Councillor blames hackers for comment promoting violence against women
A Kempsey Shire councillor is being investigated for misconduct after allegedly claiming a woman should have been "bashed" online.

A Kempsey Shire councillor is being investigated for misconduct after allegedly claiming a woman should have been "bashed" online.

Thousands of Jacana Energy customers in the Northern Territory are facing massive power bills, some exceeding $6,000, due to a billing bungle linked to a new smart meter system. Power and Water Corporation (PWC) experienced issues with meter data flow after a technology upgrade, causing billing delays and discrepancies for approximately 5,000 customers.

Three oil tankers were struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, an incident that has heightened tensions between the US and Iran. The attacks occurred as the US revoked a license authorizing the sale of Iranian oil, complicating ongoing negotiations.

Storms in central and southern China have resulted in at least 17 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Tens of thousands have been evacuated, and up to 900 snakes escaped a flooded breeding farm in Guangxi. More heavy rain is forecast.

Storms in central and southern China have killed at least 17 people, injured hundreds, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. In Guangxi, a breeding farm washed away released up to 900 snakes, while Hubei province reported 11 deaths and over 330 injuries from thunderstorms.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on US TV to urge President Donald Trump not to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, citing "aggressive aspirations" and a potential shift in the Middle East power balance. Trump had earlier indicated consideration of lifting a ban on the sale.

Parents of a child abused by childcare worker David James are demanding urgent reforms to the out-of-hours care system. They call for mandatory CCTV, more staff, and a ban on male educators, while expressing distrust in current police and court responses.