President Donald Trump has declared Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead.

The operation began on Saturday afternoon when a team of elite US troops flew into Syria’s north-west.

Baghdadi fled into a subterranean area of the complex and into a tunnel, dragging three of his young children with him where he ignited his explosive vest and died, along with his children.

Mr Trump said, "the United States brought the world's number one terrorist leader to justice.”

The UK truck driver charged over the deaths of 39 people found inside a truck trailer will now stay in police custody for another month following his first court appearance.

Maurice Robinson was charged yesterday with 39 counts of manslaughter, conspiracy to traffic people and assisting with unlawful immigration and money laundering.

Prosecution lawyer Ogheneruona Mercy Iguyovwe  said, "this involves a global ring facilitating the movement of a large number of immigrants into the UK." 

Victorian police have been given orders to use lethal force on drivers who attack pedestrians.

Officers have been authorised to shoot to kill in order to stop vehicles being used as deadly weapons after the Bourke Street rampage two years ago.

The authorisation of a new “hostile vehicle” policy was outlined in an email sent to Victorian police officers.

Almost 1200 firefighters have been tackling large bushfires on the NSW mid-north coast among scores of fires around the state.

A dangerous blaze in the Darawank area has burnt more than 2300 hectares according to the NSW Rural Fire Service and warning levels for two bushfires on the NSW mid-north coast have been raised to watch and act.

Fire activity has heightened under the influence of erratic winds with firefighters battling 85 blazes around the state.

Queensland’s first cystic fibrosis research program has been established to help improve outcomes for patients living with the life-threatening genetic disorder.

The Queensland Cystic Fibrosis Program was announced yesterday with a total of $15 million in funding from The University of Queensland and several other donors.

Professor Peter Sly said, “the Queensland Cystic Fibrosis Research Program will improve outcomes for patients with CF in Queensland and elsewhere.”

A family home north of Brisbane has been destroyed by a fire after a man was seen fleeing the scene.

Emergency services were called to the home on De Havilland Drive in the Moreton Bay suburb of Bray Park just after 1am.

Neighbour, Minelle Creed, said "I was laying down when I heard somebody screaming 'help' and 'fire' and she came running up to the neighbour on the left of us.”

 Police forensic officers and fire service inspectors are investigating whether or not the fire was deliberately lit.

A Queensland Catholic college is the latest high school to get serious about mentoring its students for a future in esports, likening the opportunity to that of a career in traditional sports like football or cricket.

Chisholm Catholic College, south of Brisbane, saw the potential in getting its students involved and started an esports program. 

Additionally, students are also expected to participate in weekly gym sessions, which Principal Mr Mendez-Cortes described as a crucial requirement for any online gamer.