Star News Briefing

National Cabinet meets today to discuss Victoria Covid outbreak and quarantine facility. Restrictions have eased in Regional Victoria. Ash Barty has been forced to retire from the French Open. Adam Lambert is working on a new musical.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Temporary Covid payments up to 500-dollars-a-week will be offered for people affected by lockdowns  The PM has agreed to help bankroll a new state-run quarantine facility outside of Melbourne  New Zealand is extending its freeze on travel from VictoriaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NSW Health has confirmed more exposure sites after a Melbourne family visited before testing positive to Covid-19. Victoria is calling for financial assistance with the extension of lockdown for another 7-days. Serena Williams is through to the next round of the French Open. Billie Eilish drops her new film clip.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melburnians are facing at least another seven days of lockdown.. but regional Victorians will be free to move around from midnight tomorrow. Anyone travelling to WA from NSW will face new travel advice And The Australian economy is growing at its fastest pace in more than 50 years See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria's 7-day lockdown could be extended beyond tomorrow. NSW Health has issued an alert after a person with Covid-19 visited the state's South Coast. Ash Barty has an overcome a hip injury to move into the next round of the French Open. Coachella is set to return in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria's lockdown is being assessed day by day WA's premier has ordered a cargo ship to leave Australia -- after one of its crew members tested positive to Covid. The reserve bank leaves the official cash rate at the record low See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's now mandatory for public aged care workers in Victoria to get vaccinated. Victoria is still bracing for an extension on lockdown. Naomi Osaka has officially withdrawn from the French Open. A rugby league great reveals he is suffering from dementia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former attorney general Christian Porter has dropped his defamation action against the ABC Victoria is being warned its Covid outbreak could get worse before it gets better with 11 new cases   The NRL confirms that Origin One is on the moveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is in New Zealand to meet with his counterpart, Jacinda Ardern. Victoria enters Day 4 of lockdown, with fears it could be extended. The British PM weds his fiancé in a private ceremony in London. Naomi Osaka cites mental health as her reason for boycotting media appearances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any hopes of an early release from lockdown in Victoria have been reportedly dashed  Scott Morrison is travelling to New Zealand for talks with Jacinda Ardern Essendon come from behind to beat the Eagles  Kate Middleton receives first dose of a Covid vaccine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been revealed - a positive case in Melbourne - had worked during their infectious period - visiting a number of smaller supermarkets in several suburbs The trial of an Australian writer in China - has ended with a Beijing court deferring its verdict. The AFL's top of the table clash has seen the Demons beat the Bulldogs And looking for something to watch? Netflix has released an updated list of its 10 most popular movies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia has now slammed it's border shut with Victoria Victorian health officials are concerned about five key coronavirus exposure sites andA woman in the U-S has won Ohio's "Vax-a-million" lottery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has begun its fourth lockdown amid concerns about a third COVID-19 wave in the state. Qantas is considering incentives to encourage more people to get vaccinated with a program likely to include flight vouchers, frequent flyer points or status credits. In sport, the AFL's blockbuster Friday night match between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne will be played in an empty Marvel Stadium, with spectators banned because of Covid. And in entertainment news, Friends stars Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer have revealed their TV romance almost spilt over into real life. During the show's reunion special, the pair revealed they developed strong feelings for each other while filming the series, but one of them was always in a relationship.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commonwealth Has Declared Greater Melbourne a Covid Hotspot New Border Restrictions Imposed Israel Folau Takes Action Against Queensland Rugby League And Recall for Hundreds Of Land Rover 4WDsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian health authorities will decide today whether Melbourne goes into lockdown, depending on the number of new Covid-19 cases.  Queensland and WA have imposed new border restrictions on Victoria. A group of people from southern NSW have previously visited a Melbourne hot spot site. AFL and State of Origin 1 have been affected by the Melbourne Covid-19 outbreak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia has slammed it's border shut to Greater Melbourne after six new cases  A record 104-thousand doses of the Covid vaccine have been administered  A report into the departure of Australia post boss Christine Holgate has found she was treated badlySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria contact tracers are contacting thousands of AFL fans with the MCG now added to the list of Covid-19 exposure sites. Covid-19 restrictions are in place across Greater Melbourne with Nine community-transmitted cases. The Pfizer vaccine will soon be made available at GPs. A big night at the NRL Judiciary and AFL Tribunal.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coronavirus cluster in Melbourne's north has risen to nine -- prompting restrictions in the city to be tightened. New Zealand has hit the pause button on the travel bubble with Victoria for the next three days  40 sexual harassment complaints have been examined by the federal police after a special hotline was set up for parliamentary workersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Health is hopeful genomic testing will reveal the source of four new Covid-19 cases in Melbourne. UK Airlines have been told to avoid flying over Belarus after a flight was intercepted. The Australian Paralympic team will have to be vaccinated if they want to compete in Tokyo. Timothee Chalamet has been cast as Willy Wonka in an upcoming prequel film.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Medical Officer backs calls for a Covid Passport Craig Kelly Loses Claim Against Facebook Fears Australia won't be able to meet its own Food And Grocery Needs And.. The Weeknd cleans up at the Billboard Music AwardsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is looking to discuss travel exemptions for people who have been vaccinated. At least 14 people have been killed in a cable car accident in Italy. Three people on the Aussie Olympic Skateboarding team have tested positive to Covid-19 in the U.S. Tributes continue for Rugby League great, Bob Fulton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has arranged 31 repatriation flights including from London, LA, Frankfurt, Paris and Vancouver In NSW the Nationals are on track to win the crucial Upper Hunter by-election The Bulldogs take back top spot on the AFL ladder  Reality TV star Brynne Edelsten charged with trafficking drugsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite increased Covid concerns in Japan - the International Olympic Committee is convinced it will be safe for the games to go ahead There's been a recall of 10 batches of Hydralite tablets due to a risk to pregnant women Brisbane has proved too strong for Richmond in the AFL Prince Harry is now claiming the Monarchy tried to smear his wife MeghanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Princes Harry and William Slam BBC over Bombshell 90s Interview Aussie Covid Rollout Gaining Pace A Shark Attack off W-A Student Climate Protesters Vow to stage More RalliesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza this morning. The BBC has apologised after a reporter forged the 1995 interview with Princess Diana. The Cowboys have overcome two sin-bins to beat Newcastle. Sistas! Hocus Pocus 2 is on the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's jobless rate has improved for the seventh month in a row Unions slam Qantas for its two-year wage freeze  SIX more people report blood clots after receiving the ASTRA ZENECA jab And real estate website Domain hit by a cyber attackSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A third Aussie has died in India after Covid-19, his brother is pleading for his father to be allowed into the country. More off-field drama for Collingwood AFL club. Help is on the way for NSW farmers battling the mouse plague. The trailer is finally here for 'Friends: The Reunion'  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal health minister is spruiking the idea of a vaccine passport. a record number of people were vaccinated with 95 thousand rolling up their sleeves yesterday Four great whites have been caught on the NSW mid north coast after a deadly shark attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows a third of Aussies say they still won't get a Covid-19 vaccine. Calls for more repatriation flights for Australian citizens stuck in India. More controversy surrounding Virgin Airlines. An open letter about 'Sandpapergate' from four Aussie Test Bowlers. Naomi Campbell is a mum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Witnesses at the scene of a deadly shark attack on the NSW mid north coast have described the attack as 'horrific'. The P-M has flagged a vaccination passport -- which could allow Australians to travel interstate And Unions are demanding greater protections for food delivery riders.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virgin Australia has released a new statement since the company's CEO copped backlash from comments on the border re-opening. The US has again called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians.  GWS star Toby Greene could be sidelined for four weeks. The trailer has dropped for the new Oprah and Prince Harry series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another milestone in Australia's COVID vaccine rollout - with more than 3 million people receiving the jab. The PM will travel to New Zealand at the end of the month, in his first overseas trip for a while AND KIA owners are being warned to urgently contact their car dealership -- over a dangerous defect, which can cause firesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aussie cricketers and support staff return to Australia after being banned from returning from India for two weeks. The UN has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Melbourne has continued it's unbeaten run in the AFL. Twitter slams Channel 7's interview with actor Craig McLachlan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fighting on the Gaza strip is showing no signs of easing with a building housing media reduced to rubble Aussie landmarks to be lit in yellow for road safety week NRL coaches unhappy with the head injury crackdown And twins expected for one of the Real Housewives of MelbourneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of people have been barred from a repatriation flight to Australia from India - after testing positive for Covid-19. Israel is warning the biggest offensive against Hamas in years - is far from over Snow has fallen across the Snow Mountains World number one Ash Barty has pulled out of the quarter final of the Italian tennis open - due to injurySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first repatriation flight out of India in two weeks has been hit by Covid with dozens of would-be passengers banned from boarding. Sydney's CBD stabber will spend at least 33 years behind bars for his deadly 2019 rampage. AirBNB has has posted a One and a half Billion dollar first-quarter loss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese gives his Federal Budget reply. Talk continue on producing the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine in Sydney. The NRL's 'Magic Round' kicks-off tonight. Prince Harry has bonded with a neighboring celeb over the paparazzi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's top health officials believe people may be able to "mix and match" their Covid vaccines. A NSW Government Minister has stood aside -- amid revelations he's being investigated by police. And Perth will return to pre-lockdown life at a minute past midnight on SaturdaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian secures 25 million doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Severe storms lash South-East Queensland. The US has held talks over the increased violence between Israel and the Palestinians.  The end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The treasurer is defending his big-spending budget Genomic sequencing has confirmed a Melbourne man contracted Covid in a quarantine hotel in Adelaide. And Qantas is pushing back its restart date for international flights See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highlights from the 2021 Federal Budget announcement. The Queen formally opens the new session of British Parliament. Port Adelaide's Scott Lycett cops a blow from the AFL tribunal. Little Mix make history at the 2021 Brit Awards in London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions earmarked for Aged Care, NDIS and Mental Health Services in Budget Victoria blames S-A Hotel Quarantine for Local Melbourne case New details over 13yo's tragic bin death Jarryd Hayne supporter fined for spitting outside court  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What we know so far about tonight's Federal Budget. UK to reduce Covid-19 restrictions next week. Richmond won't take action against Rioli and Bolton after their nightclub fight. It looks like Bennifer are back together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GOVERNMENT working on a plan to restart international travel next year. Random stabbing in New Zealand Supermarket leaves THREE people fighting for life. Jack DeBelin to possibly face THIRD trial over rape allegations. And Jay-Z's new business plansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge boost for the Aged Care sector and JobTrainer is expected in tomorrow's Federal Budget. NSW Covid-19 restrictions remain in place as NSW Health continues to find the link for two new cases. The government's temporary ban on Aussies returning from India will be challenged in court today. Meghan Markle's first appearance since the Oprah interview.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man accused of fighting for an Islamic state group has been arrested at Melbourne Airport after being deported from Turkey Aussie Olympic athletes at the top of the list of Covid vaccinations Melbourne remains the only team in the AFL undefeated Ash Barty loses the final of the Madrid OpenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday's federal budget could see a major boost for single parents looking to buy a home - with just a two percent deposit required International tourism out of the U-K will re-start later this month It's World Ovarian Cancer Day The Roosters left fuming over an onfield incident in the loss to ParramattaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Repatriation flights from India will resume from May 15 Federal Health authorities aren't too worried about finding the  'missing link' to Sydney's two local Covid cases More than 2 and a half million doses of Astra Zenica have been administered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Cabinet will today confirm plans for repatriation flights from India to Australia each week from May 15. Covid-19 restrictions are in-force for the next three days in Greater Sydney. Five people are in a Melbourne hospital after a tanker truck mounted a footpath. Melbourne's Josh Addo-Carr helped the Storm to major victory over South Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has paused its travel-bubble with New South Wales ....  while Sydney's covid cases are investigated. Limited Covid restrictions have returned to greater Sydney.. and will last until at least the end of the weekend  Former footballer Jarryd Hayne will spend at least 3 years and 8 months behind bars, for raping a womanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.