Episodes
-
After the pager and walkie-talkie attacks last week, Israel has scaled up its air strikes in southern Lebanon.
So, as its fight against Hezbollah intensifies could it go further by sending in ground troops?
Today, Dov Waxman, a professor of Israel Studies at the University of California on Israelâs goals and what might come next.
Professor Waxman explains that the recent escalation is a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
This low-intensity war has been ongoing since October 8th, following the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel.
Waxman notes that Hezbollahâs actions are in solidarity with Hamas, as part of the Iran-backed axis of resistance.
He says Israelâs goal is not to destroy Hezbollah but to push its forces away from the border.
The professor also warns of the potential for this conflict to escalate into a regional war.
Featured:
Dov Waxman, Professor of Israel Studies at the University of California and the chair of the Nazarian Centre for Israel Studies
Key Topics:
Israel air strikesHezbollah conflictSouthern LebanonAxis of resistanceIranMiddle East war -
Childcare in Australia is expensive and finding a spot can be really hard.
Even if you never need it, getting it wrong matters for womenâs rights and the economy.
Today, we look at how we got it so wrong, the money being made and the ideas to try and fix it.
We speak with a mother whoâs struggled to get enough care for her children and hear how itâs set back her plans to return to work as a teacher.
Alexandra Dockrill shares the financial and professional setbacks she faces due to the childcare crisis.
A childcare expert explains why recent recommendations to the government fall short of the overhaul that the system needs.
Professor Elizabeth Hill discusses the impact of privatisation on the sector and the challenges of implementing universal childcare.
Featured:
Alexandra Dockrill, NSW mother of two
Elizabeth Hill, professor in the Department of Political Economy at the University of Sydney
Key Topics:
Childcare costs in AustraliaChildcare availabilityWomenâs rights and childcarePrivatisation of childcareUniversal childcareChildcare subsidiesEarly childhood educationGender equality in the workforce -
Missing episodes?
-
As it dawned on David Sweeneyâs father that the people he was investing with online were scammers, he made a shock admission to his family.
âIâve lost all the money,â he said.
It was the start of a fight led by his son David against the banks that had allowed about $1 million to leave his fatherâs accounts.
It was an ordeal that lasted for five years, as a bank tried to deny it had been given a warning about the scammers before the money was taken.
In the end, David Sweeneyâs family got all the cash reimbursed, but the battle had taken its toll.
Now, the Government has drafted legislation to address the rise in scamming, but itâs stopped short of forcing the banks to repay the victims.
A reimbursement scheme is already in place in the United Kingdom, and today, investigative reporter Adele Ferguson explains how itâs working there to protect peopleâs savings.
Featured:
Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter
Key Topics:
Online scamsBanking systemScam prevention legislationConsumer protectionFinancial fraudOption FM scam -
Since Donald Trump falsely accused migrants in Springfield, Ohio of eating pet dogs and cats, the US city has made headlines around the world and has been thrown into chaos.
Bomb threats have shut down schools and Haitian migrants feel intimidated in their adopted home.
So, whatâs life really like there for long term residents and the thousands of migrants who breathed new life into Springfield, while also straining services including health and education?
Today, Associated Press reporter Julie Carr Smyth takes us to Springfield, a city thatâs been rocked by a lie.
She explains that the bomb threats seem to have come from overseas, possibly involving forces that want to foment discord in the community.
Julie Carr Smyth says the local police are stretched to their limits, requiring additional state troopers to maintain order.
She speaks about the challenges facing the city, with up to 20,000 Haitian migrants settling there in recent years, now making up about a quarter of the population.
Featured:
Julie Carr Smyth, Associated Press reporter based in Columbus, Ohio
Key Topics:
Donald Trump false claimsSpringfield bomb threatsHaitian migrants in OhioCommunity impact of misinformationPolice responseSocial services strainPublic safety Political rhetoric -
On Tuesday afternoon in Lebanon, hundreds of pagers used by members of the Hezbollah militant group to communicate, exploded all at once.
It was a deadly attack, a young girl is among the dead and almost three thousand others are injured.
Israel is being blamed, although it hasn't admitted its role.
Today, intelligence expert John Blaxland on the sophisticated strike thatâs embarrassed and rattled Hezbollah.
Professor Blaxland says the attack is unprecedented in its coordination and technological sophistication.
He highlights that the pagers were likely tampered with along the supply chain, possibly with military-grade explosives.
The attackâs timing suggests it could be a pre-emptive move against a potential Hezbollah offensive, he says.
Professor Blaxland also notes the significant embarrassment and operational disruption this causes for Hezbollah, potentially affecting their future actions.
Featured:
John Blaxland, Director of the ANU North America Liaison Office and Professor of International Security and Intelligence Studies
Key Topics:
HezbollahIsraelLebanonExplosivesIntelligence operationsMiddle East conflictMossadTechnological espionage -
Instagram is making changes to how teenagers use the social media platform, applying limits to the content they see and who can get in touch with them.
Itâs a first for a social media giant as concern grows about the harmful content children are exposed to online.
The announcement comes as the federal government works on an outright ban of social media for children.
The precise age limit is still to be settled, South Australia thinks under-14 is appropriate, but any ban is likely to require some form of age verification.
Today, tech reporter Ange Lavoipierre on what all of us might have to give up to prove our age.
Ange discusses the implications of the Instagram changes, highlighting the automatic privacy settings for teen accounts and the introduction of a âsleep modeâ to limit screen time.
Featured:
Ange Lavoipierre, ABC national technology reporter
Key Topics:
Instagram teen accountsSocial media age verificationOnline safety for teenagersAI tools for age detectionPrivacy concerns in social mediaAlbanese government social media banScreen time limitsParental controls on social mediaHarmful online contentSocial media regulations for children -
Donald Trump is unharmed after a second apparent assassination attempt, this time on his golf course in Florida.
A Secret Service agent opened fire on a gunman after seeing a rifle barrel poking through a fence while the former president was nearby.
What does the incident say about the former presidentâs security and will it win him any more votes?
Today, Emma Shortis, a US politics expert at the Australia Institute on the threat of political violence in the US.
She highlights the volatile nature of the current US political climate, emphasising the increasing frequency of political violence.
Featured:
Dr Emma Shortis, senior researcher in international and security affairs at the Australia Institute
Key Topics:
Donald Trump assassination attemptPolitical violence in the USSecret Service security measuresUS presidential campaign securityGun control debate in AmericaPolitical rhetoricUS election 2024Security protocols for political figures -
The US election isnât until November, but voting is starting in some states this week.
The polls are tight, but even if Kamala Harris wins more votes overall than Donald Trump, she could still lose the election given the complicated electoral college system.
Itâs happened before, when Hillary Clinton won the support of millions of more Americans than Trump in 2016, but he went on to become president.
The electoral college is the reason that on election night weâre all watching to see how individual US states vote and which candidate for president reaches 270.
Today, ABC News Breakfast co-host and correspondent Michael Rowland explains how it works.
He also offers his prediction on who will win the US election.
Correction: The US constitution is not changed via a referendum. Any amendment would require the support of two thirds of both Houses of Congress, or be requested by two-thirds of the states. In either case, it would then need to be ratified by a large majority of states.
Featured:
Michael Rowland, ABC News Breakfast co-host and correspondent
Key Topics:
US election 2024Electoral college systemSwing statesKamala HarrisDonald TrumpPresidential debatePennsylvaniaUS politics -
The Murdoch family will head to court in Nevada in the US next week in a fight over the future of the media empire.
Itâs a real-life succession drama, as Rupert Murdoch seeks to ensure his son Lachlan has full control of the editorial policy of the businesses once he dies.
To do that, heâs got to beat three of his other children in court and heâs reportedly arguing that making the change is in good faith and would prevent power struggles resulting from the lack of consensus between the children.
Today, journalist Paddy Manning, author of Successor, the first unauthorised biography of Lachlan Murdoch, and producer of a three-part Australian Story series Making Lachlan Murdoch on why heâs the chosen one.
Paddy Manning explains that the family trust, established in 1999, is central to the dispute, as it grants equal voting rights to Rupertâs four children.
He's been looking at Lachlanâs conservative views and his close relationship with his father, which contrasts with his siblingsâ perspectives.
He tells Sam Hawley that the outcome of this court case could impact the editorial direction of major media outlets like Fox News.
Featured:
Paddy Manning, journalist
Key Topics:
Murdoch family court caseRupert MurdochLachlan MurdochMedia empire successionFamily trust disputeFox News editorial policyConservative media -
With less than two months until election day, US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have come face to face in a wild, personal and fiery televised debate.
From claims of migrants eating pet dogs to fear raising about Democrats wanting to âexecuteâ babies, Donald Trump was repeatedly corrected by the moderators.
Kamala Harris spoke about her background, directly addressed her opponent and insisted she had a plan for the future.
At the end of it, pop superstar Taylor Swift came out in support of Kamala Harris.
Today, Kim Hoggard, a former US government official who worked in the Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, highlights how Kamala Harris blended personal anecdotes with policy discussions.
She notes that Harrisâs ability to push Trumpâs buttons led to his increasingly extreme statements.
She believes this debate could be pivotal for the election result and says Harrisâs performance may have exceeded Democratic party expectations.
Featured:
Kim Hoggard, former US government official in Reagan and Bush administrations
Key Topics:
US presidential debateKamala HarrisDonald TrumpTaylor Swift endorsementMigrant crime claimsAbortion debateReal-time fact-checking -
For a long time, Australiaâs taxation system has been set up to benefit property investors and landlords and any attempts to change that have been shouted down.
But with the generational divide in home ownership becoming more pronounced, voters are shifting their views.
Today, host of Q+A and The Party Room podcast Patricia Karvelas on whether governments will finally be forced to scrap negative gearing.
Featured:
Patricia Karvelas, host of RN Breakfast, Q+A and The Party Room
-
David Finney was a sailor in the Australian Navy who served for two decades and at the height of his career even received a bravery commendation.
But in 2019 he took his own life. Heâd been medically discharged from the ADF before his death.
Ever since, his mother, Julie-Ann has been fighting to hold to account a defence force she says could and should have done so much more to save his life.
Now after three years, a Royal Commission into the deaths by suicide of thousands of current and former members of the military has handed down its report, which in part delivers a scathing assessment of defence leadership.
Today we speak to Julie-Ann Finney about her sonâs death and her hope for change.
Julie-Ann Finney shares her journey, highlighting the trauma and grief experienced by families of veterans.
She emphasises the need for accountability and systemic change within the Defence Force.
Julie-Ann also discusses the importance of independent oversight in implementing the Royal Commissionâs recommendations.
Featured:
Julie-Ann Finney, mother of David Finney
Key Topics:
Mental healthAustralian NavyMilitary suicideRoyal CommissionDefence leadershipVeteran advocacy -
Millions of Australians live in apartments and the number is set to grow as housing density increases in our biggest cities.
Being part of a strata scheme is part and parcel of owning an apartment, but many owners are not taking an active interest in how the blocks are being managed.
A Four Corners investigation has revealed a rot at the heart of the strata management industry thatâs draining the funds of owners.
Today, investigative reporter Linton Besser shares stories of greed in many of Australiaâs strata firms and explains why itâs worth ownersâ time and effort to scrutinise how their money is being spent.
He highlights the systemic issues within strata management, including phantom fees and mismanagement of funds.
The investigation uncovers shocking stories of financial exploitation and neglect, raising the need for stricter regulations and oversight.
Featured:
Linton Besser, Four Corners reporter
Key Topics:
Strata managementApartment livingHousing densityFinancial exploitationStrata committeesPhantom feesOwners corporationStrata regulations -
Cats are killing Australiaâs wildlife at such an alarming rate that governments around the country are working on a major crackdown.
The draft management plan focuses mainly on feral felines, but domestic cats, let out of the house to roam are also recognised as a problem.
In some council areas, felines would be forced to be securely enclosed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Today, Sarah Legge, a leading researcher in the field whoâs worked with the federal government on its plan, discusses the issue.
She highlights the severe impact cats have on native wildlife, with more than 200 threatened species affected.
Professor Legge also explains the proposed measures, including constant containment for pet cats and the creation of cat-free suburbs.
She emphasises the importance of balancing cat ownership with wildlife conservation and suggests practical solutions for cat owners to minimise their petsâ impact on the environment.
Featured:
Sarah Legge, wildlife ecologist and professor at Charles Darwin University
Key Topics:
Feral catsPet cat managementWildlife conservationBiodiversity protectionEnvironmental impact of cats -
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to negotiate a ceasefire in the war in Gaza as families of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 plead for more to be done to bring them home.
So why is Netanyahu not willing to do another deal with Hamas and can he survive growing anger and protests at home?
Today, Dr Eyal Mayroz, an expert on peace and conflict studies at Sydney University on the fate of more than one hundred hostages still unaccounted-for.
Dr. Mayroz discusses the unprecedented scale of protests in Israel, highlighting the publicâs shift from hopelessness to outrage.
He explains how Netanyahuâs political survival is influencing his decisions, particularly his reluctance to make concessions.
Dr. Mayroz also emphasises the critical role of international pressure, especially from the United States, in potentially resolving the crisis.
He notes the devastating impact on the families of hostages and the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Featured:
Dr Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Sydney
Key Topics:
Netanyahu ceasefire negotiationsHostages in GazaIsraeli protestsHamas demandsU.S. pressure on IsraelHumanitarian crisis in GazaNetanyahuâs political survivalInternational response to Gaza conflictIsraeli public opinion -
Elon Muskâs X, also known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil and Pavel Durov, the CEO of encrypted messaging service Telegram has been arrested in France.
So, as the world becomes more concerned about the dangers of social media - have we finally reached a turning point on big tech - or is this merely a crackdown on free speech?
Today, Professor of Communications and Media Studies at Monash University, Mark Andrejevic on why governments are finally holding tech billionaires to account.
-
On any given day you are being bombarded by gambling ads on television, radio and online.
A parliamentary committee is pushing for a full ban on advertising to protect younger generations from the dangers of gambling, but there are indications the government will stop short of that.
Today, investigative journalist and occasional Radio National Breakfast host Steve Cannane on the arguments being made by the powerful gambling industry in its lobbying against a full ban.
Featured:
Steve Cannane, ABC investigative journalist
-
Airlines may soon be forced to pay cash refunds to customers in Australia for cancelled or unreasonably delayed flights under the government's much-anticipated crackdown on the aviation sector.
It comes after widespread backlash from consumer groups and calls for more competition against Qantas and Virgin airlines, which currently dominate the domestic market.
Today, ABC investigative reporter Adele Ferguson on the new rights for travellers and if the industry shake-up goes far enough.
Featured:
Adele Ferguson, ABC Investigative reporter
-
As presidential election polls tighten in key US states, Donald Trump and his supporters are already laying the groundwork to challenge the legitimacy of the result if he loses.
As part of his campaign, the former president has repeatedly accused the Democrats of cheating, and begun sowing the seeds of doubt about the integrity of the election.
Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Centre in Washington DC on the election deniers who will refuse to accept a Trump loss.
Featured:
Geoffrey Kabaservice, director of political studies, Niskanen Centre, Washington DC.
-
The governmentâs proposed caps on the number of international students starting at universities next year will have a financial impact on some of Australiaâs biggest higher education institutions.
With fierce competition for housing pushing up rents in our major cities, could the caps also ease key cost of living pressures?
Today, the ABCâs chief business correspondent, Ian Verrender, on why a âtragedyâ for unis reliant on foreign student fees might lead to less economic pain across the board.
Featured:
Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent
- Show more
