Star News Briefing

Northern NSW has been struck by a tornado overnight. Victoria's vaccine mandate for essential workers is now in place. The Women's Big Bash is officially underway with a win for the Sydney Sixers. Coldplay vows to stop making new music after a 12th album.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild weather across Sydney has been playing havoc - with the weather bureau adding the risk of Tornado activity Lockdowns in Victoria - NSW and the A-C-T are being blamed for a rise in the unemployment rate. The Australian Navy grounds its fleet of Seahawk helicopters after a crash in the Phillipine Sea The W-B-B-L season kicks off in Hobart - the Melbourne Stars taking on the Sydney SixersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

90-year-old Star Trek actor William Shatner is now the oldest person to visit space. Two men who broke into WA for the AFL Grand Final have been sentenced. Aussie swimmer Chloe McCardel has broken the English Channel record. A release date for Adele's new album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another by-election will be held in NSW after another Liberal MP resigned from Parliament Victoria records its deadliest day of the Pandemic with 13 fatalities The NRL have unveiled 'The Dolphins' as the 17th team for the league  Ed Sheeran surprises fans at a Coldplay concertSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Melbourne is in lockdown after a COVID scare. An autopsy report has revealed Gabby Petito was strangled to death. NSW could reach 80% full vaccinations by Sunday. The Socceroos' World Cup Qualifiers winning-streak has come to an end.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Liberals are confident the party can reach an agreement on climate change with the Nationals. 63.4 percent of those aged over 16 are double dosed in Australia The NBL fixture for the upcoming season has been announced And no apologies from rapper Cardi B who skipped a court date for the Paris Fashion weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning from Prince Charles to world leaders thinking of skipping the Climate Summit. New rules for truckies entering WA from NSW or Victoria. The Redcliffe Dolphins are set to enter the NRL competition in 2023. Jared Leto gets tear gassed at an anti-vaccine protest in Italy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As retail and hospitality industries open their doors in NSW - finding staff is proving difficult More than 1 million Australians have signed up the million dollar vax campaign Queensland is facing a higher-than-average risk from cyclones, bushfires and floods this summer The Socceroos are chasing 12 straight World Cup Qualifying wins - when it takes on Japan this weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pubs, shops and salons have re-opened in Greater Sydney for those who are fully vaccinated. A trial of vaccine passports is beginning in regional Victoria. The Aussie women's cricket team have beat India i the final match of the series. Kim Kardashian has poked fun at her family on SNL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move that will save families hundreds of dollars a year - the Federal Government will bring forward its childcare reforms Just over 61 percent of people aged 16 and over in Australia are now fully vaccinated Sam Frost deletes her Insta account over her stance on Covid vaccinations The Aussie women's cricket team wins the T-20 series against IndiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demand for a massive up-front payment is believed to be one reason why the federal government took so long to get the Pfizer vaccine here in Australia. Nurses and doctors from overseas will be granted exemptions to enter Australia to try and combat a staff shortage in regional hospitals. Facebook is suffering another outage, just days after several of its major services went down. In sport, The Ashes will go ahead in Australia. And in entertainment news, Adele's new album won't feature any other artists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's vaccination program has now surpassed the US, Israel and the EU Two fines have been issued to Victorian Premier Dan Andrews after he was filmed without wearing a mask. And People with severe immunity issues will be eligible for a third dose of the Covid vaccine from next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Melbourne police officers are in hospital after getting Covid-19 at the anti-vax protests. Queensland is gearing-up to trial home quarantine. Women's cricket on the Gold Coast interrupted by rain. Adele is the cover star for two Vogue magazines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

81 per cent of the Aussie population aged over 16 has received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. NSW have been given an extra easing of restrictions after hitting the 70 percent double vax target And The Federal government is pushing the states to change defamation laws to create a consistent national approachSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A parent has tested positive after visiting Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital. 80% of Australians have now had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The Ashes are going ahead this summer. Kylie Minogue is moving back to Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

351k People Rolled Up Their Sleeves Yesterday -- With 58% Now Double Jabbed NSW Hits Critical 70% Double Vax Milestone New Research For Endometriosis Sufferers  And Rugby League star Benji Marshall Calls Time On his 19 Year CareerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QANTAS has unveiled the requirements when international travel resumes. A Facebook whistleblower says the company puts money ahead of user safety. Football Australia is investigating allegations of harassment in the women's league. A sneak-peek at Adele's new song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominic Perrottet says it's an honour to become the 46th premier of new south wales.  Australia's vaccination rate is continuing to reach milestones after hitting 80 per cent first dose And The Reserve Bank has used its monthly board meeting to keep interest rates at a record low of point-1 of a percentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominic Perrottet is the favourite to be elected new NSW Premier. Another earthquake in Victoria overnight. Facebook and Instagram are down due to a global outage. More hints that Adele is about to drop new music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australians are continuing to come forward for COVID-19 vaccines in record numbers with the nation almost at the 80-percent first dose milestone. New COVID-19 cases reported in almost every state, with several South Australian council areas facing restrictions. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro quits politics. In sport, the AFL trade window opens and celebrations continue for the Penrith Panthers. And in entertainment, Dame Joan Collins calls out the Kardashians in her new book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penrith Panthers have been crowned this year’s NRL champions with a 14-12 win over South Sydney. Melbourne has officially overtaken Buenos Aires as the city that's spent the most time in lockdown. New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is the hot favourite to become the next Premier.  Mandatory vaccination could see Novak Djokovic skip next year's Australian Open.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL decider between the Panthers and the Rabbitohs still hinges on Covid cases in Brisbane NRL fans in Sydney reminded to obey public health orders with restrictions on social gatherings  Daylight saving kicks in for most of the country - except WA, NT and Queensland Donald Trump asks a federal judge to get Twitter to restore his personal accountSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pill developed in the U-S has been shown to halve the risk of Covid hospitalisations and deaths. A new Premier for NSW is just days away with a vote on the Liberal leadership to be held on Tuesday NRL fans are hoping for low Covid case numbers in Brisbane - to avoid any changes to the game between the Rabbitohs and the Panthers Daylight saving starts this weekend - clocks go forward 1 hour, early Sunday morning except for W-A, NT and QueenslandSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 5 years as NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian's political career is over. Fully vaccinated Aussies will be able to travel overseas without restriction, under the next phase of the national reopening plan. And the Gold Coast remains on Covid alert with today's local cases spending time in the community while infectious..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Cabinet will meet today to discuss re-opening borders and the pathways to freedom. Parts of NSW have been lashed by storms overnight after a tornado at Bathurst. The NRL Grand Final hangs in the balance as the QLD government keeps an eye on COVID case numbers. Taylor Swift has bumped up the re-release of her album.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussies are coming forward "in extraordinary numbers" to get vaccinated against Covid  Queensland will be on heightened alert ahead of hosting the n-r-l grand final this weekend following more cases And Three people have been injured after a powerful storm generated a tornado in the NSW central westSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A flight from Melbourne to Brisbane is among over 20 new Covid-19 exposure sites in Queensland. A young child is among four killed in a head-on collision south-west of Brisbane. Argentinian rugby players have been denied entry into QLD after a day trip to Byron Bay. The Britney Spears conservatorship case returns to an L-A court.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor is worried lockdown payments are ending too soon ...  with the federal government linking them to vaccine targets. Brisbane's covid outbreak has spread to the the gold coast .... but the chief health officer is still holding off on a lockdown And Victoria's Health Department has been charged by Worksafe over last year's bungled hotel quarantine progSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some COVID restrictions have eased in Victoria after reaching 80% of first doses. COVID disaster payments could soon end as vaccinations rates rise. Byron Bay in NSW is back in lockdown after a new COVID case. The new James Bond film is premiering in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

303-thousand Aussies rolled up their sleeves for a Covid jab yesterday -- more than a third of them in New South Wales Queensland's south east has avoided lockdown for now after the state recorded four local cases. And At-home Covid-tests have been given the green light by Australia's drug regulator!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL is investigating after a video emerged of two Melbourne Storm players with a white substance on the table. At-home COVID testing kits set to be available in Australia in November. Thomas Trbojevic receives Dally M award. R Kelly found guilty in sex trafficking scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life for residents in NSW to look a lot more normal this summer after the state government released its roadmap to freedom. It's hoped Victoria will reach its vaccination targets sooner as GP's and pharmacies are offered grants to administer more jabs. Perth has been left off Qantas' plans to restart travel. In sport, the MCG has confirmed it will host a welcome home celebration party for the Melbourne Demons. And in entertainment, Brad Pitt and George Clooney teaming up for a new movie!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccinated and non-vaccinated people can now access public pools across NSW A second person has tested positive to COVID-19 after attending anti-vaccine protests in Melbourne. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is back in Australia after a whirlwind trip to the U.S. Lewis Hamilton has picked-up his 100th F1 victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrations are continuing in Melbourne and Perth after the Demons historic AFL Grand Final win. Victoria will need a wait a little longer for a few extra freedoms after missing the first major milestone on the roadmap to reopening. NSW is getting a new national park, dubbed the biggest urban wildlife restoration project in Australia's history. In sport, Australia has defeated Argentina in the rugby test in Townsville. And in entertainment news, the Global Citizen 24-hour music event is underway to raise awareness about climate change, vaccine inequality and famine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perth is turning on the weather and the atmosphere for the AFL Grand Final clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Western Australia will slam shut the doors to Victoria just days after the Grand Final. Space X founder Elon Musk has confirmed he and Grimes are semi-separated. South Sydney is through to next week's NRL grand final with a 36-16 win over Manly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Record Day of Vaccinations Reached Nationwide Victorians To Be Locked Out Of W-A Australia Reaches Agreement With Nauru To Keep Detention Centre Open And.. The Countdown To The AFL Grand FinalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, ahead of tomorrow's Quad talks. One-in-seven Australians is now employed in Health or Social Services. A protestor who was part of the demonstration at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance this week has tested positive for COVID-19. In sport, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs prepare for tomorrow's AFL Grand Final. And in entertainment, Justin Bieber says he's learned to "reassess his boundaries" to protect his own his mental health.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Records Its Highest Infection Numbers Since The Start Of The Outbreak Queensland Suspends NRL Tickets For Jabs Scheme 12 Month Reprieve For Biloela Tamil Family And P-M Denies He's Snubbed By French President Over Failed Submarine DealSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Government is promising international travel will return for Australians by Christmas at the latest. World leaders are gathering virtually for a global summit to talk about the COVID pandemic. Concerns Melbourne could face a 4th day of violent anti-vax demonstrations. In sport, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will name their teams tonight for Saturday's AFL Grand Final. And in entertainment, Kylie Jenner releases a new baby skincare line.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities Admit South Eastern Australia Could Be Feeling Aftershocks For Weeks Hundreds Arrested After Tense Stand-Off Between Protestors And Police In Melb Reality Tv Show Member Charged With Covid Breach W-A On Covid Alert Just Days Out From AFL Grand FinalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Victoria will be out in force again today with demonstrators expected to hit the streets of the CBD for a third day. The United States is set to approve a Pfizer vaccine for children aged between 5 and 12 by the end of next month. And most Australians want greenhouse gas emissions cut to net zero by 2050. In sport, victory for the Aussie women's cricket team. And in entertainment, 13 vehicles used in the movie "Mad Max - Fury Road" will be auctioned in Sydney this weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne Police Have Been Forced to Fire On Crowds With Rubber Bullets Australia Now Rolling Out One-Million Vax Doses Every 3-4 Days Dancing Back In South Australia And Scott Morrison To Meet With President Biden As Tensions With France Escalate  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fall-out continues from Australia's decision to dump the submarine deal with France and move to a new Defence partnership with the United States and Britain. Victoria has shutdown construction sites for two weeks after yesterday's violent protest in Melbourne involving building workers and anti-vaccination demonstrators. Under 18's in NSW will be allowed to meet in groups of three from today - after State Cabinet approved a new 'friends bubble' overnight. In sport, the International Cricket season begins today with the Australian Women's Team playing the first of three One Day games against India in Mackay. And in entertainment, Mare of Easttown star Kate Winslet believes actresses are no longer being "scrutinised" for their bodies, as much as they were when she was starting out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Daily Cases Below 1K for the First Time In a Month 47 Percent Of Adult Aussies Now Fully Jabbed The Crown And Ted Lasso Big Winners At The Emmy's  Cricket Australia is confident the Ashes will go ahead this summer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of living under tougher Covid restrictions than the rest of Sydney residents in 12 Local Government Areas are enjoying new freedoms this morning. While Victorians who've been stranded in NSW can finally return home. Another shipment of Moderna vaccines has arrived in Sydney overnight. Prime Minister Scott Morrison heads to the United States today for a meeting of the new QUAD Alliance. In sport, Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines has won the Brownlow Medal for the AFL's Best. And in entertainment news, Adele makes it Instagram official with her new beau.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anti lockdown protests in Australia's capital cities has seen hundreds of arrests made Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown Penrith through to the NRL preliminary finals The Emmy awards back to the stage after last year's virtual eventSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will be no public transport for most of Saturday to Melbourne's CBD - to deter protestors from attending an anti lockdown protest The first doses of the Moderna vaccine have arrived in Australia Manly too good for the Roosters in the NRL Semi final Dan Levy - who played David Rose in Schitt's Creek  - has signed a new TV and movie deal with NetflixSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia will add another vaccine to the national rollout - with the first doses of Moderna arriving in Sydney China has taken aim at the new defence pact signed between Australia - the U-S and U-K - accusing the three of adopting a cold war mentality The NRL semi finals kick off in Mackay And British comedian Russell Brand in hot water for giving tips on how to avoid Covid safety measuresSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aged care workers must now have had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. China and France react to the new defiance deal between Australia, the US and Britain. Aussie swimmer Shayna Jack has been cleared to resume training after her doping ban. Sir Elton John has been forced to postpone shows after injuring his hip in a fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese wants full transparency from the government on the cost of tearing up the submarine deal with France  Some restrictions for Melburnians are set to be eased from midnight Friday The AFL Grand Final in Perth has officially sold out Nicky Minaj's Covid vaccine tweet debunkedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.