EPA Considers Investigation of Cook Government’s Racetrack

Gold prices surged to a record $3,895 an ounce amid concerns over the US government shutdown and US-Russia tensions, marking a 44% annual increase and positioning gold as Australia's third-most valuable export. Central banks are diversifying into gold, with a notable increase in retail demand in Australia, where queues form daily at ABC Bullion as buyers seek physical gold, especially ahead of the Diwali festival. Want More Context? 🔎

Mt Barker is celebrating its reputation as the home of free-range chickens by showcasing over 100 painted chicken sculptures throughout the town as part of Mountain Country Tourism’s campaign and the Bloom Festival, inviting visitors to vote for their favorites until October 12. The artistic designs, created by local artists including students from various schools, aim to attract tourism and highlight the town's playful spirit. Want More Context? 🔎

Albany-based Australian Defence Force cadet units received over $12,000 from the Albany Memorial Trust Fund, managed by the Albany RSL, with funds allocated equally among three units for their cadets. This decision marks the fund's first distribution since it was established in the late 1940s to support local high school students. Want More Context? 🔎

Triple murderer Erin Patterson, sentenced to life in prison for the 2023 deaths of her family members from mushroom-laced meals, is appealing her guilty verdict, as confirmed by her barrister during a Supreme Court hearing in Victoria. Patterson was convicted of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, with formal appeal documents yet to be submitted. Want More Context? 🔎

A fifth-grade teacher, Madison Bergmann, faces over a decade in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing an 11-year-old student at River Crest Elementary in Wisconsin. Arrested in May 2024 following the discovery of inappropriate text messages and handwritten notes expressing affection for the boy, she resigned on May 13 and will be sentenced on December 22.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnsGUCIuxFA Want More Context? 🔎

A 56-year-old handyman, Robert William Lyford, has been granted bail despite his history of sexual offenses, including groping a teenage hitchhiker and molesting an autistic woman. He faces new accusations of inappropriately touching a 58-year-old woman while helping her move, with a court acknowledging the risk he poses to vulnerable individuals. Want More Context? 🔎