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News from the ABC Australia

Sydney's new metro stations open after two years of disruption
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Public transport enthusiasts, early commuters, politicians and other officials were aboard the first 13-kilometre passenger service from Bankstown to Sydenham that pulled in at 4:31am.

The best young performers to legends like Joan Sutherland this Ausmusic Month
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Including the ABC Young Performers Awards Grand Final live in concert and a new series on Dame Joan Sutherland, plan your Ausmusic Month listening on ABC Classic. 

Friday news quiz: Duchess back on TV, an oversized sultana and eels in the mood for love
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

This week's news quiz also features a sleeping spider who is perhaps, just like you, dreaming of a perfect score.

Council body demands data centre moratorium as planning approvals rise
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Pressure is mounting on Victoria's major parties to respond to community concern over data centres ahead of next month's state election. 

Economist delivers 'worst-case scenario' on interest rates as inflation fails to cool
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The Reserve Bank has so far been unable to pull inflation down to its target range of between 2 and 3 per cent. The only option left, it seems, is to take a sledgehammer to demand.

One Nation might not win Victoria, but NSW is where the real fight is
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

NSW Labor has made it clear how much of a threat One Nation is to their future, but the federal government's inflation woes are only making things worse.

Warnings of blackouts and lives at risk over power pay struggle
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The Australian Energy Market Operator is responsible for keeping the lights on, but many workers are in revolt over pay negotiations. 

Labor's student visa crackdown has created a problem it didn't intend
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Labor insists its international student crackdown is necessary but is preparing to overhaul visa requirements amid concerns that the tough rules are a deterrent.

Spain begins three days of mourning as train crash death toll reaches 74
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Spain has begun three days of mourning after its second high-speed rail collision this year killed 74 people.

Russian drone strike on Ukrainian train platform kills 14
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

A Russian drone has slammed into a busy platform at a railway station in Ukraine's Dnipro killing at least 14 people.

Triple-murderer Erin Patterson to learn her appeal fate today
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Victoria's Court of Appeal will announce its decision on the mushroom killer's bid to have her convictions overturned.

Russell Brand's wife tells court actor's promiscuity left her 'heartbroken'
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Russell Brand is on trial in London charged with the rape, sexual assault and attempted indecent assault of six women between 1999 and 2009.

WA Labor MP vows to 'vigorously defend' US lawsuit over $1m loan
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

A Western Australian MP embroiled in a legal dispute over a million-dollar loan in the United States insists everything he did was above board. 

Israeli election chief demands foreign interference probe as neither bloc wins majority
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The fallout from Israel's inconclusive election takes another dramatic turn amid allegations of foreign interference.

Zacharia blames media for troubled stint as White House press secretary
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Former White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has doubled down on support for Donald Trump.

Darwin man who ran over partner during argument to spend five months in jail
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Christopher Morley, 63, will spend five months in jail after running over his partner with his car, leaving her with multiple skull and facial fractures. 

Cigarette likely cause of catastrophic Hong Kong fire, report finds
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Hong Kong's chief executive announces the findings of a months-long investigation into the Wang Fuk Court apartment fire that killed 168 people last year.

WBBL season gets underway with Thunder thumping of Renegades
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Sydney Thunder begins the WBBL season in style, comfortably accounting for the Melbourne Renegades.

Businesses hoping for 'salvation' from Sydney's new metro line
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

After two years of economic pain, the small businesses along Sydney's new Southwest Metro line are breathing a sigh of relief and hoping customers will return in droves.

Child care sector faces further changes after shocking abuse exposed
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

A proposed national childcare commission will be discussed at a meeting of education ministers next week, as the government faces renewed calls for changes following a Four Corners investigation into Australia's child care system.



News from the BBC World Service

Burnham says he wants to cut welfare bill 'as soon as we possibly can'
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Opponents have questioned the Budget's lack of detail on welfare reform, with the prime minister not outlining a timetable for any reductions.

'Painful' years ahead, think tanks warn, as living standards set to fall
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Budget forecasts show growth in living standards grinding almost to a halt.

Audio reveals exchanges between Spain train operators and drivers moments before deadly crash
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The leaked tapes appear to show one high-speed train was given clearance to move at normal speed, even though another up ahead had stalled.

Met refers itself to police watchdog over letter about Meghan's father
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The police force faces scrutiny over its handling of a letter containing allegations about Meghan's father.

Jury shown CCTV of Huntingdon train staff using frying pan in defence
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

A train crew member shows "sheer courage and bravery in seeking to save lives", a court hears.

Hundreds of GP practices lose online services after collapse of tech firm
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

It will cause huge disruption in some parts of England and Wales, say GP leaders.

Russell Brand's wife tells his rape trial he is 'kind and a wonderful father'
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Laura Brand tells the jury at his trial she feels "very seen by him" and "I love him very much".

Flávio Bolsonaro calls himself 'leader of Brazil' after election loss
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The defeated presidential candidate says he will lead the opposition from the US.

George Michael's Faith guitar sells for £180k after auction row
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The brother of the singer's late personal assistant said she would not have wanted the items to be sold.

Lib Dems and Reform UK in war of words over alleged shove
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The Lib Dems claim Farage "attempted to shove" their South Devon MP but a Reform source accuses the party of "lying".

Offshore workers turn to weight-loss jabs to meet helicopter weight rules
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

From Sunday anyone weighing more than 19st 7Ib (124kg) will be banned from flying to an offshore platform.

Russian drone attack on Ukrainian train station kills at least 14, officials say
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

At least 14 others were wounded in the attack in the central city of Dnipro, including an 11-year-old boy.

What are the government's options for reducing welfare spending?
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

BBC Verify examines how much the welfare system costs and the options the government could use to reduce it.

What the Budget means for your money
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Changes announced by Chancellor John Healey in his first Budget will affect your finances directly. Here's how.

Faisal Islam: This Budget was micro and that was deliberate
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Chancellor John Healey's plans fall short of radical action to create a promised new economic model.

Bereaved families will not face tax bill over pension delays under new rules
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

Campaigners had warned some families could face an unfair financial penalty because of delays which were not their fault.

Shock of rail tragedy gives way to sorrow and outrage in politically divided Spain
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The latest train crash will pile pressure on the government of Pedro Sánchez, one month before the general election.

'The internet's a less whimsical place' - YouTuber Jacksepticeye branches out
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

He got famous playing video games but now you're more likely to see Seán McLoughlin in one.

Europe's youth is on the march - but does anything actually unite them?
Posted on Thursday October 29, 2026

The last month has seen youth-driven demonstrations across Europe. What connects them?

Israel's election deadlock is a sign of the country's deep divisions
Posted on Wednesday October 28, 2026

The election was a celebration of democracy in some ways - but it has left Israel with no clear path to a new government, writes James Landale.



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