Australia proposes $32m fine for social media firms flouting under-16s ban
Under bill, platforms like Instagram and X would be given one year to find ways of restricting access to minors.
World’s conflict zones increased by two-thirds in past three years, report reveals
Wars have spread and intensified, with far-reaching impacts on global economic growth and food security, according to latest Conflict Intensity Index
The proportion of the world engulfed by conflict has grown 65% – equivalent to nearly double the size of India – over the past three years, according to a new report.
Ukraine, Myanmar, the Middle East and a “conflict corridor” around Africa’s Sahel region have seen wars and unrest spread and intensify since 2021, according to the latest Conflict Intensity Index (CII), published by risk analysts Verisk Maplecroft.
Continue reading...Mineral Resources boss Chris Ellison tells shareholders ‘I hate what I’ve done’ after scandals rock company
Perth businessman tells AGM he made ‘error in judgment’ as company’s executive pay plans are voted down
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Embattled mining billionaire Chris Ellison has told shareholders he can’t stress enough “how much I hate what I’ve done” after a series of scandals engulfed the company he leads, Mineral Resources.
The Perth businessman has previously acknowledged he failed to disclose revenue generated by overseas entities to tax authorities earlier in his career. A company investigation later found he had also used business resources for his personal benefit.
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Continue reading...US House committee withholds report on Trump attorney general pick Gaetz
Matt Gaetz has faced allegations of sex trafficking a 17-year-old girl, drug use, and misappropriating campaign funds.
Duct-taped banana artwork sells for $6.2m in NYC
The winning bidder says he will eat the banana in coming days as part of a "unique artistic experience".
Sydney train strike: chaotic shutdown averted after 11th-hour crisis talks with union
NSW government caves to rail union demands to prevent workers striking
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A chaotic two-day shutdown of Sydney’s train network has been averted at the 11th hour after the state government caved to rail union demands to run 24-hour services to prevent workers striking.
However, the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has warned that despite securing a two-week hiatus on industrial action amid tense negotiations with rail unions over a new pay deal, there is no guarantee that the threat of a city-wide rail shutdown will not recur in a fortnight.
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Continue reading...‘Do you sell cars?’: Jaguar’s rebrand prompts mockery, confusion online
British luxury automaker's advertising campaign features models of varying ages, genders and races - but no cars.
Moment world’s tallest woman and shortest woman meet
The pair shared afternoon tea in London in celebration of Guinness World Records Day 2024.
Putin gifts lion and brown bears to North Korea zoo
The two countries have grown very close recently, with N Korea supporting Putin's war in Ukraine.
Percival Everett wins National Book Award for fiction with retelling of Huckleberry Finn
Everett’s novel, James, which focuses on Twain's enslaved character Jim, won the $10,000 prize
Percival Everett has won the $10,000 National Book Award for fiction, one of the US’s most prestigious literary prizes, for James, his acclaimed reimagining of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The 67-year-old author was also shortlisted for this year’s Booker prize for James, which focuses on Huckleberry Finn’s enslaved character Jim. The Guardian’s Anthony Cummins called the book “gripping, painful, funny, horrifying” in his review.
Continue reading...US ‘Secret War’ remembered as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin visits Laos
Al Jazeera looks back at the most devastating period in Laos's history, when the US waged a years-long 'Secret War'.
Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Takes Stand in National Security Trial – The New York Times
- Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Takes Stand in National Security Trial The New York Times
- Jimmy Lai to answer Apple Daily staff’s allegations in Hong Kong security trial South China Morning Post
- Tycoon Jimmy Lai denies asking US to act against HK, China in landmark trial Reuters
- He Rose to Riches in Hong Kong. Now He’s a Symbol of China’s Crackdown. The Wall Street Journal
- Hong Kong ex-publisher Jimmy Lai testifies he didn't ask Pence, Pompeo to take action against city The Associated Press
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,001
These were the key developments on the 1,001st day of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Musk, Ramaswamy outline plans for ‘drastic’ cuts as gov’t efficiency tsars
Trump allies say they will 'liberate individuals and businesses from illicit regulations never passed by Congress'.
Australia wants to ban kids from social media. Will it work?
The government has just tabled laws to block access to under-16s - but the proposal is divisive.
‘Resurgence’ in China aid to Pacific amid tussle with US for influence
Thinktank’s report says Beijing has emerged from Covid-induced lull with a ‘more competitive, politically targeted model’ of engagement in the region
China has renewed efforts to curry favour in Pacific island nations, a new report has found, after charting a “resurgence” in Beijing-backed aid and infrastructure funding.
Over the past decade, China has lavished billions of dollars on Pacific island nations, part of ongoing efforts to build influence in competition with the US and its allies.
Continue reading...Accident or sabotage? American and European officials disagree as key undersea cables are cut – CNN
- Accident or sabotage? American and European officials disagree as key undersea cables are cut CNN
- Chinese-Registered Ship Is Held in Baltic Sea Sabotage Investigation The Wall Street Journal
- Finnish authorities open probe into ruptured undersea cable between Finland and Germany The Associated Press
- US allies accuse Russia of 'escalating hybrid activities' against NATO, EU nations after data cables severed Fox News
- Danish military says it's staying close to Chinese ship after data cable breaches Reuters
Las Vegas man who called 911 for help killed by police in his home
Brandon Durham was tussling with a female intruder over a knife when an officer shot him multiple times.
Fallen trees cause widespread damage after bomb cyclone
Two people died in the storm that hit the West coast of the US and Canada overnight.
Uncertainty after Australia foreign students bill hits opposition
Universities had already begun making changes, as the controversial bill was expected to easily pass.