I spoke to a colleague in the financial sector who put it quite simply: I don't care what Iran says, or what Trump says. I just count the number of ships passing through the Strait. That's the only tangible data point that matters.

UAE's ruling al-Nayhan family receives tens of millions in EU farming subsidies - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uae-ruling-al-nayhan-family-banking-tens-millions-eu-farming-subsidies

The elections in the UK yesterday are so far showing Two Englands with a gulf between them - and maybe by the end Four Britains. A Disunited Kingdom. In areas that voted heavily for Brexit, Reform got 41%. Everywhere else they got an average of 10%.

#Dailyglimmer Breathtakingly and hauntingly beautiful! The Wynne prize 2026 winner The Wanambi tree by Gaypalani Wanambi.

A red-capped robin at the Bellbird camping ground. Gluepot Reserve, South Australia.

Archaeologists next to one of the many massive Olmec heads. The Olmec civilization is considered the "mother culture" of Mesoamerica, and these sculptures are their most iconic artifacts

Very little (any?) fanfare about this, but Australia joined just 29 other countries to be declared trachoma-free last month. Excellent news!! Such hard work and research by many should be celebrated. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. www.who.int/news/item/29...

Two women have been charged with slavery offences, and another with terrorism offences. It’s uncharted legal territory for Australia.

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait lift restrictions on US military access to bases and airspace, WSJ says reut.rs/4wgxw8D

🇺🇦 Ukrainian advanced laser complex "Trident" has been integrated into a mobile system for combating drones - from FPV to reconnaissance drones, - Militarnyi

"The late, great Robert Fisk dismantles the trap question of ‘do you accept Israel’s right to exist?'" — Going Underground

Paris prosecutors believe they now have sufficient evidence to open a criminal case against Elon Musk involving child pornography. He is being summoned to give evidence in the proceedings. Musk's response is to demand that Trump and the US State Department pressure the French to drop the probe.

Iran opens fire on US after Iranian oil tanker struck, state media reports - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iran-opens-fire-us-after-iranian-oil-tanker-struck-state-media-reports

Invest in the US. Make sure in something Trump approves of, or your money gets stolen. Don't be too successful, or Trump will demand a share or even equity. Don't send skilled workers, ICE might grab them. Don't have a good product, it will be stolen. The legal system is corrupt, so no help there.

The finding could further complicate contact tracing efforts, although health authorities have said there is no immediate danger to the wider public.

Conservative comets entering the atmosphere www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

Denmark has now reached 96% of vehicle sales as EVs. One of the national petrol companies has put all of its stations up for sale. 😳 youtu.be/J6wkQf8-yXk

Around 1,600 vessels still stranded near Hormuz Strait - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/around-1600-vessels-still-stranded-near-hormuz-strait

“Long-time supporters of Israel have turned away in revulsion at the actions of the Israeli military. It will take many years for Israel to clear its name, assuming that it wishes to do so, and to re-establish itself in the international community.” JM Coetzee

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait cut US base, airspace access, forcing pause of Trump's 'Project Freedom' - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/saudi-arabia-kuwait-cut-us-base-airspace-access-forcing-pause-trumps

Under rubble and rain, Gaza women try to save rare books in centuries-old library - https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/under-rubble-and-rain-gaza-women-try-save-rare-books-centuries-old-library

Tasmania's parliament has passed a motion calling for the government to release updated cost estimates for the Hobart stadium amid rising construction expenses linked to the global fuel crisis.

Solar plus storage: $54 Coal: $70-85 Gas (methane): $100 The math gets pretty simple.

Iran says ports ready to support shipping in Strait of Hormuz - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iran-says-ports-ready-support-shipping-strait-hormuz

The world’s oil supply will sink to just 98 days of demand by the end of May, according to new research from Goldman Sachs. https://bit.ly/3QRsGi0

The very rich don't make money the same way everyone else does - they seek income that is easier to avoid paying tax on (and use the tax system that is set up to ensure richer people can avoid paying tax) www.theguardian.com/business/gro...

If the govt targets discretionary family trusts there will be a lot of guff about how they will hit middle Australians just trying to get by. Don't believe it www.theguardian.com/business/gro...

Israeli forces carry out incursion in southern Syria - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-carry-out-incursion-southern-syria

if people advocating against genocide makes you uncomfortable perhaps it's time to interrogate that feeling instead of making it everyone else's problem.

Kingdom announces sharp rise in budget shortfall amid the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

“Next week’s budget will no doubt disappoint many for not doing enough. But if the government does introduce a minimum tax rate for trusts, it will have at least finally brought some equity to the system." – Greg Jericho, Chief Economist Read more: https://theaus.in/3ONeHJp

President Donald Trump’s abrupt reversal on his plan to help ships go through the Strait of Hormuz came after a key Gulf ally suspended the U.S. military’s ability to use its bases and airspace to carry out the operation, according to two U.S. officials.

Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing “Project Freedom”, the officials said, angering leadership in Saudi Arabia. In response, the Kingdom informed the U.S. it would not allow the U.S. military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase or fly through Saudi airspace to support the effort.

#Australia is facing its third #fuel crisis in six years and one commentator is saying the country needs to seize the electric moment as more than half its #diesel truck fleet nears replacement.

⚡️On the eve of the May 9th parade, Russia deployed the largest number of air defense systems around Moscow ever. The map shows a new ring of air defense systems around Moscow. To ensure the safety of the capital, air defense units are being redeployed from other regions.

Remember when the media used to constantly tell us how much Tony respected Aboriginal people and culture.

It's never far from the surface with Tony, that itch he has

📢 The largest study of migrant working conditions in Australia has found 65 per cent are underpaid, with more than one-third earning below the minimum wage.

This seems…bad

Gulf countries often show a united front against Iran – but behind the scenes, they’re split on how to deal with it.

I've been doing some work related to this with a UK Labour person and a US political analysis unit of a progressive PAC. In the 25 most successful political campaigns in the English speaking world over the last 50 years, they only had one thing in common - treating people as functioning adults.....

Gas companies forced to set aside local supply under major Labor shakeup

🚨 NEW: 42% of Australians blame the US and Israel for the ongoing fuel crisis, with 32% blaming the federal government and 17% blaming Iran

Iran denies involvement in attack on South Korean vessel in Hormuz Strait - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iran-denies-involvement-attack-south-korean-vessel-hormuz-strait

The general glyphosate hype is way way ott, but permitting 'dessicant' spraying of human food crops, before harvest, to *kill the plant* – so the product (grain or pulse) all ripens at once – is shit-crazy. Was once rare in Australia. No longer.

One Nation election advertising stating the party's support for Ben Roberts-Smith, who is charged with carrying out war crimes in Afghanistan, has legal experts worried.

This is not good. Breaking news: Leader of Spain’s Canary Islands has REJECTED the Hantavirus hit cruise ship docking there - and demanded an urgent meeting with PM Sánchez cyprus-mail.com/2026/05/06/r...

Tony Abbott sold Port of Darwin lease to the Chinese, struck FTA deal under which they are now suing Australia - as Albo tries to force a sale. Shaping up as a billion dollar mess #auspol #ISDS #FTA youtu.be/TmJXsKROCs8?...