Federal government commits $100 million to arthritis research

Brothers bailed over alleged $600k dementia patient fraud

Two Sydney brothers, Jesse Mensah, 25, and George Mensah, 22, have been released on bail after being charged with defrauding an 88-year-old dementia patient of $600,000. The pair allegedly posed as bank workers in unsolicited phone calls to gain access to the elderly man's bank accounts. Police are still searching for two other individuals who allegedly benefited from the scam, while the case highlights growing concerns about elder fraud, with more than three out of five seniors reporting they've been targeted by scams in the past 12 months. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The race to prevent a potentially deadly bird flu outbreak

New South Wales has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu, marking the sixth case in Australia within two weeks. Authorities have deployed 500 government staff to conduct surveillance using drones and beach patrols, with a dead cormorant from South Narrabeen Beach currently undergoing testing. Chicken owners are being urged to house their flocks indoors as a precaution, though the risk to humans remains low while the disease poses devastating mortality rates near 100% for poultry populations. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese under fire for podcast comments on Kylie Minogue

The prime minister was asked to decide which Australian icons he would 'shag, kill and marry'. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Chaos at America's 250th birthday celebration as wild weather hits

Thousands have been ordered to move away from the National Mall in Washington DC. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Man fights for life after horror car fire

A man is fighting for life in the Alfred Hospital after suffering critical injuries in a car fire in Melbourne's south-east. Police were called just after 1am to find a burnt-out Corolla and a critically injured man, with a jerrycan believed to be involved in the incident. Forensic investigators are examining whether this was a targeted attack with potential gangland links or a terrible accident. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.