Australia news live: Ley defends demotion of women from shadow cabinet and denies Hume was punished for work-from-home policy failure

The U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, met with Singapore’s new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, to reinforce the strong military partnership between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized their joint focus on keeping the region stable, especially as global tensions rise. This was the first high-level U.S. visit since Wong took office, signaling continued close ties.

Editor’s Note: In a world where geopolitical tensions—like those in the South China Sea or Taiwan—keep making headlines, this meeting is a quiet but important nod to stability. Singapore is a key U.S. ally in Asia, and this visit reassures both nations (and their neighbors) that they’re still tight on security, even as leadership changes. For Singapore, it’s a diplomatic win; for the U.S., it’s a chance to show it’s serious about staying engaged in the region.

Russia is shelling out $250,000 to give Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow a facelift, citing cracks, wear, and tear from its nearly century-long existence. The iconic red granite tomb, which houses the embalmed body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, is showing its age—so the government’s stepping in to preserve this controversial relic of communist history.

Editor’s Note: Lenin’s tomb isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a lightning rod for debate. To some, it’s a sacred symbol of Russia’s past; to others, a grim reminder of Soviet rule. The renovation highlights Russia’s complicated relationship with its history—preserving it while the world (and many Russians) argue over whether it should be preserved. Plus, dropping a quarter-million bucks on a communist landmark in today’s political climate? That’s bound to stir some strong opinions.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil billions in new funding for regional projects—think energy, roads, and rail—outside London and the southeast. This comes after she overhauled the Treasury’s investment rulebook (the "green book"), which previously skewed spending toward more affluent areas. The move signals a push to rebalance economic growth across the UK.

Editor’s Note: For years, critics argued that Treasury rules favored London and the southeast, leaving other regions behind. By tweaking how projects are evaluated, Reeves is trying to spread prosperity more evenly—a big deal for communities long starved of investment. If it works, it could mean better infrastructure and jobs outside the usual hotspots. But the real test? Whether the cash actually delivers on the ground.

The farm ministry is now letting small rice retailers and shops directly purchase older rice from government stockpiles—specifically from the 2021 harvest—through no-bid contracts. This move aims to streamline access for smaller buyers who might otherwise struggle to compete in larger bidding processes.

Editor’s Note: For small rice sellers, this could mean easier access to affordable stock, but it’s also a sign the government is trying to manage surplus inventory. It’s not a flashy headline, but it matters to local businesses and could hint at broader efforts to stabilize rice markets without flooding them.

Three major UK gas companies—Cadent Gas, Scotland Gas Networks, and Southern Gas Networks—have been slapped with £8 million in fines by Ofgem for dragging their feet on responding to gas leaks. The energy watchdog says these delays created "potentially serious risks" for the public, as the firms repeatedly missed targets for emergency callouts.

Editor’s Note: Gas leaks aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. When companies take too long to fix them, it’s not just a paperwork problem; it’s a safety hazard. These fines are a sharp reminder that utilities can’t cut corners on emergency responses, especially when lives could be on the line. For customers, it’s also a heads-up to stay vigilant about gas safety at home.