The Signal

What happens if a financial planner takes your savings and gambles them away? They could go to jail, but you won't be getting your money back. The bookies get to keep the gambling losses, even when it's the proceeds of crime. Today, reporter Steve Cannane on his Four Corners investigation into the actions of the betting firms and why the federal government has been slow to take the industry on. Featured: Steve Cannane, Four Corners reporter

Last time she released a new album, more than two million copies were sold or downloaded in the first week.But can Taylor Swift beat that number again with the much anticipated release of her 12th album ‘The Life of a Showgirl'? And what is it that has made her one of the most successful artists of all time? Today, Harvard University professor Stephanie Burt, on why studying Swiftmania is a very worthy topic. Featured:Stephanie Burt, Professor of English at Harvard University

Melatonin supplements have gained huge traction in the last few years because they can help bring on a good night's sleep. But is it really safe, particularly for kids? Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned consumers to stop using imported melatonin products, after testing showed many do not meet local standards.Today, paediatric sleep researcher Sarah Blunden on why the advice is changing.FeaturedProfessor Sarah Blunden, Head of Paediatric Sleep Research and Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Central Queensland University

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to a new plan for peace in Gaza.The leaders were in furious agreement that the proposal, which will see the US president initially lead Gaza's redevelopment, is the best way forward.Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University's School of International Service, on whether Hamas will really agree to the terms it wasn't involved in negotiating.Featured: Guy Ziv, associate professor in the Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security, School of International Service, American University 

Donald Trump wants TikTok to be American owned and now a group of billionaire Trump supporters is buying it. But how will an American version of the popular Chinese app work, and what kind of influence could its new owners have on the videos its algorithm serves up? Today, tech expert and Crikey's Associate Editor Cam Wilson on the deal and what it might mean for TikTok's eight million Australian users.Featured:Cam Wilson, Tech expert and Crikey's Associate Editor

There's been a worrying trend in recent weeks with Russia violating the airspace of a growing number of European countries. Donald Trump thinks NATO powers should just shoot down the Russian aircraft, but what's the better option? Today Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on what Vladimir Putin is up to and what Europe should do about it.  Featured: Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies

This week Donald Trump told pregnant women to 'fight like hell' to not take Tylenol, or what we call paracetamol.The US President linked the drug to autism, even though the science doesn't back that up. Today, Corinne Purtill, science and health reporter at the LA Times, on the ripple effect Trump's misinformation is having around the world. Featured: Corinne Purtill,  LA Times science and health reporter

It's been a week since an Optus outage left hundreds of customers unable to call triple 0 in an emergency.But while there's been widespread outrage in the days since, is anyone really holding the telco to account for the deadly error? Today, technology expert from Melbourne University Suelette Dreyfus on Optus's astonishing failure.Featured: Dr Suelette Dreyfus, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Computing and Information Systems

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the UN General assembly in New York, confirming Australia's recognition of a Palestinian state.But a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, which was expected on the sidelines, remains elusive. Should we care if the Prime Minister never sits down with the US President?Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle joins us from the assembly in New York.Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there's been raging debate in the US about free speech. At a memorial for him in Arizona, President Trump described Mr Kirk as a ‘martyr for American freedom' while simultaneously attacking the likes of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was suspended last week over comments he made about Kirk's death. Today, Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, on how Trump is deploying the authoritarian play book. Featured:Zack Beauchamp, Vox senior correspondent

Once praised for its simplicity and speed, Google search is now facing criticism for excessive advertising and frustrating search results. Today, 404 Media co-founder Emmanuel Maiberg, on what's gone wrong with Google search, how it impacts everyday users, and what this means for the future of one of the internet's most essential tools.Featured: Emanuel Maiberg, 404 Media co-founder

Donald Trump was in his element at a state dinner hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle. But outside the grounds, protesters served as a reminder that controversy continues to follow the President, including lingering questions over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.As the UK weighs the diplomatic value of his visit, attention is also turning to Anthony Albanese, who will face his own delicate meeting with Trump next week.Featured: Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations

Tyler Robinson, the 22 year-old suspect in the assassination of right-wing US political activist Charlie Kirk has been charged, including with aggravated murder. But while America is accustomed to political assassinations, the response since the shooting has been out of the ordinary. Today, long time US historian, Dan Carter on what's unfolded since Charlie Kirk's death and why the uptick in political violence began well before Trump entered the White House.Featured:Dan Carter, American historian, author and University of South Carolina Professor emeritus

The government is set to release a new carbon emissions target, dumping the 2030 ambition for a new 2035 goal.But how much of the process is about the climate and how much is pure politics? Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on this week's dire climate risk assessment, and what our new target will really achieve.Featured:Alan Kohler, ABC Finance presenter

A massive military parade in Beijing recently revealed just how advanced China's weaponry has become.It even includes an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit key military bases in Guam. So, what does this mean for Australia's military purchases and strategy? Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on why we might need a total rethink.Featured: Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor

One of the great things about owning an electric vehicle is that you're not taxed for using the roads - those behind the wheel of other cars pay the fuel excise when they refill.But the government is looking to change that.Today, Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy and The Driven websites, on why a road user charge for electric vehicles is a "clunky" idea.Featured:Giles Parkinson, founder and editor the EV website The Driven

It was another act of political violence in a nation too accustomed to assassinations.Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing political activist and staunch Trump supporter, was shot and killed while he addressed a crowd at Utah Valley University.Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center on what unfolded, and whether political figures are safe in America.Featured:Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center in Washington, DC

Donald Trump says he's “not thrilled” following an Israeli attack on Doha, the capital of key US ally Qatar.The strike targeted Hamas "senior leadership", with five of its members killed alongside a Qatari internal security forces member.It's clear the US was given very little notice before the attack unfolded - so will the US President do anything about it?Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on the consequences of Israel's actions.Featured:Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington

At 94, Rupert Murdoch has finally achieved his succession plan.The media mogul has secured a deal to have his son Lachlan take complete control of his empire once he dies, following a financial deal with his three older children, Prudence, Elisabeth and James.Today, journalist Paddy Manning, author of The Successor, the first unauthorised biography of Lachlan Murdoch, on the deal and what it means for the media landscape.Featured:Paddy Manning, journalist

Erin Patterson, the so-called mushroom murderer, will spend at least the next 33 years in jail with parole a possibility but not a certainty when she's 81 years old. As she sat in the courtroom the convicted triple murderer and mother of two showed no emotion, often with her eyes closed as Justice Christopher Beale handed down the life sentences.  Today, criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett explains what comes next for one of the most notorious killers in Australian history. Featured: Dr Xanthe Mallett, associate professor of criminology at Central Queensland University

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