News
Two young police officers killed in Queensland siege
Six people, including two police officers and a bystander, killed in Queensland siege
It is the worst incident to rock Queensland Police in recent history, sending shockwaves right across the country.
Six people are dead, including two police officers and an innocent bystander, following a siege situation at a property in regional Queensland.
The two young police officers killed have now been identified as Constables Mathew Arnold and Rachel McCrow.
The individuals were gunned down while attending a missing-person inquiry at a rural property.
In total, six people lost their lives, three of whom are the alleged attackers.
It all began when the officers attended the home in response to a missing-person inquiry.
They were ambushed by at least two shooters in what authorities have labeled an execution-style attack.
The officers were initially shot and wounded as they walked up the driveway at around 4.00am AEST.
They were then approached by the gunmen, who were clad in military-style camouflage, and shot where they lay.
Shortly after, Special Operations police arrived on the scene, shooting dead the three alleged offenders in a gunfight.
Police have declared an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) in relation to an ongoing incident at Wieambilla.https://t.co/nh7v08kLs0 pic.twitter.com/MU4LvjGdth
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) December 12, 2022
Queensland’s Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll, said the incident will be felt right across the state.
“It is with deep sadness that I confirm the deaths of three people including two officers during an incident in the Western Downs late this afternoon,” Carroll said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also offered his condolences to the victims and everyone impacted by the incident.
“Terrible scenes in Wieambilla and a heartbreaking day for the families and friends of the Queensland Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
Queensland’s Police Union President, Ian Leavers, said this was a ruthless, calculated and targeted execution.
“Our thoughts are also with police who bravely contained and managed the subsequent operation that has now resulted in the deaths of all the offenders,” Leavers said.
Now investigations continue as police try to piece together exactly what happened and why these officers were attacked.
China slaps 55% tariff on Australian beef as trade and geopolitical tensions rise
China has imposed a 55% tariff on Australian beef imports that exceed quota limits, a move that threatens more than $1 billion in annual trade and has reignited tensions between Canberra and Beijing. The restrictions, effective from January 1 for three years, cap Australia’s beef quota at 205,000 tonnes—below the volume China imported in 2024—prompting industry claims the decision undermines the spirit of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Calm fears
Beef producers warn the impact could be severe, with exports to China potentially falling by as much as one-third compared to 2025 levels. Industry groups say the move advantages rival exporters, with Brazil and Argentina receiving far larger quotas, raising concerns Australia could permanently lose market share in a key global market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sought to calm fears, saying Australia is not being singled out and describing the beef sector as the strongest it has ever been.
The tariff decision comes against the backdrop of growing geopolitical strain, days after Australia criticised China’s “Justice Mission 2025” military drills near Taiwan as destabilising. Opposition figures are urging the government to leverage diplomatic ties with President Xi Jinping to ensure Australia is not swept up in broader trade retaliation, as industry calls mount for urgent talks to stabilise relations.
Where to switch off, reset and travel well for a week
For executives in their 40s, travel has shifted. It is less about ticking off sights and more about space, comfort and coming back sharper than when you left.
In 2026, the most appealing one-week holidays are destinations that combine calm, quality and a sense of being ahead of the curve.
For executives, switching off from work is essential, but true rest comes from being gently engaged rather than completely idle.
The most rewarding breaks offer just enough stimulation, culture, nature or conversation, to quiet the mind without replacing one form of busyness with another.
Here are five global locations quietly rising to the top of travel wish lists.
East Coast Barbados
Barbados has long been associated with polished beach holidays, but the east coast offers something different.
Wild Atlantic surf, boutique retreats and fewer crowds create a slower rhythm that suits travellers who want proper rest without sacrificing style.
Days are spent between long coastal walks, ocean-facing spas and unhurried dinners, with just enough local culture to keep things interesting.
Barbados: Book a holiday package (flights + hotel) to Barbados here.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s largest island is emerging as a refined alternative to more established Asian beach destinations.
Phu Quoc blends thoughtful luxury with a grounded, local feel. Resorts are discreet rather than flashy, wellness is taken seriously, and the pace encourages doing very little very well.
It is an easy week of warm water swims, exceptional food and genuine mental downtime.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam: Find holiday packages and deals for Phu Quoc here.
Peloponnese
For travellers who want culture without crowds, the Peloponnese is becoming Greece’s most compelling region.
Ancient ruins sit alongside olive groves, quiet beaches and wellness-focused resorts designed for long lunches and early nights.
It offers the Mediterranean experience executives love, without the intensity of Santorini or Mykonos.
Peloponnese, Greece: Browse and book Peloponnese holiday packages with flights and hotels here.
The Red Sea
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is one of the most ambitious luxury travel projects in the world.
Opening progressively through 2025 and 2026, it promises adults-focused resorts built around sustainability, privacy and high-end wellness.
For those seeking something genuinely new, this is a destination that feels exclusive, restorative and future-facing.
Red Sea Coast (gateway for Red Sea resorts): Book a Red Sea Coast holiday package (flight + hotel) here.
Margaret River
Margaret River continues to refine its appeal for travellers who value space and quality. World-class wineries, dramatic coastline and understated luxury accommodation make it ideal for a reset without jet lag.
It is a reminder that a great week away does not need excess. It needs good food, good wine and room to breathe.
In 2026, the best holidays for executives are not about escape in the dramatic sense. They are about intention. A change of pace, fewer decisions, and environments designed to help you slow down properly. These destinations understand that luxury is not about doing more, but about feeling better when you return.
Margaret River, Western Australia: Find Margaret River holiday packages (accommodation + flight) here.
News
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
Iran president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
Iran’s president engages protesters amid economic crisis as currency tumbles and inflation surges
– Iranian President Pezeshkian urged action to meet protesters’ demands amid economic crisis and currency devaluation.
– Protests intensified with shop closures in Tehran, following significant inflation and political unrest after Mahsa Amini’s death.
Iran is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in years. Mass protests erupted across Tehran following the dramatic collapse of the national currency. The rial plunged to 1.42 million against the U.S. dollar over the weekend, briefly recovering to 1.38 million. This marks a loss of more than two-thirds of its value since 2022.
Annual inflation soared to 42.2 percent in December, with food prices up 72 percent year-on-year. Many Iranians are struggling to make ends meet, fueling public anger and unrest.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered his government to engage directly with protest representatives. Calling the demonstrations “legitimate,” he emphasized the need for reforms in the monetary and banking sectors. Officials announced a dialogue framework to hear the voices of demonstrators.
The unrest coincided with the resignation of Central Bank Governor Mohammad Reza Farzin. Former Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati is set to replace him, signaling possible shifts in economic policy.
Tehran’s commercial districts were paralyzed as shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar and major streets closed businesses in solidarity. Videos on social media showed crowds chanting slogans as security forces used tear gas to disperse them.
International pressure is also rising. U.S. officials warned they would support action against Iran if the country resumes nuclear or missile development, following recent airstrikes on Iranian facilities.
The World Bank forecasts Iran’s GDP will contract 1.7 percent in 2025 and 2.8 percent in 2026, deepening economic concerns. How the government responds to these protests and reforms its economy may shape the country’s stability in the months ahead.
-
Tech4 days agoItaly orders Meta to open WhatsApp to AI competitors
-
Money3 days ago
Global stocks rise to record highs in 2025
-
News3 days ago
NASA’s Pandora satellite set to search for alien life
-
Tech3 days ago
SoftBank plans acquisition of DigitalBridge for AI expansion
-
Politics4 days ago
Nigeria disputes Trump’s genocide claims amid airstrikes
-
News2 days ago
Iran’s currency collapse sparks mass protests as inflation spirals
-
News2 days ago
CIA launches first drone strike in Venezuela
-
News3 days ago
Trump and Zelenskyy progress on Ukraine peace plan
