Stories from Sydney · Australia

A new National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Report found the illicit drugs market in New South Wales is valued at more than $14 billion annually. The report also found that almost four tonnes of cocaine are consumed in the state every year.

City Power's Tom Langstaff stated the network is under pressure due to rapid growth in electrification. Customers are drawing increasing amounts of power through the network, according to Langstaff.

Angus Aitken, CEO of Aitken Mount Capital, has donated $1 million to the One Nation party. Aitken described the party as the "party of common sense" during his announcement.

Anglicare Australia warned that low-income earners are being excluded from the housing market due to a lack of affordable rental options. A national snapshot of nearly 49,000 listings revealed only one rental was affordable for individuals on Jobseeker payments.

An international report surveying 34 countries found Australia ranks second in methamphetamine consumption. Nearly 27 tonnes of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA were consumed within the year. The report details the scale of illicit drug use across the surveyed nations. This represents a 21% increase compared to the previous year. The report noted large increases specifically in methamphetamine and heroin use.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is currently reviewing adverse effects associated with the medication Armor Force. More than 1,300 reports of reactions to the medication have been documented. The review follows a video by dermatologist Dr.

Public hearings focusing on the lived experiences of antisemitism are scheduled to begin next week. Commissioner Bell stated the inquiry is expected to run for several months. Commissioner Virginia Bell is presiding over the proceedings. The increase in hostility in Australia appears to mirror trends in other Western countries. The source stated these spikes seem clearly linked to events occurring in the Middle East. It was noted that Middle East events can quickly prompt displays of hostility in Australia. Stephanie Schwartz, president of the board of Mount Sinai College, testified about the school being targeted. A grandfather provided evidence detailing the treatment of his two granddaughters, aged 13 and 14, whose substitute English teacher performed Hitler salutes in their classroom. The principal took action following a complaint.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales suggest yawning may play a role in moving fluids into and out of the brain. Professor Adam Ardenach stated that while the exact reason for yawning is not fully understood, the reflex may facilitate fluid reorganization. The study examined the human reflex triggered by tiredness, boredom, or observing others yawn. Researchers at The Science Gallery from the University of New South Wales in Australia have provided new insights into how yawning affects the brain. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe 22 healthy adults performing various actions including yawning, deep breathing, and suppressing yawns. Scientists initially expected different results due to the similar mechanisms between yawning and deep breathing.

A national biosecurity emergency has been declared regarding feral pig populations in Australia. The current $13 million annual control program is described by New South Wales farmers as insufficient to combat breeding rates.

Oscar Wilson, identified as the son of Labor's Assistant Minister for Climate Change Josh Wilson, was grabbed by security after entering a stage. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese continued his speech uninterrupted despite the incident.