Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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Europe

OECD Slashes Australia's Growth Forecast as Iran War Drives Global Inflation Spike
Work

OECD Slashes Australia's Growth Forecast as Iran War Drives Global Inflation Spike

Australia's 2026 growth rate has been cut to 1.3%. Half of last year's figure, as oil supply disruptions test the resilience of the global economy.
6 min read 2 months ago
Meta and YouTube Found Liable for Addictive Design in Landmark Child Safety Verdict
Geopolitics

Meta and YouTube Found Liable for Addictive Design in Landmark Child Safety Verdict

A California jury awarded $6 million to a plaintiff who argued that Instagram and YouTube's design features caused mental health harm, opening social media companies to a new category of product liability claims.
6 min read 2 months ago
IEA Chief: World faces worst energy crisis in decades
Geopolitics

IEA Chief: World faces worst energy crisis in decades

Fatih Birol tells National Press Club the Hormuz closure has cost 11 million barrels per day, more than both 1970s oil shocks combined
6 min read 2 months ago
Qatar faces 13% GDP crash as Hormuz crisis threatens QIA asset sales
Geopolitics

Qatar faces 13% GDP crash as Hormuz crisis threatens QIA asset sales

Capital Economics forecasts the largest contraction in the Gulf region as Iranian attacks wipe out 17% of LNG output, forcing Doha to consider liquidating prime real estate and banking stakes in London, New York, and Frankfurt.
8 min read 2 months ago
Slovenia Votes in Election Marked by Anti-Romany Rhetoric From Both Sides
Work

Slovenia Votes in Election Marked by Anti-Romany Rhetoric From Both Sides

Neither the centre-left incumbent nor the populist challenger has offered the country's 12,000 Roma people a reason for optimism. Activists say both parties have scapegoated Europe's most marginalised minority.
9 min read 2 months ago
DoorDash Now Pays Couriers to Film Themselves Training AI
Work

DoorDash Now Pays Couriers to Film Themselves Training AI

The new 'Tasks' app turns 8 million gig workers into data collectors for robotics companies. The legal questions about who owns that footage are only beginning.
8 min read 2 months ago
Russia Moves to Ban ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Under New AI Laws
AI

Russia Moves to Ban ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini Under New AI Laws

Moscow's digital ministry publishes sweeping regulations that would restrict foreign AI tools transferring Russian user data abroad. Western companies face a familiar ultimatum.
8 min read 2 months ago
Scientists Engineer Probiotic Bacteria to Hunt Tumours and Make Cancer Drugs
Geopolitics

Scientists Engineer Probiotic Bacteria to Hunt Tumours and Make Cancer Drugs

Researchers at Shandong University have modified common gut bacteria to infiltrate tumours and produce an FDA-approved cancer drug directly where it is needed. Mouse trials show promising results.
6 min read 2 months ago
8 Electric Vehicles Under $50,000 Available in Australia
Geopolitics

8 Electric Vehicles Under $50,000 Available in Australia

Affordable EVs are finally here. These models offer the best value for Australian buyers.
6 min read 2 months ago
Taylor Swift's Australian Return Signals the End of the Touring Drought
Geopolitics

Taylor Swift's Australian Return Signals the End of the Touring Drought

Three Melbourne shows, two in Sydney, one in Brisbane. What the announcement reveals about Australia's live entertainment recovery.
5 min read 2 months ago
Spain commits €5 billion to shield economy from Iran war. Australia hesitates
Geopolitics

Spain commits €5 billion to shield economy from Iran war. Australia hesitates

Madrid slashes VAT on fuel and electricity from 21% to 10% while Canberra weighs fuel rationing powers and hopes the supply chain holds.
8 min read 2 months ago
Trump tariff chaos: Supreme Court triggers $130B refund scramble
Geopolitics

Trump tariff chaos: Supreme Court triggers $130B refund scramble

The president insists SCOTUS decision doesn't apply while states and corporations race to reclaim illegal duties
7 min read 2 months ago