Science news today spans the political, strategic and technological. In Australia, Pauline Hanson used her first National Press Club address to attack immigration, multiculturalism, public broadcasters and journalists, even dismissing climate change as a hoax, underscoring how science and media remain flashpoints in national politics. In the resources sector, Dateline Resources says geophysical work at California’s Music Valley project has identified three priority heavy rare earth targets, a reminder of the growing global focus on critical minerals. Internationally, science diplomacy also came under strain as Taiwan accused Kenya of deporting ocean conference delegates under pressure from Beijing, while Kenya cited documentation rules and its “one China” policy. Together, the day’s developments show how scientific questions—from climate and ocean governance to the materials underpinning new technologies—are increasingly entangled with ideology, security and geopolitical competition.