2 h. ago Australia’s largest coal power plant to operate for an additional two years which green groups say is a ‘disaster’

Life of Eraring power station in Lake Macquarie extended to April 2029, Origin Energy saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring in New South Wales, will stay open for an additional two years until 2029, amid concerns about the national energy grid’s ability to satisfy demand.The operator of the plant in Lake Macquarie, Origin Energy, had previously agreed a deal with the state government to delay Eraring’s closure from 2025 to August 2027. While the state environment minister said the new extension would contribute to NSW’s emissions reductions, climate advocates described it as a “disaster”. Continue reading...

Events

3 h. ago Britain's new Australian Open hope has football club owner dad worth £278million

Britain's latest rising prospect caused one of the biggest upsets at the Australian Open on Sunday and is backed by support from his multi-millionaire father

Economics

3 h. ago Madison Keys gets Australian Open title defence off to jittery start

American beats Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova 7-6 (8), 6-1 Last year’s winner recovers after losing first four games A nervy Madison Keys got the defence of her Australian Open crown off to a stuttering start, losing the first four games before rallying to stay in the title hunt.The American ninth seed was a bundle of nerves on Rod Laver Arena, but calmed down to clinch a 7-6 (8), 6-1 win over Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Australians must demand that their cultural custodians uphold freedom of speech | Margaret Simons

As we have seen after Adelaide writers’ week, defending the right of people to speak, even when we deeply disagree with them, is very, very difficultIs there a way forward for Australia’s cultural life after the cancellation of the 2026 Adelaide writers’ week and all the other controversies played out over the past year, in which the custodians of our culture seem to have crumbled under pressure, only to kinda, sorta and belatedly rally?I hope so, but it will take a more than rhetorical reflection on what we mean by freedom of speech, and what it requires of us. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago Maya Joint falls at first hurdle as Tereza Valentová scores Australian Open upset

Australian No 30 seed defeated 6-4, 6-4 in 92 minutesJoint was first seeded Australian woman since Ash Barty in 2022Maya Joint, the top-ranked local in the Australian Open women’s singles draw, crashed out in the first round on Tuesday after losing in straight sets to Czech teenager Tereza Valentová.Valentová made the most of an inconsistent display from the 30th seed, winning 6-4, 6-4 in 92 minutes. Continue reading...

Politics

4 h. ago John McEnroe shares Novak Djokovic 'quit' theory as suspicions raised at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic cruised through his Australian Open first round on Monday, but John McEnroe has questioned whether the 10-time champion can physically compete with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

Politics

4 h. ago Canadian woman found dead on Australian beach in suspected dingo attack

Authorities are investigating whether a Canadian woman found dead on an Australian beach was killed by dingoes

Events

4 h. ago TOBY YOUNG: It's a crowded field, but Bridget Phillipson's failure to protect free speech in universities makes her the most useless Cabinet minister

The Education Secretary has been promising to shore up free-speech protections on campus for more than a year but, so far, there's been no sign of action, despite the desperate need.

Politics

5 h. ago UK social media ban: Government considering Australian style measures to stop 'infinite scrolling'

The Government said it would consult on options including raising the digital age of consent and restricting potentially addictive social media features

Politics

5 h. ago Tereza Valentova v Maya Joint: Australian Open first round – live

Updates as Australia’s No 30 seed takes on the Czech player‘I don’t want to be a punching bag’ – retirements mar dramatic dayAny thoughts? Get in touch with an emailIt’s crowd record after crowd record in Melbourne. Will day three continue the trend?Here comes the Ginger Ninja* in hot pink from head to toe plus those trademark sunnies. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Civil servants too often used as 'scapegoats for political failure', top minister warns

In a speech setting out his vision for Whitehall, the Prime Minister's Chief Secretary Darren Jones will say officials are just as frustrated at as ministers by the 'pace of change'

Events

6 h. ago Australia’s largest coal power plant to operate an extra two years to support national grid

Life of Eraring power station in Lake Macquarie extended to April 2029, Origin Energy saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia’s largest coal-fired power plant, Eraring, will stay open for an extra two years until 2029, amid concerns about the national energy grid’s ability to support demand ahead of the station’s planned retirement.The operator of the plant in Lake Macquarie, Origin Energy, had previously agreed a deal with the New South Wales government to extend Eraring’s closure from 2025 to August 2027. While the state environment minister said the new extension would contribute to NSW’s emissions reductions, climate advocates described it as a “disaster” for emissions targets. Continue reading...

Politics

6 h. ago Official wants Louisiana parish to get permission to host cockfighting again

Cockfighting is illegal throughout the US but has been a part of Cajun culture in the region

Politics

6 h. ago Robert Jenrick heckled at first constituency speech since Reform defection

Robert Jenrick was heckled by an audience member during his first Reform UK constituency speech since defecting from the Conservatives last week.

Politics

8 h. ago Love Island All Stars fans make same demand after spotting Islander's habit

Love Island All Stars viewers took to social media to complain after spotting the same issue just minutes in to the latest episode

Politics

8 h. ago Gabriel Jesus sends new Arsenal demand with contract expiring in the summer

Gabriel Jesus has made it clear he wants to extend his Arsenal contract despite missing much of his fourth season through injury, as the Brazilian striker declares his desire to win trophies at the Emirates Stadium

Sport

9 h. ago South Lanarkshire Council to boost social housing in Hamilton

The properties will be built at Almada Street in Hamilton and will help meet the growing demand for affordable and secure housing in the area.

Politics

10 h. ago The Travel Desk reveals their least favourite airports in the world – one or two may surprise you

The Independent’s travel desk has been discussing their least favourite airports – do you agree with any on our list?

Transport

10 h. ago Robert Jenrick heckled in first constituency speech after defecting to Reform

A man was led out from the event in Newark after angrily shouting at turncoat MP Robert Jenrick as he delivered a speech

Politics

11 h. ago Jacob Alon wins BRITs Critics' Choice Award as they vow to 'fighting' in emotional speech

It's been announced that Scottish singer Jacob Alon has received the prestigious BRITs Critics' Choice award ahead of the ceremony, which will take place in Manchester next month

Events