Qantas Airways to pay A$105 million for travel voucher refund claims from Covid-19 pandemic class action lawsuit
Qantas Airways has announced an agreement to pay A$105 million (approximately £55 million or $74 million) for claims related to its handling of travel voucher refunds during the Covid-19 pandemic. This settlement stems from a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of affected passengers whose flights were canceled between 2020 and 2022. Instead of receiving cash refunds, these travelers were issued travel credits by the airline, leading to allegations of unlawful practices. The legal action highlights the frustration of numerous passengers who sought refunds after their travel plans were disrupted due to the pandemic. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued that... [Continue Reading]
Cuba to release 51 political prisoners amid increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States
Cuba has confirmed its intention to release 51 political prisoners as it faces increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States. This decision appears to be a strategic move to appease Washington amid ongoing tensions. The Trump administration has enforced stringent measures against the Cuban government, including an oil blockade aimed at destabilizing the island's economy. The prisoner release is viewed as a response to these pressures and an attempt at fostering some degree of rapprochement with the U.S. government. The announcement comes during a period of heightened scrutiny over human rights practices in Cuba. The U.S. State Department has been... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent
Hong Kong’s fresh graduates are facing increasingly challenging career prospects, with 69 per cent of job sectors recording their fewest vacancies in six years, a trend experts attribute to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and a sluggish economy. Figures from the Joint Institution Job Information System, a centralised online job information platform shared by the city’s eight publicly funded universities, also showed that the number of job vacancies fell to a five-year low of 30,798 last... [Continue Reading]
Outback pregnancy-to-parenting service calls for funding
An "incredible" organisation delivering pregnancy and postnatal support in Alice Springs is calling for funding from both Northern Territory and federal governments to keep their doors open. [Continue Reading]
Australia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile as Bowen insists country ‘nowhere near’ running out
Energy minister cuts fuel companies’ minimum stock obligations to free up diesel and petrol which will be directed to regional Australia Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralia will begin releasing its stockpile of fuel after the government directed fuel companies to release nearly a fifth of reserve petrol and diesel supplies.The energy minister, Chris Bowen, acknowledged fuel supplies could face further pressure but ruled out a cut to the fuel excise or rationing fuel purchasing. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
MPs 'deeply troubled' by BBC World Service funding uncertainty
The current funding agreement between the BBC and the government expires at the end of this month. [Continue Reading]
Areas most at risk of 'devastating' cattle disease incursion revealed
Researchers have mapped the northern gateways where the cattle disease, lumpy skin disease, could first enter Australia, identifying Cape York Peninsula and Port Hedland as the highest-risk locations. [Continue Reading]
Controversy at Women's Asian Cup after former coach leads 'Taiwan' chant
The Women's Asian Cup has been embroiled in another diplomatic controversy, with Taiwanese officials lodging a complaint after a former national coach was ejected from a stadium for leading a chant which included the word "Taiwan." [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Byron Bay Bluesfest cancelled at short notice
Thousands of music fans will be left scrambling to rearrange their Easter plans after Byron Bay's famous Bluesfest was called off at short notice. [Continue Reading]
Live: SA's political leaders face off in debate one week out from election
As South Australians get ready to vote in a week's time, in an election that will be closely watched across the nation, Premier Peter Malinauskas and Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn go head-to-head in a campaign debate. [Continue Reading]
US sanctions 2 firms, 6 individuals for funding North Korean weapons
The United States has imposed sanctions on two companies and six individuals for their roles in operations that used information technology workers in foreign countries to raise money for North Korea. The Treasury Department said the schemes, orchestrated by the North Korean government, had systematically defrauded US businesses and generated revenue to fund North Korea’s weapons programmes, including nearly US$800 million in 2024. The department also accused workers associated with North Korea... [Continue Reading]
Trump Removes Sanctions on Russia to Help Oil Flow Amid Iran Conflict
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was “unfortunate” that the move could benefit Russia, but maintained that it was only for the short term. [Continue Reading]
Games Inbox: Who will win out of PS6 vs. Project Helix?
The Friday letters page doesn’t think parents pay enough attention to age ratings for games, as one reader wishes John Carpenter hadn’t made Toxic Commando. [Continue Reading]
Andrea Constand Testifies in Support of Another Bill Cosby Accuser
Lawyers for a woman who has sued Mr. Cosby, accusing him of sexual assault, called Ms. Constand as a witness in the case, which is now being tried in California. [Continue Reading]
When homes are small and costly, dreams of having a family shrink
Across Asia’s densest cities, the milestones of adulthood are quietly shifting. Couples share kitchens with parents. Some wait years on public housing lists. Others secure a flat before thinking about a ring. In some cases, keys come before vows. Increasingly, love moves in step with property. Square footage, mortgage approvals and ballot results shape decisions that once felt spontaneous. At first glance, falling fertility rates might look like a purely economic or demographic... [Continue Reading]
US allows sale of Russian oil at sea as Middle East war sends energy prices soaring
The United States will temporarily allow the sale of Russian oil already at sea, the Treasury Department said on Thursday, as energy prices surged after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered war in the Middle East. The license permits cargoes loaded by March 12 to be delivered and sold until April 11. [Continue Reading]
Qantas COVID flight credits could be on their way to customers this year
Qantas agrees to settle a class action related to flight credits issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Continue Reading]
Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds
The case relates to cancelled flights during the pandemic, for which customers were given credits instead of cash. [Continue Reading]
The 37 seconds of India's celebration that highlight cricket's problem
India releases a video of its celebrations following the T20 World Cup, and it features an unhealthy amount of a man who should not be there. [Continue Reading]
FIFA, AFC accused of failing their human rights obligations with Iranian players
Pressure is growing on FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation to help the members of the Iranian women's football team returning home, and their families, and to learn lessons ahead of the men's World Cup. [Continue Reading]
Jason Day leads Australians at The Players Championship golf tournament
Jason Day is the leading Australian after the first round of The Players Championship in Florida, finishing his round at two under par. [Continue Reading]
Netflix announces KPop Demon Hunters' sequel
The sequel brings back the co-directors of the first film, which was a smash-hit for the streaming service [Continue Reading]
British holidaymakers stranded abroad due to flight cancellations amid US-Israel conflict and restricted airspace
British holidaymakers are facing significant challenges as many of them find themselves stranded abroad due to flight cancellations following the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Israel. This disruption has resulted in restricted airspace and grounded commercial flights across major hub airports in the region, leaving travelers struggling to secure accommodation and essentials in far-flung locations. The restrictions were enforced after missile strikes occurred across the Middle East. As a consequence, British nationals who were abroad at the onset of the conflict have reported incurring substantial bills for travel and lodging, which might not be covered by their... [Continue Reading]
Both sides dig in as war in Iran approaches two-week mark
The leaders of Iran, Israel and the United States all voiced defiance and vowed to fight on as the Middle East war approached the two-week mark, killing thousands of people, disrupting the lives of millions of others and shaking financial markets. [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu claims Israeli strikes killed Iranian nuclear scientists as part of a campaign for change in Iran's geopolitical landscape
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that military strikes conducted by Israel resulted in the deaths of several Iranian nuclear scientists. In his remarks, Netanyahu emphasized that these actions are part of a broader campaign, stating that a "new path of freedom" for Iran is on the horizon, implying a significant shift in the region's geopolitical dynamics. He addressed the Iranian populace directly, suggesting that their future is now contingent on domestic decisions and reforms. The announcement, made during a recent address, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, both of which have been... [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'Hidden hand of Putin' and 'This lying PM'
Putin accused of helping Iran and Tories say Starmer lied about Mandelson files - Friday's papers. [Continue Reading]
Cuba Pledges to Release 51 Prisoners Amid Pressure From Washington
The Trump administration has been trying to choke the Cuban government through an oil blockade. The prisoner release appears to be an effort to appease Washington. [Continue Reading]
Ernie Anastos, New York’s Everyman Newscaster, Dies at 82
A television journalist for four decades with 30 Emmy Awards, Mr. Anastos especially enjoyed delivering good news. [Continue Reading]
Monster Hunter Stories 3 review – the greatest Pokémon game never made
Capcom’s latest JRPG spin-off is by far the best in the Monster Hunter spin-off series, as you’re compelled to nurture monsters and not just hunt them. [Continue Reading]
US-Israel war on Iran: Indian homes stockpile electric stoves to beat gas crunch
Indian households are rushing to buy electric induction stoves, draining stocks online and in stores, amid fears of a potential cooking gas shortage tied to the Middle East conflict. India, the world’s second-largest importer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has invoked emergency powers to boost supplies for households even as availability tightens for commercial users including canteens, hostels and restaurants. Meanwhile, consumers are buying electric cooking appliances as a precaution,... [Continue Reading]
China ‘old baby’, 102, sleeps 15 hours daily, loves pig trotters, wine; has not been in hospital for 50 years
A 102-year-old woman from eastern China has won hearts online with her optimistic attitude and unique lifestyle. Jin Baoling, a centenarian from a rural area in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, is frequently visited by her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Known for her longevity and cheerful personality, fellow villagers affectionately call her “Old Baby.” According to the Taizhou Evening News, Jin is mentally sharp and physically healthy, having not visited a hospital in the past 50... [Continue Reading]
Australia releases seven days of petrol from emergency stockpile
Australia will make available about seven days' worth of petrol from its emergency stockpile and five days of diesel, the first use of its fuel reserves since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. [Continue Reading]
AI toys for young children need tighter rules, researchers warn
In first study of its kind, Cambridge researchers found AI toys could misread some children's emotions. [Continue Reading]
Pole vault legend breaks world record for a 15th time
Swedish pole vaulter Armand "Mondo" Duplantis breaks the world record for the 15th time. [Continue Reading]
Swire sells part of Cathay Pacific stake for HK$1.8 billion to boost working capital
Conglomerate Swire Pacific has sold part of its stake in Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.8 billion to raise working capital. In a rare move, the group revealed on Friday that it sold 153.05 million shares at HK$11.74 each the previous day. This marks a 9.6 per cent discount to the last traded price of HK$12.99 on Thursday. It marked the latest shareholder to reduce its stake in Cathay, following Air China’s sale in January for HK$1.32 billion. Doha-based carrier Qatar... [Continue Reading]
Pezet out to 'prove a point' after dicing Broncos in NRL upset
Parramatta playmaker Jonah Pezet destroyed the team he will play for next year , but in a sign of his appetite for excellence, he was far from satisfied. [Continue Reading]
Netanyahu says Israeli strikes killed Iranian nuclear scientists
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said several Iranian nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes. [Continue Reading]
French vote tests polarised electorate with right hoping to win control of Paris
The highest-profile contest is for the mayorship of Paris - which has been under left-wing control for 25 years. [Continue Reading]
'I missed my chemo and have a £12,000 hotel bill': British holidaymakers stranded by Iran war
Flights are restricted due to the conflict leaving people stuck running up bills for rooms and food. [Continue Reading]
Petrol prices are rising. This map shows why
Drones and missiles have landed on key refineries and depots, destroying millions of barrels of oil production. ABC NEWS Verify maps key locations destroyed or targeted during the war. [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Father jailed for neglect of 7yo son
A father who "prolonged his child's suffering" by failing to get him medical attention for 16 hours before his death, has been sentenced to 19 months in prison. [Continue Reading]
Michigan synagogue ramming an ‘act of targeted violence’: FBI
The FBI says it is treating a vehicle ramming at a Michigan synagogue as an attack on the Jewish community. [Continue Reading]
PwC says young recruits are 'hungry' for careers and plans to hire more graduates
Last year the consultancy cut its graduate intake, but UK boss Marco Amitrano says it is still worth getting a degree. [Continue Reading]
Lost Doctor Who episodes found in 'eclectic' collection
The Doctor's assistant Peter Purves was invited to a screening of the episodes in Leicester. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine's Defense Ministry to Use Battlefield Drone Footage to Improve A.I. Targeting Capabilities
Ukraine's Defense Ministry has announced plans to utilize drone footage from the battlefield to enhance artificial intelligence (A.I.) targeting capabilities. This decision reflects Ukraine's determination to advance its technology in response to the ongoing military conflict with Russia. While the initiative may raise ethical questions related to the use of warfare imagery for training purposes, the ministry emphasized the necessity of such measures to maintain competitiveness, particularly in the context of emerging A.I. applications in warfare. The announcement comes amidst a backdrop of escalating military actions between Ukraine and Russia, characterized by an increasing reliance on drone warfare. The use... [Continue Reading]
Meta Delays Rollout of New A.I. Model After Performance Concerns
The tech giant pushed back the timeline after spending billions to be on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence. [Continue Reading]
Mission accomplished? The 2003 boast that haunts today's Iran conflict
The echoes between the conflicts are certainly there but there are also profound differences. [Continue Reading]
Americans on Iran strikes: 'What if this turns into a forever war?'
Six US voters tell the BBC how they feel about the major US military intervention in Iran. [Continue Reading]
Winners, Sinners and record breakers: 17 fun facts about this year's Oscars
Sinners, Marty Supreme, Hamnet and One Battle After Another are among the films in contention this year. [Continue Reading]
