Why Hong Kong must make mental health an immediate economic priority
Hong Kong’s new budget is positioned to foster high-quality, inclusive growth through innovation and finance. Ahead of projections, a surplus of HK$2.9 billion (US$370.8 million) is now expected, largely due to the stronger-than-expected stock market and tax receipts. Reflecting a sound fiscal approach and forward thinking, the 2026-27 budget will maintain an operating surplus and allocate about 60 per cent of recurrent spending to vital sectors such as health, social welfare and education. The... [Continue Reading]
Wife of China director Zhang Yimou, who is 31 years his junior, remains largely unknown to public
Chinese film director Zhang Yimou may be a household name who is celebrated as the country’s “national master” but his wife Chen Ting is little known and dedicates herself to their family. The woman behind China’s No 1 director recently attracted attention for appearing at the Beijing premiere of Zhang’s latest movie Scare Out in mid-February. Pictures of Chen, 44, dressed casually, went viral on mainland social media as internet users were impressed by her slim physique and relatively young... [Continue Reading]
Trump Asserts US Military Efforts Against Iran Are Successful, Downplays Need for UK Support
United States President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in the ongoing military efforts against Iran, stating that the conflict is "already won" and signaling that US forces do not require the assistance of the United Kingdom. His statement comes in response to reports about the UK's Ministry of Defence placing the HMS Prince of Wales on "high readiness" for potential deployment to the Middle East. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump indicated that he does not see a need for the Royal Navy's support, alluding to the UK as a former ally that has joined... [Continue Reading]
Nightclub bombing in Peru injures more than 30 people
A bombing at a nightclub in Peru has injured at least 33 people, including teenagers. [Continue Reading]
Breeding and releasing cane toads a 'bit crazy' but for greater good
Field work is underway near Broome where researchers are deliberately breeding the invasive cane toad as part of a strategy to protect native wildlife. [Continue Reading]
I’m optimistic about the PS6 and it’s all thanks to Valve – Reader’s Feature
With more news about the PlayStation 6 starting to appear, a reader feels that the appearance of Valve’s Steam Machine will have a big impact on Sony’s plans. [Continue Reading]
Rock fishermen drown amid 'very choppy' conditions on NSW Central Coast
Emergency services find the bodies of two Sydney men after being called to Little Beach, at Bouddi National Park. [Continue Reading]
Trump says US does not need United Kingdom aircraft carriers for Iran war
The president called the Iran war 'already won' as he dismissed reports that the UK was preparing HMS Prince of Wales. [Continue Reading]
Swapping scissors for a circular saw, tradie wants more women to pick up the tools
For more than a decade, Haley Miles used scissors every day in her hairdressing business, but, at 32, she picked up tools of a different kind and built a career as a carpenter. [Continue Reading]
'A tough lesson' - Newcastle get sobering reminder of gap to top
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits his side were taught a tough lesson in their 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by Manchester City. [Continue Reading]
‘Keep the change’ no more: Hong Kong taxi drivers prepare for shift to e-payments
Hong Kong cabbies are counting down to the end of the “keep the change” tradition as the industry prepares for a mandatory shift from cash-only payments to electronic settlements. In the weeks leading up to April 1, taxi drivers are racing to install e-payment tools, while service providers say 90 per cent of the cabbies have already adopted such solutions. Chau Kwok-keung, chairman of the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, said the transition to digital payments meant cabbies... [Continue Reading]
China’s shoppers head for suburban outlets, a bright spot in retail property
For Steven Zhou, a 40-year-old Beijing office worker, suburban outlet stores offer a better shopping experience than urban malls, allowing him to escape the city, park his car without frustration and, most importantly, find good deals. “Outlets offer a wide selection of brands, with attractive discounts, especially on sportswear,” Zhou said. Across the mainland, outlets are expanding while traditional and luxury malls face high vacancy rates. Offering well-known brands at discounted prices,... [Continue Reading]
How to turn your old Aussie home into an energy efficient haven
Owners of older homes are being urged to have their energy efficiency assessed, with experts saying improvements will not only make them more comfortable, but help them save money as well. [Continue Reading]
Two Iranian vessels depart Chinese port carrying materials linked to rocketry amid escalating US-Iran tensions
In a significant development amidst escalating tensions, two Iranian vessels have left a Chinese port reportedly carrying materials linked to rocketry. Experts believe these ships are transporting a crucial precursor for rocket fuel, raising concerns about their potential role in the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The departure of these vessels occurs while military hostilities between the United States and Iran continue to unfold, marking a potential pivot in the geopolitical landscape of the region. Official confirmations surrounding the specific contents of the vessels remain sparse. However, the fact that they were permitted to depart from China during a time of... [Continue Reading]
Protests Erupt in Cyprus Demanding Closure of British Military Bases Amid Regional Tensions
Growing unrest has engulfed Cyprus as citizens petition for the withdrawal of British military bases on the island, following a recent drone attack that raised fears of escalating conflict in the region. Protesters, demonstrating in the capital Nicosia, labelled the installations a "danger to our security" and called for their immediate closure. The protests coincide with heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing Iran-Israel confrontations, which have now extended their implications well into the eastern Mediterranean. The catalyst for this surge in public dissent was an Iranian-made drone that struck the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base. This attack was reportedly... [Continue Reading]
Heat and isolation amplify menopause symptoms in rural WA
Pilbara woman Bree Maher spent nearly a year trying to find the right support for her menopause symptoms. She said the heat of northern Western Australia amplified her feelings of isolation. [Continue Reading]
‘Counterfeit feminism’ is distracting the world from the real fight for equality
The blame is being put in the wrong places. [Continue Reading]
Daily horoscope March 8, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign
Venus is aligned with Neptune in Saturn today, creating fruitful ground for truths to be revealed. [Continue Reading]
Italy claim first ever Six Nations win over England
England's Six Nations campaign plunges deeper into crisis as second-half yellow cards for Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje pave the way to victory for a joyous Italy in Rome. [Continue Reading]
Iran live: Israel bombs Tehran oil depots; attacks on Gulf states continue
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE report more attacks despite assurance from Iran's president that the strikes will stop. [Continue Reading]
Singapore’s workers brace for AI disruption: ‘it’s inevitable’
When Joshua Tan turned up to Chinese New Year dinner last month, he hadn’t expected to spend the evening defending his career. He was 27 and freshly employed as a junior software engineer in Singapore. The questions from relatives were pointed: is your job safe? Can’t the computer just do it? It was an awkward conversation, equal parts interrogation and familial concern. But Tan knew the anxiety behind the questions was real. Not so long ago, he and his classmates had been so sought-after by... [Continue Reading]
Dead marine mammals washed up on Port Lincoln beaches left to rot
Large, dead marine animals found on Eyre Peninsula beaches spark concern among locals. [Continue Reading]
Second Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs Scotland for Melbourne
The second of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels begins its seven-week voyage from Scotland to Australia. It will remain in Melbourne until a berth becomes available in Hobart at the end of the cruise ship season. [Continue Reading]
The K-pop concert that sparked an online war across Asia
Criticism of Korean fans bringing professional cameras into a Korean boy band concert in Malaysia, against local rules, spiralled into an online war from Vietnam to Indonesia. [Continue Reading]
Australia may offer military support to Gulf nations facing Iran strikes but won’t participate in a ground war, Wong says
Foreign minister says Australia ‘not participating in offensive action against Iran’ but may help protect other countries Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Australian government is considering offering military support to assist Gulf nations facing strikes from Iran, but will not participate in any ground troop deployment into Iran, the foreign minister has said.The government confirmed nine flights had arrived in Australia from the Middle East since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran one week ago, with another three flights scheduled to arrive on Sunday. Dozens... [Continue Reading]
Huge fire rages at Tehran oil depot after Israeli attack
Footage captured a massive fire raging at the Shahran oil depot in northern Tehran following an Israeli strike. [Continue Reading]
Free dance school run by 12yo champion pirouettes to success
Financial stress means some families cannot afford their children's dance classes, so Armidale tween Annabelle has started a free dance school to keep their dreams alive. [Continue Reading]
UK faces growing calls from locals to remove Cyprus military bases
Foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, tells Guardian Iranian-made drone that hit airbase was launched from Lebanon Britain is facing growing calls to withdraw its military bases from Cyprus as locals step up protests against facilities seen as a threat to their security after an unprecedented drone attack on RAF Akrotiri.Anger over the installations spilled on to the streets of Nicosia, the capital, as protesters chanting “out with the bases of death” marched to the colonial-era presidential palace on Saturday amid fears of the Mediterranean nation being dragged into the wider Iran conflict. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Notorious UK child killer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack
Ian Huntley had been on life support after being hit over the head with a metal bar at Frankland prison in north-east England. [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy offers Saudi Arabia’s MBS help countering Iranian drones
Ukraine's president seeks leverage with low-cost interceptors, as US and Gulf nations burn through Patriot missiles. [Continue Reading]
Trump Assembles a New Coalition to ‘Eradicate’ Cartels
At a gathering in Florida, the president asked the leaders of a dozen Latin American and Caribbean nations to help the U.S. military crush armed trafficking groups. [Continue Reading]
Australia clarifies military stance, will not engage offensively against Iran amid Middle East tensions
Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, has clarified the nation’s military stance amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran’s recent military actions. During public statements, Wong emphasized that Australia will not engage in "offensive action against Iran" nor deploy ground troops into the country, instead outlining a potential defensive role. Wong explained that Australia has been approached for assistance in protecting nations affected by Iran's hostility, particularly from drone and missile attacks. "Many countries which are non-participants have been attacked by Iran through this. You would anticipate, as a consequence, that we have been asked for... [Continue Reading]
Government considering military assistance request from Gulf states
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the government is considering requests for military assistance from Gulf countries targeted by Iranian attacks. [Continue Reading]
Trump says he’s told Kurds not to join Iran fight: ‘war is complicated enough’
US President Donald Trump said he has told Kurdish forces not to enter the Iran war as the US and Israel continue launching strikes against Tehran. “The war is complicated enough without having – getting the Kurds involved,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday on his way back to Florida after attending a military service for six fallen US soldiers. “We’re very friendly with the Kurds, as you know, but we don’t want to make the war any more complex than it already is. I have... [Continue Reading]
Live: Piastri starting on third row of home F1 grand prix in Melbourne
The first race of the Formula 1 season is here, with thousands flocking to Melbourne's Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
A playground for sea life: Navigating Shark Bay's ultimate balancing act
This tiny community is enduring the ultimate balancing act, keeping hordes of tourists happy, mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting their World Heritage-listed home. Lisa Millar explores how Shark Bay not only survives, but thrives. [Continue Reading]
VAR brings cruel dose of reality to Wrexham
Wrexham's first taste of VAR left them thinking about what might have been as they lost 4-2 in an FA Cup thriller. [Continue Reading]
Three teenagers charged with murder after man stabbed while trying to intervene in Melbourne train station fight
Police arrest 16-year-old, 17-year-old and 18-year-old over ‘savage’ attack on 22-year-old manFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThree teenagers have been charged with murder after a man who tried to intervene and help a 14-year-old schoolboy was killed in a “savage” stabbing attack.Emergency crews were called to the Mernda train station in Melbourne’s north-east on Friday evening after reports of a fight among teenagers. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Australia news live: Wong flags military assistance in Middle East but no ‘offensive action’ against Iran; three teenagers charged with murder over alleged Melbourne stabbing
Follow today’s news headlines liveAustralia may offer military support to Gulf nations facing Iran strikes but won’t participate in a ground war, Wong saysGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNSW begins search for private partner to help build Sydney’s second major film studioThe NSW government has opened expressions of interest for the location and management of a prospective new major film studio in Sydney, offering public land for private companies’ development as part of the scheme.Sydney is already a popular destination for international film production … Beyond Hollywood, there is large demand for Bollywood films in... [Continue Reading]
Trump administration denies reports that Iran captured US soldiers
The head of Iran's National Security Council had claimed the US was misrepresenting the captures as combat deaths. [Continue Reading]
Laden Iranian ships depart Chinese port tied to key military chemicals
Experts said the vessels are probably carrying a key precursor for rocket fuel, making it notable that Beijing let them sail while the U.S. and Iran are at war. [Continue Reading]
Lamine Yamal gives Barcelona hard-fought 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao
Yamal goalkeeps the champions four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings. [Continue Reading]
Irony as offshore wind-farm survey solves 150yo coal supply-ship mystery
A renewable energy company's search for an offshore wind farm site leads divers to the wreckage of the City of Hobart, which sank nearly 150 years ago off Victoria's east coast. [Continue Reading]
Fire crews attend second RSL fire in Melbourne in three days
An RSL in Glen Waverley has been significantly damaged by fire in the second club blaze this week. [Continue Reading]
Trump oversees return of US troops killed in Iranian drone strike
US President Donald Trump attended the “dignified transfer” of six US Army soldiers killed in an Iranian drone strike. [Continue Reading]
Does Rome defeat mark beginning of end of Borthwick empire?
England's defeat by Italy has turned the spotlight on England's leadership, both on and off the pitch [Continue Reading]
New generation revives surfboat team three decades after tragedy
Thirty years after the death of a beloved member during training, Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club revives its women's surfboat team. [Continue Reading]
US embassy in Baghdad attacked as US-Israel war on Iran escalates
Iraq did not want to be dragged into war, but Iran and its aligned paramilitary forces are attacking US hubs there. [Continue Reading]
