South Australia Digest — local news from South Australia

Echidnas have been spotted roaming in Adelaide's parks and reserves, causing excitement among residents and visitors. The sightings have brought joy to those who have seen the unique creatures.

Adelaide's echidna population is on the move, with increasing reports of sightings in suburban areas as the breeding season stretches later than usual. Residents are advised not to move the animals, as they are likely to be "on a mission" and know where they're going.

A surge in succulent popularity over the past decade has led to a growing demand for the resilient and striking species. For newly retired Ian Andrews, his five-year gardening plan to propagate the plant has quickly become an obsession, with his collection now exceeding 10,000 succulents.

A new documentary is highlighting the disproportionate impact of kidney disease on First Nations Australians, revealing systemic racism and healthcare gaps in the medical system. The film, 'In Contrast', shares the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have faced challenges accessing kidney transplants.

A major hospital in South Australia's south-east is battling overcrowding, sparking concerns about the strain on regional hospital systems. There are calls for more data to be made available to help address the issue.

A pregnant Adelaide woman was transferred between three hospitals while experiencing severe abdominal pain, prompting an apology from a senior health official and a review into her care. Kaitlin Jagu, 30, was eventually treated at Flinders Medical Centre, where she underwent an emergency caesarean section and surgery to repair a twisted bowel.

Commercial helium production is set to begin on the Yorke Peninsula within 18 months, addressing a global shortage of the rare gas. Gold Hydrogen's project aims to capitalize on the region's significant helium reserves, with an estimated 41 billion cubic feet of gas available.

Golden North's new ice cream factory is now operational in Murray Bridge, South Australia, bringing the company closer to the state's central milk-producing region. The move is expected to increase production and create new job opportunities.

Japan has launched a pioneering space mission to collect samples from one of Mars's moons, Phobos, in a bid to uncover the secrets of the planet's formation and the origins of water and life. The Martian Moons eXploration mission, led by JAXA, is expected to provide groundbreaking insights and pave the way for future human exploration.