Breaking: Magnitude 4.4 earthquake shakes regional NSW
Thousands of people report feeling a magnitude 4.4 earthquake that hit Boorowa in New South Wales. [Continue Reading]
Trump and Epstein recreate iconic Titanic moment in new bronze statue
A gold statue of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein embracing in the 'Titanic Pose' has been installed on the US Capitol. [Continue Reading]
Investigation looks at whether Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea sale cash is ‘proceeds of crime’
Documents filed at Companies House over 2022 deal could complicate row with UK over how money will be usedJersey authorities are investigating whether cash raised by Roman Abramovich’s 2022 sale of Chelsea FC amounts to the proceeds of crime, according to documents filed at Companies House on Wednesday, potentially complicating a row with the UK government over how the money will be used.Accounts for Fordstam Ltd, the company through which the billionaire Russian oligarch owned Chelsea, show that the proceeds of the sale – currently frozen and gathering interest in a Barclays bank account – has risen to £2.4bn. Continue... [Continue Reading]
Jess Wright issues apology for ‘degrading’ thong bikini comments
'We've listened, we hear you and we want to say sorry,' [Continue Reading]
Mandelson documents to be released after PMQs – UK politics live
Hundreds of papers relating to his appointment as ambassador to the US to be put into public domain todayCabinet minister Darren Jones said a “big number” of documents will be released about Peter Mandelson’s appointment, Press Association reports, although it is only expected to be a fraction of the papers demanded by Parliament.Last month, MPs ordered the government to release tens of thousands of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador in 2024 after questions over how the peer was vetted and what was known about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.A pro-Palestinian march in London on... [Continue Reading]
SA Liberals stand by candidate who said homosexuality opens up ‘demonic realms’
Carston Woodhouse, running for Wright in Adelaide’s north, also claimed gender transitioning is an ‘illusion’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe South Australian Liberal party is standing by an election candidate who said same-sex marriage is not real, homosexuality can open up “demonic realms” and gender transitioning is an “illusion”.Carston Woodhouse is running for the seat of Wright in Adelaide’s north in the state’s upcoming elections, with early voting beginning on Saturday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Suspected wartime grenade found in Hong Kong residential area
Hong Kong police and a bomb disposal unit were deployed to a residential area in Happy Valley on Wednesday afternoon after a driver spotted a suspected wartime grenade lodged on a hillside. Police received a report at about 1.40pm from a driver passing the Villa Monte Rosa housing estate on Stubbs Road. The device, described as being roughly the size of a lemon, was found on a slope near the luxury residential complex. Officers from the explosive ordnance disposal bureau were called to the scene... [Continue Reading]
India opens door to more Chinese investment after 6-year freeze
India has relaxed curbs on Chinese investments in certain sectors to attract more foreign capital, as Beijing and New Delhi continue to gradually repair their economic relationship after years of tense relations. In a cabinet statement released on Tuesday, New Delhi introduced a fast-track approval mechanism for investments from land-bordering countries – including China. The move amends a previous restriction that had mandated government scrutiny for all such capital inflows. Under the new... [Continue Reading]
Presenter Matt Tebbutt ‘dropped from MasterChef: The Professionals after just one series’
He replaced Gregg Wallace. [Continue Reading]
In Gaza, hints of recovery dissipate as U.S. and Israel strike Iran
Food deliveries and the prospect of medical care abroad gave Gazans reasons to hope, but the Iran conflict has closed the door on progress again. [Continue Reading]
Four people left injured after drones fall near Dubai airport
One of the world's busiest airports has been caught up in the fighting. [Continue Reading]
Two protesters charged on first day of Queensland’s ‘from the river to the sea’ ban
Alleged offences occurred after pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside state parliament within hours of new laws taking effectFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTwo pro-Palestinian protesters have been charged with violating contentious new Queensland hate-speech laws, with one of them allegedly saying the banned phrase “from the river to the sea”.The arrests occurred at a small protest march which started outside the state parliament building on Wednesday, just hours after the new laws, passed by parliament last week, went into effect. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
China’s ‘two sessions’ 2026: everything you need to know
We have put together stories from our coverage of China’s ongoing “two sessions”. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Taiwan, trade war, PLA and AI: Li Qiang lays out priorities at ‘two sessions’ China’s premier pledged to champion “orderly” multipolarism and “inclusive” globalisation at the opening ceremony of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing. 2. Xi Jinping calls on China’s provincial powerhouses to lead in tech, risk control President... [Continue Reading]
Man charged over alleged incidents involving children
A man in his 20s is due in court today in connection with the investigation into an alleged assault and suspicious approaches to children in North Dublin last month. [Continue Reading]
‘Intended to divide’: middleman behind string of antisemitic attacks in Sydney sentenced to five years’ jail
The attacks, which included the firebombing of a childcare centre and torching of cars, were motivated by financial reward, magistrate findsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA Porsche-driving middleman has been sentenced to five years’ jail for managing a series of antisemitic attacks designed to divide Australian Jewish and Arab communities.Nicholas James Alexander admitted to orchestrating the firebombings and attacks across Sydney in January 2025. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
One Iranian women's football player reverses asylum request, leaving six team members in Australia amid safety concerns
The ongoing situation surrounding the Iranian women's football team in Australia has intensified as one player reversed her decision to seek asylum, leaving only six team members remaining in the country. This development emerged following an incident where team members were targeted for not singing the national anthem during a match, igniting fears for their safety upon returning home. The players had been in Australia for the Asian Cup when rising tensions in Iran prompted these asylum requests. Reports indicate that the team initially consisted of seven players seeking asylum after receiving backlash in Iran, where they were branded “traitors”... [Continue Reading]
British couple drowns during family outing at Shellharbour Beach in New South Wales
A married British couple tragically drowned during a family outing at Shellharbour Beach South in Shell Cove, New South Wales, early on Wednesday. The victims, a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman, were swimming when they encountered difficulties in the water, leading to a desperate situation in which their family members witnessed the incident unfold. Efforts to rescue the couple were initiated by fellow beachgoers, including two off-duty nurses, who pulled them from the water and initiated CPR. Emergency services arrived shortly afterward; however, both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. This incident occurred in front of several relatives... [Continue Reading]
Israel Conducts Air Strikes on Hezbollah Positions in Lebanon Amid Ongoing US-Israel-Iran Conflict
The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated dramatically as the war enters its twelfth day. Fresh military action was reported early Wednesday, with Israel executing air strikes targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. This comes amidst a backdrop of rising casualties and severe geopolitical repercussions, particularly in the energy sector. On the latest day of military engagement, Iran disclosed that more than 1,300 civilians have lost their lives due to coalition bombings, and nearly 10,000 civilian sites have been struck. This level of civilian casualties underscores the acute human impact of the conflict. Iranian officials... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine sends drone experts to Gulf, viewing an ‘opportunity’
Ukraine has sent drone expert teams to several Gulf countries to help in their fight against Iran's drones. The Ukrainian military has experience downing Iranian Shahed drones and the government “sees this as an opportunity,” explains FRANCE 24’s Gulliver Cragg, reporting from Kyiv. With the war against Russia still raging, Ukraine can position itself as a “high-tech arms producer that can bring in huge amounts of money,” notes Cragg. [Continue Reading]
Attempted murder charge for alleged Rihanna home shooter
A woman alleged to have shot at the luxury Los Angeles home of the singer Rihanna has been charged with attempted murder. [Continue Reading]
Europe’s hard right fractures over US-Israel war on Iran
Far-right forces are split over nationalism, foreign policy and ties to US President Donald Trump. [Continue Reading]
Two people arrested less than a week after hate speech laws pass parliament
Police say a man has been charged and a woman is assisting them with inquiries over the use of phrases deemed antisemitic by the Queensland government. [Continue Reading]
José Antonio Kast, the Pinochet fan about to swerve Chile to the far right
The new president won office by promising to clean up crime, but his background is red rag to a bull for manyJust south of Santiago, the tiny rural town of Paine is a quiet grid of painted abode facades, shaded squares and shuttered shop fronts as the summer holidays draw to a close.But the white-knuckle fear of crime that propelled its most famous son, José Antonio Kast, to a resounding victory in December’s presidential election is as present in sleepy Paine as it is the length of Chile. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
What happens when online NAPLAN testing is disrupted?
Technical difficulties delayed NAPLAN testing across the country today. Here's how to navigate disruptions and what it means for your child. [Continue Reading]
Shop the best Amazon Spring Sale household deals, from coffee machines to robot vacuums
Freshen up your home with these unmissable Amazon deals [Continue Reading]
Kharkiv drone strike kills two, Ukraine hit missile plant
A Russian drone hit a civilian business in Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv, killing two people and injuring five, local officials said. [Continue Reading]
Former Hong Kong councillor jailed for laundering HK$590,000 in phone scam proceeds
A former Hong Kong opposition district councillor has been jailed for three years and nine months for handling HK$590,000 (US$75,409) in telephone scam proceeds on behalf of a fraud syndicate, saying he wanted to earn quick cash to repay his gambling debts and cover his father’s medical expenses. Sheep Wong Chun-yeung, 31, had initially insisted that he was secretly gathering evidence against what he believed to be a triad-run debt collection ring when he received money from six elderly victims... [Continue Reading]
War on Iran threatens Asia’s food supply as fertiliser prices surge
How does a missile strike on a Qatari gas plant end up raising the price of rice in Bangladesh? The answer is fertiliser, an unglamorous commodity that nevertheless sustains much of what the world eats. Qatar burns natural gas to produce ammonia. Ammonia is converted into urea. Urea goes into the ground and out of the ground comes grain. Disrupt the first step, as Iran did when it struck QatarEnergy’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing facility on March 1, and the consequences travel along... [Continue Reading]
Geely Auto beats BYD sales in first 2 months of 2026 to become China’s top carmaker
Geely Auto has gained the upper hand in mainland China’s intensifying automotive sector, as its diverse product line-up pays off after electric vehicle (EV) king BYD suffered a setback following partial withdrawal of a tax break. Controlled by Chinese billionaire Li Shufu, Geely overtook BYD in sales during the first two months of the year because of its vehicles’ quality and reliability, even as Beijing intensified efforts to curb price competition among carmakers, according to... [Continue Reading]
Al Jazeera reports from Israeli bombing of Beirut apartment block
Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reports from the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building in central Beirut. [Continue Reading]
Chance find reunites former cop with the protester he arrested
Ian Wright captured the Franklin River blockade on film. Forty years later, the officer who arrested him reached out. [Continue Reading]
Man arrested, teen on the run after alleged four-day crime spree
A Mildura man has been remanded in custody and his accomplice remains on the run after the pair allegedly went on a four-day crime spree across Victoria. [Continue Reading]
Iran’s new supreme leader ‘safe’ despite war injury reports
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “safe and sound” despite reports of an injury during the war with Israel and the United States, said the son of the Iranian president on Wednesday. “I heard news that Mr Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured. I have asked some friends who had connections. They told me that, thank God, he is safe and sound,” said Yousef Pezeshkian, who is also a government adviser, in a post on his Telegram channel. He did not elaborate. State television had called... [Continue Reading]
Trump will welcome Iran at World Cup - Infantino
US President Donald Trump has said Iran are "welcome" to take part in this summer's World Cup despite the countries being at war, according to Fifa president Gianni Infantino. [Continue Reading]
US military releases footage of strikes on Iranian naval vessels
Video released by US Central Command shows what it says are US forces striking several Iranian navy vessels, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. The US military said it destroyed the vessels amid concerns Iran could mine the strategic waterway. [Continue Reading]
War on Iran risks emboldening hardliners, reinforcing value of covert nuclear programme
Annette Young is pleased to welcome Nicole Grajewski, Assistant Professor at the Centre de recherches internationales (CERI), Sciences Po. As a specialist in nuclear strategy, Ms. Grajewski argues the current military strikes against Iran have not fundamentally altered the core reality of the Iranian nuclear program. Rather than eliminating the nuclear risk, the war may reinforce the perception among some Iranian factions that a rapidly deployable nuclear deterrent, potentially pursued through more covert means, provides greater security in an increasingly unstable regional environment. [Continue Reading]
Petrol price cap considered in Perth as panic buying takes hold
The WA government weighs up whether to use its unique power to temporarily cap the price of petrol to stop gouging from retailers as the world deals with the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Councillor stood down as individual launches private prosecution
A central Victorian council says it has stood down a councillor after an individual served "alleged criminal charges" on both the councillor and CEO intending to pursue a private prosecution. [Continue Reading]
Iran war highlights US defence gaps; mathematician returns to China: 7 science highlights
We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Could Iran war confirm China’s prediction on US military’s hypersonic nightmare? On the same day the US and Israel launched air strikes against Iran, a research team led by Liao Longwen with the Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology published a paper in the Chinese journal Tactical Missile Technology on... [Continue Reading]
Damage caused to buildings in Tehran following US-Israeli strikes
Video shows the destruction caused to buildings in Iran’s capital after a reported strike near Mehrabad airport. [Continue Reading]
European airlines add flights to Asia amid high demand, cancellations by Gulf carriers
British Airways and Deutsche Lufthansa are adding flights to Asia amid increased long-haul demand as customers seek alternatives to Middle East carriers hamstrung by airspace closures at home. BA will operate more flights from London to Singapore and Bangkok this week, using aircraft that currently are not needed in the Gulf region. The airline has temporarily cut back its Middle East schedule, cancelling all Abu Dhabi flights until at least October and stopping flights to cities including... [Continue Reading]
Israel pounds Lebanon, targets residential building in central Beirut
The strike in a densely populated area appears to be another attempted assassination, with no information yet on target. [Continue Reading]
Backbencher considering legal options over 'defamatory' bullying claims
The NT government has knocked back an attempt to launch a parliamentary inquiry into bullying claims against backbencher Tanzil Rahman, while Speaker Robyn Lambley has slammed Dr Rahman for his response to the allegations. [Continue Reading]
Contentious Melbourne rail project makes priority infrastructure list
Australia's top infrastructure body has placed Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop project on the highest priority list for the nation despite raising serious concerns about its business case merely a year ago. [Continue Reading]
Israel carries out strikes in Lebanon and Tehran fires at Gulf states as Iran war enters day 12
The IDF says it has carried out several attacks across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, early on Wednesday targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other states in the Gulf have reported drone attacks on the 12th day of the war, which have been intercepted. [Continue Reading]
