The Signal

Pauline Hanson has spent the past fortnight in Europe spruiking her anti-immigration policies which have long been familiar to Australian voters.  But beyond immigration, what does One Nation actually want for the economy?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens looks at the policies that have received far less attention and what Australia's economy could look like under One Nation.   Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

For thousands of years the question of extending life or living forever has occupied minds.  But now it's taken on a new life, from peptides, to IV drips and experimental treatments targeting the heart or kidneys, there's a buzz around longevity.  Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the big business and the science behind the quest to live healthier for longer. Featured:  Dr Norman Swan, co-host of the Health Report and What's that Rash on ABC Radio National

When Donald Trump went to the NATO summit in Ankara, he took one plane in and a different one out.  They were both called Air Force One, but one is 35 years old and is believed to have advanced safety features and the other was a retrofitted luxury 747 given to the US by Qatar.  Why did the US president not fly out on the newer plane that he loves so much?  New York Times journalists have received subpoenas after sources told them it was due to safety precautions related to the war with Iran.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, David A. Graham, on the president's planes and the latest attack on the press. Featured:  David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

It was dubbed a landmark speech on how the government will deal with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres. But did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese really address the key concerns as the big tech giants move to expand their businesses and even train AI models here?   Today, Kimberlee Weatherall an expert in AI regulation from Sydney University on how proposed new laws just touch the surface.  Featured:  Kimberlee Weatherall, law professor at the University of Sydney and co-director of the Centre for AI, trust and governance 

Telstra says its sorry for letting Australians down after last week's nationwide outage, but how is it going compensate customers left out of pocket? The telco will face questions in a parliamentary hearing later this week on the cause and the effects of the outage, which blocked hundreds of emergency calls and brought down payment systems and even regional trains.  Today, national consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on whether Telstra is going to be held to account. Featured:  Michael Atkin, ABC national consumer affairs reporter 

Relatively cheap EVs from China are increasingly seen on Australian roads.  But you won't find many in the US, because of hefty tariffs and bans due to national security concerns. Now Swedish based, but Chinese owned Polestar is set to stop selling in the US market from next year due to a crackdown on Chinese-linked vehicles.  Today, cyber security expert and former advisor to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Alastair MacGibbon on what the Chinese government could do to the cars if it really wanted to.  Featured:  Alastair MacGibbon, cyber security expert

When you say 'affordable housing' there's a natural scepticism.  Across the country developers are being offered perks to be part of schemes supposed to give people a chance to rent without draining their pay packets. But who gets to live in these 'affordable' rentals and who sets the rent and when it can go up?  Today, Pat McGrath on his Four Corners investigation into whether 'affordable' rentals actually are affordable.Featured:  Pat McGrath, ABC investigative reporter 

It's the most lucrative sports broadcast deal in history, worth $5.3 billion for seven years. The deal between the NRL and broadcasters Nine and Foxtel outstrips the previous $4.5 billion deal the AFL secured in 2022. Today, sports media expert Merryn Sherwood from La Trobe University on how the rugby league managed it and who ultimately pays the cost. Featured:Merryn Sherwood, Senior Lecturer in journalism at La Trobe University

On Monday, China's military launched a nuclear capable ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean from a submarine hidden in the sea off China. It gave Australia and other nations about 24 hours' notice.  So, what's XI Jinping up to?  Today, Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute on China's massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal and what it means for us. Featured:  Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute

Even an extraordinary intervention by the US president couldn't save his soccer team, with the USA now out of the FIFA World Cup after being thrashed by Belgium. Donald Trump has admitted calling FIFA to urge the governing body to overturn a red card ban for the star American player Folarin Balogun. He was allowed to play after what FIFA insists was an independent process, but has the meddling undermined the World Cup?  Today, sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on what it says about the sport and what needs to change. Featured:  Catherine Ordway, sport integrity expert from the University of New South Wales Canberra Business School

Vladimir Putin's war is running off course as the Russian capital Moscow comes under repeated Ukrainian attack.  Ukrainian strikes are leading to major fuel shortages and growing discontent among the Russian people.Today, Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic magazine on how Putin is reacting to growing pressure.  Featured:Simon Shuster, The Atlantic magazine

Last month the Trump administration forced AI company Anthropic to shut down two of its most powerful models because of national security concerns. It's now lifted the ban, but while attention has been on the US, China has released an AI model that rivals the most advanced American offerings at a much lower price. Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what that means the tech bros in Silicon Valley. Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist 

For decades, the US has been one of Israel's staunchest allies. But there's a shift underway in America. US President Donald Trump and his deputy JD Vance have publicly criticised the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and polling shows Americans have increasingly negative views of his government.  Today, Guy Ziv, associate director of Israel studies at American University on what's driving the backlash. Featured:  Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University's Department of Foreign Policy and Global Security and associate director of Israel studies at American University

A data centre boom is underway that promises to help drive Australia's economic growth.  We're seen as a key location for the data centres that drive the latest AI technology.  But a lot of the revenue generated by the multinational big tech firms won't come anywhere near Australia, so should the taxpayers hosting the data centres get a bigger cut of the profits? Today, independent economist Saul Eslake on how we're cashing in on AI. Featured:  Saul Eslake, independent economist 

When the Iran war broke out, we were warned of an oil shock not seen since the 1970s when fuel was rationed.  We were told the price of oil could reach $200 a barrel and airlines might ground planes.  But that hasn't happened and now petrol prices are back down to where they were before the war.  Today the ABC's Laura Tingle on how China is cushioning the world economy. Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor 

One Nation has had a seismic surge in support since the start of the year, so how is it managing to attract attention and potentially voters?  Part of it is One Nation and Pauline Hanson's prolific use of social media.  At the same time, we've seen former Nine journalist Karl Stefanovic embrace podcasting that platforms right-wing figures. Today, marketing expert Toby Ralph on why outrage goes so well online. Featured:  Toby Ralph, marketing strategist who specialising in persuasion

We love Aussie rules football, but like other contact sports it comes with risk of head knocks for the players. New figures based on analysis of the brains of deceased players, reveal a big increase in the number of them known to have the degenerative brain disease CTE. Is the AFL doing enough to support families after a tragedy and inform players at all levels of the game about the risks associated with football? Today, Four Corners reporter Jess Halloran on her investigation into CTE and the AFL.  Be aware, this episode discusses mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 Featured:  Jess Halloran, Four Corners reporter 

The US Vice President JD Vance is the chief negotiator, tasked with coming up with a enduring peace deal with Iran. But is the United States willing to put in the time and the effort to seal a new deal with the Islamic Republic? Today, Nate Swanson, who worked on Iran policy in the Obama, Biden and Trump administrations on why a deal may never be done. He explains his view that Iran risks overplaying its hand and giving away it's ‘golden ticket' security guarantee if it pursues short term gains with fees on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.  Featured:  Nate Swanson, resident senior fellow and director of the Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council

It's an AI company valued at almost a trillion dollars, but Donald Trump is clipping Anthropic's wings. The US president effectively banned the company's state of the art Claude AI models Mythos 5 and Fable 5, citing security concerns. But how founded are those concerns and is it problem that the US government can control the release of groundbreaking AI?  Today, Sharon Goldman, journalist and founder of Ground Level AI on what happens next. Featured:  Sharon Goldman, journalist and founder of Ground Level AI 

There's a revolving door at 10 Downing Street, a prime minister goes in and they're popped out again. This time it was Keir Starmer.   Can his likely successor, the former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last the distance?  Today, Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics at Deakin University on why Britain's woeful economy will make it hard.   Featured:  Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Education at Deakin University 

Before the war it was open, safe and toll free, but now the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest problems for Donald Trump as he tries to end the war and keep peace talks on track. While the global oil supply has been disrupted for months, petrol price here are now as low as they were before the war began. Today, energy analyst Kevin Morrison on how long that can last. Featured:  Kevin Morrison, energy analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis 

Ukraine is now striking deep inside Russia using drones developed during its war with its invading neighbour. At the same time, the Ukrainian military has been regaining some its territory using short range drones. The embrace of new technologies is giving Ukraine an edge in the war and bringing to fight to Vladimir Putin's doorstep.  But that doesn't mean the war is set to end any time soon.  Today, Professor Michael C. Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations on how Ukraine is changing the war.    Featured:  Michael C. Horowitz, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania 

This week Pauline Hanson addressed the National Press Club and a new poll showed she is Australia's preferred prime minister. Today, columnist, author and academic, Waleed Aly, on how One Nation could win the next election and why it's so hard for the major parties to stop the rise of Pauline Hanson. Featured:  Waleed Aly, co-host of The Minefield on ABC Radio National, a columnist, author and politics lecturer at Monash University 

Australia's Socceroos were underdogs going into their World Cup match against Türkiye.  They achieved a surprise win, but can they do the same in their next match against the host nation USA?  The young team and coach Tony Popovic will have to beat the odds. Today, sport journalist Niav Owens, who's a host of the SBS coverage of the FIFA World Cup, on why it might not be an easy win for the Americans and what success could mean for football in Australia. Featured:  Niav Owens, host of the SBS FIFA World Cup coverage

Australia led the way, now the UK government has announced its own ban on social media for under 16s. But six months since the restrictions came into force here, are they really working, given most young teenagers who were using social media still are?   Today, Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University on what we need to do to help our children be safe online. Featured:  Professor Amanda Third, co-director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, an academic advisor to the eSafety Commissioner and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University

A new deal between Iran and the United States to stop the fighting and negotiate is not even signed yet, but the US president insists the Strait of Hormuz is set to open. Donald Trump has declared ‘let the oil flow', even though the memorandum of understanding won't be signed until Friday in Switzerland.  But what did the United States have to give Iran to secure the ceasefire agreement and is it any better that Obama's deal with Iran?Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether the ceasefire can hold given Israel's strikes in Lebanon.  Featured:  Rajon Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College New York and a senior research scholar at Columbia University's Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies.

GLP-1 drugs were first approved to treat diabetes and then caused a frenzy when it was discovered they were great for weight loss. But now scientists are discovering the drugs that have brand names including Ozempic and Mounjaro might offer so much more, from reducing the risk of heart attack to treating kidney disease. Today, Doctor Paul Joyce, a pharmaceutical scientist at Adelaide University on how Ozempic is shaking things up, again. Featured:  Doctor Paul Joyce, a pharmaceutical scientist at Adelaide University 

When Donald Trump stormed out of an interview after hurling abuse at the female anchor it wasn't surprising, he often attacks those who dare to challenge him.  But why does the US president continually get away with it with little push back from the press?  Today, host of ABC Radio National's Saturday Extra, Nick Bryant on his encounters with Donald Trump and the changing media landscape in the US. Featured:  Nick Bryant, host of ABC Radio National's Saturday Extra and writer ‘History Never Ended' Substack

Donald Trump keeps saying a deal with Iran to end the war is close, but there are no signs of it. Iran and the US have been engaged in retaliatory strikes and Israel is pushing further into Lebanon.  So, can the US President still get out of the war?  And how far is Israel prepared to go in its fight against Hezbollah? Featured:  Randa Slim, director, Middle East Program at the Stimson Centre 

A mobile billboard campaign has hit the streets of Melbourne, decrying the state of Victoria under the leadership of Premier Jacinta Allan.  But it's the ‘ditch the witch' slogan slapped next to the premier's face that has sparked outrage.  Ms Allan says it's sexist and misogynist, but the One Nation leader Pauline Hanson says the premier should just ‘suck it up, sweetheart'.  Today, Amy Remeikis the Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and contributing editor at The New Daily on how the politics of grievance is making a comeback. Featured:  Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute

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 

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

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. Editor's note: This episode includes the following description of UFC bouts; “you're watching crotch kicking, bare knuckle brawling, anything goes, squeezing the throat of an opponent.” However, the UFC website states it adopted the Unified Rules of MMA in November 2000, these include fouls for throat strikes and groin attacks. Fighters are also required to wear gloves. Featured:  Sally Jenkins, a staff writer at The Atlantic 

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

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 flatliningFeatured: Michael Janda, ABC Business Editor

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'

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

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

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

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

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

The cost of fuel across Australia has come off its highs, despite there being no resolution yet to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But don't get comfortable because the real pain from the global oil crunch hasn't really hit us yet. Today, Saul Kavonic, energy expert at MST financial, on how we've weathered the storm so far and what could happen in the months ahead. Featured: Saul Kavonic, energy analyst, MST Financial