Record floods in Brazil's Minas Gerais lead to evacuations and landslides, highlighting climate change risks
The recent record floods in Brazil, particularly in the coffee-producing state of Minas Gerais, have led to widespread devastation, with dozens of residents reported buried in landslides and thousands forced to evacuate their homes. This disaster highlights the urgent need to address the rising risks posed by climate change, as scientists warn that continued reliance on fossil fuels will only exacerbate extreme weather events. In the city of Juiz de Fora, one of the hardest-hit areas, March witnessed an alarming rainfall total of over 750mm, marking the wettest February on record. This is three times the amount typically expected for... [Continue Reading]
Israeli airstrike in Beirut kills at least seven amid escalating violence with Hezbollah
In a significant escalation of violence in the Middle East, a recent Israeli airstrike on central Beirut's seafront has resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, according to statements from Lebanon's health ministry. This incident marks the latest in a series of aggressive actions amid ongoing hostilities involving Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israeli forces. The strike occurred early on Thursday, as Hezbollah launched additional missiles towards Israel, further intensifying the regional conflict. Lebanese officials reported the attack took place in a densely populated area of Beirut, which has increasingly become a focal point in the escalating military confrontations. Explosions... [Continue Reading]
Why war on Iran is not Trump’s to end: will Israel ‘fan the flames’?
The US-Israeli war on Iran could prove difficult to end in the short term, with Israel expected to continue to “fan the flames”, Chinese experts have warned. However, they still believe that the intense back-and-forth attacks and high tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are unlikely to last. They also reject the notion that a prolonged Middle East conflict involving the United States would benefit Beijing. It has been 12 days since the US and Israel launched joint air strikes on Iran on February... [Continue Reading]
Why Indonesia’s waste-to-energy goal may not be ‘quick fix’ for landfill crisis
Indonesia’s appointment of two Chinese companies to run waste-to-energy (WtE) projects in two cities, an initiative of President Prabowo Subianto to reduce mounting rubbish in landfills while providing energy, has sparked a debate over costs, efficiency and whether its waste-reduction efforts are on track. Danantara, the Indonesian state wealth fund, on Friday announced that it had chosen Wangneng Environment as the operator of a WtE plant in the city of Bekasi, while Zhejiang Weiming... [Continue Reading]
‘Outdated intelligence’: US faces mounting evidence in deadly strike on Iran school
Outdated intelligence likely led to the United States carrying out a deadly missile strike on a junior school in Iran that killed over 165 people, many of them children, in the opening hours of the conflict, according to a US official and a second person briefed on findings of a preliminary US military investigation into the incident. The bombing of the school and its casualties involving children has become a focal point of the war, and if ultimately confirmed to be at the hands of the US,... [Continue Reading]
Malaysian man jailed for 10 months, fined US$12,700 over Facebook post insulting Islam
The administrator of a Facebook account has been jailed 10 months and fined 50,000 ringgit (US$12,700) by the Sessions Court in Miri, Sarawak, over a post deemed insulting to Islam. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said John Mule anak Alai, 48, was convicted under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities. “MCMC takes seriously any form of misuse of digital platforms that insults religion, incites hatred,... [Continue Reading]
Middle East war live: Israel strike kills 7 in central Beirut as Gulf ship attacks surge
Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut’s seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, in the latest attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel. Meanwhile, explosions struck two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf off Iraq, killing at least one person, authorities said. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates. [Continue Reading]
Asia scrambles to confront energy crisis unleashed by Iran war – with no end in sight
From fuel caps to four-day work weeks, the Middle East conflict has left the world’s top crude oil importing region desperate to shore up suppliesDonald Trump has scrambled in recent days to reassure the world that the economic impact of his war on Iran can be contained.Sure, one of the most important waterways in global trade has, in effect, been shut for almost two weeks – but it might reopen before long. In the meantime, US oil-related sanctions on “some countries” will be lifted. And besides, the entire conflict could be over soon. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Fears Easter travellers will hit the brakes as fuel prices climb
Many Australian families are adjusting their Easter travel plans as eye-watering fuel prices continue to rise. [Continue Reading]
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]
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]
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 both physical and psychological abuseRené Redzepi, the head chef and co-founder of Noma, announced Wednesday he was resigning from his internationally acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant following allegations that he had physically abused his staff.Redzepi had been facing protests in Los Angeles before a four-month pop-up that launched this week. His resignation comes after the New York Times detailed shocking 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
More than 10 cars collided on a major bridge on Thursday morning, injuring 10 people and resulting in the closure of most lanes leading to the Hong Kong airport. Hong Kong police said they received a report about the crash on Tsing Ma Bridge at 8.31am, adding that 10 people were slightly injured. Photographs from the scene show at least one vehicle flipped onto its side. The Transport Department said at 9.35am that the lower deck of the bridge had been reopened to drivers, while some... [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]
