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    • Jul 21, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from ABC News Top Stories

    Penny Wong pressures Laos over methanol deaths | ABC News Top Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 1:34


    Foreign Minister Penny Wong has met the Foreign Minister of Laos to express disappointment over the handling of the deaths of two young Australian women who died from methanol poisoning in 2024.WA Police has arrested a 16-year-old boy after he allegedly stabbed his mother and younger sister at their home in the south of Perth.And Victoria Police has told the antisemitism Royal Commission there has been a significant increase in antisemitic offending. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode. For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

    What happens if Chinese AI is better and cheaper?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 2:37


    Financial markets and AI enthusiasts are increasingly taking notice of what's happening in China.Over the weekend, a Chinese start-up known as Moonshot, released a new AI model called Kimi K3 that rivals the flagship versions from Anthropic and OpenAI, but at a fraction of the price.What does this mean for the race to dominate the AI future?

    What the Houthi blockade on Saudi Arabia means for global oil supplies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 3:19


    The price of oil could spike further if Yemen's Houthi rebels succeed in their blockade of Saudi Arabia.The conflict between the Houthis and the Saudis has flared up again in the last week. It threatens to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea, through which the Saudis have been exporting millions of barrels of oil, while the Strait of Hormuz, on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula is also blocked. 

    Mum of four gives birth to quadruplets in possible world first

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 3:01


    An Australian mother has given birth to identical quadruplets in what doctors have described as one of the rarest births in the world, as they developed from a single fertilised egg and shared the same placenta. What makes Australia's identical quadruplets so biologically rare?

    Why is the Pine Gap defence facility attracting new protests?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 3:14


    Hundreds of protesters have gathered this week at Pine Gap in the Northern Territory, calling for the defence facility to be shut down. They're concerned about the expansion of the secretive base. Pine Gap is about 18 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs and while it was originally sold to the public as a space base, the joint Australian-US facility has since expanded to become a major intelligence and surveillance facility. Its mission and secrecy have made it the target of countless protests.

    Could influencer Andrew Tate end up in a UK court?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 2:52


    British prosecutors are seeking extradition of Andrew and Tristan Tate from the United States after the influencer brothers were arrested on the weekend.How did it come to this and what are they accused of? They're facing further rape and sex trafficking charges. It bring the total number of alleged victims in the UK to seven and are the latest in a long-running international legal saga involving the brothers that has spanned the US, Britain and Romania. The brothers are big in the so-called manosphere and are known for their social media empire promoting wealth, male dominance and misogyny.

    How Spain dominated Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 2:26


    Spain has beaten Argentina 1-0 to win the 2026 World Cup, with Ferran Torres coming off the bench to score the winner in extra time against 10-man Argentina.Torres's goal came at the start of the second period of extra time, after a furiously tense final at the New York/New Jersey stadium in Meadowlands ended goalless after 90 minutes.The win gives Spain its second men's World Cup title, echoing the extra-time goal by Andrés Iniesta in 2010 that led to its first title.

    What's the response been to Pauline Hanson's overseas trip?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026 3:38


    One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has wrapped up her almost two-week trip to Britain and Europe - a trip she called a "fact finding mission".She's copped criticism for appearing on a right-wing podcast and for comments about Muslim Australians and Australia's immigration policies, just as the federal government has responded to the Special Envoy's report on Islamophobia.

    Pauline Hanson's controversial European 'fact finding' tour

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2026 2:35


    During the One Nation leader's two-week trip, which Pauline Hanson called a fact-finding mission, she's recorded a podcast episode with far-right campaigner and convicted criminal Tommy Robinson, stayed at a luxury resort, and been touted as a guest speaker at a political gala dinner closed to media.

    Why does Donald Trump say the US election system is at risk?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 4:02


    In a televised address to his nation, the US President Donald Trump has claimed the American election system is under threat from hacking, foreign interference and exploitation.What has the president alleged and what evidence does he have? 

    Who is Tommy Robinson, and why is he so controversial?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 2:36


    One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is once again causing controversy - appearing on a podcast with convicted criminal and far right activist Tommy Robinson in the UK. So who is Tommy Robinson and why is this conversation so controversial? 

    Messi and Yamal will meet again in the World Cup final

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 3:06


    The soccer word cup final will see two giant nations of the game face each other early on Monday.Spain and Argentina have a shot at history and so will the countries' respective superstars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.And although these two are at opposite ends of their careers,  they've actually already met.

    Proposed Laos methanol charges criticised as too lenient

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 3:17


    A devastating methanol poisoning incident that killed two Aussie teenagers in Laos in 2024 is back in the spotlight, with the Laos government getting ready to lay charges against those allegedly responsible.

    Will states and territories back Albanese's AI plan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 3:34


    The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging state and territory leaders to back his government's plan for a national framework to regulate artificial intelligence ahead of a meeting of national cabinet next month.What will it take to achieve a unified approach?

    Can big tech and creative copyright law coexist?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 2:00


    The Prime Minister has unveiled Australia's AI strategy and signalled that AI companies will not be able to use Australian music, art, books or news to train AI without the consent of the content makers. So who will benefit, and who won't?

    Are fuel prices about to skyrocket again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 3:40


    With the conflict between the US and Iran re-intensifying, there's concern about what it'll mean for petrol prices. Can we expect a surge in costs at the bowser again?

    Who will Spain face in the world cup final?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 0:55


    Spain is the first team into the final of the men's soccer World Cup after a two-nil victory over France in their semi-final in Dallas.Who will they face in the final match? 

    What is the government's AI strategy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 2:57


    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has delivered a major speech outlining the government's response to artificial intelligence.So, what's their plan? 

    How will a BHP strike impact the Australian economy?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 2:15


    Industrial action set to halt BHP's port operations in WA could cost the mining giant almost $50 million in revenue. So how could it hurt the national economy.Editor's note: The first publication of this segment incorrectly said the disputed enterprise agreement concerned 1,800 staff, the correct figure is 450. This error has been corrected in the audio piece.

    What is sextortion and why are young men at risk?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 3:37


    Australia's E-Safety commissioner says sexual extortion in young men "has reach catastrophic proportions", but some experts argue the problem could be under-reported.So what is happening and why are young men most at risk?

    What do the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz mean for fuel prices, travel?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 3:14


    Who is the last known 'ISIS bride' left overseas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 3:02


    There have been fresh allegations about the last known so called 'ISIS bride' still overseas.Security sources from within the notorious Al Roj detention camp in Syria have described Sydney woman Hodan Abby as a cunning, threatening figure.So where does she fit into the picture? 

    Digital traveller declaration rolled out in Aussie airports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2026 2:16


    A digital app and webform is being rolled out to replace paper traveller declaration cards in airports.  

    What's happening with the war in Iran?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2026 2:52


    The US and Iran are continuing to trade strikes, despite the ceasefire deal signed in June.

    Are domestic data centres worth the cost?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 2:49


    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.

    How can we stop more telco outages?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 2:56


    Australia's telecommunications network is in the spotlight after a massive Telstra outage on July 8. So how can we avoid these in the future?

    Telstra network goes down across Australia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 3:28


    Telstra's mobile network is recovering from a major nationwide outage, which affected thousands of customers, disrupted business payment systems and caused major delays to public transport networks.

    Falling wages and weak economic growth ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 3:11


    New research from overseas is today confirming what most wage and salary earners might have noticed long ago.

    The financial scandals engulfing two European far-right leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 2:30


    Two popular far right European leaders are vowing to pursue their political ambitions, despite facing significant scrutiny over issues relating to alleged fraudulent finances. 

    Why is the Olympic committee lifting its ban on Russian athletes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 2:54


    Russian athletes could be allowed to compete for their country at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after the International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted its suspension. So what's behind the move?

    Trump says Strait of Hormuz "totally open" | ABC News Top Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 1:25


    US President Donald Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is "totally open", after Washington and Tehran wrapped up initial negotiations on a permanent ceasefire. The UK Labour Party will have to choose a new leader, after Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned.Australians are losing confidence in the world's two biggest superpowers, with new polling showing trust in both the United States and China remains low.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

    Who's the 'King of the North', the UK's likely next PM?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 3:46


    A popular mayor but a virtual unknown on the global stage, Andy Burnham is poised to become Sir Keir Starmer's successor. So who is the so called 'King of the North'?

    Keir Starmer steps down as British PM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 3:15


    British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced he has quit as leader of the Labour party and will stay on as PM until a new leader is chosen.How did it go so wrong for a leader who was once so popular? 

    How are egg farmers preparing for a potential bird flu outbreak?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 3:08


    The H5N1 bird flu strain has had a devastating impact on overseas poultry industries resulting in over 200 million chickens either culled or destroyed in the US alone since 2021.So now that deadly virus has hit Australian shores, what would an outbreak mean for our egg industry and how are farmers preparing?

    Is the housing bubble about to burst?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 2:49


    Auction clearance rates have slipped below 50-per cent, the lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. What does it mean for those currently in the property market, or knocking on it's door? 

    Could a centrist party break through in Australian politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026 3:28


    Independent politicians are in active talks around forming a centrist federal party.Independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender are said to be leading the push for the new party, and have also approached Senator David Pocock.But while other independents say forming a political party could help with representation and funding, not all of them are on board with the idea.So could a new party like this become a political force in Australia?

    What is bird flu and is Australia ready for it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2026 3:16


    A devastating strain of bird flu has been confirmed in Australia, sparking serious concerns for conservationists and the agricultural industry. 

    Skinny dips and shorter daylight: it's the winter solstice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 1:47


    June 21st is the shortest day of 2026, and Australians are celebrating with naked swims and lantern festivals. 

    Is Ukraine getting the upper hand over Russia?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 3:27


    Ukraine has put Russia under pressure with a large attack on Moscow while its drones harass its troops and supplies. So will this eventually help Kyiv get a better peace deal? 

    Who are the Socceroos? Get to know the squad

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 4:00


    You might be rooting for Australia in the FIFA World Cup, but do you the players behind this diverse 26 man squad? Get to know the Socceroos

    US, Iran sign memorandum to end the war. What's in it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 3:17


    The US and Iran have signed an MOU to get talks underway to end their conflict. 

    What is AusAlert, the new emergency warning system?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 2:31


    AusAlert triggers a loud noise and message on mobile phones, as part of a strategy to alert people to dangers like natural disasters. 

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