ABC News Daily

America’s next mining venture could be deep below the sea’s surface, removing nodules on the seabed full of the metals vital for the green energy transition. Polymetallic nodules are like golf balls which sit more than four kilometres deep and haven’t been touched for millions of years. An Australian-born businessman is leading the push to extract potentially trillions of dollars-worth of the material and he has the support of US President Donald Trump. Today, Four Corners reporter Mark Willacy on the potential and risks around seabed mining and what it could mean for Pacific nations. Featured: Mark Willacy, Four Corners reporter

Donald Trump’s been so busy upending the norms of democracy, igniting trade disputes and failing to end wars, it’s hard to see how he’s had time for renovations. But the US president’s real estate development roots are on full show, from splashing gold around the Oval Office, to ripping up the grass in the White House Rose Garden, he’s on a mission to Trumpify the symbol of American democracy and power. Today, policy editor at The Bulwark, Mona Charen on what Trump’s up to and what it says about his leadership. Featured: Mona Charen, The Bulwark policy editor

Every year tens of thousands of Australians turn to IVF to start or grow a family.But is it an industry that can be fully trusted given recent revelations of embryo and sperm mix-ups and women giving birth to strangers’ babies?Today, ABC journalist Grace Tobin on her latest investigation into one couple’s fraught experience and why the rules need to change.Featured:Grace Tobin, ABC Investigations reporter

Since the fanfare surrounding Donald Trump’s face to face peace talks with the Russian President, perhaps unsurprisingly, the war continues in Ukraine. That’s partly because as part of any deal, Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to hand over the entire eastern region of Donbas. It’s a demand that Ukraine rejects. So, what is so important to Putin about that region? Today, John Haltiwanger from Foreign Policy magazine, explains why Donbas is at the heart of Putin’s war. Featured: John Haltiwanger, staff writer at Foreign Policy magazine

It’s one man against the might of the Victorian police force as accused police killer Dezi Freeman remains on the run. On Monday, Victoria Police suggested someone might be helping the fugitive and they should contact police. So, how are police approaching the search and how long are they willing to keep it going? Today, Vince Hurley, a criminologist and former police officer and hostage negotiator on the likely police tactics and whether they should re-consider how they approach so-called sovereign citizens. Featured: Dr Vince Hurley, fmr NSW police officer and criminologist at Macquarie University

Could artificial intelligence be key to improving Australia’s living standards?A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade. But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs? Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI Institute at the University of New South Wales, on whether it's time for the government to step in. Featured: Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney

For a long time to buy a home in Australia you needed a 20 per cent deposit or you’d have to pay a big lender's mortgage insurance fee.It’s asking a lot, given house prices in our major cities are around the million-dollar mark or more. This week, the government expanded a five per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers, with no income caps and more expensive homes now eligible. Today, finance expert Alan Kohler on how it works, what it means for house prices and why he’s a huge fan of the scheme. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

Victorian police officers had gone to execute a search warrant on a Wednesday morning in a sleepy alpine village. But the day turned to tragedy with self-identified ‘sovereign citizen’ Dezi Freeman allegedly killing two of the officers and wounding another. Today, Four Corners reporter Mahmood Fazal who recently spent months investigating the movement and speaking with sovereign citizens on what’s unfolded and what we know about the anti-government movement. Featured: Mahmood Fazal, Four Corners reporter

The spy agency ASIO has revealed Iran orchestrated at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia last year and now all ties with Tehran have been cut. The attacks in Sydney and Melbourne terrified the Jewish community and were aimed at undermining social cohesion. Now the Iranian ambassador has been expelled and Australian diplomatic staff have quickly left Iran. Today, Greg Barton, professor of Global Islamic Politics on why Iran would order these attacks and what could happen next. Featured: Greg Barton, professor of Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University

The growth in the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is making it financially unsustainable. But is moving some children with autism off the scheme really a good idea? The government plans to have a new program called Thriving Kids in place by July next year to support children with mild to moderate developmental delays and autism. Today, we speak with Jess Otter, whose son has autism and to the ABC’s disability affairs reporter Nas Campanella. Featured: Jess Otter, motherNas Campanella, ABC disability affairs reporter

If you happen to visit Washington DC anytime soon, you could notice troops and even armoured vehicles on the streets.No, America is not at war, President Donald Trump has deployed hundreds of members of the National Guard to crack down on crime.Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center in Washington on whether DC is actually dangerous and what Trump hopes to achieve. Featured: Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Anthony Albanese is a weak leader who has betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews. But do we really need to be in lockstep with Israel as it broadens its assault on Gaza?Today, global affairs editor Laura Tingle on the dramatic slide in relations. Featured:Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Why have so many hand car wash services replaced automatic machines?It has to do with immigration policies and there are implications for Australia’s productivity which is among the worst in the developed world. Economists insist boosting productivity is the only way to improve our living standards, but could delivering higher wages first actually help to fix the problem?Today, chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on the key factors left off the agenda at this week's economic round table in Canberra - population and property. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been to the White House before in what became an infamous encounter with Donald Trump. This time he took an entourage of European leaders as backup as the US president pushes for a quick end to the war in Ukraine. At the heart of the talks are security guarantees from the US and a possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Today, former US Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst on why it could actually be a step forward towards peace. Featured: John Herbst, fmr US Ambassador to Ukraine and senior director of the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center

If the Putin-Trump meeting on the weekend brought about anything, it was a closer relationship between the two leaders. One an accused war criminal, the other a convicted felon. So, with the US president rolling out the red carpet for his Russian counterpart, what will Vladimir Putin do next? Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Centre for European Studies at the ANU on Putin’s ultimate aim and how Trump’s helping him achieve it. Featured: Dr Matthew Sussex, Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

In the month of April, China installed more solar power than Australia ever has. China is also now home to half of the world’s wind power and half of the world’s electric cars.Despite this, China remains the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases.So, is it a climate hero or villain and how has the Chinese Communist Party managed to roll out green energy tech so quickly?Today, climate reporter Jo Lauder on why China is becoming the world’s first ‘electrostate’. Featured: Jo Lauder, ABC climate reporter

Donald Trump once declared mRNA vaccines a medical miracle, now his health Secretary is taking an axe to them.Robert F Kennedy Junior doesn’t believe in the science behind the vaccines that were deployed to save lives as Covid spread around the world and he’s cut nearly half a billion dollars in research funding.Today, professor of public health Julie Leask on what Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance means for global health. Featured: Julie Leask, social scientist and professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney

This week, five Al Jazeera journalists were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza.Israel confirmed it had targeted one of the men it says was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell, an allegation Al Jazeera denies. So, who is telling the truth? Today, former Al Jazeera correspondent and executive director of the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom Peter Greste on the problems that arise when foreign reporters are blocked from covering a war. Featured: Peter Greste, professor of journalism at Macquarie University and executive director of the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom

Donald Trump wants to win a Nobel Peace Prize and so he’s desperate to end the war in Ukraine. He’ll be in Alaska later this week meeting the Russian president in the first face-to-face encounter the two men have had since Trump returned to the White House. The problem is the Ukrainian leader won’t be there and Trump’s talking about some ‘land-swapping’ between the Russian invaders and Ukraine. Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on Trump’s theatrics and what the summit will really achieve. Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

In a move that will further anger the Israeli leader, Australia will recognise a Palestinian state in September following declarations from the UK, France and Canada.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears.Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu says recognising Palestinian statehood is a win for Hamas and he’s defending his decision to expand the war in Gaza. Today, ABC Middle East correspondent Allyson Horn on Netanyahu’s war plans and why his own military is opposed to them. Featured: Allyson Horn, ABC Middle East correspondent

Elon Musk’s Tesla electric vehicles can not generally be used to power Australian homes.Why is that, when the batteries in Tesla EVs are much more powerful than most home batteries? As Australia transitions to more green energy, other models of electric vehicles are being used to power homes and even the grid, feeding in when electricity is needed most. Today, energy reporter Dan Mercer on the revolutionary technology and why the world’s richest man has been wary of it. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

Donald Trump didn’t like the numbers, so he sacked the messenger. So, what are the implications of the US President’s decision to get rid of the nation’s chief statistician, who dared to release revised jobs figures? Today, Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic on the jackhammer Trump is taking to democracy. Featured: Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic

This week a Chinese woman was charged with foreign interference, accused of spying on Buddhists in Canberra. Separately, the boss of Australia’s spy agency has warned that other nations are spying in Australia at unprecedented levels, with unprecedented sophistication. Today, ABC foreign affairs reporter Stephen Dziedzic on the allegations against the woman in Canberra, how it affects the China-Australia relationship and the growing cost of espionage. Featured: Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporter

If reports are correct, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu wants to expand the war in Gaza so his forces fully occupy the strip. As international outrage grows about the devastation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, could more countries recognising a Palestinian state make a difference? France, Canada and the UK are trying to pressure Israel by announcing plans to do so in the coming months and Australia could join them at some point.Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service on what recognising statehood means and the elusive two-state solution in the Middle East. Featured: Guy Ziv, associate professor in the School of International Services at the American University and associate director of the university’s Center for Israel Studies

It was a protest the New South Wales government and police tried to stop but couldn’t.In the end, more than 100,000 protesters were permitted to walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge demanding an end to the war in Gaza. But should we be concerned that organisers had to fight in court for the right to hold the rally? Today, associate professor in law at the University of South Australia Sarah Moulds on our right to protest and the barriers in the way. Featured: Sarah Moulds, associate professor in law at the University of South Australia

On average there’s a class action lodged in Australia every week.But do they really help bring justice to groups of Australians exposed to wrongdoing? Today, Anne Connolly on her Four Corners investigation into the class action traps leaving victims short changed and lawyers richer. Featured: Anne Connolly, Four Corners reporter

Donald Trump has spent another week fielding questions over the release of the so-called Epstein files. The saga even followed him to Scotland.Now he has sent the US Deputy Attorney-General to interview Jeffrey Epstein’s co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell who is in prison for sex trafficking. Today, Jill Wine-Banks, one of the prosecutors during the Watergate scandal, on whether Trump could pardon Maxwell and whether it could help him.Featured: Jill Wine-Banks, Watergate prosecutor and legal analyst

Donald Trump’s latest trade deal with the European Union is said to be really bad for Europe. So, why did the EU agree to a 15 per cent tariff on almost all goods entering the United States and does it signal a troubled road ahead for us? Today, the ABC’s Chief Business Correspondent Ian Verrender on where all the Trump trade mess is up to.Featured: Ian Verrender, Chief Business Correspondent

Once a sceptic, now a convert, Donald Trump is embracing crypto currency and making a tidy profit on the side. The US president’s newfound love has seen crypto currencies like Bitcoin skyrocket in value and now he’s passing bills through US Congress to change the sector entirely. Today, Ross Buckley, Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales on whether it’s still just a bubble waiting to burst. Featured: Ross Buckley, Laureate Fellow and a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales

Israel says there’s no starvation in Gaza, but the pictures tell a very different story and there’s now growing condemnation from some of Israel’s supporters, including Australia.The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the images of suffering are ‘completely indefensible’. Today, Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on the mounting pressure and the one person who could force Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu to change course. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Fraudsters have found it surprisingly straightforward to get thousands of taxpayer dollars deposited in their accounts by just making a few false declarations to the Australian Taxation Office about the amount of GST they’re owed because of fake businesses. It adds up to billions of dollars that are unlikely to be recovered. Today, Angus Grigg on his Four Corners investigation into the biggest GST scam in history and how the ATO dropped the ball.Featured: Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

The tech bros of Silicon Valley are dominating the AI race, using the most advanced computer chips and US expertise. But there’s an artificial intelligence boom underway in China giving them a run for their money.US President Donald Trump doesn’t like it; he’s vowing he won’t allow America’s adversaries to control the algorithms. Today, Kyle Chan from the global policy think tank the Rand Corporation on what’s at stake in the battle for global AI dominance. Featured: Kyle Chan, post-doctoral researcher at Princeton University and an adjunct researcher at the Rand Corporation

Our hunger for electricity has never been so great. That’s hardly surprising given the growing desire to electrify our homes and transport. But it’s the massive computer data centres that could become a big problem. There are questions about whether the official forecasts underestimate how much power they’ll need over the next ten years.Today, ABC energy reporter Dan Mercer on whether we have enough electricity to keep up with the huge demand. Featured: Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

If you hadn’t realised that cameras are everywhere by now, the so-called Coldplay-gate is a great reminder.The kiss cam vision of a canoodling couple at the concert, who were apparently having an affair, is proof again how quickly salacious news (and memes) can travel on social media. Today, political scientist from Loyola University in Chicago, Jennifer Forestal, on public shaming and when it can be a good thing. Featured: Jennifer Forestal, associate professor of political science at Loyola University in Chicago

On the one side there’s a media tycoon, on the other the President of the United States. It has all the makings of a fascinating courtroom drama. Donald Trump is suing Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal over an article alleging the US President sent a lewd birthday message to Jefferey Epstein in 2003. Today, media expert Rod Tiffen on the complex relationship between Trump and Murdoch and how the legal proceedings ahead. Featured: Rodney Tiffen, emeritus professor in government and international relations at the University of Sydney

A decade ago, a Chinese company was given the green light to take control of the Darwin port, which is key Australian infrastructure. Now, the Albanese Government is scrambling to get it back in Australian hands, in a move that risks antagonising China, while being welcomed by the United States. Today, veteran defence analyst Alan Dupont, who until recently was the Defence and National Security Advocate for the Northern Territory Government, focused on defence investment in the NT. He explains why the deal was allowed in the first place and whether Chinese control really poses a risk to national security.Featured: Alan Dupont, chief executive of geopolitical risk consultancy The Cognoscenti Group

When convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019, conspiracy theories about his death began circulating. Now, some of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again supporters are furious that the US president is refusing to release files linked to a sex trafficking investigation, which many think contain a list of Epstein’s high profile clients. Today, John Barron, co-host of the ABC’s Planet America program, on why the president’s usual playbook for getting himself out of trouble isn’t working this time. Featured: John Barron, co-host of Planet America

After heaping so much praise on his Russian counterpart, Donald Trump’s view of Vladimir Putin has finally soured. But is the US president’s demand for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war within 50 days and a promise of US weapons for NATO really a sign that the bromance is over?Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Centre for European studies at the ANU on how Putin’s still playing Trump. Featured: Dr Matthew Sussex, Visiting Fellow, Centre for European Studies at the Australian National University

Would Australia join the United States in a war against China if it invades Taiwan?That’s the question Anthony Albanese faced during his delicate visit to Beijing where he’s trying to strengthen trade and business ties. As the Prime Minister meets the Chinese President, can he drum up more business while managing tensions in the relationship? Today, global affairs editor Laura Tingle joins us from Beijing. Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor

Donald Trump has long aspired to win a Nobel Peace Prize. He’s now collected several nominations for the prestigious award from global leaders, the latest from the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Today, Emma Shortis, director of the International and Security Affairs program at the progressive think tank The Australia Institute, looks at controversial past recipients, the president’s track record on peace and whether he’s in with a chance.Featured: Dr Emma Shortis, director of the International and Security Affairs program at The Australia Institute

Teenagers influenced by the so-called ‘manosphere’ are bringing the misogyny they absorb online into the classroom. It’s forcing some female teachers to leave the profession entirely.Today, the ABC’s Siobhan Marin on her Compass investigation into where these disturbing ideas are coming from and how we can pull teen boys out of the rabbit hole. This episode includes some confronting accounts of behaviour in our schools.Featured: Siobhan Marin, Compass presenter and host of the Quick Smart podcast

Sun safety is drilled into Australians from a young age.But the protection offered by some of the most popular sunscreen brands is in question after consumer group Choice released test results showing many are not meeting their SPF claims.Today, ABC reporter Rachel Carbonell on the industry backlash, her investigation into an overseas testing lab and whether we can trust the SPF on the bottle.Featured: Rachel Carbonell, ABC National Health Equity reporter

After spending hundreds of millions of dollars to help put Donald Trump in the White House, Elon Musk is launching his own political party. Musk says his ‘America Party’ will challenge the status quo, which he believes is bankrupting the United States. Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Center on what the party stands for and who might vote for it.Featured: Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

The Reserve Bank board has defied the expectations of investors, many economists and even the treasurer. It’s not giving borrowers an interest rate cut this month, revealing a six to three split on the decision to keep rates on hold. Today, the ABC’s business editor Michael Janda on whether the RBA is playing it too safe. Featured: Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

Cancer has traditionally been a disease of old age.But younger Australians aged in their 30s and 40s are increasingly being diagnosed with cancer and scientists are desperate to understand why. Could it be processed foods, plastics, or exposures during childhood or birth?Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into what could be causing the sharp rise in cancer rates among younger generations and what can be done about it.Featured: Dr Norman Swan, Four Corners reporter and host of The Health Report

After deliberating for a week, a jury has found Erin Patterson guilty of murdering three relatives by serving them a beef Wellington lunch laced with death cap mushrooms. She had pleaded not guilty to the crimes, saying the mushrooms were accidentally included in the meals.The team at the ABC’s Mushroom Case Daily podcast has been following every development and today on ABC News Daily we bring you their coverage of the verdict.

Music has always been a powerful form of protest, but rap band Bob Vylan could be facing criminal charges after leading a chant at Glastonbury calling for ‘death’ to the Israeli military.The incident was shown on the BBC and the broadcaster, festival organisers and the UK Prime Minister have all raised concerns about anti-Semitism. Today, British music journalist Dorian Lynskey on the controversy and when protests by musicians go too far. Featured: Dorian Lynskey, British music journalist, author and podcaster

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has set his sights on bold economic reform with options to be discussed at a meeting of some of the nation’s best policy minds next month. It’s called the economic reform roundtable, but is a big shake up of the tax system, for example, even possible in the current political climate? Today, the ABC’s finance expert Alan Kohler on why these experts would be better off talking about artificial intelligence and even a hike to the GST. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert

Parents send their young children to childcare trusting they’ll return home each day safely. But families are in shock after a Victorian childcare worker was charged with 70 offences, including sexual assault and producing child abuse material. The alleged victims were as young as 5 months old. The staff member had worked at 20 different centres and held a valid Working with Children Check. Today, Caroline Croser-Barlow from The Front Project, which works to improve early childhood education, on whether the system is safe and how governments can fix it. Featured: Caroline Croser-Barlow, CEO of The Front Project

After the strikes against Iran, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is turning his focus back to the conflict in Gaza. Talks are planned between Netanyahu and the US president at the White House next week, as Donald Trump insists “we’re going to get a ceasefire”. Benjamin Netanyahu also faces public pressure in Israel to bring the hostages home, but is it really time to strike a deal with Hamas?Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on whether new talks with the US could deliver a lasting ceasefire.Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute