Almost 145,000 Australians will lose support for autism under NDIS reforms, documents reveal 15. July 2026 (17:00) Internal estimates show 144,600 people will be taken off the scheme by 2030, many of them under 18Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAlmost 145,000 Australians receiving support for autism on the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) are expected to be removed by the end of the decade, internal estimates show, as the federal government moves ahead with plans to narrow the focus of the “diluted” $52bn scheme toward those with significant and complex needs.From 2028, almost two-thirds of the 241,000 participants set to lose access to the NDIS will be aged 18 or under, health department documents released to Guardian Australia under freedom of information laws show. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese’s AI plan is admirable – but will face tech giants more powerful than most national governments 15. July 2026 (17:00) Challenges of regulating social media or stopping hate speech show these firms can set their own terms and prices for countries like AustraliaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAnthony Albanese took a trip back in time during his much anticipated speech on artificial intelligence on Wednesday.Seeking to harness the momentous change bearing down on our lives, the prime minister told an audience at the University of Sydney that his government would keep pace with AI, even seeking to “get out in front” of the technological tidal wave. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese’s AI blueprint sparks calls for datacentre moratorium until new regulations in place 15. July 2026 (17:00) Prime minister’s plan will create energy regulations for datacentres in AustraliaGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastEnvironmental and community groups have called for a pause on datacentre development until new regulations are in place after Anthony Albanese promised “greater clarity and speed” over their approval.In his landmark speech on artificial intelligence at the University of Sydney on Wednesday, the prime minister said Australia would create a legal obligation for large-scale datacentres to underwrite new power supply, pay their full share of grid connection, and add as much energy to the grid as they take out of it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
As Russia’s assault continues, Ukraine’s politics shift and an old alliance begins to fray 15. July 2026 (16:30) Beneath the drone strikes and talk of ceasefires lies a battle over history that is testing Kyiv’s chances for an end to the conflict• Don’t get This Is Europe delivered to your inbox? Sign up hereI’ve just come back from a trip to Kyiv, where after more than four years of war, it can feel like the political and diplomatic news agenda has become cyclical: a suggestion that some kind of peace deal could be around the corner, followed by the swift intervention of reality that the Kremlin has no interest in abandoning its maximalist goals, and we all go back to the drawing board.We are now in a period where Russia has again stepped up its air attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Frequent mass drone and missile attacks keep Kyiv residents awake, and some even get through to the city centre, whereas in the past Ukrainian air defences were usually able to repel them. Nights can be noisy and scary: one attack while I was there killed 27 people. Thousands head into the metro to get some sleep. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘They want to break our will’: Gaza flotilla activist tells of rape in Israeli detention 15. July 2026 (15:00) Anna Liedtke files criminal complaint in Israel over alleged attack by female guards and says abuse was intended to silence campaignersThe third time Anna Liedtke was subjected to an illegal strip-search in Israeli detention, female prison guards forced her on to her knees, covered her mouth to stop her screaming and raped her, according to interviews and a criminal complaint filed in Israel.She described hearing male guards laughing during the attack, which she believes they watched and may have filmed. It took place in an area separated from the prison hallway by a partially drawn curtain that her attackers had left open. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘We did pull the levers’: emotional Starmer defends his record 15. July 2026 (14:59) In his final PMQs the prime minister offers Andy Burnham – and the England team – his full supportPolitics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has defended his record as prime minister in an often emotional final outing at prime minister’s questions, which largely avoided political jibes in favour of tributes and questions, many about the World Cup.Answering the very last question, his voice breaking at times, Starmer paid tribute to those he had worked with over his two years in office, which will end on Monday when he hands over to Andy Burnham. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Senate expected to grill Todd Blanche over Epstein files and cases against Trump’s political rivals in confirmation hearing – live 15. July 2026 (14:39) Trump’s nominee for attorney general – also his former personal defense lawyer – will face questions from senators as he attempts to take the top justice department roleSign up for the Breaking News US emailAs we noted earlier, Jay Clayton will also appear before Senate lawmakers today at a confirmation hearing to be the next director of national intelligence.Clayton, if confirmed, would replace Bill Pulte, whom Donald Trump installed as acting director last month. Pulte’s position has been deeply divisive on Capitol Hill, with members of both parties saying his background as the chair of a federal mortgage regulation agency is not enough experience for the job, and that Pulte’s unwavering loyalty to Trump and willingness to punish the president’s political enemies makes him a dangerous spy chief. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Joe Biden to publish memoir of presidency after November midterms 15. July 2026 (14:39) Promise Me, America to cover everything from economy to decision to drop bid for re-electionFormer president Joe Biden will publish a memoir this fall, publisher Little, Brown and Company told the Associated Press.Promise Me, America, which Biden says will touch upon everything from the economy to his decision to drop his bid for re-election, is scheduled to come out on 17 November. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Muslim man stabbed multiple times in Utah over his religion, police say 15. July 2026 (14:08) Arrested suspect tells police he ‘intends to kill Muslims’ after alleged attack on kiosk worker at West Valley City millA man was arrested in Utah for stabbing a Muslim man multiple times and stated that he targeted the victim because of the victim’s religion, police said in court records on Tuesday.Police said the suspect told them he “intends to kill Muslims” and that he constituted “a substantial danger to the public if released based on his violent actions ... ideologies and pre-planned mass casualty events”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
How Democrats’ datacenter push in swing states is risking their midterm hopes 15. July 2026 (14:00) Polls suggest many Democratic voters oppose the projects as party leaders champion AI investmentSarah Brabbs used to be a fan of Michigan’s Democratic governor, Gretchen Whitmer.“I have her book; I appreciated her stewardship and guidance during the pandemic,” Brabbs, who has voted Democrat for basically her entire life, says. “I will never not appreciate who she was during that time.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
