A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in the state’s northeast with up to 40,000 properties evacuated and a woman in her 80s found dead in her Lismore home as the terrifying weather bomb heads south.

Schools are warning parents that children caught with sweet treats in their lunch box face having them confiscated because excessive amounts of sugar are unhealthy and can trigger mood swings and disagreements with other kids.

Sydney property prices have fallen for the first time in 17 months as the threat of rising interest rates and ­economic uncertainty sours home­buyer demand.

And in sport, there is more tension in the ranks of the Australian cricket team, with players angered by the shock axing of their popular and highly respected physio on the eve of the Pakistan tour.

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