Former UK PM Boris Johnson says he “vastly underestimated” COVID dangers

London, UK Reuters British former Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave his most explicit apology for his handling of the coronavirus crisis on Wednesday, saying his government had been too complacent and “vastly underestimated” the risks posed by the virus. In an appearance before an official inquiry into the UK’s handling of the pandemic, Johnson said […]
The Explainer: When is St Nicholas Day? And how did this Christian saint inspire the Santa Claus legend?

With St Nicholas’ Day commemorated around the world this week, LUIS ANDRES HENAO, of Associated Press, looks at who St Nicholas was and his connections with more modern Christmas celebrations …
Stop posturing and aim high, UN climate chief tells COP28

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Reuters Countries at the COP28 climate talks need to stop posturing, aim high and agree on a way to end the “fossil fuel era as we know it”, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said on Wednesday, as tension over the future of coal, oil and gas came to the fore. Stiell […]
Las Vegas campus shooting leaves three dead, one in critical condition

Updated: 12:20pm (AEDT) Reuters A shooting on the main campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, on Wednesday left at least three people dead before the bloodshed ended with the suspect’s own death, authorities said. The Las Vegas Police Department said in written statement on social media that three people, aside from the shooter, […]
Pope Francis says he is feeling “much better”, voice still weak

Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis, who has been suffering from a lung inflammation, said on Wednesday he was feeling a lot better, although he still has to restrict how much he talks. “I am much better but I have difficulty when I talk too much,” the pontiff said at the start of his weekly audience, […]
UN chief rings alarm bell on global security threat from Gaza war

United Nations Reuters United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a rare move on Wednesday to formally warn the Security Council of a global threat from the Gaza war as Arab states seek to leverage that to renew a push for the council to call for a ceasefire. The United States, one of five veto powers […]
US declares warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes

Washington DC, US/Cairo, Egypt Reuters The United States on Wednesday formally determined that warring parties in Sudan committed war crimes, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, as Washington increases pressure on the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to end fighting that has caused a humanitarian crisis. Washington also determined that the RSF and […]
Israeli forces battle Hamas in southern Gaza as civilians say no place is safe

Updated: 12:15pm (AEDT) Gaza/Cairo, Egypt Reuters Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hamas in an expanding offensive into southern Gaza on Wednesday, forcing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians to cram into a city close to the Egyptian border to avoid Israeli bombardment. However, many feared they would not be safe in Rafah either […]
StrangeSights: A record-breaking 555 Christmas trees for German house; and, kangaroo packs a punch…

DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Australia’s proposed koala haven faces logging threat

Sydney Reuters Nestled in old eucalyptus forests in Australia’s New South Wales region, an estimated 15 per cent of the state’s dwindling koala population is set to win some protection from as early as 2025, but environmentalists say that might be too late. To shore up the habitat of these iconic Australian animals, the State […]