A public inquiry led by Peter Garrett and former defence chief Chris Barrie urged Australia to end the AUKUS submarine plan, calling it costly and risky. The inquiry said the deal lacked adequate oversight and could affect Australia’s sovereignty and security; these are the report’s conclusions, not established findings of government policy.
Key Facts
The AUKUS agreement is valued at A$368 billion and was negotiated under former prime minister Scott Morrison with the United States and the United Kingdom.
The inquiry recommended ending the submarine plan, suspending plans for new bases and holding a royal commission into the agreement.
The inquiry said more than 1,000 public submissions were received and hearings were held around Australia.
The report called for independent reviews by the auditor general and federal parliament, citing a lack of scrutiny and oversight.
Under the deal, Australia is due to begin receiving secondhand US Virginia-class submarines around 2032.
Delays and rising costs in US submarine production have prompted doubts about whether the boats will be delivered to Australia.
The inquiry estimated that an additional A$180 billion would be needed to deal with nuclear waste; Australia has not identified a permanent storage site.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Africans are voting in local elections amid anger over water outages, power cuts and failing infrastructure. Polls suggest the African National Congress (ANC) may remain the largest party but win less than a third of the vote, leaving many municipalities to be governed by coalitions.
Key Facts
The ANC won 45.6% of the vote in the 2021 municipal elections and 40.2% in the 2024 national elections.
Unstable coalitions and frequent changes in municipal leadership have been cited as reasons for poor service delivery.
Johannesburg has had 10 mayors in 10 years; Ekurhuleni has had three since 2021, and Tshwane’s mayoralty has changed hands four times since 2020.
More than 800 people contracted a gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit in October.
The Democratic Alliance leads polling in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, but has not polled above 40% in any of the three metros.
In eThekwini, the uMkhonto we Sizwe party led by former president Jacob Zuma is polling above 40%, while the ANC is polling around 10%.
The Democratic Alliance is expected to retain its majority in Cape Town, though polls suggest it may win less than its 58% share in 2021.
The electoral commission has a week to announce final results; parties then have two weeks to form councils and elect mayors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Papua New Guinea police arrested four Chinese nationals after finding a 32kg object at a construction site in Port Moresby. China’s embassy says the object is a shell-shaped wine bottle, while an Australian Broadcasting Corporation report, citing unnamed sources, identified it as an unexploded artillery projectile; the BBC said it had not independently verified that claim.
Key Facts
The object was found at a construction site in Port Moresby.
Police arrested four Chinese nationals last Friday after the discovery.
Police were investigating whether the object was a live device.
China’s embassy said the object was a shell-shaped wine bottle and posed no danger.
The ABC cited unnamed sources identifying it as an unexploded 130mm Chinese Type 59 artillery projectile containing explosives and a fuse.
The BBC said it had not independently verified the ABC report.
Papua New Guinea police had earlier rejected speculation that the object was merely a dummy, according to the Post Courier.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Victoria police say an alleged assault on a One Nation supporter in Torquay is not being treated as politically motivated. Police arrested a 37-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy and now describe the alleged weapon as a “blunt weapon,” not a baseball bat.
Key Facts
The alleged victim is a 60-year-old man who was attacked outside his home in Torquay on Sunday night.
Police arrested a 37-year-old Hampton Park man and a 14-year-old boy shortly after the alleged attack.
Police initially said a baseball bat was allegedly used, then removed that reference and said a blunt weapon was allegedly used.
A police spokesperson said detectives are not treating the incident as politically motivated.
One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson visited the alleged victim in hospital in Geelong on Tuesday.
One Nation launched an online fundraiser that had raised more than $250,000 by 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Seven flights across Europe were targeted by suspected bomb threats. No official link has been established, and several countries are investigating whether the incidents were a coordinated effort to disrupt airspace.
Key Facts
The incidents affected seven flights across Europe.
Authorities described the threats as suspected bomb threats.
No official link between the incidents has been established.
Several countries are investigating the incidents.
Investigators are examining whether the incidents were coordinated.
The possible aim under investigation is to disrupt airspace.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korea’s military said North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the sea from its east coast, but did not specify the weapon. The launch came amid a series of North Korean weapons tests and criticism of U.S. claims that North Korean hackers stole more than $6 billion from Binance.
Key Facts
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch but gave no details about the projectile.
North Korea has recently tested weapons including a submarine-launched ballistic missile, hypersonic missiles, attack drones and cluster bombs.
North Korea said it tested a new cluster warhead for strategic cruise missiles on Monday.
The FBI attributed the Binance theft to North Korean hackers and a group known as TraderTraitor.
North Korea denied involvement in the Binance hack and criticized the U.S. announcement as hostile.
Kim Yo Jong said North Korea had no need to meet with people it considers unreliable and hostile.
Tensions between the two Koreas have risen since mine blasts near their border wounded three South Korean soldiers in September.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kazakhstan released a male Siberian tiger named Amur into a nature reserve. The release is part of a programme to restore wild tigers to the country, where tigers have been extinct for more than 70 years.
Key Facts
Kazakhstan released its second Siberian tiger into the wild.
The tiger is male and named Amur.
Amur was released into a nature reserve.
The release is part of a programme to restore wild tigers to Kazakhstan.
Tigers have been extinct in Kazakhstan for more than 70 years.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump launched strikes against Iran hours before midterm voting began, according to the article. Officials described the strikes as “defensive,” and the headline says Trump had previously said he would not launch them.
Key Facts
Trump launched strikes against Iran before midterm voting opened Tuesday.
The strikes took place hours before voting began.
Officials called the strikes “defensive.”
The headline says Trump had said he would not launch the strikes.
The article’s video report is by Charlie D’Agata.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz hours before U.S. midterm elections, according to a U.S. official. The limited strike came amid negotiations to end the war, while Iran said it would not reopen the strait until the United States met its conditions.
Key Facts
Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm and Hengam islands and near Bandar Abbas.
A U.S. official said the strikes targeted Iranians who were using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. forces in the strait.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council chief, Mohsen Rezaei, said the strait would remain closed until the United States addressed Iran's conditions.
Iran has offered to reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.
Vice President JD Vance said he and President Donald Trump felt positive about the chances of reaching a negotiated settlement.
Regional officials and another person briefed on a call said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump to launch another wave of strikes after the elections.
Mediators are working on a framework under which Iran would stop attacks in the strait in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade.
The United States has thousands of troops in waters near Iran, and another aircraft carrier and additional troops are headed to the Middle East.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he plans to end the annual $3.8 billion military aid package to Israel by the end of 2026. The article describes the plan as drawing skepticism and says U.S. funding to Israel has become contentious, but gives no further details.
Key Facts
Trump says he plans to stop the annual military aid package to Israel.
The package is worth $3.8 billion per year.
Trump says the aid would end by the end of 2026.
The article says the plan has drawn skepticism.
The article says U.S. funding to Israel has become contentious.
The article provides no details about the reasons for the plan or how it would be carried out.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UN elected five judges to the International Court of Justice for nine-year terms beginning February 6, 2027. The election comes as the court handles a record 24 pending cases, including South Africa’s case accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention.
Key Facts
The elected judges are Dapo Akande of the United Kingdom, Francois Alabrune of France, Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud of Jordan, Rena Lee of Singapore and Phoebe Okowa of Kenya.
Candidates needed an absolute majority in both the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
The two bodies initially agreed on four candidates but deadlocked over the fifth seat.
Ecuadorian candidate Marcelo Vazquez-Bermudez withdrew after receiving Security Council support while Okowa had the General Assembly’s backing.
The ICJ has 15 judges, each from a different country, who serve nine-year terms and may be re-elected.
ICJ President Yuji Iwasawa said on October 29 that the court had 24 pending contentious cases.
The ICJ said it would issue a judgment on November 19 in The Gambia’s case accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
High pressure is forecast to bring mostly dry, settled weather across the UK this week, with chilly nights as temperatures fall into the single digits. Bonfire Night on Thursday should be mainly dry, though some eastern areas may see showers beforehand; fog and a touch of frost are also possible in places.
Key Facts
Most of the UK is forecast to have dry days with a mix of cloud and sunny spells.
Showers may affect eastern Scotland and eastern England on Wednesday, with the best sunshine generally in the west.
Thursday night temperatures are forecast to fall into the mid-single figures, with colder conditions possible in rural areas.
Sheltered parts of northern UK may see a touch of frost, and fog could form under clear skies.
The forecast says the weather should remain generally dry and chilly through the weekend, including for Diwali on Sunday, 8 November.
The article says some southern UK weather stations recorded overnight lows of at least 14C on 5 November 2025, making it their warmest Bonfire Night on record.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Campaigners say England’s housing expansion and planning changes could increase pressure on ancient woodlands, even though national policy restricts building on or near them to wholly exceptional cases. The BBC found dozens of planned developments next to ancient woodland, including proposals near sites in Kent and Derby; the housing ministry said the woods retain strong protections.
Key Facts
England defines ancient woodland as land that has been continuously wooded since at least 1600.
The government has pledged to build 1.5 million homes by the end of 2029.
The grey belt policy allows development on some areas of lower-quality open land, including land previously protected by green belt rules.
The BBC found dozens of planned developments immediately next to ancient woodland sites.
Plans approved for 450 homes near Hook Wood in Gillingham, Kent, have raised residents’ concerns about effects on wildlife.
Derby City Council refused plans for about 150 homes bordering Chaddesden Wood in 2025; residents fear the developer may submit amended plans.
The housing ministry said ancient woodlands continue to have clear and strong protections.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said protections for irreplaceable habitats had improved but remained inadequate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Johannesburg residents have faced water outages lasting more than 10 days as reservoirs and towers struggle to refill. Researchers say the region’s dams are full, but aging, poorly maintained pipes and storage facilities, water losses from leaks, and rising demand are limiting delivery to homes and businesses.
Key Facts
Johannesburg has roughly 6.2 million residents and relies on a system that moves dam water through treatment plants, pumps, and municipal storage.
Water researcher Craig Sheridan said maintenance of pipes, reservoirs, and water towers has lagged while demand has grown.
Former water affairs director Mike Muller said the distribution network loses more than 30 percent of supplied water through leaks.
Mayor Dada Morero said some households had gone without water for more than 10 days and reservoirs were refilling more slowly than water was being used.
Morero said Johannesburg Water planned to acquire tanker trucks to deliver water to informal settlements.
The mayor said water storage levels rose from 37 percent on Monday to 41 percent on Tuesday.
Residents and businesses have reported serious effects, including people traveling to collect water and a shop owner spending a day’s profit to refill a backup tank.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bomb threats targeting at least seven flights and an Israel-bound cruise ship prompted searches and temporary airport disruptions across Europe on Tuesday. All targeted planes landed safely, and authorities reported finding no explosives; officials did not identify who made the threats or assign blame.
Key Facts
Airlines affected included Ryanair, Wizz Air, Scandinavian Airlines and LOT Polish Airlines.
Ryanair appeared to be the most heavily affected, with four flights targeted.
Warsaw Chopin Airport closed a runway while officials inspected a Scandinavian Airlines flight; Warsaw Modlin Airport also closed temporarily after a threat involving a LOT flight.
Two Italian Air Force Eurofighter jets escorted a Ryanair flight from Dublin to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, where it landed safely.
Authorities inspected Ryanair flights in Spain and Bulgaria and a Wizz Air flight in Sofia; no explosives were found.
Police in the United Kingdom said they received threats involving four aircraft at Heathrow and another flight at Manchester, but identified no security issues after checks.
The incidents followed a Monday threat against a Wizz Air flight from London to Sofia, which diverted to Budapest and landed safely.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Newspaper front pages focus on King Charles III’s comments on the transatlantic slave trade at a Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda. They also report on a High Court ruling allowing allegations against an unnamed celebrity to be reported, Andy Burnham’s planned EU talks, and other developments in technology and security.
Key Facts
King Charles expressed what The Times described as his “most profound sorrow” over the transatlantic slave trade and called the period a shameful chapter of history.
The i Paper reported that the King stopped short of apologising and highlighted the Royal Navy’s role in ending the trade.
The Daily Express said critics viewed Andy Burnham’s £40 million aid offer as a step toward reparations; the article says Burnham has ruled out financial reparations.
The High Court refused an injunction sought by an unnamed celebrity, allowing reports of allegations made by a large number of women; a possible appeal remains pending.
The Guardian reported that Burnham plans to discuss youth visas and trade with European leaders at a Brussels summit on 20 November.
The Guardian said seven passenger flights across Europe were searched or diverted after malicious hoax bomb threats.
The Financial Times reported that Nvidia has verbally urged data-centre partners to limit dealings with China, citing anonymous sources.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Greenland’s parliament voted to approve a security agreement with Denmark and the United States, which aims to strengthen U.S. military presence in the Arctic while keeping Greenland under Danish control. The deal still needs to complete Denmark’s parliamentary process before it takes effect.
Key Facts
Greenlandic lawmakers approved the agreement by a vote of 16-0, with seven abstentions.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed the agreement in September.
The agreement allows for more U.S. military bases in Greenland.
The deal would remain in effect if Greenland eventually chooses independence.
The agreement says the United States should award contracts related to the bases to Greenlandic sources to the maximum extent possible.
Danish lawmakers are expected to debate the agreement later this month.
Greenlandic residents quoted in the article expressed mixed views, including concerns about threats and doubts that the deal would benefit local people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A government-funded trial will offer multi-cancer blood tests to more than 20,000 patients aged 45 and over at about 200 GP surgeries in England. Researchers will assess whether the tests can help identify several cancers earlier and guide decisions about further investigation.
Key Facts
The trial is led by the University of Birmingham and is called STRIDE-RCT.
Eligible patients will have symptoms such as pain or persistent bloating.
Patients will provide one or two blood tubes alongside routine tests.
Researchers will test samples for proteins or DNA fragments that may signal cancer.
The trial covers cancers including bowel, stomach, pancreatic, liver, ovarian, kidney and prostate cancer.
A positive result does not confirm cancer, and a negative result does not guarantee that a patient is cancer-free.
A separate NHS trial of the Galleri test did not meet its main goal of reducing diagnoses of late-stage cancers.
About 71,000 people in England are diagnosed each year with pancreatic, stomach, liver, ovarian or bowel cancer, and nearly 35,000 die from these diseases.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Africans are voting in local elections, with the African National Congress (ANC) facing the prospect of further losses after its support fell in recent years. Residents in Alexandra cited poor basic services and a lack of change as reasons some people plan not to vote, while first-time voter Sanele Ntombela said he hoped voting could help bring change.
Key Facts
The elections will choose leaders for nearly 300 municipalities that oversee services such as water, electricity and refuse collection.
The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in the last national election, after holding power since apartheid ended in 1994.
The ANC's share of the general-election vote fell from 70% in 2004 to 40% two decades later.
Residents in Alexandra described rubbish, water and electricity problems, potholes and poor drainage.
Some young people in Alexandra said they were not registered to vote or did not intend to vote because they saw little change and worsening services.
Sanele Ntombela, an 18-year-old first-time voter, said he planned to vote and hoped it could lead to change.
President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected claims that the ANC was in decline at the party's final election rally.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A UK parliamentary committee warned that delays to restoring the Palace of Westminster are increasing the risks of a major fire or other disaster and driving up costs. It urged Parliament to improve planning and decision-making, while MPs consider two renovation plans that could cost £15.6bn or £39.2bn.
Key Facts
The cross-party Commons Public Accounts Committee said urgent action was needed to address risks at the Palace of Westminster.
The building has outdated electrics, leaking roofs, plumbing failures and crumbling masonry, and it requires 24-hour fire patrols.
Maintenance costs about £1.5m a week and are expected to rise to £2m a week.
The report estimates each year of inaction adds £420m to the restoration programme.
A full decant plan would move the Commons and Lords to temporary locations, take up to 24 years and cost about £15.6bn.
A staged decant plan could take 38 to 61 years and cost about £39.2bn.
The committee recommended that the clerks of the Commons and Lords produce an engagement plan within six months and provide stronger cost estimates and a timetable for a decision in 2030.
The report also called for simpler governance and a new select committee to scrutinize restoration officials.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
