Police detonated a ‘stinger’ grenade at a Melbourne protest. Now two activists may sue over their injuries 15. November 2025 (20:00) Grenades filled with rubber pellets and other so-called ‘less lethal’ munitions have been increasingly deployed, despite being linked to serious injuries and even deathsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastScout* barely realised that something round and hard, with smoke coming from it, had landed in front of them before it exploded.Pain suddenly shot through their leg and arm. Scout fell to their knees, before someone nearby helped them rush out of the area. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Biodiversity offsets failed to protect habitat in NSW. Now federal Labor is about to make the same mistakes, critics warn 15. November 2025 (20:00) Offsets were meant to be a last resort for mitigating environmental damage from development projects, but rapidly became the defaultGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe federal government risks repeating grievous mistakes made in NSW with its proposals to change the way developers compensate for damage to the environment, scientists and legal experts have warned.As the Coalition tears itself apart again over climate, Labor’s plan to overhaul biodiversity offsets – and nature laws more broadly – has coasted under the radar with comparatively little scrutiny. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australia is selling arms at a weapons fair in Dubai. Are they destined to be used in Sudan atrocities? 15. November 2025 (20:00) Australian companies have exported nearly $300m weapons over five years to the UAE, which has denied shipping weapons to a paramilitary group in SudanGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIn a cavernous conference hall at the edge of the Dubai desert, a retired military officer fronting the Australia pavilion will offer “the key credibility of being in uniform” for defence companies spruiking their wares.“A unique advantage in attracting and engaging with visiting military delegations,” is how briefing notes, shared by the head of Team Defence Australia, describes it. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australian investment in green projects surges despite drastic US policy reversal, report shows 15. November 2025 (20:00) Exclusive: Growth has been steady even since Trump’s re-election, building on increase from $20bn to $157bn, says thinktankGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSurging Australian demand for pro-environment investments has overcome a US-led backlash, with potential global ramifications, against green finance brought on by Donald Trump’s re-election, even if backers are less vocal about their projects.Green, sustainable and social investments have risen from $20bn to $157bn in the past five years, with $137bn backing projects with environmental benefits, according to new research from Impact Investing Australia (IIA) and the Centre for Social Impact. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Salt Lake City declines to charge anti-child-trafficking activist with sexual assault 15. November 2025 (19:52) District attorney cites ‘insufficient admissible evidence’ against Tim Ballard in connection with allegationsA district attorney based in Salt Lake City is declining to file charges against the founder of an anti-child-trafficking organization – made famous by the 2023 movie Sound of Freedom – in the wake of sexual assault claims by several women in lawsuits.Sim Gill, the district attorney, issued a statement Friday saying there is “insufficient admissible evidence”, and his office has declined to file charges against Tim Ballard in connection with the allegations. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Todd Snider, alt-country singer-songwriter of Alright Guy, dies aged 59 15. November 2025 (19:38) Influential musician who created Americana hits had recently been hospitalized with pneumoniaTodd Snider, the influential alt-country singer-songwriter who created Americana hits such as Alright Guy, has died at 59.His passing was shared through announcements on his official social media accounts. Although no cause of death was provided, his family shared on Friday that he had recently been hospitalized with pneumonia. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
‘Trump is inconsistent with Christian principles’: why the Democratic party is seeing a rise of white clergy candidates 15. November 2025 (18:00) From Texas and Iowa to Arkansas, faith leaders are wading into politics to counter the rise of Christian nationalismHe grew up on a farm in Indiana, the son of a factory worker and eldest of five children. He studied at Liberty, a Christian university founded by the conservative pastor and televangelist Jerry Falwell, and recalls wearing a T-shirt expressing opposition to Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry.Two decades later, Justin Douglas is running for the US Congress – as a Democrat. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Two arrested over phone hidden in Commons to reportedly play sex noises during PMQs 15. November 2025 (17:37) Police believe device was deliberately planted near frontbench to disrupt proceedings, prompting heightened security in parliamentPolice have arrested two men in connection with a mobile phone hidden in the House of Commons that was reportedly planted there to play sex noises during prime minister’s questions.The phone was found near the frontbench during a routine sweep of the chamber. It is believed to have been intended to interrupt the keynote weekly showdown between Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch in September. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Trump pressures Thailand to recommit to Cambodia ceasefire with ‘threat of tariffs’ 15. November 2025 (17:03) Bangkok had earlier said it was suspending ceasefire, accusing Cambodia of laying landmines along the borderThe US has put pressure on Thailand to recommit to a ceasefire with Cambodia, warning trade talks could be halted as Washington seeks to keep a Donald Trump-brokered truce agreement from falling apart.Earlier this week, Thailand said that it was suspending the ceasefire deal, accusing Cambodia of laying fresh landmines along the border, including one it said wounded a Thai soldier on patrol, who lost a foot in the explosion. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nigel Farage is today’s Enoch Powell and his appeal down to slow economy, says minister 15. November 2025 (16:39) Business secretary Peter Kyle says appeal of far-right parties like Reform due to ‘their dogma of disruption, division and despair’Nigel Farage is “today’s incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell”, the business secretary, Peter Kyle, said at the Co-operative party conference.Kyle described Reform UK as “far right”, while stressing that boosting economic growth was needed to “build an economy and a politics that people can trust to deliver for themselves, their families and their communities”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
