Latest News Stories
Sorted by number of sources covering the story
Today
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as US Director of National Intelligence amid health crisis and political tensions
Tulsi Gabbard resigned as US Director of National Intelligence on May 23, 2026, citing her husband’s diagnosis of a rare bone cancer, though reports suggest political tensions contributed to her depar...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Tulsi Gabbard resigned as US Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, 2026, citing her husband Abraham Gabbard’s diagnosis of a rare form of bone cancer.
- Gabbard announced her resignation on social media (X) on May 23, 2026 (US time), stating she must step away to support her husband through his health battle.
- Donald Trump praised Gabbard’s work, calling her an ‘incredible’ director and stating she ‘has done an incredible job,’ while Aaron Lukas, principal deputy director of national intelligence, will serve as acting director.
Three killed in Sydney south head-on crash after police welfare check
Three people died in a head-on crash in Sydney’s south early Saturday morning after a 42-year-old man fled police during a welfare check at a Gymea Bay home. The white Audi he was driving collided wit...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Three people died in a head-on crash on Rocky Point Rd, San Souci (Sans Souci) at about 12:30am on Saturday, May 25, 2026
- A white Audi sedan collided with a blue Camry (Toyota) sedan, flipping one car onto its roof
- The Audi driver (42-year-old man) and the Camry driver and passenger died at the scene; all three are yet to be formally identified
Australia's 2026 federal budget tax reforms on negative gearing, CGT, and housing affordability
Australia’s 2026 federal budget introduced controversial tax reforms targeting negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT), and discretionary trusts, aimed at improving housing affordability for first-h...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The 2026 federal budget proposes restricting negative gearing to newly built properties, grandfathering existing arrangements, and replacing the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount with an inflation-adjusted discount (minimum 30% tax on real gains).
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the reforms in speeches on May 23, 2026, at the Victorian Labor Party state conference, calling them 'the right thing to do' and 'pro-aspiration' for first-home buyers.
- A Newspoll published May 18, 2026, found 60% of Australians opposed the negative gearing and CGT reforms, viewing them as 'a step in the wrong direction' or ineffective.
Deadly coal mine gas explosion in China’s Shanxi province kills 90, nine missing
A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province, killed at least 90 workers and left nine missing after the blast on Friday evening. The incident, one of China’s deadlies...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Death toll from the Liushenyu coal mine gas explosion in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province, is 90 dead and nine missing
- The explosion occurred at the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County, Shanxi province, on Friday evening (local time)
- 247 workers were underground at the time of the explosion
Artist Michael Agzarian cleared of Nazi symbol charges after legal battle
Charges against Wagga Wagga artist Michael Agzarian for displaying Nazi symbols in a political satire poster were withdrawn on May 23, 2026, after nearly 10 months of legal proceedings. The artwork, s...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Michael Agzarian was charged in July 2025 with one count of displaying Nazi symbols by a public act without lawful excuse under NSW law.
- The artwork depicted former deputy PM Michael McCormack, opposition leader Peter Dutton, and billionaires Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer in Nazi uniforms.
- The poster was displayed in the shop window of an advertising agency in Wagga Wagga, NSW, ahead of the 2025 federal election.
Auckland FC wins historic A-League Men championship over Sydney FC in 2026 grand final
Auckland FC made history in the 2026 A-League Men grand final by defeating Sydney FC 1-0 in front of a record crowd of 28,374 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The victory marked Auckland’s first champ...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Auckland FC defeated Sydney FC 1-0 in the 2026 A-League Men grand final, held at Go Media Stadium (Mount Smart Stadium) in Auckland on May 24, 2026 (local time).
- Cameron Howieson scored the winning goal for Auckland in the 60th minute, deflecting off Sydney FC’s Jordan Courtney-Perkins.
- The match was attended by a record crowd of 28,374 fans at Go Media Stadium.
Super funds introduce new lifetime income products to transform retirement spending in Australia
Two major Australian news outlets, THEAGE and SMH, report on a significant shift in how Australians approaching retirement can manage their superannuation savings. Starting May 23, 2026, super funds l...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Colonial First State announced an expansion of retirement solutions integrating Challenger, BlackRock, and Generation Life into a single platform for advisers and members, with lifetime income solutions accessible via super fund or adviser platform.
- AMP launched a fully branded, direct-to-member lifetime retirement income product on May 23, 2026, called AMP Super Lifetime, which can be activated years before retirement to lower Centrelink-assessed assets.
- UniSuper offers both a CPI-indexed lifetime income product and Challenger’s Lifetime Income solution, accessible through advisers and digital advice platforms.
Trump's purge of GOP dissenters via primary victories, focusing on Massie's defeat in Kentucky
Donald Trump consolidated his grip on the Republican Party by orchestrating the primary defeat of Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie, a seven-term incumbent who defied him on issues like the Iran war,...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Thomas Massie lost the Kentucky Republican House primary to Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein by 55% to 45% on May 20, 2026.
- The Kentucky primary was the most expensive House primary in US history, with over $32 million in spending.
- Trump repeatedly called for voters to back Ed Gallrein over Massie, citing Massie’s opposition to Trump’s Iran war, Epstein files release, and tax bill.
Scott Pendlebury breaks AFL/VFL games record with 433rd match for Collingwood
Scott Pendlebury is set to break the AFL/VFL games record with his 433rd match against West Coast at the MCG on 2026-05-24, surpassing Brent Harvey’s previous mark of 432 games. Drafted by Collingwood...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Scott Pendlebury will play his 433rd AFL/VFL game on 2026-05-24 against West Coast at the MCG, breaking Brent Harvey’s record of 432 games.
- Pendlebury was drafted by Collingwood with pick No. 5 in 2005 and made his AFL debut in 2006.
- Pendlebury has won two premierships (2010, 2023), a Norm Smith Medal (2010), and six All-Australian selections.
Federal judge Alexander Street investigated over alleged conflicts involving ex-wife’s freight firm and Chinese navy deal
A federal judge, Alexander 'Sandy' Street, is under investigation after a secret police taskforce, Polaris, probed his alleged involvement in his ex-wife Sally London’s freight firm, Send it Pink, whi...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Federal Circuit and Family Court Chief Justice William Alstergren commissioned an investigation into allegations about Judge Alexander 'Sandy' Street in May 2026
- The investigation was triggered by a 2017 confidential report from the Polaris Taskforce, which scrutinized Street’s conduct related to his ex-wife Sally London’s freight firm, Send it Pink
- Send it Pink was founded in 2015 by Sally London, two months after Street became a judge in 2015
One Nation poll surge threatens Labor and Coalition in Australia’s federal election
Two major polls released in late May 2026 reveal a dramatic surge for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, which could win 46–59 seats (median 53) if an election were held today, according to RedBridge Group ...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- RedBridge Group and Accent Research poll (conducted 29 April–14 May 2026) projects One Nation winning between 46 and 59 seats, with a median of 53 seats if an election were held today.
- The same poll estimates Labor would win between 70 and 82 seats (median 76), down from its current 94, and the Coalition would win between 7 and 21 seats (median 12), wiping out the National Party entirely.
- One Nation’s projected gains include 37 seats from the Coalition and 16 from Labor, with Queensland as the strongest region (up to 21 seats, 18 with ≥90% win probability).
Kevin Rudd’s post-political ambitions and influence in US-China strategy
Both THEAGE and SMH articles explore Kevin Rudd’s post-political career and his ongoing influence in global affairs, particularly US-China relations. Rudd, once Australia’s prime minister and later am...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Kevin Rudd called Donald Trump 'a traitor to the West' in a past remark, later apologized to Trump on live TV
- Rudd served as Australia’s ambassador to Washington from 2023 to 2026, a role he secured after leaving government
- Rudd was instrumental in securing AUKUS support through both houses of the US Congress during his ambassadorial tenure
AUKUS submarine delays and Australia’s nuclear submarine acquisition risks
Australia’s AUKUS submarine program faces significant delays and financial challenges as the US struggles to meet production targets for Virginia-class submarines. Both sources agree the US currently ...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Australia has committed A$2.76bn (US$2bn) to the US and A$863m (£469m) to the UK to boost submarine-building industrial bases under AUKUS.
- The US Navy currently builds Virginia-class submarines at a rate of 1.1–1.2 boats per year, below the required 2.0 for its own needs.
- The US Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan excludes AUKUS submarines from its projections, mentioning it only once as a footnote.
SpaceX launches upgraded Starship rocket in test flight from Texas
SpaceX successfully launched its upgraded Starship V3 rocket on May 23, 2026, from Starbase, Texas, marking the 12th test flight and the first for the V3 iteration. The 407ft-tall rocket carried 20 mo...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- SpaceX launched its upgraded Starship V3 rocket on a test flight from Starbase, Texas, on May 23, 2026, at approximately 5:30 PM local time.
- The rocket carried 20 mock Starlink satellites, with two modified satellites testing the heat shield during re-entry.
- The Starship V3 is 407ft (124 meters) tall, making it the largest and most powerful rocket ever flown.
Traveler complaints and experiences shared in reader letters across multiple outlets
Both articles from THEAGE and SMH feature a collection of reader letters detailing travel-related mishaps, complaints, and positive experiences. A recurring theme is the failure of Booking.com to reso...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Tim Norman from Port Melbourne, Vic, was stranded in Luxor, Egypt, in December 2025 after Booking.com accommodation collapsed, with the host unreachable and the property inaccessible. His family was left on the street with luggage, and Booking.com ignored multiple messages with no refund processed.
- Jen Lawson from Glen Iris, Vic, is traveling to Indonesia on September 9, 2026, but her passport expires on March 8, 2027, just one day short of the six-month validity requirement for entry.
- Helen Edwards-Davis from Kingscliff, NSW, visited Bali and noted the presence of Trash Heroes, an organization that invites tourists and locals to collect rubbish from beaches, while also observing polystyrene takeaway containers from multinational chains and plastic-wrapped Mentos lollies in religious offerings.
Stephen Colbert's final episode of The Late Show and CBS's cancellation controversy
Stephen Colbert’s final episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aired on 21 May 2026, marking the end of a 33-year late-night institution on CBS. The show, which Colbert hosted for 11 years afte...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert aired its final episode on 21 May 2026 at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York.
- CBS announced the cancellation of The Late Show in July 2025, citing financial challenges in late-night advertising.
- Stephen Colbert hosted The Late Show for 11 years, taking over from David Letterman in 2015.
Multi-vehicle crash on Queensland highway kills woman and baby, injures others
A multi-vehicle crash on the Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach, south of Port Douglas, killed a 25-year-old Mossman woman and her infant passenger on May 23, 2026, before 4pm. The collision involved a...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- A 25-year-old Mossman woman and her infant passenger died at the scene of the crash on the Captain Cook Highway at Oak Beach, south of Port Douglas, on 2026-05-23 before 4pm.
- A 22-year-old woman was flown to Cairns Hospital with life-threatening injuries (pelvic and abdominal injuries).
- A 62-year-old Port Douglas man (driver of the white Mitsubishi Triton utility) was taken to Cairns Hospital with non-life-threatening chest and back injuries.
Guzman y Gomez exits US market after failing to establish itself
Guzman y Gomez (GyG) announced the closure of its US operations on May 22, 2026, after failing to achieve sales targets in its eight Chicago stores despite significant investment. The decision followe...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Guzman y Gomez (GyG) is closing its US business after failing to meet sales targets, with up to US$40m (A$56m) in one-off costs expected.
- GyG founder and co-CEO Steven Marks stated the US business performance was 'not acceptable' and could not justify further investment.
- GyG had eight stores in Chicago, which are now closing, and will result in about 300 US job losses.
Tony Albert’s ‘Not a Souvenir’ exhibition and Aboriginalia collection campaign
Tony Albert, a Girramay, Yidinji, and Kuku-Yalanji artist, is showcasing his decades-long collection of ‘Aboriginalia’—racist, kitsch objects depicting Indigenous people—in his solo exhibition *Not a ...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Tony Albert is a Girramay, Yidinji, and Kuku-Yalanji artist born in 1981.
- Albert’s solo exhibition *Not a Souvenir* opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney on 21 May 2026.
- Albert’s collection includes over 3,000 items of ‘Aboriginalia’—objects like cups, tea towels, figurines, and souvenirs depicting caricatured or exoticised Indigenous imagery.
Sydney teacher arrested for alleged child grooming and abuse material offences
A Sydney high school teacher, Nathaniel Ballesta, 35, was arrested on May 22, 2026, after police executed a search warrant at his Bardia home following reports of child abuse material linked to an onl...
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
- Nathaniel Ballesta, 35, was arrested on Thursday, May 22, 2026, after police raided a home in Bardia, Sydney, and seized electronic devices containing child abuse material.
- Ballesta was charged with three counts of possessing child abuse material, two counts of using a carriage service to engage in sexual activity with someone younger than 16, and three counts of causing a child to produce child abuse material.
- Police uncovered online communication between Ballesta and a teenage girl spanning from 2021 to 2025, including when she was his student at John Edmondson High School.