Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says a ceasefire without a negotiated settlement is unacceptable to Moscow, while Ukraine and 51 other countries call for an immediate, unconditional truce. At the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accuses the US and Israel of double standards and alleges US war crimes. Meanwhile, reports from Ethiopia say Tigrayan forces have seized the region’s main airport, suspending flights.
Ukraine says it has struck a major Russian oil facility near Moscow. The reported attack comes amid concerns about diesel availability and refining costs, but the extent of the refinery’s damage and any resulting disruption to fuel supply remain unclear. INR Report: Based on reporting by Tyler Durden for ZeroHedge , published 21 September 2026. · What Happened at the Moscow Refinery? · ZeroHedge reports, citing Bloomberg, that Ukrainian drones…
As Western governments commit billions in financial and military support to Ukraine, the contributor questions whether they are giving sufficient attention to pressures at home. Drawing on political developments in Britain, Germany, France and the United States, this opinion examines public concerns about living costs, strained services and government spending, and asks how leaders should balance overseas commitments with domestic priorities. El…
The fear was real. The lockdowns were real. COVID-19 was real. But what did New Zealand's decision-makers actually know about the danger, what evidence supported testing and vaccination policies, and did extraordinary restrictions remain justified as that evidence changed? Six years later, newly released government documents allow New Zealanders to examine the decisions that transformed their lives Report by eLocal - Part 1 of 3 · The Day…
Investigative journalist Nicky Hager has turned his attention to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union, alleging that the organisation sits within a wider network of politically aligned advocacy groups whose relationships are not always apparent to the public. But some of the book’s strongest allegations remain disputed, and Newsroom notes there is no conclusive evidence of coordination between the Taxpayers’ Union and the coalition Government Report…
Sue Grey West Coast–Tasman candidate lawyer and NZ Outdoors & Freedom party leader says her exclusion from the Taxpayers’ Union’s Greymouth election debate highlights the questions about political influence, gatekeeping and supposedly independent political organisations raised by investigative journalist Nicky Hager in his new book Dirty Work. Hager’s investigation focuses on the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union and political influence on…
Andy Loader challenges changes to Simon Watts' Local Government (Systems Improvement) Bill, arguing that they strengthen council chief executives' control over information available to elected councillors. He questions the implications for democratic accountability, ratepayers' rights and council oversight, while raising wider concerns about co-governance and the coalition government's commitment to equal representation. Thanks to last-minute…
Set on 1.12ha (more or less) of established, park-like grounds, this beautifully maintained Franklin lifestyle property offers privacy, space and picturesque rural views. The generous 353sqm (more or less) single-level home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, ideal for family life and entertaining. With six-car garaging, substantial shedding and easy access to Pukekohe, schools and motorway connections, this…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly urged Vladimir Zelensky to stop Ukrainian strikes on American-linked vessels as Washington continues funding Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov disputes allegations concerning Bucha and Russian drones threatening Europe, and questions the UN Secretary-General’s response. Meanwhile, China condemns unilateral US sanctions as illegal after Washington threatens to bar Iranian airlines…
Labour has promised to leave residential landlords’ mortgage-interest deductions in place if it forms the next government, drawing a positive response from property investors. The decision removes one proposed source of uncertainty for landlords, but its effects on rents, house prices and first-home buyers remain open to examination Report by eLocal Labour leader Chris Hipkins has confirmed that his party will not reverse the current…
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