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On 26 November 2025, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, effective April 2026. The policy, introduced by the Conservatives in 2017, limited child tax credits to two children per family and contributed to rising child poverty. The repeal is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty, funded by new taxes including a gambling levy and mansion tax.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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Anti-immigration protests across Australia, including neo-Nazi groups, led to clashes, injuries, and police intervention. Politicians condemned the rallies as racist, citing misinformation and societal fears fueling extremism. The events highlight rising far-right activity and ongoing debates on immigration policy.
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On Monday, September 1, 2025, New South Wales police responded to reports of an unauthorized vehicle at the Russian consulate in Woollahra, Sydney. A 39-year-old man drove his SUV into the consulate gates, injuring a police constable and was arrested. The consulate briefly closed but reopened with no ongoing threat reported.
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A man in his 50s was fatally attacked by a large shark at Long Reef Beach, Sydney, on Saturday morning. Despite efforts by surfers, he died at the scene. Beaches remain closed as authorities investigate the species involved and safety measures. This is Sydney's second fatal shark attack since 1963.
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Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan promotes Jim DeMare to co-president, signaling a potential leadership change. DeMare's rise reflects a shift towards risk-taking, contrasting Moynihan's cautious style. The move comes amid internal debates on succession and strategic direction, with Moynihan indicating he plans to stay until 2030.
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On September 12-13, 2025, Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, released a report detailing a sharp rise in Islamophobic incidents, especially since October 2023. The report offers 54 recommendations addressing government accountability, protection, and education. Prime Minister Albanese pledged to consider the proposals amid calls for urgent action from Muslim communities.
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A 25-year-old man working as a cleaner at a Riverstone restaurant died after exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide. Emergency services responded to reports of a gas leak, which also injured five police officers and prompted evacuations. The cause of the leak is under investigation.
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Apple released its iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025, including the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air. The new models feature improved cameras, brighter OLED ProMotion displays, and upgraded A19 chips. The Pro Max leads sales globally, especially in the UAE, where demand exceeds supply. Early buyers praised the devices' performance and design, despite some concerns about durability.
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Multiple outages of Optus' emergency call system in Australia have resulted in at least four deaths. The company failed to notify authorities properly, with recent incidents linked to network upgrades and hardware failures. Investigations are ongoing, and new legislation aims to improve emergency communication reliability.
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Hong Kong hosts the World’s 50 Best Bars awards, with Bar Leone ranked No. 1, marking a historic first for Asia. The city also sees new bar openings, immersive dining experiences, and a vibrant event week, highlighting its rising prominence in the global cocktail scene.
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Several flights experienced emergency landings over recent days. A Boeing 737 diverted to Birmingham after engine failure, while a Qantas flight declared mayday over smoke concerns in Auckland. Both incidents involved safe disembarkation, highlighting ongoing safety challenges in aviation.
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Over the past days, multiple airline incidents have occurred, including emergency landings due to smoke, medical emergencies causing flight diversions, and disputes over mobility aid policies. These events underscore ongoing safety, technical, and accessibility challenges faced by airlines globally, affecting passengers' safety and rights.
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A Qantas flight returned to Sydney after a cargo door was left open, while two Endeavor Air jets collided at LaGuardia, injuring a crew member. A Fiji Airways flight also experienced a bird strike after takeoff from Christchurch. These incidents highlight ongoing safety issues in aviation.
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On Saturday night in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, a mass shooting erupted shortly after a college football game, resulting in two deaths—a 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy—and 12 others injured. The shooting involved rival gunmen firing into a crowd, with seven victims under 20 years old. Police have charged a boy with capital murder and 12 counts of assault. The motive remains under investigation.
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Suman Mokhtarian, a former UFC fighter and MMA coach, was shot and killed in Riverstone, Sydney. The attack appears targeted, with police linking it to previous threats and violence in the area. The incident follows recent police foiling of a potential gang-related attack nearby.
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A series of shootings in Sugar Land and southwest Houston on Wednesday resulted in three deaths, including the suspect, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot. The incidents appear interconnected, with the initial shooting involving a woman with a relationship to the gunman. The events unfolded over a span of about two hours, with police closing multiple scenes as they investigate.
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SXSW Sydney's third edition highlights the resilience of indie game developers amid industry downturns. Despite high costs and limited support from major studios, solo and small teams showcase innovative projects like Mixtape and Hyper Primate. Meanwhile, industry acquisitions and upcoming immersive events signal ongoing shifts in entertainment and tech sectors.
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Recent articles highlight a growing focus on AI literacy and collaboration. CampusAI launches a platform for accessible AI upskilling, while professionals like Chan and freelancers adapt through vibe coding. Skepticism remains about AI's current capabilities, especially regarding autonomous agents, but the emphasis on human-AI partnership grows. This shift impacts both education and the workforce.
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Bob Vylan's frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster defended his anti-Israel chant at Glastonbury in an interview with Louis Theroux. The interview, recorded on October 1, was his first since the incident, which led to widespread criticism, sponsorship withdrawals, and legal investigations. Robinson-Foster expressed no regret, citing support from Palestinians and minimal backlash.
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As of November 2025, the UK faces a worsening housing crisis with social housing waits extending up to 200 years in some areas. The government has cut affordable housing quotas in London from 35% to 20% to accelerate construction, while plans to move asylum seekers from costly hotels to disused military barracks have sparked local opposition and cost concerns. Despite increased construction starts, current rates fall far short of Labour's 1.5 million homes target, with social housing delivery particularly lagging.
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Australian company Canva has introduced its own foundational AI model for design, enabling users to create and edit media with conversational prompts. The update includes new tools, integrations, and features, expanding its AI capabilities across formats like social media, presentations, and websites, following recent product launches.
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Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer at Ferntree Gully, died after being struck in the neck by a ball during practice. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and passed away on Wednesday. The incident echoes the 2014 death of Phillip Hughes, raising safety concerns in cricket.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new bilateral security treaty with Indonesia during President Prabowo's first state visit. The agreement commits both nations to regular security consultations and joint measures to address regional threats, building on previous accords and reflecting shared concerns over China's regional influence.
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Australian Federal Police warn international students leaving Australia are being targeted by criminal networks offering cash in exchange for access to bank accounts and IDs. These schemes could link students to major money-laundering crimes, risking prosecution, visa issues, and permanent bans. Authorities urge students to protect their identities.
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A woman in her 20s died after a shark attack at Crowdy Bay, 360 km north of Sydney. A man was critically injured and airlifted to hospital. The beach was closed, and authorities are investigating the species involved. This follows a similar incident in Sydney in September.
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Kwang Kyung Yoo, 51, pleaded guilty to murdering a 7-year-old boy and his parents in Sydney last February. Prosecutors argue he should never be released, and a sentencing date is set for December 16. Yoo had a history of deception and financial debt, which led to the killings.
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Australia has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing links to arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in 2024. Iran condemned the move as unjustified, escalating diplomatic tensions. The decision follows Australian intelligence findings and recent expulsions of Iranian diplomats, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics.
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Australian police have charged four men in Sydney with over 20 crimes related to distributing child abuse material with satanic and ritualistic themes. The operation involved six search warrants, seizing thousands of videos, and working with international partners. The suspects face court in late January, with all denied bail.