Australia
'An air of hope': Sri Lankans see cricket as a welcome distraction from the country's economic, political woes
Australia and Sri Lanka are usually bitter rivals on the pitch during cricket matches. But Sri Lankans are welcoming the Australian team and its fans as a much-needed distraction from their country's recent political and economic turmoil.
Sydney floods burden 50,000 around Australia's largest city
Albanese sworn in as PM in Australia ahead of Tokyo summit
This Uyghur woman was separated from her husband by Chinese authorities. She hasn't given up hope.
Flights sent to assess Tonga damage after volcanic eruption
New Zealand and Australia send surveillance flights to assess the damage on the island nation of Tonga after an undersea volcano erupted there on Saturday.
David Dalaithngu shaped Australian cinema — and paved the way for Indigenous actors in the industry
He was the first Indigenous actor that many people saw on the television or the big screen. Dalaithngu has died at 68.
Why China’s air force is provoking Taiwan
China's military flies a record 149 flights over international airspace, prompting Taiwanese defense forces to scramble in response. Also, Australia announces it will stop sending asylum-seekers for processing to Papua New Guinea by the end of the year. And, Germany agrees to extend compensation to thousands of Holocaust survivors.
Australia to lift 18-month COVID-19 travel ban next month
Australia has outlined plans to lift a pandemic ban on its vaccinated citizens traveling overseas from November. But no date has yet been set for welcoming international tourists back.
Aukus security pact sparks Chinese and French ire
China and France have condemned the new Aukus security pact between Australia, the UK and the US to build nuclear-powered submarines in the Indo-Pacific region. Also, French forces say they've killed the leader of ISIS in the Greater Sahara in Mali. And thousands of people protested the introduction of Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador on the nation's bicentennial.
Charlotte McConaghy's new novel imagines reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands
“Once There Were Wolves” tells a mysterious tale about a woman-led team working to reintroduce wolves to the Scottish Highlands, the people who confront them, and the deadly toll of domestic abuse.
Thousands desperate to be evacuated from Afghanistan
Top of The World: Tens of thousands of people remain stuck in Afghanistan, desperate to be evacuated following the Taliban’s takeover. And, Vice President Kamala Harris’ once low-risk trip to Asia has taken on new importance as she will attempt to reassure allies of American credibility. Also, health officials in Australia are warning that major cities like Sydney and Melbourne may be losing control of a COVID-19 outbreak fueled by the more contagious delta variant.
Global gymnastics star Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition
Top of The World: Simone Biles has withdrawn from the Olympic gymnastics all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being. And, a new report from the Federation of American Scientists suggests that China is potentially expanding its nuclear arsenal in its western deserts. Also, with infections continuing to spread, pushed by the delta variant, health officials in Australia have extended the lockdown in the country’s largest city by another four weeks.
Ethiopia declares ceasefire after Tigrayan fighters enter Mekelle
Top of The World: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has declared an immediate ceasefire in its Tigray region after Tigrayan fighters entered and took over the regional capital Mekelle. And, a federal judge has dismissed antitrust lawsuits against Facebook that were filed by the FTC. Also, lockdowns in four of Australia’s major cities following an outbreak of the delta COVID-19 variant could impact more than 20 million Australians.
US and Afghan presidents to meet in Washington amid troop withdrawal
President Joe Biden will meet with Afghan counterpart, President Ashraf Ghani, at the White House, as the two countries prepare for US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. And, Australia's largest city goes into partial lockdown over a spike in the COVID-19 delta variant in Sydney. Also, Palestinians are protesting the death of popular activist Nizar Banat while in Palestinian Authority custody.