The Signal

A flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv has turned into a terrifying high-altitude struggle when one of the pilots was attacked in the cockpit by his co-pilot. Passengers were fighting to help crew regain control of the plane as it plunged 17,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Today, counterterrorism expert Greg Barton on what we know about this mid-air attack and what it could mean for security in the region. Featured:Greg Barton, Rector of Deakin University Lancaster University Indonesia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing renewed political scrutiny after media investigations reported that he and his government were warned about an impending large-scale Hamas attack before October 7. The reports say Egypt's former intelligence chief travelled to Jerusalem days before the attack to issue a warning, while the UAE president allegedly alerted Netanyahu personally. Netanyahu has dismissed the claims as ‘absolute lies.'Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on what the allegations could mean for Netanyahu, with an election due in Israel this month. Featured: Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute. 

There's been another interest rate rise, pushing it to the highest it's been in 15 years.  It's partly thanks to Trump's war in Iran fuelling global inflation, but the conflict is not the only thing putting pressure on interest rates. Artificial Intelligence is a factor too.  Today, the ABC's finance expert Alan Kohler on how AI impact rates and why it might also be the reason they fall again Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC News Finance presenter 

Donald Trump has promised he can use his negotiating skills to end wars.But his approach is facing a major test on two fronts.He's rejected Iran's latest proposal to halt the fighting and reopen negotiations, while there's still no breakthrough in efforts to get Russia and Ukraine back to a peace deal.Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether the president can actually deliver peace in either conflict.Featured:  Rajan Menon, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the City College of New York 

We're being warned that AI could wipe out humanity. But some of the very same experts sounding the alarm are also predicting AI will help cure cancer within the next decade.  So, how will these competing visions of destruction and salvation play out? And is a cure for cancer really within AI's reach? Today, doctor and researcher Emilia Javorsky joins us to separate the reality from the hype.Featured:  Emilia Javorsky, the Director of the Futures Program at The Future of Life Institute – a nonprofit aimed at reducing AI risks. 

The Australian government is grappling with how to safeguard sensitive data, after revelations an AI agent controlled by OpenAI accessed private Medicare statistics.  It took months for a breach to be identified and alerted to the highest levels of government and comes as the world grapples with controlling the rapid growth of AI technology.  Today, national security and AI policy expert Olivia Shen, on whether governments can keep up with the accelerating advance of AI. Featured:  Olivia Shen, Director of the Strategic Technologies Program at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. 

Donald Trump's decade-long war with the press has a new front, with three US media outlets suing after being banned by the White House, prompting a broader media boycott.  In response, the US President has launched his own 24/7 streaming channel called Trump TV. Today, Reporters Without Borders executive director for North America, Clayton Weimers, on who will lose the most from Trump's war on the press. Featured:  Clayton Weimers, Reporters Without Borders executive director for North America 

Another string of suspected domestic violence attacks across a single weekend has once again seen the number of women and children killed this year climb. And, once again, their deaths have turned up the volume of calls for governments to do more to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence. Today, ABC political reporter Claudia Long on why, despite decades of effort, federal and state governments are still struggling with how to stop these tragic outcomes. Featured:  Claudia Long, ABC political reporter

Oil prices are rising again, thanks to the conflict in the Persian Gulf spreading to the Red Sea.  It's fuelling inflation around the world including in Australia where it has been stubbornly high meaning an interest rate rise is all but certain, when the Reserve Bank meets next week.  Today, ABC Finance expert Alan Kohler on the squeeze on household budgets and the prospect of a recession. Featured:  Alan Kohler, ABC finance expert and host of the ‘That's Business with Alan Kohler' podcast 

Robotaxis have arrived on the streets of London, San Francisco and Beijing as rideshare companies expand into driverless transport. But the roll out hasn't been without speedbumps.So, when could we see this innovation in transport arrive in Australia, and are our roads and regulations ready for it?Today, Michael Milford, professor of robotics and director of the QUT Centre for Robotics on why autonomous taxis could soon be on our roads.Featured:Michael Milford, Director of the QUT Centre for Robotics

Donald Trump says warnings from whistleblowers that the rapid development of AI could end humanity are a ‘hoax'.  He's determined to push ahead in the AI race for dominance over China despite calls from some in the industry to slow down. But who should we believe?  Today, AI risk researcher Nate Soares on why he believes the only real winner in the AI race is AI. Featured:  Nate Soares, Machine Intelligence Research Institute president 

Pauline Hanson has spent the week offending everyone from Andrew Hastie to the Prime Minister and Indigenous Australians, drawing widespread condemnation.  But is hitting back at her personally the best way to respond?  Today, Sean Kelly, columnist and former adviser to Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd on the way major parties are shifting their approach to Pauline Hanson and One Nation. Featured:  Sean Kelly, columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and former Labor prime minister advisor.

For months, the Strait of Hormuz has been in chaos amid the ongoing conflict between Donald Trump and Iran.  But now, the global oil supply faces a new threat.  Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are setting their sights on the Red Sea, putting a second critical shipping corridor in the crosshairs.  Today, former US Special Envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, on the latest escalation and what it means for the global economy. Featured:  Tim Lenderking, former US Special Envoy to Yemen and Middle East Institute Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow 

Last week, an Anthropic researcher warned that rapidly advancing AI could lead to human extinction in the not-too-distant future. Then tech bosses joined the call for countries and companies to work together to slow the race towards artificial super intelligence.  Today, AI philosopher Nick Bostrom on just how bad unbridled AI could get and whether we need to put the brakes on before it's too late.Featured:Nick Bostrom, AI philosopher 

The migration policy debate in Australia has shifted over the years from boat arrivals and refugees to a new battleground: the size of the net overseas migration intake.  And Pauline Hanson has managed to put the push for lower numbers back at the centre of the political debate.  But how much control does the government really have? Today, David Speers, host of tonight's ABC National Forum on migration, on whether the system we have needs a total rethink.   Featured:  David Speers, host of Insiders and the ABC's National Forum 

Donald Trump has hit the campaign trail in Texas as the clock ticks down to the midterms.  But is the president becoming more of a hindrance than a help to Republican candidates? With the war in Iran dragging on and taking a toll on Trump's standing, could his biggest political liability now be the conflict he started?  Today, Nate Swanson, a former Iran negotiator on whether Donald Trump is getting ready to declare the war is over. Featured:  Nate Swanson, Director and Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council's Iran Strategy Project  

Algorithms are deciding almost everything we see online, and concern is growing about the kinds of content social media is feeding us and our kids.  Now the government wants to give us more control of our feeds, proposing laws that could force tech companies to let users 'opt out' of recommendation algorithms.  Today, Daniel Angus, digital communications expert, on how algorithms became so powerful in the first place -  and whether we can ever escape them.  Featured:  Daniel Angus, director of the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology

One Nation wants to give renters and borrowers early access to some of their retirement savings in a new policy proposal it says will help ease the cost-of-living pressure. It's reignited a fierce debate about the future of the scheme.  Today, former political strategist and pollster Kos Samaras on whether superannuation is about to become a political battleground once again and if it's a fight voters even want.Featured:  Kos Samaras, Director of strategy and analytics at Redbridge Group 

Bond markets around the world are under pressure, as investors sell bonds and demand higher returns to lend governments money.It's pushing up borrowing costs and the effects can flow through to the mortgages, bank loans and credit cards we rely on every day. So, what's driving the global bond sell off, and is the Trump administration's ballooning government debt to blame?Today, Justin Wolfers, professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan, explains what's happening in the bond market and what it means for your money.  Featured:  Justin Wolfers, professor of economics at the University of Michigan and founder of Platypus Economics 

In the 2000s, a wave of cheap Chinese goods that flooded global markets and wiped out manufacturing jobs became known as the China Shock.  Now it's sequel, China Shock 2.0 has arrived.  But this time, China isn't just exporting cheap goods. It's taking on the world in cutting-edge technology, from AI to electric vehicles and robotics.   Today, economist David Autor, who helped coin the phrase 'China Shock' and is one of Time magazine's most influential people of 2026 in AI, on whether the world is ready for it. Featured:  David Autor, Professor in the MIT Department of Economics 

According to Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth is doing a 'fantastic job' running the US military.  But this week one of his most senior officials, the Army Secretary, quit after months of tensions with Hegseth, who has already purged dozens of other senior generals and admirals.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic Missy Ryan on the turmoil at the Pentagon, and how long Hegseth will continue to have Trump's backing. Featured:  Missy Ryan, staff writer at The Atlantic 

In 2017, billionaire Sanjeev Gupta arrived in Whyalla promising to save the town's struggling steelworks and hundreds of local jobs. But nearly a decade later, the steelworks is still fighting for survival. Gupta's business empire has unravelled and he has left Australia along with the promises he made. So what went wrong? Today, former Media Watch host Paul Barry takes us inside the rise and fall of Sanjeev Gupta's steel dream and how he fooled Whyalla and the world. Featured:  Paul Barry, author of The Big Steel: How steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta fooled Australia and the world

Dr. John All is a mountaineer and scientist who nearly lost his life after falling more than 20 meters down an icy crevasse while researching how quickly the Himalayas are melting. A week after a catastrophic flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border, he warns the tragedy we've seen in the region could be repeated as pollution and rising temperatures turn mountain ice into water.  Today, he speaks about researching climate change in treacherous terrain, and how soon the Himalayan glaciers could disappear.  Featured:  John All, mountaineer and co-founder of the American Climber Science Program 

Pauline Hanson is on a roll. The latest test came over the weekend in a by-election for the small coastal electorate of Secret Harbour, south of Perth, where almost 40 per cent of voters gave One Nation their first-preference vote -- numbers that Labor and the Coalition could only dream of at this point. Today, Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation, on the One Nation blitz.Featured:  Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation 

As the US hurtles towards the November midterms, data centres have become a major election issue, with politicians across the political divide joining voters in demanding a moratorium on new construction.  Even Erin Brockovich is getting involved in a campaign sweeping the country.  Today, Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, on the backlash against data centres and what it says about Australia's approach as the debate heats up. Featured: Nicol Turner Lee, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution 

Since Donald Trump launched his war in Iran, the MAGA movement has been dramatically split over the military action. Once a key Trump supporter, high profile media personality Tucker Carlson has turned on the US president, fuelling speculation he could make his own presidential bid in 2028.  Today, New Yorker magazine staff writer Jason Zengerle on whether the podcaster could become the president. Featured:  Jason Zengerle, New Yorker magazine staff writer 

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has come out swinging, outlining a major retaliation against US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs. The two neighbours have been spiralling towards an escalating trade war since negotiations collapsed last week. But could Canada's response inspire other countries like Australia to push back against Trump's tariffs too? Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre on Mark Carney's defiance against the US and whether we should follow suit.  Featured:David Smith, Associate Professor of US Studies at the United States Studies Centre

In a landmark US court case, attorneys general representing 29 states are suing Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, accusing it of knowingly harming children and designing its platforms to keep young users hooked on scrolling.It's being likened to the wave of lawsuits filed against big tobacco companies in the 1990s.If the states are successful, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for Meta's business model, and for the way all of us use social media.Today, Dara Kerr, tech reporter with The Guardian US on what could be Meta's big tobacco momentFeatured:Dara Kerr, tech reporter for The Guardian US

It took a week, but the head of the AFL has now fronted the press over the Swans scandal.  CEO Andrew Dillon has distanced the sport from the Sydney club, saying the actions of a few do not define an entire code. Today, investigative sports reporter Jessica Halloran on the AFL's response and why it's not enough.  Featured:  Jess Halloran, ABC investigative sports reporter

In October, Israelis will head to the polls, with Benjamin Netanyahu fighting to remain in power. Looming over the election are the war with Iran, the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack, and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.  And then there's the West Bank, where settler violence has surged again.Today, Sari Bashi, an Israeli-American human rights lawyer, joins us from the West Bank to explain what's driving the latest tensions.  Featured:   Sari Bashi, human rights lawyer and Executive Director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel 

This week, US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman, scaled back military drills with South Korea and continued his tariff fight with Canada. Meanwhile, he's been speaking warmly about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and says he plans to meet with him later this year. Today, Michael Green from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on what's behind Trump's latest moves and why he keeps rattling America's long-standing alliances. Featured: Michael Green, Sydney University's United States Studies Centre CEO and former special assistant to US president George Bush 

Two months since Pauline Hanson's Press Club address calling for monoculturalism in Australia, new polling shows more Australians prefer her stance on immigration than that of either of the major parties.Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal party strategist and director at Redbridge Group on One Nation's appeal.Featured:Tony Barry, former Liberal party strategist and Redbridge Group director

It's the sort of allegation that over the decades has rocked sporting codes and the AFL.Allegations of sexual assault have embroiled four Sydney Swans players.Today, AFL player agent Peter Jess, about how the sports protocols need to change, and Victoria University sports expert Matthew Klugman on AFL culture. Featured:Matthew Klugman, Victoria University sports expertPeter Jess, AFL player agent 

It was one of the most watched criminal court cases in history, and now it's back.Mushroom killer Erin Patterson's appeal against her conviction for murdering three lunch guests and attempting to murder a fourth begins this week.Today, RMIT criminologist and lawyer Brianna Chesser, on why Patterson's lawyers argue she's been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.Featured:Brianna Chesser, RMIT criminologist and lawyer

Footage of a Russian drone stalking and attacking a Ukrainian vegetable seller has offered a glimpse into the dystopian way Russia is fighting its war in Ukraine.  Meanwhile, Ukraine's rapid drone innovation is transforming what these cheap devices can do on the battlefield.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, on the new age of drone warfare and why the rest of the world needs to be ready for what comes next. Featured: Anne Applebaum, staff writer for The Atlantic 

Anthony Albanese's comments on a comedy podcast last month about the Japanese prime minister's gift of melons have been making headlines all week. It's the second time he's faced backlash over the podcast episode, after remarks he made about Kylie Minogue sparked controversy last time. Today, the ABC's Annabel Crabb on what prompted a second round of outrage, the fallout that's followed and why it all went so wrong for the Prime Minister. Featured:  Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

When Donald Trump flew out of the NATO summit in Türkiye last month, he switched from the newly renovated, Qatari-donated jet to an older Air Force One, telling reporters it was 'for old time's sake.'But new details about the swap reveal that a credible threat from Iran prompted the president to then be secretly whisked off the old plane, into a catering container and transferred to another aircraft, leaving the press pack and some of his top officials behind.Today, Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond on the ruse.Featured:Dan Diamond, White House reporter for The Washington Post

After its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank has kept interest rates on hold.But should we get used to rates being higher than we've become used to in recent history?Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what to expect in the months ahead and why the real housing price slump has only just begun.Featured:Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

For years, Anthony Albanese has stood firm on how far he's willing to go on gambling reform.  But after former NRL player-turned-influencer Luke Bateman delivered compelling testimony on his years as a problem gambler to a senate inquiry last week, the Prime Minister now looks ready to go further.  Today, chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong on what changed and how Bateman's testimony helped convinced him. Featured: Clare Armstrong is the ABC's chief digital political correspondent 

It's one of the strangest showdowns in political history: a man dressed as a bin taking on a populist right-wing leader. But this week, British voters in the seaside electorate of Clacton will decide between Count Binface or Reform's Nigel Farage. Today, Jemma Forte, co-host of the Trawl podcast on Nigel Farage's controversial decision to resign and spark a by-election, and why a win for the bin can't be ruled out.Featured:Jemma Forte, UK politics commentator and co-host of The Trawl podcast.

It's been dubbed the 'Mamdani effect': support for democratic socialists has been surging since Zoran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York last year.  Now another progressive, Abdul El-Sayed, has defeated a moderate to win Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank, the Niskanen Center, on what this shift means for the Democratic Party, and whether the party's leftward momentum poses a threat to Donald Trump and the Republicans. Featured:  Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre  

Pauline Hanson wants to be the next Prime Minister but will avoiding scrutiny from some of the biggest media outlets in the country help her get there?  Or will the Trump-like tactic be a turn off for voters? Today, former ABC correspondent Monica Attard from UTS on Senator Hanson's ban on several Australian news outlets and whether there's any way to stop her doing it. Featured:  Monica Attard, Co-Director of the Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology