Top World News

Feb 27, 2026 - World

Follow updates liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSarah Mitchell, the NSW shadow minister for health, said revelations two people had died after an outbreak of fungal infections at a major Sydney hospital were “shocking”, calling for more transparency from the Minns government.As reported yesterday, the Sydney local health district said the two deaths and four other infections resulted in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital closing its transplant unit temporarily. The infections occurred between October and December, and the SLHD is investigating the source. A spokesperson said on Thursday that fungal spores of the common mould aspergillus could be stirred up by construction works. RPA has been undergoing a major redevelopment since 2023.The revelations that multiple patients died due to a fungal outbreak at Royal Prince Alfred hospital are shocking. Patients go to hospital to be cared for, not to be exposed to life-threatening infections.The staff, patients and families of those who lost their lives deserve transparency.We must recognise that violence has an immediate and long-term cost for all – therefore reforming the systems that currently harm or inadequately protect women and children must be a priority – and simply money makes a difference. Continue reading...

Feb 27, 2026 - World

This live blog is now closed.Trump news at a glance: No deal reached in Iran talks as potential for US attack loomsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxCindy McCain announced today that she will step down from her role as executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme to focus on her health.McCain, the widow of the late US senator John McCain, suffered a mild stroke last October and had returned to Italy to resume her work after that, but the demands of the job were affecting her recovery, the organization said. She started the role in April 2023. She will step down in three months. Continue reading...

Feb 27, 2026 - World

Escalation of violence between the volatile neighbours makes a Qatar-mediated ceasefire appear increasingly shakyPakistan bombed Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul and two other provinces on Friday, hours after a cross-border attack, the latest escalation of violence between the volatile neighbours who last year signed a Qatar-mediated ceasefire.Following months of tit-for-tat clashes, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night in what the Taliban government said was retaliation for earlier deadly air strikes. Continue reading...

Feb 27, 2026 - World

Federal Aviation Administration bars flights around Fort Hancock after reported use of anti-drone military laserThe Federal Aviation Administration barred flights on Thursday in an area around Fort Hancock, Texas, after congressional aides told Reuters a military laser-based anti-drone system was believed to have accidentally shot down a US government drone.The FAA and Pentagon did not immediately comment but the FAA cited “special security reasons” in its notice about the restrictions on the airspace near the Mexican border posted on its Notam alert system, shorthand for “Notice to Air Missions”. Continue reading...

Feb 27, 2026 - World

Lead plaintiff, now 20, says use of social media made her relationships with friends and family anxious and strained The young woman at the heart of the landmark trial about the addictive nature of social media testified for the first time on Thursday, saying she got hooked on YouTube starting at age six and Instagram at nine. By the time she was 10, she said, she had become depressed and was engaging in self-harm.The woman, who is now 20 and known by her initials KGM, is the lead plaintiff in an expansive lawsuit against YouTube and Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook. The crux of the case alleges social media companies intentionally create addictive products, leading to mental health issues in young people. Continue reading...