ABC News Daily

Opinion polls suggest Republicans are heading for significant losses in this week's US midterm elections.  Democrats are heavily favoured to win back the House of Representatives, and the battle for the Senate is increasingly tighter.  But could Donald Trump defy the polls and pull off another upset?   Today, Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College Polling, on what the polls are telling us and whether they'll get it right this time.  Featured:   Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College Polling

Michigan is shaping up as one of the biggest battlegrounds in the US midterm elections. So much so that both Donald Trump and Barack Obama have hit the campaign trail there.  The Senate race is a contest between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and conservative Republican Mike Rogers, with race and religion emerging as key fault lines.  Today, Margaret Talev, director of the Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship, on what’s at stake in Michigan, how identity is shaping the campaign, and what it reveals about the mood of American voters.  Featured:   Margaret Talev, director of the Syracuse University Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship

Israelis came out in record numbers to vote but as the polls closed it was too close to call.   Although that didn't stop Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main rival Gadi Eisenkot both claiming success.   Today, Dov Waxman, presidential chair in modern Jewish studies at UCLA on what happens next, the surge in support for Arab parties and whether Netanyahu could still cling to power.      Featured:   Dov Waxman, Presidential chair in modern Jewish studies at UCLA

Is Donald Trump about restart the fighting with Iran?   Ahead of the midterm elections next week, the US President has been raising the prospect of renewed attacks that could begin after Americans vote.   Today, Cole Bucy, former CIA analyst and former director for Iran at the US National Security Council on why Trump might have little option but to escalate the conflict. Featured:   Cole Bucy, former CIA analyst and former Director for Iran at the US National Security Council

Did you know we are in the midst of a new 'woke' era? It's being dubbed 'Woke 2.0' and unlike 'Woke 1', it's thought to be winning over voters for the Democrats ahead of next week's midterm election. Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine, Jonathan Chait on what he believes woke is and why campaigning against it won't win Trump any votes this time. Featured: Johnathan Chait, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine

Unemployment is on the rise, interest rates are up, the price of fuel is soaring and everything just costs more.   Recent polling shows voters are blaming the Prime Minister and his Treasurer for the tough times with their popularity rating taking a dive. Today, senior economic correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Shane Wright on how the governments losing control of the cost-of-living narrative.  Featured:   Shane Wright, senior economic correspondent at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age

It’s been a fortnight of extraordinary setbacks for US relations with Ukraine.  Donald Trump has struck a deal to buy Russian diesel, delivering a financial boost to Vladimir Putin’s war effort, he briefly interrupted intelligence sharing with Ukraine, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff has praised Putin as a 'humanitarian.'  Today, CNN's chief national security analyst, Jim Sciutto on what Trump is up to now and what it could mean for Ukraine's survival.  Featured: Jim Sciutto, CNN chief national security analysts and host of The Brief

Brendan Nugent, the 43-year-old Victorian man accused of ramming his LandCruiser into Independent MP Helen Haines, has appeared in court today on five charges.  Authorities say they are still working to determine an alleged motive.   The incident has opened a fierce debate about the safety of politicians and worsening political discourse.  So, will the tragedy change anything?   Today political commentator and author Niki Savva on what needs to happen now.  Featured:   Niki Savva, political commentator and author

On Monday afternoon, Victorian man Brendan Nugent, 43, allegedly used a white Toyota LandCruiser to strike independent MP Helen Haines twice.   The 65-year-old member for Indi in regional Victoria is in critical condition with devastating injuries. The Prime Minister says it was a deliberate act.   Today, 7.30 political editor Jacob Greber on what we know and why the alleged attack is a wake-up call as threats of political violence surge.  Featured:   Jacob Greber, ABC TV's 7.30 political editor

From a press secretary who lasted just five days to a dramatic pivot to Putin, Donald Trump has unleashed a fresh wave of chaos inside the White House.  So, with the US midterms looming, is he still holding out for a so-called 'October surprise' that could turn things around.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, David A. Graham on a woeful past week for the US President and whether voters are simply sick of the chaos.

They've been fired, demoted, and even offered sham redundancies.  Decades after the Sex Discrimination Act was introduced, women across the country say they're being pushed out of the workforce for having kids under laws that haven't kept up with the demands of modern parenting.  Today, Avani Dias on her Four Corners investigation into the tactics being used by employers and the laws failing mothers.   Featured: Avani Dias, investigative reporter with ABC Four Corners

Melbourne-born academic Tristan Buckmaster says he was maybe just one month away from solving the Navier-Stokes equation, a maths problem so difficult there was a million-dollar prize on offer for anyone who could.   But just as the New York University professor and his collaborator, a mathematician affiliated with AI company Anthropic, were closing in on a solution, OpenAI claimed a breakthrough of its own.   Today we speak to Tristan about his dispute with Open AI and the future of mathematics. Featured:   Dr Tristan Buckmaster, Professor of Mathematics at New York University

It was meant to be the biggest ASX listing since the privatisation of Telstra, but last week the initial public offering for Firmus was dramatically pulled before a single share was traded.  The co-founder of the AI startup, Oliver Curtis has since lashed out - blaming Australians for failing to support people prepared to take a risk.     Today, columnist at the Australian Financial Review Mark Di Stefano on whether he could be right or if it's an early sign of a bursting AI bubble.    Featured:   Mark Di Stefano, Australian Financial Review columnist

The US president says he’s still deciding whether to livestream the execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 unarmed US soldiers in a 2009 shooting.   It comes as Tennessee officials grapple with the aftermath of the botched execution of death row inmate Christa Pike last month.   Today, law and capital punishment expert, Austin Sarat, on what these two cases say about the future of capital punishment in the US.  Featured:   Austin Sarat, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science at Amherst College

The US President has eased sanctions on the Kremlin, clearing the way for a lucrative deal to import Russian diesel. Trump says the move will help bring down fuel prices for Americans, as rising living costs weigh on his standing in the polls ahead of the midterm elections. But for Ukrainians, the deal is a bitter betrayal. Today, Russian foreign policy expert Matthew Sussex from Deakin University on what Trump hopes to gain from doing business with Vladimir Putin. Featured:   Matthew Sussex, Associate professor at the Centre for Future Defence and National Security at Deakin University.

With the military campaign failing to force Iran to backdown, Donald Trump has been turning up the economic pressure, hoping to cripple the country’s economy and force an end to the war.   But despite Iran’s currency plunging to record lows, the regime is showing little sign of capitulating.   Today, an expert on Iran’s economy Djavad Salehi-Isfahani on how long the regime and the Iranian people can hold on.  Featured:   Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, Professor of Economics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

In the United States, they’re calling it the 'Mamdani effect' - a surge in support for democratic socialist candidates. And here, the Greens are hoping for their own Zohran Mamdani moment, with the party’s think tank pitching an Australian version of the New York mayor’s plan for publicly owned supermarkets.  Today columnist, author and academic Waleed Aly on whether the Greens have found a winning formula, as support for One Nation continues to grow.  Featured:  Waleed Aly, co-host of The Minefield on ABC Radio National, a lecturer in politics at Monash University.

An electric car is now being sold every 100 seconds, with sales roughly doubling in the second quarter of this year and outstripping petrol and diesel cars for the first time in August. But as motorists look to escape soaring fuel costs, partly due to the Iran war, do we have the chargers needed to sustain the rapid surge?   Today, ABC energy reporter Daniel Mercer on the plans for a mass rollout of EV infrastructure and who should pay for it.  Featured:   Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

In the US, the case has ignited a national debate over consent, with some asking whether this could be a new #MeToo moment.  At Cornell University, protests have erupted after a woman identified as Jane Doe alleged she was sexually assaulted by seven male students who belonged to a campus fraternity.  Today, New York Times journalist Hurubie Meko takes us through the case, and we speak to Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, about why the outrage is now crossing borders.  Featured:  Hurubie Meko, New York Times reporter and Chanel Contos, Teach Us Consent founder

Donald Trump has told voters to ‘pretend’ he is on the ballot at the midterm elections which are now less than a month away.   But that’s not useful for some Republican candidates who’ve been trying to distance themselves from the President, given his declining polling numbers.   Today, staff writer at the Atlantic magazine, David A. Graham on whether there’ll be a blue wave come November with the Democrats taking control of the House and the Senate. Featured:   David A. Graham, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

A plan for a data centre metres from homes and a school in Lane Cove has been shelved after residents of the Sydney suburb fought back and won.   But it’s just one proposal among many, as demand for AI drives a boom in data centre construction across Australia.   Today, we hear from a Lane Cove resident, and ask the ABC’s national AI reporter Cam Wilson just how many data centres we could end up with. Featured:   Sasha Titchkosky, Lane Cove resident and Cam Wilson, the ABC’s national AI reporter

Donald Trump says the US is in an AI race against China and he doesn’t want regulation that would risk American dominance.   But Beijing is taking a very different approach with the Chinese Communist Party exerting tight control over the sector.  Today, Alvin Wang Graylin from Stanford’s Human-centered AI institute on what that means for which country is best place to stop AI going rogue.  Featured:  Alvin Wang Graylin, Senior Fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute and a digital fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv has turned into a terrifying high-altitude struggle when one of the pilots was attacked in the cockpit by his co-pilot.  Passengers were fighting to help crew regain control of the plane as it plunged 17,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.  Today, counterterrorism expert Greg Barton on what we know about this mid-air attack and what it could mean for security in the region.  Featured: Greg Barton, Rector of Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing renewed political scrutiny after media investigations reported that he and his government were warned about an impending large-scale Hamas attack before October 7.  The reports say Egypt’s former intelligence chief travelled to Jerusalem days before the attack to issue a warning, while the UAE president allegedly alerted Netanyahu personally.  Netanyahu has dismissed the claims as ‘absolute lies.’ Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what the allegations could mean for Netanyahu, with an election due in Israel this month.  Featured:  Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute.

There’s been another interest rate rise, pushing it to the highest it’s been in 15 years.   It’s partly thanks to Trump’s war in Iran fuelling global inflation, but the conflict is not the only thing putting pressure on interest rates. Artificial Intelligence is a factor too.   Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on how AI impact rates and why it might also be the reason they fall again  Featured:   Alan Kohler, ABC News Finance presenter

Donald Trump has promised he can use his negotiating skills to end wars. But his approach is facing a major test on two fronts. He’s rejected Iran’s latest proposal to halt the fighting and reopen negotiations, while there’s still no breakthrough in efforts to get Russia and Ukraine back to a peace deal. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether the president can actually deliver peace in either conflict. Featured:   Rajan Menon, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the City College of New York

We're being warned that AI could wipe out humanity.  But some of the very same experts sounding the alarm are also predicting AI will help cure cancer within the next decade.   So, how will these competing visions of destruction and salvation play out? And is a cure for cancer really within AI’s reach?  Today, doctor and researcher Emilia Javorsky joins us to separate the reality from the hype. Featured:   Emilia Javorsky, the Director of the Futures Program at The Future of Life Institute – a nonprofit aimed at reducing AI risks.

The Australian government is grappling with how to safeguard sensitive data, after revelations an AI agent controlled by OpenAI accessed private Medicare statistics.   It took months for a breach to be identified and alerted to the highest levels of government and comes as the world grapples with controlling the rapid growth of AI technology.   Today, national security and AI policy expert Olivia Shen, on whether governments can keep up with the accelerating advance of AI.  Featured:   Olivia Shen, Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

Donald Trump’s decade-long war with the press has a new front, with three US media outlets suing after being banned by the White House, prompting a broader media boycott.   In response, the US President has launched his own 24/7 streaming channel called Trump TV.  Today, Reporters Without Borders executive director for North America, Clayton Weimers, on who will lose the most from Trump’s war on the press.  Featured:   Clayton Weimers, Reporters Without Borders executive director for North America

Another string of suspected domestic violence attacks across a single weekend has once again seen the number of women and children killed this year climb.  And, once again, their deaths have turned up the volume of calls for governments to do more to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence.  Today, ABC political reporter Claudia Long on why, despite decades of effort, federal and state governments are still struggling with how to stop these tragic outcomes.  Featured:   Claudia Long, ABC political reporter

Oil prices are rising again, thanks to the conflict in the Persian Gulf spreading to the Red Sea.   It's fuelling inflation around the world including in Australia where it has been stubbornly high meaning an interest rate rise is all but certain, when the Reserve Bank meets next week.   Today, ABC Finance expert Alan Kohler on the squeeze on household budgets and the prospect of a recession.  Featured:   Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of the ‘That's Business with Alan Kohler’ podcast

Robotaxis have arrived on the streets of London, San Francisco and Beijing as rideshare companies expand into driverless transport. But the roll out hasn't been without speedbumps. So, when could we see this innovation in transport arrive in Australia, and are our roads and regulations ready for it? Today, Michael Milford, professor of robotics and director of the QUT Centre for Robotics on why autonomous taxis could soon be on our roads. Featured: Michael Milford, Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics

Donald Trump says warnings from whistleblowers that the rapid development of AI could end humanity are a ‘hoax’.   He’s determined to push ahead in the AI race for dominance over China despite calls from some in the industry to slow down. But who should we believe?   Today, AI risk researcher Nate Soares on why he believes the only real winner in the AI race is AI.  Featured:   Nate Soares, Machine Intelligence Research Institute president

Pauline Hanson has spent the week offending everyone from Andrew Hastie to the Prime Minister and Indigenous Australians, drawing widespread condemnation.   But is hitting back at her personally the best way to respond?   Today, Sean Kelly, columnist and former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd on the way major parties are shifting their approach to Pauline Hanson and One Nation.  Featured:   Sean Kelly, columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and former Labor prime minister advisor.

For months, the Strait of Hormuz has been in chaos amid the ongoing conflict between Donald Trump and Iran.   But now, the global oil supply faces a new threat.   Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are setting their sights on the Red Sea, putting a second critical shipping corridor in the crosshairs.   Today, former US Special Envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, on the latest escalation and what it means for the global economy.  Featured:   Tim Lenderking, former US Special Envoy to Yemen and Middle East Institute Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow

Last week, an Anthropic researcher warned that rapidly advancing AI could lead to human extinction in the not-too-distant future.  Then tech bosses joined the call for countries and companies to work together to slow the race towards artificial super intelligence.   Today, AI philosopher Nick Bostrom on just how bad unbridled AI could get and whether we need to put the brakes on before it’s too late. Featured: Nick Bostrom, AI philosopher

The migration policy debate in Australia has shifted over the years from boat arrivals and refugees to a new battleground: the size of the net overseas migration intake.   And Pauline Hanson has managed to put the push for lower numbers back at the centre of the political debate.   But how much control does the government really have? Today, David Speers, host of tonight's ABC National Forum on migration, on whether the system we have needs a total rethink.    Featured:   David Speers, host of Insiders and the ABC’s National Forum

Donald Trump has hit the campaign trail in Texas as the clock ticks down to the midterms.   But is the president becoming more of a hindrance than a help to Republican candidates? With the war in Iran dragging on and taking a toll on Trump’s standing, could his biggest political liability now be the conflict he started?   Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator on whether Donald Trump is getting ready to declare the war is over.  Featured:   Nate Swanson, Director and Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Iran Strategy Project

Algorithms are deciding almost everything we see online, and concern is growing about the kinds of content social media is feeding us and our kids.   Now the government wants to give us more control of our feeds, proposing laws that could force tech companies to let users 'opt out' of recommendation algorithms.   Today, Daniel Angus, digital communications expert, on how algorithms became so powerful in the first place -  and whether we can ever escape them.   Featured:   Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology

One Nation wants to give renters and borrowers early access to some of their retirement savings in a new policy proposal it says will help ease the cost-of-living pressure.  It's reignited a fierce debate about the future of the scheme.   Today, former political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras on whether superannuation is about to become a political battleground once again and if it's a fight voters even want. Featured:   Kos Samaras, Director of strategy and analytics at Redbridge Group

Bond markets around the world are under pressure, as investors sell bonds and demand higher returns to lend governments money. It's pushing up borrowing costs and the effects can flow through to the mortgages, bank loans and credit cards we rely on every day.  So, what’s driving the global bond sell off, and is the Trump administration's ballooning government debt to blame? Today, Justin Wolfers, professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan, explains what’s happening in the bond market and what it means for your money.   Featured:   Justin Wolfers, professor of economics at the University of Michigan and founder of Platypus Economics

In the 2000s, a wave of cheap Chinese goods that flooded global markets and wiped out manufacturing jobs became known as the China Shock.   Now it's sequel, China Shock 2.0 has arrived.   But this time, China isn't just exporting cheap goods. It's taking on the world in cutting-edge technology, from AI to electric vehicles and robotics.     Today, economist David Autor, who helped coin the phrase 'China Shock' and is one of Time magazine's most influential people of 2026 in AI, on whether the world is ready for it.  Featured:   David Autor, Professor in the MIT Department of Economics

According to Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth is doing a 'fantastic job' running the US military.   But this week one of his most senior officials, the Army Secretary, quit after months of tensions with Hegseth, who has already purged dozens of other senior generals and admirals.   Today, staff writer at The Atlantic Missy Ryan on the turmoil at the Pentagon, and how long Hegseth will continue to have Trump’s backing.  Featured:   Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic

In 2017, billionaire Sanjeev Gupta arrived in Whyalla promising to save the town’s struggling steelworks and hundreds of local jobs.  But nearly a decade later, the steelworks is still fighting for survival. Gupta's business empire has unravelled and he has left Australia along with the promises he made.  So what went wrong?  Today, former Media Watch host Paul Barry takes us inside the rise and fall of Sanjeev Gupta’s steel dream and how he fooled Whyalla and the world.  Featured:   Paul Barry, author of The Big Steel: How steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta fooled Australia and the world

Dr. John All is a mountaineer and scientist who nearly lost his life after falling more than 20 meters down an icy crevasse while researching how quickly the Himalayas are melting.  A week after a catastrophic flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border, he warns the tragedy we’ve seen in the region could be repeated as pollution and rising temperatures turn mountain ice into water.   Today, he speaks about researching climate change in treacherous terrain, and how soon the Himalayan glaciers could disappear.   Featured:   John All, mountaineer and co-founder of the American Climber Science Program

Pauline Hanson is on a roll.  The latest test came over the weekend in a by-election for the small coastal electorate of Secret Harbour, south of Perth, where almost 40 per cent of voters gave One Nation their first-preference vote -- numbers that Labor and the Coalition could only dream of at this point.  Today, Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation, on the One Nation blitz. Featured:   Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation

As the US hurtles towards the November midterms, data centres have become a major election issue, with politicians across the political divide joining voters in demanding a moratorium on new construction.   Even Erin Brockovich is getting involved in a campaign sweeping the country.   Today, Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, on the backlash against data centres and what it says about Australia’s approach as the debate heats up.  Featured:  Nicol Turner Lee, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution

Since Donald Trump launched his war in Iran, the MAGA movement has been dramatically split over the military action.  Once a key Trump supporter, high profile media personality Tucker Carlson has turned on the US president, fuelling speculation he could make his own presidential bid in 2028.   Today, New Yorker magazine staff writer Jason Zengerle on whether the podcaster could become the president.  Featured:   Jason Zengerle, New Yorker magazine staff writer

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has come out swinging, outlining a major retaliation against US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs.  The two neighbours have been spiralling towards an escalating trade war since negotiations collapsed last week.  But could Canada’s response inspire other countries like Australia to push back against Trump's tariffs too?  Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre on Mark Carney's defiance against the US and whether we should follow suit.   Featured: David Smith, Associate Professor of US Studies at the United States Studies Centre

In a landmark US court case, attorneys general representing 29 states are suing Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, accusing it of knowingly harming children and designing its platforms to keep young users hooked on scrolling. It's being likened to the wave of lawsuits filed against big tobacco companies in the 1990s. If the states are successful, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for Meta's business model, and for the way all of us use social media. Today, Dara Kerr, tech reporter with The Guardian US on what could be Meta's big tobacco moment Featured: Dara Kerr, tech reporter for The Guardian US

It took a week, but the head of the AFL has now fronted the press over the Swans scandal.   CEO Andrew Dillon has distanced the sport from the Sydney club, saying the actions of a few do not define an entire code.  Today, investigative sports reporter Jessica Halloran on the AFL's response and why it's not enough.   Featured:   Jess Halloran, ABC investigative sports reporter

In October, Israelis will head to the polls, with Benjamin Netanyahu fighting to remain in power.  Looming over the election are the war with Iran, the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack, and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.   And then there’s the West Bank, where settler violence has surged again. Today, Sari Bashi, an Israeli-American human rights lawyer, joins us from the West Bank to explain what’s driving the latest tensions.   Featured:    Sari Bashi, human rights lawyer and Executive Director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel

This week, US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman, scaled back military drills with South Korea and continued his tariff fight with Canada.  Meanwhile, he’s been speaking warmly about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and says he plans to meet with him later this year.  Today, Michael Green from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on what’s behind Trump’s latest moves and why he keeps rattling America’s long-standing alliances.  Featured:  Michael Green, Sydney University's United States Studies Centre CEO and former special assistant to US president George Bush

Two months since Pauline Hanson's Press Club address calling for monoculturalism in Australia, new polling shows more Australians prefer her stance on immigration than that of either of the major parties. Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal party strategist and director at Redbridge Group on One Nation's appeal. Featured: Tony Barry, former Liberal party strategist and Redbridge Group director

It's the sort of allegation that over the decades has rocked sporting codes and the AFL. Allegations of sexual assault have embroiled four Sydney Swans players. Today, AFL player agent Peter Jess, about how the sports protocols need to change, and Victoria University sports expert Matthew Klugman on AFL culture.  Featured: Matthew Klugman, Victoria University sports expert Peter Jess, AFL player agent

It was one of the most watched criminal court cases in history, and now it's back. Mushroom killer Erin Patterson's appeal against her conviction for murdering three lunch guests and attempting to murder a fourth begins this week. Today, RMIT criminologist and lawyer Brianna Chesser, on why Patterson's lawyers argue she's been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. Featured: Brianna Chesser, RMIT criminologist and lawyer

Footage of a Russian drone stalking and attacking a Ukrainian vegetable seller has offered a glimpse into the dystopian way Russia is fighting its war in Ukraine.   Meanwhile, Ukraine’s rapid drone innovation is transforming what these cheap devices can do on the battlefield.   Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, on the new age of drone warfare and why the rest of the world needs to be ready for what comes next.  Featured:  Anne Applebaum, staff writer for The Atlantic

Anthony Albanese’s comments on a comedy podcast last month about the Japanese prime minister’s gift of melons have been making headlines all week.  It’s the second time he’s faced backlash over the podcast episode, after remarks he made about Kylie Minogue sparked controversy last time.  Today, the ABC’s Annabel Crabb on what prompted a second round of outrage, the fallout that’s followed and why it all went so wrong for the Prime Minister.  Featured:   Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

When Donald Trump flew out of the NATO summit in Türkiye last month, he switched from the newly renovated, Qatari-donated jet to an older Air Force One, telling reporters it was 'for old time's sake.' But new details about the swap reveal that a credible threat from Iran prompted the president to then be secretly whisked off the old plane, into a catering container and transferred to another aircraft, leaving the press pack and some of his top officials behind. Today, Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond on the ruse. Featured: Dan Diamond, White House reporter for The Washington Post

After its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank has kept interest rates on hold. But should we get used to rates being higher than we've become used to in recent history? Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what to expect in the months ahead and why the real housing price slump has only just begun. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

For years, Anthony Albanese has stood firm on how far he’s willing to go on gambling reform.   But after former NRL player-turned-influencer Luke Bateman delivered compelling testimony on his years as a problem gambler to a senate inquiry last week, the Prime Minister now looks ready to go further.   Today, chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong on what changed and how Bateman’s testimony helped convinced him.  Featured:  Clare Armstrong is the ABC's chief digital political correspondent

It’s one of the strangest showdowns in political history: a man dressed as a bin taking on a populist right-wing leader.  But this week, British voters in the seaside electorate of Clacton will decide between Count Binface or Reform's Nigel Farage.  Today, Jemma Forte, co-host of the Trawl podcast on Nigel Farage’s controversial decision to resign and spark a by-election, and why a win for the bin can’t be ruled out. Featured: Jemma Forte, UK politics commentator and co-host of The Trawl podcast.

It’s been dubbed the 'Mamdani effect': support for democratic socialists has been surging since Zoran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York last year.   Now another progressive, Abdul El-Sayed, has defeated a moderate to win Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary.  Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank, the Niskanen Center, on what this shift means for the Democratic Party, and whether the party’s leftward momentum poses a threat to Donald Trump and the Republicans.  Featured:   Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre

Pauline Hanson wants to be the next Prime Minister but will avoiding scrutiny from some of the biggest media outlets in the country help her get there?   Or will the Trump-like tactic be a turn off for voters?  Today, former ABC correspondent Monica Attard from UTS on Senator Hanson's ban on several Australian news outlets and whether there’s any way to stop her doing it.  Featured:   Monica Attard, Co-Director of the Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology

For years Australia managed to avoid it, but the H5 strain of the bird flu virus is now taking hold after the first mass mortality of birds was confirmed this week.   So much of our native wildlife is at risk, as well as the commercial poultry and egg farming industries.  Today, epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre on how quickly the virus is spreading and why its arrival at poultry, and potentially cattle farms, could have devastating consequences.  Featured:   Raina MacIntyre, epidemiologist and Professor of Global Biosecurity at the UNSW

The cut to the fuel excise has ended, causing petrol prices across the country to spike.   With conflict in the Middle East continuing to strain global oil supplies, many drivers are wondering how long the pain at the bowser will last.   Today, energy expert at MST financial Saul Kavonic on the world’s diminishing oil supply and whether we’re all out of fixes.  Featured:   Saul Kavonic, Senior Energy Analyst at MST Financial

AI glasses are the latest evolution in wearable tech, and thanks in part to celebrity endorsements like Kylie Jenner’s campaign for Meta’s smart glasses, they're taking off.   But these devices, dubbed ‘pervert glasses’ by some critics, are raising fresh concerns about privacy and surveillance.   Today, Dr Milica Stilinovic, a researcher at University of Sydney’s Governing Immersive Tech project on why they’ve become so popular and the risks that come with them.  Featured:   Dr Milica Stilinovic, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sydney’s Governing Immersive Tech project.

When OpenAI revealed its AI models went rogue during safety testing, science fiction suddenly became a reality.   Since then, the company has revealed that the AI cyber-attack affected four separate companies. So, what happens when humans can no longer contain this technology?   Today, AI safety researcher and co-author of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies’, Nate Soares, on what happens when AI goes rogue.    Featured:   Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies’

It was the first face-to-face meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump since the war with Iran began almost six months ago.   But the relationship between the two leaders isn’t what it was at the start of the conflict.   Today, Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre on what Netanyahu was hoping to achieve by meeting with Trump and what it means for the future of the war.    Featured:   Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at The Stimson Center

After becoming one of the most unpopular leaders in Australia’s history, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan reluctantly gave up the top job.   Then, following a chaotic bout of Labor Party infighting, her deputy Ben Carroll emerged as her successor.   Today, Jon Faine, former host of Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne, on Jacinta Allan’s downfall and how she couldn’t escape the shadow of her predecessor. Featured:   Jon Faine, former host of Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne

When you pick up a product at the supermarket, you trust what's written on the label. So, when it says an ingredient was sourced in Australia, why wouldn't you believe it? Today, Adele Ferguson on her exclusive Four Corners investigation into the food fraud hiding in plain sight.  Featured:   Adele Ferguson, Investigative reporter at ABC’s Four Corners

AI has taken the grunt work out of many everyday tasks; from writing emails to planning dinner.   But are we starting to rely on AI to think for us and could it be making us dumber?   Today, Steven Shaw from the University of Pennsylvania on his research into cognitive surrender, AI and your brain.  Featured:   Steven Shaw, post-doctoral researcher at Wharton Marketing School, University of Pennsylvania and incoming associate professor at Kings College London.

This week, Pauline Hanson has again declared that she could become Prime Minister after the next election. But could she?   Or will her recent European tour and a string of controversial comments from immigration to domestic violence start to turn voters away?   Today, former Liberal Party strategist and Redbridge Group director Tony Barry on what voters are saying, and why Pauline Hanson is increasingly setting the political agenda.    Featured:   Tony Barry, Redbridge Group director

At the end of last week Elon Musk’s much-hyped SpaceX shares took a tumble just over a month after the company went public.   But what does that mean for the big AI companies and for the so-called AI bubble.   Today AI critic and host of the Better Offline podcast Ed Zitron on why he thinks it will all come crashing down.  Featured:  Ed Zitron, host of Better Offline podcast and EZ Primary Research CEO

Donald Trump's MOU with Iran was supposed to stop the war and then end it.   Now it's barely worth the paper it's written on. The bombing has resumed. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut. And now the conflict is spreading to the Red Sea, with the Houthis declaring a blockade on Saudi shipping.   So, is this what a forever war looks like?   Today, former US State Department Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller on the few options Donald Trump has left Featured: Aaron David Miller, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Middle East Negotiator at the US State Department

Pauline Hanson has spent the past fortnight in Europe spruiking her anti-immigration policies which have long been familiar to Australian voters.   But beyond immigration, what does One Nation actually want for the economy?   Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens looks at the policies that have received far less attention and what Australia's economy could look like under One Nation.    Featured:   Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter

For thousands of years the question of extending life or living forever has occupied minds.   But now it’s taken on a new life, from peptides, to IV drips and experimental treatments targeting the heart or kidneys, there’s a buzz around longevity.   Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the big business and the science behind the quest to live healthier for longer.  Featured:   Dr Norman Swan, co-host of the Health Report and What’s that Rash on ABC Radio National

When Donald Trump went to the NATO summit in Ankara, he took one plane in and a different one out.   They were both called Air Force One, but one is 35 years old and is believed to have advanced safety features and the other was a retrofitted luxury 747 given to the US by Qatar.   Why did the US president not fly out on the newer plane that he loves so much?   New York Times journalists have received subpoenas after sources told them it was due to safety precautions related to the war with Iran.   Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, David A. Graham, on the president's planes and the latest attack on the press.  Featured:   David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

It was dubbed a landmark speech on how the government will deal with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres.  But did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese really address the key concerns as the big tech giants move to expand their businesses and even train AI models here?    Today, Kimberlee Weatherall an expert in AI regulation from Sydney University on how proposed new laws just touch the surface.   Featured:   Kimberlee Weatherall, law professor at the University of Sydney and co-director of the Centre for AI, trust and governance

Telstra says its sorry for letting Australians down after last week’s nationwide outage, but how is it going compensate customers left out of pocket?  The telco will face questions in a parliamentary hearing later this week on the cause and the effects of the outage, which blocked hundreds of emergency calls and brought down payment systems and even regional trains.   Today, national consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on whether Telstra is going to be held to account.  Featured:   Michael Atkin, ABC national consumer affairs reporter

Relatively cheap EVs from China are increasingly seen on Australian roads.   But you won’t find many in the US, because of hefty tariffs and bans due to national security concerns.  Now Swedish based, but Chinese owned Polestar is set to stop selling in the US market from next year due to a crackdown on Chinese-linked vehicles.   Today, cyber security expert and former advisor to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Alastair MacGibbon on what the Chinese government could do to the cars if it really wanted to.   Featured:   Alastair MacGibbon, cyber security expert

When you say 'affordable housing' there’s a natural scepticism.   Across the country developers are being offered perks to be part of schemes supposed to give people a chance to rent without draining their pay packets.  But who gets to live in these 'affordable’ rentals and who sets the rent and when it can go up?   Today, Pat McGrath on his Four Corners investigation into whether 'affordable’ rentals actually are affordable. Featured:   Pat McGrath, ABC investigative reporter

It’s the most lucrative sports broadcast deal in history, worth $5.3 billion for seven years.  The deal between the NRL and broadcasters Nine and Foxtel outstrips the previous $4.5 billion deal the AFL secured in 2022.  Today, sports media expert Merryn Sherwood from La Trobe University on how the rugby league managed it and who ultimately pays the cost.  Featured: Merryn Sherwood, Senior Lecturer in journalism at La Trobe University

On Monday, China’s military launched a nuclear capable ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean from a submarine hidden in the sea off China.  It gave Australia and other nations about 24 hours’ notice.   So, what’s XI Jinping up to?   Today, Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute on China’s massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal and what it means for us.  Featured:   Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute

Even an extraordinary intervention by the US president couldn’t save his soccer team, with the USA now out of the FIFA World Cup after being thrashed by Belgium.  Donald Trump has admitted calling FIFA to urge the governing body to overturn a red card ban for the star American player Folarin Balogun.  He was allowed to play after what FIFA insists was an independent process, but has the meddling undermined the World Cup?   Today, sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on what it says about the sport and what needs to change.  Featured:   Catherine Ordway, sport integrity expert from the University of New South Wales Canberra Business School

Vladimir Putin's war is running off course as the Russian capital Moscow comes under repeated Ukrainian attack.   Ukrainian strikes are leading to major fuel shortages and growing discontent among the Russian people. Today, Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic magazine on how Putin is reacting to growing pressure.   Featured: Simon Shuster, The Atlantic magazine

Last month the Trump administration forced AI company Anthropic to shut down two of its most powerful models because of national security concerns.  It’s now lifted the ban, but while attention has been on the US, China has released an AI model that rivals the most advanced American offerings at a much lower price.  Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what that means the tech bros in Silicon Valley.  Featured:   Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

For decades, the US has been one of Israel’s staunchest allies.  But there’s a shift underway in America. US President Donald Trump and his deputy JD Vance have publicly criticised the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and polling shows Americans have increasingly negative views of his government.   Today, Guy Ziv, associate director of Israel studies at American University on what’s driving the backlash.  Featured:   Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security and associate director of Israel studies at American University

A data centre boom is underway that promises to help drive Australia’s economic growth.   We’re seen as a key location for the data centres that drive the latest AI technology.   But a lot of the revenue generated by the multinational big tech firms won’t come anywhere near Australia, so should the taxpayers hosting the data centres get a bigger cut of the profits?  Today, independent economist Saul Eslake on how we’re cashing in on AI.  Featured:   Saul Eslake, independent economist

When the Iran war broke out, we were warned of an oil shock not seen since the 1970s when fuel was rationed.   We were told the price of oil could reach $200 a barrel and airlines might ground planes.   But that hasn’t happened and now petrol prices are back down to where they were before the war.   Today the ABC’s Laura Tingle on how China is cushioning the world economy.  Featured:   Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

One Nation has had a seismic surge in support since the start of the year, so how is it managing to attract attention and potentially voters?   Part of it is One Nation and Pauline Hanson’s prolific use of social media.   At the same time, we’ve seen former Nine journalist Karl Stefanovic embrace podcasting that platforms right-wing figures.  Today, marketing expert Toby Ralph on why outrage goes so well online.  Featured:   Toby Ralph, marketing strategist who specialising in persuasion

We love Aussie rules football, but like other contact sports it comes with risk of head knocks for the players.  New figures based on analysis of the brains of deceased players, reveal a big increase in the number of them known to have the degenerative brain disease CTE.  Is the AFL doing enough to support families after a tragedy and inform players at all levels of the game about the risks associated with football?  Today, Four Corners reporter Jess Halloran on her investigation into CTE and the AFL.   Be aware, this episode discusses mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14  Featured:   Jess Halloran, Four Corners reporter

The US Vice President JD Vance is the chief negotiator, tasked with coming up with a enduring peace deal with Iran.  But is the United States willing to put in the time and the effort to seal a new deal with the Islamic Republic?  Today, Nate Swanson, who worked on Iran policy in the Obama, Biden and Trump administrations on why a deal may never be done.  He explains his view that Iran risks overplaying its hand and giving away it’s ‘golden ticket’ security guarantee if it pursues short term gains with fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.   Featured:   Nate Swanson, resident senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council

It’s an AI company valued at almost a trillion dollars, but Donald Trump is clipping Anthropic’s wings.  The US president effectively banned the company's state of the art Claude AI models Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing security concerns.  But how founded are those concerns and is it problem that the US government can control the release of groundbreaking AI?   Today, Sharon Goldman, journalist and founder of Ground Level AI on what happens next.  Featured:   Sharon Goldman, journalist and founder of Ground Level AI

There’s a revolving door at 10 Downing Street, a prime minister goes in and they’re popped out again.  This time it was Keir Starmer.    Can his likely successor, the former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last the distance?   Today, Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics at Deakin University on why Britain’s woeful economy will make it hard.    Featured:   Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education at Deakin University

Before the war it was open, safe and toll free, but now the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest problems for Donald Trump as he tries to end the war and keep peace talks on track.  While the global oil supply has been disrupted for months, petrol price here are now as low as they were before the war began.  Today, energy analyst Kevin Morrison on how long that can last.  Featured:   Kevin Morrison, energy analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis

Ukraine is now striking deep inside Russia using drones developed during its war with its invading neighbour.  At the same time, the Ukrainian military has been regaining some its territory using short range drones.  The embrace of new technologies is giving Ukraine an edge in the war and bringing to fight to Vladimir Putin’s doorstep.   But that doesn’t mean the war is set to end any time soon.   Today, Professor Michael C. Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations on how Ukraine is changing the war.     Featured:   Michael C. Horowitz, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania

This week Pauline Hanson addressed the National Press Club and a new poll showed she is Australia’s preferred prime minister.  Today, columnist, author and academic, Waleed Aly, on how One Nation could win the next election and why it’s so hard for the major parties to stop the rise of Pauline Hanson.  Featured:   Waleed Aly, co-host of The Minefield on ABC Radio National, a columnist, author and politics lecturer at Monash University

Australia’s Socceroos were underdogs going into their World Cup match against Türkiye.   They achieved a surprise win, but can they do the same in their next match against the host nation USA?   The young team and coach Tony Popovic will have to beat the odds.  Today, sport journalist Niav Owens, who’s a host of the SBS coverage of the FIFA World Cup, on why it might not be an easy win for the Americans and what success could mean for football in Australia.  Featured:   Niav Owens, host of the SBS FIFA World Cup coverage