ABC News Top Stories

Episodet

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  Russian strike on shopping centre in Ukraine kills 15 | ABC News Top Stories 22.08.2026 1min

  Ukrainian authorities say at least 15 people have been killed and 100 others injured in daytime Russian drone strikes on a shopping centre in the central city of Kryvyi Rih. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has labeled his enemy as  "monsters" and vowing a strong response. It comes after Russian attacks yesterday killed at least six people and injured 77 others. Rescuers are scouring the rubble for survivors, but their efforts are being hampered by the threat of further attacks. + The UN's senior ebola coordinator has warned that the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing exponentially - with half of the 2-thousand-500 deaths occuring in the past 20 days. Health workers are also coming under attack by locals angered and terrified by the outbreak, and are themselves falling sick and dying ‌from the disease. The UN's Julien Harneis says cuts have reduced the capacity of humanitarian aid agencies to cope. + The British Met Office is warning the El Niño event developing over the Pacific Ocean is likely to be the strongest in living memory. The scientists say sea temperatures in the tropical central Pacific, and areas around Australia and Indonesia, could rise more than three-degrees above normal. The Met Office's Professor Adam Scaife says its effects are already being felt in different parts of the world. + The W-A Nationals will discuss stronger measures to address coastal erosion at their state conference today. Federal Nationals Leader Matt Canavan is in Perth to deliver one of the main speeches. The Geraldton branch of the party has put forward a motion for a 500 million dollar fund to protect communities from coastal erosion. State party leader Shane Love says local communities need support. 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.
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  What we know now about the Sydney Swans scandal 21.08.2026 3min

  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 21.08.2026 3min

  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? 21.08.2026 3min

  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? 21.08.2026 3min

  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 20.08.2026 3min

  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 20.08.2026 3min

  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? 20.08.2026 3min

  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 20.08.2026 2min

  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? 20.08.2026 3min

  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 19.08.2026 3min

  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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  New details emerge in Hayden Panettiere's shock death 19.08.2026 3min

  There's been intense speculation surrounding the shock death of US actor Hayden Panettiere on Sunday. Her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother Zach were at the South Carolina apartment where she died suddenly aged 36, according to a police report. Who was Hayden Panettiere and what is known about her death?
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  Why is Meta on trial in California? 19.08.2026 3min

  Social media giant Meta is on trial in California in a case that could force the company to make fundamental changes to Instagram and Facebook.
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  Mushroom killer Erin Patterson's appeal explained 18.08.2026 3min

  Mushroom murderer Erin Patterson's appeal against her triple murder conviction will be heard on Wednesday August 19 and Thursday August 20. Patterson is serving life in prison after she killed family members using poisonous death cap mushrooms hidden in a beef wellington lunch. She was sentenced to a non-parole period of 33 years in September last year. Why does she insist there's been a miscarriage of justice? 
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  Are the gambling ad laws reform or capitulation? 18.08.2026 3min

  After weeks of negotiations, the government has struck a deal with the Coalition to pass its long awaited gambling ad laws. The amendments include a centralised system for opting out of online advertising, and some restrictions on inducements. The deal has been criticised by anti-gambling advocates, the crossbench, and some Coalition MPs for falling short of the recommendations of a review which called for a blanket advertising ban. 
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  No arrests after Sydney Swans incident in Melbourne 18.08.2026 3min

  Victoria Police is continuing its investigation into an alleged sexual assault at the hotel the Sydney Swans AFL players stayed in over the weekend. Several of the club's players have been linked to the investigation, but there is still no confirmation they're directly involved.
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  Tupak Shakur murder trial begins in Las Vegas 18.08.2026 3min

  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.
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  How to tackle Australia's illegal tobacco trade? 18.08.2026 3min

  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.
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  Could superannuation help with cost-of-living pressures? 18.08.2026 3min

  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?
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  Sydney Swans involved in 'alleged incident' 17.08.2026 2min

  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.