‘Like being in prison’: the ship crews stuck in Gulf since February
US-Iran war has stranded up to 20,000 seafarers, mostly Indian and Filipino crews, with none knowing when the nightmare will end
Is your ill fate bad luck or a curse? You could ask Ted Lasso, but why not consider the psychology
The hit TV show confirms that sports lore is rife with powerful hexes. But there’s really nothing mystical about the dread and self-doubt they can induce
How Trabzonspor shocked Turkish rivals to make Mohamed Salah their Black Sea saviour
Never before has a big name rejected Istanbul for Trabzon, but former Liverpool striker was offered more than riches
Costa Rican diplomat emerges as strong contender to be first female head of UN
Rebeca Grynspan seen as continuity candidate with tacit support from current secretary general, António Guterres
Russian family denied asylum in Finland fear reprisals for pro-Ukraine activism
Nikita and Olga Belov say they will be persecuted on return to Moscow but are yet to convince Finnish authorities
Labor Backs ‘Strong’ Fuel Supply as Petrol Prices Bite
Australia’s fuel security remains strong and secure despite an ongoing volatile war causing more pain for drivers at the bowser, the government says. Petrol and diesel prices have been steadily rising after government discounts to the fuel excise ended on Aug. 3, while at the same time escalating tensions in the Middle East have seen a global spike in the price of oil.
Venues on Alert After Viral QR Code Drinking Trend
Licensed venues are on high alert as a dangerous social media trend sees influencers broadcasting digital ordering codes to solicit rounds of drinks from thousands of online followers. Liquor & Gaming NSW warned the practice could trigger severe breaches of responsible service of alcohol laws and had fuelled concerns over a spike in alcohol-related harm within the state’s nightlife hubs. Challenges typically involve social media influencers sharing their table’s QR code for ordering online while at a venue. Their followers are then encouraged to purchase food and drinks through the venue’s ordering system, with items delivered directly to the influencer’s table.
‘Do It Ourselves’: Ultimatum for Labor on Gambling Laws
Tighter rules on betting inducements are being weighed up by the federal government as the crossbench threatens to bypass Labor over gambling reform. The Albanese government is trying to secure support in the Senate to pass gambling reforms that limit betting ads to three per hour on free-to-air television between 6 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. […]
Premier Pens Deal With ChatGPT Developer on US Trip
The premier who led Australia’s world-first social media ban has signed a landmark artificial intelligence agreement as he courts big tech. While touring the United States, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas visited OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco where he signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its co-founder and president, Greg Brockman. OpenAI is the developer of ChatGPT, the world’s most popular generative AI chatbot. It is believed to be the first time an Australian state or territory government has inked an MoU with a major AI company. The agreement will provide opportunities to develop AI skills, accelerate local research and innovation, and attract global investment, Malinauskas said.
Former Pentagon Official Says US, Allied Modeling Supports Taiwan’s Defense Strategy
Jed Royal said Taiwan’s 'strategy of erosion' can work but requires stronger defenses, dispersed stockpiles, and repeated civilian-military exercises.
Toronto Police Retail Crime Unit Makes More Than 500 Arrests in 2 Years: Police
The Toronto Police Service’s specialized retail crime unit has made 546 arrests and laid 4,033 charges since it was established two years ago, the service announced on Wednesday. Police also recovered more than $1.6 million in stolen merchandise linked to investigations, according to an Aug. 5 news release. The arrests and charges form part of […]
US Forces Have Diverted 53 Ships Since Resuming Iran Blockade, CENTCOM Says
Trump ordered U.S. forces to restart the blockade on July 14.
Beijing Sanctions 2 US Labs That Can Prove Where Cotton Grew
U.S. importers must prove their goods are free of Xinjiang forced labor, and the two sanctioned firms sell forensic testing that makes that proof possible.
Child’s Refusal to Wear Seatbelt Leads to Toronto-Bound Flight Being Cancelled
A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria, B.C., to Toronto was canceled after a toddler refused to remain seated and fasten their seatbelt, leaving passengers stranded overnight, the airline said. A child stood on their seat as the plane was taxiing toward the runway for takeoff, and would not sit down and allow their seatbelt to [...]
RCMP Investigate Possible BC Wildfire Death as Province Declares State of Emergency
B.C. Premier David Eby said the province has declared a state of emergency on Aug. 8 as wildfires remain out of control, and 20,000 residents near Okanagan Lake were ordered to evacuate. Meanwhile, the B.C. RCMP said they are investigating a possible wildfire-related fatality near the Summerland area in the Okanagan. The police force said [...]
US Partially Resumes Avocado Inspections in Mexico
Officials ease a security-related suspension after Mexico deploys additional forces to protect inspectors and producers.
America in Brief
President Trump targets birth tourism with EOs, his Fraud Task Force Identifies $230 billion in fraud so far, and the U.S. reports historic low crime rates.
UN Sounds Alarm as Iran Steps up Executions to Silence Dissent
The increase in executions has unfolded since the United States and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran in late February.
Prosecution Rests in Trial of Man Accused of Killing His Nine-Year-Old Daughter
The prosecution wrapped up its case against a man charged with second-degree murder in the death of his daughter with a five-hour video recreating the route he may have taken in the hours before he reported her missing. On Friday, the jury finished watching the New York State Police video based on data from the man’s phone and his car’s location. Jurors watched close to four hours of the footage. Frattolin is also charged with concealment of a human corpse in the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, who lived in Montreal. The 46-year-old has pleaded not guilty to both charges and has been held without bail since his arrest....
BC Police Launch Wildfire Arson Investigations, as Blazes Raise Trauma in Shuswap
Terry Evans was driving home from picking up groceries with his wife on the north shore of Shuswap Lake on Wednesday when they spotted a fire in a ditch and several residents scrambling to bring water to douse it. Within 30 seconds, the flames had engulfed a cedar tree, he said. It was one of […]
