Trump team pushes to block court order giving BBC access to financial records

• International diplomatic talks have intensified to resolve the ongoing conflict involving Iran and secure safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. • The situation is critical because the strait serves as a primary global artery for energy supplies, making any disruption a threat to international oil markets.

• President Donald Trump has initiated a high-pressure diplomatic strategy combining military threats and negotiations to resolve tensions with Tehran. • The confrontation centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor that serves as a defining symbol of global energy security.

• The United States reports that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion following "positive" diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman. • Negotiators are currently focused on expanding safe shipping lanes through the strait, although several key differences between the parties remain unresolved.

• Professor Rodrigue Tremblay published an analysis on August 4, 2026, arguing that U.S. President Donald Trump is more corrupt and dangerous than corporate media portrayals suggest. • The piece focuses on Trump's conduct since his second inauguration on January 20, 2025, claiming his actions demonstrate a significant risk to governance.

• The 75-year-old global refugee system, established by the Refugee Convention and Protocol, is facing a crisis of effectiveness as it struggles to adapt to modern geopolitical realities. • While 149 state parties officially maintain their commitment to the treaties, the author argues that these obligations are being "hollowed out" in practice.

• The Middle East is shifting toward "Energy Redundancy Diplomacy," a strategy focused on maintaining energy production, financing, and exports through multiple interchangeable systems. • This approach aims to ensure stability by creating backup infrastructures that can be activated when geopolitical disruptions occur.

• President Trump warned that Iran will be "hit very hard" if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened soon to allow oil shipments to resume. • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported that talks are currently progressing to resolve the blockade.

Husic to take ‘short’ period of leave after collision on Sydney motorway on TuesdayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor MP Ed Husic was hospitalised this week after his car was involved in an accident with a truck travelling on Sydney’s M7 motorway.The incident happened when the Chifley MP was travelling home from his electorate office, around 6.20pm on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson. Continue reading...

A 45-year-old man and 23-year-old woman were found dead in the Charleville home after a near eight-hour siege by policeAn hours-long siege has ended in tragedy after a man and woman were found dead in an outback home.Several streets in Charleville, 600km west of Toowoomba in Queensland, were thrust into lockdown after police were called to investigate reports of a serious assault at the home around 6pm on Wednesday. Continue reading...

The 20-year-old’s third calf is being monitored by officials as survival rates for the species are challenging, the zoo saidThe Toronto Zoo has announced the birth of a female pygmy hippo calf.Kindia, the zoo’s 20-year-old pygmy hippo, started showing signs of labor at around 8.15am last Sunday, it said. Around four hours later, the calf’s feet emerged and after 1.5 hours of active labor, Kindia successfully gave birth to the baby pygmy hippo. Continue reading...

Jeanine John Taele detained for ‘suspicious’ behavior after he allegedly took photos and videos ahead of Trump visitA California man who was arrested at Donald Trump’s Los Angeles-area golf course ahead of a presidential visit is facing more charges, as authorities released more details about the investigation.Authorities say federal agents first observed 38-year-old Jeanine John Taele near the the golf grounds in Rancho Palos Verdes on 31 July, wearing an ear piece and capturing photographs and videos of security agents assessing the property. Continue reading...

Police allege man issued threats on social media to find woman and hurt her. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastStates and territories shut down hundreds of sub-standard childcare servicesAlmost 600 childcare services were shut down in the latest quarter, a 20 fold increase on the same quarter last year, as federal, state and territory governments crack down on dodgy and underperforming providers.Enforcement action is at record highs. The percentage of services meeting the national quality and safety standards is at the highest level ever as well.We have also introduced legislation to cut funding to centres that aren’t up to scratch … This is a good sign. But there is more to do. Continue reading...