trump says the ceasefire remains in place despite the strikes, with Iranian TV saying the situation is ‘back to normal’The United States and Iran exchanged fire late on Thursday in the most serious test yet of their month-long ceasefire.Iran accused the US of violating the ceasefire by targeting two ships at the strait of Hormuz and attacking civilian areas, as the US insisted it struck in retaliation. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
