Blackouts leave thousands sweltering in French heatwave
Power cuts have left swathes of France to battle a heatwave without air-conditioning as record temperatures strain power grids across western Europe.
health
Alarm as deadly bird flu strain lands in second state
Several migratory birds have been confirmed to be carrying the deadly strain of H5N1 bird flu, with urgent testing of other suspected cases.
As Aussie waistlines expand, so do treatment costs
Most adult Australians are actually overweight or obese and that number is rising, research shows, with the problem taking a growing toll on health systems.
Investment overhaul to pass despite ‘taxmaxxing’ claims
Controversial changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax will get a parliamentary green light after Labor made a handful of concessions.
‘Basics’ budget the start of Labor state election pitch
In his government's last budget before a state election, the NSW treasurer is looking to sell a message of responsibility and basic service delivery.
At least 30 deaths at Congo camp show Ebola spreading
Officials warn the fact at least 30 people have died at a displacement camp in northeastern Congo suggests an Ebola outbreak may be spreading fast.
Mum of girl’s killer believed psychosis was hormonal
A teenager was given a vitamin to treat mental health symptoms before she killed a 10-year-old girl on a rural property, an inquest has been told.
‘Not my role’: doula denies blame in freebirth death
An unregistered doula says she wouldn't do anything differently after presiding over a wellness influencer's fatal free birth at home.
Family blamed video games for teen killer’s violence
The mother of a teenager who killed a child while in the grips of psychosis didn't believe in mental illness, an inquest has been told.
Ebola cases and death toll in eastern Congo climbing
The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported nearly 800 cases of the rare strain of Ebola, while more 180 people have died.
‘Foot fetish’ nurse accused of abuse stays behind bars
A mental health nurse and father of three will stay behind bars after a court heard "deeply troubling" claims involving six vulnerable patients.
Family of shark attack victim ‘shocked and devastated’
The family of a mother and passionate teacher, who was attacked by a shark at a popular beach, have spoken publicly as she remains in a critical condition.
Minister accuses states of exaggerating NDIS criticism
State and territory ministers have hit out at looming reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, but the minister in charge says they're posturing.
Autistic teens caught in middle of NDIS funding dispute
A government autism support program has been applauded but questions are being raised as to what happens when participants age out at just nine years old.
NDIS reforms on rocky ground at end of snap inquiry
State leaders, stakeholders and the opposition are hardening their criticism of NDIS reforms with just weeks to go until the government hopes to pass them.
‘No agreement’: states take aim at Labor over NDIS cuts
State and territory ministers have attacked the federal government over its planned NDIS changes, warning it risks leaving disabled people stranded.
Daniher family to ‘play on’ to continue legend’s legacy
Neale Daniher has handed the baton of finding a cure for motor neurone disease to his family and all he has inspired through his 13 years of tireless advocacy.
Embattled surgeon lied about reason for fatal surgery
Evidence by the surgeon partner of former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been slammed by an inquiry into the death of one of his patients.
‘Blood on your hands’: disability reforms blasted
Disability and human rights advocates have serious concerns about a planned overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Ebola cases climbing in Democratic Republic of Congo
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to climb, with nearly 600 recorded, while more than 100 people have died.
Advocates push to delay key reforms to the NDIS
An inquiry is set to hear calls for sweeping government changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme to be pushed back.
Final send off for AFL legend after beastly battle
AFL legend and motor neurone disease crusader Neale Daniher has been given a final farewell with a long guard of honour following an emotional funeral.
‘Back in the 1970s’: NDIS changes to take away dignity
Cost-saving measures targeting the National Disability Insurance Scheme will strip disabled Australians of their dignity, advocates have warned.
Push to free up GPs with more pharmacist prescriptions
Letting pharmacists write medication scripts could save $1 billion in health costs and free up 10 million GP visits a year, a report has found.
‘Gives women options’: chemists to prescribe the pill
Women in the regions will be able to save themselves what can be a long trip to the doctor's as pharmacies become eligible to prescribe the contraceptive pill.
Remembering the human cost of running towards danger
First responders face trauma shift after shift. A firefighter with PTSD says Australians can help by simply being "a good mate".
Fight to slay MND ‘beast’ goes on after Daniher’s death
The death of AFL great Neale Daniher from motor neurone disease and NRL player Jai Arrow's diagnosis have thrust the cruel condition back into the spotlight.
Dentists who see signs of DV given new tools to respond
Dentists can be among the first health professionals to identify signs of abuse in their patients, but many don't know what they should do next.
Woman quarantined in India tests negative for Ebola
A 28-year-old Ugandan woman who sparked an Ebola scare in India after being put in quarantine has tested negative for the deadly virus.
Liquid mercury ‘show and tell’ shuts outback town
Mercury vials taken from a town dump to school have shut key sites in an outback town as firefighting crews test the air and search for more contamination.
Fatality confirmed, disease rate dropping amid outbreak
The rate of diphtheria cases is dropping in a territory caught in the middle of a national outbreak after health authorities confirmed its first fatality.