The World Today

The UK Supreme Court is facing fundamental questions about the limits of government powers, and whether they're sufficient for the nation to trigger its Brexit strategy. The Government's launched a legal battle, after the High Court ruled that Prime Minister Theresa May needed a parliamentary vote to start the Brexit talks.

Native Americans are celebrating, after a ruling to deny a Texas oil company a permit to build a $4 billion pipeline underneath the Missouri River in North Dakota. The native American Sioux tribe, along with climate activists, have been protesting for months in an effort to protect its drinking water and sacred sites. But the decision could be temporary - with President-elect Donald Trump on record as saying he supports the pipeline. And the Texas company says it's seeking a ruling in support of the project from a Federal Court judge.

New research has found nearly a quarter of Australians believe that torturing an enemy soldier for information is okay. The Australian survey coincides with a global report on attitudes to war, conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross. The survey was conducted in 16 countries with around 17,000 respondents. While close to three out of five Australians think that torturing an Australian soldier for military information should not be allowed, 23 per cent were undecided, and as many as 21 per cent thought it was okay.

A simple blood test could soon help those who've suffered concussion, to know when it's safe to return to work or play. Melbourne researchers are studying a local football team to help develop the test and they're also investigating if an Alzheimer's drug can help reduce brain damage.

In the race to be hair free, research has found that grooming in the more delicate areas, could be doing more harm than good. A US study has revealed that those who groom more frequently, or more intensely, have reported a greater history of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation, sparking more instability not only in Italy but in the European Union. The Prime Minister suffered a heavy loss in the referendum to change Italy's constitution, with at least 54 per cent voting 'no'.

Right Wing European leaders such as Marine lePen in France and Nigel Farage in the UK have been quick to spin the result of the referendum in Italy, and subsequent resignation of the country's Prime Minister. They say it indicates that Italians are disavowing no only Renzi but the EU as a whole. However, the referendum did not address EU membership and Italians campaigning against Renxi's position came from a broad range of political affiliations.

Right-wing Austrian politician Norbert Hofer has conceded defeat to his left-leaning rival in the country's presidential election. Independent Alexander Van der Bellen defeated Mr Hofer decisively in the poll. It was the second presidential election since May, when the last poll was ruled invalid. Mr Van der Bellen won that vote narrowly. But with the success of Brexit and Donald Trump since then, many expected a different outcome this time around.

New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key, has announced his shock resignation. He's stepping down after eight years in the job, and up to a year out from the next election. Mr Key says he's leaving on his own terms and was never a career politician.

Claims that a third of Australian workers are not receiving their full superannuation entitlements are being investigated by the Inspector General of Taxation. Ali Noroozi, who oversees complaints about the Australian Tax Office, says better enforcement is needed to ensure vulnerable workers saving for their retirements are not being ripped off by their bosses. A report from Industry Super Australia and C-bus says rogue employers are dodging $3.6 billion in payments every year by not paying the minimum 9.5 per cent superannuation guarantee. Mr Noroozi spoke with the ABC's Peter Ryan.