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Volkswagen has been accused of pressuring drivers to accept a software upgrade for vehicles implicated in the global emissions scandal, or face the possibility of no compensation. The company asked some drivers to sign waivers if they refused the software fix being offered as part of a voluntary recall. But Volkswagen says the document has been updated to reflect the rights of customers.

Where is the man who ran Clive Palmer's Queensland Nickel? Tomorrow, a Federal Court will consider issuing an arrest warrant for Palmer's nephew, Clive Mensink who was the only formal Director of the collapsed company. His uncle Clive Palmer is accused of acting as a shadow director. Mr Mensink has so far declined to return from overseas to face questions from the special purpose liquidator. The union representing some of the 800 sacked workers has appealed to Mr Mensink to return.

South Australia is digesting the news, that once again manufacturing is leaving the state, and with it, jobs. In a shock announcement, Coca-Cola Amatil's Adelaide bottling plant will close by 2019, with the loss of about 180 jobs from the company. In response, concerns have again been raised about the cost of doing business in the state, and how to transition more workers, on top of Holden's closure later this year.

The life expectancy for people living in the developed world continues to rise, with South Korean women soon expected to live, on average, beyond 90 years. Odds are also good for Australians, with a life expectancy of 84 years by 2030. In Australia, the increase in life expectancy is being driven by a cut in smoking, a lowering of blood pressure, and improvements to road safety. But experts also warn that as people are expected to live for longer, for at least the foreseeable future, that means adequate social and health structures must be put in place.

Five people have perished after a charter plane suffered catastrophic engine failure and ploughed into a popular shopping centre near Melbourne's Essendon airport. It's being called the worst plane crash seen in Victoria in the last 30 years, and authorities are sifting through the scene to find evidence of what went wrong.

At the child sexual abuse Royal Commission, the Catholic Bishop of Parramatta has criticised the clergy's lack of accountability and called for women and lay people to have a greater say in the management of the Church. Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen gave evidence parishioners should have a say in the hiring and firing of priests.

The editor of the far-right American news website Breitbart, Milo Yiannopoulos defended paedophilia in an internet stream and podcast. As a result, the publication of his book 'Dangerous' has been cancelled and he has been uninvited as a drawcard speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Seven West Media has revealed extraordinary excerpts from emails by its former employee Amber Harrison in which she threatens to 'destroy' her former lover, the company chief executive Tim Worner. The emails were tendered to the NSW Supreme Court as Seven sought to extend a gag order on Ms Harrison. She's fighting a massive legal battle against the media company after her damaging affair with Mr Worner.

The Israeli Prime Minister's trip to Australia is causing division within the Labor Party, with former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd as well as former Foreign Ministers Bob Carr and Gareth Evans all calling for Australia to recognise Palestine. Michael Danby, a Victorian MP and one of the most strident supporter of Israel within the Party, says some of the Labor elders are hypocrites in their calls to recognise Palestine. Michael Danby and one of the most strident supporter of Israel within the Party, says some of the Labor elders are hypocrites in their calls to recognise Palestine.

Australia's biggest miner, BHP Billiton, produced a half year profit of $4.17 billion. An impressive and unexpected recovery in the prices of iron ore and coal have helped lift the company out of the mire. But can this latest dream run for BHP last?