ABC News Top Stories

House prices tumble at historic rates and more falls are expected | ABC News Top Stories

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 20:44:14 -0000

Fresh data shows national house prices are tumbling and more falls are expected to come.

A new survey about Australia's democracy shows one in four young men believe extreme measures, such as violence, can sometimes be justified to advance a cause.

The Albanese government is looking to put the brakes on high rates of British backpackers coming to Australia

For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

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Are young men in Australia losing faith in democracy?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 18:45:00 -0000

A new report has found that support for democracy among young Australian men has dropped notably, and that trust in politicians and government is down compared to last year.

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Could a rate rise push house prices even lower?

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Australia's housing market has now fallen for seven consecutive months, with the pace of decline tracking at the fastest rate in 40 years.

Buyers are holding back amid higher interest rates, tighter lending conditions, and changes to property tax breaks, with falls recorded across most cities.

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The Binance cryptocurrency exchange hack explained

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 05:45:00 -0000

The world's biggest cryptocurrency exchange Binance says it'll cover all losses and allow clients to trade again within days following the AU$9 billion hack of its platform.

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Alaska's Dan Sullivan 'conspiracy' that has Trump seething

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 08:10:00 -0000

Could US voters be confused by two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot in Alaska's Senate race.

New York Times' reporting suggests there was an elaborate scheme by Democratic party operatives to get another Dan Sullivan on the ballot against the Republican incumbent.

The US Justice Department says that if the original Dan Sullivan narrowly loses, the result should not be certified and an investigation should be launched into whether voters were confused.

So are voters confused, and what could the reporting about the second Dan Sullivan mean for the result?

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Why Erin Patterson will likely die in jail after losing her appeal

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 05:13:00 -0000

Victoria's highest court has dismissed mushroom murderer Erin Patterson's appeal against her convictions and granted the prosecution's appeal, meaning she will likely die in jail.

The Court of Appeal found her offending involved such shocking criminality that it was inappropriate to fix a non-parole period, removing the chance of parole after 33 years.

So what legal options, if any, does Patterson have left?

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Remembering Sir Patrick Stewart, Captain Picard and Professor X

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 04:55:00 -0000

Sir Patrick Stewart, the actor known as Captain Picard in Star Trek and Professor X in X-Men, has died aged 86.

His family said he died in the loving care of his wife Sunny following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

So what made his work, from Shakespearean stage dramas to Hollywood, span so many generations?

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Why Erin Patterson will likely spend life in prison

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 02:55:00 -0000

Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson has lost her appeal against her murder convictions and will now likely spend the rest of her life in prison.

The Court of Appeal dismissed her grounds and upheld the prosecution's appeal, with Justice Stephen McLeish saying that given the seriousness of the crimes, it was inappropriate for parole to be an option.

So what legal options does Patterson have left?

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The Spainish train crash leaked recordings

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

At least 69 people have died after a train travelling at full speed crashed into another that was stopped on the tracks south of Madrid on Wednesday morning.

Leaked recordings in Spanish media reveal a controller told the Renfe driver to continue at normal speed minutes before the crash, while an expert says multiple safety systems should have been in place.

So what does the second major rail incident in Spain in 2026 say about the safety of its rail network, just a month out from general elections?

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Why are anorexia and bulimia numbers increasing?

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

A new study looking at anorexia and bulimia has found cases have increased 71 per cent around the world since 1990.

And unfortunately, Australia has the highest rate of cases, and that number is expected to continue to grow.

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Actor Patrick Stewart dies aged 86

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:45:00 -0000

Whether it was as Captain Picard in Star Trek, Professor X in XMen or on stage in Shakespearean dramas, Patrick Stewart's work spanned demographics and generations.

The award winning actor died in his Los Angeles home yesterday, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

His family has remembered him for his dignity, compassion and humanity.

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Should Australian workers get paid reproductive leave by law?

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 07:11:06 -0000

A federal inquiry into Australia's minimum workplace standards is considering whether workers should get paid reproductive leave on top of their existing sick leave.

Unions, lawyers and advocates are pushing for at least 10 days of leave to cover things like fertility treatment, menstrual pain, menopause, endometriosis, and even conditions affecting men like prostate cancer screening and vasectomies.

But not everyone agrees on the best approach.

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Why are unapproved peptides still allowed to be prescribed by doctors?

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 03:05:00 -0000

A coroner has recommended the TGA consider further restrictions on some unapproved peptides after actor Richard Norton collapsed and died following injections prescribed by his doctor.

His death is believed to be Australia's first confirmed death from unapproved peptide use, and the coroner found he had been taking more than he had been prescribed.

Doctors can prescribe peptides using their own judgement, but experts say the evidence they are safe for humans is not there, so should anyone be taking them?

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What we know about Spain's deadly train crash

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:45:00 -0000

At least 68 people have been killed after two trains collided south of Madrid.

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How Russia's faster, deadlier drones are reshaping warfare

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:45:00 -0000

Russia is increasingly using jet-powered drones known as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, which are faster, deadlier and harder to shoot down than their propeller-driven predecessors.

Ukraine was once able to intercept up to 90 per cent of Shahed-type drones, but a drone warfare expert says it was recently able to intercept only 60 per cent of the new types.

So should other countries be concerned?

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Will plug-in solar panels work for apartment residents?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 07:00:00 -0000

Australia's energy ministers have agreed to investigate plug-in solar, which could open up the benefits of rooftop solar to renters and apartment residents.

Western Australia has announced consultation on safety standards for plug-in solar panels, which can be placed on a balcony and taken with a renter when they move.

So how much power can they generate, and what will strata companies say?

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How can the loneliness crisis be tackled?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0000

A recent survey from Ending Loneliness Together has found more than half of people living in Australia are either lonely, socially isolated or both.

Community groups such as the Old Bastards in Carnarvon and the Chatterbox program on the Gold Coast are working to connect people.

So why has so little been done about it?

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Can Victoria's Coalition end 12 years of Labor rule?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:40:00 -0000

Around 4 million Victorians will head to the polls for a state election on 28 November in which One Nation is contesting alongside Labor and the Liberal-National Coalition.

Labor is seeking a fourth consecutive term after 12 years in government, and a party needs 45 of the 88 lower house seats to form majority government.

So is there change on the horizon for Victoria?

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Could Israelis vote again leaving Netanyahu as caretaker?

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:15:00 -0000

Israel's election is too close to call, with exit polls suggesting Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party is likely to be the largest in the Knesset but neither bloc has a majority.

Exit polls show Mr Netanyahu's coalition at 50 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, while parties representing Palestinian citizens of Israel are projected to grow from 10 seats to 18.

So could Israel be heading back to the polls?

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Why Flávio Bolsonaro left Brazil after losing the election

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:05:00 -0000

Brazilian presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has left the country after losing the election, and the United States has agreed to issue visas to him and his family.

He is under investigation for corruption and money laundering, which he denies, and he did not surrender his passports as a Supreme Court had ordered.

So why did he choose to go to the United States?

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Which Centrelink recipients are eligibile for government compensation?

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 18:45:00 -0000

The federal government's welfare compliance regime is being partially switched back on.

It's also offering compensation to tens of thousands of people whose payments were wrongly cancelled.

Advocacy groups say they're not convinced the system has actually been fixed, and disability organisations are calling for the whole framework to be scrapped.

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Is AI giant Anthropic really worth up to $2 trillion US?

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:10:00 -0000

US artificial intelligence company Anthropic, the firm behind Claude, is about to launch what could become the biggest stock market float in history, with forecasts putting its value at up to $US2 trillion.

Australian mum and dad investors may not be able to buy in just yet, with shares being made available to so-called sophisticated investors.

Revenue has surged but Anthropic is yet to turn a profit, so is the company really worth almost $3 trillion in Australian dollars?

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Is 2026 the year of 'maxxing'?

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:45:00 -0000

Online dictionary, Dictionary.com has named "maxxing" as it's Word of the Year for 2026.

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What are the proposed changes to sunscreen?

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:45:00 -0000

Australian sunscreen brands will be forced to test the SPF of their products multiple times, under stricter rules designed to restore public confidence in sunscreens.

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AI to drive more everyday disruptions, warns cyber agency

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 18:45:00 -0000

The Australian Signals Directorate is warning the country to prepare for disruptions to essential services more often, as it grapples with a surge in AI-driven cyber attacks.

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How MPs honoured Helen Haines as parliament returns

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:40:00 -0000

Federal Parliament has spent most of its first sitting day since the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines hearing tributes to her.

Helen Haines remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, with the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader both hoping to see her back in parliament soon.

So does heated parliamentary debate play any part in political violence?

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Why Brazilians see Lula's win as a rebuke to US meddling

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 05:35:00 -0000

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has defied polls, precedent and global anti-incumbent sentiment to be elected to a fourth term in a run-off.

With every vote counted, Brazil's electoral court says Lula won 51.8 per cent, a lead of nearly 4.4 million votes over Flávio Bolsonaro, who is refusing to concede.

So with a hostile Congress and a politically divided country, how much of his social welfare agenda can Lula deliver?

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Why are working families struggling to buy food?

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 23:15:00 -0000

There is a concerning creep of food insecurity into 'middle Australia' according to the latest hunger report by Foodbank.

One in three households is now struggling to put food on the table, and even those in full time work are having to find help.

So, why are so many households struggling?

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Can Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership survive Israel's elections?

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 03:45:00 -0000

A large crowd in Tel Aviv has held a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, ahead of what has been described as the most consequential election in the country's history.

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What are the allegations against Meghan Markle's dad?

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 03:45:00 -0000

The rift between Meghan Markle and her estranged father is back in the spotlight - after it was revealed that she was told of disturbing allegations relating to him back in 2018.

And, recently, it's been alleged thousands of child sexual abuse images were found at the former home of Thomas Markle Senior in the Philippines.

He's denied the allegations, describing them as 'sick lies'.

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Sydney finally gets a second airport, but where's the control tower?

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 07:50:00 -0000

Western Sydney International Airport is preparing for its first passengers, with a second Sydney airport finally a reality after more than half a century of concept discussion, protests and delays.

Its check-in counters are digital and open to any airline, and its air traffic controllers will work from Eastern Creek, 20 kilometres away, watching a live view from about 25 cameras.

The airport is not yet connected to Sydney's train network, so how will travellers get there until the Metro line opens?

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Could a vaccine stop melanoma deaths?

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 07:45:00 -0000

A personalised mRNA vaccine plus an immunotherapy drug cut the risk of death or melanoma returning by 42 per cent compared with the drug alone, a trial led by Professor Georgina Long has found.

Each vaccine is designed from the patient's own tumour to help their immune system recognise it, and was given to patients who had melanoma surgically removed but were at risk of it returning.

Experts caution the treatment is intended for advanced stage melanoma patients.

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Snowy Hydro 2.0 costs have doubled again, will the project go on?

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

The cost of building the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro scheme has doubled again, with a new report finding it could reach $25 billion and not come online until 2029.

Announced in 2017, Snowy 2.0 is Australia's biggest renewable energy project and was expected to cost $2 billion and be operating by 2021.

Snowy Hydro and the Albanese Government say work must continue, while the Coalition wants Energy Minister Chris Bowen sacked, so what happens now?

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Why are hosts angry with new Airbnb rules?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:15:00 -0000

Guests will find leaving an Airbnb rental is soon more like checking out of a hotel.

The company is moving to ban hosts from asking to them to do check out chores, like stripping the beds or washing dishes.

The changes will come into effect from November 20.

Hosts are not happy, they're warning it could mean higher cleaning fees, higher prices - or even having listings pulled from the site.

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If the AI boom goes bust, what happens to our super?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 20:45:00 -0000

You may have heard about the artificial intelligence bubble.

In finance, a bubble is when the hype around something far outstrips its actual value and at some point it can pop in a big way.

Then, as the famous American investor Warren Buffett, puts it: "'only when the tide goes out you find out who's been swimming naked".

But are we all exposed?

What happens to our hard earned superannuation, invested here and overseas, if the AI boom goes bust, and triggers a stock market crash?

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Is Snowy 2.0 still worth it after years of cost blowouts?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:15:00 -0000

Snowy 2.0's budget may have blown out again, with a new cost reassessment putting the price tag at 22 billion dollars, up from an original estimate of just 2 billion when the project was announced in 2017.

There are big questions now about whether a full cost-benefit analysis will be made public, and what the latest figure means for Australian taxpayers and energy consumers.

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Will Trump become a lame duck after the US midterms?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 07:45:00 -0000

Midterm elections are coming up in the United States, and they could seriously shake up Donald Trump's second term.

Republicans currently control both the House and the Senate, but polling is telling an interesting story about whether that's about to change.

What do the experts think is likely to happen, and what would it mean for the rest of Trump's presidency?

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Would parents know if their child was being radicalised online?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 04:45:00 -0000

The Australian Federal Police has told a parliamentary inquiry that AI is speeding up the radicalisation of children.

Police say children as young as 11 are being radicalised, in some cases within days, and that they come from any background.

Experts say families should watch for children withdrawing from friends and keep conversations going, so what does that look like at home?

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How dangerous are e-bikes and e-scooters?

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released the first national data on hospitalisations linked to electronic bikes and scooters and it shows e-scooter hospitalisations have more than tripled since 2019.

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Vodafone accuses rival of being behind millions of scam calls

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:45:00 -0000

Vodafone analysed millions of scam calls on its network during a one-year period, finding 98 per cent came from internet phone company Symbio.

Symbio is owned by Aussie Broadband who says stopping the scammers is very difficult.

Aussie Broadband has committed to working with Vodafone's owner TPG to reduce the volume of scam calls while Australia's Scams Prevention Framework is due to be introduced next year.

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Why are house prices continuing to fall?

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:30:00 -0000

Over the past few months we've been hearing house prices are going down.

The latest figures from real estate platform Domain confirm that trend.

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Why are experts sounding the alarm about youth radicalisation?

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 18:45:00 -0000

Youth deradicalisation experts, the AFP and ASIO are calling for a societal approach to tackling rising threats, as the AFP warned of a 'tsunami' of youth crime hitting the country, due to rapid online radicalisation.

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Husband speaks of 'fighter' Helen Haines and her long recovery

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 06:40:00 -0000

Independent MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition in the Alfred Hospital, and her husband says she has had both legs amputated after the alleged attack.

The man accused of the attack, Brendan Nugent, has appeared in the Wangaratta Magistrates Court, where no application for bail was made and he will remain in custody.

The motive for the attack is still unknown and the case returns to court on February 4, so what happens next?

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Helen Haines' alleged attacker Brendan Nugent faces court

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:55:00 -0000

The man accused of repeatedly ramming independent MP Helen Haines has faced court in Wangaratta.

Brendan Nugent did not speak or enter a plea, and court documents show police have also charged him over cannabis cultivation and possession.

His lawyer has revealed his client has a neurological condition.

So what happens next, and what does the attack mean for the safety of MPs?

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Is AI behind job cuts at NAB and the big banks?

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

National Australia Bank has become the latest Australian bank to announce job cuts, saying it will shed about 2,500 people.

The bank blames challenging economic conditions and a sharp drop in home lending, while more than 7,000 banking jobs have been axed across the sector.

Experts say artificial intelligence is replacing human jobs, so should the banks be compelled to be more open about their restructuring plans?

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What have Russel Brand's accusers told the jury in his rape trial?

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 20:45:00 -0000

The jury in Russell Brand's criminal trial in London has now heard evidence from all six accusers.

Mr Brand, who's 51, is on trial for three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault relating to six women over a 10-year period from 1999 to 2009.

He's pleaded not guilty and previously told police he never engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity.

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What we know about the attack on Helen Haines

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 18:45:00 -0000

Shock waves are still reverberating through the community of Independent MP Helen Haines after a horror attack on Monday.

The 65-year-old has lost a leg after being rammed by a car outside her electorate office in Wangaratta in north east Victoria and remains in a Melbourne hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Police allege 43 year old Brendan Nugent was driving the vehicle that struck Helen Haines

He's been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury and the commonwealth offence of causing harm to a commonwealth public official.

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Is online abuse fuelling real-world violence against politicians?

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 06:45:00 -0000

Threats and harassment against Australian politicians have been rising for years, and the alleged attack against Independent MP Helen Haines has brought that danger into sharp focus.

Senior figures including ministers, MPs, and security chiefs are now speaking out about the scale of the problem, from online abuse to serious threats of violence.

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What we know about the attack on Helen Haines

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

Indi MP Helen Haines is in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after being "attacked" near her electorate office in Wangaratta, north-east Victoria.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is leading cross-party condemnation of the incident, as he reveals counter-terrorism police are investigating.

Victoria Police said a 43-year-old Tarrawingee man has been arrested following the incident.

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Why protests are igniting across Europe

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:45:00 -0000

A wave of protests is sweeping parts of Europe, with people voicing their discontent about a range of social issues linked to the rising cost of living.

It's leading to violence in the streets and some regions are imposing curfews as authorities try to restore calm.

But upcoming elections across the region could lead to more unrest.

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Will Australia ever have universal mobile coverage?

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Australia has just passed laws requiring mobile coverage almost anywhere in the country, including remote areas currently outside the mobile map.

The new rules would rely on low-Earth-orbit satellite technology to deliver basic calls and texts, but there are real questions about cost, funding, and whether the industry can actually deliver it.

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Are we measuring Australia's productivity the wrong way?

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

Australia's productivity problem is a familiar story, but there's a growing argument that the way we measure it is flawed.

As the economy shifts away from manufacturing toward health, education, and care work, researchers say the official figures aren't capturing the full picture.

The Productivity Commission agrees the challenge is real, and there's new evidence suggesting the gap between what we measure and what's actually happening could be significant.

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What is Jordon Steele-John saying about allegations against him?

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 21:00:00 -0000

The Greens have been in crisis management for days over reports of allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women by WA Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John.

The Senator's denied the allegations, and has now blamed the public fallout on party "factionalism".

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What we know about Sally Contarino's disappearance in Las Vegas

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 03:19:50 -0000

The family of a young Melbourne woman who's been missing in Las Vegas for four months have criticised US police efforts to find her.

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Trump's new press secretary ousted... what went wrong?

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 06:52:19 -0000

US President Donald Trump has reportedly sacked Katie Zacharia, less than a week after she took on the role of White House press secretary.

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Who's in the wrong amid the Kelly Clarkson bird dispute?

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Kelly Clarkson has gone viral after claiming staff at a Brooklyn toy store refused to sell her a mechanical bird.

The store's co-owner has a very different version of events, and what followed was a messy back-and-forth involving review bombs, fan pile ons, and questions about whether the bird was ever actually for sale.

It's the kind of story that shouldn't matter, but somehow caught the world's attention.

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What will Victoria's new auction reserve laws change?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:30:00 -0000

Auctions in Victoria will look different from this weekend.

New laws requiring vendors to advertise the reserve price one week in advance of an auction, will be fully in effect.

The change will make the buying process more transparent, but some in the real estate industry say the move could leave people selling their homes out of pocket.

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What are the allegations against Jordon Steele-John?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:15:00 -0000

"Multiple allegations" of inappropriate behaviour in the presence of women have been made against Greens senator Jordon Steele-John.

The WA senator says he "utterly rejects this characterisation" and is prepared to address the allegations.

So, what do we know?

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Does higher unemployment mean interest rate rises are now over?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0000

The unemployment rate has crept up to its highest level in five years, and it's a result some policymakers have actually been hoping for.

So why would anyone want to see more Australians out of work, and what could it mean for your mortgage?

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Military police probe hidden camera on HMAS Leeuwin in Cairns

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0000

Military police are investigating the discovery of a hidden camera inside a female-only cabin on a navy ship.

The incident has prompted Senator Jacqui Lambie to raise the alarm in the Senate, and she says it's far from an isolated case.

It's also sparked a broader debate about whether the defence force can clean up its own culture, or whether an independent body needs to step in.

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Is the US abandoning Ukraine on the battlefield against Russia?

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

The relationship between the US and Ukraine appears to be fracturing.

Kyiv's accusing Washington of withholding critical intelligence about Russian missile strikes and restricting Starlink services at a moment when Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure are intensifying.

At the same time, Donald Trump has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel and publicly called for Ukraine to replace its leader.

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No restaurant in Australia had a Michelin star. How did SA change that?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

South Australia has made culinary history this week, with 11 eateries becoming the first in the nation to receive world-renowned Michelin stars.

The red carpet was rolled out for the Michelin Man in Adelaide, dishing out 10 one-star ratings and, and one two star rating.

So how did South Australia get all these Michelin stars?

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Russell Brand's rape trial begins

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:45:00 -0000

The rape trial for British comedian and actor Russell Brand has begun in the UK.

Brand has been has charged with three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault

He's pleaded not guilty.

So what do we know about the case?

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Is the high price of fuel here to stay?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 20:30:00 -0000

Australians are once again getting smashed at the bowser.

Petrol's bad enough at about 240 cents a litre across the country.

But diesel is much worse, over 280 cents, which is a blow for the likes of farmers and people in construction who need it for their heavy vehicles.

These high prices have left many asking: where to from here?

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Were Russian propaganda bots taken offline by Ukrainian attacks?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian data centres, knocking out services tied to Yandex, Russia's biggest search engine, and causing disruption across dozens of cities.

President Zelensky's claimed the strikes took Russian propaganda bots offline.

But does the claim stack up, and what does it mean for the long-running debate about Russia's influence online?

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Is a shaky start fatal for Trump's new press secretary?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:45:00 -0000

The new White House press secretary Katie Zaharia has made her debut at the podium, and by most accounts it didn't go well.

With the midterm elections just weeks away, there's a lot riding on how effectively the Trump administration can get its message out.

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How serious is Pope Leo's lung cancer diagnosis?

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung at a Rome hospital.

There are questions now about what this means for the 71-year-old pope's future, and how the Catholic Church handles leadership when a pope is incapacitated.

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What's behind the rise in violence against children?

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 22:15:00 -0000

New research has found recorded rates of sexual and family violence-related assault involving Australian children rose over the last decade with the sharpest increase in recent years.

The study from the University of Sydney used data from national police-recorded assaults, hospitalisations, and child protection data from three Australian national agency databases.

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How hackers are targeting French supermarket fridges

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

Hundreds of French supermarket refrigerators have been targeted in a cyber attack that's caused fires and food losses.Paris prosecutors are investigating after hackers remotely raised fridge temperatures to as high as 50 degrees Celsius.

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Why women are more at risk as dementia cases look to soar

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:40:00 -0000

A new international dementia study predicts cases will skyrocket in coming decades, and women will be disproportionately affected.

The new study from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of NSW predicts women and people from low and middle income countries will experience higher rates of the disease.

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How our ageng population is straining the health system

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 22:15:00 -0000

There are fresh warnings about the pressure Australia's aging population is putting on our health system, with doctors bracing for a huge spike in older patients in the next few decades.

A new report from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine says emergency departments are bracing for a more than 400 per cent increase in patients aged 85 and over by 2050.

Doctors say the health system is already at a tipping point.

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Would publicly owned supermarkets make groceries cheaper?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:45:00 -0000

The Australian Greens' official research body is proposing a federal government-owned supermarket chain called Fair Go Grocers, which it claims could cut the average grocery bill by 22%.

The plan would involve nationalising hundreds of Coles and Woolworths stores, but critics say the idea isn't workable.

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Can Australia stop an execution being livestreamed?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:45:00 -0000

The planned livestream of the US military execution of former army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan is drawing criticism in Australia, with politicians from One Nation to the Greens calling on the federal government to act.

There are real questions about whether a ban would even be enforceable, and whether it amounts to censorship.

And experts are also warning about the broader effects of making a state execution into public viewing.

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Why are the Houthis and Saudi Arabia attacking each other?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 22:30:00 -0000

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran backed Houthis in Yemen is escalating

The international airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh has been hit by deadly air strikes

The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attacks -and reported on Sunday that two air strikes also hit Yemen's capital, Sanaa.

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Why is 'Manosphere' content rife among teen boys?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:30:00 -0000

Teenage boys who say they don't search for or engage with manosphere content are still being fed misogynistic videos via social media.

While the federal government is drafting new laws to "switch off" social media algorithms, experts say it's not as simple as it seems.

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Why are data centre developers looking to the bush?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 18:45:00 -0000

Data centres used to be mainly clustered around Sydney and Melbourne.

But the new generation of AI factories are bigger and way more power hungry.

So now developers are scouring the bush to look for the perfect spot to build one of these server farms which will handle AI queries and training for the likes of Claude and Chat GTP.

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Is Trump siding with Russia over Ukraine on oil?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0000

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are in an escalating dispute over Russian oil, and it's got Trump saying Ukraine should get a new leader.

So why is the US appearing to side with Russia, and what's driving a deal that cuts against its longstanding stance on the war?

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Did your favourite coffee quietly swap to a cheaper bean?

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 02:30:00 -0000

The price of coffee beans has surged to record highs, and some major brands have quietly changed what's inside their products without making it obvious on the packaging.

Australian food labelling rules don't require companies to identify the type of bean unless they make a specific claim about it, which means a recipe can change without much fanfare.

So are coffee drinkers getting enough information to know what they're actually buying?

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Is Russia telling the truth about the Irkutsk plague lab death?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:50:00 -0000

A 28-year-old woman who worked at a plague research institute in Siberia has died.

The World Health Organization has asked Russia for more information about the death.

Hear what a former White House pandemic expert says would worry him and what the WHO wants from Russia.

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The fallout after data centre company Firmus axes its planned ASX float

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

Firmus is a data centre operator backed by chip-making giant Nvidia and it has axed its plan to list on the Australian share market.

The float had been billed as one of the biggest debuts in the history of the market, and it was a $44 billion float.

So what went wrong?

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What happens after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's win on raid warrants?

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:40:00 -0000

UK police have admitted the warrants used to search Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's homes in February were unlawful, and the High Court has quashed them.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and has been investigated over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

A solicitor says the setback does not necessarily jeopardise the broader investigation, so what happens to the evidence police gathered?

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Why are children confiding in chatbots instead of people?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:30:00 -0000

New research shows a troubling number of young abuse victims in Australia are staying silent or turning to AI chatbots instead of a trusted adult.

Australia's Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett says it's a trend that highlights the limits of what police can do, and calls for a whole-of-community response.

So what does the research actually show, and what can caregivers do to help?

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Sam Wood denied bail on DV charges, what did the court hear?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000

Prominent fitness influencer and reality TV star Sam Wood has been denied bail on domestic violence charges and remanded in custody until 23 November.

Queensland police allege Mr Wood assaulted his wife during a family argument in Noosa on Saturday 3 October.

So what did the court hear from the prosecution and from Mr Wood's lawyer?

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Will the ATO be forced to accept credit cards?

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 02:40:00 -0000

The Australian Taxation Office has announced it will stop accepting credit cards as payments from 1 December, in response to the Reserve Bank's reforms to ban surcharge fees on card payments.

The ATO says absorbing the surcharge would effectively transfer the cost to all taxpayers, but the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants the decision reversed.

So what does the change mean for small businesses that use credit cards to manage their cash flow?

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Rents are flatlining, but it's not great news

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

There's some new data out that could sound like good news for renters: it shows that rents are flat lining in most capital cities.

In fact, for the first time in two years, the price of rent in Sydney has even dropped!

But rents aren't going up anymore because tenants are at breaking point after years of increases.

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How consequential is the High Court ruling on Australian coal mining?

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:00:00 -0000

The High Court has found planning authorities must factor in the emissions from fossil fuels burned overseas when approving projects, such as mines.

The judgement centres on a New South Wales mine expansion.

While environmental groups are hailing the case as a win, law experts are sceptical it will set a broader legal precedent across the country.

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Genetic testing legal protections begin. What's changing?

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:30:00 -0000

Life insurance companies are now legally banned from using genetic test results to deny people cover or charge them more.It ends a long and anxious wait for some Australians, who've been delaying the tests out of fear for their insurance.

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The mystery illness at a Russian plague laboratory explained

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:00:00 -0000

A mystery illness linked to a plague laboratory in Russia is being watched around the world, after a 28-year-old woman died on October 2.

Russian authorities say they have traced her contacts and the situation is stable.

So what do we know and is there any reason to be alarmed about pneumonic plague?

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Christa Pike is speaking, can she be put to death again?

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:45:00 -0000

Lawyers for US death row inmate Christa Pike say she is awake and speaking six days after Tennessee's attempt to execute her by lethal injection failed.

Tennessee's governor has halted executions for the rest of the year and ordered a review, and the state's prison chief is resigning.

A legal expert says Pike may satisfy the legal test for cruel and unusual punishment, and her attorneys will ask the governor to commute her sentence to life in prison without parole.

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What the Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery merger means for Hollywood

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:40:00 -0000

Paramount Pictures has bought Warner Bros Discovery in a mega-merger that has created Skydance, one of the biggest media empires in the world.

Skydance will control HBO, DC Comics, New Line Cinema, CBS, CNN and Channel 10 in Australia, and will be led by David Ellison, son of tech billionaire and Trump ally Larry Ellison.

Entertainment journalist Kim Masters says large layoffs are widely expected, and a Deakin University professor says the merger could undermine American democracy.

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Why are French high school students protesting?

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 22:15:00 -0000

Tens of thousands of high school students have been protesting across France against under staffing and dilapidated classrooms.

The demonstrations have turned violent at times , with police firing tear gas and protesters lighting fires in the streets and hurling projectiles.

So what's happening in France?

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What Israelis say three years after October 7

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:30:00 -0000

Three years on from Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israelis are pausing to remember the day that changed their country and set off a chain of events that has reshaped the region.

About 1,200 people were killed and hundreds were taken hostage, and the war in Gaza that followed continues, with more than 74,000 Palestinians killed according to local health authorities.

With an election three weeks away, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opponents are promising a national, independent inquiry into what happened, something he has refused.

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What's with all the moths in Australia's south-east?

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000

After a devastating population crash around 2017, the endangered Bogong moth appears to be making a remarkable comeback.

Researchers have a few theories about what's behind the explosion in numbers this year, from good rainfall to unusual wind patterns.

The moths are a crucial part of the alpine ecosystem, but there's still a lot scientists don't fully understand about them and their extraordinary journey.

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What the Coalition's immigration plan means for students and bridging visas

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:40:00 -0000

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has announced the Coalition's migration policy, which he says is the biggest cut to immigration in the history of the country.

Under the plan, net overseas migration would fall to 100,000 a year for the first two years, rising to 160,000 by year four, compared with Labor's target of 225,000 a year by mid-2028.

How does it compare to One Nation's plan and who is being targeted for cuts?

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How Jeffrey Archer went from young MP to bankrupt to bestselling novelist

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 01:20:00 -0000

British author and former MP Jeffrey Archer has died at home aged 86, on the eve of the release of his final novel, Adam and Eve.

He became an MP at 29, was bankrupted, turned to writing novels, and was jailed for perjury in 2001 over his 1987 libel case against the Daily Star.

So how will Jeffrey Archer be remembered?

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Why Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is taking police to court

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

The former Prince Andrew has launched legal action against police in the UK who arrested him earlier this year.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has filed a claim with the High Court in London against Thames Valley Police over search warrants in February.

The younger brother of King Charles is already at the centre of one of Britain's biggest royal scandals, but this legal battle is not about proving his innocence.

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Cockpit doors keep threats out, but what if the threat is within?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:50:00 -0000

A flydubai pilot has been accused of attacking his colleague in the cockpit in an alleged attempt to seize control of the plane and crash it.

With reports the alleged attacker had been grounded at another airline over security concerns, should there be more information sharing between airlines?

The cockpit doors, strengthened after September 11, also complicate matters, as they can keep rescuers out as well as potential hijackers.

So what can airlines and regulators do about the risk of a radicalised or mentally unwell pilot?

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What are the lessons from Qld's illegal tobacco crackdown?

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0000

Queensland's crackdown on illicit tobacco appears to be having an impact, with new data showing a significant jump in legal cigarette sales after tough new laws came into force in November.

Other states are watching closely as they battle their own illicit tobacco problems, but not everyone agrees the Queensland figures tell the full story.

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Could Democrats take control of US Congress next month?

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Midterm elections in the Untied States are just weeks away, and Republicans are facing real pressure to hold onto their narrow majorities in both houses of Congress.

Polls suggest Donald Trump's economic policies have hit voters hard, and Democrats are eyeing seats across the country, including in states they haven't won in decades.

With redrawn voting maps, a fresh wave of progressive candidates, and Donald Trump making some eyebrow-raising promises, there's a lot at stake before polling day on November 3.

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What we know about the flydubai pilot and his Australian links

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 19:00:00 -0000

A clearer picture is emerging about the attempted FlyDubai plane hijacking and the man allegedly behind it.

And while Omani national, 29 year old Hammam al-Hammami's exact motive for attacking his co-pilot with an axe and trying to crash the plane is unclea, authorities and experts believe he harboured extremist views.

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How Newcastle united amid elation and heartbreak

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 05:15:00 -0000

On the eve of the decider, a crash involving fans transformed the mood from excitement to heartbreak, leaving a Newcastle's community struggling to balance its grand final hopes with concern for those injured.

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Which insect wins your vote for Australian Insect of the Year?

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:35:00 -0000

Two butterflies, two beetles, a glow-worm and a fly with eyes on stalks are the finalists for the 2026 ABC Australian Insect of the Year.

Poll coordinator Gavin McGrath says the vote is about drawing attention to insects and conservation, and entomologist Ken Walker says only 30 per cent of Australia's insects have been named.

So which insect will win the national vote, which runs until the end of October?

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Why death row inmate Christa Pike didn't die after two shots of a lethal drug

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:05:00 -0000

Tennessee officials were unable to put murderer Christa Pike to death after two doses of pentobarbital, and her lawyers say she is in a critical condition.

Pike was 18 when she tortured and killed schoolmate Colleen Slemmer in 1995, and her clemency plea citing childhood trauma was rejected.

But why was Christa Pike still breathing after being given the supposedly lethal injections?

A medical expert says her veins fell apart and the drug burned her arm. What happens next?

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Former minister revealed as co-founder of offshore casino

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:00:00 -0000

A German activist has released documents from inside a Caribbean gambling regulator.

The leak revealed De-Anne Kelly's past involvement with LuckyBet casino.

Ms Kelly had argued in support of the Interactive Gambling Act decades before LuckyBet was warned about allegedly contravening it.

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What we know about the flydubai attempted hijacking

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:00:00 -0000

We're getting a clearer picture about the terrifying incident that happened mid-air during a flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv.

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What’s to gain from getting it right with data centres?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Data centres are popping up everywhere as Australia rides the AI boom.

But they are causing controversy here and around the world, so experts say it is crucial Australia’s leaders negotiate hard with tech giants so Australia can benefit in the long run.

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Why businesses are angry over the ATO ban on credit card payments

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:45:00 -0000

The small business sector has slammed the ATO for giving only two months' notice of the change which they say could leave some owners struggling to pay their tax bills.

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How did US inmate Christa Pike survive two 'lethal' injections?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:45:00 -0000

Christa Pike, who has spent more than three decades on death row in Tennessee, survived two doses of what was supposed to be a lethal injection and was taken to hospital.

A court-ordered pause was lifted by the US Supreme Court before the attempt, and the state's governor has halted executions for the rest of the year and ordered a review.

So how can an attempted execution go so wrong?

Be aware that this story includes disturbing details of a crime and how the death penalty is administered.

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Is it time for an e-bike crackdown?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:40:00 -0000

The New South Wales government has crushed its first batch of illegal e-bikes into scrap metal under tough new confiscation laws.

The 23 high-powered e-bikes were seized by police on Sydney's northern beaches, as more children are being injured on e-bikes and scooters.

Laws vary widely across the country, so should e-bike rules be the same everywhere?

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How much further could house prices fall?

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 02:05:00 -0000

Australian house prices fell for a sixth straight month in September, and experts say the property market could experience falls of up to 15 per cent in the coming months off the back of higher interest rates and cuts to housing tax breaks.

Cotality's Home Value Index fell 1.1 per cent in September taking cumulative declines to 5.2 per cent below March's peak.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story suggested the auction resulted in investors purchasing the property, the audio has been changed to reflect it was actually won by first home buyers.

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What we know about the mid-air incident on a flight to Israel

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:45:00 -0000

Investigations are continuing after a pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv stabbed his co-pilot.

The attacker allegedly tried to crash the aircraft before passengers and crew stormed the cockpit and intervened.

Two off-duty pilots then stepped in and brought the plane in for an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

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Why an NRL Grand Final means so much for Newcastle

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

The NRL season is nearing its conclusion.

The Sydney Roosters and the Newcastle Knights will battle it out in Sunday for a shot at glory.

And while grand final appearances have been fairly common in recent years for the Roosters, it's been a long time between drinks for the Knights: a quarter of a century.

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What new inflation data means for the next RBA rate decision

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:40:00 -0000

Inflation rose to 4 per cent in the year to August, slightly lower than many expected, and market odds of another rate rise in November have fallen to 20 per cent.

Housing costs are up 5.7 per cent and transport is up 5.6 per cent over the year, while trimmed mean inflation, the measure the Reserve Bank watches most closely, is steady at 3.6 per cent.

ANZ says a November hike is more likely than not and Westpac expects one unless energy costs fall, while the Commonwealth Bank expects a hold, so will the Reserve Bank raise rates again?

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Trump's pact with 'super intelligence' leaders to self-police AI

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:50:00 -0000

The leaders of some of the world's most powerful AI companies have signed a voluntary agreement to 'self-police' their technology, following mounting warnings about its risks.

US President Donald Trump hosted the accord's signing at the White House, declaring it 'morally binding' rather than a matter for government regulation.

OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, Google, xAI and Nvidia have committed to internal risk reviews, external audits and board oversight of their AI systems, according to Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.

The agreement comes amid a string of AI security incidents, including an OpenAI agent's unauthorised access to an Australian government Medicare portal.

Is self-regulation enough to keep AI safe?

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How Manchester City was found guilty of football's 'biggest scandal'

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:40:00 -0000

Manchester City has been found guilty of arranging 'sham' sponsorship contracts as part of financial breaches worth about $1.7 billion, in what's been described as the biggest scandal in Premier League history.

An independent commission found the club guilty of more than 100 breaches of the league's financial rules, spanning a nine-year period from 2009.

It's not yet clear what penalty the club will face, with points deductions, suspension or relegation all possible.

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Was Netanyahu warned about the October 7 attack?

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

It was the worst ever breakdown of Israel's national security, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack, killing more than 1,200 people, and taking over 200 hostage.

Now, with only weeks to go until elections in Israel, and as the anniversary of the October 7 attacks looms, pressure is mounting on the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over what he knew and when in the lead up to the attacks.

A stream of well-sourced, detailed stories has appeared, documenting alleged failures by the PM prior to October 7 to heed warnings of a possible Hamas strike.

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Could the RBA's rate hikes tip Australia into recession?

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 06:50:00 -0000

The Reserve Bank has raised the cash rate to a 15-year high of 4.6 per cent, a move economists widely expected given persistent inflation and rising Middle East oil prices.

Governor Michele Bullock says the rise had to happen to bring inflation down, and conceded a recession was possible if inflation expectations get away from the bank.

Economist Cherelle Murphy from EY Oceania says the reasons behind high inflation are not easy to reverse, and further rate rises can't be ruled out.

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Should OpenAI have to report an AI hack the moment it happens?

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

The federal government is exploring whether to force tech companies to immediately report it when an artificial intelligence agent breaches a website, after OpenAI took months to reveal one of its agents had accessed a Medicare data portal.

An OpenAI agent got into public and private files containing information about government health programs in June, but the company didn't tell Services Australia until September.

Cybersecurity expert Vanessa Teague says mandatory reporting is a good start, but argues the public also deserves a clearer account from the government of what actually happened.

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What do we know about the RAF Fairford incident in the UK?

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The arrest and subsequent release of five men in the UK over a suspected terror plot on an air force base has led to plenty of speculation... and confusion.

They were detained after three vans were found close to the air base - which has been used by the US air force to attack Iran.

But questions remain over the men and what information intelligence authorities relied on.

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Why the RBA is expected to raise interest rates

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 19:45:00 -0000

The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to raise the cash rate this afternoon to its highest level in almost 15 years.

Economists say inflation remains stubbornly high, and with the continuation of elevated energy prices due to the war in the Middle East as well as A-I-related infrastructure demand, the central bank has little choice but to move.

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Why credit card rewards schemes are being slashed

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:20:00 -0000

Banks are cutting credit card rewards points, increasing fees and trimming travel insurance perks ahead of a ban on card surcharges.

The Commonwealth Bank has wound up its Qantas Frequent Flyer partnership in favour of a new in-house program called Yello.

So will Australians put up with smaller rewards, or start shopping around?

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Would you buy a COVID shot for $150?

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:05:00 -0000

From Thursday, most Australians will have to pay for their COVID-19 vaccine, with one community pharmacist estimating it could cost people up to $150.

Free vaccines will still be available to anyone 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and people with immunocompromised conditions.

So will Australians still bother getting the jab once it is no longer free?

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The fallout after OpenAI agents bypass security around the world

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 03:55:00 -0000

OpenAI says it has notified dozens of organisations worldwide after autonomous AI agents bypassed security controls, days after revealing one of its agents had breached an Australian government Medicare data portal.

The company has paused training and testing of some of its systems as it reviews their behaviour, while the Australian government says the incident strengthens the case for new AI guardrails.

So is tough regulation of the AI industry now inevitable?

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Card surcharges are gone, but will consumers actually save money?

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Card surcharges are banned from Thursday, in one of the biggest shake-ups to Australia's payment system in years.

The change is expected to save consumers around 1.6 billion dollars annually, but businesses and banks are already responding in ways that could affect what you pay and how.

What does the ban actually cover, and what could it mean for prices, credit card rewards, and the way Australians pay?

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Why Trump rejected Iran's deal to re-open Strait of Hormuz

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 06:45:00 -0000

Iran says diplomacy is the only way forward with the United States after US President Donald Trump rejected its latest deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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Drivers wince as diesel threatens to hit $4 a litre

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 05:50:00 -0000

Drivers, farmers and the transport industry can't help but notice the price of diesel at the moment.

It's been rising again as the war in Iran shows no sign of stopping and now Donald Trump is considering cutting off US exports of diesel.

But could it really hit four dollars a litre?

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What Albanese and Netanyahu told the United Nations General Assembly

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:45:00 -0000

Australia wants a say on the biggest issues in the world as it pitches for a temporary seat on the UN Security Council.

In a speech to the UN General Assembly in New York Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the world must unite to tackle climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence and the breakdown of international rules.

Despite the huge issues being discussed by Australia's Prime Minister, most attention at the United Nations was on Benjamin Netanyahu and his firey defence of Israel, in the face of global concern about Israel's actions in its war in Gaza.

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Why Fat Bear Week is about personalities, not just fatness

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:40:00 -0000

It's Alaska's most-watched popularity contest: Fat Bear Week is back for its 12th year at Katmai National Park.

Sixteen brown bears are competing and millions of people worldwide are voting online for their favourite after watching them on the park's live webcams.

Mike Fitz, the former park ranger who started the tradition in 2014, says fatness isn't the only thing that matters - a bear's story counts too.

So what does it actually take to become a Fat Bear Week champion?

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Could training AI models in Australia make us safer?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:30:00 -0000

Is Australia at the "mercy" of foreign AI?

The Open Ai breach has exposed Australia's current reliance on voluntary disclosure of incidents and raises questions around protections against overreach in Australia.

Now, there's suggestions one way the government could better succeed in regulating and shaping the technology's use in Australia, is by hosting the frontier AI learning models themselves here.

So could that make a difference?

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Lions' three-peat bid meets Fremantle's first shot at glory

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 21:30:00 -0000

It's the AFL Grand Final, and this one's steeped in history.

The Fremantle Dockers are chasing a maiden premiership after 30 years in the league, while the Brisbane Lions are one win away from a feat no team has managed since the AFL began in 1990.

Here's what you need to know ahead of Saturday's showdown.

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What the OpenAI agent accessed in the Medicare portal breach

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:00:00 -0000

An artificial intelligence agent built by OpenAI has accessed non-public Medicare data, in a breach Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says is extremely concerning.

The agent got into a Services Australia statistics portal in June after being blocked from public data, and OpenAI didn't tell the government until three months later.

The government stresses no individual's personal Medicare details were exposed.

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Could screening new dads' mental health help families?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:05:00 -0000

Fathers would be screened for perinatal depression alongside their partners under a new proposal.

Many pregnant women are offered mental health screening as part of their care but only about two per cent of men are screened.

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What do we know about the OpenAI-Medicare breach?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

A swarm of artificial intelligence agents has hacked into protected data on Australia's Medicare portal, one of the first breaches of its kind on a government database.

The prime minister says it took OpenAI three months to say anything about it.

So what was accessed, and why did it take so long for the government to find out?

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Daylight saving is upon some of us, so how can you prepare?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:15:00 -0000

The days are getting longer and warmer, and for the majority of the country that means daylight saving is upon us.

About two thirds of us will lose an hour of sleep on Sunday the 4th of October, while for others the clock won't move.

And as Josie Sargent from the Top Stories podcast explains, the spring forward has its lovers... and haters.

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What does Australia's largest longitudinal study say about us?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 20:30:00 -0000

Australia's cost of living crunch is showing up in more aspects of our lives than ever, including how long adult kids are sticking around at home and what's ending up on the dinner table.

But the latest HILDA longitudinal study results show when it comes to our relationships, we might actually be getting happier as the years go on.

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Rock legend Angry Anderson dies at 79

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:34:00 -0000

Rose Tattoo frontman Angry Anderson has died just weeks after being admitted to a hospital in Germany during the Australian rock band's European tour.

The 79-year-old singer spent 50 years in the music industry and also became a television presenter, charity worker and youth advocate.

Rose Tattoo's hits included Bad Boy for Love, Rock 'n' Roll Outlaw and We Can't Be Beaten, while Anderson found solo success with the song Suddenly.

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The million dollar plea to help find Gus Lamont

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 08:25:00 -0000

South Australia's Premier has announced a $1 million reward for anyone who can provide critical information about the disappearance of Gus Lamont.

It has been almost a year since the four-year-old was reported missing from his home at Oak Park Station, a vast property near Yunta in South Australia's outback.

The boy's parents have released a video statement desperately urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Why did Tones and I really pull out of the NRL grand final?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:15:00 -0000

The NRL grand final is set to go ahead without its traditional pre-match entertainment after negotiations with Australian artist Tones and I broke down.

Her management says a prior commitment was the sticking point, but the Sydney Morning Herald reports she refused to play her hit song Dance Monkey, despite the NRL's insistence.

The NRL boss Peter V'Landys now says the $1 million usually spent on the show will instead fund grassroots rugby league for children who can't afford to play.

So who might step in and does it even matter if there's no pre-match show at all?

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Are Australia's alcohol warning labels too easy to ignore?

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

When's the last time you noticed the warnings on alcohol labels?

New research suggests they're too small, too easy to miss, and don't spell out risks like cancer.

With Ireland and the UK about to make health warnings compulsory, the question is whether Australia's next.

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Should Australians be able to use super to buy a home?

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

Home ownership and retirement savings are often held up as two of the biggest financial goals Australians can achieve.

But could those goals be coming into conflict?

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What did Donald Trump say to the UN?

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:30:00 -0000

US President Donald Trump has addressed the UN General Assembly in New York - and has used his speech to justify his war in Iran and attempt to rebrand AI.

His appearance comes just six weeks out from the US mid-term elections in November.

So, has that impacted what he's spoken about?

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Why WA schools are banning smart glasses

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Western Australia is introducing what it says is the nation's toughest ban on smart glasses in schools.

Students, staff, parents and visitors will be prohibited from possessing or using devices capable of recording audio and video, amid growing concerns about privacy, deepfakes, and covert filming.

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The new search in the Nannup Four missing persons cold case

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It's been almost 20 years since four people, including a child, went missing from the small regional West Australian town of Nannup.

Their disappearance sparked a police investigation and an inquest that heard details of an online cult and a murder suicide pact.

So why are volunteers suddenly searching an area just south of where the four were last seen?

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How Victoria will manage its data centre rollout

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 03:30:00 -0000

Victoria has become the latest state to nail its colours to the mast with a set of restrictions controlling the rollout of new data centres.

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Why some US media outlets are suing the Trump administration

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 01:15:00 -0000

Three US media outlets have hit back at US President Donald Trump after he banned them from the White House last week.

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What's in Princess Diana's brother's bombshell memoir?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The late Princess Diana 's brother has released a memoir that drops some bombshell claims about the royal family.

And Earl Charles Spencer is particularly scathing towards his former brother-in-law who 's now King Charles III.

So - what 's he saying?

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'Disturbing' security flaw in cheap smart glasses

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:30:00 -0000

A new generation of ultra-cheap smart glasses is exposing Australians' sensitive data to hackers.

Basic testing has revealed stored videos and photos can be stolen from the controversial devices, using only bluetooth.

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What will Australia look like in 2065?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:45:00 -0000

The government's latest intergenerational report says a dropping fertility rate could lead to more deaths than births by the 2060s.

The report also predicts Australians will be living longer, with nearly two million people aged 85 and over.

It's set to create challenges for younger Australians, who'll likely be working longer than any generation before them.

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Sharks under scrutiny after fatal attack at Perth's Sorrento beach

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:15:00 -0000

Authorities in WA have given up on trying to capture the shark responsible for a killing a man on Friday.

It happened at Sorrento beach in Perth and the 63-year-old ocean swimmer was attacked by a suspected three-metre long Great White shark.

It's again raised questions about how humans should deal with the risk that comes with entering the water.

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Why Albanese's so keen for a seat on the UN Security Council

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:10:00 -0000

Anthony Albanese has launched Australia's campaign for a two-year seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029 and 2030.

The Prime Minister named artificial intelligence and climate change among the issues Australia wants a voice in shaping, and said the campaign would be modest in cost.

Only Australia and Finland have nominated for the two available seats, with a secret ballot in mid-2028.

So what does a seat actually get you, when five permanent members hold a veto?

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Trial begins for alleged murderer of Sydney couple

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:15:00 -0000

The trial of a former police officer accused of murdering Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies begins today.

It is alleged Beau Lamarre-Condon shot the pair with his service firearm inside Mr Baird's shared terrace in Sydney's east in 2024.

He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of domestic violence-related murder and one of aggravated break and enter.

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Are we doing enough to prevent domestic violence?

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 06:30:00 -0000

Three women have died in what police believe are family and domestic violence-related incidents in New South Wales on the weekend. Domestic violence support groups are warning that this time of year can also be a dangerous one... with AFL and NRL grand finals approaching.

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Trump bans several media outlets for reporting 'FAKE NEWS!'

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 04:45:00 -0000

US President Donald Trump is again lashing out at the media, banning a number of outlets from the White House.

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Labor's immigration crackdown explained

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:00:00 -0000

Plans to detain and deport visa overstayers, and cut down backpacker and student visa numbers are among the key pillars of Labor's new plan to reduce net migration.

How will it work and what will it mean for hopeful migrants and the industries that rely on them?

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How China could hack our power and telco networks 'today'

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:49:00 -0000

The nation's spy boss has warned China is actively preparing to switch off power and telecommunications networks in Australia, if a conflict breaks out.

The director general of ASIO, Mike Burgess, says Beijing is working to understand how those systems operate and it would probably target specific areas, like defence communications.

Cyber security experts say he's right and Australia needs to make sure it's ready for the possibility of hackers trying to shut down our networks.

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Did Charles really sound 'giddily elated' after Diana died?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 03:44:00 -0000

Almost thirty years after her death, there's new commentary about Princess Diana and the reaction of her former husband.

Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess of Wales, is releasing a memoir called Swan Song: Diana, My Sister.

It includes some bombshell claims about King Charles, including that he sounded 'giddily elated, like a lottery winner' in a phone call to Earl Spencer.

It's forced an unusual rebuke from the Palace.

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Why the Radiohead tour has caused such a fuss

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -0000

In a world of issues to care and angst about, for a lot of people this past week, there's only been one that's been front of mind: whether you could get tickets to Radiohead.

The legendary UK band announced 16 Australian shows in 2027 last week, their first in 15 years, which naturally sent fans into a big old frenzy.

A unique process to secure tickets followed which resulted in online queues of tens of thousands of people.

So why all the fuss about this band, and this tour?

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Unpacking the HYROX faecal incontinence saga

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised after continuing a HYROX competition in China after soiling herself mid-race.

The incident has gone viral and sparked disgusted, furious or even respectful reaction online.

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Can artists like Ed Sheeran be apolitical?

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:30:00 -0000

Ed Sheeran is yet to announce new support acts, following the walk out of his booked bands on the US leg of his Loop tour.

It follows Sheeran's promoter dropping rapper Macklemore over pro-Palestinian comments made during an earlier show.

Sheeran says he's trying to keep his gigs politics free, but can artists ever really be apolitical?

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Why has the US Federal Reserve raised interest rates?

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -0000

It looks like Donald Trump's pick to head the US federal reserve isn't following orders.

The man hand-selected by the US President has decided to do the exact opposite of what Mr Trump has been asking.

Chairman Kevin Warsh has announced an interest rate hike for the world's largest economy.

The President is not happy and has reiterated his calls for interest rates to be lowered.

So why has the Fed made a very different decision?

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What are the COVID vaccine changes in Australia?

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:30:00 -0000

Your COVID vaccine may not be free anymore.

After more than five years of free COVID vaccinations for all Australians, the rules are changing.

So what does this mean, and who will be affected?

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Anthropic's plan for Australia's largest data centre

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:45:00 -0000

As debate rages over Australian copyright and AI investment, Anthropic has inked a deal to run Australia's largest data centre, proposed for rural southern Queensland.

The company has signed a long-term lease for the 32-billion-dollar Western Downs Digital Park, and if approved, what's now a cattle feedlot would be transformed.

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How is Labor planning to slash net migration

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 18:45:00 -0000

After weeks of cabinet disagreement and delay the government has finally landed its much-anticipated migration policy, with plans to ban international students from bringing their families to the country.

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Why are Ed Sheeran's support acts quitting?

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 01:20:00 -0000

The US leg of Ed Sheeran's Loop tour is in tatters - after Macklemore was removed as a support artist over his comments supporting Palestinians.

Now, four more support acts have pulled out.

What's going on?

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Why is one of the Snowtown serial killers about to be freed

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Despite efforts from the South Australian Government, one of the country's most notorious serial killers is set to be released from prison.

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Creatives face opt-out model for AI training

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:30:00 -0000

The government has rejected criticism it's selling artists out to big tech, as leaked policy documents reveal the government is considering making inclusion in AI model training opt-out by default.

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Should councils ban smart glasses from playgrounds?

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:35:00 -0000

The AI boom is raising all sorts of fears around privacy, particularly when it comes to the growing popularity of smart glasses.

They are the wearable computers that look like ordinary spectacles, but can film and record handsfree, often facilitated by AI.

Now, a number of local councils are looking to ban the eye-wear from places like gyms and childcare centres, in response to concerns from local residents they may be filmed without their knowledge.

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Can Australia stop the AI apocalypse?

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 03:45:00 -0000

The heads of the leading artificial intelligence companies have agreed that a slow down in the development is needed before the technology becomes dangerous.

What can Australia do to regulate AI and protect its citizens?

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Why is fuel so expensive again?

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:30:00 -0000

You've probably noticed, fuel prices are on the rise again.

This week they hit a four-month high.

So what's behind this latest spike, and what lies ahead?

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Why is NSW cutting screentime in classrooms?

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 21:15:00 -0000

Classrooms in NSW will be a little different for kids next year - they 're going old school, returning to pen and paper for learning

The state government there has announced new guidelines that will limit the use of screens for coursework in public schools from Term 1 next year.

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What went wrong at Whyalla steelworks

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:48:00 -0000

Hundreds of jobs are lost and the future of the Whyalla steelworks is in question after administrators confirmed the blast furnace used to make steel is shut down for good.

State and federal governments have spent billions of dollars on the ailing facility, but it's going to take a new owner at last another $500 million to build a new electric furnace.

What happens next?

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How is One Nation proposing to slash migration?

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 03:45:00 -0000

One Nation has unveiled its migration policy.

The plan would see 750,000 places cut over the next three years.,the focus would be foreign students and migrant worker families.

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Why are tech executives calling for an AI slowdown?

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

It looks like the leaders of AI technology are willing to put competition aside to band together.

A number of the them say they agree that the development of artificial intelligence should be slowed down to protect the future of humans.

That's right on cue, because recently there have been serious alarms raised about AI, and the possibility of an AI Armageddon.

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Are jurors prepared for the mental health risks of serving on trials?

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Some of the most important people in our legal system enter the court with no specific training and are legally prevented from talking about the sometimes gruesome evidence they are forced to see and hear.

The fate of those accused of the most serious crimes usually rests in the hands of a jury, but absorbing weeks or even months of evidence can take a toll.

So what's being done to support them?

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Acts of humanity that emerged after September 11 attacks

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 06:45:00 -0000

Twenty-five years on from the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, many are also reflecting on the extraordinary acts of courage and humanity that emerged.

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Why is Australia the safest country in a global disaster?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:00:00 -0000

Australia could be one of the safest places on Earth if a global catastrophe strikes.

New research has found Australia's isolation, self-sufficiency, and political stability mean it can withstand most crises.

The catastrophe could be anything from nuclear winter to asteroid strikes, or even a technological doomsday.

But researchers warn no country would escape unscathed.

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Why are Pauline Hanson and Andrew Hastie feuding?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie are in the midst of a very public spat.

It's escalated recently over an animated cartoon video created by One Nation which labels Mr Hastie a traitor.

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Is AI about to 'kill us all'?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

AI could kill us by the end of the decade.

That is the alarming claim being made by an AI expert in the US who has quit his job over fears that the tech could wipe out humans.

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Is Trump becoming toxic for Republicans ahead of midterms?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:45:00 -0000

The midterm election in the US are fast approaching, less then a couple of months to go.

And at the moment things are not looking good for the Republican party.

So US President Donald Trump is throwing a two-day convention in Texas in a bid to boost the fortunes of his Party - before the November poll.

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How failed SPF tests led to a multi-million dollar court case

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Twenty sunscreens were pulled from the shelves recently after failing to meet their SPF claims.

Behind them all is one manufacturer - Wild Child Laboratories - that supplies the brands with their base formula.

it's now being sued in the federal court by one of the sunscreen brands caught out: Ultra Violette.

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Can LIV Golf survive without Saudi backing?

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0000

LIV Golf promised to revolutionise professional golf when it launched with billions of dollars in Saudi backing.

Now, just four years later, the competition has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.

So what went wrong, what happens next, and what does it mean for the future of its Adelaide tournament?

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What's behind American football's push into Australia?

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

One of the biggest sporting events on the planet is about to land in Melbourne. American football's opening weekend is coming to Australia for the first time, with tens of thousands of fans expected at the MCG.

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What is pork-barrelling?

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Labor's use of grants is raising eyebrows.

A Centre for Public Integrity investigation found the $560 million so called 'Major and Local Community Infrastructure' grants program was overwhelmingly directed into safe Labor seats and marginal seats the party wanted to win at the 2025 federal election.

Chair Anthony Whealy called it as he saw it: pork-barrelling.

So what exactly is it?

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The crackdown on social media algorithms revealed

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:45:00 -0000

Will you boot the social media algorithms if you get the chance?

The government has revealed a draft of the Digital Duty of Care in Australia law that would force digital platforms to block certain content from children, take proactive measure to prevent harm and give everyone the option to opt-out of the algorithm that picks what comes up next on your feeds.

The federal government insists a global reckoning is coming for big tech.

How will it work?

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The degenerative brain disease CTE and rugby league explained

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:35:00 -0000

New research on the degenerative brain disease CTE, has revealed its prevalence in former rugby league players.

The Australian Sports Brain Bank can now confirm that 31 players both professional and amateur had the condition when they died.

That result came from studying the 51 brains that have been donated so far.

The wife of one late rugby league footballer is calling for more players to agree to donate their brains to research.

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What do we know about the murders of Jake and Callum Robinson?

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

A trial is underway in Mexico over the murders of two young Australians two years ago.

Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend Carter Rhoad were murdered while on a surfing holiday in Baja in April 2024.

So what do we know about what happened to them?

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How One Nation would change your superannuation

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 03:50:00 -0000

One Nation is selling a superannuation policy that some economists think is a bad idea, but would see workers able to get access to more of their retirement savings, sooner.

The minor party wants to allow Australians to divert a quarter of their super payments to their bank account for up to three years.

It's being pitched as a solution to the cost of living crisis.

While it may appeal to some voters, there are warnings about what it would mean for people's savings in retirement and what it could do to inflation and the federal budget.

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How to avoid becoming a magpie swooping victim this spring

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 03:40:00 -0000

It's magpie swooping season.

But how can you avoid becoming the target of a cranky magpie that's just trying to protect its young?

Magpie experts have a few tried and tested methods to make sustaining a pecking injury less likely.

One hot tip, it doesn't involve running or waving your hands around.

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The 'feminisation' of schools claim explained

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 02:00:00 -0000

A political debate's emerged over a school program that teaches students about consent and relationships.

The discussion started when Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said the Respectful Relationships curriculum is contributing to a culture that's alienating young boys.

So, what's it all about?

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How a far-right party won in Germany for the first time since WWII

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The Alternative for Germany party has won more than 44 per cent of the vote in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, led by 35-year-old former fragrance salesman Ulrich Siegmund.

It's the first time a far-right party has won a major election in Germany since World War II, when the Nazi Party was in power.

So, how did they win over voters? And what does it mean for the rest of Germany?

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Will Australia make opt-in social media algorithms the law?

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 20:00:00 -0000

Australians could soon have more control over what they see on social media under proposed digital duty of care laws.

The reforms would force major platforms to reduce harm and could expose companies to significant fines, while debate continues over algorithms, online safety, and freedom of speech.

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Hope remains in Nepal as two more rescued after floods

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 01:45:00 -0000

Aid agencies are warning that health services in Nepal are stretched, more than 10 days after devastating floods in the region.

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What happens now after the Lindsay Clancy mistrial?

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 05:29:35 -0000

The six-week criminal trial of Lindsay Clancy has collapsed without a verdict, with the judge declaring a mistrial.

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How Trump got Apple and Google Maps to eliminate Lake Ontario

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:05:00 -0000

US President Donald Trump has struck out at long time ally Canada after trade talks collapsed, renaming one of the Great Lakes of North America.

It's Lake Ontario, which borders the two countries. Or, as Trump would have you now call it, Lake America.

Can he just do that and why did Apple and Google Maps fall into line so quickly?

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The course international students are accused of gaming for visas

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0000

The Federal Government's accusing thousands of international students of abusing the visa system, entering on a course they're not really committed to just to come to or stay in Australia.

As political pressure from One Nation mounts on the government and Labor delays outlining a new approach to immigration policy, it hasn't launched a broad reworking of the international student system.

Instead - it's targeting one particular course and the students who've signed up to it.

It's called The Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning).

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What a 'very strong' El Niño means for summer

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 01:55:00 -0000

The World Meterological Organisation says the world is facing a "super-sized" El Niño event that could be the strongest in more than 70 years.

The climate pattern is expected to intensify in the coming months and persist through until February next year.

And while its no guarantee of extreme conditions through summer, experts here say it raises the odds of hot and difficult conditions.

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What Canada did to tackle its illegal tobacco problem

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -0000

The tobacco excise debate has intensified, with the Coalition proposing to slash the tax by 80 per cent.

Throughout this debate, many health experts have cited Canada's success quashing the illicit market by slashing its tobacco taxes by around 50 per cent in the 1994

So what can we learn from the Canadian example?

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Feminist activist Gloria Steinem, dead at 92

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:30:00 -0000

Women's rights trailblazer and feminist icon, Gloria Steinem, has died at 92.

She rose to prominence as a leader of second wave feminism in the 60s and 70s and dedicated her life to activism in the pursuit of gender equality.

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Raygun documentary divides critics

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:05:00 -0000

A new Netflix documentary chronicling Rachael "Raygun" Gunn's controversial Paris 2024 Olympic breakdancing routine is dividing critics.

Is it a raw and honest reckoning with what was an amusing, perhaps cruel, and at times embarrassing affair, or is it a puff piece?

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The cost of classroom misbehaviour revealed

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Research reveals almost one third of lesson time in Australian classrooms is being lost to student misbehaviour.

A survey conducted by the Centre for Independent Studies asked nearly 400 primary and secondary teachers about how these disruptions are affecting learning.

It also found this was having a significant impact on teacher health.

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Why are ski fields wrapping up their season early?

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -0000

Australian ski fields have been forced to wrap up the 20-26 season early, after a warmer than average winter seriously impacted snow conditions.

And the weather bureau is also forecasting a hot spring.

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How Nepal's taking on the huge task of identifying flood disaster victims

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:45:00 -0000

More than 1,100 people have died in the Nepal and Tibet flood disaster, while thousands remain missing, including 38 Australians.

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Will killing social media algorithms stop misogyny?

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:50:00 -0000

Social media algorithms are under fire over what they're serving up to young men.

It's so bad, that Chanel Contos, a sexual consent advocate, thinks it's time to consider switching off the system that offers up content it thinks you'll like.

But how would making the algorithms opt-in reduce the influence of misogynist, so-called manosphere content?

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How Lindsay Clancy's murder trial put postpartum psychosis in the spotlight

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:17:38 -0000

Jury deliberations in the murder trial of American woman Lindsay Clancy have reached a stalemate after four days.

Clancy is charged with the murder of her three young children.

She doesn't deny killing them, but says a mental health condition called postpartum psychosis led to her actions.

Be aware - the details of this story are disturbing.

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Supermarkets are trialing facial recognition tech. Why are experts worried?

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:15:00 -0000

Face recognition technology is creeping in; most of us use it daily to unlock our phones, but are you comfortable with it being used by your local supermarket??

Well Coles and Woolies are trialling it - they say it's to combat crime but experts argue it raises serious concerns around privacy.

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How loose lips brought Tupac Shakur's killer undone

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:30:00 -0000

The former gang leader who orchestrated the killing of gangster rapper Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas has been found guilty of his murder, nearly 30 years after the drive-by shooting.

Duane Davis has been bragging about his role in the killing for years, making it difficult for his defence team to argue he wasn't to blame.

He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole and has indicated he will appeal against the jury verdict.

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Why Lionel Messi called it quits after the soccer World Cup

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 03:45:00 -0000

Argentina's soccer legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

The 39-year-old made the announcement in a social media post.

It comes soon after the death of his father and six weeks since the final of the FIFA World Cup which saw Spain beat Argentina 1-0.

But he's not putting away his boots entirely.

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Are Australian businesses too slow to embrace AI?

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:15:00 -0000

Businesses around the world are embracing artificial intelligence technology, but is Australia keeping up?

The treasury department is warning that's not happening fast enough and we're at risk of falling behind.

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Why are house prices still falling?

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:15:00 -0000

Property prices fell in almost every capital city with Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra seeing the biggest drops last month.

The RBA's interest rate hikes and government's decision to restrict negative gearing and increase capital gains tax contributed to the price falls.

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The race to save hundreds in Nepal's hydropower tunnels

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:50:00 -0000

Nepal has a booming hydro-electric power industry with workers toiling away in underground tunnels at multiple sites.

Around 900 of these workers are believed to be trapped since the torrent of water, mud and debris tore through the border area of Nepal and Tibet.

There's hope that some of them could still be alive and there's a desperate effort to reach them, complicated by mud and damage to roads.

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How NASA's new telescope will explore the hidden universe

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:57:00 -0000

A new NASA telescope that could change the way we view the universe has been successfully launched into space.

The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will eventually take up position about a million miles from earth and has the ability to explore black holes, dark energy, dark matter and discover new planets.

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The scam draining Apple gift cards soon after purchase

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 03:55:00 -0000

Apple gift cards have been used by scammers who lure unsuspecting victims to send over laundered money.

But imagine if you bought gift cards from a major supermarket only to find the balance was drained when you went to make a purchase.

It involved tampering with the physical cards and victims are being given the run-around.

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Why are some politicians calling for a cut to the tobacco excise?

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:15:00 -0000

Australia's tobacco excise is increasing again this week, pushing the price of legal cigarettes and smoking products up even further.

The excise - or the tax consumers pay on tobacco products - has more than quadrupled over the past fifteen years, making cigarettes $50 or more a packet.

There's currently a a big political fight over the excise; some are calling for it to be cut because they argue the huge costs are fuelling the illicit tobacco market

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The race to find survivors after Nepal's deadly floods

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:00:00 -0000

The number of missing Australians in the Himalayan flooding disaster has risen to 43, with more than 800 people have killed and thousands more missing.

Australia has sent personnel and emergency aid to support rescue efforts, and international specialists are working to reach 350 workers who may have survived in underground tunnels.

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What does One Nation's historic win in WA mean for our political landscape?

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0000

WA Labor has been defeated in a state by-election that's been branded a "litmus test" for One Nation in the west.

The ABC's chief election and data analyst Casey Briggs called the seat of Secret Harbour in Perth's south for One Nation's Luke Herdegen a little over four hours after votes began to be counted.

So what does it mean for our political landscape across the country?

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Why is Nepal so susceptible to natural disasters?

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 06:03:44 -0000

Early analysis suggests a chain of events took place high in the Himalayas, leading to the catastrophic flash flooding disaster in Nepal and Tibet, killing hundreds and leaving thousands missing.

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What do we know about the response to the Nepal-Tibet floods?

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 02:39:47 -0000

Over 2000 people are missing, including dozens of Australians, after catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet.

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The new flash flood threat for survivors in Tibet and Nepal

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:55:00 -0000

Rescue teams are searching for people missing in deadly flash-flooding near Nepal's border with Tibet after a pause over safety concerns about possible further flooding.

The fears are due to a lake that's been formed by debris from the devastating glacier collapse.

How big is this "barrier lake" and what is being done to try to defuse the new flash-flooding threat?

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War criminal Ratko Mladic dies in The Hague

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 03:45:00 -0000

The UN Secretary General has expressed his solidarity with the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, following the death of Ratko Mladic, saying the massacre cannot be forgotten.

The former Bosnian Serb military commander was convicted of genocide and war crimes in the Bosnian war, which is regarded as Europe's worst atrocity since World War Two.

Long referred to as the "butcher of Bosnia," he's died in custody at The Hague while serving a life sentence, aged 84.

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What do we know about the deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Search efforts continue as thousands are still missing following a devastating flash flood in Nepal and Tibet.

At least 39 Australians are among those reported missing, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says.

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Victorians could soon have right to work from home

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:00:00 -0000

The Victorian Government is proposing Australia's first laws guaranteeing some workers the right to work from home two days a week, despite warnings from business groups that the legislation will drive investment out of the state.

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Experts suspect a melting Himalayan glacier caused flood catastophe

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:55:00 -0000

What exactly caused the Himalayas catastrophe is still being investigated but scientists say the flash flood was likely caused by a landslide, triggered by the weight of a melting glacier.

They're also warning of the risk of a second flood in the region caused by debris washed into river systems.

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Should smart glasses be banned at the border?

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000

There's talk of an import ban on so-called "smart glasses", amid an influx of low cost devices that are being used to film Australians without their consent.

The Greens plan to bring a bill to parliament when it next sits to stop the import of wearable recording devices for at least 12 months, until tougher privacy protections are in place.

Other crossbenchers have voiced their support.

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How the Nepal-Tibet flash flood unfolded

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 03:37:00 -0000

Hundreds are likely to have been killed in flash flooding that hit the Himalayan region along the Nepal-Tibet border.

The torrent of water swept through mountainous villages, and dozens of international travellers drawn to Nepal's scenic beauty are missing.

The Australian government says 34 Australians are among the missing.

Nick Grimm explains what we know and how the disaster unfolded.

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What's in Meta's social media addiction lawsuits settlement

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:15:00 -0000

Meta has settled a landmark court battle over teen social media addiction by agreeing to pay $23.6 billion and adding further child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram apps.

The agreement came ahead of Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg being expected to take the stand before a jury in federal court.

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Screen and stage star Tim Curry dies aged 80

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 22:45:00 -0000

The world's favourite stage and screen villain Tim Curry is being remembered for his unique delivery of humour, talent and bravado on the screen and stage.

He's famous for his electrifying performance as Doctor Frank N. Furter in the genre defying "Rocky Horror Picture Show", which became his debut film and a global cult classic.

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What do we know about the deadly Nepal and Tibet floods?

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 21:15:00 -0000

Dozens of Australians are among hundreds of people missing after deadly flash floods tore through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border.

The deluge has destroyed entire buildings along the banks of the Bhote Koshi with a devastating mudslide destroying everything in its path.

Over 150 people are confirmed to have died and at least 34 Australians are missing.

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How AI generated text is about to be exposed

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:15:00 -0000

Systems to detect when AI has been used to write an assignment, for example, are already being used at schools and universities.

But there's a change underway at some of the biggest artificial intelligence firms that could make detectors much harder to fool.

Watermarks are coming to text generated by AI chatbots. But you can't see it and you probably won't be able to tell if it's been applied.

How does it work?

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Dolly Parton: a life of music, fashion and philanthropy

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died aged 80.

She leaves behind a legacy of songwriting, film, fashion and philanthropy.

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Are domestic data centres worth the cost?

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:45:00 -0000

Australia's being pitched as a potential global powerhouse for data centres.

These are the massive facilities that store, process and move the data behind everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence.

But as billions of dollars flow into new projects, a fierce debate is emerging over who benefits, and who bears the cost.

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Why are young adults worried home ownership isn't possible

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:45:00 -0000

New research shows the Australian dream of buying a home feels out of reach for the majority of young adults.

The challenges facing this group means the path to financial independence is becoming longer.

And that impacts older generations too.

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Why ARIA won't ban all AI in music

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:55:00 -0000

Musicians in Australia will soon have to prove whether their songs have been created with artificial intelligence.

From Friday, wholly AI-created music will be excluded from Australia's official music charts, unless it's substantially human-made, doesn't raise manipulation concerns, or uses legal AI services.

How will it work?

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The 'costly' WA GST deal Albanese just vowed to keep

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 03:50:00 -0000

The Federal Government is openly criticising the work of the Productivity Commission as debate continues over how revenue from the Goods and Services Tax is shared.

In an interim report, the independent commission says the current deal, struck in 2018, gives Western Australia too much of the money generated by the GST and it should be rewritten.

But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists that won't be happening and his resources minister has accused the commission of ignoring concerns held by the WA government.

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What's behind Australia's largest outbreak of diphtheria

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:45:00 -0000

Diphtheria is spreading in Australia at a record rate.

More than 500 cases have been recorded, primarily in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, as well as in South Australia and Queensland.

That's the largest outbreak of the disease since records began.

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Bird flu now detected in mammals. Are humans at risk?

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:45:00 -0000

Australia has recorded its first H5N1 bird flu in mammals. So what does it mean for other wildlife, and how worried should we be about human cases?

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How Putin's invasion put democracy on hold in Ukraine

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:18:00 -0000

Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls to hold a wartime election, warning it would split the nation in two.

These are first comments on the issue since the former Defence Minister called for a poll.

Elections are suspended in Ukraine due to martial law which was imposed when Russia invaded.

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How costume creativity can make Book Week affordable

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:10:00 -0000

It's that time of year again. Children's Book Week is officially underway across the country.

A cavalcade of kids have been arriving at schools dressed as their favourite literary characters.

But what about the parents? For them, does Book Week just mean extra stress? And already busy schedules further crowded by late nights perfecting costumes, not to mention the additional hit to the hip pocket?

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Will AI data centre rules be imposed on the states?

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 02:00:00 -0000

The federal government is intending to push ahead with new national energy and water rules for AI data centres. And despite opposition from some states and territories, it seems the government's willing to go over their heads and force the changes.

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Australian mammal dies from bird flu... what does it mean for wildlife?

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 05:45:00 -0000

The H5 strain of bird flu has been detected in a mammal in Australia for the first time.

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Why Canada walked away from US trade talks

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 03:45:00 -0000

Tensions between the US and Canada are intensifying, with both sides imposing tit-for-tat tariffs.

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What we know now about the Sydney Swans scandal

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:45:00 -0000

A lawyer representing two women involved in the Sydney Swans scandal says his clients intend to seek damages for "pain and suffering" following the incident.

ABC reporting suggests there's an allegation that one player touched a woman without her consent.

How has the scandal unfolded?

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The alleged plot to steal Ukraine's defence secrets

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:55:00 -0000

The Australian Federal Police have charged a dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference, accusing the man of attempting to send secrets to Russia.

It's alleged he infiltrated the Ukrainian military with ulterior motives.

It's the first time that someone has been charged since Australia introduced tougher foreign interference laws in 2018.

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Can AI help ease traffic congestion?

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:45:00 -0000

A Queensland council is hoping a trial of traffic lights equipped with artificial intelligence will help ease congestion.

In an Australian first Moreton Bay council north of Brisbane will install the AI powered light at one intersection.

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What's prompting the gear shift from petrol to electric vehicles?

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:15:00 -0000

Electric vehicles are no longer a niche choice in Australia.

More drivers than ever are swapping petrol for battery power, with recent data showing almost half of all new vehicles sold in the first half of the year were either electric or hybrid.

And for the first time, battery-electric vehicles edged ahead of petrol hybrids.

So, are we reaching a tipping point?

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How missing hiker Lily Hooper was mistakenly reported alive

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:02:00 -0000

NSW Police have apologised "unreservedly" after the family of missing bushwalker Lily Hooper were mistakenly told she had been found alive.

The 18 year old's disappearance sparked an eight-day search in the New South Wales Southern Highlands.

Hopes were raised for a short time due to a miscommunication, but a body believed to be that of Ms Hooper was located in bushland.

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What Harry and Meghan will do back in Britain

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0000

The British Royals who left their day jobs in the UK and embarked on a new life in the United States are going home.

Prince Harry and Meghan are set to arrive within two weeks, as Harry hopes to spend more time with his father, the King.

But reconciling a fractured relationship with his brother, William, the heir to the throne, might be a step too far.

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Why isn't Israel pursuing criminal charges over the killing of Zomi Frankcom?

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 02:55:00 -0000

There's been widespread anger over Israel's decision not to pursue criminal charges against soldiers involved in the deaths of seven humanitarian workers, including Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong says she's outraged by the decision and she's expressed Australia's concerns directly with the Israeli ambassador.

So who was Zomi Frankcom and how was she killed?

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Sydney Swans in chaos as investigation continues

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 02:50:00 -0000

Five Sydney Swans players remain suspended for the rest of the 2026 AFL season for breaching the club's behavioural standards.

Swans Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, Riley Bice and James Jordon are also linked to a police investigation into sexual assault allegations at East Melbourne's Pullman Hotel on Monday morning.

The players are yet to be formally interviewed or charged, and it is not suggested that any of them are being accused of sexual assault.

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What's Roblox and why is the regulator cracking down on it?

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:00:00 -0000

Australia's eSafety Commissioner will be able to take the gaming platform to court if it finds Roblox is not honouring its commitments to keep Australian children safe.

The court-enforceable undertaking is the latest example of eSafety using its enforcement powers against online platforms.

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What Sydney Swans players did to deserve a ban

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 08:20:00 -0000

Five Sydney Swans players have now been stood down for the rest of the season for breaching behavioural standards over their late night drinking and bringing women back to their hotel.

At the same time, an investigation by Victoria police continues into a report of sexual assault at the hotel where the Swans were staying.

It is not suggested that any of the banned players are being accused, and the club says none of them have been formally interviewed by police.

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