• 15 minutes 18 seconds
    Trump, FIFA and the politics of the World Cup

    The FIFA World Cup is supposed to bring the world together.  

    But with fans from some countries facing US travel restrictions, the Iran war spilling into the tournament through visa disputes and controversy over soaring ticket prices, the road to the event has been anything but easy. 

    Today, sports journalist Tracey Holmes on how FIFA's global tournament is colliding with the realities of Trump's America.  

    Featured:  

    Tracey Holmes, host of The Sports Ambassador podcast 

    8 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 7 seconds
    What’s driving the AI backlash?

    America’s big tech bosses are trying to get artificial intelligence deployed everywhere, taking over our homes, our hobbies and our work.  

    By now, most of us are using AI for daily tasks, even if by accident. 

    But it doesn’t mean we all agree with the path we’re on and increasingly people are voicing their concerns about the AI revolution.  

    Today, the ABC’s national AI reporter Cam Wilson on the growing backlash. 

    Featured:  

    Cam Wilson, ABC’s national AI reporter

    7 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 21 seconds
    Why Trump brought UFC 'savagery' to the White House

    Donald Trump is pondering whether a UFC cage could become a permanent fixture on the South Lawn of the White House after a fight takes place there on his 80th birthday.  

    Today, Sally Jenkins from The Atlantic magazine on Trump’s deep links to the mixed martial arts organisation.  

    We explore how bringing the sport’s ‘savagery’ to the seat of power in the US is all part of Trump’s norm-breaking style and aggressive approach to politics. 

    Featured:  

    Sally Jenkins, a staff writer at The Atlantic 

    4 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 21 seconds
    Why AUKUS delivers second-hand subs

    Should we be spending up to $368 billion on nuclear powered submarines over the next 30 years? 

    Peter Garrett, the former Labor Minister and Midnight Oil star doesn’t think so. He’s set up a crowdfunded inquiry into the AUKUS submarine deal. 

    It follows the government revealing the original agreement has changed a bit with the US to switch out one new sub for a second hand one. 

    Today, Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, on the growing concerns about the deal and what we really need to defend Australia.

    Featured: 

    Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program

    3 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 13 seconds
    Is the era of surging house prices over?

    House prices have begun to fall, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the downward trend.

    So, will they bounce back or could it be, as some forecasts suggest, the start of a new cycle where house prices remain stagnant for decades. 

    Today, business editor Michael Janda on why this could be the correction young Australians have been waiting for. 

    Michael was also on Monday’s episode of ABC Business Daily with Carrington Clarke, discussing the latest house price data. Listen here: Why property is flatlining

    Featured: 

    Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

    2 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 27 seconds
    Who will invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX vision?

    Do you believe that Elon Musk can establish a colony on Mars of a million people or launch data centres into space? 

    If you do, you might be thinking of investing in SpaceX which will go public on the Nasdaq stock market this month. 

    Even if you have your doubts, you might just gamble on Musk anyway for fear of missing out.

    Today, Quinn Slobodian, co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’ on Musk’s $1.8 trillion valuation.

    Featured: 

    Quinn Slobodian, Professor of International History at Boston University and co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’

    1 June 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 16 minutes 13 seconds
    Who’s policing the NSW police?

    The New South Wales Police Force was so corrupt in the 1990s a royal commission was formed and it was forced to clean up its act.

    These days it’s the most complained about force in the country and it’s the national leader in legal payouts, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

    Today, Four Corners reporter Dylan Welch on his investigation into cases of police abuse and misconduct. 

    Featured: 

    Dylan Welch, Four Corners reporter

    31 May 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 14 minutes 28 seconds
    Are Netanyahu’s days numbered?

    The US military is striking Iran and Israel has ramped up its attacks in southern Lebanon. 

    Is there really a chance of a peace deal? And does the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu even want one as he faces an election within months. 

    Today, Dov Waxman, professor of Israel studies at UCLA on Netanyahu’s political future. 

    Featured: 

    Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles

    28 May 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 15 minutes 2 seconds
    Why power bills are falling despite the Iran war

    Australians have had a rough few years when it comes to power bills, with the war in Ukraine helping send global energy prices soaring. 

    But now, despite ongoing conflict overseas, electricity prices are finally set to fall for homes and businesses. 

    Today, ABC energy reporter Dan Mercer on the battery boom driving down prices and whether more bill relief is on the horizon.

    Featured: 

    Dan Mercer, ABC energy reporter

    27 May 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 14 minutes 21 seconds
    Can Iran peace talks survive new US strikes?

    Peace talks in Qatar had barely begun when the US initiated a new wave of strikes against Iran. 

    The US says targeting Iranian boats and missile sites was an act of self-defence, but what will it mean for a deal to end the war? 

    Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains what the US President actually needs to finally walk away from a conflict he no longer wants.

    Featured:

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

    26 May 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 16 minutes
    Will tax changes really kill small businesses?

    Memes featuring an AI-generated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese claim he’s effectively taking a 47 per cent stake in businesses. 

    But what’s the reality of the government’s budget tax changes? 

    Today, we speak with a small business owner who’s concerned about the economic realities of doing business in Australia. 

    We also speak with an economist about the implications of the changes for how Australians build wealth. 

    Featured: 

    Sarcha Thurston, Owner of Yogahub 

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

    25 May 2026, 4:00 pm
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