Iluka Resources, backed by Australia's federal government, is building a $1.8B rare earths refinery in WA. The company conducts confidential deals with global partners to secure supply chains, aiming to reduce reliance on China, which is seen as weaponizing trade.
Ukrainian drone strikes killed at least nine people across several Russian regions, including a Wildberries warehouse and a residential building, while Russian attacks killed at least five in Ukraine. An EU naval mission also intercepted a Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker near Sicily.
Two men, both in their 30s, have been charged with murder after a 29-year-old man was found with critical injuries at an Australind bus stop early Sunday morning and later died. The accused are scheduled to appear in Bunbury Magistrates Court.
Wildfires in eastern Washington state have forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area, including hospital patients, and destroyed at least 600 homes and businesses. The fires, part of dozens across the western US, have burned 21 sq km around Spokane, with no containment yet.
Iluka Resources is conducting confidential rare earths deals for its $1.8 billion Eneabba refinery in Western Australia, backed by a federal loan, to secure supply chains outside China. This initiative aims to de-weaponize critical minerals amidst rising geopolitical tensions and Western governments' efforts to diversify sources.
Two pilots died in a helicopter collision west of Athens as Greece battles massive wildfires intensified by gale-force winds, destroying over 100 homes. This crisis unfolds as Europe faces widespread climate-driven blazes, prompting evacuations and stretching emergency services across multiple countries.
A suicide bomber killed at least 14 people and wounded 22 near a police station in Kabal, Swat Valley, Pakistan, striking a crowd protesting escalating violence. The attack, adding to a surge in violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is linked to the Pakistani Taliban insurgency and cross-border tensions with Afghanistan.
A suicide bomber attacked an anti-militant rally in Kabal, Swat Valley, Pakistan, killing at least 14 people, including police officers, and wounding dozens. Protesters had gathered near a police station, chanting anti-militant slogans and demanding peace.
Wildfires continue to rage in Greece, forcing evacuations near Athens and on Crete, while blazes in France and Spain show signs of easing. Bordeaux wine producers face an early, difficult harvest due to extreme heat and drought, as Europe experiences record temperatures impacting agriculture and increasing health risks.
Wildfires rage across Greece, particularly near Athens and on Crete, forcing evacuations and prompting maximum alert. Meanwhile, France and Spain see some improvement in fire control, though Bordeaux wine producers face drought challenges, and some Spanish residents remain displaced.
Gale-force winds intensified wildfires in Greece's Attica region, forcing new evacuations near Megara and Porto Germeno. Meanwhile, France's massive Gironde megafire remained contained but active, with thousands displaced, while Spain's major blazes finally stopped advancing, highlighting Europe's climate crisis.
The article critiques the recurring 'forever war' pattern in US foreign policy, drawing parallels between the failures in Afghanistan and Iraq and the current escalating conflict with Iran under Donald Trump, arguing that persistent misconceptions, political dishonesty, and ego drive costly, unwinnable entanglements.
China's CXMT IPO and reported development of deep-ultraviolet lithography tools caused global AI-linked stock drops, particularly for chipmakers like Nvidia, SK Hynix, and Samsung. While CXMT's DRAM chips are complementary to GPUs, China's DUV tools pose a long-term challenge to ASML and potentially Nvidia, leading to significant market jitters.
Flash floods in Weiyuan county, Gansu province, China, have killed 25 people and injured 23. The National Commission for Disaster Prevention has called for an investigation, while the Ministry of Water Resources activated a level 4 emergency flood control response for Heilongjiang and other provinces due to heavy rainfall.
The Philippine Sea, traditionally seen as a gateway for US and allied forces defending Taiwan, is now viewed as a critical battleground. Experts suggest its strategic location could maximize carrier operations and establish a regional buffer against foreign maritime forces, potentially allowing China to intercept or deter enemy ships.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reiterated his warning that climate change "kills" as wildfires devastate the country, consuming over 180,000 hectares in 2026. He calls for reducing causes and better preparation, but faces rejection from opposition parties like the conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox, who question the human-driven climate crisis and criticize government management.
A woman in her seventies died of heatstroke in her car in Kumamoto, Japan, raising the earthquake's death toll to 36. Officials are now distributing leaflets urging evacuees in cars to stay cool and hydrated to prevent further heat-related deaths.
Perth, capitale del Western Australia, offre un mix unico di modernità e eredità aborigena. La Costa Corallina, con le sue meraviglie naturali come il Deserto dei Pinnacoli, la Laguna Rosa e Monkey Mia, è un viaggio attraverso la natura incontaminata e la ricca cultura locale.
Western Australia's June and July news highlights: Bird flu outbreak, Socceroo-inspired school soccer, severe storm, shark attack, political developments, reconciliation efforts, turtle rehabilitation, high-profile resignation, court verdicts, industrial strike, unique attractions, rare orchid cloning, and environmental concerns.
A significant heat wave is affecting the Western U.S., bringing near-record temperatures and increasing wildfire risks. Cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and El Centro are experiencing dangerous heat, with overnight lows offering little relief. Washington's governor declared a state of emergency due to exacerbated wildfires.
Two 21-year-old French travellers, William Pertek and Manek Miquel, hitchhiked 5,000 km across Australia from Queensland to Broome, relying on strangers' kindness despite police warnings. Their journey highlights a social media-driven hitchhiking revival and challenges faced in remote areas.
Native orchids are flourishing in regional Western Australia, drawing nature photographers like Bill Belson. Ahead of the main wildflower season, Morawa's guide Leonie Aspin notes a high percentage of orchids, with the local Visitors Centre preparing for an influx of tourists.
Australian illustrator Percy Leason, originally from Lillimur, Victoria, illustrated "The Wizard of Oz Picture Book" in 1937, helping promote the iconic film and support his family during the Depression. His life and career, including his famous "I allus has wan at eleven" poster, are now celebrated in his hometown of Kaniva with a new heritage trail.
The Western U.S. is experiencing a dangerous heat wave with record-high temperatures, prompting warnings to stay indoors and increasing wildfire risks across dry regions. Cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and El Centro expect extreme heat, while Montana also faces high temperatures and red flag warnings, exacerbated by a strong El Nino.
