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
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
Six months in, is the social media ban failing?
Australia led the way, now the UK government has announced its own ban on social media for under 16s. But six months since the restrictions came into force here, are they really working, given most young teenagers who were using social media still are? Today, Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University on what we need to do
Is Trump’s Iran deal any good?
A new deal between Iran and the United States to stop the fighting and negotiate is not even signed yet, but the US president insists the Strait of Hormuz is set to open. Donald Trump has declared ‘let the oil flow’, even though the memorandum of understanding won’t be signed until Friday in Switzerland. But what did the United States have to give Iran to secure the ceasefire ag
Why Ozempic keeps wowing the world
GLP-1 drugs were first approved to treat diabetes and then caused a frenzy when it was discovered they were great for weight loss. But now scientists are discovering the drugs that have brand names including Ozempic and Mounjaro might offer so much more, from reducing the risk of heart attack to treating kidney disease. Today, Doctor Paul Joyce, a pharmaceutical scientist at Adel
Why Trump keeps abusing female journalists
When Donald Trump stormed out of an interview after hurling abuse at the female anchor it wasn’t surprising, he often attacks those who dare to challenge him. But why does the US president continually get away with it with little push back from the press? Today, host of ABC Radio National’s Saturday Extra, Nick Bryant on his encounters with Donald Trump and the changing media l
Can Trump stop Israel’s strikes in Lebanon?
Donald Trump keeps saying a deal with Iran to end the war is close, but there are no signs of it. Iran and the US have been engaged in retaliatory strikes and Israel is pushing further into Lebanon. So, can the US President still get out of the war? And how far is Israel prepared to go in its fight against Hezbollah? Featured: Randa Slim, director, Middle East Program at the S
Why 'ditch the witch' is back in politics
A mobile billboard campaign has hit the streets of Melbourne, decrying the state of Victoria under the leadership of Premier Jacinta Allan. But it’s the ‘ditch the witch’ slogan slapped next to the premier’s face that has sparked outrage. Ms Allan says it’s sexist and misogynist, but the One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says the premier should just ‘suck it up, sweetheart’. To
Trump, FIFA and the politics of the World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is supposed to bring the world together. But with fans from some countries facing US travel restrictions, the Iran war spilling into the tournament through visa disputes and controversy over soaring ticket prices, the road to the event has been anything but easy. Today, sports journalist Tracey Holmes on how FIFA's global tournament is colliding with the reali
What’s driving the AI backlash?
America’s big tech bosses are trying to get artificial intelligence deployed everywhere, taking over our homes, our hobbies and our work. By now, most of us are using AI for daily tasks, even if by accident. But it doesn’t mean we all agree with the path we’re on and increasingly people are voicing their concerns about the AI revolution. Today, the ABC’s national AI reporter Ca
Why Trump brought UFC 'savagery' to the White House
Donald Trump is pondering whether a UFC cage could become a permanent fixture on the South Lawn of the White House after a fight takes place there on his 80th birthday. Today, Sally Jenkins from The Atlantic magazine on Trump’s deep links to the mixed martial arts organisation. We explore how bringing the sport’s ‘savagery’ to the seat of power in the US is all part of Trump’s
Why AUKUS delivers second-hand subs
Should we be spending up to $368 billion on nuclear powered submarines over the next 30 years? Peter Garrett, the former Labor Minister and Midnight Oil star doesn’t think so. He’s set up a crowdfunded inquiry into the AUKUS submarine deal. It follows the government revealing the original agreement has changed a bit with the US to switch out one new sub for a second hand one. Tod
Is the era of surging house prices over?
House prices have begun to fall, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the downward trend.So, will they bounce back or could it be, as some forecasts suggest, the start of a new cycle where house prices remain stagnant for decades. Today, business editor Michael Janda on why this could be the correction young Australians have been waiting for. Michael was also on Monday’s episode of
Who will invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX vision?
Do you believe that Elon Musk can establish a colony on Mars of a million people or launch data centres into space? If you do, you might be thinking of investing in SpaceX which will go public on the Nasdaq stock market this month. Even if you have your doubts, you might just gamble on Musk anyway for fear of missing out.Today, Quinn Slobodian, co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for
Who’s policing the NSW police?
The New South Wales Police Force was so corrupt in the 1990s a royal commission was formed and it was forced to clean up its act.These days it’s the most complained about force in the country and it’s the national leader in legal payouts, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.Today, Four Corners reporter Dylan Welch on his investigation into cases of police abuse and misc
Are Netanyahu’s days numbered?
The US military is striking Iran and Israel has ramped up its attacks in southern Lebanon. Is there really a chance of a peace deal? And does the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu even want one as he faces an election within months. Today, Dov Waxman, professor of Israel studies at UCLA on Netanyahu’s political future. Featured: Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
Why power bills are falling despite the Iran war
Australians have had a rough few years when it comes to power bills, with the war in Ukraine helping send global energy prices soaring. But now, despite ongoing conflict overseas, electricity prices are finally set to fall for homes and businesses. Today, ABC energy reporter Dan Mercer on the battery boom driving down prices and whether more bill relief is on the horizon.Featured
Can Iran peace talks survive new US strikes?
Peace talks in Qatar had barely begun when the US initiated a new wave of strikes against Iran. The US says targeting Iranian boats and missile sites was an act of self-defence, but what will it mean for a deal to end the war? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains what the US President actually needs to finally walk away from a conflict he no longer wa
Will tax changes really kill small businesses?
Memes featuring an AI-generated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claim he’s effectively taking a 47 per cent stake in businesses. But what’s the reality of the government’s budget tax changes? Today, we speak with a small business owner who’s concerned about the economic realities of doing business in Australia. We also speak with an economist about the implications of the changes
Is the global fuel crunch about to hit us?
The cost of fuel across Australia has come off its highs, despite there being no resolution yet to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But don’t get comfortable because the real pain from the global oil crunch hasn’t really hit us yet. Today, Saul Kavonic, energy expert at MST financial, on how we’ve weathered the storm so far and what could happen in the mon
Has Trump been defeated by Iran?
It’s almost three months since Donald Trump began the Iran war, but is there any chance that America can achieve anything that looks like victory? As the US president considers whether to launch new strikes or pursue a compromise deal, what would Iran actually agree to? Today, Robert Malley, a lead negotiator on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on why a new deal might look just like Ba
China’s warning to Trump on Taiwan
There are questions about the future of Taiwan after Donald Trump declared he’s “not looking to have somebody go independent”.The US president met China’s leader in Beijing and says Xi Jinping asked him whether the US would defend Taiwan. What do Trump’s comments mean for US-China relations and how likely is a Chinese invasion of the self-governed island?Today, Samir Puri, visiti
Is the budget bold enough to stop One Nation’s rise?
Labor wants its budget to be seen as a concrete step towards levelling the playing field between the generations. But Newspoll suggests it’s the most unpopular federal budget in more than 30 years. Across the polls, Labor’s support is steady or declining, while One Nation rises above the Coalition. Will bolder economic policies from Labor and the Coalition stop the collapse of Au
What Trump’s China trip reveals about the AI race
With so many tech bosses accompanying Donald Trump on his recent trip to China, expectations were high that AI and high tech business deals would be central to the talks. But in the end, there was no breakthrough on selling US firm Nvidia’s high tech AI chips to China.So where does that leave the race for AI dominance and how are China and the US approaching AI differently?Today,
The tax raid on family trusts
If you’ve got a family trust, you’re probably doing pretty well.They’ve been used for generations to distribute wealth and reduce tax bills. Now the government’s moving to make sure the tax office receives more from the earnings, imposing a minimum 30 percent tax on discretionary trusts. Today, Kristen Sobeck a tax expert at the University of Canberra on the new tax on trusts. Fe
Why Trump keeps asking 'Vance or Rubio?'
Marco Rubio is hitting his stride, he’s Trump’s National Security Advisor and his Secretary of State, he’s taken over the White House press briefing, sat down with the Pope and is now in China for Trump’s showdown with President Xi.No wonder speculation is growing that he could be the next Republican presidential nominee, instead of Vice President JD Vance.Today, Geoff Kabaservic
What we know about the cruise ship hantavirus
It’s been an ordeal for those who embarked on a cruise across in early April and it’s not over yet. The ship's passengers are being repatriated across the world after potential exposure to hantavirus, which caused the death of three passengers. Among those heading home are four Australians who will soon be placed in a quarantine facility in Western Australia. What is the virus, h
Is this the bravest budget in decades?
The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered his 2026 budget, unveiling a new tax cut and some of the most significant tax changes in decades. Delivered as war impacts the economy, it’s being sold as a budget that addresses the growing inequality between generations, with the treasurer declaring Labor is on the hard road of reform. But will changes to taxes on property investors and
Is Putin right to be paranoid?
For decades, Russia’s Victory Day parade has brought tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles to Red Square to celebrate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. But not this year. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin scaled back the event due to the risk of a Ukrainian long range attack on Moscow. At the same time, media reports citing a European intelligence service suggest secu
How to beat inflation without rate hikes
Why is it up to the Reserve Bank to control inflation with interest rates? Imagine if there were other tools that spread the pain to more people, not just those repaying a home loan. Perhaps the government could force workers to put more money into their superannuation accounts or move the GST up and down depending on the inflation rate. Today, independent economist Chris Richard
Is Iran's 'slopaganda' changing anyone's mind?
It’s a new sort of warfare and it’s not taking place on the battlefield.Backers of Iran are creating so-called ‘slopaganda’ using AI generated videos to mock the United States and President Donald Trump. But while Iranian diplomats are sharing the viral videos, are they actually changing anyone’s mind? Today, Brett Schafer from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue on how Iran is
Is the budget about to smash property investors?
Anthony Albanese is about to break a major election promise. Next week’s budget will reveal just how dramatic the government’s changes to generous tax breaks for property investors will be. The expected shake up to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount follows the prime minister’s promises during the last election campaign to leave the arrangements as they were.Have
The new battle in the Strait of Hormuz
The US President Donald Trump has launched what he’s calling ‘Project Freedom’, promising to rescue commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.Already Iran has resumed firing on the UAE and the US says it’s destroyed Iranian military boats in the Strait.Today, Jennifer Parker, a former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer, on the new phase of the Iran war. Featured: Jenni
Alan Kohler on why Trump’s war hasn’t spooked Wall Street
The war in Iran is creating economic uncertainty around the world, with higher inflation putting pressure on central banks, including the RBA, to hike interest rates.So, why are stocks still surging on Wall Street, driving the value of the world’s biggest sharemarkets to record highs? Today the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on why investors remain so optimistic and it’s got a
The investigation into police Taser safety
The nation was shocked when 95-year-old Clare Nowland died after being tasered by a NSW police officer at an aged care facility in 2023. While police forces defend their policies and training, there are concerns that officers draw the weapon too quickly, not just when danger is imminent. There’s also a controversial medical diagnosis called “excited delirium” that’s been used to
What is Trump’s ballroom obsession really about?
In the past week Donald Trump’s obsession with building his grand ballroom has reared its head again.He was even talking about it after the suspected third attempt on his life. The US president has torn down parts of the East Wing of the White House to make way for the huge structure that will dominate the White House. Today, Dan Diamond, White House reporter at the Washington Po
How will the NDIS decide who to cut off?
The growth of the NDIS is about to be slashed, but what tool will the government use to determine who gets to stay and whose disability supports are cut?Today, we speak with Martin Laverty, an architect of the NDIS and now head of disability services provider, Aruma. We also speak with Jess Howlett who has autism, about her fears she’ll be unfairly removed from the scheme.Feature
What China learns from Trump’s war in Iran
China buys lots of Iran’s oil, but it’s trying to avoid getting drawn into the war, instead calling for de-escalation and peace in the Middle East. So, what role is Beijing actually playing, how is its economy affected and what is it learning about the United States’ military? Today, Neil Thomas, an expert in China’s politics from the Asia Society Policy Institute on Xi Jinping’s
Inside the White House press dinner shooting
Donald Trump’s dislike of the press has seen him repeatedly refuse to attend the annual White House correspondent’s dinner in Washington DC.But this year he’d taken his seat not long before a 31 year old tried to burst into the function room armed with guns and knives. The US president has described the suspect as ‘sick’.Today, we speak with Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlant
Why a gas tax is going viral
A video posted by Senator David Pocock has gone viral, leaving some viewers asking why the gas giants aren’t paying more for the resources they extract in Australia. The video reveals the government receives more money from a tax on beer than from the tax on the profits of massive oil and gas projects. But is that the whole story?Today, the ABC’s chief digital political correspo
What happens next with airfares and flights
More than seven weeks since the start of the war in Iran, flight schedules through the Middle East are still disrupted, but slowly recovering. Travellers are now more likely to get to their destinations on time, but the cost to airlines from the surging price of jet fuel is starting to bite. Today, aviation industry expert Ian Douglas on where things currently stand and why airfa
Is 'drill baby drill' the answer to our fuel crisis?
US President Donald Trump is all in on it, but could Australia 'drill baby drill' its way to fuel security and avoid oil shocks in the future? Australia used to have a network of refineries and we were mostly self-sufficient in fuel production. Who let so many close and why? Today, Alison Reeve, energy expert from the Grattan Institute on whether we really could build new refiner
Will Trump 'blink first' and end the war?
Donald Trump went into the war with Iran thinking it would be over quickly.More than seven weeks later there’s still no obvious off ramp, with uncertainty surrounding a second round of peace talks in Pakistan. Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator in the Trump administration, on what the US president needs to do to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz Featured: Nat
When will the Iran war hit your grocery bill?
Shoppers have been dismayed by grocery price rises for years, now there are warnings that food will cost even more as the effects of the Iran war reach consumers. Transporting produce around the country will cost more due to high diesel prices, but farmers don’t necessarily get to recoup the surging costs on the farm itself.So how are our farmers faring and when will another roun
What’s driving soaring rates of adult ADHD?
Over the past eight years ADHD diagnoses among Australian adults have surged, especially among women.You might be surprised to hear where the ADHD capitals are.Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the exclusive prescribing data and whether it shows ADHD is being over-diagnosed. Featured: Dr Norman Swan, Four Corners reporter and co-host of ABC Radio Nation
What Putin gains from the Iran war
What does Russia’s Vladimir Putin make of the Iran war? He’s one of the few beneficiaries, making vast sums of money as the oil price spiked and Donald Trump temporarily eased sanctions. The world’s attention has been diverted from his war in Ukraine and the thorn in his side, the NATO alliance, is under more pressure than ever. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon o
The President vs the Pope
What’s behind US President Donald Trump’s attack on Pope Leo?After the leader of the Catholic Church criticised Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilisation, the president unleashed. Trump dismissed the Pope as ‘weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy’.Debate over the US leader's mental health has reignited since the fuel erupted and he posted an AI image depicting himsel
The 'doomsday' scenario for fuel supply
The US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz could make the fuel crunch in Australia even worse. The government’s urging Australians to do what they can to use less fuel, but when will more severe restrictions kick in?Today, Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial on why we’re facing a ‘doomsday’ scenario that’s been war gamed for decades. He’s warning that fuel
How Iran is becoming Trump’s forever war
The peace talks failed, so now US President Donald Trump wants to further disrupt the vital oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz. A US blockade will stop ships entering or departing Iranian ports, but will it really work to bring an end to the conflict?Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what happens next and why the Iran conflict is starting to look l
Alan Kohler’s case to nationalise childcare
The ABC’s Alan Kohler thinks the treasurer should nationalise the childcare system and take centres out of the hands of for-profit businesses.With lingering concerns about the quality and safety of some centres and families struggling to afford the bills, is now the time for such a radical shake up?Today, Alan Kohler on the case for change and childcare policy expert Elizabeth Hi
What the shaky Iran ceasefire means for fuel prices
A fragile two week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel has raised hopes ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be on the move. Disruptions to the oil and gas supply have raised fears of a global economic slowdown as surging fuel prices punish households and businesses. Today, Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, on whether a ceasefire chang
Can Iran and Trump really agree on a peace plan?
Donald Trump was threatening to wipe out ‘a whole civilisation’, then about an hour before his deadline the US president announced a ceasefire deal had been struck with Iran. Iran and the United States will now spend two weeks negotiating a peace plan, but it seems there’s little they can agree on.Today, Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center on why Trump ‘bli
Ben Roberts-Smith and the war crime of murder
As a Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith is one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers.Now, he’s been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. It comes after he lost a landmark defamation trial in which a judge found that on the balance of probabilities, allegations the former special forces soldier was responsible for, or complicit in the deaths of four detai
Will Pete Hegseth take the fall for the Iran war?
We know that US President Donald Trump is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to the war in Iran, but who’s in his ear?From Pete Hegseth to Marco Rubio and JD Vance, they’re each playing a role in executing or trying to explain the rationale for the controversial action in Iran. If the war can’t be sold as a success in the end, who in Trump’s cabinet will end up paying the
Are insiders profiting from the Iran war?
Oil and financial markets have been swinging wildly with every social media post from Donald Trump. But a pattern of large, well-timed trades placed on commodity and prediction markets just minutes before major Iran war announcements has emerged. It’s raising concerns that some investors could be acting on inside information. Today, Andrew Verstein an expert on insider trading an
