Is Iran’s vital oil hub Kharg Island in America’s crosshairs?
Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf, handles almost all of Iran’s crude exports and any attempt to seize it would mark a major escalation in the conflict, analysts have said. The US and Israel have so far treaded carefully around the island, but an Axios report over the weekend cited Trump administration officials saying capturing Kharg was on the table as the war in the Middle East persists. The island, located around 30km (19 miles) off the Iranian mainland, handles... [Continue Reading]
Trump’s pick for state department role withdraws after backlash over past ‘anti-Israel’ and race remarks
Failure to appoint Jeremy Carl is a rare setback for Trump, with Republican-controlled Senate mostly approving his appointmentsDonald Trump’s nominee for a top diplomatic post has been withdrawn from consideration after a growing backlash over his past remarks on race and Jewish people left him without crucial Republican support.Jeremy Carl, who had been tapped to serve as the assistant secretary of state for international organisations – a role overseeing US policy towards bodies such as the UN – announced on Tuesday that he was stepping aside after failing to secure unanimous backing from Republicans on the Senate foreign relations committee.... [Continue Reading]
US military destroys 16 Iranian mine-laying boats in Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions over oil security
The United States military has intensified its response in the Strait of Hormuz, attacking and destroying 16 Iranian mine-laying boats amid escalating tensions in the region related to oil security. This action follows intelligence reports indicating that Iran has commenced laying mines in the strait, a vital waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated it will not permit any oil to leave the region if attacks by the US and Israel persist. In reports from intelligence sources, CNN disclosed that Iran has managed to lay a few dozen mines... [Continue Reading]
NSW government apologises for leaving foster children in home with triple killer
Convicted murderer Regina Arthurell was removed from a home with two children on Monday despite a December report warning of the situationFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales government has apologised after admitting it left two foster children in a home with a convicted triple killer until this week, despite a report warning them of the situation in December.The NSW minister for families and communities, Kate Washington, told 2GB radio on Wednesday morning that Regina Arthurell had been removed from a home where she had... [Continue Reading]
Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamanei sustains leg injuries amid ongoing Middle East conflict
In a significant development in the ongoing Middle East conflict, officials have disclosed that Mojtaba Khamanei, the recently appointed Iranian leader, sustained injuries to his legs. These injuries occurred early in the escalated hostilities that have been taking place in the region. The specific circumstances surrounding the incident remain vague, and further details concerning the severity of his injuries have not yet been made public. Since taking office three days ago, Khamanei has maintained a low profile, raising questions about his condition and the potential implications for Iran's leadership during this turbulent period. The ongoing conflict, particularly between Iran and... [Continue Reading]
Cologne Cathedral’s plans to charge for tickets spark outcry
Limiting access to German church to well-off visitors would be ‘socially unjust’, critics sayPlans at Cologne Cathedral to start charging visitor fees have sparked an outcry, with critics warning against limiting access to the majestic gothic building to the well-off.Officials said this month that the cathedral, the tallest twin-spired church in the world and a tourist magnet in Germany’s fourth largest city, could only be maintained with a new revenue stream. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Leave the Kurds Out of It
The United States and Israel have considered using Iranian Kurds as a ground force. [Continue Reading]
‘Must-see’ film about shocking real-life court battle now streaming for free
It's only available for a few weeks though! [Continue Reading]
Louis Theroux’s manosphere documentary is his most chilling yet
Even Louis Theroux can't rattle these antifeminist influencers, who will leave your blood boiling. [Continue Reading]
Cathay posts 9.5% rise in profit to HK$10.82 billion but warns of geopolitical risks
Cathay Pacific Airways’ net profit climbed 9.5 per cent to HK$10.82 billion (US$1.39 billion) in 2025, driven by increased capacity and robust cargo demand, as the Hong Kong flag carrier’s chief warned of disruptions from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Cathay Group chairman Patrick Healy said on Wednesday that the results marked the airline’s third consecutive year of growth. But he cautioned that global geopolitical tensions were unsettling businesses and pushing up fuel prices. Hong... [Continue Reading]
Election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene leads to run-off
The Republican candidate backed by US President Donald Trump will advance to a run-off against a Democrat in the Georgia race to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in the US House of Representatives, after a special election on Tuesday seen as a test of Trump’s sway over his party. Trump’s preferred candidate, former district attorney for four northwest Georgia counties Clay Fuller, will face Shawn Harris, a moderate Democrat who has sought to court disillusioned Trump voters, in the April 7... [Continue Reading]
Man missing for months likely murdered in home, police say
Police believe a man who has been missing for more than four months in North Queensland was murdered in his home, and that his body was moved. [Continue Reading]
Iran’s stranded sailors wait out the war in Sri Lanka amid US pressure
Just as Sri Lanka thought it had bought some time with a one-month visa for the Iranian sailors it rescued, another of Iran’s warships appeared offshore, deepening Colombo’s struggle to stay out of a war that keeps washing up on its doorstep. The vessel was detected nine nautical miles (17km) off the coast on Tuesday, a week after a US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena and damaged the IRIS Bushehr off the southern port of Galle on March 4. Sri Lanka now hosts hundreds of Iranian naval... [Continue Reading]
Family of PALM worker killed in suspected hit and run desperate for answers
Almost a year after Solomon Islander Argen Kuni was found dead on the side of the road in Griffith, New South Wales, his family is still searching for answers. [Continue Reading]
Politician's major voting call after split with former Crow
A South Australian politician is urging voters to not back her own party in the upper house after a dramatic breakdown with star candidate and former Adelaide Crows captain Chris McDermott. [Continue Reading]
US attacks Iran’s mine-laying boats in strait of Hormuz as tensions rise over oil
Intelligence sources claim Iran has begun mine laying as US energy secretary backtracks on claim US escorted a ship through strategic chokepointMiddle East crisis live – latest updates The US military said it attacked and destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait of Hormuz amid reports that Iran has begun laying explosive devices in the strategically vital waterway.Citing intelligence sources, CNN on Tuesday reported that Iran has laid a few dozen mines in the strait in recent days and has the capability to sow hundreds more. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Some countries exempt from big visa price hike
Tiered pricing for visas is being used to support Pacific nations but some fear it could be misused to target certain communities. [Continue Reading]
China’s size, strength insulates its energy security amid geopolitical shocks: lawmaker
Despite its heavy reliance on oil and gas imports, China’s “national strength” insulates its energy security from short-term geopolitical shocks, a prominent petroleum geologist said. Jin Zhijun, dean of the Institute of Energy at Peking University, said that China – as a large country – could ensure its energy security amid a volatile international energy trading landscape, with multiple contingency plans in place. They included tapping more domestic resources by increasing oil and gas... [Continue Reading]
Inside the Australian hotel where Iranian footballers escaped to claim asylum
Activists played a key role in making contact with the women as they tried to dodge their minders. [Continue Reading]
Katie Perry v Katy Perry: Sydney fashion designer wins 16-year trademark dispute with US pop star
Australia’s high court finds singer’s label and merchandise distributor had been ‘assiduous infringers’ of trademarkFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Sydney fashion designer behind the Katie Perry label has won her epic trademark dispute with US pop star Katy Perry, after a legal battle lasting almost 17 years.In a majority decision on Wednesday, Australia’s high court found the designer’s label did not breach trademark laws and was not likely to cause confusion, regardless of the singer’s reputation when it was registered. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Global development our 'first line of defence’: Marcos Neto warns 'multilateral system under strain'
François Picard is very pleased to welcome Marcos Athias Neto, UN Assistant Secretary-General & UNDP Assistant Administrator. In the view of Mr. Neto, the world today is experiencing a profound crisis of development. Global development should not be understood as a secondary or charitable concern, he explains, but as the foundation of global stability itself. In an era defined by geopolitical tensions, climate disruption, and economic uncertainty, development is no longer simply a "soft power", it has become the "first line of defense" against instability. [Continue Reading]
Beirut building ablaze after apparent Israeli strike
A residential building in Beirut was seen with flames erupting from a hole in its side after an apparent Israeli strike. [Continue Reading]
New Iranian Leader Was Wounded Early in the War, Iranian and Israeli Officials Say
Officials say Mojtaba Khamanei’s legs were hurt, but the circumstances as well as the extent of his injuries were unclear. He has remained out of view since being announced as leader three days ago. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong Customs intensifies crackdown on illegal petrol smuggling amid rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions
Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department has escalated its efforts to combat illegal petrol smuggling amid surging fuel prices attributed to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat announced the recent interception of multiple cross-border trucks suspected of illegally importing petrol into the city. This crackdown reflects increasing concerns about fuel supply and the economic ramifications of escalating geopolitical tensions. In a statement, Commissioner Chan indicated that the customs officers have uncovered several vehicles that had been modified to enlarge their fuel tank capacity. This adjustment enables them to transport more petrol,... [Continue Reading]
Government approves Met request to ban Al Quds Day march
The government grants a request from the Metropolitan Police to ban a march due to take place in London on Sunday. [Continue Reading]
Katy Perry loses trademark case against Australian designer Katie Perry
The US singer lost the case in 2023 and later won on appeal, but now judges have ruled against her. [Continue Reading]
Thailand Implements Work-from-Home Policy for Civil Servants Amid Energy Crisis Linked to Middle East Conflict
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Thailand faces mounting energy challenges that threaten its economic recovery efforts under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Following the start of hostilities centred on Iran, Thai civil servants have been instructed to limit their office attendance to conserve dwindling energy supplies as panic buying of diesel ensues among the public. The Prime Minister's office has confirmed this decision, urging government workers to work from home to mitigate the strain on the country's energy resources. The Thai Energy Ministry stated earlier that there were currently no fuel shortages in the country; however, reports indicate... [Continue Reading]
Bus company linked to fatal wedding crash admits to heavy vehicle breaches
The bus company linked to the deadly 2023 Hunter Valley wedding bus crash and a director plead guilty to heavy-vehicle law safety breaches. [Continue Reading]
Severe flooding in Northern Territory causes extensive damage to farms and rural communities, particularly around Katherine
Severe flooding across the Northern Territory is wreaking havoc on rural communities, particularly around Katherine, where farms have suffered catastrophic damage. Boat rescues have become commonplace as residents use them to access rural properties that remain isolated. The emotional toll is high, with reports of multiple horses lost and extensive damage to fodder crops in the Douglas Daly region, which are critical for the local cattle industry. As the flooding situation unfolds, it is clear that farmers are facing overwhelming challenges. Residents have expressed feelings of neglect regarding the emergency response to what they term "devastating" floods across the Top... [Continue Reading]
Qatar Minister of State says ‘regional countries are not an enemy of Iran’
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi also says Qatar and Oman cannot act as mediators while under attack. [Continue Reading]
Adelaide CBD attacker avoids jail for 'cowardly act'
An Adelaide man will serve a home detention sentence for an attack in the city's nightlife precinct that left his "off-guard" victim learning how to walk and eat independently again. [Continue Reading]
Without fuel, these rural businesses say there will be no food
Growing fuel uncertainty is hitting rural and fisheries businesses across regional Queensland, potentially costing them thousands in lost production and higher operating costs. [Continue Reading]
North Korea expresses support for Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid regional tensions following Ayatollah Khamenei's death
North Korea has officially expressed its support for Iran's newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following a violent escalation of conflict involving the United States and Israel. State media reports from North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) have relayed statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirming Pyongyang's recognition of Iran's right to choose its leader. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel on 28 February. In the wake of this conflict, the North... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine Can Now Manufacture ‘China-Free’ Drones
The country has prioritized self-sufficiency in producing a crucial battlefield weapon, though weaning itself fully off cheaper Chinese components is difficult. [Continue Reading]
The best and worst sleeping positions for your posture, according to an expert
How do you sleep at night? [Continue Reading]
From hope to death oompah, six shows we loved at Perth Festival
Operatic punk, a Korean snack stand on stage, and a return to the golden age of dance halls were some of the highlights of the festival in 2026. [Continue Reading]
What if Iran really did buy export variant of China’s YJ-12 supersonic missile?
Just days ahead of the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran, a news report suggested that Beijing was close to selling supersonic cruise missiles to Tehran – a move that could significantly boost the Islamic Republic’s capacity to counter US aircraft carriers. Before the world could work out whether game-changing Chinese missiles really would feature in an Iranian conflict against US forces, Beijing firmly denied the report, published by Reuters on February 24. Citing six sources, Reuters reported... [Continue Reading]
Adebayo's 83 points put him above Kobe in second place on all-time NBA charts
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat scores 83 points in a game against the Washington Wizards, placing him above Kobe Bryant in the NBA's all-time single-game scoring charts. [Continue Reading]
Minister 'horrified' foster children were living with triple killer
NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington says the mistake is the worst she has ever seen during her time in the portfolio. [Continue Reading]
Man pleads not guilty to murdering mother at Gunnedah caravan park
Callan Davidson, charged with domestic violence-related murder after the body of his mother Cheryl Davidson was found at a caravan park, has pleaded not guilty before local court today. [Continue Reading]
'We've lost everything': Sudden flooding at Darwin River shocks residents
People have had to be rescued from croc-inhabited waters and some have lost everything following flooding in Darwin River. [Continue Reading]
Youth advocate who hogtied teens in 'jovial' practice pleads guilty
The court heard Cody Schaeffer, who founded Borderline Australia, paid each boy to be "hogtied" and "have their feet slapped with coat hangers". [Continue Reading]
Bam Adebayo scores 83 points, passes Kobe Bryant for second-most in NBA
Miami Heat player's historic night is second behind the famous Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points back in 1962. [Continue Reading]
Bets on Iran strikes paid millions but should gambling on war be allowed?
Gambling experts and US lawmakers have raised concerns about the ethics of online betting and whether insider information is being used to profit from war. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices swing wildly amid mixed messages over Iran war
Crude oil prices fall sharply as energy markets remain on tenterhooks over effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong customs seizes more fuel-smuggling trucks as Iran war lifts prices
Hong Kong customs officers have intercepted more cross-border trucks suspected of smuggling petrol into the city as fuel prices surge amid the war in the Middle East. Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat said on Wednesday that some of the vehicles had even enlarged their fuel tanks to carry more petrol for supplying illegal petrol stations. “In the past few weeks, we have uncovered many such cases involving cars that had enlarged their fuel tank capacity and made other modifications,”... [Continue Reading]
Joy prevails at WOMADelaide 2026
At Adelaide's global music weekender, tens of thousands transform everyday anxieties into a shared burst of joy. [Continue Reading]
Orange sees red over ag minister's claim that DPI has no HQ
The NSW agriculture minister says her department has no head office, despite one being opened with much fanfare in Orange six years ago. [Continue Reading]
Can the Lebanese government deal with the displacement crisis?
The UN estimates around 700,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced from their homes by Israeli bombardment. [Continue Reading]
Cattle, horses and crops washed away by NT floods
NT farmers counting the cost of livestock deaths and crop damage say they feel overlooked by the emergency flood response. [Continue Reading]
