The Signal

Parents and teens are preparing for life cut off from social media when Australia's world first ban for under-16s officially starts on Wednesday. The government has admitted it will take time to remove everyone aged under 16 from the platforms and it's becoming clear older users could get caught in the net. So, how can you prove that you're old enough to use the 10 platforms being targeted and how will teens get around the restrictions? Today, Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, a tech reporter at the Australian Associated Press on what you need to know as the ban kicks in and why it could get messy.Featured: Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson, AAP technology reporterCorrection: The social media ban officially starts on Wednesday 10th December, not Thursday. 

The United States has deployed 15,000 troops and sent warships to the Caribbean in the biggest military build-up there since the Cuban Missile Crisis.It follows months of deadly US strikes on boats from Venezuela it says are smuggling drugs.Today, Latin America expert Orlando Pérez from the University of North Texas on why Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro and why toppling him won't be easy.Featured: Orlando J. Pérez, Professor of Political Science at the University of North Texas in Dallas

Australia's renewable energy transition is well underway with new poles, wires and transmission towers planned across the country.But some farmers say they're being pressured and harassed to hand over land for the infrastructure to get electricity from where it's generated to where it's used. Today, reporter Alysia Thomas-Sam from ABC's 7.30 program on the farmers pushing back at the farm gate and climate reporter Jess Davis on why transmission towers need to run through farmland.Featured: Alysia Thomas-Sam, 7.30 reporterJess Davis, ABC climate reporter

Australian property is now more expensive than ever and soaring mortgage debt has the financial regulator hitting the brakes on risky lending.But could stopping banks for offering some loans do anything to stop rapid price growth for homes and units? Today, the ABC's chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on what's worrying APRA and the outlook for the housing market. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent

In a flurry of peace talks over the last week, Ukrainian officials have been desperately trying to avoid an unjust deal with Russia being imposed on it. They've been pushing back against a controversial 28-point proposal that would have required Ukraine to surrender significant territory, restrict the size of its defence force and give up on ambitions of joining NATO. The US is leading the talks with both sides, but will Trump ultimately side with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin?Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on whether this latest round of diplomacy offers any real hope and what Kyiv may still have to give up.Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York

Every day millions of Australians take vitamin supplements, hoping for a health boost. But there's been a sharp rise in people suffering numbness, nerve damage, even paralysis, after accidentally overdosing on vitamin B6. Many don't even realise B6 is in so many products at high concentrations and that the vitamin can build up in the body. Today, reporter for the ABC's 7.30 program Tom Hartley unpacks his year-long investigation into the surge in cases and the regulator's long-overdue crackdown. Featured: Tom Hartley, 7.30 reporter

Donald Trump has called a female journalist piggy, labelled another insubordinate and demanded Democratic politicians be arrested, even suggesting they could be executed for seditious behaviour.The US president is no stranger to unconventional acts and confronting statements, but does his recent behaviour go beyond even his usual standards? Today, staff writer at The Atlantic magazine, Tom Nichols, on his analysis that the president's latest outbursts are a sign he's losing control of himself. Featured: Tom Nichols, The Atlantic magazine staff writer

For many years the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was a pariah on the world stage, but the US president is bringing him back into the fold. We know Donald Trump wants the US to do business with the wealthy Gulf Arab state, but what else does he like about the country?Today, The New York Times contributor Noah Shachtman on how Trump wants America to be a lot more like Saudi Arabia and how he's trying to achieve it. Featured: Noah Shachtman, national security reporter and The New York Times contributor

Australians are all pretty invested in the weather and the Bureau of Meteorology is our go-to source of forecasts and information. So, people noticed when the BOM changed its website and many, including farmers, complained that data sources they relied on were either missing or hard to find. A change in the rain radar has already been rolled back and now the bureau has revealed it cost close to a hundred million dollars to build the website and all the infrastructure behind it. Today, the ABC's lead rural reporter in Victoria, Justine Longmore, on the BOM website debacle.Featured: Justine Longmore, ABC lead rural reporter, Victoria

The devastating Optus outage that was linked to three deaths revealed we can't always trust we can get through when we call Triple Zero.More than two months later, surely the system has been fixed.Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why some people still can't get help when they need it most.Featured: Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporterEditor's note: On Monday, WA Police said the death of a Perth man initially linked to the Optus Triple Zero outage was not connected to the failure. As of Tuesday 25th November two deaths are believed to be related to the outage. 

Our peak scientific body, the CSIRO, has made extraordinary discoveries and invented everyday wonders like Aerogard, plastic banknotes and WiFi. But once again the CSIRO is axing jobs, saying the cost of doing science has outpaced its funding and it needs to refocus on big issues. Today, Adam Spencer, ambassador for mathematics and science at Sydney University on what happens when science is underfunded. Featured: Adam Spencer, science communicator and University of Sydney's mathematics and science ambassador

There's a secret US-led plan to end the war in Ukraine, but it reportedly asks a lot of the country that's been invaded by Russia. Media reports suggest the plan would see Ukraine would give up land, reduce the size of its army, relinquish weapons and make Russian an official state language. At the same time, Putin's forces have launched new strikes on Ukrainian cities and a Russian spy ship off the coast of Scotland is causing concern. Today, Matthew Sussex, a visiting fellow at the ANU's Centre for European Studies on why prospects for peace are looking dim. Featured: Matthew Sussex, visiting fellow at the Australian National University's Centre for European Studies 

The remaining Epstein files are finally set to be released after a vote in US Congress and a shift in the US President's position. Despite dismissing calls to release files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for months, Donald Trump reversed course when it became clear a bill to compel the release would pass in the US House of Representatives. Today, David A Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how Trump was backed into a corner and what it says about his leadership and support among his MAGA base.Featured: David A Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

Asbestos is highly carcinogenic, is banned and can't be imported in Australia. But in the last week it's been found in various children's coloured sand products from China, causing a major alarm across the community. The discovery has led to the closure of dozens of schools and products have been recalled from stores including Kmart, Target and Officeworks.Today, Associate Professor Anthony Linton from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute on the health risks the sand poses and why every state is dealing with it differently.Featured: Anthony Linton, academic and research director at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute

The Liberals and Nationals have now officially dumped the net zero emission target from their climate and energy policy. It keeps the Coalition together, but what do voters think? Today, pollster, former Labor strategist and director of the RedBridge Group, Kos Samaras on whether it's a winning strategy.Featured: Kos Samaras, director of the RedBridge Group

Donald Trump's been all over the place with his tariffs, but the US is now bringing in billions of dollars in revenue from them.Months since the tariffs were first announced and after dire warnings from economists, how is the American economy really faring? Today, Penny Goldberg, professor of economics at Yale University, on why the US economy hasn't yet seen a major downturn and the dark clouds in the longer term outlook. Featured:Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, Professor of Economics at Yale University and fmr Chief Economist at the World Bank Group

How is it that a neo-Nazi rally targeting Jewish people was allowed to take place on the steps of the New South Wales parliament? Why is it that the same group of people, who want a 'white Australia', could be allowed to form a political party?Today, extremism expert Josh Roose explains the tactics neo-Nazi groups are using to skirt the law and continue to build their brand. He outlines why even in a liberal democracy where extremism is often tolerated, it might be time to think about ways to ban the movement. Featured: Josh Roose, extremism expert and an associate professor in politics at Deakin University

More than one million workers sent home or working without pay, the poorest Americans left hungry and travel plans thrown into chaos.The longest government shutdown in American history is coming to an end, more than 40 days after it began. Today, political scientist Charles Hunt from Boise State University on why a small group of Democrats ended up giving Donald Trump what he wanted.Featured: Charles Hunt, associate professor of political science at Boise State University

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyDonald Trump wants to sue a media organisation - again. This time he's threatening a US $1 billion lawsuit against the BBC, capping off one of the worst weeks in the British public broadcaster's history.Both the corporation's director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned following criticism over the editing of a January 6th speech by US President Donald Trump.Today, Monica Attard, professor of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney and former ABC journalist, on what's unfolded and attacks on public broadcasters. Featured: Monica Attard, professor of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney and former ABC journalist

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyThree hours of free electricity sounds pretty good to many Australians struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.But is the federal government's latest solar offering, which features energy retailers being made to offer free power in the middle of the day in selected states, really going to reduce hefty power bills?Today, energy expert from the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve unpacks the ups and downs of the scheme that's set to start in July next year.Featured: Alison Reeve, energy and climate change deputy program director at the Grattan Institute

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyYou may have noticed a crypto ATM in the corner of a shopping centre or in a convenience store. There are thousands of them, tapping into investor's interest around booming markets for bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.But increasingly crypto ATMs are being used by criminals to launder money and to scam Australians out of millions of dollars.Today, business reporter Rhiana Whitson on why feeding cash into a crypto ATM can be so risky and why there's so little regulation of the market. Featured: Rhiana Whitson, ABC business reporter

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyChip making giant Nvidia's value hit $5 trillion US last week, a milestone that just a few years ago was unthinkable.Two other tech giants have hit the $4 trillion US mark as excitement about the promise of AI drives investor interest. But in an uncertain world are the sky-high valuations sustainable, or a bubble that will soon bust? Today, the ABC's chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on why this might not be a bubble that bursts like the dot-com crash of the early-2000s. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent 

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyThe Coalition's climate policies have been under review since its drubbing at the last election.But now that the Nationals have struck first, deciding to abandon a commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, there's big pressure on Sussan Ley's leadership of the Liberal Party.Will the Liberals follow their Coalition partner? And what would it mean for their electoral prospects and the signal it sends about the two parties' enthusiasm for climate action?Today, Michelle Grattan, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, on the history of the Coalition's climate policy and what happens next.Featured:Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation and a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyZohran Mamdani is a young, Muslim, Democratic socialist who's a relative political novice. But he could become the next mayor of New York City, despite a challenge from former Democratic Party governor Andrew Cuomo. What are his policies and does he present a challenge to the politics of the president Donald Trump?Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center on how Zohran Mamdani managed to capture the attention of New York voters and whether he could be the answer to the Democratic Party's woes.  Featured: Geoff Kabaservice, vice president for political studies at the Niskanen Center

We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 2025 ABC News Daily Audience SurveyThere's been hope of a November interest rate cut to coincide with the Melbourne Cup for months, but with inflation rising again, it seems all bets are off.What have the three rate cuts already granted this year done to house prices? Today, ABC finance commentator Alan Kohler looks at what's happening in the market and how immigration policies have left Australia with rising demand for housing and not enough tradies to construct them. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

Vast reserves of Australian critical minerals will be mined, processed and exported under a deal the prime minister has struck with US President Donald Trump. But Australia's already exporting plenty of zirconium to China and it can be used in everything from bathroom tiles to missiles and nuclear reactors. Today, Four Corners reporter Angus Grigg reveals how Australian critical minerals could end up aiding the advancement of Chinese military capabilities, including the construction of advanced hypersonic missiles. How will Australia balance its trade ambitions with the risk of supporting China's military machine, which analysts regard as a key threat to Australia's national security? Featured: Angus Grigg, Four Corners reporter

Home invasions, stabbing attacks and carjackings.A wave of serious and violent crimes in Victoria have sparked concern about safety in the state. But is it right for the federal opposition leader to label Melbourne ‘the crime capital of Australia'?Today, ABC Melbourne Mornings presenter Raf Epstein on what's going on in the nation's second most populous state and the divisive political debate around it. Featured: Rafael Epstein, host of ABC Melbourne Mornings 

Kamala Harris is back on your screens.The former vice-president is out spruiking her memoir 107 Days, which unpacks her 2024 race for the US presidency, but she's also testing the waters to see if she could run again.Today, 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson on her Australian exclusive, and at times testy, interview with the former vice-president.Featured: Sarah Ferguson, host of the ABC's 7.30 program

The cost of medical treatments and dental work in Australia can be exorbitant. So it's no wonder more people are accessing their superannuation funds early to pay for things like IVF and desperately dentist bills. It's understandable and allowed in certain circumstances, but there are concerns that some providers are exploiting the system. Today, ABC reporter Celina Edmonds on her investigation into the early access rorts.Featured: Celina Edmonds, ABC reporter

Donald Trump is on the move and throwing his weight around in Asia.But will the US president have the upper hand when he sits down with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week?He wants to do a deal on everything from trade to nuclear weapons and he isn't too concerned about China's plans for Taiwan. Today, ABC global affairs editor Laura Tingle from Kuala Lumpur on why Trump won't be the most powerful man in the room.Featured:Laura Tingle, ABC Global Affairs Editor 

Warning: This story contains distressing themes including discussion of child sexual abuse. ABC journalist Adele Ferguson has spent months investigating Australia's childcare industry and her findings are devastating.  She's exposed a broken system, where profit so often comes before the safety of children and where the most vulnerable are abused and mistreated.  Today, Adele on her latest Four Corners investigation into how paedophiles are infiltrating childcare centres and why it's so much worse than we ever thought. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to a support service. You can contact National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732, Blue Knot Helpline: 1300 657 380, or Lifeline: 13 11 14. In an emergency call 000. Featured: Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative journalist

Ahead of his election Donald Trump promised to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. The surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities like Chicago has seen people plucked off the street, pending deportation, with agents even targeting churches and schools. Today, Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how the president's campaign is set to ramp up.Featured: Caitlin Dickerson, staff writer at The Atlantic

He's decided he won't call himself a duke anymore, but Prince Andrew is still a prince, living in a 30 bedroom mansion on the grounds of Windsor Castle.So, when, if ever, will he be held accountable for his association with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged abuse of Virginia Giuffre, whose harrowing memoir has been released this week. Today, ABC royal commentator, Juliet Rieden, on whether Andrew could ever lose his prince title. This episode discusses some disturbing allegations. Featured: Juliet Rieden, ABC royal commentator and author of The Royals in Australia

Anthony Albanese's meeting with Donald Trump went pretty smoothly, with AUKUS, a minerals deal and the Australia-US relationship all receiving strong backing. But past comments about President Trump from Kevin Rudd, Australia's ambassador to the United States, ended up being the biggest point of contention and amusement. In the prime minister's first White House meeting with the president, a multi-billion dollar deal was signed to develop a critical minerals supply from Australia. Today, ABC correspondent Jane Norman tells us what it was like in the White House and why the timing of the meeting couldn't have been better for the prime minister. Featured: Jane Norman, ABC national affairs correspondent

Could Barnaby Joyce end up leading Pauline Hanson's One Nation party?It might be exactly what the MP has his eyes on as talk of his defection from the Nationals intensifies. Today, Melissa Clarke, political correspondent for Radio National Breakfast, on what Barnaby is up to and why. Featured: Melissa Clarke, Radio National Breakfast political correspondent

AI chatbots have come a long way and can be pretty helpful.But do they make good therapists? More young people are turning to chatbots to seek personal mental health advice.Today, psychiatrist Andrew Clark, who's been testing the technology, reveals the good, bad and the ugly when a robot becomes a therapist.Featured: Andrew Clark, US-based psychiatrist

Tesla boss Elon Musk could become the world's first trillionaire after his net worth surpassed $500 billion this month. But is there a problem with the concentration of so much wealth in the hands of so few people and what is it doing to our societies? Today, Professor Carl Rhodes, author of Stinking Rich: The Four Myths of the Good Billionaire, on why we need to stop the rich getting richer. Featured: Carl Rhodes, Professor of Business and Society at UTS Business School

Just days ago, Donald Trump declared we were in the midst of the historic dawn of a new Middle East.But already the peace plan is in doubt, with the US president warning Hamas will be disarmed, perhaps 'violently' if the group fails to do so on its own.Today, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council on what Hamas is doing to cling to power.Featured:Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American and senior fellow with the Atlantic Council

Why did the government cave to pressure over its superannuation tax changes for the richest Australians? The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed two major changes in response to critics, introducing indexing on the $3 million threshold and dropping a plan to tax unrealised gains. He says the government's new plan achieves the same objective in making the system more equitable, but how will it work? Today, political correspondent Melissa Clarke on what the backdown means for the future of tax reform under Labor. Featured: Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent

Donald Trump says the war is over.And with the US president now in the Middle East to continue peace talks, there is great hope he's right.Today, Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council, on the release of the hostages and what needs to happen next to ensure the war has ended for good.Featured:Jonathan Panikoff, director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security initiative at the Atlantic Council

We all know Donald Trump is wealthy, but how much richer has he become since returning to the White House at the start of the year? That's a question the ABC's Americas Editor John Lyons posed to the president last month, in a testy exchange that ended with one word from Trump: ‘quiet'. Today, John Lyons on his Four Corners investigation into Donald Trump's billions, his family's business dealings and his growing wealth. Featured: John Lyons, ABC Americas Editor

Has US President Donald Trump actually brought an end to the war in Gaza?After months of negotiations there's been a breakthrough, with Hamas agreeing to release the remaining Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of a peace deal.Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what we know so far, and whether this could be the end to hostilities.Featured: Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York