The number of Australians receiving unemployment benefits has jumped by more than half a million people in two months, as coronavirus continues to cripple the economy.

Peer behind the curtain and learn the detailed life of a publishing mogul, jump back in time and fall head over heels for British Crime Classics, and lastly meet Otto Penzler, whose love for American mysteries spans more than 40 years of in the publishing business.

Widely respected Labor MP Mike Kelly is retiring, which means a by-election in his marginal seat of Eden-Monaro is on the cards.

When the COVID-19 restrictions hit Big White in British Columbia, Canada, 90 per cent of the mountain dwellers left within 24 hours, leaving behind hundreds of dollars worth of ski equipment and even abandoning their cars in the street.

Thirty years since the Hubble Space Telescope launched it's still providing vital space data having delivered us more than 1.4 million observations.

Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says Australia should "scale down the rhetoric" towards China and an international coronavirus inquiry, suggesting instead "more calm and quiet diplomacy" would be more effective.

The Prime Minister says coronavirus restrictions could be eased earlier than expected, announcing the National Cabinet would give Australia an "early mark" and look at a plan next week.

While most remain isolated in their homes, solely relying on Netflix and social media to carry them through to the other side of the pandemic, many have found this a time of inspiration to launch online TikTok and YouTube careers.

If the home teaching ideas are starting to run thin, trust us, you're not alone. Dr Karl joins RN Drive to share a few great ideas for making science fun at home.

Where many are likely bored of their home surroundings and ready to break loose into the world, Neridah in Brisbane is inspiring her community to stay indoors with her Quarantine Dance Class.

RN Drive's Country Drive ploughs through some of the most important news of the week from rural and regional Australia.

The Government has updated the SafeWork Australia website with industry-specific guidelines for businesses to re-open and carry on in a "COVID-safe" manner.

The Prime Minister is urging Australians to start returning to Covid-safe workplaces, as the number of people unemployed grows to one million.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today joined Australia's National Cabinet meeting to discuss the possibility of a trans-Tasman bubble, and her Deputy PM Winston Peters says he hopes it can be established as soon as possible.

Friday's National Cabinet meeting will focus on what parts of the economy can, and should, begin to tentatively re-open.

Last month, the government of Malawi tried to impose a lockdown, but was knocked back by the courts.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is threatening to revoke the license of the facility at the centre of a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at Penrith in Sydney's west.

Coronavirus has had a devastating effect on the travel industry, and now it's dripping through to the tech sector as well, with AirBnB announcing they're cutting 1,900 jobs.

Australia's $15 billion arts industry has been smashed apart by the restrictions put in place to tackle coronavirus, so when restrictions do finally lift, will our arts industry have the same support?

Cardinal George Pell was aware of abuse being committed by clergy as early as the 1970s, and failed on two occasions to take action to remove paedophile priests, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has found. Cardinal Pell said he was surprised by some of the views of the Royal Commission about his actions, and he said these views are not supported by evidence.

Up to 150 superannuation accounts have been illegally accessed by what the Australian Federal Police says is a sophisticated operation targeting the early release super scheme.

Parliament is set to pass legislation introducing tough penalties for people or agencies who access data from the COVIDSafe app in violation of its stated purpose.

State and territory governments will begin easing restrictions this weekend, just six weeks into what was to have been a six month lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

One Facebook page is giving people a pristine view out of windows from around the globe and they feature everything from picturesque mountains and lakes, to the concrete jungle of New York City.

The Nashville singer is due some rather larger crowds based on this great fourth LP.

Nichols’ latest LP is another serving of not-quite-as-you-know-it country.

Radio-friendly country fare, exceptionally produced but lacking originality.

Unlikely to woo passers-by, but long-time admirers will adore Carpenter’s latest.

Stadium-swelling country abounds on Chesney’s 15th studio album.

LeBlanc’s second album presents proof positive that break-ups aren’t all bad.

Old-time stylists make a fiery bid for the spotlight.

A nice little stocking filler for the country lovin' type.

Smiles and tears from country friends reunited.

A Rusby album with a different hue… and none the worse for that.

A concept album about the 17th century witch trials of Essex? Yes please.

Mason’s third album finds him exploring fresh sonic dimensions.

Folk collective reaps quirky rewards from genre-crossing.

With playing so deft and fluid, it’s a pleasure to have these two as guides.

A refreshingly varied voyage, with Tom Waits, Beth Orton and Patti Smith amongst the crew.

Bragg conveys truths about his home country like few other songwriters can.

Tranquillity triumphs on the erudite Canadian’s latest album.

A lovely piece of programming, tenderly performed.

Bělohlávek and the BBC SO make a powerful case for this intense work.

Demands to be heard by all lovers of Berlioz's best-known orchestral work.

Rich and hugely enjoyable performances.

The first step on what seems to be a joyous journey for the Norwegian pianist.

Vinci’s final opera possesses extraordinary energy and some beautiful moments.

The most exciting and consistently well-sung Don Giovanni to appear for several years.

This sensitive, dynamic recording is a joy, and may even constitute a revelation.

Family giving foster children a 'station life' growing up on outback property, the 'tough mob' of women running a remote country town, growing the native citrus known as 'bush caviar', macadamia growers open farm to tourists with an onsite cafe.