Scott Bessent wins Senate confirmation as Treasury secretary

SummaryThe RSPCA reminds West Australians that certain Easter traditions, particularly chocolate, pose significant risks to pets, as even small amounts can be toxic. RSPCA WA Lead Veterinarian Mairi Joyce warns that milk chocolate can poison small dogs, and darker chocolates and sugar-free varieties with xylitol can be even more dangerous. In addition to chocolate, hot cross buns, onions, and fatty leftovers can harm pets, and owners are advised to contact a vet immediately if they...

A severe sandstorm has impacted central and southern Iraq, resulting in orange skies, reduced visibility, and over 3,700 respiratory-related emergency room visits. The storm, originating from eastern Saudi Arabia, has prompted flight suspensions and empty highways in Basra, with climate experts noting an increase in frequency and severity due to drought and desertification. Health officials reported significant respiratory issues, particularly in Basra and Najaf, while the storm's aftermath left homes and vehicles coated in dust,...

Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTSINGAPORE: The People's Action Party (PAP) on Tuesday (Apr 15) launched a website with details of the East Coast Plan, including interactive maps showing improved facilities and ongoing works of community spaces within different areas in East Coast.The website - titled East Side, Best Side...

The federal government announced it is freezing over $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the school refused demands from the Trump administration to audit student viewpoints and comply with other controversial policies aimed at combating antisemitism. Harvard's President Alan M. Garber criticized the demands as an unprecedented attempt to control the university's independence, while the administration's spokesperson defended the actions as necessary to address perceived antisemitism and prevent federal funding of discrimination. Similar...

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed satisfaction with recent talks with the United States but cautioned that the negotiations might not yield results. As Tehran and Washington prepare for further discussions in Muscat, Khamenei emphasized Iran's military capabilities and regional influence as "red lines" that cannot be negotiated, while also indicating a lack of trust in the U.S. Despite past agreements, he advised against depending on negotiation progress, citing the need for Iran to...

SummaryThe US has not specified its demands for lifting trade tariffs during a recent meeting between EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, resulting in little progress. EU officials emphasized the need for clearer US positions in negotiations, with Šefčovič reiterating an offer to mutually eliminate tariffs on industrial goods. The EU has paused retaliatory tariffs until July 14 while continuing to prepare additional measures if no agreement is reached, highlighting...