Protesters launch high court challenge to Queensland ban on ‘from the river to the sea’ 27. July 2026 (08:57) Exclusive: Lawsuit filed on behalf of seven protesters alleges ban amounts to ‘a direct, content-based restriction’ on speech, effectively targeting pro-Palestine movementFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA group of pro-Palestine protesters have launched a high court challenge to a Queensland law banning the slogan “from the river to the sea”, arguing that it amounts to a discriminatory and unconstitutional infringement on free speech.The controversial laws, which also ban the expression “globalise the intifada”, were passed by the state’s Liberal National party government in response to December’s Bondi terrorist attack. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Oil price slides as US and Iran pause fire; cancer treatments help AstraZeneca beat profit forecasts – business live 27. July 2026 (08:56) Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsYet another company has been picked off London’s stock exchange this morning: DCC Energy has agreed to a £5.75bn takeover by private equity investors KKR and Energy Capital Partners.Shareholders in the FTSE 100 energy distributor will receive £65.25 per share in cash, a proposed final dividend of 147.22p per share, and a potential payment of up to £1.25 per share if DCC can sell its technology unit for at least $800 million.Whilst the DCC Energy Board remains confident in the energy strategy and associated 2030 Ambition announced in 2022, the Board believes the Consortium’s offer represents a compelling opportunity for shareholders to crystallise value in cash at an attractive premium to DCC Energy’s historical trading price.We are confident that the Consortium will be strong stewards of DCC Energy’s 50-year heritage and support the business during its next phase of growth.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Andy Burnham vows to use his ‘political capital’ to fix social care system 27. July 2026 (08:50) PM says that without rapid action the NHS could effectively collapse, in first full interview since entering No 10Andy Burnham has promised to use “whatever political capital I have” to finally fix the crumbling social care system in England, saying that without rapid action the NHS could effectively collapse.In his first full interview since becoming prime minister last week, Burnham said he could not put a timetable on the arrival of a new system for social care but that its creation would take time. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
For a few seconds, AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas – but some didn’t get the alert at all 27. July 2026 (08:49) Federal government touts emergency warning alert test as a success and says no approach works 100% of the timeA blaring emergency warning alert Australians had been warned about was anti-climactic for some – and totally missed by others.Almost every phone in the country, alongside some smartwatches and tablets, was supposed to let off a loud noise at about 2pm AEST and receive a pop-up notification with the text “TEST MESSAGE” and “NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Senior politicians supported young NSW Liberal power brokers trying to shift party to right, corruption watchdog hears 27. July 2026 (08:08) So-called ‘Reformers’ hosted recruitment functions with speakers including Tony Abbott and Alan JonesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSenior politicians in the New South Wales Liberal party supported the work of a group of young conservative power brokers who sought to take control of the party and move it towards the right, the corruption watchdog has heard.The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) began its Operation Rosny hearings into allegations of corruption against people associated with the NSW Liberal party on Monday. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Misleading AI-generated doctors pose ‘huge danger to public safety’ 27. July 2026 (08:00) Research shows AI accounts are gaining millions of views on TikTok by spreading dubious health adviceMisleading health claims online pose a “huge danger to public safety”, experts have warned, after research has shown that AI-generated doctors are gaining millions of views on TikTok by spreading dubious health advice.The British Medical Association council deputy chair, Dr Emma Runswick, flagged the risks posed by AI accounts that “peddle medical myths and promote so-called miracle cures”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Pauline Hanson loses bid to overturn Mehreen Faruqi racial discrimination finding 27. July 2026 (07:59) Judges find in Faruqi’s favour after One Nation leader launched an appeal against judgement she had breached Racial Discrimination ActFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA court has upheld the finding that Pauline Hanson engaged in racial discrimination against Mehreen Faruqi when she tweeted the Greens senator should “pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan”.The One Nation leader launched the appeal in November, almost a month after Justice Angus Stewart found Hanson engaged in “seriously offensive” and intimidating behaviour against Faruqi in the September 2022 social media post that breached the Racial Discrimination Act. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists over bank damage 27. July 2026 (07:00) Exclusive: Judge intends to consider ‘terrorist connection’ after convicting five for damage to Barclays in BurnleyFive Palestine Action activists face being sentenced as terrorists for breaking windows and throwing red paint at a branch of Barclays Bank in Lancashire.Brendon O’Hagan, 28; Amanda Kelly, 31; Hmeera Atiqnisar, 31; Mohammed Malik, 28; and Alma Yaniv, 70, were found guilty of causing £212,000 of damage during a direct action protest in Burnley in August 2024. They targeted the bank because it held shares in the Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Girlguiding redesigns uniforms to put focus on ‘self-expression and confidence’ 27. July 2026 (07:00) Relaxed rules mean members only have to wear a top to meetings and activities after extensive feedbackGirlguiding has fully redesigned its uniform across all groups for the first time in more than 30 years, with a focus on “self-expression, belonging and confidence”.The new range, launched on Monday, has relaxed previous rules: Guides, Rainbows, Brownies and Rangers now only have to wear a top to meetings and activities to be considered “in uniform” after feedback from thousands of girls who said they felt “most comfortable” when allowed to wear what they wanted. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Heathrow expansion would take thousands of jobs from other UK regions, report finds 27. July 2026 (06:00) Airports in England and Wales are likely to lose millions of passengers if third runway goes ahead, DfT economic paper showsExpanding Heathrow airport will take thousands of jobs from other regions of the UK, including almost 10,000 from the West Midlands alone, according to an analysis of the government’s own forecasts.An economic paper published by the Department for Transport last month shows that airports in England and Wales are likely to lose millions of passengers if Heathrow builds a third runway, in a significant blow to regional jobs. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
