6 October 2026

Are Sheffield Shield pitches really to blame for Australia’s batting drought?

Downunder Voices Newsroom

When the 2026-27 Sheffield Shield season begins this week, the focus will inevitably be drawn to the runs. Australia is desperate for its next generation to score big and a responsibility has fallen ...

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The cost of fuelling ships has risen by roughly three-quarters since the US-Iran war erupted on February 28. In Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub, VLSFO was assessed by ENGINE at $509 per tonne on February 27, the final trading day before the war began, while high-sulphur fuel oil stood at $432 per tonne. By …

Source: Splash247Original source

New Zealand

6 October 2026

Explainer: What is the 'purple vote' and why is it shrinking?

Explainer - You'll see a lot of red and blue, pink and green signs leading up to Election Day - but purple might be the colour to keep a close eye on.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/rss/news.xmlOriginal source

Social Issues

6 October 2026

Phillip Beale makes sudden plea at trial over mother Joan Beale’s Papatoetoe murder

After a Crown lawyer took Phillip Beale through photos of blood spattered through the house he shared with his elderly mum, and her injuries, the man stopped the trial and pleaded guilty.

Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/rss/news.xmlOriginal source