Hong Kong police officer sentenced to 16 months for extortion in rape case investigation
A Hong Kong police officer, Ng Wai-fung, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for extortion stemming from his investigation into a rape case involving a 16-year-old girl. The District Court handed down the sentence on March 10, highlighting Ng's overreach in his attempt to seek justice for the victim. This case has brought to the forefront questions surrounding police conduct in sensitive investigations and the implications of a rogue officer acting outside legal boundaries. Throughout the investigation, Ng was reportedly discontent with the Department of Justice’s decision not to press charges against a 19-year-old suspect, who he believed... [Continue Reading]
Simon Harris Attends EU Finance Ministers Meeting in Brussels to Discuss Economic Implications of Middle East Conflict
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is participating in a key meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, followed by significant engagements in Paris, aimed at strengthening Ireland's economic ties with France. These meetings are particularly relevant as they are expected to address the implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly concerning oil supply issues that were a focal point in recent discussions by the G7, which France currently leads. During the Brussels meeting, the ministers will deliberate on the economic fallout stemming from the Middle East crisis and its ramifications for the EU. This dialogue... [Continue Reading]
Iran Launches Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The conflict in the Middle East is escalating as Iran has initiated drone attacks targeting neighboring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, marking a significant intensification in hostilities. Early reports indicate that on Tuesday, Iran fired numerous drones, which the Saudi Defense Ministry claims were intercepted over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait's National Guard successfully downed some over various areas of the country. This offensive occurs as the conflict approaches its 11th day, following recent US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets that have heightened regional tensions further. On February 28, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions and... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong policeman gets 16 months for extorting HK$60,000 from rape case suspect
A Hong Kong police officer has been jailed for 16 months for extorting HK$60,000 (US$7,675) from a rape suspect he believed had been wrongly released by prosecutors. The District Court on Tuesday condemned constable Ng Wai-fung for taking the law into his own hands while investigating a rape complaint lodged by a 16-year-old girl between January and April 2024. Defence lawyers said Ng, who pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office last month, was frustrated by the Department of Justice’s... [Continue Reading]
FIFA say World Cup 'too big' to be postponed by Iran war
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Heimo Schirgi said the World Cup is "too big" and that the 2026 tournament will go on as planned despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
HSBC phases out work-from-home flexibility for frontline staff in Hong Kong
HSBC Holdings is phasing out its remote-work flexibility as it tightens its post-pandemic policy in Hong Kong, requiring frontline employees to be in the office or meet clients five days a week. In an internal memo seen by the South China Morning Post, the city’s largest bank asked client-facing staff, including traders and salespeople, to follow the new rules from April 1. Managing directors and senior managers with direct reports must attend the office at least four days a week, while all... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian ambassador offers US expertise on drones
The Ukrainian ambassador to the United States has said that it is important for Ukraine to show that Kyiv can offer not just "concern or condolences" but immediate action following the launch of Operation Epic Fury. [Continue Reading]
Frozen out? The 'mixed' team event with one female player
Despite Para-ice hockey being a 'mixed' event at the Winter Paralympics, just one female player will compete at Milan-Cortina. [Continue Reading]
Iranian strike kills Bahraini woman after hitting residential building
A suspected Iranian attack on a high-rise residential building in Bahrain's capital of Manama has killed a woman. [Continue Reading]
'Fighter' Kartal stuns Keys in Indian Wells comeback
Britain's Sonay Kartal shows her "fighter" spirit to stun former Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the third round at Indian Wells. [Continue Reading]
Emmerdale favourite suddenly returns 6 weeks after disappearing in early ITVX release
He was last seen in January. [Continue Reading]
F1 Q&A: Can McLaren compete or will they just be best of the rest?
BBC Sport F1 correspondent Andrew Benson answers your questions following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. [Continue Reading]
Cathay extends flight suspension to Dubai, Riyadh until March 31 amid war
Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has further suspended all flights to and from Dubai until the end of March amid the war in the Middle East. The airline announced on Tuesday that all services between Hong Kong and the commercial hub in the United Arab Emirates would be cancelled up to March 31. Flights travelling between the city and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will also be suspended until the end of the month. The move extends an earlier suspension that had been set to run until March 14,... [Continue Reading]
‘Terrible consequences’: North Korea hits out over US-South Korea military exercises
The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un criticised the United States and South Korea for proceeding with their annual joint military exercises at a perilous moment for global security and warned that any challenge to the North’s safety would bring “terrible consequences”. Kim Yo-jong’s statement Tuesday came a day after the allies started their 11-day Freedom Shield exercise involving thousands of troops, while Washington also wages an escalating war in the Middle East. Without... [Continue Reading]
Trump threatens Cuba again, says island nation may face ‘friendly takeover’
The US president repeats claims that Cuba is ready to negotiate as it faces a spiralling energy and economic crisis. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran war will be over ‘very soon’ before threatening ‘fire and fury’
'Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them - But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!' [Continue Reading]
Researchers Conduct Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Experiment in Gulf of Maine to Combat Climate Change
In a controversial scientific experiment in the Gulf of Maine, researchers are investigating a new method to combat climate change. Over a four-day period in August, scientists pumped 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide, a strong alkaline chemical, into the waters, leaving a visible maroon slick that garnered significant attention. This experimental project is part of a broader strategy known as Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE), which aims to increase the ocean's ability to sequester carbon dioxide and address the severe challenges posed by global heating and ocean acidification. The operation was engineered to explore the feasibility of using sodium hydroxide, a... [Continue Reading]
Hobart stadium not expected to be ready for AFL Devils games until 2031
When the $1.13 billion stadium was approved last year, it was hoped the Tasmania Devils would begin playing AFL games there from 2029. The head of the corporation tasked with delivering the stadium says her expectations are set a little bit later. [Continue Reading]
Uefa fears impact of Premier League spending rules
Uefa is seriously concerned that the Premier League's new financial rules could further impact competitive balance. [Continue Reading]
Outback police officer wrangles freshwater croc in backyard
Fitzroy Crossing police officer-in-charge Mark Howes says no-one else was available to help remove a freshwater crocodile from a local backyard, "so I thought I'd have a crack". [Continue Reading]
Israeli military issues evacuation orders for residents in northern Lebanon amid escalating regional tensions
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders to residents in northern Lebanon. This action comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran, and various militant groups. The evacuation orders are part of a broader strategy by Israel to protect its citizens amid fears of potential retaliatory strikes or clashes in the region. According to reports from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the areas targeted by the evacuation orders include specific regions close to the Lebanese border. Although exact figures for the number of residents affected have not... [Continue Reading]
Lebanon conflict with Hezbollah escalates, nearly 500 confirmed deaths reported as President Aoun proposes truce with Israel
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah has escalated drastically in Lebanon, leading to nearly 500 confirmed deaths in recent days. As fighting intensifies, President Joseph Aoun has proposed a direct truce with Israel, blaming Hezbollah for plunging the nation into chaos. The Lebanese authorities report that the death toll continues to rise by about 100 fatalities each day, reflecting the severe impact of the hostilities on the civilian population. As the war enters its second week, the humanitarian consequences have been devastating. According to a United Nations agency, approximately 700,000 people have fled their homes in... [Continue Reading]
CityU professor convicted of offering HK$1,000 bribe to avoid tenancy payout
A Hong Kong court has convicted a professor of offering a HK$1,000 (US$128) bribe to a property agent in an attempt to avoid paying HK$16,000 in compensation for breaching a tenancy agreement more than three years ago. Sha Tin Court on Tuesday rejected mainland Chinese scholar Du Du’s claim that he had only intended to reimburse the agent after backing out of a provisional tenancy agreement on the same day he signed it. In finding the 48-year-old guilty of offering an advantage to an agent, the... [Continue Reading]
Rapist nicknamed ‘the killer’ groomed underage girls with his brothers
He showed the girl a handgun he kept in his car, before taking her into a wooded area and raping her. [Continue Reading]
China summons Maersk, MSC on ‘shipping operations’ amid Panama saga, Iran war shock
China’s Ministry of Transport has summoned two maritime giants – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – for talks on “international shipping operations” amid legal disputes over the Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade. No further details were provided in the one-sentence statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. But in China, government summons often serve as a warning and, if ignored, could lead to further action. The move came as mounting... [Continue Reading]
Super Netball's Kiwi influx leaves sour taste for diehard Australian fans
Nine Kiwi players will feature in Super Netball for 2026, after the New Zealand governing body relaxed its national selection policy. But their influx has left a sour taste in the mouth of rusted-on Australian Diamonds fans. [Continue Reading]
Tehran fires barrage of drones at neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as Iran war enters Day 11
Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti authorities report intercepting barrages of drones early on Tuesday as the US-Israeli war in Iran enters Day 11. Late on Monday, Trump said he expects the war to end “very soon” but provided no timeline on when that might be. [Continue Reading]
Pain at the pump as petrol climbs 17 cents a litre in a week
New data has confirmed a significant rise in fuel costs, with the national average petrol price increasing 17 cents over the week to Sunday, to 198 cents a litre, as analysts warn there's more room for it to rise. [Continue Reading]
Two Queensland MPs could lose seats under proposed electoral changes
The first review into Queensland's electoral boundaries since 2017 has recommended for two electorates to be abolished, two more created, and almost 50 changed. [Continue Reading]
Paralympics: Jules Segers and Aurélie Richard win medals in alpine skiing
Jules Segers won the bronze medal in the Super-G, while Aurélie Richard took silver. France now has a total of five medals. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran war over 'very soon' after Hegseth warns 'just the beginning'
US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran could be over "very soon", but has still not offered a definitive end date for the conflict. [Continue Reading]
Tuesday briefing: Inside the increasingly heated debate about who can – and can’t – vote in the UK
In today’s newsletter: In the wake of this year’s Commonwealth Day, a look at the complex framework of voting rules in different parts of the UKGood morning. In the wake of the Green party’s victory in the Gorton and Denton byelection, Nigel Farage claimed his party would have won if the vote had been restricted to “British-born voters”. The Greens dismissed the suggestion as “dangerous, racist nonsense”.But the argument has thrown fresh attention on a little-understood feature of the UK’s electoral system: who is actually allowed to vote. As it stands, some non-UK citizens – including certain Commonwealth nationals –... [Continue Reading]
Public health patient demands apology after private health info given to media
Monica Wohlstadt is the second person in a matter of days to raise concerns about how the SA health minister's office used personal patient information to "background" journalists ahead of the publication of stories. [Continue Reading]
Israel military issues new evacuation orders in Lebanon
Follow developments in the Middle East as Iran vows to fight "as long as needed" and US President Donald Trump says the war will end "soon" [Continue Reading]
Former footballer Barry Cable sexually abused girl from orphanage, court hears
Ex-Australian football Hall of Famer Barry Cable picked up a girl from an orphanage in Perth and sexually abused her multiple times in the 1960s, a court has been told. [Continue Reading]
The 'big brother' helping Arteta's Arsenal 'over the line'
As Arsenal pursue a first Premier League title in 22 years, BBC Sport looks at how the relationship between Mikel Arteta and his assistant, Gabriel Heinze, is helping them. [Continue Reading]
Woman killed in Bahrain as Gulf states intercept more Iranian missiles
Strikes continue as Trump says US attacks on Iran will dramatically increase if it tries to close Strait of Hormuz. [Continue Reading]
Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka cricket series called off due to Iran war
Afghanistan were due to host Sri Lanka for a six-match series in the UAE, which has been hit by attacks from Iran. [Continue Reading]
US to end prosecution of Turkiye’s Halkbank over alleged business with Iran
US prosecutors say Turkish assistance in negotiating ceasefire , release of captives from Gaza contributed to settlement. [Continue Reading]
Late Night Scolds Trump Over Gasoline Prices
“You can lie about many things in American life, but one thing you can’t lie about is gas prices,” Late Night host Seth Meyers said. “Everyone sees it.” [Continue Reading]
Gaza food prices soar as border closures deepen shortages amid Iran war
Families are buying whatever they can while supplies last, fearing that food available today may not be there tomorrow. [Continue Reading]
Man who fatally shot workmate was exploring extremist ideology, inquest hears
A man who fatally shot his colleague at a Wheatbelt grain silo before turning the weapon on himself had undiagnosed mental health issues and was exploring extremist ideology, an inquest hears. [Continue Reading]
War in the Middle East: nearly 500 dead in Lebanon from Israeli offensive against Hezbollah
Escalating hostilities have forced nearly 700,000 people to flee their homes in Lebanon over the past week, a UN agency said on Monday, as the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah entered a second week. Lebanon has been pulled deep into the war in the Middle East since Hezbollah opened fire to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, igniting an Israeli offensive which has killed nearly 500 people in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities, with the death toll... [Continue Reading]
The ‘Fourth Successor’: Iran’s plan for a long war with the US and Israel
Tehran built a doctrine to absorb shock, survive decapitation strikes and turn time into a weapon. [Continue Reading]
China exports surge in first two months of the year despite Trump tariffs
The jump in shipments puts the world's second largest economy on track to top the record-breaking annual trade surplus it saw in 2025. [Continue Reading]
'I thought my unborn baby had died in e-bike crash'
Siobhan Barling's baby was born six weeks early and seriously ill after being hit by an e-bike. [Continue Reading]
Israeli Airstrikes on Iran's Oil Infrastructure Raise Environmental Concerns and Prompt Warnings from Authorities
Recent bombing raids by Israeli warplanes targeting Iran's oil infrastructure have ignited serious environmental concerns, prompting experts to warn of significant long-term repercussions. The strikes, which occurred at key oil facilities, including the Shahran oil depot north-east of Tehran and the Shahr-e fuel depot to its south, have left these sites ablaze for multiple days, leading to fears of extensive contamination of air and water resources in the surrounding areas as the conflict intensifies. These attacks, which occurred two days prior to recent reports, have prompted the Iranian environmental agency and the Iranian Red Crescent Society to issue urgent warnings... [Continue Reading]
