New Kangaroo Cards Have Fans Jumping to Japan's Kitakyushu Gift Shops

KITAKYUSHU — The sale of kangaroo-themed trading cards, which started this spring in a major local park home to around 350 kangaroos, has exceeded expectations, leading to a new batch being released.

The individual responsible stated, 'We would be pleased if this could enhance supporters' excitement.'

Zoo staff from the municipal Hibikinada Ryokuchi "Green Park," situated in Wakamatsu Ward of the city, suggested the idea of trading cards. This park, which offers multiple attractions, houses the largest number of kangaroos in Japan and attracts many frequent visitors, including devoted kangaroo enthusiasts who often visit just to catch sight of their preferred animals.

The park houses approximately 350 animals belonging to four different species: eastern gray kangaroos, yellow-footed rock-wallabies, common wallaroos, and brush-tailed rat-kangaroos. The collectible cards showcase 20 of the park’s 93 eastern grey kangaroos, including 10 male and 10 female individuals.

The facility started offering postcards in 12 different designs showcasing kangaroos captured through photographs taken by zoo staff back in September of last year. However, following a suggestion from one of the keepers who said, "It might be intriguing to also offer trading cards," these were launched earlier this April. These card-size items are colored prints displaying an image of each animal’s face along with their name, date of birth, notable features, and preferred diet.

Twenty kangaroos were primarily selected from the animals preferred by the keepers. Although their typical life expectancy in captivity is approximately 15 years, the group includes individuals spanning a broad age spectrum, ranging from the nation's eldest at 21 to those as youthful as 5.

Selling started on April 4, aiming for 200 cards within two months. This objective was achieved ahead of schedule, as 247 cards were sold by May 6. As sales remain strong, a second batch of 20 kangaroos will be released on June 13.

A 38-year-old zookeeper supervisor named Shogo Uemura, who knows the facial features and names of each eastern grey kangaroo at the facility, stated, "Every individual has a distinct appearance and character, so I encourage people to focus on each one and choose a preferred kangaroo. Our objective is to issue trading cards featuring all 93 eastern gray kangaroos in five installments."

Trading cards can be purchased at the gift store located close to the entryway of the kangaroo exhibit. One individual card is priced at 100 yen (approximately 62 cents). Sets containing five cards are available for 400 yen (roughly $2.50), while packs with ten cards cost 800 yen (around $5.00). For further information, reach out to Green Park via phone number 093-741-5545 (in Japanese).

(By Takeshi Saito, Kyushu News Department)

Gold drops sharply as markets react

Vietnam gold prices continued to fall on Thursday, reaching the lowest point since September 28, even as international prices bounced back from a six-month low.

The Saigon Jewelry Company reported a decrease of 1.66% in the price of its gold bars and rings, now at VND136 million (US$5,166.88) per tael. Overall, gold rates have fallen by 11% this year within Vietnam.

Gold prices worldwide recovered from a six-month trough on Thursday due to covering of short positions, as investors awaited an important U.S. inflation data release that might provide further insight into the Federal Reserve's monetary strategy. Reuters reported.

Gold prices increased by 0.4% to reach $4,089.12 per ounce, following a drop to its lowest level since November 21 at $4,022.09 during the session. U.S. gold contracts for August shipment declined 0.5% to $4,111.10.

"With prices rapidly approaching $4,000, this is clearly a key point where supporters might rush to secure gains or encourage struggling buyers to return," noted Matt Simpson, a senior analyst at StoneX.

The U.S. dollar index did not make significant progress after Wednesday's CPI data. Therefore, provided there are no unexpected issues in the PPI - gold might experience a short-term technical rebound.

Dollar Climbs in Black Market Amid Turmoil

The American currency increased slightly compared to the Vietnamese đồng in the unofficial market early Thursday.

unofficial currency exchanges priced the dollar at 0.15% more, reaching VND26,400. Vietcombank maintained its rate steady at VND26,410.

The U.S. dollar experienced fluctuations on Thursday due to fresh American military actions in the Middle East, which affected market confidence. Additionally, a rise in May’s U.S. consumer inflation to a three-year peak left investors concerned about the Federal Reserve's approach to monetary policy. Reuters reported.

This week, the foreign exchange market has remained calm, with traders considering the unstable truce in the Middle East alongside an ongoing series of retaliatory attacks between the United States and Iran, which has weakened expectations for a short-term resolution.

The euro reached $1.1553, moving slightly away from the 10-week low it recorded last week, although it has lost much of its increase following an agreement for a truce at the beginning of April. Attention will focus on the European Central Bank’s monetary policy meeting later today as it appears set to increase interest rates to address rising prices.

Sterling stood at £1.33905. The dollar index, used to gauge the U.S. currency versus six key rivals, dropped to 99.903 following reports from U.S. forces stating they have finished attacks on several locations in Iran.

Vietnam's Hidden Beach Cracks Global Top 100 for First Time

Soi Sim, an almost untouched shoreline within Vietnam's Ha Long Bay, has made its debut on the list of the world's 100 most stunning beaches.

Situated on the island with the same name within the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beach was the sole Vietnamese location to secure a spot on the most recent Beach 100 list published by the U.S.-owned Corona Beach 100 on June 8.

In contrast to several more famous coastal spots in Vietnam, Soi Sim Beach stays relatively unknown due to its remote setting and limited tourist infrastructure.

The 2026 edition showcases shores from 22 nations and incorporates 27 new entries that are appearing for the first time in the yearly selection.

"Our aim is for Beach 100 to inspire individuals to rediscover their connection with nature and explore the incredible shorelines that Earth provides," stated a member of the group.

The shores were chosen according to factors such as visual attractiveness, environmental significance, historical importance, and opportunities for engaging with natural settings. The list also emphasizes the environments that contribute to the charm of these locations.

Soi Sim Beach. Image provided by the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu Management Board

Soi Sim Island covers approximately 8.7 hectares and is located about 12 kilometers away from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port. Tourists usually arrive at the island through a boat trip lasting around 90 minutes.

The island is temporarily not open to visitors while it experiences development and improvements to its facilities.

One notable aspect of Soi Sim is its well-preserved natural environment.

The island hosts regions of untouched forests which shelter many native plant species located within Ha Long Bay.

The Top 100 Beaches list includes famous locations from Southeast Asia like Alegria, Cloud 9, and Nacpan in the Philippines, Koh Mak and Railay in Thailand, and Padar Island and Pink Beach in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

Gold Bulls Optimistic About 2026 Outlook – International Edition

By Kizito CUDJOE

Ghana's mining sector anticipates maintaining record-high gold outputs in 2026, with estimates ranging from 6.1 million to 6.9 million ounces, as both major and minor miners boost their activities, reports the Ghana Chamber of Mines.

The chamber predicts significant gold output ranging from 3.2 million ounces to 3.4 million ounces for this year, whereas production from the informal sector is anticipated to fall between 2.9 million ounces and 3.5 million ounces.

Should they be implemented, these forecasts would highlight the increasing significance of artisanal mining within the nation's gold sector, as this part of the industry could match or surpass production levels achieved by major operations.

The forecast comes after a significant year in 2025, during which production from small-scale miners surpassed that of major producers for the first time in over a hundred years.

Speaking to stakeholders at the 98th session of the Ghana Chamber of Mines' event ^th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra, former Chamber President Michael Edem Akafia stated that the nation achieved widespread growth in its conventional minerals during 2025 – with significant increases observed in gold output.

The amount of gold produced that can be attributed rose by 23.41% from 4.82 million ounces in 2024 to 5.94 million ounces in 2025, mainly due to a significant rise in output from the artisanal mining industry.

Gold extraction at a smaller level increased by 63.82 percent, moving from 1.90 million ounces to 3.11 million ounces, thanks to initiatives such as the creation of the Ghana Gold Board. Consequently, artisanal mining contributed 52.4 percent of total country output, surpassing major-scale miners for the first time in over a hundred years," he stated.

In comparison, major gold manufacturing fell by 2.98 percent, dropping from 2.92 million ounces in 2024 to 2.83 million ounces in 2025, which decreased its portion of total domestic production from 60.6 percent to 47.6 percent.

Despite the drop in total large-scale output, the member firms affiliated with the chamber produced 2.77 million ounces in 2025, down from 2.86 million ounces in 2024, marking a decrease of 3.08 percent.

Mr. Akafia cited reduced production levels in most facilities, except for the Asanko Gold Mine and AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine.

The output from the large-scale operation was backed by Newmont's Ahafo Mine, Cardinal Resources Limited's Namdini Mine, and Zijin's Akyem Mine after it was acquired by Zijin from Newmont in 2025.

Additional major open-pit mines saw a slight rise in production, going from 55,000 ounces in 2024 to 57,000 ounces in 2025, indicating an increase of approximately 2 percent. However, their portion of total national output fell from 1.2 percent to 1.0 percent.

The robust showing of the gold industry aligned with one of the most impressive economic expansion periods in recent times.

The actual gross domestic product (GDP) rose from GH¢197.86 billion in 2024 to GH¢209.64 billion in 2025, showing an increase of 5.95 percent, up slightly from 5.85 percent recorded the prior year.

One of the most successful areas within the economy was the gold mining sector, which grew by 19.6 percent, primarily fueled by an increase in artisanal gold output.

The proportion of Gold in GDP rose from 7.97% in 2024 to 9.98% in 2025, becoming the leading component of the economy. Its portion inside the larger manufacturing industry also grew from 13.8% to 14.8%.

In addition to gold, manganese production grew from 5 million tons in 2024 to 5.2 million tons in 2025, marking an increase of 3.83 percent, whereas bauxite output climbed by 21.9 percent.

However, diamond output fell significantly from 332,297 carats in 2024 to 197,233 carats in 2025, representing a decrease of 40.65 percent.

The drop was blamed on lower natural diamond prices, growing rivalry from man-made diamonds, and weak worldwide demand.

In 2026, it is anticipated that manganese will be produced between 5 million metric tons and 6 million metric tons, whereas bauxite output is predicted to fall within the range of 2.5 million metric tons to 3 million metric tons. The estimated diamond production for the same period lies between 150,000 and 250,000 carats.

Mr. Akafia warned that the future of the mining industry hinges on clear policies, changes in regulations, prompt renewal of licenses, better management of artisanal mining operations, and sustained funding throughout the mineral supply chain.

His comments occur during an active discussion about the trajectory of the mining sector, involving the government's policy on contract mining, lingering problems with renewal of mining leases, and growing demands for increased local involvement in owning and managing mineral assets.

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stated that the government remains committed to seeing mining as a key component of economic development and a significant contributor to foreign currency income.

"In line with our mid-term growth plan, the sector has been given priority within our overall strategy aimed at stabilizing the economy, encouraging manufacturing expansion, and enhancing preparedness for worldwide disruptions," he stated.

The official stated that the government is implementing changes designed to increase regulatory clarity and boost operational effectiveness within the industry.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Budget Transparency Plummets to 22% in Global Survey

Ghana's level of budget openness has dropped sharply from 46% in 2023 to 22% in the most recent Open Budget Survey, positioning the nation significantly under the sub-Saharan African mean of 38%.

As stated in a press statement from SEND Ghana, this raises worries regarding transparency in handling national assets.

The 2025 Open Budget Index, published by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) together with SEND Ghana, examines 82 nations regarding fiscal openness, citizen engagement, and monitoring processes.

The study indicated that the country's significant drop in openness—the key factor—means residents and civic organizations now have much less data available to examine how taxpayer money is collected and utilized.

As per the study, which utilized independent expert evaluations and peer examinations, Ghana fell behind due to postponements in releasing fiscal reports. The report highlighted that these papers are crucial for monitoring public spending as it happens.

A score of 22 percent indicates that the government is offering very little information," the report stated, noting that the absence of up-to-date data "hampers the capacity of parliament, press, and regular people to ensure the executive branch remains responsible.

Although transparency declined, Ghana showed minor progress in the remaining two metrics assessed. The level of public involvement increased from 17 percent in 2023 to 22 percent in 2025, indicating a small rise in chances for engagement.

Nevertheless, the survey noted that these efforts are still constrained: members of the public and non-governmental organizations continue to be mostly left out of budget discussions and ongoing oversight of project execution.

Ghana's budget monitoring score increased from 28% in 2023 to 33% in 2025. As per the study, this enhancement is attributed to greater frequency of audit-related interactions.

Nevertheless, it emphasized that supervision is still inadequate — highlighting that Ghana does not yet have an autonomous financial body capable of delivering impartial assessments and legislative review of the budget formulation and implementation process, which continues to be insufficient.

SEND Ghana once again urged for immediate changes to stop more loss of financial openness. To bring back clarity, increase public involvement, and improve monitoring, the Open Budget Survey suggested that the government should make all eight important budget papers available online promptly and ensure regular publication of In-Year Reports.

It called on the state to broaden parliamentary budget reviews so they incorporate input from civil society groups, marginalized populations, and the wider community, as well as create systems enabling these entities to track how budgets are carried out.

The study further suggested establishing an autonomous financial body to offer unbiased budget evaluation and enhance Parliament's ability to monitor the development and implementation of budgets.

The 2025 study includes 82 nations and continues to be the sole unbiased, comparative, data-driven tool for evaluating financial openness worldwide. SEND GHANA, which worked on the Ghana evaluation, renewed its appeal for immediate changes to stop additional loss of fiscal clarity.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Brittany Higgins Takes on New Advocacy Role Against Rising Misogyny in Australia

Brittany Higgins has taken up a new position as the executive director of the Vida Fund, signaling her first significant role following her departure from a leading PR firm after only five months.

The position at the activist organization will have Higgins concentrate on 'combating the increase of sexism and right-wing political groups in Australia'.

A previous government employee plans to start a campaign targeting Pauline Hanson's One Nation party, although her critiques will extend beyond right-wing politics.

"One Nation along with the emerging far-right is attempting to normalize sexism in a way that Australians have not witnessed previously," Higgins stated in a release.

With [One Nation MP] Barnaby Joyce advocating for this American-style conflict against reproductive freedoms, it has become increasingly crucial to mobilize and respond.

More to come.

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