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Four men trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been freed, Thai rescuers say, bringing the total rescued to five. Two men remain missing. The group of seven villagers entered the narrow cave system in central Xaysomboun province in search of gold before flash floods cut them off on 20 May.
Rescue teams in Laos have pulled five men to safety from a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, where they were trapped for over a week while prospecting for gold. Two others remain missing, and international divers have searched about 95% of the tunnel system without finding them.
The Western Australian government has announced plans to establish a local weapons manufacturing hub, potentially in the coal mining town of Collie, as part of efforts to diversify the state's economy. While officials tout job creation and economic growth, local skepticism remains over feasibility and the transition from mining jobs.
At the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a keynote address that was notably less confrontational toward China than last year's, reflecting the recent Xi-Trump summit's impact. Regional concerns over Taiwan, the Iran war, and a deteriorating security environment dominated discussions, with China's delegation warning against 'hegemonism' and 'bloc confrontation'.
Kenneth Law, a former Canadian chef, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of aiding or counselling suicide in an Ontario court, with prosecutors agreeing to withdraw murder charges. Law sold toxic chemicals online to over 40 countries, linked to more than 100 deaths worldwide, including 73 in the UK. UK families expressed anger and called for a public inquiry after British prosecutors decided not to extradite him.
Cristian Volpato has switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia, making his Socceroos debut against the USA and impressing with his skill and composure. The 22-year-old's journey includes early rejections in Australia, a rise through Italian football, and a decision driven by the dream of playing in a World Cup.
Andrew Abdo, current NRL CEO, will transition to Tennis Australia CEO starting August 3, succeeding Craig Tiley, who moves to the USTA. Reports indicate Abdo will not also serve as Australian Open tournament director, a dual role Tiley held. Abdo's resignation from the NRL comes amid expansion plans and broadcast negotiations.
France has requested a public prosecutor investigation into alleged abuse of French nationals on the Global Sumud Flotilla, while Italy has opened a probe into Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The moves follow allegations of torture, sexual violence, and humiliation, and a video by Ben-Gvir that sparked international backlash.
Leaders of ASEAN member states are expected to gather in Kazan, Russia, for a commemorative summit marking 35 years of diplomatic relations with Russia. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will attend despite Manila's deepening security ties with the US, highlighting the bloc's balancing act between Moscow and the West.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back confirmed discussions on a Japan-proposed military logistics agreement during the Shangri-La Dialogue, while emphasizing Seoul's cautious approach. Analysts suggest the pact could strengthen regional deterrence but face domestic and diplomatic hurdles.
KPMG Australia's CEO Andrew Yates and audit partner Julian McPherson have resigned following revelations of mishandled whistleblower allegations and misuse of confidential client documents. The firm faces a government contract review and regulatory investigations, with nearly 300 active federal contracts valued at $653 million.
The Australian government has launched a $2 billion lawsuit against 3M over PFAS contamination at 28 Defence bases, alleging the company withheld test results showing the chemicals' dangers. The action has revived hopes among firefighters of a separate class action.
Australian authorities have seized more than 20 million illegal vaping products since January 2024, with a street value exceeding $1 billion. While federal enforcement efforts have intensified, public health experts argue state-level laws, particularly in Victoria, remain inadequate to fully address the illicit vape trade.
Australia's men's and women's rugby sevens teams have secured significant victories in the World Championship, with the women clinching the title in Bordeaux and the men winning the Valladolid leg. Key players like Maddison Levi and Henry Hutchison have been central to Australia's success.
Small business owners, including Indigenous startups, are calling on Australia's Labor government to reconsider its planned capital gains tax changes, warning the reforms could 'handcuff' their growth. The government has indicated it may update eligibility thresholds for existing concessions, but business groups say broader and simpler carve-outs are needed.
The UK is experiencing its hottest May on record, with temperatures topping 35°C, triggering a surge in cooling product sales while exposing a lack of air conditioning in most homes and public buildings. The heat has prompted record sales of fans and ice cubes as the country confronts the realities of climate change.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has warned that nuclear weapons could emerge in the Asia-Pacific region, citing the AUKUS pact and Japan and South Korea's preparations to host American nuclear arms. He also criticized Western policies, including missile defense deployments and the rejection of New START legacy, as destabilizing.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry's remarks against paying Olympic athletes prize money have drawn criticism from athletes including Australian swimmer Shayna Jack and Cameron McEvoy. The controversy comes amid the Enhanced Games' $25 million prize pool and ongoing debates about athlete compensation.
The Cerne Abbas Giant, a 55-metre chalk figure in Dorset, is being restored by the National Trust. Workers are removing weathered chalk and algae, then packing fresh chalk by hand to preserve the ancient landmark for future generations. Researchers date the giant to between AD 700 and 1100.
The ACT government has tabled legislation to criminalise coercive control, while Tasmania has announced reforms to its family violence laws, including a levy on offenders. Both measures have been welcomed by advocates, but the ACT laws will take several years to come into effect as the community, police, and courts prepare.