Australia’s first home buyers are still taking out loans as property investors step back, data shows 23. August 2026 (17:00) Exclusive: New entrants the only cohort making more loan applications amid interest rate rises and tax changes, mortgage broker saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastFirst home buyers are still taking out a large number of loans, with government backing, even as investors step back from Australia’s property market.New entrants are now the only cohort applying for more loans than they were in June, according to new data from Loan Market, the mortgage broking company. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Absurd’: children to see gambling logos on sports jerseys until 2032 in transition period condemned by Pocock 23. August 2026 (17:00) Government says it hopes clubs will end jersey deals with wagering companies earlier, but calls it a commercial decisionGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastChildren across Australia will continue to see gambling logos on professional sport jerseys until up to 2032 despite the government’s pledge to break the link between sport and wagering.The Albanese government has banned gambling company logos on jerseys but legislated a five-year transition period to allow clubs and bookmakers to adjust. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Former Abercrombie CEO mentally fit for sex-trafficking trial, judge says 23. August 2026 (16:32) Michael Jeffries is ruled mentally competent to stand trial after being hospitalized for months for dementia symptomsThe former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch has been ruled mentally competent to stand trial as he faces sex-trafficking charges after being hospitalized for months for dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms.Michael Jeffries, who is 82 and free on bond for now, is scheduled to be tried in late October, alongside two co-defendants: his partner Matthew Smith and staffer James Jacobson. A pretrial hearing was slated for Thursday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
CrossCountry cancels almost all rail services after power cut hits control centre 23. August 2026 (16:25) Transport secretary asks ‘publicly owned operators to lay on extra services where possible’CrossCountry has cancelled almost all of its train services in Great Britain after a power cut in Birmingham hit its control centre on Sunday.Most services have been cancelled until further notice, including routes from Glasgow to Edinburgh, Manchester to Birmingham, Cheltenham to Cardiff and Newcastle to Edinburgh. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Royal family attends church service near Balmoral estate 23. August 2026 (15:57) Troops from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, provided a guard of honour as the family members arrived Crathie Kirk.(London News)
Burnham stays away from No 10 North wedding after bride’s plea 23. August 2026 (15:56) PM sends video message to newlyweds instead after bride Sarah Burwin asked him not to ‘ruin’ vibe at Heron HouseAndy Burnham fulfilled a bride’s wishes by not turning up for her wedding after she asked him not to spoil her big day as she got married at the building housing No 10 North.Sarah Burwin had pleaded on TikTok in July for Burnham not to work from the building in Manchester that day, which hosts the government’s northern headquarters and the city’s register office. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Kejelcha breaks men's half marathon world record by 29 seconds 23. August 2026 (15:35) Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha breaks the men's half marathon world record in a time of 56 minutes 51 seconds in a World Athletics road race in Buenos Aires.(BBC News)
