The Guardian · 12 Jul, 05:49
A 48-year-old man, the former partner of missing woman Jana Armstrong, has been charged with domestic violence murder after Armstrong's remains were found in Queensland bushland. Armstrong, 30, was reported missing from Toowoomba on Tuesday and her body is believed to have been discovered by hunters on Saturday.
Jana Armstrong, a 30-year-old woman from Toowoomba, Queensland, was reported missing on Tuesday. Her remains were discovered by a group of hunters in bushland on Esk-Hampton Road at Redbank Creek on Saturday. Queensland police have charged her 48-year-old former partner with domestic violence murder. The remains have not been formally identified but police believe they are those of Armstrong.
Why it matters: This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of community vigilance. The arrest and charging of Armstrong's former partner bring some measure of justice, but also underscore the need for continued efforts to prevent and address domestic violence.
30: Jana Armstrong's age; 48: The age of Armstrong's former partner; 4 months: The age of Armstrong's baby; 10:40pm: The time on Saturday when police were alerted to possible human remains; 7 July: The date when Armstrong was last seen; 8 July: The date when the remains were discovered
“This is a horrific crime,” Det Acting Insp Brian Collins told reporters on Sunday. “People in the community would be horrified that a young lady, a 30-year-old with a four-month-old child, has had her life taken.”
The Guardian · 12 Jul, 05:00
The EU is set to discuss a possible ban on imports from Israeli settlements, but a decision is unlikely due to persistent divisions among member states. The debate comes amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and surging violence in the occupied West Bank.
The EU will discuss a possible ban on imports from Israeli settlements, with three options presented by the European Commission: a part or total ban, high tariffs, or an import licensing system. The discussion comes ahead of Israel's general election and amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a UN inquiry found Israel to be committing a genocide, and surging state-backed violence in the occupied West Bank. At least 10 European member states, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, say the EU has an obligation to end trade with occupied territories, following a ruling from the international court of justice (ICJ) in 2024.
Why it matters: The EU's inaction on banning trade with illegal settlements has significant implications for its compliance with international law and its role in sustaining Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. A ban on trade with settlements is seen as necessary to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory. The delay in taking action also deepens the EU's own legal liability for sustaining trade with an unlawful occupation.
235 children killed in the occupied West Bank, 27 EU member states, 10 European member states calling for an end to trade with occupied territories, 100+ legal scholars backing the call to end trade with settlements, 42% of investigated shipments mislabelled as Israeli-grown, 1 in 6 shipments containing agricultural products from settlements
It is astonishing a ban is still presented as an 'option', when it's the only measure that complies with international law. - Claudio Francavilla, associate director at Human Rights Watch
The Guardian · 12 Jul, 05:27
The US and Iran exchanged strikes over the unauthorized use of the Strait of Hormuz by a container ship, with Iran closing the strait and the US attacking Iranian targets. The incident raises doubts about the prospects of talks to agree on a way forward for the vital waterway.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran struck a vessel traveling on an unapproved route in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it had jeopardized maritime security by switching off its systems. In response, the US Central Command carried out strikes against at least 140 Iranian targets, including missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and communication networks. Iran had attacked a Cyprus-flagged container ship, causing significant engine room damage and leaving a civilian crew member missing. The IRGC later claimed to have struck and disabled a second vessel in the strait and targeted a US air base in Qatar with ballistic missiles.
Why it matters: The incident raises concerns about the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for international trade, and the prospects of talks to agree on a way forward. The exchange of strikes between the US and Iran also escalates tensions between the two countries, which have been heightened by recent rhetoric and threats. The incident may undermine efforts to negotiate a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
140 (number of Iranian targets attacked by the US), 9 (nautical miles east of Oman where the container ship sustained damage)
Vengeance is the will of our nation and must inevitably be carried out. This matter depends neither on my personal existence nor on that of other officials. Whether we are present or not, it will come to pass. - Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader
NPR News · 12 Jul, 03:45
Argentina, led by Messi, has advanced to the World Cup semifinals after a close quarterfinal match against Switzerland.
Argentina played a quarterfinal match against Switzerland in the World Cup, and managed to advance to the semifinals. The match was close, continuing a trend from Argentina's first two knockout games. Argentina will face England in the semifinals.
Why it matters: This is significant because Argentina has narrowly made it to the semifinals, showing resilience in high-pressure games. Their upcoming match against England will be a notable contest.
NPR News · 12 Jul, 01:38
Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Missouri and Kentucky, prompting the rescue of around 200 young campers and other water rescues.
A historic rainfall event led to widespread flooding across several counties in Missouri and Kentucky. The flooding prompted multiple water rescues, including the evacuation of a summer camp. Approximately 200 young campers were rescued. The communities in the affected areas were left underwater.
Why it matters: The flooding and subsequent rescues highlight the severity of the rainfall event and its impact on local communities. The evacuation of the summer camp demonstrates the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to ensure public safety.
200
NPR News · 12 Jul, 04:10
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal match, advancing to the semifinals thanks to Julian Alvarez's 112th-minute goal.
Argentina played against Switzerland in a World Cup quarterfinal match. Julian Alvarez scored a long-range goal in the 112th minute, securing a 3-1 victory for Argentina. This win propelled Argentina into the World Cup semifinals. The match took place in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
Why it matters: This match was significant because it determined which team would advance to the World Cup semifinals. Argentina, the defending champion, secured their spot in the next round. The win showcases Argentina's resilience and ability to score crucial goals in extra time.
112th minute, 3-1, July 11, 2026
Ars Technica · 11 Jul, 12:00
Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope to study WD 1856 b, a Jupiter-size planet that survived the death of its Sun-like star. The planet orbits a white dwarf, the remnant of the star.
WD 1856 b, a Jupiter-size planet, was discovered orbiting a white dwarf, the burned-out remnant of a Sun-like star. The planet was found accidentally in 2020 by astronomers using the TESS observatory to search for small objects transiting across the faces of white dwarfs. The discovery was notable as it is the only confirmed case of a planet that survived the death of a Sun-like star.
Why it matters: This discovery is significant because it provides insight into the survival of planets during the death of their stars. The fact that WD 1856 b survived the red-giant phase of its star's life cycle makes the system unusual and worthy of further study.
As soon as they looked at it, they said, okay, that's weird, - Christopher O'Connor, a theoretical astrophysicist at Cornell University
Ars Technica · 11 Jul, 11:11
The US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management is rewriting rules governing public lands grazing to increase livestock grazing on 155 million acres in the West. The overhaul, the first since 1995, aims to expand grazing despite concerns about overgrazing's environmental impact.
The US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management is drafting new rules to govern ranching on public lands. The rules, the first overhaul since 1995, would increase the number of cattle, sheep, and other livestock grazing on 155 million acres in the West. This area is twice the size of New Mexico. The current system, nearly a century old, heavily subsidizes some of the wealthiest Americans while having little environmental protection.
Why it matters: The proposed changes are significant because they could lead to increased environmental degradation due to overgrazing, despite expert warnings about its harm to public lands. The changes also reduce public involvement in the decision-making process.
155 million acres, twice the size of New Mexico, 1995