Latest / NewsCard® Australia Daily News / Sydney stabbing spree, underworld war escalates, Australia blocks ISIS-linked returns
Transcript
- [warm] This is NewsCard Daily for Thursday, February 19, 2026... the biggest stories from Australia and around the world in just minutes. — — [serious] We begin in Sydney where a stabbing spree has left three people dead in Merrylands. Police are investigating the attack that's sent shockwaves through the western suburbs. The victims' families are grieving tonight as detectives work to piece together what led to this tragedy and whether more charges will follow. — — [urgent] Also in Sydney's west... an underworld war is escalating. Homes have been sprayed with bullets. Others torched. The violence suggests a serious power struggle between criminal groups operating in the region. Police are increasing patrols and appealing for anyone with information to come forward. — — [serious] In Canberra... the government is taking a hardline stance on Australians with ISIS links trying to return from Syria. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has issued a temporary exclusion order blocking at least one woman from a group of 34 attempting to leave a Syrian camp. The order prevents her entering Australia for up to two years. Prime Minister Albanese says the government won't repatriate the women and children, despite their Australian citizenship. Burke says security agencies are assessing each case individually... and that temporary exclusion orders will be issued where community safety is at risk. — — [curious] On the sporting front... our women's aerial skiers are facing a massive challenge tonight. They're competing in qualification and the final all in the space of just a few hours. It's a grueling schedule, but these athletes are ready to show the world what Australian winter sport talent looks like. — — [warm] That's NewsCard Daily. For more top stories and quick summaries that keep you informed in minutes, download the NewsCard app... available in the App Store. We'll be back tomorrow.