Star News Briefing

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on Ukraine's southern city of Odesa has reportedly risen to eight, including a three month old baby. NSW Police are appealing for information after a man was kidnapped and assaulted in Westmead last night. Victoria's $580 million COVID quarantine facility has doubled its capacity, just as demand for beds is expected to plummet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kremlin says the United Nations secretary general will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. Victoria's vaccinated economy has ended after new COVID rules took effect at midnight. A man in Sydney's north-west has been charged after an online child exploitation investigation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labor Leader Says The Election Campaign Is In Good Hands With His Team Queensland Joins NSW And Victoria Easing Covid Restrictions Westpac Fined For Charging Almost 12-Thousand Dead Customers Fees Developments In The Hunt For Madeline McCann's KidnapperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Shadow Cabinet Ministers to campaign for Labor after Anthony Albanese returns a positive PCR for Covid The Coalition to make a $428 million defence announcement today Victoria scraps isolation requirements for Covid close contracts from midnight ASAP Rocky posts bail after his arrest in alleged connection to an LA shooting    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spike in Covid deaths, to 43 around Australia, in the latest reporting period Russia is attempting to intimidate the west by launching ballistic missile The ATP has condemned Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from this year's grand slam Rapper ASAP Rocky arrested over a shooting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audience of 100 undecided voters pretty evenly split  Russia tests new nuclear missile  Julian Assange a step closer to US extradition  Prince Harry gives another tell-all interview  Johnny Depp gives evidence for a second day  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Leadership Debate will take place tonight between Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese Covid restrictions further eased, with close contacts of positive cases no longer needing to isolate, from Friday The Bulldogs NRL line-up is likely to be reshuffled with three positive RAT for Covid Harry Styles bringing Love on Tour to Australia next yearSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Close COVID isolation rules are set to be scrapped in NSW & Vic Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese to face off in first leaders debate  UN calls for humanitarian pause in Ukraine conflict across Orthodox Easter Johnny Depp denies striking Amber Heard   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM and Opposition Leader unbothered by polling which shows a hung parliament is a real possibility Air space is being closed across the country due to a shortage of workers in control towers Ash Barty will headline an exhibition golf event in New York in June The trailer for the latest Thor movie - Love and Thunder - has dropped.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Primary support for both Labor and the Coalition sits in the mid 30s Police make fresh appeal for witnesses following fatal Easter Show stabbing Russian air strikes target Lviv killing seven Trailer drops for Thor Love and ThunderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM kicks off week two of the election campaign in WA Today is the last day we can enrol to vote  Ukrainian PM refusing to give up ground to end Russian invasion Over a quarter of kids aged 8-11 are on their phones after 10pm  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cruise ships can now sail back into Australian waters - with the Covid ban lifted Those struck down with Covid on election day will be able to phone in their ballot UK PM Boris Johnson banned from entering Russia Actor who played Jerry's mum in Seinfeld Liz Sheridan, passes awaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election promises continue, Labor promising an anti corruption watchdog and Scott Morrison pledging millions to the Agricultural sector The new variant of Covid 19 - Omicron XE - detected in Australia Business owners put on notice over penalty rates over the Easter weekend Penrith too strong for Brisbane in the NRLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prince Harry and wife Meghan have made a surprise visit to the Queen at Windsor Castle. Our airports are again busy today with Aussies travelling around the country for the Easter Break. Elon Musk has made a bombshell bid to buy out Twitter for 54-billion dollars US.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labor Leader forced to clarify his party is NOT planning to abandon off-shore processing Australia's unemployment rate remains steady at 4 percent The PGA has announced Melbourne will host golf's President's Cup in 2028 and 2040 Scott Disick says the fact his ex Kourtney Kardashian is now with Travis Barker, has allowed him to move onSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man has been charged over that mass shooting in Brooklyn Federal election campaign continues with the PM in Tassie & Opposition leader in NSW The Ukrainian President has again appealed to the West for more weapons Kanye having second thoughts about moving in next to ex Kim   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccinated Aussies can now head to NZ, without having to isolate on arrival The first of 20 Bushmaster vehicles gifted to Ukraine from the Australian government, has arrived in Europe The Penrith Panthers have secured the services of coach and captain - Ivan and Nathan Cleary - till the end of 2027 Kim K says she just wants her ex, Kanye West, to be happySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM confronted by protester in Sydney's west Vaccinated Aussies can now travel to NZ without having to isolate  Airport chaos continues ahead of Easter holidays Coles recalls baby spinach  Matildas secure win over NZ in second friendly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor Leader Looks To Reset His Campaign After Day One Blunder Victoria To Host Commonwealth Games In 2026 Attacker Still On The Run After Fatal Royal Easter Show Stabbing Fears Russia Has Used Chemical Weapons In UkraineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leaders continue federal election campaigns  Ukraine's President asks global leaders for more military aid  Princess Anne drops in to Holsworthy Barracks Britney Spears is pregnant See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labor Leader Says He's Only Human After Campaign Misstep Time running Out To Register To Vote Silverchair Frontman Pleads Guilty To High-Range Drink Driving And Convicted Terrorist Back In Jail After Breaching Control Order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newspoll shows gap is narrowing between the major parties AEC urging us to make sure our registrations are up to date UN estimates 4.5 million Ukrainians have fled since Russian invasion began Ferrari's Charles Leclerc takes out Aussie Grand Prix  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal election will be held on Saturday May 21st Both Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have hit the ground running releasing  election campaignsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A date for the Federal Election is set to be called for mid May The Australian Grand Prix set to welcome 130 thousand fans at Melbourne's Albert Park More financial and military aid promised to Ukraine in its fight against Russia Jen and Ben announce they're getting married - againSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 50 people have been killed after a Russian missile strike in Eastern Ukraine Will Smith has been banned from attending the Oscars for a decade A new Covid drug to be added to the PBS  Double header nailbiter in the NRLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to call the Federal election this weekend after a court win. United Australia Party leader Craig Kelly egged in Melbourne. Daniel Ricciardo 10th fastest in Australian Grand Prix practiseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least 18 evacuation orders remain in place across Greater Sydney Moscow has hit Australia with retaliatory sanctions over the war in Ukraine Interest rates tipped to rise several times after the federal election Kim moves to smooth things over with KanyeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has slapped Vladimir Putin's daughters with sanctions The wet weather is intensifying across the east coast Telstra cracking down on scam texts Ed Sheeran wins High Court battleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM has hinted we're likely to go to the polls on May 21 after confirming he won't be meeting with the Governor General on Thursday. The NSW coast is bracing for more torrential rain in the coming days, sparking fears of more flash flooding. The Consumer Watchdog says petrol prices have dropped dramatically since the fuel excise cut was announced in the Federal Budget. In sport, FC Barcelona heading to Australia. And in entertainment, Will Smith's family and friends urge him to seek help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will partner with the US & UK to develop hypersonic missiles East coast bracing for more rain  Salvos urging politicians to keep social issues in the spotlight this election Tiger Woods to play in US Masters See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As flood efforts continue in NSW and Queensland, the east coast is again bracing for more heavy rain and flash flooding. Australia is backing a US push for Russian President Vladimir Putin to face a war crimes trial. A boy is in a serious condition after falling from a ride at Movie World on the Gold Coast. In sport, Tiger Woods hopes to make his return to professional golf. And in entertainment, Coachella organisers search for new headline act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two killed in chopper crash in NSW Snowy Mountains  Ukraine's president urging global leaders to investigate Russian war crimes Aust Grand Prix organisers sued over cancelled 2020 event  Kanye pulls out of Coachella  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grammys are done and dusted for another year with Silk Sonic and Olicia Rodrigo the nights big winners.. 2 people dead and 2 critical following lanslide in Blue Mountains  And The PM is refusing to give any hints about election day -- despite speculation he'll go to government house this week!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six killed and ten injured in shooting in Sacramento  Newspoll shows bump for Coalition off the back off federal budget  The bin chicken being considered as possible mascot for Bris Olympic Games  Aussie women take Cricket World Cup for a seventh time See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Covid drug could eradicate the virus within 3 days Weather warnings in place for the NSW coastline and East Gippsland in Victoria  Geelong's remarkable AFL comeback over Collingwood Aussies nominated for Grammy awardsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The identities of 3 of the 5 victims of the Victorian helicopter crash have been revealed Australia is set to sign a historic trade deal with India An after the siren goal gives Adelaide's first win of the AFL season Retired actor Bruce Willis' Razzies rescinded See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drug trafficker, Tony Mokbel, has been experiencing chest pains and has been moved from prison to hospital Victorian Police still having trouble accessing the helicopter crash near Mount Disappointment, which has claimed five lives Pakistan sets up a decider in the three-game one-day series against Australia in the men's cricket, after winning the second clash with a record run chase A producer at the Oscars claims the LAPD was ready to take Will Smith off and charge him, following his slap on Chris Rock, however the comedian didn't want to press charges  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine's President has addressed federal parliament overnight Opposition Leader has delivered his budget reply 400kg of cocaine seized in SA Pakistan takes second ODI against Australia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The inquest into the death of Brisbane woman, Hannah Clarke, and her 3 young children, at the hands of her estranged husband, has wrapped up A former AFL player and his brother denied bail in Perth, after a "sickening" assault on two women in a carpark Round 4 of the NRL kicks off tonight with the Tigers seeking their first win of the season The Academy says it asked Will Smith to leave, following his infamous slap on Chris Rock; however he refused See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woman missing in floodwaters in Lismore Ukraine President to address a joint sitting of the Australian parliament Australia has reached the final of the Women's Cricket World Cup Hollywood actor Bruce Willis is stepping away from showbizSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Warne to be farewelled by 60 thousand people tonight A woman missing in floodwaters near Lismore, in northern NSW Mitch Barnett handed a 6 week stint on the sidelines for dangerous contact Jim Carrey livid at the standing ovation for Will Smith, just minutes after slapping and swearing at Chris RockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welfare groups say Budget doesn't go far enough Hundreds remain in evacuation centres across the NSW Northern Rivers Shane Warne to be farewelled at MCG Progress in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Budget is set to ease cost of living pressures The Federal Opposition claims the government will fail the people Ellyse Perry out of the World Cup Cricket semis due to back spasms Will Anderson issues a statement apologising for his violent reaction to Chris Rock's Oscars joke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of Northern NSW evacuated amid flooding SE Qld hit by another rain bomb  Thousands killed in Ukrainian city of Mariupol Will Smith and Chris Rock are yet to speak following Oscars slap Kim K apologises for 'get up and work' comments See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This years Academy Awards have been been overshadowed by a violent altercation between two stars Labor believes the upcoming federal budget will be driven by politics not cost of living. And The NRL has decided not to enforce it's no fault stand-down policy on George Burgess See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First Home Buyers scheme to be expanded  Northern NSW & SE Qld to be hit with more rain US confirms it's not seeking regime change in Russia Foo Fighters arrive back in LA following death of Taylor Hawkins  Aussie Ari Wegner hoping to make Oscars history See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US president Joe Biden has announced more military aid for Ukraine Australian Cystic Fibrosis sufferers to benefit from a life changing drug added to the PBS An investigation has begun into the death of Foofighters drummer Taylor Hawkins Hawthorn, Melbourne, Collingwood and Brisbane make it 2 from 2 to start the AFL seasonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swans spearhead Buddy Franklin has become just the 6th VFL-AFL player to boot 1000 goals Europe cuts off the supply of Russian gas Self funded retirees to keep more of their Super savings Fox news host Tucker Carlson suspended from TwitterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relief for the family of a missing four year old girl in Tasmania - who has been found alive and well A record federal government investment into the treatment of Endometriosis Peters Ice Cream fined 12 million dollars Sydney's Lance Franklin on the verge of booting 1000 AFL goalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first all-Australian COVID vaccines to be tested in Victoria  NATO sends 40k more troops to Eastern Europe Canberra confirms 58m in funding for endometriosis  Prince William labels slavery abhorrent during speech in Jamaica See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.