Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Award-winning American cinematographer Mike deGruy and Australian television writer-producer Andrew Wight have died in a helicopter crash in eastern Australia, their employer National Geographic said today.

Hundreds of firefighters battled into the night as bush fires raged out of control through tinder-dry suburban bushland around Sydney’s fringes, destroying at least 20 homes.

A dust cloud swept across eastern Australia today, dumping fine red powder on towns throughout the region.