BTN Newsbreak 26/05/2025

Australia Broadcast Center

26-05-2025

FLOOD RECOVERY
Emergency warnings have been lifted in New South Wales flood zones, and locals in some areas are starting to assess the damage. From muddy floors to soggy paddocks, people in some flood hit parts of NSW are starting to return home to see just how bad the damage is. Authorities think at least 10,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed or seriously damaged, with hundreds of homes too unsafe to return to. Thousands of residents are also still cut off by floodwaters. And whether it's by helicopter, boat, or drone, emergency services are still working hard carrying out rescues and delivering much needed supplies. While the worst of the wild weather is over, authorities are urging people to stay away from floodwaters, and that it could be a while before things get back to normal.
MILLION PAWS WALK
Thousands of dogs and their humans pounded the pavement on the weekend for the last ever national Million Paws Walk. The event, run by the RSPCA, has been running for the past 30 years to raise money for animals in need. In its time, more than 750,000 humans and 400,000 pooches have raised more than $17 million. But organisers say the cost of living crisis and increasing event costs mean it's now too expensive to run, so they're hanging up the leash for the final time.
MONACO GP
It was a huge win for McLaren's Lando Norris. While he took the lead quickly, he also got into trouble quickly, surviving an early scare when he nearly sent his car into the barrier in lap one. But he managed to hold on for the win, beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who came in second with teammate and Aussie star Oscar Piastri coming in third.
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP LEAGUE
Over in Portugal, Arsenal has defeated Barcelona 1-nil in the Women's Champions League final, thanks in part to three of our Matildas! Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord both took to the field for the Gunners, while Kyra Cooney-Cross was an unused substitute.
FRENCH OPEN
Finally to the French Open, where four all-time tennis legends came together to celebrate 14 time French open champion Rafael Nadal, who retired last year. Rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray all took to the court as part of a special ceremony, paying tribute to Rafa's career, which is a pretty rare sight!
CLOWN DAY
First up, to Peru! Where hundreds of clowns have hit the streets to celebrate the country's annual Clown Day. It's big parade to celebrate all things clowning, and to pay homage to a famous Peruvian clown, Tony Perejil, who was known as the clown of the poor, and used to travel around town performing pop up shows back in the 1980s.
KERMIT GRADUATION
Now to a graduation ceremony in the United States, where Kermit the frog was asked to give the official commencement speech. Kermit's creator, Jim Henson, graduated from the University of Maryland back in 1960, so it's a bit of a full circle moment for the green puppet.
BORDER COLLIE PATROL
And finally, it's time to meet to Ned and Hercules, the two border collies single-handedly holding down the fort at this airport in West Virginia. Well, specifically, their job is to chase off any wildlife that gets in the way of planes. Hercules has been doing the job for 8 years now, and has been training Ned up since last year.