Australian Lawmaker Critical After Being Struck By Vehicle

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian prime minister says federal lawmaker Helen Haines remains in a hospital in a critical but stable condition. Anthony Albanese gave the update on Haines’ condition on Tuesday and praised a barber who helped restrain a driver accused of deliberately hitting the lawmaker. The 65-year-old independent politician was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV on Monday in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state. The 43-year-old driver remained in police custody on Tuesday. Albanese said he phoned local barber Ricky Jefferies to thank him on Tuesday on behalf of Australia for his intervention. Political violence is rare in Australia, but recent data shows threats are increasing.