News Briefs.

Ireland is set to assume the presidency of the European Union, with a formal opening ceremony taking place in Dublin. This six-month term will see Ireland play a key role in guiding EU policy and decision-making. The presidency rotates among…

UK house prices remained flat in June, with annual growth accelerating to 2.2%, according to Nationwide. Northern Ireland led the increase, with prices rising in the region. Despite the uptick in annual growth, analysts believe the housing market remains weak.…

The European Union's new border control system is facing criticism as passengers endure lengthy queues during peak holiday season. Airlines and airports are calling for the system's suspension, citing wait times of up to five hours for biometric checks. This…

A crucial medication for people with opioid dependency is set to be withdrawn from the Australian market by the end of the year. The drug, which has been described as life-saving, is used to treat addiction. Its withdrawal is likely…

Donald Trump has announced plans to host a Republican midterm convention in Dallas, breaking with the traditional practice of holding such events only in presidential election years. The move is seen as an effort to maintain momentum and rally support…

Niger's military regime has launched a crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community, arresting at least 40 people. The arrests have sparked fears of a resurgence of HIV/Aids, as those detained may lose access to life-saving Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs. The LGBTQ+…

Tasmania is experiencing an unusual visitor, a 1,000kg elephant seal named Neil, who has been causing disruptions in the area. Neil's antics include crushing fences, blocking traffic, and colliding with parked cars. Experts attribute this behaviour to play-fighting, a common…

Thai authorities are investigating the murder of 19-year-old Thunchanok Donhomla, allegedly at the hands of Australian man Simon Peter Carman. Carman, 52, was arrested on June 25 in connection with Donhomla's death. Security footage shows a friend of Donhomla's visiting…

Bees are crucial pollinators of many food crops, but their fertility is being severely impacted by heatwaves. A recent study has found that extreme heat causes a sharp drop in bee fertility, with significant consequences for pollination. This decline in…

The UK government has announced plans to introduce a pay cap for academy school leaders in England. This move aims to curb high salaries, with nearly 100 academy chief executives currently earning more than £200,000 per year. One chief executive…

The UK government has announced plans to increase the minimum sentence for domestic murder, a move welcomed by campaigners who have fought for years to close the sentencing gap. Grieving mothers have been at the forefront of this effort, pushing…

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, has won the Colorado House primary, defeating 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette. DeGette, a longtime representative of Colorado's 1st Congressional District, has held the seat since 1997. Kiros' victory marks a significant upset in the…

Japan aims to boost overseas tourist numbers, with a target of 60 million visitors by 2030. However, the country is grappling with concerns about overtourism, which is straining local infrastructure and communities. To address this issue, Japan is considering introducing…