Melbourne

Mehray Mezensof with her husband Mirzat Taher

This Uyghur woman was separated from her husband by Chinese authorities. She hasn't given up hope.

Mehray Mezensof's husband was arrested by Chinese authorities in Xinjiang just days before the newlywed couple planned to fly to Melbourne to begin their lives together. Many others share similar stories among China's minority Uyghur population.

This Uyghur woman was separated from her husband by Chinese authorities. She hasn't given up hope.
A pickup truck is shown flying the white and black Taliban flag in the distance with two people holding rifles in the nearground.

Thousands desperate to be evacuated from Afghanistan

Thousands desperate to be evacuated from Afghanistan
A man is shown laying in a gurney with a medical professional at the head.

Melbourne struggles with second coronavirus spike; Former US Marine sentenced in Russia; UK's largest pension fund to divest from fossil fuels

Melbourne struggles with second coronavirus spike; Former US Marine sentenced in Russia; UK's largest pension fund to divest from fossil fuels
A restaurant posts a closed sign in Melbourne

Returning travelers in quarantine hotels may have triggered Melbourne's latest lockdown

Returning travelers in quarantine hotels may have triggered Melbourne's latest lockdown
A woman is shown from looking through a window and wearing a shirt with a hood over her head.

Melbourne back under lockdown; Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong; South Korean police are searching for the mayor of Seoul

Melbourne back under lockdown; Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong; South Korean police are searching for the mayor of Seoul
A close up photograph of a woman wearing a white protective face mask with the words, "I can't breathe" written on it.

Citing COVID-19, Australian court bans George Floyd protests in Sydney

Australian authorities moved on Friday stop protests inspired by the death of black American man George Floyd, saying large gatherings risk new coronavirus infections and banning the biggest rally planned for Sydney.

Citing COVID-19, Australian court bans George Floyd protests in Sydney
A scene from the video game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Amid pandemic, Animal Crossing gamers create dreamy ‘islands,’ travel and mingle with friendly (and really cute) animal neighbors

As the coronavirus continues to upend the lives of people around the world, many are using the simulation game to live out experiences and routines disrupted by the pandemic — and for a sense of normalcy and connection.

Amid pandemic, Animal Crossing gamers create dreamy ‘islands,’ travel and mingle with friendly (and really cute) animal neighbors
A gorilla appears sitting on green grass near a tree

Canadian singer delights his gorilla superfans with Christmas songs

A trio of gorillas that inhabit the Werribee Open Range Zoo exhibited calm behavior while listening to Michael Bublé’s baritone voice.

Canadian singer delights his gorilla superfans with Christmas songs
A car is shown in the distance driving on a road and entirely surrounded by dark yellow smoke.

Thousands flee fires in Australia, navy helps evacuate the stranded

Tens of thousands of holiday makers fled seaside towns on Australia's east coast on Thursday as bushfires approached, and military ships and helicopters began rescuing thousands more trapped by the blazes.

Thousands flee fires in Australia, navy helps evacuate the stranded
Several people are shown standing on a beach with many holding cloth to their faces to protect from the smoke.

Thousands trapped on Australian beaches by dangerous bushfires

Thousands swarmed to beaches on Australia's east coast Tuesday to escape fierce wildfires bearing down on several seaside towns, as the government readied naval vessels and military helicopters to aid firefighting and evacuations.

Thousands trapped on Australian beaches by dangerous bushfires
Tash Sultana is seen smiling on stage at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston.

Here's the next smooth step in Tash Sultana's flow state

Australian musician Tash Sultana's forthcoming LP, "Flow State," is the next musical step for the former busker. Sultana describes what it's like being in a flow state and why she's greedy when it comes to genres.

Here's the next smooth step in Tash Sultana's flow state
A photo of indigenous Australian singer Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, the Melbourne-based band that backs her.

Emma Donovan is the Sharon Jones of Australia — and much more

Emma Donovan is an indigenous R&B singer from Australia, backed by the Melbourne-based band The Putbacks. Their debut album may sound like the latest release from Brooklyn's Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, but there's a lot more to it than that.

Emma Donovan is the Sharon Jones of Australia — and much more
Tim Adams (center, in glasses) suffered a stroke several years ago that affected his ability to speak. But he's been singing with the Stroke a Chord choir outside of Melbourne, Australia.

These stroke victims can't speak, but they're still singing

The Stroke a Chord choir in Melbourne, Australia, is made of people who have lost their abilities to speak normally because of strokes. But thanks to a quirk of the brain, they're still able to express themselves in song.

These stroke victims can't speak, but they're still singing
RSD Instructor Julien Blanc

Britain debates banning American 'pick-up artist' Julien Blanc from entering the country

He's been called sexist, racist and a misogynist. Now "dating coach" Julien Blanc could end up being banned from the entering the UK for a seminar later this month after he posted photos pretending to choke women.

Britain debates banning American 'pick-up artist' Julien Blanc from entering the country

A new study shows that koalas cuddle trees to keep cool

Koalas are tree huggers for a reason - it keeps them cool.

A new study shows that koalas cuddle trees to keep cool