ABC News Daily

Should we be spending up to $368 billion on nuclear powered submarines over the next 30 years?  Peter Garrett, the former Labor Minister and Midnight Oil star doesn’t think so. He’s set up a crowdfunded inquiry into the AUKUS submarine deal.  It follows the government revealing the original agreement has changed a bit with the US to switch out one new sub for a second hand one.  Today, Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, on the growing concerns about the deal and what we really need to defend Australia. Featured:  Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program

House prices have begun to fall, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the downward trend. So, will they bounce back or could it be, as some forecasts suggest, the start of a new cycle where house prices remain stagnant for decades.  Today, business editor Michael Janda on why this could be the correction young Australians have been waiting for.  Michael was also on Monday’s episode of ABC Business Daily with Carrington Clarke, discussing the latest house price data. Listen here: Why property is flatlining Featured:  Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

Do you believe that Elon Musk can establish a colony on Mars of a million people or launch data centres into space?  If you do, you might be thinking of investing in SpaceX which will go public on the Nasdaq stock market this month.  Even if you have your doubts, you might just gamble on Musk anyway for fear of missing out. Today, Quinn Slobodian, co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’ on Musk’s $1.8 trillion valuation. Featured:  Quinn Slobodian, Professor of International History at Boston University and co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’

The New South Wales Police Force was so corrupt in the 1990s a royal commission was formed and it was forced to clean up its act. These days it’s the most complained about force in the country and it’s the national leader in legal payouts, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. Today, Four Corners reporter Dylan Welch on his investigation into cases of police abuse and misconduct.  Featured:  Dylan Welch, Four Corners reporter

The US military is striking Iran and Israel has ramped up its attacks in southern Lebanon.  Is there really a chance of a peace deal? And does the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu even want one as he faces an election within months.  Today, Dov Waxman, professor of Israel studies at UCLA on Netanyahu’s political future.  Featured:  Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles

Australians have had a rough few years when it comes to power bills, with the war in Ukraine helping send global energy prices soaring.  But now, despite ongoing conflict overseas, electricity prices are finally set to fall for homes and businesses.  Today, ABC energy reporter Dan Mercer on the battery boom driving down prices and whether more bill relief is on the horizon. Featured:  Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Peace talks in Qatar had barely begun when the US initiated a new wave of strikes against Iran.  The US says targeting Iranian boats and missile sites was an act of self-defence, but what will it mean for a deal to end the war?  Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains what the US President actually needs to finally walk away from a conflict he no longer wants. Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

Memes featuring an AI-generated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claim he’s effectively taking a 47 per cent stake in businesses.  But what’s the reality of the government’s budget tax changes?  Today, we speak with a small business owner who’s concerned about the economic realities of doing business in Australia.  We also speak with an economist about the implications of the changes for how Australians build wealth.  Featured:  Sarcha Thurston, Owner of Yogahub  Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University

The cost of fuel across Australia has come off its highs, despite there being no resolution yet to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  But don’t get comfortable because the real pain from the global oil crunch hasn’t really hit us yet.  Today, Saul Kavonic, energy expert at MST financial, on how we’ve weathered the storm so far and what could happen in the months ahead.  Featured:  Saul Kavonic, energy analyst, MST Financial

It’s almost three months since Donald Trump began the Iran war, but is there any chance that America can achieve anything that looks like victory?  As the US president considers whether to launch new strikes or pursue a compromise deal, what would Iran actually agree to?  Today, Robert Malley, a lead negotiator on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal on why a new deal might look just like 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

There are questions about the future of Taiwan after Donald Trump declared he’s “not looking to have somebody go independent”. The US president met China’s leader in Beijing and says Xi Jinping asked him whether the US would defend Taiwan.  What do Trump’s comments mean for US-China relations and how likely is a Chinese invasion of the self-governed island? Today, Samir Puri, 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.  Featured:  Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London

Labor wants its budget to be seen as a concrete step towards levelling the playing field between the generations.  But Newspoll suggests it’s the most unpopular federal budget in more than 30 years.  Across the polls, Labor’s support is steady or declining, while One Nation rises above the Coalition.  Will bolder economic policies from Labor and the Coalition stop the collapse of 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.  Featured:  Michelle Grattan, political correspondent at The Conversation and professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

With so many tech bosses accompanying Donald Trump on his recent trip to China, expectations were high that AI and high tech business deals would be central to the talks.  But in the end, there was no breakthrough on selling US firm Nvidia’s high tech AI chips to China. So where does that leave the race for AI dominance and how are China and the US approaching AI differently? Today, China tech expert Selina Xu on who’s ahead right now and what happens next. Featured:  Selina Xu, China tech researcher, writer and analyst

If you’ve got a family trust, you’re probably doing pretty well. They’ve been used for generations to distribute wealth and reduce tax bills.  Now the government’s moving to make sure the tax office receives more from the earnings, imposing a minimum 30 percent tax on discretionary trusts.  Today, Kristen Sobeck a tax expert at the University of Canberra on the new tax on trusts.  Featured:  Kristen Sobeck, economics lecturer at the University of Canberra

Marco Rubio is hitting his stride, he’s Trump’s National Security Advisor and his Secretary of State, he’s taken over the White House press briefing, sat down with the Pope and is now in China for Trump’s showdown with President Xi. No wonder speculation is growing that he could be the next Republican presidential nominee, instead of Vice President JD Vance. Today, Geoff 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

It’s been an ordeal for those who embarked on a cruise across in early April and it’s not over yet.  The ship's passengers are being repatriated across the world after potential exposure to hantavirus, which caused the death of three passengers.  Among those heading home are four Australians who will soon be placed in a quarantine facility in Western Australia.  What is the virus, 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

The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered his 2026 budget, unveiling a new tax cut and some of the most significant tax changes in decades.   Delivered as war impacts the economy, it’s being sold as a budget that addresses the growing inequality between generations, with the treasurer declaring Labor is on the hard road of reform.  But will changes to taxes on property investors and 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

For decades, Russia’s Victory Day parade has brought tanks and intercontinental ballistic missiles to Red Square to celebrate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.  But not this year. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin scaled back the event due to the risk of a Ukrainian long range attack on Moscow.  At the same time, media reports citing a European intelligence service suggest 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.  Featured:  Matthew Sussex, associate professor at the Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

Why is it up to the Reserve Bank to control inflation with interest rates?  Imagine if there were other tools that spread the pain to more people, not just those repaying a home loan.  Perhaps the government could force workers to put more money into their superannuation accounts or move the GST up and down depending on the inflation rate.  Today, independent economist Chris Richardson assesses the options.  Featured:  Chris Richardson, independent economist

It’s a new sort of warfare and it’s not taking place on the battlefield. Backers of Iran are creating so-called ‘slopaganda’ using AI generated videos to mock the United States and President Donald Trump.  But while Iranian diplomats are sharing the viral videos, are they actually changing anyone’s mind?  Today, Brett Schafer from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue on how Iran is using meme warfare to soften the regime’s image.  Featured:  Brett Schafer, senior director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue

Anthony Albanese is about to break a major election promise.  Next week’s budget will reveal just how dramatic the government’s changes to generous tax breaks for property investors will be.  The expected shake up to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount follows the prime minister’s promises during the last election campaign to leave the arrangements as they were. Have 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.  Featured:  Melissa Clarke, political correspondent and host of ‘AM’

The US President Donald Trump has launched what he’s calling ‘Project Freedom’, promising to rescue commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Already Iran has resumed firing on the UAE and the US says it’s destroyed Iranian military boats in the Strait. Today, Jennifer Parker, a former Royal Australian Navy warfare officer, on the new phase of the Iran war.  Featured:  Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Professor at the Defence and Security Institute at The University of Western Australia

The war in Iran is creating economic uncertainty around the world, with higher inflation putting pressure on central banks, including the RBA, to hike interest rates. So, why are stocks still surging on Wall Street, driving the value of the world’s biggest sharemarkets to record highs?  Today the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on why investors remain so optimistic and it’s got a lot to do with AI.   Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

The nation was shocked when 95-year-old Clare Nowland died after being tasered by a NSW police officer at an aged care facility in 2023.  While police forces defend their policies and training, there are concerns that officers draw the weapon too quickly, not just when danger is imminent.  There’s also a controversial medical diagnosis called “excited delirium” that’s been used to 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.  Featured:  Grace Tobin, ABC investigative reporter

In the past week Donald Trump’s obsession with building his grand ballroom has reared its head again. He was even talking about it after the suspected third attempt on his life.  The US president has torn down parts of the East Wing of the White House to make way for the huge structure that will dominate the White House.  Today, Dan Diamond, White House reporter at the Washington Post on legal efforts to stop the president and what Trump’s motive really is.  Featured:  Dan Diamond, Washington Post White House reporter

The growth of the NDIS is about to be slashed, but what tool will the government use to determine who gets to stay and whose disability supports are cut? Today, we speak with Martin Laverty, an architect of the NDIS and now head of disability services provider, Aruma.  We also speak with Jess Howlett who has autism, about her fears she’ll be unfairly removed from the scheme. Featured:  Jess Howlett, diagnosed with level 2 autism Martin Laverty, chief executive of disability accommodation and services provider Aruma

China buys lots of Iran’s oil, but it’s trying to avoid getting drawn into the war, instead calling for de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.  So, what role is Beijing actually playing, how is its economy affected and what is it learning about the United States’ military?  Today, Neil Thomas, an expert in China’s politics from the Asia Society Policy Institute on Xi Jinping’s strategy and standing in the world.  Featured:  Neil Thomas, fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute’s Center for China Analysis

Donald Trump’s dislike of the press has seen him repeatedly refuse to attend the annual White House correspondent’s dinner in Washington DC. But this year he’d taken his seat not long before a 31 year old tried to burst into the function room armed with guns and knives.  The US president has described the suspect as ‘sick’. Today, we speak with Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, who was in the room when the chaos began.  Featured:  Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic

A video posted by Senator David Pocock has gone viral, leaving some viewers asking why the gas giants aren’t paying more for the resources they extract in Australia.   The video reveals the government receives more money from a tax on beer than from the tax on the profits of massive oil and gas projects. But is that the whole story? Today, the ABC’s chief digital political 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

More than seven weeks since the start of the war in Iran, flight schedules through the Middle East are still disrupted, but slowly recovering.  Travellers are now more likely to get to their destinations on time, but the cost to airlines from the surging price of jet fuel is starting to bite.  Today, aviation industry expert Ian Douglas on where things currently stand and why 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

US President Donald Trump is all in on it, but could Australia 'drill baby drill' its way to fuel security and avoid oil shocks in the future?  Australia used to have a network of refineries and we were mostly self-sufficient in fuel production. Who let so many close and why?  Today, Alison Reeve, energy expert from the Grattan Institute on whether we really could build new refineries and successfully exploit new oil fields.  Featured:  Alison Reeve, Energy and Climate Change Program Director at the Grattan Institute

Donald Trump went into the war with Iran thinking it would be over quickly. More than seven weeks later there’s still no obvious off ramp, with uncertainty surrounding a second round of peace talks in Pakistan.  Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator in the Trump administration, on what the US president needs to do to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz  Featured:  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.

Shoppers have been dismayed by grocery price rises for years, now there are warnings that food will cost even more as the effects of the Iran war reach consumers.  Transporting produce around the country will cost more due to high diesel prices, but farmers don’t necessarily get to recoup the surging costs on the farm itself. So how are our farmers faring and when will another 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

Over the past eight years ADHD diagnoses among Australian adults have surged, especially among women. You might be surprised to hear where the ADHD capitals are. Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the exclusive prescribing data and whether it shows ADHD is being over-diagnosed.  Featured:  Dr Norman Swan, Four Corners reporter and co-host of ABC Radio National’s Health Report and What's That Rash

What does Russia’s Vladimir Putin make of the Iran war?  He’s one of the few beneficiaries, making vast sums of money as the oil price spiked and Donald Trump temporarily eased sanctions.  The world’s attention has been diverted from his war in Ukraine and the thorn in his side, the NATO alliance, is under more pressure than ever.  Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon 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

What’s behind US President Donald Trump’s attack on Pope Leo? After the leader of the Catholic Church criticised Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilisation, the president unleashed.  Trump dismissed the Pope as ‘weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy’. Debate over the US leader's mental health has reignited since the fuel erupted and he posted an AI image depicting 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 US blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz could make the fuel crunch in Australia even worse.  The government’s urging Australians to do what they can to use less fuel, but when will more severe restrictions kick in? Today, Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial on why we’re facing a ‘doomsday’ scenario that’s been war gamed for decades.  He’s warning that fuel prices will not return to pre-war levels for at least a year.  Featured:  Saul Kavonic, energy analyst at MST Financial

The peace talks failed, so now US President Donald Trump wants to further disrupt the vital oil shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz.  A US blockade will stop ships entering or departing Iranian ports, but will it really work to bring an end to the conflict? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what happens next and why the Iran conflict is starting to look like a ‘forever war’ for Trump.  Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

The ABC’s Alan Kohler thinks the treasurer should nationalise the childcare system and take centres out of the hands of for-profit businesses. With lingering concerns about the quality and safety of some centres and families struggling to afford the bills, is now the time for such a radical shake up? Today, Alan Kohler on the case for change and childcare policy expert Elizabeth Hill on whether it could really work. Featured:  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

A fragile two week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel has raised hopes ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz will soon be on the move.  Disruptions to the oil and gas supply have raised fears of a global economic slowdown as surging fuel prices punish households and businesses.  Today, Susan Stone, the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, on whether a ceasefire changes expectations about the economic fallout and whether petrol and diesel prices are set to fall. Featured:  Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at Adelaide University

Donald Trump was threatening to wipe out ‘a whole civilisation’, then about an hour before his deadline the US president announced a ceasefire deal had been struck with Iran.  Iran and the United States will now spend two weeks negotiating a peace plan, but it seems there’s little they can agree on. Today, Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center on why Trump ‘blinked’ and what comes next. Featured:  Barbara Slavin, distinguished fellow at the Stimson Center in Washington and a lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University

As a Victoria Cross recipient, Ben Roberts-Smith is one of Australia’s most decorated soldiers. Now, he’s been charged with five counts of the war crime of murder.  It comes after he lost a landmark defamation trial in which a judge found that on the balance of probabilities, allegations the former special forces soldier was responsible for, or complicit in the deaths of four 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

We know that US President Donald Trump is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to the war in Iran, but who’s in his ear? From Pete Hegseth to Marco Rubio and JD Vance, they’re each playing a role in executing or trying to explain the rationale for the controversial action in Iran.  If the war can’t be sold as a success in the end, who in Trump’s cabinet will end up paying the 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

Oil and financial markets have been swinging wildly with every social media post from Donald Trump.  But a pattern of large, well-timed trades placed on commodity and prediction markets just minutes before major Iran war announcements has emerged.  It’s raising concerns that some investors could be acting on inside information.  Today, Andrew Verstein an expert on insider trading 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.

He's sending more troops to the Middle East, while insisting the war in Iran is nearly over.  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

With the Easter break approaching, many motorists are wondering if they’ll be able to fill up their tanks and whether it’s worth travelling far from home.  The fuel crunch has been triggered by the ongoing war in Iran which is disrupting global oil supply, making availability in Australia increasingly uncertain.  Today, energy expert Saul Kavonic on what to expect and why government fuel incentives could make the situation worse. Featured:  Saul Kavonic, energy analyst, MST Financial

Could the Iran war lead our economy into a recession? 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

With the Iran war sending the price of fuel skyrocketing, the trucking industry is amongst the hardest hit and the costs will be passed on to consumers. 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

Donald Trump is in the midst of a messy war with Iran, but at the same time his sights are set on Cuba.  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

Donald Trump says Iran is negotiating with the US to end the war, but Iran says that’s ‘fake news’. 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.  Featured:  Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council

When South Australians went to the polls on the weekend one in five voters put One Nation first.  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’

For years, Australians heading to Europe have relied on flights that have stopovers in the Gulf. 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

Are the petrol stations price gouging and cashing in on the Iran war?  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. Featured:  David Byrne, professor of economics at the University of Melbourne

Donald Trump’s top counterterrorism official has quit over the war in Iran.  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

The RBA has lifted interest rates for a second consecutive month. 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

As the Iran war enters its third week, the ripple effect is growing around the world as the global oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.  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

It was one of the worst environmental disasters to strike Australia’s oceans.  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

Almost two weeks into the war in Iran, Donald Trump's endgame remains elusive. 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

Artificial intelligence is playing a key role in the war in Iran, with AI tools suspected of being used to gather intelligence, pick targets and plan bombings. 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

They stood on a field in the Gold Coast and bravely refused to sing their national anthem and they were condemned as traitors on Iranian state TV.  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

Donald Trump wanted regime change in Iran and to personally choose who the next leader would be.  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.

Can you believe the construction of a high speed rail network could start in just two years?  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

One of Donald Trump’s stated reasons for going to war with Iran is to destroy the nuclear threat he says it poses.   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

It’s been less than a week since the war in Iran began but it’s already having an economic impact here. 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

The Iran war is expanding and already having ripple effects across the globe. 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

Donald Trump says the war with Iran will continue until all his goals are achieved and he’s warned more US troops are likely to die. 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

For weeks Donald Trump threatened Iran with military strikes and on Saturday morning in Iran the bombing by US and Israeli forces began. 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

They tried to stop it happening, but Bill and Hillary Clinton had no choice in the end but to testify or face jail time.   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

US President Donald Trump spent almost two hours outlining what he believes to be a myriad of achievements on the economy and immigration.  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

The possible return home of a group of so-called ‘ISIS brides’ from Syria has caused a political storm. 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.  Featured:  Adam Harvey, 7.30 reporter

The US Supreme Court has ruled that most of Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal.  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

They used to be known as personal assistants, now you can just get an AI agent to plan your day, answer your emails and organise your life.  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

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has spent about 10 hours of his 66th birthday in police custody as they investigate whether the former prince shared government secrets with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  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

It’s a case that’s captivated America and grabbed headlines around the world. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Australian-born US Today show host Savannah Guthrie. 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

When Coles told you that prices were “Down Down”, were they really?  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

Could we solve the housing crisis in Australia by increasing taxes on the extremely rich and targeting mining giants’ profits?  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

Donald Trump says it’s a scam to say that climate change is a threat to public health. So, the US president has killed off a scientific finding that says it is. 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

We know Donald Trump doesn’t like losing elections and the US president is still claiming that the 2020 poll was rigged and stolen.  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

Sussan Ley has lost the Liberal leadership. 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

Donald Trump was Jeffrey Epstein’s one time friend and his name appears countless times in the Epstein files.  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

Six years ago, ASIO had the Bondi shooter Naveed Akram under investigation.  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

The protesters came in force, but what began peacefully descended into chaos.  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

After the horrific Bondi terrorist attack Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited the Israeli president to come to Australia. 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

Demand for home batteries in Australia has taken off, with a generous government subsidy prompting more people to add power storage to their solar panel set up.  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

The Canadian prime minister wants us to give up on the international rules based order, which he bluntly says is fiction and he’s urged middle power countries to unite.  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

Ever since Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs were announced in April last year, the price of gold has been rising. 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 Reserve Bank cut the cash rate target three times last year, but already there’s a U-turn.  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

There are three million files and thousands of mentions of Donald Trump.   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

There’s turmoil at the top of the Chinese military with President Xi Jinping removing some of his most experienced generals.  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

We know he loves McDonald’s but why is Donald Trump so passionate about full cream milk? 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

One Nation’s support is surging. 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

Donald Trump is finally trying to temper the ICE crackdown in Minneapolis which has seen the shooting deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents. 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

Donald Trump says he needs Greenland.  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

Elon Musk’s AI tool, Grok, has caused global outrage after it made it really easy to virtually undress people via AI image editing.  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

For a second time since the election the Coalition has split.  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

Jessica Chapnik Kahn was there at Bondi on December 14th, shielding her daughter as shots were fired into a Jewish festival, killing 15 people. 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

It’s a busy time of the year at Australian beaches, but a stretch of the NSW coast has been shut down after a surge in shark attacks.  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

Greenland is one of Donald Trump’s biggest obsessions right now. 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

Federal parliament returns early today and the prime minister has removed a racial vilification offence from Labor’s proposed hate speech laws and will now deal with restrictions on guns in a separate bill. 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