Star News Briefing

The Winter Olympics has officially been opened overnight in a dazzling, but freezing ceremony in Beijing. The New South Wales Premier says the latest texting scandal in Canberra is an unhelpful distraction. A second SAS soldier has contradicted evidence given by Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith at his defamation trial. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM is standing by his government's management of the aged care sector. Former TV presenter Andrew O'keefe is now also accused of drug possession. And it looks as though we'll be feeling the effects of the La Nina weather pattern into early autumn!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US President says a serious threat has been removed following the death of the ISIS leader Peter Dutton has thrown his support behind the PM in the wake of the text scandal Facebook parent company Meta losses $220bn Aussie women retain the Ashes See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

States will be asked to provide more information to help determine why so many residents in aged care are dying. Parents are being encouraged to book their teens to get their booster shot. And New Zealand is likely to remain closed to Aussies until at least july....See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Health Organisation has again warned us not to be complacent about Omicron US President Joe Biden is sending thousands of troops to Eastern Europe It's Groundhog Day in the US Australia's first ever Olympic curling duo have lost to the US in BeijingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM is adamant he's not going to be distracted by a text exchange describing him as a "horrible person" and "fraud". Grace Tame has broken her silence on last week's frosty reception towards the pm And Australia has reached a major pandemic milestoneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NSW Premier reaffirms her support for PM, following release of text messages  South East Queensland is mopping up after being battered by a supercell storm The Socceroos have drawn with Oman 2-all in their World Cup qualifier  Ellen DeGeneres has opened a gorilla sanctuary in Rwanda  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RBA expected to leave rates on hold when it meets today  A man's been charged with murder in Sydney's west Adam Reynold's named Broncos captain Rhianna confirms she's expecting See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a new push for us to get Booster-Shots - with another four million people now eligible. Proof of vaccination laws are now in effect across WA And Beer prices are on the way up See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rafael Nadal has been crowned the Australian Open men's champion, making history as the first male tennis player to win 21 Grand Slams. Thousands of school children across New Souths Wales and Victoria will begin term one this morning. Queensland police have dropped charges against a man, just hours after he arrested for the deaths of a married couple south-west of Brisbane. And in sport, A member of the the Australian winter Olympics team who tested positive for Covid-19, has now tested negative.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash Barty has become the first Aussie to win the Australian Open in 44 years The New South Wales government to spend 1 billion dollars to help struggling businesses hit by the Omicron wave Cricket's Mitch Starc wins the Allan Border medal Britney Spears latest Insta post cuts shreds off her little sister Jamie LynnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's drug regulator has approved the Pfizer booster shot for those aged 16 and 17 A clean up continues in Victoria after the state was hit by wild weather  Rafa Nadal and Daniil Medvedev to meet in the Australian Open final  Jason Momoa set to join the Fast and Furious franchiseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sydney court has heard a woman had to bite former tv star Andrew O'keefe to break-free -- after she was allegedly punched and choked in his city apartment. Russia has accused the Australian media of running Ukranian propaganda And Rafael Nadal is through to the finals at the Australian OpenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More storms are forecast for Victoria, as the state deals with the clean-up from yesterday's wild weather New Omicron warning, as another variant emerges Ash Barty books her spot in the Australian Open Final Coldplay's plans to break into theatre    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will be no change in the vaccine definition for the time being -- despite a push for the third jab to be made compulsory. Former tv star Andrew O'keefe will spend the night behind bars after allegedly choking and punching a woman in Central Sydney. And It'll be an all Aussie men's doubles final at the Australian Open -- after Nick Kyrgios and Thannasi Kokkinakis downed their opponents   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soaring petrol prices set to stick, amid Ukraine military tension Boris Johnson's leadership on the line, ahead of partygate report The Sydney Sixers cement their spot in the BBL decider Aussie blockbuster Mortal Kombat set to get a sequelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paralympian and tennis icon Dylan Alcott has been named Australian of the year France warns Russia not to invade Ukraine Ash Barty through to the Australian Open semi finals Elton John tests positive to Covid19See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation Surged By 1-point-3 Percent Over The December Quarter. H-M-A-S Adelaide Hit With Covid As It Prepares To Deliver Aid To Tonga 2021 Aus Of The Year Gives P-M The Cold Shoulder AND.. The Average Aussie Has $95 Of Gift Cards Sitting Around At HomeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are being told to leave Ukraine now, amid rising tensions. A landmark deal has been struck to finally "Free the Flag". Line-up concerns for the Sydney Sixers ahead of BBL Challenger. Hollywood A-listers set to co-star in a new, Amazon blockbuster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some Of States Hardest Hit By Covid May Be On Downward Trend Fears Rapid Antigen Test Shortage Will Continue For Weeks Cleo Smith Abductor Pleads Guilty And Kardashians Now Have More Than 1B Instagram FollowersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's most vulnerable people have access to free RAT's from today. Europe and the US impose further travel warnings on Australia. Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis continue their doubles domination at the Aus Open. Adele's tearful apology to fans, after postponing her Vegas gig.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travellers coming to Australia will no longer need evidence of a negative P-C-R swab - but instead return a negative Rapid Test 24 hours prior to departure International aid has reached Tonga Alex De Minaur the last Aussie left in the men's draw of the Australian Open The Castle selected favourite Aussie movie of all timeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has put the call out to fellow leaders around the world to help protect supply chains from pandemic disruptions Cracking down on child support dodgers is in the spotlight - with offending parents possibly banned from leaving the country Tributes for Meatloaf - who's passed away aged 74 Ash Barty through to the 4th round of the Australian OpenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Premier McGowan Declares Eastern States Are Going Through A Catastrophe New South Wales Records Its Deadliest Day Of The Pandemic Serbia's Diplomatic Row With Australia Over Djokovic Visa Deepens And Almost One In Three Aussies Admits To Holding A GrudgeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WA's plans to reopen next month have been scrapped... Premier Mark McGowan has postponed the state's February 5reopening indefinitely due to the risk of Omicron That date was based on when the state was expected to reach a 90 per cent vaccination target Instead, the list of exemptions to cross the border has been expanded to include new reasons to enter on compassionate grounds. But those who enter the state will still be required to isolate for 14 days.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

States And Territories Will Outline Their Own Reopening Plans In Coming Days Rollout Of New Covid Vaccine To Begin Next Month Novak Djokovic Considers Suing Feds Over Visa Bungle And Kanye Takes Swipe At Pete Davidson In Leaked TrackSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The COVID-safe return to the classroom will dominate talks at today's National Cabinet meeting New South Wales and Victoria are expected to present a plan to have students undergo rapid testsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gap Between Second And Third Doses Reduced To 3mths Amid Omicron Outbreak ADF On The Way To Victoria To Drive Ambulances Detectives Look For More Clues After Missing Girl's Body Found In Barrel And Visa Rebates On The Way For International Students And BackpackersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government has enacted the private hospitals agreement, as the country's public hospitals continue to feel the strain from COVID 100,000 health staff from private hospitals and up to 57,000 nurses will be deployed to the public system It comes after Australia marked its deadliest day since the pandemic began... with 36 deaths in NSW and 22 in Victoria See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Government Re-activates Private Hospital Agreement Relief On The Way For Tonga The World's Top Billionaires Double Their Wealth Since Start of Pandemic Kylie Jenner Granted Permanent Restraining Order Against Crazed FanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A heroes welcome for Novak Djokovic after touching down in Serbia He was greeted by supporters after arriving back home, in the wake of the visa saga Pressure is now mounting on Tennis Australia's Chief Executive Craig Tiley  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts Warn More Tsunamis And Acid Rain Possible In Tonga Fifth Vaccine Approved For International Travellers Novak Djokovic Touches Down In Dubai And.. Kanye Has A Dig At Kardashians For Not Telling Him About Daughter's BirthdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has jetted out of Australia, after losing his visa appeal. Pictures have emerged of the World Number One flanked by Border Force officials as he waited to board his flight. The decision ends his hopes of of defending his Australian Open title While Serbia's president Alekasandar Vucic has responded angrily to the deportation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonga has been hit by a tsunami after a huge underwater volcanic eruption triggered warnings across the south-western pacific including Australia. A full bench of the Federal Court will decide if Novak Djokovic will defend his Australian Open title. Pub owners across the country are urging the federal government to cut taxes on beer as hospitality continues to suffer from the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic will remain in Australia while the Federal Court hears an appeal to his second visa cancellation. Public health officials are growing increasingly confident Australia will soon pass the peak of the Omicron wave, with case numbers expected to plateau in coming weeks. Some Aussie retailers are calling for a relaxation of isolation rules to be expanded as staff shortages continue across the sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has announced he has invoked his discretionary power and has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Visa for a second time. Health advice is being blamed for the lack of rapid antigen tests in Australia. A ten year old girl has managed to escape unharmed after her father allegedly stabbed her mother and younger sister to death at a home in Melbourne. In sport, England has steam-rolled through Australia's top order on day one of the final Ashes test in Hobart, taking four wickets for just 83 runs. And in entertainment,  Kanye West is being investigated by police for allegedly punching a fan who asked for an autograph.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PRINCE ANDREW has been STRIPPED of military titles and royal patronages as a sexual abuse lawsuit moves forward in the US. NOVAK DJOKOVIC could find out this afternoon whether he'll be allowed to stay in the country to defend his Australian Open title. Australia has matched its hottest day on record, with an airport in W-A's Pilbara region hitting 50-point-7 degrees. While in sport, Usman Khawaja has moved to the top of the batting order for the fifth Ashes Test, after Marcus Harris was axed from the home side..which starts in Hobart today.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More workers are now exempt from isolation rules if they are asymptomatic including transport, telecommunications, data, broadcasting and media, childcare and education. Novak Djokovic has been included in the Australian Open draw despite uncertainty surrounding his visa status. An urgent recall has been issued for Huggies Thick Baby Wipes. In sport, Scott Boland will undergo another fitness test tomorrow ahead of the final Ashes test in Hobart. And in entertainment, Jamie Lynn Spears insists she played no part in Britney's 13-year conservatorship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing pressure on the Immigration Minister to make a decision on the Novak Djokovic visa matter today.Prince Andrew's sexual assault case is heading to trial in the US and the Queen's second son may have to testify. Aussies Nicole Kidman - Cate Blanchette and Sarah Snook have scored Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.And Australia's Ashes side has had its first look at the Blundstone Arena pitch in Hobart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PM has warned Australia faces a massive challenge in keeping things moving, as Omicron cases continue to surge across the country. Western Australia has taken the extraordinary step of shutting itself off from the rest of the country just weeks before it's borders are due to open. Novak Djokovic is copping a tsunami of backlash after admitting he took part in an in-person interview, despite knowing he was COVID-positive. In sport, Aussie Jordan Thompson bows out of the Sydney Tennis Classic. And in entertainment, British TV star Simon Cowell secretly pops the question to his girlfriend of 13-years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supermarkets are implementing buying limits to deal with supply chain issues that are now extending to everything from cars to fast food.The SERBIAN Prime Minister has weighed in on NOVAK DJOKOVIC's visa drama.After a three year absence, there'll be a HOST in charge of this year's Academy Awards.While in the Big Bash, wins to the Sydney Sixers over the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers over the Melbourne Stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has released a statement saying he is still considering whether to cancel novak Djokovic's visa. Medical experts say it won't be business as usual when schools go back and are warning principals and parents - COVID outbreaks are inevitable. US surgeons have successfully implanted a heart from a genetically modified pig - in a 57-year-old man. In sport, Bernard Tomic has failed to qualify for the Australian Open. And in entertainment, Betty White's death certificate reveals the TV icon's cause of death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Police were forced to use capsicum spray on supporters of Novak Djokovic who blocked a busy city street last night. Children aged 5 to 11 have been rolling up their sleeves to receive their Covid vaccinations.  Authorities in New York are investigating a possible maintenance issue with a door that failed to close during a fire in a BRONX apartment building.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has won his court battle against the Federal government. Kids around the country have rolled up their sleeves to receive their Covid vaccinations as 5 to 11-year-old's become eligible for the jab. Major surpermarkets are considering rationing more products as staff shortages impact operations. In sport, disappointment for Sydney tennis fans - as world number one Ash Barty withdraws from the Sydney Tennis Classic. And in entertainment, three Aussies have won Golden Globe Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic claims he was told by Australia’s immigration department before he landed in Melbourne that he was eligible for a vaccine exemption, as he'd only just recovered from COVID. From tomorrow, workers who test positive to COVID-19 via a rapid antigen test can apply for a federal pandemic leave disaster payments. Covid continues to spread among the ranks of Australia’s politicians with the South Australian Premier Steven Marshall announcing he’s in isolation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Czech tennis star Renata Voracova has joined Novak Djokovic in hotel detention, after being detained by Border Force officials. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been forced to isolate with his family after testing positive for Covid-19. Ash Barty will face Iga Swiatek in the semi finals of the Adelaide International.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic will remain in Australia until at least Monday - when his Federal court hearing into his Visa cancellation will be held 2021 was the 19th warmest year in Australia  England trail by 403 runs at the Sydney Ashes test Nathan Buckley collapses in the jungle on 'I'm a celebrity, get me out of here'See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A visa mixup at Melbourne Airport has stalled Novak Djokovic's entry to Australia A PCR test no longer needed if you test positive for Covid-19 on a rapid antigen test Rain delays mar the first day of the Sydney Ashes test Archibald-winning Australian artist CRAIG RUDDY has died of Covid complications See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic will defend his Australian Open title after gaining a medical exemption for the Covid vaccination The PM to propose changes for Rapid Antigen testing kits at National Cabinet The cricket Ashes series continues in Sydney  A judge throws out a lawsuit against rock band NirvanaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A further 3.7 million people are now eligible for the booster shot with the gap between 2nd and 3rd doses reduced Australia suffering a lack of Rapid Antigen Test kits The world's oldest person turns 119 David Bowie's estate sells the late singer's catalogueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.