Environment watchdog confirms Sydney’s mystery beach balls likely came from sewage treatment plants

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

NSW EPA investigation finds debris that washed up on Sydney beaches in 2024 ‘consistent with a land-based sewage source’

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Authorities investigating mystery balls of debris that closed beaches in Sydney and the south coast in recent months have determined that they likely originated from Sydney Water’s land-based sewage treatment network, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) said on Friday.

“The development comes after a comprehensive scientific and technical investigation found similarities between the makeup of the debris balls and samples taken from several of Sydney Water’s major wastewater treatment plants, including those at Malabar and Bondi,” the EPA said in a statement.

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EU urged to put human rights centre stage at first central Asia summit

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Bloc to discuss trade, security and energy with leaders of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan

The EU is being urged to put human rights centre stage as it begins its first summit with the leaders of central Asia.

The president of the European Council, António Costa, and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, are meeting the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on Friday.

Trump reportedly threatening to freeze $510m in grants from Brown University

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

University says it has not yet been notified, but school was among dozens warned of academic crackdown

The Trump administration is taking aim at Brown University with threats to freeze $510m in grants, widening its promise to withhold federal funding from schools it accuses of allowing antisemitism on campus, according to multiple media outlets including Reuters and the New York Times.

University officials said they had not yet been formally notified, but the school was among dozens warned last month that enforcement actions could be coming as the administration seeks to crack down on academic institutions .

C.E.O. Choked Man Who Danced Barefoot on Cruise Ship, U.S. Says – The New York Times

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Downtown Seoul tense as court rules on President Yoon’s impeachment

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Thousands of police were deployed in the vicinity of the Constitutional Court due to possible fallout from the ruling.

Tariff troubles overshadow US olive branch at NATO – dw.com

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Tariff troubles overshadow US olive branch at NATO dw.com
Rubio Visits NATO Amid European Alarm Over Trump’s Agenda The New York Times
Secretary of State Marco Rubio asks NATO allies to chip in with 5% GDP upi.com
In NATO talks, Trump team puts onus on Europe to defend itself The Washington Post
Rubio tries to reassure wary allies of US commitment to NATO as Trump sends mixed signals AP News

Hezbollah at crossroads after blows from war weaken group

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

The BBC's Hugo Bachega explores the future for Hezbollah in the wake of Israel's devastating attacks.

Hezbollah at crossroads after blows from war weaken group

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

The BBC's Hugo Bachega explores the future for Hezbollah in the wake of Israel's devastating attacks.

Hezbollah at crossroads after blows from war weaken group – BBC

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Hezbollah at crossroads after blows from war weaken group BBC
Pretending to Disarm Hezbollah Won’t Work Foundation for Defense of Democracies
The Hezbollah Paradox The Media Line
Timeframe reportedly devised for disarming Hezbollah Naharnet
Why Hezbollah Fell Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

Hungary will withdraw from ICC, government says during Netanyahu visit – The Washington Post

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

IDF kills Hamas commander Hassan Farhat in Lebanon strike – The Jerusalem Post

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

IDF kills Hamas commander Hassan Farhat in Lebanon strike The Jerusalem Post
Israel kills a Hamas commander in Lebanon, further testing ceasefire Reuters
Israel’s Military Strikes Near Beirut, Killing at Least 4 The New York Times
Israel says it killed a Hamas commander in south Lebanon strike France 24
Lebanon airstrike takes out Hamas operative tied to rocket attacks www.israelhayom.com

Six people dead after alleged dynamite attack in Bolivia gold-mining clash

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

The dynamite attack is thought to be the result of two mining collectives fighting over access to gold deposits.

Katya Adler: EU talks tough on Trump tariffs in hope of U-turn

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

The EU has enormous economic clout as the biggest single market in the world, but does not want to risk a backlash.

Tony Mokbel freed on bail by Victorian court after ‘Lawyer X’ scandal

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Court of appeal rules Mokbel to be released, saying there is a ‘strong chance’ his convictions will be quashed

The organised crime figure Tony Mokbel will be released on bail as a consequence of the “joint criminal enterprise” Victorian police entered with Lawyer X, Nicola Gobbo, a court has found.

The Victorian court of appeal ruled on Friday that Mokbel should be released and that there was a “very strong” chance his remaining convictions would be quashed.

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Trump says he thinks Iran wants direct talks with US

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

US president says Iran initially wanted talks through intermediaries, but he thinks Tehran has changed its position.

What is live shopping and will it take off?

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

Big in Asia, live shopping involves brands putting on live shows to sell direct to shoppers.

Cross-Channel train services to be cheaper to run as operator cuts charges

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

LSPH chief executive announces ‘groundbreaking proposal’ intended to grow international rail travel from the UK

Cross-Channel train services serving new destinations will be cheaper to run under a scheme to grow international rail travel from the UK.

London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH), which owns and operates the railway and stations from the capital to the Channel tunnel, said it would slash charges for operators planning new routes.

Tasmania’s Dark Mofo is back with a bang – and a car crash: festival announces 2025 program

Posted on April 3, 2025 by Admin

After a year off, the often controversial art festival returns, having signed a new three-year funding deal with the state government

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A two-hour performance work involving an artist and a stunt driver culminating in a head-on car crash, a man being crushed by sand in a giant hourglass, and an open invitation to scream, are among some of the artworks heading to Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival, which is back this winter after taking a fallow year.

The annual art festival, created by David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) and well known for its often controversial, confronting and humorous spirit, was called off last year so organisers could take stock of “changing conditions and rising costs” to ensure its future. Many festivals around Australia have been cancelled in the last two years, including Dark Mofo’s summer equivalent, Mona Foma, which finished in 2024 after 16 years.