Trump delivers longest-ever State of the Union address - as it happened
This blog is now closedTrump claims host of successes and attacks old foes in longest State of the UnionDemocratic rebuttal condemns Trump’s recordSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxErika Kirk, the widow of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will attend tonight’s State of the Union address as a special guest of the president.After her husband was assassinated at a college event for his non-profit Turning Point USA, Erika Kirk took over the organization.If he’s coming to our house, you got to be there. Otherwise, you let him own the house. Continue reading...
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Jobs, gas prices and ending wars: factchecking Trump’s State of the Union claims
The president’s lengthy speech to Congress contained myriad inflated, misleading or simply false claimsDonald Trump officially made the longest State of the Union address in history on Tuesday night, with broad claims about the successes achieved during the first year of his second term.But the speech that stretched across more than an hour and 41 minutes was filled with strong statements, many of them inflated, misleading or simply untrue. Continue reading...
China restricts exports to 40 Japanese entities with ties to military
China on Tuesday restricted exports to 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to Japan's "remilitarization," in the latest escalation of tensions with Tokyo.
Why the longest-ever State of the Union address was the most inconsequential
Amid Trump’s lies and xenophobic rants, people struggling to pay bills and make ends meet are unlikely to be movedHe wanted to give the king’s speech. Donald Trump entered the US House chamber on Tuesday like a medieval monarch, with Republicans lined up eager to touch his royal robes (or, in two cases, grab a selfie with him). But within moments, the illusion was shattered.As the US president strolled by, soaking up adulation, Democratic representative Al Green of Texas held aloft a handwritten sign: “Black people aren’t apes!” – a reference to Trump recently sharing a racist video depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama. Continue reading...
Reserve Bank could hike cash rate twice in 2026 as Australia’s inflation stays stubbornly high
End of government subsidies drives electricity costs up by 19% in the month and leaves power bills nearly a third higher than they were a year earlierFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Reserve Bank is more likely to hike rates again, and potentially twice before the end of the year, after new figures revealed inflationary pressures showed no signs of easing in 2026.Annual inflation stayed at a high 3.8% in January, as the end of government subsidies drove electricity costs up by 19% in the month and left power bills nearly a third higher than they were a year earlier. Continue reading...
Trump says preference is to solve Iran tensions through diplomacy
Trump strikes belligerent tone on Iran during State of the Union, but says he would prefer a diplomatic solution.
Venezuela reports over 3,200 people fully released under new amnesty law
Venezuela's National Assembly says thousands of people have regained freedom under a new amnesty law.
Wednesday briefing: Is the tide turning against Trump on tariffs?
In today’s newsletter: With the latest supreme court ruling exposing the president’s tariff plans as unlawful, US politicians and the American people have found them to be unworkable. Where does Trump go from here?Good morning. Let’s delve into the two Ts shaping the global economy right now: tariffs and Trump.Last week, the US supreme court ruled that Donald Trump had unlawfully used executive powers to impose sweeping global tariffs. In a 6-3 decision, the court found that the 1977 law Trump relied on did not give him the authority he claimed to introduce tariffs across the world. The ruling dealt a significant blow to a central plank of the president’s economic and geopolitical agenda.US news | Donald Trump proclaimed his first year in office a success at the State of the Union address overnight, even as his presidency is dogged by low public approval ratings before November’s midterm elections.UK news | Peter Mandelson condemned the police for his arrest and claimed he was only taken into custody because detectives had wrongly believed he was about to flee the country.Reform | Unions and renters’ groups criticised Reform UK after the party’s business spokesperson pledged to introduce a “great repeal act” that would abolish Labour legislation on workers’ rights and protection for tenants.Education | Teachers and schools face “a huge ask” implementing the government’s special needs proposals, according to education leaders and MPs who otherwise gave the plans a cautious welcome.Health | Almost half the public delay or avoid contacting their GP surgery when they are ill, mainly because they think they will struggle to get an appointment, a survey found. Continue reading...
Sri Lanka’s former intelligence chief arrested over 2019 Easter attacks
Investigators say Suresh Sallay aided and conspired in the deadly Easter Sunday attacks that killed nearly 300 people.
Two men arrested in relation to alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian
Human remains found near a golf club in Pitt Town confirmed to be those of Chris BaghsarianFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPolice have declared “our work is not done” as the search continues to find the people involved in the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, with two men in custody still awaiting charges.On Wednesday morning, one man, 29, was arrested in Kenthurst and another, 24, was arrested in Castle Hill over the grandfather and widower’s death. Both men, who had been residing at their family homes, were taken to Riverstone police station as inquiries continued. Continue reading...