News Briefs.

Guardian Australia has published its weekend wrap of essential reads from the past seven days. The selection, curated by Emma Elsworthy, features five notable articles. One piece explores the concept of an artificial intelligence boyfriend, dubbed an 'idiot' due to…

Michigan authorities have charged a couple with murder in connection with the death of their seven-year-old son. The boy weighed 250lbs at the time of his death, sparking concerns about neglect. Prosecutors allege the parents failed to provide their son…

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has spoken about a "deeply distressing" experience after he and his husband, Chasten, were separated from their children due to a hoax report. The false report, made to Child Protective Services (CPS), prompted an investigation…

A judge has held prosecutor Christopher Ballard in contempt for speaking to the media about the Charlie Kirk shooting case. The case involves the murder of Charlie Kirk, a 19-year-old shot and killed in 2021. Prosecutor Ballard made comments to…

Florida's Alligator Alcatraz detention center has closed, prompting demands from environmentalists and immigrant-rights advocates for an inquiry into the facility's operations. The center, located in the Everglades, was notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights abuses. Advocates claim…

The White House has instructed federal health officials to remove overdose prevention strategies from US health programs. This move has sparked concern among experts, who believe it marks increased political interference in public health matters. Overdose prevention often involves harm…

Nicholas Rossi, a US man who faked his own death to evade rape charges, has died in hospital. Rossi, also known as Nicholas Alahverdian, was serving a jail sentence in Utah at the time of his death. He had fled…

UK Home Secretary, Mahmood, has unveiled a plan to establish safe immigration routes, aiming to gain support from the Labour left. The proposal is part of a major bill governing asylum and refugees. This bill is being fast-tracked as a…

Michael Phillips, a US man claiming to have the world's smallest penis, has launched a fundraiser for enlargement surgery. Phillips states his penis measures 0.38 inches, which he says causes difficulties with urination. The condition, known as micropenis, is a…

Venezuela's earthquake death toll has risen to 920, with many more injured or missing. Delcy Rodríguez, the country's interim president, has pledged to save as many people as possible. Foreign rescue teams are arriving to assist in the relief efforts.…

Andy Burnham, newly elected MP for Makerfield, has pledged to donate 15% of his parliamentary salary to local causes. This move follows a trend among some MPs to give away a portion of their pay. Burnham, a potential future prime…

Billionaire Leon Black will appear before a House panel to address questions about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Black, a private equity billionaire, has faced scrutiny over his association with Epstein, which included paying him millions of…

Russia is preparing a possible "provocation" in the Baltic states or Poland, sources from two countries have revealed. This move is seen as an attempt to test NATO's cohesion. The Kremlin's actions come as Russia faces growing pressure from Ukraine.…