BBC considering ‘axing’ two more star Strictly pros in new series shakeup
It's murder on the dancefloor. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong police officer sentenced to 16 months for extortion in rape case investigation
A Hong Kong police officer, Ng Wai-fung, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for extortion stemming from his investigation into a rape case involving a 16-year-old girl. The District Court handed down the sentence on March 10, highlighting Ng's overreach in his attempt to seek justice for the victim. This case has brought to the forefront questions surrounding police conduct in sensitive investigations and the implications of a rogue officer acting outside legal boundaries. Throughout the investigation, Ng was reportedly discontent with the Department of Justice’s decision not to press charges against a 19-year-old suspect, who he believed... [Continue Reading]
'Multiple potential victims' of former PSNI officer
Multiple potential victims of a former police officer being investigated in Northern Ireland over alleged non-recent serious sexual offences have been identified, the Police Ombudsman has said. [Continue Reading]
As Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks, Hezbollah disarmament takes backseat
Ongoing fighting means issue of Hezbollah's disarmament likely to remain on hold, military experts and analysts say. [Continue Reading]
Simon Harris Attends EU Finance Ministers Meeting in Brussels to Discuss Economic Implications of Middle East Conflict
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is participating in a key meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, followed by significant engagements in Paris, aimed at strengthening Ireland's economic ties with France. These meetings are particularly relevant as they are expected to address the implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly concerning oil supply issues that were a focal point in recent discussions by the G7, which France currently leads. During the Brussels meeting, the ministers will deliberate on the economic fallout stemming from the Middle East crisis and its ramifications for the EU. This dialogue... [Continue Reading]
Iran Launches Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The conflict in the Middle East is escalating as Iran has initiated drone attacks targeting neighboring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, marking a significant intensification in hostilities. Early reports indicate that on Tuesday, Iran fired numerous drones, which the Saudi Defense Ministry claims were intercepted over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait's National Guard successfully downed some over various areas of the country. This offensive occurs as the conflict approaches its 11th day, following recent US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets that have heightened regional tensions further. On February 28, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions and... [Continue Reading]
Millions in England to pay higher water bills after suppliers appeal
Anglian, Southern, Wessex and South East allowed to raise charges more than originally allowed by watchdogBusiness live – latest updatesMillions of households in England will pay even higher water bills than previously expected, after the competition regulator gave its final verdict on industry spending plans for the coming years.Five water companies had appealed to the Competition and Markets Authority to let them raise bills higher than was initially allowed by Ofwat, the industry watchdog. On Tuesday, the CMA said it would let them raise annual bills by an extra 2.2% on average. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
‘Vicious cycle’: panic buying is biggest risk to Australia’s petrol supplies as demand surges, experts say
Government and motoring groups say there is no shortage of fuel supplies but stockpiling has left country service stations running dry, as Iran war sparks oil price fearsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastRegional service stations are struggling to replenish fuel supplies left empty by panic buying that has seen demand double and even triple in areas like the Barossa and Mildura amid an escalating Middle East conflict.As a leading motoring group warned of a “vicious cycle” of motorists stockpiling petrol, Chris Bowen, the energy minister, stood up... [Continue Reading]
Sudanese students say UK visa ban has dashed hopes of studying at top universities
More than 200 applicants fear they will lose places after home secretary suspends study visas from four countriesSudanese scientists who have been promised research posts at leading UK universities have spoken of their “shock” and “sadness” that their hopes have been dashed after Shabana Mahmood’s decision to end study visas for people from their country.More than 200 Sudanese postgraduates and undergraduates fear they will no longer be permitted to take up places at 46 universities, including Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London, with some claiming that their lives have been torn apart by the home secretary’s “blunt” intervention. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Financier Crispin Odey takes FCA to court over exclusion from City
Regulator fined the multimillionaire £1.8m and banned him from the financial services industry last yearCrispin Odey, the multimillionaire financier fighting various lawsuits relating to allegations of sexual misconduct, is to launch a case against the financial services regulator over his exile from the City.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) fined Odey £1.8m and banned him from the financial services industry last year. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Students call for clear system to report racist incidents
One in four minority ethnic school students who took part in a survey on racism said they experienced racism at least once a month, and most experienced it once a week or more. [Continue Reading]
French AI startup AMI raises $1B to develop 'universal intelligent systems'
French artificial intelligence startup AMI on Tuesday said it has raised $1 billion to develop AI systems designed to understand the physical world "in the way animals and humans do", unlike the language-based models behind chatbots such as ChatGPT. The company said it expected to produce "fairly universal intelligent systems" within five years. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong policeman gets 16 months for extorting HK$60,000 from rape case suspect
A Hong Kong police officer has been jailed for 16 months for extorting HK$60,000 (US$7,675) from a rape suspect he believed had been wrongly released by prosecutors. The District Court on Tuesday condemned constable Ng Wai-fung for taking the law into his own hands while investigating a rape complaint lodged by a 16-year-old girl between January and April 2024. Defence lawyers said Ng, who pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office last month, was frustrated by the Department of Justice’s... [Continue Reading]
FIFA say World Cup 'too big' to be postponed by Iran war
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the World Cup is "too big" and that the 2026 tournament will go on as planned despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Qantas hikes international air fares citing volatile oil prices from war in Middle East
Airline reports spike in ticket sales for flights to Europe in March, as passengers with carriers affected by flight chaos rebookGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastQantas has announced it is increasing the price of its international air fares amid oil price volatility caused by the war in the Middle East, while the airline also reported higher-than-normal ticket sales for flights to Europe.While the company hedges against change in jet fuel prices, it was not fully covered for the spike seen in the wake of surging oil prices, a spokesperson said on Tuesday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
HSBC phases out work-from-home flexibility for frontline staff in Hong Kong
HSBC Holdings is phasing out its remote-work flexibility as it tightens its post-pandemic policy in Hong Kong, requiring frontline employees to be in the office or meet clients five days a week. In an internal memo seen by the South China Morning Post, the city’s largest bank asked client-facing staff, including traders and salespeople, to follow the new rules from April 1. Managing directors and senior managers with direct reports must attend the office at least four days a week, while all... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian ambassador offers US expertise on drones
The Ukrainian ambassador to the United States has said that it is important for Ukraine to show that Kyiv can offer not just "concern or condolences" but immediate action following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine keen to share Iranian drone expertise with US
The Ukrainian ambassador to the United States has said that it is important for Ukraine to show that it can offer not just "concern or condolences", but immediate action following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. [Continue Reading]
Frozen out? The 'mixed' team event with one female player
Despite Para-ice hockey being a 'mixed' event at the Winter Paralympics, just one female player will compete at Milan-Cortina. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices: Drivers rush to fill tanks in China before fuel price hike
Drivers queued at petrol stations in Nanjing ahead of a nationwide fuel price increase set to take effect at midnight as global oil prices surged above $100 per barrel. [Continue Reading]
Iranian strike kills Bahraini woman after hitting residential building
A suspected Iranian attack on a high-rise residential building in Bahrain's capital of Manama has killed a woman. [Continue Reading]
'Fighter' Kartal stuns Keys in Indian Wells comeback
Britain's Sonay Kartal shows her "fighter" spirit to stun former Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the third round at Indian Wells. [Continue Reading]
Emmerdale favourite suddenly returns 6 weeks after disappearing in early ITVX release
He was last seen in January. [Continue Reading]
F1 Q&A: Can McLaren compete or will they just be best of the rest?
BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers your questions following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. [Continue Reading]
Cathay extends flight suspension to Dubai, Riyadh until March 31 amid war
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has further suspended all flights to and from Dubai until the end of March amid the war in the Middle East. The airline announced on Tuesday that all services between Hong Kong and the commercial hub in the United Arab Emirates would be cancelled up to March 31. Flights travelling between the city and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will also be suspended until the end of the month. The move extends an earlier suspension that had been set to run until March 14,... [Continue Reading]
‘Terrible consequences’: North Korea hits out over US-South Korea military exercises
The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un criticised the United States and South Korea for proceeding with their annual joint military exercises at a perilous moment for global security and warned that any challenge to the North’s safety would bring “terrible consequences”. Kim Yo-jong’s statement Tuesday came a day after the allies started their 11-day Freedom Shield exercise involving thousands of troops, while Washington also wages an escalating war in the Middle East. Without... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens Cuba again, says island nation may face ‘friendly takeover’
The US president repeats claims that Cuba is ready to negotiate as it faces a spiralling energy and economic crisis. [Continue Reading]
Oil falls as Trump predicts Middle East de-escalation
Oil prices fell today after hitting an over three-year high in the previous session as US President Donald Trump predicted the war in the Middle East could end soon, easing concerns about prolonged disruptions to global oil supplies. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran war will be over ‘very soon’ before threatening ‘fire and fury’
'Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them - But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!' [Continue Reading]
Researchers Conduct Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Experiment in Gulf of Maine to Combat Climate Change
In a controversial scientific experiment in the Gulf of Maine, researchers are investigating a new method to combat climate change. Over a four-day period in August, scientists pumped 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline chemical, into the waters, leaving a visible maroon slick that garnered significant attention. This experimental project is part of a broader strategy known as Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), which aims to increase the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide and address the severe challenges posed by global heating and ocean acidification. The operation was engineered to explore the feasibility of using sodium hydroxide, a... [Continue Reading]
Hobart stadium not expected to be ready for AFL Devils games until 2031
When the $1.13 billion stadium was approved last year, it was hoped the Tasmania Devils would begin playing AFL games there from 2029. The head of the corporation tasked with delivering the stadium says her expectations are set a little bit later. [Continue Reading]
Uefa fears impact of Premier League spending rules
Uefa is seriously concerned that the Premier League's new financial rules could further impact competitive balance. [Continue Reading]
Outback police officer wrangles freshwater croc in backyard
Fitzroy Crossing police officer-in-charge Mark Howes says no-one else was available to help remove a freshwater crocodile from a local backyard, "so I thought I'd have a crack". [Continue Reading]
Israeli military issues evacuation orders for residents in northern Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders to residents in northern Lebanon. This action comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and various militant groups. The evacuation orders are part of a broader strategy by Israel to protect its citizens amid fears of potential retaliatory strikes or clashes in the region. According to reports from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the areas targeted by the evacuation orders include specific regions close to the Lebanese border. Although exact figures for the number of residents affected have not... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon conflict with Hezbollah escalates, nearly 500 confirmed deaths reported as President Aoun proposes truce with Israel
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah has escalated drastically in Lebanon, leading to nearly 500 confirmed deaths in recent days. As fighting intensifies, President Joseph Aoun has proposed a direct truce with Israel, blaming Hezbollah for plunging the nation into chaos. The Lebanese authorities report that the death toll continues to rise by about 100 fatalities each day, reflecting the severe impact of the hostilities on the civilian population. As the war enters its second week, the humanitarian consequences have been devastating. According to a United Nations agency, approximately 700,000 people have fled their homes in... [Continue Reading]
CityU professor convicted of offering HK$1,000 bribe to avoid tenancy payout
A Hong Kong court has convicted a professor of offering a HK$1,000 (US$128) bribe to a property agent in an attempt to avoid paying HK$16,000 in compensation for breaching a tenancy agreement more than three years ago. Sha Tin Court on Tuesday rejected mainland Chinese scholar Du Du’s claim that he had only intended to reimburse the agent after backing out of a provisional tenancy agreement on the same day he signed it. In finding the 48-year-old guilty of offering an advantage to an agent, the... [Continue Reading]
Rapist nicknamed ‘the killer’ groomed underage girls with his brothers
He showed the girl a handgun he kept in his car, before taking her into a wooded area and raping her. [Continue Reading]
China summons Maersk, MSC on ‘shipping operations’ amid Panama saga, Iran war shock
China’s Ministry of Transport has summoned two maritime giants – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – for talks on “international shipping operations” amid legal disputes over the Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade. No further details were provided in the one-sentence statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. But in China, government summons often serve as a warning and, if ignored, could lead to further action. The move came as mounting... [Continue Reading]
Super Netball's Kiwi influx leaves sour taste for diehard Australian fans
Nine Kiwi players will feature in Super Netball for 2026, after the New Zealand governing body relaxed its national selection policy. But their influx has left a sour taste in the mouth of rusted-on Australian Diamonds fans. [Continue Reading]
Tehran fires barrage of drones at neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as Iran war enters Day 11
Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti authorities report intercepting barrages of drones early on Tuesday as the US-Israeli war in Iran enters Day 11. Late on Monday, Trump said he expects the war to end “very soon” but provided no timeline on when that might be. [Continue Reading]
Pain at the pump as petrol climbs 17 cents a litre in a week
New data has confirmed a significant rise in fuel costs, with the national average petrol price increasing 17 cents over the week to Sunday, to 198 cents a litre, as analysts warn there's more room for it to rise. [Continue Reading]
Two Queensland MPs could lose seats under proposed electoral changes
The first review into Queensland's electoral boundaries since 2017 has recommended for two electorates to be abolished, two more created, and almost 50 changed. [Continue Reading]
Paralympics: Jules Segers and Aurélie Richard win medals in alpine skiing
Jules Segers won the bronze medal in the Super-G, while Aurélie Richard took silver. France now has a total of five medals. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran war over 'very soon' after Hegseth warns 'just the beginning'
US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran could be over "very soon", but has still not offered a definitive end date for the conflict. [Continue Reading]
Tuesday briefing: Inside the increasingly heated debate about who can – and can’t – vote in the UK
In today’s newsletter: In the wake of this year’s Commonwealth Day, a look at the complex framework of voting rules in different parts of the UKGood morning. In the wake of the Green party’s victory in the Gorton and Denton byelection, Nigel Farage claimed his party would have won if the vote had been restricted to “British-born voters”. The Greens dismissed the suggestion as “dangerous, racist nonsense”.But the argument has thrown fresh attention on a little-understood feature of the UK’s electoral system: who is actually allowed to vote. As it stands, some non-UK citizens – including certain Commonwealth nationals –... [Continue Reading]
Public health patient demands apology after private health info given to media
Monica Wohlstadt is the second person in a matter of days to raise concerns about how the SA health minister's office used personal patient information to "background" journalists ahead of the publication of stories. [Continue Reading]
