In just three weeks, Americans will choose whether they want Donald Trump or Kamala Harris in the White House and the contest is incredibly close. 

More than a hundred thousand eligible voters are living here in Australia, although not all will cast a ballot. 

Today, we meet an Australian-based Harris voter and a Trump voter, to talk about what’s driving their decision and what sort of America they hope will come from it.  

We also discuss whether people with wildly different political views can get along. 

Judy Grobstein supports Kamala Harris due to her stance on issues including women’s rights, gun laws and LGBTQ rights. 

She's concerned about the roll back of women’s freedoms and the handling of immigration by the Republicans. 

Susan Shaffer, despite her personal dislike for Donald Trump, supports him due to her concerns about the economy, immigration, and US involvement in the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. 

She highlights the perceived failures of the current administration on the economy and border control. 

Featured: 

Judy Grobstein, Harris voter

Susan Shaffer, Trump voter

Key Topics:

• U.S. Presidential Election 2024
• Kamala Harris
• Donald Trump
• American voters in Australia
• Women’s rights
• Gun control 
• Immigration policy
• US economy
• Political divisions in America

Oasis is coming to Australia, but many fans will have already accepted they either won’t manage to get a ticket or if they do it’s going to cost a lot of money.  

So, what goes on behind the scenes with the big ticketing companies that control our live music scene? 

Today, Avani Dias on her Four Corners investigation into dynamic pricing and how Australian artists are allegedly being ripped off.

Avani Dias reveals that while dynamic pricing won't be used for Oasis tickets in Australia, Ticketmaster is under scrutiny for its use in the United Kingdom, which caused ticket prices to surge unexpectedly. 

She explains how Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, has a business model that involves buying up smaller live music businesses, including venues and merchandise sellers, giving it significant control over the industry. 

Avani discusses the impact on Australian artists, who often see a small fraction of the revenue from their performances due to various fees imposed by Live Nation. 

She highlights concerns from industry insiders, including Peter Garrett, about the lack of regulation and the potential exploitation of artists. 

Avani also touches on the broader implications for the future of live music in Australia.

Featured: 

Avani Dias, Four Corners reporter

Key Topics:

• Oasis tour
• Dynamic ticket pricing
• Live Nation 
• Live music
• Ticketmaster 
• Music industry regulation
• Grassroots music 
• Artist revenue 

When Donald Trump won the 2016 US election, the world was shocked because polls had predicted an easy win for Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.

So, with the polls showing a close race both at the national level and in the swing states that will determine the next president, can we trust them? 

Today, Matt Taglia from Emerson College Polling explains the science of polling.  

He discusses the accuracy of current polling methods and how they have evolved since 2016. 

Matt Taglia addresses the challenges pollsters face in reaching a representative sample of voters, especially in swing states. 

Featured: 

Matt Taglia, senior director at Emerson College Polling

Key Topics:

• 2016 US Election Polling 
• Polling Accuracy
• Margin of Error
• Polling Methodology
• Swing State Polling
• Key US Election 2024 Issues
• 'Shy' Trump Voter Effect
• Polling Trends and Predictions

He was a giant on the American music scene, but Sean Combs, who goes by the stage name Diddy, is now facing charges that put him at the centre of what could be a much-needed MeToo moment for the industry. 

The rapper has been arrested, accused of sex trafficking and running a criminal enterprise centred on abusing women. 

Today, what we know about the case and whether it will change the global music industry.

Music journalist and co-founder of The Brag Media, Poppy Reid, discusses the potential impact of these allegations on Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry. 

She explains the background of the charges, including the lawsuit filed by Diddy’s former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, and the subsequent raids on his properties.

Poppy Reid says the indictment details graphic allegations of abuse and coercion spanning over a decade. 

She believes this case could trigger a significant MeToo movement within the music industry, similar to what happened in the film industry with Harvey Weinstein.

Featured: 

Poppy Reid, music journalist and co-founder of The Brag Media

Key Topics:

• Sean Combs
• Diddy
• Sex trafficking charges
• MeToo movement
• Cassie Ventura 
• Music industry 
• Entertainment industry

After 142 years the UK’s electricity grid is now coal free. 

Last week it closed its last remaining coal fired power station earlier than expected and became the first G7 economy to dump coal power. 

Today, energy expert from the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve on how the Brits did it and when we’ll do the same. 

She explains the historical significance of coal in the UK’s industrial revolution and its eventual decline. 

Alison Reeve highlights the role of bipartisan politics and strategic policies in achieving this milestone. 

Featured:

Alison Reeve, Energy and Climate Change Deputy Program Director at Grattan Institute

Key Topics:

• UK electricity grid
• Coal-fired power stations
• Renewable energy transition
• Politics in energy policy
• Role of nuclear energy in the UK
• Australia’s coal power phase-out

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular and if you can’t afford a Tesla, a cheaper Chinese made car could be the answer.

But in the United States, the Biden administration wants to ban all Chinese developed software from cars on American roads because of security concerns. 

The US government already charges a big tariff on imports of Chinese EVs. 

Today, Adam Tong from the Center for a New American Security on whether the cyber security risk cited by US officials is really something to be concerned about. 

Mr. Tong explains that the interconnected nature of modern EVs increases their vulnerability to cyber attacks. 

He highlights that malware could potentially be embedded in the software deeply embedded in the vehicles, posing risks to both personal data and physical safety. 

Mr. Tong notes that while no major attacks have occurred yet, the proactive measures by the US aim to prevent future threats. 

He also discusses the economic implications of the ban, suggesting it also serves to protect the US EV industry from Chinese competition.

Featured: 

Adam Tong, associate fellow at the Center for a New American Security 

Key Topics:

• Electric vehicles
• Chinese EVs
• Cybersecurity risks
• Biden administration 
• US-China trade relations
• EV industry 
• Tariffs on Chinese imports
• National security concerns

When journalist Deborah Stone learned of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel one year ago, she had to get to work. 

As a Jewish woman and editor in chief of The Jewish Independent news website, finding a balance in the reporting was what she strove for now and then. 

It’s been a challenge, as Jewish Australians reflect on the bloodiest single day in Israel’s history and the death toll from the controversial military response grows. 

Today, Deborah Stone shares her reflections on the past year and whether vastly different views on what’s happened since can be reconciled. 

She highlights the increased anti-Semitism faced by Jewish Australians and the impact on their sense of safety. 

Deborah Stone also shares a powerful story from a young woman with both Jewish and Arabic heritage, illustrating the possibility of caring for both communities.

Featured: 

Deborah Stone, editor in chief of The Jewish Independent

Key Topics:

• Hamas terrorist attack
• Israel’s military response
• Jewish Australian diaspora
• Zionism
• Anti-Semitism in Australia
• Israeli and Palestinian rights
• Multiculturalism

The US presidential election will be held in just over a month and only a handful of the 50 states really matter. 

Michigan is one of them and campaigners for the Democratic and Republican parties are going door-to-door to try and convince people their candidate would make the best president for them. 

President Joe Biden won the state by 154,000 votes in the last election, following Donald Trump’s slim win by 10,000 votes in 2016. 

Today, Foreign Correspondent reporter Stephanie March explains what makes voters there tick and why some are leaning towards Trump, even if they don’t like him. 

She hits the streets with supporters of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, listening to the arguments that might sway crucial votes. 

Stephanie March highlights the Republicans’ efforts to win over African-American voters, leveraging figures like Kwame Kilpatrick, a former Democrat and convicted criminal whose sentence was commuted by Trump. 

She also explores the Democrats’ challenges in retaining support from traditionally loyal groups, such as the Arab-American community in Dearborn, due to tensions over continued support for Israel. 

March provides insights into the grassroots campaign strategies, including the Republicans’ unconventional approach of knocking on every door regardless of political affiliation. 

Featured: 

Stephanie March, Foreign Correspondent reporter

Key Topics:

• US presidential election 2024
• Michigan swing state
• Joe Biden 2020 election
• Donald Trump 2016 election
• Kwame Kilpatrick
• African-American voters
• Arab-American voters
• Grassroots campaign strategies
• Kamala Harris

Almost a year since the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, war in the Middle East has escalated with Iran firing a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel. 

It follows Israel’s assassination of the leader of the Iranian-linked Hezbollah group in Lebanon and Israeli troops crossing the border with Lebanon in ground raids. 

So, what happens next and is there a way to avoid more bloodshed?

Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains why Israel might be stepping up strikes against Hezbollah now and why Iran might be holding back in its response. 

Dr Ibish discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasising the dire conditions and displacement of millions. 

He points out that Iran’s missile strikes may be more about domestic politics than actual military strategy. 

Featured: 

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

Key Topics:

• Middle East war
• Iran-Israel tensions
• Hezbollah
• Gaza humanitarian crisis
• Lebanon displacement
• Israeli ground raids
• October 7 terrorist attack
• Benjamin Netanyahu

Living in a retirement village is marketed as safe, low maintenance and fun. 

But an ABC investigation has found that contract clauses and particularly exit fees can lead to much of a resident’s life savings being lost.

Today, reporter Adele Ferguson on how families are being gouged and why you shouldn’t fall for the glossy brochures. 

She shares the heartbreaking stories of Joan Green and Lynette Anderson, who lost significant portions of their savings due to exorbitant exit and refurbishment fees. 

Adele Ferguson says there's a the lack of regulation and oversight in the retirement village sector, suggesting a need for stronger consumer protections and clearer contracts.

Featured: 

Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter 

Key Topics:

• Retirement village exit fees
• Hidden costs in retirement villages
• Retirement village contracts
• Consumer protection
• Regulation of retirement villages
• Retirement village refurbishment fees

When news broke that Coles and Woolworths will be hauled before a court to defend their discounts there wasn’t too much sympathy from consumers struggling with rising prices. 

Many were already sceptical of the Prices Dropped and Down Down specials. 

But is action from the competition watchdog and politicians really going to reduce our grocery bills? 

Today, ABC commentator and presenter Annabel Crabb on the politics of doing the groceries. 

Annabel Crabb highlights how the ACCC’s legal action against Coles and Woolworths could set a precedent for future retail practices. 

Featured: 

Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

Key Topics:

• Coles and Woolworths discounts
• ACCC legal action
• Consumer protection
• Discounts
• Supermarket codes of conduct
• Cost of living crisis
• Retail practices
• Grocery bills