Politics today spans turbulence in institutions, volatile campaigning and a flashpoint at sea. In Australia, Julie Bishop has quit early as chancellor of the Australian National University, a sudden exit that comes amid sustained unrest over governance and what ministers describe as a need to rebuild trust. In Britain, Nigel Farage is seizing on early local-election gains for Reform UK, casting council wins from Labour as proof his insurgent party can threaten nationally, even if the broader picture is still forming. In Washington, Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric after reported attacks on US warships in the Strait of Hormuz, branding Iran’s leaders “lunatics” and warning of harsher retaliation unless Tehran moves quickly toward a deal. Closer to home in Queensland, lawmakers are pushing for a more tailored approach to e-bike rules, recommending a 10 km/h footpath limit only in high-pedestrian areas rather than across the board.