US strikes Iran radar sites after Iranian drone launch
Updated / Saturday, The US said its forces shot down four Iranian attack drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz US forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites after shooting down drones launched , the US military has said, in the latest escalation complicating efforts to end the war between the two countries. The US military believes the four Iranian drones were targeting regional maritime traffic, a US official told Reuters. US Central Command said on X that the US then struck Iran's surveillance sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, which are both on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had targeted US bases in the region with missiles in retaliation for US strikes and fired on four tankers attempting to cross the waterway without its permission. Kuwaiti air defences were intercepting missile and drone attacks of undisclosed origin, state media reported, while in Bahrain sirens sounded and residents were urged to seek shelter. Iran said it had hit US bases in both countries with ballistic missiles, but the US military said six missiles were intercepted and a seventh did not reach its target. US President Donald Trump said Iran still have access to about a fifth of their missiles The US and Iran have been engaged in largely indirect negotiations to secure an interim deal to halt the three-month-old war that would leave issues including Iran's nuclear programme to further negotiations. But amid periodic skirmishes, a deal has remained elusive. As part of any agreement, Tehran wants access to billions of dollars in oil revenue, waivers on sanctions on crude exports, the lifting of a US blockade on its ports and leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has effectively blocked the waterway, where about a fifth of the world's oil transited before the war. US President Donald Trump is facing mounting domestic political pressure due to rising gas prices to bring the unpopular war to an end. He told NBC that while most of Iran's drone and missile manufacturing facilities had been destroyed, the Iranians still have access to about a fifth of their missiles. "They have some missiles, they have some drones. I would say percentage wise, maybe 21% - 22% of their missiles," Mr Trump told NBC News' Meet the Press programme, according to excerpts released . "It's a lot of missiles, but it's not what it was when we first attacked," he added. When asked why Iran’s leaders were not more inclined to strike a deal, Mr Trump said: "They are strong.
UK denounces interference as Vance comments on Nowak case
Updated / Friday, Henry Nowak was handcuffed "righteous anger" in response to the murder of Henry Nowak, which he partly blamed on "the mass invasion of migrants". His extraordinary comments triggered a response from Downing Street, which hit out at "people trying to interfere in our democracy and seeking to stir up division on our streets" over Mr Nowak's case. The 18-year-old student was handcuffed , Vickrum Digwa, claimed to have been the victim of a racist attack. His call came after violent unrest in Southampton on Tuesday night, near the spot where Mr Nowak was killed. They have said they do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We should be respecting their wishes. "Our politics should bring people together even in the most terrible of circumstances. That is who we are as a country." Protesters confront riot police near the location where Henry Nowak died Mr Vance's intervention came after the US State Department linked "two-tier policing" to Mr Nowak's death. US secretary of state Marco Rubio’s department said: "Ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilizational decline. "They must be rejected across the West. "The United States sends our condolences to the family of Henry Nowak and the people of the United Kingdom at this troubling time." Downing Street rejected "any suggestion of two-tier policing across the United Kingdom". Digwa was given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years in prison for stabbing Mr Nowak with a ceremonial knife with a 21cm blade, which he carried as part of his Sikh religion. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Hampshire Police’s response in Mr Nowak’s case. Mark Nowak and Katie Woodcock, the father and stepmother of Henry Nowak, at Downing Street for a meeting with Keir Starmer The British government rejected the intervention from the Trump administration. Downing Street dismissed the suggestion that two-tier policing is taking place in the UK, echoing Justice Secretary David Lammy, who had earlier said it did not chime with his experience. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said police had serious questions to answer about their handling of the incident, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and an investigation is taking place. But he condemned a violent and disorderly protest that took place on Tuesday night and said it was "unforgivable" to exploit the death to stir tension after Mr Farage called for people to respond with "pure cold rage".
Putin says there is 'no point' meeting Zelensky over ending Ukraine war
12 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on Google Dan Sales Reuters Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he does not see any point in meeting Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian leader requested face-to-face talks over ending the war between the two nations. Zelensky sent an open letter on Thursday calling for direct negotiations with Putin, writing that it was "wrong to simply wait" for the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, to become the focus of US attention once more. The Ukrainian president also requested a ceasefire, while striking a defiant, at-times mocking tone. Putin called the note "rude" and refused the request for a meeting, reiterating his position that peace talks should precede any ceasefire. Zelensky proposes face-to-face talks in open letter to Putin Ukraine strikes cargo ships and admits Romania drone blast "I don't see any point for now," he said when asked whether he would take up Zelensky's offer while speaking at Russia's annual economic forum in St Petersburg on Friday. "Was it a way to create the conditions for a face-to-face meeting or a way not to set up a face-to-face meeting? I think it was the second." After hearing Putin's response Zelensky said Russia "was choosing war again" . "He just doesn't want to end the war. I think that many in the world were disappointed ," he wrote on Telegram. During his remarks addressing Zelensky's letter, Putin restated his position that a ceasefire would only allow Ukraine to regroup, while concessions Moscow is seeking from Kyiv remain unmet. "The only point is for the Ukrainian side to halt the advance of our armed forces. But we need agreements - not for six months, not for three months, but for the long term," he said. "Let the experts get to work and come up with some solutions. After that, we can meet." Putin said he would only end the war when Russia's goals had been met. "Military actions will end some day, we assume. Without a doubt, they will end once we have achieved the goals we have set for ourselves." Russia's longstanding position is that Ukraine should withdraw from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as abandon efforts to join Nato. But Kyiv has refused to give up any territory, arguing that any concessions to Moscow would embolden it to invade again in the future, noting its full-scale invasion came eight years after it annexed the Crimean peninsula.
Ukraine strikes cargo ships and admits Romania drone blast
15 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on Google Kathryn Armstrong Watch: Moment TV reporter runs for cover after naval drone explodes in Romania Ukraine says it has struck five ships carrying illegal cargo in the Sea of Azov and in coastal waters of Russian-occupied territories. The Ukrainian drone forces commander said the vessels were involved in "stealing" Ukrainian grain, as well as transferring military cargo and fuel. The strikes come a day after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky offered face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin on ending the war, an offer the Russian leader rejected while visiting St Petersburg for an economic forum. Meanwhile, Ukraine has confirmed one of its naval drones exploded off Romania's coast on Friday. No injuries were reported in the blast. Zelensky wrote alongside his latest offer of peace talks that Russians had become tired of Ukrainian drone and missile attacks, petrol shortages and rising prices that the war, now in its fifth year, had brought. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted military and energy infrastructure within Russia in a bid to limit its war-fighting capability. Putin's appearance in St Petersburg comes a day after Kyiv had launched a drone attack on the outskirts of the city. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry confirmed five of its citizens had been killed in attacks on two of the vessels in the Sea of Azov. It did not specify who had been behind the attacks and noted that the ships did not belong to Azerbaijan. Earlier, Robert Brovdi, Ukraine's drone commander, announced that five "illegally loitering vessels" had been struck overnight in the ports of Mariupol, Berdyansk and in the coastal waters of what Ukraine calls the "temporarily occupied territories" - parts of the country that Russia currently controls. He said the names of the five ships, which included cargo vessels and tankers, were painted over and their radars were turned off "with the aim of quietly stealing Ukrainian grain", as well as "transferring military cargo and fuel". The Azeri foreign ministry named two of the ships as the Nastra and the Circon. Brovdi did not mention any deaths. EPA/Shutterstock Ukraine's state emergency services posted pictures of the attack on a dairy factory in the Kyiv region In Ukraine, at least 13 people have been killed and more than 70 others have been injured in the past day, according to local officials. Among them are four people who died after Russian drones struck a dairy factory outside the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, according to the regional head, and a 35-year-old woman in a drone attack on a petrol station in Kherson, local officials said.
Leaving Cert: ‘It requires a lot of mental energy to sit a full exam paper’
Kat Ruane is feeling somewhat calmer about the Leaving Cert, now that it’s here, than she was at the beginning of sixth year. “I’ve done all the work that I have over the past year. And now it’s just to actually sit the exams.” The 18-year-old is worried about Irish on Monday and Tuesday, “because of the length of the paper”, she says. “And then history as well because of the timing of the paper” (on Wednesday afternoon). She finds it difficult to manage the timings of exams generally because she has ADHD and dyspraxia. “My hands get very sore after writing for a certain amount of time, and it takes a while for me to process things,” she explains. The accommodations help, she says, but it’s still difficult to complete the paper in a short amount of time. Kat was offered the use of a laptop, but she declined. “I process things better when I’m writing, and also I can write much quicker than I can type,” she says. The smaller room in which she sits her exams helps to reduce distraction and she can avail of rest breaks. “And that really helps.” She worries about how she’ll manage on the days she has two exams. “That’s a big concern of mine ... I have two days with two exams. I know people that have two exams on a lot of days and I feel like that would really impact my performance in the second exam. Because I’d be very burnt out after the first one, especially because I have ADHD. It requires a lot of mental energy to sit a full exam paper. Kat has a downtime routine she maintains to help her manage. “I go to the gym regularly, usually in the evening. So I’m planning on doing group study to try keep myself motivated.” When it’s all over, Kat is hoping to study Economics, Politics and Law in DCU. But if things don’t go quite as she hopes, she plans to do a post-Leaving Cert course. Knowing that’s an option gives her great comfort.
Residents facing eviction from retirement village given 11th-hour extension
Disabled and elderly residents due to be evicted on Saturday from a west Sligo retirement village have had the threat of having to leave pushed back . In a recent letter, landlord Nasso BK Holdings Ltd said that while they could remain in their homes for that additional period, “the original notice of termination remains legally effective and in place”. It said this would be the situation “while longer-term arrangements are explored”. The tenants, who have health problems including Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and cancer, among others, were issued the notice of termination last November from their six purpose-built, age-friendly homes for people with special needs in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, despite no other suitable accommodation being available locally. “I was distraught when I read it because it said the eviction notice still stands,” resident Elizabeth Stewart (84) told The Irish Times about the recent letter. “It’s definitely not the peace of mind we were hoping for. They can change their mind at any time. It’s still at the back of our minds.” Stewart said she held out no hope of finding other houses. “I’m just hoping that maybe they sell them to somebody who will agree to rent them indefinitely,” said Stewart, the sole carer for her husband Frank (88), who has Alzheimer’s disease. “Today was supposed to be my last day,” said another tenant, Justin Carroll (58), who has MS. “The fact that there was a ray of hope meant everything. I’m relieved I can stay in the house. I’m just happy to be left here.” It is thought that the reason the landlord has not issued new tenancy agreements could relate to new rental laws brought in . Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2026, new tenancies created after March 1st must have a minimum duration of six years. Local Independent Cllr Joe Queenan, who had been representing the tenants in talks with the landlord and Sligo County Council, believes the six-month eviction extension is a result of that new provision. “I do, because as you know, a new contract now is a six-year contract. I’ve no doubt that’s the reason why the landlord [brought in a] six-month extension. The landlord explained to me that was the legal advice that was given to them.” he said. “I can the six-month thing could throw people off. I know in six months’ time we’ll get it renewed again, the tenants won’t be asked to leave the house, I’m sure of that,” he said.
Von der Leyen warned about China. Europe didn't listen. Will it now?
By Jorge Liboreiro Published on 06/06/2026 - GMT+2 Three years ago, Ursula von der Leyen set an assertive tone in a landmark speech about EU-China relations. Today, she is on the verge of turning her words into action. But a formidable challenge remains in her way. Out of all the speeches that Ursula von der Leyen has ever given, there is one that resonates to this day, perhaps louder than ever before. More than three years ago, in March 2023, the president of the European Commission delivered a landmark, wide-ranging addressdissecting the state of EU-China relations, which she described as "the most intricate and important anywhere in the world". Back then, it was rare for an EU leader to focus a public intervention exclusively on China, as Russia's war on Ukraine dominated the political agenda. In fact, von der Leyen devoted the first part of her address to castigating Chinese President Xi Jinping for his "no-limits friendship" with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Her main grievances, though, lay on the economic front. Von der Leyen spoke at length about China's distorting subsidies, unfair competition, coercive practices, growing imbalances, forced technology transfers and monopoly of critical raw materials, all of which, she said, required a brand-new approach: de-risking. These friction points are now at the centre of a fast-moving reckoning inside the Commission as the glut of low-cost imports from China strangles the European economy, destroys jobs and shuts down factories. Fears of de-industrialisation, which are today widespread across Europe, were not explicitly featured in her speech, but the scope of the threat was made unequivocal. "We can expect to see a clear path and push to make China less dependent on the world and the world more dependent on China," she said. "The imperative for security and control now trumps the logic of free markets and open trade." The 36-minute-long speech was greeted , who praised it as a matter-of-fact, clear-eyed analysis, and excoriated , who denounced it as misleading and incoherent. But neither of them was von der Leyen's prime audience. Her words aimed at those who ultimately hold the cards: the member states. "We need the collective will to respond together," she said. Ironically, it was member states, caught up in their perennial disagreements over Beijing, that did the most to undercut her core messages. Von der Leyen's plea to diversify trade was largely brushed off, worsening the lopsided trajectory that began during the COVID pandemic. 2025 marked the first time on record that every single member of the bloc posted a trade deficit with Beijing.
Fossil fuel imports have dropped across the EU since war on Iran - except in these three countries
By Liam Gilliver Published on 06/06/2026 - GMT+2 While the EU has responded to the latest fossil fuel crisis , a trio of states have “deepened their exposure ". It’s been 100 days since the war on Iran began, dragging the world into one of the greatest fossil fuel shocks of our time. Europe’s renewable boom has helped shelter the continent from soaring oil and gas prices – which remain volatile due to Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz – with solar alone saving Europe €12.8 billion as of 2 June. However, the EU still spends billions of euros on fossil fuel imports – and has increased its dependency on its two largest liquid natural gas (LNG) suppliers, the US and Russia. Is the EU reducing its fossil fuel imports? A new analysis (IEEFA) shows that EU imports of LNG have dropped by 1.2 per cent since March and continue to decline. In the UK, LNG imports decreased by 20 per cent during the same period. Together, this represents a three per cent reduction. “The EU has realised that its 2022 decision to boost LNG imports is no longer sustainable,” says IEEFA energy analyst Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz. “Supply constraints have prompted a reduction in LNG imports, highlighting the imminent need for further gas demand reduction to avoid jeopardising the bloc’s energy security.” While many EU members have responded to the latest fossil fuel crisis , others have “deepened their exposure ”, argues Jaller-Makarewicz. Germany’s LNG imports surged 72 per cent year-over-year from March to May 2026, the sharpest increase among all EU countries. Italy – which risks missing its 2030 emissions target – and Belgium have also increased LNG imports over the last year. Is the EU becoming more reliant on US and Russian gas? IEEFA’s analysis also found that US and Russian LNG dependency continued during the first 100 days of war in the Middle East. Following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Europe’s imports of Qatari LNG have fallen. How solar has saved Europe €136 million per day since the start of the Iran war France accused of ‘climate denial’ as green funding quietly shrinks following blistering heatwave However, from March to May 2026, the EU's year-on-year LNG imports rose across all other major suppliers: up five per cent from the US, 11 per cent from Algeria, 25 per cent from Russia, and 84 per cent from Norway. The US accounted for 60 per cent of the EU’s LNG imports during this period, up from 56 per cent year-on-year.
Limerick animal lovers raise €3,000 for two animal rescue charities at local pet shop reopening
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Kerry-based author Amanda Geard set to release her third novel
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Inner west home sells for $300k under reserve in ‘cautious’ market
A two-storey, seven-bedroom house in the heritage suburb of Haberfield sold for $5.2 million on Saturday, $300,000 below the reserve. The home at 262 Hawthorne Parade had a reserve of $5.5 million and was marketed with a guide of $5 million. There is no legal requirement for a vendor’s reserve to be in line with their property’s price guide. Owned by a prominent family active in local business, records show they paid $200,000 for the property in 1987. They built the house, which includes a sweeping staircase and chandelier in the entryway, in 1991. About 50 people gathered in the garden on the 1239-square-metre site as auctioneer Jesse Davidson opened bidding at $4.8 million. After an initial bid of $100,000, two bids of $50,000 followed before the auction progressed in increments of $10,000. Auctioneer Jesse Davidson appeals for bids before a backyard crowd at the auction of 262 Hawthorne Parade. George ChanBidding stalled at $5.16 million while sales agent Alfio Musumeci took instructions from the vendor. When bidding reached $5.2 million, the property was declared on the market and it sold. There were five registered bidders, with four taking part. The successful bidders were a family from further west whose children were in private schools in the inner west. The underbidders were a local family looking to trade up. Ray White Elevate sales agent Kristian Morris said the result was “further evidence” that the market had cooled. The entryway to 262 Hawthorne Parade is dominated by a sweeping staircase. George Chan“I would have thought we could have done better [with the price], but bidding was hesitant,” he said. “Even the underbidder cited interest rates when I was encouraging him [to bid].” The property was one of 376 scheduled to go to auction in Sydney this week. In Elizabeth Bay, a two-bedroom mid-century apartment sold for $1.34 million, with money from the sale to be distributed among local charities. About 50 people gathered in the 1960s apartment at 414/6A Birtley Place to witness the auction, with bidding opening at $1.2 million. There were five registered bidders, two of them active. The property had a guide of $1.1 million and a reserve of $1.2 million. Just five bids secured the sale after offers opened at $1.2 million and rose in increments of $25,000. The successful bidder was a woman from Glebe who plans to move in. The underbidders were a couple with a baby who knew people in the building. The property was a deceased estate. This mid-century apartment in Elizabeth Bay is in original condition, including the pink and blue bathroom.
British PM hits back at Vance over comments on teen’s stabbing death
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office has condemned comments , who blamed immigration for the death of a university student who was handcuffed as he lay dying from a stab wound. Henry Nowak, 18, died last December after being stabbed . Digwa, 23, was convicted of murder for stabbing Nowak with a 21-centimetre Sikh dagger and sentenced this week to life in prison with a minimum 21-year term. Keir Starmer has described watching the bodycam footage of Henry Nowak’s murder as a “harrowing” experience. Getty ImagesThe case has been seized on by anti-immigration activists and politicians, despite the fact that both Nowak and his killer were British. Digwa, who is Sikh, falsely claimed to the police that he was the victim of a racist assault by Nowak, who was white. When police officers arrived, they initially treated the wounded man as a suspect before noticing his injury and trying to resuscitate him. Vickrum Digwa was jailed for a minimum of 21 years. Hampshire Police via APOn Tuesday, police in Southampton were pelted with chairs, cans, rocks and flares after a demonstration over Nowak’s death attended by far-right figures and others. Vance said in a post on social platform X on Friday that there should be “righteous anger” in response to the murder, which he blamed in part on “the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it”. In a statement issued on Friday (UK time) in response to Vance’s comments, Starmer’s office criticised people “trying to interfere in our democracy and seeking to stir up division on our streets”. View post on X “The Nowak family are grieving after Henry’s horrific murder. They have said they do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We should be respecting their wishes,” Downing Street said in a statement. “Our politics should bring people together even in the most terrible of circumstances. That is who we are as a country.” Ed Davey, leader of the centrist opposition Liberal Democrats, said: “We all need to resist attempts like this to politicise Henry Nowak’s death and divide our country – whether they come from MAGA politicians like Vance or their cronies here in the UK.” Starmer has previously said that police had serious questions to answer about their handling of the incident, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and an investigation is taking place.
Everest guide survived six-day ordeal by eating chocolate and 'chewing ice'
Everest guide survived six-day ordeal 'chewing ice' 10 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on Google Kamal Pariyar, BBC Nepali, Toby Mannand Flora Drury Watch: 'Miracle' rescue after guide stranded on Everest for six days The Nepali guide discovered crawling down Everest six days after he was last seen alive has told the BBC he survived by "chewing ice" and eating a few chocolates he found in his pocket. Dawa Sherpa was adamant he did not "go missing" on the descent down, but instead was forced to "stay behind" after his oxygen ran out. It had been assumed Dawa Sherpa had perished on the mountain, with his family back in Nepal's capital Kathmandu starting to perform last rites before he was spotted by a clean up team "sliding" down the mountain towards Base Camp. He was airlifted to hospital in Kathmandu, where he spoke to the BBC while receiving treatment for dehydration, frostbite and a fractured bone. "I didn't think I would be alive," he told BBC Nepali on Friday. "I thought I would perish this way." Climber Chris Thrall was the last person known to have seen Dawa Sherpa alive before he was rescued near the Khumbu Icefall on Thursday. The former British soldier said the 57-year-old was sitting on his backpack just above Camp 3 - around 7,500m (24,600ft) - "as he had done hundreds of times before to take a short rest". Thrall continued to descend alone for what he estimated to be about 50-100m before he came across another member of their group, a "Polish climber with no oxygen, battling fairly severe frostbite". "So immediately my attention turned to the weakest member of the trio. And that was that," he told the BBC's Newshour programme. "As I look back up the mountain, as I helped this guy descend, Hillary Dawa didn't appear to have moved, and certainly wasn't descending, because we would have seen his head torch." Trapped in a crevasse Up above, Dawa Sherpa told the BBC he had found himself in trouble. "As the oxygen ran out, I couldn't walk," he explained. "I didn't eat anything for the first two days. Then I began chewing ice. I chewed the ice hard." Then he discovered chocolates in his pocket, and managed to get some melted ice to drink. He made his way down slowly - only to fall into a crevasse, according to two different people who spoke to Dawa Sherpa about his ordeal.
Mangrove forests are healing after decades of human destruction
1 day agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on Google Matt McGrath, environment correspondentand Esme Stallard, climate and science reporter The world's coastal mangrove forests, which protect millions of people from storms - and soak up vast amounts of planet-warming gases - are staging an unexpected comeback, scientists find. For decades these swampy trees had been declining rapidly as they were cleared for fish farms and housing. But a new study shows that since 2010 the world has been gaining more mangroves than it has been losing - driven , sparked 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The researchers say the key factor though is the remarkable capacity of these forests to regenerate naturally once humans stop chopping them down. Chaideer Mahyuddin/AFP/ Some communities have become more aware of the importance of mangroves for coastline protection following extreme weather Mangroves are one of the world's unsung environmental heroes. Not only do they store up to five times more carbon dioxide than land-based forests, but their tangled roots can also slow down waves and protect coastal communities from storm surges and tsunamis. These same roots provide a perfect nursery for many species of fish and other marine life - protecting them from predators and providing ample food. These benefits, though, have come under serious threat over the past century as the rise of fish farming, agriculture and the expansion of coastal cities and towns have seen mangroves chopped down and rapidly removed. From the 1980s to 2010, over 12,000 sq km (4,600 sq miles) of mangroves were cleared or destroyed across Asia, Africa and the Americas - an area the size of Jamaica. However, the new study shows a real reversal of that trend, particularly over the last decade. The total net losses - the forest lost and not replaced - since the 1980s have now been reduced to around 849 sq km (328 sq miles). Restoration efforts over decades have helped degraded forests to recover, but the big change has come from the natural expansion of mangroves in many parts of the world following drops in deforestation. This has enabled forest levels to stabilise in Indonesia and grow in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) - two of the most mangrove-dense countries. In Indonesia, the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 seems to have played a role in changing people's minds about the importance of mangroves, and the removal of trees for fish farming has slowed. "Some islands were covered [still] protected very well, so that increased public awareness about the importance of protecting mangroves," said lead author Dr Zhen Zhang from Tulane University in the US.
Tanzania-registered container vessel sinks off Batam
Ann Chen Updated Jun 06, 2026, PM Listen SINGAPORE – A Tanzania-registered container vessel, Golden Star 1, sank off Batam on the night of June 5. In a statement released on June 6, the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) said the incident happened at 10.30pm, and all nine crew members were safely rescued . The vessel reportedly took on water and subsequently sank, MPA said. MPA also said it is issuing navigational broadcasts advising vessels to exercise caution when transiting the area, and to report any sighting of containers adrift. The port authority said vessel traffic in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore remains unaffected, and there are currently no reports of oil pollution in Singapore waters. MPA has informed the Indonesian authorities and is monitoring the situation.
Dead whale found in Singapore waters last year among the world’s most elusive baleen whale species
The Omura's whale was recovered off Singapore waters in September 2025. PHOTO: LEE KONG CHIAN NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE BNB Diviyadhaarshini Updated Jun 06, 2026, PM SINGAPORE – The carcass of a whale found in the waters off Tanjong Pagar on Sept 6 has been identified as an Omura’s whale, or Balaenoptera omurai, which is among the world’s most elusive baleen whale species. Its biology, population, habitat and ecology “are largely unknown or poorly known”, Dr Marcus Chua, assistant senior curator of mammalia at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) at the science faculty of the National University of Singapore, told The Straits Times on June 6. He noted that the Omura’s whale was described as a new species to science only in 2003, and scientists know so little about it that in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classification of species extinction threat, it is listed as “data deficient”. There is no information about how many of these whales exist in the wild, and little is known about their migration patterns. They are found primarily in warm and shallow coastal waters, across the Indo-west Pacific, including South-east Asian waters, the Indian Ocean, the north-west Pacific Ocean and Oceania, said the museum. The recovered whale, identified as a sub-adult male, was likely in its late teens, said Dr Chua, adding that an Omura’s whale reaches adulthood at about 20 years. There is no information about their lifespan. When it was recovered in Singapore in 2025, the whale was missing half its body and measured about 6.3m. At full length, a 10.6m long baleen whale would weigh about 5,000kg to 7,000kg when alive, said Dr Chua. Found in an advanced stage of decomposition, the whale likely died between several days and 2 weeks prior to discovery, he said. The Sept 6 incident is the first record of an Omura’s whale washing up in local waters. And while Dr Chua called it “unfortunate”, he also said that the recovery allows researchers to learn as much as possible about the cause of death and biology of the Omura’s whale. “This will allow us to contribute to the knowledge and conservation assessment of the species,” he said. Dr Chua said identification of the whale was based on analyses of DNA and skull features. A portion of its DNA was a perfect match with the reference individual of the species, he told ST. “The shape and arrangement of bones near the nose were also a match of the characteristic features of the Omura’s whale,” Dr Chua said, adding that while they were clear identifying masks, they were rather “esoteric”.
Australia, NZ back friendship to endure 'volatile world'
Neither leader named China in the press conference, but there are ongoing concerns about the country's expanding influence in the region. Australia and New Zealand have also been impacted . Mr Albanese spoke to the important of collaboration and cooperation across business, trade and defence. "At a time like this, Australia and New Zealand working together is more important than ever and there are also more opportunities than ever," he said. There were no new announcements made in Saturday's press conference, but Mr Luxon attempted to provide a positive message about the path forward. "We are going to control what we can control in Australia and New Zealand, and that is to build kick-arse countries," he said. "We are moving definitely from a world from rules to power, from economics to security, and increasingly from efficiency into resilience." About $38 billion of goods and services move between Australia and New Zealand each year. Mr Luxon said there was room for further growth in that space. "That alignment in our economies just continues to play a really big strength as we think about how we build more financial security as part of our broader national securities in the context of that volatile and changing world," he said. Support acknowledged During the press conference, Mr Luxon also thanked Australia for raising concerns about a travel ban imposed on some politicians. "We appreciate the support," he said. Last month, four MPS from New Zealand travelled to Taiwan as part of a cross-parliamentary group. They were later told , Hong Kong and Macau for a year. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Australian government voiced its concerns about the decision. Mr Luxon said he did not agree with Beijing's ban and New Zealand has also raised concerns. "We think it's inappropriate that bans are put on these four MPs from New Zealand that have gone," he said. "They've simply just exercised their right to travel and they're free to see who they want to see."
Breaking: Diver bitten by suspected 4.5m shark off Albany, WA
Police are at the scene to investigate the incident. (ABC News: Rosemary Murphy) Michaelmas Island is about 13 kilometres from the nearest stretch of Albany coastline and about a five-hour drive from Perth. DPIRD has urged people in the area to report to Water Police on 9442 8600 if they see a shark.
Taxi driver, 69, arrested after woman killed in Tsim Sha Tsui collision
Accidents and personal safety Hong KongLaw and Crime Taxi driver, 69, arrested after woman killed in Tsim Sha Tsui collision Victim, 34, was crossing road near Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard when she was struck by taxi 1-MIN READ1-MIN Listen Connor Mycroft Published: 1:47pm, Hong Kong police have arrested a 69-year-old taxi driver after he allegedly knocked down and killed a 34-year-old woman in a shopping district in the early hours of Saturday. The incident happened at around 2.12am near Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard in Tsim Sha Tsui. The taxi driver was travelling along Nathan Road towards Mong Kok when he struck the 34-year-old woman as she was crossing Granville Road. The woman sustained serious injuries and was rushed unconscious to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei, where she was certified dead at 2.41am. Photos of the scene showed the taxi’s bonnet was crumpled, while a shoe and a bag were left on the road. The driver is currently in police custody after his arrest on suspicion of dangerous driving causing death. An investigation is currently under way ’s Kowloon West traffic special investigation team. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:0000:00 1.
ESF links kindergartens to primary schools, securing places through to graduation
Education in Hong Kong Hong KongEducation ESF links kindergartens to primary schools, securing places through to graduation ESF chief executive Belinda Greer calls through-train arrangement ‘significant’, saying it will bring immense benefits to students and families 2-MIN READ2-MIN Listen Cannix Yau Published: 12:42pm, 5 Jun 2026Updated: 8:02pm, Hong Kong’s biggest international school group has rolled out a “through-train” arrangement that will link all its kindergartens to its primary schools from September next year and guarantee pupils a place all the way to secondary graduation. The English Schools Foundation (ESF) said on Friday that starting in the next academic year, all its kindergartens would, for the first time, be directly linked to its primary schools. Families applying for a K1 place for the 2027-28 academic year this September will be offered a guaranteed place for their child at one of the linked primary schools. The move completes the through-train model introduced 2019, when some of its primary schools were linked with associated secondary schools. Pupils joining at K1 would know exactly which school they would attend until the end of Year 13, the group said. “This is a significant moment in the history of ESF, one that will bring immense benefits to our students and their families,” chief executive Belinda Greer said. Select Voice Select Speed 0.8x 0.9x1.0x 1.1x 1.2x 1.5x 1.75x 00:0000:00 1.00x