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With the Israeli elections only a fortnight away, the first election since the October 7 attacks plunged the Middle East into turmoil, there is the possibility that Israel’s longest serving prime-minister Benjamin Netanyahu is about to face his biggest electoral challenge.

On Monday a Tornado-like storm hit Central Australia and authorities are assessing the damage. The Alice Springs Town Council is recommending the community to look after each other and stay at home if possible after the forecast of potential rain and storms in the area. The Wire’s Eduardo Jordan spoke to Breakfast News presenter at 8CCC in Alice Springs Kate Lyons-Dawson to give a picture after Monday’s Storm.

Adelaide broadcaster Peter Godfrey has passed away aged 75. Godfrey started this career at Radio Adelaide as a breakfast announcer before being appointed as overnight presenter on Five AA at the end of 2010. Tributes have been poured in by colleagues and listeners of his from Five AA and Radio Adelaide. The Wire’s Thomas Koutis reports. Image by Radio Adelaide Voltage Newsletter, February 2007.

French students are taking to the streets over concerns about education, from deteriorating school facilities to inequalities in access to higher education. But as demonstrations continue, questions are also being raised about clashes and violence surrounding the protests. The Wire’s Manon Louvet speaks to three high school students and a university student about what is driving the movement, what they want the government to change, and what happens next. Producers: Manon Louvet

Last November, Victoria made history by signing Australia’s first treaty with First Nations peoples. In the past Australia has never signed a treaty, unlike countries such as Canada and New Zealand. But now, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson says the Liberal Party would repeal the treaty if elected. The agreement sets out a new framework for the relationship between First Nations Victorians and the state government. Producers: Lucy Grant Speakers: Dr Harry Hobbs - legal academic

Fears of a wider regional war as the Yemen conflict escalates 13 October 2026International · Politics & EconomyConflict · Houthi · Rebels · Saudi Arabia · YemenMoemina ShukurMoemina Shukur Yemen is facing renewed violence as Houthi rebels escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia, including its main airport in Riyadh. The conflict risks drawing more countries into a wider regional war, while rising tensions between the US and Iran continue.

Deepfakes could mislead voters ahead of the state election 13 October 2026Communications & Culture · Politics & EconomyAustralia · Deepfakes · PoliticsMoemina ShukurMoemina Shukur AI-generated deepfake videos are emerging as a concern ahead of the Victorian election, with fake political content spreading online. New research suggests around one in four people struggle to correctly identify deepfakes, while many also mistake real footage for fake. Producers: Speakers:

Researchers discover new ancient bird fossil 13 October 2026Science & Environmentancient bird · Australia · fossilAsh TaylorMoemina Shukur Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient bird fossil near Richmond, in outback Queensland. The bird lived around 105 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. It’s only the second species of Cretaceous bird to be formally identified in Australia, offering new clues about the country’s prehistoric wildlife. Producers:

Last month, 15 children were found living unsupervised in a home in Port Hedland, in WA’s Pilbara region. The incident prompted calls for action, with community elders raising concerns about child neglect. National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People Sue-Anne Hunter has since met with community members and hosted a child protection roundtable in Perth. She’s now conducting a rapid review.

As the Australian Government develops its Digital Duty of Care legislation, young people continue to face online risks, including exposure to explicit content, harassment and unwanted contact. Parents, students and safety advocates are calling for stronger protections, with growing pressure on tech companies to address risks at the design stage, before harm occurs. Producers: Danilo Facciorusso Speakers: Sarah Davies - CEO of Alannah & Madeline Foundation