As the US president considers whether to launch new strikes or pursue a compromise deal, what would Iran actually agree to? 

Today, Robert Malley, a lead negotiator on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on why a new deal might look just like Barack Obama’s and how the quagmire can be compared to the Vietnam war. 

Featured: 

Robert Malley, Special Envoy for Iran in the Biden administration and now a lecturer and Senior Fellow at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs  

The US president met China’s leader in Beijing and says Xi Jinping asked him whether the US would defend Taiwan. 

What do Trump’s comments mean for US-China relations and how likely is a Chinese invasion of the self-governed island?

Today, Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London on President Xi Jinping’s warning to Trump and whether the Chinese are ready for war. 

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Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London

But Newspoll suggests it’s the most unpopular federal budget in more than 30 years. 

Across the polls, Labor’s support is steady or declining, while One Nation rises above the Coalition. 

Will bolder economic policies from Labor and the Coalition stop the collapse of Australia’s two-party system and the rise of minor parties and independents?

Today, Michelle Grattan, political correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow at the University of Canberra on the reaction to the budget. 

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Michelle Grattan, political correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

But in the end, there was no breakthrough on selling US firm Nvidia’s high tech AI chips to China.

So where does that leave the race for AI dominance and how are China and the US approaching AI differently?

Today, China tech expert Selina Xu on who’s ahead right now and what happens next.

Featured: 

Selina Xu, China tech researcher, writer and analyst 

They’ve been used for generations to distribute wealth and reduce tax bills. 

Now the government’s moving to make sure the tax office receives more from the earnings, imposing a minimum 30 percent tax on discretionary trusts. 

Today, Kristen Sobeck a tax expert at the University of Canberra on the new tax on trusts. 

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Kristen Sobeck, economics lecturer at the University of Canberra

No wonder speculation is growing that he could be the next Republican presidential nominee, instead of Vice President JD Vance.

Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Center think tank on the new political battle in the US.

Featured: 

Geoff Kabaservice, Niskanen Center Vice President for Political Studies 

The ship's passengers are being repatriated across the world after potential exposure to hantavirus, which caused the death of three passengers. 

Among those heading home are four Australians who will soon be placed in a quarantine facility in Western Australia. 

What is the virus, how does it spread and should we be worried about it?  

Today epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre from UNSW on everything you need to know about hantavirus. 

Featured: 

Raina MacIntyre, epidemiologist and Professor of Global Biosecurity at the University of New South Wales

Delivered as war impacts the economy, it’s being sold as a budget that addresses the growing inequality between generations, with the treasurer declaring Labor is on the hard road of reform. 

But will changes to taxes on property investors and family trusts really level the playing field?

The ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender joins Sam Hawley in the budget lock-up in Sydney. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

But not this year. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin scaled back the event due to the risk of a Ukrainian long range attack on Moscow. 

At the same time, media reports citing a European intelligence service suggest security is increasing around Putin and there’s even a risk of a coup. 

Today, Matthew Sussex, Russia expert at the Australian National University on Putin’s paranoia and whether Ukraine has cards to play in the conflict. 

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Matthew Sussex, associate professor at the Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

Imagine if there were other tools that spread the pain to more people, not just those repaying a home loan. 

Perhaps the government could force workers to put more money into their superannuation accounts or move the GST up and down depending on the inflation rate. 

Today, independent economist Chris Richardson assesses the options. 

Featured: 

Chris Richardson, independent economist

Backers of Iran are creating so-called ‘slopaganda’ using AI generated videos to mock the United States and President Donald Trump. 

But while Iranian diplomats are sharing the viral videos, are they actually changing anyone’s mind? 

Today, Brett Schafer from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue on how Iran is using meme warfare to soften the regime’s image. 

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Brett Schafer, senior director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Next week’s budget will reveal just how dramatic the government’s changes to generous tax breaks for property investors will be. 

The expected shake up to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount follows the prime minister’s promises during the last election campaign to leave the arrangements as they were.

Have concerns around generational inequality in housing made breaking an election promise feasible?

Today, host of ABC Radio’s AM program, Melissa Clarke, on the prime minister’s gamble. 

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Melissa Clarke, political correspondent and host of ‘AM’

Already Iran has resumed firing on the UAE and the US says it’s destroyed Iranian military boats in the Strait.

Today, Jennifer Parker, a former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer, on the new phase of the Iran war. 

Featured: 

Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Professor at the Defence and Security Institute at The University of Western Australia 

So, why are stocks still surging on Wall Street, driving the value of the world’s biggest sharemarkets to record highs? 

Today the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on why investors remain so optimistic and it’s got a lot to do with AI.  

Featured: 

Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

While police forces defend their policies and training, there are concerns that officers draw the weapon too quickly, not just when danger is imminent. 

There’s also a controversial medical diagnosis called “excited delirium” that’s been used to explain why it’s not the device that’s causing deaths. 

Are the devices really as safe as their maker insists?

Today, reporter Grace Tobin on her Four Corners investigation into the multi-billion-dollar Taser industry. 

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Grace Tobin, ABC investigative reporter

He was even talking about it after the suspected third attempt on his life. 

The US president has torn down parts of the East Wing of the White House to make way for the huge structure that will dominate the White House. 

Today, Dan Diamond, White House reporter at the Washington Post on legal efforts to stop the president and what Trump’s motive really is. 

Featured: 

Dan Diamond, Washington Post White House reporter 

Today, we speak with Martin Laverty, an architect of the NDIS and now head of disability services provider, Aruma. 

We also speak with Jess Howlett who has autism, about her fears she’ll be unfairly removed from the scheme.

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Jess Howlett, diagnosed with level 2 autism

Martin Laverty, chief executive of disability accommodation and services provider Aruma

So, what role is Beijing actually playing, how is its economy affected and what is it learning about the United States’ military? 

Today, Neil Thomas, an expert in China’s politics from the Asia Society Policy Institute on Xi Jinping’s strategy and standing in the world. 

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Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis

But this year he’d taken his seat not long before a 31 year old tried to burst into the function room armed with guns and knives. 

The US president has described the suspect as ‘sick’.

Today, we speak with Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, who was in the room when the chaos began. 

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Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic

The video reveals the government receives more money from a tax on beer than from the tax on the profits of massive oil and gas projects. But is that the whole story?

Today, the ABC’s chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong on the growing campaign for a new gas tax and what to make of the push back from the industry. 

Featured: 

Clare Armstrong, ABC chief digital political correspondent

Travellers are now more likely to get to their destinations on time, but the cost to airlines from the surging price of jet fuel is starting to bite. 

Today, aviation industry expert Ian Douglas on where things currently stand and why airfares aren’t coming down in price anytime soon. 

Featured: 

Ian Douglas, honorary senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales School of Aviation

Australia used to have a network of refineries and we were mostly self-sufficient in fuel production. Who let so many close and why? 

Today, Alison Reeve, energy expert from the Grattan Institute on whether we really could build new refineries and successfully exploit new oil fields. 

Featured: 

Alison Reeve, Energy and Climate Change Program Director at the Grattan Institute

More than seven weeks later there’s still no obvious off ramp, with uncertainty surrounding a second round of peace talks in Pakistan. 

Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator in the Trump administration, on what the US president needs to do to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz 

Featured: 

Nate Swanson, former Iran negotiator in the Trump administration and former director for Iran at the National Security Council during the Biden presidency. Resident senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council. 

Transporting produce around the country will cost more due to high diesel prices, but farmers don’t necessarily get to recoup the surging costs on the farm itself.

So how are our farmers faring and when will another round of price hikes reach us at the supermarket check-out? 

Today, we speak with agricultural business expert Stefan Vogel and to South Australian grain grower Louise Flohr. 

Featured: 

Louise Flohr, South Australian grain farmer

Stefan Vogel, general manager of RaboResearch Australia & New Zealand

You might be surprised to hear where the ADHD capitals are.

Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the exclusive prescribing data and whether it shows ADHD is being over-diagnosed. 

Featured: 

Dr Norman Swan, Four Corners reporter and co-host of ABC Radio National’s Health Report and What's That Rash

He’s one of the few beneficiaries, making vast sums of money as the oil price spiked and Donald Trump temporarily eased sanctions. 

The world’s attention has been diverted from his war in Ukraine and the thorn in his side, the NATO alliance, is under more pressure than ever. 

Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on Trump’s growing anger about NATO’s refusal to help the US in the Strait of Hormuz and whether Europe will soon be ready to ward off its hostile neighbour on its own. 

Featured: 

Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York and a senior research fellow at the Saltzman Institute at Columbia University

After the leader of the Catholic Church criticised Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilisation, the president unleashed. 

Trump dismissed the Pope as ‘weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy’.

Debate over the US leader's mental health has reignited since the fuel erupted and he posted an AI image depicting himself as Jesus.  

Today, David A. Graham from The Atlantic magazine on what Trump’s behaviour says about his ability to govern. 

Featured: 

David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

The government’s urging Australians to do what they can to use less fuel, but when will more severe restrictions kick in?

Today, Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial on why we’re facing a ‘doomsday’ scenario that’s been war gamed for decades. 

He’s warning that fuel prices will not return to pre-war levels for at least a year. 

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Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial

A US blockade will stop ships entering or departing Iranian ports, but will it really work to bring an end to the conflict?

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what happens next and why the Iran conflict is starting to look like a ‘forever war’ for Trump. 

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Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

With lingering concerns about the quality and safety of some centres and families struggling to afford the bills, is now the time for such a radical shake up?

Today, Alan Kohler on the case for change and childcare policy expert Elizabeth Hill on whether it could really work.

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Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of “That's Business with Alan Kohler” podcast

Elizabeth Hill, Professor in the Department of Political Economy and Deputy Director of the Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work at the University of Sydney

Disruptions to the oil and gas supply have raised fears of a global economic slowdown as surging fuel prices punish households and businesses. 

Today, Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, on whether a ceasefire changes expectations about the economic fallout and whether petrol and diesel prices are set to fall.

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Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University

Iran and the United States will now spend two weeks negotiating a peace plan, but it seems there’s little they can agree on.

Today, Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center on why Trump ‘blinked’ and what comes next.

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Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University

Now, he’s been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. 

It comes after he lost a landmark defamation trial in which a judge found that on the balance of probabilities, allegations the former special forces soldier was responsible for, or complicit in the deaths of four detainees in Afghanistan were substantially true. 

Today, international law expert Don Rothwell on the charges, which if proven, could see Ben Roberts-Smith jailed for life.

Featured: 

Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law at the Australian National University’s College of Law

From Pete Hegseth to Marco Rubio and JD Vance, they’re each playing a role in executing or trying to explain the rationale for the controversial action in Iran. 

If the war can’t be sold as a success in the end, who in Trump’s cabinet will end up paying the price?

Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on Trump’s team and whether any of them know what they’re doing. 

Featured: 

David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

But a pattern of large, well-timed trades placed on commodity and prediction markets just minutes before major Iran war announcements has emerged. 

It’s raising concerns that some investors could be acting on inside information. 

Today, Andrew Verstein an expert on insider trading and law professor at UCLA on the money changing hands.

Featured: 

Andrew Verstein, Professor of Law, and Faculty Co-Director of the Lowell Milken Institute for Business Law and Policy at UCLA.

So is Donald Trump preparing to pull out or digging in? 

If the US steps back, it's signalled other countries could be left to secure the Strait of Hormuz-- a vital global oil route-- on their own.

Today, defence strategist Kelly A. Grieco on why whatever comes next, the chaos is far from over.

Featured:

Kelly A. Grieco, Senior Fellow with the Reimagining US Grand Strategy Program at the Stimson Center

Past oil shocks have sparked economic downturns and as petrol and diesel prices climb now, it could happen again. 

Today, the ABCs finance expert Alan Kohler on why he thinks this could be one of the great disasters of our lifetime. 

Featured: 

Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of the “That's Business with Alan Kohler” podcast

So, are the latest electric trucks up to the job of moving goods around such a large country and can the challenges around cost, infrastructure and range be overcome?

Today, Scott Dwyer from the Institute of Sustainable Futures at UTS on the advances in technology that could help us avoid the worst impacts of the next fuel crisis.

Featured: 

Scott Dwyer, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney

The US leader says he’ll be having the “honour of taking Cuba”, which has been crippled by an oil embargo president Trump imposed earlier this year. 

Today, Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban history at the University of Florida on Trump’s next move. 

Featured: 

Lillian Guerra, professor of Cuban and Caribbean history at the University of Florida

So, are there efforts underway to bring the conflict to a close or not? And who’s winning the war?

Today, Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council’s Middle East program on Iran’s stronghold on the Strait of Hormuz and why it will only stop the fighting on its terms. 

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Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council

That’s the party’s best showing in that state ever and federal party leader Pauline Hanson says a movement is under way. 

Referring to the party’s colour branding, One Nation’s SA leader Cory Bernardi insists an ‘orange wave’ is here to stay. 

Today, the ABC’s Melissa Clarke on how the party is translating strong polling into votes and what that means for federal politics. 

Featured: 

Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent and host of ‘AM’

But as war in the Middle East disrupts travel plans for thousands, should we reconsider the region as a transit hub? 

And if you’ve already booked flights via the Gulf, what should you do now?

Featured: 

Ian Douglas, aviation management lecturer at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

If they are, is there anything that can stop them? 

Today, David Byrne, professor of economics at the University of Melbourne on how fuel companies justify the rapid price rises and what motorists can do to fight back.

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David Byrne, professor of economics at the University of Melbourne

He says pressure from Israel, not an imminent threat from Iran, led the US president to start the conflict.

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on Benjamin Netanyahu’s goals in Iran and how long he wants the fight to last.  

He explains why, if regime change isn’t possible, Israel might keep going until the Iranian state fails.  

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

Are we now in a long rate hiking cycle, accelerated by the war in Iran, or could this be the rise that finally brings inflation under control? 

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the uncertainty for the economy and the outlook for rates. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent 

In Australia, petrol and diesel prices are soaring and in some regional areas the bowsers have run dry.

Today, David Leaney, an international supply chain expert from the ANU on how panic buying is driving prices higher and why the government should start restricting sales.

Featured: 

David Leaney, international supply chain management consultant and Lecturer at Australian National University

When a massive algal bloom arrived in South Australia, devastating the coastline and killing marine life, the public was initially told it wasn’t toxic, when it later became apparent it was.

Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg on his investigation into what the South Australian government knew and whether it acted fast enough.

Featured: 

Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

He insists the US has won already, even as the bombs fall and Iran's drones cause havoc in the region.

Did the US president misjudge how a war with Iran would play out and how significant the ripple effects would be across the world?

Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine Tom Nichols on why the Trump administration is 'strategically incompetent' and why he thinks the president is suffering from 'victory disease'.

Featured:

Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

At the same time, a battle has broken out between the Trump administration and one of the leading AI firms, Anthropic, over what limits should be placed on the use of AI by the military. 

Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales on why guardrails are crucial to avoid a nightmare future of AI fuelled warfare. 

Featured: 

Toby Walsh, UNSW AI Institute chief scientist 

A week later, members of the Iranian women’s soccer team who competed in the Women’s Asian Cup have been offered asylum in Australia.

Today, lawyer and sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on how it all unfolded. 

Featured: 

Catherine Ordway, sport integrity expert and a visiting scholar at the University of NSW School of Business based in Canberra 

Instead, Iran’s top clerics chose Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after he was killed in US-Israeli strikes.

Today, Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre on what this appointment means for the war.

Featured: 

Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington D.C.

Scepticism is not unwarranted because we’ve been talking about fast train travel for decades, but it’s never happened because it basically costs too much.  

Today, Joe Langley, an urban planner who worked on the Gillard government’s study of high speed rail and who is a member of the advocacy body the Australian High Speed Rail Association. 

Featured: 

Joe Langley, urban planner and member of the Australian High Speed Rail Association

But by starting the conflict has he made the world less safe? 

There are concerns around what happens to Iran’s enriched nuclear material and the lessons other countries will take from Iran’s being hit while remaining at the threshold short of getting a bomb.

Today, Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association on why it could all lead to more nuclear weapons around the world.

Featured: 

Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the Arms Control Association

Oil and gas prices are rising and that has the Reserve Bank worried about inflation and analysts warn that could mean more interest rate hikes. 

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on why we’re so economically vulnerable to a conflict so far away and what we can expect in the weeks ahead.  

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

How long will it last? US President Donald Trump says a month or longer, “whatever it takes”.

Today, we speak to Rana Dadpour who fled the brutal Iranian regime in 2012 and founded the group Australian United Solidarity for Iran.

We also speak with international relations expert Rajan Menon about why this could be a long war. 

Featured: 

Rana Dadpour, founder of Australian United Solidarity for Iran

Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York and a senior research fellow at the Saltzman Institute at Columbia University

But if one of the aims is regime change in Iran, can the US president achieve that without troops on the ground? 

The war is escalating in the region with Israel beginning strikes on the Iran-linked militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon’s capital Beirut, after it launched missiles towards Israel. 

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on why the war is unlikely to go as Trump planned and the nightmare scenarios. 

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

He says Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed.

In a social media video, the US president urged the Iranian people to rise up and topple the regime.

Iran has responded by targeting Israel and US military bases across the region with drones and missiles, hitting targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar. 

Today, Nate Swanson, Iran expert at the Atlantic Council on what could come next. 

Featured: 

Nate Swanson, senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council

The political power couple is being hauled before a US congressional investigation into late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University on what we can expect from their depositions.   

Featured: 

David Smith, associate professor at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

It’s the longest State of the Union address ever recorded.  

But has the US president convinced voters that his first year in office has been a raging success and can he turn his tanking popularity around before the mid-term elections in November.  

Today, Emma Shortis, a US politics expert at the progressive think tank, the Australia Institute, on Trump’s State of the Union address.  

Featured: 

Emma Shortis, Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program

But why? Given similar groups of women and children have been returned in the past by both the Albanese and Morrison governments? 

Today, Adam Harvey, reporter for the ABC’s 7.30 program, joins us to discuss his 2019 reporting as a foreign correspondent on the ground in the Syrian camp where the Australians were living. 

He spoke with some of the Australian women at the time. 

Adam also looks at the current debate and what happens if the group is successful in getting home. 

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Adam Harvey, 7.30 reporter

So, will President Trump give back to Australian companies the millions of dollars they’ve already lost?

What does the new 15 percent global tariff mean for the global economy? 

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the latest tariff chaos.

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

But what are the risks around handing over control of your data, messages and payment methods to the latest wave of artificial intelligence tools?

Today, computer security expert at Melbourne University Shaanan Cohney on how AI agents work and how close we are to AI taking our jobs. 

Featured: 

Dr Shaanan Cohney, Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security and Deputy Head for the School of Computing and Information Systems at the University of Melbourne

King Charles has tried to distance himself from the man who remains eighth in line to the throne. But can the royal family survive this scandal?

Today, the ABC’s Annabel Crabb on what happens when the justice system comes for the King’s brother.

Featured: 

Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

The 84-year-old has been missing for more than three weeks and the mystery only deepened with the release of eerie doorbell footage showing a masked person at her door.

Today, we speak to former FBI profiler, Mary Ellen O’Toole, who spent her career studying the criminal mind.  

She tells us why it’s not likely a burglary gone wrong and what she sees in the demeanour of the masked figure. 

Featured: 

Mary Ellen O’Toole, former FBI profiler and currently director of the forensic science program at George Mason University

That’s a matter now before the Federal Court with the competition watchdog, the ACCC, arguing consumers have been misled and it needs to end. 

Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on what we’ve heard in the case so far and how Coles defends its practices. 

Featured: 

Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter

Today, British economist, former trader and YouTube star Gary Stevenson on why a wealth tax could work to end growing inequality and fix our housing problem. 

He explains why rising inequality could lead to deteriorating living standards and leave Australians living in slums. 

Featured: 

Gary Stevenson, economist and host of Gary’s Economics

The so-called endangerment finding was the basis for nearly all climate laws in the US.

Now it’s gone, the White House hopes dirty industries can flourish again, including America’s petrol car manufacturers. 

Today, ANU climate expert, Christian Downie on what happens when one of the world’s largest polluters gives up on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Featured: 

Christian Downie, professor in the school of regulation and global governance at the Australian National University

Now with the midterm elections just eight months away there’s concern he’s trying to fiddle with the voting system.

Today, Professor Rick Hasen from UCLA on Trump’s tactics and whether he can get away with meddling with US democracy. 

Featured: 

Rick Hasen, Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project

The partyroom voted to dump its first female leader after she’s been in the role for just nine months.

Angus Taylor now has the mammoth task of turning around some of the worst polling in the Liberal Party’s history and stopping One Nation from stealing more of its voters. 

Today, Niki Savva, political commentator and author and former advisor to Prime Minister John Howard, on the leadership spill and whether the Coalition has any chance of returning to government. 

Featured: 

Niki Savva, political commentator and author of Earthquake: The Election that Shook Australia

But it’s not the US president who’s currently fighting for his political survival.

Instead, it’s the British leader Keir Starmer who’s on very shaky ground, even though he’s not in the documents.   

Today, professor of politics at Deakin University, Simon Tormey, on how he became so deeply embroiled in the controversy. 

Featured: 

Simon Tormey, Executive Dean of Arts and Education and Professor of Politics at Deakin University

So why did the spy agency determine in 2020 that the alleged terrorist didn’t pose a serious threat and was that an intelligence failure? 

The spy boss Mike Burgess stands by his agency’s assessment.

But a former spy has told the ABC he met the father and son years ago and had concerns they were radicalised.

Today, Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on his Four Corners investigation into what was known about Naveed Akram and his father Sajid before they killed 15 people at Bondi beach. 

Featured: 

Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporter

Around 6,000 people had gathered to condemn the visit to Sydney by the Israeli president but there were violent clashes with police after they were ordered to disperse.

Today, law professor Luke McNamara from the University of New South Wales on the new protest laws brought in after the Bondi attack and why he thinks the Labor government has gone too far. 

Featured: 

Luke McNamara, Professor in the Faculty of Law and Justice and the University of New South Wales

It’s a visit welcomed by prominent Jewish groups, but President Isaac Herzog is a controversial figure. 

Opponents, including some pro-Palestinian and human rights activists take issue with his past comments about Gaza and his role in representing the state of Israel. 

New South Wales authorities are trying to block any marches through Sydney, but protesters are vowing to press ahead.

Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on the controversy surrounding the visit.  

Featured: 

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

More people installed a battery in the second half of last year than during the previous five years. 

Renewable power generation also made up half of the nation’s power supply last quarter.

Today, Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute on what the surge in home batteries and renewables in the grid means for everyone’s power bills now and into the future.

Featured: 

Tony Wood, Energy and Climate Change Senior Fellow at Grattan Institute 

As Donald Trump continues to up-end US foreign policy, what does Mark Carney mean and where does Australia fit in? 

Today, Samir Puri, the author of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing, on the significance of Carney’s words and why, even when Trump is gone, the world will have changed forever. 

Featured: 

Samir Puri, author of Westlessness: The Great Global Rebalancing and former director of Chatham House’s Centre for Global Governance and Security 

Its price is about 80 percent higher than it was a year ago and it’s still near its all time record after a recent sell off.

So, what’s been moving the price of gold and what does it say about investor’s faith in the US and global economy? 

Today, business correspondent David Taylor on why Australians have been queuing to buy the shiny metal and where the price could go next. 

Featured: 

David Taylor, ABC business correspondent

The RBA board is so concerned about inflation sticking around that it has increased interest rates for the first time since 2023.

Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on the RBAs failure to bring inflation down to its target and the mistakes it made in 2025. 

Featured: 

Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

But the US president says the latest batch of the Epstein files clears him, while the US Department of Justice says there’s no need for any further investigation. 

But is that really the end of it? 

Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre at Sydney University on what the latest files mean for Trump and others and why millions of documents are still hidden. 

Featured: 

David Smith, associate professor at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney

He sacked two key figures, accusing them of corruption, raising questions about the timeline for his ambition to take over Taiwan. 

Today, China expert Neil Thomas from the Asia Society Policy Institute on what Xi Jinping is up to. 

Featured: 

Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese Politics at the Center for China Analysis at the Asia Society Policy Institute in Washington DC

Whole milk has become an obsession for the US president and his health secretary RFK Jr who thinks everyone should be drinking it. 

Today, Yasmin Tayag from The Atlantic on milk and why the Trump administration has turned the food pyramid on its head. 

Featured: 

Yasmin Tayag, staff writer at The Atlantic

That’s according to successive opinion polls this year which have Pauline Hanson’s party with a primary vote higher than it’s ever been. 

Today, Tony Barry, director at the Redbridge Group and former Liberal Party strategist on the voters expressing support for One Nation, whether it will translate into actual votes and why the major parties need to take notice. 

Featured: 

Tony Barry, director at RedBridge Group

But why did he let it go so far in the first place? 

Today, Claire Finkelstein, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania on what Trump’s really trying to achieve and why the events mirror the lead up to a civil war. 

Featured: 

Claire Finkelstein, professor of law and professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania

He’s suggested he could buy it and he threatened tariffs on nations that didn’t support his quest to take it. 

Now he’s dropped the tariff threat after negotiations and he’s ruled out using military force. 

The US president’s approach to Greenland might be erratic but it’s all in line with his foreign policy aim to reorder the world. 

Today, Monica Duffy Toft from the Fletcher School at Tufts University on Trump’s bid to control the Western Hemisphere.

Featured: 

Monica Duffy Toft, Professor of International Politics and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University in Boston

Musk’s competitor to ChatGPT is integrated into the social media platform X and earlier this month users started asking it to do some pretty gross things. 

X was flooded with images of semi-naked women, with users able to reply to anyone’s perfectly innocent picture and ask it to put them in a bikini, for example. 

While Musk initially downplayed the scandal and was slow to act, he’s now put limits on the tool. But is that the end of the story and should X be banned?

Today, Sam Cole, a tech journalist and co-founder of 404 Media on the Grok scandal and how it enabled the exploitation and abuse of women. 

Featured: 

Sam Cole, co-founder of 404 Media

The Nationals walked out after a number of its senators crossed the floor to vote against hate speech laws this week.  

The Liberals and opposition leader Sussan Ley sided with the government to pass the legislation, but key Nationals raises concerns about the rushed process and the impact on free speech. 

So, is this a moment of real change in conservative politics and could One Nation pick up a few more members? 

Today, David Speers, the ABC’s national political lead and host of Insiders, on how the marriage fell apart once again. 

Featured: 

David Speers, ABC national political lead

More than a month later, she’s trying to find a way to live with what she went through and she says it's her heart that’s guiding her.

Today, on this National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, we hear Jessica’s story and speak with Michael Visontay, a Sydney resident and commissioning editor of the Jewish Independent, about how the community is dealing with the aftermath of tragedy and the fractious political debate.  

Featured:

Jessica Chapnik Kahn, Bondi survivor

Michael Visontay, The Jewish Independent commissioning editor

A cluster of shark bites in Sydney has been linked to a surge in bacteria and faecal matter washed into the harbour and the ocean by recent rain. 

Today, Chris Pepin-Neff, an expert in shark policy from Sydney University on what led to the uptick in shark activity and what we can do to improve safety for swimmers and surfers. 

Featured: 

Chris Pepin-Neff, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Sydney and a shark policy expert

If you don’t like his dream of the US taking over the self-governed island, which is part of Denmark, then you’ll be punished. 

The president is now slapping tariffs on European nations pushing back against the idea.   

Today, the ABC’s global affairs editor Laura Tingle on how the UK and Europe will respond and what it means for the future of NATO.  

Featured: 

Laura Tingle, ABC global affairs editor

Anthony Albanese had to change course after the bill came under huge criticism from the Greens and the federal opposition, with leader Sussan Ley describing it as half-baked and unsalvageable. 

The bill came after the Bondi attack in a bid to stamp out antisemtism. So, what was in the doomed bill? And was it really that bad? 

Today, Professor Kath Gelber, an expert in regulating hate speech from the University of Queensland, on the problems she saw in the government’s bill. 

Editor’s note: Organisers of August’s pro-Palestinian protest on the Sydney Harbour Bridge estimated 300,000 were there. The police estimate on the day was 90,000 people and the NSW Premier has said more than 100,000 attended. 

Featured: 

Professor Kath Gelber, Deputy Executive Dean and Associate Dean (Academic) in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Queensland

Now, with the extraordinary start to 2026, which has included the capture of the Venezuelan president and a threat to take over Greenland, there’s a renewed focus on the US president’s key advisor Stephen Miller. 

Today, Ashley Parker, staff writer for The Atlantic magazine, on her investigation into Trump’s deputy chief of staff, his power and growing influence.

Featured: 

Ashley Parker, The Atlantic staff writer

But what does he mean by help? Is Trump ready to order US military strikes as the death toll climbs into the thousands? 

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what to expect in the days ahead and the signals that a new Iranian revolution is underway. 

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington DC

There was outrage about the board’s decision to remove Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the rundown citing cultural sensitivities in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. 

Today, Denis Muller from the Centre for Advancing Journalism at Melbourne Uni on the damage done and what it means for free speech.    

Featured: 

Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne and co-host of the Truth, Lies and Media podcast 

He’s received thanks and praise from the Prime Minister for his work, but it’s raised questions about whether Mr Rudd's past critical comments about the US President have hastened his departure from the role. 

Today, former Australian ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos on the challenges of the posting, and Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute, Mark Kenny on whether Mr Rudd’s position was still tenable. 

Featured:

Mark Kenny, Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute 

Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian ambassador to the United States 

Donald Trump is now weighing-up military options and Tehran has warned of retaliation. 

Today, how seriously Iran's leaders are taking US threats, and why so many Iranians are now calling for the regime to end.

Featured: 

Negin Shiraghaei, British-Iranian activist and founder of the Azadi network

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist

Since the massacre, Anthony Albanese has resisted calls to establish an inquiry. 

But after widespread pressure continued to mount, the PM has reversed course, now defending his decision to not call an inquiry sooner.

Today, ABC political editor Jacob Greber on how the government was forced to act, and the CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, Michelle Goldman on the reaction from the Jewish community.

Featured:

Michele Goldman, CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies

Jacob Greber, ABC political editor 

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has shot dead a US citizen in the city of Minneapolis. 

The shooting has intensified bitter political debate over Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policy which has seen ICE raids in cities across America.

Today, advocacy and outreach director for The Advocates for Human Rights, Madeline Lohman on the reaction from residents after thousands of people took to the streets of Minneapolis.

Featured:

Madeline Lohman, Advocacy and Outreach Director at The Advocates for Human Rights

It comes after President Donald Trump revived his long-running push to seize the Arctic island.

European leaders have hit back issuing a rare joint statement rejecting any threat to Greenland’s sovereignty.

Today, an expert on Arctic politics on what’s really behind Donald Trump’s long-term desire to annex Greenland and what it could mean for the future of NATO.

Featured:

Stephen Lamy, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the University of Southern California

Both he and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Meanwhile, the US has been blasted for the attack on Venezuela by both allies and adversaries at a meeting of the UN Security Council, as well as over President Donald Trump’s threats to expand military action in Latin America and beyond. 

Today, the ABC’s Americas Editor John Lyons on what message the US President is sending the rest of the world with his Venezuelan attack. 

We also hear from the former Chief of Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration on the United State’s long-held goal to arrest Nicolas Maduro for alleged drug crimes.

Featured: 

John Lyons, ABC’s Americas Editor

Ray Donovan, former Chief of Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration

With Maduro gone, the Venezuelan military has endorsed the interim presidency of his former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez but Donald Trump has warned she could suffer a fate worse than Maduro if she doesn’t comply with American demands.

He’s also signalled other Latin American nations could be next.

Today, a local journalist on how Venezuelans are reacting to Maduro's arrest, and a legal expert on what this brazen US military action could mean for international law.

Featured:

Professor Ben Saul, Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney 

Tony Frangie Mawad, Venezuelan journalist and political scientist

Subscribe to ABC News Daily on the ABC listen app.

But when it was devised by a Belgian mathematician almost 200 years ago, it was never supposed to be a tool to measure health.

Now, researchers are challenging the way obesity is defined and diagnosed. Today, a look at the new approach and why there’s a global push away from BMI.

First published 10 February, 2025

Featured: Willow Moscarda, Perth studentDr Louise Bauer, Professor of child and adolescent health, University of Sydney

A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade. 

But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs? 

Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step in. 

First published 1 September, 2025

Featured: 

Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney

China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars.

Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly?

Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’. 

First published 18 August, 2025

Featured: 

Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter

It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. 

Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem?

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at the economic round table in Canberra - population and property. 

First published 21 August, 2025

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

He was determined to buy a solar battery for his home so he could take money away from the big power companies, while never receiving a hefty power bill again. 

But his plan came unstuck after agreeing to participate in a so-called virtual power plant. 

Today, energy reporter David Mercer on Peter’s dilemma, how giving back to the grid really works and whether it’s worth it. 

First published 26 May, 2025

Featured: 

Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

How did she stop US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee from "flooding the zone" when grilling him on US support for Israel's war in Gaza? What did she learn about compassion in politics when speaking with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern? 

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025.

Today, Sarah Ferguson, host of ABC's 7.30 program, shares her insights from her big name interviews.

It's how the ABC's Australian Story has brought us so many compelling personal narratives and it's a format that's captivated the program's host Leigh Sales.

So which episodes stick in her mind? There's a dramatic rescue on the Franklin River, the widows who found love again, Jelena Dokic's family anguish and the adventures of missing sausage dog, Valerie. 

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025.

Today, Leigh Sales on the tales she can't forget.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this conversation included a reference to a past episode of Australian Story about football coach Wayne Bennett and his son’s disability. In the 2018 Australian Story episode Trish Bennett says her son Justin suffered brain damage after a triple-antigen vaccine caused seizures. 

From Steve Witkoff, who once bought Trump a sandwich and is now taking the lead on peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, to Howard Lutnick, the tariff tsar.

How did they secure their key roles and what effect are they having on the policies of the most powerful nation on Earth?

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025.

Today, Matt Bevan, host of the ABC's If You’re Listening podcast, on the cast of characters in Donald Trump’s orbit.

She's brought us a glimpse of Gaza, where children live in tents and she's walked the streets of Georgia, as fears grow about the influence of Russia and a slide towards autocracy. 

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from 2025.

Today, Stephanie March from the ABC’s Foreign Correspondent program on her heart warming and heart breaking global stories.

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from the past year. 

Today, ABC finance presenter and commentator, Alan Kohler, looks at Elon Musk's robot ambitions, how robots could be the new slaves, and what it could mean for all of us.

Do we need a Universal Basic Income, can we tax robot and AI companies to pay for it and why professional sports player may be one job that's safe for a while yet. 

The Prime Minister says new laws to tackle antisemitism will include powers to deport so-called hate preachers and a new criminal charge for those advocating "racial supremacy".

He’s also been pressured into adopting in-full the recommendations from the Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism.

Today, the Lowy Institute's Lydia Khalil on how to stop the next terror attack.

Featured: 

Lydia Khalil, extremism and counter terrorism expert and the director of the transnational challenges program at the Lowy Institute

It may define Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership too, as he comes under pressure to respond to the antisemitism crisis and the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed.

Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on whether Anthony Albanese can rise to the challenge.

Featured: 

Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

How did they radicalise? Who did they associate with? And what drove them to plan and execute the worst terror attack in Australia’s history?

Today, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on what we know about the shooters and the unresolved questions for our security services.

Featured: 

Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, ABC investigative reporter

It was an act of terrorism that Jewish leaders long feared. So, in the depths of their sorrow, how are they coping and what are they asking for?

Today, Rabbi Mendel Kastel from support group Jewish House, whose brother in law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was killed in the attack.

Also, Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish himself, on where Australians outraged at this attack should direct their anger.

Featured: 

Rabbi Mendel Kastel

Julian Leeser, Liberal MP

Sixteen are dead and many more injured at a place special in Australia's heart, at an event special to the Jewish community, Hanukkah. 

Today, extremism expert Dr Josh Roose on whether authorities failed to heed the warnings. 

Also, Bondi local and Sydney cardiologist Dr James Otton who rushed to assist the wounded.

Featured: 

Dr James Otton, cardiologist

Josh Roose, associate professor of politics at Deakin University

Warner Bros has backed the $72 billion US Netflix bid, despite Paramount offering billions more in a deal that would include the television assets, including news network CNN and the Discovery channel. 

Today, Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief of entertainment news website JoBlo.com on what it means for how we watch shows and movies and whether this moment marks the end of cinema as we know it. 

Featured: 

Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief JoBlo.com

Well, Minister Anika Wells is under intense pressure to justify her use of taxpayer funds, even if it’s all within the rules.

Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michelle Grattan on why the perks for politicians are a honey pot and a trap. 

Featured: 

Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

A local builder at Koolewong in New South Wales noted that a recently constructed home, built to modern fire safety standards, was left standing while others around it burned to the ground. 

Today, the ABC’s Central Coast reporter Sarah Forster on the homes that were lost in Saturday’s fire and an expert on building houses in high bushfire risk areas.

Featured: 

Sarah Forster, ABC Central Coast reporter 

Colin Wood, member of the Standards Australia committee for the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas

A string of serious injuries and deaths in e-bike crashes, particularly involving children, is fuelling calls for a crackdown. 

Today, Geoff Rose from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies on the influx of illegal e-bikes on the roads.

Featured: 

Geoff Rose, Adjunct Professor in Transport Engineering at Monash University

The government has admitted it will take time to remove everyone aged under 16 from the platforms and it’s becoming clear older users could get caught in the net. 

So, how can you prove that you’re old enough to use the 10 platforms being targeted and how will teens get around the restrictions? 

Today, Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, a tech reporter at the Australian Associated Press on what you need to know as the ban kicks in and why it could get messy.

Featured: 

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, AAP technology reporter

Correction: The social media ban officially starts on Wednesday 10th December, not Thursday. 

It follows months of deadly US strikes on boats from Venezuela it says are smuggling drugs.

Today, Latin America expert Orlando Pérez from the University of North Texas on why Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and why toppling him won’t be easy.

Featured: 

Orlando J. Pérez, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas in Dallas

But some farmers say they’re being pressured and harassed to hand over land for the infrastructure to get electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s used. 

Today, reporter Alysia Thomas-Sam from ABC’s 7.30 program on the farmers pushing back at the farm gate and climate reporter Jess Davis on why transmission towers need to run through farmland.

Featured: 

Alysia Thomas-Sam, 7.30 reporter

Jess Davis, ABC climate reporter

But could stopping banks for offering some loans do anything to stop rapid price growth for homes and units? 

Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on what’s worrying APRA and the outlook for the housing market. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

They’ve been pushing back against a controversial 28-point proposal that would have required Ukraine to surrender significant territory, restrict the size of its defence force and give up on ambitions of joining NATO. 

The US is leading the talks with both sides, but will Trump ultimately side with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin?

Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether this latest round of diplomacy offers any real hope and what Kyiv may still have to give up.

Featured: 

Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

But there’s been a sharp rise in people suffering numbness, nerve damage, even paralysis, after accidentally overdosing on vitamin B6. 

Many don’t even realise B6 is in so many products at high concentrations and that the vitamin can build up in the body. 

Today, reporter for the ABC’s 7.30 program Tom Hartley unpacks his year-long investigation into the surge in cases and the regulator’s long-overdue crackdown. 

Featured: 

Tom Hartley, 7.30 reporter

The US president is no stranger to unconventional acts and confronting statements, but does his recent behaviour go beyond even his usual standards? 

Today, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, Tom Nichols, on his analysis that the president’s latest outbursts are a sign he’s losing control of himself. 

Featured: 

Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

We know Donald Trump wants the US to do business with the wealthy Gulf Arab state, but what else does he like about the country?

Today, The New York Times contributor Noah Shachtman on how Trump wants America to be a lot more like Saudi Arabia and how he’s trying to achieve it. 

Featured: 

Noah Shachtman, national security reporter and The New York Times contributor

So, people noticed when the BOM changed its website and many, including farmers, complained that data sources they relied on were either missing or hard to find. 

A change in the rain radar has already been rolled back and now the bureau has revealed it cost close to a hundred million dollars to build the website and all the infrastructure behind it. 

Today, the ABC’s lead rural reporter in Victoria, Justine Longmore, on the BOM website debacle.

Featured: 

Justine Longmore, ABC lead rural reporter, Victoria

More than two months later, surely the system has been fixed.

Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why some people still can’t get help when they need it most.

Featured: 

Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter

Editor’s note: On Monday, WA Police said the death of a Perth man initially linked to the Optus Triple Zero outage was not connected to the failure. As of Tuesday 25th November two deaths are believed to be related to the outage. 

But once again the CSIRO is axing jobs, saying the cost of doing science has outpaced its funding and it needs to refocus on big issues. 

Today, Adam Spencer, ambassador for mathematics and science at Sydney University on what happens when science is underfunded. 

Featured: 

Adam Spencer, science communicator and University of Sydney’s mathematics and science ambassador

Media reports suggest the plan would see Ukraine would give up land, reduce the size of its army, relinquish weapons and make Russian an official state language. 

At the same time, Putin’s forces have launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities and a Russian spy ship off the coast of Scotland is causing concern. 

Today, Matthew Sussex, a visiting fellow at the ANU’s Centre for European Studies on why prospects for peace are looking dim. 

Featured: 

Matthew Sussex, visiting fellow at the Australian National University’s Centre for European Studies 

Despite dismissing calls to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for months, Donald Trump reversed course when it became clear a bill to compel the release would pass in the US House of Representatives. 

Today, David A Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how Trump was backed into a corner and what it says about his leadership and support among his MAGA base.

Featured: 

David A Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

But in the last week it’s been found in various children’s coloured sand products from China, causing a major alarm across the community. 

The discovery has led to the closure of dozens of schools and products have been recalled from stores including Kmart, Target and Officeworks.

Today, Associate Professor Anthony Linton from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute on the health risks the sand poses and why every state is dealing with it differently.

Featured: 

Anthony Linton, academic and research director at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute

It keeps the Coalition together, but what do voters think? 

Today, pollster, former Labor strategist and director of the RedBridge Group, Kos Samaras on whether it’s a winning strategy.

Featured: 

Kos Samaras, director of the RedBridge Group

Months since the tariffs were first announced and after dire warnings from economists, how is the American economy really faring? 

Today, Penny Goldberg, professor of economics at Yale University, on why the US economy hasn’t yet seen a major downturn and the dark clouds in the longer term outlook. 

Featured:

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, Professor of Economics at Yale University and fmr Chief Economist at the World Bank Group

Why is it that the same group of people, who want a 'white Australia', could be allowed to form a political party?

Today, extremism expert Josh Roose explains the tactics neo-Nazi groups are using to skirt the law and continue to build their brand. 

He outlines why even in a liberal democracy where extremism is often tolerated, it might be time to think about ways to ban the movement. 

Featured: 

Josh Roose, extremism expert and an associate professor in politics at Deakin University

The longest government shutdown in American history is coming to an end, more than 40 days after it began. 

Today, political scientist Charles Hunt from Boise State University on why a small group of Democrats ended up giving Donald Trump what he wanted.

Featured: 

Charles Hunt, associate professor of political science at Boise State University

Donald Trump wants to sue a media organisation - again. 

This time he’s threatening a US $1 billion lawsuit against the BBC, capping off one of the worst weeks in the British public broadcaster’s history.

Both the corporation’s director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned following criticism over the editing of a January 6th speech by US President Donald Trump.

Today, Monica Attard, professor of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney and former ABC journalist, on what’s unfolded and attacks on public broadcasters. 

Featured: 

Monica Attard, professor of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney and former ABC journalist

Three hours of free electricity sounds pretty good to many Australians struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.

But is the federal government’s latest solar offering, which features energy retailers being made to offer free power in the middle of the day in selected states, really going to reduce hefty power bills?

Today, energy expert from the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve unpacks the ups and downs of the scheme that’s set to start in July next year.

Featured: 

Alison Reeve, energy and climate change deputy program director at the Grattan Institute

You may have noticed a crypto ATM in the corner of a shopping centre or in a convenience store. 

There are thousands of them, tapping into investor’s interest around booming markets for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

But increasingly crypto ATMs are being used by criminals to launder money and to scam Australians out of millions of dollars.

Today, business reporter Rhiana Whitson on why feeding cash into a crypto ATM can be so risky and why there’s so little regulation of the market. 

Featured: 

Rhiana Whitson, ABC business reporter

Chip making giant Nvidia’s value hit $5 trillion US last week, a milestone that just a few years ago was unthinkable.

Two other tech giants have hit the $4 trillion US mark as excitement about the promise of AI drives investor interest. 

But in an uncertain world are the sky-high valuations sustainable, or a bubble that will soon bust? 

Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on why this might not be a bubble that bursts like the dot-com crash of the early-2000s. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent 

The Coalition’s climate policies have been under review since its drubbing at the last election.

But now that the Nationals have struck first, deciding to abandon a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, there’s big pressure on Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Liberal Party.

Will the Liberals follow their Coalition partner? And what would it mean for their electoral prospects and the signal it sends about the two parties’ enthusiasm for climate action?

Today, Michelle Grattan, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, on the history of the Coalition’s climate policy and what happens next.

Featured:

Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

Zohran Mamdani is a young, Muslim, Democratic socialist who’s a relative political novice. 

But he could become the next mayor of New York City, despite a challenge from former Democratic Party governor Andrew Cuomo. 

What are his policies and does he present a challenge to the politics of the president Donald Trump?

Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center on how Zohran Mamdani managed to capture the attention of New York voters and whether he could be the answer to the Democratic Party’s woes.  

Featured: 

Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center

There’s been hope of a November interest rate cut to coincide with the Melbourne Cup for months, but with inflation rising again, it seems all bets are off.

What have the three rate cuts already granted this year done to house prices? 

Today, ABC finance commentator Alan Kohler looks at what’s happening in the market and how immigration policies have left Australia with rising demand for housing and not enough tradies to construct them. 

Featured: 

Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

But Australia’s already exporting plenty of zirconium to China and it can be used in everything from bathroom tiles to missiles and nuclear reactors. 

Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg reveals how Australian critical minerals could end up aiding the advancement of Chinese military capabilities, including the construction of advanced hypersonic missiles. 

How will Australia balance its trade ambitions with the risk of supporting China's military machine, which analysts regard as a key threat to Australia’s national security? 

Featured: 

Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

A wave of serious and violent crimes in Victoria have sparked concern about safety in the state. 

But is it right for the federal opposition leader to label Melbourne ‘the crime capital of Australia’?

Today, ABC Melbourne Mornings presenter Raf Epstein on what’s going on in the nation’s second most populous state and the divisive political debate around it. 

Featured: 

Rafael Epstein, host of ABC Melbourne Mornings 

The former vice-president is out spruiking her memoir 107 Days, which unpacks her 2024 race for the US presidency, but she’s also testing the waters to see if she could run again.

Today, 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson on her Australian exclusive, and at times testy, interview with the former vice-president.

Featured: 

Sarah Ferguson, host of the ABC’s 7.30 program

So it’s no wonder more people are accessing their superannuation funds early to pay for things like IVF and desperately dentist bills. 

It’s understandable and allowed in certain circumstances, but there are concerns that some providers are exploiting the system. 

Today, ABC reporter Celina Edmonds on her investigation into the early access rorts.

Featured: 

Celina Edmonds, ABC reporter

But will the US president have the upper hand when he sits down with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week?

He wants to do a deal on everything from trade to nuclear weapons and he isn't too concerned about China's plans for Taiwan. 

Today, ABC global affairs editor Laura Tingle from Kuala Lumpur on why Trump won’t be the most powerful man in the room.

Featured:

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor 

ABC journalist Adele Ferguson has spent months investigating Australia’s childcare industry and her findings are devastating.  

She’s exposed a broken system, where profit so often comes before the safety of children and where the most vulnerable are abused and mistreated.  

Today, Adele on her latest Four Corners investigation into how paedophiles are infiltrating childcare centres and why it’s so much worse than we ever thought. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a support service. You can contact National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732, Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380, or Lifeline: 13 11 14. In an emergency call 000. 

Featured: 

Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative journalist

The surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities like Chicago has seen people plucked off the street, pending deportation, with agents even targeting churches and schools. 

Today, Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how the president’s campaign is set to ramp up.

Featured: 

Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic

So, when, if ever, will he be held accountable for his association with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged abuse of Virginia Giuffre, whose harrowing memoir has been released this week. 

Today, ABC royal commentator, Juliet Rieden, on whether Andrew could ever lose his prince title. 

This episode discusses some disturbing allegations. 

Featured: 

Juliet Rieden, ABC royal commentator and author of The Royals in Australia

But past comments about President Trump from Kevin Rudd, Australia’s ambassador to the United States, ended up being the biggest point of contention and amusement. 

In the prime minister’s first White House meeting with the president, a multi-billion dollar deal was signed to develop a critical minerals supply from Australia. 

Today, ABC correspondent Jane Norman tells us what it was like in the White House and why the timing of the meeting couldn't have been better for the prime minister. 

Featured: 

Jane Norman, ABC national affairs correspondent

It might be exactly what the MP has his eyes on as talk of his defection from the Nationals intensifies. 

Today, Melissa Clarke, political correspondent for Radio National Breakfast, on what Barnaby is up to and why. 

Featured: 

Melissa Clarke, Radio National Breakfast political correspondent

But do they make good therapists? 

More young people are turning to chatbots to seek personal mental health advice.

Today, psychiatrist Andrew Clark, who’s been testing the technology, reveals the good, bad and the ugly when a robot becomes a therapist.

Featured: 

Andrew Clark, US-based psychiatrist

But is there a problem with the concentration of so much wealth in the hands of so few people and what is it doing to our societies? 

Today, Professor Carl Rhodes, author of Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire, on why we need to stop the rich getting richer. 

Featured: 

Carl Rhodes, Professor of Business and Society at UTS Business School

But already the peace plan is in doubt, with the US president warning Hamas will be disarmed, perhaps 'violently' if the group fails to do so on its own.

Today, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council on what Hamas is doing to cling to power.

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Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council

The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed two major changes in response to critics, introducing indexing on the $3 million threshold and dropping a plan to tax unrealised gains. 

He says the government’s new plan achieves the same objective in making the system more equitable, but how will it work? 

Today, political correspondent Melissa Clarke on what the backdown means for the future of tax reform under Labor. 

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Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent

And with the US president now in the Middle East to continue peace talks, there is great hope he’s right.

Today, Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council, on the release of the hostages and what needs to happen next to ensure the war has ended for good.

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Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council

That’s a question the ABC’s Americas Editor John Lyons posed to the president last month, in a testy exchange that ended with one word from Trump: ‘quiet’. 

Today, John Lyons on his Four Corners investigation into Donald Trump’s billions, his family’s business dealings and his growing wealth. 

Featured: 

John Lyons, ABC Americas Editor

After months of negotiations there’s been a breakthrough, with Hamas agreeing to release the remaining Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of a peace deal.

Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what we know so far, and whether this could be the end to hostilities.

Featured: 

Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

Editor’s note: At one point in this episode there is a reference to ‘prisoners held by Hamas’. Those people are accurately described as hostages elsewhere in the episode. 

While the manhunt continues, police in Western Australia are taking action, swooping on people in the so-called sovereign citizen movement and confiscating their guns.

Today, Kaz Ross, a researcher into far-right ideology and extremism, on whether other states should be doing the same.

Featured: 

Kaz Ross, independent researcher into far-right extremism, racism and conspiracy theories

The US President has ordered the military to strike “narco-terrorists” in boats off the Venezuela coast, with no questions asked.

Today, Rachel VanLandingham, a former active-duty judge advocate in the US Air Force and law professor at Southwestern Law School in LA, on just how scary that is.

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Rachel VanLandingham, former judge advocate in the US Air Force and law professor at Southwestern Law School

But are his right-wing beliefs, which have brought the likes of Nigel Farage to prominence in the UK, attractive to enough voters here? 

Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist and director at RedBridge Group, on Andrew Hastie’s resignation from the Coalition front bench, and whether it’s a move that will pay off.

They could go to jail, but you won’t be getting your money back. The bookies get to keep the gambling losses, even when it’s the proceeds of crime. 

Today, reporter Steve Cannane on his Four Corners investigation into the actions of the betting firms and why the federal government has been slow to take the industry on. 

Featured: 

Steve Cannane, Four Corners reporter

But can Taylor Swift beat that number again with the much anticipated release of her 12th album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’? 

And what is it that has made her one of the most successful artists of all time? 

Today, Harvard University professor Stephanie Burt, on why studying Swiftmania is a very worthy topic. 

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Stephanie Burt, Professor of English at Harvard University

But is it really safe, particularly for kids? 

Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned consumers to stop using imported melatonin products, after testing showed many do not meet local standards.

Today, paediatric sleep researcher Sarah Blunden on why the advice is changing.

Featured

Professor Sarah Blunden, Head of Paediatric Sleep Research and Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Central Queensland University

The leaders were in furious agreement that the proposal, which will see the US president initially lead Gaza’s redevelopment, is the best way forward.

Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service, on whether Hamas will really agree to the terms it wasn’t involved in negotiating.

Featured: 

Guy Ziv, associate professor in the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security, School of International Service, American University 

But how will an American version of the popular Chinese app work, and what kind of influence could its new owners have on the videos its algorithm serves up? 

Today, tech expert and Crikey’s Associate Editor Cam Wilson on the deal and what it might mean for TikTok’s eight million Australian users.

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Cam Wilson, Tech expert and Crikey’s Associate Editor

Donald Trump thinks NATO powers should just shoot down the Russian aircraft, but what’s the better option? 

Today Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on what Vladimir Putin is up to and what Europe should do about it.  

Featured: 

Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies

The US President linked the drug to autism, even though the science doesn't back that up. 

Today, Corinne Purtill, science and health reporter at the LA Times, on the ripple effect Trump's misinformation is having around the world. 

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Corinne Purtill,  LA Times science and health reporter

But while there’s been widespread outrage in the days since, is anyone really holding the telco to account for the deadly error? 

Today, technology expert from Melbourne University Suelette Dreyfus on Optus's astonishing failure.

Featured: 

Dr Suelette Dreyfus, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Computing and Information Systems

But a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, which was expected on the sidelines, remains elusive. Should we care if the Prime Minister never sits down with the US President?

Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle joins us from the assembly in New York.

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Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

At a memorial for him in Arizona, President Trump described Mr Kirk as a ‘martyr for American freedom’ while simultaneously attacking the likes of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was suspended last week over comments he made about Kirk’s death. 

Today, Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, on how Trump is deploying the authoritarian play book. 

Featured:

Zack Beauchamp, Vox senior correspondent

Today, 404 Media co-founder Emmanuel Maiberg, on what’s gone wrong with Google search, how it impacts everyday users, and what this means for the future of one of the internet’s most essential tools.

Featured: 

Emanuel Maiberg, 404 Media co-founder

But outside the grounds, protesters served as a reminder that controversy continues to follow the President, including lingering questions over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

As the UK weighs the diplomatic value of his visit, attention is also turning to Anthony Albanese, who will face his own delicate meeting with Trump next week.

Featured: 

Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations

But while America is accustomed to political assassinations, the response since the shooting has been out of the ordinary. 

Today, long time US historian, Dan Carter on what’s unfolded since Charlie Kirk’s death and why the uptick in political violence began well before Trump entered the White House.

Featured:

Dan Carter, American historian, author and University of South Carolina Professor emeritus

But how much of the process is about the climate and how much is pure politics? 

Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on this week’s dire climate risk assessment, and what our new target will really achieve.

Featured:

Alan Kohler, ABC Finance presenter

It even includes an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit key military bases in Guam. 

So, what does this mean for Australia's military purchases and strategy? 

Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on why we might need a total rethink.

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Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

But the government is looking to change that.

Today, Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy and The Driven websites, on why a road user charge for electric vehicles is a "clunky" idea.

Featured:

Giles Parkinson, founder and editor the EV website The Driven

Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing political activist and staunch Trump supporter, was shot and killed while he addressed a crowd at Utah Valley University.

Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center on what unfolded, and whether political figures are safe in America.

Featured:

Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

The strike targeted Hamas "senior leadership", with five of its members killed alongside a Qatari internal security forces member.

It’s clear the US was given very little notice before the attack unfolded - so will the US President do anything about it?

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on the consequences of Israel’s actions.

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Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

The media mogul has secured a deal to have his son Lachlan take complete control of his empire once he dies, following a financial deal with his three older children, Prudence, Elisabeth and James.

Today, journalist Paddy Manning, author of The Successor, the first unauthorised biography of Lachlan Murdoch, on the deal and what it means for the media landscape.

Featured:

Paddy Manning, journalist

As she sat in the courtroom the convicted triple murderer and mother of two showed no emotion, often with her eyes closed as Justice Christopher Beale handed down the life sentences.  

Today, criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett explains what comes next for one of the most notorious killers in Australian history. 

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Dr Xanthe Mallett, associate professor of criminology at Central Queensland University

Polymetallic nodules are like golf balls which sit more than four kilometres deep and haven’t been touched for millions of years. 

An Australian-born businessman is leading the push to extract potentially trillions of dollars-worth of the material and he has the support of US President Donald Trump. 

Today, Four Corners reporter Mark Willacy on the potential and risks around seabed mining and what it could mean for Pacific nations. 

Featured: 

Mark Willacy, Four Corners reporter

But the US president’s real estate development roots are on full show, from splashing gold around the Oval Office, to ripping up the grass in the White House Rose Garden, he’s on a mission to Trumpify the symbol of American democracy and power. 

Today, policy editor at The Bulwark, Mona Charen on what Trump’s up to and what it says about his leadership. 

Featured: 

Mona Charen, The Bulwark policy editor

But is it an industry that can be fully trusted given recent revelations of embryo and sperm mix-ups and women giving birth to strangers’ babies?

Today, ABC journalist Grace Tobin on her latest investigation into one couple’s fraught experience and why the rules need to change.

Featured:

Grace Tobin, ABC Investigations reporter

That’s partly because as part of any deal, Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to hand over the entire eastern region of Donbas. It’s a demand that Ukraine rejects.  

So, what is so important to Putin about that region?  

Today, John Haltiwanger from Foreign Policy magazine, explains why Donbas is at the heart of Putin’s war. 

Featured: 

John Haltiwanger, staff writer at Foreign Policy magazine

On Monday, Victoria Police suggested someone might be helping the fugitive and they should contact police. 

So, how are police approaching the search and how long are they willing to keep it going? 

Today, Vince Hurley, a criminologist and former police officer and hostage negotiator on the likely police tactics and whether they should re-consider how they approach so-called sovereign citizens. 

Featured: 

Dr Vince Hurley, fmr NSW police officer and criminologist at Macquarie University

A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade. 

But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs? 

Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step in. 

Featured: 

Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney

It’s asking a lot, given house prices in our major cities are around the million-dollar mark or more. 

This week, the government expanded a five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, with no income caps and more expensive homes now eligible. 

Today, finance expert Alan Kohler on how it works, what it means for house prices and why he’s a huge fan of the scheme. 

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Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

But the day turned to tragedy with self-identified ‘sovereign citizen’ Dezi Freeman allegedly killing two of the officers and wounding another. 

Today, Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal who recently spent months investigating the movement and speaking with sovereign citizens on what’s unfolded and what we know about the anti-government movement. 

Featured: 

Mahmood Fazal, Four Corners reporter

The attacks in Sydney and Melbourne terrified the Jewish community and were aimed at undermining social cohesion. 

Now the Iranian ambassador has been expelled and Australian diplomatic staff have quickly left Iran. 

Today, Greg Barton, professor of Global Islamic Politics on why Iran would order these attacks and what could happen next. 

Featured: 

Greg Barton, professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University

But is moving some children with autism off the scheme really a good idea? 

The government plans to have a new program called Thriving Kids in place by July next year to support children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism. 

Today, we speak with Jess Otter, whose son has autism and to the ABC’s disability affairs reporter Nas Campanella. 

Featured: 

Jess Otter, mother

Nas Campanella, ABC disability affairs reporter

No, America is not at war, President Donald Trump has deployed hundreds of members of the National Guard to crack down on crime.

Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center in Washington on whether DC is actually dangerous and what Trump hopes to achieve. 

Featured: 

Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

But do we really need to be in lockstep with Israel as it broadens its assault on Gaza?

Today, global affairs editor Laura Tingle on the dramatic slide in relations.  

Featured:

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor 

It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. 

Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem?

Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at this week's economic round table in Canberra - population and property. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

This time he took an entourage of European leaders as backup as the US president pushes for a quick end to the war in Ukraine. 

At the heart of the talks are security guarantees from the US and a possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.  

Today, former US Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst on why it could actually be a step forward towards peace. 

Featured: 

John Herbst, fmr US Ambassador to Ukraine and senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center

So, with the US president rolling out the red carpet for his Russian counterpart, what will Vladimir Putin do next? 

Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Centre for European Studies at the ANU on Putin’s ultimate aim and how Trump’s helping him achieve it.   

Featured: 

Dr Matthew Sussex, Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars.

Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.

So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly?

Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’. 

Featured: 

Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter

Robert F Kennedy Junior doesn’t believe in the science behind the vaccines that were deployed to save lives as Covid spread around the world and he’s cut nearly half a billion dollars in research funding.

Today, professor of public health Julie Leask on what Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance means for global health. 

Featured: 

Julie Leask, social scientist and professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney

Israel confirmed it had targeted one of the men it says was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell, an allegation Al Jazeera denies.  

So, who is telling the truth? 

Today, former Al Jazeera correspondent and executive director of the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom Peter Greste on the problems that arise when foreign reporters are blocked from covering a war. 

Featured: 

Peter Greste, professor of journalism at Macquarie University and executive director of the  Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom 

He’ll be in Alaska later this week meeting the Russian president in the first face-to-face encounter the two men have had since Trump returned to the White House. 

The problem is the Ukrainian leader won’t be there and Trump’s talking about some ‘land-swapping’ between the Russian invaders and Ukraine. 

Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on Trump’s theatrics and what the summit will really achieve. 

Featured: 

Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears.

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu says recognising Palestinian statehood is a win for Hamas and he’s defending his decision to expand the war in Gaza. 

Today, ABC Middle East correspondent Allyson Horn on Netanyahu’s war plans and why his own military is opposed to them. 

Featured: 

Allyson Horn, ABC Middle East correspondent

Why is that, when the batteries in Tesla EVs are much more powerful than most home batteries? 

As Australia transitions to more green energy, other models of electric vehicles are being used to power homes and even the grid, feeding in when electricity is needed most. 

Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer on the revolutionary technology and why the world’s richest man has been wary of it. 

Featured: 

Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

So, what are the implications of the US President’s decision to get rid of the nation’s chief statistician, who dared to release revised jobs figures? 

Today, Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic on the jackhammer Trump is taking to democracy. 

Featured: 

Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic

Separately, the boss of Australia’s spy agency has warned that other nations are spying in Australia at unprecedented levels, with unprecedented sophistication. 

Today, ABC foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic on the allegations against the woman in Canberra, how it affects the China-Australia relationship and the growing cost of espionage. 

Featured: 

Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporter

As international outrage grows about the devastation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, could more countries recognising a Palestinian state make a difference? 

France, Canada and the UK are trying to pressure Israel by announcing plans to do so in the coming months and Australia could join them at some point.

Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service on what recognising statehood means and the elusive two-state solution in the Middle East. 

Featured: 

Guy Ziv, associate professor in the School of International Services at the American University and associate director of the university’s Center for Israel Studies

In the end, more than 100,000 protesters were permitted to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge demanding an end to the war in Gaza. 

But should we be concerned that organisers had to fight in court for the right to hold the rally? 

Today, associate professor in law at the University of South Australia Sarah Moulds on our right to protest and the barriers in the way. 

Featured: 

Sarah Moulds, associate professor in law at the University of South Australia

But do they really help bring justice to groups of Australians exposed to wrongdoing? 

Today, Anne Connolly on her Four Corners investigation into the class action traps leaving victims short changed and lawyers richer. 

Featured: 

Anne Connolly, Four Corners reporter

Now he has sent the US Deputy Attorney-General to interview Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell who is in prison for sex trafficking. 

Today, Jill Wine-Banks, one of the prosecutors during the Watergate scandal, on whether Trump could pardon Maxwell and whether it could help him.

Featured: 

Jill Wine-Banks, Watergate prosecutor and legal analyst

So, why did the EU agree to a 15 per cent tariff on almost all goods entering the United States and does it signal a troubled road ahead for us? 

Today, the ABC’s Chief Business Correspondent Ian Verrender on where all the Trump trade mess is up to.

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, Chief Business Correspondent

The US president’s newfound love has seen crypto currencies like Bitcoin skyrocket in value and now he’s passing bills through US Congress to change the sector entirely. 

Today, Ross Buckley, Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales on whether it’s still just a bubble waiting to burst. 

Featured: 

Ross Buckley, Laureate Fellow and a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales 

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the images of suffering are ‘completely indefensible’. 

Today, Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on the mounting pressure and the one person who could force Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to change course. 

Featured: 

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

It adds up to billions of dollars that are unlikely to be recovered. 

Today, Angus Grigg on his Four Corners investigation into the biggest GST scam in history and how the ATO dropped the ball.

Featured: 

Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

But there’s an artificial intelligence boom underway in China giving them a run for their money.

US President Donald Trump doesn’t like it; he’s vowing he won’t allow America’s adversaries to control the algorithms. 

Today, Kyle Chan from the global policy think tank the Rand Corporation on what’s at stake in the battle for global AI dominance. 

Featured: 

Kyle Chan, post-doctoral researcher at Princeton University and an adjunct researcher at the Rand Corporation

That’s hardly surprising given the growing desire to electrify our homes and transport. 

But it’s the massive computer data centres that could become a big problem. 

There are questions about whether the official forecasts underestimate how much power they’ll need over the next ten years.

Today, ABC energy reporter Dan Mercer on whether we have enough electricity to keep up with the huge demand. 

Featured: 

Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

The kiss cam vision of a canoodling couple at the concert, who were apparently having an affair, is proof again how quickly salacious news (and memes) can travel on social media. 

Today, political scientist from Loyola University in Chicago, Jennifer Forestal, on public shaming and when it can be a good thing. 

Featured: 

Jennifer Forestal, associate professor of political science at Loyola University in Chicago

It has all the makings of a fascinating courtroom drama. 

Donald Trump is suing Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal over an article alleging the US President sent a lewd birthday message to Jefferey Epstein in 2003. 

Today,  media expert Rod Tiffen on the complex relationship between Trump and Murdoch and how the legal proceedings ahead.  

Featured: 

Rodney Tiffen, emeritus professor in government and international relations at the University of Sydney

Now, the Albanese Government is scrambling to get it back in Australian hands, in a move that risks antagonising China, while being welcomed by the United States. 

Today, veteran defence analyst Alan Dupont, who until recently was the Defence and National Security Advocate for the Northern Territory Government, focused on defence investment in the NT. 

He explains why the deal was allowed in the first place and whether Chinese control really poses a risk to national security.

Featured: 

Alan Dupont, chief executive of geopolitical risk consultancy The Cognoscenti Group 

Now, some of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again supporters are furious that the US president is refusing to release files linked to a sex trafficking investigation, which many think contain a list of Epstein’s high profile clients. 

Today, John Barron, co-host of the ABC’s Planet America program, on why the president’s usual playbook for getting himself out of trouble isn’t working this time. 

Featured: 

John Barron, co-host of Planet America

But is the US president’s demand for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war within 50 days and a promise of US weapons for NATO really a sign that the bromance is over?

Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Centre for European studies at the ANU on how Putin’s still playing Trump. 

Featured: 

Dr Matthew Sussex, Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

That’s the question Anthony Albanese faced during his delicate visit to Beijing where he’s trying to strengthen trade and business ties. 

As the Prime Minister meets the Chinese President, can he drum up more business while managing tensions in the relationship? 

Today, global affairs editor Laura Tingle joins us from Beijing. 

Featured: 

Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

He’s now collected several nominations for the prestigious award from global leaders, the latest from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Today, Emma Shortis, director of the International and Security Affairs program at the progressive think tank The Australia Institute, looks at controversial past recipients, the president’s track record on peace and whether he’s in with a chance.

Featured: 

Dr Emma Shortis, director of the International and Security Affairs program at The Australia Institute

It’s forcing some female teachers to leave the profession entirely.

Today, the ABC’s Siobhan Marin on her Compass investigation into where these disturbing ideas are coming from and how we can pull teen boys out of the rabbit hole. 

This episode includes some confronting accounts of behaviour in our schools.

Featured: 

Siobhan Marin, Compass presenter and host of the Quick Smart podcast

But the protection offered by some of the most popular sunscreen brands is in question after consumer group Choice released test results showing many are not meeting their SPF claims.

Today, ABC reporter Rachel Carbonell on the industry backlash, her investigation into an overseas testing lab and whether we can trust the SPF on the bottle.

Featured: 

Rachel Carbonell, ABC National Health Equity reporter

Musk says his ‘America Party’ will challenge the status quo, which he believes is bankrupting the United States. 

Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Center on what the party stands for and who might vote for it.

Featured: 

Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

It’s not giving borrowers an interest rate cut this month, revealing a six to three split on the decision to keep rates on hold. 

Today, the ABC’s business editor Michael Janda on whether the RBA is playing it too safe. 

Featured: 

Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

But younger Australians aged in their 30s and 40s are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer and scientists are desperate to understand why. 

Could it be processed foods, plastics, or exposures during childhood or birth?

Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into what could be causing the sharp rise in cancer rates among younger generations and what can be done about it.

Featured: 

Dr Norman Swan, Four Corners reporter and host of The Health Report

She had pleaded not guilty to the crimes, saying the mushrooms were accidentally included in the meals.

The team at the ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast has been following every development and today on ABC News Daily we bring you their coverage of the verdict.

The incident was shown on the BBC and the broadcaster, festival organisers and the UK Prime Minister have all raised concerns about anti-Semitism.  

Today, British music journalist Dorian Lynskey on the controversy and when protests by musicians go too far. 

Featured: 

Dorian Lynskey, British music journalist, author and podcaster

It’s called the economic reform roundtable, but is a big shake up of the tax system, for example, even possible in the current political climate? 

Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on why these experts would be better off talking about artificial intelligence and even a hike to the GST. 

Featured: 

Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

But families are in shock after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with 70 offences, including sexual assault and producing child abuse material. The alleged victims were as young as 5 months old. 

The staff member had worked at 20 different centres and held a valid Working with Children Check. 

Today, Caroline Croser-Barlow from The Front Project, which works to improve early childhood education, on whether the system is safe and how governments can fix it. 

Featured: 

Caroline Croser-Barlow, CEO of The Front Project

Talks are planned between Netanyahu and the US president at the White House next week, as Donald Trump insists “we’re going to get a ceasefire”. 

Benjamin Netanyahu also faces public pressure in Israel to bring the hostages home, but is it really time to strike a deal with Hamas?

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on whether new talks with the US could deliver a lasting ceasefire.

Featured: 

Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

It’s due to start in December, but which platforms are banned and how users will have to prove their age is yet to be revealed. 

Today, the ABC’s national technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre on the many unanswered questions. 

Featured: 

Ange Lavoipierre, ABC’s national technology reporter

They’re becoming part of our everyday lives. But when you pump in a question into something like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, do you ever think about the energy it uses? 

Today, Gordon Noble from the Institute of Sustainable Futures at UTS on the power hungry data centres driving AI, the water used to keep them cool and the cost for the environment. 

Featured: 

Gordon Noble, research director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney

So the US President’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities caused the first and very public split among his Make America Great Again base, with influential figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon leading the charge against US involvement.

Today, senior political correspondent for the Wall Street Journal Molly Ball on the fighting MAGA factions and what it means for Trump. 

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Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal

So, why did Vladimir Putin decide not to come to Tehran’s aid and provide military support as Israel and then America worked to destroy its nuclear program? 

Today, Anna Borshchevskaya from the Washington Institute, an expert in Russia’s policy in the Middle East, on what the war means for Moscow and whether Putin might help Iran to rebuild its nuclear capacity.

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Anna Borshchevskaya, senior fellow at the Washington Institute

But there was confusion over whether Iran and Israel had agreed in the hours following the social media post.

It came not long after Iran fired missiles at an American military base in Qatar, retaliating against the US bombing of its key nuclear sites.  

Today, Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council’s Middle East program on whether peace will hold.  

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Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program

He wants to Make Iran Great Again and says it’s not ‘politically correct’ to discuss the idea, but he asks ‘why wouldn’t there be a regime change?’. 

Today, Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group on the three options now open to Iran’s leaders and why surrender is not the one they’ll go for. 

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Ali Vaez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group

Donald Trump addressed the American people from the White House. 

He claims US bombs have “totally obliterated” Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites. 

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thinks the action could usher in a future of peace in the Middle East.

Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on the widening conflict and what comes next. 

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Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York and a senior research fellow at Columbia University’s Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies 

But a significant escalation in the conflict could see a spike in oil and petrol prices, raising the prospect of surging inflation, once again. 

Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler steps through the potential impacts for Australians’ finances and why we shouldn’t be too worried, for now.

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Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter

Even though striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had long been part of Israel’s playbook, the Israeli people have been caught up as some Iranian missiles get through the defences.

The conflict has been foreshadowed in warnings Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given about Iran’s nuclear program for decades. 

But do Israelis back Netanyahu’s case for action and what is his endgame in Iran?

Today, the ABC’s Middle East Correspondent Eric Tlozek on the ground in Israel. 

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Eric Tlozek, ABC Middle East Correspondent 

It’s believed that only the US has the bombs that could destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities hidden deep underground. 

But does the Iranian regime actually have the nuclear capability the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu says it does and was it really close to building a bomb?

Today, nuclear weapons expert Ben Zala from Monash University on Iran’s nuclear program and whether Israel really needed to strike now. 

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Dr Ben Zala, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Monash School of Social Sciences

They were declaring ‘No Kings’, rallying against what they say is Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the threat he poses to democracy.  

Today, Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, on the shift in public mood and what it means for the president. 

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Molly Ball, senior political correspondent for The Wall Street Journal

But what is his ultimate aim? 

The two countries are exchanging attacks, with an Israeli strike hitting the world’s biggest gas field and some Iranian missiles hitting buildings inside Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the attacks were nothing compared to what Iran would see in the coming days. 

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on the risks of further escalation and America being drawn into the conflict. 

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Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

Protesters are incensed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue to enter workplaces to round up undocumented immigrants. 

But it’s Donald Trump’s decision to send California National Guard troops and Marines to LA to protect federal agents and property that’s really causing a stir. 

Today, Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, on why it’s an authoritarian move Trump has long wanted to take and the risks of normalising troops on the streets. 

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Ilya Somin, Professor of Law at the George Mason University in Virginia and the B. Kenneth Simon Chair in Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute

Today, we speak with Australian James Elder, the global spokesman for UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children. 

He’s on the ground in Gaza and explains why the chaos was inevitable.

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James Elder, Global Spokesman for UNICEF

So, why did the US president overrule the Democratic state leaders and send in National Guard troops and now the Marines? 

Today, Melanie Mason, a senior reporter covering California politics for POLITICO on Trump’s dramatic intervention, fears it could escalate the unrest and what’s motivating the US president. 

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Melanie Mason, senior political reporter covering California politics at POLITICO

Could there be a reconciliation between the president and the billionaire? Or could Elon Musk follow through on his threats to start backing other political forces?

Musk’s space and satellite businesses are heavily involved in the US government, so there could be real world consequences if the two don’t come to some sort of understanding. 

Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center explains why the disintegration of their relationship is entertaining but also disturbing.  

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Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC