Star News Briefing

Rabbitohs try-scoring machine Alex Johnston makes his return from injury tonight against the Panthers. Queensland Origin great Sam Thaiday is hopeful Daly Cherry-Evans will continue to play for the Maroons this year. And Excitement is building ahead of tomorrow night's Battle FOR Brisbane between the Dolphins and the Broncos at Suncorp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show! The budget special! We take what is essentially very boring material and make it sexy.  Is Peter Dutton being ruined by Donald Trump? We explore that with Parnell Palme McGuinness PLUS! Is there a secret Wuhan-style lab hidden somewhere in Australia? We delve into budget paper number two to get the facts.  LINKS Read Joe's column in The Daily Telegraph here Follow @joe_hildebrand on Instagram Follow Nova Podcasts @novapodcastsofficial.  Got a question for Joe? You can email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dutton to use today's budget reply to outline a plan to slash the fuel excise The NSW Department of Communities and Justice hit by a major data breach. The full message exchange between senior Trump officials in a Signal group chat released And Dua Lipa kicks off her Sydney run of shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government's tax cuts have dominated Question Time. New data shows inflation continuing to ease, but some cost-of-living pressures remain. And Kim Kardashian will testify at the trial of the Paris gang accused of robbing her at gunpoint Nine years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has dropped again over the last month, driven by the lower cost of fuel, electricity and dairy products. Labor's new tax cuts have passed the Lower House - without the support of the Coalition.  AND Ben Affleck has opened up about his split with Jennifer Lopez! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has made a pitch to ease cost of living pressures in the budget  It's official, Brisbane is getting a new inner city stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games Top Trump officials have fronted the US Senate over a group chat scandal  Royal visit with the Pope postponed  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Opposition is painting Labor's fourth budget as a pre-election sugar hit. A Brisbane parkland is to be developed as the main arena for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.   And SZA has hinted of an epic collab with Taylor Swift!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Defence Secretary is downplaying a major blunder - which saw a journalist  accidentally added to group chat discussing sensitive war plans.  Labor's fourth budget is being described as a "pre-election sugar hit" by the Coalition AND Miley Cyrus has announced new music is on the way! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost of living relief set to be central to the Federal Budget when it's handed down tonight  The infrastructure blueprint for the Brisbane Olympics to be unveiled today  A massive inferno in Sydney's west is now under control  And NRL star Daly Cherry-Evans confirms bombshell decision to leave Manly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liberals say footage of Monique Ryan's husband removing a rival candidate's campaign sign "reflects poorly" on the Teal M-P. The Commonwealth has now struck school funding deals with every state and territory, with Queensland finally signing on. And Channing Tatum's new romance with his Aussie girlfriend heating up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Federal Election won't be called early - with his attention firmly focused on tomorrow night's budget. At least five people are DEAD after an ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE on a hospital in GAZA AND Dua Lipa has gifted a fan an unreleased track featuring Troye Sivan!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Budget will be handed down tomorrow and is set to forecast a decade of deficit Queensland's cabinet prepares to meet to sign off on the Olympic blueprint Pope Francis released from hospital Dua Lipa wraps up her 5th and final show in Melbourne See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese has announced more energy bill relief before this week's budget is handed down Major investigation underway into Heathrow fire The Pope leaves hospital after five weeksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe's busiest airport has resumed operations after a fire forced it to shut down Australian tourist killed in boating accident in Bali Donald Trump inks new deal with Boeing to build fighter jetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heathrow Airport Shuts Down After Electrical Substation Fire.  Coles Responds To Consumer Watchdog Report Into Supermarket Price Gouging.  New Warnings For Aussie Smokers.  And Beyonce and Jay-Z Consider Legal Action Over Kanye's Offensive TweetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flights to and from Bali have been disrupted by a volcanic eruption.  The Federal Gov is already making changes - after a damning report found Coles and Woolies are among the most profitable supermarkets in the world. AND Morgan Wallen has revealed more info about his next album! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACCC makes 20 recommendations to increase competition and stamp out price gauging. Police in Sydney investigate after a comment referencing the Christchurch shooting was made on the Lakemba mosque's social media account Devastating floods and heavy rain continue to wreak havoc across north Queensland And Finland crowned the world's happiest country See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese Insists Australia's P-B-S Is Not Up For Negotiation.  53-Thousand Jobs Lost In Feb As Unemployment Rate Remains Steady.  Malaysia Approves New Search For MH-370.  AND Kanye Says Friends Have Tried To Stage An Intervention After More Worrying Posts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been invited to meet Donald Trump at the White House after nine months stranded in space.  LABOR is making a big election pitch - which would cap the price of a Pharmeceutical Benefits Scheme script at 25 dollars. AND Dua Lipa covers an iconic Aussie song at her latest Melbourne show! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show! Peter Dutton's referendum on deporting criminals with dual citizenship The insane amount of money we are spending on government grants like drag shows for scientists and anti-racist dentistry. Misha Zelinsky drops in to give us the latest on the war in Ukraine.  LINKS Read Joe's column in The Daily Telegraph here Follow @joe_hildebrand on Instagram Follow Nova Podcasts @novapodcastsofficial.  Got a question for Joe? You can email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister expected to announce today the cost of scripts under the PBS will be slashed  The Sydney nurses accused of an anti-Semitic rant face court US President Donald Trump speaks with Ukraine's President on a ceasefire  And the Socceroos prepare to line up against Indonesia tonight See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's citizenship test could be in for a shakeup, if the Coalition wins the election. Elon Musk has confirmed he offered to bring home two stranded astronauts last year. And Dom Dolla set to headline this mega music festivalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time in nine months, two American Astronauts are breathing fresh air. One of two former Sydney nurses charged over an antisemitic video plans to plead not guilty... AND Ryan Reynolds has unleashed on Justin Baldoni, amid his wife's legal battle with her former co-star. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin have wrapped up a ninety minute phone call on a proposed ceasefire in Ukraine Shocking details emerge on day one of the Coronial Inquest into the murder of Water Polo coach Lilie James  A decision over which sports will feature at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics delayed  The ceasefire in Gaza collapsesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nine months stuck in space - 2 astronauts make their way back home.  The Treasurer is playing down expectations for next week's federal budget, saying there will be "fewer surprises" than usual. And There's been another twist in the Justin Baldoni - Blake Lively legal saga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of explosions have been reported across Gaza - appearing to end the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.  The RBA is receiving mixed response to its decision to re-design the five dollar note.  AND Universal Music Group has filed to dismiss Drake's lawsuit against them! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin agree to high stakes talks to discuss peace deal New CCTV shows the moments before a man was found dead in an Adelaide park  Investigations underway into a brawl at an under 8's basketball game in Melbourne  Dua Lipa kicks off her Australian tour  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for the construction union should be de-registered and an A-F-P probe established. The Federal Government says the cost of living will be "front and centre" in next week's budget. And Lady Gaga has recorded the biggest streaming and Vinyl sales week of her careerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's economy has suffered a 1.2 billion dollar hit in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.  An investigation has been launched, after a child was found dead in bushland in NSW.  AND Lady Gaga has hit a new career high!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure is mounting on the Federal Government not to send troops to Ukraine Grave fears for a 23-year-old man who fell into the Brisbane River  59 people have been killed and 150 injured in a nightclub fire in North Macedonia  Stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams step closer to coming home    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese has joined world leaders where plans to support Ukraine were discussed Death toll from storm in the U.S continues to climb The Australian who filmed the baby wombat video identifiedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has aligned with G-7 allies, urging Russia to accept a ceasefire with Ukraine Urgent callout for Tradies in cyclone aftermath Major data leak publishes home addresses of NSW MP's  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The P-M has confirmed he'll join a phone call with world leaders over the weekend, to discuss potentially sending peacekeepers into Ukraine. An American woman who sparked a massive backlash for her handling of a wombat has now left the country. And Chappel Roan goes countrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine edges closer with Vladimir Putin saying he supports the proposal  Firefighters on the scene of a blaze at the Hilton Hotel at Surfers Paradise  The country's south east braces for heatwave conditions. Donald Trump threatens the European Union with 200% tariff on alcohol  And a premiere date set for Meghan Markle's new podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are calls today for the Energy Minister to be sacked -- over a power bill hike for millions of Australians. Blades longer than 20-centimetres are being banned in Victoria from September 1st And Leonardo Dicaprio has unleashed on the Albanese GovernmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Ivan Cleary is appealing to Panthers fans to embrace their new home of Western Sydney Stadium. Dylan Brown has revealed how Mitchell Moses tried to convince him to stick with the Eels. And Oscar Piastri says he's not feeling any added pressure, ahead of Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the show! The sneaky preference deal the libs are planning How Malcolm Turnbull has potentially ruined US/Aus relations Josh Hanrahan drops in to give us more intel on the caravan of terror  LINKS Read Joe's column in The Daily Telegraph here Follow @joe_hildebrand on Instagram Follow Nova Podcasts @novapodcastsofficial.  Got a question for Joe? You can email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum come into effect Just under 35 THOUSAND homes remain without power this morning across South East Queensland The family of a surfer killed in a shark attack on a WA beach pay tribute to the 37-year-old  US and Russian officials prepare to meet to discuss a ceasefire deal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the political blame game as U-S tariffs hit our Steel and Aluminium industry. A Border Force employee is accused of taking bribes to help criminals get illicit drugs into Australia. And This Hollywood star could be heading to the F1 this weekendSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM has labelled the Trump Administration's latest tariffs on Aussie metals as 'entirely unjustified'  Australia's largest superannuation fund is being taken to court, for failing to process thousands of death benefits on-time.  AND Billy Joel has been forced to postpone his US tour! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The captain of a cargo ship has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter after colliding with an oil tanker  A major clean up is underway in south east Queensland while tens of thousands of residents remain without power  Victoria's bail laws are set to become the toughest in the country amid a youth crime wave The US says Ukraine has accepted the terms of a peace deal with Russia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Authorities Accused of "Over reaching" By Human Rights Commission.  Opposition Says Clock Ticking For P-M To Pick Up Phone To Donald Trump On Tariffs.  High Ranking Bikie Boss Accused Of Masterminding Anti-Semitic Arson Attacks in Syd.  And Nicole Kidman Eyes Off New Role In Cult Hit TV ShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search continues today, for a surfer who's missing after what witnesses have described as a shark attack on the south coast of WA.  Things are starting to look up for residents impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred AND The director of Meghan Markle's new Netflix series has revealed what is was really like working with her! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales and Queensland continue to be hit with heavy rain. Strike Force Pearl says caravan laden with explosives was a 'hoax'. And Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelensky arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of peace talks with the United States.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have made a number of fresh arrests -- as part of their investigations into recent antisemitic incidents in Sydney. Major flood warnings are in place for several rivers and creeks in Queensland's south east as rain continues to fall on saturated catchments. And Lady Gaga announces tour datesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has continued to spruik described his incoming Tariffs on Mexico and Canada.  Queensland's Premier admits the response and recovery operation in the wake of ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred will be huge. AND Jessica Simpson has hinted at the cause of her marriage breakdown! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 230,000 homes and businesses are without power in Queensland and NSW, in the wake of ex-cyclone Alfred.  Israel says it will cut off power to Gaza to increase pressure on Hamas to free hostages. And the death toll from intense fighting in Syria rises to at least 1,000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13 Defence personnel who were responding in flood zones have been injured in a serious crash Relentless rain continues to fall in the wake of ex tropical cyclone WA Labor claims hat trick election winSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred has been downgraded to a tropical low Thousands without power in the wake of the storm Donald Trump issues stern warning to RussiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TC Alfred expected to weaken to a Category One before making landfall on Saturday. A second SpaceX rocket has exploded shortly after take-off, raining debris over the Bahamas. AND Harry Styles looks to sign onto a 35 show residency in Las Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.