The National Times - News around the clock from Sydney, Australia and around the world

Data centers were supposed to be a gift. In cities across the United States, more and more mayors are treating them like a problem.

As more businesses trust artificial intelligence "agents" to independently grow their revenues, some insurance firms are stepping in to cover any mistakes -- while others are steering clear.

AI-created videos circulating on Elon Musk's X depict American soldiers captured by Iran, an Israeli city in ruins, and US embassies ablaze -- a surge of lifelike deepfakes despite a policy crackdown to curb wartime disinformation.

China coach Ante Milicic declared his team has no fear of facing hosts Australia in front of a big crowd in their Women's Asian Cup semi-final, calling them "resilient and patriotic".

Daniil Medvedev ended Carlos Alcaraz's perfect start to 2026, stunning the world number one 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) Saturday to book an Indian Wells title clash with Jannik Sinner.

Polling stations opened in Vietnam, AFP journalists saw Sunday, as voters began casting their ballots for members of the National Assembly of the one-party state.

North Korea conducted a test of its "state of the art", nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported Sunday, a day after Seoul identified the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles.

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss said he was "really rapt for the boys" after two tries in the last 10 minutes ensured a stirring 26-17 Super Rugby win over the NSW Waratahs.

France coach Fabien Galthie hailed four-try hero Louis Bielle-Biarrey after the team's last-gasp victory over England earned them back-to-back Six Nations titles.

US President Donald Trump urged other nations to help secure a vital shipping lane choked off by the war with Iran that showed no signs of slowing on Saturday, as strikes hit the US embassy in Baghdad and a major Emirati energy facility.

Ludvig Aberg grinded through a difficult day for a one-under-par 71 and stretched his lead to three strokes after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Players Championship.

Pep Guardiola insisted the Premier League title race is not over despite a damaging 1-1 draw at West Ham that left Manchester City trailing nine points behind leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

Arda Guler scored from around 70 yards out and Fede Valverde capped an excellent week with another fine strike as Real Madrid thrashed Elche 4-1 on Saturday in La Liga.

Italy held off a late rally to beat Puerto Rico 8-6 on Saturday to advance to the semi-finals of the World Baseball Classic for the first time in the tournament's history.

Ireland beat Scotland 43-21 on Saturday to win the Triple Crown for the fourth time in five years, before their dreams of Six Nations title glory were dashed by France's last-gasp win over England.

Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 32 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on Saturday to lead San Antonio over Charlotte 115-102, giving the Spurs their 17th victory in 19 games.

Three more members of the Iranian women's football team have left their asylum in Australia and decided to return home, Canberra said Sunday.

France match-winner Thomas Ramos said on Saturday their last-gasp 48-46 victory over England to clinch a second straight Six Nations title underlined the team's character.

Police are investigating claims by Everton striker Thierno Barry that friends of his were "attacked" during his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

North Korea conducted a test of its "state of the art", nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported Sunday, a day after Seoul identified the launch of around 10 ballistic missiles.

World number two Jannik Sinner powered past Alexander Zverev 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the ATP Indian Wells Masters 1000 for the first time.

Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been cancelled as the Middle East war engulfs the region, motorsport's governing body the FIA announced on Saturday.

Thomas Ramos kicked a penalty after the final hooter to win the Six Nations for France with a mind-blowing 48-46 victory over a rejuvenated England on Saturday.

Arda Guler scored from inside his own half and Fede Valverde capped an excellent week with another fine strike as Real Madrid thrashed Elche 4-1 on Saturday in La Liga.

Max Dowman, 16, propelled Arsenal closer to the title by becoming the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer in a dramatic 2-0 win against Everton on Saturday as Manchester City stumbled in a 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Liam Rosenior criticised Paul Tierney after the referee bizarrely gate-crashed Chelsea's pre-match huddle before Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Newcastle.

Manchester City's Premier League title challenge was dealt a big blow by a 1-1 draw at lowly West Ham which left them trailing nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

Inter Milan suffered another wobble in their bid to reclaim the Serie A title after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Atalanta, who bounced back from Champions League humiliation against Bayern Munich.

Mikel Arteta described Max Dowman becoming the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer as a "magical moment" after Arsenal struck late to beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday.

Newcastle forward Anthony sealed a 1-0 win against Chelsea on Saturday that dealt a major blow to the Blues' bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Vietnam goes to the polls on Sunday to elect members of the National Assembly, the country's top legislative body that serves mainly to ratify decisions by the ruling Communist Party.

Wales captain Dewi Lake said ending a 15-match losing streak in the Six Nations with a 31-17 victory over Italy in Cardiff on Saturday "means everything".

Max Dowman became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League as the 16-year-old inspired Arsenal's late surge to beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday and close in on a first Premier League title for 22 years.

Arsenal moved a step closer to the Premier League title as Max Dowman became the competition' youngest ever goalscorer in a dramatic 2-0 win against Everton, while Chelsea's top four bid was dented a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said countries that rely on oil carried through the Hormuz strait should take responsibility for keeping the passage open, with American help.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka heads into a blockbuster final with Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina determined to fill a gap in her resume with a first Indian Wells WTA 1000 title.

Inter Milan suffered another wobble in their bid to reclaim the Serie A title after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Atalanta, who bounced back from Champions League humiliation against Bayern Munich.

Wales finally ended a three-year wait for a Six Nations win with a 31-17 defeat of Italy in Cardiff on Saturday.

Former Germany women's star Alexandra Popp on Saturday announced she will join Borussia Dortmund in the summer after ending her 14-year stay at women's Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.