Regional WA

See the videoBeirut rocked by ‘nuclear’ blasts

Dozens of people are reportedly dead and thousands injured after twin explosions ripped through central Beirut, destroying buildings and blowing out windows across the city.

Stephen Drill and AFP, Europe Correspondent

Latest newsTrump says Epstein ‘might have been murdered’

US President Donald Trump has suggested that billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein may not have taken his own life in jail last year as he awaited trial on sex charges.

Nathan Vass and Tiffany Bakker in New York

Farmers’ delightHeavy rains add millions to WA harvest value

This week’s heavy rains have potentially poured tens of millions of dollars into the value of WA’s annual grain haul, after breaking a multi-year dry spell in parts of WA’s south coast and Wheatbelt.

Jenne Brammer

Latest newsCOVIDSafe app defended as Uluru flights suspended

Health chief Nick Coatsworth says Victoria is using the COVIDsafe app again after the state ditched it. Meanwhile, travel to Uluru has been suspended as NSW cases continue to rise.

Katy Hall, Clare Armstrong, Maria Bervanakis, David Aidone, Zoe Smith, Nathan Vass, Hannah Moore

‘Inadequate’ examinationMs Dhu doctor accused of professional misconduct

The doctor who declared Aboriginal woman Ms Dhu fit for custody less than 24 hours before she died of pneumonia and septicaemia has been accused of professional misconduct.

Josh Zimmerman

Leavers fearsWhy lockdown could lead to SW leavers rave parties

Leavers will go ahead in 2020 but there are fears the cancellation of Dunsborough’s ‘entertainment zone’ because of COVID-19 will see the return of impromptu rave parties.

Peter Law

Live music is backDrapht and Spacey Jane will hit the road to Albany

In a move that is sure to make the east coast music scene jealous, the Back On The Road regional tour is one of the first major tours to take place in WA as the music industry slowly starts to recoup.

Kellie Balaam

COVID Mark McGowanCOVID ‘likely’ to return to WA: McGowan

Speaking in Kalgoorlie-Boulder today, the WA Premier said “the chances are the virus will come back to Western Australia” and that it would only require “one mistake for it to come back”.

Jason Mennell

Dancing QueenWell-travelled dancer

Young Manjimup dancers will reap the rewards of decades of dance when a Nannup woman starts giving lessons later this month.

Tari Jeffers

Native TitleTraditional owners take control of Ningaloo coast

Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Marine Park and 78,000 hectares of new reserves to be managed by traditional custodians.

Peter de Kruijff

Turtle timeLook out for hatchlings

It is time to ask why the turtles cross the road and how we can help them get to the other side.

Shannon Smith

Coronavirus crisisChristmas Island detention centre to reopen again

The West Australian has been told that the facility — which has been empty since February and was initially used as a quarantine facility — will begin taking asylum seekers as early as this month.

Lanai Scarr

NIGHT ATTACKMan jailed for ‘brutal’ unprovoked assault on friend

A man has been jailed for a brutal, unprovoked assault on a friend in Geraldton. The court was told the attacker, impaired by prescription drugs and alcohol at the time, had no memory of the incident.

Adam Poulsen

TOURNAMENT TAKEBuccs will learn from losses, says coach

Geraldton Buccaneers coach Dayle Joseph says the reigning champions are disappointed with last weekend’s losses, but will learn from the experience.

Liam Beatty

What I SeeOPINION: Animal magnetism makes a special day

“I’ve always been fascinated by tigers — big, beautiful cats of brilliant colour, made famous in classic tales like The Jungle Book.” Columnist Peter Fiorenza visits Perth Zoo for the first time.

Peter Fiorenza

Blast offPiece of the Pilbara is on its way to Mars

A joke from two researchers in Marble Bar has become reality thanks to NASA

Caitlyn Rintoul

Running lateProspector remains WA’s most unreliable train service

Figures tabled by Transwa late last month reveal the Prospector arrived on time just 53 per cent of the time during the 2019-20 financial year.

Jason Mennell

POT-HOLE COMPLAINTSFix ‘coming’ for road entrance to shopping centre

A property manager says a large pot hole outside Stirlings Central shopping centre, which motorists say is a safety hazard, will be fixed soon.

Geoff Vivian

Class rivalryGoldfields kids get a kick out of good school behaviour

Students from host school Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School went head-to-head against teams from John Paul College, Kambalda West District High School and Laverton School.

Phoebe Pin

Early works$18.5m raising for Strandline to advance Coburn

The cash will be used for site establishments and early works construction, general working capital, project financing activities and placement costs.

Stuart McKinnon

Recycling AwardStudents keen to brush upon recycling techniques

Bunbury Primary School has been recognised for recycling more than 7000 pieces of toothbrush and toothpaste related waste, which have been turned into new items such as pencil cases.

Jackson Barrett

ERA ENDSCasley family to wind up Hutt River Province

“After a number of months we just couldn’t find a way forward so we’ve just got to bring it to a close.”

Geoff Vivian

Clever restorationCharabanc brings Roaring 20s romance back to town

An old bus from 1927 has been restored and brought to Bunbury by two passionate vintage car enthusiasts.

Nicolette Barbas

Basketball contractEaton nets basketball action

Basketball South West will now be training and playing at the Eaton Recreation Centre, following a decision made at the Dardanup Shire Council meeting last week.

Nicolette Barbas