Updated every two hours - showing: 1240 stories from 48 sources!
Latest News
‘It’s like an atom bomb has gone off’: Resilient workers lead charge to get town back on its feet
Eden’s woodchip mill is set to resume operations this week despite losing millions of dollars worth of infrastructure in the massive Border bushfire a fortnight ago.
Top End braces for a soggy week after dry start to wet season
Darwin has only recorded a third of the rain it usually does for this time of year but forecasters say this week’s “monsoonal-like” conditions may help the Northern Territory capital catch up.
More than half a million donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley. Was it worth it?
About 570,000 feral donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley region since 1978. Are these yearly aerial culls still worth doing?
Hail, dust storms, fires… and the threat of flash floods: Wild weather rages across Australia
Social media has been flooded with apocalyptic scenes showing how an enormous dust storm turned day into night in a matter of minutes as it swept through regional New South Wales. Golf ball-sized chunks of hail hammered Melbourne, flash floods wreaked havoc in...
Live: NSW Now: Dust storm sweeps through state’s central west, fire lit in Sydney
MORNING BRIEFING: The dust storm is the result of severe thunderstorms in drought-stricken areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
‘It’s like an atom bomb has gone off’: Resilient workers lead charge to get town back on its feet
Eden’s woodchip mill is set to resume operations this week despite losing millions of dollars worth of infrastructure in the massive Border bushfire a fortnight ago.
Top End braces for a soggy week after dry start to wet season
Darwin has only recorded a third of the rain it usually does for this time of year but forecasters say this week’s “monsoonal-like” conditions may help the Northern Territory capital catch up.
More than half a million donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley. Was it worth it?
About 570,000 feral donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley region since 1978. Are these yearly aerial culls still worth doing?
Hail, dust storms, fires… and the threat of flash floods: Wild weather rages across Australia
Social media has been flooded with apocalyptic scenes showing how an enormous dust storm turned day into night in a matter of minutes as it swept through regional New South Wales. Golf ball-sized chunks of hail hammered Melbourne, flash floods wreaked havoc in...
Live: NSW Now: Dust storm sweeps through state’s central west, fire lit in Sydney
MORNING BRIEFING: The dust storm is the result of severe thunderstorms in drought-stricken areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The annual property Hunger Games begin in the city with Australia’s highest rent
It’s January, when thousands of public servants, military personnel and academics move to the ACT. Let the battles begin.
Revealed: how Angolan ruler's daughter used her status to build $2bn empire
Luanda leaks Angola Leaks show how Isabel dos Santos became Africa’s richest woman at expense of Angolan state Profile:
Updated every two hours - showing: 1240 stories from 48 sources!
Featured Stories
Did China capitulate to the US on 'beautiful monster' trade deal?
Three years ago Chinese President Xi Jinping stood in front of the world’s business elite in Davos, defending the post-war international liberal order as President Donald Trump railed against globalisation. Now, 18 months later, a trade deal of sorts has been signed. The deal, whichever way you choose to break
It’s going to cost billions as Garnaut’s climate change prediction comes true
There’s not a lot of point in the conservative Liberal-National federal government pleading ignorance on the extent of the current bushfire crisis, 12 years ago, economist Professor Ross Garnaut made a prophecy that has devastatingly come true. In the 2008 Climate Change Review prepared by Professor Garnaut, which examined
Australia’s own ‘Houdini’: The Maxwell Skinner Chronicles
HISTORICAL CRIME: Maxwell Carl Skinner was an unremarkable petty criminal who would go on to scale the greatest of heights. Well, at least the biggest of Australia’s prison walls, writes Sarah McLean. Maxwell Carl Skinner – the man who became one of Victoria’s most well-known prison escapees (he clocked up
Cultural Burning is about more than just hazard reduction
An Aboriginal Cultural Burn is not guided by a prescription, it is guided by the close relationship that the Aboriginal Cultural Fire Practitioner has with Country and everything in it.
Today’s Commentary from Independent Media
Albo in The Lion’s Den: The Sky Interview, Part Two
We pick up with Mr. Albanese and the trained monkey already in progressInterview, Part Five: Albo Stumbles Asked if his policy would involve a higher reduction target than the government (itself a nonspecific question – reduction from what year’s levels?), Mr Albanese offered the following non-answer We will take
Albo Enters the Lion’s Den: The Sky Interview, Part One
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (Albo) has, for some reason, spoken to Sky so-called News. I want to do an analysis of both his remarks and the interview itself. I have dealt with every aspect of the interview except the last question on Mr. Albanese’s family life, which I consider
Margaret Atwood Wrote a Great Novel. Unfortunately, Her Fans Turned It Into a Cult
Among the notable cultural events of the last decade, one must count the emergence of the Handmaid’s Tale franchise: the hit television series loosely based on the 1985 dystopian novel by Canadian writer Margaret Atwood, the novel’s return to bestsellerdom as a trade paperback, and The Testaments, Atwood’s 2019 sequel,
Megxit: meet the new Obamas
If only the Queen had been in charge of Brexit we may have avoided rolling heads, rolling eyes and years of utter dismay. On Saturday, Buckingham Palace released a statement informing us that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their HRH titles.
Can you booty call a Bernie voter?
There’s No Law Against Dreaming
Dismiss it as a midnight reverie, if you will, this dream of mine that pictured a Prime Minister more a’feared of squandering Australia’s potential and prosperity than of irritating the ABC and greenish Wets within his own party. With such a vision still fresh, I abandoned the warm fug of
How good is climate science!
Steering the ship of state isn’t the easiest experience. Not only is it a matter of always tacking between Scylla and Charybdis. Even senior officers on the bridge — let alone the other ranks — will try to push the tiller different ways. And if that’s not enough the captain, the
The Climate Solutions Packapooticket
Whenever government Ministers are asked to expand on how we will achieve our emissions reduction targets beyond the “meet and beat” catchphrase, they bring up the $3.5 billion grandiosely named “Climate Solutions Package”.So let’s unpack that packapooticket. “The Government will provide $3.5 billion over 15 years from 2018-19 for a
Current Affairs Wrap: Trump’s impeachment begins, Vlad stacks power and the tragic tale of drag queen storytime
Harry & Meghan have won – and the monarchy has lost
The ‘third way’ of being a senior royal – representing the Queen one day, earning serious money the next, was always untenable. When Harry and Meghan first made public their desire to change the status quo they described it as a ‘progressive new role’. Critics, better versed in the workings
Modern love is divided by nonsense, and long may it be
The Queen tells Harry: out means out
In the end, it took just over a week for Prince Harry to announce and finalise the terms of his exit from the royal family. The settlement: he and Meghan have agreed to give up their ‘royal highness’ titles . They’ll still be entitled to them, but won’t use them.
Latest News
‘It’s like an atom bomb has gone off’: Resilient workers lead charge to get town back on its feet
Eden’s woodchip mill is set to resume operations this week despite losing millions of dollars worth of infrastructure in the massive Border bushfire a fortnight ago.
Top End braces for a soggy week after dry start to wet season
Darwin has only recorded a third of the rain it usually does for this time of year but forecasters say this week’s “monsoonal-like” conditions may help the Northern Territory capital catch up.
More than half a million donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley. Was it worth it?
About 570,000 feral donkeys have been culled in the Kimberley region since 1978. Are these yearly aerial culls still worth doing?
Hail, dust storms, fires… and the threat of flash floods: Wild weather rages across Australia
Social media has been flooded with apocalyptic scenes showing how an enormous dust storm turned day into night in a matter of minutes as it swept through regional New South Wales. Golf ball-sized chunks of hail hammered Melbourne, flash floods wreaked havoc in...
Live: NSW Now: Dust storm sweeps through state’s central west, fire lit in Sydney
MORNING BRIEFING: The dust storm is the result of severe thunderstorms in drought-stricken areas, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The annual property Hunger Games begin in the city with Australia’s highest rent
It’s January, when thousands of public servants, military personnel and academics move to the ACT. Let the battles begin.
World News
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Large dust storms smother Central West NSW
A massive dust storm has enveloped parts of Central West of NSW, turning the sky dark and blanketing communities in a thick coat of red dust. Videos posted to social media showed dust storms descending on Dubbo and nearby towns that were so thick they blocked out the sun. The
Police beaten with umbrellas and sticks in latest Hong Kong pro-democracy clashes
Two police officers were beaten bloody by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday as violence erupted at a rally calling for greater democratic freedoms in the heart of the city. Trouble flared when police ordered the authorised gathering to disperse after officers conducting stop and searches on nearby streets had
Storms and floods pose a threat to bushfire-ravaged towns in Victoria
Bushfire-ravaged Victorian communities have been warned of severe storms and flash flooding, as up to 70 people prepare to return to Mallacoota. Heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail are possible in eastern parts of the state over two days. "We're going to see...
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Large dust storms smother Central West NSW
A massive dust storm has enveloped parts of Central West of NSW, turning the sky dark and blanketing communities in a thick coat of red dust. Videos posted to social media showed dust storms descending on Dubbo and nearby towns that were so thick they blocked out the sun. The
Police beaten with umbrellas and sticks in latest Hong Kong pro-democracy clashes
Two police officers were beaten bloody by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday as violence erupted at a rally calling for greater democratic freedoms in the heart of the city. Trouble flared when police ordered the authorised gathering to disperse after officers conducting stop and searches on nearby streets had
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Large dust storms smother Central West NSW
A massive dust storm has enveloped parts of Central West of NSW, turning the sky dark and blanketing communities in a thick coat of red dust. Videos posted to social media showed dust storms descending on Dubbo and nearby towns that were so thick they blocked out the sun. The
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Large dust storms smother Central West NSW
A massive dust storm has enveloped parts of Central West of NSW, turning the sky dark and blanketing communities in a thick coat of red dust. Videos posted to social media showed dust storms descending on Dubbo and nearby towns that were so thick they blocked out the sun. The
World News
Gaza photographer wounded in attack by Israeli forces loses eye
Darwish, who sought medical treatment in Egypt and Jordan since his injury, was told on Sunday he had lost vision in his left eye [Screenshot/Twitter] For the second time in less than three months, a Palestinian photojournalist has lost his eye after being targeted by Israeli forces during
Leaders agree to back Libya arms embargo
The international participants of a Libya peace summit in Berlin have agreed to uphold a UN arms embargo and end military support for the country’s warring factions, German news agency dpa reports. A declaration, signed by 16 states and organisations, also set out plans for international efforts to monitor the
Tributes for Iran crash victims as bodies repatriated
News to your inbox Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox. By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS. Sorry, it looks like an error occurred Please
Large dust storms smother Central West NSW
A massive dust storm has enveloped parts of Central West of NSW, turning the sky dark and blanketing communities in a thick coat of red dust. Videos posted to social media showed dust storms descending on Dubbo and nearby towns that were so thick they blocked out the sun. The
Police beaten with umbrellas and sticks in latest Hong Kong pro-democracy clashes
Two police officers were beaten bloody by pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong Sunday as violence erupted at a rally calling for greater democratic freedoms in the heart of the city. Trouble flared when police ordered the authorised gathering to disperse after officers conducting stop and searches on nearby streets had
Storms and floods pose a threat to bushfire-ravaged towns in Victoria
Bushfire-ravaged Victorian communities have been warned of severe storms and flash flooding, as up to 70 people prepare to return to Mallacoota. Heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail are possible in eastern parts of the state over two days. "We're going to see...
Business & The Economy
Pull out or perish: behind Blackrock’s grand exit from coal
BlackRock, the world’s biggest fund, is quitting thermal coal. The move by the $10 trillion fund has stunned financial markets. While the people protest in the streets, progressive analysts such as IEEFA’s Buckley, who had lobbied hard for the BlackRock decision, protest about climate change to global finance bosses
City of Parramatta: The Project Officer – Environmental Outcomes
About the roleThis exciting position reflects the City of Parramatta’s commitment to accelerate its leadership and delivery of environmental outcomes through its strategic partnerships, projects, advice and advocacy. It presents an opportunity to work within...
City of Parramatta: Project Officer – Urban Heat
About the roleThe Project Officer – Urban Heat will primarily focus on driving and delivering the City’s urban heat reduction actions as identified in the City of Parramatta’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Some of this work will cross-link...
Out of luck: John Keane on bushfires, Scott Morrison and the decline of democracy
Is the Lucky Country running out of luck? Natural disaster or political disaster? An essay by John Keane on the bushfires and Australia’s ailing democracy.
On the Australia Fires and what comes next
News from the front desk, issue 463: Dear Scott Morrison, we told you well before Christmas you had the chance to be a superhero. To jump onto the world stage and claim leadership on a scale that no small-to-mid size country has seen before. To beat that annoying...
Climate change complacency threatens the long-term sustainability of our cities and regions
When Cobargo on the NSW South Coast is rebuilt after being smashed by bushfires on December 31, townspeople will want it to be as charming and attractive a place as it was previously – and they will want it to be better protected from future fires. There are...
Environment
NSW flags imminent release of EV strategy, as feds ignore electric in auto transition report
The Driven A new plan to encourage NSW drivers to adopt electric vehicles will soon be released by the NSW Liberal government, according to a tweet by minister for energy and the environment Matt Kean on Thursday evening. In response to an initial enquiry to Kean’s office
How much does smoke haze affect rooftop solar production?
One Step off The Grid Solar owners in smoke affected areas, particularly those who’ve been sheltering in air conditioned homes more than usual, might be wondering how well their rooftop systems are performing under the haze. Solar monitoring company Solar Analytics has found that rooftop PV systems
Newcastle builds local energy resilience with its 100 per cent renewable plan
One Step off The Grid As we enter the new decade, the devastation of the Australian bushfire season has understandably dominated the news both at home and abroad. This has clearly highlighted the vulnerabilities that Australians face during these times of disaster. One clear area prone to
AEMO to meet wind and solar industry over NSW, Victoria grid blockages
The Australian Energy Market Operator has convened a workshop in early February to discuss the system strength issues and network blockages that have affected around 40 large scale wind and solar projects in western Victoria and south-west New South Wales. The meeting called by AEMO follows widespread
Microsoft pledges to go ‘climate negative’, and remove 45-years of company emissions
American tech giant Microsoft has made an ambitious pledge to effectively reverse the company’s historical contributions to climate change, and says will remove the entirety of its carbon footprint made since the company’s founding 45 years ago. Microsoft has pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030, and
Victoria’s power system is proving more resilient than people thought
“Predictions are very difficult – especially about the future”, or “Past performance is no guarantee of future returns”. Two well known sayings that remind us that whatever is predicted below may turn out to be wrong. But what is true – on the evidence so far – is
