Passengers forced to stand for hours on regional Victoria trains as free tickets supercharge long weekend demand 06. April 2026 (06:44) Reduced public holiday services and school holidays heighten pressure on network, leading to overcrowdingFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPassengers have been forced to stand for hours and many were unable to board services over Easter as Victoria’s regional train system strained under the combined weight of a long weekend, school holidays and fare-free services.Reports of overcrowding on V/Line services escalated on Friday and Saturday as public holiday timetables reduced services, amid increased demand after the state government introducing free travel during April. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Sick pay rule changes to benefit up to 9.6m UK workers, TUC says 06. April 2026 (06:00) Union says new entitlements, part of Employment Rights Act 2025, will help lower-income householdsUp to 9.6 million UK workers are to benefit from the changes to sick pay rules, according to unions. They say the policy has widespread support from voters despite pushback from some businesses.From Monday, about 8.4 million workers who rely on statutory sick pay – the minimum amount employers must pay – will be paid from the first day of becoming ill rather than from day four, according to an analysis by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Middle East crisis live: Tehran warns Trump over strait of Hormuz threat; Netanyahu suggests Israel helped US rescue airman 06. April 2026 (05:54) Iran’s parliamentary speaker decries US president’s ‘reckless moves’ after expletive-ridden threat; Israeli PM says Trump ‘expressed his appreciation for Israel’s help’Trump warns Iran to reopen strait of Hormuz by Tuesday or face ‘hell’‘Unhinged madman’: US politicians react to Trump Iran threatIran’s central military command has warned of “much more devastating” retaliation if the US hits civilian targets.If attacks on civilian targets are repeated, the next stages of our offensive and retaliatory operations will be much more devastating and widespread.” Continue reading...(The Guardian)
When Suzuki met Suzuki: why a Tokyo dating agency is matching couples with the same name 06. April 2026 (02:18) Japan’s ban on married couples having different surnames has prompted an event to highlight people’s reluctance to change their nameAt the very least, the three men and three women calming their nerves on a Friday evening at a venue in Tokyo know they have one thing in common.Spaced out across booths, they will soon be placed in pairs and given 15 minutes to get to know one another. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
NHS urges patients not to put off care as doctors in England prepare for strike 06. April 2026 (01:02) People encouraged to ‘come forward as normal’ when BMA members begin industrial action over pay on TuesdayThe NHS is urging patients not to put off seeking the care they need when resident doctors press ahead with strike action from Tuesday, a stoppage that the health secretary has called “disappointing”.Tens of thousands of resident doctors in England are to stage a six-day strike after the government took a key part of its offer off the table. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
