Policy & Geopolitics
Politics and geopolitics news covering U.S. governance, global conflict, public services and business regulation, with analysis of legal and economic impacts.
High Court Rejects Coal Mine Expansion Over Exported Emissions
Australia's High Court rejected Mach Energy's bid to expand the Mount Pleasant coal mine, upholding that NSW planning approvals must account for emissions from exported coal burned overseas. The case returns to the Land and Environment Court, which will decide whether the operation can continue…
ATF ends federal suppressor registration
ATF guidance effective October 9 drops federal NFA registration and approval for suppressors and short-barreled firearms, following the Texas *Jensen v. ATF* ruling. Transfers now use the standard Form 4473 background check. State laws in 15 states still impose their own requirements, and the…
U.S. sanctions cut two Mumbai firms from Iran shadow fleet
ICE Wounds Man in NY Street, Inquiry Opens
Scottish referendum bid rejected on procedural grounds
ATO ends credit-card tax payments on Nov 30
The ATO will stop accepting credit-card payments for tax bills on November 30, following the RBA's card surcharge ban. Cards made up just 2.3% of tax payments in 2024–25, but the change hits small businesses hardest, with some advisers warning of cashflow pressure.