There has been more bloodshed in Syria despite the presence of Arab League observers. Activists say security forces have killed about 40 people in the latest round of violence. Most of the deaths have occurred in areas being visited by the monitors. 

 

The Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory has reopened. Locals are now returning to their homes to assess flood damage caused by tropical cyclone Grant. Flash flooding took out bridges and railway lines with some drivers stranded for days. Dozens of cars and trucks were backed up for at least a kilometer, waiting to get across the damaged bridge. 

 

Sixty people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in block of flats in the inner Sydney suburb of Paddington early this morning. Two people have been taken to hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation. A firefighter suffered minor injuries when he fell through a burnt-out floor while fighting another fire in the crews. A man was also taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.