Senate Republicans strike down Democratic proposal to fully fund Snap 04. November 2025 (04:03) Democratic leaders decry ‘unbelievably cruel’ move, saying ‘Trump is using food as a weapon’ during shutdownSenate Republicans shot down a Democratic-led attempt to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) benefits on Monday during the government shutdown – a move that heightens uncertainty for the 42 million Americans participating in the country’s biggest anti-hunger program.Jeff Merkley, a Democratic senator, and Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, attempted to pass a resolution via unanimous consent that would have forced the Department of Agriculture to fund Snap benefits for the month of November. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Albanese government rejects Bruce Lehrmann’s request for legal funding over corruption watchdog raid on his home 04. November 2025 (03:26) Former Liberal staffer, who denies allegations he misappropriated secret documents in 2019, indicates to court he fears Christmas raids from NaccFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFormer Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann’s request for financial assistance has been knocked back after his home was raided by the national anti-corruption watchdog.Officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission searched the 30-year-old’s home in June 2024 over allegations he misappropriated secret documents related to French submarines five years earlier. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Peru severs diplomatic relations with Mexico after former prime minister claims asylum 04. November 2025 (03:15) Peru's government has severed diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian prime minister Betssy ChávezPeru’s government has announced the country is severing diplomatic relations with Mexico over the asylum claim of former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chávez, who is under investigation for rebellion.Peruvian foreign minister Hugo de Zela told reporters that Mexico’s decision to grant Chávez asylum at its embassy in Peru’s capital, Lima, constituted an “unfriendly act” that adds to the existing tensions between the two countries. The office of Peru’s president José Jerí in a statement then accused Mexico’s government of “repeated” interference with the internal affairs of the South American country. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Highly unusual’ exemption in Labor’s environment laws open to interference, integrity experts say 04. November 2025 (02:43) Nature legislation should not cede such ‘significant powers’ to a minister even in ‘national interest’, thinktank saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPolitical integrity experts have raised concerns about Labor’s proposed new nature laws, including a contentious new “national interest” exemption, as pressure mounts on the Albanese government to rethink major parts of the reform.As debate on legislation to overhaul the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act resumes in the lower house on Tuesday, the Centre for Public Integrity has identified several “integrity risks” that threaten to undermine attempts to fix the broken system. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Counter-terror police investigate claim UK university halted research after Chinese pressure 04. November 2025 (01:08) Sheffield Hallam University ordered professor to cease human rights study into Uyghurs forced labour in ChinaAn investigation into allegations that a British university was subjected to pressure from Beijing authorities to halt research about human rights abuses in China has been referred to counter-terrorism police.The Guardian reported on Monday morning that Sheffield Hallam University, home to the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice (HKC) research institution, had ordered professor Laura Murphy to cease research on supply chains and forced labour in the country in February. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Experts find flaws in hundreds of tests that check AI safety and effectiveness 04. November 2025 (01:05) Scientists say almost all have weaknesses in at least one area that can ‘undermine validity of resulting claims’Experts have found weaknesses, some serious, in hundreds of tests used to check the safety and effectiveness of new artificial intelligence models being released into the world.Computer scientists from the British government’s AI Security Institute, and experts at universities including Stanford, Berkeley and Oxford, examined more than 440 benchmarks that provide an important safety net. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump threatens to cut funds if ‘communist’ Mamdani wins mayoral election 04. November 2025 (01:01) President backs Cuomo in election eve Truth Social post as Mamdani hits back at Trump’s ‘threat – it is not the law’On the eve of New York’s well-watched mayoral election, President Donald Trump issued a threat to its voters: stop Zohran Mamdani or pay.“If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, to my beloved first home,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “I don’t want to send, as President, good money after bad.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Reeves to lay groundwork for tax rises in ‘candid’ speech about budget 04. November 2025 (01:01) Chancellor to promise ‘fairness and opportunity’ but will not repeat manifesto pledge on tax, after PM’s hint at breachRachel Reeves will lay the groundwork for a tax-raising budget that could break Labour’s election promise on income tax, in a major speech in which she will be “candid” about the tough choices ahead.The chancellor will give the speech as the markets open on Tuesday, when she will promise to make fair choices at this month’s budget but decline to repeat her manifesto pledge of no rise in income tax, VAT or national insurance. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
John Lewis ad kickstarts Christmas countdown to the tune of 90s club classic 04. November 2025 (01:01) Department store chain banks on nostalgia to get customers into festive mood with Where Love LivesJohn Lewis is hoping that a dash of nostalgia will get consumers into the festive mood this year as it officially kickstarts the countdown to Christmas with the launch of its 2025 advert to the tune of the 1990s club classic Where Love Lives.The department store chain is appealing to ageing clubbers – and their teenage kids – with this year’s ad focused on a middle-aged dad transported back to his clubbing days after receiving a vinyl record from his son. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
LA erupts in celebration after Dodgers clinch second World Series victory 04. November 2025 (00:41) Throngs of people took to the streets, and Dodger Stadium, to mark team’s nail-biting win against Toronto Blue JaysThe City of Angels erupted in celebration following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ nail-biting, seven game World Series win. Angelenos joined fans around the world in jubilation as the Dodgers became the first team in 25 years to secure back-to-back championships.Los Angeles area celebrations included a downtown parade on Monday morning, a ticketed rally at Dodger Stadium and a smattering of spontaneous parties across the city. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
