Blog

By Stephanie Dalzell and Alison Branley, ABC The shortage is impacting people in the public system and those who individually source IV fluids. Photo: 123rf In short: The RACGP says doctors are having to compete against wellness clinics for access to crucial IV fluids. Australia is grappling with a global shortfall of IV fluids like saline and sodium lactate solution. What's next? Health authorities say they are continuing to manage the shortage and supply of IV fluids as a priority. Doctors are fighting against "pseudo medical wellness" companies for access to IV fluids amid a worldwide shortage, as sourcing the essential medicine continues to prove a challenge. A fixture on the arms of social media influencers and celebrities, IV vitamin therapy promises anti-ageing benefits, super...

By ABC North Asia correspondent James Oaten in Tokyo Paul Watson (left) arrives for a court hearing in Nuuk, Greenland, on 2 October, 2024. Photo: AFP Paul Watson (left) arrives for a court hearing in Nuuk, Greenland, on 2 October, 2024. A Greenland court has extended the detention of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson for a fifth time. He has been in prison since July, amid a push by Japan to extradite him on charges dating back more than a decade. Lawyers for Watson have launched an appeal against the detention extension. A court has ordered anti-whaling activist and environmentalist Paul Watson to remain in detention in Greenland, as authorities consider a request from Japan to extradite him on charges dating back more than a decade. The court in Greenland's capital Nuuk order...

By David Estcourt and Mike Lorigan, ABC Damien Richardson in a scene from Neighbours. Photo: www.imdb.com In short: Actor Damien Richardson has been filmed doing a Nazi salute during a speech at an event. The gesture received cheers from some in the crowd, which included members of a neo-Nazi group. What's next? Police are investigating the vision of Mr Richardson making the salute. Warning: Distressing content. Actor Damien Richardson is being investigated by Victoria Police after being filmed performing the Nazi salute at a September event in Melbourne, where far-right activists were present. Known for his roles in Neighbours, Blue Heelers and McLeod's Daughters, Mr Richardson performed the gesture while addressing a gathering of the National Workers Alliance (NWA). The group stand...

By David Morgan and Bo Erickson, Reuters The US Capitol in Washington, DC, United States. Photo: AFP/Aashish Kiphayet US Senate Republicans elected John Thune to lead the chamber next year, opting for a well-regarded insider and shrugging off a public pressure campaign by supporters of Donald Trump to pick a loyalist to the president-elect. The South Dakota senator's victory is a sign the Senate could retain some degree of independence from Trump next year, when Republicans will control the White House and both chambers of Congress (The US House of Represenatives and the Senate). Republicans will hold at least 52 seats in the 100-seat Senate and were projected on Thursday (NZT) to retain a thin majority in the House of Representatives. At a news conference, Thune said he would aim to...