Aussie views

24/07/2026

15/05/2026

Evika Siliņa has resigned after Latvia’s coalition government collapsed during a growing political crisis over drone incursions linked to the war in Ukraine.

The Latvian leader stepped down after her coalition partner, the The Progressives party, withdrew support from the government following the dismissal of defence minister Andris Sprūds.

The resignation leaves Latvia facing political uncertainty just months before national elections expected in October.

Siliņa said protecting Latvia’s security remained her top priority as tensions continue to rise across eastern Europe because of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The political crisis intensified after several drones believed to be linked to the war crossed into Latvian territory from Russia in recent months.

In the most serious incident, two drones exploded at an oil storage facility on 7 May.

Latvian military officials later admitted the drones had not been detected before entering the country’s airspace.

Siliņa blamed failures in the development of Latvia’s anti-drone defence systems and said public confidence in the defence ministry had been damaged.

Her decision to sack Sprūds triggered a backlash inside the coalition government, with members of the Progressives accusing the prime minister of making him a scapegoat for wider security failures.

After several lawmakers quit the coalition, the government lost its parliamentary majority.

Latvia’s president, Edgars Rinkēvičs, is now expected to begin talks with political parties to form a new government.

The crisis comes as countries across eastern Europe face increasing security concerns linked to the Ukraine war and the spread of drone warfare near NATO borders.

Ukraine says many drones entering neighbouring countries are being diverted by Russian electronic warfare systems.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly offered assistance to Latvia to improve air defence capabilities.

The tensions are also affecting nearby countries.

Poland reportedly scrambled fighter jets after Russian attacks near its border, while Slovakia temporarily tightened border security measures.

Meanwhile, Moldova said a Russian drone crossed into its airspace during the latest wave of regional military activity.

The political fallout in Latvia highlights how Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to reshape politics and security across Europe.

15/05/2026

Valie Export, the Austrian artist whose provocative performances helped reshape feminist art in Europe, has died in Vienna aged 85.

Her foundation confirmed she died on Thursday, just days before her 86th birthday.

Export became internationally known in the late 1960s for confronting the way women’s bodies were portrayed and controlled in public culture. Her performances shocked conservative audiences in Austria and Germany at the time, but later became recognised as major works in feminist and performance art history.

One of her most famous projects was the 1968 performance “Tap and Touch Cinema”. During the piece, Export wore a small curtained box over her chest and invited members of the public to touch her body through the fabric while she stood in busy public spaces.

The performance was designed to challenge the “male gaze” and force audiences to think differently about power, consent and the treatment of women in media and society.

Born Waltraud Lehner in the Austrian city of Linz in 1940, Export later adopted the name “Valie Export” to reject both her father’s surname and that of her former husband.

She studied art in Linz and Vienna and became one of the most influential figures in Austria’s avant-garde art movement.

Throughout her career, Export worked across performance art, film, photography and multimedia installations. Her projects regularly explored themes including sexuality, violence, identity and women’s representation in public life.

Her work was featured at major international exhibitions including the Venice Biennale and Germany’s Documenta exhibition.

In 1980, she and fellow Austrian artist Maria Lassnig became the first women selected to represent Austria at the Venice Biennale pavilion.

Export also directed films, including “The Practice of Love”, which received international attention after being nominated at the Berlin Film Festival in 1985.

In later years, she taught multimedia and performance art in Germany and continued exhibiting internationally.

Artists and galleries across Europe paid tribute following news of her death.

Her longtime gallerist Thaddaeus Ropac described her as one of the most visionary feminist artists of the modern era whose influence reached generations of artists around the world.

Today, many of Export’s once-controversial works are studied in universities and museums as landmark examples of feminist cultural criticism and performance art.

14/05/2026

The dramatic development comes during one of the most unstable periods of Starmer’s leadership since Labour’s poor local and devolved election results last week.

Labour MP Josh Simons said he would stand down from his Makerfield seat, triggering a byelection that Burnham is now expected to contest.

Burnham confirmed he would ask Labour’s national executive committee for permission to stand in the seat, saying Britain needed “much bigger change” and stronger action on the cost of living crisis.

The move could return Burnham to Westminster for the first time since leaving parliament in 2017.

The unfolding crisis inside Labour intensified further after Wes Streeting resigned as health secretary. Streeting criticised the government’s direction and called on Starmer to step aside, although he stopped short of officially launching his own leadership bid.

Senior Labour figures are increasingly questioning whether Starmer can lead the party into the next general election.

Several cabinet ministers reportedly believe Burnham could eventually emerge as a compromise candidate capable of reuniting different factions inside Labour.

The potential contest is expected to become highly significant politically because the Makerfield seat is under pressure from Nigel Farage and Reform UK.

At the latest local elections, Reform UK performed strongly across the area, increasing pressure on Labour in what has traditionally been considered safe territory.

Burnham remains one of Labour’s best-known regional figures after years leading Greater Manchester through transport reforms, policing debates and cost-of-living pressures.

Support for his return appears to be growing across different wings of the Labour Party.

Angela Rayner said Labour should not block Burnham from returning to parliament, warning against “factional” politics inside the party.

Rayner also re-entered political discussions after HMRC cleared her of deliberate wrongdoing in a tax investigation linked to stamp duty payments.

Meanwhile, Starmer’s allies insist he remains Labour leader despite mounting internal pressure and speculation over his future.

The Makerfield byelection is expected to take place within weeks. If Burnham wins the seat, attention would quickly shift to whether he launches a formal leadership challenge.

Political analysts say the contest could become one of the most important moments for Labour since returning to government.

14/05/2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned US President Donald Trump that tensions over Taiwan could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the world’s two biggest powers.

The warning came during a high-stakes meeting in Beijing that also focused heavily on Iran, trade, energy security and artificial intelligence.

According to statements released by China’s foreign ministry and the White House, Taiwan became one of the central issues during the leaders’ two-hour meeting at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly said it could use force to achieve what it calls “reunification”. Beijing has long opposed US military and political support for the self-governing island.

After the talks, Trump said Xi had assured him China would not supply military equipment to Iran.

“He said he’s not going to give military equipment,” Trump told reporters after the meeting.

The comments came amid growing concern in Washington over reports that Chinese weapons manufacturers had discussed possible arms deals involving Iran. China has denied those claims.

The two leaders also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The White House said both sides agreed the waterway should remain open to protect global energy supplies.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said America’s position on Taiwan had not changed despite China’s pressure during the talks.

Taiwan remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the US-China relationship. Beijing views outside support for Taiwan as interference in its internal affairs, while Washington continues to maintain security ties with Taipei.

The summit took place during a tense global moment following US military strikes on Iran earlier this year and continuing instability in global trade markets.

Trade was also high on the agenda. The Trump administration is reportedly considering new structures for economic negotiations with China as both countries try to stabilise relations after years of tariffs and strategic rivalry.

The Beijing visit included a formal welcome ceremony, bilateral talks and a state banquet attended by senior officials from both governments.

Trump and Xi also toured Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven complex during the visit.

While previous US-China summits often included major discussions on climate change and human rights, those issues appeared far less prominent this time.

Analysts say both governments are now placing greater focus on security, technology competition and economic strategy.

The meeting is expected to be the first of several face-to-face talks between Trump and Xi this year as both leaders attempt to manage an increasingly tense relationship between Washington and Beijing.

13/05/2026

Instead of discussing Real Madrid’s disappointing season or speculation surrounding coach José Mourinho, Pérez focused most of the appearance on attacking critics and sections of the Spanish media.

According to multiple Spanish and international reports, the Real Madrid president repeatedly accused journalists, newspapers and radio stations of coordinating campaigns against both him and the club.

At one point, Pérez claimed there were people conspiring to damage Madrid from both inside and outside the organisation. He also defended his leadership record, insisting he remained the most valued president in the club’s history.

The press conference lasted more than an hour and quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in Spanish football this week.

Observers noted the unusual tone of the event, with Pérez repeatedly returning to claims about conspiracies, media bias and attacks on Real Madrid’s reputation.

The veteran president also referenced the long-running Negreira refereeing controversy involving Spanish football governance, arguing that Real Madrid had been unfairly treated over the years.

Despite widespread discussion around possible coaching changes, Pérez avoided directly addressing Mourinho or Real Madrid’s football problems on the pitch.

Mourinho has recently been linked by Spanish media to a potential return to Madrid following uncertainty around the club’s future direction.

Pérez instead highlighted the club’s trophy record during his leadership, pointing to dozens of football and basketball titles won during his time in charge.

He also defended his broader influence on world football, claiming many of his decisions were designed to benefit supporters globally.

The conference comes during a tense period for Real Madrid after a difficult campaign that has increased pressure on senior figures inside the club.

Pérez has led Real Madrid through some of the most successful periods in modern football history, including multiple Champions League triumphs and the “Galácticos” era of superstar signings.

But critics have increasingly questioned the club’s direction following internal tensions, coaching uncertainty and disappointing performances this season.

Spanish football media and supporters remain divided over Pérez’s latest appearance.

Some fans continue to back the long-serving president because of his financial management and trophy success. Others believe the conference raised concerns about leadership inside one of the world’s biggest sporting institutions.

The timing of any Real Madrid presidential election remains unclear.

13/05/2026

Convincing young children to eat vegetables can feel impossible for many parents. But researchers now believe the process may begin long before a child ever sits at a dinner table.

A new study led by researchers from Durham University suggests babies may develop early memories of flavours while still in the womb. The findings indicate that repeated exposure to certain foods during pregnancy could influence how children react to those foods years later.

The research focused on two vegetables that often divide children: kale and carrots.

Pregnant women involved in the study were given capsules containing either kale powder or carrot powder during the later stages of pregnancy. Researchers then monitored the reactions of the babies before birth using ultrasound imaging, and later followed the children after birth and again at around three years old.

According to the researchers, children consistently showed more positive reactions to the smell of the food they had been exposed to during pregnancy.

Professor Nadja Reissland, who led the study, said the pattern remained visible across multiple stages of development.

Researchers observed facial reactions from babies exposed to carrot and kale flavours before birth and later measured how children responded to the smells after they were born. Children exposed to carrots tended to react more positively to carrot smells, while those exposed to kale responded more favourably to kale.

The study was published in the journal Developmental Psychobiology.

Scientists involved in the project say the findings add to growing evidence that foetuses can detect flavours from foods eaten by pregnant mothers. Previous studies have shown flavours from foods such as garlic, anise and carrot can pass into amniotic fluid.

Researchers believe this exposure may help shape future food preferences.

Dr Beyza Ustun-Elayan from University of Cambridge said the findings may open new discussions around early dietary interventions designed to encourage healthier eating habits.

The research team also included scientists from France and the Netherlands, alongside researchers from Aston University and Cambridge.

One of the study’s co-authors, Dr Benoist Schaal from France’s CNRS, said the results support the idea that foetuses can sense food-related odours before birth.

The researchers stressed the study involved a relatively small number of participants and that larger studies would be needed to confirm the long-term effects more broadly.

Still, the findings could attract attention from health experts focused on improving childhood nutrition. In Australia, where many parents struggle with fussy eating, the idea that healthy food preferences may begin during pregnancy could eventually influence dietary advice for expectant mothers.

Researchers also say the concept may vary across cultures depending on local diets. Foods commonly eaten in one country could potentially shape children’s preferences differently in another.

The study adds to wider scientific interest in how pregnancy affects child development, including how flavours, nutrition and environmental factors may influence behaviour and health later in life.

12/05/2026

The article, published by The Guardian, mixes praise with strong criticism. Thomas acknowledged Smith’s work supporting historically Black colleges and universities, including scholarship fundraising and promotion of HBCU education programs.

But Thomas argued that Smith’s political commentary often targets Black athletes and minimises concerns about racism and inequality in the United States.

One major point of disagreement involves Smith’s recent comments suggesting Black Americans should reconsider their long-standing support for the Democratic Party because Democrats “take their vote for granted”.

Thomas responded by arguing that many Black voters support Democrats largely because Republicans are seen as opposing policies tied to civil rights protections, voting rights and diversity programs.

The debate reflects a broader political conversation happening in the United States ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, especially around race, policing, immigration and economic inequality.

Thomas also criticised Smith for appearing on programs hosted by conservative media personalities such as Sean Hannity and for defending or softening criticism of some Trump administration policies.

In the letter, Thomas accused Smith of using harsher criticism against Black athletes including LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant than against powerful sports executives or conservative political figures.

Smith has previously denied claims that he supports Trump politically, arguing instead that he speaks independently and challenges both major US parties.

The argument also highlights how sports media personalities are increasingly becoming influential political voices in American culture.

Over the past decade, commentators like Smith have expanded far beyond sports analysis into debates about race, economics, elections and social issues. That shift has helped grow massive online audiences but also intensified criticism from both conservatives and progressives.

Thomas further argued that Trump administration policies on diversity, public sector jobs and voting rights have disproportionately harmed Black Americans. Some of the claims in the opinion piece reflect Thomas’s personal political analysis rather than independently verified facts.

The article has triggered intense discussion online, with supporters praising Thomas for confronting Smith directly while others defended Smith’s right to challenge political orthodoxy inside the Black community.

The disagreement ultimately reflects a larger divide in the United States about whether political loyalty should remain tied to traditional party lines or shift toward newer political coalitions.

12/05/2026

The company that helped define viral internet culture in the 2010s is entering a dramatic new chapter.

BuzzFeed has been sold in a $120 million deal to media entrepreneur Byron Allen, marking the end of founder Jonah Peretti’s long run as chief executive.

Allen will take over as CEO while Peretti moves into a new role as president of BuzzFeed AI. The company also owns HuffPost.

The sale highlights how dramatically the digital media landscape has changed since BuzzFeed’s peak years. At one stage, the company was valued at around $1.7 billion during the online publishing boom driven by Facebook traffic and venture capital investment.

Now, the once high-flying media company is being sold for a fraction of that value after years of financial pressure, layoffs and declining advertising revenue.

Peretti warned employees that “significant” cost cuts are coming before Allen officially takes control, raising expectations of further job losses inside the company.

Allen said he plans to expand BuzzFeed into streaming video, audio and user-generated content, while also increasing the company’s use of artificial intelligence.

The businessman already controls a major media empire through Allen Media Group, which owns networks including The Weather Channel and multiple local television stations across the United States.

Allen suggested BuzzFeed could eventually compete more directly with platforms such as YouTube by building a large free video-streaming service powered partly by AI-generated content.

BuzzFeed became one of the defining digital media companies of the 2010s through quizzes, viral videos and social media content designed to spread rapidly online.

The company also invested heavily in journalism and investigative reporting before shutting down its dedicated news division in 2023 as part of a broader restructuring.

Its decline accelerated after going public in 2021. The company’s stock price collapsed as investors lost confidence in digital media businesses heavily dependent on online advertising and social platform algorithms.

BuzzFeed reported a net loss of $15 million during the first quarter of 2026. Its shares closed at around 71 cents on Monday, although Allen agreed to buy shares at $3 each as part of the takeover.

The deal also reflects wider problems across the digital publishing industry.

Former rivals including Vice Media and Vox Media have also struggled financially after the collapse of the Facebook-driven media boom.

Reports suggest Vox Media may also explore asset sales, with James Murdoch emerging as a possible buyer for parts of the business.

For many media analysts, the BuzzFeed sale marks another sign that the era of fast-growth viral media companies has largely come to an end — replaced by a far more competitive and financially uncertain digital landscape.