'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]
Engaged Aussie tennis stars qualify for Open within an hour of each other
Maddison Inglis and Jason Kubler were able to celebrate their Australian Open qualifications together in a heartwarming moment. [Continue Reading]
Intensifying Protests in Iran Worry Global Leaders Amid Repression
Iran is witnessing severe unrest as protests erupted amid economic despair and calls for political change. These demonstrations have evolved into one of the largest anti-government movements in the country’s history, yet they have faced brutal repression from the regime. Starting in late December, protests have intensified significantly, culminating in days of violence and a near-total internet blackout, which many fear will have dire consequences. Footage from January 8 captured shocking scenes, as protesters of all ages gathered to voice their discontent. Iranians, led by families and individuals from diverse backgrounds, called for an end to the authoritarian rule of... [Continue Reading]
Campers told to reconsider travel as severe wet weather lashes NSW south coast
Campers have been evacuated from low-lying areas as damaging wet weather makes its way along the NSW south coast. [Continue Reading]
I didn't give up, I let go. How I came to terms with not having children
After a decade of trying for a baby, Caroline and her husband decided they needed to build a different future. [Continue Reading]
Could China’s Yaogan-47 satellite have a lens as wide as the Hubble Telescope?
One of China’s latest Earth observation satellites operating in low orbit could feature an optical aperture at a two-metre scale with “global leading” remote sensing capabilities, according to a China Science Daily report on Thursday last week. The report refers to the Yaogan-47 satellite, which was launched aboard a Long March 4B carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on December 9. For comparison, the Hubble Space Telescope and likely the US KH-11 spy satellite have main... [Continue Reading]
Japan ramen eatery bans ‘troublesome’ China customers, charges a lot more for English menu
A Japanese ramen restaurant has ignited controversy by slapping a ban on Chinese customers, accusing them of being troublemakers. Iekei restaurant in the Western city of Osaka announced on social media on January 4 that it had banned all Chinese people. It said a Chinese person had caused trouble in the restaurant, forcing it to call the police. The post said 90 per cent of the trouble it has with foreigners involves Chinese customers. The move triggered controversy and accusations of racism.... [Continue Reading]
Games Inbox: Is VR gaming officially dead now?
The Friday letters page asks how the changes at Lucasfilm will affect future Star Wars games, as one reader considers the difficulties of making a new Mortal Kombat game. [Continue Reading]
'We were in real danger': Australian who fled Iran recalls night crackdown arrived
On a visit to his hometown outside Tehran, this Iranian Australian joined the protests last Thursday night, then the regime's suppression methods turned from tear gas to live fire. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Gaza ‘board of peace’ formed, members to be named 'shortly'
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he had formed a Gaza “board of peace,” a phase two element of a US-backed plan to end the war in the Palestinian territory. Trump said members would be announced shortly and the body would oversee a Palestinian technocratic committee managing post-war Gaza. [Continue Reading]
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,422
These are the key developments from day 1,422 of Russia’s war on Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
What’s cooking? Hong Kong restaurants thinking outside the box in bid to survive
Scroll through Tam Jai International’s mobile apps and you will encounter a wave of perks, menu offerings and other choices laid out to tempt you to the Hong Kong restaurant group’s staple offering, noodles. The apps are among several strategies, along with filling all dining segments from breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner with new menu items, that the chain has introduced in the past few months to win back diners who continue to cross the border in droves for leisure and dining. Ronald Wong... [Continue Reading]
China pushes slow bull run with tightened margin financing rules to fight overheating
China’s move to raise margin requirements for leveraged stock trading signalled regulators’ push to steer clear of boom-and-bust cycles, while strengthening the stock market’s role in funding the country’s tech self-sufficiency efforts, according to analysts. “The signal from regulators was crystal-clear: guide the market towards a stable transition to a slow bull run,” said Wang Jun, a strategist at BOC International in Shanghai. “Investors should reduce their leverage levels to guard against... [Continue Reading]
Leonard D. Jacoby, 83, Dies; Brought Legal Services to the Masses
He and Steven Z. Meyers opened their first low-cost legal clinic in 1972. Within a decade, they had revolutionized the legal industry, and Jacoby & Meyers had become a widely known brand. [Continue Reading]
Actor Timothy Busfield charged with sexually abusing boys on set of TV series
The actor starred in the West Wing TV series and is also known for the baseball film Field of Dreams. [Continue Reading]
US announces 'major sporting event' exemptions from broad visa bans
The Trump administration reveals the sporting events that athletes, coaches and support staff can attend in the US despite recent visa bans. [Continue Reading]
Court Ruling Resumes Offshore Wind Project Amid Political Tensions
A federal judge has allowed construction to proceed on a significant offshore wind project off the coast of New York, a notable reversal following a Trump administration order that aimed to pause the development due to purported national security concerns. The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between green energy initiatives and political maneuvering regarding energy sources in the United States. District Judge Carl J Nichols, noted for being a Donald Trump appointee, ruled in favour of the Empire Wind project, stating that the government did not adequately justify the suspension of activities. Attorney General Stanley Woodward Jr emphasized that one of... [Continue Reading]
Recent Community Events Reveal Strength and Challenges in Local Areas
Ben Castlehow recently made headlines for an impressive athletic feat, running 24 parkruns in 24 hours at Albany's Mount Clarence course in Western Australia. His remarkable effort, which involved running approximately 120 kilometres, has raised over $12,500 for homelessness charity On My Feet. Castlehow’s challenge is a part of the global parkrun initiative that encourages community engagement through fitness. The Mount Clarence parkrun course is known for its hilly terrain, adding an extra layer of difficulty to Castlehow's already demanding goal. Before this weekend, he had previously completed a maximum distance of 85 kilometres, a significant achievement on its own.... [Continue Reading]
Days after fleeing fires, flash flood forces family to evacuate again
A family holidaying at Wye River on the Great Ocean Road has been lucky to escape flash flooding less than a week after catastrophic fires drove them from their central Victorian home. [Continue Reading]
Business Closures and Geopolitical Tensions Mark Current US Landscape
Recent data indicates a significant downturn in New York City's business sector, with approximately 8,400 closures recorded in the second quarter of 2025. This decline represents the largest net loss of businesses in the city since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city's Economic Development Corporation reported these troubling statistics, noting that nearly 5,000 establishments closed in the spring of the last year alone Despite a surge of over 3,500 new businesses opening during this period, the net decline signifies a troubling trend, as it largely wipes out the city's recovery gains achieved post-2022. Experts suggest that the softening of... [Continue Reading]
Hospitals with unsafe concrete expected to miss rebuild deadline
Seven hospitals with Raac that were prioritised last year are not expected to be completed on time - some not until 2032/33. [Continue Reading]
Rights groups hail acquittal after seven years of aid workers prosecuted during Greece refugee crisis
Lesbos court clears aid workers of people smuggling, a move Human Rights Watch called a vindication of their lifesaving activities at seaTwo dozen aid workers, who had faced up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of smuggling migrants into Greece, have been acquitted by a court on Lesbos.The verdict was met with cheers, tears and cries of jubilation as the presiding judge announced the words that would end a seven-year legal ordeal for the humanitarians. All 24 had engaged in rescue work on the Aegean island at the height of the refugee crisis. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Venezuela's Machado says she 'presented' her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has told reporters that she presented the medal for her Nobel Peace Prize to President Donald Trump at a private White House meeting on Thursday. [Continue Reading]
Political Shifts and Sporting Showdowns Ignite Global Discussions
This week has seen significant developments in UK politics, highlighted by the dramatic defection of Robert Jenrick from the Conservative Party to Reform. This change is unfolding amidst turbulent political dynamics, where Jenrick's move underscores the fractures within the UK right. With parallels drawn to the historical significance of political defection, Jenrick's actions raise deep questions about the future direction of UK conservatives. For months, whispers about his intentions circulated, as a senior Conservative indicated concern over his secret engagements with prominent Reform figures, including discussions with party leader Nigel Farage. Following Jenrick's unexpected sacking, Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader,... [Continue Reading]
US court ruling puts pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil back at risk of detention
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, suffered a legal setback on Thursday that could lead to his rearrest. Khalil, previously detained for three months over campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, has been targeted by the Trump administration, which accuses him of disseminating Hamas propaganda. [Continue Reading]
Ex-president Bolsonaro Moves to Comfortable Detention Unit Amid Explosive Finds in Canberra
A Brazilian court has ordered the transfer of former president Jair Bolsonaro to a detention facility with enhanced living conditions. The ruling comes as further developments unfold regarding safety concerns in Australia, where authorities are responding to multiple explosive devices discovered in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Judge marks a significant shift for the 70-year-old Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to jail last year for his involvement in a coup plot aimed at overturning the results of the 2022 Brazilian presidential election. The judge's decision includes moving the ex-leader from his current confinement at a federal police facility to a specialized... [Continue Reading]
Red claw farmer expands to meet restaurant demand as industry production falls
Red claw is becoming more popular in restaurants across Australia, but the industry faces challenges with boosting production as more farmers retire. [Continue Reading]
Israel moves Yellow Line deeper into Gaza, satellite images show
Israel placed and later moved control markers in three areas, with placed deeper inside Gaza than maps suggested. [Continue Reading]
Are relentless computer updates driving you crazy? You're not alone
Have you turned on your work computer after a holiday, only to find so many updates and security enhancements that you may as well take a break before you start? [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope January 16, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
The alignment of the Sun and Saturn affords you a particular wisdom today. strategic planning is on the cards. [Continue Reading]
The landscape beneath Antarctica's icy surface revealed in unprecedented detail
Scientists believe the map could shed light on how Antarctica's vast ice sheet will respond to climate change. [Continue Reading]
Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project set for boost as European rival stalls
Japan’s Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), its next-generation fighter project in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Italy, may be given a boost now that the development of a similar aircraft has been put on hold. Germany, France and Spain have indefinitely postponed the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), prompting suggestions that some or all participants may instead turn to the rival GCAP. On December 30, German defence media outlet Hartpunkt reported that the “faltering” project, long... [Continue Reading]
Brazil judge orders ‘immediate’ transfer of Bolsonaro to a better-equipped prison
A Brazilian judge on Thursday ordered the immediate transfer of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro to a prison with “more favourable” conditions. The 70-year-old former leader will move to a special detention unit with a kitchen, private outdoor area and a double bed at a prison complex in the capital Brasilia, according to a ruling seen by Agence France-Presse. Brazil’s Supreme Court convicted Bolsonaro last year of plotting a coup to cling to power following his narrow 2022 re-election... [Continue Reading]
Was Renee Good Obligated to Comply With an ICE Agent’s Orders?
The agent told Ms. Good to get out of her car before she was fatally shot. Legal experts said immigration agents may sometimes, but not always, have the authority to make such commands. [Continue Reading]
'We'd been on high alert' - How Jenrick's dramatic defection unfolded
The secret discussions, bombshell leak and sacking which led to Robert Jenrick defecting to the Reform party. [Continue Reading]
Four more pipe bombs found in north-west Canberra as investigation continues
ACT police say they have found four more pipe bombs in the Belconnen area, after 11 explosive devices were discovered close to Lake Ginninderra over the previous two days. [Continue Reading]
Humanities Endowment Awarding Millions to Western Civilization Programs
The National Endowment for the Humanities is giving more than $40 million to programs that have been embraced by conservatives as a counterweight to liberal-dominated academia. [Continue Reading]
Threats to Iran spike 'volatility' - UN official
A senior UN official warned that threats of military action against Iran, like those made by US President Donald Trump, increased "volatility" in the protest-torn country. [Continue Reading]