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South Park – I mean, South America – is back, with no Donald Trump in sight (yet)
The season 29 premiere of South Park establishes that the town has already been renamed “South America”, turning Donald Trump’s habit of renaming places into a broader satire of American decline and political absurdity. The episode centres on children’s enthusiasm for powerful e-bikes, while adults’ backlash develops into an increasingly violent campaign to ban them.…
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Petrol cars should pay double for ‘the cost of their pollution’, electric vehicle advocates say
Australia’s leading electric vehicle advocacy group has proposed a universal road user charge based on vehicle weight and distance travelled. Petrol and diesel drivers would pay this charge alongside the existing fuel excise, effectively paying twice to account for both road wear and pollution, while EV drivers would also contribute towards road maintenance. The proposed…
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International students, ‘visa hoppers’ and backpackers targeted in Australia migration crackdown
Australia will tighten migration rules for international students, “visa hoppers” and working holidaymakers as it seeks greater control over immigration. Students will generally no longer be able to bring family members, while those extending their stay must progress to a higher qualification; the government says the measures will reduce misuse of student visas and help…
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Rosenberg: Russia’s elections will have few surprises, but for the Kremlin they matter
Russia’s parliamentary election is expected to produce few surprises, with United Russia and other Kremlin-aligned parties retaining control of the Duma. Although critics regard the vote as neither free nor fair, the Kremlin considers it important because it can present the result as evidence of public support for Vladimir Putin, the war in Ukraine and…
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Anthony Albanese’s government claims there is no mass migration in Australia – so is it any wonder why no one trusts them? PETER VAN ONSELEN
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke unveiled reforms to Australia’s migration system following six weeks of internal government deliberations. In his announcement, Burke contested the characterisation of Australia as experiencing mass migration, describing the notion as “absurd.” His comments prompted commentary questioning the government’s credibility, particularly given that net overseas migration reached over half a million…
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The fight against dementia must be pursued with the same vigour that turned the tide on cancer, Baroness Casey says
Baroness Louise Casey has called for dementia to become Britain’s next major national health mission, receiving the sustained focus that helped transform cancer outcomes. Her intervention follows a report warning that dementia diagnosis, treatment and care in England remain outdated, while experts say cancer’s progress offers a model for reform. Dementia currently claims about 76,000…
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Anthony Albanese’s government announces sweeping changes to migration – as the latest figures are revealed
Australia’s Labor government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its migration system aimed at restricting temporary migration whilst maintaining skilled worker intake. The changes include preventing international students from automatically bringing family members, severely reducing working holiday visa availability, and tightening rules on visitor visa usage. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cautioned that excessive migration…
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DAN HODGES: Kemi will have to be swift and bold to halt the snap election Andy Burnham is planning – and is on course to win
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is considering announcing the complete abolition of Inheritance Tax at the party conference next month, according to this opinion piece. The article argues this would be a game-changing policy announcement that could boost the party’s political position, drawing a parallel to 2007 when George Osborne’s inheritance tax pledge helped prevent a…
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The Battle of Piddington is NOT over: Campaigners hope Home Office great crested ‘blunder’ may halt plans for asylum camp near Oxfordshire village that has voted to leave the UK
Campaigners say a Home Office ecological assessment may have overlooked protected crested newts and other wildlife at a former military site near Piddington, Oxfordshire. They argue the alleged omission could support a legal challenge to plans for temporary accommodation for more than 1,200 male asylum seekers. The proposed facility at the former Bicester Garrison would…
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US interest rates raised for first time in three years
The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years, lifting its target range to 3.75%-4% to tackle persistently high inflation. The unanimous decision defied President Donald Trump, who had urged rapid rate cuts, highlighting tensions over the central bank’s independence and economic policy. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh…