Financial markets now certain the RBA will hike interest rates in 2026

Labour leader Keir Starmer has announced a strategy aimed at lifting 550,000 children out of poverty, describing it as a 'moral mission' that will include initiatives for childcare support and assistance for families in temporary housing. This announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the economic challenges facing the UK.

A surge in the use of injectable peptides in Australia is being fueled by social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where influencers promote these substances despite their experimental status and associated health risks. A notable case involves a 21-year-old fitness influencer who endorses a peptide that is not yet approved for human use, highlighting the growing trend among young Australians seeking performance and aesthetic enhancements.

The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of photographs capturing a cold moon over Gaza, snow in Seoul, and the Olympic flame, showcasing significant visual moments from around the world on Friday. These images reflect the diverse experiences and cultural expressions present in different regions.

Michael Caine, the 92-year-old actor, announced his retirement for the fourth time while accepting a lifetime achievement award at the Red Sea international film festival in Saudi Arabia. He reflected on his career, stating that he has had all the luck he could hope for and decided not to pursue further acting roles after reaching the age of 90.

Rinaldo Nazzaro, the American leader of the neo-Nazi terrorist group Base, has responded defiantly to the recent arrests of three suspected members in Spain, stating that these detentions justify a call for resistance by any means necessary. Nazzaro, who resides in Russia, characterized the arrests as political persecution by global governments.

The renowned British playwright Tom Stoppard has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by United Agents. His death marks the end of a remarkable career characterized by his philosophical and humorous writing, with notable works including 'Arcadia' and 'The Real Thing.' Film-makers Terry Gilliam and John Boorman have shared their admiration for Stoppard's extraordinary wit and creativity, highlighting his ability to transform ideas into art, as exemplified by his collaboration on the film 'Brazil.'

More than 60,000 African penguins have starved to death in South Africa due to a significant decline in sardine populations, according to a recent study. The research indicates that over 95% of the penguins in two key breeding colonies, located on Dassen Island and Robben Island, perished between 2004 and 2012, primarily during their moulting period, exacerbated by the climate crisis and overfishing.

Recent actions by President Donald Trump indicate a potential military escalation against Venezuela, particularly targeting the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Trump has declared Venezuelan airspace closed and has authorized military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean, raising concerns about the legality and humanitarian implications of such actions.