How the Middle East war spiked Australia's fuel prices
If you've topped up on fuel this week, you likely would have noticed prices at the bowser have jumped a fair bit. Here's a quick breakdown on why that happened. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong monitors fuel prices as Iran war sparks ‘premature and unfair’ hikes
Authorities are communicating with local oil companies to monitor how the war in the Middle East is affecting Hong Kong’s fuel market, amid a public backlash over what has been called premature price hikes. Responding to a South China Morning Post inquiry on Tuesday, the Environment and Ecology Bureau also said the government had been urging oil companies to provide more data on auto-fuel prices. “In light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the government has been in touch... [Continue Reading]
Contractor warned to ‘step up’ and finish Sydney’s maligned M6 motorway or face the consequences
Twin tunnels should be open but lead contractor wants out, blaming sinkholes and a ‘reverse fault’. The NSW government insists ‘there is a technical solution available’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo years after large sinkholes opened above the construction of a $3.1bn Sydney motorway tunnel, the consortium charged with the project’s completion has been issued a notice forcing it to continue the job or face possible legal consequences.The New South Wales roads minister, Jenny Aitchison, said contractor CGU had on Monday been issued a “notice of default”,... [Continue Reading]
Casualty figures across the Middle East as Iran war enters second week
Since the US and Israel unleashed strikes on Iran on February 28, war has spread across the region and casualties have been reported in countries across the Middle East. Due to reporting restrictions, Agence France-Presse has not been able to independently verify all of the following tolls. The figures are based on numbers released by governments, militaries, health authorities and rescue organisations in the affected countries. Iran Iran’s health ministry said on Monday that more than 1,200... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong Airlines raises fuel surcharges by up to 35.2% due to rising oil prices linked to Middle East conflicts
In a significant development amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Hong Kong Airlines has announced a substantial increase in its fuel surcharges by up to 35.2%. The airline, the first local carrier to implement such a rise, is responding to soaring oil prices, which have been linked to recent geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies. The new surcharges will take effect for tickets issued from March 12 onward, as confirmed by the airline on its official website. Travellers flying from Hong Kong to destinations in South Asia, including the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal, will experience the most considerable impact,... [Continue Reading]
North Korea denounces ‘muscle-flexing’ US-South Korean military exercises
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong said the annual 'Freedom Shield' exercises could lead to 'unimaginably terrible consequences'. [Continue Reading]
Was Iran really building a nuclear weapon? – podcast
Among the many justifications Donald Trump has presented for the US and Israel attacking Iran has been the supposedly imminent threat posed by its nuclear weapons programme. But how close was the country really to developing an atomic weapon? Ian Sample hears from Kelsey Davenport, the director of non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association. She sets out why many experts don’t believe the country even had a structured nuclear weapons programme, and explains what she thinks the impact of the war could be on nuclear proliferation around the world.Attacking Iran’s nuclear programme could drive it towards a bomb, experts... [Continue Reading]
Bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure to have major environmental fallout, experts warn
Monitors admit they are struggling to keep track of the environmental disasters arising from widening warIsrael’s bombing of Iran’s oil infrastructure will have major long-term environmental repercussions, experts have warned, as monitors admitted they were struggling to keep track of the environmental disasters arising from the widening war.Even as Iranians filled the streets to mark the appointment of a new supreme leader, the Shahran oil depot north-east of Tehran and the Shahr-e fuel depot to its south continued to burn on Monday, two days after they were bombed by Israeli warplanes. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
So Much for the Donroe Doctrine
President Trump’s efforts to force the Western Hemisphere into alignment will keep falling short. [Continue Reading]
Breaking: David Littleproud to hand over Nationals leadership
The Queenslander cried as he spoke to reporters, saying it had been a "pretty rough" time since the May election. [Continue Reading]
How petrol price panic is unfolding across Asia
From closing schools to daily limits, the surging cost of oil prompts countries across Asia to take action to ensure fuel supply and keep prices in check. [Continue Reading]
Linda Reynolds and Commonwealth sent to mediation in bid to end dispute
The Federal Court orders mediation between former WA senator Linda Reynolds and the Commonwealth in her legal claim over its conduct during a financial settlement with Brittany Higgins. [Continue Reading]
No regrets for Lomax as rugby 'novice' begins union journey
Rugby recruit Zac Lomax knows he has a long way to go to fulfil his dream of becoming a dual international and playing for the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong Airlines to raise fuel surcharges by up to 35% amid oil price surge
Hong Kong Airlines will raise its fuel surcharges by up to 35.2 per cent from Thursday amid soaring oil prices driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, becoming the first local carrier to do so. The airline announced on its website on Tuesday that fuel surcharges for tickets issued on or after March 12 would be increased. Travellers on flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal will face the sharpest increases, with charges rising 35.2 per cent from HK$284 (US$36)... [Continue Reading]
Kyle Sandilands apologises to former co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and says he wants program back on air
Kiis FM radio host accuses ARN of not running ‘genuine process’ before terminating Henderson’s contract and suspending him following pair’s on-air fightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastKyle Sandilands says he has apologised to his co-host, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, and is “devastated” that their partnership could be ending in his first public comments since their shock split.In a lengthy statement issued on Tuesday, the Kiis FM radio host said he had been told by the broadcaster’s parent company, the Australian Radio Network (ARN), that he was “not allowed... [Continue Reading]
Explosive drones have killed hundreds in Haiti, including civilians: report
Explosive drone strikes by Haitian security forces targeting gangs have killed over 1,200 people, including 43 adult civilians and 17 children, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Tuesday, adding that operations have ramped up in recent months. Since last March, Haitian security forces, with support from Vectus Global, have carried out anti-gang operations using quadcopter drones strapped with explosives, often in densely populated parts of the capital Port-au-Prince. Vectus Global is a... [Continue Reading]
Middle East war live: Trump threatens massive US strikes if Iran blocks oil in Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday they would not allow “one litre of oil” to leave the Middle East if US and Israeli attacks continue. President Donald Trump warned on Monday that the US would hit Iran much harder if Tehran stopped the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. [Continue Reading]
Mistaken for drunks, left to die: Thailand’s police have a deadly blind spot
Warissara* survived the crash. It was the next four hours that killed her. The 21-year-old had been riding home from her restaurant job on the night of February 20 last year, caught in heavy rain on a slick Bangkok road, when she came off her motorbike. Emergency responders who arrived at the scene found only a few visible scratches – and detected the smell of alcohol. She had no identification on her. The call was made: send her to the police station, not the hospital. She arrived at... [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Kyle Sandilands insists he is 'not in breach' of $100m radio contract
Kyle Sandilands has argued he is not in breach of his $100 million contract with ARN Media after being taken off air for "an act of serious misconduct" on his and Jackie "O" Henderson's hit radio show. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran war will be over 'very soon' but warned Tehran against further oil disruptions
Trump assured Republican lawmakers that the war in Iran could end “very soon” but declined to provide a specific timeline on when that might be. The US president says Washington is achieving “tremendous success” on the ground, but stressed that the war will only end after all war objectives are met. [Continue Reading]
Muslims traumatised after right-wing attack on community dinner
A Muslim community in Ballarat is left traumatised after a man barged into a community dinner allegedly throwing punches and yelling abuse. [Continue Reading]
Government seeks power to temporarily ban some people from Australia
Overseas visitors planning to travel from certain countries could be temporarily blocked from entering Australia in an attempt by the federal government to stop a wave of people overstaying their visas due to the war in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Middle East crisis live: Trump claims Iran war will be over ‘very soon’ but Tehran says it will determine when
US president says war is ‘very complete’ and threatens worse strikes if passage of oil via strait of Hormuz is blocked; IRGC says it will not let out ‘one litre of oil’Oil prices drop sharply after Trump moves to reassure marketsTrump says Iran war is ‘very complete, pretty much’ as economic toll risesSyria said earlier that Hezbollah had fired artillery shells into its territory from Lebanon overnight, state media reported on Tuesday.Syrian army officials said artillery shells fired from Lebanon landed near the town of Serghaya, west of Damascus, reported the state news agency Sana, cited by AFP. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
What does a boil water alert mean for Darwin?
A boil water alert has been issued for Darwin, in addition to Katherine, Beswick and Tindal. The alert comes after issues with the pump station at Darwin's main dam. Here's what you need to know about your water. [Continue Reading]
What does a boiled water alert mean for Darwin?
A boiled water alert has been issued for Darwin, in addition to Katherine, Beswick and Tindal. The alert comes after issues with the pump station at Darwin's main dam. Here's what you need to know about your water. [Continue Reading]
Bundaberg residents ordered to evacuate as Burnett River flooding threat rises to 7.5 metres due to heavy rainfall
Residents in Bundaberg, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, have been ordered to evacuate immediately due to a significant flooding threat from the Burnett River, which is forecasted to rise to 7.5 metres by midnight. This directive follows days of heavy rainfall linked to a tropical low, creating alarming conditions across northern Australia. Authorities are implementing emergency measures as local river levels continue to escalate, affecting the safety of communities in the region. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued urgent warnings regarding the rising water levels. As of now, many residents are facing evacuation as the situation intensifies. The... [Continue Reading]
US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters tenth day amid global market turmoil and fluctuating oil prices
The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, now entering its tenth day, is generating significant turmoil on global markets, with fluctuating oil prices and uncertain diplomatic signals from the US government. President Donald Trump, aiming to alleviate concerns among allies and the public, has provided a series of mixed messages regarding the operation's progress and objectives, creating a climate of confusion and anxiety. Following a day marked by a dramatic drop in US stock market indices and rising oil prices, Trump engaged with reporters in an effort to stabilize perceptions. He stated to the New York Post, "I have a plan... [Continue Reading]
U.S. Solar Installations Fell in 2025 as Trump Attacked Clean Energy
More solar energy was added to U.S. grids than any other technology, but the amount installed fell by 14 percent, according to a new report. [Continue Reading]
Pilbara artist's work taken on 5,000km road trip for Sydney show
From the Pilbara to Penrith, an Indigenous WA community has taken its prized cultural and artistic possessions across the country for the Biennale of Sydney. [Continue Reading]
Australia to send missiles to UAE, surveillance plane to help Gulf defence
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said missiles and reconnaissance plane will be sent to region. [Continue Reading]
Philippines budget deficit hits record US$26.5 billion as corruption probe bites
An investigation into allegedly corrupt flood-control projects worth billions of pesos is beginning to ripple through the Philippines’ public finances, slowing infrastructure spending and adding uncertainty to the government’s investment-driven growth strategy. The budget deficit widened 4.68 per cent to 1.58 trillion pesos (US$26.5 billion) in 2025, Treasury Bureau data showed, surpassing 2024’s record of 1.51 trillion pesos. Despite slowing disbursements amid tighter scrutiny of public works... [Continue Reading]
US$17 billion question: why China and South Africa are so far apart on trade data
Whenever South African officials meet their Chinese counterparts to talk trade, the issue of the imbalance in China’s favour is almost certainly raised. But a discrepancy in the data from the two sides makes it hard to assess the trade gap. The latest Chinese customs data suggests that South Africa actually holds a surplus – exporting more to the world’s second-largest economy than it receives in return. According to the numbers from Beijing, China recorded US$30.58 billion in imports from South... [Continue Reading]
Prosecutors launch search of Epstein's former New Mexico Zorro Ranch
New Mexico state investigators search a secluded ranch where financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein once entertained guests amid allegations that the property may have been used for sexual abuse and sex trafficking of young women. [Continue Reading]
Minns can't say when sinkhole-plagued M6 will open, legal action possible
NSW Premier Chris Minns says he does not know if the troubled M6 motorway will open while he is still in power. [Continue Reading]
Family of 14yo says Aidan Becker 'risked his life to save our son'
The family of a 14-year-old boy allegedly attacked in Mernda last week said Aidan Becker, who was fatally stabbed trying to protect the teenager, showed "extraordinary courage and compassion in risking his life to save our son". [Continue Reading]
E-payments to attract more riders, cut fare disputes: Hong Kong taxi industry
Mandatory e-payment in Hong Kong taxis could attract more residents and visitors to use the service, as about 90 per cent of drivers are ready to meet the requirement ahead of its implementation next month, an industry representative has said. Ryan Wong Cheuk-pong, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi Council, said on Tuesday that drivers could also benefit from e-payments by reducing disputes over fares and no longer worrying about a lack of change. “E-payments have become a trend and many residents... [Continue Reading]
Missile in Deadly Iranian School Strike Appears to Be U.S.-Made, Photos Taken by Iran Show
Iranian state media posted mangled remnants it claims were from the Feb. 28 attack in Minab. An analysis shows they have the markings of a missile made by American manufacturers [Continue Reading]
Who Is Balendra Shah, The Rapper Set to Be Nepal’s Next Prime Minister?
Balendra Shah’s party won a landslide in the election that followed Nepal’s Gen Z revolution. His style is pugnacious. [Continue Reading]
EU monitor: World logged fifth hottest February on record
The world logged its fifth hottest February on record, with western Europe drenched by extreme rainfall and widespread flooding, the European Union's climate monitor has said. [Continue Reading]
Queensland workplace safety regulator 'captured' by CFMEU, inquiry hears
Senior counsel assisting Patrick Wheelahan alleges Workplace Health and Safety Queensland became "improperly dominated" by the interests of the CFMEU. [Continue Reading]
Trump’s Gaza plan ‘on hold’ as Iran war halts disarmament talks
Talks to advance US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war have been on hold since last week when the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran, sparking a broader Middle East war, three sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations said. The pause threatens to stall implementation of Trump’s flagship Middle East peace initiative, which he has cast as a major foreign policy objective. It comes less than a month after he secured billions of dollars in pledges for Gaza from Gulf Arab... [Continue Reading]
Trump’s War in Iran, and Rising Gas Prices, Collide With Midterm Agenda
The attack on Iran has led to a surge in energy prices at a moment when the cost of living is a major issue heading into the fall elections. [Continue Reading]
Trump claims Iran planned to ‘take over Middle East’ before US attacked
US President Donald Trump cites “information and belief” for his claim that Iran would have taken over the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
What is a Wedgetail, the powerful aircraft Australia is sending to war?
One of Australia's most sophisticated military surveillance planes will be deployed to the Middle East, along with a crew of about 85 defence personnel to operate it. [Continue Reading]
China’s exports surge 21.8% in first 2 months of year
China’s export growth accelerated sharply in the first two months of this year, defying last year’s high base while experts pointed to the likelihood of strong momentum for the rest of the year. Exports jumped 21.8 per cent from a year earlier to US$656.58 billion in the combined figures for January and February released by customs authorities on Tuesday. This represented a significant acceleration from the 6.6 per cent growth recorded in December and the 5.5 per cent rise recorded for all of... [Continue Reading]
Darwin residents under boil water alert due to equipment failures amid flash flooding conditions
Darwin residents are currently facing a boil water alert issued by NT Health after the main drinking supply in the city experienced equipment failures amid flash flooding conditions. The alert compels residents to use cooled boiled water or bottled water for essential activities, including drinking, food preparation, and dental hygiene. This emergency follows significant issues with the pumping station at the Darwin River Dam. Following the stalling of pumps, the city is now urged to reduce water usage as authorities scramble to resolve the situation. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has reassured the public that there is no cause for panic,... [Continue Reading]
Bundaberg residents told to evacuate immediately as Queensland braces for major flooding
The BoM has forecast flooding of the Burnett River at Bundaberg could rise to 7.5 metres by midnightFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereResidents of the coastal Queensland city of Bundaberg have been told to evacuate immediately amid major flooding in the wake of a tropical low.It comes after days of heavy rain across northern Australia, with parts of the Northern Territory experiencing their worst flooding in decades, and Darwin residents asked to reduce water use after the Darwin River Dam – the city’s major... [Continue Reading]
Trump warns Iran of significant military escalation if it disrupts global oil supplies amid rising tensions in the region
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that military actions will escalate significantly if the nation disrupts global oil supplies. In a recent statement, Trump indicated that Iran would face a “much, much harder” response should it threaten energy stability, reflecting rising tensions in the region due to ongoing US and Israeli military operations targeting Iranian positions. This warning comes amidst reports of increased airstrikes by US and Israeli forces against Iran, an act that has escalated hostilities between the US-led coalition and the Iranian regime. The US has long been concerned about Iran’s influence... [Continue Reading]
Too wet for working dogs: Maremma puppies taken across flooded creek on tractor
A south-east Queensland farmer has given his drenched working dog puppies a break from relentless rain. [Continue Reading]
Government warned now-closed 'horse and cart' Convict Bridge unfit for modern traffic
The Blue Mountains community warned the NSW government the Great Western Highway's historic Convict Bridge could not withstand modern day traffic prior to its closure last week. [Continue Reading]
