An unfair two-tier system is, at last, giving way to universal state care. But private interests and highly paid doctors are resistingThere were no chandeliers in the public ward where I spent my first days as a mother, at the oldest continuously operating maternity hospital in the world. The room echoed with cries…

As Russia hits another ammunition warehouse, killing at least 38, locals put blame on poorly placed depotsIt is a day and a half since a Russian jet-powered drone smashed into an ammunition dump in Myla, a village 15 miles outside central Kyiv. Volodymyr, 61, a security guard, leads visitors from his family’s badly…

Basketball Australia refers proposed rule changes to FibaIdea aimed at delivering more highlights met with mixed reactionsThe slam dunk has long been a staple of basketball, its biggest billboard, showcasing the athleticism and ferocity of its athletes. Now, some within the game want more.The Australian men’s…

Russia’s defence ministry preparing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as death toll from warehouse strike rises to 38. What we know on day 1,650Russia’s defence ministry says it is gearing up for large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in a tit-for-tat response to strikes by Kyiv…

Climate change is the greatest threat to the Pacific, with fuel shortages and missile tests also on the agenda as Anthony Albanese heads to PalauAnthony Albanese is in Palau this week for the annual Pacific Islands Forum and regional security is expected to top the agenda.China is testing nuclear-capable missiles in…

Solomon Islands prime minister cancels his appearance, along with leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and SamoaSeveral leaders have pulled out of a the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau at the eleventh hour.The Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, has cancelled his appearance after a no-confidence…

Dozens evacuated after flash-flood event near Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch, officials sayAt least 15 people may be missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon national park in Arizona on Saturday afternoon, according to the National Park Service.The flash-flood event…

Ollie Robinson’s metronomic medium-nip represents the new age – sometimes, you just get the heroes you needEach age makes its own heroes. Two hours from the end of the final day of the second-last Test at the fag‑end of the post‑Bazball summer, the cheer from the Lord’s crowd at deep fine leg had…

A lack of offers and problems in finding a replacement may be behind the move, but that does not mean it cannot workThe first chant of the match was for Marcus Rashford, Manchester United’s returning rogue son, the one banished for 18 months, first to the Midlands and then Catalonia. Every football fan…

Successful legal challenge raises questions about hundreds of floodplain harvesting licences issued by former Coalition governmentGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe New South Wales water regulator has cast doubt over its ability to prosecute potential water theft due to uncertainty about…