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Venezuela releases dozens of political prisoners as election calls grow
Venezuelan authorities have released dozens of political prisoners, according to human rights groups, shortly after interim President Delcy Rodríguez met US President Donald Trump. The releases have renewed opposition demands for free elections and may represent a key concession to Washington, although the government has not confirmed their cause or scale. Among those freed were…
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One Nation leads Labor in Queensland and narrowly in NSW
A quarterly analysis of Newspoll data reports a sharp rise in support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales. One Nation was the leading choice in both states and nationally, suggesting growing pressure on Labor and the Coalition ahead of upcoming state elections and the 2028 Queensland election. One Nation…
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Golf star Tom Kim going from Presidents Cup to Asian Games seeking exemption from military service
Tom Kim is leaving the Presidents Cup early to compete for South Korea at the Asian Games in Japan, where a gold medal could exempt him from mandatory military service. Although he has played a key role for the International team, earning three points from a possible four, securing exemption is considered more important because…
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Khan urges Burnham to begin campaign for closer EU ties
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to begin immediately making the case for much closer ties with the EU, rather than merely promising to consider rejoining in a future election manifesto. Khan proposed returning to the customs union, seeking associate membership and eventually rejoining the EU, arguing that Labour needed to…
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Trump reaffirms ICE arrest policy after confusing guidance sparks alarm among agents
The Trump administration has reaffirmed that US immigration enforcement policy has not changed, following confusion over guidance reportedly telling ICE agents to prioritise people with serious criminal records. The clarification matters because the apparent shift alarmed some agents and raised questions about whether the administration was reducing its broader deportation campaign. The guidance was described…
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Democratic duo fuel 2028 ticket speculation as pair trade winks about White House campaign
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Maryland Governor Wes Moore have intensified speculation that they could seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, after exchanging supportive comments at a Washington book event. Beshear said he was no longer certain he would never run for office again, while Moore told him, “Our country needs you”; Beshear’s reply…
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US officials say Iran is misjudging midterm pressure in negotiations
The Trump administration says Iran is misjudging how much rising fuel costs and November’s midterm elections will affect the US position in negotiations to end the nearly seven-month conflict. Officials argue that pressure on Tehran and US control of the Strait of Hormuz give Washington strong leverage, while President Donald Trump has warned Iran to…
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Finland’s Stubb credits Trump for pushing Ukraine peace talks while dismissing Russian invasion fears
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Finland is prepared for any threat from Russia, while dismissing claims that Moscow is likely to launch a conventional attack on another European country. He credited Donald Trump with intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, saying the situation was better than before Trump became involved.…