Charles Perrottet, brother of former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet, told the anti-corruption body Icac that he lied to a property developer, Jean Nassif, to keep him cooperating. Perrottet said he made up political updates and misled Nassif about his involvement in lobbying work while denying that payments received were illegal political donations.
Key Facts
Charles Perrottet admitted to lying to property developer Jean Nassif to maintain a good relationship.
Perrottet said he provided false political updates to encourage payments to a lobbying company called Beckington.
Perrottet denied that payments from Nassif were illegal political donations.
The payments were linked to services for Nassif’s company, Toplace, involving lobbying activities.
A message from Perrottet mentioned a scheme called the "money train," referring to ways to get around laws banning developer donations.
Perrottet denied trying to benefit from the same arrangement he accused others of using.
Nassif fled Australia in 2022 and is expected to testify to Icac via video from Lebanon.
Dominic Perrottet is not accused of any wrongdoing in this case.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The NHS in England will offer free, quick cholesterol tests at pharmacies to help reduce heart disease and stroke deaths. People aged 40 to 84 can get a finger-prick blood test, receive advice, and get treatment if needed, aiming to catch health risks early.
Key Facts
The tests take about seven minutes and will be available at participating pharmacies.
People aged 40-84 who have not had a blood test in the past year can walk in to get tested.
The test uses a lancet to take a small blood sample from the fingertip and gives immediate analysis.
Pharmacists can offer lifestyle advice and prescribe treatments like statins if needed.
Patients receive their test results by email and can also get a blood pressure check.
The program began after a successful pilot in north London where 19% of patients tested were at high risk of heart attack or stroke.
About 100 NHS pharmacies will start offering the tests from autumn in the first phase of the national rollout.
The goal is to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths by 25% over the next ten years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, accused of planning the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, is in its final stage with closing statements starting soon. Davis faces a murder charge for allegedly organizing the attack, though prosecutors do not say he fired the shots himself.
Key Facts
Duane Davis is accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s murder in Las Vegas nearly 30 years ago.
Davis faces one count of murder with a deadly weapon, connected to gang activity.
Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight was also injured but survived.
Davis claims he was in the white Cadillac during the shooting and supplied the weapon to others.
Prosecutors argue Davis planned the shooting but did not personally fire the gun.
Nevada law allows charging someone who helps or plans a murder, even if they did not pull the trigger.
The trial included 16 jurors and evidence from 27 witnesses over nine days.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vice President JD Vance will speak privately to the Republican Jewish Coalition to address concerns about his views on Israel and antisemitism. This happens amid rising tensions over U.S.-Israel relations and worries about antisemitism before the midterm elections.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to speak at a closed meeting of the Republican Jewish Coalition.
The event aims to ease concerns from conservative Jewish activists about Vance’s stance on Israel.
Vance has faced criticism for suggesting some Israeli officials have tried to influence U.S. public opinion to prolong a war with Iran.
There is unease among some Jewish Republicans because Vance has not clearly disavowed Tucker Carlson, who hosted a known antisemite on his show.
Vance is a leading candidate for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.
Unlike President Trump, Vance is seen as more cautious or doubtful about unconditional support for Israel.
Support for Israel is decreasing in the U.S., especially among Democrats, with some believing Israel committed genocide against Palestinians.
Republicans generally support Israel more, but younger Republicans question the extent of U.S. backing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The federal government has expanded Pell grants to help students afford short-term job training programs that are less than 15 weeks long. This new Workforce Pell program aims to support students at community colleges across the U.S. who want to learn skills for jobs like nursing assistants, truck drivers, and IT technicians.
Key Facts
Pell grants have traditionally helped low- and moderate-income students pay for education programs lasting at least 15 weeks.
The new Workforce Pell program allows some shorter programs to qualify for federal aid.
Forsyth Technical Community College in North Carolina is applying for approval to offer these grants for its short-term nursing assistant program.
The federal government approved the first Workforce Pell programs in Iowa and Indiana in July 2026.
More programs in states such as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Louisiana, and Nebraska are waiting for approval.
Short-term training helps students prepare for jobs that often require certification but less than a year of schooling.
Costs for short-term programs can include registration fees, equipment, and certification exams, which can be a barrier for students.
Workforce Pell aims to reduce these financial obstacles and support workforce development.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading a meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss economic growth, debt, and efforts to isolate Iran economically. The U.S. faces challenges in gaining support because of ongoing tariffs on allies and increasing tensions with Iran during a six-month conflict.
Key Facts
The G20 finance ministers are meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, hosted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The U.S. has increased tariffs on allies, causing strain in international trade relationships, especially with Canada.
The U.S. is engaged in a six-month war with Iran and wants other countries to help isolate Iran economically.
The Treasury plans to impose new sanctions on banks linked to Iran and is prepared to use strong financial measures if needed.
President Donald Trump has mainly used warnings to Iran’s trading partners instead of direct large-scale economic actions.
China, as the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, is a key challenge in enforcing isolation on Iran.
Bessent denied claims that the U.S. is hesitant to confront China and said both countries share goals about reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The G20 meeting is held in Asheville, which is rebuilding after Hurricane Helene caused major damage in 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has often hinted at running for a third presidential term in 2028, despite the Constitution barring it. Recently, he has also talked more about his life after leaving the White House in January 2029, suggesting he might not run again.
Key Facts
Trump has worn 2028 campaign caps and discussed plans for another presidential run.
The U.S. Constitution prohibits a president from serving more than two terms.
Trump has recently spoken about life after his presidency, predicting his successor will take credit for his work.
He said his successor would "be sitting around, watching television."
Trump's comments show a change from earlier when he strongly suggested he might stay in office more than eight years.
Legal experts note Trump's statements allow him to support different and conflicting messages about his future plans.
The White House says Trump remains focused on fighting crime, border control, and lowering drug prices.
The article includes photos of Trump at various events and mentions ongoing political developments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The children's commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has called for parents of seriously ill or disabled children to have a legal right to 12 weeks of paid leave at 90% of their normal pay. She also supports extending unpaid carer's leave and creating paid carer's leave to help families manage care without losing income.
Key Facts
Dame Rachel de Souza wants parents to have 12 weeks of paid leave at 90% pay when caring for seriously ill or disabled children.
Parents often face difficult choices between caring for their child and keeping their jobs.
She supports a "right to return to work" after long leave periods to help parents stay employed.
Unpaid carer's leave could be increased from 5 to 10 days a year.
Paid carer's leave is also proposed to support unpaid carers.
The call follows campaigns from parents like Frances and Ceri Menai-Davis, whose son Hugh died of cancer in 2021.
A government consultation on support for families with sick children is closing soon.
The minister for the future of work said the government will consider how to improve support and employment rights for these families.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Daniel Billings pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend, Molly Ticehurst, in New South Wales, Australia. The judge said Billings likely would not receive a life sentence and noted complex factors around alleged sexual assault influenced the case.
Key Facts
Molly Ticehurst, 28, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend Daniel Billings on April 22, 2024.
Billings stabbed Ticehurst 15 times in her home in Forbes, New South Wales.
He was charged with rape and domestic violence offenses just weeks before the murder but was released on bail.
The rape charges were dropped after Billings pleaded guilty to murder in November 2025 following legal negotiations.
The judge expressed concern about evidence related to Ticehurst’s claim of repeated rape before her death.
Billings denied the rape allegations and appeared obsessed with clearing his name before committing the murder.
The case led to changes in New South Wales laws, including tighter rules for granting bail.
Billings will be sentenced in September and will hear victim statements and expert testimony about his mental state.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of people came to a Zohran Mamdani lookalike contest in New York. Nine contestants competed, and Amadeo Fusca, a part-time actor who impersonates Mamdani, won the contest and a $100 prize.
Key Facts
The event was a Zohran Mamdani lookalike contest.
It took place in New York.
Nine contestants participated in the contest.
Hundreds of people attended the event.
Amadeo Fusca won the contest.
Fusca is a part-time actor and Mamdani impersonator.
The winner received a prize of $100.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump praised NASA for successfully launching the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. He congratulated NASA officials and called the achievement a significant moment for America.
Key Facts
NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.
The launch took place at the Kennedy Space Center.
President Trump publicly congratulated NASA and its administrator, Jared Isaacman.
The telescope aims to study the "dark universe," including dark energy and dark matter.
The launch was described by President Trump as part of a great period for America.
The telescope will help scientists learn more about space and the universe’s mysteries.
The event was shared by President Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Dolly Parton's program called the Imagination Library helps children by giving them books to read as they go back to school. This program continues Dolly Parton's legacy not only through her music but also by encouraging literacy among young readers.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton is known for her music and her work supporting children’s literacy.
The Imagination Library is a program that provides free books to children.
The program aims to help young readers get ready for school.
Dolly Parton’s legacy includes both her artistic achievements and charitable efforts.
The article highlights the impact of Dolly Parton’s work on children’s education.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tarrant County in Texas plans to reduce the number of polling sites by 92 for the November midterm elections. County officials say the change will save resources by closing locations with low voter turnout, while critics worry this could make voting harder, especially in minority communities.
Key Facts
Tarrant County is Texas’ third-largest county with over 2 million residents.
The plan would reduce polling sites by 92 compared to the 2022 midterms.
Officials say there will still be over 200 locations for voters.
The county prioritizes keeping sites near public transport and those that follow federal accessibility laws.
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and voting rights groups oppose the cuts, fearing voter suppression.
The NAACP and ACLU have urged the county to reject the plan.
Tarrant County began countywide voting in 2019 but is only now reducing locations.
The county’s population is about 33% Hispanic and 19.2% Black.
County leaders say the goal is efficiency, not voter suppression.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Liberal Democrats say many teachers in England want to quit soon because they feel overworked and stressed. They want the government to fully pay for teacher raises and limit overtime to keep teachers in their jobs.
Key Facts
Nearly half of the teachers surveyed in England plan to leave teaching within five years.
Many teachers say heavy workloads, such as marking and lesson prep, cause stress and burnout.
The Liberal Democrats want the government to cover teacher pay increases fully instead of taking money from school budgets.
The survey included over 900 teachers, headteachers, and special needs coordinators.
Over 75% said they felt burnt out frequently or constantly at work.
The Education Department says teacher leaving rates were lowest since 2010 but admits more needs to be done.
The Lib Dems propose enforcing legal working hours, limiting overtime, and requiring flexible work policies in schools.
The Department of Education plans pay increases totaling almost 17% over two years and supports efforts to improve working conditions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tarrant County, Texas, plans to reduce the number of polling sites by 92 for the November midterm elections. Local Democrats are protesting, saying this could make voting harder, especially in a key U.S. Senate race. County officials say the plan will cut low-use sites and still leave over 200 locations available, aiming to save resources and maintain accessibility.
Key Facts
Tarrant County, Texas, will cut 92 polling locations compared to the 2022 midterms.
The county has over 2 million residents and is important for the U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton.
Democrats argue that fewer polling sites may cause confusion and make voting more difficult.
County officials say the plan focuses on removing sites with low voter turnout.
More than 200 polling locations will still be available on Election Day.
Sites near bus stops and those meeting federal accessibility laws will stay open.
Average distance between polling sites with the new plan is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers).
Officials say they want to avoid placing polling sites too close to each other and are trying to save resources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Victoria’s Labor government plans to use low-security prisoners to help maintain roads, including mowing, weeding, and graffiti removal, to address pothole problems. The government also announced extra funding to fix 500,000 potholes and wants to reduce reliance on private contractors.
Key Facts
The Victorian government will add $352 million to road maintenance, aiming to fix 500,000 potholes by the end of January.
Prisoners classified as low-security will be involved in basic roadside maintenance tasks such as mowing lawns, removing graffiti, and picking up rubbish.
The prisoners’ work will supplement paid workers, not replace them.
Prisoners currently earn about $7.15 to $9.80 a day, which is less than the minimum wage.
The government holds back 20% of prisoners’ earnings as savings until their release.
Critics say prisoners should be paid fair wages and that work should help with future jobs after release.
The government plans to bring road maintenance under direct control instead of using private contractors.
A new website will let people report potholes by photo and track repairs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Connecticut senator said that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) made arrests at school bus stops. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, said those claims are not true. However, ICE arrests have increased in other parts of the country.
Key Facts
A Connecticut senator reported that ICE made arrests at school bus stops in the state.
Tom Homan, the White House border czar, denied that ICE arrests happened at bus stops in Connecticut.
ICE arrests are happening more often across the United States.
The report came from Stamford, Connecticut, and was covered by CBS News.
The disagreement is about whether arrests took place near schools or only in other locations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A flash flood in the Grand Canyon area of Arizona led to the evacuation of 62 people and left about 15 individuals missing. The flood caused damage to trails, bridges, and the landscape, prompting park closures and suspension of rafting trips.
Key Facts
At least 15 people are missing after flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas.
62 people were evacuated due to the flooding.
Floodwaters moved large boulders, metal structures, and debris into the Colorado River.
Footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, and the creek bed was widened with a new rapid formed.
Popular tourist sites including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and parts of the North Kaibab trail remain closed.
Rafting trips on the Colorado River are temporarily stopped.
The National Park Service is working with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on evacuations and damage assessments.
No injuries have been reported so far, but more rain and storms are expected.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tom Tugendhat will take over from Dame Priti Patel as the Conservative Party’s shadow foreign secretary. Patel will move to a new role focused on building relationships with similar political parties around the world, and the party plans a reshuffle of team members soon.
Key Facts
Tom Tugendhat, a former Conservative leadership candidate, will become shadow foreign secretary.
Dame Priti Patel is stepping down to work on international political connections with center-right groups.
The change was first reported by the Daily Telegraph and confirmed by BBC News.
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader in opposition, will lead the team reshuffle next month.
Sir James Cleverly, the shadow housing secretary, recently resigned to run for London mayor.
Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho’s upcoming maternity leave partly motivated the reshuffle.
There is talk that shadow chancellor Mel Stride might be replaced, but this is uncertain.
Claire Coutinho is seen by many as a strong candidate for future shadow chancellor but is unlikely to be appointed during maternity leave.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The US Treasury Department denied access to some journalists from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg for a G20 finance meeting in North Carolina. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was not related to the reporters' viewpoints.
Key Facts
The US Treasury barred certain reporters from covering the G20 finance ministerial meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
Journalists denied access included Alan Rappeport from The New York Times.
Another Times reporter, Jim Tankersley, was allowed to attend the meeting.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was not based on the journalists’ views.
The meeting includes finance ministers and central bank officials from the world’s top economies.
President Donald Trump’s administration has previously limited media access to government events.
The G20 leaders’ summit will be held in December at President Trump’s golf club in Florida.
Media organizations criticized the exclusion as a restriction on press freedom and public accountability.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
