Cook's high stakes reshuffle shows him emerging from McGowan's shadow
The huge health portfolio will no longer rest on the shoulders of a single minister following the dramatic WA cabinet reshuffle, but the risk is that problems could fall between the gaps, writes state political reporter Keane Bourke.
If we elect a hung parliament, voters are sending a message that can't be ignored
Voters have demonstrated they're not afraid of creating a bit of political disruption to the major parties.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/hung-parliament-independents-crossbenchers-election/105062236
Socceroos star says coaching switch infuses team with 'new intensity'
Tony Popovic is so far undefeated since taking over the Socceroos coaching job and Jackson Irvine has given an insight into the uptick in professionalism since the move.
Coroner hears toddler's family initially refused to speak to police
An inquest into the death of a 14-month-old boy, who suffered broken ribs, cigarette lighter burns and blunt force trauma, hears family members initially refused to speak with police until after the results of an autopsy were known.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/inquest-into-kbs-toddlers-death-wagga-wagga-court/105058010
'Lie factory': Chinese state media welcomes cuts to US-backed media
A former Chinese state media editor is "delighted" and an ex-Cambodian PM appreciates the Trump administration's decision to slash funding to US-backed media, including Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
At least 200 killed in Israeli air strikes on Gaza
The Israeli military said it targeted Hamas commanders and leadership officials in dozens of strikes across Gaza that have killed at least 200 people, according to Hamas-run Health Ministry officials.
European grape varieties make Australian debut
It took Mark Walpole eight years to get the two varieties into Australia and this year will be the first vintage.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/european-grape-varieties-make-australian-debut/105050842
Greens say lockdowns in Tasmanian prisons show 'system in crisis'
Right to Information documents show Tasmania's Risdon Prison site was in lockdown more than 6,000 times last year.
Inside the lives of the million Australians working after hours
While most of Australia is sleeping, more than 1 million workers are supporting the $174 billion night-time economy.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-18/night-shift-workers-australia-economy/104938948
WA Labor selects three new cabinet members, after thumping election win
WA Labor's thumping election win left the party with plenty of choices for promotions to the state government's inner sanctum, with three MPs added to cabinet.
Cold Chisel once graced its stage, now this Hobart venue is calling last drinks
Long-running Hobart music venue Uni Bar will close in June to make way for a STEM facility redevelopment at the University of Tasmania's (UTAS) Sandy Bay campus. Its owner says it is a "significant blow" to the city's live-music scene.
‘This isn’t normal’: Mysterious foam, dead fish wash up on SA beach
An investigation is underway into fish deaths and a mysterious foam on a South Australian beach, with several people reportedly falling ill after visiting the area. Surfers say they experienced sore throats, coughing and blurred vision after entering the water.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-17/waitpinga-beach-foam-investigation/105060888
No costs awarded in former education boss's legal battle with corruption watchdog
A court battle between the former head of the ACT's education directorate and the ACT's corruption watchdog ends with the ACT Supreme Court ordering no costs for either side.
Why is the US attacking Yemen's Houthis?
The US has launched its biggest military operation in the Middle East against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis since Donald Trump took office. How did we get here?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-17/why-is-the-us-attacking-yemens-houthis/105060702
Barbara spent one night in her retirement village. It cost $184k
About a dozen residents are locked in a bitter dispute with the operator of a retirement village on the West Australian coast. Lawyers say the situation is a sign of a deeply under-regulated system.
Former Adelaide pastor arrested in US over alleged child abuse material
A former youth pastor from a mega church in Adelaide's northern suburbs has been arrested in the United States on charges of possessing child sexual abuse material.
Four healthy weeknight dinners
Healthy dinners can still be quick and delicious. Choose between beef taco bowls, grilled chicken wraps and a veggie and cheese-filled frittata.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-17/healthy-weeknight-dinner-recipes-easy/104896076
Netflix spent $500m on this film yet couldn't afford a decent wig
The brothers behind some of the most successful Avengers movies have taken on the adaptation of a Swedish dystopian graphic novel, spending more than $US300 million in the process.
Coalition to introduce new racketeering laws to stamp out 'union corruption'
The changes, modelled on American mafia-style laws, would allow criminal charges to be laid on the "bosses and kingpins" of organisations engaged in law-breaking, says Shadow Workplace Relations Minister Michaelia Cash.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-17/coalition-racketeering-laws-cfmeu/105060964
Diaspora in Australia marks 50 years since Vietnam War
The first museum in Australia dedicated to the Vietnamese refugee experience will be built in Melbourne's western suburbs.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-17/vietnamese-museum-australia-ground-breaking/105059376