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News from the ABC Australia

Japan to deploy missile systems on island near Taiwan by 2031, defence minister says
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Japan's government plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles on one of its remote western islands near Taiwan by March 2031, the country's defence minister says.

Families of Swiss bar fire victims offered $91,000 as 'gesture of compassion'
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Switzerland's governing Federal Council says it will make a one-off payment to severely injured survivors and bereaved families of the New Year bar fire in the ski resort of Crans-Montana that killed 41 people.

First-home buyer affordability no longer just a Sydney problem
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The Australian dream of home ownership is becoming an increasingly unrealistic goal for young Australians, new research from Domain has found, with repayments on an entry-level house now averaging almost half a couple's combined income.  

Man dies, woman leaps from third storey as fire erupts in Sydney unit
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

A man has died and a woman has been taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition after a unit fire at St Marys, in Sydney's west.

Controversial NT administrator apologises over 'hurt' from social media posts
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Just a day before being sworn in as the Northern Territory's new representative for King Charles III, NT Administrator David Connolly has apologised over a social media furore.

Axed Biennale artist to take not one but two huge installations to Venice
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Last year, Khaled Sabsabi was dumped from the Venice Biennale to avoid "divisive debate". Now, he announces his work will feature in both the main exhibition and the Australia Pavilion.

Two charged over alleged abduction and death of Sydney grandfather
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Two men have been charged over the alleged kidnapping and death of Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian.

Australian diplomats' families offered evacuation over Iran threat
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The Australian government offers to evacuate the families of Australian diplomats and officials from some of its missions in the Middle East, with the prospect of US strikes on Iran leaving the region on high alert.

Childhood education student had abuse material on phone, ABF alleges
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

A Chinese national intending to study early childhood education in Australia has had his visa cancelled after Australian Border Force officers checked his baggage at Adelaide Airport and allegedly found "21 videos deemed to be child abuse material".

Algal bloom blamed on 'convergence' of events, but ecologist questions finding
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The SA environment minister says preliminary results of an investigation into the causes of the harmful algal bloom back up what scientists had long suspected, but an ecologist who has criticised the government's response says more detail needs to be released.

Child commissioner raises concerns about $50m secure care plan for at-risk kids
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

An inquiry into Queensland's Child Safety services hears critiques of the state government's plan to build a $50-million facility to house children who pose a danger to themselves or others in care.

Poet takes home $125,000 for 'uncompromising' second collection
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Eveyln Araluen has taken out the top award at the Victorian Premier's Literary Awards for The Rot, the follow up to her award-winning debut, Dropbear.

Trump's showmanship distracts from all that was riding on today's address
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Donald Trump's showmanship and supreme confidence can easily distract from the fact that he had a lot riding on his State of the Union address.

A closer look at Donald Trump's State of the Union address
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Standing in front of allies, Olympians and victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump has delivered his annual State of the Union address. Let's take a closer look at it. 

Hundreds evacuated from ECU's new Perth CBD campus, students told to go home
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The brand new Edith Cowan University precinct in Perth's CBD has been evacuated, with hundreds of students pouring into city streets just three days into the first semester.

Matildas keeper Arnold unfazed by minimal preparation ahead of Asian Cup
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Mackenzie Arnold says she has enough game time and form behind her to perform in Australia's Asian Cup tilt.

WiseTech to slash 2,000 jobs as AI ends era of 'manually writing code'
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The company says almost one third of staff across 40 countries would be affected by the redundancies as a move towards AI sees a reshaping of its workforce. 

Teenager first in SA to be prosecuted under new deepfake laws
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

A suppression order has been lifted on the identity of the first South Australian man to be prosecuted for allegedly creating and sharing sexually explicit deepfake images.

Trump spoke for more than 100 minutes. Here are five key takeaways
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The president gives the longest State of the Union speech in US history, delivering a 108-minute address to shatter Bill Clinton's 89-minute record.

'Furious' public sector workers in Tasmania resume industrial action
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The Tasmanian government has labelled claims it reneged on a pay agreement as "incorrect" and says it is disappointed the unions are labelling recent talks in that way.



News from the BBC World Service

Commons Speaker passed Mandelson flight risk information to police ahead of arrest
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Sir Lindsay Hoyle tells MPs he was acting "in good faith as is my duty and responsibility" as he felt information was "relevant".

Man who murdered nine-year-old girl as she played with hula hoop in street jailed
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Lilia Valutyte, 9, was playing outside a shop in Boston when she was stabbed by Deividas Skebas.

UK government denies Chagos Islands deal is paused, despite minister's comments
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

It come after a minister said the UK is discussing "concerns" with the US, after President Trump criticised the deal.

'Jekyll and Hyde' killer guilty of shooting ex-colleague on remote country path
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Former gamekeeper David Campbell murdered Brian Low in Aberfeldy two years ago then tried to cover his tracks.

Tourette's campaigner says BBC 'should have worked harder' to stop his slur being aired
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

John Davidson, who tics due to his condition, shouted a racial slur while two black actors were on stage.

Fact-checking Trump's longest ever State of the Union
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

President Donald Trump said the US "is winning again" - making a series of claims about his record in a speech which lasted almost two hours.

UK records warmest day of the year as temperatures climb above 18C
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

After a relentlessly wet start to the year the UK has recorded its warmest day of the year as many places bask in the late winter sunshine.

Phil Collins, Pink and Shakira nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Pink, Shakira and Mariah Carey are also among the 17 nominees this year.

Starmer promises to look at making student loans 'fairer'
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the system had become a "debt trap" for graduates.

Household energy bills to fall in April after charges shake-up
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Changes announced in the Budget mean all energy bills will see some kind of reduction, but it will vary.

Trump's theatrical State of the Union address offers little hint of any change in course
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The BBC's Anthony Zurcher says the US president appealed to his base and taunted his opponents in a marathon speech.

Watch: Key moments from the president's speech
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The US president's speech to Congress included spats with political rivals and special guests.

Trump lied, scapegoated, and distracted, say Democrats in response
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The rebuttal - first delivered in 1966 - is often given by rising stars in the opposition party.

President's speech - at a glance
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

An ejected Democrat and a patriotic parade by ice hockey players were among the colourful moments during Trump's speech.

Why scientists fear Emperor penguins' annual moult may be killing them
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Each year the birds must stay on floating ice long enough to replace their weather-beaten feathers.

'I'm proud of my heritage' - meet Britain's youngest ever F1 driver
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Arvid Lindblad tells BBC Sport about being shaped by his Indian and Swedish heritage and how he was fixated on reaching F1 from aged five.

New travel rules for UK visitors kick in today - find out how this affects you
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

From 25 February, a new system will come into force which will affect many people, including British dual nationals.

Snoop Dogg's surreal Swansea visit heralds late drama
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The difference between Swansea v Preston and other second-tier matches was that one of the Welsh club's co-owners happens to be a hip-hop legend.

Disabled woman, 33, put in nursing home against her will feels 'betrayed'
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

Lucinda Ritchie, who has full mental capacity, was transferred from a hospital bed despite her refusal.

Will walk-in GP clinics deliver one million extra appointments in Scotland?
Posted on Wednesday February 25, 2026

The first of 16 new walk-in clinics across Scotland is now open but it is not clear when a target of them delivering one million appointments will be hit.



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