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Economy
US strikes Iran, drawing retaliatory attack on American base
The United States struck southern Iran on Thursday, drawing retaliation from Tehran against a US military base, in the most serious clashes since an April ceasefire began.
Things to know
Temperatures likely to remain at record levels in 2026-2030: UN
Global average temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels this year and for the next four years afterwards, the United Nations warned Thursday.
Politics
New Zealand boosts defence spending in face of 'adverse' security environment
New Zealand's government will boost defence spending by nine percent, according to its 2026 budget unveiled Thursday, with Finance Minister Nicola Willis saying the country faced its "most adverse" security environment in eight decades.
Politics
Australia charges woman with terrorism over IS links
Australian police charged on Thursday a woman linked to the Islamic State group with membership of a terrorist organisation and entering a known conflict zone.
Economy
Oil prices bounce higher after new US strikes on Iran
Oil prices bounced higher on Thursday while Asian stocks mostly fell, as new US strikes on Iran marked the latest test of a shaky ceasefire in the Middle East war.
Sports
Sinner, Sabalenka aim to stay hot at French Open
Men's world number one Jannik Sinner continues his bid for a first French Open title on Thursday as his women's counterpart Aryna Sabalenka also seeks to move into the last 32 at Roland Garros.
Sports
Salah, Belgian golden generation eye last shot at World Cup glory
Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Belgium stalwarts Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois head into Group G at the 2026 World Cup knowing this summer's tournament will likely be their last chance for glory on football's biggest stage.
Sports
Braintree to City of Angels: NZ veteran's unlikely World Cup journey
Veteran New Zealand defender Tommy Smith admits there's only one reason he toiled away all last season in an English football backwater -- a ticket to his second World Cup.
Sports
Egypt eye World Cup breakthrough in Salah's likely last World Cup
Mohamed Salah has unfinished business in what could be his final World Cup as Egypt's superstar seeks to deliver a first win at the tournament for the Pharaohs.
Nature
Australia sues consumer goods giant 3M over 'forever chemicals'
Australia's government said Thursday it had launched an AU$2 billion ($1.43 billion) legal action against US consumer goods giant 3M over the contamination of military bases that used firefighting foam containing so-called "forever chemicals".
Weather
Chief Megaron: heir to the fight for Brazil's Amazon
On a hot afternoon deep in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, Indigenous chief Megaron soaps himself and enjoys a quick swim in the river, a brief respite from battling threats to his people's lands.
Politics
US carries out new strikes on southern Iran
The United States carried out new strikes on southern Iran on Thursday, after President Donald Trump threatened to "finish the job" if Tehran did not agree to a peace deal.
Politics
'Shoebox' flat reform leaves low-income Hong Kong residents in limbo
Hong Kong resident Lisa Lau put on a costume drama as she settled on the bed that occupies much of her tiny apartment, trying to take her mind off of a looming eviction.
Weather
Fund for climate-exposed Pacific nation invests in fossil fuels
A trust fund set up to help a South Pacific nation gravely threatened by climate change has invested in coal mining, gas exploration and the world's largest crude oil refinery, an AFP investigation has revealed.
Sports
Maverick Bielsa faces Uruguay mutiny ahead of World Cup
Marcelo Bielsa is widely revered as a pioneer of coaching but his unconventional methods risk ruining Uruguay's World Cup chances before the tournament has even begun.
Sports
Yamal injury hangs over Spain as Uruguay, Saudi seek Group H surprise
Spain's World Cup preparations have been beset by fitness concerns, including to star winger Lamine Yamal, as Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa faces a challenge to his authority before aiming to shock the European champions in Group H.
Sports
From refugees to World Cup for exciting Australian duo
Nestory Irankunda and Mohamed Toure are thriving in England's Championship and Australia coach Tony Popovic is banking on the young attacking duo to fire the Socceroos to a best-ever World Cup.
Politics
Israel kills chief of Hamas armed wing in Gaza strike
Israel said on Wednesday it had killed the new head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, after killing his predecessor earlier this month despite an ongoing ceasefire.
Sports
'No future plans, other than a hangover,' says Palace boss Glasner
Outgoing Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said he had made no plans for his future other than "flying back to London with a hangover" after taking charge of his last match with the club.
Politics
US reimposes sanctions on UN expert on Palestinians
The United States on Wednesday reimposed sanctions on Francesca Albanese, a UN expert on the Palestinian territories who has harshly criticized Israel, after an appeals court overruled an earlier order prohibiting the action.
Palace where they belong after year-long 'detour', says Glasner
Departing Crystal Palace manager toasted Wednesday's UEFA Conference League final victory by saying the club were back where they belong after a "year's detour".
Sports
Palace toast 'pure delight' of European triumph
Crystal Palace midfielder Tyrick Mitchell said winning the UEFA Conference League on Wednesday felt like "pure delight" after a decade at the London club.
Economy
Iran says war unlikely as Trump warns he may 'finish the job'
Oil prices tumbled Wednesday on hopes of a US-Iran peace deal, even as President Donald Trump warned he may have to "finish the job" and Tehran said its forces were still "lying in wait with full magazines."
Sports
Mateta fires Palace to Conference League glory in Glasner farewell
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig on Wednesday to secure the club's first European trophy in their history.
Sports
Mateta sinks Rayo as Palace win Conference League in Glasner farewell
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored as Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig on Wednesday to secure the club's first European trophy in their history.
Economy
Meta launches paid subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp
Meta on Wednesday launched paid subscription plans for its flagship apps, marking a major push by the tech giant to diversify beyond its longtime reliance on advertising revenue.
Sports
Djokovic suggests rescheduling matches as heat rolls over French Open
Novak Djokovic continued his latest tilt at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a four-set victory on Wednesday to reach the third round of the French Open, but suggested matches should be pushed back later in the day to combat the heatwave broiling at Roland Garros.
Sports
'Insane' to play in French Open heat, says Mensik after cramps
Jakub Mensik said it was "insane" to play a marathon match at the French Open in temperatures above 30C on Wednesday, after collapsing with cramp on court immediately after securing victory over Mariano Navone.
Politics
Trump appears to threaten to 'blow up' ally Oman
President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to threaten to attack US ally Oman if it sides with Iran over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Sports
Barcelona reach agreement with Newcastle's Gordon
Barcelona reached an agreement with Newcastle on Wednesday for the transfer of England international Anthony Gordon, the La Liga champions told AFP, confirming reports in the Spanish press.
Technology
Oil prices fall as markets monitor state of play on US-Iran situation
Oil prices fell Wednesday while global stocks mostly rose as markets parsed the latest posturing between Washington and Tehran over a peace accord.
Politics
Bolivia at 'breaking point', president warns protesters
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz warned Wednesday that the country was at a "breaking point" after nearly a month of protests that have caused shortages of food, fuel and life-saving medicine.