This week's heatwave across a huge part of Australia has been a reminder of seeking protection from the sun during the day — but surging night time temperatures also pose a health risk.

Although the mercury has hit almost 50 degrees in parts of Victoria, NSW, South Australia, ACT and Queensland, some of those areas have endured temperatures over 34 degrees after the sun went down, Weatherzone said.

They include the small town of Marree in northern South Australia which recorded two consecutive overnight minimum temperatures of 34 degrees early on Wednesday and yesterday.

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These hot nights came after residents sweltered through daytime maximums above 48 degrees.

On Monday night, the mercury in Adelaide refused to budge below 36 degrees at midnight. It was more than seven degrees warmer than the city's average daytime maximum January temperature.

A heatwave is more technical than just a spate of hot days.

The Bureau of Meteorology declares a heatwave when the maximum and minimum temperatures are unusually hot compared to the local climate over three days, and the mercury fails to adequately cool overnight.

The ability for people to recover from hot days is impacted when they're followed by very warm nights.

READ MORE: The expert advice on exercising during a heatwave

One effect is beginning the day with high temperatures, which may result in more hours of daytime extreme heat.

Longer periods of scorching conditions also impacts the bodies of humans and animals by reducing recovery times.

Keeping cool on a sticky night

NSW Health warns very warm nights accompanying daytime heatwaves are dangerous, as they prevent the body recovering from heat exposure.

During these periods, especially if power outages occur, it is crucial to take steps to stay cool and hydrated.

It's important to stay hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty, and reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks.

If you have air conditioning, keep it on through the evening. If you don't have it, spend daytime in a public library or shopping mall to keep your body cooler.

Remember heat stress can occur at night after a warm day. So look out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and heavy sweating.

More serious is heatstroke, which has symptoms of confusion or slurred speech. This is a serious health problem and you should seek medical help immediately. 

The good news is relief from the sticky nights is expected by late Saturday or Sunday for Adelaide and Melbourne, while residents in Sydney Canberra will have to wait until Monday.

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A Minnesota man was arrested and charged with impersonating an FBI agent after he tried to enter a federal jail and release suspected murderer Luigi Mangione, police sources said.

Mark Anderson, 36, arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday evening claiming he was an FBI agent with a court order for Mangione's release, according to a criminal complaint filed yesterday and a law enforcement source.

When officials with the Bureau of Prisons asked the man for his credentials, according to the complaint, the man provided a Minnesota driver's licence.

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He also allegedly stated he had weapons in his bag.

Anderson then allegedly threw paperwork at the BOP officers.

The papers appeared to be related to legal claims against the Justice Department, according to the FBI agent who signed the complaint.

Prison officials searched Anderson's backpack, according to the complaint, and found a barbecue-style fork and a circular steel blade.

Anderson travelled to New York for a potential job that didn't work out and had been working at a pizzeria before his arrest, the law enforcement source told CNN.

It isn't clear what connection, if any, he has to Mangione.

CNN has reached out to Mangione's attorney.

Anderson, who is charged with one count of falsely pretending to be an officer of the US government, is expected to appear in federal court in Brooklyn yesterday afternoon.

Mangione has been held at the federal jail since his arrest in December 2024 for the suspected murder of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson.

He is facing federal and state murder charges and has pleaded not guilty.

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The judge overseeing his federal trial last week said jury selection in that case would begin on September 8, with opening statements commencing in October if she ruled the Justice Department could not pursue the death penalty — or in January 2027 if the capital charge remains.

A ruling is expected today.

On Wednesday, the Manhattan District Attorney's office, which first filed murder charges, asked the judge overseeing the state case to order its trial for July — two months before the federal case.

Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann said the murder took place in Manhattan, the investigation was led by his office and the New York Police Department, and the state indictment was returned before a federal complaint was filed.

"The State has an overriding interest in trying this defendant for the cold-blooded execution of Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. It resulted in the tragic death of a guest to our city on our streets," he wrote.

"Federal law supports our request that we proceed first and our right to a speedy resolution of this case would be severely compromised should the federal trial proceed first."

In a statement, Mangione's lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, said they needed time to prepare for the federal trial.

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A Queensland man has been charged after a large knife was allegedly found in his carry-on luggage at Brisbane Domestic Airport.

The man, 49, was stopped by airport security on December 10, 2025.

They found the large knife during a security screening and alerted the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

READ MORE: 'Cold shower' for mortgage holders: Experts' gloomy rates' forecast

When police arrived, the man allegedly became aggressive and resisted arrest.

The man was eventually detained.

"Brisbane Airport's screening processes are strict for a reason and there is a zero-tolerance policy to anyone attempting to take prohibited items on a flight," AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Conway said.

"During this incident, airport security and the AFP worked together to prevent a potential threat to the travelling public and workers."

The man was charged with one count of carrying a weapon through a screening point, one count of obstructing a Commonwealth official, and one count of public nuisance.

The combined maximum penalty for the three offences is nine-and-a-half-years imprisonment.

He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.

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The AFP encourages travellers at Australian airports to report any suspicious behaviour, like individuals avoiding screening, leaving bags unattended, taking photos of security measures, and exhibiting erratic behaviour.

Contact Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP) to make a report.

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Mortgage holders across Australia are likely to be hit with an interest rate hike next week, according to a survey of experts.

More than half the 33 economists and financial experts in the Finder Cash Rate Survey believe a sudden spike in inflation will force the Reserve Bank of Australia's hand when it announces its decision next Tuesday.

New inflation data released this week showed the trimmed mean, the RBA's preferred measure of underlying inflation, increased to 3.3 per cent and headline inflation shot up to 3.8 per cent in the year to December – both well outside the central bank's target band.

READ MORE: The three things that could save Aussies from looming interest rate hell

The Finder research found 17 of those surveyed, or 51 per cent, believe the central bank will green-light a 0.25 per cent rise in the cash rate, raising it to 3.85 per cent.

This is a marked turnaround from last December when only 9 per cent of experts in a Finder survey forecast a February rates lift.

Head of Finder consumer research Graham Cooke says the big four banks and most economists are now backing a hike.

"This news will feel like a cold shower for homeowners after a brief reprieve.

"Many who refinanced or entered the market during the 2025 easing cycle may feel blindsided, as the pivot from falling to rising rates in just six months has created significant whiplash."

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Adding to the gloomy outlook, more than four in five experts who weighed in believe a rate cut in the next 12 months is unlikely.

Homeowners on the average home loan of $693,802 will see an annual increase of $1313 to their mortgage repayments if the RBA raises the cash rate by 0.25 per cent next Tuesday.

On a $1 million mortgage, the same hike would cost a homeowner nearly $1893 a year more in interest – a rise of $158.

A rates rise next week would be the first in Australia since November 2023, and would follow the RBA's easing cycle that brought relief for mortgage holders. 

Cooke says mortgage they should now scrutinise their interest rate with the easing cycle unlikely to restart again soon.

"If your rate isn't one of the best, now might be a good time to give yourself a rate cut. Many banks will also throw in some cash for your trouble."

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The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.



Scammers are preying on desperate Perth renters struggling to get a roof over their heads.

Fake "private landlords" on Facebook Marketplace are promising listings below market price for a costly deposit. 

They're posting real pictures of real properties to lure their victims, but the prices are often too good to be true.

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Finding a rental has never been this hard and WA Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake says it's a "perfect playground for scammers".

"[There's ]a lot of grooming by these scammers," she said.

"So they'll tell you that they're there to help the underdog and that you're the perfect person, they can see that you're a real battler, that you're a good person and they want to help you out."

Messages show how the scammers take advantage of the high demand for rentals.

"Due to the large number of people making offers for the apartment and which I can not attend to all.. my lawyer mandated a commitment fee to secure the apartment and filter out many people to secure it down for one person," one message reads.

"You can have the space secured ahead of your move in date by paying a security deposit of the first week rent of $400.

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"The deposit act more like a commitment fee which is fully refundable if upon physical visit you have a change of mind and it will be added to your first week rent if everything goes as planned.

"The deposit secure down the apartment for you and it will be reserved exclusively only for you.. I will stop taking offers for it and remove it from the Market."

Blake warned renters not to hand over any money before they'd seen the property.

In 2025, at least 20 people reported a rental scam, losing $50,000, an increase of 27 per cent compared to the year before.

Median rental prices in Perth are at record highs. 

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It costs $700 per week for a house and $670 to rent a unit while properties are snatched up in just 16 days. 

"People have pure desperation and people will do what they can for their family and think they're doing the right thing and potentially dealing with unsavoury characters," Real Estate Institute of Western Australia member Rob Mandanici said.

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Police have shot a man outside a Victorian school as an allegedly stolen car was driven at officers during a pursuit in Geelong.

Terrified children ducked for cover inside a school bus as the allegedly stolen Kia Optima reversed into it near Matthew Flinders Girls' Secondary College in Newtown.

Officers shot at the Kia as it allegedly sped at them and crashed into another vehicle. A man and a woman jumped out of the Kia and allegedly tried to flee on foot.

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Footage shows police cars surrounding the intersection of LaTrobe Terrace and Myers Street outside the school where the pair were arrested.

A 37-year-old man was taken to hospital under police guard with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the arm.

A 37-year-old woman was taken to hospital under police guard with minor injuries.

The female driver of the vehicle hit by the Kia suffered minor injuries.

The police chase began when the Kia was spotted by the police Air Wing near the intersection of the Princes Highway and Roebuck Street in the Geelong suburb of Newtown about 3.40pm.

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Police have said there is no threat to the community.

"This event would've been absolutely terrifying for anyone who was there, let alone for the many school kids who were all on their first day of school today," Commander Melissa Webbers said.

"I'm really dismayed to see such violent and reckless behaviour exhibited by this offender, who put our community at risk, who put our police at risk.

"We are really fortunate today that none of our community and none of our police have been injured in this incident.

"I want to assure the community the offenders for this matter are in custody and we aren't looking for anyone else.

"There were lots of children, it was the start of the school year and it was absolutely traumatic, I'm sure for all of those people that were there."

Witness Chaz Cheatley said he was in "disbelief" when he saw the incident unfold while waiting at a red light at the intersection of LaTrobe Terrace and Myers Street.

"I was a little bit worried, especially when I started hearing shots," Chaz said.

"Basically felt like I was watching a movie, it was all just happening in front of me."

Cheatley said the allegedly stolen car came "out of nowhere", followed by police.

"They hit the traffic pole, they knocked that down, as they were trying to flee the scene they go through the intersection, and then they end up t-boning another car," he claimed.

Armed Crime Squad detectives will investigate the incident with Professional Standards Command oversight, as is standard practice when a police firearm is discharged.

It's alleged the Kia was stolen in NSW.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Latrobe Terrace was closed both directions between Ryrie Street and McKillop Street.

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‘We grieve with you, and everyone of us stands with you.’

Warning: This story contains images and details that some readers may find distressing.

Fresh vision has emerged of Minnesota ICU nurse Alex Pretti clashing with US border patrol agents almost a fortnight before he was shot dead by federal officers.

Digital outlet The News Movement obtained previously unseen footage of Pretti, 37, becoming involved in a physical altercation with ICE officers in Minneapolis 11 days before Saturday's fatal shooting.

Pretti's family confirmed to CNN that he is the man seen in the video, while The News Movement also claims the BBC has verified the footage.

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He was seen kicking and damaging the taillight of a federal vehicle as it drove away, before an agent exited the car and tackled him to the ground.

Several other agents also pinned Pretti to the ground during the clash.

The scuffle lasted only a few moments before he was released.

Pretti had been joined by a crowd of bystanders who were heard shouting at the agents as the incident unfolded.

The agents were then filmed deploying a smoke device before driving away from the scene.

The incident reportedly took place about three kilometres from where Pretti was shot dead by border agents on January 24.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told CNN it is now reviewing the footage.

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"A week before Alex was gunned down in the street – despite posing no threat to anyone – he was violently assaulted by a group of ICE agents," attorney for the Pretti family Steve Schleicher told the outlet.

"Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alex's killing at the hands of ICE on Jan 24."

Pretti was fatally gunned down by federal agents when he approached officers who were allegedly targeting a woman on a street on Sunday morning AEDT.

Officers tried to take Pretti into custody and he resisted, leading to a struggle, according to a notification to Congress obtained by The Associated Press.

During the struggle, a Border Patrol agent yelled, "He's got a gun!" multiple times, the official said.

Pretti had a gun on his person, but he did not have it in his hands at the time of the incident, nor did he appear to visibly threaten the officers with a weapon or with any violence.

A Border Patrol officer and a CBP officer each fired Glock pistols, the notice said.

Pretti's death, which followed the fatal shooting of female demonstrator Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this month, triggered outrage across the US.

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The two US immigration officers involved in the deadly shooting have been placed on leave, officials said.

Democratic senators have demanded major changes to how US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operate as a partial government shutdown looms.

A partial shutdown is imminent over Democratic opposition to DHS funding.

Among the demands are forcing agents to have warrants for arrests, legislating the use of body cameras and banning masks.

"This madness, this terror must stop," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said.

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A fourth man has been charged with murder after a 16-year-old was killed in a drive-by shooting in Melbourne's inner-north earlier this month.

Ater Good was gunned down near the intersection of Brunswick and King William streets in Fitzroy just after midnight on January 3.

A 20-year-old Heidelberg man was arrested about 11am today in Thomastown, where police seized two shotguns from a property.

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He has been charged with murder and was due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

Three properties in Heidelberg and two in Heidelberg West were also raided.

A 31-year-old Heidelberg man was also arrested this morning.

He was released pending further enquiries.

Three men were charged with murder earlier this month over the alleged drive-by shooting.

They include a 19-year-old Heidelberg West man, a 20-year-old Bundoora man and a 21-year-old Heidelberg man, who was arrested at Melbourne Airport.

All three men have been remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 15.

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Police are continuing to investigate whether there are any links between the Fitzroy shooting and the New Year's Eve stabbing of two men on Lygon Street in Carlton.

Two men were critically injured after a group of about seven men armed with machetes and knives attacked them outside a restaurant about 11.45pm.

A 20-year-old Heidelberg West man and an 18-year-old NSW man were seriously injured and taken to hospital.

A 21-year-old Fitzroy man, a 21-year-old Richmond man and a 17-year-old boy from the Melbourne area have been charged with multiple offences including violent disorder and affray.

Detectives, regional police and special units have established Operation Firelong to investigate the two alleged crimes and prevent ongoing violence.

The investigations remain ongoing.

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A murderer has been jailed for life after setting his wife and stepdaughter on fire and then blaming his dying partner.

Roland James Griffiths, 41, was sentenced this morning at Melbourne's Supreme Court almost four years after he poured petrol and set Kylie Sheahan, 35, alight.

Sheahan, a mother of six, died and her 16-year-old daughter suffered burns to more than 50 per cent of her body as she tried to save her mum's life.

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Griffiths had made threats to burn down the Albanvale home, in Melbourne's north-west, in the months leading up to the deadly March 2022 blaze.

Seven children were home when a heavily intoxicated Griffiths poured a jerry can of petrol onto Sheahan and then held a lighter against her.

Two of his stepdaughters begged him not to light the petrol and instead of listening he taunted them, the court was told.

"I promise bub, I swear … I won't do it," Griffiths replied, before placing the lighter near the ground and setting Sheahan alight.

Flames spread to his 16-year-old stepdaughter and to Griffiths, who extinguished the fire on himself before helping his wife.

Sheahan was dragged to the bathroom, given a cold shower and then Griffiths took her outside and sprayed his wife with a hose.

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The children who were trapped inside the house, including a 10-month-old and a two-year-old, were rescued by their older siblings before the entire home caught fire.

Emergency services heard Griffiths blaming Sheahan for the fire and telling her: "Why didn't you stop me, you should've stopped me and I should be in jail".

The woman, who was in the early stages of dying, lied to police for him, saying Griffiths tried to light himself on fire and when she tried to stop him she caught fire too.

Sheahan was taken to hospital with burns to 91 per cent of her body, but she died on March 18, 2022, four days after the blaze.

The day Griffiths was supposed to face trial, in February 2025, he indicated he wanted to plead guilty to murder and recklessly causing injury to his stepchild.

Justice John Champion labelled the murder a brutal example of the offence and pointed out his taunting of his victims who must have been "terrified".

He noted Griffiths' victim blaming of Sheahan after the offending was "particularly repugnant".

"I make it clear that Ms Sheahan was completely blameless, innocent and did not deserve the treatment you meted out to her at all," the judge said.

"Your attack on Ms Sheahan was grievously inappropriate."

Justice Champion jailed Griffiths for life, with 32 years to serve before he is eligible for parole.

Griffiths has spent more than 1300 days in custody as he has been in jail since his arrest in March 2022.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).