News Briefs.

Five toys on sale in Britain have been found to contain asbestos, sparking concerns about the UK's safety regime. The discovery was made in tests commissioned by the Guardian. Asbestos is a carcinogenic substance that can cause serious health problems.…

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended Labor's proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. The reforms, announced in last week's federal budget, have been met with significant criticism. Albanese delivered an impassioned argument in favour of the…

The Democratic Republic of Congo is struggling to contain an Ebola outbreak, with concerns growing that the virus is spreading rapidly. A new strain of the virus is affecting the country, making it harder for health officials to develop effective…

Trump Mobile, a phone company launched by the family of former US President Donald Trump, is investigating a potential data breach. The company has reported that the personal information of would-be customers may have been exposed. Names and contact details…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to take revenge after blaming Ukraine for an attack on a dormitory in Luhansk, a Russian-controlled region in eastern Ukraine. The attack allegedly killed six people. Ukraine has dismissed Putin's claim, stating that the…

California authorities have ordered the evacuation of 40,000 people in Orange County due to concerns over a chemical leak. A tank holding methyl methacrylate, a flammable and toxic chemical, is reportedly "actively in crisis". Methyl methacrylate is used in the…

Melbourne's hospitality industry is facing a wave of violent attacks, with over 50 people arrested since April for alleged involvement in firebombing bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. The attacks have left businesses and authorities searching for answers. Police are still unclear…

Australia is experiencing its largest recorded diphtheria outbreak, primarily affecting remote Indigenous communities. The outbreak has spread to four states, with unlinked cases reported. Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that can cause severe respiratory and cardiac complications. The disease…

Australian police have dropped charges against artist Michael Agzarian, who created images of high-profile Australians wearing uniforms with Nazi symbols. The charges were withdrawn despite Agzarian having already been committed to stand trial. Agzarian's artwork was deemed 'political satire' by…

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced a new policy requiring green card applicants to return to their home countries to apply. This change affects individuals currently living in the US under temporary visas. Previously, applicants could apply for…

John Ratcliffe, a former Democratic congressman turned Republican, served as US Director of National Intelligence from May 2020 to January 2021. During his tenure, Ratcliffe took several steps that appeared to align with President Trump's interests. He declassified documents related…

Czech President Petr Pavel has called on Nato to take a firm stance against Russia's provocations. Pavel, a former general, said the alliance must "show its teeth" in response to Moscow's testing of its eastern flank. Russia has been accused…

A Ford F-250 truck in Kansas remains unsold due to a robin's nest on its tire. The bird built the nest and laid its eggs, triggering federal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This law prohibits disturbing or removing…