Reid Highway crash: Peak hour crash slows traffic as motorists look to start their weekend

A rapidly growing brush fire, known as the Canyon Fire, has prompted evacuations for approximately 2,700 residents in the mountainous area north of Los Angeles, with the blaze consuming over 19.7 square kilometers and remaining uncontained. The fire, fueled by extreme heat and low humidity, is being fought by around 400 firefighters and several aircraft, as officials warn of elevated wildfire risks across California. Want More Context? 🔎

Pakistani security forces killed 33 militants crossing from Afghanistan, labeling them as "Indian-sponsored." This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, with both countries accusing each other of supporting insurgents amid a backdrop of previous military strikes and conflict over terrorist activities. Want More Context? 🔎

Australia's under-16 social media ban may fail to protect children from explicit content, as platforms like Messenger remain unaffected and harbor AI chatbots that can expose users to sexual and violent messages. Experts emphasize the need for improved digital literacy and platform accountability instead of relying solely on bans, warning that children may gravitate toward less regulated messaging apps. Want More Context? 🔎

Footage from the Victorian Supreme Court shows police interviewing Erin Patterson on 3 August 2023, where she admitted to lying about foraging for mushrooms and owning a dehydrator. Last month, she was convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another with a toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington. Want More Context? 🔎

Japanese warships, the JS Ise and JS Suzunami, have docked in Wellington, New Zealand, for the first time in nearly 90 years, reflecting Japan's efforts to strengthen strategic ties in the South Pacific amid rising regional tensions. This visit follows Japan's participation in military exercises with New Zealand and Australia, highlighting ongoing defense collaborations and a focus on a free and open Indo-Pacific. Want More Context? 🔎

A couple from Geraldton, WA, won $100,000 on a Scratch ’n’ Win ticket and are celebrating by traveling to Adelaide to watch the Fremantle Dockers play Port Adelaide. They expressed disbelief at their win, recalling a previous smaller jackpot, and plan to treat their grown children to dinner to celebrate their good fortune. Want More Context? 🔎