Surge in refusals for freedom of information undermines trust in Australian government, watchdog warns

17/05/2025 20:00 The Guardian

Refusal rate at its highest in a decade, prompting concern among transparency advocatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government is refusing freedom of information requests at a rate not seen for a decade, data shows, prompting concerns for transparency and accountability.Data held by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the watchdog overseeing the FoI system, revealed the proportion of FoI requests being completely refused has shot up to 27% in the December 2024 quarter.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...

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Glossy black cockatoos could be pushed towards extinction in Victoria if burns go ahead, experts warn

Fire in black sheoak forest of East Gippsland would destroy the birds’ food supply, conservationist says Glossy black cockatoos could be pushed towards extinction in Victoria if planned burns of 13,000 hectares of forest go ahead, ecologists and conservationists warn.The Victorian government is be...

17/05/2025 20:00 The Guardian

Trump to talk to Putin on Monday about Ukraine ceasefire proposal and trade

In social media posts, president also slammed Walmart for price increases and spread anti-Clinton conspiracy theoriesDonald Trump has said that he will speak to both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an effort to stop what he called the “bloodbath” war in Ukraine, in a barrage of new soc...

17/05/2025 19:39 The Guardian

Israel accused of ethnic cleansing after more than 140 killed in Gaza in 24 hours

Israel says intensified bombings are part of campaign expansion to ‘achieve all of the war goals in Gaza’At least 140 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, a deadly escalation as Israel seemed poised to launch a major offensive in the besieged territory.Israeli strikes in G...

17/05/2025 12:53 The Guardian

How Donald Trump’s ‘historic’ Gulf state deals benefit a handful of powerful men

The deals stand to enrich tech CEOs substantially by opening up new audiences for their productsOn his tour of the Middle East this week, Donald Trump announced a slew of multibillion-dollar tech deals with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. With the sale of the US’s...

17/05/2025 12:00 The Guardian

Former mob killer leaves crime behind to become New Jersey councilman

John Alite, 62, was a top earner for John Gotti, the Teflon Don – now he says he’s on a mission to ‘do things right’John Alite has big plans for Englishtown, New Jersey, a small hamlet best known for potatoes, a drag racing strip, and the Battle of Monmouth during the revolutionary wars.But...

17/05/2025 12:00 The Guardian

Zelenskyy calls for tougher Moscow sanctions after deadly Russian strike on bus

Ukraine’s president describes attack on minibus reportedly carrying mostly elderly women as ‘deliberate killing of civilians’Nine people have been killed in a Russian drone attack on a minibus Ukraine says was evacuating civilians, prompting Volodymyr Zelenskyy to call for tougher sanctions ag...

17/05/2025 11:53 The Guardian

Kremlin cites past wars as it threatens long conflict in Ukraine

Russian peace negotiator invokes Peter the Great’s 21-year struggle to defeat Sweden, as Putin is fond of doingPeter the Great’s long war against Sweden – a grinding conflict that claimed countless Russian lives – is rarely held up as a model for modern diplomacy. Yet behind closed doors on...

17/05/2025 11:28 The Guardian

US House Republicans propose fees on immigrants to fund Trump’s crackdown

Legislation would establish fees to seek asylum, care for a minor in US custody or apply for humanitarian paroleCongressional Republicans are proposing an array of new fees on immigrants seeking to remain in the United States in a move that advocates warn will create insurmountable financial barrier...

17/05/2025 10:00 The Guardian

Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza overnight as UN human rights chief warns of ‘ethnic cleansing’ – Middle East crisis live

UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk says ‘we must stop the clock on this madness’Israel launches major offensive in GazaAn Iraqi political official, speaking to the Associated Press (AP) on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment, said that Iran’s al-Quds...

17/05/2025 09:51 The Guardian

‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn

White House remakes foreign policy under pay-for-access code that critics say could violate US constitutionFormer White House lawyers, diplomatic protocol officers and foreign affairs experts have told the Guardian that Donald Trump’s receipt of overseas gifts and targeted investments are “unpre...

17/05/2025 09:00 The Guardian

UK officials suspect Macron will delay French Palestine recognition

French president thought to be reconsidering June announcement at UN meeting, which would push back a similar move from the UKIsrael-Gaza war: latest news updatesBritish officials are dubious that Emmanuel Macron intends to press ahead with French recognition of a Palestinian state next month – th...

17/05/2025 09:00 The Guardian

Top winemaker ‘may have to leave its Spanish vineyards due to climate crisis’

Familia Torres has been making wine in Catalonia since 1870, but says it may have to move to higher altitudes in 30 years’ timeA leading European winemaker has warned it may have to abandon its ancestral lands in Catalonia in 30 years’ time because climate change could make traditional growing a...

17/05/2025 05:00 The Guardian

Australian government ‘appalled’ at Russia’s ‘sham trial’ of Oscar Jenkins who was captured in Ukraine

The 33-year-old Melbourne man was convicted of being a ‘mercenary in an armed conflict’ by a Russian-controlled courtGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn Australian man captured by Russian forces while fighting for Ukraine has been jailed for 13 years on the charge of be...

17/05/2025 02:08 The Guardian

Israel launches major offensive in Gaza after airstrikes that killed more than 100

IDF aiming to seize strategic areas as part of expansion of war against Hamas in attempt to force release of hostagesIsrael-Gaza war: latest news updatesIsrael has announced a major new offensive in Gaza after launching a wave of airstrikes on the territory that killed more than 100 people, in what...

16/05/2025 23:13 The Guardian

Supreme court blocks Trump bid to resume deportations under 1798 law

Administration’s appeal to quickly deport Venezuelans under Alien Enemies Act rejected with two dissentingThe supreme court has rejected the Trump administration’s request to remove a temporary block on deportations of Venezuelans under a rarely used 18th-century wartime law.Over two dissenting...

16/05/2025 22:47 The Guardian

Ten people break out of New Orleans jail, including man convicted of killings

Local, state and federal officials launch ‘full-scale’ search and warn people who escaped are ‘armed and dangerous’Ten people in custody at the New Orleans jail, including a man convicted of four killings, escaped early on Friday morning.While at least three were apprehended within hours, th...

16/05/2025 22:17 The Guardian

US army parade could cost up to $45m and involve 6,600 soldiers

Celebration of 250th anniversary, falling on Trump’s birthday, to also feature tanks and hundreds of vehiclesA major military parade to celebrate the US army’s 250th anniversary – which will also coincide with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday – could cost up to $45m and involve thousands of so...

16/05/2025 20:13 The Guardian

Ice used ‘false pretenses’ for warrant to hunt for Columbia students, lawyers say

Ice used warrant application as ‘pretext’ to try to arrest two students in order to deport themImmigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) effectively misled a judge in order to gain access to the homes of students it sought to arrest for their pro-Palestinian activism, attorneys say.A recently un...

16/05/2025 18:29 The Guardian

Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap but peace talks fail to make progress

Apart from agreeing to swap 1,000 prisoners each, Moscow sticks to maximalist demands in IstanbulRussia and Ukraine have agreed to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failed to reach a breakthrough during their first direct peace talks since 2022, held in Istanbul without either Vladimir Putin or Vo...

16/05/2025 17:15 The Guardian

Week of geopolitical poker over Ukraine ends with no endgame in sight

Path to peace looks as unclear as it was before European leaders’ meeting with Zelenskyy in KyivRussia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap but peace talks fail to make progressThis week began with four European leaders, standing defiantly in Kyiv alongside Volodymyr Zelenskyy, issuing an ultimatum to...

16/05/2025 16:00 The Guardian

Scattered Spider hackers in UK are ‘facilitating’ cyber-attacks, says Google

US retailers being targeted after attacks on Britain’s Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and HarrodsBusiness live – latest updatesUK-based members of the Scattered Spider hacking community are actively “facilitating” cyber-attacks, according to Google, as disruption to British retailers spreads...

16/05/2025 13:29 The Guardian

James Comey investigated over seashell photo claimed to be ‘threat’ against Trump

Ex-FBI director deletes Instagram post of shells in ‘8647’ formation that Republicans claim is code for assassinationA now-deleted photo of seashells posted on Instagram by the former FBI director James Comey is being investigated by the US Secret Service, after the US homeland security secretar...

16/05/2025 12:51 The Guardian

Cash Isas: ministers sound out City bosses on cutting £20,000 tax-free allowance

Investment firms say scaling back tax breaks would help UK stocks, but banks and public are wary of changeBusiness live – latest updatesTreasury ministers are sounding out City bosses on cutting the £20,000 tax-free allowance on popular cash Isas, as they consider how to incentivise investment in...

16/05/2025 11:56 The Guardian

Trump hails trade deals as he wraps up Gulf trip - US politics live

President claims he has made agreements worth more than $200bn with the UAE US president Donald Trump has said wants to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin “as soon as we can set it up”, AFP is reporting.It comes as the Kremlin said on Friday that a meeting between Putin and Trump was essentia...

16/05/2025 11:22 The Guardian

Polish presidential hopefuls in final campaign push - Europe live

Thirteen candidates making their last pitches before ‘Super Sunday’ with votes also due in Portugal and RomaniaSo far most comments on arrivals in Tirana, where European leaders meet for a gathering of the European Political Community, are about Ukraine, pressure on Putin, and potential further...

16/05/2025 11:10 The Guardian

‘Napalm Girl’ may be work of different photographer, World Press Photo says

Photo from Vietnam war is now at centre of controversy after documentary claimed it was taken by someone elseThe World Press Photo group has suspended the attribution of authorship for one on the most famous press photographs ever taken, after a new documentary challenged 50 years of accepted journa...

16/05/2025 08:00 The Guardian

Bradfield counting paused until Monday – as it happened

This blog is now closedBradfield and Goldstein face nervous weekend wait for election result but Tim Wilson ‘very confident’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAfter a marathon legal battle spanning seven years, disgraced special forces veteran Ben Roberts-Smith will learn...

16/05/2025 07:53 The Guardian

Arts Council England chair says sector at ‘tipping point’ amid funding fears

Sir Nicholas Serota says continued public investment is vital to draw in private funding to maintain cultural centresArts and cultural centres across England are at a “tipping point” as many face closure or restricted operations without continued public investment, the chair of Arts Council Engl...

16/05/2025 06:00 The Guardian

NSW workers’ compensation overhaul would make it ‘virtually impossible’ to lodge successful claims for psychological injuries, experts warn

Proposed changes would ‘strip away’ the rights of workers, lawyer arguesAustralia news live: latest politics updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA contentious overhaul to Australia’s largest workers’ compensation scheme would make it “virtually impossible” f...

16/05/2025 04:12 The Guardian

Nasal tanning sprays linked to skin cancer, trading standards officers warn

Demand for ‘dangerous and unregulated’ tan-enhancing sprays being driven by influencers, watchdog saysNasal tanning sprays linked to cancer and respiratory problems and other unsafe cosmetic products pose one of the biggest threats to consumers, trading standards officers have warned.Demand for...

16/05/2025 04:00 The Guardian

BREAKING NEWS

17/05 21:06 - Anti-Russia sanctions are a ‘plague’ – EU nation’s PM 17/05 20:20 - Trump and Putin Say They Will Discuss Ukraine Peace Proposals on Monday 17/05 20:00 - Glossy black cockatoos could be pushed towards extinction in Victoria if burns go ahead, experts warn 17/05 20:00 - Surge in refusals for freedom of information undermines trust in Australian government, watchdog warns 17/05 19:39 - Trump to talk to Putin on Monday about Ukraine ceasefire proposal and trade 17/05 19:09 - Trump says he will call Putin to discuss stopping Ukraine 'bloodbath' 17/05 19:04 - China’s warplane combat debut over Kashmir riles tense geopolitics 17/05 18:23 - New round of ceasefire talks after Israel launches major offensive 17/05 15:46 - No single power should control the world – Myanmar PM 17/05 15:39 - Donald Trump says he has call with Putin planned - as Ukraine condemns Russia over bus attack 17/05 15:26 - Ukraine: Russian strike on a civilian bus kills nine 17/05 15:12 - Romania faces its most decisive presidential election in decades 17/05 14:42 - Minnesota as a Refuge From Climate Change? Three Wildfires Show Otherwise. 17/05 14:00 - Putin is ‘at the table’ for Ukraine talks – Trump 17/05 13:41 - Lavrov and Rubio discuss Istanbul talks – Moscow 17/05 13:39 - Nine killed in Russian strike on civilian bus in Ukraine 17/05 13:21 - What does Russia have to gain from the EU now? 17/05 12:53 - Israel accused of ethnic cleansing after more than 140 killed in Gaza in 24 hours 17/05 12:33 - Istanbul Talks 2.0 are a great chance for Zelensky to accept reality 17/05 12:09 - Major London festivals 'left in limbo' by legal ruling 17/05 12:00 - How Donald Trump’s ‘historic’ Gulf state deals benefit a handful of powerful men 17/05 12:00 - Former mob killer leaves crime behind to become New Jersey councilman 17/05 11:53 - Zelenskyy calls for tougher Moscow sanctions after deadly Russian strike on bus 17/05 11:28 - Kremlin cites past wars as it threatens long conflict in Ukraine 17/05 11:00 - Why We’re Rooting for Germany’s Conservative Chancellor 17/05 10:56 - Nine killed in strike on bus in Ukraine’s Sumy region, officials say 17/05 10:20 - Russian Troops Are War-Weary, but Want to Conquer More of Ukraine 17/05 10:15 - The Kremlin fixes conditions for new Ukraine talks, Trump to speak with Putin on Monday 17/05 10:00 - US House Republicans propose fees on immigrants to fund Trump’s crackdown 17/05 09:51 - Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza overnight as UN human rights chief warns of ‘ethnic cleansing’ – Middle East crisis live 17/05 09:43 - Trump Appointee Pressed Analyst to Redo Intelligence on Venezuelan Gang 17/05 09:33 - The chilling moment in Russia-Ukraine peace talks - as Putin makes mockery of Trump's efforts to end war 17/05 09:31 - This Is Your Warning If Feet Pics Disgust You — These 36 Products Are Made Just For Feet 17/05 09:29 - Moody’s delivers first US credit rating downgrade since 1917 17/05 09:02 - Arab League calls for funds to rebuild Gaza at summit in Baghdad 17/05 09:02 - Arab League calls for funds to rebuild Gaza at summit in Baghdad 17/05 09:00 - ‘Very disturbing’: Trump receipt of overseas gifts unprecedented, experts warn 17/05 09:00 - UK officials suspect Macron will delay French Palestine recognition 17/05 08:47 - Supreme Court Deals Blow to Trump Deportation Plan Using Wartime Law 17/05 08:40 - Trump ‘frustrating’ Ukraine’s European backers – Bloomberg 17/05 08:32 - Russia and Ukraine agree to swap 1,000 prisoners each 17/05 07:44 - Trump says he will call Putin, Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine ‘bloodbath’ 17/05 07:44 - Trump says he will call Putin, Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine ‘bloodbath’ 17/05 06:00 - Several killed after Russia strikes civilian bus in Ukraine, military says 17/05 05:33 - Deadly Russian attack on civilian bus 'a cynical war crime', says Ukraine 17/05 05:24 - Israel launches 'extensive strikes' in major new Gaza offensive 17/05 05:00 - Top winemaker ‘may have to leave its Spanish vineyards due to climate crisis’ 17/05 04:24 - Justices Extended Block on Deportations Under Wartime Law 17/05 03:36 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,178 17/05 03:36 - Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,178 17/05 02:20 - Billions ‘were being pissed away’ on Ukraine aid – Trump 17/05 02:08 - Australian government ‘appalled’ at Russia’s ‘sham trial’ of Oscar Jenkins who was captured in Ukraine 17/05 00:22 - Trump threatens Russia with ‘crushing’ sanctions 16/05 23:13 - Israel launches major offensive in Gaza after airstrikes that killed more than 100 16/05 22:47 - Supreme court blocks Trump bid to resume deportations under 1798 law 16/05 22:33 - US loses top triple-A credit rating after Moody’s cites debt concerns 16/05 22:24 - European leaders consult Trump to align response to Russia-Ukraine talks 16/05 22:24 - European leaders consult Trump to align response to Russia-Ukraine talks 16/05 22:17 - Ten people break out of New Orleans jail, including man convicted of killings 16/05 21:54 - ‘I cannot stand by’: Former ambassador denounces Ukraine shift under Trump 16/05 21:54 - ‘I cannot stand by’: Former ambassador denounces Ukraine shift under Trump 16/05 21:29 - Up to a million Palestinians could be 'permanently relocated' to war-torn Libya under US plans 16/05 20:54 - Who Took the ‘Napalm Girl’ Photo? 16/05 20:37 - Ukraine, Russia agree to mass POW swap 16/05 20:37 - Ukraine, Russia agree to mass POW swap 16/05 20:13 - US army parade could cost up to $45m and involve 6,600 soldiers 16/05 19:56 - Russia takes tough stance in Istanbul talks, threatens Ukraine with long war 16/05 19:32 - Iran, European powers meet amid tensions over nuclear deal 16/05 19:14 - Gulf States Pay Off $15.5 Million Syrian Debt to World Bank 16/05 19:02 - Peace Talks Between Russia and Ukraine Stop After Short Meeting 16/05 18:42 - Arts24 in Cannes: ‘The world has never been closer to a world war in my lifetime,’ says Bono 16/05 18:29 - Ice used ‘false pretenses’ for warrant to hunt for Columbia students, lawyers say 16/05 18:14 - Trump's Middle East week, Kyiv calls Putin's bluff and Cannes' opening week 16/05 18:07 - Breaking down a deadly week in Gaza as Israel kills hundreds 16/05 18:07 - Breaking down a deadly week in Gaza as Israel kills hundreds 16/05 17:44 - Trump Says ‘People Are Starving’ in Gaza and the U.S. Wants to Help 16/05 17:35 - Timing of sexual misconduct allegations against ICC prosecutor ‘suspicious’ – analyst (VIDEO) 16/05 17:35 - ICC war crimes prosecutor takes leave amid sexual misconduct inquiry 16/05 17:15 - Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap but peace talks fail to make progress 16/05 16:55 - Ukraine and Russia far apart in direct talks, but prisoner swap agreed 16/05 16:40 - In Istanbul, Russia plays chess while the West is stuck in make-believe 16/05 16:40 - In Istanbul, Russia plays chess while the West is stuck in make-believe 16/05 16:38 - First Russia-Ukraine talks for years agree POW swap - but last less than two hours 16/05 16:29 - The Ukraine-Russia talks were symbolically important - but revealed a stark reality 16/05 16:25 - Russia and Ukraine agreed to future talks – Turkish FM 16/05 16:01 - Women, Tell Us The Societal "Lies" You Fell For In Your 20s That You'd Now Warn Other Women About 16/05 16:00 - Week of geopolitical poker over Ukraine ends with no endgame in sight 16/05 15:33 - Russia, Ukraine agree prisoner swap as talks end without major breakthrough 16/05 15:33 - Russia, Ukraine agree prisoner swap as talks end without major breakthrough 16/05 15:23 - Istanbul talks highlight Turkiye’s balancing act between Russia and Ukraine 16/05 15:23 - Istanbul talks highlight Turkiye’s balancing act between Russia and Ukraine 16/05 15:18 - Israel kills hundreds of Palestinians as it escalates attacks in Gaza 16/05 15:18 - Israel kills hundreds of Palestinians as it escalates attacks in Gaza 16/05 15:17 - What's next in the US-China trade war? 16/05 15:11 - No breakthrough in Turkey as Ukraine-Russia peace talks falter 16/05 14:59 - Turkey's crackdown on dissent disrupts EU-Turkey relations: Europe in difficult balancing act 16/05 14:12 - In Albania, EU readying new sanctions to increase pressure on Russia as talks stall 16/05 14:08 - Russia-Ukraine peace talks end after less than 2 hours in Istanbul, officials say 16/05 13:41 - India-Pakistan crisis: Rise in misinformation, warmongering and censorship 16/05 13:29 - Scattered Spider hackers in UK are ‘facilitating’ cyber-attacks, says Google