US Midterms, Spain Train Crash, Shonky Awards: Australia Morning Mail 2026

US midterm elections are closing soon, with the outcome seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term as president and potentially impacting the remainder of his time in the White House. Meanwhile, Australians are among the dead in last week's Spain train crash, and consumer group Choice has named concert tickets, an airline, and a washer/dryer among its Shonky award winners. Here's what you need to know.

US Midterm Elections: A Referendum on Trump's Second Term

Voting in the US midterm elections closes soon, and the results are widely viewed as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term. The outcome could significantly affect the remainder of his presidency, as control of Congress hangs in the balance.

With full coverage available, the world is watching closely. The midterms will determine whether Trump's agenda can advance or face gridlock, and the implications stretch beyond US borders.

Australians Among Victims in Spain Train Crash

Two Australians have been confirmed among the 69 people who died in last week's high-speed train collision in Spain. Spanish authorities confirmed the identities of three more victims, bringing the total to 69.

The crash has shocked the international community, and Australian officials are providing consular assistance to the families. The investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing.

Shonky Awards 2026: Concert Tickets, Airline, and Washer/Dryer Named

Consumer advocacy group Choice has announced its annual Shonky awards, highlighting dodgy products and services. Among the dishonour roll: concert tickets that surge to $1,650, an airline pocketing $75 million of unused flight credits, and a washer/dryer cycle that takes 25 hours.

These awards shine a light on practices that harm consumers. The ticket surging issue is particularly timely, as Australian fans have faced skyrocketing prices for major concerts.

• Concert tickets surging to $1,650 have been criticised as exploitative.
• An airline kept $75 million in unused flight credits, prompting calls for reform.
• A washer/dryer with a 25-hour cycle was mocked for inefficiency.
• Choice's Shonky awards aim to hold companies accountable.
• Consumer groups are pushing for stronger protections.

Victorian Labor's Union Problem Deepens

Victorian Labor's union problem has deepened after the main public servants' union said it would not support the party at this month's state election. The union condemned the government for cutting public service jobs while spending $1.2 billion on consultants.

This snub could hurt Labor's chances in the upcoming election, as union support has traditionally been a cornerstone of the party's base. The government's spending priorities are now under intense scrutiny.

Snowy Hydro Executives Bank Huge Bonuses

Executives at the troubled Snowy Hydro company collectively banked bonuses worth a combined $751,925 in the last financial year. This comes despite its renewable energy project blowing out to 12 times its original cost.

The bonuses have sparked outrage, given the project's massive cost overruns and delays. Critics argue that executives should not be rewarded for failure, especially when public money is at stake.

What to Watch Next

As the US midterms unfold, the results will shape Trump's ability to govern. In Australia, the Victorian election campaign is heating up, with union discontent a key issue. The Shonky awards have put consumer rights in the spotlight, and the Spain train crash investigation continues. The background to this story is set out in Australia Morning Mail: House Prices Fall, One Nation Expands. A related thread runs through Australia Morning Mail: Co-pilot Stabbed, House Prices Fall, Newcastle.

For a deeper look at how gig economy reforms are affecting Australian workers, see our analysis of the Australia gig worker minimum wage debate. The Shonky awards also targeted major ticketing companies, echoing concerns raised in our coverage of the Choice Shonky Awards 2026: Virgin, Ticketek & Ticketmaster Named. These issues highlight ongoing tensions between consumers and big businesses.

Homeowners facing insurance claims after natural disasters might find our report on cash settlements on home insurance claims particularly relevant, as it explores how Australians are left vulnerable. Meanwhile, proposed changes to disability support are causing anxiety, with our article on NDIS autism reforms: 145,000 Australians to lose support detailing the potential impact.

These stories underscore the importance of staying informed about policy decisions that affect everyday Australians. Whether it's wage fairness, consumer protection, or disability support, the choices made today will shape the future. Earlier coverage in US Midterm Elections: A Referendum on Trump's Presidency shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in US Midterm Elections 2026: What They Are and Why They Matter.

FAQ

What are the US midterm elections about?

The US midterm elections determine control of Congress and are seen as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term. The outcome will affect his ability to pass legislation and govern effectively.

How many Australians died in the Spain train crash?

Two Australians are among the 69 people who died in the high-speed train collision in Spain last week. Spanish authorities confirmed the identities of three more victims.

What are the Shonky awards?

The Shonky awards are an annual dishonour roll by consumer advocacy group Choice, highlighting dodgy products and services. This year's winners include concert tickets that surge to $1,650, an airline that kept $75 million in unused flight credits, and a washer/dryer with a 25-hour cycle.

Why is Victorian Labor facing union backlash?

The main public servants' union has refused to support Labor at the state election, condemning the government for cutting public service jobs while spending $1.2 billion on consultants. This snub could undermine Labor's traditional support base.

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