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Property prices fell in almost every capital city with Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra seeing the biggest drops last month.The RBA's interest rate hikes and government's decision to restrict negative gearing and increase capital gains tax contributed to the price falls.

An Australian military aircraft has left Queensland for flood-ravaged Nepal, carrying specialist personnel and emergency aid.The death toll from last week's flash flood tragedy has passed 950, while grave fears are held for several thousand people still unaccounted for, including 43 Australians.A huge rescue and recovery operation has seen emergency crews working around the clock to try to find survivors.House prices across Australia are expected to continue falling over the coming months, according to analysis by property data firm Cotality.More than 90 per cent of capital city suburbs across the country have recorded a declining property market over the past three months.Sydney saw the biggest drop in August, falling 1.4 percent, followed by Melbourne and Canberra.Cotality says the possibility of another rate hike, negative real wage growth, and persistently low levels of new housing supply mean the downward trend is not expected to let up any time soon.Donald Trump says strikes on Iran will be "limited", but warns it doesn't mean the US won't "smack them".The US President has spoken a day after both sides traded strikes for the first time in a month.American forces attacked two rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they were due to deploy sea mines in the vital oil shipping channel.In response, Iran struck US military bases in Jordan.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

Police are appealing for help to find a mother, after the body of a newborn baby was found in a garbage bin in Sydney's west. Emergency services were called to Harrow Road in Auburn just after 11 o'clock this morning. Police say they hold serious concerns for the welfare of the baby's mother, and are urging her to attend the nearest hospital to receive urgent care.The death toll in devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet has jumped to more than 900 people, while thousands remain missing, including 43 Australians. Nepal says it's intensifying efforts to free at least 933 people trapped inside tunnels at around half a dozen hydropower projects, crews have been attempting to make contact but have so far received no response from inside.And there are calls for greater oversight of telehealth clinics, after an online clinic prescribed an Ozempic-like drug to a patient with a history of anorexia nervosa.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

A new NASA telescope that could change the way we view the universe has been successfully launched into space.The Nancy Grace Roman telescope will eventually take up position about a million miles from earth and has the ability to explore black holes, dark energy, dark matter and discover new planets.

The Australian government has announced a further $3 million in humanitarian assistance to people in the Nepal-Tibet region.Meanwhile, more than a dozen aid, charity and humanitarian organisations have launched a joint appeal to support communities devastated by floodwaters.More than 800 people have died while more than 3,000 remain missing, including 43 Australians.Iran's ​Revolutionary Guards says it's launched ballistic missile attacks ⁠on two US bases ​in ‌Jordan in ‌response to an American strike ‌on a strategic island in Iran.The United States launched strikes against two targets on Larak Island and the Americans are claiming that they detected the Iranian military preparing two rocket launchers to fire mines into the Strait of Hormuz.There's been a fragile ceasefire between the two sides - and these are the first US strikes on Iran since late July.Many Australians are unknowingly purchasing tampered gift cards from supermarkets, where the credit is drained before they can spend it.An ABC investigation has revealed there's been a bust in Sydney over Apple gift cards sold in Coles supermarkets.Adam Parks who heads up an investigative unit for US Homeland Security says it's a global phenomenon.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

42 Australians remain among the thousands of people still missing after Wednesday's massive mudslide and flash flood in the Himalayas.Rescue efforts are being hampered by difficult weather and rising water levels, as emergency crews work to reach some of the worst-affected areas... including a hydropower project site in Nepal where hundreds of people are believed to be trapped in underground tunnels.The Red Cross estimates more than 90,000 people may have been affected by the disaster.One Nation is celebrating its first lower house seat in Western Australia, after picking up the once Labor-safe seat of Secret Harbour.Pauline Hanson says her party will build on its by-election victory, targeting more seats in the forthcoming Victorian state election.She's touring the state today, after spending the weekend revealing some of One Nation's plans on energy policy.An Australian man currently serving a 13-year prison sentence in Russia after being captured while fighting for Ukraine has given his first interview since being convicted.Oscar Jenkins says he joined Ukrainian forces in 2024 because it was "the right thing to do".He also revealed that he'd previously considered fighting in Myanmar agains the military junta and also joining the Israeli defence force.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

WA Labor has been defeated in a state by-election that's been branded a "litmus test" for One Nation in the west.The ABC's chief election and data analyst Casey Briggs called the seat of Secret Harbour in Perth's south for One Nation's Luke Herdegen a little over four hours after votes began to be counted.So what does it mean for our political landscape across the country?

There are fears the death toll will continue to rise following Wednesday's flash flooding disaster in the Nepal-Tibet border region Iran is rejecting American claims that the Strait of Hormuz is open. Voting is underway in the state by-election in Secret Harbour, in Perth's south, which is being seen as a litmus test for One Nation's popularity in WA.

There are fears of more sudden floods as rescuers race to rescue people after devastating flash flooding hit the border region between Nepal and Tibet. 

Search and rescue teams in Nepal have rescued more than 3,700 people, as the death toll following the flash flooding disaster on the border region with Tibet rises above 500.An Australian woman who had not been heard from after devastating flooding struck the Nepal-Tibet border region has contacted her parents to confirm she's safe.Election analysts say One Nation has a chance to take a seat from the ALP in this weekend's Secret Harbour state by-election in Western Australia. King Haakon the Eighth has taken the throne in Norway after the death of his father, Harald the Fifth aged 89.

The UN Secretary General has expressed his solidarity with the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, following the death of Ratko Mladic, saying the massacre cannot be forgotten.The former Bosnian Serb military commander was convicted of genocide and war crimes in the Bosnian war, which is regarded as Europe's worst atrocity since World War Two.Long referred to as the "butcher of Bosnia," he's died in custody at The Hague while serving a life sentence, aged 84. 

Authorities in Nepal and China warn new floods in the disaster zone could be imminent, with overflowing lakes threatening to burst, after flash flooding struck villages along the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Nearly 400 people have been killed and hundreds more are missing in the Himalayan flooding disaster, with 39 Australians among those unaccounted-for.Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate are arguing in a US court that misogynistic comments they made online were part of fictional personas.One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is announcing her party's candidates today for next year's New South Wales state election.

Search efforts continue as thousands are still missing following a devastating flash flood in Nepal and Tibet.At least 39 Australians are among those reported missing, Foreign Minister Penny Wong says.

Australia has pledged five million dollars in aid as the death toll from catastrophic flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border rises to at least 390, with 39 Australians still missing.A Senate inquiry into Australia's illicit tobacco market is due to deliver recommendations aimed at tackling the black market, despite the federal government rejecting calls to reduce tobacco excise.BHP is expanding automation at a major Pilbara iron ore mine, introducing self-driving trucks as it continues to transition workers through the changes.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

The Victorian Government is proposing Australia's first laws guaranteeing some workers the right to work from home two days a week, despite warnings from business groups that the legislation will drive investment out of the state. 

Nepal's Tourism Board says the number of Australians missing after a catastrophic flooding and mudslide has risen to 35. Almost 1,500 people are missing across the Nepal-Tibet border region, while at least 168 people are known to have died.Among the Australians missing are a couple from Western Sydney who were on a tour with hiking company Himalayan Glacier. The family of a Queensland pilgrim Kanagamah Sundrasan says she was due to be in the affected area and haven't heard from her since Tuesday. Two boys, aged 11 and 14, are also among the group of Aussies missing.And the Prime Minister has guaranteed Labor will maintain Australia's refugee intake at its current level after his own minister earlier said it would be falling by a third next year. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says at least 34 Australians are missing after devastating flash floods in the Himalayan border region. Nepalese authorities say more than 150 people have been confirmed dead so far, but that number is expected to rise significantly.Independent Senator David Pocock is welcoming a push by the Greens to ban the importation of smart glasses for 12 months, saying there's a high potential for misuse amid a wave of cheap imports. The minor party is planning to introduce legislation calling for a temporary ban until new privacy rules can be introduced.And a Queensland woman has given birth to biologically unrelated twins, after a surrogacy coincided with a natural pregnancy. The surrogate gave birth to a boy and girl last November and DNA testing shows the boy was biologically her and her husband's child while the girl was genetically the daughter of another couple.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

At least 150 people have died and hundreds remain missing, including dozens of Australians, after devastating floods hit parts of Nepal and Tibet.Australian citizenship will become a requirement for obtaining a gun licence under reforms agreed to at National Cabinet, although some work-related exemptions will apply.The Australian Energy Market Operator says major investment in electricity generation is needed as data centres rapidly increase demand for power across the country.For more news at any time, you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

Dozens of Australians are among hundreds of people missing after deadly flash floods tore through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border.The deluge has destroyed entire buildings along the banks of the Bhote Koshi with a devastating mudslide destroying everything in its path. Over 150 people are confirmed to have died and at least 34 Australians are missing.

Systems to detect when AI has been used to write an assignment, for example, are already being used at schools and universities.But there's a change underway at some of the biggest artificial intelligence firms that could make detectors much harder to fool.Watermarks are coming to text generated by AI chatbots. But you can't see it and you probably won't be able to tell if it's been applied.How does it work? 

Inflation is at 3.5 per cent in the 12 months to July, compared to 3.8 per cent last month. However, trimmed mean inflation, which removes the more volatile prise rises and falls is holding steady at 3.6 per cent.Federal MP Luke Gosling will stand aside as special envoy for defence, veterans' affairs and Northern Australia. The member for Solomon was yesterday charged with breaching his bail conditions, less than a month after he was charged with two counts of assault over an alleged incident involving NT Administrator David Connolly. And Dolly Parton fans have been gathering at her star on the Hollywood walk of fame and the Nashville Country Museum, where a condolence book has been set up for people to leave tributes. The country music legend has died after a short battle with cancer at the age of 80, and flags around the US will be flown at half mast for the next seven days. Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Federal MP Luke Gosling will stand aside as Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs and Northern Australia as he faces charges of assault and breaching bail.He has denied all allegations against him.Headline inflation is 3.5 per cent, down from 3.8 per cent the previous month, while trimmed mean inflation remained steady at 3.6 per cent in the 12 months to July, indicating the underlying trend is flat.Country legend Dolly Parton is being remembered for her music, philanthropy and larger-than-life personality following her death at the age of 80.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

Flowers have been laid on Dolly Parton's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after the music legend died at the age of 80.A memorial is under way in the Victorian town of Bright to commemorate police officers Neil Thompson and Vadim de Waart-Hottart.A report by federal Liberals Mary Aldred and Richard Colbeck recommends drastically reducing tobacco excise to tackle the black market.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

Australia's being pitched as a potential global powerhouse for data centres.These are the massive facilities that store, process and move the data behind everything from cloud computing to artificial intelligence.But as billions of dollars flow into new projects, a fierce debate is emerging over who benefits, and who bears the cost.

Friends, family, and fans are remembering the legacy of Dolly Parton after the music legend died at the age of 80.The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will hold its final day of hearings today, after months of public evidence.It's been one year since two Victorian police officers were killed while executing a search warrant in Victoria's High Country with a memorial service to be held in Bright.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

New research shows the Australian dream of buying a home feels out of reach for the majority of young adults.The challenges facing this group means the path to financial independence is becoming longer.And that impacts older generations too.

A judge has described celebrity agent Ralph Carr's actions predatory and abhorrent, sentencing him to six years' jail for raping a woman in Melbourne three years ago. Last month, a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The escalating demand of AI data centres on the energy grid has been revealed, with the Australian Energy Market Operator warning they'll consume almost as much power from the grid in a decade as all households in New South Wales and Victoria do today.And up to 100 "special and endangered" native birds across 30 species will be vaccinated against H5 bird flu at South Australia's Cleland Wildlife Park. A second case of the deadly virus has been confirmed in a second Australian mammal, a long-nosed fur seal, and authorities say the vaccine will be an extra tool of protection.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Musicians in Australia will soon have to prove whether their songs have been created with artificial intelligence.From Friday, wholly AI-created music will be excluded from Australia's official music charts, unless it's substantially human-made, doesn't raise manipulation concerns, or uses legal AI services.How will it work?

The Federal Government is openly criticising the work of the Productivity Commission as debate continues over how revenue from the Goods and Services Tax is shared.In an interim report, the independent commission says the current deal, struck in 2018, gives Western Australia too much of the money generated by the GST and it should be rewritten.But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insists that won't be happening and his resources minister has accused the commission of ignoring concerns held by the WA government. 

H5 bird flu has been confirmed in a second Australian mammal.Both detections have been in South Australian long-nosed fur seals - the first at Beachport in the state's south-east nd the second off Kangaroo Island.SA chief veterinary officer Skye Fruean says pinipeds like seals and sea lions share marine environments with birds, putting them at risk.Coles has reported a $1.1 billion full-year profit and a significantly higher dividend for its shareholders.The supermarket giant's earnings were affected by a $235 million provision, which it set aside to cover remediation costs relating to a major staff underpayment scandal.Last year the Federal Court found Coles and Woolworths had failed to keep accurate employment records, which affected nearly 30,000 employees.Britain's new prime minister is reportedly planning a trip to the US next month, to lobby President Donald Trump on Ukraine's needs.Andy Burnham has visited Ukraine on his first overseas trip since taking office -- and handed over blueprints, that will help Ukraine produce long-range missiles domestically.He's promised to keep up the pressure on the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

Diphtheria is spreading in Australia at a record rate.More than 500 cases have been recorded, primarily in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, as well as in South Australia and Queensland.That's the largest outbreak of the disease since records began.

Australia has recorded its first  H5N1 bird flu in mammals. So what does it mean for other wildlife, and how worried should we be about human cases? 

Two men have been charged after police raided the CFMEU's headquarters in Melbourne and five other properties in Victoria. A  36 year old man has been charged with drug possession and a 46 year old man has been charged with firearm offences.An investigation is underway after a car crashed into a shopping centre in Melbourne's east, killing a woman. Authorities believe the woman who is yet to be formally identified was crossing the road when she was hit.And the AFL's Chief Executive Andrew Dillon says he doesn't believe the league has a culture problem amid questions about the ongoing scandal involving the Sydney Swans.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon says the five banned Sydney Swans players will not be invited to the Brownlow Medal ceremony. Isaac Heeney, Nick Blakey, Chad Warner, Riley Bice and James Jordon will still remain eligible for the league's highest honour after they were stood down by the Sydney Swans for breaching the club's standards on drinking and staying out late.Detectives have raided the CFMEU headquarters in Melbourne. as part of an investigation into alleged wrongdoing in the construction sector. Victoria Police says detectives have been focusing on information about secret commissions, prompting raids on six properties, including the union headquarters.And Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged there will be no change to Western Australia's GST arrangements after a report recommended scrapping the existing deal.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The federal government is intending to push ahead with new national energy and water rules for AI data centres. And despite opposition from some states and territories, it seems the government's willing to go over their heads and force the changes.

The federal environment minister says Australia is preparing to see mass deaths of birds and mammals from bird flu.Yesterday, Australia confirmed its first case of H5 bird flu detected in a mammal, a fur seal found dead in South Australia's south east.There's now a second suspected case that's been discovered, also in a seal in SA.A major Australian study has found parents caring for young children with disability are twice as likely to experience psychological distress and nearly twice as likely to say they're not in good health.The results also show they are 50 per cent more likely to feel parenting is demanding, compared to carers without children with disability.It comes as the government prepares to divert some families from the National Disability Insurance Scheme onto the new Thriving Kids program, which begins in October.Authorities in France say there's been more than 300 drownings in the past two months...linking the sharp rise in deaths compared to last year to prolonged heatwaves.A government minister announced the 14-per-cent hike, saying the drownings were recorded in open water and in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming.Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world - but particularly in Europe.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

The H5 strain of bird flu has been detected in a mammal in Australia for the first time.

Tensions between the US and Canada are intensifying, with both sides imposing tit-for-tat tariffs.

Some Sydney Swans supporters are expected to walk out of the SCG today as the club holds a double-header.Inside Canada, support continues to grow for the Prime Minister Mark Carney to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States.The Weather Bureau says Australia will potentially experience both record heat and rain as El Nino develops into Spring.

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At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 wounded after several Russian drones struck a shopping centre in central Ukraine.Officials say 22 children are among the wounded in the attack in the city of Kryvyi Rih.The strikes on the shopping centre came half an hour apart, in a so called double-tap attack.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says people are still trapped under the rubble.+A lawyer representing a third woman involved in the Sydney Swans sexual assault scandal says a potential civil lawsuit is being considered.Law firm Slater and Gordon say they've been engaged by a woman who joined players at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel after the Swans' win against Essendon last Sunday.Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault at the hotel, which the ABC understands centres on an allegation a player touched one of the women without her consent.  No arrests have been made and no charges laid.  +Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, says it's in the national interest for more states and territories to join the federal government's gun buyback scheme.The ACT has become the second jurisdiction to agree to take part, after New South Wales signed up last week.The Commonwealth unveiled the scheme following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack - but some states such as Queensland are refusing to support it.Mr Burke says the government is working with the states in good faith.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Ukrainian authorities say at least 15 people have been killed and 100 others injured in daytime Russian drone strikes on a shopping centre in the central city of Kryvyi Rih.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has labeled his enemy as  "monsters" and vowing a strong response.It comes after Russian attacks yesterday killed at least six people and injured 77 others.Rescuers are scouring the rubble for survivors, but their efforts are being hampered by the threat of further attacks.+The UN's senior ebola coordinator has warned that the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is growing exponentially - with half of the 2-thousand-500 deaths occuring in the past 20 days.Health workers are also coming under attack by locals angered and terrified by the outbreak, and are themselves falling sick and dying ‌from the disease.The UN's Julien Harneis says cuts have reduced the capacity of humanitarian aid agencies to cope.+The British Met Office is warning the El Niño event developing over the Pacific Ocean is likely to be the strongest in living memory.The scientists say sea temperatures in the tropical central Pacific, and areas around Australia and Indonesia, could rise more than three-degrees above normal.The Met Office's Professor Adam Scaife says its effects are already being felt in different parts of the world.+The W-A Nationals will discuss stronger measures to address coastal erosion at their state conference today.Federal Nationals Leader Matt Canavan is in Perth to deliver one of the main speeches.The Geraldton branch of the party has put forward a motion for a 500 million dollar fund to protect communities from coastal erosion.State party leader Shane Love says local communities need support.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

A lawyer representing two of the women involved in the Sydney Swans scandal says his clients are in hiding, after receiving threatening messages from the public. Several adult entertainers are understood to have joined players at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel on Sunday night.Federal authorities have arrested a 27-year-old Russian Australian in Brisbane, accused of foreign interference. Dual citizen Vladimir Teslov is alleged to have infiltrated the Ukrainian armed forces with the intention of gathering information for Russia's war against Kyiv. And a US Army battalion is offering soldiers who re-enlist four days of extra leave so that they can play the new Grand Theft Auto video game.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

A lawyer representing two women involved in the Sydney Swans scandal says his clients intend to seek damages for "pain and suffering" following the incident.ABC reporting suggests there's an allegation that one player touched a woman without her consent.How has the scandal unfolded? 

The Sydney Swans AFLW Captain says the team is incredibly disappointed by the scandal involving the club. Five men's players were stood down for breaching club standards by drinking and bringing adult entertainers to their Melbourne hotel on Sunday.A Perth man has appeared in court after being charged with threatening to kill Pauline Hanson. 47-year-old Anton Raymond Illich is accused of threatening the life of the One Nation leader by posting on social media that he'd "hunt her down and kill her".And the Federal Greens say reports members of a Christian sect paid far-right figures across the country to heckle candidates, threaten to "significantly undermine" Australia's democracy. The Director of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church told a committee hearing into last year's federal election that the reports are a "complete lie".Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

The Australian Federal Police have charged a dual Russian-Australian citizen with foreign interference, accusing the man of attempting to send secrets to Russia.It's alleged he infiltrated the Ukrainian military with ulterior motives.It's the first time that someone has been charged since Australia introduced tougher foreign interference laws in 2018.

A lawyer representing two of the women involved in an alleged sexual assault scandal engulfing the AFL's Sydney Swans says his clients are suffering "severe stress and anxiety". Several adult entertainers are understood to have joined players at Melbourne's Pullman Hotel on Sunday night.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says it will look-into whether there were any common contributing factors, in four recent incidents at Sydney Airport. A fresh investigation has been launched after two Qantas planes were given clearance to taxi in the same area on Tuesday morning.And Origin Energy has announced as many as 60 customers had their full bank account number accessed in a July cyber security breach which affected approximately 900-thousand current and former customers.Press the 'Follow' or '+' button on this show page to add us to your playlist, so you never miss an episode.For more news, politics and current affairs podcasts go to ABC listen.

Sydney Swans chief executive Matthew Pavlich says quote "everyone makes mistakes" amid the scandal engulfing the AFL club.The New South Wales State Emergency Service says confusion over a code used during the search for Lily Hooper contributed to her family being wrongly told she was alive.The Home Affairs Minister says a former ASIO agent who wants to return to Australia to give evidence at the Bondi terror attack royal commission can do so remotely.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.

The body of a woman believed to be missing bushwalker Lily Hooper has been retrieved from the New South Wales Southern Highlands.Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox and captain Callum Mills will front the media today as a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault linked to players at the club continues.There are fears the deaths of more than 1,000 birds in South Australia and two dozen penguins in Tasmania are just the tip of the bird flu iceberg.For more news at any time you can follow the ABC News Top Stories podcast.