Fire erupts at Gaza camp after Israeli attack hits tents
Fire broke out at tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza’s Al-Ansar refugee camp after an Israeli strike. [Continue Reading]
Darwin's boil water alert lifted after testing shows water is free of E.coli
The boil water alert for Darwin has been lifted after testing confirmed the region's water was free of E.coli and other harmful bacteria. [Continue Reading]
Fuel tank fire rages in Bahrain after Iranian attack
Bahrain's interior ministry released footage of a massive blaze at a fuel storage facility following an Iranian attack. [Continue Reading]
Preparing for the worst? US bunker maker claims big demand in Middle East
Since the war in the Middle East began nearly two weeks ago, the phone at Ron Hubbard’s bomb shelter company in Texas has not stopped ringing. Foreign and US clients are rushing to buy his bunkers, seeking refuge in case of air raids, nuclear fallout or apocalypse. With the United States and Israel pounding Iran, and Tehran retaliating with strikes across the region, Hubbard has seen demand for his product soar, mostly from Gulf nation clients in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab... [Continue Reading]
Missile strike on Iranian school kills over 170, escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict
The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated significantly, with a devastating attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in southern Iran marking one of the bloodiest incidents thus far. This missile strike, which occurred on February 28 during the initial phase of military actions, resulted in the deaths of over 170 individuals, predominantly schoolgirls. This incident has drawn widespread condemnation and has become emblematic of the civilian toll in the ongoing war. Initial reports indicate that the missile strike targeted the school during operational hours, catching many by surprise. Eyewitness accounts and local reports confirmed that... [Continue Reading]
Washington State enacts first income tax targeting households earning over $250,000 annually
In a historic move, Washington State has enacted its first income tax, labeled the ‘Millionaires’ Tax’. This measure is poised to impact approximately 20,000 households across the state and has sparked significant discussion regarding its implications for wealth distribution and migration trends among high-income residents. This tax is primarily aimed at individuals earning over $250,000 annually, raising questions about productivity and the future of tax policy reforms in the region. The passage of this legislation signifies a shift in Washington's tax landscape, which has been primarily dependent on sales and fuel taxes rather than income-based taxation. As such, the government... [Continue Reading]
Quit fossil fuels to stem deadly floods in Brazil’s coffee heartland, say scientists
Global heating linked to rising risk of extreme rain that causes devastating landslides and rising coffee pricesThe record floods that have brought death and destruction to the heartland of Brazil’s coffee industry are expected to intensify if people continue to burn fossil fuels, analysis has shown.Dozens of residents in the state of Minas Gerais have been buried alive in landslides or swept away as roads turned into rivers over the past month. Thousands more have been forced to evacuate their homes, while the wider, longer-term effects are likely to include higher prices for coffee across the world. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is embracing middle age on the dance floor
Megahits like Murder on the Dancefloor and Groovejet made her a household name but Sophie Ellis-Bextor is so much more. [Continue Reading]
Singaporean man convicted for driving away with lover’s husband clinging to car bonnet
A Singaporean man who claimed he drove off with his lover’s husband on the bonnet of his car because he was scared of the other man was convicted on Tuesday, after District Judge Ong Luan Tze called his actions an unreasonable response, despite the situation. Chia Hiok Seah, 50, was in his car at a multi-storey car park in Sengkang in the wee hours of June 29, 2024, with a married woman. The pair was nude when the woman’s husband at the time, Goh Yong Sern, appeared at the car park at Block 278,... [Continue Reading]
UN Security Council adopts resolution condemning Iran’s attacks in the Gulf
UN Security Council draft resolution demanding Iran end its attacks on Gulf nations was cosponsored by 135 countries. [Continue Reading]
Games Inbox: Is buying physical video games becoming more popular?
The Thursday letters page explores the modern Nintendo vs. Sega rivalry, as one reader wants an end to Resident Evil remakes. [Continue Reading]
Man awarded for excellence in child protection charged with raping teenage boy
A West Australian man honoured with a prestigious award for excellence in child protection has been charged with raping a teenage boy. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices rise despite deal to release record amount of reserves
It comes as Iranian attacks on ships intensify in the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway. [Continue Reading]
China’s five-year jet goals target C919 output, a new engine and reduced reliance
Beijing aims to accelerate the rise of China’s home-grown airliner fleet, including the C909 regional plane, C919 narrowbody and C929 widebody, through 2030. This push to challenge the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus comes as a national five-year plan calls for aircraft production, development and the roll-out of a domestically developed engine. The next five years will prove vital to the success of the three aircraft models and the continued localisation of critical parts such as engines,... [Continue Reading]
Who bombed the Iranian girls’ school, killing more than 170? What we know
The attack on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School quickly became a focal point of concern over civilian casualties. [Continue Reading]
Britain and the US had a special bond. This war might have changed that
Many nations, including Australia, claim to have a special relationship with the United States. Britain, and some in Europe, are finding out that's no longer the case. [Continue Reading]
Washington State Passes ‘Millionaires’ Tax’
It would be the first income tax in Washington, affecting an estimated 20,000 households. Some of the wealthiest are leaving for Florida. [Continue Reading]
The Papers: 'Starmer did ignore Epstein warnings' and 'Record oil release'
Thursday's papers all lead with files released on Lord Mandelson's vetting for the US ambassador role. [Continue Reading]
Grace Tame says her speaking events have stopped over 'smear campaign'
Former Australian of the Year Grace Tame says a conference in Hobart will be her last speaking engagement for the year, at this stage. [Continue Reading]
Up to 3.2m people in Iran displaced by war - UN
The United Nations' refugee agency has said that up to 3.2 million people in Iran have been displaced since the war began almost a fortnight ago. [Continue Reading]
Trump and Iran signal no quick end to war
Iran set ablaze two tankers in Iraqi waters as it stepped up attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, warning the world should be ready for oil at $200 a barrel in defiance of President Donald Trump's claim that the US had already won the war. [Continue Reading]
Tankers burn near Iraq, Iran strikes defy Trump's claims
Iran set ablaze two tankers in Iraqi waters as it stepped up attacks on oil and transport facilities across the Middle East, warning the world should be ready for oil at $200 a barrel in defiance of President Donald Trump's claim that the US had already won the war. [Continue Reading]
We asked, you told: Dog ownership dos and don'ts
Here's how you can become a more responsible dog owner , according to your fellow readers. [Continue Reading]
Noma chef resigns amid shocking allegations of physical abuse of staff
René Redzepi also steps down from non-profit board after accusations of physical and psychological abuseRené Redzepi, the head chef and co-founder of Noma, has announced his resignation from his internationally acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant following allegations he physically abused his staff.Redzepi had been facing protests in Los Angeles before a four-month pop-up that launched this week. His resignation on Wednesday comes after the New York Times detailed allegations of physical and psychological abuse, including claims that he “punched employees in the face, jabbed them with kitchen implements and slammed them against walls”. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Why Southeast Asia’s small firms could bear the brunt of the latest oil shock
Singapore pizza shop owner Roy Chan has ridden out more than one business shock – from the Covid-19 pandemic to US tariff pressures – but he now sees another looming threat. Suppliers for ingredients used at his Goldenroy Sourdough Pizza restaurant had warned prices could soon rise by up to 30 per cent following a surge in oil prices due to the escalating Iran war, Chan said. “Delivery providers have not increased prices yet, but it may come in the next few weeks or months,” he added. Like Chan,... [Continue Reading]
Deeper oil crisis could add full percentage point to inflation, Treasury warns
Treasury has advised the government that if the oil price averages $US100 per barrel for three months, there would be a temporary 0.5 percentage point spike to headline inflation. [Continue Reading]
Israeli strike hits Beirut waterfront near tents of displaced
At least six people are dead from an Israeli strike on Beirut’s Ramlet al-Baida seafront. [Continue Reading]
Atlassian cuts hundreds of Australian jobs as AI slashes labour needs
Atlassian's Australian workforce will account for 30 per cent of the tech giant's global job cuts, with the freed-up funds to be invested in AI and enterprise sales. [Continue Reading]
Major regional city backs compulsory voting for WA's council elections
Councillors in one of WA's biggest regional cities back making voting at local government elections compulsory, amid growing concerns about low turnout and fringe candidates running for councils across the state. [Continue Reading]
Multi-car crash on major bridge injures 10, shuts Hong Kong airport-bound lanes
A man has been arrested after a collision involving more than 10 cars on a major bridge injured 11 people and forced the closure of most lanes leading to Hong Kong’s airport. Police said 10 vehicles were travelling in the fast lane of the Tsing Ma Bridge towards the airport when the crash occurred at 8.31am on Thursday. The chain collision was triggered by a vehicle that suddenly reduced speed, causing those behind to fail to brake in time. Another private car overturned into the middle lane and... [Continue Reading]
Iran’s authorities warn against protests as Israel threatens Basij forces
Police chief says protesters seen as acting at the behest of the US and Israel will be treated as enemies. [Continue Reading]
Graham A. Harris, a giant of the Hong Kong Bar
The Hong Kong Bar Association was founded in 1949. To properly recognise barristers who have made a lasting and very significant contribution, members are able to nominate such giants for Life Membership. It is bestowed on those who “have rendered outstanding service to the Bar … or to the administration of justice in Hong Kong”. Over the years, only a handful of our members have been elected as Life Members. Nominees must be proposed by 20 members, including no fewer than 10 senior counsel, and... [Continue Reading]
To make AI safe, put women and girls at the heart of the technology
In late February, Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data co-signed, alongside 60 overseas organisations, a statement to bring attention to the rising misuse of deepfakes. With rapid technological developments, growing AI integration and lower barriers to access, swift action is needed to safeguard women and girls against growing forms of technology-facilitated violence. Technology-facilitated violence is not new; it has simply evolved. What began as pre-internet... [Continue Reading]
The scale of northern Australia’s record-breaking floods revealed in data and maps
Some river levels are still increasing after parts of Queensland recorded their highest three-day rainfall totalsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDozens of sites across northern Australia have been subjected to major flooding over the past couple of days, with some river levels still increasing after parts of Queensland recorded their highest three-day rainfall totals between Sunday and Tuesday.The map below shows the status for the more than 90 monitoring stations (many of them at different points along the same rivers) across New South Wales, the Northern Territory... [Continue Reading]
Two dead after boat capsizes at river bar crossing on NSW North Coast
A man and woman have died and another person is in hospital after a boat capsized near the Yamba breakwater. [Continue Reading]
Breaking: Mother sentenced for 17 years for criminal neglect of children
A mother who admitted to criminally neglecting three of her children, including her daughter who died when she was six-years-old, has been jailed for 17 years. [Continue Reading]
Emergency services conduct helicopter rescues in Katherine amid severe flooding and crocodile threats
In a dramatic response to a severe flooding event, emergency services undertook a helicopter rescue operation in Katherine, where individuals were trapped in waters populated by crocodiles. The rescue operation occurred on Wednesday, as flood levels in Katherine saw a minor reduction, currently reported at 16.3 meters and falling. However, the situation is exacerbated to the south, where the Daly River/Nauiyu area is grappling with the second-worst flood on record. The incident highlights the escalating dangers posed by the ongoing floods, prompting emergency services to issue warnings against driving through flooded areas. The current rescue success underscores the urgency of... [Continue Reading]
Trump’s Tour of States Is About More Than the Midterms
Beyond talking about the economy and voters’ hardships, the president is showing that he still has control over the Republican Party. [Continue Reading]
René Redzepi Steps Down at Noma Amid Allegations of Past Abuse
After 23 years running the Copenhagen restaurant, widely considered one of the most innovative and important in the world, the chef is leaving. [Continue Reading]
US launches probe into trading partners including the EU, China and India
The move comes weeks after the US Supreme Court struck down a key part of Trump's tariffs policies. [Continue Reading]
UK Met Office issues yellow warnings for strong winds across northern regions ahead of cold front
The UK is bracing for significant weather changes as the Met Office has issued yellow warnings for strong winds affecting northern regions, including Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, North Wales, and the north Midlands. These warnings coincide with a cold front that is set to move southwards throughout the day. The strongest winds are expected to commence ahead of this incoming cold front, potentially leading to transport disruptions. According to the Met Office, the warnings began on Thursday, with locals advised to remain vigilant as gusts could pose hazards. The weather system is anticipated to bring heavy rain followed by... [Continue Reading]
Meta disables 150,000 accounts in global sting on Southeast Asian scam centres
Meta disabled more than 150,000 accounts and Thai police arrested 21 people in a sweeping international crackdown on Southeast Asian criminal scam centres that targeted people around the world, the social media giant said on Wednesday. The operation was led by Thailand’s Royal Thai Police Anti-Cyber Scam Centre alongside the FBI and the US Justice Department’s Scam Centre Strike Force, with Meta investigators acting on intelligence shared in real time by law enforcement. Online scam networks –... [Continue Reading]
Republican candidate Blake Miguez faces scrutiny over 2007 rape allegation amid concerns about vetting process for endorsements
Blake Miguez, a Republican congressional candidate from Louisiana endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is facing scrutiny following revelations of a rape allegation dating back to 2007. This allegation was reported to local law enforcement on the same day as the incident but remained largely undisclosed until now. As Miguez rises in the Louisiana Republican Party, these past accusations are fueling concerns within the White House regarding the vetting process that led to his endorsement. The allegations against Miguez were made by a woman who referred to him as a "live-in ex-boyfriend" at the time of the alleged assault. Although... [Continue Reading]
Israel Imposes Closure on Al-Aqsa Mosque, Prompting Condemnation from Eight Nations During Ramadan
Over the past two weeks, Israel has imposed a closure on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, severely restricting access to one of Islam's holiest sites during the significant month of Ramadan. This action has drawn sharp condemnation from eight nations, including Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The collective statement from these nations highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the control and status of religious sites in Jerusalem. The frequent closures of Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly during periods of heightened religious observance, have long been a source of contention. For twelve consecutive days, the mosque and its... [Continue Reading]
Iran’s sea mines raise fears of Strait of Hormuz oil disruption
Tehran may seek to choke off oil traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising fears it could deploy sea mines, officials say. President Donald Trump said US forces struck 28 Iranian mine-laying vessels as concerns grow over threats to the strategic shipping lane. [Continue Reading]
‘Cyber confession room’ where China youth share struggles like financial problems gains traction
At first glance, it is just a photograph of an empty room. But on mainland social media, it has become something else entirely: a virtual confessional. Beneath such posts, users anonymously unburden themselves to strangers, sharing the guilt, anxiety and struggles they cannot voice to family or friends. Traditionally, the confessional in Christianity is a space where believers admit their sins to a priest and seek absolution. Such so-called cyber confession rooms have recently surged in... [Continue Reading]
Is Beijing stepping up island building in South China Sea after 10-year pause?
China has significantly stepped up its land reclamation activities on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, according to satellite images. One image, reportedly taken on Monday, suggested that the surface area of Antelope Reef, once a mostly submerged feature in the Paracel Islands, had expanded substantially. The picture, published on social media by Damien Symon, a researcher with global intelligence research network The Intel Lab, also showed more than 30 vessels, believed to be dredgers... [Continue Reading]
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando review – from the director of The Thing
If you’re a fan of old school 80s horror and sci-fi movies, you’ll know exactly who John Carpenter is and so you’ll probably also appreciate this Xbox 360 era action throwback. [Continue Reading]
