Video Analysis of ICE Shooting Sheds Light on Contested Moments
Newly available videos and existing footage synchronized and assessed by The Times provide a frame-by-frame look at how an ICE officer ended up shooting and killing a motorist in Minneapolis. [Continue Reading]
Japan and US Strengthen Defence Ties Amid Weather Changes in Asia
The Pentagon's recent discussions with Japanese officials have underscored the ongoing commitment between the United States and Japan in maintaining regional security. In talks led by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Koizumi, both nations reiterated their strong alliance despite concerns surrounding future US commitments in the region. Koizumi remarked that their collaboration remains “completely unshaken,” emphasising the need for continued cooperation during a period of global uncertainty. During their meeting, the two officials acknowledged the significance of enhancing their military presence in the Nansei island chain, which includes crucial territories such as Okinawa and extends towards... [Continue Reading]
Australia's Legal and Human Rights Challenges Highlighted This Week
The Australian government's treatment of asylum seekers and its handling of recent incidents involving hate speech and murder allegations have raised significant legal and ethical questions. A UN committee recently issued a landmark ruling stating that Australia breached the Convention Against Torture by subjecting an Iranian man to prolonged offshore detention, amplifying ongoing debates regarding the country's immigration policies. The case centers on an Iranian asylum seeker who arrived on Christmas Island in 2013 and was later transferred to the Manus Island detention center in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Testimonies revealed that he endured severe conditions, including violence that left... [Continue Reading]
This tiny, walking shark is doing something never seen before
Known best for their ability to "walk" on the sand and coral where they usually live, new research shows epaulette sharks could also defy assumptions in other ways. [Continue Reading]
10 tennis courts' worth of poppies stolen in recent theft, police say
Investigations are continuing into the theft of a large quantity of poppy capsules from a Tasmanian farm. Police have confirmed the harvested area equates to 10 tennis courts, or 2,500 square metres. [Continue Reading]
Social media study challenges blanket bans, links teen wellbeing to 'balanced' use
The findings of a newly released study have challenged one-size-fits-all rules and blanket bans, as the Australian government's social media ban for children under 16 has been in effect for over a month. [Continue Reading]
China’s supercooling tech packs 40% more punch into chips used in military radar
Chinese scientists have unlocked a revolutionary supercooling innovation in semiconductor technology, paving the way for a 40 per cent leap in the performance of gallium nitride-based radar systems, which are widely used in China’s most advanced stealth aircraft. The new Chinese-made chips can handle extreme power loads in the X and Ka bands – frequencies critical for advanced radar systems, satellite communications and next-generation wireless computer networks. “This is the most significant... [Continue Reading]
Top faith leaders urge PM to scrap new racial hatred offence
A broad of coalition of Australia's most influential religious leaders have urged the prime minister to scrap Labor's proposal to outlaw the promotion of racial hatred. [Continue Reading]
Live: White House says Iran halted 800 executions, warns all options remain on table
A White House spokesperson said Thursday that Iran had backed away from plans to execute 800 protesters following intervention threats from President Donald Trump, but warned that “all options” remain on the table for the United States. Follow our liveblog for all the latest developments. [Continue Reading]
What we know about the US and European military presence in Greenland
Here is what we know about the US military footprint in Greenland, and how the increase of troops from Denmark and its allies stacks up. [Continue Reading]
Japan, US vow ‘unshaken’ defence alliance despite Trump’s pivot from Asia
The defence chiefs of Japan and the United States on Thursday agreed that the bilateral alliance is “unshaken” and pledged to reinforce its deterrence capabilities amid concerns in Asia that Washington’s focus is shifting from the region. Following his meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon near Washington, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said he was reassured that the administration of President Donald Trump remains committed to peace and stability in the... [Continue Reading]
Behrouz Boochani says Iranian refugees are 'suffering' in Australia
The United Nations committee has determined Australia breached its international legal obligations by allegedly exposing an asylum seeker from Iran to torture in immigration detention. [Continue Reading]
Peak Jewish body considers further legal action against Islamic preacher
A video has been referred to the peak body’s lawyers to seek advice about possible contempt proceedings. [Continue Reading]
Teen survives 80m mountain fall thanks to GPS locator and headphones
Jake McCollum's bluetooth headphones allowed him to receive calls through his otherwise unusable phone during the arduous wait for emergency services. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong temperatures to fall to 12 degrees next week as winter monsoon arrives
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Get faster notifications on the latest updates by downloading our app. Temperatures in Hong Kong are expected to sharply dip to as low as 12 degrees Celsius (53.6 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday next week as a cold front moves through the city midweek. The Hong Kong Observatory said the fine and relatively warm weather on Friday, brought by a dry northeast monsoon,... [Continue Reading]
US seizes sixth tanker as Venezuela’s interim leader vows oil sector reform
US forces say another Venezuela-linked tanker seized as Trump moves to take control of nation's oil reserves. [Continue Reading]
Brazil’s Bolsonaro transferred to prison with ‘more favorable’ conditions
Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro was transferred to prison on Thursday to begin serving a 27-year sentence for orchestrating a failed coup, under conditions described by a court as “more favorable.” The 70-year-old was convicted over efforts to overturn his 2022 election loss to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. [Continue Reading]
Man charged in Pheobe Bishop case has matters mentioned in court
Lawyers for Kieren Mittelheuser have applied for a registry committal for charges of accessory after the fact to murder and perverting justice. [Continue Reading]
Death of man at ICE camp could be investigated as homicide after examiner’s report
Washington Post reports local medical examiner found ‘asphyxia’ to be cause of Geraldo Lunas Campos’s deathThe death of a man who was being held at a federal detention camp in Texas in early January may be investigated as a homicide after the local medical examiner reportedly found the preliminary cause was “asphyxia due to neck and chest compression”.Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban migrant who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in July last year, was pronounced dead on 3 January. He had been in ICE custody at Camp East Montana, a sprawling tent camp at the Fort... [Continue Reading]
Pentagon Will ‘Refocus’ Military Publication Stars and Stripes
The agency’s chief spokesman outlined plans to intervene in the previously independent newspaper’s coverage. [Continue Reading]
Philippines’ Cebu residents cry foul over mounting garbage, health risks
A deadly garbage avalanche in central Philippines last week, which killed 19 and led to more than 20 missing, has prompted outrage from civic and green groups over poor enforcement of environmental laws for contributing to the disaster. On January 8, a mountain of debris collapsed at a 15-hectare landfill in the village of Binaliw, Cebu City, where over 100 sanitation workers were on site. Officials say the tragedy may have been partly caused by recent earthquakes and heavy rains affecting soil... [Continue Reading]
Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties final preview – the third remaster
GameCentral gets a new hands-on session with the remake of Yakuza 3 and its conjoined spin-off, as Kiryu takes on a sewing machine. [Continue Reading]
Many Fiery Remarks, Little Clarity on What’s Next at Security Council Meeting on Iran
Iran’s representative denied the country had killed protesters, as the U.S. ambassador said President Trump had made clear “all options are on the table” to stop the killing. [Continue Reading]
Cuba counts cost of alliance after 32 troops killed in Venezuela
The recent events in Venezuela have exposed the strategic risks of Cuba’s foreign entanglements. [Continue Reading]
'A place to talk': How people are using sunrises and sunsets to connect
These young people are using sunrises and sunsets to create connection, build friendships and fight the war against loneliness. [Continue Reading]
Birrell knocked out of Adelaide International semifinal by Mboko
It was a tough ask from the outset for Kimberly Birrell, coming up against the teen sensation Victoria Mboko who has been in excellent form of late. [Continue Reading]
UN Security Council holds emergency meeting on deadly protests in Iran
Iran, the US and Iranian civil society spoke about the deadly protests which have been obscured by an internet blackout. [Continue Reading]
What we know about the unprecedented weather event on Great Ocean Road
Record-breaking rain fell on the popular holiday towns in the space of a mere few hours on Thursday, triggering flash flooding that swept away cars, caravans and tents. Here's what we know about the intense rain system. [Continue Reading]
Three teens arrested following violent home invasion in Melbourne's south-east
Victoria Police has arrested three teenagers aged between 13 and 16 after they allegedly broke into a home, wielding machetes. [Continue Reading]
Japan is turning to the seabed to reduce its reliance on China
Tokyo hopes the plan to mine as much as 16 million tonnes of rare earths will help reduce its reliance on China, but will it work? [Continue Reading]
Injuries force snowboard champ Brockhoff to quit weeks before Olympics
Former snowboard cross world champion Belle Brockhoff announces her retirement just weeks out from the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, due to a series of significant long-term injuries. [Continue Reading]
US ambassador to China David Perdue to visit Hong Kong at the end of January, sources say
America’s ambassador to China, David Perdue, will visit Hong Kong at the end of January to speak at a business conference, according to sources. Perdue will address the Goldman Sachs Global Macro Conference Asia-Pacific 2026 on January 27, several people familiar with the matter told the South China Morning Post. They said the envoy was expected to spend “several days” in the city. The US consulate in Hong Kong declined to comment on the matter. But an American diplomat in the city, speaking on... [Continue Reading]
Kyrsten Sinema sued by former bodyguard’s ex-wife over ‘alienation of affection’
Heather Ammel says ex-Arizona senator pursued romantic relationship with her husband that led to couple’s breakupKyrsten Sinema, a former US senator from Arizona, had a romantic relationship with a member of her security detail that led to the breakup of the man’s marriage, his ex-wife alleges in a lawsuit seeking at least $75,000 from Sinema.Matthew and Heather Ammel had “a good and loving marriage” with “genuine love and affection” before Sinema interfered, pursuing Matthew Ammel despite knowing he was married, Heather Ammel alleges in her lawsuit. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump’s ‘America first’ agenda driving countries closer to China: survey
United States President Donald Trump’s “America first” agenda is helping to make China great again and ushering in a “truly multipolar world”, according to a survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations. “A year on from Trump’s return, in countries across the globe, many people believe China is on the verge of becoming even more powerful,” the think tank said after surveying 25,949 people from 21 countries, including the US, China, Russia, Britain and Brazil. Most respondents thought... [Continue Reading]
Trump announces 'board of peace' formed for Gaza
US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a Gaza "board of peace," a key phase two element of a US-backed plan to end the war in the Palestinian territory. [Continue Reading]
Chris Mason: Is Farage's Reform really Conservatives 2.0?
Reform UK is showing 'momentum and magnetism', but faces a familiar critique of being dubbed the Conservatives 2.0, the BBC's political editor writes. [Continue Reading]
Live Updates: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Gives Trump Her Peace Prize
The opposition leader María Corina Machado gave the prize to President Trump at the White House. The Nobel Committee has said that the honor is not transferable. [Continue Reading]
'We have no knowledge of David': Fraudster registered as lobbyist for company
David Prince-Popovich registered as an official lobbyist in Tasmania despite being a convicted fraudster, against the register's rules. [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'Sacked Jenrick defects' and 'Traitories'
Former Conservative shadow minister Robert Jenrick joining Reform UK hours after he was sacked by Kemi Badenoch, is the main focus of Friday's papers. [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act to quell anti-ICE protests in Minnesota
The rarely used law allows the president to use active-duty military personnel for law enforcement. [Continue Reading]
Smoke warning after grassfire races towards homes in outer Melbourne
Dozens of firefighters worked to contain the fast-moving blaze, which burned through a paddock and a pile of tyres as it approached homes near Melton. [Continue Reading]
China’s slowing growth, bilateral tensions top American business concerns in 2026
Concerns about China’s slowing economic growth and “strained” Beijing-Washington relations rank as the top two concerns among members of the American Chamber of Commerce in China this year, according to a chamber survey released on Friday. The growth concern was raised by around two-thirds of the 368 respondents, making it the leading issue, the annual China Business Climate Survey found. Fifty-two per cent of respondents reported being profitable or very profitable last year, 6 percentage... [Continue Reading]
China's New Tech Strategy Signals Shift in Market Dynamics
China's financial regulators have raised margin requirements for leveraged stock trading, a move aimed at mitigating the risks associated with market volatility. Wang Jun from BOC International emphasized that investors should reduce their leverage to navigate potential sentiment swings. This regulatory tightening reflects a broader strategy to avoid boom-and-bust cycles in an economy increasingly focused on strengthening domestic technological capabilities. The tightening of margin trading regulations had an immediate effect on market performances. The Shanghai Composite Index recently experienced a decline of 0.3 percent, adding to a similar drop the day before. Sectors with higher exposure to leveraged trading, particularly... [Continue Reading]
Perth Glory Women's coach calls for more investment in Australia's 'forgotten' league
In recent years, the Glory's women's side has been Perth's saving grace, as the men's team suffered back-to-back wooden-spoon finishes. [Continue Reading]
Rise of Red Claw Aquaculture Amid Industry Challenges in Australia
Australia's red claw aquaculture sector is at a crossroads, with a significant decline in production in recent years despite increasing consumer demand. The Queensland freshwater crayfish industry reported a staggering decline of over 45 percent in production for the 2023-2024 period, raising concerns about sustainability and future growth. One farmer in Townsville, Nathan Cleasby, aims to turn the tide by establishing what could become the largest red claw farm in Australia. Cleasby, who purchased a 20-hectare farm in 2023, is prioritizing research and development before scaling up his operations. His work with James Cook University and the Commonwealth Scientific and... [Continue Reading]
Horrified Malaysian mother disowns daughter after mutilation threats by ‘vile’ loan sharks
The constant threat of genital mutilation of her daughter and son-in-law by loan sharks was so harrowing that a woman in Malaysia has resorted to disowning her own flesh and blood. “The loan sharks are vile. They threatened to sever the private parts of my daughter and her husband,” said the 60-year-old housewife who only wanted to be known as Heng. “A loan shark also sent me gory photos of people with severed genitals, claiming he had carried out the acts himself. It was so upsetting that I... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine Conflict and UK Hospital Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
As Russia continues its ongoing military engagement in Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their conversation was focused on the energy crisis faced by Ukraine, exacerbated by Russian assaults, which have inflicted considerable human suffering; they also discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. The war, now in its 1,422nd day, demonstrates the enduring complexities of geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, underscoring the broader implications for regional stability and international security. Amid concerns in Ukraine, domestic issues in the UK also demand urgent attention, particularly regarding the state of hospitals constructed... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens Insurrection Act as protests spread in Minnesota
US President Donald Trump threatened to activate the Insurrection Act to send military forces to Minnesota as protests escalated after federal agents shot and wounded a man and, days earlier, fatally shot a woman during immigration enforcement actions. Demonstrators condemned the use of force and broad federal immigration raids. [Continue Reading]
Ireland to pitch for housing investment at property event
Ireland is to take part in a major international property event in France in March in a bid to attract investment to support the supply of new homes here. [Continue Reading]
Plan for Gaza Peace Faces Complications Amid Political and Military Tensions
In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a "board of peace" aimed at overseeing a framework for governance in post-war Gaza. This development is part of a US-supported initiative that seeks to stabilize the Palestinian territory after ongoing hostilities. Trump stated that the board would manage a newly established technocratic committee, which is responsible for daily governance in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of empowering local leadership in pursuing peace. The announcement of the "board of peace" came via Trump's Truth Social platform, where he declared it a historic formation that would be headed by... [Continue Reading]