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 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
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
