ABC News Daily
ABC News Daily is a podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Each episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. The podcast covers news from America, including analysis of the Donald Trump administration, as well as Australian topics like the cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and the housing market. It offers unique insights and analysis on economic issues such as interest rates, real estate, and unemployment.
Episodes
Will a midterm 'blue wave' sink Trump?
Donald Trump has told voters to ‘pretend’ he is on the ballot at the midterm elections which are now less than a month away. But that’s not useful for some Republican candidates who’ve been trying to distance themselves from the President, given his declining polling numbers. Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine, David A. Graham on whether there’ll be a blue wave come N
How many data centres will we end up with?
A plan for a data centre metres from homes and a school in Lane Cove has been shelved after residents of the Sydney suburb fought back and won. But it’s just one proposal among many, as demand for AI drives a boom in data centre construction across Australia. Today, we hear from a Lane Cove resident, and ask the ABC’s national AI reporter Cam Wilson just how many data centres w
What happens if China's AI goes rogue?
Donald Trump says the US is in an AI race against China and he doesn’t want regulation that would risk American dominance. But Beijing is taking a very different approach with the Chinese Communist Party exerting tight control over the sector. Today, Alvin Wang Graylin from Stanford’s Human-centered AI institute on what that means for which country is best place to stop AI going
Terror on a flydubai flight
A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv has turned into a terrifying high-altitude struggle when one of the pilots was attacked in the cockpit by his co-pilot. Passengers were fighting to help crew regain control of the plane as it plunged 17,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Today, counterterrorism expert Greg Barton on what we know about t
What did Netanyahu know before October 7?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing renewed political scrutiny after media investigations reported that he and his government were warned about an impending large-scale Hamas attack before October 7. The reports say Egypt’s former intelligence chief travelled to Jerusalem days before the attack to issue a warning, while the UAE president allegedly alerted Netanyah
Alan Kohler on how AI's moving interest rates
There’s been another interest rate rise, pushing it to the highest it’s been in 15 years. It’s partly thanks to Trump’s war in Iran fuelling global inflation, but the conflict is not the only thing putting pressure on interest rates. Artificial Intelligence is a factor too. Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on how AI impact rates and why it might also be the reason th
Why Trump has a peace problem
Donald Trump has promised he can use his negotiating skills to end wars.But his approach is facing a major test on two fronts.He’s rejected Iran’s latest proposal to halt the fighting and reopen negotiations, while there’s still no breakthrough in efforts to get Russia and Ukraine back to a peace deal.Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether the president can
Could AI really cure cancer?
We're being warned that AI could wipe out humanity. But some of the very same experts sounding the alarm are also predicting AI will help cure cancer within the next decade. So, how will these competing visions of destruction and salvation play out? And is a cure for cancer really within AI’s reach? Today, doctor and researcher Emilia Javorsky joins us to separate the reality fr
How OpenAI exposed our cyber security gaps
The Australian government is grappling with how to safeguard sensitive data, after revelations an AI agent controlled by OpenAI accessed private Medicare statistics. It took months for a breach to be identified and alerted to the highest levels of government and comes as the world grapples with controlling the rapid growth of AI technology. Today, national security and AI polic
Will America watch Trump TV?
Donald Trump’s decade-long war with the press has a new front, with three US media outlets suing after being banned by the White House, prompting a broader media boycott. In response, the US President has launched his own 24/7 streaming channel called Trump TV. Today, Reporters Without Borders executive director for North America, Clayton Weimers, on who will lose the most from
Why can’t we stop the DV crisis?
Another string of suspected domestic violence attacks across a single weekend has once again seen the number of women and children killed this year climb. And, once again, their deaths have turned up the volume of calls for governments to do more to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence. Today, ABC political reporter Claudia Long on why, despite decades of effort, federal
Alan Kohler on the odds of a recession
Oil prices are rising again, thanks to the conflict in the Persian Gulf spreading to the Red Sea. It's fuelling inflation around the world including in Australia where it has been stubbornly high meaning an interest rate rise is all but certain, when the Reserve Bank meets next week. Today, ABC Finance expert Alan Kohler on the squeeze on household budgets and the prospect of a
Could we have robotaxis by next year?
Robotaxis have arrived on the streets of London, San Francisco and Beijing as rideshare companies expand into driverless transport. But the roll out hasn't been without speedbumps.So, when could we see this innovation in transport arrive in Australia, and are our roads and regulations ready for it?Today, Michael Milford, professor of robotics and director of the QUT Centre for Ro
Trump vs China and the AI 'hoax'
Donald Trump says warnings from whistleblowers that the rapid development of AI could end humanity are a ‘hoax’. He’s determined to push ahead in the AI race for dominance over China despite calls from some in the industry to slow down. But who should we believe? Today, AI risk researcher Nate Soares on why he believes the only real winner in the AI race is AI. Featured: Nate
Is 'nastiness' backfiring on Pauline Hanson?
Pauline Hanson has spent the week offending everyone from Andrew Hastie to the Prime Minister and Indigenous Australians, drawing widespread condemnation. But is hitting back at her personally the best way to respond? Today, Sean Kelly, columnist and former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd on the way major parties are shifting their approach to Pauline Hanson and One Nat
The new oil threat plaguing Trump
For months, the Strait of Hormuz has been in chaos amid the ongoing conflict between Donald Trump and Iran. But now, the global oil supply faces a new threat. Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are setting their sights on the Red Sea, putting a second critical shipping corridor in the crosshairs. Today, former US Special Envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, on the latest escalation
How exactly could AI kill us all?
Last week, an Anthropic researcher warned that rapidly advancing AI could lead to human extinction in the not-too-distant future. Then tech bosses joined the call for countries and companies to work together to slow the race towards artificial super intelligence. Today, AI philosopher Nick Bostrom on just how bad unbridled AI could get and whether we need to put the brakes on be
How One Nation’s driving a migration rethink
The migration policy debate in Australia has shifted over the years from boat arrivals and refugees to a new battleground: the size of the net overseas migration intake. And Pauline Hanson has managed to put the push for lower numbers back at the centre of the political debate. But how much control does the government really have? Today, David Speers, host of tonight's ABC Nati
Trump-a-palooza's Iran problem
Donald Trump has hit the campaign trail in Texas as the clock ticks down to the midterms. But is the president becoming more of a hindrance than a help to Republican candidates? With the war in Iran dragging on and taking a toll on Trump’s standing, could his biggest political liability now be the conflict he started? Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator on whether Don
Australia vs the algorithm
Algorithms are deciding almost everything we see online, and concern is growing about the kinds of content social media is feeding us and our kids. Now the government wants to give us more control of our feeds, proposing laws that could force tech companies to let users 'opt out' of recommendation algorithms. Today, Daniel Angus, digital communications expert, on how algorithms
How One Nation made super a political battleground
One Nation wants to give renters and borrowers early access to some of their retirement savings in a new policy proposal it says will help ease the cost-of-living pressure. It's reignited a fierce debate about the future of the scheme. Today, former political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras on whether superannuation is about to become a political battleground once again and
Will we pay for Trump’s bond market turmoil?
Bond markets around the world are under pressure, as investors sell bonds and demand higher returns to lend governments money.It's pushing up borrowing costs and the effects can flow through to the mortgages, bank loans and credit cards we rely on every day. So, what’s driving the global bond sell off, and is the Trump administration's ballooning government debt to blame?Today, J
How China Shock 2.0 will reshape the world
In the 2000s, a wave of cheap Chinese goods that flooded global markets and wiped out manufacturing jobs became known as the China Shock. Now it's sequel, China Shock 2.0 has arrived. But this time, China isn't just exporting cheap goods. It's taking on the world in cutting-edge technology, from AI to electric vehicles and robotics. Today, economist David Autor, who helped co
How long will Trump stand by Hegseth?
According to Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth is doing a 'fantastic job' running the US military. But this week one of his most senior officials, the Army Secretary, quit after months of tensions with Hegseth, who has already purged dozens of other senior generals and admirals. Today, staff writer at The Atlantic Missy Ryan on the turmoil at the Pentagon, and how long Hegseth will co
Paul Barry on the steel tycoon who fooled Australia
In 2017, billionaire Sanjeev Gupta arrived in Whyalla promising to save the town’s struggling steelworks and hundreds of local jobs. But nearly a decade later, the steelworks is still fighting for survival. Gupta's business empire has unravelled and he has left Australia along with the promises he made. So what went wrong? Today, former Media Watch host Paul Barry takes us inside
An avalanche survivor on the melting Himalayas
Dr. John All is a mountaineer and scientist who nearly lost his life after falling more than 20 meters down an icy crevasse while researching how quickly the Himalayas are melting. A week after a catastrophic flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border, he warns the tragedy we’ve seen in the region could be repeated as pollution and rising temperatures turn mountain ice into water. Toda
The win that made One Nation a major party
Pauline Hanson is on a roll. The latest test came over the weekend in a by-election for the small coastal electorate of Secret Harbour, south of Perth, where almost 40 per cent of voters gave One Nation their first-preference vote -- numbers that Labor and the Coalition could only dream of at this point. Today, Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation,
Erin Brockovich and the US data centre backlash
As the US hurtles towards the November midterms, data centres have become a major election issue, with politicians across the political divide joining voters in demanding a moratorium on new construction. Even Erin Brockovich is getting involved in a campaign sweeping the country. Today, Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, on the backlash against dat
Tucker Carlson for president in 2028?
Since Donald Trump launched his war in Iran, the MAGA movement has been dramatically split over the military action. Once a key Trump supporter, high profile media personality Tucker Carlson has turned on the US president, fuelling speculation he could make his own presidential bid in 2028. Today, New Yorker magazine staff writer Jason Zengerle on whether the podcaster could bec
Why can't Albo stick it to Trump like Canada?
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has come out swinging, outlining a major retaliation against US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs. The two neighbours have been spiralling towards an escalating trade war since negotiations collapsed last week. But could Canada’s response inspire other countries like Australia to push back against Trump's tariffs too? Today, David
Is this Mark Zuckerberg's 'big tobacco' moment?
In a landmark US court case, attorneys general representing 29 states are suing Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, accusing it of knowingly harming children and designing its platforms to keep young users hooked on scrolling.It's being likened to the wave of lawsuits filed against big tobacco companies in the 1990s.If the states are successful, the ruling could have
Is the Swans' Brownlow ban really enough?
It took a week, but the head of the AFL has now fronted the press over the Swans scandal. CEO Andrew Dillon has distanced the sport from the Sydney club, saying the actions of a few do not define an entire code. Today, investigative sports reporter Jessica Halloran on the AFL's response and why it's not enough. Featured: Jess Halloran, ABC investigative sports reporter
Netanyahu's impunity in the West Bank
In October, Israelis will head to the polls, with Benjamin Netanyahu fighting to remain in power. Looming over the election are the war with Iran, the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack, and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. And then there’s the West Bank, where settler violence has surged again.Today, Sari Bashi, an Israeli-American human rights lawyer, joins us
Why Trump's courting dictators (again)
This week, US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman, scaled back military drills with South Korea and continued his tariff fight with Canada. Meanwhile, he’s been speaking warmly about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and says he plans to meet with him later this year. Today, Michael Green from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on what’s behind Trump’s
How Pauline Hanson's winning the migration debate
Two months since Pauline Hanson's Press Club address calling for monoculturalism in Australia, new polling shows more Australians prefer her stance on immigration than that of either of the major parties.Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal party strategist and director at Redbridge Group on One Nation's appeal.Featured:Tony Barry, former Liberal party strategist and Redbridge Gro
The Sydney Swans and AFL culture
It's the sort of allegation that over the decades has rocked sporting codes and the AFL.Allegations of sexual assault have embroiled four Sydney Swans players.Today, AFL player agent Peter Jess, about how the sports protocols need to change, and Victoria University sports expert Matthew Klugman on AFL culture. Featured:Matthew Klugman, Victoria University sports expertPeter Jess,
Why the mushroom killer is back in court
It was one of the most watched criminal court cases in history, and now it's back.Mushroom killer Erin Patterson's appeal against her conviction for murdering three lunch guests and attempting to murder a fourth begins this week.Today, RMIT criminologist and lawyer Brianna Chesser, on why Patterson's lawyers argue she's been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.Featured:Brianna
The Russian drones stalking civilians
Footage of a Russian drone stalking and attacking a Ukrainian vegetable seller has offered a glimpse into the dystopian way Russia is fighting its war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s rapid drone innovation is transforming what these cheap devices can do on the battlefield. Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, on the new age of drone warfare and why the rest of
Annabel Crabb on 'melon-gate' week
Anthony Albanese’s comments on a comedy podcast last month about the Japanese prime minister’s gift of melons have been making headlines all week. It’s the second time he’s faced backlash over the podcast episode, after remarks he made about Kylie Minogue sparked controversy last time. Today, the ABC’s Annabel Crabb on what prompted a second round of outrage, the fallout that’s f
Trump’s Air Force One ‘decoy’ deception
When Donald Trump flew out of the NATO summit in Türkiye last month, he switched from the newly renovated, Qatari-donated jet to an older Air Force One, telling reporters it was 'for old time's sake.'But new details about the swap reveal that a credible threat from Iran prompted the president to then be secretly whisked off the old plane, into a catering container and transferred
Alan Kohler on why house prices will keep falling
After its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank has kept interest rates on hold.But should we get used to rates being higher than we've become used to in recent history?Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what to expect in the months ahead and why the real housing price slump has only just begun.Featured:Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist
An influencer's win on gambling laws
For years, Anthony Albanese has stood firm on how far he’s willing to go on gambling reform. But after former NRL player-turned-influencer Luke Bateman delivered compelling testimony on his years as a problem gambler to a senate inquiry last week, the Prime Minister now looks ready to go further. Today, chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong on what changed and h
Could Nigel Farage be about to lose to a bin?
It’s one of the strangest showdowns in political history: a man dressed as a bin taking on a populist right-wing leader. But this week, British voters in the seaside electorate of Clacton will decide between Count Binface or Reform's Nigel Farage. Today, Jemma Forte, co-host of the Trawl podcast on Nigel Farage’s controversial decision to resign and spark a by-election, and why a
The Mamdani effect enraging Trump
It’s been dubbed the 'Mamdani effect': support for democratic socialists has been surging since Zoran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York last year. Now another progressive, Abdul El-Sayed, has defeated a moderate to win Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank, the Niskanen Center, on what this shift means for the Democra
Should the media boycott Pauline Hanson?
Pauline Hanson wants to be the next Prime Minister but will avoiding scrutiny from some of the biggest media outlets in the country help her get there? Or will the Trump-like tactic be a turn off for voters? Today, former ABC correspondent Monica Attard from UTS on Senator Hanson's ban on several Australian news outlets and whether there’s any way to stop her doing it. Featured:
What happens when bird flu hits egg farms?
For years Australia managed to avoid it, but the H5 strain of the bird flu virus is now taking hold after the first mass mortality of birds was confirmed this week. So much of our native wildlife is at risk, as well as the commercial poultry and egg farming industries. Today, epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre on how quickly the virus is spreading and why its arrival at poultry, and
Are we on the road to $2.50 petrol?
The cut to the fuel excise has ended, causing petrol prices across the country to spike. With conflict in the Middle East continuing to strain global oil supplies, many drivers are wondering how long the pain at the bowser will last. Today, energy expert at MST financial Saul Kavonic on the world’s diminishing oil supply and whether we’re all out of fixes. Featured: Saul Kavon
Are AI glasses watching you?
AI glasses are the latest evolution in wearable tech, and thanks in part to celebrity endorsements like Kylie Jenner’s campaign for Meta’s smart glasses, they're taking off. But these devices, dubbed ‘pervert glasses’ by some critics, are raising fresh concerns about privacy and surveillance. Today, Dr Milica Stilinovic, a researcher at University of Sydney’s Governing Immersiv
The race to stop rogue AI
When OpenAI revealed its AI models went rogue during safety testing, science fiction suddenly became a reality. Since then, the company has revealed that the AI cyber-attack affected four separate companies. So, what happens when humans can no longer contain this technology? Today, AI safety researcher and co-author of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies’, Nate Soares, on what
An irritated Trump meets Netanyahu
It was the first face-to-face meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump since the war with Iran began almost six months ago. But the relationship between the two leaders isn’t what it was at the start of the conflict. Today, Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre on what Netanyahu was hoping to achieve by meet
Did Jacinta Allan have a Dan Andrews problem?
After becoming one of the most unpopular leaders in Australia’s history, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan reluctantly gave up the top job. Then, following a chaotic bout of Labor Party infighting, her deputy Ben Carroll emerged as her successor. Today, Jon Faine, former host of Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne, on Jacinta Allan’s downfall and how she couldn’t escape the shadow of
The shocking investigation into food labels
When you pick up a product at the supermarket, you trust what's written on the label.So, when it says an ingredient was sourced in Australia, why wouldn't you believe it?Today, Adele Ferguson on her exclusive Four Corners investigation into the food fraud hiding in plain sight. Featured: Adele Ferguson, Investigative reporter at ABC’s Four Corners
Is AI changing how we think?
AI has taken the grunt work out of many everyday tasks; from writing emails to planning dinner. But are we starting to rely on AI to think for us and could it be making us dumber? Today, Steven Shaw from the University of Pennsylvania on his research into cognitive surrender, AI and your brain. Featured: Steven Shaw, post-doctoral researcher at Wharton Marketing School, Univer
How Pauline Hanson is controlling the narrative
This week, Pauline Hanson has again declared that she could become Prime Minister after the next election. But could she? Or will her recent European tour and a string of controversial comments from immigration to domestic violence start to turn voters away? Today, former Liberal Party strategist and Redbridge Group director Tony Barry on what voters are saying, and why Pauline
Will the SpaceX slump pop the AI bubble?
At the end of last week Elon Musk’s much-hyped SpaceX shares took a tumble just over a month after the company went public. But what does that mean for the big AI companies and for the so-called AI bubble. Today AI critic and host of the Better Offline podcast Ed Zitron on why he thinks it will all come crashing down. Featured: Ed Zitron, host of Better Offline podcast and EZ P
Is this what a forever war looks like?
Donald Trump's MOU with Iran was supposed to stop the war and then end it. Now it's barely worth the paper it's written on. The bombing has resumed. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut. And now the conflict is spreading to the Red Sea, with the Houthis declaring a blockade on Saudi shipping. So, is this what a forever war looks like? Today, former US State Department Mid
Do Pauline Hanson’s economics add up?
Pauline Hanson has spent the past fortnight in Europe spruiking her anti-immigration policies which have long been familiar to Australian voters. But beyond immigration, what does One Nation actually want for the economy? Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens looks at the policies that have received far less attention and what Australia's economy could look
The renewed obsession with living longer
For thousands of years the question of extending life or living forever has occupied minds. But now it’s taken on a new life, from peptides, to IV drips and experimental treatments targeting the heart or kidneys, there’s a buzz around longevity. Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the big business and the science behind the quest to live healthier for l
Why Trump's so sensitive about Air Force One
When Donald Trump went to the NATO summit in Ankara, he took one plane in and a different one out. They were both called Air Force One, but one is 35 years old and is believed to have advanced safety features and the other was a retrofitted luxury 747 given to the US by Qatar. Why did the US president not fly out on the newer plane that he loves so much? New York Times journal
The gaps in the prime minister’s big AI speech
It was dubbed a landmark speech on how the government will deal with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres. But did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese really address the key concerns as the big tech giants move to expand their businesses and even train AI models here? Today, Kimberlee Weatherall an expert in AI regulation from Sydney University on how pro
How will Telstra pay for its network meltdown?
Telstra says its sorry for letting Australians down after last week’s nationwide outage, but how is it going compensate customers left out of pocket? The telco will face questions in a parliamentary hearing later this week on the cause and the effects of the outage, which blocked hundreds of emergency calls and brought down payment systems and even regional trains. Today, nation
Are Chinese EVs a national security risk?
Relatively cheap EVs from China are increasingly seen on Australian roads. But you won’t find many in the US, because of hefty tariffs and bans due to national security concerns. Now Swedish based, but Chinese owned Polestar is set to stop selling in the US market from next year due to a crackdown on Chinese-linked vehicles. Today, cyber security expert and former advisor to pr
The developers hoping to cash in on 'affordable' housing
When you say 'affordable housing' there’s a natural scepticism. Across the country developers are being offered perks to be part of schemes supposed to give people a chance to rent without draining their pay packets. But who gets to live in these 'affordable’ rentals and who sets the rent and when it can go up? Today, Pat McGrath on his Four Corners investigation into whether '
The $5.3 billion NRL game changer
It’s the most lucrative sports broadcast deal in history, worth $5.3 billion for seven years. The deal between the NRL and broadcasters Nine and Foxtel outstrips the previous $4.5 billion deal the AFL secured in 2022. Today, sports media expert Merryn Sherwood from La Trobe University on how the rugby league managed it and who ultimately pays the cost. Featured:Merryn Sherwood, S
What’s behind China’s ballistic missile test?
On Monday, China’s military launched a nuclear capable ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean from a submarine hidden in the sea off China. It gave Australia and other nations about 24 hours’ notice. So, what’s XI Jinping up to? Today, Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute on China’s massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal and what it means for us. Featured: Sam Roggeveen,
How Trump tainted the World Cup and still lost
Even an extraordinary intervention by the US president couldn’t save his soccer team, with the USA now out of the FIFA World Cup after being thrashed by Belgium. Donald Trump has admitted calling FIFA to urge the governing body to overturn a red card ban for the star American player Folarin Balogun. He was allowed to play after what FIFA insists was an independent process, but ha
How Putin's war reached Moscow's petrol pumps
Vladimir Putin's war is running off course as the Russian capital Moscow comes under repeated Ukrainian attack. Ukrainian strikes are leading to major fuel shortages and growing discontent among the Russian people.Today, Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic magazine on how Putin is reacting to growing pressure. Featured:Simon Shuster, The Atlantic magazine
Is Chinese AI about to crush Silicon Valley?
Last month the Trump administration forced AI company Anthropic to shut down two of its most powerful models because of national security concerns. It’s now lifted the ban, but while attention has been on the US, China has released an AI model that rivals the most advanced American offerings at a much lower price. Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what that means the tech
Is America turning against Israel?
For decades, the US has been one of Israel’s staunchest allies. But there’s a shift underway in America. US President Donald Trump and his deputy JD Vance have publicly criticised the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and polling shows Americans have increasingly negative views of his government. Today, Guy Ziv, associate director of Israel studies at American University on what
What’s in the AI data centre boom for us?
A data centre boom is underway that promises to help drive Australia’s economic growth. We’re seen as a key location for the data centres that drive the latest AI technology. But a lot of the revenue generated by the multinational big tech firms won’t come anywhere near Australia, so should the taxpayers hosting the data centres get a bigger cut of the profits? Today, independe
Laura Tingle on what saved the global economy
When the Iran war broke out, we were warned of an oil shock not seen since the 1970s when fuel was rationed. We were told the price of oil could reach $200 a barrel and airlines might ground planes. But that hasn’t happened and now petrol prices are back down to where they were before the war. Today the ABC’s Laura Tingle on how China is cushioning the world economy. Featured:
Hanson, Stefanovic and the outrage algorithm
One Nation has had a seismic surge in support since the start of the year, so how is it managing to attract attention and potentially voters? Part of it is One Nation and Pauline Hanson’s prolific use of social media. At the same time, we’ve seen former Nine journalist Karl Stefanovic embrace podcasting that platforms right-wing figures. Today, marketing expert Toby Ralph on wh
The growing evidence of brain disease in the AFL
We love Aussie rules football, but like other contact sports it comes with risk of head knocks for the players. New figures based on analysis of the brains of deceased players, reveal a big increase in the number of them known to have the degenerative brain disease CTE. Is the AFL doing enough to support families after a tragedy and inform players at all levels of the game about
Why an Iran deal is too much effort for Trump
The US Vice President JD Vance is the chief negotiator, tasked with coming up with a enduring peace deal with Iran. But is the United States willing to put in the time and the effort to seal a new deal with the Islamic Republic? Today, Nate Swanson, who worked on Iran policy in the Obama, Biden and Trump administrations on why a deal may never be done. He explains his view that I
Was Trump right to ban the most advanced AI?
It’s an AI company valued at almost a trillion dollars, but Donald Trump is clipping Anthropic’s wings. The US president effectively banned the company's state of the art Claude AI models Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing security concerns. But how founded are those concerns and is it problem that the US government can control the release of groundbreaking AI? Today, Sharon Goldman,
Can a new PM fix broken Britain?
There’s a revolving door at 10 Downing Street, a prime minister goes in and they’re popped out again. This time it was Keir Starmer. Can his likely successor, the former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last the distance? Today, Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics at Deakin University on why Britain’s woeful economy will make it hard. Featured: Simon Tormey, Professor of Polit
Has the Iran war changed fuel forever?
Before the war it was open, safe and toll free, but now the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest problems for Donald Trump as he tries to end the war and keep peace talks on track. While the global oil supply has been disrupted for months, petrol price here are now as low as they were before the war began. Today, energy analyst Kevin Morrison on how long that can last.
How Ukraine’s drones are infiltrating Russia
Ukraine is now striking deep inside Russia using drones developed during its war with its invading neighbour. At the same time, the Ukrainian military has been regaining some its territory using short range drones. The embrace of new technologies is giving Ukraine an edge in the war and bringing to fight to Vladimir Putin’s doorstep. But that doesn’t mean the war is set to end a
Is Pauline Hanson now unstoppable?
This week Pauline Hanson addressed the National Press Club and a new poll showed she is Australia’s preferred prime minister. Today, columnist, author and academic, Waleed Aly, on how One Nation could win the next election and why it’s so hard for the major parties to stop the rise of Pauline Hanson. Featured: Waleed Aly, co-host of The Minefield on ABC Radio National, a columni
Why Socceroos vs USA will be 'spicy'
Australia’s Socceroos were underdogs going into their World Cup match against Türkiye. They achieved a surprise win, but can they do the same in their next match against the host nation USA? The young team and coach Tony Popovic will have to beat the odds. Today, sport journalist Niav Owens, who’s a host of the SBS coverage of the FIFA World Cup, on why it might not be an easy
