Man in custody after Helen Haines alleged attack | Midday News Bulletin 20 October 2026

In this bulletin, the Treasurer warns of tougher economic times ahead, schools closed and hundreds rescued in flash flooding in Queensland. And in sport, Victoria's Phillip Island gets ready to host its last MotoGP.

Police probing a potential murder-suicide after two bodies found in Melbourne; Nigeria records its first Ebola case in a decade; and in sport, two former AFL players warned for publicising online gambling services.

An investigation underway after an alleged police shooting of a man in Sydney; Seven oil tankers damaged overnight in the Strait of Hormuz; and in sport, Australian cricket star Megan Schutt banned for two games over drug code breaches.

Up to 70 per cent of the internet affected by a vulnerability to hackers; Australia strengthens defence ties with Timor-Leste; the Youth Olympic Games fast approaching.

Parliament grapples with the threat to MPs in the wake of Helen Haines' attack, economists point to another rate rise in November, wet weather to add another challenge to a tight race at the Gold Coast 500 this weekend.