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

Soldier jailed over rocket launcher thefts
A former Australian Army captain has been sentenced to 10 years in jail over the theft of army rocket launchers that were later sold to a terrorist cell.
Million could dump private health cover: AMA
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is warning that up to 1 million people could dump their private health cover because of the Budget changes to Medicare.
Coalition prepared to block alcopop tax
Senate Opposition leader Nick Minchin says the Coalition is ready to use its numbers in the upper house to block tax increases on pre-mixed drinks and luxury cars.
Fiji Commissioner receives second death threat
Australia's High Commissioner in Fiji has received a second death threat.
Bird flu 'resistant to Australian drug arsenal'
The Federal Government's bird-flu medication stockpiles are being questioned after research showed the virus is resistant to the majority of Australia's supplies.
China orders 90 more choppers, 30,000 troops to quake zone
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has ordered 90 more helicopters and 30,000 troops to be deployed to the Sichian earthquake zone, saying the battle to save lives was the top priority, state media reported today.
Gecko in chicken egg may be salmonella breakthrough
The Northern Territory president of the Australian Medical Association says he may have accidentally discovered how the potentially deadly salmonella bacteria gets inside chicken eggs.
Warne and co shaken by bombings
Several leading cricketers including Australia's Shane Warne say they will not return to the Indian city of Jaipur until they receive assurances about their safety.

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UN chief to send envoy to Burma
Ban Ki-moon is to send a top official to Burma, where the UN says 2.5m people have been affected by the cyclone.
Edwards endorses Obama in US race
US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has been endorsed by former rival John Edwards.
China scales up rescue operation
China mobilises thousands of extra troops for relief efforts after an earthquake which affected about 10m people.
Fritzl's victims thank the public
The family of an Austrian man accused of imprisoning and raping his daughter in a cellar release their first message.
New deadline for Zimbabwe's vote
Zimbabwe's government extends by 90 days the deadline a presidential run-off vote must be held.
Lebanon revokes Hezbollah curbs
Lebanon has cancelled measures targeting Hezbollah that triggered a week of violence between political factions.
US lists polar bear as threatened
The US lists the polar bear as a threatened species but says the decision will not affect climate change policies.
Curfew imposed after India blasts
A curfew is imposed in the historic old city in Jaipur in western India after a series of bombings killed 63 people.
Cannes kicks off with panda power
An invasion of panda bears helps launch the 61st Cannes Film Festival, which is getting under way in France.
Lucian Freud nude sets new world record
A Lucian Freud painting of a sleeping, naked woman sells for $33.6m (£17.2m) in New York, a new record.

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