Latest / NewsCard® Australia Daily News / Australia-Pacific defence ties, AUKUS submarine revealed, Queensland flood death
Transcript
- [warm] This is NewsCard Daily for Wednesday October 28, 2026 ... the biggest stories from Australia and around the world in just minutes. — — [serious] We begin in Canberra where Australia is deepening defence ties with its neighbours. Papua New Guineans will soon be able to apply to join the Australian Defence Force, while Australia and Timor-Leste plan more military exercises and personnel exchanges. The moves strengthen security across the Pacific and Southeast Asia ... regions central to Australia’s national defence. — — [serious] The first American nuclear submarine to rotate through Australia under AUKUS has been revealed. The USS Colorado is due at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling from late next year. It is the first of up to four US submarines, alongside a British boat. But the plan is facing criticism, with concerns over the submarine’s age and the long-term cost of the pact. — — [urgent] In Queensland, days of heavy rain and flooding have claimed a life. Police find the body of dairy farmer and former councillor James Hansen in floodwaters on the Fraser Coast. Authorities continue to warn communities to stay alert as dangerous conditions affect roads, homes and local services. — — [serious] In Victoria, security is being tightened around politicians’ offices after the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines. Dr Haines remains in hospital after suffering life-changing injuries outside her Wangaratta electorate office. The incident is prompting fresh questions about the safety of MPs, staff and campaign workers. — — [curious] In Adelaide, residents are recovering from a surprise earthquake. A magnitude four-point-nine tremor strikes in waters south of Victor Harbor and is felt across the Adelaide Hills, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Murraylands. No injuries or major damage are reported ... but the event is a reminder that earthquakes can strike well beyond Australia’s best-known fault zones. — — [serious] Now overseas to the Middle East, where Israel prepares for its first national election since the Hamas-led attacks of October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is highlighting support from US President Donald Trump as voting approaches. The result could shape Israel’s security policy and the future of the war’s political aftermath. — — [urgent] In the United States, President Donald Trump is escalating a public feud with comedian Bill Maher, calling him a loser and telling him to stop seeking meetings. The clash is drawing attention as Washington faces a crowded agenda of security, economic and political pressures. — — [hopeful] That’s NewsCard Daily. For more top stories and quick summaries that keep you informed in minutes, download NewsCard ... available in the App Store.