Vast release of emergency crude reserves fails to quell mounting fears around energy supply crunch, rattling global marketsOil prices again topped $100 per barrel on Thursday as widespread Iranian attacks on Middle Eastern energy facilities overshadowed a vast release of government reserves.As Donald Trump vowed to “finish the job” and press ahead with the US-Israel war on Iran, the country’s regime stepped up retaliatory strikes on economic targets across the region. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Australian sports presenter Mel McLaughlin says she has had treatment for lung cancer, after being absent from TV screens since January. [Continue Reading]
Two foreign tankers were seen ablaze in Iraqi territorial waters after a strike near the al-Faw port. [Continue Reading]
More than 100 pages of documents were published which covered the process of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US envoy. [Continue Reading]
Reigning world high-jump champion Nicola Olyslagers will headline a star-studded Australian athletics team at the world indoor championships. [Continue Reading]
Grifols, a Spanish health care company, operates clinics in Canada that collect blood plasma from donors in exchange for an honorarium. [Continue Reading]
The Town of Mount Pleasant has settled a lawsuit under New York’s new Voting Rights Act, agreeing to change how its town board is elected. [Continue Reading]
The United Nations Security Council has overwhelmingly condemned recent attacks by Iran targeting Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Jordan. Resolution 2817 passed with 13 votes in favor, while China and Russia abstained, signaling widespread international repudiation of Iran’s use of force. The resolution was tabled by Bahrain on behalf of GCC countries and Jordan, reflecting a concerted diplomatic push at the UN. Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, praised the resolution as a reflection of global consensus rejecting Iran’s unprovoked aggression. The move followed intense lobbying efforts by Gulf states amidst escalating regional... [Continue Reading]
Emergency services were called to the scene at Bertha Street and Brisbane Road in the Ipswich suburb Goodna about 9pm last night. [Continue Reading]
Senegal’s parliament on Wednesday passed a law doubling the maximum prison term for same-sex relations to 10 years, intensifying a crackdown on the LGBTQ community. The bill, which also criminalizes promoting or financing such relationships, now awaits President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s signature amid reports of dozens of arrests since February. [Continue Reading]
Julian Alcala, a former police officer from Missouri, has been sentenced to two years in prison following a case involving the unlawful seizure of nude images from victims' smartphones during traffic stops. This sentencing marks a crucial step in addressing misconduct within law enforcement that exploits individuals in vulnerable situations. The case against Alcala has garnered significant attention, as authorities have identified at least 20 victims whose privacy was violated by his actions. Following the sentence, Alcala is expected to face civil lawsuits from these victims in addition to the criminal charges that led to his incarceration. This ongoing scandal... [Continue Reading]
The UN Security Council on Wednesday called for Iran to halt its attacks on Gulf states, in a resolution that did not mention US or Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran’s ambassador to decry a “blatant misuse” of the international body. The resolution, passed by 13 votes with two abstentions, “demands the immediate cessation of all attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan”. It also “condemns any actions... [Continue Reading]
BBC correspondents give us their biggest takeaways from China's National People's Congress. [Continue Reading]
The Prince George RCMP has named 26-year-old James Andrew Wessel as wanted in connection with an outstanding warrant. Law enforcement officials have described Wessel as dangerous, cautioning the public to avoid any attempts to approach him. The RCMP is actively seeking information regarding his whereabouts to prevent any potential threat to the community. Residents of Prince George and the wider British Columbia area are directly affected as the police prioritize locating and apprehending Wessel to maintain public safety. The RCMP has provided contact numbers for reporting sightings or information, highlighting both local police and Crime Stoppers as reporting options. This... [Continue Reading]
Two international tourists travelling to flood-ravaged North Burnett region from Brisbane thought to be first flood-related deathsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo bodies have been discovered in the search for backpackers missing in Queensland flood waters, marking the first flood-related fatalities in the region.Police on Thursday said they believed the bodies were of two international tourists who had been travelling to Queensland’s flood-ravaged North Burnett region from Brisbane but failed to arrive at their destination. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
King penguins on islands in the Southern Ocean are breeding earlier and with a higher level of success than they did 24 years ago, a new study shows. [Continue Reading]
The Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has launched its 'Keep Your Balance Of Good Deeds Alive Ramadan Campaign 1447 AH,' providing food and support to vulnerable communities during Ramadan. Volunteers have distributed 350 snack meals daily at Doha’s Katara Cultural Village, targeting visitors and drivers during the Maghreb iftar period. This effort marks the third consecutive year of the initiative with the help of Lulu Hypermarket. In addition to meal distributions, QRCS extended its aid by delivering 21 tons of dates to expatriate workers and others in need across multiple locations. These efforts aim to promote social cohesion and solidarity... [Continue Reading]
Several major international businesses closed or evacuated offices in Gulf countries after Iran threatened US- and Israel-linked economic targets and centres in the Middle East. US finance group Citi and British consultancy Deloitte evacuated offices in Dubai's financial centre, while PwC, another British consultancy, closed offices in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait. HSBC has closed all branches in Qatar until further notice. [Continue Reading]
A steady hand from skipper Kurtis Patterson, after early damage by Sean Abbott and Ben Dwarshuis, has helped NSW to a One Day Cup title with a rain-hit four-wicket win over Tasmania. [Continue Reading]
For four years, Sasha-Jay’s photos have been stolen from social media to impersonate her online. [Continue Reading]
Paris St Germain beat Chelsea 5-2 in a thrilling Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday, helped by a costly error from goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and two late goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The sides had been level at 2-2 after Chelsea twice came from behind at the Parc des Princes. [Continue Reading]
The State of Qatar officially welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2817, condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting multiple countries across the Middle East. The resolution calls for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected nations and explicitly rejects attacks on civilian populations and essential infrastructure. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that these Iranian actions threaten to destabilize the entire region by escalating conflicts and undermining peace efforts. The Ministry warned that continued aggression could exacerbate security risks, urging Tehran to immediately halt such attacks. This condemnation reflects broad international concerns over Iran’s... [Continue Reading]
An organisation representing South Australian Muslims criticises the Liberal Party and One Nation for what it says is a rush to attack Islam "more harshly in order to gain political support" ahead of the state election. [Continue Reading]
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on health care systems. According to WHO, more than 43 health care facilities have been attacked, leading to the deaths of over 24 health workers and injuring more than 29. The violence has caused hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries, further straining already fragile health infrastructure. The conflict has displaced over 700,000 people internally, many of whom are now living in overcrowded shelters that lack adequate sanitation and clean water. These conditions are significantly raising the risk of... [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump denied knowledge of a military investigation finding the US responsible for the Minab girls' school strike. [Continue Reading]
The ongoing war in the Middle East has reached an estimated daily cost of $1 billion, intensifying humanitarian needs across the region. UN emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher condemned the escalating violence that is triggering mass displacement and severe economic shocks affecting millions of people. A $23 billion UN aid appeal launched in December to assist 87 million of the most vulnerable worldwide remains heavily underfunded, with about two-thirds of requested funds still unmet. The gap in funding is straining relief operations as the conflict’s impacts spread beyond the initial scope. The aid shortfall risks catastrophic outcomes as more individuals... [Continue Reading]
"You do it too, eh?". Those were the words from Arsenal's set-piece coach Nicolas Jover to Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand after the German side scored from a corner in the 1-1 Champions League last-16 first-leg draw between the two sides. [Continue Reading]
US President Trump has claimed South Africa is engaged in a campaign of white persecution, which Pretoria denies. [Continue Reading]
Gerardo Aurelio Iturbide, a 24-year-old undocumented immigrant from Mexico living illegally in Hurricane, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury for sexually abusing multiple minor girls and producing child sexual abuse material. Police responded to a 911 call after one victim escaped the abuse, finding Iturbide at a hotel where he had given alcohol to underage girls before assaulting them. Iturbide has a history of three prior voluntary deportations from the United States, underscoring concerns about border enforcement and repeat offenders. The victim count and the distribution of the abuse video to others elevate the severity of the charges.... [Continue Reading]
Group claims to have seized 50 terabytes of data in response to deadly US-Israeli strikes on Iranian school. [Continue Reading]
Despite his tough talk, President Trump has consistently made allowances for countries he sees as powerful or dominant. [Continue Reading]
Real Madrid's Federico Valverde scores a first-half hat-trick as the Spanish giants beat Manchester City 3-0 in their Champions League last-16 encounter at the Bernabeu. [Continue Reading]
The pair were reported missing when they failed to reach their destination while driving north on Tuesday, with police confirming two bodies were found inside their car. [Continue Reading]
The former Missouri police officer, Julian Alcala, was sentenced to two years in prison and now faces civil lawsuits from several of the 20 victims the authorities identified. [Continue Reading]
In a significant diplomatic shift, the Spanish government has formally dismissed its ambassador to Israel, Ana Sálomon. This decision was publicly announced through the official state journal following approval at the latest Council of Ministers meeting. Spain's diplomatic representation in Tel Aviv will now be led by a chargé d'affaires, a position that ranks below that of ambassador. This move is seen as a reciprocal act, responding to Israel's prior decision to withdraw its ambassador from Madrid in reaction to Spain's policy changes. The dismissal follows escalating tensions between Spain and Israel, particularly after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's comments... [Continue Reading]
City will face huge task in next week's second leg after Valverde inspires Madrid to a 3-0 rout at the Bernabeu. [Continue Reading]
The government of Ecuador, under the leadership of President Daniel Noboa, is poised to launch a significant military operation against criminal organizations within its borders, scheduled to commence over the weekend. This offensive has garnered support from the United States, signaling a strategic shift in Ecuador's approach to combating escalating crime rates linked to drug trafficking and organized crime. In a recent interview on Ecuador's Radio Centro, Interior Minister John Reimberg highlighted this upcoming military campaign as a departure from previous tactics aimed primarily at dismantling the leadership of criminal groups. He noted, "Last year, we dedicated ourselves to catching... [Continue Reading]
Iran has arrested dozens including a foreign national for allegedly spying for the country's "enemies". Dr Aviva Guttmann, Lecturer in Strategy and Intelligence at the Department of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, details how Mossad has inflirtated Iran's security apparatus over the past two decades. She also explains that Iranian intelligence is resorting to using "disposable agents" for its operations in Israel. [Continue Reading]
Cambodian authorities say they have shut down 80 per cent of locations believed to be carrying out online scams. But some are sceptical given "key perpetrators" among the country's ruling elite. [Continue Reading]
A tragic drone strike in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has resulted in the death of a French aid worker, alongside several civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region, where local populations face recurrent violence. The strike occurred amidst escalating tensions in a region often marked by conflict and instability. The impact of this attack is severe, not only for the families directly affected but also for humanitarian operations in the DRC. The aid worker’s name has not been released yet, but their death marks a significant loss in ongoing humanitarian efforts in... [Continue Reading]
Qatar has condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks as a serious escalation and breach of its sovereignty, emphasizing the direct threat these attacks pose to regional security. The attacks have mainly targeted civilian areas and critical infrastructure, resulting in significant humanitarian concerns. Officials highlighted the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that have accompanied these incidents. This denunciation was formally presented by Qatar’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva during the 61st Human Rights Council session. The statement serves as part of Qatar’s broader appeal to the international community to address and prevent further... [Continue Reading]
New reports reveal that the United States military was responsible for a deadly missile strike on a primary school in Iran, which occurred during operations against a nearby military base. The New York Times has cited a preliminary inquiry by US officials indicating that a Tomahawk missile, intended for the adjacent base, mistakenly targeted the school, resulting in immense casualties. The unfortunate incident took place on February 28, when at least 165 individuals, predominantly children, were reported killed following the missile strike on the Iranian girls' school. This attack has drawn widespread condemnation and fury from Iranian officials and citizens... [Continue Reading]
California’s billionaires are stepping up their involvement in state politics with multimillion-dollar donationsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxTech billionaires are adding to their already huge spending spree on California politics as campaigns for governor and a proposed wealth tax heat up. According to recently released campaign finance disclosures, big names pouring millions into state politics include current and former chief executives from Google, DoorDash, Reddit, LinkedIn and Facebook – evidence of Silicon Valley’s increasing involvement in politics.Google’s former CEO Eric Schmidt has become a major donor, contributing $1.04m to an independent... [Continue Reading]
Strait of Hormuz, key transit passage for global oil trade, has been effectively shut down by Islamic Revolutionary GuardSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxUS intelligence reporting sees direct attacks by Iran as the greatest threat to oil tankers going through the strait of Hormuz, the key transit passage for the global oil trade that has been effectively shut down by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard since the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.The Trump administration, spooked by possible preparations by Iran to mine the strait, carried out strikes against 16 mine-laying... [Continue Reading]
Also, world leaders agree to tap oil reserves. Here’s the latest at the end of Wednesday. [Continue Reading]
The president has yet to make an endorsement in the contest between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton as he tries to push the Senate to pass a bill requiring voters to show identification at the polls. [Continue Reading]
Huang Yiping, a veteran Chinese economist, has attended countless policy forums and high-level summits over his long career. But one event at Peking University a decade ago stands out. Academic debates are often niche, sparsely attended affairs, but that afternoon in November 2016 was different. Seats in the auditorium were snatched up in minutes as people piled in to witness a showdown that had attracted nationwide attention. The public frenzy centred on a rare face-to-face clash between two... [Continue Reading]
He's already endured so much. [Continue Reading]