WAO ART #88

The Australian government has approved a new coal mine for the first time since being elected on a climate action platform last year. The Isaac River coal mine, which will be built near Moranbah, is expected to produce about 2.5 million tonnes of coal over five years.

Sudan's warring parties have signed a deal to protect civilians, allowing safe passage for people leaving battle zones, protecting relief workers and not using civilians as human shields. However, they did not agree to pause the fighting. The talks have been mediated by the US and Saudi Arabia.

New York City has passed a law prohibiting weight discrimination, making size a protected trait on par with race and gender. More than 40% of American adults are considered obese, and weight stigma is pervasive, leading to lower wages, especially for women.

Ukraine claims to have recaptured ground in Bakhmut, marking a rare advance after months of Russian gains in the eastern city. However, there is no clear evidence of the much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive. Russia denied Ukrainian claims but said its troops had regrouped in one area.

China and Ecuador have signed a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade and business ties. The FTA will exempt up to 90% of goods traded between the two countries from tariffs, with 60% enjoying zero tariffs immediately. China is Ecuador's second-largest trading partner.

Pakistan's ex-prime minister Imran Khan has been granted protected bail and released from custody after the Supreme Court ruled his detain on corruption charges was illegal. The court also ordered he could not be adetained on any charges filed after last Tuesday until 17 May.

The US Chamber of Commerce has filed a brief criticizing the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) actions against crypto companies, stating that regulatory uncertainty stifles innovation and violates "Constitutional Due Process and Fair Notice Rights."