Allan on the brink as Big Build scandal sparks Victorian Labor revolt Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is fighting for her political survival amid a leadership spill and a cross-factional revolt, with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll positioned as a challenger. The crisis is being driven by escalating claims of CFMEU-linked corruption and governance failures around the Big Build, with the leak of a 2023 briefing intensifying questions about what Allan knew and when. Covered by: The Age, Australian Financial Review, Herald Sun, The Australian, The Age. ICAC “political thriller”: phone taps, alleged sham payments and Liberal influence claims NSW’s anti-corruption watchdog has aired explosive allegations that fugitive developer Jean Nassif used prohibited donations, “sham” payments and political connections to pursue favourable outcomes, including targeting the building commissioner and preselections. The evidence includes intercepted calls and boasts of influence, while reporting s

The Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has expressed gratitude to journalists, organisers, and supporters for ensuring the success of its Endowment Award Ceremony in Chikkamagaluru despite several challenges. In a message, KUWJ State President Shivananda Tagadoor said the overwhelming response reflected the unity of the journalism fraternity. He praised the Chikkamagaluru district unit, led by President Anil, for its dedication and tireless efforts in organising the event. Tagadoor also acknowledged the contribution of KUWJ Senior Vice President and district in‑charge H.B. Madanagowda, whose guidance and leadership he said played a key role in the programme’s success. He further thanked office‑bearers, members, hosts, dignitaries, media professionals, and awardees for their support, urging everyone to continue working together for the welfare and advancement of journalists across Karnataka. 

The Kerala High Court has vacated its interim stay on the landing-page provision of the Television Ratings Policy 2026, allowing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and BARC India to implement the rule excluding landing-page viewership from television ratings.  Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas passed the order on an application filed by the Centre, which sought the removal of the stay granted on May 22.   The order permits the implementation of Clause 5.4.1, under which viewership generated through landing pages will not be counted in audience measurement, while allowing landing pages to continue as a marketing tool. The main challenge to the policy filed by AIDCF and DEN Networks remains pending before the court. 

Zee News senior reporter Kapil Raut, who was heckled by a group of students while covering the Cockroach Janta Party's Jantar Mantar protest, has received apologies from several students who said their anger was misplaced. During the protest over alleged NEET-UG paper leaks, students surrounded Raut, shouted slogans, called him a "loser" and "Godi media," and attempted to disrupt his live report. He continued reporting through the confrontation. Footage of the incident went viral and Raut's daughter was upset after seeing it. He told her such situations are sometimes part of a journalist's job. Days later, several students reached out to apologise, telling Raut that their frustration with mainstream media should not have been directed at a ground reporter. Raut accepted the apology, saying field reporters should not be blamed for editorial decisions made elsewhere. Independent journalist Aakriti Dhawan, who was also reporting from the protest s

Monday, 27 July 2026 #1  ·  Times Nation  ·  Data story 3 Indians die in workplace accidents in Gulf every week, shows MEA data By Sunny Baski   ·   The Times of India  ·  Page 6 MEA data reveals that over 800 Indian expats died in workplace accidents between 2021 and 2025, with the vast majority occurring in Gulf countries, averaging three deaths per week. The report highlights systemic failures including poor workplace safety protocols, inadequate training, extreme heat exposure, and insufficient oversight by Indian missions abroad. The story examines measures being taken for protection of Indian workers overseas and calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Grounds a serious systemic problem in hard government data, contextualises the human cost with sector-specific detail, and draws on multiple institutional sources including MEA, Telangana NRI Migrants' Association, and ministry statements, gi

  Today, Sky News Australia became News24 with an “entirely rebuilt digital ecosystem” also going live with the brand transformation. The re-branding comes following the looming expiration of News Corp’s 10-year licensing deal with UK Sky News. Writing in The Australian, CEO Paul Whittaker claimed “this launch is far more than a television news rebrand”. “It represents the transformation of News24 into a genuinely multi-platform news organisation, built around the way audiences consume news today,” he remarked. “Today we also launch an entirely rebuilt digital ecosystem, including News24.com.au, the News24 Australia mobile and tablet app, and enhanced Smart TV applications.” Noting Sky News Australia’s climb to be the fifth most-used digital brand in the recent Reuters Institute Digital News Report, Whittaker said the News24 digital arm would “expand how audiences can engage with News24”. “Along

Allan leadership crisis: Victorian Labor plots a spill Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing an escalating internal challenge, with factional powerbrokers and MPs reportedly moving to oust her ahead of a decisive caucus meeting as the state election approaches. The story matters nationally because it would reshape Victoria’s policy agenda and Labor’s electoral prospects, while signalling broader instability in a major state government. Covered by: The Age, The Australian, Herald Sun. Defence procurement shock: Navy “drone ship” plan in doubt Australia’s plan to acquire six large optionally crewed “drone ships” is reportedly on shaky ground after the US Navy scrapped its comparable program, with experts warning Canberra may need to abandon or overhaul the project. It’s significant because it goes to deterrence planning, defence spending priorities, and whether Australia can rely on allied pathways for emerging maritime capabilit