By Bruce Wolpe, Non-resident Senior Fellow, United States Study Centre, University of Sydney
US President Donald Trump’s renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has gone beyond his vision of refurbishing a site of national pride to perfection. In the past month, the reflecting pool has become yet another tool for Trump to exact political retribution against those standing in his way.
When the US$16 million (A$22 million) job was completed in time for the July 4 celebrations of America’s 250th birthday, it was clear something was amiss.
The…
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By Cindy Lee, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Torrens University Australia
Anita Manfreda, Associate Professor, Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, Torrens University Australia
From February 2 2027, passengers on Jetstar will only be able to bring one small bag that fits under the seat for free. Anyone wanting to store a bag in the overhead locker will need to pay an additional fee, with prices varying by route.
The airline says the change will provide “more choice” while helping keep base fares low. It also reduces the need…
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By Catherine Lovelock, Professor of Biology, The University of Queensland
Mangroves are perplexing plants.
They breathe through their roots, appear to stand on stilts and grow best in hot, salty seawater drawn in and out by the tide.
Historically, mangrove forests have been dismissed as inhospitable places to avoid and have been extensively cleared. But these fascinating trees are now gaining attention for how they support biodiversity,…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Lawmakers vote in the chamber of the Hungarian National Assembly on legislation related to establishing the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office in Budapest, Hungary, July 28, 2026. © 2026 Balint Szentgallay/NurPhoto via AP Photo Hungary’s parliament on July 28 adopted legislation establishing the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (Nemzeti Vagyonvisszaszerzési és Vagyonvédelmi Hivatal, NVVH), a key element of the government's efforts to investigate mismanagement of public assets, recover assets allegedly transferred unlawfully under previous…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Amal Khalil, a veteran correspondent for the daily newspaper Al-Akhbar, in the southern Lebanese border village of Jebbayn in 2024 © The Israeli military’s April 22, 2026 attacks in Lebanon that killed one journalist and severely injured another included apparently deliberate attacks on civilians which would make them war crimes.Israeli forces’ continued killing of journalists shows a brazen willingness to commit atrocities without any fear of consequences.The Lebanese government should accede to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and submit a declaration…
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By Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies, Curtin University
New data released this week shows 54% of Australian children and teens are using artificial intelligence tools for personal and social reasons.
That includes seeking advice on personal problems, talking about feelings, and experimenting with role play and flirting for teens.
Navigating complex situations is a normal part of growing up. But while AI provides new opportunities, it also introduces new risks.…
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By Luke C. Jenkins, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Western Sydney University
Giovanni E. Ferreira, NHMRC Emerging Leader Research Fellow, Institute of Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney
Joshua Zadro, Associate Professor, Physiotherapy, University of Sydney
Peter Stubbs, Associate Professor in Physiotherapy, University of Technology Sydney
This therapy is thought to relax the muscle, reduce inflammation, promote healing and reduce pain. But what does the science say?
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026
An independent UN human rights expert has welcomed ongoing proceedings in the United States to extradite “manosphere” bloggers Andrew and Tristan Tate to the United Kingdom, calling the case an important step towards accountability for serious allegations of violence against women and girls.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Concluding his first official visit to Cambodia, UN independent human rights expert Tom Andrews said he was encouraged by the government’s cooperation but remained concerned about key human rights issues such as the lack of freedom of expression.
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By Nerida Bun, Lecturer in Dentistry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Papua New Guinea
Chewing betel ‘quid’ is culturally ingrained in PNG. But it is also linked to high oral cancer rates. A new project aims to improve early detection and reporting.
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