Latest

Finance · 5 days ago

Big Tech’s AI Spending Bill Leaves Investors Counting Their Pennies—And Their Chips

Noor Hale, World desk

Investors are bracing for a fiscal shock from Big Tech’s AI spending plans, yet tech stocks have already rebounded ahead of pivotal earnings reports from AI hyperscalers such as Google and Microsoft.

Lighter · 5 days ago

Eight gentle pictures of otters

Picture Desk

Eight gentle pictures of otters. A quiet list, with a few words beside each picture and the credit kept.

Business · 5 days ago

Healy’s Budget: Small Shops Celebrate, Banks Hold Their Breath

Iris Quay, London desk

John Healey’s maiden budget rewards struggling households, new homebuyers and small shops, while banks and online marketplaces brace for higher levies.

Business · 5 days ago

The City Throws a Party for Cash ISA Reversal – No More Cutting Back

Iris Quay, London desk

Chancellor John Healey announced a reversal of the cash ISA allowance cut, prompting a brief but lively celebration among City firms and savers.

World · 5 days ago

Court’s Verdict on Garvaghy Road: Orange Order March Faces Legal Tightrope

Noor Hale, World desk

A Belfast court will rule today on whether the Northern Ireland Secretary’s ban on an Orange Order parade along the predominantly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown is lawful, ending a 13‑day standoff.

Politics · 5 days ago

Russian envoy slips into Greens rally, walks away with a pamphlet on non-aid policy

Mabel Crowe, Sydney desk

Russian ambassador Mikhail Petrakov attended a speech by Greens leader David Shoebridge denying military aid to Ukraine, a presence Shoebridge claimed he was unaware of.

Sports · 5 days ago

Collingwood’s late‑night coach call throws AFLW programme into limbo

Frank Bollard, Melbourne desk

Collingwood phoned former premiership coach Craig Starcevich to gauge his interest in a return, prompting the club to review its AFLW programme.

Finance · 5 days ago

Inflation Hits 4.3% – RBA Faces Fifth Rate‑Hike Question, Market Folks Grab Umbrellas

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

Australia’s CPI rose to 4.3%, stoking speculation about a possible fifth interest‑rate rise by the Reserve Bank as the Middle East conflict adds pressure to the cost‑of‑living crisis.

Finance · 5 days ago

Avocado Inflation Forces RBA to Consider a Hike, Market Participants Panic Over Toast Prices

Vera Chen, Sydney desk

When the price of avocado toast leapt, the Reserve Bank of Australia is now eyeing a rate hike, leaving market participants clutching at straws as inflation outpaces expectations.