Court overturns Tanya Plibersek’s protection order which stalled controversial NSW goldmine 14. October 2026 (03:58) Federal court overrules decision by former environment minister for the McPhillamys goldmine development at BlayneyThe federal court has overturned a rare protection order issued by former environment minister Tanya Plibersek under Indigenous heritage legislation, which the company said effectively blocked a controversial goldmine in the central west of New South Wales.Regis Resources challenged the decision by the former minister to issue the order in 2024 under section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Rachel Smith will turn 39 in prison. The high court says she could freeze her eggs from behind bars 14. October 2026 (03:45) Australia’s highest court says Queensland drug trafficker extracting and storing eggs is not ‘assisted reproductive technology’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 36-year-old woman has won an appeal in Australia’s highest court about her right to freeze her eggs while behind bars.Rachel Smith is serving a 10-year prison term in Queensland for trafficking in a dangerous drug. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Russia arrests Japanese journalist on allegations of spying 14. October 2026 (03:05) FSB security agency said reporter was arrested on island of Sakhalin, alleging he was collecting information about Russia’s defencesRussia has arrested a Japanese journalist on the far east island of Sakhalin and accused him of spying, in the latest sign of rising tensions between Moscow and Tokyo.Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova identified the reporter as Yuki Imai, from the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, adding that he had been accused of “conducting espionage activities on Russian territory”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Graduate student accused of poisoning colleague and trying to flee to China arrested at LAX 14. October 2026 (02:53) Microbiologist Aili Wang, 32, poisoned tea of colleague in Wyoming who had pending patents, prosecutors allegeA Wyoming microbiology graduate student from China has been arrested on accusations she poisoned the tea of a colleague who had pending patents and with whom she did not get along, then tried to flee the country after police questioned her.Aili Wang, 32, was arrested 6 October at Los Angeles international airport, where prosecutors allege she sought to return to China. With her were laptops, electronic storage devices and documents now in the possession of police, who allege Wang was seen on surveillance video rummaging through the desk of the victim who specialized in technology for disease treatment – research similar to work she had done in China. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Aussie woman's $1 Vinnies bargain bracelet turns out to be worth $3,500 - and it now holds a very special meaning
Hunt for 'killer' after couple and two children die in house fire - and two more youngsters fight for their lives: 'Arson attack' on innocent family followed years of intimidation
Sydney dad fighting for life after being kidnapped, tortured and stabbed 25 times on horror trip to music festival
Alternative cause of death can't be 'ruled out' for Luke Davies - after he was allegedly shot above the eye by Beau Lamarre-Condon, court hears