作者: admin

  • Man charged for suspicious bushland death on NSW south coast

    Man charged for suspicious bushland death on NSW south coast

    In a significant development to a year-long investigation, New South Wales police have formally charged a 29-year-old man with the murder of a 60-year-old victim discovered in North Nowra bushland. The case dates back to December 2024 when emergency services responded to reports of an unconscious male on a rural property adjacent to a gas pipeline clearing. Despite paramedic intervention, the victim succumbed to severe head injuries at the scene, prompting authorities to classify the death as suspicious.

    Detective Inspector Catherine Flood revealed that the alleged assault resulted from a random altercation between two strangers, with no weapons involved in the confrontation. The breakthrough came on Monday evening when South Coast Police District detectives arrested the suspect at a North Nowra residence. While the primary charge relates to the homicide, the accused also faces multiple unrelated offenses and has been denied bail ahead of his court appearance.

    Authorities emphasize that their investigation remains active, with investigators not ruling out additional participants. Police have renewed their appeal for community assistance, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. The case highlights ongoing concerns about random violence in regional communities, with law enforcement continuing to pursue all leads in this complex investigation.

  • Nigeria remembers master wood carver

    Nigeria remembers master wood carver

    The global art community mourns the passing of Kasali Akangbe Ogun, the renowned Nigerian wood carving master who transformed Yoruba cultural traditions into monumental artistic achievements. Ogun, who died recently after a brief illness, was laid to rest this week, leaving behind a legacy that bridges sacred art practices and contemporary cultural preservation.

    Hailing from Osogbo in southwestern Nigeria, Ogun emerged from a long lineage of Yoruba wood carvers, revitalizing a family tradition that had skipped two generations before his birth around 1945. Despite receiving only one week of formal education due to his father’s early death, Ogun’s innate talent propelled him to international recognition, eventually lecturing university students in the United States through his artistic mastery.

    Ogun became a pivotal figure in the New Sacred Art Movement, founded by Austrian-Nigerian artist and Yoruba priestess Susanne Wenger in the 1960s. This collective dedicated itself to protecting the 75-hectare Osun Forest and its sacred river, which gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2005 for its profound cultural significance in Yoruba cosmology. The forest is regarded as the abode of Osun, the goddess of fertility in the Yoruba pantheon.

    The artist developed a distinctive style characterized by lean, elongated faces and dynamic, flowing forms that transformed traditional Yoruba devotional practice into contemporary artistic expression. His craftsmanship is visible throughout the Osun Grove in ritual figures, majestic pillars, and exquisitely crafted shrine roofs that blend spiritual depth with visual poetry.

    Beyond his local impact, Ogun achieved international acclaim with exhibitions at prestigious venues including Iwalewa Haus in Germany (1989), Africa Centre in London (1990), Edinburgh Fringe (1994), and throughout the 1990s at the National Black Theatre in Harlem, New York. In 2013, he served as Distinguished Africana Artist-in-Residence at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

    Despite his global recognition, Ogun maintained a simple life among the people of Osogbo, committed to preserving his living environment as a model of traditional Yoruba culture. He actively safeguarded the sacred forest, sometimes confronting those attempting to fish in the prohibited waters of the Osun River.

    The artist’s legacy continues through his children, who have inherited his wood carving tradition, and through his works currently featured in the landmark Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern. His influence extended unexpectedly to popular culture, with tributes coming from figures including Wayne Barrow, manager of hip-hop legend The Notorious B.I.G.

    As Ogun himself poignantly described his role: “I am a dot, just a dot, connecting the past to the present, and the future.” His artistic vision has ensured that Yoruba cultural heritage remains vibrantly alive for generations to come.

  • Ros Atkins on…President Trump’s year in numbers

    Ros Atkins on…President Trump’s year in numbers

    A comprehensive quantitative analysis of Donald Trump’s initial year upon returning to the presidency reveals a period of intense executive activity and unprecedented digital engagement. The data, compiled from official records and digital archives, paints a detailed portrait of a leader operating through both traditional government channels and his proprietary social media platform.

    Executive actions emerged as a primary tool of governance, with the number of orders signed significantly exceeding historical first-year averages for modern presidents. This legislative strategy allowed for rapid policy implementation across various governmental departments, bypassing traditional congressional pathways.

    The presidential pardon power witnessed remarkable application, with numerous high-profile clemencies granted to both political allies and controversial figures. This pattern of pardons has sparked vigorous debate among legal scholars regarding the appropriate scope of executive clemency powers.

    Travel logistics and destination choices reflected distinct patterns, with a notable preference for rallies in electorally significant states rather than traditional diplomatic visits. The associated costs and security requirements for these movements generated substantial operational expenditures.

    Perhaps most notably, the president’s communication strategy centered overwhelmingly on Truth Social, where post volume, engagement metrics, and content themes broke from all previous presidential social media precedents. The platform served as both a direct messaging channel and a political organizing tool, with certain posts generating more user interactions than entire press conferences from previous administrations.

    This numerical assessment provides objective benchmarks against which both supporters and critics can evaluate presidential productivity, communication methods, and governance style, offering a fact-based framework for ongoing political discourse.

  • Australia’s largest coal power station Eraring to remain open for two more years

    Australia’s largest coal power station Eraring to remain open for two more years

    In a significant energy policy shift, Australia’s largest coal-fired power station will continue operations for an additional two years beyond its scheduled retirement date. Origin Energy announced Tuesday that its Eraring facility in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley will remain operational until August 2029 rather than closing in 2027 as previously planned.

    The decision follows extensive market analysis revealing insufficient renewable energy infrastructure development to compensate for the plant’s retirement. Origin CEO Frank Calabria emphasized that while substantial progress continues on renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure, extending Eraring’s operational timeline remains essential for maintaining grid reliability and stable power supply during the transition period.

    This extension addresses repeated warnings from the Australian Energy Market Operator regarding potential electricity shortfalls and system instability in New South Wales if the 2,880-megawatt facility were decommissioned prematurely. The plant originally faced closure in 2025 before receiving its first extension to 2027.

    NSW Climate Change and Energy Minister Penny Sharpe endorsed the decision, noting it would help stabilize energy prices while the state continues its renewable energy expansion. Since the last election, NSW has increased operational renewable capacity by nearly 70% – equivalent to Eraring’s total output.

    Origin maintains this temporary extension won’t affect its emissions reduction targets, including net-zero by 2050. The company plans to replace the retired plant with a major battery storage project, with construction anticipated to commence in 2031.

  • Greenland ‘will stay Greenland’, former Trump adviser declares

    Greenland ‘will stay Greenland’, former Trump adviser declares

    In a striking rebuke of his former boss’s ambitions, Gary Cohn—former Director of the White House National Economic Council and IBM’s vice chairman—has publicly dismissed the notion of forcibly acquiring Greenland, labeling such an action as “a little bit over the edge.” Cohn, who advised Donald Trump on economic matters during his first term, emphasized that “Greenland will stay Greenland” during his interview with the BBC.

    The comments come amid escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding the Arctic territory, which has emerged as a critical focal point at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Cohn suggested that Trump’s inflammatory statements may constitute a strategic overreach designed to secure negotiating advantages for U.S. interests, particularly regarding access to Greenland’s vast reserves of rare earth minerals—resources deemed essential for advancing artificial intelligence and quantum computing technologies.

    Cohn revealed that bipartisan consensus exists in Congress against any forced acquisition, stating: “I just came from a U.S. congressional delegation meeting, and I think there’s pretty uniform consensus with both Republicans and Democrats that Greenland will stay Greenland.” Instead, he proposed that the U.S. could negotiate an “offtake” agreement for mineral rights while expanding military presence on the island, noting that the North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean are “becoming much more of a military threat.”

    The IBM executive drew parallels to Trump’s previous foreign policy approaches, noting the administration’s intervention in Venezuela was designed to disrupt its relationships with China, Russia, and Cuba. He suggested similar strategic thinking might be driving the Greenland discourse, with the ultimate objectives being enhanced military positioning and resource security rather than actual territorial acquisition.

    Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied claims that Trump’s aggressive posture stemmed from his Nobel Peace Prize disappointment, instead framing Greenland as a “strategic asset for the United States” crucial to hemispheric security. The developments underscore how competition for quantum computing supremacy and rare earth minerals has become intertwined with global power dynamics, with both IBM and Google claiming leadership in the quantum technology race that now dominates discussions alongside Arctic geopolitics in Davos.

  • Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime, Medvedev headline ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    Tsitsipas, Auger-Aliassime, Medvedev headline ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

    The 2026 ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, scheduled for February 23-28, will feature an elite assembly of tennis superstars headlined by defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek sensation, who captured the 2025 title with a dominant performance culminating in victory over Félix Auger-Aliassime, returns to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium determined to maintain his hardcourt supremacy.

    Tsitsipas’s triumph last year marked a pivotal moment in his 2025 campaign, reinforcing his status as a formidable force on hard surfaces and his capacity to excel during critical matches. The two-time Grand Slam finalist will face formidable competition from Canadian powerhouse Auger-Aliassime, who arrives following one of his most successful seasons featuring three ATP Tour titles and a US Open semifinal appearance.

    The tournament’s competitive depth extends to former champions including Daniil Medvedev, the 2023 titleholder and perpetual hardcourt threat currently ranked world number 12. The 2021 US Open winner brings strategic sophistication and extensive experience to the Dubai courts where he has previously demonstrated championship form.

    Andrey Rublev, the 2022 Dubai champion, returns with his characteristically powerful game and competitive intensity. Ranked 14th globally, the Russian contender has consistently delivered strong performances throughout the ATP Tour season.

    Tournament organizers have expressed enthusiasm about the exceptional player field. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, noted: ‘With Stefanos returning as defending champion, Félix entering after an exceptional season, and former champions like Daniil and Andrey in the mix, fans can expect fantastic tennis.’

    The roster further includes world number 10 Alexander Bublik, known for his unconventional and creative playing style, alongside British number one Jack Draper (world number 11) who achieved a breakthrough Masters 1000 victory at Indian Wells in 2025. Completing the confirmed participants is Olympic silver medalist Karen Khachanov (world number 17), who enjoyed a standout 2025 season with a runner-up finish at the Toronto Masters.

    The women’s WTA 1000 tournament will precede the men’s event from February 15-21, featuring defending champion Mirra Andreeva, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, and other top-ranked players including Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff. Tickets for both tournaments are currently available, with pricing beginning at Dh65.

  • Hiring woes and ‘super high’ prices: Voters say Trump’s progress on the US economy is mixed

    Hiring woes and ‘super high’ prices: Voters say Trump’s progress on the US economy is mixed

    One year into Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, American voters across the political spectrum offer divergent perspectives on his economic performance. While campaigning for his non-consecutive term, Trump positioned economic revitalization as a cornerstone of his platform. The BBC conducted nationwide interviews to gauge whether citizens perceive improvement in their financial circumstances under his renewed administration.

    In rural Michigan, a Republican supporter reports dramatic price reductions for basic groceries following initial supply chain disruptions. “We’re aiming in a better place these days,” she noted, contrasting current conditions with earlier periods when egg prices reached $11 and difficult choices between feeding herself or her pets were necessary. Despite being on fixed income with minimal food stamps, she describes the situation as “night and day” improved.

    Conversely, an independent voter and new father expresses frustration with rising costs, particularly the $25,000 annual childcare expense that forced his family to reduce their food budget. Though both parents maintain professional careers—engineering and airline piloting—neither can afford to leave work. He criticizes the president’s credibility: “It feels like Trump doesn’t tell the truth about almost anything,” assigning the administration a 4/10 economic grade while condemning shrinkflation practices in baby products.

    An Indiana Republican supporter acknowledges decreased inflation statistics but questions their real-world impact, noting persistently high prices for utilities and other essentials. While supporting Trump’s immigration enforcement priorities, he suggests the president has spread himself too thin across multiple issues rather than focusing on economic fundamentals as promised.

    Foreign policy concerns weigh heavily on an independent voter who fears international tensions could trigger economic collapse. She and her husband have delayed home purchasing despite savings, keeping reserves secure due to anxiety over presidential remarks regarding NATO and Greenland.

    A recently graduated registered Democrat contradicts White House employment statistics, reporting daily job applications without success despite the administration’s touted job market performance. “I don’t see the data, I don’t see the proof,” she states, describing how unemployment severely impacts her family’s stability.

    Finally, an independent financial consultant acknowledges marginal financial improvement but worries about sustainability. He credits tax policies with boosting corporate earnings and stock markets but notes these gains haven’t offset consumer cost increases. Expressing concern over presidential influence on Federal Reserve independence, he observes economic priorities shifting toward geopolitical matters involving Iran and Venezuela.

  • Colombian paramilitary-turned-peace-envoy sentenced over atrocities

    Colombian paramilitary-turned-peace-envoy sentenced over atrocities

    In a landmark judicial decision, former Colombian paramilitary commander Salvatore Mancuso has received a 40-year prison sentence for atrocities committed during the nation’s prolonged armed conflict. The ruling from a Barranquilla court convicted Mancuso of 117 distinct crimes against the Wayuu Indigenous community, including murders, forced disappearances, and systematic displacements occurring between 2002 and 2006 in the northern La Guajira region bordering Venezuela.

    The sentencing presents a complex dilemma for President Gustavo Petro’s administration, which had previously appointed Mancuso as a peace negotiator following his repatriation from the United States. The ex-paramilitary leader had recently been facilitating government negotiations with the Gulf Clan cartel—Colombia’s dominant narcotics organization that evolved from paramilitary factions.

    Mancuso’s legal situation remains particularly intricate due to his dual roles as both convicted war criminal and government-sanctioned peace envoy. His sentence includes a substantial $14 million fine payable to victims, though Colombian restorative justice provisions could potentially reduce his incarceration to eight years should he fully disclose his crimes and participate in reparations programs.

    This case underscores the ongoing challenges in Colombia’s peace process, where former combatants often navigate dual roles between justice and reconciliation. Mancuso previously served 16 years in U.S. imprisonment on drug trafficking charges before his extradition ended in 2023. His appointment as peace envoy had been controversial from its inception, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and victims’ groups.

    The paramilitary groups Mancuso helped lead—particularly the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC)—emerged in the 1990s as counter-insurgency forces against Marxist guerrillas but rapidly became embroiled in narcotics trafficking and widespread human rights violations. Their campaign targeted union organizers, indigenous leaders, human rights advocates, and political figures allegedly connected to rebel groups.

    Colombia’s six-decade internal conflict has claimed over 250,000 lives, with violence significantly diminishing following the 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). However, dissident factions continuing to oppose the agreement still contest control over cocaine production territories and periodically attack security forces, maintaining Colombia’s position as the world’s primary cocaine producer.

  • IMF sees steady global growth in 2026 as AI boom offsets trade headwinds

    IMF sees steady global growth in 2026 as AI boom offsets trade headwinds

    The International Monetary Fund has delivered an optimistic revision to its global economic outlook, projecting sustained growth through 2026 driven by artificial intelligence investments and evolving trade dynamics. In its latest World Economic Outlook update, the IMF forecasts global GDP expansion of 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, representing upward adjustments of 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points respectively from October’s projections.

    According to IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the global economy demonstrates remarkable resilience despite previous trade disruptions. ‘The global economy is shaking off the trade and tariff disruptions of 2025 and is coming out ahead of what we were expecting before it all started,’ Gourinchas told reporters.

    The United States leads this upgraded outlook with 2026 growth projected at 2.4%, boosted by massive AI infrastructure investments including data centers, advanced chips, and power systems. Spain similarly benefits from technology investments, receiving a 0.3 percentage point upgrade to 2.3% growth for 2026.

    Trade dynamics have shifted significantly since the peak of tariff tensions in April 2025. Businesses have adapted through supply chain rerouting, while trade agreements have reduced effective U.S. tariff rates from approximately 25% to 18.5%. China’s growth forecast for 2026 was upgraded to 4.5%, reflecting both tariff reductions and successful export diversification to Southeast Asian and European markets.

    The AI boom presents a dual-edged scenario: while driving current growth through investment and wealth effects, it carries inflation risks if development continues at its breakneck pace. Conversely, if anticipated productivity gains fail to materialize, market corrections could dampen economic momentum.

    Regionally, the euro zone expects 1.3% growth in 2026, boosted by German public spending and strong performances in Spain and Ireland. Japan benefits from fiscal stimulus, while Brazil represents a notable exception with reduced growth projections due to tighter monetary policy combating inflation.

    Globally, inflation continues its downward trajectory from 4.1% in 2025 to a projected 3.4% in 2027, creating conditions for more accommodative monetary policies that should further support economic expansion.

  • In pictures: Valentino’s life and work – and the stars who shared his journey

    In pictures: Valentino’s life and work – and the stars who shared his journey

    The fashion world continues to reflect on the monumental legacy of Valentino Garavani, the Italian couturier who passed away recently, leaving behind an indelible mark on haute couture. Founding his eponymous fashion house in 1960, Valentino’s designs became synonymous with elegance and glamour, gracing international red carpets and award ceremonies for over six decades.

    This retrospective showcases the designer’s profound influence through his relationships with iconic figures. The late Diana, Princess of Wales, exemplified Valentino’s regal aesthetic in a sophisticated velvet and lace creation in 1992. Throughout the 1990s supermodel era, Valentino frequently collaborated with fashion luminaries including Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, and Helena Christensen, defining the decade’s glamour standards.

    The designer’s Hollywood connections produced memorable red carpet moments, with Sharon Stone, Halle Berry, and Cate Blanchett wearing Valentino creations to major events including the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. Berry’s bronze gown at the 2002 Golden Globes and Blanchett’s silk-taffeta dress at the 2005 Oscars demonstrated Valentino’s mastery of both color and structure.

    Valentino maintained particularly close personal relationships with several stars, referring to Anne Hathaway as “like my daughter” and considering Gwyneth Paltrow a cherished friend. Following his passing, Paltrow expressed being “so lucky to know and love Valentino,” while Jennifer Lopez frequently selected his designs for her most prominent public appearances.

    Even after his 2008 retirement, the Valentino brand continues to captivate the fashion world under creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. Recent appearances by Pedro Pascal at the 2023 Met Gala demonstrate the label’s ongoing relevance and ability to capture public attention, proving that Valentino’s vision continues to inspire contemporary fashion.