By Annette Regan, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles
The number of people sick with flu is starting to increase across the United States, with health authorities warning that in some western regions of the country, the 2026-27 flu season may be off to an early start.
Health authorities often advise people to get their flu vaccine by the end of October – but as an epidemiologist…
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By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne
One poll gives the left bloc its first lead in any poll since June, but another has the right bloc still in front. Opportunity has an opportunity.
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By Zack Ahmed, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Remitting for Resilience (R2) project, Balsillie School of International Affairs
Africa faces a vast shortfall in the finance needed to adapt to climate change. Although the continent is among the lowest contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions, climate impacts are already affecting food production, water security, livelihoods and economic activity. Droughts, floods and other extreme events are compounding food insecurity and displacement in…
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By Grant Duncan, Research Associate, Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
As National and Labour slide in the polls to the benefit of smaller parties, politicians, political media and voters will need to adapt to new ways of thinking.
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By Asbel Bohigues, Profesor de Ciencia Política, Universitat de València
On October 5, Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for November 29, bringing the vote forward by 10 months.
One of the main advantages of being in government is the ability to shape the political agenda. Spain’s system also grants incumbent leaders the power to call (or not call) early elections. So why is Sánchez calling elections now?
On the face of it, it seems like like odd timing, as Sánchez’s Socialist party (the PSOE) and the government it leads have been under intense pressure for months.
The inner circles of both the…
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By Fengfei Li, Senior Lecturer in Finance, Deakin University
Since Australia’s card surcharge ban took effect on October 1, social media users have questioned new “service fees” and “daily surcharges” appearing on their bills. Some businesses have simply raised their prices.
A recent Reddit discussion captures some of this frustration.
So are these new fees illegal?
Not necessarily. But a business cannot make a card surcharge permissible simply by giving it a different name.
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By Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice and Criminology, Bond University
More than 40,000 fake notes – mostly $50 and $100 in cash – were detected in the past year alone. Authorities warn of a ‘concerning improvement’ in quality.
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By Jamie Q. Roberts, Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, University of Sydney
The enduring value of The God Delusion lies in its championing of reasoning and evidence, free speech and thinking for oneself.
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By Kumuthini Sivathas, Postdoctoral Researcher in Economics, Adelaide University
Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, Adelaide University
Solar and batteries are powering ahead – but wind farms are struggling. There are multiple reasons for this, from politics to construction costs.
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By Human Rights Watch
The UN Human Rights Council on October 6 extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia for another year. Russia withdrew its amendment that attempted to delete renewal of the mandate. Click to expand Image The "Broken Chair” in front of the Palais Nations, Geneva, September 22, 2026. © 2026 Tanya Lokshina/Human Rights Watch The extension is welcome news. The Russia mandate provides an essential independent voice to document the Russian government’s grave human rights violations and serves as a lifeline for the country’s besieged civil society.The…
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