Tasmania in the news: severe weather hits eastern Australia; big rain bands pushing east, Tasmania on alert for heavier storms and flooding risks. Lutruwita/Tasmania: island state south of the mainland.
Researchers funded by the UK government report that pumping seawater onto Arctic ice in Cambridge Bay thickened the surface ice by about 50 cm, offering early signs that refreezing could slow summer melt. The effort, part of Real Ice, is being monitored for long-term impacts on temperature and wildlife.
Australia is experiencing fuel shortages and rising prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The government has announced measures including halving fuel excise taxes and releasing reserves to support supply, but concerns about inflation and long-term impacts persist.
Australia's states and federal government are implementing temporary free public transport measures to counter rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war. Victoria and Tasmania are providing free travel until July, while other states focus on different cost-of-living relief strategies. The measures aim to ease household financial pressures.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
A church party in LaSalle, Montreal, has left 11 injured and one child dead after high winds toppled a bouncy castle and a tent on May 31. Environment Canada recorded winds to 50 km/h; Coroner Martine Lachance is investigating the deaths and circumstances. Health Canada warns operators to anchor inflatables securely.
Scottish supporters are converging on Providence, Rhode Island, for Scotland’s World Cup games in the United States. Organizers have arranged affordable transport and lodging as fans navigate record-high World Cup costs, leveraging local partnerships to host events and shuttle groups to the stadium.