They might be local elections, but the results of thousands of votes being held on Thursday around Britain are likely to have major ramifications for the national government.
Three Northern Territory corrections officers have been stood down with pay after prisoner Isaac Thompson, 26, allegedly escaped custody on Sunday night while being escorted to Royal Darwin Hospital. Thompson, an alleged associate of the Mongols outlaw motorcycle gang, was arrested yesterday and charged with escape, assaulting a worker, and theft. A 45-year-old man was also charged with aiding the escape.
An independent review of Tasmania Police found a significant surge in calls over the past decade, with youth crime, family violence, and 'scope creep' of duties placing pressure on the force. Recommendations include addressing administrative burdens and improving inter-agency collaboration.
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for 1980s power ballads like 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75. Her family announced her unexpected passing in a Portuguese hospital due to an unspecified illness, requesting privacy.
Neil, a one-tonne southern elephant seal famous for his viral beachside antics in Tasmania, has returned to the sea. The five-year-old spent weeks lounging on suburban streets, attracting millions of views and visitors before his departure was confirmed by wildlife authorities.
Jana Armstrong, 30, was reported missing from Newtown, Toowoomba, Queensland on Wednesday. Last seen Tuesday afternoon, her car was found Wednesday morning. SES crews are assisting police in the search, with concerns for her welfare.
NT Children's Commissioner Shahleena Musk resigned over "effective sidelining" on controversial child protection law changes. The government-dominated scrutiny committee recommended passage despite widespread opposition from Aboriginal, health, legal, and human rights groups, with concerns the bill lowers the threshold for child removals.
