Labor ditches ‘widow tax’ as budget backflips blow a $1b hole The Albanese government has reversed course on the so-called “widow tax”, signalling further budget changes as it negotiates a difficult parliamentary path for its broader tax agenda. The AFR warns the cumulative backdowns leave a $1 billion gap and could compound fiscal pressure if major NDIS reforms slip, underscoring how political compromise is reshaping the budget’s credibility and priorities. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, Australian Financial Review, The West Australian. Indigenous Voice push reignites as unions break with PM The ACTU is urging Labor to “try again” on an Indigenous Voice-style body, reopening a politically fraught debate after the referendum defeat and highlighting pressure on the government from within its broader progressive base. The union movement is also pushing for an Australia Day date change, sharpening the culture-war edge and raising questions about Labor’s appeti

The Chennai Press Club (CPC) has alleged that a small group of individuals is attempting to disrupt its functioning and undermine its democratically elected administration. In a series of statements, the organisation said the December 2024 elections restored democratic governance after nearly 25 years, reflecting journalists’ collective push for transparency and accountability. Since then, the current office‑bearers have worked to strengthen the institution and advance journalists’ welfare. According to the CPC, certain individuals have been spreading misinformation, filing complaints, and creating confusion among members in an effort to weaken the elected leadership. The club claimed these actions challenge the democratic mandate given by journalists. It also referred to a protest held on June 21, 2026, stating that it lacked support from the wider journalist community and did not represent the majority’s views. Concerns were also raised over a tree‑planting

The Chennai Press Club (CPC) organised a felicitation ceremony on June 20 to honour the children of journalists who excelled in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The event was held at the Press Club premises. Educationist Prince Gajendra Babu, attending as chief guest, congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to pursue their goals with dedication while contributing positively to society. Awardees were recognised across State Board and CBSE categories: Class 10 (State Board): 1st: Z. Asim, son of H. Zakir Hussain (Fire Line News) 2nd: A. Mithra Sri, daughter of R. Anand (Nutruku Nooru) 3rd: V.A. Dhanya Sri, daughter of M. Veeraraghavalu (Dinakaran) Class 10 (CBSE): 1st: J.K. Nikesh Kumar, son of S.J. Kandiban (4D People News) 2nd: R.V. Kanishkar, son of M. Rajaguru (Dinamalar) 3rd: A. Farhan Shah, son of Abdul Hameed (CNN‑News18) Class 12 (State Board): 1st: S. Priya Mithra, daughter of M. Sury

Thursday, 25 June 2026 #1  ·  Times City  ·  In-depth feature Bedsheets as camouflage, mothers as shields: How they keep girls safe By Devanshi Mehta   ·   The Times of India, New Delhi  ·  Page 12 In the aftermath of the abduction, rape and murder of a 10-year-old homeless girl by a cab driver in south Delhi's Chhatarpur, the reporter conducted ground visits to multiple flyovers across the city where families live on the streets. The piece documents in vivid detail the nocturnal survival strategies employed by mothers — sleeping as outer human shields, wrapping children in heavy bedsheets as camouflage, keeping chilli powder in their dupattas — and captures testimony from women like Fatima, a new mother widowed while pregnant, and Shanti, who has lived on Delhi's streets since childhood. The story also reveals that these women prefer the open streets over government night shelters, which they

  When Palani Kumar explains what his collective does, he frames it as a question of authorship. "We are storytellers for communities whose stories are rarely told. If everyone wants to hear the story of a lion, it matters whether that story is told by the hunter or by the lion itself. We belong to these communities, and we document their lives, livelihoods and struggles from within," he says. That question now has institutional weight behind it. After years of informal workshops, the Chennai-based People's Photographers Collective that Kumar founded has registered as a non-profit trust, a shift he treats as the difference between running projects and building infrastructure. "After years of effort, we've taken an important step. People's Photographers Collective is now a registered non-profit. This marks a new phase in our journey of learning, collaboration and shared creativity," he says. "Becoming a registered trust means we can now cre

A delegation from the Karnataka Working Journalists’ Association (KUWJ), led by State President Shivananda Tagadoor, met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and felicitated him with a book and a Ganpati idol. During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum seeking the speedy implementation of the bus pass facility and the Media Sanjeevini scheme for rural journalists. The Chief Minister assured them that necessary action would be taken on the demands. The KUWJ also invited Shivakumar to inaugurate Press Day celebrations scheduled for July 1, which are observed annually under the joint aegis of the Karnataka Information Department, Media Academy, and KUWJ. Traditionally, the Chief Minister inaugurates the event each year. Shivakumar responded positively, saying he would make efforts to attend despite his busy schedule. The delegation included Bidar District Working Journalists’ Association President Anand Devappa, General Secretary Shivakumar, State Executive Committee Mem

Senior journalist Mr Periyasamy passed away following a prolonged illness. His mortal remains were kept at the Chennai Press Club (CPC), where members of the media fraternity gathered to pay their last respects. Many senior journalists, editors and young reporters shared memories of Periyasamy, recalling his valuable contributions to journalism and the lasting impact he made throughout his career. Colleagues described him as a respected figure whose work and guidance influenced generations of journalists, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to the profession.