The 2026 NRL season opens in Las Vegas this weekend with two matches at Allegiant Stadium. The Bulldogs face the Dragons, followed by the Knights versus the Cowboys, as Australian fans travel to Sin City for the historic round one games. Former NRL player Josh Mansour reports on the atmosphere and challenges of engaging American audiences with rugby league. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 24, 2026•3 min
Severe storms and a slow-moving low pressure system are bringing widespread flooding across Central Australia, with some areas expected to receive four years' worth of rain in just days. Flash flooding warnings are active across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Queensland and northwestern New South Wales, while Victoria recovers from overnight storms. Adelaide faces damaging wind gusts up to 100km/h, and Queensland's coast is bracing for rain later in the week with potential trop...
Feb 24, 2026•3 min
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Feb 24, 2026•5 min
The Prime Minister was evacuated from the Lodge overnight following a bomb threat that triggered a major security response. Former detective and counter-terror investigator Peter Moroney discusses the significance of the threat level required to warrant such an evacuation and the current heightened security environment. The segment also covers the ongoing investigation into the murder of 85-year-old Chris Bagzarian, who was killed in a case of mistaken identity during a botched kidnapping attemp...
Feb 24, 2026•4 min
A Sydney doctor advocates for the return of 34 Australian women and children from Syria, claiming the 11 women no longer have links to Islamic State. The Coalition pushes to block their return, with debate centring on security concerns, constitutional law limitations, and the circumstances under which these families originally left Australia for the conflict zone. Separately, the Prime Minister has reportedly demanded ministers find billions in budget savings to avoid fuelling inflation. See omn...
Feb 24, 2026•7 min
The NRMA Resort in Yamba offers e-bike activities, rainforest exploration, and access to local attractions including the township, lighthouse, and the famous Angourie right-hand surf break. The resort is offering up to 30% off mid-week stays. Weather conditions across Australian capital cities and regional centres show varied temperatures ranging from 18 to 36 degrees, with showers and storms forecast in multiple locations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/...
Feb 24, 2026•2 min
Giant tortoises have returned to the Galapagos island of Floriana after 175 years of extinction in the region. Scientists bred 158 juvenile hybrid tortoises aged 8 to 13 using genetics from the original Galapagos tortoises that were wiped out in the 19th century. The young tortoises have now been released into the wild to reclaim their ancient ecological role. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 24, 2026•1 min
American TV host Savannah Guthrie has announced a US$1 million family reward for information leading to the recovery of her mother Nancy, who has been missing for more than three weeks following a suspected abduction. Guthrie acknowledged that her mother may no longer be alive but emphasised the family's need for closure. Former LAPD Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger explains that the substantial reward is strategically targeted at individuals close to those responsible for the kidnapping, rather than t...
Feb 24, 2026•3 min
A mandatory smart meter rollout is underway across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, scheduled to complete by November 2030. The digital electricity meters can be read remotely and will be installed free of charge during the mandatory rollout period, with customers maintaining choice of electricity plans for two years after installation. Time-of-use pricing may suit households that can shift electricity consumption to daytime hours when the grid has excess capacity, thoug...
Feb 23, 2026•4 min
The federal government has released the business case for a high-speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle, reducing travel time to one hour. The $55 billion first stage is planned as part of an 1,800-kilometre network connecting Brisbane to Melbourne, with a final investment decision scheduled for 2028. The project is expected to generate $250 billion in economic activity, create 99,000 jobs, and enable 160,000 new homes, with private sector investment required for construction. See omnystud...
Feb 23, 2026•5 min
Jessica Mauboy returns to Australian Idol 20 years after her iconic 2006 audition as a 16-year-old from Darwin, this time serving as a mentor and guest judge to the show's top 30 contestants. The multi-platinum artist recently performed at Mighty Hoopla festival at Bondi Beach, whilst balancing motherhood to her one-year-old daughter Mia and running her skincare brand Desert Rose. Mauboy reflects on overcoming self-doubt as a young performer and shares insights on mentoring the next generation o...
Feb 23, 2026•5 min
The Trump family has partnered with Altus Property Group to develop a 335-metre hotel tower on Queensland's Gold Coast, potentially becoming Australia's tallest skyscraper. The $1.5 billion project would dominate the Glitter Strip skyline, though the development application has not yet been formally lodged with the Gold Coast City Council. Community reaction to the proposed Trump-branded hotel remains divided, with some supporting the investment while others express concerns about association wi...
Feb 23, 2026•3 min
A Senate inquiry is examining the 50% capital gains tax discount on investment properties held for more than a year, with hearings scheduled over three days. The Housing Industry Association's Chief Economist argues that reducing the tax concession from 50% to potentially 25% will not solve housing affordability issues, as the fundamental problem is insufficient housing supply for Australia's 27 million population. The economist contends that building more homes would generate government revenue...
Feb 23, 2026•3 min
Outback Queensland faces another wave of heavy rain threatening northern and western regions, just weeks after catastrophic downpours. Cloncurry has already received double its annual rainfall of 400-500mm, with highways cut and fresh food supplies unable to reach isolated communities. The developing low pressure system poses risks of further town isolation, stranded travelers and livestock losses across the already saturated region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnys...
Feb 23, 2026•1 min
A royal commission into the Bondi terror attack begins, examining Australia's worst terror incident where Naveed and Sajid Akram killed 15 innocent Jewish people. Bartender Ed Bickerstaff, who was shot in the hip while fleeing the attackers, shares his experience of encountering the gunmen. Rabbi Levi Wolfe discusses the heightened security measures at Jewish schools and synagogues, the rising concerns about antisemitism in Australia, and the community's hopes that the royal commission will addr...
Feb 23, 2026•5 min
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Feb 23, 2026•7 min
A powerful winter storm has brought blizzard conditions to New York City, prompting a state of emergency declaration. Roads have been closed to non-essential vehicles and airlines have cancelled thousands of flights, with 10-13 inches of snow blanketing the financial district. Despite the severe weather conditions, local businesses like Old Mate's Pub remain open, with New Yorkers continuing to venture out even in minus 15-degree temperatures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 23, 2026•5 min
Pop superstar Ed Sheeran has been crowned honorary co-mayor of Ipswich, Queensland, after making a surprise appearance in the city following a concerted campaign by locals. Ipswich Mayor Theresa Harding attended his Sunday night concert at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, where she presented him with her mayoral chains backstage and received a shout-out during the performance. Sheeran gifted the mayor a signed Loop Tour merchandise shirt addressed to 'the mayor of the second-best Ipswich' and expres...
Feb 23, 2026•2 min
SailGP returns to Sydney Harbour this weekend, with Australia's Flying Roos team leading the championship leaderboard after winning in Auckland. Driver Tom Slingsby discusses the high-speed hydrofoil racing format, the physical dangers including crew injuries, and the team's new celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman who joined in June 2023. The event will feature the first-ever Twilight Race on Sydney Harbour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/list...
Feb 22, 2026•4 min
Private health insurance premiums in Australia will increase by an average of 4.41% from April 1, marking the largest rise in nearly a decade. The four major providers are implementing even steeper increases, with NIB leading at 5.47%, while some smaller providers are only raising rates by 1.9%. Consumers can save money by comparing providers, reviewing their coverage extras, paying annual premiums before April 1, and understanding that switching between providers with equivalent cover doesn't r...
Feb 22, 2026•4 min
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli addresses the delayed public reporting of an anti-Semitic attack on a Brisbane synagogue, where a 32-year-old suspect allegedly rammed the front gates and was charged with wilful damage as a hate crime. The Premier discusses his government's anti-Semitism legislation, recent polling showing One Nation's rise, his firm opposition to daylight saving in Queensland, and a new tourism campaign promoting outback Queensland communities recovering from recent flooding...
Feb 22, 2026•5 min
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli addresses the delayed public reporting of an anti-Semitic attack on a Brisbane synagogue, where a 32-year-old suspect allegedly rammed the front gates and was charged with wilful damage as a hate crime. The Premier discusses his government's anti-Semitism legislation, recent polling showing One Nation's rise, his firm opposition to daylight saving in Queensland, and a new tourism campaign promoting outback Queensland communities recovering from recent flooding...
Feb 22, 2026•5 min
The 2026 AFL season begins in 10 days with Sydney Swans hosting Carlton at the SCG in the opening round. Both teams missed finals last season and are looking to return to the top eight. Swans captain Callum Mills discusses the team's extended pre-season preparation and their determination to bounce back from a 10th place finish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 22, 2026•3 min
South Australia's Labor government has pledged to abolish stamp duty for downsizers aged 60 and over who sell their existing home and purchase a newly built property or apartment worth up to $2 million. The scheme aims to release at least 2,000 larger homes into the market over four years for growing families whilst incentivising new housing construction. Premier Peter Malinauskas defends the $70 million policy cost, arguing it creates new housing supply rather than driving up prices on existing...
Feb 22, 2026•4 min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor faces mounting pressure as newly released Epstein files suggest his royal protection officers acted as bouncers at Jeffrey Epstein's New York apartment. The British government is considering unprecedented legislation to remove him from the line of succession, whilst King Charles reportedly holds crisis talks with Andrew's daughters. The controversy intensifies following revelations about Andrew's entitled behaviour during his removal from Royal Lodge, where he cited hi...
Feb 22, 2026•3 min
The Coalition proposes new laws making it a crime to assist ISIS brides returning to Australia, with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. The federal government has been conducting secret talks with New South Wales and Victoria about managing the return of 11 women and 23 children from former ISIS territories. Attorney General Michelle Rowland discusses the government's approach to security measures, temporary exclusion orders, and monitoring arrangements with state law enforcement agencies...
Feb 22, 2026•6 min
One Nation proposes mandatory regional service requirements for Australian-trained GPs before they can access Medicare bulk billing incentives in metropolitan areas, with Barnaby Joyce advocating for up to 10 years of regional service. The government's Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek defends Labor's approach of investing $816 million in GP training with half of training places in regional areas, plus increased bulk billing incentives and 33 new endometriosis clinics. The debate centres ...
Feb 22, 2026•8 min
Rosie is a 26-year-old American alligator weighing approximately 30 kilograms who serves as an ambassador species at the Australian Reptile Park. The park houses 53 alligators in total and is located 30 minutes from Umina, where the NRMA Beach Holiday Resort offers discounted entry to park members. Alligators are reptiles that eat only a few times per week, consuming various meats including chicken, rats and quails, with their metabolism slowing during winter months. See omnystudio.com/listener ...
Feb 22, 2026•3 min
UK police are conducting their fourth day of investigation at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former residence following his arrest for misconduct in public office. The probe involves 10 police forces examining multiple allegations connected to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, and he faces potential removal from his current position as eighth in the royal line of succession. Andrew was arrested after six unmarked police cars arrived at the King's Sandringham estate, interviewed for over 11 hour...
Feb 22, 2026•2 min
More than 446,000 Australians currently live with dementia, the leading cause of death in the country, with numbers expected to exceed 1 million by 2065 without intervention. Professor Henry Brodati from UNSW's Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing explains that cognitive decline is not inevitable, noting half of centenarians live without dementia. Research involving over 6,000 participants demonstrates that brain training, physical exercise, Mediterranean diet, social interaction, and blood pressure ...
Feb 21, 2026•5 min
