Australia news live: Hume sidesteps question over Taylor’s Icac mention saying ‘this is so distant from him’ 02. August 2026 (02:42) Meanwhile, cut to fuel excise to due end at midnight. Follow updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastYolngu leaders in north-east Arnhem Land have announced a powerful new Dilak Land Council, declaring land rights are “coming home” to traditional owners, AAP reports.On a national stage at the Garma festival, revered elder Djawa Yunupingu told leaders, politicians and visitors from across the country on Saturday real power must sit “fully into the hands of landowners”.There will be a new land council in Arnhem Land and it will be called the Dilak Land Council, and it will be the power for our future.Icac should be allowed to go through its processes free of political interference, free of commentary from politicians, and be allowed to run its course.Writing the review into the 2022 election, we specifically said that each division needs to make sure that its constitution is fit for purpose and that that its membership is match-fit to fight elections. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Moscow restaurant bombing kills three people as device carried by woman explodes 02. August 2026 (02:22) More than 20 people injured in explosion near Italian restaurant on Saturday night, authorities sayA homemade bomb carried by a woman killed three people and injured at least 21 in an explosion near a restaurant in central Moscow on Saturday evening, authorities said.The explosion occurred just before 8pm close to an Italian restaurant located in one of Moscow’s seven Stalin-era skyscrapers at Kudrinskaya Square, the police said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Capital One says it closed Trump Organization’s accounts after anti-money-laundering review 02. August 2026 (02:04) Disclosure from 2021 investigation marks first time a bank has formally tied money-laundering concerns to Donald TrumpCapital One Financial hit back on Friday against a lawsuit over its decision to close the Trump Organization’s bank accounts years ago, stating that it did so after a review by anti-money-laundering experts.The disclosure marks the first time a bank has formally tied money-laundering concerns to Donald Trump’s family business. Capital One is seeking to dismiss the case by casting doubt on claims of illegally debanking – or denying services on religious or political grounds – the Trump Organization. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Heatwave scorching western US ups risk of hazardous fire conditions 02. August 2026 (01:39) In Oregon and Washington, low humidity and powerful winds have put officials on alert for wildfire spreadA heatwave scorching the western US region has elevated the risk of hazardous fire conditions particularly in parts of Oregon and Washington, where low humidity and powerful winds have put officials on alert for wildfire spread.The National Weather Service has forecast blistering temperatures through early next week that could climb from 110F to 120F across the south-west. In the Pacific north-west, highs reaching into the 90s are expected in the days to come. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Devolution plans strengthen case for written UK constitution, says Burnham 02. August 2026 (01:01) PM argues for codified model of decentralisation that would fundamentally change centuries-old workings of stateAndy Burnham has said his programme of devolution strengthens the case for a written constitution for the UK, a move that would fundamentally alter the workings of the state that have developed over centuries.The prime minister has long believed the UK’s “antiquated” political system needs a dramatic overhaul if opportunity is to be shared equally across the country. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sopranos actor Vincent Pastore, known for playing mobsters and tough guys, dies aged 80 02. August 2026 (00:36) Veteran actor best-known for playing Salvatore ‘Big Pussy’ Bonpensiero, friend of Tony Soprano who becomes FBI informantVincent Pastore, a veteran actor who played mobsters and tough guys, and was best-known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, has died. He was 80.Bob McGowan, who had managed Pastore since his run on The Sopranos, told the Associated Press that he learned of his death Saturday from another client and actor on the show, Vincent Curatola. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
At least 13 dead as tourist plane crashes during flight over Peru’s Nazca Lines 01. August 2026 (23:47) Aircraft crashes into field after departing from the nearby city of Pisco, according to local authorities At least 13 people, among them foreign tourists, have been killed in a plane crash in southern Peru, near the Nazca Lines, police reported on Saturday.Local authorities in Nazca confirmed that 11 tourists and two pilots died when the small plane crashed in Pueblo Viejo, approximately 4 miles (6km) from the city of Nazca and roughly 12km from the Nazca Lines site. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
California announces minimum wage increase as governor taunts Trump 01. August 2026 (22:39) Gavin Newsom says new pay floor of $17.40, set to become highest of any US state, will go into effect on 1 JanuaryCalifornia governor Gavin Newsom announced that the state’s minimum wage will rise to $17.40 next year, a ay floor set to become the highest of any US state.The pay bump will go into effect starting 1 January, Newsom announced on Friday. The state’s current minimum rate is $16.90. In a news release, Newsom touted the move as a salve for working families amid high living costs and took a jab at the Trump administration. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump offering early access to online posts in move seen as corruption 01. August 2026 (19:29) Truth Social, where Trump’s account is by far the largest, to offer users early access for up to $100,000 per monthDonald Trump is now offering early access to his Truth Social posts in a move that has been seen as corruption benefitting a sitting president.Trump Media and Technology Group officially rolled out its new subscription-based data service on Saturday, giving paying customers faster, real-time access to Truth Social posts from Trump and other high-profile accounts. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
US reporter fighting back after border patrol seized his cell phones 01. August 2026 (17:00) Max Blumenthal says he was singled out at airport after Trump ally Laura Loomer targeted him in online postsWhen reporter Max Blumenthal went to a cafe in Tehran one night a few weeks ago to upload videos from his reporting on the funeral of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, he began seeing social media posts from Trump ally Laura Loomer targeting him, including one that suggested he should be “taken off the plane by US Marshalls when he lands back in the US … [and] detained”.“I began to prepare myself for being harassed on my return,” Blumenthal said. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
