Lolly sales boom as Australians seek sweet relief

Pope blesses world's tallest church in Barcelona

Pope Leo blessed the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona's Sagrada Familia Basilica during a special mass, with thousands gathering to witness the historic event. The 172.5-metre tall spire makes the Sagrada Familia the tallest church in the world. The papal visit commemorates 144 years since construction began and marks 100 years since the death of visionary architect Antoni Gaudí. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

High Court opens immigration compensation floodgates

The High Court has unanimously rejected the federal government's bid for immunity from compensation claims by immigration detainees, potentially exposing taxpayers to tens of millions of dollars in claims from people held since 2014, including the NZYQ cohort of foreign-born criminals; The National Party is proposing a motion to mandate Australian school students sing the national anthem at least once a week, following the Northern Territory's earlier implementation of both verses in public schools; Psychologists are warning that AI toys threaten children's socialisation skills and raise privacy concerns, as the AI toy market is projected to grow 400% over the next decade. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Australia's most wanted man faces Greek court

James Dalamangas, one of Australia's most wanted men, appeared in a Greek court in Aigio facing weapons offences after knives and crossbows were found on his rural property. He is also facing potential extradition to Australia over the alleged 1999 murder of George Giannopoulos, though he maintains his innocence. The court case was adjourned due to lawyer strikes, and Dalamangas remains in custody while his partner and father may be released. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Federal government commits $100 million to arthritis research

The Federal Government has announced a record $100 million investment into arthritis research and treatment over the next decade. The funding will support an Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions Research Mission, covering more than 100 conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic back pain. Arthritis currently affects one in four Australians, or seven million people, and costs the economy over $16 billion annually, with cases expected to rise by almost 30% by 2040. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sugar drinks linked to liver cancer risk

A new US study reveals that consuming sugar-sweetened drinks increases the risk of developing two types of liver cancer, including the most common form and a rare aggressive variant. Even one sugar-sweetened beverage per day was found to elevate cancer risk, while artificially sweetened drinks showed no increased risk in the findings. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.