Political Pressure Mounts in Australia Amid Legislative Push
The recent political maneuvers in Australia have sparked intense debate and reflection among opposition leaders and lawmakers. As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the parliament would convene for two days to pass crucial laws, the reaction from the opposition has demonstrated a mixture of criticism and regret. This upcoming session follows the tragic Bondi terror attack of December 14, which led to demands for a rapid response to issues of antisemitism and extremism. Initially, the Liberal Coalition was quick to criticize Albanese for not acting sooner, calling for immediate legislative action to address rising antisemitism and perceived threats to national... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine Faces Energy Crisis Amid Severe Winter and Russian Strikes
Ukraine is grappling with an energy emergency, particularly in the capital city of Kyiv, as Russian airstrikes continue to leave thousands without essential services. The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures plummeting to around -20°C overnight, have exacerbated the situation for many residents. Following a special cabinet meeting, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a round-the-clock task force will be established to address the dire consequences stemming from both the ongoing strikes and the severe weather. He accused Russian forces of exploiting the harsh conditions to target Ukraine's critical infrastructure, particularly energy distribution facilities, energy plants, and heating systems. In recent weeks,... [Continue Reading]
SpaceX Capsule Returns Early from ISS Due to Medical Emergency
A SpaceX capsule, Crew Dragon, has completed an emergency undocking from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the first medical evacuation since the station's inception in 1998. Carrying four astronauts back to Earth, the return was necessitated by an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of the crew members. This sudden extraction reflects the challenges faced in ensuring astronaut health during prolonged missions in microgravity. The Crew Dragon capsule departed the orbiting laboratory shortly after 9:20 AM AEDT (2220 GMT) and is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. The crew members include NASA... [Continue Reading]
Four French Men Charged with High-Profile Burglary Appear in Court
The ACT Magistrates Court has heard a case involving four French nationals charged with aggravated burglary and theft, with the total value of allegedly stolen luxury items, including designer watches and jewellery, now contested. This high-profile case revolves around the theft of more than $10 million worth of luxury goods from a residence in Canberra. The defendants, identified as Ilyes Abdelkader, Mohamed Abdelkader, Mohamed Naimi, and Antoni Voisin, remain in custody following their arrest at a KFC restaurant in Sydney only four days after the crime. The case initially attracted attention due to the scale and intricacy of the alleged... [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Adelaide Festival Corporation apologises to author Randa Abdel-Fattah
The Adelaide Festival Corporation, which oversees Adelaide Writers' Week, has apologised to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and says she will be invited to speak at its next event in 2027. [Continue Reading]
Two French men to plead guilty over alleged $10m theft in Canberra
Lawyers say the value of the allegedly stolen luxury goods, including a $5 million Richard Mille watch, is disputed as the case returns to court. [Continue Reading]
Sick astronaut starts journey to Earth from International Space Station
The Crew Dragon capsule has undocked from the International Space Station carrying four astronauts, one of whom has a "serious medical condition", and is on its way back to Earth. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran executions ‘stopping’ as Tehran signals fast trials and hangings
President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that executions in Iran may have been halted, citing unnamed sources, even as the Iranian government intensified warnings of rapid trials and possible executions for thousands of detainees amid ongoing protests. [Continue Reading]
X announces measures to block Grok from undressing images
Elon Musk's platform X announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised images of women and children. [Continue Reading]
FBI conducts raid on Washington Post reporter’s home, seizes electronics
Press freedom groups warn that the warrant to search reporter Hannah Natanson's home establishes a dangerous precedent. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu leads Legco affluence list with 54 properties
Hong Kong lawmaker Duncan Chiu owns 54 properties at home and overseas, more than any of the other 89 lawmakers, a review of their declaration of interests shows. But Chiu indicated that he is considering selling his properties in the West, citing geopolitical risks and his limited time for managing them. Chiu, the son of the late entrepreneur Deacon Chiu, represents the technology and innovation sector. He is among the five lawmakers who have declared ownership of more than 10 properties, and... [Continue Reading]
China-EU tariff agreement on EVs seen cutting shipments but boosting profitability
A requirement to set minimum prices for their cars in the European Union will reduce sales there for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, but higher profit margins will eventually improve their bottom lines and brand reputations, according to analysts and industry officials. Assemblers of Chinese pure-electric cars from BYD to Leapmotor will avoid a brutal discount war after European authorities accepted price undertakings to replace punitive anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent. Minimum... [Continue Reading]
Hearts 'underdogs by long shot' but still setting Premiership pace
If it seemed Hearts made a statement by winning with 10 men at Dundee on Sunday, they upped the ante against St Mirren four days later. [Continue Reading]
Zelensky declares state of emergency in Ukraine's energy sector
Thousands of Ukrainians are without power in temperatures well below freezing, due to ongoing Russian airstrikes. [Continue Reading]
Senate blocks Venezuela war powers bill after Vance breaks deadlock
The vote failed after two Republicans withdrew their previous support under intense pressure from the Trump administration. [Continue Reading]
Trump sets 180-day deadline to counter China’s control of critical minerals
US President Donald Trump has put allies and trade partners on notice, invoking national security powers to ease China’s chokehold on critical minerals, warning global suppliers to negotiate agreements to secure reliable, diversified supplies for the US or face new trade barriers, including tariffs. In a proclamation signed on Wednesday, the “America first” president declared that the US’ reliance on foreign-processed critical minerals poses a national security threat. He directed US Trade... [Continue Reading]
Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON final
Morocco overcome Nigeria on penalties, after the match finished 0-0 after extra time, to reach AFCON final. [Continue Reading]
Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach Arica Cup of Nations final
Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a dramatic penalty shootout saw them overcome Nigeria 4-2, following a goalless draw in a tense semi-final in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
Sanchez mistakes 'on me' - Rosenior defends Chelsea keeper
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior defends goalkeeper Robert Sanchez following two mistakes in his side's 3-2 defeat at home to Arsenal on Wednesday in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie. [Continue Reading]
Churchill’s desk and rare artwork among items donated to UK cultural institutions
Items worth £59.7m allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives as part of Arts Council England schemeWinston Churchill and Benjamin Disraeli’s desk, a painting by Vanessa Bell and a rare artwork by Edgar Degas are among the items of cultural importance saved for the nation this year.The items, worth a total of £59.7m, will be allocated to museums, galleries, libraries and archives around the UK as part of Art Council England’s cultural gifts and acceptance in lieu schemes. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump is making China – not America – great again, global survey suggests
Exclusive: US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies feel ever more distant, results showA year after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, a global survey suggests much of the world believes his nation-first, “Make America Great Again” approach is instead helping to make China great again.The 21-country survey for the influential European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) thinktank also found that under Trump, the US is less feared by its traditional adversaries, while its allies – particularly in Europe – feel ever more distant. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Traces of cancer-linked pesticide found in tests at UK playgrounds
Pressure mounting for use of glyphosate, listed by WHO since 2015 as probable carcinogen, to be heavily restrictedChildren are potentially being exposed to the controversial weedkiller glyphosate at playgrounds across the UK, campaigners have said after testing playgrounds in London and the home counties.The World Health Organization has listed glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen since 2015. However, campaigners say local authorities in the UK are still using thousands of litres of glyphosate-based herbicides in public green spaces. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
NHS corridor care is ‘torture’ leading to patient deaths and staff nightmares
Royal College of Nursing publishes dossier of evidence including case of elderly patient who choked to death in corridorCorridor care is “a type of torture” that is leading to patients dying and causing NHS staff to have nightmares, the UK’s nurses union has warned.In one case, an elderly patient choked to death in a corridor, unseen by staff, according to a new dossier of evidence highlighting the problem published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope January 15, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
Venus in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus today. This alignment puts you at the centre, so take this opportunity to try something new. [Continue Reading]
Immigration levels overestimated by public, says ESRI
Many people believe immigration is happening here on a larger scale than it really is, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). [Continue Reading]
Japan’s Takaichi faces uphill task in lower house election after ally’s exit
Komeito is emerging as a potential political kingmaker in Japan ahead of a widely expected snap lower house election, three months after the party affiliated with a religious movement announced it was ending an alliance with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party over differences with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. On January 23, the opening day of the Diet, Takaichi is expected to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives, with polling likely to take place on February 8 or February... [Continue Reading]
Caretaker mode stops progress reports into youth suicide
Fearing more lives will be lost, Kimberley Aboriginal leaders call on the WA government to release updates on parliamentary and coronial recommendations into youth suicide. [Continue Reading]
AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Morocco down Nigeria on penalties, Senegal edge Egypt 1-0
Morocco capitalised on home support to stay the course and beat Nigeria on penalties after 120 minutes produced no goals. They'll meet 2021 winners Senegal in the final, after the Lions of Teranga beat the Pharaoh's of Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mané's late strike from range. Jean-Émile Jammine is joined by sports journalists, Thando Sibiya and Andrea Evagora as well as France 24's Selina Sykes in Rabat. [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'World on the brink' and Trump intent on 'conquering' Greenland
The global tensions from Greenland and Iran feature prominently on Thursday's front pages. [Continue Reading]
Elon Musk's X to block AI tool Grok from undressing images of real people after backlash
Grok will no longer allow users to remove clothing from images of real people, a statement posted on X reads. [Continue Reading]
Three Palestine Action activists end hunger strikes
Three Palestine Action activists have ended their hunger strike in a UK prison after 73 days, claiming the government has met one of their key demands. [Continue Reading]
Real Madrid crash out of Copa del Rey at lowly Albacete on Arbeloa debut
Real Madrid's first match after sacking Xabi Alonso results in a shock 3-2 Copa del Rey defeat at lower league Albacete. [Continue Reading]
Cole Palmer and Reece James injury update after missing Chelsea loss to Arsenal
'We've gone through the wars over the last couple of games.' [Continue Reading]
Arsenal take step to ending semi-final nightmares - but regrets remain
Arsenal's 3-2 win at Chelsea seizes control of their EFL Cup tie - and overcoming their poor record in semi-finals will be the big positive for Mikel Arteta. [Continue Reading]
Prosecutors Say Officer Who Hurled Cooler Was Not Trying to Save Lives
Lawyers for Sgt. Erik Duran said he had to make a “life-or-death” decision when he struck Eric Duprey as he rode a motorbike recklessly down a sidewalk. Mr. Duprey died almost immediately. [Continue Reading]
White House post nods to racist, far-right subculture, extremism expert says
Image with question ‘Which way, Greenland man?’ is a ‘key concept in neo-Nazi and white supremacist subculture’The Trump administration has been called out, yet again, for using explicitly white supremacist verbiage in its increasingly aggressive social media strategy.The White House posted a cartoon to X on Wednesday of two Greenlandic mush teams with three huskies each, pointing towards the choice of the white pillars and the South Lawn or a tempestuous scene by the Great Wall of China and Red Square in Russia. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Nasa sends 4 astronauts back to Earth in first medical evacuation
An astronaut in need of doctors’ care departed the International Space Station with three crewmates on Wednesday in Nasa’s first medical evacuation. The four returning astronauts – from the US, Russia and Japan – are aiming for an early Thursday morning splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego with SpaceX. The decision cuts short their mission by over a month. “Our timing of this departure is unexpected,” Nasa astronaut Zena Cardman said before the return trip, “but what was not surprising to me... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong, China stocks to outpace US equities all year after quick start, analysts say
Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stocks outpaced their US peers for the first two weeks of 2026 and should continue to do so for the rest of the year on the back of relatively cheaper valuations, a firmer yuan and policy tailwinds, as geopolitics drives more global investors to look to China as a hedge against rising risks in US assets, according to analysts. The CSI 300 Index has gained 2.4 per cent so far this year, while the Hang Seng Index has climbed 5.3 per cent, both outpacing a 1.7 per... [Continue Reading]
Greenland and Denmark say Trump set on ‘conquering’ territory after meeting
Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen says meeting with Trump administration 'didn't manage to change' US position. [Continue Reading]
Trump says he has been told killing of protesters in Iran ‘has stopped’
Trump has threatened to attack Iran, prompting Tehran to warn of retaliation amid growing fears of conflict. [Continue Reading]
Iranians abroad wait for news from loved ones amid communications blackout
A government-imposed nationwide communications blackout has left Iranians outside the country scrambling to reach family and friends. [Continue Reading]
Controversies Challenge Future of Writers Festivals and Emergency Communications in Australia
Recent controversies surrounding writers' festivals in Australia have sparked significant debate about freedom of expression and artistic programming. The Newcastle Writers Festival (NWF), led by founding director Rosemarie Milsom, is among many festivals feeling the impact of heightened scrutiny on their decisions. Concerns about sensitive topics, particularly regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, have forced festival directors to reconsider their programming, creating an environment rife with tension. The Adelaide Writers' Week (AWW), the oldest literary festival in Australia, recently experienced a crisis when Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah's participation was cancelled by the festival board after complaints regarding "cultural sensitivity" in... [Continue Reading]
Key Developments in US Military Readiness and AI Harassment Issues
US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has emphasized the importance of the United States matching China's advanced production capabilities and manufacturing workforce. Phelan stated, "To be a superpower, you need a dominant military force, a robust economy and the ability to make things." His remarks come as China reveals its most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which has officially entered service. Phelan indicated that these developments are urgent, urging the US to adopt a "wartime footing" reminiscent of the industrial mobilization during World War II. This call for increased military readiness underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific... [Continue Reading]
Chelsea told the signing they must make in January after Arsenal loss
Do the Blues need to head to the transfer market again? [Continue Reading]
Uncertain Future as Uganda Eyes Election Amid Internet Shutdown
As Uganda approaches its pivotal presidential election, political tensions rise with the country's focus on an 81-year-old leader who has governed for nearly four decades. More than 70 percent of Uganda's populace is under 35 years old, but their frustrations about limited representation and increasing censorship are palpable as the streets of Kampala reflect a blend of resignation and hope. In an unprecedented move, Uganda's National Communications Authority has suspended public internet access, restricting both registration of new SIM cards and outbound roaming services. This decision has spurred widespread discontent among the youth, who rely on digital platforms such as... [Continue Reading]
Kaiser Permanente Agrees to Pay $556 Million to Settle Medicare Overbilling Claims
The Justice Department and whistle-blowers accused the major health insurer of overbilling the government for about $1 billion under the private plans. [Continue Reading]
Trump praises ‘terrific’ new Venezuela leader after call
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had held a “long call” with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ousting of Nicolas Maduro. “We just had a great conversation today, and she’s a terrific person,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He later said on social media that he and Rodriguez had discussed “many topics”, including oil, minerals, trade and national security. “We are making tremendous progress,” Trump... [Continue Reading]