ABC News: Top Stories
A constantly updated selection of the leading Australian and international news from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Westpac, St George merger will reduce competition: Choice
Consumer advocates are concerned a proposed merger between Westpac and St George Bank would reduce competition in the banking sector.
Taliban crying wolf on mistreatment claims: ADF
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) says Taliban forces in Afghanistan have adopted a new tactic of falsely accusing Coalition troops of mistreating detainees.
Hudson pleads guilty over Melbourne shootings
Christopher Wayne Hudson has pleaded guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder over the peak-hour shootings in Melbourne's CBD last June.
Medicare changes will see '400,000 quit private health'
The private health industry has warned that changes to the Medicare surcharge threshold will see an estimated 400,000 people quit the private health system.
Coroner finds 'non-sniffable' petrol caused boy's death
The Northern Territory coroner has found the low aromatic Opal fuel was behind the death of a 12-year-old boy at the Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg, 130 kilometres west of Alice Springs.
Car tax hike will 'put lives at risk'
The Automobile Association says car makers are likely to scrap some life-saving features in their vehicles to try to avoid the new tax on luxury cars.
Partner managed euthanasia dad's drugs, court told
A court has heard a woman on trial for the murder of her partner looked after his medication and did not want to lose her share of his estate.
Miscarriage news used to quell Iraq invasion speculation: Cherie Blair
News of a miscarriage suffered by the wife of former British prime minister Tony Blair was used to stave off speculation of an early invasion of Iraq, she said in comments printed in British newspapers.
Sailor ready to grasp second chance
Wendell Sailor has spoken of his delight at resuming his professional rugby league career after serving a two-year ban for testing positive to cocaine.

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US aid flight takes off for Burma
The first US aid flight takes off for Burma, but agencies warn the amount of aid getting to people is inadequate.
Serbian reformers claim victory
Serbian President Boris Tadic's pro-EU alliance declares victory in elections but falls short of a majority.
Sudan 'can prove Chad rebel role'
Sudan says it has proof that Chad helped Darfur rebels in their weekend invasion of the capital's twin city.
Hezbollah rocks eastern villages
A Hezbollah assault forces several villages loyal to a pro-government leader to hand control to Lebanon's army.
Gaza blackouts as fuel runs low
Electricity blackouts hit Gaza as the territory's only power station shuts down, with officials citing lack of fuel.
France may breathalyse clubbers
France's cabinet is to hear a proposal to make breathalysers mandatory at late-night clubs and cafes.
Hacker leaks 6m Chileans' records
A computer hacker in Chile posts confidential data belonging to six million people on the internet.
Food prices drive China inflation
China's consumer price inflation nears a 12-year high in April, as the cost of food continues to take its toll.
No agreement on Pakistan judges
Pakistan's main coalition parties fail to strike a deal on restoring judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf.
Locusts may swarm out of fear of being eaten by each other
Locusts swarm in such numbers because of a panicking fear they will be eaten by each other, scientists suggest.

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