Sunrise

South-east Queensland faces a severe weather warning with forecasts predicting up to 400 millimetres of rainfall over the weekend, including 200 millimetres possible within six hours. Brisbane City Council has opened sandbagging stations across multiple suburbs and distributed 140,000 sandbags, while the flood operations centre prepares for likely water releases from Wivenhoe, North Pine and Somerset dams. The heavy rainfall is expected to begin on the Gold Coast before moving north to Brisbane, with authorities warning of potentially life-threatening flash flooding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity chef Melinda Essie demonstrates three aphrodisiac-filled recipes perfect for Valentine's Day: a classic dark chocolate mousse with candied hazelnuts and berries, pan-seared duck with pomegranate caramelised figs and Persian feta, and an updated prawn cocktail with fennel, orange and avocado. The dishes feature natural aphrodisiacs like dark chocolate and figs, with simple cooking techniques that create impressive results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, has died at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer. The actor was diagnosed in 2023 and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and six children. In recent interviews, Van Der Beek had spoken about how his cancer diagnosis gave him a renewed appreciation for life, his family, and his passion for acting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 1.2-metre dusky shark was discovered inside the netted harbour pool at Manly Beach in Sydney, forcing swimmers from the water. Council workers found no holes in the netting, leaving the shark's entry point a mystery. Shark expert Dr Chris Pepin-Neff discusses the safety of netted enclosures, calls for standardised audits across Sydney harbour pools, and addresses concerns about funding and maintenance following a tragic summer of shark incidents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angus Taylor has resigned from Sussan Ley's front bench, triggering a potential Liberal Party leadership spill that could occur within days. The delay is caused by the need for Liberal MPs and senators to return to Canberra, with taxpayers covering approximately $50,000 in travel and accommodation costs for the 51 Liberal politicians and their staff. Additionally, a dispute has emerged over the Brisbane 2032 Olympic rowing venue, with Queensland's Deputy Premier insisting it will be held in Rockhampton or not at all, despite concerns about the Fitzroy River meeting requirements and contractual obligations to the IOC.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, famous for promoting muffins at the Paris Olympics, has officially passed the torch to Swiss snowboarder Jonas Hassler, who has become known as the tiramisu man at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Working dogs are now properly credentialed staff at the Winter Olympics, serving in avalanche response teams, course patrol, and security units. Bulgarian slalom snowboarder Tervil Zamfirov set off airport security scanners in Milan while wearing his bronze medal around his neck.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AFL State of Origin returns after a 30-year hiatus with Western Australia facing Victoria in Perth. Victorian stars including Caleb Serong, Zach Butters and Nick Daicos arrived in the West, with former greats like Gary Lyon and Ross Glendinning delivering motivational messages to both teams. The historic rivalry, which includes WA's famous 1977 victory, sees regular teammates becoming rivals for the first time in three decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney's IGA at South Everleigh is hosting a free three-course Valentine's Day dinner curated by MasterChef winner Justin Narayan. The event takes place tonight rather than on Valentine's Day itself, with wait list places filling up quickly. Diners need to queue for a spot at the special dinner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New ING research reveals Australians are adopting extreme cost-cutting measures in 2025, with 30% willing to take cold showers and switch off air conditioning despite heatwaves to reduce energy bills. Other significant savings strategies include meal prepping, buying wonky produce and marked-down groceries, and cancelling streaming services in favour of free community activities. The research identifies energy usage, food and groceries, and entertainment as the three main areas where Australians are focusing their savings efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 26-year-old man was shot multiple times in the leg during a drive-by shooting on O'Connor Street in Guildford, Western Sydney, and is now in stable condition but refusing to cooperate with police. An hour later, another home on O'Neill Street in Guildford was fired at three times with people inside, though no one was injured. Two cars were found burnt out in the nearby suburb of Greenacre around 2:00am and 2:20am, with police investigating possible links to the shootings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liberal MP Angus Taylor has resigned from the shadow cabinet, stating he cannot continue serving under opposition leader Susan Ley. Taylor is considering a second leadership challenge within 12 months, with the Liberal Party facing its worst position since its formation in 1944. Other potential contenders include Ted O'Brien and Tim Wilson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defending Olympic mogul skiing champion Jakara Anthony's bid for back-to-back gold medals ended unexpectedly when she skidded out halfway through the super final course in Lavigno, scoring just 60 points compared to her earlier 84. Australian teammate Charlotte Wilson finished sixth while Olympic debutant Emma Bosco placed 21st, leaving Australia still without a medal at these Winter Games. Norway currently leads the medal tally with seven gold medals, followed by Switzerland and the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Melbourne with heightened security measures in place. Victorian police have been granted special powers under the terrorism act, allowing them to stop and search individuals and vehicles in areas where protests are expected. Herzog's planned visit to the firebombed Adas Israel synagogue has been cancelled due to security concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Guthrie, mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, remains missing after an apparent abduction from her Arizona home. US police have released without charge a delivery driver named Carlos who was detained following a traffic stop, after security footage showed a masked person at Guthrie's doorstep. Authorities continue investigating the case while media coverage remains intense across the United States.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Barry, aged 102, shares his insights on longevity and life lessons spanning nearly a century. Born in 1924, he attributes his wellbeing to not smoking or drinking, maintaining strong family bonds, and living day to day. This super-ager has shared his beloved wife's experience with dementia, and urges us to understand that while ageing is inevitable, dementia is not. To donate to the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), please visit: https://alumni.unsw.edu.au/giving/MED/brianbarry102.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rob Mills are starring in the Australian premiere of the Broadway musical Waitress, alongside John Waters. The production tells the story of a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of escaping her troubled marriage, featuring music by Sara Bareilles including the standout song 'She Used to Be Mine'. The two performers previously worked together 20 years ago in an arena spectacular with John Farnham and more recently in the musical Chess.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has not ruled out potential changes to capital gains tax, which currently offers a 50% discount on profits from assets held over a year. The proposed changes could reduce this discount, sparking debate between property industry representatives who warn of impacts on mum-and-dad investors and rental supply, and Greens Senator Nick McKim who argues the current system unfairly benefits wealthy property speculators at a cost of $22 billion annually to the Commonwealth budget. Both sides acknowledge Australia's housing supply shortage remains the fundamental issue driving affordability challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian 800-metre record holder Peter Bol is preparing for a significant 2026 season, competing at the Perth Track Classic before targeting gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July. Bol, who won silver at the previous Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, is also aiming to break additional Australian records including the 1000-metre mark. The runner discusses his preparation and training progress as he builds towards the major international competition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Sydney police station was surrounded by anti-Israel protesters following Monday night's demonstration where 27 people were arrested, 9 charged, and 10 police officers injured, including one allegedly bitten. NSW Opposition Leader Kelly Sloan criticises the weekly protests, arguing they divert police resources from communities and strain public patience. Controversy surrounds footage of a police officer punching a protester and Grace Tame's use of the phrase 'Globalise the Intifada' at the rally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales will allow GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children from next month, following specialised training. Nearly 600 GPs have expressed interest in the programme, which aims to reduce wait times and healthcare costs. Health Minister Ryan Park confirms GPs will undergo a few-month training schedule to diagnose ADHD and provide treatment plans, expanding beyond their current ability to only fill prescriptions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared on 31 January after returning home from a family dinner at 10pm, last seen alive that evening. The FBI has released images of a suspect captured on home security footage, showing an individual armed with a holstered gun attempting to cover a Nest camera. An unverified ransom demand of approximately 8.4 million Australian dollars has been reported, though no proof of life has been provided and the deadline has passed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly unsealed court documents reveal that Donald Trump reported Jeffrey Epstein to Palm Beach police in 2006, specifically drawing attention to Ghislaine Maxwell's role in Epstein's crimes. The documents have sparked debate about the handling of names in the released files, with some arguing that accusers' names are being redacted while the accused are publicly identified. Former Epstein lawyer Alan Dershowitz criticises the release process, calling it a form of McCarthyism and arguing that false accusers should be investigated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toei Studio Park in Kyoto is a theme park where visitors can experience Japanese culture and explore a recreation of an Edo Period village. The park serves as an active filming location for thousands of Japanese TV shows and movies, featuring attractions like the Ninja House where visitors can encounter ninjas and explore traditional Japanese architecture. A new expansion opening in March will include 10 historic food shops, shows throughout the park, and extended night-time operations until 9pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Run It Straight Challenge, a viral collision sport where two large athletes run at each other at speeds exceeding 25 kilometres per hour, has evolved from an online trend into a state championship event called Run Nation, which sold over 5,000 tickets in Sydney. Neurologists are warning about the catastrophic risks of high-impact head injuries, undetected brain bleeds, and second impact syndrome from repeated collisions. Medical experts are calling for the activity to be banned following a death in New Zealand last year linked to the challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Artful Dodger is a global hit Disney Plus series inspired by Oliver Twist, set in the fictional Australian colony of Port Victory in the 1850s. The show follows former pickpocket Jack Dawkins who reinvented himself as a surgeon, featuring a largely Australian cast including Susie Porter, Maya Mitchell and Lucy Rose Leonard. The second season was filmed in Sydney's inner west, with elaborate period costumes, sets and props recreating 19th century colonial Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tropical low is building off Queensland's north coast with a low chance of developing into a cyclone this week. The Bureau of Meteorology warns that millions of Queenslanders should prepare for several days of widespread heavy rain, thunderstorms and potential flash flooding, with some areas expected to receive more than 90 millimetres. The severe weather is forecast to intensify from Thursday through the weekend, particularly affecting western, northern and southeastern parts of the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season launches with team captains gathering in Sydney. Brisbane Broncos face significant roster changes with Payne Haas transferring to the Rabbitohs and Adam Reynolds announcing his retirement at season's end. The defending premiers prepare for the World Club Challenge in the UK while dealing with key player departures and injury concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckingham Palace has issued an unprecedented statement saying the King is prepared to support police investigating Prince Andrew's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police are examining allegations including potential sex trafficking to Andrew's Royal Lodge mansion and the possible sharing of confidential information with Epstein during Andrew's time as trade envoy. The palace's willingness to cooperate, potentially including handing over documents and diaries, marks a significant shift in the royal family's handling of the scandal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of protesters clashed with police across Australian cities during demonstrations against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, with the most violent scenes occurring in Sydney. Dozens were arrested and several police officers were injured as crowds refused to disperse after being asked to relocate from Town Hall to Hyde Park. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns defended police actions, revealing that 7,000 Jewish mourners were in the city simultaneously, requiring police to prevent the groups from converging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two hostel workers in Laos received fines of only $185 each for destroying evidence related to the methanol poisoning deaths of Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles. The families discovered the court verdict through a group chat with other victims' families rather than being notified by Australian authorities. Additionally, a party room for the Greens in Parliament House has blown out from a $500,000 budget to $2.2 million, with Senate President Sue Lyons declining to take responsibility for approving the cost increase.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy features several viral moments, including Swiss snowboarder Jonas Hassler's discovery of exceptional tiramisu in the athletes' village that's constantly sold out. American downhill skier Breezy Johnson broke her gold medal just five hours after winning, prompting warnings to other athletes about celebrating too vigorously. Germany's luge team has been training in Italian hand gestures to communicate with locals during the Games.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old missing woman, is the subject of a kidnapping investigation with a ransom demand of eight million Australian dollars in Bitcoin, due by 11 a.m. Arizona time. Investigators are working to authenticate a ransom note sent to a local TV station while conducting searches including a septic tank on the property. Former FBI agent Mike Harrigan discusses the challenges of verifying ransom demands and the difficult decision families face about whether to pay kidnappers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo serves as an important cultural and spiritual site for locals, where traditional ceremonies and family events take place. Visitors can participate in traditional prayer rituals involving specific bowing sequences, coin offerings, and wish-making customs. The shrine visit is part of a broader exploration of Japanese destinations, including Harajuku's fashion district, showcasing both historical and contemporary aspects of Japanese culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today FM breakfast hosts Nathan, Roy and Emma are competing in a massive tug-of-war competition at CommBank Stadium featuring 18 players per side and a 70-metre rope. The best-of-three contest between Team Nathan (the Dragons) and Team Emma (the Doggies) includes celebrity participants such as Commando Steve, Matty J, and NRL legends James Graham and Matt Cooper, with the winning team receiving a trip to Vegas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Japan Airlines offer complimentary or heavily subsidised hotel stays, spa facilities and domestic flights for passengers with stopovers. Airport facilities now include day-use rooms and spa treatments, with advance bookings typically offering better rates. Points-based flight bookings under 24 hours qualify as transits rather than stopovers, resulting in cheaper reward ticket rates with Qantas and Virgin Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60 in California, with the Patriots aiming to become the most successful team in NFL history. Sydney-born punter Michael Dixon is attempting to become only the third Australian to win a Super Bowl ring, playing a critical role for the Seahawks who enter as favourites. Grammy winner Bad Bunny will perform at the halftime show, with the game broadcast live on Seven and Seven Plus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales police have been granted powers to seize and destroy illegally modified e-bikes following a stunt on Sydney Harbour Bridge. The crackdown targets overpowered bikes that are sold for private property use only but are being ridden illegally on public roads. Parents are advised to check bikes meet the European standard EN15194 before purchase to ensure they are legal and safe for road use.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of protesters are expected to demonstrate in Sydney during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit, prompting the deployment of 500 police officers and a ring of steel around the city. Anti-Israel activists have launched Supreme Court action to challenge extraordinary police powers introduced after the Bondi Beach terror attack. Police will allow static assemblies but have banned mobile processions through the city, with negotiations ongoing about protest locations between Town Hall and Hyde Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley addresses her historically low popularity ratings and the Coalition's 18% primary vote support, while One Nation surges to 27%. Lee defends her leadership after reuniting with the Nationals under David Littleproud, dismissing speculation about a potential challenge from Angus Taylor. She emphasises the Coalition's focus on cost-of-living pressures, interest rate rises, and migration policy rather than internal party politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A television presenter explores Tokyo's entertainment scene, visiting a karaoke bar and Team Lab, an immersive interactive art installation where visitors walk barefoot through water-filled rooms with epic light displays. The segment includes a weather forecast for Australian cities and captures the presenter's multiple rule infractions during the art experience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American TV host Savannah Guthrie has released another video message directly appealing to the alleged abductors of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was taken from her home over a week ago. The family has indicated they will pay a ransom reportedly worth six million US dollars in Bitcoin, though authorities have not fully verified the ransom notes. Law enforcement experts note the ambiguous tone of the latest appeal, with some interpreting it as confirmation of life whilst others suggest the language may indicate a more sombre outcome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian IVF clinics are offering polygenic testing that ranks embryos based on their likelihood of developing traits such as height, intelligence, hair colour, and chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and ADHD. Melbourne IVF and the Virtus Network consider this technology unproven and ethically problematic, distinguishing it from established single-gene screening for conditions like cystic fibrosis and cancer. The NHMRC currently governs IVF practices in Australia, permitting testing only to prevent known genetic conditions that cause suffering, not for traits influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fractured coalition faces potential reconciliation as negotiations continue over a proposed deal involving three National Party frontbenchers. The politicians who voted against the Liberals on hate crime legislation would serve a collective six-week suspension before returning to the frontbench next month. Liberal leader Sussan Ley expresses confidence the agreement could be finalised today if no last-minute demands emerge from either side.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian dollar has reached its highest level against the US dollar in almost two years and is approaching a decades-long high against the Japanese yen, currently trading at 71 cents USD. The currency's strength is attributed to US dollar volatility, Australia's robust economy, and strong commodity prices. Travel experts recommend Australians take advantage of the favourable exchange rates for overseas holidays, particularly to destinations like Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Estonia hosts an annual sauna marathon where hundreds of competitors dressed in costumes sprint between saunas in sub-zero temperatures. The event features music, disco lights and attracts 900 participants from 20 countries, making it one of Europe's most unusual winter competitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Victoria Police are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed an abandoned townhouse in Collingwood, Melbourne's northeast. Fire crews responded to Johnson Street where flames had engulfed the second floor of the two-storey building, containing the blaze before it could spread. No injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 AACTA Awards were held on the Gold Coast, celebrating Australian film and television talent. Sarah Snook received the AACTA Trailblazer Award, while other winners included Tom Gleeson, Sally Hawkins, and Richard Roxburgh. The event brought together stars from Australian productions, with 'Bring Her Back' winning Best Picture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers Footprint is an Australian organisation working to transform agriculture by supporting farmer wellbeing and regenerative farming practices. The organisation offers free retreats where farmers learn stress management techniques and connect with others facing similar challenges of drought, floods and financial pressure. The initiative aims to improve farmer mental health, which in turn promotes healthier soil management and more nutritious food production across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 7 February 2009, the Black Saturday bushfires swept across Victoria, claiming 173 lives, destroying more than 2,000 homes and killing one million animals in what became Australia's deadliest bushfire disaster. Seventeen years later, communities, emergency services and survivors gather annually to commemorate those lost and honour the thousands of firefighters and volunteers who risked their lives. Recent bushfires in Victoria, including a blaze last month that burnt 350,000 hectares, raise questions about whether Australia has learnt from its past.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.