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    • Aug 18, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
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    Latest episodes from ABC News Top Stories

    Origin Energy cyber hack traced to a call centre in the Philippines | ABC News Top Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 1:36


    Authorities have traced the Origin Energy cyber hack that exposed the personal data of close to a million Australians to a call centre in the Philippines.The Greens have slammed the Opposition for the deal it's struck with Labor on gambling ad restrictions. The legislation before parliament will still allow advertising, but give Australians the choice to opt out of online betting commercials.And Victoria Police are continuing to investigate an alleged assault at the Pullman Hotel near the MCG, where the Sydney Swans AFL team was staying following a game on Sunday.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.

    Tupak Shakur murder trial begins in Las Vegas

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 3:28


    It's been almost 30 years since American rapper, Tupac Shakur was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.After decades of swirling conspiracies a murder trial is now underway. Opening statements have been delivered with the prosecution arguing the 1996 killing was 'an act of revenge' but the accused is maintaining his innocence.

    How to tackle Australia's illegal tobacco trade?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2026 3:00


    The illegal tobacco trade in Australia is booming after years of steep increases in the cost of legal cigarettes.Australia's had a tobacco excise since federation, but over the past 15 years it's more than quadrupled, making cigarettes $50 or more a packet.Now there are calls to slash the excise in a bid to stamp out organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade.

    Could superannuation help with cost-of-living pressures?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 3:00


    One Nation says Australians should have greater access to their retirement savings while they're still working.And that's reignited debate over whether the current rules are too restrictive or not.So how does super currently work?

    Sydney Swans involved in 'alleged incident'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 2:23


    The Sydney Swans AFL club has confirmed several players were involved in an "alleged incident" in Melbourne.The club issued a statement at the same time that Victoria Police released details of an investigation into a report of a sexual assault at an East Melbourne hotel.Details are thin, but here's what we know. 

    Trump slams 'hostile' US-South Korea military drills

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 3:46


    US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the nation had declined to help denuclearise Iran.He also brought up his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.It's another case of Trump taking aim at a strong ally of the United States. 

    How do deepfake scams work and how can you avoid them?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2026 3:00


    Artificial intelligence is making investment scams more convincing than ever.Fake videos featuring well-known Australians are flooding social media feeds, costing people hundreds of millions of dollars.So how do these scams work, and how can you avoid them?

    Is Australia at risk of a measles outbreak?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026 3:00


    Australia eliminated measles more than a decade ago but that doesn't mean it can't come back.New research suggests around 1.7 million people may not be fully protected against the highly infectious disease.So who's most at risk?

    How will the NSW gun buyback work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2026 4:11


    NSW will become the first state to sign up to the federal government's gun buyback scheme, announced following the December 14 Bondi Beach terror attack.

    Why did Luigi Mangione make shock confession in court?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2026 4:00


    Luigi Mangione has admitted to shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in 2024, and pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges, resulting in death. He's also told why he tracked down and shot the executive, in one of America's most high profile criminal cases.

    The predicted impacts of bird flu on coastal communities

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 3:04


    Australia's wildlife authorities and coastal communities remain on high alert as the deadly H5 strain of bird flu continues its advance across the country.

    Will 'east-coast clowns' kill WA's special GST deal?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 4:36


    Get ready for an almighty battle between Western Australia and the productivity commission and the states who think it's had it too good for too long.The lucrative deal on how the proceeds of the GST are distributed has come under new scrutiny with a report declaring it has led to perverse outcomes that favour WA.How does the West benefit under the deal?almighty

    Nigel Farage celebrates victory over Count Binface

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 3:31


    Far-right populist politician Nigel Farage has won one of the most unusual by-elections in recent history in the UK.He was up against more than 30 independent candidates, among them a comedian known as Count Binface.But his victory party may be cut short as scrutiny continues over donations.

    Should AI be taking notes about your health?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2026 3:42


    Artificial intelligence tools are listening to many people's medical appointments, but they're not always producing accurate summaries.One patient has described how a letter from a specialist to her GP included a false suggestion that she was taking illegal drugs. A so-called AI scribe had been used by the doctor.New research by a privacy watchdog has raised serious concerns about AI being used in medical settings due to its propensity to "hallucinate" false symptoms or conditions, and warned patients were at risk.

    Third Sydney Airport take-off incident in less than three weeks

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 2:41


    Safety authorities are investigating a third runway incident at Sydney airport in as many weeks.

    How former military lawyer David McBride ended up in jail

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 4:08


    David McBride is a former military lawyer who shared classified defence documents with a journalist.The material led to an ABC investigation that revealed allegations of soldiers being involved in illegal killings, even though that wasn't McBride's intention.Now, after spending years in jail, he's been freed on parole.What happened to him has raised questions about the plight of whistleblowers in Australia. 

    Now the Tomago aluminium smelter is saved, how will we power it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2026 3:20


    A bailout of the country's largest aluminium smelter will cost taxpayers $2.5 billion, with the New South Wales and federal governments to split the bill down the middle.The Tomago aluminium plant is in the New South Wales Hunter region and is currently Australia's largest electricity user.So, will there be enough renewable power to keep it online into the future at an affordable price?

    Will Mounjaro ever be added to the PBS?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 3:08


    A new generation of weight loss medication has been up-ending the industry and Australians are trying to get their hands on the drugs.But they're expensive and the Australian Government has been locked in complicated negotiations with the manufacturer of Mounjaro to have it added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

    Should prisoners keep their right to 'open air'?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 3:21


    A bill set to pass the Victorian parliament this week would give prison guards the power to deny inmates their one hour a day of outdoor time.It's currently a legal right that was affirmed in a court ruling in January.But the government wants to limit that right, in part to protect itself from future lawsuits.That's got human rights lawyers and Victoria's representative body for First Nations' people up in arms. 

    The furore over Albanese and Japanese melons explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2026 4:11


    The Prime Minister continues to be attacked by his political opponents over comments he made about the Japanese prime minister and a gift of melons. Anthony Albanese spoke about the fruit on a comedy podcast last month, while making hand gestures in front of his chest.He's since denied he was being disrespectful to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.What is the furore all about?

    Why was Trump sneaked out of Air Force One in a catering truck?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 3:53


    It sounds like something out of a blockbuster movie: the US president, an assassination threat, a decoy plane…and a catering truck. But it's no Hollywood plot. Some US new outlets are reporting that last month, an elaborate ruse took place in July when Donald Trump was in Ankara for a NATO summit. 

    Why the RBA left interest rates on hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 3:13


    The Reserve Bank has decided to leave interest rates on hold today.But the governor is warning Inflation is still too high and if it doesn't come down another rate rise is inevitable.

    Why rapists' names have been kept secret

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 2:49


    The Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has announced plans to abolish suppression orders protecting the identities of convicted rapists. The moves come two weeks after he took over as leader and as his Labor government struggles in the polls ahead of the November state election.Legal experts say it's a good start, but doing away with suppression orders during trials is needed for better courtroom transparency. 

    Why Israel rejected Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 3:28


    US President Donald Trump has been claiming a major breakthrough for Gaza after his Board of Peace brokered a deal for Hamas to hand over its weapons.But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas's proposed plan for disarming is "unacceptable", rejecting the Trump administration's plans to end fighting in the Palestinian territory.What was proposed and what went wrong?

    What is the Census and what happens if you don't do it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 4:16


    After five years, it's come back around again: Tuesday the 11th of August is Census night. But what's the Census for, and what happens if you don't do it?

    Why are car insurances getting so expensive?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 2:30


    If you thought your car insurance was getting more expensive, you're not alone.Premiums soared above inflation in the 2024-25 financial year and the corporate regulator ASIC has put some car insurance companies on notice for failing to explain why costs are rising.While the insurance sector says there's valid reasons for the trend, ASIC's investigation reveals there's still room for companies to charge less.

    Why is SA holding a royal commission into AI?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 3:00


    South Australia will hold a royal commission into artificial intelligence.It will be the first inquiry into AI at such a high level in Australia and is expected to run for nine months.But with SA's inquiry into social media leading to a ban for under 16s, could this inquiry also lead to national policy?

    Sydney Airport's had two near misses on the runway within a fortnight

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 2:30


    Two planes narrowly avoided crashing into each other at Sydney Airport on the weekend.It was less than a fortnight after another near miss at Australia's busiest airport.Now, the federal transport minister has called in the head of Airservices Australia for an emergency meeting over staffing pressures and growing safety concerns.

    Who killed Tupac? Three decades later, we may get some answers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2026 3:52


    New details about the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur could be revealed in a murder trial set to begin in Las Vegas this weekDuane "Keffe D" Davis, who police accuse of orchestrating the rap icon's murder, has pleaded not guilty.The case is one of hip hop's most enduring mysteries and Davis is the only person to have faced charges over Shakur's death.

    Australians urged to check who'll inherit their superannuation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2026 3:00


    Super Consumers research shows that about 15.7 million people do not have a binding death benefit nomination, meaning their super fund can decide who inherits their accumulated super and any insurance when they die. Not all funds offer binding death benefit nominations, so Australians are being urged to check.The federal government has been consulting on whether to introduce mandatory time frames for super funds to respond to claims and will soon announce a decision.

    ABC News

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 2:19


    Listen to the latest updates from ABC News

    What bird flu 'mass mortality' means for wildlife

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 3:34


    It's increasingly looking like the H5 N1 strain of bird flu is here to stay in Australia after more than 80 birds were found either dead or sick on South Australia's south-east coast.The federal government has allocated more funding to try and manage the outbreak.But wildlife rescuers are worried sick animals are being left to die.

    How Alan Jones ended up charged with sexual assault

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 2:57


    The closely watched trial of Alan Jones is now underway with the veteran broadcaster accused of sexual assault.He dies all the charges and it's a judge alone trial, with evidence now being heard about alleged offences over a 17 year period.How did the once powerful media figure end up in court?

    When will property prices bounce back?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 2:52


    House prices are down across Australia and even previously resilient property markets are now in decline too.Analysts point to consecutive interest rate hikes, and government tax changes behind the weakness in the property market.But will the downturn last? 

    Why is the price of fuel going up again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026 3:49


    With the government's fuel excise discount gone and the war in the middle east dragging on, how much pain should motorists be bracing for?

    Why did 50,000 migrants attempt to swim to Ceuta?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2026 2:50


    The EU will hold an emergency meeting about a mass influx of migrants in the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta. Authorities say more than 50,000 people crossed into Ceuta in one day, though most have returned to Morocco. At least 67 people died attempting to make the crossing. 

    Infantino under pressure after World Cup sell-off plans scrapped

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2026 2:33


    The plan to sell off soccer's World Cup was controversial... and turned out to be shortlived.After an intense backlash, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has scrapped his plans to sell a stake in the World Cup - and other events - to private investors.In a statement, he said that after listening carefully to different views, it's become clear the project has created divisions that are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.The backdown comes after one of his senior advisors resigned too.

    Anthropic's Claude AI hacking spree revealed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 4:03


    The two leading AI companies in the world, Anthropic and OpenAI, have revealed breaches where their models broke out of tests and hacked into other companies.In the latest case Claude models started roaming the internet. It's a warning about what these advanced models are capable of if there's any lapse in cyber security safeguards.What do we know about why this is happening?

    Has Trump's 'Board of Peace' really disarmed Hamas in Gaza?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 2:59


    Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas has agreed to lay down its arms under the US president's peace plan.Donald Trump has announced on social media that his so-called 'Board of Peace' has reached a deal for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.ABC Americas editor John Lyons explains why it may just happen. 

    What will happen with petrol prices when the fuel excise ends?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026 2:20


    Petrol prices are expected to jump after a 16-cent cut in the fuel excise expires as of Monday.And, of course, this is amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East where a fresh wave of attacks from the United States and Iran this week has made shipping even more treacherous across the Strait of Hormuz.It's seen the price of oil also rise steadily the past few weeks.So, what can we expect to see at the bowser?

    European FIFA boycott spells trouble for Gianni Infantino

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 3:54


    It is probably an understatement to say that football's world governing body, FIFA, is no stranger to controversy.But it looks like the organisation's current boss, Gianni Infantino, has pushed things a bit too far.He's been dealt a huge blow in his bid to sell stakes in the soccer World Cup to private investors.Fifty-five European countries have now promised to boycott all FIFA competitions if the proposal goes ahead. 

    Did the Telegram app keep extemist content online?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 3:18


    The eSafety commissioner has taken action against the messaging app "Telegram" for not taking steps to remove terror content.The commissioner has launched Federal Court proceedings against the app, alleging the platform left videos of mass shootings and executions up for weeks after they were flagged.Julie Inman Grant says Telegram has failed to comply with its obligations under Australian law.

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