Today is May 9 and here is your news briefing!
The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence.
We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure.
Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari.
Global Headlines: Historic Papal Election and Australian Political Shifts
May 9, 2025
American Cardinal Elected as First US Pope
In a historic decision that has reverberated across the global Catholic community, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. Taking the name Pope Leo XIV, the 69-year-old Chicago native becomes the first American to ascend to the papacy.
Prevost, who also holds Peruvian citizenship after years of missionary work in the South American nation, was known affectionately as the "Saint of the North" during his time as bishop in Peru. His reputation for social justice advocacy and direct engagement with impoverished communities distinguished his ecclesiastical career.
"Together, we must try to find out how to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges, dialogues, that's always open to receive," Pope Leo XIV stated in his first address from St. Peter's Basilica, notably speaking in Italian and Spanish without using English.
Prevost's election follows his appointment by Pope Francis in 2023 to head the Dicastery for Bishops, a powerful Vatican office responsible for vetting bishop nominations worldwide. Analysts suggest his experience in Latin America—the region with the largest Catholic population—likely proved crucial to his election.
Major Shift in Australian Politics as Greens Leader Concedes Defeat
After 15 years representing Melbourne, Greens leader Adam Bandt has conceded defeat to Labor candidate Sarah Whitty. Despite receiving the highest primary vote, Bandt was unable to overcome the combined preferences from Liberal and One Nation voters.
"The Greens got the highest vote in Melbourne, but One Nation and Liberal preferences will get Labor over the line," Bandt stated in his concession speech.
This development represents a significant setback for the Greens, who have now lost three of their four lower house seats while maintaining their Senate representation. Political analysts note that while the party's Senate vote remained stable, small swings against them in key lower house contests proved decisive.
Coalition Conducts Post-Election Analysis
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs James Patterson has provided a candid assessment of the Coalition's electoral defeat, identifying multiple factors that contributed to their unsuccessful campaign.
"A lot of things went wrong when you have a loss this bad," Patterson acknowledged. "The polling was wrong. The advertising didn't cut through. The policy agenda didn't inspire Australians."
Patterson specifically highlighted what he termed the "Trump effect" as the most significant external factor influencing their campaign. According to Patterson, polling numbers peaked around Inauguration Day before declining precipitously following certain events related to the former U.S. president.
The Coalition's nuclear energy policy has also come under scrutiny, with Patterson suggesting that while nuclear power remains a potential solution to Australia's energy challenges, the specific implementation plan presented during the campaign may require revision.
National Party Senator Defects to Liberals
In a development that further complicates the Coalition's post-election landscape, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has announced her departure from the National Party to join the Liberal Party.
Nationals MP Kevin Hogan expressed disappointment at the news while extending well-wishes to his former colleague. "It is disappointing. I wish Jacinta well," Hogan stated.
Speculation has emerged regarding Price's potential elevation to a leadership position within the Liberal Party, possibly as deputy leader on a ticket with Angus Taylor. This transition comes at a critical juncture for both parties as they recalibrate their political strategies following the electoral defeat.
The realignment raises questions about the future composition of the Coalition, with Hogan emphasizing that while a strong coalition benefits Australia, the Nationals remain committed to representing regional communities and their distinctive perspectives.
These developments signal a period of substantial transition in both religious leadership and Australian political dynamics, with implications that will continue to unfold in the coming months.
Additional reporting contributed by our global news partners.
For comprehensive coverage and analysis of Australia's economic and policy landscape, visit readmencari.com. Our team of investigative journalists provides in-depth reporting on complex national and global developments. Follow us on all major podcasting platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Follow us across all major podcasting platforms and social media channels for updates that matter. Your support keeps independent journalism alive!For more in-depth coverage on these stories and other news affecting Australia and the world, subscribe to readmencari.com. Support our independent journalism by listening to our podcasts on all major platforms and considering a subscription to help us continue delivering fearless reporting free from financial and political influence.
Support Our Work
Your support helps us continue our independent journalism and investigative reporting. Subscribe to readmencari.com for the latest news and listen to our daily podcasts on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Stay with readmencari.com for continuous updates on these developing stories and more from across Australia, New Zealand, and the globe. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily briefings delivered straight to your inbox!
Got a News Tip?
Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.
More on Mencari
5 - Minute recap - for nightly bite-sized news around Australia and the world.
Podwires Daily - for providing news about audio trends and podcasts.
There’s a Glitch - updated tech news and scam and fraud trends
The Expert Interview - features expert interviews on current political and social issues in Australia and worldwide.
Viewpoint 360 - An analysis view based on evidence, produced in collaboration with 360Info
Mencari Banking - Get the latest banking news and financials across Australia and New Zealand
Share this post