The Daily Aus

The hosts share an uplifting recap of the year's good news highlights. They cover innovative court dog programs and celebrate Beyoncé's historic Grammy win. Young achievers shine, including the Afghan Youth Orchestra's powerful Berlin performance and support for Afghan women's cricket. Indigenous and youth kayakers tackle the Klamath River, while Peter Bradley earns medals at the Ice Swimming World Championships. They also profile the inspiring Joanne Seconte in the F1 Academy, marking a significant moment for women in motorsport.

This year in pop culture delivers a whirlwind of moments! The Louvre heist steals the spotlight, while the viral kiss cam mishap sparks debates. Trump's spats with late-night hosts add drama, and Katy Perry’s zero-gravity video raises eyebrows about space tourism. Taylor Swift's engagement and album drops create buzz, alongside denim controversies involving Kendrick Lamar and Sydney Sweeney. Robert Irwin shines on Dancing with the Stars, astonishing fans, while Australia’s social media laws for minors stir discussions. What a year it has been!

Reflecting on a tumultuous 2025, the hosts dive into major global conflicts, including escalating tensions in the Middle East and significant military actions involving the US. They discuss the political turmoil surrounding Trump's return to power and the fallout from high-profile legal cases. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is highlighted, along with the impacts of AI innovation and geopolitical shake-ups. The year also sees notable deaths and events shaping cultural dialogues as the hosts hope for a more peaceful 2026.

Reflecting on a historic year in Australian politics, the hosts dive into the aftermath of the surprising May federal election where Labor clinched a significant victory. They discuss the Coalition's struggles, including Peter Dutton's defeat and the election of Susan Lee as the first female Liberal leader. The conversation also touches on the Coalition's controversial decisions on nuclear policy and net-zero targets. Labor’s game-changing HECS debt relief and the groundbreaking social media ban for under-16s highlight key reforms resonating with younger voters.

Tragic news surrounds the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, with their son Nick arrested for their murder. The hosts delve into Rob's illustrious Hollywood career and explore Michele's background. Details emerge on the couple's last moments, alongside Nick's troubled history and legal troubles. The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's controversial comments, triggering a political backlash. Family statements reveal the emotional toll these events are taking, with a court return expected in January.

The Prime Minister has introduced new penalties for hate speech in response to the tragic Bondi attack. The community mourns the lives of the youngest and oldest victims from the Hanukkah shooting. Concerns rise as reports suggest an Australian may have died fighting in Ukraine, prompting official investigations. On a brighter note, good news emerges as 24 endangered sea turtles find a path to recovery after being rescued from cold waters off Massachusetts. Tune in for an engaging discussion of these pressing issues!

In this engaging discussion, Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, delves into the alarming rise of antisemitism in Australia, detailing a shocking 316% increase in reported incidents. He shares poignant reflections on the community's grief following the Bondi attacks and the psychological impact such violence aims to inflict. Alex discusses societal factors contributing to this surge and stresses the importance of personal connections to combat hatred. His insights call for resilience and community rebuilding in light of this troubling trend.

Today's discussions cover significant legislation to limit gun ownership in New South Wales, following a recent attack. The family of police officer Jack Hibbert reveals his difficult recovery journey after being shot. Reddit takes a stand against Australia's groundbreaking teen social media ban, arguing it infringes on political expression. On a positive note, researchers announce a promising new therapy that reduces the recurrence of the most common type of breast cancer, offering hope to many.

State and territory leaders are pushing to strengthen gun laws following a tragic antisemitic attack in Bondi. The discussion revisits the 1996 reforms initiated after the Port Arthur massacre, outlining key elements like ownership bans and licensing rules. With rising gun ownership concentrated among fewer people, proposed reforms include ownership caps and stricter reviews for licenses. The political landscape shows a bipartisan push for change, highlighting the urgency for new measures to better protect Australians against extremism.

Tensions rise as evidence suggests the Bondi terrorist attack may be linked to the Islamic State. In consumer news, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission is suing HelloFresh and Youfoodz for allegedly trapping customers in confusing subscriptions. Meanwhile, the FBI has thwarted a New Year's Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles. On a lighter note, new research reveals that strong social connections help dolphins slow down the aging process, highlighting the significance of friendships in the animal kingdom.