Illegal fireworks spark multiple fires in Melbourne’s north-west

KMD Brands, owner of Kathmandu, Ripcurl, and Oboz, has warned that unseasonably warm autumn weather in Australia could lead to a full-year earnings drop of up to $NZ35 million, with expected underlying earnings between $NZ15m and $NZ25m, down from $NZ50m last year. Despite a 6.4% sales slump at Kathmandu, recent cooler weather has sparked a 13.2% sales growth in June, and the company continues to focus on online sales and growth initiatives. Need More Context?...

An Albany electrician, Alex Said, is participating in the Push-Up Challenge to raise funds and awareness for mental health by completing 3,214 push-ups in 23 days, reflecting the lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2023. With strong community support, he has increased his fundraising goal from $500 to $3,000, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about mental health. Need More Context? 🔎

Emergency services are responding to a serious truck crash in Wooroloo where a cement truck crashed through a barrier around 8:20 AM, leading to a suspected fuel tank fire. The driver is reportedly trapped inside the vehicle, and three St John WA ambulance crews, along with police and fire services, are on the scene. Need More Context? 🔎

Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong supports Donald Trump's stance on Iran, emphasizing that the regime must choose dialogue over conflict as tensions escalate following deadly strikes between Israel and Iran. With many Australians seeking evacuation amidst regional instability, Wong warns of broader security risks and calls for Iran to engage in diplomacy, as an emergency UN Security Council meeting is scheduled. Need More Context? 🔎

Research from Sydney University indicates that heading a soccer ball affects brain chemistry, showing measurable changes after players headed the ball 20 times in a short period. While no cognitive impairment was observed, the study, the first to use MRI for this purpose, suggests that such impacts warrant caution and potential limits on heading, especially in youth training, as footballers have a higher dementia risk. Need More Context? 🔎

The US Federal Reserve has maintained steady interest rates but indicated potential cuts later this year amid rising inflation from President Trump's tariffs, projecting a 1.4% economic growth and 4.5% unemployment by year-end. While policymakers anticipate a total rate cut of half a percentage point this year, they have moderated future cuts, reflecting uncertainties in the economic outlook and trade policies. Need More Context? 🔎