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God bothers Hawking

Big Bang the result of the laws of physics and did not need a God, Stephen Hawking has concluded.

Big game hunters

Given their record against top teams, stand by to see the real Saints tonight.

AFL week one finals teams

The selected line-ups for the elimination and qualifying finals.

Stone hearts renewed

The reunification of sibling songbirds Angus and Julia Stone has put bad blood to bed.

Smoking tot kicks habit

Two-year-old Indonesian boy who smoked 40 cigarettes a day has quit after receiving intensive specialist care.

The art of vengeance

An ongoing war of hilarious pranks between his dad and his dad's best mate has inspired Charlie Pickering's first book, writes Karl Quinn.

Peak beak or chill bill?

The hotter the climate, the larger the beak on the local birds, say scientists who have studied species around the world.

Coalition puts screws on

Opposition turns flame on hold-out independents, saying it's 'inconceivable' they'd back Labor.

Abbott fires $1 billion blank

Julia Gillard is just two seats away from being able to form government after Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie agreed to back Labor.

National News
No "Wilkies" in Katter's wishlist

Queensland independent Bob Katter says he has not made big demands in his wishlist to Labor and the coalition to win his support to form government.

Anger over hurdle racing decision

Horse welfare group disappointed but not surprised by decision to extend hurdle racing for three years.

Telstra to sell SouFun stake in IPO

Telstra Corporation Ltd says it will sell its 50.5 per cent share in SouFun Holdings after the Chinese website's initial public offering (IPO) later this year.

Services sector sluggish, stimulus wanes

Activity in the services sector was "sluggish" in August, rising slightly in the wake of the gradual withdrawal of fiscal stimulus, a report shows.

Accept Paladin bid, NGM tells investors

Minerals explorer NGM Resources has advised shareholders to accept a takeover bid from Paladin Energy.

S&P's concerned about Nufarm's liquidity

Nufarm has been placed on credit watch by ratings agency Standard & Poor's on concerns about its rising debt and future profitability.

Australian attacked by shark in Solomons

A shark attack in a remote area of the Solomon Islands has left an Australian man with severe cuts to his face and neck.

Labor hospital plan responsible: Wilkie

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie rejected the coalition's offer of $1bn to rebuild a Hobart hospital because he couldn't see where the money would come from.

Men threaten police with knife and car

A group of plainclothes officers arrest two men south of Sydney who threatened them with a knife after they identified themselves as police.

Train commuters nabbed over drugs

Police have nabbed train commuters on drug offences and for carrying weapons during a special operation.

$A opens higher on firm US data

The Australian dollar has opened higher on positive US data and a move back towards riskier assets.

$A opens higher on firm US data

The Australian dollar has opened higher on positive US data and a move back towards riskier assets.

Acquisition not 'colonialism': Barnett

Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has continued to defend the compulsory acquisition of Kimberley land for a gas precinct.

Stocks to watch

Stocks of interest on the Australian Stock Exchange today.

Stocks to watch

Stocks of interest on the Australian Stock Exchange today.

Oil prices rise on economic reports

Oil prices ended higher on Thursday after an initial retreat as investors put a positive spin on reports about jobs, manufacturing and home sales.

Aussie markets receive positive leads

The Australian markets have received positive leads for the third consecutive day, with stronger performances in overseas markets overnight.

Aussie markets receive positive leads

The Australian markets have received positive leads for the third consecutive day, with stronger performances in overseas markets overnight.

Stocks rise on positive economic data

Stocks rose and extended their gains, after reports on housing, manufacturing and jobs all indicated that the economy continues to grow.

Man bashed by six youths at station

A 38-year-old man was bashed by six youths on a train in Melbourne's east.

Armed men rob adult store in Melbourne

Two men armed with a knife and a hammer stole cash and cigarettes from an adult store in Melbourne's south-east.

Murderer Des Campbell's sentencing today

Murderer Des Campbell will be sentenced on Friday for pushing his rich wife off a cliff at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney.

Govt passes tougher sex offender laws

Dangerous sex offenders will face longer prison sentences and closer supervision on release under tough new laws passed by state parliament.

Woman charged over rifle raid

A young woman has been charged with a raft of weapons offences after police raided a home in central-west NSW and seized three rifles.

Armed robbers raid Sydney pub

Three men armed with a handgun, a knife and a baseball bat stormed a Sydney pub and fled with cash.

Future of species unpredictable: study

Humans are currently playing a giant gamble with nature that could potentially see a mass extinction greater than that of the dinosaurs, new research shows.

More Aussies switching to solar power

Australians are increasingly using sustainable energy sources to address rising gas and electricity prices.

Fire costings sought by opposition

The Victorian opposition has called on the government to release detailed costings of its $867 million bushfires royal commission response package.

Qantas waiting for answers on engine explosion

Qantas says it won't rush to inspect all Rolls-Royce engines on its jumbos before it has received guidance from air safety investigators and regulators.

Embassy in Ethiopia a UN gambit

Australia will soon open an embassy in Ethiopia in what is widely seen as an attempt to bolster the campaign to win a prized seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Sexologist wants federal support for manhood

Sexologist Bettina Arndt says thousands of Australian men with erectile dysfunction are condemned to sexual impotence or reliance on costly and often dodgy treatments.

Pledge to probe defence contract

Defence Minister John Faulkner has promised a 'further examination' of a $30 million contract scandal to fly Australian troops to the Middle East.

Peak beak or chill bill? It's a climate thing

The hotter the climate, the larger the beak on the local birds, according to researchers. who have studied more than 200 species around the world.

Legal action over Lyme disease case

A Sydney woman will launch a class action against NSW health authorities after autopsy results showed her husband was riddled with a disease the Health Department says does not exist in Australia.

Screening out the empathy

The impact of screen culture on the human brain merits the same debate and funding for research as climate change, says an eminent neuroscientist.

Fresh hope through the looking glass

Australian hospitals are using a remarkable new treatment that effectively tricks the brain of an injured patient into thinking their problem has deteriorated or gone away.

Mambo T-shirt withdrawn

More than 20 years after it appeared, a classic Mambo design has proved too controversial to sell in a department store.

Hogan and Tax Office in talks on a deal

Paul Hogan and the Australian Tax Office are negotiating to find a way through the impasse that has resulted in the actor barred from leaving the country.

Protesters sent to remote WA

Afghan asylum seekers who escaped from detention in Darwin on Wednesday have been transferred to the Curtin immigration detention centre in Australia's remote north-west.

What's in a name? Fame or notoriety for explorer

Disrespectful humour and mental illness led to the downfall of this German historian, writes Steve Meacham.

The best medicine

This year more than 100,000 Australians will be told they have cancer. In her new book, oncologist Ranjana Srivastava says not all will get the medical treatment they deserve. She speaks to Julia Medew.

Property barons gave airline freebies to Labor minister

ONE of Sydney's powerful Kazal property family, Charif Kazal, arranged more than $6000 worth of business-class airline upgrades for the Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, on a trip to the Middle East last year.

Faulkner to probe Defence contract scandal

THE Defence Minister, John Faulkner, has promised a ''further examination'' of a $30 million contract scandal to fly Australian troops to the Middle East, while his department has suggested other authorities could be asked to investigate.

Medich changes mind on AVO against wife

THE property tycoon Ron Medich may have been called many things in his life but PINOP is not one of them.

Reverend denial - employee link to porn leak

THE report on internet use that ended the ministerial career of the MP for Heathcote, Paul McLeay, may have been compiled by a ''rogue employee'' to maliciously leak to the media, the president of the Legislative Council, Amanda Fazio, has said.

No dam debate as Kurnell set for expansion

THE Kurnell desalination plant is set to be expanded, with the state government moving to boost environmental flows down the Hawkesbury-Nepean and the Shoalhaven rivers, leaving less water for use by the city's residents.

Sins of the flesh? Just research, says Nile

DEBBIE may have done Dallas, but Fred swears he never did. ''I've heard of the title, but I've never seen it,'' the Reverend Fred Nile vowed yesterday when asked if he had watched Debbie Does Dallas.

Early win in case against alleged bikie gang mole

POLICE have won an early skirmish in their case against an alleged bikie mole, with a magistrate refusing to discount extensive circumstantial evidence against a police intelligence analyst, Terry Gregoriou.

Strikes reduced to a workplace rarity

THE industrial strike has become little more than a memory in most Australian workplaces, with declining union membership and legal changes producing a fundamental shift in our work culture.

Hogan and ATO seek resolution

PAUL HOGAN and the Australian Tax Office are negotiating to find a way through the impasse that has seen the actor barred from leaving the country.

An Australian chronicle revisited

The work of a brilliant but ill-disciplined German explorer is about to find a new audience, writes Steve Meacham.

Emperor Fischer washes his hands

Tim Fischer, former leader of the Nationals and former deputy prime minister, has clearly spent too much time at the Vatican.

Fred Nile says no 'perving' on net porn in his office

Debbie may have done Dallas, but Fred swears he never did. 'I've heard of the title, but I've never seen it,' the Reverend Fred Nile vowed yesterday.

Mother's worst nightmare: Facebook won't shut down stalker

A Sydney mother-of-three, her daughter and daughter's friends have been subjected to a two-week ordeal at the hands of a Facebook stalker and they have been unable to get the social networking company to intervene.

Mambo 'crucifixion' shirt withdrawn from Big W after dressing down

MORE than 20 years after it first appeared, a classic Mambo design has proved too controversial to sell on a department store T-shirt.

Windsor not afraid of a green Senate

Independent MP Tony Windsor says he is not afraid of a Senate controlled by the Australian Greens.

Inter-family feud sees 16 charged

A violent feud involving two families has resulted in more than a dozen people being charged in northern NSW, police say.

Melbourne arrest over Katoomba shooting

A man will appear before an extradition hearing in Melbourne on Friday over the shooting of a man in an home invasion in the Blue Mountains last month.

Wilkie a force no matter who's PM

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie says he will still be an influential force in parliament, even if the coalition manages to form a minority government.

Govt to be known within a week: Swan

Australians should know who will form a government by this time next week, Treasurer Wayne Swan says.

Eagles sign up gun rookies

West Coast rookies Andrew Strijk and Callum Wilson will be elevated to the senior list next season.

ATSB investigators to examine Qantas jet

Australian authorities have arrived in the US to examine a Qantas jet that made an emergency landing after one of its engines exploded.

Forrest backs call for tax summit

Andrew Forrest has backed independent MP Rob Oakeshott's call for a taxation summit, saying he'll accept any outcome reached through open, fair discussion.

Gillard makes pokies pledge

A federal Labor government will try to persuade the states and territories into poker machine reform, following a deal between the PM and MP Andrew Wilkie.

Ferguson return a trump for Redbacks

South Australian captain Michael Klinger says he has a trump card up his sleeve for the Twenty20 Champions League.

Wilkie move a 'double win' for Tas

independent Andrew Wilkie's decision to back Labor to form a minority government is a "double win" for Tasmania, Premier David Bartlett says.

Gillard gives clubs 'a black eye'

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has given a "black eye" to Australia's 4000 registered clubs and broken a promise to consult with them on poker machine laws.

ABC founder Eddy Groves to sue broker

Eddy Groves, the founder and director of collapses childcare group ABC Learning Centres Ltd, is seeking to sue share broker Austock Group.

Pokies remedy carries a risk: Zirnsak

The use of pre-commitment technology in gaming venues could encourage some punters to spend more, an anti-gambling advocate says.

ARL backs new league commission plan

The ARL has thrown its support behind plans to set up an independent commission to run and administer rugby league in Australia.

Farah plays down Titans bust-up

West Tigers skipper Robbie Farah has played down any talk of a potential flashpoint with Gold Coast hooker Nathan Friend ahead of Friday's crunch NRL clash.

NSW welcomes pokie debate

NSW says it would welcome a "conversation" with the commonwealth on gambling reform.

Buchanan ready to buck bad luck

Australia's Defending four cross champion Caroline Buchanan is confident ahead of the MTB world titles.

Baker, Johnson to behave: Sanderson

Steven Baker will be a good boy on Friday night and so will Steve Johnson, according to Geelong assistant coach Brenton Sanderson.

Crows to appeal Bock compensation

Adelaide will appeal over what they believe is grossly inadequate AFL draft compensation for losing key defender Nathan Bock to Gold Coast.

Troubled Jets call for support

Newcastle Jets chief executive John Tsatsimas has urged fans to show their support for the embattled A-League club when they host Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

Business actions different from words

Treasurer Wayne Swan says recent business investment data highlights the confidence there is in the economic outlook.

Spill firm says Indon claim lacks proof

The company behind Australia's Montara oil spil has rebuffed a multi-billion-dollar compensation claim for Indonesia.

Moneghetti hopes athletes embrace India

Steve Moneghetti has encouraged the country's 378-strong team to cast aside any of their fears about Delhi and embrace the October event.

Webb and Maitua sign on at Parra

Parramatta have confirmed the signings of North Queensland prop Carl Webb and former Canterbury and Cronulla backrower Reni Maitua for the 2011 NRL season.

And then there were three: again

The nation will have to wait until Monday at the earliest before knowing whether it will have a Labor or coalition government.

Oakeshott and Twiggy back tax summit

Independent Rob Oakeshott has proposed a summit on tax reform in Australia, with the backing of Fortescue Metals boss Andrew Forrest.

Aussie companies named in Forbes list

Thirteen Australian companies have been named as part of Forbes Magazine's "best under a billion" list of top performing companies worth under $US1 billion.

SA serious about problem gambling: govt

South Australia is serious about tackling problem gambling, SA Minister for Gambling Tom Koutsantosis says.

People smuggler tells court of bribes

A Tamil refugee who admits his role in a people-smuggling scheme has told a Sydney court that bribes were paid to officials as part of the process.

Pokie deal light on detail, Salvos

The Salvation Army says the deal between independent MP Andrew Wilkie and Prime Minister Julia Gillard to combat problem gambling is light on detail.

Teenager jailed over fatal brawl

A Sudanese teenager will spend at least six years in jail over the murder of another teenager in Adelaide in 2008.

Chaplain on child porn charges

A former school chaplain facing child pornography charges will be allowed to see his children, a Perth magistrate has ruled.

Stranded whale goes out with a bang

Explosives have been used to euthanase a sickly humpback whale which washed up onto a sandbar off West Australia's southwest coast.

Big corps turn overseas for funds

Big Australian corporates are turning to global banks and bond markets to fund their offshore expansion because local banks lack scale, Finsia says.

Glory demand apology from Colosimo

Perth Glory have not ruled out suing Melbourne Heart skipper Simon Colosimo for defamation as the fallout from last Sunday's diving incident continues.

Case against spot-fixers to falter

A police case against Pakistan's alleged spot-fixers may falter amid the vagaries of the courts, according to a legal expert.

Bulldogs lock in Griffen

The Western Bulldogs have re-signed midfield star Ryan Griffen for the next two seasons, ending the hopes of rival AFL clubs seeking to lure him.

Couples to play Aust Open

Former world number one Fred Couples joins Adam Scott, Greg Norman and John Daly as drawcards for the Australian Open

Leaders agree to increase Tas parliament

The leaders of Labor, the Liberals and the Greens have signed an agreement to increase the size of Tasmanian parliament, Premier David Bartlett says.

Gibbs ready to face Goodes

Carlton's Bryce Gibbs would relish the job of quelling Sydney star Adam Goodes, whose form he credits with driving the Swans' late-season resurgence.

Coles to provide growth opportunities

Coles will continue to provide Wesfarmers with opportunities for growth while the conglomerate looks to lift its return to shareholders.

Soldier's widow raises $43,000

The widow of soldier Nathan Bewes has raised $43,000 for Legacy.

Cop arrested for child sex offence

A 27-yr-old South Australian police officer has been arrested for making a child amenable to sexual activity.

WA pair cop $265,900 camping fine

An elderly Perth mother and her daughter have been fined a total of more than $265,000 after camping illegally on a run-down property.

World News
Temporary cap on US oil gusher removed

Engineers have removed the temporary cap that stopped oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's blown-out well in mid-July.

US man enters plea for internet assault

A Phoenix man accused of sexually assaulting his unconscious girlfriend and broadcasting the attack live on the internet has pleaded guilty to three charges.

Bruising Bok convinced new No.8

New Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman says he knew he was made for Test rugby when he put a dent in Springbok Pierre Spies with his first touch at the elite level.

US policy under spotlight as unemployment expected to rise

A fresh batch of US unemployment figures will on Friday provide Americans with a crucial litmus test for the stuttering economic recovery and President Barack Obama's policies.

Azarenka out of doubles after collapse

A day after Victoria Azarenka collapsed on court during a singles match at the US Open, she and partner Dinara Safina have pulled out of women's doubles.

African livelihoods at risk as fish die

Millions of Africans may lose a key source of livelihoods as a fifth of freshwater African species are threatened with extinction.

Rain washes out World Cup

Overnight rain has flooded the pitch at the women's World Cup and forced the cancellation of all three scheduled matches.

Fuel tanker aground in Canadian Arctic

A fuel tanker carrying supplies for Arctic communities has run aground in the Northwest Passage but no diesel is leaking, the Canadian Coast Guard says.

Stalled funding hits Pakistan aid effort: UN

Relief efforts in flood-ravaged Pakistan are being stretched by the "unprecedented scale" of the disaster, with the flow of international aid almost at a standstill, the UN said Thursday.

Facebook to roll out security feature

Facebook is rolling out a new security feature that lets users log out of their accounts remotely from another computer.

Federer rolls, Davydenko falls in US

Roger Federer has rolled into the third round of the US Open while sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko and 11th seed Marin Cilic were ousted.

Top seed Wozniacki storms through

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki has powered her way into the third round of the US Open, handing out a 6-0 6-0 whitewash to Taiwan's Chang Kai-Chen.

Norman comeback starts badly

Australian Greg Norman has had a bad start to the European Masters in his first golf tournament after a year spent recovering from shoulder surgery.

Hushovd wins sixth stage in Spain

Norwegian sprint specialist Thor Hushovd has won the sixth stage of the Tour of Spain, with Australia's Allan Davis coming in fourth in a tight finish.

Boomers bounce Angola

Australia will play Slovenia for a place in the basketball world championship quarter-finals after knocking off Angola 76-55 in their final group game.

England's Onions out of Ashes

Graham Onions says he is shattered after his hopes of featuring in England's defence of the Ashes in Australia later this year were crushed due to injury.

Sharpe over sore ankle

Lineout chief Nathan Sharpe has completed his first full training session with the Wallabies after injuring his ankle in last weekend's loss to South Africa.

Stosur the Australian lone ranger

Samantha Stosur is the only Australian left in the US Open singles after Carsten Ball lost his men's second-round match against Spaniard Albert Montanes.

Osieck backs McDonald

New Socceroos coach Holger Osieck has thrown his support behind recalled striker Scott McDonald before Australia's friendly against Switzerland on Friday.

ICC suspends Butt, Asif and Aamer

The International Cricket Council has charged Pakistan's Salman Butt, Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif with various offences under its anti-corruption code.

Federer advances to third round in US

Swiss second seed Roger Federer, bidding for a seventh consecutive US Open final, has advanced to the third round by defeating Germany's Andreas Beck.

Wife runs into mistress at mine

One of the trapped Chilean miners is going to have some explaining to do after his wife ran into his mistress at the mine's entrance.

Abbas, Netanyahu vow to meet fortnightly

Israeli and Palestinian leaders have resumed direct talks, agreeing to meet every two weeks in a bid to reach a lasting peace deal within a year.

Federer rolls, Davydenko falls and Nishikori wins tennis epic

Roger Federer rolled into the third round of the US Open on Thursday while sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko lost and Japanese qualifier Kei Nishikori dumped 11th seed Marin Cilic in five grueling sets.

Postage stamp honours Mother Teresa

A new US postage stamp is bein issued that honours Mother Teresa.

Top seed Wozniacki storms through at US Open tennis

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki powered her way into the third round of the US Open on Thursday, handing out a 6-0, 6-0 whitewash to Taiwan's Chang Kai-Chen.

Earl downgraded

Earl downgraded to category three hurricane

British PM backs Hague

British PM backs foreign minister over gay rumours

Transplant patient shows new hands

Double hand transplant patient shows new hands

Russian fires start up again

Forest and brush fires have flared up again in southern Russia, killing one person and burning down more than a hundred houses.

Second round of Mideast talks

US envoy announces second round of peace talks

Nativity Church to be renovated

The Palestinian Authority and Christian leaders have agreed to repair the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on the traditional site of Jesus's birth.

Stalled funding hits Pakistan aid

Relief efforts in flood-ravaged Pakistan are being stretched by the "unprecedented scale" of the disaster, with international aid almost at a standstill.

Hushovd wins sixth stage of Tour of Spain

Norwegian sprint specialist Thor Hushovd won the sixth stage of the Tour of Spain here on Thursday, while Belgium's Philippe Gilbert retained the overall leader's red jersey.

Next wave of US tennis talent gets US Open curtain call

Andy Roddick's second-round exit from the US Open has pushed a new set of rising American men into the Grand Slam spotlight, hoping to advance the legacy of such legends as Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

Peace is possible, say Middle East leaders

Though the barriers to Middle East peace remain huge, fortified still by two days of terror attacks on Israelis in the West Bank, US-brokered peace negotiations in Washington have opened to notes of cautious optimism.

Russian spy found dead on beach may have been killed

There are doubts over findings that a top agent died while swimming. Luke Harding reports from Moscow.

Attacks aimed at 'derailing' Washington talks

A second terror attack against Israel in as many days by the militant Palestinian movement Hamas has raised fears of a sustained offensive across the West Bank.

Reason for war invalid: Gates

America's Defence Secretary has conceded that the original premise for the war in Iraq was 'not valid' as he marked the formal end of the US campaign.

BBC fails to get injunction as The Stig is revealed

Britain's High Court has refused to ban a book that reveals that Top Gear's The Stig is racing driver Ben Collins.

No smoking, wine for miners

Requests for wine and cigarettes by the trapped Chilean miners have been refused. They have been given nicotine patches instead.

God not needed: Hawking

The universe was not created by God, scientist Stephen Hawking has said in his new book.

Caught in a honeytrap

Eleven people and six corporations have been charged over a conspiracy to smuggle Chinese honey into the United States.

Strike enters third week

A strike by South African teachers, nurses and other public sector workers has entered its 16th day after the Congress of South African Trade Unions rejected an increased wage offer.

UK Labour battles Blair's attack

The ferocity of Tony Blair's attack on Gordon Brown has threatened to plunge Labour into a fresh civil war as party members start voting for a new leader.

In science v ethics, it's the chimps in the sandwich

A chimp colony's future has drawn fiery protest, reports Dan Frosch from Alamogordo, New Mexico.

Italian town punts on lucky numbers to fix its budget

A southern Italian town is betting part of its budget on weekly lottery tickets, arguing that the strategy is no more a gamble than investing on Wall Street.

British officials' weird finds

Snakes on a plane! British border officials make weird finds

Explosion on Gulf of Mexico oil platform sends crew into sea

An oil platform explosion Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico forced the crew to jump into the sea and threatened further damage to waters still recovering from the BP disaster.

Phones shot into jail by bow and arrow

Police say a teen was detained after he shot arrows with mobile phones attached over the walls of a prison in Brazil to inmates waiting on the other side.

Divers find centuries-old beer in sea

Divers say they have discovered two-centuries-old bottles of beer at a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea.

USA cruise past Tunisia into basketball worlds 2nd round

The USA cruised into the second round of the world basketball championships unbeaten after a big second-half effort saw them pull away 92-57 from Tunisia.

German vegetarians serve up hoax

Vegetarian activists in Berlin have caused a stir with an advertising campaign for a new restaurant seeking human meat "donors" and "open-minded" surgeons.

Hurricane Earl menaces US East Coast

Hurricane Earl bore down on a vast stretch of the US East Coast on Thursday, as tens of thousands of people fled North Carolina's barrier islands to avoid dangerous winds and surf.

Explosion on Gulf of Mexico oil rig

An explosion ripped through an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, dumping 13 people into the water, one of whom was injured, the US Coast Guard said.

IMF, World Bank step up aid to Pakistan

The IMF and the World Bank have stepped up aid to flood-hit Pakistan to help the country cope with its worst-ever humanitarian disaster, officials said Thursday.

Portugal child sex trial reaches end

Six years on, a child sex abuse trial in Portugal is nearing its end after producing chilling testimony from alleged victims and shaking trust in institutions.

Afghan govt declares bank safe amid run

Afghan govt declares bank safe amid rush for withdrawals

World Bank, IMF step up aid to Pakistan

World Bank, IMF step up aid to Pakistan

Indonesian police on terror charges

Two Indonesian policemen and a civilian went on trial on charges of conspiring with terrorists who were plotting attacks on foreigners in the country.

Capello: I've learned lessons from World Cup flop

Fabio Capello insists he has learned enough from England's World Cup flop to make changes he believes will put his team back on track as long as they play without fear.

ECB extends emergency funding, ups growth forecast

The European Central Bank bought extra insurance Thursday against the economic recovery running out of steam by extending emergency funds for commercial banks even as it hiked its growth and inflation forecasts.

Disasters show 'screaming' need for action - climate chief

UN climate chief Christiana Figueres on Thursday warned that a string of weather calamities showed the deepening urgency to forge a breakthrough deal on global warming this year.

German bank 'votes to exclude Sarrazin'

The German central bank has voted to seek the dismissal of board member Thilo Sarrazin, the Berliner Zeitung newspaper reported on Thursday, following his latest comments on immigration and Jews.

Indonesia's smoking toddler kicks habit

A two-year-old Indonesian boy who smoked about 40 cigarettes a day has kicked the habit after receiving intensive specialist care, a child welfare official said on Thursday.

Juror punished for Facebook post

A US woman who was removed from a jury for commenting about the ongoing case on Facebook has been ordered to write an essay about the right to a fair trial.

Man in Letterman blackmail plot freed

Man in Letterman blackmail plot freed from NY jail

BlackBerry should share data: UN

The chief of the UN's telecommunications agency is urging BlackBerry's manufacturer to allow foreign law enforcement agencies access to its customers' data.

NATO air strike kills 10 civilians: Afghan president

Ten Afghan civilians were killed Thursday in a NATO air strike on three vehicles carrying election campaign workers in northern Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai said in a statement.

Book claims Wiesenthal worked for Mossad

An Israeli historian alleges in a new book that renowned Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal worked for Israel's Mossad spy agency.

ECB holds rate as investors await bank measures

The European Central Bank held its main interest rate at 1.0 percent on Thursday as investors waited for more news on ECB funding measures for banks and its forecasts for eurozone growth.

Pakistan cricketers claim innocence in betting scam

The three Pakistan cricketers accused of involvement in an illegal betting scam protested their innocence Thursday as they formally withdrew from the scandal-tainted tour of England.

Samsung takes on Apple with iPad rival

Samsung unveiled on Thursday what the South Korean electronics giant hopes will be a major rival to Apple's highly successful iPad tablet PC.

NATO strike 'kills 10 Afghan civilians'

An Afghan official said that 10 election campaigners had been killed in an airstrike by international forces in the relatively peaceful north of the country.

US 'milkshake murderer' seeks release

American Nancy Kissel, who won a retrial in the killing of her investment banker husband, will ask a Hong Kong court to dismiss the charges, her lawyer says.

Pakistan cricketers in betting probe dropped

The three Pakistan cricketers at the centre of a betting scandal have been released from the squad for the remainder of the tour of England, team manager Yawar Saeed said Thursday.

Fugitive ex-Thai PM 'meets Mandela'

Fugitive former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra has appeared in South Africa, where he says he is dealing in diamonds and visiting Nelson Mandela.

Nokia to discontinue remote file-sharing

Nokia, the world's largest mobile phone maker, has announced it will discontinue its popular mobile file-sharing service called Ovi Files as of October 1.

Epic China traffic jam returns

A huge traffic snarl stretching at least 120km has reappeared in northern China, with thousands of cargo trucks stuck in a bottleneck, state media said.

Silver Ferns too good for Australia

The Australian netball team has bounced back to earth with a thud, suffering a savage 59-40 loss to New Zealand in the second netball Test.

Samsung unveils iPad rival

Samsung has unveiled what the South Korean electronics giant hopes will be the first major rival to Apple's highly successful iPad tablet PC.

Stalled funding hits Pakistan aid effort: UN

Relief efforts in flood-ravaged Pakistan are being stretched by the "unprecedented scale" of the disaster, with the flow of international aid almost at a standstill, the UN said Thursday.

Driven by Germany, Europe posts 1% growth

Europe's economy outpaced the United States and Japan in the second quarter, EU data showed Thursday, but analysts warned that the German-powered growth would likely lose steam in the second half.

New boss brings out nerves in Socceroos

Captain Lucas Neill says there is a nervous edge to the Socceroos camp before Friday's opening night under Holger Osieck against Switzerland.

Graham's Wallabies future up in the air

Wallabies assistant Richard Graham is unsure whether he can keep both his Wallabies and Western Force job.

Indonesia's smoking toddler kicks habit

A two-year-old Indonesian boy who smoked about 40 cigarettes a day has kicked the habit after receiving intensive specialist care, a welfare official says.

Malaysia frees 'JI man' after 8 years

An alleged member of the JI militant group has been released from detention after being held without trial for almost eight years, Malaysian police say.

Lebanon backtracks on 'arms-free' Beirut

A chorus of calls for an "arms-free" Beirut triggered by a battle outside a mosque last week is fading after Hezbollah warned against any attempt to disarm it.

Walkman outsells iPod in Japan first

In a rare victory for Sony over Apple, the Walkman music player outsold the iPod in Japan in monthly sales for the first time in August, a survey shows.

Pakistan cricketers in betting probe dropped

The three Pakistan cricketers at the centre of a betting scandal have been released from the squad for the remainder of the tour of England, team manager Yawar Saeed said Thursday.

China denies 'troops in Pakistan' report

China on Thursday dismissed reports saying troops of the People's Liberation Army are in a disputed area of Pakistan.

Seven die in Mozambique riots: Red Cross

Three people were found dead in Mozambique after bloody protests over food and fuel, bringing the death toll to seven, the Red Cross says.

German bank 'votes to exclude Sarrazin'

The German central bank has voted to seek the dismissal of board member Thilo Sarrazin, a newspaper reported, following his latest comments on immigration.

Malaysia, Indonesia spat may go to court

Malaysia says its ongoing maritime border spat with Indonesia, which has recently triggered angry protests, could end up in the International Court of Justice.

Stalled funding hits Pakistan aid effort: UN

Relief efforts in flood-ravaged Pakistan are being stretched by the "unprecedented scale" of the disaster, with the flow of international aid almost at a standstill, the UN said Thursday.

Bids 'rolling in' for Carrefour's SE Asian stores

British and Japanese retail giants along with local operators are in an auction battle to take over the Southeast Asian business of French supermarket chain Carrefour, reports said Thursday.

Singapore Airlines warns on Facebooking

Singapore Airlines has directed its flight attendants to avoid discussing work-related matters on social networking websites, company officials say.

The Stig unmasked as Bond stunt driver

Britain's High Court has refused to ban a book which reveals that Top Gear's The Stig is racing driver Ben Collins.

Police evacuated after Indonesia riot

Police officers and their families are being evacuated to prevent further violence after a riot on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi left six dead, police say.

US charges Pakistan Taliban chief over CIA killings

The United States slapped Pakistani Taliban chief, Hakimullah Mehsud, with terrorism charges for his alleged role in the murder of seven Americans at a CIA base in Afghanistan.

Business News
Sport News
AFL ponders possibility of play-off wildcards

AFL considering possibility of 'wildcard' play-off for last spot in the eight in expanded competition, but does not plan to tamper with finals system.

Socceroos clash a chance to learn for Osieck

It's the quietest build-up to a Socceroo match in recent memory, despite the fact that it is new coach Holger Osieck's debut in the Australian dugout.

Bookmakers, RVL avoid court battle

War between Racing Victoria Ltd and corporate bookmakers finally over following landmark agreement with Sportsbet.

NRL peace talks clear air

Peace officially declared between Melbourne Storm and the NRL after players given chance for first time to vent their feelings to boss David Gallop about the salary cap scandal.

Cats on the prowl

It's never looked better for Geelong in September.

Entertainment News
MasterChef kids take on X Factor

Timeslot and sponsors announced for Ten's Junior MasterChef.

Technology News
Apple announces new iPod line-up

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs announced a new line of iPods today, including a Nano model that has a touch screen and lacks buttons, as well as announcing a smaller version of Apple TV.

Apple unveils new TV box

Apple is refining its plans to annex the living room into its entertainment empire.

Apple to launch Xbox Live-like game center next week

New Apple iPhone platform will allow video game players to track one another's achievements, create multiplayer matches and discover new games.

Apple's 'Ping' the last nail in the coffin for MySpace

Earlier today, Apple launched iTunes 10, the latest rendition of its wildly popular music software. Really though, iTunes 10 is just a vessel for Ping, Apple's new music-centric social network.

Sony brings e-reader to Australia

Sony today unveiled its new range of e-readers, which it will launch in Australia for the first time.