With less than two weeks until Americans vote, Donald Trump’s campaign keeps getting stranger. From playing music instead of taking questions from supporters, to commenting on the genitalia of a dead golfer, and suggesting he’d deploy the military against his ‘enemy within’ the United States. But still the polls are neck and neck. Today, we talk to Rina Shah, a former Republican strategist, about the race to the finish line.She speaks about the importance of Pennsylvania in the upcoming election, noting that both campaigns are heavily focused on this key swing state. She highlights Trump’s unconventional campaign tactics, including his bizarre town hall meeting in Philadelphia that turned into a music fest. Rina Shah also discusses Kamala Harris’s strategy of using Trump’s own words against him in her rallies, which seems to resonate well with voters.Featured: Rina Shah, political strategist, former senior Republican congressional aide and a former presidential campaign adviserKey Topics:Donald Trump campaign tacticsPennsylvania swing stateKamala Harris campaign strategyEarly voting trendsTrump’s town hall meetingElection 2024 pollsAbortion policyTrump’s comments on Arnold Palmer

In 2018, Queensland decriminalised abortion up to 22 weeks’ gestation without a doctor's permission. Now, the prospect of repealing those laws has become a major issue ahead of this weekend’s state election.In South Australia too, the legality of abortion has been contested in the parliament. So, why is abortion up for debate? Today, Prudence Flowers from Flinders University on why what’s happening here can be linked to the United States.  Dr Flowers explains that the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US has sent shock waves globally, influencing debates in Australia. She says the political landscape in Queensland is particularly volatile, with independent MP Robbie Katter pushing for a repeal of the decriminalisation law. She notes the significant anti-abortion sentiment within the Liberal National Party, which could impact the outcome if they win the election. In South Australia, recent legislative attempts to restrict abortion have narrowly failed, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue. Featured: Dr Prudence Flowers, senior lecturer at Flinders UniversityKey Topics:Queensland abortion lawsSouth Australia abortion debateRoe v WadeRobbie KatterLiberal National Party and abortionUS influence on Australian politicsReproductive rightsPolitical strategies in electionsAbortion laws

With the polls in the US neck and neck just a few weeks out from the election, money talks. Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is throwing it around for Donald Trump, even offering million-dollar cheques to voters who sign a petition set up by a Trump-friendly campaign group. Today, Vittoria Elliot from WIRED on why Musk is so desperate for Trump to win. Vittoria Elliot explains Musk’s shift from supporting Democrats to backing Trump, driven by business interests and regulatory concerns. She highlights Musk’s significant influence on social media, particularly through X, where he amplifies right-wing talking points. Elliot also discusses the legal grey areas of Musk’s financial incentives for voters and the potential implications for future elections.Featured: Vittoria Elliot, WIRED reporter covering platforms and powerKey Topics:Elon MuskDonald TrumpUS Election 2024Early VotingPolitical Action Committees (PACs)Social Media MisinformationFree Speech

The assassination of the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, the architect of the October 7 attack, might have been an opportunity for a ceasefire. Instead, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in the north and there is no sign Hamas will agree to the return of hostages. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to achieve. Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York 

The assassination of the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, the architect of the October 7 attack, might have been an opportunity for a ceasefire. Instead, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in the north and there is no sign Hamas will agree to the return of hostages. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to achieve. Professor Menon says that despite Sinwar’s death, Hamas remains resilient and continues to pose a threat. He says the international community is closely watching the situation, with significant political and humanitarian concerns.Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York Key Topics:Yahya Sinwar assassinationIsraeli airstrikes in GazaHamas leadershipBenjamin Netanyahu’s strategyCeasefire prospectsHostage negotiationsGaza conflict Humanitarian impact

The cost of toll roads for drivers and even rideshare passengers are hard to avoid and the price attached to each beep of the reader increases every year. Transurban is the firm that dominates the industry on the east coast and in some states they can even use the criminal justice system to chase toll debts and fines. The cost of toll roads is prohibitive for many drivers, forcing people to quit jobs across town and pushing truck drivers to use suburban roads instead. Today, Four Corners reporter Pat McGrath on his investigation into the contracts that governments sign to get nice new toll roads.He reveals how many contracts allow toll price increases pegged to the consumer price index or at least four per cent, leading to significant revenue for companies like Transurban. He explores potential reforms and the need for government intervention to address these issues.Featured: Pat McGrath, Four Corners reporterKey Topics:Toll roadsTransurbanConsumer price indexToll debt enforcementGovernment contracts with toll companiesToll road reformsCost of living crisisTraffic congestion

The cost of toll roads for drivers and even rideshare passengers are hard to avoid and the price attached to each beep of the reader increases every year. Transurban is the firm that dominates the industry on the east coast and in some states they can even use the criminal justice system to chase toll debts and fines. The cost of toll roads is prohibitive for many drivers, forcing people to quit jobs across town and pushing truck drivers to use suburban roads instead. Today, Four Corners reporter Pat McGrath on his investigation into the contracts that governments sign to get nice new toll roads.He reveals how many contracts allow toll price increases pegged to the consumer price index or at least four per cent, leading to significant revenue for companies like Transurban. He explores potential reforms and the need for government intervention to address these issues.Featured: Pat McGrath, Four Corners reporterKey Topics:Toll roadsTransurbanConsumer price indexToll debt enforcementGovernment contracts with toll companiesToll road reformsCost of living crisisTraffic congestion

This week we learned that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon be a new home owner. He’s bought a multi-million-dollar house, featuring sweeping ocean views, on the New South Wales central coast.Some people think it’s a move from the PM that’s especially tone deaf, given the depths of the housing crisis, while others see the story as a complete beat up.Today, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on why it has become a big problem for the PM. Patricia Karvelas explains that the timing of the purchase is problematic, given the current housing crisis and the upcoming election. She says there are concerns about the optics of this purchase, even within the Labor Party. The episode delves into the public’s reaction and the media’s role in amplifying the controversy.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast Key Topics:Anthony Albanese Property market Housing crisisFederal politicsLabor PartyMedia coverage2025 Federal Election Political leadership

When masked neo-Nazis turned up in a small New South Wales town to hold a rally on the weekend it shocked the locals.The men, part of a white supremacist group, were not from the area. So, why were they there?Today, extremism researcher Kaz Ross discusses how we should respond to the growing white supremacist movement in Australia. Featured: Dr Kaz Ross, independent researcher into far-right extremism

The Lebanese capital Beirut is a divided city, where life continues as normal for some, while not so far away Israeli air strikes are reducing buildings to rubble. The sound of Israeli drones is constant as its forces hunt members of Hezbollah. The militant group has been firing missiles into Israel since Hamas terrorists crossed from Gaza into Israel last year. Today, we go to Beirut with the ABC’s global affairs editor John Lyons who explains why some Lebanese welcome the weakening of Hezbollah.Featured: John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor Key Topics:Beirut conflictIsraeli air strikesHezbollahLebanese civiliansIsraeli dronesMiddle East warLebanese armyCivilian deathsPolitical divisions in Lebanon

In just three weeks, Americans will choose whether they want Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the White House and the contest is incredibly close. More than a hundred thousand eligible voters are living here in Australia, although not all will cast a ballot. Today, we meet an Australian-based Harris voter and a Trump voter, to talk about what’s driving their decision and what sort of America they hope will come from it.  We also discuss whether people with wildly different political views can get along. Judy Grobstein supports Kamala Harris due to her stance on issues including women’s rights, gun laws and LGBTQ rights. She's concerned about the roll back of women’s freedoms and the handling of immigration by the Republicans. Susan Shaffer, despite her personal dislike for Donald Trump, supports him due to her concerns about the economy, immigration, and US involvement in the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. She highlights the perceived failures of the current administration on the economy and border control. Featured: Judy Grobstein, Harris voterSusan Shaffer, Trump voterKey Topics:U.S. Presidential Election 2024Kamala HarrisDonald TrumpAmerican voters in AustraliaWomen’s rightsGun control Immigration policyUS economyPolitical divisions in America

Oasis is coming to Australia, but many fans will have already accepted they either won’t manage to get a ticket or if they do it’s going to cost a lot of money.  So, what goes on behind the scenes with the big ticketing companies that control our live music scene? Today, Avani Dias on her Four Corners investigation into dynamic pricing and how Australian artists are allegedly being ripped off.Avani Dias reveals that while dynamic pricing won't be used for Oasis tickets in Australia, Ticketmaster is under scrutiny for its use in the United Kingdom, which caused ticket prices to surge unexpectedly. She explains how Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, has a business model that involves buying up smaller live music businesses, including venues and merchandise sellers, giving it significant control over the industry. Avani discusses the impact on Australian artists, who often see a small fraction of the revenue from their performances due to various fees imposed by Live Nation. She highlights concerns from industry insiders, including Peter Garrett, about the lack of regulation and the potential exploitation of artists. Avani also touches on the broader implications for the future of live music in Australia.Featured: Avani Dias, Four Corners reporterKey Topics:Oasis tourDynamic ticket pricingLive Nation Live musicTicketmaster Music industry regulationGrassroots music Artist revenue 

When Donald Trump won the 2016 US election, the world was shocked because polls had predicted an easy win for Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.So, with the polls showing a close race both at the national level and in the swing states that will determine the next president, can we trust them? Today, Matt Taglia from Emerson College Polling explains the science of polling.  He discusses the accuracy of current polling methods and how they have evolved since 2016. Matt Taglia addresses the challenges pollsters face in reaching a representative sample of voters, especially in swing states. Featured: Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College PollingKey Topics:2016 US Election Polling Polling AccuracyMargin of ErrorPolling MethodologySwing State PollingKey US Election 2024 Issues'Shy' Trump Voter EffectPolling Trends and Predictions

He was a giant on the American music scene, but Sean Combs, who goes by the stage name Diddy, is now facing charges that put him at the centre of what could be a much-needed MeToo moment for the industry. The rapper has been arrested, accused of sex trafficking and running a criminal enterprise centred on abusing women. Today, what we know about the case and whether it will change the global music industry.Music journalist and co-founder of The Brag Media, Poppy Reid, discusses the potential impact of these allegations on Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry. She explains the background of the charges, including the lawsuit filed by Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and the subsequent raids on his properties.Poppy Reid says the indictment details graphic allegations of abuse and coercion spanning over a decade. She believes this case could trigger a significant MeToo movement within the music industry, similar to what happened in the film industry with Harvey Weinstein.Featured: Poppy Reid, music journalist and co-founder of The Brag MediaKey Topics:Sean CombsDiddySex trafficking chargesMeToo movementCassie Ventura Music industry Entertainment industry

After 142 years the UK’s electricity grid is now coal free. Last week it closed its last remaining coal fired power station earlier than expected and became the first G7 economy to dump coal power. Today, energy expert from the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve on how the Brits did it and when we’ll do the same. She explains the historical significance of coal in the UK’s industrial revolution and its eventual decline. Alison Reeve highlights the role of bipartisan politics and strategic policies in achieving this milestone. Featured:Alison Reeve, Energy and Climate Change Deputy Program Director at Grattan InstituteKey Topics:UK electricity gridCoal-fired power stationsRenewable energy transitionPolitics in energy policyRole of nuclear energy in the UKAustralia’s coal power phase-out

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and if you can’t afford a Tesla, a cheaper Chinese made car could be the answer.But in the United States, the Biden administration wants to ban all Chinese developed software from cars on American roads because of security concerns. The US government already charges a big tariff on imports of Chinese EVs. Today, Adam Tong from the Center for a New American Security on whether the cyber security risk cited by US officials is really something to be concerned about. Mr. Tong explains that the interconnected nature of modern EVs increases their vulnerability to cyber attacks. He highlights that malware could potentially be embedded in the software deeply embedded in the vehicles, posing risks to both personal data and physical safety. Mr. Tong notes that while no major attacks have occurred yet, the proactive measures by the US aim to prevent future threats. He also discusses the economic implications of the ban, suggesting it also serves to protect the US EV industry from Chinese competition.Featured: Adam Tong, associate fellow at the Center for a New American Security Key Topics:Electric vehiclesChinese EVsCybersecurity risksBiden administration US-China trade relationsEV industry Tariffs on Chinese importsNational security concerns

When journalist Deborah Stone learned of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel one year ago, she had to get to work. As a Jewish woman and editor in chief of The Jewish Independent news website, finding a balance in the reporting was what she strove for now and then. It’s been a challenge, as Jewish Australians reflect on the bloodiest single day in Israel’s history and the death toll from the controversial military response grows. Today, Deborah Stone shares her reflections on the past year and whether vastly different views on what’s happened since can be reconciled. She highlights the increased anti-Semitism faced by Jewish Australians and the impact on their sense of safety. Deborah Stone also shares a powerful story from a young woman with both Jewish and Arabic heritage, illustrating the possibility of caring for both communities.Featured: Deborah Stone, editor in chief of The Jewish IndependentKey Topics:Hamas terrorist attackIsrael’s military responseJewish Australian diasporaZionismAnti-Semitism in AustraliaIsraeli and Palestinian rightsMulticulturalism

The US presidential election will be held in just over a month and only a handful of the 50 states really matter. Michigan is one of them and campaigners for the Democratic and Republican parties are going door-to-door to try and convince people their candidate would make the best president for them. President Joe Biden won the state by 154,000 votes in the last election, following Donald Trump’s slim win by 10,000 votes in 2016. Today, Foreign Correspondent reporter Stephanie March explains what makes voters there tick and why some are leaning towards Trump, even if they don’t like him. She hits the streets with supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, listening to the arguments that might sway crucial votes. Stephanie March highlights the Republicans’ efforts to win over African-American voters, leveraging figures like Kwame Kilpatrick, a former Democrat and convicted criminal whose sentence was commuted by Trump. She also explores the Democrats’ challenges in retaining support from traditionally loyal groups, such as the Arab-American community in Dearborn, due to tensions over continued support for Israel. March provides insights into the grassroots campaign strategies, including the Republicans’ unconventional approach of knocking on every door regardless of political affiliation. Featured: Stephanie March, Foreign Correspondent reporterKey Topics:US presidential election 2024Michigan swing stateJoe Biden 2020 electionDonald Trump 2016 electionKwame KilpatrickAfrican-American votersArab-American votersGrassroots campaign strategiesKamala Harris

Almost a year since the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, war in the Middle East has escalated with Iran firing a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel. It follows Israel’s assassination of the leader of the Iranian-linked Hezbollah group in Lebanon and Israeli troops crossing the border with Lebanon in ground raids. So, what happens next and is there a way to avoid more bloodshed?Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains why Israel might be stepping up strikes against Hezbollah now and why Iran might be holding back in its response. Dr Ibish discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasising the dire conditions and displacement of millions. He points out that Iran’s missile strikes may be more about domestic politics than actual military strategy. Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute Key Topics:Middle East warIran-Israel tensionsHezbollahGaza humanitarian crisisLebanon displacementIsraeli ground raidsOctober 7 terrorist attackBenjamin Netanyahu

Living in a retirement village is marketed as safe, low maintenance and fun. But an ABC investigation has found that contract clauses and particularly exit fees can lead to much of a resident’s life savings being lost.Today, reporter Adele Ferguson on how families are being gouged and why you shouldn’t fall for the glossy brochures. She shares the heartbreaking stories of Joan Green and Lynette Anderson, who lost significant portions of their savings due to exorbitant exit and refurbishment fees. Adele Ferguson says there's a the lack of regulation and oversight in the retirement village sector, suggesting a need for stronger consumer protections and clearer contracts.Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter Key Topics:Retirement village exit feesHidden costs in retirement villagesRetirement village contractsConsumer protectionRegulation of retirement villagesRetirement village refurbishment fees

When news broke that Coles and Woolworths will be hauled before a court to defend their discounts there wasn’t too much sympathy from consumers struggling with rising prices. Many were already sceptical of the Prices Dropped and Down Down specials. But is action from the competition watchdog and politicians really going to reduce our grocery bills? Today, ABC commentator and presenter Annabel Crabb on the politics of doing the groceries. Featured: Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

Koala Airlines has a website, a management team and a vision to redefine air travel in Australia. Its boss is tight-lipped about where it will fly and when. But if it gets into the air, can it really succeed in taking on the big players Qantas and Virgin when so many others have failed, most recently Rex.  Today, Emily Baker on her Four Corners investigation into why Rex couldn’t compete. Emily Baker explains that Koala Airlines aims to provide a different product or service, similar to how Aldi and IGA operate alongside Coles and Woolworths. She highlights that the Australian domestic market is dominated by a duopoly of Qantas and Virgin, making it challenging for new entrants. Emily discusses how Rex’s attempt to enter the jet market and compete on the Golden Triangle routes ultimately led to its downfall. She also notes that Qantas and Virgin’s aggressive competitive strategies played a significant role in Rex’s failure. Emily says there's evidence that a third airline would push down airfares, and one way to achieve that would be to force Qantas to sell off Jetstar. Featured: Emily Baker, Four Corners reporterKey Topics:Koala AirlinesAustralian aviation marketQantas and Virgin duopolyRex Airlines failureGolden Triangle routesAirline competitionAirfare pricesBill AstlingLim Kim HaiJohn Sharp

Given the stark difference between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris it’s hard to fathom there are some Americans still struggling to decide who they’ll vote for in just six weeks’ time. But while they’re disengaged, and often confused, it’s these undecided voters who could swing the result.Today, we look at who they are and what they’re saying with Margaret Talev, Axios contributor and director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship.  Margaret Talev explains that undecided voters are crucial in swing states, where even a small percentage can determine the outcome. She highlights that while the economy is the top issue for these voters, reproductive rights are a significant concern, especially among women. She emphasises the challenge of engaging these voters, who are generally disengaged from regular political news consumption. Both candidates are using populist messages and scare tactics to win over these undecided voters.Featured: Margaret Talev, senior contributor with the news site Axios and director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and CitizenshipKey Topics:Undecided votersSwing statesEconomic issuesInflation and wagesReproductive rightsIllegal migration2024 US Presidential Election

Inflation’s now at its lowest level in more than three years, so when’s the interest rate cut coming? One factor the RBA is looking at is the unemployment rate which might need to rise before it acts.  Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the old economic theory linking unemployment and inflation and his prediction on when interest rates will start to fall.Ian Verrender highlights the delay in the impact of interest rate changes, likening it to adjusting a shower’s temperature. He discusses the Phillips Curve theory and its relevance to current economic conditions.Verrender predicts a possible rate cut before Christmas, emphasising the delicate balance the RBA must maintain.Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business CorrespondentKey Topics:Inflation ratesInterest ratesUnemployment rateReserve Bank of Australia (RBA)Phillips Curve theoryCentral bank policiesMichele BullockAustralian economy

Inflation’s now at its lowest level in more than three years, so when’s the interest rate cut coming? One factor the RBA is looking at is the unemployment rate which might need to rise before it acts.  Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the old economic theory linking unemployment and inflation and his prediction on when interest rates will start to fall.Ian Verrender highlights the delay in the impact of interest rate changes, likening it to adjusting a shower’s temperature. He discusses the Phillips Curve theory and its relevance to current economic conditions.Verrender predicts a possible rate cut before Christmas, emphasising the delicate balance the RBA must maintain.Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business CorrespondentKey Topics:Inflation ratesInterest ratesUnemployment rateReserve Bank of Australia (RBA)Phillips Curve theoryCentral bank policiesMichele BullockAustralian economy

After the pager and walkie-talkie attacks last week, Israel has scaled up its air strikes in southern Lebanon. So, as its fight against Hezbollah intensifies could it go further by sending in ground troops? Today, Dov Waxman, a professor of Israel Studies at the University of California on Israel’s goals and what might come next.  Professor Waxman explains that the recent escalation is a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This low-intensity war has been ongoing since October 8th, following the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. Waxman notes that Hezbollah’s actions are in solidarity with Hamas, as part of the Iran-backed axis of resistance. He says Israel’s goal is not to destroy Hezbollah but to push its forces away from the border.The professor also warns of the potential for this conflict to escalate into a regional war.Featured: Dov Waxman, Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California and the chair of the Nazarian Centre for Israel StudiesKey Topics:Israel air strikesHezbollah conflictSouthern LebanonAxis of resistanceIranMiddle East war

Childcare in Australia is expensive and finding a spot can be really hard. Even if you never need it, getting it wrong matters for women’s rights and the economy. Today, we look at how we got it so wrong, the money being made and the ideas to try and fix it. We speak with a mother who’s struggled to get enough care for her children and hear how it’s set back her plans to return to work as a teacher. Alexandra Dockrill shares the financial and professional setbacks she faces due to the childcare crisis.A childcare expert explains why recent recommendations to the government fall short of the overhaul that the system needs. Professor Elizabeth Hill discusses the impact of privatisation on the sector and the challenges of implementing universal childcare. Featured: Alexandra Dockrill, NSW mother of twoElizabeth Hill, professor in the Department of Political Economy at the University of SydneyKey Topics:Childcare costs in AustraliaChildcare availabilityWomen’s rights and childcarePrivatisation of childcareUniversal childcareChildcare subsidiesEarly childhood educationGender equality in the workforce

As it dawned on David Sweeney’s father that the people he was investing with online were scammers, he made a shock admission to his family. “I’ve lost all the money,” he said. It was the start of a fight led by his son David against the banks that had allowed about $1 million to leave his father’s accounts. It was an ordeal that lasted for five years, as a bank tried to deny it had been given a warning about the scammers before the money was taken. In the end, David Sweeney’s family got all the cash reimbursed, but the battle had taken its toll. Now, the Government has drafted legislation to address the rise in scamming, but it’s stopped short of forcing the banks to repay the victims. A reimbursement scheme is already in place in the United Kingdom, and today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson explains how it’s working there to protect people’s savings. Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporterKey Topics:Online scamsBanking systemScam prevention legislationConsumer protectionFinancial fraudOption FM scam

Since Donald Trump falsely accused migrants in Springfield, Ohio of eating pet dogs and cats, the US city has made headlines around the world and has been thrown into chaos.Bomb threats have shut down schools and Haitian migrants feel intimidated in their adopted home. So, what’s life really like there for long term residents and the thousands of migrants who breathed new life into Springfield, while also straining services including health and education?Today, Associated Press reporter Julie Carr Smyth takes us to Springfield, a city that’s been rocked by a lie. She explains that the bomb threats seem to have come from overseas, possibly involving forces that want to foment discord in the community.Julie Carr Smyth says the local police are stretched to their limits, requiring additional state troopers to maintain order. She speaks about the challenges facing the city, with up to 20,000 Haitian migrants settling there in recent years, now making up about a quarter of the population. Featured: Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press reporter based in Columbus, OhioKey Topics:Donald Trump false claimsSpringfield bomb threatsHaitian migrants in OhioCommunity impact of misinformationPolice responseSocial services strainPublic safety Political rhetoric 

On Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon, hundreds of pagers used by members of the Hezbollah militant group to communicate, exploded all at once. It was a deadly attack, a young girl is among the dead and almost three thousand others are injured. Israel is being blamed, although it hasn't admitted its role. Today, intelligence expert John Blaxland on the sophisticated strike that’s embarrassed and rattled Hezbollah.  Professor Blaxland says the attack is unprecedented in its coordination and technological sophistication. He highlights that the pagers were likely tampered with along the supply chain, possibly with military-grade explosives. The attack’s timing suggests it could be a pre-emptive move against a potential Hezbollah offensive, he says.Professor Blaxland also notes the significant embarrassment and operational disruption this causes for Hezbollah, potentially affecting their future actions. Featured: John Blaxland, Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office and Professor of International Security and Intelligence StudiesKey Topics:HezbollahIsraelLebanonExplosivesIntelligence operationsMiddle East conflictMossadTechnological espionage

Instagram is making changes to how teenagers use the social media platform, applying limits to the content they see and who can get in touch with them. It’s a first for a social media giant as concern grows about the harmful content children are exposed to online. The announcement comes as the federal government works on an outright ban of social media for children. The precise age limit is still to be settled, South Australia thinks under-14 is appropriate, but any ban is likely to require some form of age verification. Today, tech reporter Ange Lavoipierre on what all of us might have to give up to prove our age.Ange discusses the implications of the Instagram changes, highlighting the automatic privacy settings for teen accounts and the introduction of a “sleep mode” to limit screen time.Featured: Ange Lavoipierre, ABC national technology reporterKey Topics:Instagram teen accountsSocial media age verificationOnline safety for teenagersAI tools for age detectionPrivacy concerns in social mediaAlbanese government social media banScreen time limitsParental controls on social mediaHarmful online contentSocial media regulations for children

Donald Trump is unharmed after a second apparent assassination attempt, this time on his golf course in Florida. A Secret Service agent opened fire on a gunman after seeing a rifle barrel poking through a fence while the former president was nearby.What does the incident say about the former president’s security and will it win him any more votes? Today, Emma Shortis, a US politics expert at the Australia Institute on the threat of political violence in the US. Featured: Dr Emma Shortis, senior researcher in international and security affairs at the Australia Institute

The US election isn’t until November, but voting is starting in some states this week. The polls are tight, but even if Kamala Harris wins more votes overall than Donald Trump, she could still lose the election given the complicated electoral college system. It’s happened before, when Hillary Clinton won the support of millions of more Americans than Trump in 2016, but he went on to become president. The electoral college is the reason that on election night we’re all watching to see how individual US states vote and which candidate for president reaches 270. Today, ABC News Breakfast co-host and correspondent Michael Rowland explains how it works. He also offers his prediction on who will win the US election. Correction: The US constitution is not changed via a referendum. Any amendment would require the support of two thirds of both Houses of Congress, or be requested by two-thirds of the states. In either case, it would then need to be ratified by a large majority of states. Featured: Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast co-host and correspondentKey Topics:US election 2024Electoral college systemSwing statesKamala HarrisDonald TrumpPresidential debatePennsylvaniaUS politics

The Murdoch family will head to court in Nevada in the US next week in a fight over the future of the media empire. It’s a real-life succession drama, as Rupert Murdoch seeks to ensure his son Lachlan has full control of the editorial policy of the businesses once he dies. To do that, he’s got to beat three of his other children in court and he’s reportedly arguing that making the change is in good faith and would prevent power struggles resulting from the lack of consensus between the children. Today, journalist Paddy Manning, author of Successor, the first unauthorised biography of Lachlan Murdoch, and producer of a three-part Australian Story series Making Lachlan Murdoch on why he’s the chosen one.  Paddy Manning explains that the family trust, established in 1999, is central to the dispute, as it grants equal voting rights to Rupert’s four children. He's been looking at Lachlan’s conservative views and his close relationship with his father, which contrasts with his siblings’ perspectives.He tells Sam Hawley that the outcome of this court case could impact the editorial direction of major media outlets like Fox News. Featured:Paddy Manning, journalistKey Topics:Murdoch family court caseRupert MurdochLachlan MurdochMedia empire successionFamily trust disputeFox News editorial policyConservative media

With less than two months until election day, US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have come face to face in a wild, personal and fiery televised debate. From claims of migrants eating pet dogs to fear raising about Democrats wanting to ‘execute’ babies, Donald Trump was repeatedly corrected by the moderators. Kamala Harris spoke about her background, directly addressed her opponent and insisted she had a plan for the future. At the end of it, pop superstar Taylor Swift came out in support of Kamala Harris. Today, Kim Hoggard, a former US government official who worked in the Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, highlights how Kamala Harris blended personal anecdotes with policy discussions. She notes that Harris’s ability to push Trump’s buttons led to his increasingly extreme statements.She believes this debate could be pivotal for the election result and says Harris’s performance may have exceeded Democratic party expectations. Featured: Kim Hoggard, former US government official in Reagan and Bush administrationsKey Topics:US presidential debateKamala HarrisDonald TrumpTaylor Swift endorsementMigrant crime claimsAbortion debateReal-time fact-checking

For a long time, Australia’s taxation system has been set up to benefit property investors and landlords and any attempts to change that have been shouted down. But with the generational divide in home ownership becoming more pronounced, voters are shifting their views.Today, host of Q+A and The Party Room podcast Patricia Karvelas on whether governments will finally be forced to scrap negative gearing. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q+A and The Party Room

David Finney was a sailor in the Australian Navy who served for two decades and at the height of his career even received a bravery commendation. But in 2019 he took his own life. He’d been medically discharged from the ADF before his death. Ever since, his mother, Julie-Ann has been fighting to hold to account a defence force she says could and should have done so much more to save his life.Now after three years, a Royal Commission into the deaths by suicide of thousands of current and former members of the military has handed down its report, which in part delivers a scathing assessment of defence leadership. Today we speak to Julie-Ann Finney about her son’s death and her hope for change. Julie-Ann Finney shares her journey, highlighting the trauma and grief experienced by families of veterans. She emphasises the need for accountability and systemic change within the Defence Force. Julie-Ann also discusses the importance of independent oversight in implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations. Featured: Julie-Ann Finney, mother of David FinneyKey Topics:Mental healthAustralian NavyMilitary suicideRoyal CommissionDefence leadershipVeteran advocacy

Millions of Australians live in apartments and the number is set to grow as housing density increases in our biggest cities. Being part of a strata scheme is part and parcel of owning an apartment, but many owners are not taking an active interest in how the blocks are being managed. A Four Corners investigation has revealed a rot at the heart of the strata management industry that’s draining the funds of owners. Today, investigative reporter Linton Besser shares stories of greed in many of Australia’s strata firms and explains why it’s worth owners’ time and effort to scrutinise how their money is being spent. He highlights the systemic issues within strata management, including phantom fees and mismanagement of funds. The investigation uncovers shocking stories of financial exploitation and neglect, raising the need for stricter regulations and oversight.Featured:Linton Besser, Four Corners reporterKey Topics:Strata managementApartment livingHousing densityFinancial exploitationStrata committeesPhantom feesOwners corporationStrata regulations

Cats are killing Australia’s wildlife at such an alarming rate that governments around the country are working on a major crackdown.The draft management plan focuses mainly on feral felines, but domestic cats, let out of the house to roam are also recognised as a problem.In some council areas, felines would be forced to be securely enclosed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Today, Sarah Legge, a leading researcher in the field who’s worked with the federal government on its plan, discusses the issue. She highlights the severe impact cats have on native wildlife, with more than 200 threatened species affected. Professor Legge also explains the proposed measures, including constant containment for pet cats and the creation of cat-free suburbs. She emphasises the importance of balancing cat ownership with wildlife conservation and suggests practical solutions for cat owners to minimise their pets’ impact on the environment.Featured:Sarah Legge, wildlife ecologist and professor at Charles Darwin UniversityKey Topics:Feral catsPet cat managementWildlife conservationBiodiversity protectionEnvironmental impact of cats

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to negotiate a ceasefire in the war in Gaza as families of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 plead for more to be done to bring them home.So why is Netanyahu not willing to do another deal with Hamas and can he survive growing anger and protests at home? Today, Dr Eyal Mayroz, an expert on peace and conflict studies at Sydney University on the fate of more than one hundred hostages still unaccounted-for.Featured: Dr Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney

Elon Musk’s X, also known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil and Pavel Durov, the CEO of encrypted messaging service Telegram has been arrested in France.  So, as the world becomes more concerned about the dangers of social media - have we finally reached a turning point on big tech - or is this merely a crackdown on free speech? Today, Professor of Communications and Media Studies at Monash University, Mark Andrejevic on why governments are finally holding tech billionaires to account.

On any given day you are being bombarded by gambling ads on television, radio and online. A parliamentary committee is pushing for a full ban on advertising to protect younger generations from the dangers of gambling, but there are indications the government will stop short of that. Today, investigative journalist and occasional Radio National Breakfast host Steve Cannane on the arguments being made by the powerful gambling industry in its lobbying against a full ban. Featured: Steve Cannane, ABC investigative journalist

Airlines may soon be forced to pay cash refunds to customers in Australia for cancelled or unreasonably delayed flights under the government's much-anticipated crackdown on the aviation sector.It comes after widespread backlash from consumer groups and calls for more competition against Qantas and Virgin airlines, which currently dominate the domestic market.Today, ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson on the new rights for travellers and if the industry shake-up goes far enough.Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC Investigative reporter

As presidential election polls tighten in key US states, Donald Trump and his supporters are already laying the groundwork to challenge the legitimacy of the result if he loses.As part of his campaign, the former president has repeatedly accused the Democrats of cheating, and begun sowing the seeds of doubt about the integrity of the election.Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Centre in Washington DC on the election deniers who will refuse to accept a Trump loss. Featured: Geoffrey Kabaservice, director of political studies, Niskanen Centre, Washington DC.

The government’s proposed caps on the number of international students starting at universities next year will have a financial impact on some of Australia’s biggest higher education institutions. With fierce competition for housing pushing up rents in our major cities, could the caps also ease key cost of living pressures? Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent, Ian Verrender, on why a ‘tragedy’ for unis reliant on foreign student fees might lead to less economic pain across the board.Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

A giant solar farm planned in remote Northern Territory has been given environmental approval. Australian billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes is backing the Sun Cable project that would send electricity to Darwin and beyond to Singapore, via an undersea cable. Today, Giles Parkinson from RenewEconomy.com.au on when it might be up and running. Featured: Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of RenewEconomy.com.au

Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah launched major attacks against each other on the weekend, raising tensions in the Middle East. Given Hezbollah’s ties to Iran, the ongoing war in Gaza and the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran, the world remains braced for a much larger conflict. The ABC’s global affairs editor John Lyons has toured the region for the Four Corners program, getting rare access inside Iran. Today, he explains Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ and explores what could happen next. Featured: John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Sales of electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars are rising in Australia. But do we have electricity infrastructure that can cope with the demand?Owners will often want to charge at peak times in the early evening, but that convenience could stress the power grid to breaking point and require expensive upgrades to electricity generation and distribution. Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer on the solutions to spread out the demand or even draw power from car batteries to stabilise the grid. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Generative AI tools can now produce sophisticated music complete with fake lyrics, a fake singer and fake instruments. With the right prompt and training, artificial intelligence tools can even be used to produce cheap new songs that almost sound like they’re from your favourite artist. AI has some of Australia’s biggest artists worried and a study from the industry suggests nearly a quarter of their revenue is at risk.Today, singer, songwriter Ben Lee joins Sam Hawley with his take on AI music and the future of human creativity. Featured: Ben Lee, musician

NASA doesn’t like to phrase it this way, but right now a couple of astronauts are stuck in space.Their mission was meant to take eight days, but might last into next year because the Boeing spacecraft they were testing has experienced some technical difficulties. Today, space expert Rebecca Allen on how NASA plans to get them back to Earth.  Featured: Dr Rebecca Allen, Co-Director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University of Technology

The debate over whether Australia should be granting visas to Palestinians from Gaza has been getting pretty heated. In part it’s turned into a row over what is and isn’t racist. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says we need a ban because of a security risk posed by people from that war zone. But with 1300 people having already managed to reach Australia and others being granted permission to come, is there really any danger? Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas discusses the policy and the politics.Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast 

Thirty months into a gruelling war, Ukraine surprised its enemy by invading Russia. It’s the first major foreign incursion there since World War II and a deep embarrassment for Russian president Vladimir Putin. Today, Rajan Menon, an international relations expert from The City College of New York on whether Ukraine’s major shift in tactics will pay off. Featured: Rajan Menon, international relations professor at The City College of New York

Forget the great Australian dream, we’re a nation with a growing number of forever renters. It’s just too politically difficult to do anything that would improve the affordability of buying a home. The situation bolsters the case for strengthening renters’ rights, ensuring longer leases with more checks on the power of landlords.Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler shares his ideas on how to save renters. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter

Kamala Harris was barely more popular than Joe Biden when she replaced him as the Democratic presidential nominee. But new polling shows she is gaining significant ground against Donald Trump. Today, Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, on the re-energised Democratic campaign and how Trump’s struggling to keep things on track. Featured: Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for the Wall Street Journal

Former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins lives in France now, but she’s expected back in Australia very soon to face yet another court hearing.She’s being sued for defamation by her former boss and once defence minister Linda Reynolds. Today, author and co-host of the Not Stupid podcast, Julia Baird,on the huge financial and emotional cost the case brings for both women.Featured: Julia Baird, co-host of Not Stupid podcast

Australia’s defence alliance with the United States seems to be a given. But do we really need the Americans to protect us? The former Prime Minister Paul Keating doesn’t think so. He insists we can defend ourselves and he wants us to tear up the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal. Paul Keating also dismisses Taiwan as ‘Chinese real estate’, a characterisation that veteran US politician, house speaker Nancy Pelosi describes as a ‘stupid statement’. Today, Richard McGregor from the Lowy Institute on what walking away from the US would mean for our security. Featured: Richard McGregor, senior fellow for East Asia at the Lowy Institute

Allegations of sexism and bullying have been uncovered at Channel Seven, one of the nation’s top media groups, where a so-called second chance club for senior men has thrived. Today, Louise Milligan discusses her Four Corners investigation and why a newsroom’s culture matters to us all. Featured: Louise Milligan, Four Corners reporter

When you go to look something up on the internet, more often than not you’re Googling. The search engine’s ubiquity has earned Google billions and billions of dollars, but now a US judge has ruled that Google became a monopoly illegally. How you search the internet might change as a result, with the forced break-up of the firm one of the options on the table to ensure more competition in the market. So, how did Google rise to the top and stay there? Today, we dissect the biggest tech competition ruling in decades with Leah Nylen, Bloomberg’s anti-trust reporter. Featured: Leah Nylen, Bloomberg anti-trust reporter

Global stock market turmoil this week saw spooked investors dumping billions of dollars in shares, before a rebound restored a lot of the value. There are jitters about the true value of surging stocks on Wall Street, the risk of a recession in the United States and interest rate rises in Japan. Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender explains what’s going on and what it means for us and the future of interest rates. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

Kamala Harris has chosen Tim Walz as her running mate. The 60-year-old Governor of Minnesota has already gone viral for calling Donald Trump ‘weird’, but will he secure Harris victory in November’s US election? Today, political scientist Andra Gillespie on why Harris picked the former school teacher and the swing voters that might be tempted to back the pair. Featured: Andra Gillespie, associate professor of political science at Emory University

The regional airline Rex had an ambition to break into the lucrative ‘golden triangle’, the busy airline routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It got a handful of big jet aircraft and started to take on the established players, Qantas and Virgin. But after just three and a half years, those routes have been scrapped and the airline is in administration. So, what went wrong? Today, aviation expert Ian Douglas on Rex’s downfall and whether Australia could ever support more than two major airlines. Featured: Ian Douglas, senior lecturer at UNSW Sydney’s School of Aviation

It hasn’t raised the terrorism threat level for a decade, so why is ASIO increasing it now?The top spy body says a terrorist attack in Australia is now probable, up from possible. More people holding extreme ideologies are leading to a ‘volatile and unpredictable’ security situation. Today, we discuss what’s going on and how we should react, with counter-terrorism expert Lydia Khalil from the Lowy Institute. Featured: Lydia Khalill, program director of transnational challenges at the Lowy Institute

We all love a trip to Europe in summer, but have you ever felt like you’re not really welcome there? Melbourne woman Claudia had that inkling in Barcelona recently when locals made it clear they wanted her to go home. Today, we look at the growing anger in some of the most popular tourist cities and what is being done to try to ease the pressure. Featured: Claudia, Australian touristSebastian Zenker, professor in tourism at the Copenhagen Business School

Donald Trump is questioning his opponent Kamala Harris’s race, suggesting she started calling herself Black to gain political advantage. The sexism is also remarkable in 2024 with Trump labelling Harris a ‘play toy’ for world leaders. This, after 2021 comments surfaced from JD Vance, where Trump’s pick for vice president derided Democratic Party leaders like Kamala Harris as ‘childless cat ladies’. Remember when we had our own female leader who complained of sexism and misogyny in politics?Today, we discuss it all with ABC commentator and presenter, Annabel Crabb. Featured: Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

We’ve had 13 punishing interest rate rises that were supposed to quickly kill off inflation. While price rises are not nearly as bad as they were a year or two ago, the main measure of annual inflation has ticked up again. It’s key information to help the Reserve Bank board decide what to do about interest rates when it meets next week. Despite inflation being ‘sticky’, it’s a long way off its peak. So, is the result good enough for rates to remain on hold?Today, economist Cassandra Winzar with her verdict on rates and a forecast on when things will start getting easier. Featured: Cassandra Winzar, chief economist, Committee for Economic Development of Australia 

While Australia’s inflation rate is now well below its peak, voters are still struggling to make ends meet. If you believe the polls, it’s a problem for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, given an election is due within a year. Voter confidence has taken a dive and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is making ground on his opponent. Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas on the link between voting intentions and the state of the economy. Featured:Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

When it’s so hard to find a place to live and buying property is out of reach for many young Australians, you wouldn’t believe how many properties are sitting empty. What can be done to stop home owners from leaving prime real estate vacant?Today, the good and bad reasons homes are left vacant and how governments could force owners to get these properties back on the market. Featured: Michael Janda, ABC business editor

Donald Trump plans to increase taxes on Chinese imports to the United States if he wins November’s election. It would escalate a trade war with China and risk a massive disruption to global trade. Would it really bring lost manufacturing jobs back to US towns and cities, or just push up prices? Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender explains the potential global impact of Trump’s risky economic plan. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

Kamala Harris, the US Democratic Party’s likely presidential nominee has started her fight to defeat Donald Trump at the election in November.Among the obstacles in her way are relentless racist and sexist attacks found online and from some Make America Great Again believers and conservative commentators. Today, Professor Nadia Brown, an expert on women and African American studies at Georgetown University in Washington DC, on how the messages of hate cut through. Featured: Nadia Brown, professor of government and the director of women’s and gender studies program at Georgetown University

It was one of the biggest hacks we’ve ever had, but we’ve only just been told of its reach. Almost one in two Australians have had personal data, including potentially sensitive medical information, stolen and it’s up for sale on the dark web. What could scammers do with the information and can you do anything about it?Today, the latest on the MediSecure hack of 12.9 million people’s prescription records.  Featured: Ange Lavoipierre, ABC National Technology Reporter

They dress up as sheriffs and try to take the law into their own hands by intimidating judges and lawyers in the courts. It sounds like something you’d find in America, but it’s happening here. Today, investigative reporter Kevin Nguyen on the growth of the sovereign citizen movement and the danger it poses. Featured: Kevin Nguyen, ABC Investigations reporter

After holding out for weeks, the US President Joe Biden did what his party demanded, dropping out of the race.Assuming Kamala Harris secures the nomination, would Americans vote for a woman of colour and will the move win the US election for the Democratic Party? Today, we speak to a veteran Democratic Party strategist about the frenetic months ahead in the party’s campaign to retain the White House. Featured: Michael Trujillo, veteran Democratic Party Strategist

He’d lost the confidence of his party and many Americans and faced with the growing prospect of Donald Trump returning to the White House, the US President acted. Joe Biden announced he would not be contesting a second term, endorsing his Vice-President Kamala Harris to take the reins. Today, Washington Post reporter Mariana Alfaro unpacks another historic day in US politics. Featured: Mariana Alfaro, Washington Post political reporter

Black and Latino voters could play a key role in the upcoming US election, potentially securing Donald Trump’s return to the White House.But why would Latino voters fall in behind Trump, when he plans to launch a mass deportation of illegal immigrants who entered the US through the southern border? Today, Four Corners reporter Mark Willacy explains the role of the economy in November’s election and he takes us to the key swing states where votes from the Black and Latino communities will be key. Featured: Mark Willacy, Four Corners reporter

Two Russian-born Australians Kira and Igor Korolev are facing espionage charges after being arrested in suburban Brisbane. Kira Korolev had a job in the Australian army and is accused of trying to pass sensitive defence secrets to Moscow. Today, an expert in Russia and national security on the potential spies living amongst us.Featured: Matthew Sussex, adjunct associate professor at the Australian National University

A poor taste joke about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump has ended Tenacious D’s tour of Australia and New Zealand. On stage at a Sydney concert, the comedy rock band’s Kyle Gass revealed his birthday wish was “don’t miss Trump next time”.Now there are tensions within the band with Jack Black saying he was “blindsided” by the comment. Today, ABC News Daily producer Sam Dunn who was in the crowd at the concert, and comedian and co-host of The Chaser Report podcast Dom Knight on the fine line between comedy and offence. Featured: Sam Dunn, ABC News Daily producerDom Knight, co-founder of the Chaser and co-host of The Chaser Report podcast

It’s one of the biggest unions in the country, representing tens of thousands of workers, but can the CFMEU survive amid allegations of corruption and ties to the criminal underworld and bikies?The reporting has raised questions about lawlessness in the construction industry. Today, Richard Willingham, the ABC’s state political reporter in Victoria, takes us through the extraordinary allegations and the fallout. Featured: Richard Willingham, Victoria’s state political reporter

The US President Joe Biden has called for the political temperature to be lowered after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.But what comes next in a deeply polarised America and does the weekend attack secure Trump the presidency? Today, we discuss the fallout with a former press secretary for Ronald Reagan, a president who also survived an assassination attempt.  Featured: Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations

Despite an extraordinary mid-rally assassination attempt, Donald Trump is promising to continue campaigning for his return to the white house. ABC News Daily put out an episode about the shooting and the implications for the campaign yesterday and you can find that in your feed. Today, we’re looking at “Project 2025”, a plan put together by Trump’s conservative allies for his next term in office. Four Corners reporter Mark Willacy has been exploring what a second Trump presidency could look like. Melissa Clarke spoke with Mark before the weekend’s attack on Donald Trump. Featured: Mark Willacy, Four Corners reporter

Donald Trump is injured but has survived an assassination attempt while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. The shooting has shocked the United States, a country no stranger to political violence and gun crimes. Today, Associate Professor David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University, on what has happened and what it means for November's presidential election.Featured: David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University

The Paris Olympics start in just a few weeks and sport lovers want to know that all the athletes are competing without drug enhancement. There’ll be a strict testing regime in place, but a dispute has been bubbling away between anti-doping agencies about the handling of 23 Chinese swimmers who returned positive tests three years ago.Today, sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on whether we can trust that the athletes we see at the Olympic Games are clean.Featured: Catherine Ordway, Sport Integrity Research Lead at the University of Canberra

Joe Biden shows no sign of stepping aside as the Democratic Party nominee in the US presidential race.But he is under pressure to show he has the physical and mental capacity to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump and serve another term as president.With other potential Democrat replacements staying quiet, it leaves Vice-President Kamala Harris as the most likely to step in if Biden steps aside.So, who is Kamala Harris and could she beat Trump? Featured: Julia Manchester, national political reporter with The Hill

French President Emmanuel Macron called a snap parliamentary election, in a game of chicken with the French people, hoping they’d swerve away from backing right-wing parties which enjoyed support in the European Union vote last month. After two rounds of voting, a coalition of left-wing parties won the most seats.It has blocked the far-right from taking power but left the country with no dominant political force and the prospect of months of negotiations to form a government.Today, Emmanuel Macron’s gamble and the political mess left behind.Featured: William Drozdiak, Global Fellow with the Wilson Center's Global Europe Program and a former Washington Post foreign editor

If you watch or listen to sport on TV or radio, it’s hard to escape a bombardment of gambling ads.One year ago, a committee of Labor, Coalition and crossbench MPs all agreed that gambling ads should be banned during sports broadcasts.But 12 months on, there’s little sign of progress.Today, the push and pushback, when it comes to sports, gambling and politics. Featured: Matthew Doran, ABC political reporter

Inflation is stubbornly high in Australia, making every trip to the shop and paying bills really painful.For those with debt, expectations of an interest rate cut this year have evaporated and another rate rise is a distinct possibility.It’s not how the federal government had hoped the year would pan out.Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas on how high prices are changing political calculations. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q&A and The Party Room podcast

Labour has won the UK election by a huge margin, with voters kicking the Conservative Party from government after 14 years. One of the key policies the Tories ran on is a version of Australia’s offshore immigration detention policy, which was launched by Prime Minister John Howard in the lead-up to the 2001 election. This is episode four of Who Broke Britain? A special series from If You're Listening with Matt Bevan. ABC News Daily will be back tomorrow. 

Building a retirement nest egg takes decades of careful saving.But wherever there’s money, there are scammers.They’re targeting superannuation accounts and with little more than a fake signature and a copy of your passport, they can clean out your life’s savings. Today, one man’s battle to get his money back.Featured: Michael Atkin, national consumer affairs reporter

Labor senator Fatima Payman caused a storm in her own party when she defied the rules, joining the Greens in a symbolic vote on recognising a Palestinian state. The combination of the Middle East conflict, old party traditions and a new generation of MPs is a volatile mix.Today, Laura Tingle, the chief political correspondent for ABC TV’s 7.30 program, on the Labor party’s rigid rules and its ‘irreconcilable’ split with Senator Payman. Featured: Laura Tingle, 7.30’s chief political correspondent

The US Supreme Court has delivered Donald Trump a major legal victory, ruling that presidents have significant protection from criminal prosecutions. It sets back efforts to prosecute Trump for his attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election result. It also gives extraordinary immunity to presidents, putting actions deemed to be ‘official’ beyond the reach of the justice system.Featured: Rick Hasen, Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project

Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump is still reverberating through US politics. Democrats are openly discussing whether Biden should step aside for a new candidate, while Trump is taking a victory lap. Today, we speak to John Barron, co-host of Planet America, about how the election of one of the world’s most powerful leaders has come down to two unappealing candidates. Featured: John Barron, co-host of Planet America

ABC journalist Jessica Kidd couldn’t believe it, when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in her early 30s. She’s by no means alone. The stats show the number of people under 50 being diagnosed with cancer is increasing. Today, we speak with Jess about her experience and an oncologist about why cancer in young adults is on the rise. Featured: Jessica Kidd, bowel cancer survivorProf Jeanne Tie, medical oncologist and researcher

Unless there’s some sort of miracle for the Tories in the next few days, the party is about to be all but wiped out when the Brits head to the polls on July 4.UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has led a disastrous campaign, but the Conservative Party’s demise has been long in the making. Today, we explain what David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak did to Britain, with Matt Bevan, host of the podcast series Who Broke Britain? Featured: Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening podcast

The trial of the missing campers in Victoria fascinated Australians and now Greg Lynn, the former Jetstar pilot, is a convicted murderer. He’s awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of killing Carol Clay. He was found not guilty of murdering Russell Hill. Today, creator of the Trace podcast Rachael Brown takes us through the captivating and unusual case. Featured: Rachael Brown, ABC Development Executive True Crime

After years behind bars, Julian Assange has walked free from jail and boarded a flight out of the United Kingdom. A plea deal has been reached with the United States and soon the 52 year old will be back on Australian soil.But why did he finally plead guilty and what’s next for the WikiLeaks founder? Today, Peter Greste, a former Al Jazeera journalist who was jailed in Egypt for 13 months. Featured: Peter Greste, professor of journalism at Macquarie University and executive director of The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom. 

An investigation into Australia’s in vitro fertilisation industry has found a dark side. In one case, an Australian woman born via IVF thinks she could have up to 700 siblings, another woman’s eggs were fertilised with the wrong sperm, and 17 embryos were lost after being accidentally contaminated. Today, Four Corners reporter Grace Tobin on the scandals the fertility industry would prefer to keep hidden. Featured: Grace Tobin, Four Corners reporter

If you have a Facebook or Instagram account, it’s likely you’ve had it for years. But do you remember everything you’ve ever posted?  Now, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is taking your public social media posts, pictures, captions and comments to train AI and there’s not much you can do about it. Today, Kimberlee Weatherall, an expert in the regulation of technology from Sydney University on Meta’s latest moves.Featured: Kimberlee Weatherall, Professor of Law at the University of Sydney 

Peter Dutton has a plan for nuclear power and he says it will reduce our electricity bills. It’s a claim that would be music to most Australians ears, given the cost of gas and electricity has surged. But how likely is it that building expensive nuclear plants could lead to cheaper power?  Featured: Daniel Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is going all in on nuclear energy, announcing seven sites for reactors and setting the stage for an energy referendum at the next election.So, voters will have a choice at the next election, between Labor’s renewable energy future or one that’s nuclear powered. Today, the ABC’s David Speers on what will be one of the biggest policy debates of our time.  Featured: David Speers, ABC National Political Lead and host of Insiders

The RBA has kept rates on hold again and it seems there’s next to no chance it will be moving them down this year. That’s bad news for people repaying debt, while prices keep rising and we’re teetering on the edge of a recession. Today, the ABC’s Ian Verrender explains what’s going on. Featured: Ian Verrender, Chief Business Correspondent

The capabilities of some artificial intelligence tools are horrifying. Female students at a private school in Melbourne have been sickened after their innocent photos were transformed into abusive and explicit images. Today, Raf Epstein from ABC Radio Melbourne on how it unfolded and whether we can stop it happening again.Featured: Rafael Epstein, presenter of ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings

You might know Australian-born Holly Valance from her time on Neighbours or from her music career and hit single Kiss Kiss. Now she’s in the headlines for supporting Donald Trump.She held a ritzy function with her billionaire husband in London last week to raise money for the Trump campaign.The former US president has seen cash flowing into his campaign since he was convicted of 34 felony charges last month.In the lead up to November’s US election, is Donald Trump or Joe Biden winning the race for campaign funding?Today, Sarah Bryner from OpenSecrets, a non-profit group that tracks money in politics. Featured: Sarah Bryner, Director of Research and Strategy at OpenSecrets 

The climate wars are back after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton revealed a plan to abandon the 2030 emissions reduction target and build nuclear power plants. He says the Coalition is still committed to net zero by 2050, but will Australians really stomach a watering down of our climate policy ambition for the next decade? Today, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on Dutton’s climate punt. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of ABC Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

The Russian leader Vladimir Putin seems more confident, as his forces are making gains in Ukraine’s east.New weapons from the United States are starting to reach the front lines, raising Ukrainian hopes of repelling the invading forces. Today, Rajan Menon from the Washington based think tank Defense Priorities, on when the war might end. Featured: Rajan Menon, director of the Grand Strategy program at Defense Priorities 

It was all captured on camera. The former treasurer Peter Costello barged into a reporter at Canberra airport.Now he’s resigned as chairman of Nine Entertainment.It’s not been a great time at Nine with its former news boss Darren Wick reportedly departing with a million-dollar payout despite sexual harassment accusations against him. Today, host of the ABC’s Media Watch program Paul Barry on how the scandal unfolded. Featured: Paul Barry, host of Media Watch

Some people think wind turbines are an engineering marvel, others can’t stand the sight of them.  Battles are raging across the country over the placement of wind farms. Growing community objections are slowing Australia’s fight against climate change and the transition to a green energy future. Today, we assess the arguments around the impact on the environment and country views. Featured: Angus Grigg, Four Corners’ reporter

If you don’t personally suffer from migraines, the chances are you know someone who does, because an estimated five million Australians get the debilitating headache. Now there’s a push to class the condition as a disability, but is that going too far?Today, migraine sufferer Tamara Oudyn, who presents the ABC TV news in Melbourne, on her experience and why it’s an area of medicine that’s been largely ignored. Featured: Tamara Oudyn, migraine sufferer

ABC News Daily will be back on Monday. In the meantime, we wanted to let you know about The Global Story, a podcast from the BBC. In each episode, host Katya Adler brings together different perspectives to tell one big international news story. Find The Global Story on the BBC website or wherever you get your podcasts.

The opposition leader Peter Dutton has set migration up to be a key issue as we head to an election within a year.He says he’ll slash numbers to help address overwhelming demand for housing, childcare and hospital beds.But what would life be like if immigration slowed dramatically? Today, economist Saul Eslake on population growth and whether we really need it. Featured: Saul Eslake, independent economist

India’s Narendra Modi told everyone who’d listen he’d win the election in a landslide. In a shock result, he’s held on to power, but his party has lost its majority in parliament. Today, Avani Dias, who was until recently the ABC’s correspondent in India, discusses the result and how Prime Minister Modi has worked to cement his power. She also shares her own ordeal of being hounded and harassed because of her reporting on the ground. Featured: Avani Dias, fmr ABC South Asia correspondent 

Since Donald Trump’s conviction last week his critics have been increasingly concerned by his rhetoric and the potential for political violence in the United States. That he was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal has only emboldened his loyal supporters.Who are they, what risk do they pose to stability in the US and are there enough of them for Trump to win the November election?Featured: Andy Kroll, ProPublica investigative reporter

A man charged with murder, a rapist, and a child sex offender are among the criminals who were granted visas to remain here, even though they’re not citizens.  It’s caused such outrage the government’s been scrambling to modify something called direction 99. It was a change to the rules made just over a year ago after pressure from New Zealand about the people Australia was deporting. Today, national affairs editor Melissa Clarke explains the latest immigration scandal. Featured: Melissa Clarke, ABC national affairs editor

Imagine the excitement of buying your first home and then having to sell it just a few years later.That’s the reality for a growing number of Australians who can’t cope with the 13 interest rate hikes ordered by the Reserve Bank.Today, business editor Michael Janda explains what the data shows about growing hardship for borrowers and why the big banks have a case to answer. Featured: Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

The former US president Donald Trump is a convicted criminal. A jury has found him guilty on all charges in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn star who said the two had sex.  Will Donald Trump go to jail? Today, Bruce Wolpe, a senior fellow from the US Studies Centre and author of Trump’s Australia on what it all means for the former president's campaign for the White House.Featured: Bruce Wolpe, senior fellow at the United States Studies Centre

Have you ever wondered just how much better electric vehicles are for the environment?It’s more complicated than you’d think. Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder compares the lifetime greenhouse gas footprint of an electric car with that of a petrol car and delivers the verdict. Featured: Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter

The international community demanded Israel stay out of Rafah in Gaza’s south, where millions of civilians have sought shelter.But Benjamin Netanyahu ignored that, insisting he’s pursuing Hamas, and now civilians living in makeshift camps are dying.Today, global affairs editor John Lyons explores what could happen next. Featured: John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Bird flu is spreading around the world. Australia’s first human case of this outbreak was reported this month and farms in Victoria have been hit by the virus. But how concerned should we be about the possibility of a human pandemic?Featured: Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity at the Kirby Institute, UNSW

As scammers get more sophisticated, many Australians are losing their hard-earned money.But now, one woman who lost half a million dollars in a fake investment scheme has fought back, tracking down and confronting the scammer, before passing the details on to police. Featured: Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter

Many young Australians have given up hope of ever buying a home. So how are political leaders planning to fix the nation’s housing crisis?Peter Dutton’s proposal is to slash migration to free up housing.And Labor has a plan to build 1.2 million new homes over the next five years.But how do they stack up?Featured: Ann Chakraborty, Melbourne renterGareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter

Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson said no when OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman asked if she could be the voice for a new version of ChatGPT. But they went ahead and released a chatbot that the actor thinks sounds “eerily similar” to herself. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, how do we protect ourselves from being copied? Featured: Sharon Goldman, AI reporter at Fortune

When a boat carrying Chinese men arrived in Western Australia last month it was unusual. Not only because it’s rare for boats to make it to the mainland but those on board are almost never from China. So why are Chinese nationals so desperate to get to Australia that they pay people smugglers?  Featured: Wing Kuang, ABC reporter

It’s a tale of Australia’s richest woman, swimming stars, a renowned Indigenous artist, and a portrait. Vincent Namatjira’s painting of Gina Rinehart is apparently so unflattering the National Gallery of Australia has been asked to take it down. Now it’s making news around the world. Today, host of RN’s The Art Show, Daniel Browning, on how an attempt to censor art backfired. Featured: Daniel Browning, host of RN’s The Art Show and ABC editor of Indigenous radio

Australia is meant to be transitioning to an energy future not powered by fossil fuels. But the federal government has put out an energy policy that plans for a life for gas “through to 2050 and beyond”. So, what is Labor up to given it sold itself as climate friendly at the last election?Today, chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program Laura Tingle on Labor’s new gas policy and the outrage that followed. Featured: Laura Tingle, 7.30 chief political correspondent

Robotaxis are already on the roads in some cities overseas, including San Francisco. Elon Musk wants to call his version of the self-driving vehicle the Cyber Cab and he dreams of Tesla owners sending their cars out on their own to collect passengers. But how close are we to having cars like this on Australian roads and are they really safe? Featured: Michael Milford, professor of robotics at Queensland University of Technology

A ‘Future Made In Australia’ has a nice ring to it. But is it really wise for the government to throw almost $23 billion at industries to help along the transition to net zero emissions and a green future? The federal opposition thinks it will just mean billionaires like Gina Rinehart get richer. Today, the host of the ABC Radio National Breakfast, Q+A and the Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas on what the government's planning and whether the gamble will pay off. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, ABC presenter

To some he’s a hero for helping to expose alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, to others he’s a criminal who stole and shared military secrets. This week, a judge jailed former military lawyer David McBride for five years and eight months for sharing classified information with journalists.  Today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson on the case against him and what the jailing means for whistleblowers.  Featured:Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

The federal budget delivers a $300 power bill rebate to every household in the country, along with the previously announced tax cuts.The treasurer says it’s responsible cost of living relief that’ll force the inflation rate down faster than expected.So, could that lead to earlier cuts to interest rates?Today, the ABC’s Ian Verrender speaks with Sam Hawley from within the budget 'lock up' where reporters and experts get early access to the government’s economic plan.Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

A former Chinese spy has revealed the lengths taken by its security services to track down dissidents overseas, including in Australia, and get them back home.Some expat Chinese who are critical of the communist party and leader Xi Jinping fear for their lives, despite being Australian residents. Today, Echo Hui on her exclusive interview for Four Corners with the spy who’s now in Australia and the national security questions raised by her investigation. Featured: Echo Hui, Four Corners reporter

He shares one of the most famous names in US political history, but can he change the course of the next US election?Robert F Kennedy Jr, a nephew of the former president John F Kennedy is running as an independent and while he won’t win, he could steal votes from both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.Today, Eliza Collins from the Wall Street Journal on Kennedy’s campaign, his extreme views and how he could become a problem for both camps.Featured: Eliza Collins, Wall Street Journal national political reporter

Don’t you get sick of the constant text messages warning that you haven’t paid a toll, or that you’ve missed a package delivery or have a refund owing?In many cases they’re clearly fake but there are scams that aren’t so obvious, and Australians have lost billions of dollars to them. Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why more of us are falling for the traps set by criminals and what the big banks should be doing to protect us. Featured: Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter

When a porn star took the stand in a New York courtroom, her account of sex with Donald Trump was so detailed and at times graphic, the former US president’s lawyers called for a mistrial.Trump often kept his eyes closed as Stormy Daniels spoke about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006. He denies they had sex at all. The criminal trial is all about a hush money payment she says she received before the 2016 election. Today, Josh Gerstein, the senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, takes us through the evidence.Featured: Josh Gerstein, Politico senior legal affairs reporter

There have been two knife attacks within just weeks of each other that are being linked to terrorism. One was a church in Sydney and the other outside a Bunnings in Perth on the weekend.Both involved teenage boys. So, what’s going on? Today, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on the radicalisation of vulnerable young people and whether programs to stop it are working. Featured: Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporterEditor’s note: The WA Education Department has confirmed the incident involving an explosive device in a school toilet happened in 2022, before the boy was put on the countering violent extremism program.

You have to be aged at least 13 to access social media like TikTok, Twitter and Instagram in Australia. But is that an appropriate age, given the disturbing content available and harm heavy social media use can cause? Could we just ban smartphones and social media for Australian kids altogether?Today, we meet a father who has limited his daughter’s phone use and a psychiatrist who’ll explain the problems that smartphones can cause. Featured: Danny Elachi, The Heads Up Alliance founderDr Yann Poncin, child psychiatrist at the Yale Child Studies Center 

Two deadly crashes and a mid-air door blowout have rocked the reputation of Boeing, with questions intensifying about the quality of its planes.Concerns about the 737 MAX aircraft peaked when a hole opened up on the side of an Alaska Airlines flight in January this year. Today, Jerry Useem, who’s been investigating Boeing for more than two decades, charts the firm’s departure from in-house manufacturing. He’s been writing for the Atlantic magazine about how Boeing switched its focus to its stock price and what that meant for the safety of its aircraft.Featured: Jerry Useem, contributing writer at The Atlantic

At Columbia University in the heart of New York City late one evening this week riot police stormed a university hall. They entered via a window to arrest students who’d for weeks been camping out at the campus to protest against the war in Gaza. Now, the pro-Palestinian movement that’s seen more than a thousand students arrested across the US has landed here. Today, we look at the encampments popping up on campuses across the country and ask how will university leaders allow freedom of speech while ensuring Jewish students and staff feel safe? Featured: Dr Tim Dean, senior philosopher at the Ethics Centre

Most Australians had never flown it and now they may never get a chance. Bonza has followed so many other airlines and gone into administration, meaning yet again less competition in our aviation market. Today, the rise and rapid fall of the budget carrier and whether we will one day get a third major airline to drive down airfares across the country. Featured: Justin Wastnage, adjunct professor in aviation at Griffith University

Inflation pressures were meant to be coming off a bit more by now, but a higher than expected reading has one prominent economist suggesting interest rates could go up three times this year.So, why is inflation so sticky? And will the Reserve Bank feel compelled to lift rates to further dampen economic activity? Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender explains what’s going wrong. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

At big rallies on the weekend women and men came together to say enough is enough, that violence against women must end.Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas on what needs to happen to address one of the nation’s most entrenched problems. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q+A and the Party Room podcast

In Australia, an increasing number of children are missing school and part of the problem is what has been called school avoidance or refusal. But families who are struggling say it’s more accurately called ‘school can’t’ because some students experience a stress response that prevents them from getting to the classroom. Today, Four Corners’ filmmaker Sascha Ettinger-Epstein shares her insights into the issue and what’s working to get children's education back on track. Featured: Sascha Ettinger-Epstein, Four Corners’ filmmaker

After the Bondi attack, like so many other women, journalist Louise Milligan found the horror of it hard to comprehend. Since then and with the death of yet another young woman allegedly at the hands of a former partner this week, discussion about violence against women in Australia has been reignited. Today, observations from years of reporting on this issue, Louise Milligan’s own encounters with threats of violence and why men need to step up. Featured: Louise Milligan, author and ABC journalist

It must feel like a never-ending battle for Rupert Murdoch. His British newspaper group is continuing to face legal action more than a decade after the phone hacking scandal came to a head. Now he’s settled with the actor Hugh Grant who was accusing the Sun newspaper of everything from bugging his car to robbing his home to get stories. Today, ABC Media Watch host Paul Barry on how Murdoch has paid out many millions of dollars to avoid trial and what it all means for his empire. Featured: Paul Barry, Media Watch presenter

Australian political leaders are united in their condemnation of Elon Musk.He’s been described as an arrogant billionaire and a cowboy with no social conscience. Now, Musk is ready for a legal fight over demands he remove videos of last week’s Sydney church stabbing from his social media platform X.  He says the concepts of free speech and censorship are at the heart of the matter. Today, host of tech podcast Download this Show, Marc Fennell, on the fight between Australia’s eSafety Commissioner and Elon Musk. Featured: Marc Fennell, host of Download this Show

Imagine opening your next electricity bill and it’s double what it usually is.  More Australians are finding themselves in a position where their power bills are rising, not because they’ve changed how much electricity they use, but because they’ve been unwittingly switched to a time of use tariff. It means they pay more if they use power at peak times. Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer explains the tariffs and how they’re leading to a greater energy divide. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

He’s on trial for falsifying business records to cover up a sex scandal, but Donald Trump’s woes haven’t harmed him in the polls yet.Instead, it’s abortion that’s become one of his most problematic issues as the former president works to get back to the White House. Some voters are turned off by his pro-life record and so he’s been trying to massage his message. But will it win him votes?Featured: Prudence Flowers, senior lecturer in US history at Flinders University 

As the events unfolded at Bondi Junction last Saturday afternoon, an unsuspecting university student was falsely accused on social media of being the killer. It spread on the X platform and by the morning Channel 7 was also wrongly telling its large audience that Benjamin Cohen was to blame.How did the lie take off, who was originally behind it and how can we hold social media giants to account for misinformed and dangerous content?Featured: Cam Wilson, Crikey associate editor

It’s hard to understand how a man could walk into a shopping centre on a Saturday afternoon and start stabbing people. It’s left so many people demanding answers. Today, we look at the offender Joel Cauchi’s mental health history and ask whether anything could have been done to stop the attack and save lives.   Featured: Professor Kimberlie Dean, Chair of Forensic Mental Health at UNSW

It’s been an unsettling few days with two major knife crimes in Sydney. The Bondi Junction attack left six dead and just days later there was an alleged act of terrorism at a church in the city’s west. The circumstances are very different, but leaders are calling for calm and for the community to come together. Today, extremism expert Josh Roose on what we know about the latest attack and the threat of terrorism. Correction: This episode included a misleading quote of NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb discussing the Bondi attacker, when we were discussing the alleged church offender. We have removed this audio. Featured: Josh Roose, associate professor of politics at Deakin University

A defamation case brought by Bruce Lehrmann has ended with a dramatic finding against the former Liberal party staffer. Justice Michael Lee is satisfied that on the balance of probabilities Mr Lehrmann did rape Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House in Canberra in March 2019. Court reporter Patrick Bell steps through the judgement that was watched on a live stream by tens of thousands of people. Featured: Patrick Bell, ABC court reporter

How did the attacker at a busy Westfield shopping centre select his victims? Police are searching for answers after the Saturday afternoon rampage at Bondi Junction in Sydney’s east. A 40-year-old Queensland man, armed with a knife, made his way through the centre stabbing innocent shoppers, killing six people. Today, criminologist Xanthe Mallett reflects on the acts of heroism we saw and what may have driven the killer.Featured: Dr Xanthe Mallett, criminologist and associate professor at the University of Newcastle

The appeal of music festivals seems to be dying away with a string of cancellations this year. Is it all about rising costs and fears of bad weather? Or is there more to it?Today, Double Js National Music Correspondent Zan Rowe on whether the big music festival can be saved. Featured: Zan Rowe, Double J National Music Correspondent and host of Take 5 and Bang On podcasts

Australian Zomi Frankcom and six others died when their convoy of aid vehicles was struck by Israeli missiles in Gaza. Israel says it was a mistake and a tragedy. But is its explanation good enough?Today, host of ABC’s 7.30 program, Sarah Ferguson, on what we learnt from her interview with an Israeli military spokesman and whether what unfolded was a war crime.Featured: Sarah Ferguson, presenter of ABC 7.30

Drugs, sex and lavish dinners out. It’s not new that news organisations sometimes pay for interviews, but the allegations about what Channel 7’s Spotlight program gave to Bruce Lehrmann for a sit-down interview are surprising. Today, Media Watch presenter Paul Barry unpacks what’s unfolded in court and discusses whether the public can trust the press when the chequebook is out. Featured: Paul Barry, Media Watch presenter

We’re meant to be transitioning to a greener future and getting rid of gas for good.But now we’re talking about drilling for more of it, or importing supplies, because soon we might not have enough to keep the lights and heaters on. How can that be when Australia is one of the world’s biggest gas exporters?Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer explains how we’ve ended up here. Featured: Daniel Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Tesla has dominated the electric vehicle market for years, but watch out Elon Musk, because a Chinese car maker is giving it a run for its money. The good news is - it’s a lot cheaper. But is there a problem with a Chinese firm dominating the market?Today, EV expert Gail Broadbent on whether your next car might be a Chinese EV. Featured: Dr Gail Broadbent, adjunct fellow at the University of Technology Sydney

Ozempic, the wildly popular drug for weight loss, is in short supply. It’s prompting some chemists to make replica products that are now under increased scrutiny from the drugs regulator. It is legal to dispense the Ozempic copycat, but investigative reporter Elise Worthington reveals the risks and rogue chemists.Featured: Elise Worthington, Four Corners reporter

Israel says it was a mistake and a misidentification. But how does a powerful military manage to bomb a clearly marked aid convoy in Gaza, killing international aid workers including Australian woman Zomi Frankom? Today, a long-time aid worker and former World Vision Australia CEO Tim Costello tells us why no one trying to distribute aid in Gaza is safe and what the world should do about it. Featured: Tim Costello, executive director of Micah Australia

In Alice Springs, it’s one week since a curfew was imposed on the town’s young residents following a riot and escalating violence. But it’s a stop-gap measure, with the troubles in town much bigger and the solutions to rampant crime and intergenerational disadvantage far from clear. Today, reporter Lee Robinson in the ABC’s Alice Springs bureau on the cycles of violence in the Northern Territory.Featured: Lee Robinson, ABC Alice Springs reporter

What does the current state of the economy mean for the unemployment rate and your job?For decades we’ve turned to well-read textbooks to help us understand how our economy will behave.But right now something strange is happening and for some economists it’s a bit of a miracle. They’re calling it ‘immaculate disinflation’, because when interest rates rise dramatically, as they have in Australia, you’d expect lots of people to lose their jobs. But this time, the inflation rate is coming down and the unemployment rate remains relatively low. Today, business editor Ian Verrender explains the current economic weirdness. Featured:Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

Today, we bring you the first episode of the ABC’s Looking for Modi podcast.Hosted by the ABC’s South Asia correspondent Avani Dias, it’s all about the myths and secrets of one of the most powerful world leaders - India’s Narendra Modi. 

Who’s to blame for harassing a princess when she’s seriously ill? The frenzied search for information about the welfare of the Princess of Wales came to a sudden halt last weekend, when Kate revealed she is receiving treatment for cancer. Leading up to the revelation, the conspiracy theories about her absence from public view were running wild on social media, between friends and family, and in the mainstream press. ABC broadcaster and royal historian Julia Baird explores how we forgot a princess was human. Featured: Julia Baird, ABC journalist and royal historian

Supporters of WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange have always warned he could be locked up for the rest of his life if he ends up in the United States to face charges which include espionage.But now judges in London, where the Australian is in jail, have asked for assurances that if they agree to extradite him, the death penalty is off the table.But could Assange actually face that fate in the US? Today, international law expert Don Rothwell explains the latest court ruling. Featured: Don Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the Australian National University

Should your taxpayer dollars be used to construct sports stadiums?Some politicians think bringing big sporting events to their voters is a core part of their job, with little regard for the cost. But building the venues demanded by event organisers is becoming increasingly costly and controversial.A Tasmanian government plan to put hundreds of millions of dollars into a big ritzy new stadium in Hobart was one of the most contested issues of last weekend’s election. Today, Kos Samaras the director of polling company RedBridge Group on why some voters have had enough of paying to construct sports stadiums. Featured: Kos Samaras, director of RedBridge Group

Russians are mourning after the worst terrorist attack in the country in two decades. More than 130 people died when gunmen opened fire at a concert hall on Moscow’s outskirts on Friday night. It’s a major security lapse, but will it cause more Russians to doubt Vladimir Putin’s leadership?We’ll also explain why the Islamic State group that’s claimed responsibility for the attack would want to strike Russia. Featured: Rajan Menon, director of the grand strategy program at Defense Priorities

When the tax office comes knocking, it’s not usually good news. And right now the Australian Taxation Office is pursuing thousands of people over historical debts that it had previously put on hold. Today, business reporter Nassim Khadem, on why the ATO is trying to recover the funds now and why some people are comparing it to Robodebt. Featured:Nassim Khadem, ABC Business reporter

When one of China’s most senior figures came to Australia this week, it was one unofficial meeting that really stuck out. Foreign Minister Wang Yi was very keen to meet former prime minister Paul Keating. It’s a move that would have frustrated Australian officials.Today, foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic on what China’s playing at. Featured: Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporter

When former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd declared Donald Trump the most destructive US president in history, a lot of people agreed. But his scathing assessments of the former president don’t sit so well now he’s working as Australia’s ambassador in Washington. Donald Trump could be elected president again in November and he isn’t happy. So, what happens to Kevin Rudd and our alliance with America if Trump returns?Featured: Dr Emma Shortis, senior researcher in international and security affairs at the Australia institute

Last week, hundreds of US politicians got behind a bill that would ban TikTok unless its Chinese parent company sells it. They’re worried the app could be used by the Chinese Communist Party to steal data and influence Americans. But is there really any evidence of that? Featured: Alex Barinka, tech reporter at Bloomberg

We can’t avoid getting old, but when we do need care, after paying taxes and saving all our lives, should we really have to fork out more to pay for it? The government is looking to shake-up the aged care sector to make it much more user pays.Today, investigative journalist Anne Connolly on what that means for the family inheritance.Featured: Anne Connolly, ABC investigative reporter

You can barely buy anything with it, but the price of Bitcoin has hit an all time high.So how has the cryptocurrency that many people wrote off just a few years ago, surged once more?Today, Andrew Chow, technology correspondent at Time Magazine, on the Bitcoin boom.

The Russian president is about to tighten his grip on power in a farcical, so-called election. It means he’ll have another six years at the helm, at least. Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Griffith Asia Institute on how Vladimir Putin has transformed Russia into a dictatorship and how much further he’s willing to go. Featured: Matthew Sussex, adjunct associate professor at the Griffith Asia Institute

While other countries were embracing nuclear power decades ago, Australia put a ban on it. Now the federal opposition wants to lift that ban and build nuclear power plants on the sites of ageing coal-fired power stations. Today, we investigate the feasibility of the idea with Dylan McConnell, an energy systems analyst at the University of New South Wales. We ask why would we go down that path when renewable energy is surging ahead?Featured: Dylan McConnell, renewable energy and energy systems analyst at UNSW Sydney

The big news publishers in Australia are in an almighty stand-off with Mark Zuckerberg and the tech giant he heads. Meta runs Facebook and has decided its users don’t care for news content anymore and it doesn’t want to pay for it. The Australian government now faces a choice; pursue Facebook and risk all news being blocked from the site, or let the funding deals currently in place with media companies come to an end, putting journalists’ jobs in jeopardy.Today, is it game over for journalism when social media dumps news? Featured: Monica Attard, co-director of the centre for media transition at the University of Technology Sydney

A beaming photo of the Princess of Wales and her children, taken by Prince William, was supposed to kill off wild conspiracy theories about Catherine’s health. But after sending it around the world, the Associated Press news agency removed the photo from circulation over concerns that it may have been manipulated and did not meet its standards.Today, ABC royal correspondent Juliet Rieden reveals the royal family’s tactics to control the images that get out into the wild. Featured: Juliet Rieden, ABC royal correspondent

Five months since the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza began, the death toll has climbed above 30,000, according to Gaza health authorities. About a third of the victims are children and global leaders have been increasing pressure on Israel to pause the fighting and let more humanitarian aid into the territory. Today, Global Affairs Editor John Lyons takes us to the Middle East as part of a special Four Corners' investigation into Israel’s approach to the war and the role its ally the United States is playing. Featured: John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor

A rematch for the US presidency pitting Donald Trump against Joe Biden has been all-but locked-in after the Super Tuesday votes. But many Americans are dreading the contest, with high disapproval ratings for the two presidents. Today, Trump’s possible return to the White House.Featured: Geoffrey Kabaservice, vice president of political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington DC

For years, there have been financial incentives to encourage households to install rooftop solar and feed excess power back to the grid. It’s helping the green energy transition and driving down power bills for those able to afford the upfront costs. But the so-called “feed-in” tariffs are being cut as there’s a massive oversupply of energy on sunny days. Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer on whether rooftop solar is still worth it. Featured: Daniel Mercer, ABC energy reporter

For more than 20 years, Australians have turned to botox when unwanted wrinkles begin to emerge.It’s widely seen as a harmless way to look younger without surgery. Until recently botox and other cosmetic fillers have gone largely unchecked, so why have regulators decided to crackdown now?Today, we speak to a long-time botox user and a health law expert about why we need to rethink what we’re injecting. Featured: Alison Rice, former botox userDr Christopher Rudge, law lecturer at the University of Sydney

Have you ever struggled to get a response from an insurer, or have they fought you on the details of a claim? The profitable insurance companies are facing increasing scrutiny and customers are calling them out for not paying out. Today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson reveals the firms’ ‘delay and deny’ tactics that make them so hard to deal with. Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

Every so often a product comes along that takes us by storm and in the process, shifts spending and changes economies. The iPhone, Netflix and ChatGPT spring to mind.But less obvious is something like Ozempic, the drug that’s now helping millions of people around the world lose weight.Today, the ABC’s business editor Ian Verrender on how it’s breaking down business models of fast-food giants and health companies. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

She had a grand ambition to knock off Donald Trump and become the Republican Party’s choice to run in November’s US election.But Nikki Haley couldn’t do it and it’s almost certain now that Trump will run against Joe Biden for president again even as he faces more than 90 criminal charges.So why has she held on? Why doesn’t she just give up before almost certain defeat at so-called Super Tuesday next week, the biggest contest in the primary process. Featured: Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations

On a Sunday morning more than three weeks ago, Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy set out for a run in dense bushland not far from her home.She was expected back mid-morning for a family gathering, but she never arrived. Police have now wound back their search for the missing mother, while locals have rallied to try and find answers. Today, what happened to Samantha Murphy?Featured: Norman Hermant, 7.30 reporter

For more than 20 years New South Wales Police have marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. But not this year, with the board of the event telling them to stay away. It comes on a difficult week for the force after a senior constable was charged with the alleged murder of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. But police participation in the event has long caused controversy. Today we unpack why. Featured: Nicole Asquith, the professor of policing at the University of Tasmania and the convenor of the Australian Hate Crime network

We’ve probably all experienced a less than desirable trip on public transport or ride-hailing services, but for people with a disability every day is an absolute horror show.From buses missing stops to Uber drivers refusing to take guide dogs. Today, we bring you an ABC investigation into how millions of Australians are being let down by our public transport networks.We’ll hear how laws against discrimination are continually broken. Featured: Nas Campanella, national disability affairs reporter Evan Young, Specialist Reporting Team producer

You would have thought with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China wouldn’t be too worried about the number of people living there declining a bit.But as it faces the challenges of an economic slowdown and an ageing society, Beijing is urging families to have more babies to stop a population decline that’s been recorded for a second year in a row. But is a falling birth rate necessarily a bad thing? Featured: Stuart Gietel-Basten, Professor of Social Science and Public Policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

For more than a decade Julian Assange has tried everything to avoid the position he finds himself in, on the cusp of being bundled onto a plane to the US to face espionage charges that carry a jail sentence of up to 175 years.  His fate now rests with a couple of judges in London who’ll decide whether he can appeal against his extradition. Today, media freedom advocate and journalism academic Peter Greste unpacks the case for us.Featured: Peter Greste, media freedom advocate and professor of journalism at Macquarie University

As the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, Vladimir Putin has had his first major victory on the battlefield in months, with Russian soldiers capturing the city of Avdiivka.As the war enters its third year is there really a chance Ukraine could still win, as the United States Congress holds up a multi billion dollar aid package?Today, we speak to a Ukrainian woman in Kyiv about what life looks like now and a military analyst on what to expect next.Featured: Oleksandra Povoroznyk, Kyiv resident and journalistEugene Rumer, director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington

On Friday, a group of men managed to do what so many asylum seekers have tried before; arrive on Australian shores after what would have been a perilous journey from Indonesia.  While it’s just one boat, it’s become a political headache for the government that’s been accused of reducing surveillance of our borders.  Today, the ABC’s national political lead and Insiders host David Speers on why it remains such a heated issue.Featured: David Speers, ABC national political lead and Insiders host

Alexei Navalny had a vision of a democratic Russia and he was a constant thorn in the side of the Russian president.  So, now the leading Russian opposition figure has died in prison, who will take on Vladimir Putin? We’ll hear why it could be Navalny’s wife who steps into the fray. Featured: Rajan Menon, Director of the Grand Strategy program at Defense Priorities think tank

Imagine what could happen to the cost of your groceries if the big supermarkets were in a price war to win your business.  It’s not going to happen, because Coles and Woolworths dominate the grocery market and want to keep their profits as high as possible. Four Corners’ reporter Angus Grigg reveals the tactics of the big two players and why their stronghold on the market has suppliers and farmers so reluctant to speak out.Featured: Angus Grigg, Four Corners’ reporter

Pop superstar Taylor Swift is in Melbourne on her wildly popular tour and for some her appearance at the American Super Bowl was more exciting than the football game itself. But perhaps more intriguing is her role in the upcoming US election. Today, we look at whether a Swift endorsement of Joe Biden would help him win and why Trump supporters are so willing to believe conspiracy theories that she’s in cahoots with the White House.Featured: Dr Matt Harris, Associate Professor of Political Science at Park University in Missouri

Four months into the war, a large portion of Gaza has been levelled, with civilians fleeing to the south of the strip to seek shelter.For a while Israel declared the city of Rafah a “safe zone” and more than one million people flocked there. But it’s now under attack and there are fears a ground offensive could soon begin.Today, reporter Nicole Johnston on the growing international calls for Israel to pull back and what she saw during a rare trip inside Gaza. Featured: Nicole Johnston, ABC reporter and Sky News correspondent

Since footage emerged of Barnaby Joyce lying flat on his back, swearing into his phone on a Canberra street, there’s been fierce debate over whether it matters or not that an elected politician could be caught out in such a manner. Questions over whether there’s a bigger problem at play or whether it’s simply just a matter of Barnaby, the larrikin, being in the spotlight once again. Today, Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast host, Patricia Karvelas, unpacks the culture of booze at Parliament House and the double standards that come with it. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and the Party Room podcast

Since footage emerged of Barnaby Joyce lying flat on his back, swearing into his phone on a Canberra street, there’s been fierce debate over whether it matters or not that an elected politician could be caught out in such a manner. Questions over whether there’s a bigger problem at play or whether it’s simply just a matter of Barnaby, the larrikin, being in the spotlight once again. Today, Radio National Breakfast and the Party Room podcast host, Patricia Karvelas, unpacks the culture of booze at Parliament House and the double standards that come with it. Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and the Party Room podcast

Since the government broke an election promise and changed the stage three tax cuts, the Coalition has been warning there could be many more broken promises to come.  Specifically, it says the tax incentive known as negative gearing is the next thing on the chopping block, although the government denies that. Today, Peter Martin, economics editor at The Conversation, explains what it is, whether we really need it and what a change could mean for the housing market. Featured: Peter Martin, The Conversation economics editor

What happens when Vladimir Putin gives an incredibly rare interview to a conservative American media commentator at the height of a war and it lasts for more than two hours? Well, the answer is: Putin wins. So, what was the real reason behind Tucker Carlson’s interview with the Russian leader? Today, how it all plays into Donald Trump’s push for the White House. Featured: Professor Gordon Flake, CEO of the Perth USAsia Centre at the University of Western Australia

When three American soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a US base in Jordan there was a flurry of talk of World War Three.It may have been over the top, but the stakes in the conflict in the Middle East have risen dramatically, with the US blaming Iran and its proxies for the strike. It’s since retaliated by bombing dozens of targets in Iraq and Syria. Today, host of The Iran Podcast, Negar Mortazavi explores what could come next. Featured: Negar Mortazavi, host of The Iran Podcast

We know there’s a lack of competition in the Australian marketplace. Two big supermarkets, two big airlines and just a few more banks and electricity generators. It’s leading to prices that are “too high”, according to the former head of the competition watchdog Alan Fels. He’s finished a report into price gouging, and he has some ideas on how we can stop Australians from being ripped off. Today, investigative journalist Adele Ferguson explains how big companies trick us into paying more. Featured: Adele Ferguson, investigative journalist

For hundreds of years, the health of members of the British royal family have been tightly guarded secrets.From the secret euthanasia of a King, to a hidden case of lung cancer. But under King Charles things are changing. He’s announced to the world he has cancer. So now he’s gone public, does it change how we perceive the monarchy? Featured: Cindy McCreery, royal historian at the University of Sydney

When the Reserve Bank board members meet for the first time this year, they might be patting each other on the back.Inflation has come down to a two year low, meaning they won’t need to raise interest rates again.The ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler explains what needs to change before rates start falling and he gives us his prediction on when that might happen. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter

By the end of this year, Donald Trump could be elected President of the United States again.Despite being implicated in the January 6th attack on the US Capitol and vowing to be a dictator for “one day”, he’s the frontrunner to be the Republican nominee for the 2024 poll. What’s unfolding in the US will get a lot of attention, but 2024 is the year of elections globally. From Indonesia, to the UK, Russia and India, around half of the global population will be eligible to vote. So democracy must be thriving, right? It’s not that simple. Featured: Yana Gorokhovskaia, research director for strategy and design at Freedom House

She’s one of the most famous women in the world so when sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift began appearing on social media - they went viral.The images were AI-generated and were viewed by tens of millions of people around the world. In this episode we meet the US journalist who uncovered how a Microsoft tool was manipulated to produce the images.He explains why everyone is vulnerable as the technology becomes ever-more sophisticated. Featured: Emanuel Maiberg, journalist and co-founder of 404 Media

We’re all set to pay a little less tax starting in July. While lower and middle income earners will be getting a bit more back after the government’s rejig of the Stage 3 cuts, does that make our tax system any fairer? Some experts say it still favours the rich and much bigger changes are needed. Featured: Kristen Sobeck, Research Fellow at the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy

When masked men clad in black tried to demonstrate in Sydney on Australia Day, police were quick to use their powers to get rid of them. They were neo-Nazis from across the country and they gathered for three days straight. So apart from making a scene, what do these men want and what are they capable of?Featured: Kaz Ross, far-right extremism researcher

Just before Christmas, journalist Antoinette Lattouf was filling in on ABC radio in Sydney when three days into a five-day contract she was told - don’t come back. The presenter had posted a Human Rights Watch report on Instagram alleging Israel was using starvation as a method of war in Gaza. The ABC says she failed to comply with directions not to post about controversial matters. She’s now accusing the ABC of unlawful dismissal. So what happens when social media collides with the workplace?Featured: Adrienne Stone, professor of law at Melbourne University

Will you be better off this year when it comes to the tax you pay, your wage, grocery shopping and other bills? The Labor government’s changes to the Stage Three tax cuts mean more lower and middle income taxpayers will receive a bigger than expected tax return. For our first episode of 2024, the ABC’s business editor Ian Verrender joins Sam Hawley to explain why it’s a ‘distinct possibility’ that the cost of living will get a little bit easier this year. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

This episode features some of the best conversations of 2023, we’ll be back daily from January 29, 2024. Over the past year we took a break from the top news stories to look at moments in pop culture that have had a big impact. In this episode we interrogate the cultural juggernaut that was the Barbie movie, and then allegations against Russell Brand. Featured:Wenlei Ma, TV and film criticDani de Placido, senior contributor at Forbes magazine

This episode features some of the best conversations of 2023, ABC News Daily will be back on Monday 29th January, 2024. The world’s second biggest economy has a huge influence on Australia. Whether it’s about trade or regional security, Australia maintains a delicate relationship with China. In this episode we dive into how China’s housing crash shook its economy and the story behind that alleged spy balloon.  Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editorIain Boyd, professor of aerospace engineering and the director for the Centre of National Security Initiatives at the University of Colorado in Boulder

This episode features some of the best conversations of 2023, ABC News Daily will be back on Monday 29th January, 2024. We’re in a cost of living crisis and in 2023 we saw multiple interest rate hikes by the RBA, ballooning mortgage repayments for borrowers.In this episode we explore whether rate hikes are the only way to fight inflation, and ask when our wages will finally catch up.Featured: Michael Janda, ABC senior digital business reporterGareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter

This episode features some of the best conversations of 2023, we’ll be back daily from January 29, 2024. Since the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel we’ve brought you in depth analysis and explainers about the conflict.In this episode we learn how to spot misinformation about the war, ask whether Benjamin Netanyahu will survive it, and consider how the conflict is playing out on our streets. Featured: Kolina Koltai, senior researcher at the investigative journalists group BellingcatGuy Ziv, associate professor in the School of International Services at the American University and associate director of the university's Center for Israel StudiesGreg Barton, chair of global Islamic politics at Deakin University.

This episode features some of the best conversations of 2023, ABC News Daily will be back on Monday 29th January, 2024. Whether you’re a renter or paying off a mortgage, millions of Australians are feeling the pinch of the housing crisis. In this episode we look to solutions overseas, but also interrogate who is buying up all the properties. Featured:Nassim Khadem, ABC Business reporter

One year ago ChatGPT was just taking off, the artificial intelligence bot amazed people with its ability to do anything from writing job applications, to travel itineraries and essays.Since then, AI technology has been evolving. So, are you an AI ‘boomer’ or ‘doomer’? Do you think artificial intelligence will make the world a better place or are you worried it could destroy our way of life? Today, Professor Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at UNSW’s AI institute explains the recent fight over AI in Silicon Valley and the latest innovations we need to know about. Featured: Toby Walsh, chief scientist at the AI institute at the University of New South Wales

At the start of the Israel-Gaza war, the Israeli Prime Minister had firm backing from many nations, including Australia. But with the Gaza health ministry now putting the death toll at more than 18-thousand, US President Joe Biden has warned Israel is losing that support.Australia has now backed a United Nations vote calling for a ceasefire. Today, Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, discusses how the world’s view is shifting and what that means for the war.   Featured: Ghaith al-Omari, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Electric vehicles, electric bikes and electric scooters are more prevalent and part of our lives.But as we make the green transition, the dangers of the lithium-ion batteries that power these devices and many others are becoming more apparent. They’re causing explosions and fires at homes across the country. Today, Dr Matthew Priestley from the University of New South Wales discusses what causes the battery fires and how to reduce the risk.  Featured: Dr Matthew Priestley, Lead Technology Translator in the Energy Systems Research Group, University of New South Wales.

Did you know there’s a cyber-attack reported in Australia every six minutes? In the past 18 months, we’ve seen some of the biggest hacks in our history, including against Optus and Medibank. There are criminal groups trying to disrupt our lives and steal our data, but it’s countries like China and Russia that are also becoming more aggressive in targeting Australian businesses and government secrets.  Today, executive director of cyber intelligence at CyberCX Katherine Mansted explains why the threat is increasing and how we can protect ourselves. Featured: Katherine Mansted, executive director of cyber intelligence at CyberCX

As you head to the supermarket to stock up for your Christmas lunch you can try and shop around for a deal, but it’s not easy with Coles and Woolies dominating the market. According to the Greens you’ll be paying too much, because they accuse the big players of price gouging. It’s an allegation the supermarkets deny. Today, ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson discusses why an inquiry into the duopoly is needed and how regulation could help consumers.Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

When the World Health Organisation demanded China pass over detailed information on an outbreak of respiratory illness last month there was an uncomfortable sense of deja vu. Local media had been reporting hospitals being overwhelmed with sick children with undiagnosed pneumonia and the WHO wanted to know what was going on.It’s clear now it’s a winter surge in illness rather than a new pathogen. But are we really prepared for the next pandemic?  Today, epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre explores what the next pandemic might look like.  Featured: Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity at the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales

The world’s attention may have shifted to the war in the Middle East, but in Ukraine the battle drags on as a second winter sets in. It comes after a brutal counter-offensive in which Ukrainian soldiers tried but failed to take back significant territory from the Russians.   Today, Dr Samir Puri, a visiting lecturer at King’s College London and former ceasefire observer in Ukraine, discusses who’s winning the war and how long Ukraine can rely on Western support. Featured: Dr Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in War Studies at King’s College London

It’s part of the biggest road project ever built in Australia, but when a complex maze of tunnels and roads opened in Sydney last month it became apparent there was a major design flaw causing traffic chaos. So, how did planners get it so wrong and why do we rely so heavily on motorways?Today, transport planner from the University of Technology Sydney, Michelle Zeibots, explains how political decisions are keeping us off public transport and in traffic jams. Featured: Dr Michelle Zeibots, senior lecturer at the school of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Technology Sydney

By the end of 2023, the number of immigrants who’ve arrived in Australia during the year may be approaching 600 thousand.They’re filling jobs and bringing cultural diversity to communities, but there is a downside for the economy. Today, the ABC’s business editor Ian Verrender explores the impact the surge is having on inflation, interest rates and rental prices and what the government should be doing about it. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

When one of the oldest all boys schools in the country declared it would be enrolling girls, it irked some old boys and parents so much that legal action has been threatened to try and stop the move. So, why is there so much controversy when single sex schools decide to go co-ed? Today, an expert in girls' and boys' schooling, Judith Gill, on the widely held misconceptions in the debate and what the research shows about which system works best. Featured: Dr Judith Gill, adjunct associate professor of education at the University of South Australia

It’s one of the most watched defamation cases, with both Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann taking the stand in the Federal Court this week.Mr Lehrmann is suing Network Ten and journalist Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over an interview where Ms Higgins alleged she had been raped by a Liberal staffer at Parliament House in 2019. He has denied the allegation and has never been found guilty of any wrongdoing. Today, reporter Partick Bell on the key evidence heard by the court. Featured: Patrick Bell, ABC reporter

It was the Australian dream to own a home and a block of land.But while that was once very achievable, it’s not anymore. So why did that change and can it be reversed?Today, the ABC’s Alan Kohler explains why anyone born after 1980 is in a tricky position. He’s written a Quarterly Essay about the housing market and says it’d take an 18 year freeze in house prices to return to an income to house price ratio that he and his parents enjoyed.Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter

The High Court delivered a ruling earlier this month that’s led to the release of more than 140 people from indefinite immigration detention. Some have serious criminal backgrounds in Australia or overseas. It’s become a political nightmare for the government as it’s scrambled to have those released monitored by authorities. Today, chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program, Laura Tingle, on why the political chaos that’s unfolded since the court ruling has been an ‘unedifying debacle’.Featured: Laura Tingle, 7.30's chief political correspondent

Being a renter can be stressful with a shortage of properties on the market, rising rents and a lack of security for tenants. But what you might not know is there’s evidence that renting is accelerating the biological ageing process. That’s according to a peer reviewed study from the University of Essex in the UK and Adelaide University. Today, one of the report’s authors, Emma Baker, on how DNA testing has shown renting can be bad for your health. Featured: Emma Baker, Professor of Housing Research at the University of Adelaide

With just under a year until a presidential election in the United States, Donald Trump  is shifting his language in a disturbing way. During a rally this month, the former US leader used rhetoric reminiscent of the Nazis, calling his domestic opponents and critics ‘vermin’. Today, a historian of American political language Dr Jennifer Mercieca discusses how Trump uses language to whip up support. Featured: Dr Jennifer Mercieca, historian of American political rhetoric and professor of communication at Texas A&M University

After almost 50 days of war, Israel and Hamas have done a deal to pause the fighting and release hostages and prisoners.So what went on behind the scenes to reach the agreement and could it be a turning point in the war? Today, an expert on ceasefires Doctor Marika Sosnowski from Melbourne University on the complexities of the negotiations and what to expect next.Featured: Dr Marika Sosnowski, University of Melbourne research fellowPlease tell us what you think about ABC News Daily in our 2023 listener survey: https://forms.office.com/r/2NbJXgW6sQ

The Americans may have come up with the Black Friday retail sales, but Australians are embracing it and it’s now bigger than the Boxing Day sales. There are bargains to be had, but retailers are really trying to push people to make unplanned purchases. Today, business reporter Nassim Khadem on how much we’re really going to spend during a cost-of-living crisis and what that might mean for our inflation problem. Featured: Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporterPlease tell us what you think about ABC News Daily in our 2023 listener survey: https://forms.office.com/r/2NbJXgW6sQ

In recent weeks, the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been rubbing shoulders with China’s President Xi Jinping on the world stage. The message was that the relationship between the two countries had been stabilised. But how quickly things can change. Australia is now in dispute with China over a maritime altercation which saw Australian Navy divers injured when a nearby warship emitted sonar pulses.  Today, foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic on how the incident unfolded and how China’s response threatens to open a new rift. Featured: Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporterPlease tell us what you think about ABC News Daily in our 2023 listener survey: https://forms.office.com/r/2NbJXgW6sQ 

If you feel like your standard of living has been getting worse over the past year or so, you’re not alone and you’re not wrong. High inflation, rising interest rates and rent prices mean your relative income is likely to have fallen dramatically. Unless of course you’re a baby boomer - many in that generation are still living it up. Today, the ABC’s national political lead and Insiders’ host, David Speers, on what the government is doing on the cost-of-living and what it could do to close the generational gap. Featured: David Speers, ABC national political lead and Insiders’ host Please tell us what you think about ABC News Daily in our 2023 listener survey: https://forms.office.com/r/2NbJXgW6sQ

For many of us, COVID-19 has drifted from our thoughts, but infections are surging again around Australia. Experts say it is the beginning of a new wave of infections, but the lack of testing makes it difficult to predict the size and timing of the peak. So what should we be doing as this next wave takes hold? Today, infectious disease expert and director of the Burnet Institute, Brendan Crabb, on the new variants, the latest vaccine and why COVID is still a force to be reckoned with. Featured: Brendan Crabb, Director and CEO of the Burnet Institute

Israel’s military has raided Gaza’s main hospital, claiming Hamas was using the facility for military purposes.Given hospitals are supposed to be protected by international humanitarian law, can Israel’s action be justified?Today, former Middle East correspondent Ben Knight unpacks a week where the Al-Shifa hospital became a flashpoint in the Israel-Gaza war. Featured:  Ben Knight, former ABC Middle East correspondent

After three years of heavy rainfall, huge tracts of Australia are primed to burn this summer. We’re being told to prepare for a hot and dry summer and the worst bushfire season since the Black Summer fires of 2019 and 2020. So, how are communities in the line of fire preparing and who will come to help them in the height of a bushfire emergency? Today, we speak to two home owners who have lived through catastrophic bushfires and are taking matters into their own hands. Featured: Steve Pascoe, Strathewen residentSimon Geraghty, Wollombi Valley resident

As the war in Gaza intensifies, protests across the world are growing larger and in some cases turning violent. Reports of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are also increasing here in Australia. Today, expert on terrorism and violent extremism at Deakin University, Greg Barton, on why the war is fuelling a divide the Hamas terrorists would have hoped for. Featured: Greg Barton, Professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University

When the Commonwealth Bank was hauled before a Royal Commission back in 2018 it had already tried every trick in the book to try and discredit its critics. From collecting dirt files to harassing journalists, it did everything it could to try and stop the truth about how it was treating its customers from getting out. But thanks to a few dogged former employees, the bank’s practices were exposed. Whistleblowers back then and today face risks with little protection from the law. Today, the reporter behind the story, investigative journalist Adele Ferguson, on how the Commonwealth Bank was caught out and why there are mounting calls for whistleblower laws to be strengthened. Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

As the civilian death toll in Gaza continues to rise, there are growing calls for a ceasefire, but Israel and the United States are rejecting that.  But is Israel operating within the rules of war and is its response a month after the Hamas attack proportionate?  Today, president of the US / Middle East Project and former Israeli peace negotiator,  Daniel Levy on why Western nations need to reassess their approach to Israel’s bombing and invasion of Gaza.  Featured:  Daniel Levy, president of the US / Middle East Project

Donald Trump has been in court for a civil fraud trial in New York this week, where the judge had to order lawyers to control the former US president.  But while Trump might be in trouble legally, politically he’s on track to become president for a second time.  The latest opinion polling has Trump out in front of President Joe Biden in key states one year out from the US election.  Today, senior political correspondent for the Wall Street Journal Molly Ball on why voters are turning away from Biden and the implications of a second term Trump presidency.  Featured:  Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for the Wall Street Journal

We all expect network failures sometimes, patchy internet and drop outs in phone calls, but Optus has taken it to a whole new level.  Not only were 10 million customers left without service for half a day, but for hours the telecommunications giant said it had absolutely no idea what was wrong.  Today, technology expert from the University of Melbourne Suelette Dreyfus on how an outage like this can leave us all vulnerable.  Featured:  Dr Suelette Dreyfus, University of Melbourne School of Computing and Information Systems

Australia’s inflation problem has little to do with the spending habits of home owners, because the major drivers right now are things like petrol, rent and the cost of building houses.     So why are borrowers being punished with another hike in rates?  Today, the ABC’s senior digital business reporter Michael Janda on the limits of the RBA’s "blunt tool".  Featured:  Michael Janda, ABC senior digital business reporter

The world was captivated when three people died and one was left seriously ill from suspected mushroom poisoning after a lunch in a regional Victorian home. Now that the meal host Erin Patterson has been charged with murder and attempted murder, the intrigue has only intensified. Today, criminologist Xanthe Mallett explains the investigation into the 49-year-old and whether she can receive a fair trial.  Featured:  Dr Xanthe Mallet, criminologist and associate professor at the University of Newcastle

While Benjamin Netanyahu oversees the war in Gaza, he’s governing a traumatised nation that’s questioning why the terrorist attack by Hamas came without warning on October the 7th.  Before the attack, the Israeli leader was under huge political pressure over domestic issues, but were there decisions he made that may have increased the risk?  Today, Guy Ziv from the American University’s Center for Israel Studies on how long Netanyahu will be able to hold on to power.  Featured:  Guy Ziv, associate professor in the School of International Services at the American University

While the world came out strongly in support of Israel after the Hamas terrorist attack on the 7th of October, there is now growing concern over the images emerging from Gaza and the rising civilian death toll there. So as the war progresses, will the position of leaders like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shift?  Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas on the ‘schism’ in the Labor party and the ‘tightrope’ politicians are walking.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, Radio National Breakfast presenter and co-host of the Party Room podcast

The news can often be bleak, and most Australians say they avoid it sometimes or always.  But if you listen to this episode, you’re probably not a news avoider.  Though you probably know someone who finds the news hard to handle, particularly with the Israel-Gaza war.  Today, an expert on why Australians are switching off the news, and what it means for our democracy. Featured:  Caroline Fisher, Associate Professor of Communications at the University of Canberra and the co-author of the annual Digital News Report.

Egypt sits along the south of the Gaza strip but since the Israel-Gaza war began it has kept its border shut to civilians.  It means Palestinians cannot leave the territory as Israeli ground troops move in.  Today, we speak to an aid worker in the region and a former Palestinian peace negotiator on the human cost of the war.   Featured:  Abeer Etefa, World Food Programme spokeswoman Ghaith al-Omari, former advisor to the Palestinian Authority and senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy

If you’ve been to a home auction you know how stressful it can be and how hard it is to be the successful bidder. Unlike elsewhere in the world, Australia has a lot of auctions, particularly in the most populous cities, so it’s hard to avoid the process.  Add to that the vicious cycle of interest rate hikes and the possibility of another rate increase next week and it’s hard to get into the market. Today, the head of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute, Michael Fotheringham on why we’re so addicted to auctions and who they’re really benefiting?  Featured:  Michael Fotheringham, Managing Director of Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute

As you try to understand the conflict between Israel and Hamas, you would be forgiven for being confused. There have been claims, counterclaims, misleading and false information. So how do you know what is real and what isn’t at a time when social media messaging can be so overpowering?  Today, senior researcher at the investigative journalists group Bellingcat, Kolina Koltai, on how misinformation spreads in the fog of war and what to do to avoid it.  Featured:  Kolina Koltai, senior researcher, Bellingcat

If you’re looking for some light relief at the cinema, what about watching a concert on the big screen?  Well, lots of people who missed out on tickets to the Taylor Swift tour are doing just that, with her new movie becoming the biggest concert film of all time. So how did one pop star become so influential she can change the GDP of a city she visits?  Today director of the Music Industry Program at the University of Miami, Serona Elton on what’s fuelling Swift-mania. Featured:  Serona Elton, Director of the Music Industry Program at the University of Miami

We already know we’ve been paying a lot more for petrol, rent and electricity, but the rising prices could lead the Reserve Bank to raise interest rates again.  The latest measure of inflation shows a rebound from the previous quarter, leaving the annual rate at 5.4 percent. Today, business editor Ian Verrender on what the RBA board is likely to do when it meets on Melbourne Cup Day and why it needs to tread very carefully. Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

When Hamas attacked Israel just over two weeks ago, it took more than 200 hostages back to Gaza. As Israel continues to plan for a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory, the Islamist militant group has released a mother and daughter and two elderly women.  Today, Dani Gilbert, expert in hostage taking and recovery from Northwestern University in Illinois, on how their freedom was negotiated and whether more hostages can be saved.     Featured:  Danielle Gilbert, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Northwestern University

Snowy Hydro 2.0 was meant to be a nation building project, supposed to begin delivering green power to the grid by next year.  But the pumped hydro project in the Snowy Mountains of NSW has been up-ended by a single tunnelling machine called Florence that got bogged underground. The mega project was once estimated to cost $2 billion, but is now four years behind schedule and forecast to cost much more. Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on the mistakes that were made and the billions of taxpayer dollars they’ve cost.  Featured:  Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

He didn’t cause the war and he isn’t directly involved in it, but Vladimir Putin has a lot to gain from the unrest in the Middle East.  While the world looks to Israel and Gaza, Russia has ramped up its offensive in Ukraine.  President Putin has even sought to insert himself as a negotiator in the Middle East. Today, Matthew Sussex from the ANU’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre on what Vladimir Putin has to gain from the latest war.  Featured:  Associate Professor Matthew Sussex, Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra

A fortnight since the horrifying attack by Hamas in southern Israel, the war is escalating and the civilian death toll is growing. This week, an explosion at a hospital in Gaza shocked the world, fuelling anger and confusion, with both sides blaming each other. All the while, Israeli troops have been waiting on the border ready to invade, in a mission to root out and destroy the militant group, Hamas.  Today, Dr Jacob Stoil, an expert on urban warfare, on the complexities of an expected ground war.  Featured:  Dr Jacob Stoil, expert in military history and urban warfare

Cheng Lei spent almost three years detained in China before being unexpectedly released last week. Now back home, the Australian journalist is telling her story, describing the conditions she was detained in.  Today, Dr Lavina Lee, a senior lecturer in security studies at Macquarie University on why China freed the mother of two now and what it wants in return.  Featured:  Dr Lavina Lee, senior lecturer in security studies at Macquarie University

After the horrifying attacks on its citizens, Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in Gaza.  But how will the international community react to what’s to come? Iran is warning of a regional escalation of the war if Israel continues to kill what it says are civilians in Gaza. Today, Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, explains the history of the disputed territory and why he thinks Israel is walking into a trap.   Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, with more than a million citizens warned by Israel to move to the south of the territory ahead of a major campaign against Hamas in the north. As more civilians die in air strikes on Gaza, are we at a tipping point where sentiment turns against Israel, and what will an escalation of the war look like?  Today, we take you to Gaza and speak to resident and Oxfam worker Najla Shawa, and to Israel’s south where our global affairs editor John Lyons is witnessing a massive build up of soldiers. Featured: Najla Shawa, Gaza resident John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the referendum was a moment of disagreement that doesn’t define us.  But what’s the lasting impact of it? And what does the resounding No vote say about Australia and our democracy?  Today, the hosts of The Voice Referendum Explained podcast, Fran Kelly on Gadigal land in Sydney and Carly Williams from Minjerribah North Stradbroke Island, on the failed referendum and what happens next. Featured:  Fran Kelly, ABC presenter Carly Williams, ABC national Indigenous correspondent

It was the referendum Anthony Albanese promised to hold at the last election, but pretty much all the opinion polls suggest that when Australians cast their votes, it will be a resounding “No” to an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.  The Voice would act as an independent advisory body to the government for First Nations people, but the proposed change to the Constitution has led to a divisive and heated debate.  Today, ABC reporter Isabella Higgins on why Yes campaigners still see a glimmer of hope and what to expect when you wake up the morning after the vote.   Featured:  Isabella Higgins, ABC reporter

Israeli troops are gathering near the border with Gaza and could be preparing for a ground invasion of the densely populated Palestinian territory.  The full horror of Hamas’s weekend attacks inside Israel is still emerging and it’s been described as the country’s 9/11 moment.  Today, director of the Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA, Dov Waxman on the potential ground assault and how Hamas’s allies could respond.  Featured:  Dov Waxman, director of the Nazarian Center for Israel Studies at UCLA

In a few days Australia will hold the first referendum to change the constitution in more than 20 years.  It’s a significant moment, but the debate leading up to it has been divisive and confusing.  Today, 7.30’s chief political correspondent Laura Tingle with her analysis of the bitterness of the campaign and the scars that will be left once it’s all over.  Featured:  Laura Tingle, 7.30's chief political correspondent

It took just 48 hours for the death toll to rise to more than a thousand and it’s only going to grow as Israel responds to the surprise attack by Hamas militants.  For decades there’s been hope of a peace deal, but now Israel has declared war with more than a hundred of its citizens also taken hostage by the Palestinian militant group.  Today, the ABC’s global affairs editor John Lyons on the unprecedented attack, the history of the disputed territory and why he believes there’s still hope for peace.  Featured:  John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor

It’s no secret that China’s economy has taken a hit since COVID, but what the government doesn’t want you to know is the number of young people who can’t find a job.  Midway through the year, the youth unemployment rate hit a record high and now Beijing is refusing to even publish the figures. Today, Chinese-American economist Nancy Qian explains why 16 to 24 year olds in China are increasingly frustrated and what that means for the nation’s stability.  Featured:  Nancy Qian, economist at Northwestern University

Since Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has relied on tens of billions of dollars in military support from the US to give it a fighting chance. So, what happens if that dries up? It’s a live issue because of the chaos unfolding in US politics. This week, a bill to avert a government shutdown was passed by Congress, but funding for Ukraine was missing.  Today, Michael Kimmage, a former state department adviser during the Obama years on what it means for the future of the war.  Featured:  Michael Kimmage, professor of history at the Catholic University of America

Australians will soon vote yes or no in a referendum to change the constitution to include an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.  But do we really understand what we’re voting on?  Today, ABC Indigenous Affairs Editor Bridget Brennan on what we know about how the Voice will work and the key arguments for and against it.  Featured:  Bridget Brennan, ABC Indigenous Affairs Editor

Michele Bullock, the new head of the Reserve Bank, has overseen a decision on interest rates for the first time as governor, with the board keeping the cash rate on hold, for this month at least. But is her approach to monetary policy really any different to her predecessor, Philip Lowe?  Maybe not, but the Reserve Bank board she heads is set for a major shake-up.  Today, ABC finance presenter Alan Kohler on the RBA’s failings and why a rejig could be just what we need. Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter

Airbnb has changed the way we holiday, increasing competition and opening up new destinations.   But in some places short-stay accommodation like Airbnb is starting to overstay its welcome.  From New York City to Byron Bay the rules are tightening as cities struggle to accommodate their own residents.  Today, economic and urban geographer Thomas Sigler on whether tough regulations on short-stay rentals will really help to solve the housing crisis.   Featured:  Thomas Sigler, associate professor of Human Geography at the University of Queensland

For years, advocates have fought for an end to so-called ‘special schools’, so Australians with a disability can be educated in the mainstream sector.  They argue that ending segregation would be better for people with a disability and the broader community.  But the disability royal commission has failed to reach a consensus on whether segregated education should be phased out over the next three decades.  Today, National Disability Affairs reporter Nas Campanella, discusses the complexities of the issue and what will change now the four year royal commission is complete.  Featured:  Nas Campanella, National Disability Affairs reporter

As we head to a referendum in just over a fortnight, there’s a fierce battle for the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ vote playing out on social media. From TikTok, to Instagram and Facebook, the messaging is short, sharp and constant.  Today, Professor of Political Communication at La Trobe University, Andrea Carson, on why the No campaign is dominating on platforms like TikTok, where it’s reaching young and first-time voters. Featured:  Andrea Carson, professor in political communication at La Trobe University

Public servants are there to serve the public, hence the name. They’re bound by a public service code of conduct, which means they can’t insert themselves into politics. But that’s what one of the most powerful public servants in Australia, Mike Pezzullo, is alleged to have done. The Home Affairs Secretary has stood down while an investigation is conducted into text messages he allegedly sent to a Liberal party powerbroker. Today, Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast host Patricia Karvelas discusses the trove of secret messages allegedly sent by Mr Pezzullo and what they may mean for our governance. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, ABC Radio National Breakfast presenter

The Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, who led the state through one of the longest COVID lockdowns in the world, has resigned. He spent nine years in the job and was returned to office just last year.  Today, Jon Faine, who hosted a program on ABC Radio Melbourne for 23 years, on the premier’s politics and the Victoria he leaves behind.  Featured:  Jon Faine, Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne

An ABC investigation has revealed a controversial treatment for autism, called the Severe Behaviour Program, was being funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.  Footage of the program shows a child with a disability, placed in a padded room and surrounded by adults in protective clothing and helmets.  He’s later pinned down.  Today, Anne Connolly on her Four Corners investigation into the case and the regulation of the NDIS.   Featured:   Anne Connolly, Four Corners reporter

If you’ve filled up your car recently, you may have had quite a shock as petrol prices are well above $2 a litre. You might be surprised to know the current high price of fuel has little to do with the war in Ukraine. Today, business reporter Nassim Khadem on the forces behind the price hikes and why petrol prices won’t be coming down any time soon.   Featured:  Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter

Russell Brand built his name on the shock factor, using his sexual exploits as punchlines and making offensive jokes on television and radio for years. Now, the comedian, presenter and actor has been accused in an investigation by British media outlets of sexual assault and rape between 2006 and 2013.  He denies the allegations, saying the relationships he had were always consensual. Today, senior contributor at Forbes magazine Dani Di Placido discusses the accusations against Brand, his conspiracy theories and his massive social media fan base.  Featured:  Dani Di Placido, senior contributor at Forbes magazine

Parts of Australia have been experiencing well above average temperatures for this time of year, with alerts for bushfires already being issued.  At the same time, the Bureau of Meteorology has declared the El Nino weather pattern is underway, meaning a hotter and drier summer is likely. Today, the founder of campaign group Sweltering Cities, Emma Bacon, on who the heat will hit the hardest and how best to prepare.  Featured:  Emma Bacon, founder of Sweltering Cities

Can you imagine if the tax office went into your bank account and retrieved money it says you owe, without your permission?  Well, it can do that and it does.   It’s a practice that distressed ATO employee Richard Boyle so much that he tried to help some taxpayers get around it.  He also became a whistleblower and is now facing charges that could land him in jail for up to 46 years.  Today, investigative journalist Adele Ferguson on his case and how whistleblower laws in Australia are failing all of us. Featured:  Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

Australia has a lucrative greyhound racing industry that’s enjoyed by some and loathed by others. Now it’s been revealed there’s a largely unknown but sophisticated trade in dogs with China, where their welfare can’t be assured.  Today, investigative journalist Paul Farrell on the big money changing hands and the loopholes in Australian laws allowing it to happen.  Featured:  Paul Farrell, ABC investigative reporter

New York City is struggling to house more than one hundred thousand migrants who’ve arrived in the past year. Authorities have even set up tent cities because shelters for the homeless have been overwhelmed.  Today, New York City reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Erin Ailworth, on where these people are coming from and the political storm the issue has unleashed.  Featured:  Erin Ailworth, New York City reporter for the Wall Street Journal

They dined on crab dumplings, fish and beef and washed it down with Russian wine.  Vladimir Putin and the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un toasted Russia’s “sacred struggle” with the West.  So what deal did the leaders really strike during a rare meeting in Russia? Today, defence strategist Samir Puri on the new era in the relationship between the two nations.  Featured:  Dr Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London and author of “Russia’s Road to War with Ukraine”.

As we head towards summer, it looks like the lights will go out for some of us.  The energy market operator predicts blackouts in some parts of the country because governments have failed to replace ageing coal plants with renewable power fast enough.  Today, energy expert at the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve on why we have to rely on coal power for longer than expected.  Featured:  Alison Reeve, Climate Change and Energy Deputy Program Director at Grattan Institute

It looks like the Reserve Bank has achieved what it set out to do, force us to spend less and slow the economy by hiking up interest rates. But the economy is now also in a per capita recession. So what is that and should we worry about it?   Today, business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens tells us what it means for our hip pockets and jobs. Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter

After three years of above average national rainfall, the switch has been flicked. We’re heading for a hotter and drier spring than average, which isn’t good news for summer. But does that mean we’ll be battling bushfires once again?  Today, a former Fire and Rescue Commissioner and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action Greg Mullins on how to prepare for what’s ahead.  Featured:  Greg Mullins, former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action

In just under five weeks’ time we will be asked to vote yes or no in a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.  As it draws nearer, how are First Nations communities in some of the most remote parts of the country feeling about the proposed constitutional change?  Today, Voice Correspondent Dan Bourchier on his Four Corners’ investigation.  Featured:  Dan Bourchier, ABC Voice Correspondent

When you’re watching sport on a weekend, whether at a professional, amateur or even school level, you’ll always hear the crowd gasp if a player takes a blow to the head.  We know it’s not good for the brain, especially a child’s, but do we really understand the extent of the damage it can cause?  This week a Senate committee recommended a national strategy to reduce concussion in sport. Today, we speak to former AFL player Shaun Smith who has probable CTE, a brain disorder caused by repeated head knocks, and neuroscientist Dr Fatima Nasrallah about how we could make sport much safer.  Featured:  Shaun Smith, former AFL player Dr Fatima Nasrallah, neuroscientist at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland.

We all love getting a fresh, hot meal, delivered quickly and cheaply to our front door, and the rise of the gig economy has made that so much easier.  But the federal government is starting to grapple with what happens when armies of delivery riders, rushing to complete jobs quickly, are unleashed on our roads and footpaths.  Today, reporter Lydia Feng on the personal stories of the workers who’ve died and the true cost of our convenience.  Featured:  Lydia Feng, ABC reporter

He took over the flying kangaroo back in 2008, now Alan Joyce has departed Qantas earlier than expected after a string of damaging controversies.  But he recently delivered a big profit for shareholders and he walks away with millions of dollars in his own pocket.  Today, senior business correspondent Peter Ryan on the Irishman’s track record, how he lost the public’s trust and whether the iconic Australian brand can be repaired.  Featured:  Peter Ryan, ABC senior business correspondent

As the Reserve Bank prepares to meet again on interest rates, it’s worth considering the impact of the 12 rate rises we have already had. We know thousands of borrowers are now battling to pay off their loans, but fears of widespread mortgage defaults have not yet eventuated.  Today, business reporter Daniel Ziffer on inflation, mortgage stress and when things might start to get a bit easier.  Featured:  Daniel Ziffer, ABC business reporter

The United States has banned exports of advanced computer chips to China and also prohibited American investment in sensitive Chinese technology.  It’s a big shift in policy aimed at interrupting Beijing’s technological and military advancement.  Today, Dr Benjamin Herscovitch from the ANU’s School of Regulation and Global Governance on why the decision could reverberate for decades and whether Australia will follow suit.  Featured:  Benjamin Herscovitch, research fellow at the ANU's School of Regulation and Global Governance

An infamous kiss at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney has sparked a scandal and a conversation about sexism that’s reverberating from Spain across the globe.  Still the head of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales has been defiant, repeatedly declaring “I will not resign” after kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the team’s big win.  Today, the ABC’s Annabel Crabb unpacks that moment, the fallout and why the actions of one “doofus guy” could bring about positive change for women’s football.  Featured:  Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

We finally have a date for a referendum with the prime minister arguing there is no downside to voting yes. But the No campaign has been gaining traction. It says a Voice to Parliament will divide Australia by race.  Today, Fran Kelly and Carly Williams from the Voice Referendum Explained podcast, on what we can expect in the six weeks before we vote.  Featured:  Fran Kelly and Carly Williams, presenters of The Voice Referendum Explained podcast

It’s been dubbed the ‘Spirit of Australia’ but is Qantas really serving the interests of the travelling public?   And why won’t the government allow airlines like Qatar Airways to create more competition by flying here more often?  Today, business reporter Nassim Khadem on whether Qantas is too important to fail and if it deserves special treatment to keep it profitable.  Featured:  Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter

How would you like to live in an apartment barely big enough to fit a double bed or a complex where you share a bathroom with six other units? As residents of Australia’s big cities grapple with a rental crisis, it’s time to look at life for renters in Tokyo, New York and London.  Today, reporter Angelique Lu on whether conditions here are really any better. Featured:  Angelique Lu, ABC reporter

You may not have noticed unless you’ve been travelling overseas, but the Australian dollar is on the slide. There’s every chance it could fall below rates seen during the pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis.   Today, the ABC’s business editor Ian Verrender on how China’s economic woes are partly to blame and what it means for our economy.   Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

While everyone has their eyes on the war in Ukraine, another war is threatening to break out in West Africa. There's been a seemingly unstoppable wave of coups washing along the edge of the Sahara, gaining strength each time. After the recent military coup in Niger, locals were seen chanting "down with France" and "long live Putin". What are France and Russia doing in West Africa? And could they end up in a proxy war? Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app. Find more If You're Listening on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_N9w5e9NrE

He wouldn’t be the first enemy of Vladimir Putin to end up dead, so no wonder suspicion falls on the Russian leader for the apparent demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the man who staged a short-led mutiny in Russia back in June.  Russia says the Wagner group leader was on a plane that crashed north of Moscow, leaving no survivors. Today, Rajan Menon from the Washington-based think tank Defense Priorities on what it means for Putin’s war and his power.   Featured:  Rajan Menon, Grand Strategy Program director at Defense Priorities

Australia’s dominant supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have returned bumper profits of $1.1 billion and $1.62 billion respectively for the full financial year. So, are shoppers getting a fair deal during a cost of living crisis? Today, Prashan Karunaratne from Macquarie Business School on the market power of the big players and why it might be worth avoiding them altogether. Featured: Prashan Karunaratne, Bachelor of Commerce course director at Macquarie University

It used to be known as wagging - skipping a day of school here and there. But now Australia is facing a much deeper problem with thousands of students refusing to go at all.  It was first blamed on the pandemic, but now it’s clear the problem runs far deeper.  Today, the ABC’s national education and parenting reporter Conor Duffy on school refusal and what can be done to stop it.    Featured:  Conor Duffy, ABC national education and parenting reporter

The federal government has a new plan to help solve the rental crisis.  It’s going to give the states and territories $15 thousand every time a new home is built, targeting an additional 1.2 million homes by 2029.  Today, urban planner and policy analyst from Sydney University, Nicole Gurran, on whether that’s really going to help and what more could be done.  Featured:  Nicole Gurran, professor of urban and regional planning at the University of Sydney

Did you know the AFL is the only major sporting code in the world where not a single elite male player has ever come out publicly as being gay?  Today, Four Corners reporter Louise Milligan on her investigation into the league, its management and its fans.  Featured:  Louise Milligan, Four Corners reporter

Microchips are in your car, your microwave — there might even be one in your kettle. They run everything. And the best microchips are made by TSMC, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. TSMC chips have put Western tech companies and militaries streets ahead of China, and China is not happy about it. TSMC is so important, that the world could go to war over it. Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.

If there was an Australian politician facing 91 criminal charges would you consider voting for them at an election?   Probably not, but in America there are plenty of people who would.  Donald Trump was indicted for a fourth time this week but still he’s the Republicans’ pick to run at next year’s US election. Today, political scientist at the University of Chicago, Susan Stokes, on Donald Trump’s supporters and why they won’t give him up.    Featured:  Susan Stokes, political scientist at the University of Chicago

Almost a fortnight after three people died from suspected mushroom poisoning in Victoria, details about the fatal lunch are still emerging.  The woman who cooked what’s believed to be the killer meal has now produced a statement for police which adds even more intrigue to the story.  Today, investigative reporter Dan Oakes who exclusively obtained the statement, on what we know now and the lingering questions.  Featured:  Dan Oakes, ABC investigative reporter

The Matildas will take on England tonight in a World Cup semi-final. If they win and go on to take out the entire tournament do we really deserve a public holiday? Today, ABC Grandstand’s Quentin Hull on when politics and sport mix and why we’ve all jumped on the Matildas bandwagon.  Featured:  Quentin Hull, ABC Grandstand commentator

You may have noticed your home insurance bill is a lot higher than usual.  In the past year there’s been a huge jump in premiums, with most of us paying almost 30 per cent more.  Those in flood prone areas are seeing even bigger rises.  Today, what’s behind the premium price spikes and what can be done to bring them down.  Featured:  Sharanjit Paddam, Principal of Climate Risk at Finity Consulting

Inflation might be starting to come down but when will we see a noticeable difference in how much we’re paying for everything?  And when will our wages actually catch up with the cost of living?  Today, business reporter Michael Janda on why we haven’t had a real pay rise for 14 years.  Featured:  Michael Janda, ABC senior digital business reporter

Inflation in Argentina is at 100 per cent. The government is printing money fast and locals are spending in US dollars because the peso is so unreliable. The economy is like a rollercoaster. It might be tempting to think, "they're different over there", but here's the thing: they're kind of not. Argentina — one of the wealthiest countries in the world — was once uncomfortably similar to Australia. Until it totally lost control of its own economy. Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app.

The Commonwealth Bank reported a whopping $10.2bn profit this week, with the CEO saying strong banks are good for Australia.  But how is it making such huge money as its home loan customers are squeezed by rising interest rates?  Today, economist Angela Jackson on the fairness of big bank profits and whether the banks should be hit with a super profits tax.    Featured:  Angela Jackson, lead economist at Impact Economics and Policy

The Voice to Parliament is on track to be defeated at a referendum, according to a string of opinion polls.  How is the No campaign and the federal opposition managing to successfully cut through to voters?  Today, Patricia Karvelas on the tricky position the government has found itself in and why it won’t back out of a vote now.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

The court case involving Brittany Higgins and Bruce Lehrmann was one of the most watched in history. Now an inquiry has found a key legal figure in the proceedings was “grossly unethical” and misled the trial judge.  Today, reporter Patrick Bell on how it came to this and what it means for our justice system.  Featured:  Patrick Bell, ABC reporter

The world’s richest person Elon Musk wants to reach into your everyday life with an app that would do everything from payments, to news, chat and streaming video.  To do that he’s shaking up Twitter which he bought for more than $60 billion last year. It’s now called X, but can you trust it?  Today, senior writer at The Verge Elizabeth Lopatto on why Elon Musk is risking so much to chase his dream.  Featured:  Elizabeth Lopatto, senior writer at The Verge

When the Matildas took on Canada and won in the Women’s World Cup more than two million Australians were watching. Expect those numbers to grow when they come up against Denmark.  Today, The Ticket podcast host Tracey Holmes on tonight’s game and the remarkable growth in the popularity of women’s football. Featured:  Tracey Holmes, ABC Sport senior reporter and host of The Ticket podcast

Donald Trump has been charged with trying and failing to delete CCTV evidence of farcical, and allegedly criminal behaviour. It's just the latest charge in the case against the former president over his… interesting decision to take classified documents with him when he left the White House. Could it land him in jail? This episode of If You're Listening tells the story of how Trump got into this predicament, and his plan to get out of it. Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app

A bromance is a powerful thing. Lennon and McCartney. Holmes and Watson. Gilbert and Sullivan. Han and Chewy. But occasionally a bromance can nearly get you killed. A month ago the entire world watched transfixed as a former chef named Yevgeny Prigozhin marched with his private army on Moscow. At the core of this mutiny is a bromance between Prigozhin and a guy you've probably never heard of — General Sergei Surovikin. Prigozhin assumed his friend Surovikin would back him up, but he flaked, and now both men are missing. So how did Prigozhin's bromance with Surovikin nearly bring down the Russian Government? And what's the punishment for even thinking about trying to roll Vladimir Putin? Subscribe to If You're Listening on the ABC Listen app

We know fast fashion is incredibly damaging for the environment, but have you ever thought about what it’s doing to your health?  Cheap fashion is full of microplastics and you’re almost certainly breathing them in.  Today, War on Waste host Craig Reucassel on his shock and rather uncomfortable discovery.  Featured:  Craig Reucassel, War on Waste host

When he lost the 2020 US election, Donald Trump couldn’t accept it. Now he’s been charged with conspiring to try and overturn the result.  It’s the third time the former president has been indicted this year, but still he’s pushing ahead with his campaign to return to the White House.  Today, legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks on Donald Trump’s legal woes and why they aren't hurting his campaign for president. Featured:  Jill Wine-Banks, Watergate prosecutor and legal analyst

The Reserve Bank may have decided to hold rates for a second consecutive month but with 12 hikes in just over a year it’s still really tough out there.  For those wanting to buy a home despite the rate rises, competition in the market is intense.  So who’s buying the properties?  Today, business reporter Nassim Khadem on the groups ensuring house prices remain high.  Featured:  Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter

The world has had the hottest July on record, leading the UN chief to warn that the era of ‘global boiling’ is here.  While parts of Australia experienced more mild winter temperatures, searing heat waves are making life difficult across vast swathes of the northern hemisphere.  Today, a climate scientist on what it means for our summer and whether the extreme conditions can be stopped.  Featured:  Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Associate professor and climate extremes researcher at UNSW Canberra

When China lifted its strict Covid restrictions it was expected the economic powerhouse would surge ahead once again.  Instead the Chinese economy is now in serious trouble.  Today, ABC business editor Ian Verrender on what’s gone so wrong and what Beijing’s woes mean for us.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

Thousands more Australians will head to the movies in the coming days to lay their eyes on Barbie.  But what does the frenzy over the film say about our culture, consumerism and feminism?  Today, TV and film critic Wenlei Ma on why a movie about a plastic doll has so many of us talking. Featured:  Wenlei Ma, film and TV critic

The Matildas will take to the field again tonight in the FIFA Women’s World Cup where they’ll be hoping for their second win. The team has won legions of fans and is boosting the profile of the women’s competition across Australia, but it hasn’t come easily.   Today, ABC Sport football writer Samantha Lewis on how the Matildas have helped pave the way for diversity and inclusion in a sport tightly controlled by its governing body.  Featured:  Samantha Lewis, ABC Sport football writer

China’s been caught spying on the largest ever joint Australia-US military exercises.  Australia and its allies expected the intrusion and this week released images of a Chinese surveillance ship in the Coral Sea.  Today, Stephen Dziedzic on what it means at a time when we’re trying to patch up our relationship with Beijing and repair trade.  Featured:  Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporter

Other countries are turning to sugar taxes to address the rise in obesity, increasing the price of sugary drinks so consumers seek out cheaper and healthier alternatives.  So why don’t we have a sugar tax here even though the medical profession is pleading for it?  Today, investigative reporter Linton Besser on the powerful food and beverage industry and how it lobbies politicians to block change.  Featured:  Linton Besser, ABC investigative reporter

Billions of our taxpayers dollars are going to the big four accounting firms every year, but should we really be outsourcing what can in some cases be top secret work to private firms like Deloitte and PwC? Today, investigative journalist and business columnist, Adele Ferguson on how the firms have infiltrated government departments.  Featured:  Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative journalist

With two new Hollywood blockbusters just out, you might be thinking of heading to the movies. Make the most of it because if US-based actors and writers stay on strike much longer the pipeline of film and television production will dry up.  Today, Meg James, senior entertainment writer at the LA Times on the worldwide impact of the strikes and why Artificial Intelligence is a big reason why Hollywood stars have downed tools.  Featured:  Meg James, Los Angeles Times senior entertainment writer

Almost 400-thousand Australians have dementia, so chances are you either have it or know someone who does.  This week’s news that an experimental drug has been found to slow the advance of Alzheimer’s disease has raised hopes that sufferers could enjoy more good months.  Today, an expert in the field on how the drug works and how soon patients here might have access to it.  Featured:  Associate Professor Yen Ying Lim, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University

We love watching the Commonwealth Games, especially when we’re winning gold, but Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews thinks they’re too expensive.  Blaming cost blow-outs, he’s cancelling the 2026 games in Victoria, putting the future of the games at risk. Today, national sport reporter David Mark on the anger the decision sparked and what it means for our sporting reputation.  Featured:  David Mark, ABC National Sport Reporter

Opening your power bill can come as real a shock and it’s only going to get worse with prices rising by up to a quarter this month.   But if you’re lucky enough to have solar panels on your roof you’re having a much better time of it. The problem is there’s a growing divide between those who have them and those who don’t.  Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer on the Australians being left behind by the energy transition and the deep discontent the gap is likely to fuel. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

As construction firms across the country collapse, thousands of people are losing their life savings, their businesses and homes.  The cascading effects of surging costs, worker shortages and rising interest rates include home dreams turning to nightmares and subcontractors often left hundreds of thousands of dollars out of pocket.  Today, Four Corners reporter Stephen Long on his investigation into the ailing sector and what could be done to fix it.  Featured:  Stephen Long, Four Corners reporter

A new way of teaching in the classroom is being adopted in some schools, with a focus on how young brains absorb knowledge.  But is this the revolution in teaching that its proponents suggest?  Others argue better pay and less admin will do more to improve the standard of teaching. Today, the ABC’s Education and Parenting reporter Conor Duffy on how best to teach the teachers.  Featured: Conor Duffy, ABC Education and Parenting reporter

Access to abortion in Australia is about to become a little easier, with restrictions on doctors and pharmacists around medication for terminations being eased.  The Federal government says it’s a crucial change, as it will help women in regional and remote areas get an abortion and at a lower cost. Today, reporter Claudia Long on the slow evolution of abortion services in Australia.  Featured:  Claudia Long, ABC political reporter

Artificial intelligence is disrupting and transforming our working lives.  While it holds the promise of greater productivity, it could also threaten a wide range of jobs and make income inequality even worse.  Today, how research into artificial intelligence tech may be targeting the wrong problems and missing chances to help humanity.  Featured:  Prof Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business, Tufts University

The waiting lists for care for transgender children in Australia are growing and public debate over medical intervention is becoming increasingly toxic.  Today, the ABC’s Patricia Karvelas on the battle over the bodies of trans kids and whether Australia’s approach is the right one.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, ABC presenter

The final report of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt scheme finds it was crude and cruel, neither fair nor legal, and it recommends both civil action and criminal prosecutions. Today, legal expert Dr Darren O’Donovan, who’s fought for victims for years, on their struggle for justice. Featured:  Dr Darren O’Donovan, La Trobe University Law School

We now have a national anti-corruption watchdog, but will it mean we’ll be able to trust politicians more than we currently do? And who will it go after first? Today, AJ Brown from Transparency International Australia on how the body will work and whether there are enough protections in place for those who expose wrongdoing.  

It’s official - the world is back in an El Niño event. You won’t notice it just yet, but historically it means we’re heading for a very hot and dry period.  Today, a climate scientist steps us through why it’s happening and what we can expect.

The Reserve Bank board may have kept rates on hold for now, but with 12 increases in just over a year it’s still a hard time for borrowers up and down the country.  So what effect is that having on the housing market and house prices? Today, business reporter Michael Janda on why the property market never seems to take a hit. 

The Yes campaign for the Voice to Parliament ramped up on the weekend with rallies around the country, for now though the polls suggest more Australians would vote no when we head to a referendum. But what do First Nations people in the remote areas of the country think?  Today investigative journalist Jane Bardon takes us there and reveals many residents have never even heard of the Voice. 

We've been speaking a lot about interest rates this year, and no wonder: there have been 12 painful rate rises in 13 months, with the RBA to meet again this week.  But why is it the only tool used to bring inflation under control?  Today, the ABC TV’s finance guy, Alan Kohler, on how ending price gouging could be a simple alternative.  Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC TV news finance presenter 

It's a finding that will further damage voters' trust in politics, and in politicians: while the former, once highly popular, New South Wales Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, denied it to the end, the state's corruption watchdog has found she engaged in 'serious corrupt conduct', although she won't face charges.  So what did the ICAC find?  Today, ABC investigative reporter, Amy Greenbank, on the phone taps that brought the former leader down.  Featured:  Amy Greenbank, ABC investigative reporter, Sydney 

It was a brief act of mutiny, lasting just 36 hours.  But what does the armed rebellion in Russia across the weekend mean for the future of the Russian state, and its leader Vladimir Putin?  Today, the co-host of the Kremlin File podcast, Olga Lautman, on what the biggest challenge to Putin’s leadership in decades means, and what might come next.  Featured:  Olga Lautman, Senior Researcher, Centre for European Policy Analysis and co-host, Kremlin File podcast 

After a huge rise in our power bills last year, millions of households are about to see another big hike from this weekend.  That’s despite the government extending its price cap on gas and a big push towards renewables.  Today, the ABC’s energy reporter, Dan Mercer, on what’s happening in the market and how we can protect ourselves from spiralling costs. Featured:  Dan Mercer, energy reporter, ABC national regional and rural team

After a huge rise in our power bills last year, millions of households are about to see another big hike from this weekend.  That’s despite the government extending its price cap on gas and a big push towards renewables.  Today, the ABC’s energy reporter, Dan Mercer, on what’s happening in the market and how we can protect ourselves from spiralling costs. Featured:  Dan Mercer, energy reporter, ABC national regional and rural team

The Australian Tax Office is meant to be one of the most secure and forensic agencies in the country - we trust it to get things right.  But its vulnerabilities were exposed, after a criminal syndicate managed to steal more than $100 million of taxpayers' money.  Today, Four Corners reporter, Paul Farrell, takes us inside the biggest tax fraud in our history, and explains how it was exposed.  Featured:  Paul Farrell, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview 

The Australian Tax Office is meant to be one of the most secure and forensic agencies in the country - we trust it to get things right.  But its vulnerabilities were exposed, after a criminal syndicate managed to steal more than $100 million of taxpayers' money.  Today, Four Corners reporter, Paul Farrell, takes us inside the biggest tax fraud in our history, and explains how it was exposed.  Featured:  Paul Farrell, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview 

Over the weekend, the Russian president came closer than he's ever been to losing his grip on power, as the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin attempted to overthrow his regime, before backing down. It's been a confusing, chaotic few days.  Today, a Russian security expert, Associate Professor Matthew Sussex from the Australian National University, on what it means for Vladimir Putin's future, and his brutal war in Ukraine. Featured:  Dr Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor, Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra 

Over the weekend, the Russian president came closer than he's ever been to losing his grip on power, as the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin attempted to overthrow his regime, before backing down. It's been a confusing, chaotic few days.  Today, a Russian security expert, Associate Professor Matthew Sussex from the Australian National University, on what it means for Vladimir Putin's future, and his brutal war in Ukraine. Featured:  Dr Matthew Sussex, Associate Professor, Fellow, Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, Canberra 

It's a story that's captivated the world: five men, who went deep into the Atlantic Ocean to try to get a glimpse of the wreckage of the Titanic, now presumed dead. So what do we know about the journey of the Titan submersible, in one of the most hostile environments on Earth?   Today, an oceanographer on the dangers and complexities of the mission.  Featured:  Arthur Trembanis, oceanographer at the University of Delaware 

It's a story that's captivated the world: five men, who went deep into the Atlantic Ocean to try to get a glimpse of the wreckage of the Titanic, now presumed dead. So what do we know about the journey of the Titan submersible, in one of the most hostile environments on Earth?   Today, an oceanographer on the dangers and complexities of the mission.  Featured:  Arthur Trembanis, oceanographer at the University of Delaware 

The Greens have been accused of forming an ‘axis of evil’ in the Parliament, by joining with the Coalition to block the government’s key housing bill.  But are they really the enemy for demanding a rent freeze to try to stop landlords charging tenants whatever they like?  Today, Insiders host, David Speers, on the housing deadlock, and why the government refuses to cap rents.  Featured:  David Speers, host, Insiders, ABC TV and iview

The Greens have been accused of forming an ‘axis of evil’ in the Parliament, by joining with the Coalition to block the government’s key housing bill.  But are they really the enemy for demanding a rent freeze to try to stop landlords charging tenants whatever they like?  Today, Insiders host, David Speers, on the housing deadlock, and why the government refuses to cap rents.  Featured:  David Speers, host, Insiders, ABC TV and iview

For First Nations Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, the passing of the Voice bill through the Parliament this week was akin to 'Assimilation Day'.  Meanwhile, the Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney described it as a momentous, unifying moment for the nation. So, with such divided views on the referendum within the Parliament, what sort of debate can we expect as everyone prepares to head to the ballot box? Today, the ABC's National Indigenous Correspondent, Carly Williams, on how to make sense of it all.  Featured:  Carly Williams, ABC National Indigenous Correspondent 

For First Nations Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, the passing of the Voice bill through the Parliament this week was akin to 'Assimilation Day'.  Meanwhile, the Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney described it as a momentous, unifying moment for the nation. So, with such divided views on the referendum within the Parliament, what sort of debate can we expect as everyone prepares to head to the ballot box? Today, the ABC's National Indigenous Correspondent, Carly Williams, on how to make sense of it all.  Featured:  Carly Williams, ABC National Indigenous Correspondent 

With Russia at war with Ukraine, keeping our secrets safe from Moscow is vital.  But history tells us Australia hasn't been very good at spying on spies and knowing when our agencies have been infiltrated.  Today, investigative reporters Sally Neighbour and Margot O'Neill on an ASIO mole who sold our intelligence to the Russians, and why our spy agency kept it secret for so long.  Featured:  Sally Neighbour, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview  Margot O’Neill, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview 

With Russia at war with Ukraine, keeping our secrets safe from Moscow is vital.  But history tells us Australia hasn't been very good at spying on spies and knowing when our agencies have been infiltrated.  Today, investigative reporters Sally Neighbour and Margot O'Neill on an ASIO mole who sold our intelligence to the Russians, and why our spy agency kept it secret for so long.  Featured:  Sally Neighbour, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview  Margot O’Neill, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners and ABC iview 

You may have enjoyed a spot of shopping on the weekend, but if you're still heading out to spend up big, you're among a diminishing crowd.  We now know there's been a huge slump in consumer spending, as more and more of us find it harder to make ends meet with soaring rents and rising interest rates.  So, with New Zealand already in a technical recession, is there a downturn coming here too?  Today, the ABC’s business editor, Ian Verrender, on where our economy's heading, midway through the year.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

You may have enjoyed a spot of shopping on the weekend, but if you're still heading out to spend up big, you're among a diminishing crowd.  We now know there's been a huge slump in consumer spending, as more and more of us find it harder to make ends meet with soaring rents and rising interest rates.  So, with New Zealand already in a technical recession, is there a downturn coming here too?  Today, the ABC’s business editor, Ian Verrender, on where our economy's heading, midway through the year.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

Once again, the treatment of women in politics has come into question, after the independent Senator Lidia Thorpe used parliamentary privilege to allege she'd been sexually assaulted in a stairwell at Parliament House.  It came a day after she had stood in the Senate to accuse the Victorian Senator, David Van, of sexual assault, an accusation he denies and which she later withdrew.  Senator Van has now been asked to leave the Liberal Party room.  Today, ABC political reporter, Dana Morse, on Lidia Thorpe's allegations, and the culture at Parliament House.  Featured:  Dana Morse, ABC political reporter, Parliament House, Canberra 

Once again, the treatment of women in politics has come into question, after the independent Senator Lidia Thorpe used parliamentary privilege to allege she'd been sexually assaulted in a stairwell at Parliament House.  It came a day after she had stood in the Senate to accuse the Victorian Senator, David Van, of sexual assault, an accusation he denies and which she later withdrew.  Senator Van has now been asked to leave the Liberal Party room.  Today, ABC political reporter, Dana Morse, on Lidia Thorpe's allegations, and the culture at Parliament House.  Featured:  Dana Morse, ABC political reporter, Parliament House, Canberra 

In the US, Donald Trump is marking his 77th birthday.  But we can only imagine what sort of celebration it might be, a day after he was arraigned in a federal court in Miami.  The former president is pleading not guilty to dozens of charges relating to the mishandling of classified material, some of which he kept in a bathroom at his Florida home.  Today, legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks, who was one of the prosecutors during the Watergate scandal, on the case against Mr Trump, and whether a Florida jury would really convict him.  Featured:  Jill Wine-Banks, legal analyst and former Watergate prosecutor

In the US, Donald Trump is marking his 77th birthday.  But we can only imagine what sort of celebration it might be, a day after he was arraigned in a federal court in Miami.  The former president is pleading not guilty to dozens of charges relating to the mishandling of classified material, some of which he kept in a bathroom at his Florida home.  Today, legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks, who was one of the prosecutors during the Watergate scandal, on the case against Mr Trump, and whether a Florida jury would really convict him.  Featured:  Jill Wine-Banks, legal analyst and former Watergate prosecutor

The long-awaited counteroffensive in Ukraine has begun.  In what could be a pivotal moment in the almost 16-month-old war, Ukrainian forces are battling to retake cities occupied by Russia.  Today, a former US State Department security advisor on what the frontline looks like, and what the renewed fighting could mean for the future of the war.  Featured:  Max Bergmann, Director, Europe, Russia, Eurasia program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC 

The long-awaited counteroffensive in Ukraine has begun.  In what could be a pivotal moment in the almost 16-month-old war, Ukrainian forces are battling to retake cities occupied by Russia.  Today, a former US State Department security advisor on what the frontline looks like, and what the renewed fighting could mean for the future of the war.  Featured:  Max Bergmann, Director, Europe, Russia, Eurasia program, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC 

We're hearing a lot about artificial intelligence - or AI - recently, and it's really a mixed bag.  It's technology some experts say can save lives, while others are warning it could become so powerful it will actually destroy humanity.  So what should we make of it?  Today, AI expert and chief scientist at the University of New South Wales AI Institute, Professor Toby Walsh, on why we should be alert, not alarmed.  Featured:  Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, UNSW AI Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney 

We're hearing a lot about artificial intelligence - or AI - recently, and it's really a mixed bag.  It's technology some experts say can save lives, while others are warning it could become so powerful it will actually destroy humanity.  So what should we make of it?  Today, AI expert and chief scientist at the University of New South Wales AI Institute, Professor Toby Walsh, on why we should be alert, not alarmed.  Featured:  Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, UNSW AI Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney 

When you head to your weekend soccer or cricket match to cheer on the school team or local club, it's fun and usually not too serious.  But what you probably don't know is there are a lot more people than you realise taking an interest in what’s going on on the pitch.  Today, ABC investigative reporter, Pat McGrath, on his Four Corners report into the gambling giants infiltrating community sport. Featured:  Pat McGrath, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and iview 

When you head to your weekend soccer or cricket match to cheer on the school team or local club, it's fun and usually not too serious.  But what you probably don't know is there are a lot more people than you realise taking an interest in what’s going on on the pitch.  Today, ABC investigative reporter, Pat McGrath, on his Four Corners report into the gambling giants infiltrating community sport. Featured:  Pat McGrath, investigative reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and iview  Editor's note: In a statement to the ABC, the company Sportradar says it does not supply live feeds of community cricket matches to bookmakers. 

Last week, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers, Ben Roberts-Smith, was found to be a war criminal and murderer, after losing a civil defamation case against three newspapers.  The shock ruling in the Federal Court has now reopened debate over the behaviour of Australian special forces deployed during the war in Afghanistan.  Today, investigative reporter Chris Masters, who along with Nick McKenzie exposed Ben Roberts-Smith, on the continuing fallout of the case, and the failings of the military's chain of command.  Featured:  Chris Masters, investigative reporter, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald 

Last week, one of Australia's most decorated soldiers, Ben Roberts-Smith, was found to be a war criminal and murderer, after losing a civil defamation case against three newspapers.  The shock ruling in the Federal Court has now reopened debate over the behaviour of Australian special forces deployed during the war in Afghanistan.  Today, investigative reporter Chris Masters, who along with Nick McKenzie exposed Ben Roberts-Smith, on the continuing fallout of the case, and the failings of the military's chain of command.  Featured:  Chris Masters, investigative reporter, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald 

This week, Bruce Lehrmann gave his first TV interview, after the trial over the alleged rape of former political staffer Brittany Higgins was abandoned last year. In it, Mr Lehrmann, who's never been found guilty of any wrongdoing, maintained his innocence, saying the alleged assault at Parliament House in Canberra simply didn't happen. It came as an inquiry into the justice system's handling of the case heard its final evidence. Today, we speak to ABC court reporter, Elizabeth Byrne, who's covered the story from the start.  Featured:  Elizabeth Byrne, ABC court reporter, Canberra 

This week, Bruce Lehrmann gave his first TV interview, after the trial over the alleged rape of former political staffer Brittany Higgins was abandoned last year. In it, Mr Lehrmann, who's never been found guilty of any wrongdoing, maintained his innocence, saying the alleged assault at Parliament House in Canberra simply didn't happen. It came as an inquiry into the justice system's handling of the case heard its final evidence. Today, we speak to ABC court reporter, Elizabeth Byrne, who's covered the story from the start.  Featured:  Elizabeth Byrne, ABC court reporter, Canberra 

With the Reserve Bank hitting borrowers with yet another interest rate rise, households will be feeling even greater financial strain.  The cash rate is now 4.1%, and there's concern that last week's decision to increase the minimum wage could fuel inflation further, pushing interest rates higher still.  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on whether or not the wage increases signal there's more pain to come.   Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

With the Reserve Bank hitting borrowers with yet another interest rate rise, households will be feeling even greater financial strain.  The cash rate is now 4.1%, and there's concern that last week's decision to increase the minimum wage could fuel inflation further, pushing interest rates higher still.  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on whether or not the wage increases signal there's more pain to come.   Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

She was once dubbed 'Australia's worst serial killer', after the deaths of her four children.  But now, Kathleen Folbigg is a free woman, after spending two decades in jail.  In a miscarriage of justice case reminiscent of the wrongful conviction of Lindy Chamberlain, the NSW Attorney-General has pardoned the 55-year-old after new scientific evidence emerged.  Today, ABC Background Briefing reporter Rachael Brown on Kathleen Folbigg's freedom and what it says about the judicial system.  Featured:  Rachael Brown, reporter, Background Briefing, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app 

She was once dubbed 'Australia's worst serial killer', after the deaths of her four children.  But now, Kathleen Folbigg is a free woman, after spending two decades in jail.  In a miscarriage of justice case reminiscent of the wrongful conviction of Lindy Chamberlain, the NSW Attorney-General has pardoned the 55-year-old after new scientific evidence emerged.  Today, ABC Background Briefing reporter Rachael Brown on Kathleen Folbigg's freedom and what it says about the judicial system.  Featured:  Rachael Brown, reporter, Background Briefing, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app 

It's financially pretty tough right now.  But who’s really hurting the most?  While the Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe, is suggesting younger Australians could find a housemate or live with their parents, many older Australians are holidaying, dining out and hitting the shops.   Today, ABC business reporter, Stephanie Chalmers, on the growing generational divide.  Featured:  Stephanie Chalmers, ABC business reporter 

It's financially pretty tough right now.  But who’s really hurting the most?  While the Reserve Bank Governor, Philip Lowe, is suggesting younger Australians could find a housemate or live with their parents, many older Australians are holidaying, dining out and hitting the shops.   Today, ABC business reporter, Stephanie Chalmers, on the growing generational divide.  Featured:  Stephanie Chalmers, ABC business reporter 

Ben Roberts-Smith was a war hero: Australia's most decorated soldier, receiving a Victoria Cross.  Now, a court has found in a civil defamation case that newspaper reports that he's a war criminal and murderer are true.  The former SAS soldier had taken defamation action against three newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Canberra Times, after they stated he was involved in the unlawful killing and assault of unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan.  Today, defamation expert Associate Professor Jason Bosland on the federal court's ruling, and its wider implications.  Featured:  Associate Professor Jason Bosland, Director, Centre for Media and Communications Law, Melbourne Law School 

Ben Roberts-Smith was a war hero: Australia's most decorated soldier, receiving a Victoria Cross.  Now, a court has found in a civil defamation case that newspaper reports that he's a war criminal and murderer are true.  The former SAS soldier had taken defamation action against three newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and the Canberra Times, after they stated he was involved in the unlawful killing and assault of unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan.  Today, defamation expert Associate Professor Jason Bosland on the federal court's ruling, and its wider implications.  Featured:  Associate Professor Jason Bosland, Director, Centre for Media and Communications Law, Melbourne Law School 

The federal government pays private consulting firms hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars every year.  But can we really trust they're acting in our best interests and, if not, why are we outsourcing such a large amount of public sector work to them?  Today, the host of Radio National's The Money, Richard Aedy, on the expanding PwC scandal, and whether it will change who the government does business with.  Featured:  Richard Aedy, host, The Money, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app 

The federal government pays private consulting firms hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars every year.  But can we really trust they're acting in our best interests and, if not, why are we outsourcing such a large amount of public sector work to them?  Today, the host of Radio National's The Money, Richard Aedy, on the expanding PwC scandal, and whether it will change who the government does business with.  Featured:  Richard Aedy, host, The Money, ABC Radio National and ABC listen app 

In recent years, the relationship between China and the West has soured, costing billions of dollars in lost trade.  But that rift has had an unexpected upside for Australia, with surging demand for some of our raw materials, like lithium.  Today, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, on the end of the iron ore era, and why Australia's mining luck is set to continue.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

In recent years, the relationship between China and the West has soured, costing billions of dollars in lost trade.  But that rift has had an unexpected upside for Australia, with surging demand for some of our raw materials, like lithium.  Today, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, on the end of the iron ore era, and why Australia's mining luck is set to continue.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

When you're halfway through building a new home - or renovating an old one - and the builder goes bust, it's devastating for everyone involved.  Now, more and more people are finding themselves in exactly that position, with building company insolvencies in Australia at the highest level in almost a decade.  So what’s going on?  Today, ABC business reporter, Michael Janda, on what the crisis in the industry says about the wider economy, and where we’re heading next.  Featured:  Michael Janda, ABC business reporter 

When you're halfway through building a new home - or renovating an old one - and the builder goes bust, it's devastating for everyone involved.  Now, more and more people are finding themselves in exactly that position, with building company insolvencies in Australia at the highest level in almost a decade.  So what’s going on?  Today, ABC business reporter, Michael Janda, on what the crisis in the industry says about the wider economy, and where we’re heading next.  Featured:  Michael Janda, ABC business reporter 

After the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the stage was set for hundreds of survivors to receive financial compensation.  But Four Corners has found wealthy organisations, from the Scouts to Catholic dioceses, are now using extraordinary legal tactics to fight compensation claims from victims - even in cases where the offender has been found guilty.  Today, reporter Louise Milligan on her investigation.  Featured:  Louise Milligan, reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview 

After the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the stage was set for hundreds of survivors to receive financial compensation.  But Four Corners has found wealthy organisations, from the Scouts to Catholic dioceses, are now using extraordinary legal tactics to fight compensation claims from victims - even in cases where the offender has been found guilty.  Today, reporter Louise Milligan on her investigation.  Featured:  Louise Milligan, reporter, Four Corners, ABC TV and ABC iview 

When one of the nation's most prominent Indigenous journalists, Stan Grant, decided to step away from the ABC this week, it sparked a debate over race, racism and the Australian media.  The Wiradjuri journalist said a lack of support from the ABC, after weeks of racial abuse against him, led to his decision, which came at the same time MPs began debating the Voice to Parliament bill.  Today, the ABC's referendum correspondent, Dan Bourchier, on Stan Grant's announcement, and how it coincides with an increase in online hate as the nation prepares for the referendum. Featured:  Dan Bourchier, ABC referendum correspondent 

When one of the nation's most prominent Indigenous journalists, Stan Grant, decided to step away from the ABC this week, it sparked a debate over race, racism and the Australian media.  The Wiradjuri journalist said a lack of support from the ABC, after weeks of racial abuse against him, led to his decision, which came at the same time MPs began debating the Voice to Parliament bill.  Today, the ABC's referendum correspondent, Dan Bourchier, on Stan Grant's announcement, and how it coincides with an increase in online hate as the nation prepares for the referendum. Featured:  Dan Bourchier, ABC referendum correspondent 

When he touched down in Sydney this week, India's leader received a rock star welcome.  A few weeks back, Narendra Modi became the leader of the most populous nation in the world, after India surpassed China for the title.  Now, he wants to transform India's economy into a global superpower to rival Beijing.  Today, a fellow at the Australia India Institute, Dr Pradeep Taneja, on the two faces of Prime Minister Modi, and why - despite his chequered human rights record - nations like Australia can't resist him.  Featured:  Dr Pradeep Taneja, senior lecturer, University of Melbourne and academic fellow, Australia India Institute 

When he touched down in Sydney this week, India's leader received a rock star welcome.  A few weeks back, Narendra Modi became the leader of the most populous nation in the world, after India surpassed China for the title.  Now, he wants to transform India's economy into a global superpower to rival Beijing.  Today, a fellow at the Australia India Institute, Dr Pradeep Taneja, on the two faces of Prime Minister Modi, and why - despite his chequered human rights record - nations like Australia can't resist him.  Featured:  Dr Pradeep Taneja, senior lecturer, University of Melbourne and academic fellow, Australia India Institute 

You probably know a bit about hydrogen from your science lessons at school. But you're about to hear a lot more about it, as Australia embarks on a massive push to become the world's hydrogen superpower.  The hope is the element will soon be fuelling everything from cars to passenger jets, as the world races to switch off fossil fuels.  Today, ABC business reporter Rachel Pupazzoni on how Australia became a leader in the field and why it could lead to our next investment boom.  Featured:  Rachel Pupazzoni, ABC business reporter 

You probably know a bit about hydrogen from your science lessons at school. But you're about to hear a lot more about it, as Australia embarks on a massive push to become the world's hydrogen superpower.  The hope is the element will soon be fuelling everything from cars to passenger jets, as the world races to switch off fossil fuels.  Today, ABC business reporter Rachel Pupazzoni on how Australia became a leader in the field and why it could lead to our next investment boom.  Featured:  Rachel Pupazzoni, ABC business reporter 

In Australia, egg freezing has become big business, as clinics target women worried about their fertility.  But has something gone awry, when Australians in their early 20s are deciding to undergo the expensive, invasive procedure?  Today, ABC 7.30 reporter Rhiannon Shine on the risks involved, and whether it's really worth it.  Featured:  Rhiannon Shine, reporter, 7.30, ABC TV and ABC iview 

In Australia, egg freezing has become big business, as clinics target women worried about their fertility.  But has something gone awry, when Australians in their early 20s are deciding to undergo the expensive, invasive procedure?  Today, ABC 7.30 reporter Rhiannon Shine on the risks involved, and whether it's really worth it.  Featured:  Rhiannon Shine, reporter, 7.30, ABC TV and ABC iview 

Australia is in the middle of a severe housing crisis.  But did it really need to be this way?  If you look at Scandinavia, the answer is no.  Today, Dr Sidsel Grimstad from Griffith University on the co-operative housing networks in Denmark, Sweden and Norway that mean barely anyone’s left homeless, and how they could work here too.  Featured:  Dr Sidsel Grimstad, senior lecturer, Griffith University, Brisbane 

Australia is in the middle of a severe housing crisis.  But did it really need to be this way?  If you look at Scandinavia, the answer is no.  Today, Dr Sidsel Grimstad from Griffith University on the co-operative housing networks in Denmark, Sweden and Norway that mean barely anyone’s left homeless, and how they could work here too.  Featured:  Dr Sidsel Grimstad, senior lecturer, Griffith University, Brisbane 

The US economy is in such a crisis, president Joe Biden has had to cancel a trip here next week.  He has less than a fortnight before the nation defaults on its debt - meaning it would essentially run out of money - for the first time ever.  Today, economist Dr Louise Sheiner, from the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, on how America's fragile political system could drag all of us into a recession.  Featured:  Dr Louise Sheiner, senior economics fellow and policy director, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Brookings Institution, Washington DC 

The US economy is in such a crisis, president Joe Biden has had to cancel a trip here next week.  He has less than a fortnight before the nation defaults on its debt - meaning it would essentially run out of money - for the first time ever.  Today, economist Dr Louise Sheiner, from the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, on how America's fragile political system could drag all of us into a recession.  Featured:  Dr Louise Sheiner, senior economics fellow and policy director, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, Brookings Institution, Washington DC 

As the US grapples with a crisis over its debt ceiling, there's concern the entire world could be plunged into a financial crisis.  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, unpacks how we'll know if we’ve been pushed into a recession, and what it will mean for Australians if we are.  Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter, Canberra 

As the US grapples with a crisis over its debt ceiling, there's concern the entire world could be plunged into a financial crisis.  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, unpacks how we'll know if we’ve been pushed into a recession, and what it will mean for Australians if we are.  Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter, Canberra 

When the government went about drafting new tax avoidance laws in 2014, it turned to the big consulting firm, PwC, to help put together the best policy possible.  But it had no idea the very firm it was paying to do that would use the highly confidential information it obtained to try to help its own multinational clients avoid the new tax.  Today, ABC business reporter, Daniel Ziffer, on the evolving scandal, and whether Australian taxpayers are being ripped off.  Featured:  Daniel Ziffer, ABC business reporter 

When the government went about drafting new tax avoidance laws in 2014, it turned to the big consulting firm, PwC, to help put together the best policy possible.  But it had no idea the very firm it was paying to do that would use the highly confidential information it obtained to try to help its own multinational clients avoid the new tax.  Today, ABC business reporter, Daniel Ziffer, on the evolving scandal, and whether Australian taxpayers are being ripped off.  Featured:  Daniel Ziffer, ABC business reporter 

It's an energy drink that contains double the Australian legal limit of caffeine, and teenagers can't get enough of it.  So how and why did the Prime Energy drink become so popular, to the point it's being traded on some school buses?   Today, we take a deeper look at how YouTubers are infiltrating the lives of kids around the world, and why - even if they try - parents can't keep up.  Featured:  Rachelle Hampton, culture writer and podcast co-host, Slate.com and ICYMI podcast 

It's an energy drink that contains double the Australian legal limit of caffeine, and teenagers can't get enough of it.  So how and why did the Prime Energy drink become so popular, to the point it's being traded on some school buses?   Today, we take a deeper look at how YouTubers are infiltrating the lives of kids around the world, and why - even if they try - parents can't keep up.  Featured:  Rachelle Hampton, culture writer and podcast co-host, Slate.com and ICYMI podcast 

China says it's sending a peace envoy to Ukraine, but the prospect of Beijing brokering a deal to end the war has been met with scepticism.  Instead, fighting looks set to enter a second, more violent and possibly decisive stage.  Today, the ABC's global affairs editor, John Lyons, speaks to us from the capital Kyiv about life on the ground, and what comes next in the war.  Featured:  John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor, Kyiv 

China says it's sending a peace envoy to Ukraine, but the prospect of Beijing brokering a deal to end the war has been met with scepticism.  Instead, fighting looks set to enter a second, more violent and possibly decisive stage.  Today, the ABC's global affairs editor, John Lyons, speaks to us from the capital Kyiv about life on the ground, and what comes next in the war.  Featured:  John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor, Kyiv 

Although Australia's natural resources, like oil and gas, belong to us all, we seem to get to see just a fraction of the super profits the global energy giants are making from them.  So why did the government only tweak that with a small change in this week's budget, when it desperately needs the extra revenue?  Today, the ABC's energy reporter, Dan Mercer, on why the Treasurer Jim Chalmers won’t go further.  Featured:  Dan Mercer, energy reporter, ABC national regional and rural team 

Although Australia's natural resources, like oil and gas, belong to us all, we seem to get to see just a fraction of the super profits the global energy giants are making from them.  So why did the government only tweak that with a small change in this week's budget, when it desperately needs the extra revenue?  Today, the ABC's energy reporter, Dan Mercer, on why the Treasurer Jim Chalmers won’t go further.  Featured:  Dan Mercer, energy reporter, ABC national regional and rural team 

Donald Trump just keeps losing court battles.  In the latest, he's been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming magazine writer E. Jean Carroll, who had accused him of rape.  Today Shayna Jacobs, who covered the case for the Washington Post, on how it unfolded in the courtroom, and what it means for the many other women accusing the former President of sexual misconduct.  And a warning: some listeners might find the content in this episode distressing.  Featured:  Shayna Jacobs, courts and national security reporter, The Washington Post 

Donald Trump just keeps losing court battles.  In the latest, he's been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming magazine writer E. Jean Carroll, who had accused him of rape.  Today Shayna Jacobs, who covered the case for the Washington Post, on how it unfolded in the courtroom, and what it means for the many other women accusing the former President of sexual misconduct.  And a warning: some listeners might find the content in this episode distressing.  Featured:  Shayna Jacobs, courts and national security reporter, The Washington Post 

Jim Chalmers has delivered Australia's first budget surplus in 15 years, and with inflation tipped to drop and wages rising sooner than we'd expected, things seem to be looking up.  Today, in a special episode from inside the Treasury lock-up, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, explains what the budget papers tell us about the cost of living crisis in the months ahead.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

Jim Chalmers has delivered Australia's first budget surplus in 15 years, and with inflation tipped to drop and wages rising sooner than we'd expected, things seem to be looking up.  Today, in a special episode from inside the Treasury lock-up, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, explains what the budget papers tell us about the cost of living crisis in the months ahead.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

One of the biggest problems we're facing as a nation right now is a lack of housing which is leading to soaring rents. It's also resulting in a spike in the number of Australians who find themselves homeless. Today, the ABCs social affairs correspondent, Norman Hermant on how we ended up here and what needs to be done to fix it.

One of the biggest problems we're facing as a nation right now is a lack of housing which is leading to soaring rents. It's also resulting in a spike in the number of Australians who find themselves homeless. Today, the ABCs social affairs correspondent, Norman Hermant on how we ended up here and what needs to be done to fix it.

With 11 rate rises, soaring rents, rising grocery bills and eye-popping power prices, it's become really hard for a lot of Australians to make ends meet.  So as the government prepares to deliver a budget tomorrow, how and who is it going to help?  Today, Radio National Breakfast host and the Party Room podcast co-host, Patricia Karvelas, on what might be on offer, and whether Labor will go after the big end of town.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast and co-host, The Party Room 

With 11 rate rises, soaring rents, rising grocery bills and eye-popping power prices, it's become really hard for a lot of Australians to make ends meet.  So as the government prepares to deliver a budget tomorrow, how and who is it going to help?  Today, Radio National Breakfast host and the Party Room podcast co-host, Patricia Karvelas, on what might be on offer, and whether Labor will go after the big end of town.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast and co-host, The Party Room 

We used to think of it as the Spirit of Australia, but in recent years we've had much more of a love-hate relationship with Qantas. Now, the man who's been at the helm for 15 years is on his way out.  Today, ABC investigative reporter, Stephen Long, on how Alan Joyce changed our national carrier, and whether our flying experience will improve, now he's going.  Featured:  Stephen Long, ABC investigative reporter 

We used to think of it as the Spirit of Australia, but in recent years we've had much more of a love-hate relationship with Qantas. Now, the man who's been at the helm for 15 years is on his way out.  Today, ABC investigative reporter, Stephen Long, on how Alan Joyce changed our national carrier, and whether our flying experience will improve, now he's going.  Featured:  Stephen Long, ABC investigative reporter 

Australia's efforts to combat smoking have been revered around the world, but now we’re breeding a new generation of nicotine addicts.  Vaping has taken off, and the government's now trying to catch up with a ban on the recreational use of e-cigarettes.  But will it work, or just push sales further into the black market?  Today, a leading researcher in the field on the vaping epidemic.  Featured:  Dr Emily Banks, professor of epidemiology and public health, Australian National University, Canberra 

Australia's efforts to combat smoking have been revered around the world, but now we’re breeding a new generation of nicotine addicts.  Vaping has taken off, and the government's now trying to catch up with a ban on the recreational use of e-cigarettes.  But will it work, or just push sales further into the black market?  Today, a leading researcher in the field on the vaping epidemic.  Featured:  Dr Emily Banks, professor of epidemiology and public health, Australian National University, Canberra 

Even though inflation seems to be coming down, the Reserve Bank has started raising interest rates again, making it the eleventh time in a year.  So what's going on?  And when will the prices of everything from food to rent return to normal?  Today, ABC business reporter, Nassim Khadem, on why it's going to take a while yet.  Featured:  Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter 

Even though inflation seems to be coming down, the Reserve Bank has started raising interest rates again, making it the eleventh time in a year.  So what's going on?  And when will the prices of everything from food to rent return to normal?  Today, ABC business reporter, Nassim Khadem, on why it's going to take a while yet.  Featured:  Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter 

From face-lifts to tummy tucks and liposuction, in Australia cosmetic surgery has become a multi-million-dollar business. But things can - and do - go very wrong.  Today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson on the government's announcement of a crackdown on the cosmetic cowboys. Featured:  Adele Ferguson, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald 

From face-lifts to tummy tucks and liposuction, in Australia cosmetic surgery has become a multi-million-dollar business. But things can - and do - go very wrong.  Today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson on the government's announcement of a crackdown on the cosmetic cowboys. Featured:  Adele Ferguson, investigative reporter, ABC Four Corners, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald 

With a wary eye on China, the government's committed us to buying nuclear submarines worth more than 300 billion dollars. But they've done it without having the workforce to operate them or anywhere to dump the nuclear waste. Today Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on our very high risk defence gamble.

With a wary eye on China, the government's committed us to buying nuclear submarines worth more than 300 billion dollars. But they've done it without having the workforce to operate them or anywhere to dump the nuclear waste. Today Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on our very high risk defence gamble.

We've been hearing the Murdoch name a fair bit recently as the family manoeuvres its way through various legal challenges around the world - from a billion dollar payout in the US to a high profile defamation suit in Australia. Now it's Prince Harry's turn: He's after Rupert Murdoch over historic phone hacking allegations. Today, Media Watch host Paul Barry on whether the Murdoch empire is on shaky ground and the family's succession plans.

We've been hearing the Murdoch name a fair bit recently as the family manoeuvres its way through various legal challenges around the world - from a billion dollar payout in the US to a high profile defamation suit in Australia. Now it's Prince Harry's turn: He's after Rupert Murdoch over historic phone hacking allegations. Today, Media Watch host Paul Barry on whether the Murdoch empire is on shaky ground and the family's succession plans.

The government says private companies and shonks are partly behind the huge blow out in how much the National Disability Insurance Scheme is costing taxpayers.  It's announced a crackdown to end businesses profiteering from the scheme, which for the first time this financial year will cost more than Medicare.  Today, a disability advocate on what's gone wrong with a scheme which is vital for hundreds of thousands of Australians.  Featured:  El Gibbs, writer and disability advocate 

The government says private companies and shonks are partly behind the huge blow out in how much the National Disability Insurance Scheme is costing taxpayers.  It's announced a crackdown to end businesses profiteering from the scheme, which for the first time this financial year will cost more than Medicare.  Today, a disability advocate on what's gone wrong with a scheme which is vital for hundreds of thousands of Australians.  Featured:  El Gibbs, writer and disability advocate 

It can write an essay, generate a fake image, help police catch an offender and even detect cancer: it feels like artificial intelligence, or AI, is taking over everything humans do.  But just like humans, it also has the potential to be incredibly sexist and racist.  Today, an AI expert on what to watch out for, as the computer technology increasingly shapes our day-to-day lives.  Featured:  Meredith Broussard, Associate Professor, New York University and author, 'More than a glitch: confronting race, gender and ability bias in tech' 

It can write an essay, generate a fake image, help police catch an offender and even detect cancer: it feels like artificial intelligence, or AI, is taking over everything humans do.  But just like humans, it also has the potential to be incredibly sexist and racist.  Today, an AI expert on what to watch out for, as the computer technology increasingly shapes our day-to-day lives.  Featured:  Meredith Broussard, Associate Professor, New York University and author, 'More than a glitch: confronting race, gender and ability bias in tech' 

The biggest overhaul of our defence force since World War Two will see us rapidly acquire long-range strike capabilities, meaning our military will be able to hit targets at sea.  It's in response to rising military threats from China.  But while we're angering Beijing by upping the ante on the military front, in other areas - like trade - things are actually improving.  Today, Chinese trade expert and lawyer, Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou, on the complex diplomatic relationship between Australia and China, and how it's undergoing a reset.   Featured:  Dr Weihuan Zhou, Associate Professor, School of Private and Commercial Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney 

The biggest overhaul of our defence force since World War Two will see us rapidly acquire long-range strike capabilities, meaning our military will be able to hit targets at sea.  It's in response to rising military threats from China.  But while we're angering Beijing by upping the ante on the military front, in other areas - like trade - things are actually improving.  Today, Chinese trade expert and lawyer, Associate Professor Weihuan Zhou, on the complex diplomatic relationship between Australia and China, and how it's undergoing a reset.   Featured:  Dr Weihuan Zhou, Associate Professor, School of Private and Commercial Law, University of New South Wales, Sydney 

There are so few electric cars in Australia, you probably know very few people who drive one. While the Europeans and Americans are surging ahead, we haven't even had a national plan to boost sales — until last week, when the Federal Government released a new strategy. Today, an electric vehicle expert on whether we can catch up with the rest of the world and how soon we'll all be driving one. Featured: Dr Adhikari Smith, research fellow, University of Queensland, Brisbane

There are so few electric cars in Australia, you probably know very few people who drive one. While the Europeans and Americans are surging ahead, we haven't even had a national plan to boost sales — until last week, when the Federal Government released a new strategy. Today, an electric vehicle expert on whether we can catch up with the rest of the world and how soon we'll all be driving one. Featured: Dr Adhikari Smith, research fellow, University of Queensland, Brisbane

The decisions it makes have a huge impact on our livelihoods, but is the Reserve Bank of Australia fully accountable for the pain it can cause?  Not according to a review that's called into question how it has been operating under the current Governor, Philip Lowe.  Today, the host of Insiders, David Speers, on why the RBA is about to undergo massive change, as the era of monthly interest rate rulings comes to an end.  Featured:  David Speers, host, ABC TV Insiders 

The decisions it makes have a huge impact on our livelihoods, but is the Reserve Bank of Australia fully accountable for the pain it can cause?  Not according to a review that's called into question how it has been operating under the current Governor, Philip Lowe.  Today, the host of Insiders, David Speers, on why the RBA is about to undergo massive change, as the era of monthly interest rate rulings comes to an end.  Featured:  David Speers, host, ABC TV Insiders 

Fox News peddled Donald Trump's big lie that the 2020 US election was stolen from him; now, its owner Rupert Murdoch is paying the price.  He's settled in a defamation case, costing his network more than one billion Australian dollars.  Today, a US reporter covering the case on why the hefty price tag is just the start of the media mogul’s legal woes.  Featured:  Elahe Izadi, media reporter, The Washington Post 

Fox News peddled Donald Trump's big lie that the 2020 US election was stolen from him; now, its owner Rupert Murdoch is paying the price.  He's settled in a defamation case, costing his network more than one billion Australian dollars.  Today, a US reporter covering the case on why the hefty price tag is just the start of the media mogul’s legal woes.  Featured:  Elahe Izadi, media reporter, The Washington Post 

Since the inception of HECS, millions of Australians have been through uni using the student loan to cover their costs, repaying the government once they’re earning over a threshold. It's a system that's stood the test of time, but with the debt being indexed inline with inflation, the bill for around three million Australians is climbing at the fastest rate in decades.  So does the system need to change?  Today, the architect of HECS on whether it's still working.   Featured:  Dr Bruce Chapman, former economic advisor to the Hawke government, architect of HECS and Emeritus Professor, Australian National University, Canberra 

Since the inception of HECS, millions of Australians have been through uni using the student loan to cover their costs, repaying the government once they’re earning over a threshold. It's a system that's stood the test of time, but with the debt being indexed inline with inflation, the bill for around three million Australians is climbing at the fastest rate in decades.  So does the system need to change?  Today, the architect of HECS on whether it's still working.   Featured:  Dr Bruce Chapman, former economic advisor to the Hawke government, architect of HECS and Emeritus Professor, Australian National University, Canberra 

If you rent or know anyone who does, you would know costs are soaring and there's barely anything on the market, while the wait for public housing can be more than a decade.  Meanwhile, the Airbnb and holiday rental world is booming, where there are tens of thousands of properties ready for short-term lease.  So how did we get to this point?  And how do we get out of it?  Today, the ABC news finance guy, Alan Kohler, on how successive governments ruined the golden era of housing.  Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC news finance presenter and founder, Eureka Report and The Constant Investor 

If you rent or know anyone who does, you would know costs are soaring and there's barely anything on the market, while the wait for public housing can be more than a decade.  Meanwhile, the Airbnb and holiday rental world is booming, where there are tens of thousands of properties ready for short-term lease.  So how did we get to this point?  And how do we get out of it?  Today, the ABC news finance guy, Alan Kohler, on how successive governments ruined the golden era of housing.  Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC news finance presenter and founder, Eureka Report and The Constant Investor 

Since the end of last year, Australia's been hit by some of the biggest and most damaging hacks in our history, with the government now scrambling to make our data safer.  But can it really take on the might of the Russians who are likely behind the attacks?  Today, the ABC’s global affairs editor, John Lyons, on his Four Corners investigation into the internal workings of some of the biggest gangs in the world.  Featured:  John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor 

Since the end of last year, Australia's been hit by some of the biggest and most damaging hacks in our history, with the government now scrambling to make our data safer.  But can it really take on the might of the Russians who are likely behind the attacks?  Today, the ABC’s global affairs editor, John Lyons, on his Four Corners investigation into the internal workings of some of the biggest gangs in the world.  Featured:  John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor 

As we head into winter, the federal government has launched a fresh round of ads urging adults to get their COVID boosters.  But there are differing views in the medical field over whether everyone needs another shot.  Today, an epidemiologist on the next wave, and what the latest science says about protection against COVID.  Featured:  Professor Tony Blakely, epidemiologist, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; chair, New Zealand Royal Commission to draw lessons from pandemic response; contractor, Moderna Australia 

As we head into winter, the federal government has launched a fresh round of ads urging adults to get their COVID boosters.  But there are differing views in the medical field over whether everyone needs another shot.  Today, an epidemiologist on the next wave, and what the latest science says about protection against COVID.  Featured:  Professor Tony Blakely, epidemiologist, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; chair, New Zealand Royal Commission to draw lessons from pandemic response; contractor, Moderna Australia 

It's one of the biggest dumps of top secret US defence documents since Wikileaks, and we still don't know who's behind it. A trove of highly classified material from the Pentagon has ended up on Discord, Twitter and 4chan, embarrassing the US and angering some of its closest allies. Today, The Washington Post's national security reporter, Missy Ryan, on why the world's secrets don't seem to be safe in American hands. Featured:  Missy Ryan, national security reporter, The Washington Post 

It's one of the biggest dumps of top secret US defence documents since Wikileaks, and we still don't know who's behind it. A trove of highly classified material from the Pentagon has ended up on Discord, Twitter and 4chan, embarrassing the US and angering some of its closest allies. Today, The Washington Post's national security reporter, Missy Ryan, on why the world's secrets don't seem to be safe in American hands. Featured:  Missy Ryan, national security reporter, The Washington Post 

He was meant to be key in promoting a 'No' vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum, but now he's quit so he can campaign for a 'Yes' vote instead. The Opposition's Indigenous Australians spokesman, Julian Leeser, is heading to the backbench. Today, the ABC's political reporter for Indigenous affairs, Dana Morse, on an extraordinary defection, and what it means.  Featured:  Dana Morse, ABC political reporter 

He was meant to be key in promoting a 'No' vote in the Voice to Parliament referendum, but now he's quit so he can campaign for a 'Yes' vote instead. The Opposition's Indigenous Australians spokesman, Julian Leeser, is heading to the backbench. Today, the ABC's political reporter for Indigenous affairs, Dana Morse, on an extraordinary defection, and what it means.  Featured:  Dana Morse, ABC political reporter 

It's shot to fame in Hollywood, and is so popular in Australia we ran out of stock.  The diabetes drug, Ozempic, is now being used for weight loss, and it helps to shed kilos fast.  Today, a GP on how it works and the ethical decisions for doctors as demand for the drug exceeds all expectations.  Featured:  Dr Natasha Yates, GP, Gold Coast, Queensland 

It's shot to fame in Hollywood, and is so popular in Australia we ran out of stock.  The diabetes drug, Ozempic, is now being used for weight loss, and it helps to shed kilos fast.  Today, a GP on how it works and the ethical decisions for doctors as demand for the drug exceeds all expectations.  Featured:  Dr Natasha Yates, GP, Gold Coast, Queensland 

It won't be cheap, but it is very feasible that tourists could soon be traversing around the moon.  Not only that, there could one day be a permanent human presence there.  That's because in its latest mission NASA's betting on finding enough water on the lunar surface to make it habitable.  Today the Washington Post's space reporter, Christian Davenport on how that could then lead us to Mars.  Featured:  Christian Davenport, reporter covering NASA and space, The Washington Post 

It won't be cheap, but it is very feasible that tourists could soon be traversing around the moon.  Not only that, there could one day be a permanent human presence there.  That's because in its latest mission NASA's betting on finding enough water on the lunar surface to make it habitable.  Today the Washington Post's space reporter, Christian Davenport on how that could then lead us to Mars.  Featured:  Christian Davenport, reporter covering NASA and space, The Washington Post 

He was originally accused of paying hush money to an adult film actor, but now we know more about the criminal charges against Donald Trump, it seems the allegations run far deeper.  The former US president is accused of covering up multiple affairs so as to give himself a better chance of winning the 2016 election.  Today, lawyer and former FBI agent, Asha Rangappa, on the 34 charges against Trump, and whether his denials really stand up.  Featured:  Asha Rangappa, lawyer, former FBI agent and senior lecturer, Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, US 

He was originally accused of paying hush money to an adult film actor, but now we know more about the criminal charges against Donald Trump, it seems the allegations run far deeper.  The former US president is accused of covering up multiple affairs so as to give himself a better chance of winning the 2016 election.  Today, lawyer and former FBI agent, Asha Rangappa, on the 34 charges against Trump, and whether his denials really stand up.  Featured:  Asha Rangappa, lawyer, former FBI agent and senior lecturer, Jackson School of Global Affairs, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, US 

With 10 consecutive rate rises, the Reserve Bank is finally giving Australian households a break.  It's placed rates on hold, but will it last?  Today, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, on how there's been a big shift in the RBA board’s thinking, and what comes next.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

With 10 consecutive rate rises, the Reserve Bank is finally giving Australian households a break.  It's placed rates on hold, but will it last?  Today, the ABC's business editor, Ian Verrender, on how there's been a big shift in the RBA board’s thinking, and what comes next.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor 

As the Reserve Bank weighs up whether to increase interest rates for an eleventh consecutive time, the spotlight is on whether it's doing the right thing by all Australians.  An independent review into the bank has handed 51 recommendations to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, to improve its practices.  So will it help those struggling the most?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on how and why life in Australia has become less fair in the past 30 years. Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

As the Reserve Bank weighs up whether to increase interest rates for an eleventh consecutive time, the spotlight is on whether it's doing the right thing by all Australians.  An independent review into the bank has handed 51 recommendations to the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, to improve its practices.  So will it help those struggling the most?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on how and why life in Australia has become less fair in the past 30 years. Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

The Paralympics have transformed the sporting arena for those with disabilities, but now the integrity of the event has been brought into question.  A Four Corners investigation has uncovered allegations of athletes exaggerating or even lying about their impairments to give them a better chance of winning.  Today, investigative reporter, Hagar Cohen, on how the rules are being bent and broken, to the determinant of the majority of competitors doing the right thing.    Featured:  Hagar Cohen, ABC Four Corners investigative reporter 

The Paralympics have transformed the sporting arena for those with disabilities, but now the integrity of the event has been brought into question.  A Four Corners investigation has uncovered allegations of athletes exaggerating or even lying about their impairments to give them a better chance of winning.  Today, investigative reporter, Hagar Cohen, on how the rules are being bent and broken, to the determinant of the majority of competitors doing the right thing.    Featured:  Hagar Cohen, ABC Four Corners investigative reporter 

It's quite possible, in the past six months or so, that you've been among the millions of people who have had personal data stolen by criminals, after three of the biggest hacks in Australia's history were publicly disclosed.  Optus, Medibank and, this month, Latitude Financial have all fallen prey to malicious cyber-attacks, but they're just the ones we know about.  So what don't we know about?  Today, a data researcher on the thousands of breaches that are hidden from the public.  Featured:  Dr Jane Andrew, professor, University of Sydney Business School 

It's quite possible, in the past six months or so, that you've been among the millions of people who have had personal data stolen by criminals, after three of the biggest hacks in Australia's history were publicly disclosed.  Optus, Medibank and, this month, Latitude Financial have all fallen prey to malicious cyber-attacks, but they're just the ones we know about.  So what don't we know about?  Today, a data researcher on the thousands of breaches that are hidden from the public.  Featured:  Dr Jane Andrew, professor, University of Sydney Business School 

We'll soon all be voting in a referendum on whether to create an independent advisory body to give First Nations Australians a Voice to Parliament.  But now we know the wording of the question and the changes that would be made to the constitution, some lawyers warn it could open up a legal minefield.  Today, Professor Asmi Wood, a constitutional law expert and an advisor on the Voice, on whether those concerns are valid.  Featured:  Dr Asmi Wood, barrister, member of the Constitutional Expert Group and professor, School of Law, Australian National University, Canberra 

We'll soon all be voting in a referendum on whether to create an independent advisory body to give First Nations Australians a Voice to Parliament.  But now we know the wording of the question and the changes that would be made to the constitution, some lawyers warn it could open up a legal minefield.  Today, Professor Asmi Wood, a constitutional law expert and an advisor on the Voice, on whether those concerns are valid.  Featured:  Dr Asmi Wood, barrister, member of the Constitutional Expert Group and professor, School of Law, Australian National University, Canberra 

Over the past few years, we've suffered through devastating bushfires and terrible floods in Australia. But while we've been bearing the brunt of climate change, we haven't had a national climate policy.  That is, until this week, when the Greens confirmed they'd struck a deal with the Albanese government on a bill that is meant to force the nation's biggest polluters to slash emissions.  So how will it work?  Today, we speak with professor of environmental and climate change economics, IPCC lead author Dr Frank Jotzo, about the deal, and why it shouldn't mean consumers will pay more.  Featured:  Dr Frank Jotzo, lead author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and professor, Australian National University, Canberra 

Over the past few years, we've suffered through devastating bushfires and terrible floods in Australia. But while we've been bearing the brunt of climate change, we haven't had a national climate policy.  That is, until this week, when the Greens confirmed they'd struck a deal with the Albanese government on a bill that is meant to force the nation's biggest polluters to slash emissions.  So how will it work?  Today, we speak with professor of environmental and climate change economics, IPCC lead author Dr Frank Jotzo, about the deal, and why it shouldn't mean consumers will pay more.  Featured:  Dr Frank Jotzo, lead author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and professor, Australian National University, Canberra 

Is there any place left for conservative politics in Australia?  The New South Wales election result suggests not, with the entire Australian mainland now red, with Labor in power in every state and territory except Tasmania.  Today, a public policy expert on why Coalition parties seem to have lost touch with what many voters want.  Featured:  Dr Ariadne Vromen, chair of public administration, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra 

Is there any place left for conservative politics in Australia?  The New South Wales election result suggests not, with the entire Australian mainland now red, with Labor in power in every state and territory except Tasmania.  Today, a public policy expert on why Coalition parties seem to have lost touch with what many voters want.  Featured:  Dr Ariadne Vromen, chair of public administration, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra 

It's one of the most important decisions you'll make in your lifetime: buying a home. But can you really trust the people selling it to you?  Today, Four Corners reporter, Paul Farrell, on his investigation into the questionable practices of real estate agents.  Featured:  Paul Farrell, ABC TV Four Corners reporter 

It's one of the most important decisions you'll make in your lifetime: buying a home. But can you really trust the people selling it to you?  Today, Four Corners reporter, Paul Farrell, on his investigation into the questionable practices of real estate agents.  Featured:  Paul Farrell, ABC TV Four Corners reporter 

You've probably seen the clip by now of Senator Lidia Thorpe being thrown to the ground by police outside Parliament House in Canberra.  She was trying to confront a British anti-trans-rights campaigner, Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, known online as 'Posie Parker', whose tour of Australia this week has attracted support from neo-Nazis, including at a rally in Melbourne.  It's raising concerns about the growth of extremist groups in Australia.  So what's fuelling it?  Today, we speak with an expert on conspiracies and the far-right.  Featured:  Dr Kaz Ross, independent researcher 

You've probably seen the clip by now of Senator Lidia Thorpe being thrown to the ground by police outside Parliament House in Canberra.  She was trying to confront a British anti-trans-rights campaigner, Kelly-Jay Keen-Minshull, known online as 'Posie Parker', whose tour of Australia this week has attracted support from neo-Nazis, including at a rally in Melbourne.  It's raising concerns about the growth of extremist groups in Australia.  So what's fuelling it?  Today, we speak with an expert on conspiracies and the far-right.  Featured:  Dr Kaz Ross, independent researcher 

We're all facing the financial pressures that come with the spiralling cost of everything, and on the weekend residents in one state will get the chance to punish politicians for it.  In New South Wales, Australia's longest-serving state government is asking voters for an unprecedented fourth term, and polls and history suggest it could be a tall order.  Today, the ABC's elections analyst, Antony Green, on why the NSW coalition government might not survive, as voters find it harder and harder to make ends meet. Featured:  Antony Green, ABC elections analyst 

We're all facing the financial pressures that come with the spiralling cost of everything, and on the weekend residents in one state will get the chance to punish politicians for it.  In New South Wales, Australia's longest-serving state government is asking voters for an unprecedented fourth term, and polls and history suggest it could be a tall order.  Today, the ABC's elections analyst, Antony Green, on why the NSW coalition government might not survive, as voters find it harder and harder to make ends meet. Featured:  Antony Green, ABC elections analyst 

He wants to be seen as a peace broker in the Ukraine war, but is that really why Chinese President Xi Jinping is rubbing shoulders with Vladimir Putin in Moscow?  Today,  Bates Gill from the Asia Society Policy Institute on China's ambitious plans and whether they should worry Australia.  Featured: Bates Gill, Executive Director of Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis

He wants to be seen as a peace broker in the Ukraine war, but is that really why Chinese President Xi Jinping is rubbing shoulders with Vladimir Putin in Moscow?  Today,  Bates Gill from the Asia Society Policy Institute on China's ambitious plans and whether they should worry Australia.  Featured: Bates Gill, Executive Director of Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis

At the height of the pandemic, many Australians found themselves with less work and struggling to make ends. Because of that, and with lots of uncertainty about the months ahead, many jumped at the chance to access their retirement savings early, as part of a federal government change. Now, we know a lot more about what those who withdrew spent the money on: a new study suggests gambling was high on the list. So was allowing people access to their own super for cash during a crisis the right idea? Today, we speak to one of the co-authors of the study, economist Dr Steven Hamilton, and we chat to two Australian women who will now have a lot less in their super funds for when they retire. Featured: Dr Steve Hamilton, economist, George Washington University, Washington DC

At the height of the pandemic, many Australians found themselves with less work and struggling to make ends. Because of that, and with lots of uncertainty about the months ahead, many jumped at the chance to access their retirement savings early, as part of a federal government change. Now, we know a lot more about what those who withdrew spent the money on: a new study suggests gambling was high on the list. So was allowing people access to their own super for cash during a crisis the right idea? Today, we speak to one of the co-authors of the study, economist Dr Steven Hamilton, and we chat to two Australian women who will now have a lot less in their super funds for when they retire. Featured: Dr Steve Hamilton, economist, George Washington University, Washington DC

When you're sitting on a bus or train and watching people with their heads in their phones, there's a fair chance many of them are watching videos on TikTok.  The platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is currently the most downloaded app in the world, and nations including the US are increasingly worried about how its algorithm works, and where all the data it's collecting might end up.  Today, tech and privacy reporter for Vox.com, Sara Morrison, on the TikTok bans sweeping the world.  Featured:  Sara Morrison, senior reporter, Vox.com 

When you're sitting on a bus or train and watching people with their heads in their phones, there's a fair chance many of them are watching videos on TikTok.  The platform, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is currently the most downloaded app in the world, and nations including the US are increasingly worried about how its algorithm works, and where all the data it's collecting might end up.  Today, tech and privacy reporter for Vox.com, Sara Morrison, on the TikTok bans sweeping the world.  Featured:  Sara Morrison, senior reporter, Vox.com 

The US is weathering its worst bank failure since the Global Financial Crisis. So why did Silicon Valley Bank collapse and what implications could it have for us here in Australia? Featured: Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter

The US is weathering its worst bank failure since the Global Financial Crisis. So why did Silicon Valley Bank collapse and what implications could it have for us here in Australia? Featured: Nassim Khadem, ABC business reporter

As we move into winter this year, if you live on the east coast you’re about to be slugged with a huge spike in your power bills once again. Today, an energy expert explains why prices just keep going up and when it will end. Featured: Alison Reeve, Climate Change and Energy Deputy Program Director, the Grattan Institute

As we move into winter this year, if you live on the east coast you’re about to be slugged with a huge spike in your power bills once again. Today, an energy expert explains why prices just keep going up and when it will end. Featured: Alison Reeve, Climate Change and Energy Deputy Program Director, the Grattan Institute

In as little as four years' time, US nuclear-powered attack submarines will be deployed to Australia, the government says to keep us safe. They're the length of a rugby pitch and can cruise through the water in almost complete silence, and the price tag is mind-blowing too: up to $368 billion over the next 30 years.  Today, the ABC's political editor, Andrew Probyn, on how fear of China has driven us to the biggest defence investment in our history.  Featured:  Andrew Probyn, ABC political editor 

In as little as four years' time, US nuclear-powered attack submarines will be deployed to Australia, the government says to keep us safe. They're the length of a rugby pitch and can cruise through the water in almost complete silence, and the price tag is mind-blowing too: up to $368 billion over the next 30 years.  Today, the ABC's political editor, Andrew Probyn, on how fear of China has driven us to the biggest defence investment in our history.  Featured:  Andrew Probyn, ABC political editor 

When you cruise the aisles at the supermarket, you would have noticed almost everything is more expensive. Coles and Woolworths blame inflation, but is that really all that’s at play?  Today, the ABC’s Business Editor Ian Verrender on why company profits are soaring while households struggle to make ends meet. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Business Editor Subscribe to ABC News Daily on the ABC listen app.

When you cruise the aisles at the supermarket, you would have noticed almost everything is more expensive. Coles and Woolworths blame inflation, but is that really all that’s at play?  Today, the ABC’s Business Editor Ian Verrender on why company profits are soaring while households struggle to make ends meet. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Business Editor Subscribe to ABC News Daily on the ABC listen app.

Three years into the pandemic, most of us have had at least one bout of COVID. While it’s usually not that pleasant, we recover. But for hundreds of thousands of Australians the symptoms can last for months. Today we visit a long COVID clinic. Featured: Dr Anthony Byrne, St Vincent's Hospital Paul, long COVID patient

Three years into the pandemic, most of us have had at least one bout of COVID. While it’s usually not that pleasant, we recover. But for hundreds of thousands of Australians the symptoms can last for months. Today we visit a long COVID clinic. Featured: Dr Anthony Byrne, St Vincent's Hospital Paul, long COVID patient

Imagine the distress you'd feel if you were told, out of the blue, that you owed the federal government thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. That's the anguish the former coalition government inflicted on 400,000 Australians when it tried to illegally claw back welfare payments.    Public hearings in the Royal Commission investigating who's to blame for the deeply flawed Robodebt scheme end this week.  Today, ABC reporter Rachael Mealey walks us through the key evidence.   Featured:  Rachel Mealey, ABC national affairs reporter 

Imagine the distress you'd feel if you were told, out of the blue, that you owed the federal government thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. That's the anguish the former coalition government inflicted on 400,000 Australians when it tried to illegally claw back welfare payments.    Public hearings in the Royal Commission investigating who's to blame for the deeply flawed Robodebt scheme end this week.  Today, ABC reporter Rachael Mealey walks us through the key evidence.   Featured:  Rachel Mealey, ABC national affairs reporter 

In Australia, the law says we're meant to work a 38 hour week. In reality though, many of us do a lot more than that.  So how many extra hours is reasonable?  That's a question being tested in court, in a high profile case involving the teal independent MP Monique Ryan and her former staffer, the activist Sally Rugg, who says she worked up to 80 hours a week.  Today, an expert in employment law on why Australians are working too much, and what the case could mean for employees across the nation.  Featured:  Dr Giuseppe Carabetta, senior lecturer in employment law, University of Technology Sydney 

In Australia, the law says we're meant to work a 38 hour week. In reality though, many of us do a lot more than that.  So how many extra hours is reasonable?  That's a question being tested in court, in a high profile case involving the teal independent MP Monique Ryan and her former staffer, the activist Sally Rugg, who says she worked up to 80 hours a week.  Today, an expert in employment law on why Australians are working too much, and what the case could mean for employees across the nation.  Featured:  Dr Giuseppe Carabetta, senior lecturer in employment law, University of Technology Sydney 

As the saying goes: all that glitters is not gold. And at the Perth mint, which is in the business of selling the precious metal, that's certainly the case at the moment. An ABC investigation has found that holes in the mint's compliance regime could have left it a target for criminals trying to launder money.  Today, ABC TV Four Corners reporter, Angus Grigg, on why that could end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars.  Featured:  Angus Grigg, ABC TV Four Corners reporter 

As the saying goes: all that glitters is not gold. And at the Perth mint, which is in the business of selling the precious metal, that's certainly the case at the moment. An ABC investigation has found that holes in the mint's compliance regime could have left it a target for criminals trying to launder money.  Today, ABC TV Four Corners reporter, Angus Grigg, on why that could end up costing taxpayers millions of dollars.  Featured:  Angus Grigg, ABC TV Four Corners reporter 

With the growing cost of living, we'd all love to pay less in income tax.  So why is there a growing number of people arguing against the so-called 'stage 3 tax cuts'?  Today, the host of ABC Radio National Breakfast, Patricia Karvelas, explains the biggest shake up to income tax in decades, and how the wealthier you are the better you'll do.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC Radio National Breakfast 

With the growing cost of living, we'd all love to pay less in income tax.  So why is there a growing number of people arguing against the so-called 'stage 3 tax cuts'?  Today, the host of ABC Radio National Breakfast, Patricia Karvelas, explains the biggest shake up to income tax in decades, and how the wealthier you are the better you'll do.  Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC Radio National Breakfast 

Since the war began in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons.  Now, he's backing out of a nuclear agreement with the United States which limits the amount of nuclear warheads both nations can stockpile.  But why?  Today, the former US chief negotiator of New START on why Putin's decision could spell the beginning of a new arms race.  Featured:  Rose Gottemoeller, former NATO deputy secretary and former chief US negotiator, New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty 

Since the war began in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons.  Now, he's backing out of a nuclear agreement with the United States which limits the amount of nuclear warheads both nations can stockpile.  But why?  Today, the former US chief negotiator of New START on why Putin's decision could spell the beginning of a new arms race.  Featured:  Rose Gottemoeller, former NATO deputy secretary and former chief US negotiator, New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty 

Superannuation was set up to be your ticket to a comfortable retirement.  But over the years, the richest Australians have done a lot better out of it than everyone else.  Today, ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle, on the Albanese government's surprise move to target the wealthy with a tax hike on some of their super.  Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent 

Superannuation was set up to be your ticket to a comfortable retirement.  But over the years, the richest Australians have done a lot better out of it than everyone else.  Today, ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle, on the Albanese government's surprise move to target the wealthy with a tax hike on some of their super.  Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent 

In a suburb in the NSW city of Wollongong, residents want to shake things up by electrifying their homes, all at the same time.  The hope is, if the residents of postcode 2515 can get rid of gas and coal from their lives, they'll show the rest of Australia how easily it can be done, and why it's a huge part of reducing our carbon emissions.  Today, ABC TV Australian Story producer, Olivia Rousset, on how the plan works, and the man who's helping the community make it happen.  Featured:  Olivia Rousset, producer, ABC TV Australian Story 

In a suburb in the NSW city of Wollongong, residents want to shake things up by electrifying their homes, all at the same time.  The hope is, if the residents of postcode 2515 can get rid of gas and coal from their lives, they'll show the rest of Australia how easily it can be done, and why it's a huge part of reducing our carbon emissions.  Today, ABC TV Australian Story producer, Olivia Rousset, on how the plan works, and the man who's helping the community make it happen.  Featured:  Olivia Rousset, producer, ABC TV Australian Story 

Fifty years ago, psychedelic drugs were successfully used to treat mental illness; that is, until politicians stepped in and banned them.  But soon, Australia will lead the world in legalising the use of drugs like MDMA and psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms, to treat patients suffering depression and PTSD.  Today, a leading researcher on the incredible success of the drugs in trials, and how they work.  Featured:  Dr David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London 

Fifty years ago, psychedelic drugs were successfully used to treat mental illness; that is, until politicians stepped in and banned them.  But soon, Australia will lead the world in legalising the use of drugs like MDMA and psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms, to treat patients suffering depression and PTSD.  Today, a leading researcher on the incredible success of the drugs in trials, and how they work.  Featured:  Dr David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology, Imperial College London 

The war in Ukraine is seen as Vladimir Putin's war.  So should we really punish Russians by stopping their athletes from competing internationally?  Australia is the latest nation to demand such a ban from next year's Olympics in Paris.  Today, host of The Ticket podcast, Tracey Holmes, on the dilemma when sport and politics collide.  Featured:  Tracey Holmes, host, The Ticket podcast and senior reporter, ABC Sport 

The war in Ukraine is seen as Vladimir Putin's war.  So should we really punish Russians by stopping their athletes from competing internationally?  Australia is the latest nation to demand such a ban from next year's Olympics in Paris.  Today, host of The Ticket podcast, Tracey Holmes, on the dilemma when sport and politics collide.  Featured:  Tracey Holmes, host, The Ticket podcast and senior reporter, ABC Sport 

How would you feel if a bank made you guarantee in writing that you would move back in with your mother if you couldn’t pay your home loan anymore? It’s the sort of agreement people are being forced to make as the Reserve Bank continues to raise interest rates.  Today, ABC business editor, Ian Verrender, on the incredible profits the banks are making as hundreds of thousands of people struggle to make ends meet.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

How would you feel if a bank made you guarantee in writing that you would move back in with your mother if you couldn’t pay your home loan anymore? It’s the sort of agreement people are being forced to make as the Reserve Bank continues to raise interest rates.  Today, ABC business editor, Ian Verrender, on the incredible profits the banks are making as hundreds of thousands of people struggle to make ends meet.  Featured:  Ian Verrender, ABC business editor

To some, he's a god of brain surgery: a doctor willing to push the boundaries to save lives.  To others, he's a risk taker, and he goes too far.  This week, Charlie Teo has been appearing before a medical disciplinary commission in relation to the deaths of two of his patients.  Today, we speak to journalist Isobel Roe, who's been covering the hearings, and we delve back into Charlie Teo's past.  Featured:  Isobel Roe, ABC journalist  Dr Simon Chapman, Emeritus Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney 

To some, he's a god of brain surgery: a doctor willing to push the boundaries to save lives.  To others, he's a risk taker, and he goes too far.  This week, Charlie Teo has been appearing before a medical disciplinary commission in relation to the deaths of two of his patients.  Today, we speak to journalist Isobel Roe, who's been covering the hearings, and we delve back into Charlie Teo's past.  Featured:  Isobel Roe, ABC journalist  Dr Simon Chapman, Emeritus Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney 

When Vladimir Putin started his war in Ukraine, he said it was all about fighting 'Nazis'. But if you've been listening to his speeches or spent any time watching Russian state TV lately, you'll notice the scope has widened dramatically. Now, the war is apparently about protecting Russians from perversion, paedophilia, and even the British children's cartoon character, Peppa Pig.  Today, ABC TV Foreign Correspondent's Eric Campbell on Putin's bewildering propaganda, and the journalists who've escaped Russia and are now trying to counter his lies.  Featured:  Eric Campbell, reporter, ABC TV Foreign Correspondent

When Vladimir Putin started his war in Ukraine, he said it was all about fighting 'Nazis'. But if you've been listening to his speeches or spent any time watching Russian state TV lately, you'll notice the scope has widened dramatically. Now, the war is apparently about protecting Russians from perversion, paedophilia, and even the British children's cartoon character, Peppa Pig.  Today, ABC TV Foreign Correspondent's Eric Campbell on Putin's bewildering propaganda, and the journalists who've escaped Russia and are now trying to counter his lies.  Featured:  Eric Campbell, reporter, ABC TV Foreign Correspondent

Whenever there's a gun attack in the US, you hear a lot about America's powerful gun lobby, and how it stops politicians from making meaningful changes to the laws.  But do we have a similar problem in Australia, just in a different area?  Anti-gambling advocates say we do: they argue poker machines are Australia's guns, and they're being protected by a powerful clubs lobby.  Today, ABC TV Insiders host, David Speers, on the latest political efforts to crack down on pokies.  Featured:  David Speers, host, ABC TV Insiders 

Whenever there's a gun attack in the US, you hear a lot about America's powerful gun lobby, and how it stops politicians from making meaningful changes to the laws.  But do we have a similar problem in Australia, just in a different area?  Anti-gambling advocates say we do: they argue poker machines are Australia's guns, and they're being protected by a powerful clubs lobby.  Today, ABC TV Insiders host, David Speers, on the latest political efforts to crack down on pokies.  Featured:  David Speers, host, ABC TV Insiders 

This year, body image activist Taryn Brumfitt was named Australian of the Year in recognition of the work she's done to alter the way we think about our bodies.  Since accepting the award, she says she's been ignoring critics who question whether her campaign is worthy of receiving one of the nation's top accolades.  Today, Taryn Brumfitt's colleague, Dr Zali Yager, on the harm that can be caused when the focus in messaging is on weight rather than health.  Featured:  Dr Zali Yager, Executive Director, Body Confident Collective and Associate Professor, Victoria University, Melbourne 

This year, body image activist Taryn Brumfitt was named Australian of the Year in recognition of the work she's done to alter the way we think about our bodies.  Since accepting the award, she says she's been ignoring critics who question whether her campaign is worthy of receiving one of the nation's top accolades.  Today, Taryn Brumfitt's colleague, Dr Zali Yager, on the harm that can be caused when the focus in messaging is on weight rather than health.  Featured:  Dr Zali Yager, Executive Director, Body Confident Collective and Associate Professor, Victoria University, Melbourne 

It's a year since Vladimir Putin started the war in Ukraine, a war that’s taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, rocked security in Europe and shocked the global economy.  Today, an update on where the war stands 12 months in, and what to expect in the months ahead.  Featured:  Eugene Chausovsky, senior analyst, New Lines Institute, Washington DC 

It's a year since Vladimir Putin started the war in Ukraine, a war that’s taken the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, rocked security in Europe and shocked the global economy.  Today, an update on where the war stands 12 months in, and what to expect in the months ahead.  Featured:  Eugene Chausovsky, senior analyst, New Lines Institute, Washington DC 

It's become one of the deadliest natural disasters of the century: the death toll from the Turkish and Syrian earthquake has surpassed 40,000.  Today, we speak with ABC correspondent Allyson Horn from one of the worst hit Turkish cities, where residents are furious that buildings they were told were safe simply crumbled to the ground.  Featured:  Allyson Horn, ABC Middle East correspondent, Türkiye 

It's become one of the deadliest natural disasters of the century: the death toll from the Turkish and Syrian earthquake has surpassed 40,000.  Today, we speak with ABC correspondent Allyson Horn from one of the worst hit Turkish cities, where residents are furious that buildings they were told were safe simply crumbled to the ground.  Featured:  Allyson Horn, ABC Middle East correspondent, Türkiye 

The head of the Reserve Bank, Philip Lowe, fronted a Senate hearing yesterday, saying raising interest rates remains the best way to fight inflation.  But is inflicting pain on Australian households with mortgages the only way?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on an ingenious alternative.  Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter, Canberra 

The head of the Reserve Bank, Philip Lowe, fronted a Senate hearing yesterday, saying raising interest rates remains the best way to fight inflation.  But is inflicting pain on Australian households with mortgages the only way?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter, Gareth Hutchens, on an ingenious alternative.  Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter, Canberra 

US President Joe Biden had promised to restore relations with China after the turbulent Trump years, but could balloons in the sky send the whole thing off course?  Today, the ABC's East Asia Correspondent, Bill Birtles, on spying, and the fragility of the ties between the world's two superpowers.  Featured:  Bill Birtles, ABC East Asia correspondent 

US President Joe Biden had promised to restore relations with China after the turbulent Trump years, but could balloons in the sky send the whole thing off course?  Today, the ABC's East Asia Correspondent, Bill Birtles, on spying, and the fragility of the ties between the world's two superpowers.  Featured:  Bill Birtles, ABC East Asia correspondent 

Anthony Albanese says he wants to end the climate wars, but tomorrow the battle will only intensify, when legislation to force big polluters to cut their emissions comes before the Parliament.  So what's in the government's plan?  Today, a longtime climate and investigative reporter on the details of the climate safeguards mechanism and the carbon credits trading scheme, and why opposition to both keeps building.  Featured:  Marian Wilkinson, investigative reporter and author, 'The Carbon Club'

Anthony Albanese says he wants to end the climate wars, but tomorrow the battle will only intensify, when legislation to force big polluters to cut their emissions comes before the Parliament.  So what's in the government's plan?  Today, a longtime climate and investigative reporter on the details of the climate safeguards mechanism and the carbon credits trading scheme, and why opposition to both keeps building.  Featured:  Marian Wilkinson, investigative reporter and author, 'The Carbon Club'

For renters it feels like one of the hardest times in history, with rising costs and limited availability.  So can anything be done to ease the pressure?  Today, housing economist Cameron Murray on whether we’re overlooking a simple fix.  Featured:  Dr Cameron Murray, researcher, University of Sydney

For renters it feels like one of the hardest times in history, with rising costs and limited availability.  So can anything be done to ease the pressure?  Today, housing economist Cameron Murray on whether we’re overlooking a simple fix.  Featured:  Dr Cameron Murray, researcher, University of Sydney

This week, the Djab Wurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjamara Senator Lidia Thorpe quit the Greens and moved to the crossbench, after voicing concerns about the proposed Voice to Parliament.  She's now declared herself a leader of the Black sovereign movement.  Today, we unpack what Black sovereignty is, and its connection to the referendum later this year.   And a warning: this episode of the podcast contains the voices of Indigenous people who have died.  Featured:  Dr Hannah McGlade, member of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues and Senior Indigenous Research Fellow, Curtin University, Perth 

This week, the Djab Wurrung, Gunnai and Gunditjamara Senator Lidia Thorpe quit the Greens and moved to the crossbench, after voicing concerns about the proposed Voice to Parliament.  She's now declared herself a leader of the Black sovereign movement.  Today, we unpack what Black sovereignty is, and its connection to the referendum later this year.   And a warning: this episode of the podcast contains the voices of Indigenous people who have died.  Featured:  Dr Hannah McGlade, member of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues and Senior Indigenous Research Fellow, Curtin University, Perth 

If you haven't had COVID or a booster shot in the last six months, the chances are you're more vulnerable than you think.  In a few weeks, a fifth dose of a COVID vaccine will be offered to anyone over 18, and we're being urged to take it up.  Today, epidemiologist Catherine Bennett on how we're entering a new phase of the pandemic.  Featured:  Professor Catherine Bennett, chair in epidemiology, Deakin University

If you haven't had COVID or a booster shot in the last six months, the chances are you're more vulnerable than you think.  In a few weeks, a fifth dose of a COVID vaccine will be offered to anyone over 18, and we're being urged to take it up.  Today, epidemiologist Catherine Bennett on how we're entering a new phase of the pandemic.  Featured:  Professor Catherine Bennett, chair in epidemiology, Deakin University

The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck south-central Türkiye, formerly known as Turkey, is rising rapidly, as rescue workers race to save who they can.  Today, Tim Costello, the former head of World Vision Australia, on the unfolding humanitarian crisis.  Featured:  Tim Costello, former chief executive, World Vision Australia 

The death toll from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck south-central Türkiye, formerly known as Turkey, is rising rapidly, as rescue workers race to save who they can.  Today, Tim Costello, the former head of World Vision Australia, on the unfolding humanitarian crisis.  Featured:  Tim Costello, former chief executive, World Vision Australia 

China says it was simply a weather balloon gone astray, but the Pentagon says Beijing was spying.  So how many spy balloons are in the air, and could they be watching us?  Today, an aerospace engineer and national security expert on what China is up to.  Featured:  Dr Iain Boyd, director, Center for National Security Initiatives, University of Colorado Boulder 

China says it was simply a weather balloon gone astray, but the Pentagon says Beijing was spying.  So how many spy balloons are in the air, and could they be watching us?  Today, an aerospace engineer and national security expert on what China is up to.  Featured:  Dr Iain Boyd, director, Center for National Security Initiatives, University of Colorado Boulder 

By now, many of us will be feeling the pinch from rising costs and housing pressures, as inflation continues to soar. So what's the government going to do to help us? Today, 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle, on what is shaping up as the most pressing issue for Anthony Albanese as Parliament returns. Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent

By now, many of us will be feeling the pinch from rising costs and housing pressures, as inflation continues to soar. So what's the government going to do to help us? Today, 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle, on what is shaping up as the most pressing issue for Anthony Albanese as Parliament returns. Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent

A report has recommended alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs be urgently extended, as the community grapples with how to stop a worrying crime wave.  After a tense week in the town, today we speak to an ABC reporter based there to discuss what next for the people of Alice Springs and those in the townships and remote communities surrounding it. Featured:  Samantha Jonscher, ABC senior reporter, Alice Springs

A report has recommended alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs be urgently extended, as the community grapples with how to stop a worrying crime wave.  After a tense week in the town, today we speak to an ABC reporter based there to discuss what next for the people of Alice Springs and those in the townships and remote communities surrounding it. Featured:  Samantha Jonscher, ABC senior reporter, Alice Springs

We had eight successive rate rises last year, but it didn't stop Australians from spending up big over the summer. It's meant inflation has continued to rise: it was 7.8 per cent in the December quarter, the highest in 33 years.  So will the summer spending bring autumn pain? Today, AMP senior economist, Diana Mousina, on why 2023 might be tougher financially than we hoped.   Featured:  Diana Mousina, AMP senior economist

We had eight successive rate rises last year, but it didn't stop Australians from spending up big over the summer. It's meant inflation has continued to rise: it was 7.8 per cent in the December quarter, the highest in 33 years.  So will the summer spending bring autumn pain? Today, AMP senior economist, Diana Mousina, on why 2023 might be tougher financially than we hoped.   Featured:  Diana Mousina, AMP senior economist

Over the last decade, dating apps have become hugely popular, with millions of Australians now meeting each other online.  But many of the people using them say the apps are also rife with abuse and sexual harassment that often goes unchecked.  Last week, the federal government convened a round table with some of the app companies to discuss ways to make dating safer. Today, an expert in communications on whether anything will change.  Featured:  Dr Kath Albury, Associate Professor, ARC Future Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 

Over the last decade, dating apps have become hugely popular, with millions of Australians now meeting each other online.  But many of the people using them say the apps are also rife with abuse and sexual harassment that often goes unchecked.  Last week, the federal government convened a round table with some of the app companies to discuss ways to make dating safer. Today, an expert in communications on whether anything will change.  Featured:  Dr Kath Albury, Associate Professor, ARC Future Fellow, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne 

Anthony Albanese wanted bipartisan support for the Voice to Parliament. Instead, he's being met with increasing political divisions.  Today, ABC Radio National Breakfast host, Patricia Karvelas, on whether the government can convince Australians to vote yes without support across the Parliament. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, Radio National Breakfast 

Anthony Albanese wanted bipartisan support for the Voice to Parliament. Instead, he's being met with increasing political divisions.  Today, ABC Radio National Breakfast host, Patricia Karvelas, on whether the government can convince Australians to vote yes without support across the Parliament. Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, Radio National Breakfast 

Australian politicians are being threatened with violence in volumes never seen before, with the Australian Federal Police receiving more than 500 reports of threats to MP's safety - a number that’s tripled in three years. It's been partly driven by the 'Sovereign Citizen' movement, with COVID-19 providing the perfect breeding ground for their conspiracies to spread. We speak to an expert in extremism about the role COVID's had to play and an MP about her own experience. Featured: Kaz Ross, independent researcher on the far-right Anne Webster, Federal Member for Mallee

Australian politicians are being threatened with violence in volumes never seen before, with the Australian Federal Police receiving more than 500 reports of threats to MP's safety - a number that’s tripled in three years. It's been partly driven by the 'Sovereign Citizen' movement, with COVID-19 providing the perfect breeding ground for their conspiracies to spread. We speak to an expert in extremism about the role COVID's had to play and an MP about her own experience. Featured: Kaz Ross, independent researcher on the far-right Anne Webster, Federal Member for Mallee

It can write poems, essays and even talk to you. That's why ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence bot, is being banned in schools and universities. Today, AI expert Toby Walsh on how the cutting edge technology is already changing our lives. Featured: Toby Walsh, Chief scientist, UNSW AI Institute 

It can write poems, essays and even talk to you. That's why ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence bot, is being banned in schools and universities. Today, AI expert Toby Walsh on how the cutting edge technology is already changing our lives. Featured: Toby Walsh, Chief scientist, UNSW AI Institute 

This is the year Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum, the first in 20 years.  This time we’ll be voting 'yes' or 'no' to giving Indigenous Australians a Voice to Parliament.  As the complex debate gets underway, today ABC Voice correspondent Dan Bourchier on what we’ll see in the months ahead and how to navigate your way through it.  Featured: Dan Bourchier, ABC Referendum & Voice correspondent

This is the year Australians will be asked to vote in a referendum, the first in 20 years.  This time we’ll be voting 'yes' or 'no' to giving Indigenous Australians a Voice to Parliament.  As the complex debate gets underway, today ABC Voice correspondent Dan Bourchier on what we’ll see in the months ahead and how to navigate your way through it.  Featured: Dan Bourchier, ABC Referendum & Voice correspondent

He's a self confessed misogynist who's been charged with rape and human trafficking. So how did Andrew Tate make himself so appealing to millions of young men around the world? Today, we speak to Matt Defina who is working with Australian teenage boys to understand why so many are being drawn to Andrew Tate's toxic views on masculinity. Featured: Mett Defina, organisational psychologist at The Man Cave

He's a self confessed misogynist who's been charged with rape and human trafficking. So how did Andrew Tate make himself so appealing to millions of young men around the world? Today, we speak to Matt Defina who is working with Australian teenage boys to understand why so many are being drawn to Andrew Tate's toxic views on masculinity. Featured: Mett Defina, organisational psychologist at The Man Cave

After three years of doggedly sticking to a COVID-zero policy, last month China made a sudden and unexpected U-turn. Now the disease is ripping through the country as millions celebrate Lunar New Year.  Today what we do and don't know about the biggest COVID outbreak the world has seen so far. Featured: Lily Kuo, China Bureau Chief, The Washington Post

After three years of doggedly sticking to a COVID-zero policy, last month China made a sudden and unexpected U-turn. Now the disease is ripping through the country as millions celebrate Lunar New Year.  Today what we do and don't know about the biggest COVID outbreak the world has seen so far. Featured: Lily Kuo, China Bureau Chief, The Washington Post

As we embark on 2023, many of us will be thinking about our finances and whether this year will be any easier than last year.  Today, with the possibility of a global recession still very much on the cards, we look at how Australia might fare. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC Finance Guy

As we embark on 2023, many of us will be thinking about our finances and whether this year will be any easier than last year.  Today, with the possibility of a global recession still very much on the cards, we look at how Australia might fare. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC Finance Guy

2022 was a good year for the Labor party, with a victory for Daniel Andrews in Victoria and a win at the federal election in May.  When Anthony Albanese took over as PM we asked ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle how she thought he’d run the party and the parliament.  As the year came to a close we checked back in to see what had changed and what to expect in the year ahead.  Originally published on 28 November, 2022 Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent 

2022 was a good year for the Labor party, with a victory for Daniel Andrews in Victoria and a win at the federal election in May.  When Anthony Albanese took over as PM we asked ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle how she thought he’d run the party and the parliament.  As the year came to a close we checked back in to see what had changed and what to expect in the year ahead.  Originally published on 28 November, 2022 Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine did not go the way anyone expected. After multiple strategic losses the Kremlin was forced to pull its troops from key areas in the east of the country around Kherson and Kharkiv. Today, a former commander of US Ground Forces in Europe on what the Ukraine war means for Putin's grip on power and the future of the entire Russian federation.  Originally published on 11 November, 2022 Featured:  Lieutenant General (retired) Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the US Army in Europe

Russia's invasion of Ukraine did not go the way anyone expected. After multiple strategic losses the Kremlin was forced to pull its troops from key areas in the east of the country around Kherson and Kharkiv. Today, a former commander of US Ground Forces in Europe on what the Ukraine war means for Putin's grip on power and the future of the entire Russian federation.  Originally published on 11 November, 2022 Featured:  Lieutenant General (retired) Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the US Army in Europe

In the Northern Territory thousands of US Marines and Australian soldiers are preparing for battle. The United States is even sending nuclear capable bombers here amid heightened concern from the Pentagon that China could invade Taiwan before 2027. Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on his investigation into how the top end is becoming a major military base for the US and why that could leave Australia vulnerable to attack.  Originally published on 1 November, 2022 Featured: Angus Grigg, reporter, ABC TV's Four Corners 

In the Northern Territory thousands of US Marines and Australian soldiers are preparing for battle. The United States is even sending nuclear capable bombers here amid heightened concern from the Pentagon that China could invade Taiwan before 2027. Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on his investigation into how the top end is becoming a major military base for the US and why that could leave Australia vulnerable to attack.  Originally published on 1 November, 2022 Featured: Angus Grigg, reporter, ABC TV's Four Corners 

When two sisters from Saudi Arabia were found dead and naked in their beds in a Sydney apartment it shocked Australians and puzzled police. It raised questions about who the young women were and why they fled their homeland.  Today, Background Briefing reporter Rachael Brown on her chilling investigation into their mysterious deaths and why other Saudi women in Australia are living in fear.  Originally published on 12 August, 2022 Featured: Rachael Brown, Background Briefing reporter

When two sisters from Saudi Arabia were found dead and naked in their beds in a Sydney apartment it shocked Australians and puzzled police. It raised questions about who the young women were and why they fled their homeland.  Today, Background Briefing reporter Rachael Brown on her chilling investigation into their mysterious deaths and why other Saudi women in Australia are living in fear.  Originally published on 12 August, 2022 Featured: Rachael Brown, Background Briefing reporter

Scott Morrison managed to be at the centre of multiple controversies this year, even after losing the election in May. One of his forays back in the headlines occurred after delivering a lengthy address at a Pentecostal church in Perth.  In it, he referenced Satan, miracles and God's plan, telling the faithful it would be a mistake to trust in governments like they trust in God. Radio National Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas unpacked what he said and why they matter.  Originally published on 21 July, 2022 Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast

Scott Morrison managed to be at the centre of multiple controversies this year, even after losing the election in May. One of his forays back in the headlines occurred after delivering a lengthy address at a Pentecostal church in Perth.  In it, he referenced Satan, miracles and God's plan, telling the faithful it would be a mistake to trust in governments like they trust in God. Radio National Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas unpacked what he said and why they matter.  Originally published on 21 July, 2022 Featured:  Patricia Karvelas, host, ABC RN Breakfast

Last July three men embarked on a perilous journey to stop a catastrophe from unfolding on Sydney's shoreline. On a tugboat, in 9 metre swells, they worked for hours to prevent a cargo ship carrying fuel from ploughing into a cliff, saving the lives of 21 crew members and averting an ecological disaster. We spoke to those men about an extraordinary rescue mission which had a nation holding its breath. Originally published on 8 July, 2022 Featured: Brad Lucas, tugboat captain Marius Fenger, engineer Alex Alsop, deckhand

Last July three men embarked on a perilous journey to stop a catastrophe from unfolding on Sydney's shoreline. On a tugboat, in 9 metre swells, they worked for hours to prevent a cargo ship carrying fuel from ploughing into a cliff, saving the lives of 21 crew members and averting an ecological disaster. We spoke to those men about an extraordinary rescue mission which had a nation holding its breath. Originally published on 8 July, 2022 Featured: Brad Lucas, tugboat captain Marius Fenger, engineer Alex Alsop, deckhand

The decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade has seen abortion clinics across America scramble to perform procedures before they're forced to close their doors. Today, US reporter Rosemary Westwood takes us to the only abortion clinic in Mississippi as it prepares to shut forever. Originally published 30 June, 2022 Featured: Rosemary Westwood, public health reporter for public radio in Louisiana and host of the podcast Banned.

The decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn Roe v Wade has seen abortion clinics across America scramble to perform procedures before they're forced to close their doors. Today, US reporter Rosemary Westwood takes us to the only abortion clinic in Mississippi as it prepares to shut forever. Originally published 30 June, 2022 Featured: Rosemary Westwood, public health reporter for public radio in Louisiana and host of the podcast Banned.

Can you imagine if an Australian prime minister broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules, held more than a dozen parties at The Lodge, was fined by police for breaking the law, and still managed to keep the job? Well, in the UK, that's what Boris Johnson managed to pull off for several months until he finally stepped down. But how? Today, the chief political commentator at The Independent newspaper in London, John Rentoul, on the boozy nights at 10 Downing Street and how Boris Johnson managed to stick around for so long. Originally published on 10 June, 2022 Featured: John Rentoul, chief political commentator, The Independent, London

Can you imagine if an Australian prime minister broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules, held more than a dozen parties at The Lodge, was fined by police for breaking the law, and still managed to keep the job? Well, in the UK, that's what Boris Johnson managed to pull off for several months until he finally stepped down. But how? Today, the chief political commentator at The Independent newspaper in London, John Rentoul, on the boozy nights at 10 Downing Street and how Boris Johnson managed to stick around for so long. Originally published on 10 June, 2022 Featured: John Rentoul, chief political commentator, The Independent, London

At the moment around the country, 60,000 people are catching COVID every day, and official figures show at least 4.5 million of us have now had the disease.  It means more and more Australians now have the debilitating condition known as 'long COVID'.  But how much do we really know about it?  Today, we speak to a Melbourne nurse who hasn't recovered from a bout of COVID she had in 2020, and we hear from a doctor at the forefront of global research into what remains a mystery illness.  Originally published on 1 April, 2022 Featured: Irene Tey, long COVID sufferer Dr David Putrino, director of rehabilitation innovation, Mt Sinai hospital system, New York

At the moment around the country, 60,000 people are catching COVID every day, and official figures show at least 4.5 million of us have now had the disease.  It means more and more Australians now have the debilitating condition known as 'long COVID'.  But how much do we really know about it?  Today, we speak to a Melbourne nurse who hasn't recovered from a bout of COVID she had in 2020, and we hear from a doctor at the forefront of global research into what remains a mystery illness.  Originally published on 1 April, 2022 Featured: Irene Tey, long COVID sufferer Dr David Putrino, director of rehabilitation innovation, Mt Sinai hospital system, New York

With residents in flood-devastated towns across New South Wales and Queensland trying to clean up and get on with their lives, the question is: what comes next?  Should flood-prone towns be rebuilt? Or could they be moved to higher ground?  Today, the ABC's national regional affairs reporter, Lucy Barbour, takes us on a journey to the small town of Grantham, in south-east Queensland, to find a lasting solution.  Originally published on 25 March, 2022 Featured:  Lucy Barbour, ABC national regional affairs reporter  Gordon Linley, Gundagai resident  Shane Herrington, Wirajuda Warragul man  Rebecca Sparkes, Grantham resident  Tanya Hooper, Grantham resident

With residents in flood-devastated towns across New South Wales and Queensland trying to clean up and get on with their lives, the question is: what comes next?  Should flood-prone towns be rebuilt? Or could they be moved to higher ground?  Today, the ABC's national regional affairs reporter, Lucy Barbour, takes us on a journey to the small town of Grantham, in south-east Queensland, to find a lasting solution.  Originally published on 25 March, 2022 Featured:  Lucy Barbour, ABC national regional affairs reporter  Gordon Linley, Gundagai resident  Shane Herrington, Wirajuda Warragul man  Rebecca Sparkes, Grantham resident  Tanya Hooper, Grantham resident

Imagine for a second what it would be like to not have a home this Christmas or to not have enough food to feed your family. That's the reality for a growing number of Australians faced with a massive increase in costs.  In Sydney, Reverend Bill Crews provides three meals a day for the less fortunate and will help feed thousands, including many children, on Christmas day.  After 50 years working in the field, today he discusses the changing face of poverty in Australia. Featured: Reverend Bill Crews, The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation

Imagine for a second what it would be like to not have a home this Christmas or to not have enough food to feed your family. That's the reality for a growing number of Australians faced with a massive increase in costs.  In Sydney, Reverend Bill Crews provides three meals a day for the less fortunate and will help feed thousands, including many children, on Christmas day.  After 50 years working in the field, today he discusses the changing face of poverty in Australia. Featured: Reverend Bill Crews, The Rev. Bill Crews Foundation

Federal parliament is set to pass the government's caps on coal and gas, with the hope that sometime next year it will start saving households money. But with estimates that multinational fossil fuel corporations could take away a whopping 140 billion dollar gross profit this year, is there more we could be doing to bring prices down? We speak to Alison Reeve from the Grattan Institute on whether the Government's going far enough to reduce our energy costs.  Featured: Alison Reeve, Grattan Institute, deputy program director of Energy and Climate Change

Federal parliament is set to pass the government's caps on coal and gas, with the hope that sometime next year it will start saving households money. But with estimates that multinational fossil fuel corporations could take away a whopping 140 billion dollar gross profit this year, is there more we could be doing to bring prices down? We speak to Alison Reeve from the Grattan Institute on whether the Government's going far enough to reduce our energy costs.  Featured: Alison Reeve, Grattan Institute, deputy program director of Energy and Climate Change

Looting, trashing property, ramming stolen cars: crime in Alice Springs has been so severe recently, police have closed down the CBD on several occasions.

Looting, trashing property, ramming stolen cars: crime in Alice Springs has been so severe recently, police have closed down the CBD on several occasions.

A number of congressional hearings are set to begin this week in US into one of the biggest financial collapses in history. Around 30,000 Australians were caught up in the spectacular downfall of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which went from a $50 billion company to declaring bankruptcy in a matter of hours. Today, Tory Newmyer from the Washington Post on the Wild West of cryptocurrency, and whether investors will keep coming back for more. Featured: Tory Newmyer, economic policy reporter, Washington Post

A number of congressional hearings are set to begin this week in US into one of the biggest financial collapses in history. Around 30,000 Australians were caught up in the spectacular downfall of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which went from a $50 billion company to declaring bankruptcy in a matter of hours. Today, Tory Newmyer from the Washington Post on the Wild West of cryptocurrency, and whether investors will keep coming back for more. Featured: Tory Newmyer, economic policy reporter, Washington Post

Australia's been hit by a number of large hacking scandals this year, with millions of Optus and Medibank customers having their data stolen.   But did you know children could be just as vulnerable? While young kids are playing on tablets and smartphones, in the background millions of pieces of their personal data are being collected.   Today, the ABC's national education and parenting reporter, Conor Duffy on how tech companies are building complex profiles that could follow our children throughout their lives. Featured:  Connor Duffy, ABC education and parenting reporter

Australia's been hit by a number of large hacking scandals this year, with millions of Optus and Medibank customers having their data stolen.   But did you know children could be just as vulnerable? While young kids are playing on tablets and smartphones, in the background millions of pieces of their personal data are being collected.   Today, the ABC's national education and parenting reporter, Conor Duffy on how tech companies are building complex profiles that could follow our children throughout their lives. Featured:  Connor Duffy, ABC education and parenting reporter

This week a climate change protester was jailed for 15 months after she disrupted traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier this year. It's outraged human rights groups and the United Nations but others say it's exactly the deterrent that is needed. Today, we discuss whether these kinds of protests are effective and if stricter laws will really discourage them. Featured: Sarah Maddison, Political Science professor and Director of the Australian Centre, University of Melbourne

This week a climate change protester was jailed for 15 months after she disrupted traffic on the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier this year. It's outraged human rights groups and the United Nations but others say it's exactly the deterrent that is needed. Today, we discuss whether these kinds of protests are effective and if stricter laws will really discourage them. Featured: Sarah Maddison, Political Science professor and Director of the Australian Centre, University of Melbourne

While energy giants have made massive excess profits this year worth billions of dollars, consumers are facing soaring power bills.  And it's going to get worse with predictions costs will have increased by 50 per cent by the end of next year.  Today the ABC's energy reporter, Daniel Mercer on the government’' plan to intervene in the market to ease the pain.  Featured: Daniel Mercer, ABC energy reporter

While energy giants have made massive excess profits this year worth billions of dollars, consumers are facing soaring power bills.  And it's going to get worse with predictions costs will have increased by 50 per cent by the end of next year.  Today the ABC's energy reporter, Daniel Mercer on the government’' plan to intervene in the market to ease the pain.  Featured: Daniel Mercer, ABC energy reporter

2022 has been a rocky economic year, and now we’ve had a pre-Christmas interest rate rise; the eighth in a row. So what can we expect in 2023?  Today Business Editor Ian Verrender on why China has a lot to do with where we're heading.  Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC's business editor

2022 has been a rocky economic year, and now we’ve had a pre-Christmas interest rate rise; the eighth in a row. So what can we expect in 2023?  Today Business Editor Ian Verrender on why China has a lot to do with where we're heading.  Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC's business editor

In 2021, Brittany Higgins became known across Australia after she publicly alleged she'd been raped in an office at Parliament House.  The man she accused, Bruce Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence.  Today, criminologist Dr Rachael Burgin on why the focus has shifted to how our legal system is working now the charges have been dropped. Featured: Dr Rachael Burgin, criminology lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology and CEO, Rape & Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy

In 2021, Brittany Higgins became known across Australia after she publicly alleged she'd been raped in an office at Parliament House.  The man she accused, Bruce Lehrmann has always maintained his innocence.  Today, criminologist Dr Rachael Burgin on why the focus has shifted to how our legal system is working now the charges have been dropped. Featured: Dr Rachael Burgin, criminology lecturer, Swinburne University of Technology and CEO, Rape & Sexual Assault Research and Advocacy

As Christmas approaches, temperatures plummet and snow falls it's hard to fathom just how hard life is for the people of Ukraine. The country is being continually plunged into darkness, as Vladimir Putin targets the nation's energy system with missile and drone strikes.  Today we touch base again with Olga Polotska, a resident in the capital Kyiv and we speak to a former energy expert at the US embassy in Ukraine about the long winter ahead.   Featured: Olga Polotska, Kyiv resident Suriya Jayanti, former Energy Unit Chief at the US Embassy in Kyiv

As Christmas approaches, temperatures plummet and snow falls it's hard to fathom just how hard life is for the people of Ukraine. The country is being continually plunged into darkness, as Vladimir Putin targets the nation's energy system with missile and drone strikes.  Today we touch base again with Olga Polotska, a resident in the capital Kyiv and we speak to a former energy expert at the US embassy in Ukraine about the long winter ahead.   Featured: Olga Polotska, Kyiv resident Suriya Jayanti, former Energy Unit Chief at the US Embassy in Kyiv

Much of Australia has been ravaged by floods this year, with some towns almost virtually wiped out. To make matters worse, many residents were unable to afford the soaring insurance costs, and have been left with nothing. As rising costs associated with climate change are making more and more homes uninsurable nation-wide, we ask how we can protect Australians when insurance companies no longer will?  Featured: Professor Paula Jarzabkowski, University of Queensland School of Business.

Much of Australia has been ravaged by floods this year, with some towns almost virtually wiped out. To make matters worse, many residents were unable to afford the soaring insurance costs, and have been left with nothing. As rising costs associated with climate change are making more and more homes uninsurable nation-wide, we ask how we can protect Australians when insurance companies no longer will?  Featured: Professor Paula Jarzabkowski, University of Queensland School of Business.

Integrity in politics has been in the spotlight again, with the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison censured by the Parliament over his secret ministries, in the same week a national anti-corruption commission was passed.  The commission will begin operating next year, but who will be hauled before it first?  Today, RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas on how the new body could go some way to restore confidence in our political system.  Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

Integrity in politics has been in the spotlight again, with the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison censured by the Parliament over his secret ministries, in the same week a national anti-corruption commission was passed.  The commission will begin operating next year, but who will be hauled before it first?  Today, RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas on how the new body could go some way to restore confidence in our political system.  Featured: Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast and The Party Room podcast

In the most significant dissent in decades, protesters are taking to the streets across China to vent their frustrations over COVID-19 lockdowns. They’re not only demanding their freedom back but in some cases in incredibly rare defiance they’re demanding President Xi and the Communist party stand aside. Today, ABC East Asia Correspondent, Bill Birtles, on how much longer the Chinese leader can hold on to COVID-zero.  Featured: Bill Birtles, ABC East Asia correspondent

In the most significant dissent in decades, protesters are taking to the streets across China to vent their frustrations over COVID-19 lockdowns. They’re not only demanding their freedom back but in some cases in incredibly rare defiance they’re demanding President Xi and the Communist party stand aside. Today, ABC East Asia Correspondent, Bill Birtles, on how much longer the Chinese leader can hold on to COVID-zero.  Featured: Bill Birtles, ABC East Asia correspondent

Australia's about to have a new industrial relations system that is meant to increase wages for the nation's lowest paid workers.  But businesses say it'll just lead to higher costs for employers and consumers, more strike action and fewer workers.  Today, business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens on what's set to change and who will be better off.  Featured: Gareth Hutchens, ABC economics and business reporter

Australia's about to have a new industrial relations system that is meant to increase wages for the nation's lowest paid workers.  But businesses say it'll just lead to higher costs for employers and consumers, more strike action and fewer workers.  Today, business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens on what's set to change and who will be better off.  Featured: Gareth Hutchens, ABC economics and business reporter

It's been a good year for the Labor party, with a victory for Daniel Andrews in Victoria on the weekend and a win at the federal election back in May.   When Anthony Albanese took over as PM we asked ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle how she thought he’d run the party and the parliament.  Today, as it enters its last sitting week for the year, we check back in to see what’s changed and what to expect in the year ahead. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent

It's been a good year for the Labor party, with a victory for Daniel Andrews in Victoria on the weekend and a win at the federal election back in May.   When Anthony Albanese took over as PM we asked ABC 7.30's chief political correspondent, Laura Tingle how she thought he’d run the party and the parliament.  Today, as it enters its last sitting week for the year, we check back in to see what’s changed and what to expect in the year ahead. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC 7.30 chief political correspondent

Electric vehicles are about to become cheaper in Australia, with the Government securing Senate support for tax cuts it promised during the election.  But is it enough for Australia to catch up with the rest of the world? Today, electric vehicle expert Gail Broadbent on what the changes mean and whether there’ll now be a Tsunami in sales. Featured: Gail Broadbent, electric vehicle expert at the University of NSW