Some outdoor moments stay with us long after they end, not because of what we did, but because of how the space felt. As daylight fades and activity slows, subtle elements begin to define the experience. Warmth becomes noticeable as temperatures drop, light shifts from functional to atmospheric, and stillness settles in once movement gives way to presence. These transitions often happen quietly, shaped by small, intentional choices in how an outdoor setting is prepared. It might be the way seating is arranged, the timing of when the lights come on, or the soft glow of a fire that anchors…
Author: Oki Bin Oki
Two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter have been killed in Syria in an ambush by an Islamic State gunman, the US Central Command has said. Officials said three other service members were injured in the attack, during which the gunman was “engaged and killed”. US President Donald Trump wrote on social media that it was “an ISIS attack” against the US and Syria and said there would be “a very serious retaliation”. The identities of those killed are being withheld for 24 hours until their next of kin have been informed, the US Central Command said. In a…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Rwanda’s actions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are “a clear violation of” the peace deal brokered by Donald Trump last week. In a post on X, he said the US would “take action to ensure promises made to the President are kept”, without going into details. Trump hailed the deal signed with great fanfare in Washington between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame as “historic” and “a great day for Africa, great day for the world”. But the M23 rebel group says it has “fully liberated” the…
Belarus freed 123 prisoners, including prominent opposition activist Maria Kolesnikova, after the US agreed to lift sanctions on the country. Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski is also among those who have been released following talks in Minsk with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Belarus, John Coale. The US has agreed to lift sanctions on potash, a key ingredient in fertiliser and an important export for Belarus, which is a close ally of Russia. Coale said: “As relations between the two countries normalise, more and more sanctions will be lifted.” Belarus’ president, Alexander Lukashenko, is not recognised as…
A billionaire investor keen on buying TikTok’s US operations has told the BBC he has been left in limbo as the latest deadline for the app’s sale looms. The US has repeatedly delayed the date by which the platform’s Chinese owner, Bytedance, must sell or be blocked for American users. US President Donald Trump appears poised to extend the deadline for a fifth time on Tuesday. “We’re just standing by and waiting to see what happens,” investor Frank McCourt told BBC News. “But if the moment arrives, we’re prepared to move forward… we’ve raised the capital to buy it -…
In today’s fast-paced digital workplace, effective communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing are absolutely essential. Yet many organisations still rely on outdated systems, clunky shared drives, or a patchwork of tools that don’t talk to each other. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to consider implementing a modern intranet solution, specifically one powered by Microsoft SharePoint. A Sharepoint Intranet provides a central, secure, and highly customisable environment where your teams can work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a small business growing quickly or a large enterprise juggling complex workflows, SharePoint offers the scalability and flexibility required to support your…
As Melbourne continues to strengthen its position as Australia’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hub, local businesses face greater pressure than ever to operate efficiently, securely, and competitively. By 2026, digital transformation will no longer be a future goal; it’s a present-day necessity. Whether you run a boutique retail store along Chapel Street, manage a distributed team across Victoria, or operate a large-scale corporate office in the CBD, your organisation’s success now depends on reliable, strategic, and proactive IT support. This is why managed IT services Melbourne have become essential for Melbourne businesses in 2026. They provide not only technical support,…
Pet ownership across Australia continues to rise, and with it comes a growing interest in pet insurance. As veterinary costs climb and new treatment technologies become mainstream, many Aussies are reassessing how to protect their pets and their wallets. If you’re considering pet insurance in 2026, it’s worth taking the time to understand what has changed, what to look for, and how to choose a policy that truly matches your pet’s needs. Below, we break down the key things to know before purchasing insurance for pets this year, without the jargon and confusion. Veterinary Costs Are Higher Than Ever The…
In a world that’s constantly speeding up, many Australians are looking for ways to slow down, reconnect, and improve their overall wellbeing. While online workouts and fitness apps are handy, nothing quite compares to the experience of joining a local yoga studio. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after a break, practising in a dedicated, community-focused space offers unique advantages that go far beyond flexibility and fitness. Below are 10 compelling benefits of joining a local yoga studio, and why doing so may be one of the best decisions you make for your mind, body, and lifestyle. Personalised Guidance…
Power is in the packaging. Great packaging does a lot more than protect a product – it shapes how customers feel about your brand. When someone receives an online order, the packaging is the first thing they see and touch. This sets the tone for the entire experience. Poor packaging could result in a negative experience, while high-quality materials might boost customer satisfaction. If you want to deliver more value, boost customer loyalty, and stand out from the competition, begin with your packaging. Three ways to upgrade your packaging have been outlined below. Prioritize Product Safety and Quality Packaging…
Best-selling author Joanna Trollope has died aged 82, her family has announced. The writer was known as the “queen of the Aga saga” because her novels often focused on romance and intrigue in middle England, although she rejected the tag as “patronising”. In a statement, her daughters Louise and Antonia said their “beloved and inspirational mother” had died “peacefully at her Oxfordshire home” on Thursday. Trollope’s novels include The Rector’s Wife, Marrying The Mistress, Second Honeymoon and Daughters in Law. Trollope’s literary agent James Gill said in a statement: It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing…
M23 fighters asserted control over Uvira in eastern DR Congo on Friday, making locals sweep the streets after the city’s capture by the Rwanda-backed militia two days ago, residents told AFP. Part of an offensive launched at the beginning of December in South Kivu province along the Burundian border, the armed group’s takeover follows its capture of the major cities of Goma and Bukavu in January and February. The M23’s capture of Uvira — a city of several hundred thousand — allows it to cont rol the land border with Burundi and cut Kinshasa off from military support from its…
A popular Ghanaian social media influencer known as Abu Trica, whose real name is Frederick Kumi, has been arrested over allegations he orchestrated a romance scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $8m (£5.9m). Prosecutors said he used AI tools to create fake online identities, targeting victims through social media and dating sites, earning their trust then extorting their money. Kumi faces charges in the US of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. The 31-year-old was arrested in Ghana following a joint operation between the…
US President Donald Trump said he has pardoned former Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters, who is serving a nine-year sentence for allowing unauthorised access to voting machines during the 2020 presidential election. Peters was convicted last year on seven state charges, including three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation. Presidential powers to pardon are widely understood to apply only to federal crimes – not those at a state level. In a statement, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Trump’s pardon has no legal precedent and “will not hold up”.…
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at blocking states from enforcing their own artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. “We want to have one central source of approval,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. It will give the Trump administration tools to push back on the most “onerous” state rules, said White House AI adviser David Sacks. The government will not oppose AI regulations around children’s safety, he added. The move marks a win for technology giants who have called for US-wide AI legislation as it could have a major impact on America’s goal of…