Laos methanol poisoning investigation nears conclusion

Australia tops world's most expensive beer and cigarettes list

Melbourne and Sydney have been ranked as the world's most expensive cities for purchasing beer and cigarettes, according to Deutsche Bank data. Australians pay at least $50 more than Auckland residents and double what New Yorkers pay, with rising alcohol and tobacco excises responsible for the steep prices. Australia's smoking rate has dropped to a record low of 5.6% among people over 14, with more than two-thirds of Australians having never smoked and vaping among young adults also declining. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Jackie O faces legal battle over contract dispute

ARN Media alleges in Federal Court documents that former KIIS FM host Jackie 'O' Henderson made a workplace harassment complaint in bad faith to exit her multi-million dollar contract and secure work in another radio timeslot. Henderson is seeking the full remaining payout of her $100 million contract, claiming she was unfairly dismissed after refusing to work with co-host Kyle Sandilands. ARN contends her bullying complaint was made outside of workplace legal guidelines. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Tourists escape massive Airbnb mansion fire

A three-storey Airbnb mansion in Lockleys, Adelaide's west, has been destroyed by fire, with damage estimated at over $2 million. Three tourists from Alice Springs escaped the blaze with their pet dog after waking to smoke-filled rooms around 4am. Investigators believe an electrical fault in a disused sauna on the second floor started the fire, which took firefighters almost an hour to control. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Mental health system under fire after murder accused released

A man charged with the murder of 74-year-old grandfather Quang Me Pham in Yennora, Sydney, was released from a mental health facility just months before the fatal attack. Corum Ash faces charges over the killing of Pham, who was walking in the area last week. An urgent internal review is examining the decision to discharge the accused, with experts pointing to potential under-resourcing in the New South Wales mental health system. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Man charged with murdering father in Glenmore Park

A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder after allegedly setting his father alight outside a home in Glenmore Park, Sydney's west. The man in his 60s was found dead outside the burning property, with his son spotted leaving the scene shortly after the blaze began. The accused was treated for minor injuries before being charged and refused bail, and is scheduled to face court. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.