Defense secretary Pete Hegseth alleges Confucius Institutes operating in disguise on US university campusesThe ⁠US defense department has designated Chinese-funded cultural centers on university campuses ⁠known as Confucius ⁠Institutes ​as a threat to US national security, defense secretary Pete ⁠Hegseth said on Friday.Washington has long accused Confucius Institutes of being Chinese propaganda ⁠tools and has…

WA politician says he considered attending Senate estimates virtually but was told it would be ‘unacceptable’Get our new political email, free app or daily news podcastJordon Steele-John has confirmed he will not attend parliament next week as the embattled Greens senator releases a letter detailing the allegations against him.After days of confusion following historical complaints…

Independent MP now serious but stable, according to update from Melbourne’s Alfred hospitalGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastIndependent MP Helen Haines’s condition has been downgraded to serious but stable after she lost both legs following an alleged attack near her electorate office in north-east Victoria on Monday afternoon.The Alfred hospital…

US secretary of state makes comments after Trump tells US rally warships could intervene on return from IranMarco Rubio urged Cubans seeking political change in their country to act, saying “now is the time” moments after Donald Trump told a Friday rally for candidates in south Florida that US warships could intervene in Cuba on…